Joy in July

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Hello everyone! Not only has it been awhile since I wrote last, but for this post, I wanted to keep things a bit lighter. So much is happening in our world that it might seem as if finding peace and joy amidst it all is impossible, but, as always, what is impossible for us is possible for God. And as a dear friend once told me, the peace that comes from God does not keep us from experiencing bad or unfavorable things, rather the peace comes in those very moments through us knowing that He is in control and is there and is our loving and merciful Father. And so, with that as the only referral to these times of ours, let me update you a bit on the happenings in these neck of the woods. July has been busy, no doubt, but great! My family and I have gone to Mass two weeks in a row and will be going again this Sunday! Words cannot describe how wonderful it was to be back, and it is a gift for which I am grateful every day. 
July is also our "birthday month" and while we weren't able to celebrate like we do every year, we were able to make some great memories by ordering take-out and just spending time together as a family. Oh, and also watching movies. It was great. 
I have been reading A LOT (about a book a week) and it has been wonderful. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and something which I can easily spend hours doing. And while I don't normally read too much during the academic year besides my textbooks, of course, and one or two books that I read a bit from every night before bed, it has been so nice to be able to read books of fiction, and also books on Theology, science, history, etc. 
I also found a bunch of new recipes from "The Humble Onion" which I am wanting to try out before I move back to school in less than a month! Yep, I can hardly believe it! I'm going to miss my family so much, but I'm looking forward to my classes and what this new semester will bring! 
Because I'm going to be moving back soon, I'm going to plan for all the feast days in August that I'll be celebrating and hopefully share this with you all sometime next week. 
Also, I thought I might share some novenas that I'm praying that way, if you would like, you can pray along with me, but that probably wouldn't be until next month as well.
Until then, enjoy the goodness of the Lord and the way He reveals His goodness to you in all the events of everyday life. And so, savor that hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the laughter of your family members or that beloved Disney movie. Bask in the joy that will be sure to come when you are reunited with your friends in person, and most of all, when you are at Mass. For no matter how joyful we think we are, know that God takes more joy and delight in our happiness than we could ever imagine.

Ad maiorem Dei gloriam. 

                                                    "The joy of the Lord is your strength..."
                                                                      ~ Nehemiah 8:10

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