Why "Dogwood" and why "little"?

In my Christian walk, I was led to the Roman Catholic chuch. The seeds planted in me were watered in the Roman Catholic campus ministry and nurtured through Roman Catholic communities, mentors, writers, homilies (RC lingo for "sermons")...

I have a story for how I came to be confirmed in the RC church, the sudden yearnings, the prophetic priest, the prayers, may be one day I'll post... but more likely, I'll leave it to personal sharing.

There are things called Patron Saints for Catholics. If you are into Greek Roman history, you'll see that these "patron" things come from that culture. Anyhow, I was confirmed with St Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower.

for many years, when i journal, i took on the mentality of writing instant-messages / letters to God. and I signed myself off as Rebecca Therese, that was my Christian name, the new creation me. Little Flower was very much an identity i took on. i no longer journal like that. nor do i sign myself off with tha name. it's set aside until i figure what to do with it.

but back when I started this blog, Little Flower was a username that I had wanted and had already been taken. :P

i kept the "little" part. for Therese was a very humble person. prayed lots as a cloistered nun. she has some pretty inspirational insights into God's heart and our relationship with Him from flowers.

why Dogwood.

Catholics see signs and symbols everywhere. So dogwoods way back when, were seen as symbol of Christ. For it is four-petaled like the Cross, with the stamens forming a crown, with blood red drops. I think they bloomed right around easter too. ... my memory has gone fuzzy. but yes, that's why i chose dogwood.

So there, infused with sign-and-symbol. i named my blog after my patron saint, and a flower that once reminded people of Christ, with a hope of reminding myself, and if God so desires, one or two others, of Him and his enduring goodness.

Goodbye

I dreaded living with you. I was praying fervently for a way out or that I'd be tough enough to suffer through it.

ok that may sound a bit exaggerated. but as our roommate-hood has come to an end, as I reflect, I realized it was one of those huge blessing in life, I wouldn't want to miss out on. Thank God he didn't answer my prayers the way I asked. You're a wonderful brother, an easy roommate, a great friend. I've grown in maturity, and some of those really painful memories of old have healed because of the time we've lived together, because of your presence in my life. 

I miss you so much. but it's good, we're taking new journeys. tis good.

to add to the Top 10 list, here's a couple extra:

doing laundary with only my clothes.

your cell is no longer on my speed dial.

things like that.

I mourn my loss, but I rejoice nevertheless.

You could reflect on why I'd post publicly what should have been left personal. When you figure out my funny thinking, do share. Love, :)

Restored to friendship

Back then in a fight I said some hurtful things to her. She cried tears from a heart broken and wounded. and I was mean spirited.

I still remember her birthday. I remember birthday presents she gave me. I remember the fun we had as roommates. I remember how I so admired her kindness, gentleness, playfulness, her sense of purpose... just all those good things in a beautiful person. And for the last few years, the regret was most accute on her birthdays, for I had lost touch with her.

Through prayers I believe, she got in touch with me. I finally had the chance to ask for forgiveness. Imagine how humbled and thankful I was, when she returns with words I have long-ago forgiven you and I'm just glad to have you back in my life.

This blessedness of the prodigal warmly and eagerly received by Father with arms long-ago outstretched, I have tasted.

Hallelujah.

I do.

Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God's children?
Do you renounce the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin?
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, 
  Creator of heaven and earth?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, 
  God's only Son, our Lord,
  who was born of the Virgin Mary, 
  was crucified, died, and was buried,
  who rose from the dead,
  and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
  the holy catholic Church,
  the communion of saints,
  the forgiveness of sins,
  the resurrection of the body,
  and life everlasting?

Like the bride who answers before the groom, the church responds

"I do."

It's part of the liturgy druing Easter, for the congregation to renew their baptismal promises together. I do.

all for love a father gave
for only love could make a way
all for love the heavens cried
for love was crucified

all for love a savior prayed
abba father have your way
though they know not what they do
let the cross draw man to you

-Mia Fieldes