Off-line and just plain off...

Our web host is down today. Actually, it crashed early this am as I was just opening my e-mail. I have been unable to read my mail or answer it today. Normally, this would put me through the roof. I am proud to say that I have taken this bummer and turned it into an opportunity. I know. My sisters at home will hardly believe that my BP is 90/60 and my countenance bears a smile. I can hardly believe it myself. Grace abounds!

Instead of spending a good chunk of this day on e-mail, I made use of other technologies. I was able to declare my sorry state on my Facebook wall - hopefully, preventing folks from thinking me rude or uninterested. Then, I worked on the vocation account and organized receipts galore to take home tomorrow. I cleaned out the standing file on my desk and shredded a ream or two. I sent a letter - the old-fashioned way. And, I spent a little extra time in the Faculty Room at lunch.

It's nearly 2:30 PM and I'm still in a good mood. If I were my sisters I'd be thinking alien abduction by now. Still, this is me today. Who knows if I'll be as jolly tomorrow if the problem on their end isn't fixed. But today I'm in good shape by grace, no doubt. Maybe, I'll leave the office a little early and start baking cakes for the Feast of Saint Gertrude? Who am I?

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

A convergence of blessings...

Have you ever felt incredibly blessed? Have you ever thought GOD was listening to your life and finding ways to make you feel loved? That's pretty much where I am today - mysteriously, outrageously, undeservedly blessed.

This past weekend three women braved the monastery for the first time. Each left the comfort zone of home for 48 hours with 35 Benedictine sisters. What courage! What a time of grace for our community!
These weekends remind me of how much I love this ministry...how much I love this way of life.

There was a package waiting for me at the monastery. When I opened it I gasped. Several weeks ago the Flip Video recorder died. It's the amazing little device I use to film the "Bristow Bistro" cooking show. It just blew something when I connected it to the laptop. I even smelled smoke! In this brown AMAZON box was the 2nd generation Flip Video recorder. I'm serious. I didn't tell anyone that it had died. I was pricing them at Staples and Costco because I knew it had to be replace. A friend in New England - who gave me the first Flip - sent the newest model for my birthday next week. Shazam! The hair stood up on the back of my neck.

Then...on Monday, I got dressed and went to work. Tired from the weekend program, I planned my lesson for my 14 students at SGHS and packed my lunch in my bag - a Ziplock with the letters OSB in permanent marker on it. When I got to school there were many parking spaces. Immediately, I knew something was up. Then, I noticed the senior lot was empty, too. If Sister had read her "pink sheet" for the week, I would have known that there was no school - retreats for 9,10,11 and a college search day for the seniors. No school. I've had many snow days as a teacher, but never a "no day." Sister took the day OFF!!!!

These may seem like little things - or even coincidences. But I believe that all is gift and our providential GOD sees to our needs - one way or another. GOD uses good, generous people and throws us a few surprises to keep our joy real. The past few days have been filled with grace and goodness. I think GOD is blessing me all the time, but I often miss things or just plain forget to say, "thank you, GOD." Today, I am missing nothing. That, in itself, is a gift.

Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki