"Blessing and Glory"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Blessing and Glory":

 

National Zoo and Aquarium Month

This month, the month of June, is being observed as National Zoo and Aquarium Month, designed to be a time to explore one's local zoo and aquarium, as well as the websites of zoos and aquariums throughout the nation, and their excellent educational resources.

Background information:

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Birthday Blessings, Anthony!!!

Birthday greetings to nephew Anthony, brother Jim's son, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Connie!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Connie, wife of nephew Stephen Dymek, who recently celebrated her birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Dawson!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Dawson Reynolds, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

National Waste & Recycling Workers Week

This week, the week of 14-20 June, is being observed as National Waste & Recycling Workers Week, an observance designed to celebrate and thank the women and men who work daily to keep our neighborhoods and streets safe and clean.

Background information:

Waste and Recycling Workers Week

Facebook: Waste and Recycling Workers Week

Solid Waste Association of North America

Thank You, Lord

 Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities to offer a sacrifice.

Cerith Gardiner on the Unpopularity of Sacrifice

"A few days ago, I found myself standing on a busy Paris metro trying very hard not to become annoyed, which, for anyone who regularly uses the Paris metro, is already something of a spiritual achievement.

"A heavily pregnant woman had boarded the carriage and was standing in the aisle, anxiously swaying as the train lurched from side to side. Around her sat a collection of apparently healthy adults who seemed suddenly fascinated by their phones, their shoes, the route map, and just about anything else that would prevent them from making eye contact.

"Now, perhaps there were invisible injuries involved. Perhaps every passenger was suffering from a bad back, a twisted knee, or a heroic sports injury. Yet as the journey continued, I found myself wondering whether the issue was not simply a lack of manners but a changing attitude towards sacrifice itself."

In a recent commentary, writer Cerith Gardiner reflected on the concept of sacrifice and its image problem.

To access Ms. Gardiner's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Cerith Gardiner: When did sacrifice become such an unpopular idea? (16 JUN 26)

Reflection Starter from B. C. Forbes

"Cheerfulness is among the most laudable virtues. It gains you the good will and friendship of others. It blesses those who practice it and those upon whom it is bestowed." - B. C. Forbes

"To Jesus, Heart All Burning"

As our solemnity celebration continues, I offer this version of The Singing Nuns presenting "To Jesus, Heart All Burning":

 

Anniversary Blessings, David and Kristi!!!

Anniversary greetings to brother David and his wife Kristi, whose wedding anniversary is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year , be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Anniversary Blessings to Barbara and Mike!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to sister Barbara and her husband Michael, whose wedding anniversary was yesterday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!