The Blizzard’s Last Hold

Dear Diary, 

The blizzard still has its grip on Camp Littlemore tonight. The thermometer outside the kitchen window read four degrees above zero, and the wind keeps sweeping the snow across the fields like white smoke. The radio says the storm is still moving through, but Sister Mary Claire smiled and told me that however long winter tries to hold on, spring is already right behind it.

This afternoon we read the meditation from The Circling Year about Pilate asking the crowd what he should do with Jesus. The people shouted so loudly, “Crucify Him!” that Pilate gave in, even though he knew Jesus had done nothing wrong. Sister said the saddest part was that Pilate knew the truth but did not have the courage to follow it.

I thought about that while the wind rattled the windows today. It must have been terrible for Jesus to stand there while everyone shouted against Him. Sister explained that the meditation teaches us not to be half-hearted like Pilate, but to choose what is right even when it is hard. She said Lent is a time to learn to carry our little crosses with Jesus.

Mini stayed close to the stove most of the afternoon, curled up in a tight little circle. When she did step outside she came right back in again, with snowflakes clinging to her whiskers. The chickens are tucked safely on their roost in the coop, and the drifts are piled high against the fence. Everything at Littlemore Farm is snug and quiet even though the storm is still racing across the fields.

Before supper we stood by the window and looked toward the road that leads to St. Mary’s, now completely hidden by the blowing snow. Sister reminded me that the people of the parish are probably all huddled safely in their homes tonight just like we are.

She said storms always look strongest right before they pass.

Tonight that made me think about the cross too. The crowd thought they had won when they shouted for Jesus to be crucified, but Sister said the cross was really the beginning of the greatest victory the world has ever known.

So even while the wind is howling tonight, I think spring must be getting ready somewhere just beyond this storm.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

You stood quietly before Pilate while the crowd shouted against You.

Please give me a brave heart so I will always choose what is right and stay close to You.

Watch over all the families of St. Mary’s parish tonight, and keep them warm and safe in this terrible blizzard. Protect the farmers, travelers, and anyone who may be caught out in the storm. Guard our little farm too, and keep the animals safe in their shelters.

And when this last winter storm finally passes, please help us remember that Your light is always stronger than the darkest wind or snow.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Fourth Sunday of Lent and Snowed-In

Dear Diary,

This morning the thermometer said 27 degrees, and the wind was howling so hard that the snow was flying sideways past the windows. The blizzard the radio warned about yesterday has truly come. The announcer said the roads are shut, and even Church was canceled for this Fourth Sunday of Lent. That hardly ever happens, but the snow is piling up in great drifts.

Still, all is well at Camp Littlemore Farm.

After chores and making sure the chickens had feed and fresh water in the coop, Sister Mary Claire and I decided we would have a little church right here at home. Sister set the radio on the table, and Mini curled up at our feet like she knew something important was happening.

We listened to Bishop Barron’s homily on the radio. He spoke about the story of the man born blind from the Gospel. Sister explained it to me afterward while the wind rattled the windows.

She said that the man in the story is meant to be all of us. We are born into a world that is sometimes dark because of cruelty and sin. It is like being born without sight. But then Jesus comes and says something wonderful: “I am the light of the world.”

Sister said that means Jesus doesn’t just teach us about light—He actually gives us light, helping us see what is good and true.

I looked out the window then. Everything was white with blowing snow, and it was hard to see very far at all. It made me think how easy it is to lose our way when we cannot see clearly. But if Jesus is the light, then even in a blizzard like today, we are not really lost.

Mini lifted her head when the radio finished and wagged her little bottom. I think she believed church was over.

Tonight the wind is still singing around the house, but inside it feels peaceful. I am thankful that even when the roads close and we cannot reach church, the light of Jesus still reaches us.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

You are the Light of the World.

Please shine your light into my heart so I may see what is right and good.

Help me never walk in darkness but always follow you.

Bless our little farm, Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and all those traveling in the storm tonight.

Amen.

Love, Kathy

The Day the Snow Came Sideways

Dear Diary,

Today it was 31 degrees, and the sky looked like it had something serious in mind. The radio said there was a winter storm watch, and before long the snow began flying sideways past the windows like little white birds that had lost their way. Sister Mary Claire looked out at it for a while and said it might be wiser to wait and go to Church tomorrow instead, when the storm might pass. I was glad she said that because the wind was howling so hard it rattled the old window frame.

Even though we stayed home, I kept thinking about today’s meditation called “Barabbas Is Preferred to Jesus.” Sister explained it to me at the table while the snow kept blowing harder and harder outside. She said it must have been very sad for Jesus to stand there so quietly while the people chose Barabbas, who was a criminal, instead of Him. Just a few days before they had shouted Hosanna and wanted Him to be their king, and then suddenly they changed their minds.

Sister said sometimes people can be like that when they forget God and start thinking more about themselves than about what is right. She told me the meditation is asking us a question in our hearts: Do we choose Jesus, or do we choose something else instead?

I sat there thinking about that for quite a while. Jesus stayed silent and humble even when people treated Him unfairly. Sister said His Heart was still praying the whole time. That made me feel a little ashamed because I sometimes complain when small things bother me.

Before supper I went out to the chicken coop to make sure the hens had plenty of food and water before the storm got any worse. The wind pushed the snow right across the yard and into my coat sleeves. The chickens were already tucked in on their roost, warm together above the straw and clucking softly in the dim light.

When I came back inside, I brushed the snow from my coat and boots and warmed my hands by the stove while Mini stayed close beside me, happy to be back in the warmth.

As the snow kept sweeping across the yard, I thought again about the crowd choosing Barabbas instead of Jesus. I hope that when my own little choices come during the day, I will remember to choose Jesus and stay faithful to Him.

Dear Jesus,

I am sorry for the times I choose my own way instead of Yours.

Help me to be faithful and not change like the crowd did.

Teach my heart to love You more than anything else, and to stay close to You even when it is difficult. Amen.

P.S. I checked the chicken house one more time before dark, and Omelette was tucked safely on her roost between two other hens. She gave a soft little cluck when she saw me, as if to say everything was just fine in there despite the storm.

Love,

Kathy ✧

The Silent Road to Church

Dear Diary,

Robert could not pick us up for Church this morning, so Sister Mary Claire and I walked. It was one of those bleak March days when winter does not seem quite ready to let go. The gravel road was wet and muddy in places, and the snow lay in thin patches across the fields. Mini trotted ahead of us, her little paws splashing through the puddles while the cold wind blew across the open land.

Sister Mary Claire held my hand as we walked along the road toward St. Mary’s. The sky was pale and gray, and the bare trees stood quietly on both sides of the road like they were waiting for spring.

While we walked, Sister began explaining today’s meditation about Jesus at the Court of Herod. She said that when Jesus was brought before Herod, the king asked Him many questions because he hoped to see a miracle. But Jesus did not answer him at all. Sister said Jesus could see that Herod’s heart was not sincere. He only wanted to satisfy his curiosity.

The road stretched ahead of us and everything was very quiet except for the sound of our boots on the wet gravel. Sister Mary Claire said that sometimes Jesus speaks to people many times through their conscience or through the advice of others, but if they keep ignoring Him, their hearts can grow hard. That is why Jesus remained silent before Herod.

Mini stopped for a moment and looked back at us as if she wanted to make sure we were still following her.

When we arrived at Church, Father LeRoy spoke about the same meditation in his homily. He said that when Herod mocked Jesus and dressed Him in a white garment, Jesus accepted the humiliation with patience. Father said that our pride often makes it hard to accept correction or even small embarrassments, but these little sufferings can help make our souls stronger if we offer them to God.

On the walk home the road looked even quieter than before. The gray sky and the bare trees made everything feel still, and I kept thinking about Jesus standing silently before Herod while people laughed at Him. The whole world must have seemed very cold and lonely then, yet He accepted it all for love of us.

Tonight before bed I said a small prayer.

Dear Jesus,

please help me listen when You speak to my heart.
Do not let me grow proud or stubborn.
Teach me to accept little humiliations quietly just as You bore mockery with patience before Herod.

Let me always follow Your voice.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy.

Source:  The Circling Year

The Lady from Heaven

Dear Diary,

Tonight Sister Mary Claire made the bedroom feel like a little secret chapel. We stretched the old patchwork quilt between two chairs and the bed and made a small tent, just big enough for the two of us and Mini. We piled pillows all around and brought a lamp inside so it glowed softly on the quilt pieces.

Mini curled right up beside us as if she knew something special was happening.

Sister Mary Claire had been reading to me about the children at Fatima. The story grew very quiet and serious, and even Mini seemed to listen.

She read how Lucy, Jacinta, and Francis were out in the fields when suddenly a brilliant flash of lightning appeared in the sky, though there were no clouds at all. Thinking a storm might be coming, they began to gather their sheep and walk home. But right in the middle of the field another bright flash appeared, even stronger than the first.

Sister Mary Claire paused when she read that part, and I could almost imagine the children standing there, not knowing what was happening.

Then she read how the children were passing near a small oak tree when suddenly a wonderful light surrounded them. When they opened their eyes they saw a beautiful young Lady standing above the tree. She was dressed in the purest white and light seemed to shine all around her. A veil edged with golden thread covered her head and fell all the way to her feet.

The children were so amazed and frightened they almost ran away, but the Lady made a gentle motion with her hands and spoke in such a kind voice that they stayed.

Lucy asked, “Where are you from, Madam?”

The Lady answered, “I am from Heaven.”

When Sister Mary Claire read those words she looked up at me and smiled a little, and we both sat very still for a moment.

The Lady told them to return on the thirteenth day of each month for six months, and that in October she would tell them who she was and what she wished.

Lucy asked if they would go to Heaven, and the Lady said yes. But when Lucy asked about Francis, the Lady said he would go to Heaven too, but first he must pray many rosaries.

Then the Lady asked them something very important. She asked if they were willing to offer sacrifices to God and to accept sufferings for the conversion of sinners and to make reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Sister Mary Claire said that was a very brave thing to ask of children. But Lucy answered right away, “Yes, we are willing.”

The Lady smiled at them and said they would have much to suffer, but the grace of God would always help them.

When Sister Mary Claire read the part where the Lady opened her hands and a beautiful light poured into their souls, it made me feel very quiet inside. The children fell to their knees and cried out:

“O Most Holy Trinity, I adore Thee!

My God, my God, I love Thee!”

Sister Mary Claire said that when God gives light to a soul, it helps a person see things clearly and love Him more.

The Lady asked them one more thing before she left. She asked them to pray the rosary every day for peace in the world and for the conversion of sinners.

Then the children watched as she rose into the light of the sun and disappeared.

For a little while after Sister Mary Claire finished reading, we both just sat quietly in the tent. The lamp made the quilt glow softly and Mini rested her chin on my knee.

Sister Mary Claire said that Our Lady often asks for simple things — prayer, sacrifice, and the rosary — but those simple things can help many souls.

Before we climbed out of the tent we knelt together on the pillows and said a little prayer.

Dear Blessed Mother,

Lady from Heaven, help us remember to pray the rosary each day just as you asked the children at Fatima.

Teach us to love God more, to offer little sacrifices with joy, and to help bring peace to the world.

Keep us close to your Immaculate Heart and guide us safely to Heaven one day.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy ✍️

Source:  My Prayer Calendar. Scroll down to The Story of Fatima

Our King of Truth

Dear Diary,

This evening, after the chores were finished and the house had grown quiet, Sister Mary Claire and I finally sat down together to read the meditation for Wednesday. We had meant to read it earlier, but the day slipped along the way farm days often do. The lamps were glowing softly and Mini curled up right beside us on the rug.

The meditation told about Jesus standing before Pilate. Pilate asked Him if He was the King of the Jews, and Jesus answered that His kingdom was not of this world. Sister Mary Claire read those words slowly and then closed the book for a moment so we could think about them.

She explained that Jesus truly is a King, but His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this earth. It is made of people who follow His truth and live by His teachings. She said His kingdom is built from humility, patience, love, and mercy, not power or riches.

Then Sister Mary Claire said something that made me think very hard. She said that sometimes the world becomes very confused about what is true. She said that lies can be repeated over and over again until people begin to believe them. If we are not careful, she said, we might even begin to mix up truth with untruth without realizing it.

“But truth does not change,” she told me. “It belongs to God.”

She explained that Pilate stood right in front of the Truth Himself and still could not recognize Him. Pilate was thinking like the world thinks—about power and politics and earthly kingdoms—so he could not see the deeper truth standing before him.

Sister Mary Claire said that is why Jesus said He came into the world to give testimony to the truth. His words, His life, and even His suffering all showed what real truth looks like.

She said the Church helps guide us so we do not get lost when the world becomes noisy with so many different voices. If we stay close to Jesus and listen to Him, then we will not be easily confused.

Mini gave a long sleepy sigh and stretched out beside us, resting her chin on her paws as if she understood everything perfectly.

Before going to bed we knelt together and said a little prayer.

Dear Jesus, our true King,

You came into the world to show us the truth.
Help us to listen to Your voice when so many other voices try to speak louder.

Keep our hearts humble and faithful, so we may always follow what is true.
Let Your kingdom live quietly inside us until the day we see You face to face.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy

The Story Spreads

Dear Diary,

This evening Sister Mary Claire and I sat by the fireplace while the fire burned softly. Mini was curled up on the rug, resting her head on her paws. I was reading aloud from my book Our Lady of Lourdes.

Tonight I read how Bernadette returned home after seeing the mysterious Lady and had to tell her parents she must return to the Grotto for fifteen days. Soon the story spread everywhere. It was market day in Lourdes, and by evening people across the valleys were talking about the visions.

Crowds began gathering at the Grotto. At first there were about a hundred people, then hundreds more, and soon thousands.

But the strange thing was that the people saw almost nothing.

They only saw a poor little girl kneeling and praying.

Sister Mary Claire said that sometimes the greatest things God does are hidden. Bernadette could see the Lady, but most people only saw her faith.

Many people believed, but others laughed and said Bernadette must be imagining things. The learned men used big words and tried to explain it as an illness.

Yet when people spoke with Bernadette, they saw how simp truthful she was.

What touched me most was that Bernadette was only a little girl, and yet she quietly kept returning to the Grotto to pray.

That seemed the most beautiful thing of all.

After I finished reading, we sat quietly watching the fire for a while. I thought about Bernadette and about praying with a simple heart.

Before bed we said our prayer.

Evening Prayer

Dear Blessed Mother of Lourdes, please give me a simple and faithful heart like Bernadette’s. Help me to believe and to pray with love.

Watch over Sister Mary Claire and our dear little Mini tonight.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy