Yeah...So, I'm not studying in Rome

So, in case you didn't know, in case anyone ever anywhere reads this...I will not be studying in Rome in the fall, for many reasons. Really for one reason, it is not God's will. You can read about my pilgrimage I will be going on this fall though at my new blog: thisearthlypilgrimag.bogspot.com

The Suspense is Killing ME!

So....I haven't posted in a LONG time...I know. But here's the thing, it's not because I have been lazy (maybe) or that I have nothing to say. On the contrary, many things have happened in the last month that have made me pray all the more about what I should be doing in the fall. A choice has to be made. I am waiting....waiting for the answers, waiting for clarity. I don't think I will be waiting much longer, but the suspense is palpable, thick, and exciting. Life is an adventure right? Isn't that what people say...so when you don't know what will happen next it is exciting right? I will have a new post soon regardless....hopefully with answers, but that is not entirely up to me. Please pray that I see the will of God clearly in my life (and that I do it)!

A Day I Look Forward to...

I look forward to this day every year; the liturgy is very beautiful and personally God has made this day very special for me. My words don't do justice though to the reality of the Incarnate Word that has become the Light for all of us, so I will let Simeon's Canticle from Luke's Gospel speak for me. Here is a "setting of the canticle of Simeon written by Sir Gustav Holst in 1915 for the choir of Westminster Cathedral; unusually, R. R. Terry first performed it on Easter Sunday that year. The piece is scored for an eight-part choir, and in tribute to Terry's work in reviving Renaissance polyphony, it makes references to older musical styles including antiphonal effects (reminiscent of Venetian Renaissance music), and a fine contrapuntal 'Amen'. Beginning with what has been described as a "musical sunrise", it is a fitting example of sacred music with which to celebrate this feast of Christ's light. " (Br Lawrence Lew, O.P)



I was more than a little disappointed that there was no Masses anywhere today because of this enormous blizzard...

Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas....Happy Feast Day!

The school that I would like to study at is having it's patrons feast day today....in honor of that I wanted to share a little something that the Holy Father said

Who was St. Thomas Aquinas? Benedict XVI explains

I have loved learning all of my life, I love reading blah blah blah...nerd nerd nerd. Anyway....St. Thomas is one of the most brilliant people I have ever read, and I love his works especially because at times they challenge me quite a bit (no kidding whew!) but more than his explinations of the faith, I have loved his music, his Eucharistic hymns. They speak more to WHO St Thomas KNEW rather than just WHAT he knew; a love that compelled him more than any purely intellectual endeavor. One of my favorites, Adoro te Devote, speaks very eloquently of our Eucharistic Lord and our own human reality.

Feast of St Anthony of the Desert

St. Anthony of the Desert is one of my favorite saints, one of the Desert Fathers, and one of my own fathers. Today I have been pondering the great blessing of the dessert, a time and place devoid of all  else but God himself and only work - the attainment of God. Anthony, hearing the call of God to renounce the world, gave all he had and went to live a life not worrying about tommorow but relying only on the providence of God. Living in silence, both exterior and interior, listening only for the whisper of God to secret places in the depth of the heart. The father of monastacism, defender of the church against heresey, and lover of God, this man gave up all to have the ALL in ALL. I have today been pondering how to live in the interior desert as Anthony did in order to recieve this ALL in ALL. Even though we may not be called to the desert at this time (but I would go in a minute!) there is still the renunciation that is required to follow Jesus on the narrow way leading to eternal life. I am just praying for God's mercy so that I may also hear His whisper even in the midst of the world.

Read more about this great saint!

And...I love the Eastern Church.....so here are some words from thier liturgy...

Troparion of St Anthony the Great Tone 4
Thou didst follow the ways of zealous Elijah,/ and the straight path of the Baptist, O Father Anthony./ Thou didst become a desert dweller/ and support the world by thy prayers./ Intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion of St Anthony the Great Tone 2
Thou didst abandon the world’s tumult and live in silence,/ and emulate the Baptist, O Anthony./ Wherefore we acclaim thee with him,/ thou summit of the Fathers.

Oremus Pro Invicem

My Etsy Shop is here! I will put up all my work on it over the next day or so....

Theotokos: Mary Mother of God

Happy New Year! What I really mean by that is Happy Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God! This is a print I did of our mother, the Mother of God. I am praying to her that she may teach me how to serve God better. I am also giving this next year to her, all that will happen, and all that will come with it. I know that she looks after me with a tenderness that is unmerited and will help me to do God's will, whatever that is. I also have posted some more photos of my art work, in a very wide range of subjects and mediums. Please also check out my new  Etsy account where you can purchase these works and see how much each of them cost. It would be easier for me if you just buy them directly from me by emailing me at Tarynawatkins@gmail.com. Whatever you prefer though. I am excited to be endeavoring in this new venue, but I am praying that it is successful; I don't know what to expect!