Sometimes random questions come to mind and today I wondered if I knew the difference between a disciple and an apostle. I didn't. Forgive me if it's elementary to cradle Catholics and I simply missed that lesson as a convert. So, naturally, I Googled it. Of all the links returned, here is the most succinct definition I found:

Disciples are called; apostles are sent. All apostles are disciples; not all disciples become apostles.

Jesus chose his 12 disciples (students/followers) and gave them the power to bind and loose sin, to go forth and spread the Good News. (Jesus sent them.) At the Ascension, disciples became apostles--the ones who were called to become ambassadors, sent with the Good News into all the world. The Holy Spirit coming to rest on the disciples at Pentacost enabled that commission. Such a wondrous miracle that continues these two thousand years.

The word "apostle" has two meanings, the broader meaning of "messenger," and the narrower meaning defining the 12 men directly linked to Jesus Christ.

All the apostles were disciples, but all disciples are not apostles. Jesus chose 12 disciples, this inner circle of men, who came to be known as apostles. They were entrusted (sent) to spread the message of Jesus throughout the world so that eventually there would be many disciples. It was said in my research that there are no modern-day "apostles."

Somehow that doesn't seem right. Surely Pope Francis, in the direct line from Peter, even in the narrower meaning, is an apostle, certainly chosen or sent by God to spread the message of Jesus today. And, just as certainly, he was first a disciple.

I've neglected my blog for a while...obviously. I regret that. I often have things I'd like to say, but for whatever reason, go unsaid. Some around me have had losses and joys, awakenings and backsliding. Maybe I'm a bit of all those things right along with my friends. I know of many prayers requested, and I'm true to their needs, but often no one knows. I'm not good about saying I'm praying for you, but nevertheless, I am praying for you.

I have many Emmaus sisters, and I'm so grateful for their presence. But I haven't been to our weekly meetings in several weeks. I lift them up and I'm aware they lift me up. But, I will confess that I haven't found the fortitude to overcome my need to withdraw from the world for a while. This, too, shall pass.

My dad was fond of saying that. I miss him everyday of my life. We lost him to leukemia a few years ago and I thought he would live forever. I still can't believe it. I still think to myself, "I have to ask Daddy about that." Oh, that I could. He believed in me like no other person on earth.

My life is tremendously blessed, but I've experienced a number of traumas. However, gladly not every day, but often enough, I learn of people, families, friends, acquaintances, even strangers, who would happily trade my traumas for their nightmares. And I'm humbled. Because they're on point. I have not deserved the blessings I've been given and I thank God for my life. I've always had a very good Guardian Angel.

I'm an American. I'm employed with a retirement. I have a beautiful home and family, warts and all. I have good health and money enough to spend $4.00 for every item in my grocery cart and every gallon of gasoline in my car. At least for the foreseeable future. I'm free to go to Mass on Sunday and vote on every Tuesday I'm offered the chance. I can hope for nothing more for my children and grandchildren.

Lemonade from Lemons

I had a custom order that didn't work out. A good customer sent me a photo and asked if I could replicate it to make 3 rosaries. It was a beautiful oval tourmaline, sterling silver wirewrapped rosary. It had a remarkable light blue cameo center. I'd never seen anything like it. So, I gathered resources and offered an estimate, which he accepted. But after I had all the parts on hand, most of the tourmaline beads, which are a fairly uniform oval, predictably (for nuggets) wouldn't accept even 24 gauge wire. I'm in some serious pain at this point. I was unhappy about having to use that fine of a wire in the first place because with wirewrapping, it can get brittle and snap too easily to suit me. So I explained to my customer, who understood I think, and refunded his deposit. A long story short is that I have 5 strands of tourmaline on hand I wouldn't ordinarily have. I love, love, love tourmaline, but it's too pricey for my plans. Ouch, in other words. The rosary parts aren't my favorites, but they are nice and will be used eventually. I'm not one to make returns, so I see a lot of tourmaline nuggets in my future. I really prefer to design a rosary myself because I'm so picky about all kinds of little details and also because of surprise problems like this, but custom orders are important,too. I really didn't like having to disappoint a good customer. Anyway, here we go...photos above are of the first two of a boatload. Posting for sale soon. Blessings, everyone. Debbie

Tiny Rosaries

Lapis Lazuli & Sterling Silver 4mm Rosary

This petite rosary has 4mm semi-precious lapis lazuli Ave's and Our Fathers. The Pater beads are wirewrapped and capped with tiny bead caps. This rosary has total sterling silver construction and rosary set. Very appealing, practical, and sturdy.