Just a blink of the eye and we're into the 3 ^rd week of July. The summer season is just about half over. Normally by now it would be time to harvest tomatoes and peppers. Almost. At least the folks have been tasting fried green tomatoes ahead of their normal time just before the frost. Last of the spring Kale, Kohlrabi and Collards being harvested. Time for the fall planting of these crops. Beans are growing very fast and won't be long before harvest time. Please call 618-475-2402 or email: gr617@aol.com to let us know you are coming but if you just show up, we will put you to work and teach you gardening and preserving skills if you are interested. Heads up: Kids: Hungry? Show up on Monday or Wednesday between 9:30-12:00, help, learn and get fed: Pizza and beverage.
 
Recently saw a video by  Fr Mike Schmitz on the subject: “ do we keep God at a distance?”. Think of “Mr. Blue Eyes”, Frank Sinatra's song: “I did it My Way” The  issue is that many want God to be around when they need Him to take care of a problem but otherwise, out of sight out of mind.  Here are two extremes. Keeping a low profile, off God's radar and He will forget about us. The other, we do all things Catholic to the “n ^th “ degree, thinking that He will see us doing such a good job, He won't bother us. As stewards, we need to recognize God is an intimate part of our lives. He created us, He is concerned about every detail of our lives and whether we admit or believe this, He is by our side every second of our life. Throughout the Bible there are stories about God being with and seeing His people, His creation. As a steward (and a reminder, we are ALL stewards) so, begin each day thanking Him for another day of life and for all the blessings He has poured out on us. Then offer Him your every thought, word, deed and action of your day, in union with Christ through the holy sacrifice of the Mass for His glory, etc. Look up the “morning offering” in your prayer book. Talk to Him while working, at leisure or when you see the majesty of His creation. Do that, and He will transform you into someone beyond your dreams. Be the best Steward, shepherd you can be; and as Father Mark tells us: Put God first; be Catholic. Reflect the light of our Lord to all those you encounter. We pray that God will bless you and prosper all you do in His name.