Relationships matter most in my life…I get what I give

This is a winter we will remember for a while. It is 1 p.m., as I type this. With the sun shining on the thermometer, it is “zero.” Actually it is minus 14 and that will be about the high for today. I know of only one school in Minnesota that is open today—Bemidji University. With the sun out, it looks beautify—all that white sparkly snow everywhere! Only the tips of the orange poles to mark the driveway edges are sticking out. Have hope. Spring is only 52 days away…if that means anything.

The Morrison Tree of Lights campaign for Unity Family Hospice raised $9,470 this past December. What a help for those in need of hospice services. They do a wonderful service. My parents and us siblings benefited from that ministry. We are grateful.

The political process for up-coming elections begins with Precinct Caucus meetings on Tuesday February 4th. Here in Little Falls meetings are at the Middle School and start at 7 p.m. If we want change, it starts here locally.

Martin Luther King, Jr Days speaker at the public schools was Marty Martinson. I thought the three keys to happiness were good for everyone. They are: 1) Relationships matter most in my life…I get what I give. 2) You know, in life you got to try a little harder. 3) People need to decide to be happy.

This week is Catholic Schools Week—the 40th one--a week dear to my heart, having worked in Catholic Schools for nearly 50 years. It was always the funnest” week of the year. The theme this year is: Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service. God bless parishes, staff, parents and all associated with Catholic Education. You are in my prayers. You do a great job.

Ground Hogs Day is next Sunday. I don’t need Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow to tell me about six more weeks of winter. We've had winter a long time already. Zion Lutheran Church is having a “Groundhog Feed” to support the Food Shelf on the 2nd, if you are interested.

I go to Lindbergh School about once a week to read to First Graders in Mrs. Hanson’s room. Friday when there, I asked her to take a picture of me with the class…one nice picture and one “goofy” picture. They are a great group of students. Enjoy.

This Thursday evening we are having Employee Recognition meal and awards. We have wonderful employees and some have worked here many years. Thank you for your dedicated services.

Saturday, February 1st is our Soup Supper fundraiser from 4:30 to 7 p.m. They are busy in the kitchen making lots of soups – so far, 30 gallons of two kinds of soups. I pray for favorable weather and a good crowd, or we will be eating lots of soup for a long time!

The Super Bowl weekend is the biggest time for sex-trafficking. Please pray for victims and perpetrators of this crime.

Stay safe and warm.

Peace and blessings,
Sister Mary Lou