Come for the 'Ride'

Dear Friends & Family,

I had been pondering and praying about the idea of beginning a blog for awhile now. I wondered if it was appropriate since so many of my friends have blogs mostly for the purpose of sharing news about their growing families and I am slightly concerned that beginning this blog might send an unintended message. I hope this clarifies that this is not my intention.

I wanted to begin a blog mostly because I have so many ideas in my mind sometimes that I wish I could write out and give it up to God and my dear friends for feedback and thoughts... so many of my closest friends are either far away or (like myself) always very busy so getting together regularly isn't very practical.

I know that at least one of my co-workers (who I would like to consider a friend as well) would possibly gawk at the idea that writing this blog is to help me try to improve my socialization with the world around me. And trust me when I say that I would infinitely prefer to sit around a cozy living room with cups of tea and fresh baked cookies and talk with all of my friends about everything under the sun... but these days the earth spins too fast for such regular possibilities and my craving for sharing ideas is too strong so I must find an alternative... so welcome to my elevator.

Riding the Elevator

I'd like to briefly explain my selection for the title of my blog: "Riding the Elevator." It is taken from one of my favorite TAN Books, "The Story of a Soul" which is the autobiography of the darling Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. If you have not ready this amazing little book, please do not hesitate to read it! (I have a copy I would be happy to lend to local friends.)

Thérèse was a young Carmelite nun who wrote the story of her life only under obedience to her superiors. She had no wish to make herself more than she was (which to her was nothing but an instrument of God's to do with what He wished). She lived the simplest of lives and believed in serving God and others through her "Little Way" that is, in every little thing no matter how inconsequential, tiresome or painful.

I name my blog in honor of her Little Way which she liked to phrase her "elevator" to Heaven. I wish for nothing more than to ride up this little elevator. My vocation calls me to lift up my husband and (God-willing) future children with me as well.

I hope you will help me ride this elevator so we can all reach that beautiful Place together one day.

This blog will be about many things... random ideas... religious topics... and (yes) political ideas about current events.

It will also be about my family - both immediate and extended. I hope it might help us stay a little closer - since we seem to keep spreading farther apart as some of us move to the other side of the world (literally) and other's of us depart this earth completely (may the souls of my cousin and aunt through the mercy of God, rest in peace).

I heartily invite ALL of you - friends, family, near or far to comment on my blog at any time. It exists to promote conversation and ideas.

I look forward to sharing many thoughts and experiences with you all.

::in Jesus through Mary::

Lauren