Toni’s Extrovert Diaries ~T.E.D. Talks and Walks and Sunday Sermon

“The difference between an extrovert’s and an introvert’s story is about five hundred words per minute. Ask me how I know?”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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An early morning walk around the neighborhood this morning was a perfect start to my day. I always start my by counting my blessings and not my troubles. A beautiful sky, singing birds, and the lush green growth of Spring add to the count.

My traditional Sunday begins with greeting before 9 o’clock Mass, but today greeting Mother Nature preceded my live streaming view of Mass at St. Gabriel with Father Robert and Father Don. I enjoy following along, reciting the prayers and singing along with the hymns. Plus, I was sitting on the couch with my feet up, no kneeling. (Bad knees.)

Today’s Gospel was the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Martha and Mary were sad that Jesus did not come when their brother was ill, but believed that he would rise on the resurrection of the last day. But, Jesus proved with His Father’s power, that Lazarus could rise even after four days in the tomb.

My take on it…. anything is possible with faith.

“Did I not tell you that if you believe

you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone.

And Jesus raised his eyes and said,

“Father, I thank you for hearing me.

I know that you always hear me;

but because of the crowd here I have said this,

that they may believe that you sent me.”

And when he had said this,

He cried out in a loud voice,

“Lazarus, come out!”

The dead man came out,

tied hand and foot with burial bands,

and his face was wrapped in a cloth.

So Jesus said to them,

“Untie him and let him go.”

But, this Extrovert missed the stopping at McDonald’s with friends after church, then picking up a few groceries at the store, and maybe a stop to visit a friend or two.

I’ve been trying to make some calls to old friends and family that I haven’t talked to in a while. Here’s a good tip. Make a list of people you miss, but always forget to call. Then, call one or two every day. That’s a VERY long list for extroverts who have a lot of friends. Life is short, my friends. Tell people you love them.

I’m still watching a lot of Hallmark, BUT I’ve been recording some movies to watch when I overdose on schmaltzy Hallmark movies. Today, I’m binge watching STAR WARS movies. It’s like Hallmark but with light sabers.

A few more afternoon and evening walks, a few more chirping birds, and another slow “sheltering in place” Sunday.

Happy Sunday, my friends.