Lazy Sunday & Thoughts on JPII

I spent today enjoying the last moments of my vacation until school enslaves me again. It was a lovely, lazy Sunday. I went to Mass, took a snowy walk, helped my younger sister with a craft project, and pretty much just ‘chilled’.

As for eats, so far I’ve had some leftover veggie burgers, a big green smoothie (made with spinach), some pieces of wannabe tortillas, lightly steamed veggies (celery, broccoli, and carrots) sprinkled with sesame seeds and served on (the last of the) quinoa:

I love quinoa; it is so easy to cook and has such an awesome nutritional profile—it’s  a complete protein source! I’m definitely going to refill my stock. 

 

I also had some kale chips, a big bowl of fruit (an orange, apple, and kiwi all cut up—delicious!!!):
some more wannabe tortillas—this time spread with fruit preserves:
and this piece of chocolate which I found on my pillow this afternoon:
It was from my little seven-year-old sister.
Haha! “To the one I love”!
  
The “Bill Bill” is kind of an inside joke. She’s so funny; I love her.
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Enough about boring food stuff. Have you heard the news that John Paul II was declared venerable? I’m a little embarrassed to say that I just found out yesterday…and it happened back in December! I don’t know how I didn’t know. Anyway, this is SO exciting! He was such a holy man and I find him and his life incredibly inspirational. Regardless of your faith, most recognize him as a true gift to the world through his humanitarian and peacemaking efforts. While I doubt this news really surprised anyone, it is still very special that he has received this status—and so soon!

If you don’t know much about JPII, I highly suggest watching one of the films made about his life. There are at least two that I have heard of and seen parts of:
 
Pope John Paul II: Based on the Powerful True Story
I have only seen snippets of this one. It stars Jon Voight in the title role.


Karol: A Man who Became Pope and Karol: The Pope, the Man
These were part of a TV miniseries. I’ve only seen the first one but it was excellent.

What are you waiting for? Go add them to your Netflix queue!

While these movies do not cover to any extent the complete depth of his life, they are still very emotionally charged and inspirational accounts that give a window into the kind of person he was. What amazes me the most is the hardship that he endured from such an early age and how he rose above all of that to do such great things for the world.

Tell me, which famous figures inspire you the most? Why?

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Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought. –Pope John Paul II

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