Check out this cool site where you can carve a virtual pumpkin. My kids love it!! Have a happy Halloween!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!!
Check out this cool site where you can carve a virtual pumpkin. My kids love it!! Have a happy Halloween!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Bishop Aquila on the Dignity of Life
Visiting my friend Kay's site I followed her link to this Homily by Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, North Dakota. This is one of the most clear and eloquent messages regarding the election I've seen. He leaves no room for mistake. Please go here for the full text - and I strongly encourage you to. Here are some of the excerpts that Kay posted as well:
"We live in a country that is facing an election. It is an election that is difficult, to say the least. Both parties have abandoned basic principles concerning human dignity. We live in a country where the national religion has truly become atheism, whether it is in the actual denial of belief in God, or in the existence of practical atheism, living as if God did not exist.
...Once we lose God in the pursuit of happiness, and once we lose the sense of the dignity of the human person and the God in whose image and likeness we are truly created, then we lose all sense of any moral compass or any moral standard. Without God, can there be any morality at all? Or is it set by the thinking of the day that can change from generation to generation, rooted in no truths that are valid for every person in every generation?
We as a nation stand at a crossroads. There is a fork in the road between the culture of life and the culture of death. The culture of death made great inroads with activist judges in the 1973 court that created a so-called right to abortion. They, like the Pharisees and the Herodians, hid behind lies, they hid behind deceit, they hid behind a lack of reason and the majority said, “It is okay to destroy human life in all nine months of pregnancy.” ...
A hundred years from now, this election will just be a moment in history. A hundred years from now all of us, or certainly most of us, will be dead. But I assure you, a hundred years from now, if we continue as a society on the course that we are on, embracing a culture of death, our society will no longer exist, because tyranny will have its way, as will atheism."
"We live in a country that is facing an election. It is an election that is difficult, to say the least. Both parties have abandoned basic principles concerning human dignity. We live in a country where the national religion has truly become atheism, whether it is in the actual denial of belief in God, or in the existence of practical atheism, living as if God did not exist.
...Once we lose God in the pursuit of happiness, and once we lose the sense of the dignity of the human person and the God in whose image and likeness we are truly created, then we lose all sense of any moral compass or any moral standard. Without God, can there be any morality at all? Or is it set by the thinking of the day that can change from generation to generation, rooted in no truths that are valid for every person in every generation?
We as a nation stand at a crossroads. There is a fork in the road between the culture of life and the culture of death. The culture of death made great inroads with activist judges in the 1973 court that created a so-called right to abortion. They, like the Pharisees and the Herodians, hid behind lies, they hid behind deceit, they hid behind a lack of reason and the majority said, “It is okay to destroy human life in all nine months of pregnancy.” ...
A hundred years from now, this election will just be a moment in history. A hundred years from now all of us, or certainly most of us, will be dead. But I assure you, a hundred years from now, if we continue as a society on the course that we are on, embracing a culture of death, our society will no longer exist, because tyranny will have its way, as will atheism."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Give me a break...please!
I've said it before: I do not like celebrities telling me what to do. I really don't. I saw this video over on Right Here In This Moment and I had to agree with her...anyone who votes based on who their favorite actor is voting for, just really should not be allowed to vote.
My first reaction when I saw this video was to post it so as to revolt you all. Then it got towards the end where they command me to "share this with 5 friends." And I thought, no! I refuse to do what you tell me to do! But it just kept haunting me that Dustin Hoffman actually calls abortion a "right" and Leonardo appears unattractive to me (I never thought that would happen, even when he went flying around on Al Gore's private jet to tell people to be green - like jet fuel is good for the environment). I feel as though I will never watch another one of these people's movies ever again. Not that I go to the movies anyway. My husband and I figure we can sit next to each other in a dark room and stare at a screen without paying $10 per hour to a babysitter and another $20 for popcorn and a big Coke. So we haven't seen a movie in years. But that's beside the point. I never really was able to compile a list of pro-life celebrities to support, but now I've got a hit list for who not to view. I know they don't name any actual candidate in this video, but you can just tell who they are all routing for.
So, if you think your stomach can handle it, I present for your viewing pleasure: More Celebrities Who Tell Us What To Do. (please remember to pause the music if you want to actually hear what these people have to say. If not, I completely understand.)
My first reaction when I saw this video was to post it so as to revolt you all. Then it got towards the end where they command me to "share this with 5 friends." And I thought, no! I refuse to do what you tell me to do! But it just kept haunting me that Dustin Hoffman actually calls abortion a "right" and Leonardo appears unattractive to me (I never thought that would happen, even when he went flying around on Al Gore's private jet to tell people to be green - like jet fuel is good for the environment). I feel as though I will never watch another one of these people's movies ever again. Not that I go to the movies anyway. My husband and I figure we can sit next to each other in a dark room and stare at a screen without paying $10 per hour to a babysitter and another $20 for popcorn and a big Coke. So we haven't seen a movie in years. But that's beside the point. I never really was able to compile a list of pro-life celebrities to support, but now I've got a hit list for who not to view. I know they don't name any actual candidate in this video, but you can just tell who they are all routing for.
So, if you think your stomach can handle it, I present for your viewing pleasure: More Celebrities Who Tell Us What To Do. (please remember to pause the music if you want to actually hear what these people have to say. If not, I completely understand.)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Prayer Vigil - Part 3
Well, today was my 3rd, and last, day praying outside the abortion clinic. When I say "last," I mean my last scheduled day for the 40 Days of Life, but I definitely plan on doing it again. I admit I don't know when, as I am getting pretty close to having this baby, but it has been such an amazing experience of fellowship, witness and prayer, that I am really eager to get out there again.
Today, like the other days, was very quiet, with no activity at all. The weather has turned cold here, so it was very different being all bundled up with fingers freezing, clutched around the Rosary. It kept us praying, though, because it was too cold to stand around and chat!
Even though I never once had the chance to talk to a woman seeking an abortion, or even made eye contact with anyone, the whole experience has been transforming. Getting out there, praying in public, trying to make a difference in this war on life; it was something that I had felt I needed to do for awhile, but fear of the unknown had held me back. I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to get past that, and now I know this is something I will do whenever I can, without thinking twice again.
I'll admit, Oh pride!, that I had really hoped and imagined speaking to a woman directly and personally helping her change her decision and saving a baby myself. But I think that I, along with all the wonderful folks out there with me, probably did more really, by lifting our voices in prayer and praise. Just being a presence and a witness to our faith, and the gift and dignity of all life.
I know these posts haven't been that exciting, but thank you for letting me share, and for being so supportive, and for all of your prayers. Please always keep the unborn in your prayers, and the mothers, the abortionists and clinic staff as well.
Today, like the other days, was very quiet, with no activity at all. The weather has turned cold here, so it was very different being all bundled up with fingers freezing, clutched around the Rosary. It kept us praying, though, because it was too cold to stand around and chat!
Even though I never once had the chance to talk to a woman seeking an abortion, or even made eye contact with anyone, the whole experience has been transforming. Getting out there, praying in public, trying to make a difference in this war on life; it was something that I had felt I needed to do for awhile, but fear of the unknown had held me back. I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to get past that, and now I know this is something I will do whenever I can, without thinking twice again.
I'll admit, Oh pride!, that I had really hoped and imagined speaking to a woman directly and personally helping her change her decision and saving a baby myself. But I think that I, along with all the wonderful folks out there with me, probably did more really, by lifting our voices in prayer and praise. Just being a presence and a witness to our faith, and the gift and dignity of all life.
I know these posts haven't been that exciting, but thank you for letting me share, and for being so supportive, and for all of your prayers. Please always keep the unborn in your prayers, and the mothers, the abortionists and clinic staff as well.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Pro-abortion Protesters Attack Catholic People Praying
I hope that if anything even close to this happened to me during my prayer vigil I would have the composure of these young people. I sort of feel bad now that my public praying, so far, has been done in a bright sunny neighborhood with nothing more than an occasional glare from someone driving by, but also plenty of thumbs-ups.
I saw this video on the blog Acts of the Apostasy and he titled it: "The Stark Contrast...between good and evil". That is almost an understatement. These folks are right out in the line of fire, literally. Keep them in prayer.
(Don't forget to go to the sidebar and pause the music so you can hear the video)
"Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven" (Mt 5:11-12 NAB)
H/T Acts of the Apostasy
I saw this video on the blog Acts of the Apostasy and he titled it: "The Stark Contrast...between good and evil". That is almost an understatement. These folks are right out in the line of fire, literally. Keep them in prayer.
(Don't forget to go to the sidebar and pause the music so you can hear the video)
"Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven" (Mt 5:11-12 NAB)
H/T Acts of the Apostasy
Friday, October 24, 2008
Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Novena to begin tomorrow, October 25, and end on November 2nd, All Souls Day.
This Novena, written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, has different prayers for each of the 9 days, followed by the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory which is at the bottom of the section:
First Day: Jesus, my Saviour I have so often deserved to be cast into hell how great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I myself had caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance. Have pity on me and at the same time on those blessed souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Second Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Third Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee.Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. And thou, Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Fourth Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them by thy powerful prayers.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Fifth Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Sixth Day: My Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offences against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God,come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Seventh Day: God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, are now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Eighth Day: Oh my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore,I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will rather die than ever offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time,on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Ninth Day: My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth,I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery;call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of Mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory:
O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
(Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)
Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.
This Novena, written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, has different prayers for each of the 9 days, followed by the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory which is at the bottom of the section:
First Day: Jesus, my Saviour I have so often deserved to be cast into hell how great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I myself had caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance. Have pity on me and at the same time on those blessed souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Second Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Third Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee.Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. And thou, Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Fourth Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them by thy powerful prayers.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Fifth Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Sixth Day: My Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offences against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God,come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Seventh Day: God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, are now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Eighth Day: Oh my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore,I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will rather die than ever offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time,on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Ninth Day: My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth,I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery;call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of Mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory:
O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
(Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)
Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Prayer Vigil - Part 2
Today was my second day out praying in front of the abortion clinic. I wasn't able to go last week because my kids were off of school and I didn't think I could bring them. Our group has to stay only on our little strip of sidewalk - if anyone wanders into the grass, or sets a sign there, the clinic staff complains of trespassing. I honestly could not guarantee that my 4 young children would stay off the grass for a whole hour. I could pretty much guarantee that they wouldn't.
So today was my first opportunity to get back. I told you in my last post about it that the clinic had recently begun to do abortions on Tuesdays. Today I was pretty sure I saw at least two girls arriving for their abortions. It's hard to say for sure, because we have to stay on the public sidewalk which runs along the back of the building, and we can't go around to the front because that is a private parking lot. Many cars drive in and out because there are other offices in that building, but you can usually tell who is there to get an abortion. They come in twos, because you need to be driven home after the procedure, and they usually look pretty grim pulling in. We weren't able to make eye contact with anyone or hand out any literature, but we were there offering help and praying, which is all we can do. A woman who was with us, who has been there quite a bit during the 40 days, said that they have a had a few "turn arounds," where they drive in and then turn around and drive back out again. That is great news!
Another aspect though for me, is that I have never had an opportunity to pray openly and out loud in a public space before, proudly witnessing to my faith. It's such a wonderful thing to stand there on the sidewalk praying the Rosary with others. I'll definitely be back there next week. Keep praying!!
So today was my first opportunity to get back. I told you in my last post about it that the clinic had recently begun to do abortions on Tuesdays. Today I was pretty sure I saw at least two girls arriving for their abortions. It's hard to say for sure, because we have to stay on the public sidewalk which runs along the back of the building, and we can't go around to the front because that is a private parking lot. Many cars drive in and out because there are other offices in that building, but you can usually tell who is there to get an abortion. They come in twos, because you need to be driven home after the procedure, and they usually look pretty grim pulling in. We weren't able to make eye contact with anyone or hand out any literature, but we were there offering help and praying, which is all we can do. A woman who was with us, who has been there quite a bit during the 40 days, said that they have a had a few "turn arounds," where they drive in and then turn around and drive back out again. That is great news!
Another aspect though for me, is that I have never had an opportunity to pray openly and out loud in a public space before, proudly witnessing to my faith. It's such a wonderful thing to stand there on the sidewalk praying the Rosary with others. I'll definitely be back there next week. Keep praying!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Before you go to the polls, please think about this...
Kathy over at The Daily Grotto has a great post about 10 Things Obama Would Do If Elected. Please check it out and really think about it before you vote. We need to keep both candidates in our prayers and pray for God's will in this election. Even if Obama does win, then we must pray for his conversion. The power of prayer can move mountains!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Goodnight Irena
I just received this video from a friend. I had never even heard of this woman before, but her story is incredible. And you will be amazed at the complete lack of recognition she received. What could possibly be the criteria for a Nobel Peace Prize if she didn't win? This is a must see!! As always, don't forget to go to my sidebar and pause the music so you can hear the video.
Embarassing Moment of the Week
Many of you enjoyed the story of my lost keys on Halloween , but you have no idea how many stories I actually have about lost keys. They aren't all funny or embarrassing, but there was the time I lost the keys and called the school to say my kids wouldn't be in that day. Instead, much to my surprise, they sent over someone from the office to pick my children up and bring them to school for me! That doesn't make you feel real low class or anything, when the office lady shows up at your front door to give your kids a lift because you're such an awful parent you've lost your car keys. For over a week I drove around with the spare key from my husband's key chain, and every time I pulled up to drop my kids off at school the teachers who help kids in and out of cars would ask if I'd found them yet. Yes, everyone knew that I was low class enough to have to have an office lady provide door to door service for my children.
I've also become famous for locking myself out of the house. My neighbors keep a key of ours in their house just in case, but only a week ago I locked myself out and haven't returned it yet. I better do that before I inadvertently lock that key in my house.
So, it really shouldn't be a surprise when something like what happened to me today actually happens:
I locked the baby in the car with the car keys. Yes, that's right. Baby in car. Keys in car. Doors locked. Luckily, it's not hot out like it was here yesterday, but still, it was alarming. I was out in front of Cracker Barrel and my mom had just loaded my boys into her car for a visit when I realized what I'd done. Of course, I screamed out in alarm, "Oh no!" That's when I noticed that there was, not one, but 2, count them, 2 busloads of Army guys (and gals) standing out in front of the restaurant. Being always ready to serve, at least 20 of them rushed right over to my aid. As they crawled around my car inspecting the situation, my mother handed me her cell phone and told me to call 911. So I did. And, you know, it certainly didn't add to the scene or anything when a gigantic, enormous fire truck pulled up and, like, 5 or 6 firemen jumped out and started crawling all around the car too. They are very prepared those firemen and with the help of a jimmying device and a hook thingy (very technical these terms) they had my car open in about 1 minute. The 2 busloads of soldiers, and a handful of other customers, all broke into enthusiastic applause when we confirmed that the baby was okay. That's not embarrassing or anything.
The baby, naturally, thought the whole thing was a hoot, especially since she had been locked in with a box of jelly beans that I would have totally taken away from her when I got into my seat, had I been able to get into my seat. She pretty much finished 'em off. So she was quite happy and gave all the firemen high-fives.
I really need to start keeping better track of my keys.
I've also become famous for locking myself out of the house. My neighbors keep a key of ours in their house just in case, but only a week ago I locked myself out and haven't returned it yet. I better do that before I inadvertently lock that key in my house.
So, it really shouldn't be a surprise when something like what happened to me today actually happens:
I locked the baby in the car with the car keys. Yes, that's right. Baby in car. Keys in car. Doors locked. Luckily, it's not hot out like it was here yesterday, but still, it was alarming. I was out in front of Cracker Barrel and my mom had just loaded my boys into her car for a visit when I realized what I'd done. Of course, I screamed out in alarm, "Oh no!" That's when I noticed that there was, not one, but 2, count them, 2 busloads of Army guys (and gals) standing out in front of the restaurant. Being always ready to serve, at least 20 of them rushed right over to my aid. As they crawled around my car inspecting the situation, my mother handed me her cell phone and told me to call 911. So I did. And, you know, it certainly didn't add to the scene or anything when a gigantic, enormous fire truck pulled up and, like, 5 or 6 firemen jumped out and started crawling all around the car too. They are very prepared those firemen and with the help of a jimmying device and a hook thingy (very technical these terms) they had my car open in about 1 minute. The 2 busloads of soldiers, and a handful of other customers, all broke into enthusiastic applause when we confirmed that the baby was okay. That's not embarrassing or anything.
The baby, naturally, thought the whole thing was a hoot, especially since she had been locked in with a box of jelly beans that I would have totally taken away from her when I got into my seat, had I been able to get into my seat. She pretty much finished 'em off. So she was quite happy and gave all the firemen high-fives.
I really need to start keeping better track of my keys.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Feast Day of St. Teresa of Avila
Today is the feast day of one of my most favorite saints, St. Teresa of Avila. She was an extraordinary woman living in extraordinary times. Her lifetime was witness to the very beginning of the Reformation, the colonization of the New World, the Spanish Inquisition, and Henry VIII declaring that the Pope no longer had authority in England.
She founded the Discalced Carmelites and opened many convents throughout Spain, traveling often, on long difficult journeys over barren countryside and mountains. She is probably most famous for her mystical experiences of Christ and the transverberation of her heart. St. John of the Cross described her experience this way: "
It will happen that while the soul is inflamed with the Love of God, it will feel that a seraph is assailing it by means of an arrow or dart which is all afire with love. And the seraph pierces and in an instant cauterizes this soul, which, like a red-hot coal, or better a flame, is already enkindled. The soul is converted into an immense fire of Love. Few persons have reached these heights."
She was named a Doctor of the Church in 1970, one of only three women given this distinction.
Today in my inbox I received this quote from St. Teresa:
"'Frequently one obtains hell with money and buys everlasting fire and pain without end. Oh, if everyone would consider it unprofitable dirt, how harmoniously would the world proceed, how many lawsuits would be avoided! What a friendship there would be among all if there were no self-interest about honor and money! I think this absence of self- interest would solve all problems.'"
It blew me away, because it sounds like she could be talking about our times right now! While some things may change, our sinful nature does not. Let's look to St. Teresa as an example of how to live a life in close union with God and not be swayed by the things of this world. St. Teresa pray for us!
To read more about St. Teresa of Avila go here.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Something worth "Idol"izing
Raise your hand if you watch American Idol. I know, I know, Simon is cruel and all the judges make fun of people, and that's why I don't usually watch the auditioning episodes or even the first few weeks of the contest. But when they've finally narrowed it down to the top 12, well, I'm all into it. So, if you watch, then you must remember Chris Sligh, the big guy with the mop of curly hair and the geeky glasses who opened his mouth and sang like an angel? I mean, you just couldn't believe the voice that came out of his mouth, right? Well, I am happy to say that he is actually using his talent to point others toward Jesus! That's right, he has become a Christian singer. And his first release is one of my favorite songs. You may have noticed it before playing right here on the blog. Well, I just found this video of it and thought I'd share. Don't forget to go to the sidebar and press pause on the music so you can hear the song. Enjoy!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
ARE YOU DEAD YET?
I first read the following article on the Cukierski Family Apostolate website a year or so ago. I was really intrigued by it then and it comes to mind often. I thought I would revisit it today and decided I would answer the questions myself. So I am posting it for your contemplation. The original article contains the questions and Wendy Cukierski's comments. I have added my own comments on the questions under hers:
Are You Dead Yet?
An odd sounding question at first until we realize what is meant by it....
Many folks do not realize that we must DIE TO SELF in order to GROW!
Now let's do a little soul searching to see if we truly know what it means to "die to self":
When you are forgotten or neglected and you don't hurt with insult, but your heart is happy, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: Our family is "different". We are so radically different than those "in the world" that we are often forgotten or insulted by others. Before I learned to to "die to self", I would spend many a day feeling hurt and my heart was certainly not happy. I have learned over the years that in order to truly follow Christ, we would most likely experience daily crosses. If we can embrace these crosses, we will be "dying to self" and will have a happy heart! Of course, the world does not understand this and we need to be an example :-).
My Comments: This is one that I really need to work on! I often complain when I am feeling neglected. I complain to my husband, listing for him all the things I do each day. I even complain to my kids that they are ungrateful and selfish when I am feeling unappreciated. I try, though, when I am feeling that way, to say a prayer asking God to make me humble and to give me a servant's heart. I remember seeing Mother Angelica, on Mother Angelica Live! Classics on EWTN, talking about the antidote to these kinds of feelings (pride, jealousy, pettiness) was to pray for the exact opposite of what you are feeling. So if you are feeling jealous of someone you should pray for them to be blessed with more and if you are feeling prideful or selfish you should pray for humility, and to be less noticed, but happy of heart.
When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, and take it all in patient, loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: Not many folks like to take advice from folks who have 11 children, home educate and are what they term "religious fanatics". So, we've learned this one fairly well! It's not easy and we must constantly check ourselves for anger and remember that loving silence is the best remedy.
My comments: I think I am learning this one best right here in this election year, especially now that the election is close. I have so many friends who are liberal, even Catholic friends who believe they can be pro-choice and cast their votes that way... I try in these discussions to teach lovingly, but I am learning when it is best to shut my mouth, go home, and pray. People will learn best by our example and not by our talking, or worse, arguing with them.
When you lovingly and patiently bear disorder, irregularity, unpunctuality, and annoyance...and endure it as Jesus endured it, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: Sleepless nights, potty training and all things associated with parenting came to mind. When you have children, this is the first place you need to "die to self"! I'm glad to report my children are working with me on this one!
My comment: I have to say that I have pretty much the same answer as Wendy on this one! Having a large, and still growing, family is definitely a great opportunity to work on bearing disorder with patience! Being pregnant with number 5 is adding to the challenge for me. Just tonight we were leaving the Generations of Faith program at our church, and it had been a long night, and I was having trouble gathering the kids up, and I was sooo tired, and the baby was cranky, and my varicose veins hurt, and, well, I had a melt down. Not an angry yelling at everyone meltdown, but an "I'm so tired I can't go on for one more minute meltdown." I was crying and crying and when I got to my car all I could think about was how much harder Jesus had it carrying His cross, bleeding, exhausted, uphill to His death, and yet he never complained. I need to suck it up a little better next time!
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or itch for praise after an accomplishment. When you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: There are days I think I have this one conquered, but it is a continual process. The evil one likes to creep in and say "Hey, that was quite an accomplishment and good work...let's make some noise about it!" To that I must always reply "Jesus is the only one who needs to know and HE already does! So there!"
My comment: This brings to mind one of my favorite saints, St. Therese Lisieux, the Little Flower. She said, "I have never wished for human glory, contempt it was that had attraction for my heart; but having recognized that this again was too glorious for me, I ardently desire to be forgotten." I try to remember this in my prayers and ask Our Lord for humility.
When you can see your brother or sister prosper and can honestly rejoice with them, and feel no envy even though your needs are greater, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: I thought I did not have a problem with this as I truly did rejoice when my siblings or friends prospered! In fact, I was thrilled for them! I was ready to pat myself on the back for actually having something I didn't need to "work on". WRONG! Just before I could rejoice in thinking I truly had no envy, it hit me. I WAS envious when folks who had hurt me or my family, prospered. So, come to find out I needed a little work (okay, a lot of work!).
My comment: I think God has blessed me with all these children to help me work on this one! I was raised pretty much upper middle class, and with no siblings, so I was used to having nice things and getting all of what I needed, and often just wanted, when I needed or wanted it. Not that I was spoiled. I think my parents did a good job trying not to spoil me, but when you have the money, and no other children to worry about, you don't need to say no as often as other families might have to. Anyway, so now it is a lot harder to come up with funds for every little thing I want, and I have learned (am learning) to live with that. But another aspect of it is when we see all of our old friends. So many of our friends have chosen to have only one or two children, so now they are in a place in life where they can go and do so many more things than we can go and do. They go out to dinner, go on vacation together, hire babysitters more often... That can be hard to watch. I always remind myself though, about the antidote prayer, and when I am feeling a little envious of something they may be up to, I pray for them to have more blessings, and even take some of my share and bless them with the things that may have been meant for me. It does make my heart lighter when I do that. But, oh, that challenge comes up over and over again!
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: The words "cold coffee" and "rainy days" came to my mind when I first read this. I think we can all relate. I'm trying to make an effort to rejoice irregardless of the above situations. It's hard, very hard....but..what an example for our children and the rest of the world! Truly dying to self is no easy task!
My comment: I'd like to say, oh I'm good with this one! Because I really am a pretty laid back person. But I know I've been to events and such, where there wasn't much of anything I like served, and I felt hungry and grumpy - not exactly synonymous with contentment! Also, I am pretty particular with my clothes. I'd rather have less and have nice ones, so I still need to work on this!
When you can take correction, when you can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, with no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: This is probably the hardest one for me! I'm a "work" in process and will continue to be.
My comment: All of these questions are about pride and this one may be the most difficult. Pride is the very worst sin, I think. It is the very sin of Lucifer! It was his pride that caused him to be cast out of Heaven. Pride is at the root of all things that make us unhappy and separate us from God. For me this particular challenge above doesn't come up much, I'm not often in a situation where correction would happen, but I know that when it does, I probably fail this test every time. This kind of humility can only be achieved with lots of prayer and the grace of God. Let us all continue to pray for humility and a humble, servant's heart! That we might be pleasing to Our Lord in this way!
In Luke 9:23-25 we find the reason WHY we must DIE to SELF! Jesus states: "If anyone wishes to come after Me and be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it, and whoever shall lose his life for My sake will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his immortal soul."
Now that we know WHY we need to "die to self", let us ask Jesus to help us! , pray for us as we promise to keep all who visit this page in our daily prayers.
"Those Who believe in me, even though they die, will live." - John 11:25
May God bless you all! Wendy
Are You Dead Yet?
An odd sounding question at first until we realize what is meant by it....
Many folks do not realize that we must DIE TO SELF in order to GROW!
Now let's do a little soul searching to see if we truly know what it means to "die to self":
When you are forgotten or neglected and you don't hurt with insult, but your heart is happy, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: Our family is "different". We are so radically different than those "in the world" that we are often forgotten or insulted by others. Before I learned to to "die to self", I would spend many a day feeling hurt and my heart was certainly not happy. I have learned over the years that in order to truly follow Christ, we would most likely experience daily crosses. If we can embrace these crosses, we will be "dying to self" and will have a happy heart! Of course, the world does not understand this and we need to be an example :-).
My Comments: This is one that I really need to work on! I often complain when I am feeling neglected. I complain to my husband, listing for him all the things I do each day. I even complain to my kids that they are ungrateful and selfish when I am feeling unappreciated. I try, though, when I am feeling that way, to say a prayer asking God to make me humble and to give me a servant's heart. I remember seeing Mother Angelica, on Mother Angelica Live! Classics on EWTN, talking about the antidote to these kinds of feelings (pride, jealousy, pettiness) was to pray for the exact opposite of what you are feeling. So if you are feeling jealous of someone you should pray for them to be blessed with more and if you are feeling prideful or selfish you should pray for humility, and to be less noticed, but happy of heart.
When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, and take it all in patient, loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: Not many folks like to take advice from folks who have 11 children, home educate and are what they term "religious fanatics". So, we've learned this one fairly well! It's not easy and we must constantly check ourselves for anger and remember that loving silence is the best remedy.
My comments: I think I am learning this one best right here in this election year, especially now that the election is close. I have so many friends who are liberal, even Catholic friends who believe they can be pro-choice and cast their votes that way... I try in these discussions to teach lovingly, but I am learning when it is best to shut my mouth, go home, and pray. People will learn best by our example and not by our talking, or worse, arguing with them.
When you lovingly and patiently bear disorder, irregularity, unpunctuality, and annoyance...and endure it as Jesus endured it, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: Sleepless nights, potty training and all things associated with parenting came to mind. When you have children, this is the first place you need to "die to self"! I'm glad to report my children are working with me on this one!
My comment: I have to say that I have pretty much the same answer as Wendy on this one! Having a large, and still growing, family is definitely a great opportunity to work on bearing disorder with patience! Being pregnant with number 5 is adding to the challenge for me. Just tonight we were leaving the Generations of Faith program at our church, and it had been a long night, and I was having trouble gathering the kids up, and I was sooo tired, and the baby was cranky, and my varicose veins hurt, and, well, I had a melt down. Not an angry yelling at everyone meltdown, but an "I'm so tired I can't go on for one more minute meltdown." I was crying and crying and when I got to my car all I could think about was how much harder Jesus had it carrying His cross, bleeding, exhausted, uphill to His death, and yet he never complained. I need to suck it up a little better next time!
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or itch for praise after an accomplishment. When you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: There are days I think I have this one conquered, but it is a continual process. The evil one likes to creep in and say "Hey, that was quite an accomplishment and good work...let's make some noise about it!" To that I must always reply "Jesus is the only one who needs to know and HE already does! So there!"
My comment: This brings to mind one of my favorite saints, St. Therese Lisieux, the Little Flower. She said, "I have never wished for human glory, contempt it was that had attraction for my heart; but having recognized that this again was too glorious for me, I ardently desire to be forgotten." I try to remember this in my prayers and ask Our Lord for humility.
When you can see your brother or sister prosper and can honestly rejoice with them, and feel no envy even though your needs are greater, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: I thought I did not have a problem with this as I truly did rejoice when my siblings or friends prospered! In fact, I was thrilled for them! I was ready to pat myself on the back for actually having something I didn't need to "work on". WRONG! Just before I could rejoice in thinking I truly had no envy, it hit me. I WAS envious when folks who had hurt me or my family, prospered. So, come to find out I needed a little work (okay, a lot of work!).
My comment: I think God has blessed me with all these children to help me work on this one! I was raised pretty much upper middle class, and with no siblings, so I was used to having nice things and getting all of what I needed, and often just wanted, when I needed or wanted it. Not that I was spoiled. I think my parents did a good job trying not to spoil me, but when you have the money, and no other children to worry about, you don't need to say no as often as other families might have to. Anyway, so now it is a lot harder to come up with funds for every little thing I want, and I have learned (am learning) to live with that. But another aspect of it is when we see all of our old friends. So many of our friends have chosen to have only one or two children, so now they are in a place in life where they can go and do so many more things than we can go and do. They go out to dinner, go on vacation together, hire babysitters more often... That can be hard to watch. I always remind myself though, about the antidote prayer, and when I am feeling a little envious of something they may be up to, I pray for them to have more blessings, and even take some of my share and bless them with the things that may have been meant for me. It does make my heart lighter when I do that. But, oh, that challenge comes up over and over again!
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: The words "cold coffee" and "rainy days" came to my mind when I first read this. I think we can all relate. I'm trying to make an effort to rejoice irregardless of the above situations. It's hard, very hard....but..what an example for our children and the rest of the world! Truly dying to self is no easy task!
My comment: I'd like to say, oh I'm good with this one! Because I really am a pretty laid back person. But I know I've been to events and such, where there wasn't much of anything I like served, and I felt hungry and grumpy - not exactly synonymous with contentment! Also, I am pretty particular with my clothes. I'd rather have less and have nice ones, so I still need to work on this!
When you can take correction, when you can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, with no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
Wendy's comment: This is probably the hardest one for me! I'm a "work" in process and will continue to be.
My comment: All of these questions are about pride and this one may be the most difficult. Pride is the very worst sin, I think. It is the very sin of Lucifer! It was his pride that caused him to be cast out of Heaven. Pride is at the root of all things that make us unhappy and separate us from God. For me this particular challenge above doesn't come up much, I'm not often in a situation where correction would happen, but I know that when it does, I probably fail this test every time. This kind of humility can only be achieved with lots of prayer and the grace of God. Let us all continue to pray for humility and a humble, servant's heart! That we might be pleasing to Our Lord in this way!
In Luke 9:23-25 we find the reason WHY we must DIE to SELF! Jesus states: "If anyone wishes to come after Me and be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it, and whoever shall lose his life for My sake will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his immortal soul."
Now that we know WHY we need to "die to self", let us ask Jesus to help us! , pray for us as we promise to keep all who visit this page in our daily prayers.
"Those Who believe in me, even though they die, will live." - John 11:25
May God bless you all! Wendy
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Prayer Vigil
Yesterday was the first day I prayed outside the abortion clinic. The clinic schedules their abortions on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but had recently added Tuesday mornings as well. We didn't see anyone at all yesterday though. Still, it was a wonderful opportunity to gather with others and unite our prayers for the unborn. We said the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel... We sang Ave Maria and Salve Regina. It was very moving and inspiring to be there with a group and be a witness to our faith.
I'm ashamed to say that at first I was a little disappointed with the lack of activity, because, you know, your first time out you have visions of talking to women and saving babies right there on the spot. But, of course, that's not very often how it is. In the end I realized I really should be thankful because, although Tuesday mornings, by all accounts, had suddenly become a busy day, yesterday was completely quiet. Fewer abortions is always good news.
I met a very inspiring gentleman there named Ron. He was not with our group, he attends a Baptist church, but it turns out that he is a regular who has been standing out there almost every day for the last 6 years. All by himself. Rain or shine. He said that he had always been complacent about the issue of abortion. He told me he could not say that he would have classified himself pro-choice at one time, but more that he just didn't care one way or another. But when they opened the clinic locally, there in his neighborhood, he became upset. He asked people at his church why no one had fought it. Not one letter written, not one call made. But then he realized he hadn't done anything either and decided he would. For the first two years he went out only twice a week. He often faced the scornful stares of staffers but no one had ever said anything to him until one day, a woman came out and said, "Don't you have anything better to do?" He told me that he went home and thought about it and decided no, he really didn't. So he started coming five days a week, sometimes more. He is retired military so he has the time and really can not think of a better way to use it. I thought that was an incredible witness. He said sometimes he has a fellow from his church who joins him, maybe once a month or so, and he has seen the Catholic groups here and there, of course most especially during the 40 Days, but generally he is out there alone, day after day. So please keep Ron in your prayers.
You know, we got a few glares, but we also got a few thumbs ups, and one woman even pulled over to thank every one. I realized, even if you don't have the time to go out and pray yourself, if you know where your local clinic is, just drive by and thank the folks who are out there. The encouragement means so much to them. Ron told me a story where, early on, he had sat out there day after day and no one would stop or smile or anything. He said even ministers and priests would drive by and not glance his way. One day, as he stood there, he started asking God, why did so little people care? Where was the encouragement? Was he making a difference? Did any of it matter? And then, within five minutes of that little heart-to-heart a man pulled up, and thanked him. He said he has pretty regularly had people stop and thank him since then. As he said, God's got his back. So, if you can, just even stopping to offer encouragement would mean a lot to the people out there trying to reach out to women making the most difficult and tragic decision of their life.
So keep holding in prayer all of those folks who are standing out there. And pray for the moms, the abortion doctors, the clinic staff, and, of course, the babies. I will be back there next week and will keep writing about my experiences.
I'm ashamed to say that at first I was a little disappointed with the lack of activity, because, you know, your first time out you have visions of talking to women and saving babies right there on the spot. But, of course, that's not very often how it is. In the end I realized I really should be thankful because, although Tuesday mornings, by all accounts, had suddenly become a busy day, yesterday was completely quiet. Fewer abortions is always good news.
I met a very inspiring gentleman there named Ron. He was not with our group, he attends a Baptist church, but it turns out that he is a regular who has been standing out there almost every day for the last 6 years. All by himself. Rain or shine. He said that he had always been complacent about the issue of abortion. He told me he could not say that he would have classified himself pro-choice at one time, but more that he just didn't care one way or another. But when they opened the clinic locally, there in his neighborhood, he became upset. He asked people at his church why no one had fought it. Not one letter written, not one call made. But then he realized he hadn't done anything either and decided he would. For the first two years he went out only twice a week. He often faced the scornful stares of staffers but no one had ever said anything to him until one day, a woman came out and said, "Don't you have anything better to do?" He told me that he went home and thought about it and decided no, he really didn't. So he started coming five days a week, sometimes more. He is retired military so he has the time and really can not think of a better way to use it. I thought that was an incredible witness. He said sometimes he has a fellow from his church who joins him, maybe once a month or so, and he has seen the Catholic groups here and there, of course most especially during the 40 Days, but generally he is out there alone, day after day. So please keep Ron in your prayers.
You know, we got a few glares, but we also got a few thumbs ups, and one woman even pulled over to thank every one. I realized, even if you don't have the time to go out and pray yourself, if you know where your local clinic is, just drive by and thank the folks who are out there. The encouragement means so much to them. Ron told me a story where, early on, he had sat out there day after day and no one would stop or smile or anything. He said even ministers and priests would drive by and not glance his way. One day, as he stood there, he started asking God, why did so little people care? Where was the encouragement? Was he making a difference? Did any of it matter? And then, within five minutes of that little heart-to-heart a man pulled up, and thanked him. He said he has pretty regularly had people stop and thank him since then. As he said, God's got his back. So, if you can, just even stopping to offer encouragement would mean a lot to the people out there trying to reach out to women making the most difficult and tragic decision of their life.
So keep holding in prayer all of those folks who are standing out there. And pray for the moms, the abortion doctors, the clinic staff, and, of course, the babies. I will be back there next week and will keep writing about my experiences.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hollywood For Life
I recently joined an online group called Team Sarah, for supporters of Sarah Palin. You might have noticed the button on my sidebar. There are sub-groups within the community, i.e. Pro-Lifers for Sarah, Men for Sarah, etc., and I joined the group Catholics for Sarah. It's a fun site, with chat rooms, news clips, and your own homepage to use.
Anyway, someone from the group sent me a clip of actress Janine Turner doing a radio show called Morning in America with Bill Bennett to promote Team Sarah. Now, I am a HUGE Janine Turner fan. Northern Exposure is one of my most favorite shows ever. Actually, if I had to do a Desert Island list of TV Shows, it might even make #1 (Hmmm, that's got me wondering, what would my Top 5 Desert Island TV shows be?? I'll have to do that later). But, I realized, I had no idea that she was a pro-life conservative. It made me start to wonder who else in Hollywood is.
I know that I can name a lot of Hollywood stars who are pro-choice, I think most of us can, but I only know of one or two who are outspokenly pro-life. A friend told me that it is because they fear being black-balled from acting roles, but I have no idea if that is true. I am finding that I really wish that I had a list. So I thought I would turn to all of you here in the blogosphere. Can you name any actors or actresses, or even musicians, etc., who are pro-life? The only ones that I know of are Patricia Heaton from Everybody Loves Raymond, Eduardo Verastegui from the movie Bella, and now Janine Turner, currently starring in Friday Night Lights. So if you know of others, please, please, put it in my comments. I really want to know who they are, so I can support their work and pray for them when they feel rejected by Hollywood for taking what can be an unpopular stance in that profession.
Also, if anyone does sign up for Team Sarah, be sure to look me up and add me as a friend! I'd love to know who is out there!
Anyway, someone from the group sent me a clip of actress Janine Turner doing a radio show called Morning in America with Bill Bennett to promote Team Sarah. Now, I am a HUGE Janine Turner fan. Northern Exposure is one of my most favorite shows ever. Actually, if I had to do a Desert Island list of TV Shows, it might even make #1 (Hmmm, that's got me wondering, what would my Top 5 Desert Island TV shows be?? I'll have to do that later). But, I realized, I had no idea that she was a pro-life conservative. It made me start to wonder who else in Hollywood is.
I know that I can name a lot of Hollywood stars who are pro-choice, I think most of us can, but I only know of one or two who are outspokenly pro-life. A friend told me that it is because they fear being black-balled from acting roles, but I have no idea if that is true. I am finding that I really wish that I had a list. So I thought I would turn to all of you here in the blogosphere. Can you name any actors or actresses, or even musicians, etc., who are pro-life? The only ones that I know of are Patricia Heaton from Everybody Loves Raymond, Eduardo Verastegui from the movie Bella, and now Janine Turner, currently starring in Friday Night Lights. So if you know of others, please, please, put it in my comments. I really want to know who they are, so I can support their work and pray for them when they feel rejected by Hollywood for taking what can be an unpopular stance in that profession.
Also, if anyone does sign up for Team Sarah, be sure to look me up and add me as a friend! I'd love to know who is out there!
Friday, October 3, 2008
From America Needs Fatima
Petition turns to protest as YouTube reposts host desecration videos
Dear ,
8,201 people in 7 days have respectfully asked YouTube to remove videos that show the Holy Eucharist being desecrated, including one being flushed down a toilet.
I strongly believe these videos violate YouTube’s hate policies. They are sacrilegious and demeaning to God, to Catholics and to the Roman Catholic faith.
At first, it seemed YouTube heard us. The videos were pulled yesterday morning. However, by the afternoon, the videos were back!
That’s why we’re turning our petition into a protest!
Please go here to send your NEW protest message to YouTube.
By YouTube seemingly resolved to give a platform to these host desecration videos, many Catholics will reasonably conclude they agree with these videos’ deep anti-Catholic bias. After all, it seems that YouTube has removed videos with content offensive to Jews and Muslims.
For example, a video showing a teenager urinating on the Holocaust memorial was pulled. So was the trailer to a Dutch documentary that claims that Islam inspires intolerance, murder and terror.
But videos with the Holy Eucharist being desecrated seem to be OK. In my opinion, this is a double standard. I know you will not accept this. And that is why I ask you to:
Send your NEW protest message to YouTube.
As I said, our petition has spread like wildfire – 18,201 people have signed on in just 7 days. Other Catholic sites and groups have joined us, which reminds me of the protest we did against e-Bay auctioning consecrated hosts online. We won that one! E-bay changed its policy and no longer facilitates the sale of consecrated hosts.
This victory spurs me to action, to reach out to millions more Catholics out of the one billion Catholics worldwide. Ultimately, I hope 100,000 people sign this new protest message to YouTube.
Will you help do it by passing on this message to your friends and family?
Thank you for helping. And if you like the work we’re doing please:
Go here to send a small gift to spread the YouTube protest to millions of Catholics.
Robert E. Ritchie
Executive Director
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Feast Day of the Guardian Angels
A PRAYER TO ALL GUARDIAN ANGELSO pure and happy spirits whom the Almighty selected to become the Angels and Guardians of men. I most humbly prostrate myself before thee to thank thee for the charity and zeal with which thou dost execute this commission. Alas, how many pass a long life without ever thanking their invisible friends, to whom they owe a thousand times their preservation!
O charitable Guardians of those souls for whom Christ died, O flaming spirits, who cannot avoid loving those whom Jesus eternally loved, permit me to address thee on behalf of all those committed to thy care, to implore for each of them a grateful sense of thine many favors and also the grace to profit by thine charitable assistance.
O Angels of those happy infants who are as yet "without spot before God," I earnestly beseech thee to preserve their innocence.
O Angels of youth, conduct them, exposed to so many dangers, safely to the bosom of God, as Tobias was conducted back to his father.
O Angels of those who employ themselves in the instruction of youth, animate them with thy zeal and love, teach them to emulate thy purity and continual view of God, that they may worthily and successfully co-operate with the invisible Guardians of their young charges.
O Angels of the clergy, of those "who have the eternal Gospel to preach to them that sit upon the earth," present their words, their actions and their intentions to God, and purify them in that fire of love that consumes thee.
O Angels of the missionaries who have left their native land and all who were dear to them in order to preach the Gospel in foreign fields, protect them from the dangers which threaten them, console in their hours of discouragement and solitude, and lead them to those souls who are in danger of dying without Baptism.
O Angels of the infidels and pagans, whom the True Faith has never enlightened, intercede for them, that they may open their hearts to the rays of grace, respond to the message delivered by God's missioners and acknowledge and adore the one true God.
O Angels of all who travel by air, land or water, be their guides and companions, protect them from all dangers of collision, fire, and explosion and lead them safely to their destination.
O Guardian Angels of sinners, charitable guides of those unhappy mortals whose perseverance in sin would embitter even thine unutterable joys, wert thou not established in the peace of God! Oh join me, I ardently beseech thee, in imploring their conversion!
And thou, O Guardian Angels of the sick, I entreat thee especially to help, console and implore the spirits of joy for all those who are deprived of health, which is among God's most precious gifts to man. Intercede for them, that they may not succumb to despondency or lose by impatience the merits they can gain in carrying with resignation and joy the cross which Christ has laid upon them as a special token of His love.
O Angels of those are at this moment in the agonies of death, strengthen, encourage and defend them against the attacks of their infernal enemy.
O faithful Guides, holy spirits, adorers of the Divinity, Guardian Angels of all creatures, protect us all; teach us to love, to pray, to wage combat on earth, so that one day we may reach Heaven and there be happy for all eternity!
O Angels of those who are lingering in Purgatory,intercede for them that God may permit thee to bring them some balm; console them that they may know that we are praying for them and that we ask thee to join in our entreaties. Amen.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Feast Day of St. Therese Lisieux, "The Little Flower"
St. Therese Lisieux and the Holy Family (h/t Cukierski Family Apostolate) Today is the Feast day of The Little Flower, St. Therese Lisieux. She is one of the most popular saints in the history of the Church and she is always portrayed with her bouquet of roses. Even though her life was short, she was 24 when she died, her deep simplicity is a most amazing witness to the love of Christ. In 1997 Pope John Paul II named her a Doctor of the Church. She is one of only three women given that title.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from St. Therese. There is so much inspiration and instruction in her simple words it is indescribable. The last is a prayer of St. Therese's that I found so beautiful I almost cried.
"In times of aridity when I am incapable of praying, of practicing virtue, I seek little opportunities, mere trifles, to give pleasure to Jesus; for instance a smile, a pleasant word when inclined to be silent and to show weariness. If I find no opportunities, I at least tell Him again and again that I love Him; that is not difficult and it keeps alive the fire in my heart. Even though this fire of love might seem extinct I would still throw little straws upon the embers and I am certain it would rekindle."
"Be not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and carry you like a little child too feeble to walk."
"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."
"For one pain endured with joy, we shall love the good God more forever."
"Why should we defend ourselves when we are misunderstood and misjudged? Let us leave that aside. Let us not say anything. It is so sweet to let others judge us in any way they like. O blessed silence, which gives so much peace to the soul!"
O Jesus, Who in Thy cruel Passion didst become the "Reproach of men and the Man of Sorrows," I worship Thy Divine Face. Once it shone with the beauty and sweetness of the Divinity: now for my sake it is become as the face of a leper. Yet in that disfigured Countenance I recognize Thy infinite Love, and I am consumed with the desire of loving Thee and of making Thee loved by all mankind. The tears that streamed in such abundance from Thy Eyes are to me as precious pearls which I delight to gather, that with their infinite worth I may ransom the souls of poor sinners.
O Jesus, Whose Face is the sole beauty that ravishes my heart, I may not behold here upon earth the sweetness of Thy Glance, nor feel the ineffable tenderness of Thy Kiss. I bow to Thy Will - but I pray Thee to imprint in me Thy Divine Likeness, and I implore Thee so to inflame me with Thy Love, that it may quickly consume me and I may soon reach the Vision of Thy glorious Face in Heaven. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)