SINGING sensation Susan Boyle wants to perform for the Pope when he visits Scotland.
The Britain's Got Talent winner, a devout Catholic, hopes organisers can make her dream come true when Benedict XVI arrives in September.
Simon Cowell's brother and confidante Tony revealed her dream last night.
Tony, 59, who has worked closely with SuBo on the Everybody Hurts charity single for Haiti, said: "As Scotland's first lady, she is the obvious first choice.
"It would be a dream come true for her and I know she would drop everything if she was asked to perform for the Pope."
Susan, 48, has worshipped at Our Lady of Lourdes in Blackburn, West Lothian, since she was a child.
She still attends Mass at the church when her busy schedule allows. Parish priest Father Ryszard Holuka said it would be a great honour for the chart topper.
He said: "She is so busy but I'm sure she would love to sing for the Pope."
The Record yesterday broke the news of the first papal visit to Scotland since Pope John Paul II's historic Mass at Glasgow's Bellahouston Park in 1982.
Benedict XVI is expected to address thousands of worshippers at an open-air event at Glasgow Green, during his trip on September 16 and 17.
The Vatican have not yet confirmed the visit, though an announcement is due at the end of next month or early March.
It is hoped the prospect of singing for the pontiff will take SuBo's mind off a burglary bid on her Blackburn home.
SuBo is said to have been "terrified and hysterical" after a prowler broke in on Tuesday night just weeks after a similar disturbance.
Tony said the star was being well looked after by Simon's team to help her feel more secure.
He added: "She is being cossetted at the moment and we are all delighted to be able to help her out."
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul is a feast celebrated during the liturgical year on January 25, recounting the Conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who after a record of brutalizing and persecuting Christians, converted to Christianity and became the apostle Paul.
An illumination depicting the Conversion of Saint Paul from Livre d'Heures d'Étienne Chevalier (c. 1450–1460) by Jean Fouquet.
Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi da The Conversion of Saint Paul 1600-1601 Oil on canvas 90 1/2 x 70 in Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome
An illumination depicting the Conversion of Saint Paul from Livre d'Heures d'Étienne Chevalier (c. 1450–1460) by Jean Fouquet.
Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi da The Conversion of Saint Paul 1600-1601 Oil on canvas 90 1/2 x 70 in Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Angels do heal; we recall Raphael. God always hears prayers. But sometimes the healing is not physical; it is emotional; it is spiritual. It is available to us all. So are angels.
"prayer of thy healing angels."
"Pour out, thy healing angels, thy heavenly Host upon me, and upon those I love. Let me feel the beam of thy healing angels upon me, the light of your healing hands. I will let thy healing begin, whatever way God grants it, Amen."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Spread The News, The Tide Is Turning. Many In The Media Are Full Of Doom & Gloom. Don't Believe Their Hype. The Facts Are In The Book & Outlined Below. This Book Is Simply Not Wishful Thinking.
Below Are The Reasons Why The Tide Is Turning
Did you know:
•Vocations Are Increasing!
•The Laity Is Defending The Church In Many Ways
•The Youth's Faithfullness To The Church, Her Traditions & The Holy Father Has Undergone A Profound Resurgence
•Catholic Communications Such As Catholic Radio & Catholic Web Sites & Blogs Have Increased Profoundly
•A Deep Interest In Mary Is Being Witnessed Across The World
•Interest In The Eucharist & Eucharistic Adoration Is On The Rise
•Catholics Are Defending Their History & Teachings That Some In Secular Society Mock Or Don't Understand
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
REST IN PEACE MOM.
What is Death?
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without affect,
without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well.
~ Henry Scott Holland
Remembrance
What is Death?
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without affect,
without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well.
~ Henry Scott Holland
Remembrance
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Joan of Arc - Maid of Heaven - Saint Joan of Arc's Birthday
TODAY ON OLDE CHRISTMAS...MY MOTHER LIES CLOSE TO DEATH...PRAY FOR HER.
BEING OF EASTERN EUROPEAN HERITAGE...SHE ALWAYS CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS ON JAN. 6...I PRAY THAT HER CHRISTMAS GIFT TODAY WILL BE ETERNITY WITH THE BEATIFIC VISION.
CATIA...JOURNEY ON,GOOD CHRISTIAN SOUL...ALL YOUR SUFFERING WILL SOON BE AT AN END.
History of Old Christmas Day
Until the time of Julius Caesar the Roman year was organized round the phases of the moon. For many reasons this was hopelessly inaccurate so, on the advice of his astronomers, Julius instituted a calendar centered round the sun. It was decreed that one year was to consist of three hundred and sixty-five and a quarter days, divided into twelve months; the month of Quirinus was renamed 'July' to commemorate the Julian reform. Unfortunately, despite the introduction of leap years, the Julian calendar overestimated the length of the year by eleven minutes fifteen seconds, which comes to one day every on hundred and twenty-eight years. By the sixteenth century the calendar was ten days out. In 1582 reforms instituted by Pope Gregory XIII lopped the eleven minutes fifteen seconds off the length of a year and deleted the spare ten days. This new Gregorian calendar was adopted throughout Catholic Europe.
Protestant Europe was not going to be told what day it was by the Pope, so it kept to the old Julian calendar. This meant that London was a full ten days ahead of Paris. The English also kept the 25th of March as New Year's Day rather than the 1st of January. By the time England came round to adopting the Gregorian calendar, in the middle of the eighteenth century, England was eleven days ahead of the Continent.
A Calendar Act was passed in 1751 which stated that in order to bring England into line, the day following the 2nd of September 1752 was to be called the 14th, rather than the 3rd of September. Unfortunately, many people were not able to understand this simple manoeuvre and thought that the government had stolen eleven days of their lives. In some parts there were riots and shouts of 'give us back our eleven days!'
Before the calendar was reformed, England celebrated Christmas on the equivalent of the 6th of January by our modern, Gregorian reckoning. That is why in some parts of Great Britain people still call the 6th of January, Old Christmas Day.
TODAY ON OLDE CHRISTMAS...MY MOTHER LIES CLOSE TO DEATH...PRAY FOR HER.
BEING OF EASTERN EUROPEAN HERITAGE...SHE ALWAYS CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS ON JAN. 6...I PRAY THAT HER CHRISTMAS GIFT TODAY WILL BE ETERNITY WITH THE BEATIFIC VISION.
CATIA...JOURNEY ON,GOOD CHRISTIAN SOUL...ALL YOUR SUFFERING WILL SOON BE AT AN END.
History of Old Christmas Day
Until the time of Julius Caesar the Roman year was organized round the phases of the moon. For many reasons this was hopelessly inaccurate so, on the advice of his astronomers, Julius instituted a calendar centered round the sun. It was decreed that one year was to consist of three hundred and sixty-five and a quarter days, divided into twelve months; the month of Quirinus was renamed 'July' to commemorate the Julian reform. Unfortunately, despite the introduction of leap years, the Julian calendar overestimated the length of the year by eleven minutes fifteen seconds, which comes to one day every on hundred and twenty-eight years. By the sixteenth century the calendar was ten days out. In 1582 reforms instituted by Pope Gregory XIII lopped the eleven minutes fifteen seconds off the length of a year and deleted the spare ten days. This new Gregorian calendar was adopted throughout Catholic Europe.
Protestant Europe was not going to be told what day it was by the Pope, so it kept to the old Julian calendar. This meant that London was a full ten days ahead of Paris. The English also kept the 25th of March as New Year's Day rather than the 1st of January. By the time England came round to adopting the Gregorian calendar, in the middle of the eighteenth century, England was eleven days ahead of the Continent.
A Calendar Act was passed in 1751 which stated that in order to bring England into line, the day following the 2nd of September 1752 was to be called the 14th, rather than the 3rd of September. Unfortunately, many people were not able to understand this simple manoeuvre and thought that the government had stolen eleven days of their lives. In some parts there were riots and shouts of 'give us back our eleven days!'
Before the calendar was reformed, England celebrated Christmas on the equivalent of the 6th of January by our modern, Gregorian reckoning. That is why in some parts of Great Britain people still call the 6th of January, Old Christmas Day.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Breaking Medjugorje News
Cardinal Schönborn speaks in Medjugorje
On December 30, 2009, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna and a member of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, gave a powerful, lengthy talk at St. James Church in Medjugorje.
Schönborn's talk revolved around the theme of God's mercy, and he did not hesitate to praise Medjugorje.
His first words as he stepped to the podium were "Hvaljen Isus i Marija," a Croatian phrase that means "Praised be Jesus and Mary." This is a common greeting among the visionaries and Medjugorje villagers. The Cardinal repeated it several times and urged the crowd to repeat it with him.
He went on to say "When you look at a place like Medjugorje, you can see a superpower of mercy. Many merciful deeds were born here or they were supported here."
During one poignant moment of his talk, Cardinal Schonborn urged the crowd to stand and join him in singing the well-known Medjugorje song Gospa Majka Moja. He smiled warmly as he sang along.
While concluding his talk in Medjugorje, Cardinal Schönborn said, "I believe that many experiences in the Church demonstrate something that is impossible from a human point of view."
Cardinal Schönborn has been in Medjugorje since December 28. He will celebrate New Year's Eve Mass at St. James Church. The visit and implied endorsement from such a prominent Vatican cardinal is seen by many as a very positive indication of the Church's stance on the apparitions.
While some had expected Cardinal Schönborn's visit to Medjugorje to be private, he has instead surprised the town by being very visible. He has spent his time concelebrating Mass at St. James Church, climbing Apparition Hill with visionary Marija Lunetti, hearing confessions, praying in silence at Adoration, and, perhaps most notably, giving his talk today in the parish church with the Franciscan friars at his side.
Cardinal Schönborn speaks in Medjugorje
On December 30, 2009, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna and a member of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, gave a powerful, lengthy talk at St. James Church in Medjugorje.
Schönborn's talk revolved around the theme of God's mercy, and he did not hesitate to praise Medjugorje.
His first words as he stepped to the podium were "Hvaljen Isus i Marija," a Croatian phrase that means "Praised be Jesus and Mary." This is a common greeting among the visionaries and Medjugorje villagers. The Cardinal repeated it several times and urged the crowd to repeat it with him.
He went on to say "When you look at a place like Medjugorje, you can see a superpower of mercy. Many merciful deeds were born here or they were supported here."
During one poignant moment of his talk, Cardinal Schonborn urged the crowd to stand and join him in singing the well-known Medjugorje song Gospa Majka Moja. He smiled warmly as he sang along.
While concluding his talk in Medjugorje, Cardinal Schönborn said, "I believe that many experiences in the Church demonstrate something that is impossible from a human point of view."
Cardinal Schönborn has been in Medjugorje since December 28. He will celebrate New Year's Eve Mass at St. James Church. The visit and implied endorsement from such a prominent Vatican cardinal is seen by many as a very positive indication of the Church's stance on the apparitions.
While some had expected Cardinal Schönborn's visit to Medjugorje to be private, he has instead surprised the town by being very visible. He has spent his time concelebrating Mass at St. James Church, climbing Apparition Hill with visionary Marija Lunetti, hearing confessions, praying in silence at Adoration, and, perhaps most notably, giving his talk today in the parish church with the Franciscan friars at his side.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Rare New Year's Eve 'blue moon' to ring in 2010
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Once in a blue moon there is one on New Year's Eve. Revelers ringing in 2010 will be treated to a so-called blue moon. According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don't expect it to be blue - the name has nothing to do with the color of our closest celestial neighbor.
A full moon occurred on Dec. 2. It will appear again on Thursday in time for the New Year's countdown.
The New Year's Eve blue moon will be visible in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year's Day, making January a blue moon month for them.
However, the Eastern Hemisphere can celebrate with a partial lunar eclipse on New Year's Eve when part of the moon enters the Earth's shadow. The eclipse will not be visible in the Americas.
A full moon occurs every 29.5 days, and most years have 12. On average, an extra full moon in a month - a blue moon - occurs every 2.5 years. The last time there was a lunar double take was in May 2007. New Year's Eve blue moons are rarer, occurring every 19 years. The last time was in 1990; the next one won't come again until 2028.
Blue moons have no astronomical significance.'Blue moon' is just a name in the same sense as a 'hunter's moon' or a 'harvest moon'.
The popular definition of blue moon came about after a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946 misinterpreted the Maine Farmer's Almanac and labeled a blue moon as the second full moon in a month. In fact, the almanac defined a blue moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons, not the usual three.
Though Sky & Telescope corrected the error decades later, the definition caught on. For purists, however, this New Year's Eve full moon doesn't even qualify as a blue moon. It's just the first full moon of the winter season.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Once in a blue moon there is one on New Year's Eve. Revelers ringing in 2010 will be treated to a so-called blue moon. According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don't expect it to be blue - the name has nothing to do with the color of our closest celestial neighbor.
A full moon occurred on Dec. 2. It will appear again on Thursday in time for the New Year's countdown.
The New Year's Eve blue moon will be visible in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year's Day, making January a blue moon month for them.
However, the Eastern Hemisphere can celebrate with a partial lunar eclipse on New Year's Eve when part of the moon enters the Earth's shadow. The eclipse will not be visible in the Americas.
A full moon occurs every 29.5 days, and most years have 12. On average, an extra full moon in a month - a blue moon - occurs every 2.5 years. The last time there was a lunar double take was in May 2007. New Year's Eve blue moons are rarer, occurring every 19 years. The last time was in 1990; the next one won't come again until 2028.
Blue moons have no astronomical significance.'Blue moon' is just a name in the same sense as a 'hunter's moon' or a 'harvest moon'.
The popular definition of blue moon came about after a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946 misinterpreted the Maine Farmer's Almanac and labeled a blue moon as the second full moon in a month. In fact, the almanac defined a blue moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons, not the usual three.
Though Sky & Telescope corrected the error decades later, the definition caught on. For purists, however, this New Year's Eve full moon doesn't even qualify as a blue moon. It's just the first full moon of the winter season.
Monday, December 28, 2009
LESSON OF MANGER IS THE POWER OF SIMPLICITY OVER THE ARROGANCE OF THE PHARISEES
The lesson of the manger is that the smaller we are the closer we are to God. The larger we are, and the more we focus on ourselves, the less we can see. We obscure Jesus. It is the "littleness" that gives us supernatural vision. This is why pride halts many who feature themselves as intellects from appreciating His miracles. He manifests around us. He shows Himself in ways that are simple. It was the message of Bethlehem. The skeptics -- the Pharisees, the Sadducees -- might ask: How could God be among that couple from Nazareth -- that couple not even worthy of an inn? How could God be in an infant? Greatness comes with the simplicity of humility and the humility of simplicity; listen not to the judgment of worldliness. It is vapor. It ridicules because it fears its lack of perception -- the inability to recognize His Presence. Speak and think as Jesus spoke and thought -- as quietly as Joseph did, as the Blessed Mother has taught. Stop staring at yourself; look to His Light. When you are simple, you are powerful. Ego is the air in a balloon, subject to a pinprick (ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth). It cannot enter Heaven. "God, be merciful to me, a sinner," we should say, as did the Publican, when proud thoughts enter, when we complicate. "The simplicity of humility frees us from constantly investigating ourselves, from looking at our misery and shortcoming," writes Brother Victor-Antoine D'Avila-Latourette of Upstate New York. "Instead, it points our eyes to the loving glance of Jesus, to that glance full of mercy and compassion which can alone provide us complete forgiveness. Jesus loved the humble of heart." He was not of great stature at a university. He quoted not philosophers. He played no politics. But He came more than two thousand ago to be the turning point in history.
The lesson of the manger is that the smaller we are the closer we are to God. The larger we are, and the more we focus on ourselves, the less we can see. We obscure Jesus. It is the "littleness" that gives us supernatural vision. This is why pride halts many who feature themselves as intellects from appreciating His miracles. He manifests around us. He shows Himself in ways that are simple. It was the message of Bethlehem. The skeptics -- the Pharisees, the Sadducees -- might ask: How could God be among that couple from Nazareth -- that couple not even worthy of an inn? How could God be in an infant? Greatness comes with the simplicity of humility and the humility of simplicity; listen not to the judgment of worldliness. It is vapor. It ridicules because it fears its lack of perception -- the inability to recognize His Presence. Speak and think as Jesus spoke and thought -- as quietly as Joseph did, as the Blessed Mother has taught. Stop staring at yourself; look to His Light. When you are simple, you are powerful. Ego is the air in a balloon, subject to a pinprick (ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth). It cannot enter Heaven. "God, be merciful to me, a sinner," we should say, as did the Publican, when proud thoughts enter, when we complicate. "The simplicity of humility frees us from constantly investigating ourselves, from looking at our misery and shortcoming," writes Brother Victor-Antoine D'Avila-Latourette of Upstate New York. "Instead, it points our eyes to the loving glance of Jesus, to that glance full of mercy and compassion which can alone provide us complete forgiveness. Jesus loved the humble of heart." He was not of great stature at a university. He quoted not philosophers. He played no politics. But He came more than two thousand ago to be the turning point in history.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
WHAT DOES YOUR MIDDLE NAME SAY ABOUT YOU
[b]You Are Wise and Thoughtful[/b]
[img]http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatdoesyourmiddlenamesayaboutyouquiz/name.jpg[/img]
You are the type of person who believes in seeking the truth - no matter how painful it may be.
You question everything and everyone. You even try to question your own actions and beliefs every day.
You are curious about the world. You think in terms of ideas and theories, and you're open to any new perspective.
You can get a bit obsessed and involved with your personal interests. You would make a good professor.
[url=http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourmiddlenamesayaboutyouquiz/]What Does Your Middle Name Say About You?[/url]
[url=http://www.blogthings.com]Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet[/url]
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Supreme Court Says Personhood Is The Way To Go!
Submitted by Keith on Sun, 12/20/2009 - 04:59
in VideoColorado
Personhood was widely discussed at the Supreme Court oral arguments for Roe v. Wade.
Note that among other things, the judges state that:
“The basic constitutional question, initially is, whether or not the unborn fetus is a person. That’s critical to this case is it not?”
“Could Texas, constitutionally in your view, declare, by statute, that a fetus is a person for all constitutional purposes?”(Chief Justice Burger)
“The state could OBVIOUSLY adopt that kind of statute, and then it would have to be adjudicated.” (Pro-abort Attorney, Sarah Weddington)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
.
MANGER SCENE ERECTED IN CENTRAL PARK
The Catholic League erected a nativity scene today in New York City’s Central Park; it will be up for two weeks. Bill Donohue seeks to clarify what is at stake:
Our life-size crèche, paid for by the Catholic League, is right in the heart of New York City; it is on the corner of 59th and 5th. Behind it stands the world’s largest menorah. That is how it should be: Christians and Jews should not be excluded from accessing land that is a public forum to display their religious symbols.
There is much confusion about this issue. The courts have made it clear that the display of religious symbols in a municipal building, or on a courthouse lawn, must be accompanied by secular symbols. But if the property is a public forum, a place where musicians, artists and others gather at various times of the year, then the government cannot prohibit the display of privately funded religious symbols, even when they are not accompanied by secular ones. That is why the New York City Parks Department allows Catholics and Jews to display their religious symbols (absent secular ones) in Central Park—it is a public forum. It is important to note, too, that a menorah is not a secular symbol, and attempts to deny its religious meaning are invidious.
We hope that public officials across the country take note of these differences and understand that if the Catholic League can put a manger scene in Central Park, then there is nothing to stop them from doing likewise in a similar spot.
Significantly, the public overwhelmingly agrees: in a Rasmussen survey released last week, only 13 percent of adults object to the display of religious symbols on public property; 76 percent approve and 10 percent are undecided. Women are more tolerant than men, and blacks are more tolerant than whites. Looks like we need to work on those white boys.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights.
*Material from this website may be reprinted and disseminated with accompanying attribution
MANGER SCENE ERECTED IN CENTRAL PARK
The Catholic League erected a nativity scene today in New York City’s Central Park; it will be up for two weeks. Bill Donohue seeks to clarify what is at stake:
Our life-size crèche, paid for by the Catholic League, is right in the heart of New York City; it is on the corner of 59th and 5th. Behind it stands the world’s largest menorah. That is how it should be: Christians and Jews should not be excluded from accessing land that is a public forum to display their religious symbols.
There is much confusion about this issue. The courts have made it clear that the display of religious symbols in a municipal building, or on a courthouse lawn, must be accompanied by secular symbols. But if the property is a public forum, a place where musicians, artists and others gather at various times of the year, then the government cannot prohibit the display of privately funded religious symbols, even when they are not accompanied by secular ones. That is why the New York City Parks Department allows Catholics and Jews to display their religious symbols (absent secular ones) in Central Park—it is a public forum. It is important to note, too, that a menorah is not a secular symbol, and attempts to deny its religious meaning are invidious.
We hope that public officials across the country take note of these differences and understand that if the Catholic League can put a manger scene in Central Park, then there is nothing to stop them from doing likewise in a similar spot.
Significantly, the public overwhelmingly agrees: in a Rasmussen survey released last week, only 13 percent of adults object to the display of religious symbols on public property; 76 percent approve and 10 percent are undecided. Women are more tolerant than men, and blacks are more tolerant than whites. Looks like we need to work on those white boys.
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights.
*Material from this website may be reprinted and disseminated with accompanying attribution
Friday, December 18, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Guest Opinion: Are You Really Catholic? By Jennifer Hartline Catholic Online
The Church is not out of step with society; society is out of step with the Church. “Today more than ever, our nation is in need of Catholics who know their faith deeply and express their faith, with integrity, by their daily living.” Archbishop Raymond Burke
After reading His Excellency’s outstanding address at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast and studying the current state of affairs in our nation, I’m prompted to ask a personal question:
Are you really Catholic?
Are you Catholic because your parents were Catholic, because their parents were Catholic because their parents were Catholic? Is it your culture or your faith? Is it your present choice or your history? Is it your conviction or a “hat” you put on for baptisms, weddings and funerals?
The evidence clearly shows that too many “Catholics” in America are Catholic for reasons other than a conviction of faith. And that’s just not going to cut it any longer. Our culture and our country are flying at warp speed into a black hole of godlessness, and I am increasingly flabbergasted at the sheer number of Catholics who are helping to fuel the descent.
Shamefully, the fact is that Catholics are largely responsible for electing our current government. That means that the majority of Catholics in America either don’t truly know their faith and what it means, or they don’t care, or they lack the courage to make their choices in properly informed by their faith.
It’s pathetic that so many who say they belong to Christ are so easily beguiled and deceived.The sacrifice of the Cross must not mean very much to many of us because we’re willing to sell it real cheap in exchange for the good opinion of those who would silence Christ. Precious Blood was spilled for our sins. Today our leaders and our culture want to wash away Its saving stain, and the majority of Catholics are quietly watching them mop… even handing them a bucket.
It’s not enough to be culturally Catholic, a holiday Catholic, or Catholic by ancestry. It is certainly not good enough to profess a Catholic faith in church, and then deny it by our life’s choices. Hear these words from our faithful Archbishop:
“In a culture which embraces an agenda of death, Catholics and Catholic institutions are necessarily counter-cultural. If we as individuals or our Catholic institutions are not willing to accept the burdens and the suffering necessarily involved in calling our culture to reform, then we are not worthy of the name Catholic.”
It is our Christian duty to call our culture to reform. We’re not supposed to blend in and “adapt” our faith to the changing times! We’re supposed to be showing our lost culture the way of true and lasting peace, which can only be found in Christ. It is our responsibility to be firm in defense of the natural and moral law even when it makes us unpopular or hated. If we’re not willing to do that are we worthy to be called Catholic?
Our Church is far from perfect. There will always be mistakes, even travesties that we will weep over and work to correct with God’s grace. As long as people are flawed, there will always be problems to overcome. But Jesus has promised us that even the gates of hell will not prevail against us. He has given us His body for food and we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and our Blessed Mother to aid and comfort us. We have everything we need, if we will only be true to Christ instead of this world.
You are free to decide where and with whom you stand. You do not, however, have the right to try to change the Catholic Church to suit your opinions or wishes. No matter how brilliant you are, you are not above the Magisterium. No matter how persuasive the political position, you cannot ignore the law of the Church and the Natural Law. Doctrine and Orthodoxy may be distasteful words in this age of personal freedoms, but if you call yourself Catholic, you need to know what Catholic doctrine actually says and follow it. All of it – not just this or that particular idea that suits your preferences. The Church is not a cafeteria. You are not free to take some things and leave others.
If you are pro-abortion (also dishonestly known as “pro-choice”), you are not a faithful Catholic. It is never okay to kill an unborn human being. There simply is no way to reconcile support for abortion with authentic Catholic teaching which is based upon the simple foundation of true human rights beginning with the Right to Life.
If you are in favor of gay “marriage”, you are not a faithful Catholic. The defense of marriage between one man and one woman is not about denying anyone equality. Marriage is not a right that every person is equally “entitled” to the same as free speech. The union of man and woman is the only solid foundation on which to build a family, as God so wisely ordained from the very beginning. The family is the first cell of the Church and the first society.
If you support (that means vote for) politicians who advocate and legislate for laws and policies that violate the moral teachings of the Catholic Church, you are choosing to conform to this world rather than be transformed by Christ, and that’s very dangerous for all of us. To whom does your heart belong? It’s time to wipe out the notion that it’s okay for a Catholic to believe one thing in private and support the opposite in public, a la Biden, Pelosi, Kerry, Sebelius, etc. It is not okay. It is in fact, a mockery of our faith and a pathetic lie.
Either live as a Catholic Christian or don’t, but stop trying to remodel the Church to make it more appealing to the world. Learn your Catholic faith, understand it correctly and LIVE IT out in public without apologizing. Stop compromising the truth. Quit trying to rewrite Church teaching to bring it “up to speed” with modern times. The Church is not out of step with society; society is out of step with the Church. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and thus His Church is timeless, ageless and always perfectly relevant. It is not the Church who needs to change her thinking; it is society that needs to CORRECT its thinking.
Abortion is evil today because it’s always been evil and always will be. Gay “marriage’ is wrong today because it’s always been wrong and always will be. What is true and right and holy and sacred and pleasing to God never changes, no matter how the world may change.
The Catholic Church in America is in crisis, for sure, because too many people wearing that name are not living the true faith. That fact was on display this weekend at Notre Dame for the entire world to see. A Catholic University bestowed a law degree and honor upon a President who is fiercely determined to make it as easy as possible to kill babies all over the world. And today one more poll shows that still a majority of American Catholics don’t think it’s a problem. In my estimation, that means that a majority of American Catholics are simply not being faithful Catholics.
President Obama knows this quite well, and he’s only too happy to use our crisis of faith to his advantage. Are you okay with that? It is time to choose. Are you really Catholic?
-----
Jennifer Hartline is a Catholic Army wife and stay-at-home mother of three precious kids who writes frequently on topics of Catholic faith and daily living. She is a contributing writer for Catholic Online.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Most Americans Prefer 'Merry Christmas' To 'Happy Holidays'
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of adults prefer "Merry Christmas," while 22% like "Happy Holidays" instead
--------------------------------------------------------
3RD CHRISTMAS VIEWING...A DOG NAMED CHRISTMAS
In this heartwarming novel, author Greg Kincaid tells the tender story of how one very special dog changed the lives of his adoptive family—and an entire town—forever.
When Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man still living on his parents’ Kansas farm, hears that a local animal shelter is seeking temporary homes for its dogs during the days leading to Christmas, he knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. His father objects, but Todd’s persistence quickly wins out. Soon the McCrays are the short-term foster family for a lovable pooch the young man names Christmas.
But what about all the other dogs who will be forced to spend the Yuletide season in cages? In the days that follow, Todd uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.” What follows from his small act of kindness will teach his family, and his community, about peace on earth and good will toward men—and animals.
AND
"Surviving Christmas" (2004)
Facing another Christmas alone, Drew decides to go back to his idyllic childhood home to spend the holidays with family. There is, however, one problem: the people living there now are not Drew’s family. Nevertheless, Drew has his mind set on an old-fashioned family Christmas, and the fact that the "family" in question, the Valcos, are complete strangers, isn’t about to put a crimp in his plans.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of adults prefer "Merry Christmas," while 22% like "Happy Holidays" instead
--------------------------------------------------------
3RD CHRISTMAS VIEWING...A DOG NAMED CHRISTMAS
In this heartwarming novel, author Greg Kincaid tells the tender story of how one very special dog changed the lives of his adoptive family—and an entire town—forever.
When Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man still living on his parents’ Kansas farm, hears that a local animal shelter is seeking temporary homes for its dogs during the days leading to Christmas, he knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. His father objects, but Todd’s persistence quickly wins out. Soon the McCrays are the short-term foster family for a lovable pooch the young man names Christmas.
But what about all the other dogs who will be forced to spend the Yuletide season in cages? In the days that follow, Todd uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.” What follows from his small act of kindness will teach his family, and his community, about peace on earth and good will toward men—and animals.
AND
"Surviving Christmas" (2004)
Facing another Christmas alone, Drew decides to go back to his idyllic childhood home to spend the holidays with family. There is, however, one problem: the people living there now are not Drew’s family. Nevertheless, Drew has his mind set on an old-fashioned family Christmas, and the fact that the "family" in question, the Valcos, are complete strangers, isn’t about to put a crimp in his plans.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
2ND CHRISTMAS VIEWING...Eve's Christmas (2004) (TV)
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go... That is except in the eyes of 33-year-old Eve Stevens. She's spending Christmas Eve in a bar pounding back the cocktails. Outside, scenes of happy families and couples walking by arm in arm only deepen Eve's inner depression. A single, successful professional, Eve wonders what material success has brought her. The bar closes early forcing Eve to meander her way through the crowded cheerful streets back to her apartment. Rounding the final corner, Eve bumps into a homeless man, Brother James. As usual, Brother is ranting and raving, this time he's on about the lost holiday spirit. Brother pauses to look the tipsy Eve in the eye. He whispers to her, "wish upon the Christmas Star." Eve hands the man some coins and makes her way home. Alone, with no one and nowhere to go, Eve pulls out a photo album she hasn't touched in years. It's filled with pictures of her rural hometown. One photo in particular brings tears to Eve's eyes. It's her at 21 posing with her then-fiancée, Scott. Eve walked out on Christmas Eve, twelve years ago... the night before their planned Christmas Day wedding. Feeling lonely and upset, Eve seeks solace in the darkness of the winter night. She ventures out on her balcony, where she spies the lone Christmas Star hanging high in the sky. Remembering Brother James, she makes a wish and goes to bed... Will Eve get a second chance? Written by anonymous
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Walter Rauschenbusch
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thornbush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go... That is except in the eyes of 33-year-old Eve Stevens. She's spending Christmas Eve in a bar pounding back the cocktails. Outside, scenes of happy families and couples walking by arm in arm only deepen Eve's inner depression. A single, successful professional, Eve wonders what material success has brought her. The bar closes early forcing Eve to meander her way through the crowded cheerful streets back to her apartment. Rounding the final corner, Eve bumps into a homeless man, Brother James. As usual, Brother is ranting and raving, this time he's on about the lost holiday spirit. Brother pauses to look the tipsy Eve in the eye. He whispers to her, "wish upon the Christmas Star." Eve hands the man some coins and makes her way home. Alone, with no one and nowhere to go, Eve pulls out a photo album she hasn't touched in years. It's filled with pictures of her rural hometown. One photo in particular brings tears to Eve's eyes. It's her at 21 posing with her then-fiancée, Scott. Eve walked out on Christmas Eve, twelve years ago... the night before their planned Christmas Day wedding. Feeling lonely and upset, Eve seeks solace in the darkness of the winter night. She ventures out on her balcony, where she spies the lone Christmas Star hanging high in the sky. Remembering Brother James, she makes a wish and goes to bed... Will Eve get a second chance? Written by anonymous
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Walter Rauschenbusch
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thornbush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
1ST CHRISTMAS VIEWING...A Colbert Christmas
As Chesterton said, "He who does not believe in God will believe in anything."
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| A Colbert Christmas: Preview - John Legend | ||||
| ||||
As Chesterton said, "He who does not believe in God will believe in anything."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
As we emerge from Halloween weekend, EWTNwill feature the “real deal” as Fr. Thomas Euteneuer discusses the devil and exorcism with “Life on the Rock” Hosts Fr. Mark and Doug Barry. Fr. Euteneuer, president of Human Life International and author of “Exorcism and the Church Militant,” will appear at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday. You do not want to miss this one!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Astronomy :: Move Over Hunter's Moon ... :: Farmers' Almanac
Astronomy :: Move Over Hunter's Moon ... :: Farmers' Almanac
It’s official; November’s full moon will now be named the “Thankful Moon!”
It’s official; November’s full moon will now be named the “Thankful Moon!”
Monday, November 2, 2009
Prayers for November
EACH DAY THIS MONTH,I PRAY THE ALL SOULS ROSARY...ALSO CALLED THE ALL SOULS CHAPLET...This chaplet,may be recited by using a standard Rosary.
By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion. In November, it is the Holy Souls in Purgatory, those faithful Christians who have died and gone before us but who still must atone for their sins. The time they spend in Purgatory cleanses them so that they may enter Heaven free from all effects of sin.
Praying for the dead, especially for those we have known, is a requirement of Christian charity. Our own prayers and sacrifices can be offered up to relieve their suffering. Some or all of the following prayers can be incorporated into our daily prayers during this month.
On the Crucifix recite the psalm "de Profundis":
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt observe iniquities; Lord, who shall endure it?
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness:
and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all her iniquities.
[In conclusion]
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Let us pray.
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful,
grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
On the large beads of the Rosary say the Lord's prayer (Our Father).
On the small beads of the Rosary recite the following Invocation:
O good Jesus, have mercy on the souls in purgatory or (mention name) and grant to them eternal rest.
The following prayers may be used with each decade as well as a particular intention for each decade.
First decade : I offer You, my Savior, this first decade for the souls of all of my relatives, through the Precious Blood which You shed for them in Your Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane . O good Jesus, have mercy on them!
Say the Our Father. Repeat the Invocation ten times.
Second decade : I offer You, my Savior, this second decade for the souls of all those who have shown me kindness, through the Precious Blood which You shed for them in Your Scourging, O good Jesus, have mercy on them!
Say the Our Father. Repeat the Invocation ten times.
Third decade : I offer You, my Savior, this third decade for the souls of those whom I have at any time offended, through the Precious Blood which You shed for them in carrying Your Cross to Calvary. O good Jesus, have mercy on them!
Say the Our Father. Repeat the Invocation ten times.
Fourth decade : I offer You, my Savior, this fourth decade for the souls of my friends and companions, through the Precious Blood which You poured forth upon the Cross, and through the sorrows which Mary, our tender Mother, endured at the foot of the Cross. O good Jesus, have mercy on them!
Say the Our Father. Repeat the Invocation ten times.
Fifth decade: I offer You, my Savior, this fifth decade for the soul of my father and/or Mother and/or relative. I offer You, for this soul so dear to me, the Precious Blood and the sacred water from Your Heart, pierced by the lance. O good Jesus, open to this soul the gate of heaven, and grant me the grace to be reunited with it forever in the bosom of Your goodness.
Say the Our Father. Repeat the Invocation ten times.
O good Jesus, have mercy on the souls in purgatory or the soul or souls (mention name) and grant to them eternal rest.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Your Best Trait is Sensitivity |
 You are always paying attention to the world around you, and as a result, you are able to see the hidden meaning in almost everything. You are easily effected by the smallest life events, which is both a blessing and a curse. You often taken in too much information. You don't get blindsided, and you are a pro at predicting the future. Sometimes knowing what will happen stresses you out. You relate to people well, and you know the best way to connect to each person. You can be highly influential if you want to be. |
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
ONIONS HELP WITH COLD/FLU
Have you heard of this? Worth a try. Never heard of this before. But who knows. VERY INTERESTING!!
In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu.Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.
The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and placed it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore,keeping the family healthy.
Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ.She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers.The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.. (And no,she is not in the onion business.)
The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office. Try it and see what happens.We did it last year and we never got the flu.If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case..Whatever,what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues.She replied with this most interesting experience about onions:
Weldon,thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing thejar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.
Have you heard of this? Worth a try. Never heard of this before. But who knows. VERY INTERESTING!!
In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu.Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.
The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and placed it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore,keeping the family healthy.
Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ.She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers.The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.. (And no,she is not in the onion business.)
The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office. Try it and see what happens.We did it last year and we never got the flu.If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case..Whatever,what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues.She replied with this most interesting experience about onions:
Weldon,thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing thejar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Pope to grant Anglicans 'church within Church'
Catholic Church reaches out to Anglicans
Pope Benedict XVI has created a new church structure for Anglicans who wish to join to the Roman Catholic fold.
The move comes after requests to the Vatican from more conservative, traditional Anglicans, said Cardinal Joseph Levada, the Vatican's chief doctrinal official.
Many Anglicans have become disillusioned with the more open stance of their church in recent years, including its ordination of women, election of openly gay bishops and blessing of same-sex unions in the 77-million strong Anglican Communion.
Levada said Tuesday the new legal entity would allow Anglicans to join the Catholic Church while keeping their Anglican identity and liturgical traditions.
Catholic Church reaches out to Anglicans
Pope Benedict XVI has created a new church structure for Anglicans who wish to join to the Roman Catholic fold.
The move comes after requests to the Vatican from more conservative, traditional Anglicans, said Cardinal Joseph Levada, the Vatican's chief doctrinal official.
Many Anglicans have become disillusioned with the more open stance of their church in recent years, including its ordination of women, election of openly gay bishops and blessing of same-sex unions in the 77-million strong Anglican Communion.
Levada said Tuesday the new legal entity would allow Anglicans to join the Catholic Church while keeping their Anglican identity and liturgical traditions.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Help us NAME THAT MOON!
Vote Now! Four finalists selected for the November Full Moon Name!
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/name-that-moon/
Top Four Suggested Names for November’s Full Moon:
Full Gathering Moon
Full Turkey Moon
Full Thankful Moon
Full Frosty Moon
Have you heard of a “Blue Moon”? What about a “Wolf,” a “Corn,” or a “Sturgeon” Moon? You have if you read the Farmers’ Almanac or visit our Web site. Years ago, people named every Full Moon as a way to keep track of time. Each name was applied to an entire month and was directly related to an activity or something in nature that occurred or was observed often during that month.
For example, ”Full Wolf Moon” was the name given to a Full Moon in the month of January. The reason was that in the cold and the deep snows of midwinter, wolf packs howled hungrily outside villages. Some Moons have a number of names, depending on the people and the area of the country. Other Moon names for January include “Old Moon” and “Moon after YHelp us NAME THAT MOON!
Vote Now! Four finalists selected for the November Full Moon Name!
Have you heard of a “Blue Moon”? What about a “Wolf,” a “Corn,” or a “Sturgeon” Moon? You have if you read the Farmers’ Almanac or visit our Web site. Years ago, people named every Full Moon as a way to keep track of time. Each name was applied to an entire month and was directly related to an activity or something in nature that occurred or was observed often during that month.
For example, ”Full Wolf Moon” was the name given to a Full Moon in the month of January. The reason was that in the cold and the deep snows of midwinter, wolf packs howled hungrily outside villages. Some Moons have a number of names, depending on the people and the area of the country. Other Moon names for January include “Old Moon” and “Moon after Yule.”
The name “Full Corn Moon” is reserved for September, as it marked the time of year when corn was harvested. Another popular name for September’s Full Moon is “Harvest Moon”; however, this name is reserved for the Full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon occurs in September, but in some years it occurs in October.
Fast forwarding several hundred years, we can see that Full Moon names no longer describe their months, even though they are still a topic of interest and tradition. But how many people know what a sturgeon is, or ever go fishing for one? Are there more prevalent images we could use for naming Full Moons that people in the twenty-first century could associate with?
ule.”
The name “Full Corn Moon” is reserved for September, as it marked the time of year when corn was harvested. Another popular name for September’s Full Moon is “Harvest Moon”; however, this name is reserved for the Full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon occurs in September, but in some years it occurs in October.
Fast forwarding several hundred years, we can see that Full Moon names no longer describe their months, even though they are still a topic of interest and tradition. But how many people know what a sturgeon is, or ever go fishing for one? Are there more prevalent images we could use for naming Full Moons that people in the twenty-first century could associate with?
Vote Now! Four finalists selected for the November Full Moon Name!
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/name-that-moon/
Top Four Suggested Names for November’s Full Moon:
Full Gathering Moon
Full Turkey Moon
Full Thankful Moon
Full Frosty Moon
Have you heard of a “Blue Moon”? What about a “Wolf,” a “Corn,” or a “Sturgeon” Moon? You have if you read the Farmers’ Almanac or visit our Web site. Years ago, people named every Full Moon as a way to keep track of time. Each name was applied to an entire month and was directly related to an activity or something in nature that occurred or was observed often during that month.
For example, ”Full Wolf Moon” was the name given to a Full Moon in the month of January. The reason was that in the cold and the deep snows of midwinter, wolf packs howled hungrily outside villages. Some Moons have a number of names, depending on the people and the area of the country. Other Moon names for January include “Old Moon” and “Moon after YHelp us NAME THAT MOON!
Vote Now! Four finalists selected for the November Full Moon Name!
Have you heard of a “Blue Moon”? What about a “Wolf,” a “Corn,” or a “Sturgeon” Moon? You have if you read the Farmers’ Almanac or visit our Web site. Years ago, people named every Full Moon as a way to keep track of time. Each name was applied to an entire month and was directly related to an activity or something in nature that occurred or was observed often during that month.
For example, ”Full Wolf Moon” was the name given to a Full Moon in the month of January. The reason was that in the cold and the deep snows of midwinter, wolf packs howled hungrily outside villages. Some Moons have a number of names, depending on the people and the area of the country. Other Moon names for January include “Old Moon” and “Moon after Yule.”
The name “Full Corn Moon” is reserved for September, as it marked the time of year when corn was harvested. Another popular name for September’s Full Moon is “Harvest Moon”; however, this name is reserved for the Full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon occurs in September, but in some years it occurs in October.
Fast forwarding several hundred years, we can see that Full Moon names no longer describe their months, even though they are still a topic of interest and tradition. But how many people know what a sturgeon is, or ever go fishing for one? Are there more prevalent images we could use for naming Full Moons that people in the twenty-first century could associate with?
ule.”
The name “Full Corn Moon” is reserved for September, as it marked the time of year when corn was harvested. Another popular name for September’s Full Moon is “Harvest Moon”; however, this name is reserved for the Full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon occurs in September, but in some years it occurs in October.
Fast forwarding several hundred years, we can see that Full Moon names no longer describe their months, even though they are still a topic of interest and tradition. But how many people know what a sturgeon is, or ever go fishing for one? Are there more prevalent images we could use for naming Full Moons that people in the twenty-first century could associate with?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
' HAPPY FALL Y’ALL!!!
From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
This was passed on to me by another pumpkin. Now it's your turn to pass it to other pumpkins.
I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Meet Molly. She's a grey speckled pony who was abandoned by her owners when Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana . She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled.While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected, and her vet went to LSU for help, but LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case. You know how that goes.
But after surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn't seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her. She protected her injured leg.She constantly shifted her weight and didn't overload her good leg. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.
Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee,and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there.'This was the right horse and the right owner,'Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She's tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain.She made it obvious she understood that she was in trouble. The other important factor, according to Moore , is having a truly committed and compliant owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse.
Molly's story turns into a parable for life in Post-Katrina Louisiana .The little pony gained weight, and her mane finally felt a comb.A human prosthesis designer built her a leg..
The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, Allison Barca DVM, Molly's regular vet, reports. And she asks for it. She will put her little limb out,and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off too. And sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. 'It can be pretty bad when you can't catch a three-legged horse,' she laughs.
Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people, and she had a good time doing it.
'It's obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life, Moore said. She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others.' Barca concluded, 'She's not back to normal, but she's going to be better.To me, she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself.'
This is Molly's most recent prosthesis. The bottom photo shows the ground surface that she stands on, which has a smiley face embossed in it..
Wherever Molly goes, she leaves a smiley hoof print behind.
Share this with all of the animal lovers that you know.
"God's creatures often reflect the character we aspire to."
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:
'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides,
flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one
end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the
Pledge of Allegiance?'
'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides,
flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one
end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the
Pledge of Allegiance?'
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
St. Clare
Feastday: August 11
Patron of sore eyes
St. Clare
Clare was a beautiful Italian noblewoman who became the Foundress of an order of nuns now called "Poor Clares." When she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach, her heart burned with a great desire to imitate Francis and to live a poor humble life for Jesus. So one evening, she ran away from home, and in a little chapel outside Assisi, gave herself to God. St. Francis cut off her hair and gave her a rough brown habit to wear, tied with a plain cord around her waist. Her parents tried in every way to make her return home, but Clare would not.
Soon her sister, St. Agnes joined her, as well as other young women who wanted to be brides of Jesus, and live without any money. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Yet they were very happy, because Our Lord was close to them all the time. Once, He saved them from a great danger in answer to St. Clare's prayer. An army of rough soldiers came to attack Assisi and they planned to raid the convent first. Although very sick, St. Clare had herself carried to the wall and right there, where the enemies could see it, she had the Blessed Sacrament placed. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters.
"O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." At the same time a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could. St. Clare was sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she said that no pain could trouble her. So great was her joy in serving the Lord that she once exclaimed: "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?" We should remember this miracle of the Blessed Sacrament when in Church. Then we will pray with great Faith to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist: "Save me, O Lord, from every evil - of soul and body." Her feast day is August 11.
Feastday: August 11
Patron of sore eyes
St. Clare
Clare was a beautiful Italian noblewoman who became the Foundress of an order of nuns now called "Poor Clares." When she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach, her heart burned with a great desire to imitate Francis and to live a poor humble life for Jesus. So one evening, she ran away from home, and in a little chapel outside Assisi, gave herself to God. St. Francis cut off her hair and gave her a rough brown habit to wear, tied with a plain cord around her waist. Her parents tried in every way to make her return home, but Clare would not.
Soon her sister, St. Agnes joined her, as well as other young women who wanted to be brides of Jesus, and live without any money. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Yet they were very happy, because Our Lord was close to them all the time. Once, He saved them from a great danger in answer to St. Clare's prayer. An army of rough soldiers came to attack Assisi and they planned to raid the convent first. Although very sick, St. Clare had herself carried to the wall and right there, where the enemies could see it, she had the Blessed Sacrament placed. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters.
"O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." At the same time a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could. St. Clare was sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she said that no pain could trouble her. So great was her joy in serving the Lord that she once exclaimed: "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?" We should remember this miracle of the Blessed Sacrament when in Church. Then we will pray with great Faith to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist: "Save me, O Lord, from every evil - of soul and body." Her feast day is August 11.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
FEAST DAY
The Litany of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars
For Private Use Only.
Lord, have mercy on us,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us,
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us.
Saint John-Mary Vianney,
Pray for us.
St. John Vianney, endowed with grace from thine infancy, etc.
St. John Vianney, model of filial piety,
St. John Vianney, devoted servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
St. John Vianney, spotless lily of purity,
St. John Vianney, faithful imitator of the sufferings of Christ,
St. John Vianney, abyss of humility,
St. John Vianney, seraph of prayer,
St. John Vianney, faithful adorer of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
St. John Vianney, ardent lover of holy poverty,
St. John Vianney, true son of St. Francis of Assisi,
St. John Vianney, exemplary Franciscan tertiary,
St. John Vianney, tender friend of the poor,
St. John Vianney, penetrated with the fear of God's judgment,
St. John Vianney, fortified by divine visions,
St. John Vianney, who was tormented by the evil spirit,
St. John Vianney, perfect model of sacerdotal virtue,
St. John Vianney, firm and prudent pastor,
St. John Vianney, inflamed with zeal,
St. John Vianney, faithful attendant on the sick,
St. John Vianney, indefatigable catechist,
St. John Vianney, who didst preach in words of fire,
St. John Vianney, wise director of souls,
St. John Vianney, specially gifted with the spirit of counsel,
St. John Vianney, enlightened by light from Heaven,
St. John Vianney, formidable to Satan,
St. John Vianney, compassionate with every misery,
St. John Vianney, providence of the orphans,
St. John Vianney, favored with the gift of miracles,
St. John Vianney, who didst reconcile so many sinners to God,
St. John Vianney, who didst confirm so many of the just in the way of virtue,
St. John Vianney, who didst taste the sweetness of death,
St. John Vianney, who dost now rejoice in the glory of Heaven,
St. John Vianney, who givest joy to those who invoke thee,
St. John Vianney, heavenly patron of parish priests,
St. John Vianney, model and patron of directors of souls,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, blessed Jean-Marie Vianney,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray.
Almighty and merciful God, Who didst bestow upon blessed
John Mary Vianney wonderful pastoral zeal and a great fervor for
prayer and penance, grant, we beseech Thee, that by his example and
intercession we may be able to gain the souls of our brethren for
Christ, and with them attain to everlasting glory, through the same
Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee
and the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. R. Amen.
St. John Vianney, The Cure of Ars, is the Patron of Parish Priests. Born in 1786, St. Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney became a priest and was assigned to the parish in Ars, France, where he heard confessions for 13-17 hours daily. People from far and wide flocked to Ars, and St. John Vianney converted thousands in his lifetime. He had the gift of reading hearts. For five years he lived on one meal per day of boiled potatoes. The devil physically assailed him off and on over a period of 30 years. St. John Vianney died in 1859.
The Litany of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars
For Private Use Only.
Lord, have mercy on us,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us,
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us.
Saint John-Mary Vianney,
Pray for us.
St. John Vianney, endowed with grace from thine infancy, etc.
St. John Vianney, model of filial piety,
St. John Vianney, devoted servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
St. John Vianney, spotless lily of purity,
St. John Vianney, faithful imitator of the sufferings of Christ,
St. John Vianney, abyss of humility,
St. John Vianney, seraph of prayer,
St. John Vianney, faithful adorer of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
St. John Vianney, ardent lover of holy poverty,
St. John Vianney, true son of St. Francis of Assisi,
St. John Vianney, exemplary Franciscan tertiary,
St. John Vianney, tender friend of the poor,
St. John Vianney, penetrated with the fear of God's judgment,
St. John Vianney, fortified by divine visions,
St. John Vianney, who was tormented by the evil spirit,
St. John Vianney, perfect model of sacerdotal virtue,
St. John Vianney, firm and prudent pastor,
St. John Vianney, inflamed with zeal,
St. John Vianney, faithful attendant on the sick,
St. John Vianney, indefatigable catechist,
St. John Vianney, who didst preach in words of fire,
St. John Vianney, wise director of souls,
St. John Vianney, specially gifted with the spirit of counsel,
St. John Vianney, enlightened by light from Heaven,
St. John Vianney, formidable to Satan,
St. John Vianney, compassionate with every misery,
St. John Vianney, providence of the orphans,
St. John Vianney, favored with the gift of miracles,
St. John Vianney, who didst reconcile so many sinners to God,
St. John Vianney, who didst confirm so many of the just in the way of virtue,
St. John Vianney, who didst taste the sweetness of death,
St. John Vianney, who dost now rejoice in the glory of Heaven,
St. John Vianney, who givest joy to those who invoke thee,
St. John Vianney, heavenly patron of parish priests,
St. John Vianney, model and patron of directors of souls,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, blessed Jean-Marie Vianney,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray.
Almighty and merciful God, Who didst bestow upon blessed
John Mary Vianney wonderful pastoral zeal and a great fervor for
prayer and penance, grant, we beseech Thee, that by his example and
intercession we may be able to gain the souls of our brethren for
Christ, and with them attain to everlasting glory, through the same
Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee
and the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. R. Amen.
St. John Vianney, The Cure of Ars, is the Patron of Parish Priests. Born in 1786, St. Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney became a priest and was assigned to the parish in Ars, France, where he heard confessions for 13-17 hours daily. People from far and wide flocked to Ars, and St. John Vianney converted thousands in his lifetime. He had the gift of reading hearts. For five years he lived on one meal per day of boiled potatoes. The devil physically assailed him off and on over a period of 30 years. St. John Vianney died in 1859.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Message to Mirjana - August 2, 2009
Thousands of people were present near the Blue Cross, at the base of Apparition Hill, for the monthly apparition to visionary Mirjana Soldo. After the apparition, Mirjana relayed the following message from Our Lady:
"Dear children, I am coming, with my motherly love, to point out the way by which you are to set out, in order that you may be all the more like my Son; and by that, closer to and more pleasing to God. Do not refuse my love. Do not renounce salvation and eternal life for the sake of the transience and frivolity of this life. I am among you to lead you and, as a mother, to caution you. Come with me."
Mirjana reported that Our Lady appeared with the sun shining behind her during the entire apparition. At the same time, thousands of onlookers also reported seeing what is commonly called the miracle of the sun, where a person can look directly at the sun without any discomfort.
Thousands of people were present near the Blue Cross, at the base of Apparition Hill, for the monthly apparition to visionary Mirjana Soldo. After the apparition, Mirjana relayed the following message from Our Lady:
"Dear children, I am coming, with my motherly love, to point out the way by which you are to set out, in order that you may be all the more like my Son; and by that, closer to and more pleasing to God. Do not refuse my love. Do not renounce salvation and eternal life for the sake of the transience and frivolity of this life. I am among you to lead you and, as a mother, to caution you. Come with me."
Mirjana reported that Our Lady appeared with the sun shining behind her during the entire apparition. At the same time, thousands of onlookers also reported seeing what is commonly called the miracle of the sun, where a person can look directly at the sun without any discomfort.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
WE ALL HAVE A 'DESTINY' AND IT'S WRITTEN IN HEARTS AND SOULS IN GOD'S SECRET IMPRINT
You are a person of destiny. You are destined for Heaven. You are destined to be the best you can be.
You are also unique. Period. Your greatness is not worldly greatness.
And so your soul bears God's secret imprint.
You could also call it a road map. Let's talk about destiny, which also means destination. Everyone has one. We are not talking about being a great Hollywood star or a famous athlete. We are talking about accomplishing God's Plan in the ordinary walk of life. To God, this is true greatness!
That plan was written before you were born. It's etched into your deepest subconscious. Somewhere, deep down, you know what you are supposed to do; you know where you are supposed to go; you know the plan for your life. But it would defeat the "test" of life to know it consciously.
And so it is hidden but for snatches we obtain in prayer when our souls at a deep level gain contact with God.
The Lord has a right destiny in mind for each of us and the trick is to reach it with the innocence and purity and wonderment -- the love -- of a child. When we do that, our task has been completed.
If we can do that, we can gain direct heavenly entry!
Life is the road. There are turns. There are curves. There are ravines. There are confusing road signs. There is dirt. There are deserts. Also, there are mountains. We can make it over a mountain or fall off the summit (or never reach it).
There are creatures at roadside.
The key is to pray from the heart each day for God's Will with indifference to material things. This is what St. Ignatius of Loyola taught us! Wish not for wealth or poverty. Wish simply to be the best you can be. Don't judge yourself by the standards of the world!
Why so many twists and turns? As one writer noted, God created opposing pairs such as black and white, long and short, healthy and sick, so we can fully experience everything. Fire can cook our dinner for us or burn us or even destroy a home. Water can quench your thirst, give life to plants, or drown us and destroy fields.
It is not that fire and water are evil but how we approach them.
And so too the "curves" in the road of life, the script and design of our secret imprint. If we make it past the twists and turns we transcend sorrow (and avoid regret).
When we operate in accordance with God's "imprint," we have wisdom beyond our years; we accomplish more than we thought we would; things fall into place. When we exercise excellence and integrity in fulfilling the plan He has for us, we are suddenly "at the right place at the right time."
It's not by coincidence that good things happen but because God has seen that you are keeping to His course and has stepped in!
The natural is taken over by the supernatural. Think big and God will act big -- in the right way.
As a preacher put it, God doesn't match you to the size you think you are, but the size of your destiny -- and gives what you need to accomplish every dream He put into your heart. When you are fully in the walk of destiny, your voice will have the tone of an angel. If God is with you, who can be against you?
You are equipped and well able to overcome anything that is placed on the road. The trouble is when we go off onto side routes, when we try to map out every detail of our lives, when we seek shortcuts (usually to avoid pain), when we seek worldly greatness (instead of the greatness He has imprinted).
Then everything is uphill; the possible becomes impossible! We constantly fall into ravines (and blame God).
Just remember to seek His imprint and know that the size of problem is not as important as the size of person. If the greatest power of the universe is in you, where is there room for fear?
Always remember that no matter what has (or has not) happened in your life, you still have every seed of greatness that you were born with.
You can regain the correct path.
You can still make your destination.
When you spend the potential God has equipped you with -- when you release all gifts, when you fulfill your God-given destiny, when you seek to do His Will and His alone -- all potential is released back.
You'll be surprised at wisdom beyond your years and how you accomplish more than you even wanted to!
The goal in life is to align our plans for life with what God planned long ago (and stick to it). Do your best day in and day out. Think big and He will act big. Look for the ultimate destination. Do the right thing even when the "wrong" thing is happening.
You know how hard it can be to pull the cord on a lawn mower? But that's what life necessitates: a constant start up each day as we traverse the course God has set before us. Sometimes it starts with a lot lf noise!
Just pull the cord and never mind the "negatives."
It is all He asks. Perhaps He plans certain successes for you. Perhaps also certain failures. It is how we learn, said St. Ignatius. Just stick to it. Persist. Regain hope. Maintain the right dream. Live by His blueprint.
Be like Jesus; seek to complete your task. Reach the point He did, whereby He could look toward Heaven and at the end of His course say, "It is finished."
[resources: The God of Miracles and Michael H. Brown retreat, Minnesota and October retreat in New Jersey]
You are a person of destiny. You are destined for Heaven. You are destined to be the best you can be.
You are also unique. Period. Your greatness is not worldly greatness.
And so your soul bears God's secret imprint.
You could also call it a road map. Let's talk about destiny, which also means destination. Everyone has one. We are not talking about being a great Hollywood star or a famous athlete. We are talking about accomplishing God's Plan in the ordinary walk of life. To God, this is true greatness!
That plan was written before you were born. It's etched into your deepest subconscious. Somewhere, deep down, you know what you are supposed to do; you know where you are supposed to go; you know the plan for your life. But it would defeat the "test" of life to know it consciously.
And so it is hidden but for snatches we obtain in prayer when our souls at a deep level gain contact with God.
The Lord has a right destiny in mind for each of us and the trick is to reach it with the innocence and purity and wonderment -- the love -- of a child. When we do that, our task has been completed.
If we can do that, we can gain direct heavenly entry!
Life is the road. There are turns. There are curves. There are ravines. There are confusing road signs. There is dirt. There are deserts. Also, there are mountains. We can make it over a mountain or fall off the summit (or never reach it).
There are creatures at roadside.
The key is to pray from the heart each day for God's Will with indifference to material things. This is what St. Ignatius of Loyola taught us! Wish not for wealth or poverty. Wish simply to be the best you can be. Don't judge yourself by the standards of the world!
Why so many twists and turns? As one writer noted, God created opposing pairs such as black and white, long and short, healthy and sick, so we can fully experience everything. Fire can cook our dinner for us or burn us or even destroy a home. Water can quench your thirst, give life to plants, or drown us and destroy fields.
It is not that fire and water are evil but how we approach them.
And so too the "curves" in the road of life, the script and design of our secret imprint. If we make it past the twists and turns we transcend sorrow (and avoid regret).
When we operate in accordance with God's "imprint," we have wisdom beyond our years; we accomplish more than we thought we would; things fall into place. When we exercise excellence and integrity in fulfilling the plan He has for us, we are suddenly "at the right place at the right time."
It's not by coincidence that good things happen but because God has seen that you are keeping to His course and has stepped in!
The natural is taken over by the supernatural. Think big and God will act big -- in the right way.
As a preacher put it, God doesn't match you to the size you think you are, but the size of your destiny -- and gives what you need to accomplish every dream He put into your heart. When you are fully in the walk of destiny, your voice will have the tone of an angel. If God is with you, who can be against you?
You are equipped and well able to overcome anything that is placed on the road. The trouble is when we go off onto side routes, when we try to map out every detail of our lives, when we seek shortcuts (usually to avoid pain), when we seek worldly greatness (instead of the greatness He has imprinted).
Then everything is uphill; the possible becomes impossible! We constantly fall into ravines (and blame God).
Just remember to seek His imprint and know that the size of problem is not as important as the size of person. If the greatest power of the universe is in you, where is there room for fear?
Always remember that no matter what has (or has not) happened in your life, you still have every seed of greatness that you were born with.
You can regain the correct path.
You can still make your destination.
When you spend the potential God has equipped you with -- when you release all gifts, when you fulfill your God-given destiny, when you seek to do His Will and His alone -- all potential is released back.
You'll be surprised at wisdom beyond your years and how you accomplish more than you even wanted to!
The goal in life is to align our plans for life with what God planned long ago (and stick to it). Do your best day in and day out. Think big and He will act big. Look for the ultimate destination. Do the right thing even when the "wrong" thing is happening.
You know how hard it can be to pull the cord on a lawn mower? But that's what life necessitates: a constant start up each day as we traverse the course God has set before us. Sometimes it starts with a lot lf noise!
Just pull the cord and never mind the "negatives."
It is all He asks. Perhaps He plans certain successes for you. Perhaps also certain failures. It is how we learn, said St. Ignatius. Just stick to it. Persist. Regain hope. Maintain the right dream. Live by His blueprint.
Be like Jesus; seek to complete your task. Reach the point He did, whereby He could look toward Heaven and at the end of His course say, "It is finished."
[resources: The God of Miracles and Michael H. Brown retreat, Minnesota and October retreat in New Jersey]
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