Beyond the darkness
of the unsettled waters--
Christ, the Light.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Advice worth making into a New Year's resolution
I found some wonderful spiritual advice on a website on Christian Psychology.
When we are hurt emotionally, we tend to want to do something about it, usually by hiding it behind some self destructive behavior. We smoke, we drink, we eat, we hide our feelings behind mindless television or avoiding our daily duties in life. Or we harbor anger and resentment, and often, we don't even realize it because we don't want to admit it to ourselves.
The Christian solution? Give your pain to God, not by denying your feelings regarding it, but by embracing your brokenness and fully admitting to God the completeness of your feelings. They suggest praying this way:
The site quotes from the Diary of Saint Faustina:
The site also quotes from a letter by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque:
I'm beginning to realize that it is so important to keep honest with God and give Him all our feelings, whether they be feelings of joy or feelings of anger and resentment, that I really want to make this my New Year's resolution, of sorts.
The website suggests saying this to yourself:
I hang onto that promise!
When we are hurt emotionally, we tend to want to do something about it, usually by hiding it behind some self destructive behavior. We smoke, we drink, we eat, we hide our feelings behind mindless television or avoiding our daily duties in life. Or we harbor anger and resentment, and often, we don't even realize it because we don't want to admit it to ourselves.
The Christian solution? Give your pain to God, not by denying your feelings regarding it, but by embracing your brokenness and fully admitting to God the completeness of your feelings. They suggest praying this way:
“Lord, I am wounded. I hurt. I am helpless. I am broken. I am vulnerable. Nothing I can do by my own hand can protect me. Help me, for without your mercy and protection, I will perish. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Help me to continue my work in your service despite the fact that I feel [betrayed, abandoned, unloved, insulted, falsely accused, etc.].”
The site quotes from the Diary of Saint Faustina:
It is not always within your power to control your feelings. You will recognize that you have love if, after having experienced annoyance and contradiction, you do not lose your peace, but pray for those who have made you suffer and wish them well.
The site also quotes from a letter by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque:
Are you making no progress in prayer? Then you need only offer God the prayers which the Savior has poured out for us in the sacrament of the altar. Offer God his fervent love in reparation for your sluggishness. In the course of every activity pray as follows: “My God, [I do this] or [I endure that] in the heart of your Son and according to his holy counsels. I offer it to you in reparation for anything blameworthy or imperfect in my actions.”
Continue to do this in every circumstance of life. And every time that some punishment, affliction, or injustice comes your way, say to yourself: “Accept this as sent to you by the Sacred Heart of Jesus in order to unite yourself to him.”
I'm beginning to realize that it is so important to keep honest with God and give Him all our feelings, whether they be feelings of joy or feelings of anger and resentment, that I really want to make this my New Year's resolution, of sorts.
The website suggests saying this to yourself:
“As things develop, I will, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adapt to changing circumstances and grow in holiness."
I hang onto that promise!
Advice worth making into a New Year's resolution
I found some wonderful spiritual advice on a website on Christian Psychology.
When we are hurt emotionally, we tend to want to do something about it, usually by hiding it behind some self destructive behavior. We smoke, we drink, we eat, we hide our feelings behind mindless television or avoiding our daily duties in life. Or we harbor anger and resentment, and often, we don't even realize it because we don't want to admit it to ourselves.
The Christian solution? Give your pain to God, not by denying your feelings regarding it, but by embracing your brokenness and fully admitting to God the completeness of your feelings. They suggest praying this way:
The site quotes from the Diary of Saint Faustina:
The site also quotes from a letter by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque:
I'm beginning to realize that it is so important to keep honest with God and give Him all our feelings, whether they be feelings of joy or feelings of anger and resentment, that I really want to make this my New Year's resolution, of sorts.
The website suggests saying this to yourself:
I hang onto that promise!
When we are hurt emotionally, we tend to want to do something about it, usually by hiding it behind some self destructive behavior. We smoke, we drink, we eat, we hide our feelings behind mindless television or avoiding our daily duties in life. Or we harbor anger and resentment, and often, we don't even realize it because we don't want to admit it to ourselves.
The Christian solution? Give your pain to God, not by denying your feelings regarding it, but by embracing your brokenness and fully admitting to God the completeness of your feelings. They suggest praying this way:
“Lord, I am wounded. I hurt. I am helpless. I am broken. I am vulnerable. Nothing I can do by my own hand can protect me. Help me, for without your mercy and protection, I will perish. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Help me to continue my work in your service despite the fact that I feel [betrayed, abandoned, unloved, insulted, falsely accused, etc.].”
The site quotes from the Diary of Saint Faustina:
It is not always within your power to control your feelings. You will recognize that you have love if, after having experienced annoyance and contradiction, you do not lose your peace, but pray for those who have made you suffer and wish them well.
The site also quotes from a letter by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque:
Are you making no progress in prayer? Then you need only offer God the prayers which the Savior has poured out for us in the sacrament of the altar. Offer God his fervent love in reparation for your sluggishness. In the course of every activity pray as follows: “My God, [I do this] or [I endure that] in the heart of your Son and according to his holy counsels. I offer it to you in reparation for anything blameworthy or imperfect in my actions.”
Continue to do this in every circumstance of life. And every time that some punishment, affliction, or injustice comes your way, say to yourself: “Accept this as sent to you by the Sacred Heart of Jesus in order to unite yourself to him.”
I'm beginning to realize that it is so important to keep honest with God and give Him all our feelings, whether they be feelings of joy or feelings of anger and resentment, that I really want to make this my New Year's resolution, of sorts.
The website suggests saying this to yourself:
“As things develop, I will, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adapt to changing circumstances and grow in holiness."
I hang onto that promise!
Marian Consecration
From www.consecration.com, website of the Militia of the Immaculata:
Consecration means setting yourself aside for service to God. The Church has always advocated consecrating yourself to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin, the perfect model of discipleship.
Marian consecration is a formal act of self-giving that does not stop at Mary, but is Christ-directed. It is really consecration to Jesus. The MI's mission is "To Lead Every Individual With Mary to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus."
By joining the MI, members become willing instruments of Our Lady, the woman foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15. She leads them to personal sanctification, the conversion of Church opponents and ultimately the universal reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The spirit of the MI is the spirit of continual conversion. Not everyone who enrolls as a member understands perfectly in the beginning the power of this consecration. But when lived in the spirit of willingness and humility, the Immaculata will elevate our natural gifts and inspire us to holiness and fruitful service within the Church.
As Jesus said to those who would stand up and follow him: "Even greater things than these will you do."
The Militia of the Immaculata was founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe on October 16, 1917.
In 1941, the Nazis imprisoned Father Maximilian in the Auschwitz death camp. There he offered his life for another prisoner and was condemned to slow death in a starvation bunker. On August 14, 1941, his impatient captors ended his life with a fatal injection. Pope John Paul II canonized Maximilian as a "martyr of charity" in 1982. St. Maximilian Kolbe is considered a patron of journalists, families, prisoners, the pro-life movement and the chemically addicted.
It is traditional in the MI movement to choose a Marian feastday on which to dedicate yourself to Jesus through Mary. Sunday is the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. There are many Marian feasts peppered throughout the church year.
January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
January 8 - Our Lady of Prompt Succor
February 2 - Presentation of the Lord
February 11- Our Lady of Lourdes
March 25 - Annunciation
May 31 - Visitation
June 27 - Our Mother of Perpetual Help
July 16 - Our Lady of Mount Carmel
August 15 - Assumption
August 22 - Queenship of Mary
September 8 - Birth of Mary
September 12 - The Most Holy Name of Mary
September 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows
September 24 - Our Lady of Walsingham, England
October 7 - Our Lady of the Rosary
November 21 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
December 8 - Immaculate Conception
December 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe
Marian Consecration
From www.consecration.com, website of the Militia of the Immaculata:
Consecration means setting yourself aside for service to God. The Church has always advocated consecrating yourself to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin, the perfect model of discipleship.
Marian consecration is a formal act of self-giving that does not stop at Mary, but is Christ-directed. It is really consecration to Jesus. The MI's mission is "To Lead Every Individual With Mary to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus."
By joining the MI, members become willing instruments of Our Lady, the woman foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15. She leads them to personal sanctification, the conversion of Church opponents and ultimately the universal reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The spirit of the MI is the spirit of continual conversion. Not everyone who enrolls as a member understands perfectly in the beginning the power of this consecration. But when lived in the spirit of willingness and humility, the Immaculata will elevate our natural gifts and inspire us to holiness and fruitful service within the Church.
As Jesus said to those who would stand up and follow him: "Even greater things than these will you do."
The Militia of the Immaculata was founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe on October 16, 1917.
In 1941, the Nazis imprisoned Father Maximilian in the Auschwitz death camp. There he offered his life for another prisoner and was condemned to slow death in a starvation bunker. On August 14, 1941, his impatient captors ended his life with a fatal injection. Pope John Paul II canonized Maximilian as a "martyr of charity" in 1982. St. Maximilian Kolbe is considered a patron of journalists, families, prisoners, the pro-life movement and the chemically addicted.
It is traditional in the MI movement to choose a Marian feastday on which to dedicate yourself to Jesus through Mary. Sunday is the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. There are many Marian feasts peppered throughout the church year.
January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
January 8 - Our Lady of Prompt Succor
February 2 - Presentation of the Lord
February 11- Our Lady of Lourdes
March 25 - Annunciation
May 31 - Visitation
June 27 - Our Mother of Perpetual Help
July 16 - Our Lady of Mount Carmel
August 15 - Assumption
August 22 - Queenship of Mary
September 8 - Birth of Mary
September 12 - The Most Holy Name of Mary
September 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows
September 24 - Our Lady of Walsingham, England
October 7 - Our Lady of the Rosary
November 21 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
December 8 - Immaculate Conception
December 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe
A Litany for Healing
From the Militia of the Immaculata website.
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy..........Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Protect all children, Lord..........With your enduring love
Grant us the grace, Lord..........To protect and nourish the innocent
Preserve our nation, Lord..........To be chaste and pure in love
For children wounded and tearful..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children confused or alone..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid or abandoned..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children beaten..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children who sleep in fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid to go home..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid of their abusers..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children assaulted..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children whose innocence has been stolen..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot trust..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot love..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those whose hearts are filled with fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy..........Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Protect all children, Lord..........With your enduring love
Grant us the grace, Lord..........To protect and nourish the innocent
Preserve our nation, Lord..........To be chaste and pure in love
For children wounded and tearful..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children confused or alone..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid or abandoned..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children beaten..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children who sleep in fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid to go home..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid of their abusers..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children assaulted..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children whose innocence has been stolen..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot trust..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot love..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those whose hearts are filled with fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
A Litany for Healing
From the Militia of the Immaculata website.
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy..........Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Protect all children, Lord..........With your enduring love
Grant us the grace, Lord..........To protect and nourish the innocent
Preserve our nation, Lord..........To be chaste and pure in love
For children wounded and tearful..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children confused or alone..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid or abandoned..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children beaten..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children who sleep in fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid to go home..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid of their abusers..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children assaulted..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children whose innocence has been stolen..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot trust..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot love..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those whose hearts are filled with fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy..........Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy..........Lord, have mercy
Protect all children, Lord..........With your enduring love
Grant us the grace, Lord..........To protect and nourish the innocent
Preserve our nation, Lord..........To be chaste and pure in love
For children wounded and tearful..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children confused or alone..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid or abandoned..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children beaten..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children who sleep in fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid to go home..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children afraid of their abusers..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children assaulted..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For children whose innocence has been stolen..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot trust..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those who cannot love..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
For those whose hearts are filled with fear..........Save, heal and protect them, O Lord!
Happy New Year!!
Well, tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Unlike most of my contemporaries who were busy watching Dick Clark on New Year's Rockin' Eve, I was always watching Guy Lombardo (see pic) due to my hopelessly "old fashioned" parents. For years, I just couldn't stomach rock and roll (and certainly nothing more contemporary than that) on New Year's Eve because Guy Lombardo just *was* New Years Eve. They just don't make music like they did in the 40's anymore.
My dh grew up pulling taffy on New Year's Eve. It was a tradition from his mom's family and did a good job at keeping 4 kids busy until midnight. I know where my sil lives, they buy black eyed peas and cook them for New Year's. Some years, they are so popular the stores run out of them.
I will confess to an early adolescent tradition I had for myself. I used to summarize my journal while listening to the top 40 count down on my toot-a-loop radio (see pic--mine was yellow). I guess its no wonder I became an English major and a blogger!
So, did any of you have any New Year's traditions growing up? Do you have any now?
Happy New Year!!
Well, tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Unlike most of my contemporaries who were busy watching Dick Clark on New Year's Rockin' Eve, I was always watching Guy Lombardo (see pic) due to my hopelessly "old fashioned" parents. For years, I just couldn't stomach rock and roll (and certainly nothing more contemporary than that) on New Year's Eve because Guy Lombardo just *was* New Years Eve. They just don't make music like they did in the 40's anymore.
My dh grew up pulling taffy on New Year's Eve. It was a tradition from his mom's family and did a good job at keeping 4 kids busy until midnight. I know where my sil lives, they buy black eyed peas and cook them for New Year's. Some years, they are so popular the stores run out of them.
I will confess to an early adolescent tradition I had for myself. I used to summarize my journal while listening to the top 40 count down on my toot-a-loop radio (see pic--mine was yellow). I guess its no wonder I became an English major and a blogger!
So, did any of you have any New Year's traditions growing up? Do you have any now?
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Eyeglasses
What's with the Clark Kent glasses that everyone wears now? I've seen otherwise stunning individuals who have given in to the recent style and wear eyeglasses with thick black frames that totally hide their eyes. This style, combined with the recent trend toward smaller and smaller frames all but obscure the faces of the people who wear them.
Perhaps I can't get into the fashion because it reminds me too much of this:
Which proves the adage, if you are old enough to remember the style the first time around, you are too old to wear it now!
Eyeglasses
What's with the Clark Kent glasses that everyone wears now? I've seen otherwise stunning individuals who have given in to the recent style and wear eyeglasses with thick black frames that totally hide their eyes. This style, combined with the recent trend toward smaller and smaller frames all but obscure the faces of the people who wear them.
Perhaps I can't get into the fashion because it reminds me too much of this:
Which proves the adage, if you are old enough to remember the style the first time around, you are too old to wear it now!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
bright moon
bright moon
looks like a
street light
(I remember making this observation as a child. I was reminded of it by a post on Guru's Lifewatch)
looks like a
street light
(I remember making this observation as a child. I was reminded of it by a post on Guru's Lifewatch)
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Christmas Meme
This Christmas Meme is from Carmel via Wendy.
1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
Both, please!
2. Turkey or Ham?
Either is fine, but ham is nice for a change.
3. Do you get a Fake or Real you cut it yourself christmas tree?
Small, fake and fiber optic. Much easier on the mental health!
4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
No, none to speak of, really.
5. Snowball fights or sledding?
Sledding, definately.
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
We used to go "downtown" to see the Christmas lights and moving decorations in the store windows when I was a kid.
7. Favorite Christmas song?
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
I like ones with a message and I like older ones.
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
I've been known to hum or sing Christmas carols any time of year. My mom used to sing O Holy Night so much, that I didn't realize it *was* a Christmas song!
10. Stockings before or after presents?
Usually after because I forget.
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?
I haven't actually seen carolers, live, in quite a while.
12. Go to someone elses house or they come to you?
Recently, we mostly go to others' houses.
13. Do you read the Christmas Story?
Actually, yes. We had a tradition of reading the Christmas story when ds was a small child.
14. What do you do after presents and dinner?
Well, presents usually greatly precede dinner. Depending on our singing schedule, we may have Mass to go to, or visiting. DH just likes to relax and "chill".
15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
In spite of my fake fiber optic tree, I do love the smell of fresh pine.
16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
Realistically, these days, I'd better walk around the mall!
17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day? DH had a tradition of opening one on Christmas Eve, so, if he thinks about it, we do it.
18. Favorite Christmas memory?
Christmas itself is a favorite memory.
19. Favorite Part about winter?
Good, warm, food. Fresh baked bread. Spiced hot apple cider, snow.
20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
Yes, actually. My mom used to put up mistletoe.
1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
Both, please!
2. Turkey or Ham?
Either is fine, but ham is nice for a change.
3. Do you get a Fake or Real you cut it yourself christmas tree?
Small, fake and fiber optic. Much easier on the mental health!
4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
No, none to speak of, really.
5. Snowball fights or sledding?
Sledding, definately.
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
We used to go "downtown" to see the Christmas lights and moving decorations in the store windows when I was a kid.
7. Favorite Christmas song?
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
I like ones with a message and I like older ones.
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
I've been known to hum or sing Christmas carols any time of year. My mom used to sing O Holy Night so much, that I didn't realize it *was* a Christmas song!
10. Stockings before or after presents?
Usually after because I forget.
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?
I haven't actually seen carolers, live, in quite a while.
12. Go to someone elses house or they come to you?
Recently, we mostly go to others' houses.
13. Do you read the Christmas Story?
Actually, yes. We had a tradition of reading the Christmas story when ds was a small child.
14. What do you do after presents and dinner?
Well, presents usually greatly precede dinner. Depending on our singing schedule, we may have Mass to go to, or visiting. DH just likes to relax and "chill".
15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
In spite of my fake fiber optic tree, I do love the smell of fresh pine.
16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
Realistically, these days, I'd better walk around the mall!
17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day? DH had a tradition of opening one on Christmas Eve, so, if he thinks about it, we do it.
18. Favorite Christmas memory?
Christmas itself is a favorite memory.
19. Favorite Part about winter?
Good, warm, food. Fresh baked bread. Spiced hot apple cider, snow.
20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
Yes, actually. My mom used to put up mistletoe.
Christmas Meme
This Christmas Meme is from Carmel via Wendy.
1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
Both, please!
2. Turkey or Ham?
Either is fine, but ham is nice for a change.
3. Do you get a Fake or Real you cut it yourself christmas tree?
Small, fake and fiber optic. Much easier on the mental health!
4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
No, none to speak of, really.
5. Snowball fights or sledding?
Sledding, definately.
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
We used to go "downtown" to see the Christmas lights and moving decorations in the store windows when I was a kid.
7. Favorite Christmas song?
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
I like ones with a message and I like older ones.
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
I've been known to hum or sing Christmas carols any time of year. My mom used to sing O Holy Night so much, that I didn't realize it *was* a Christmas song!
10. Stockings before or after presents?
Usually after because I forget.
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?
I haven't actually seen carolers, live, in quite a while.
12. Go to someone elses house or they come to you?
Recently, we mostly go to others' houses.
13. Do you read the Christmas Story?
Actually, yes. We had a tradition of reading the Christmas story when ds was a small child.
14. What do you do after presents and dinner?
Well, presents usually greatly precede dinner. Depending on our singing schedule, we may have Mass to go to, or visiting. DH just likes to relax and "chill".
15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
In spite of my fake fiber optic tree, I do love the smell of fresh pine.
16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
Realistically, these days, I'd better walk around the mall!
17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day? DH had a tradition of opening one on Christmas Eve, so, if he thinks about it, we do it.
18. Favorite Christmas memory?
Christmas itself is a favorite memory.
19. Favorite Part about winter?
Good, warm, food. Fresh baked bread. Spiced hot apple cider, snow.
20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
Yes, actually. My mom used to put up mistletoe.
1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
Both, please!
2. Turkey or Ham?
Either is fine, but ham is nice for a change.
3. Do you get a Fake or Real you cut it yourself christmas tree?
Small, fake and fiber optic. Much easier on the mental health!
4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
No, none to speak of, really.
5. Snowball fights or sledding?
Sledding, definately.
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
We used to go "downtown" to see the Christmas lights and moving decorations in the store windows when I was a kid.
7. Favorite Christmas song?
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
I like ones with a message and I like older ones.
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
I've been known to hum or sing Christmas carols any time of year. My mom used to sing O Holy Night so much, that I didn't realize it *was* a Christmas song!
10. Stockings before or after presents?
Usually after because I forget.
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?
I haven't actually seen carolers, live, in quite a while.
12. Go to someone elses house or they come to you?
Recently, we mostly go to others' houses.
13. Do you read the Christmas Story?
Actually, yes. We had a tradition of reading the Christmas story when ds was a small child.
14. What do you do after presents and dinner?
Well, presents usually greatly precede dinner. Depending on our singing schedule, we may have Mass to go to, or visiting. DH just likes to relax and "chill".
15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
In spite of my fake fiber optic tree, I do love the smell of fresh pine.
16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
Realistically, these days, I'd better walk around the mall!
17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day? DH had a tradition of opening one on Christmas Eve, so, if he thinks about it, we do it.
18. Favorite Christmas memory?
Christmas itself is a favorite memory.
19. Favorite Part about winter?
Good, warm, food. Fresh baked bread. Spiced hot apple cider, snow.
20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
Yes, actually. My mom used to put up mistletoe.
Christmas depression
Zenit News has a very helpful story on one parish's attempt to help those who suffer from Christmas Depression. Father Xavier Morlans of St. Raymond of Penyafort Parish in Barcelona, Spain says that
Many are seeking a possible happiness associated with humility. The symptoms of the so-called Christmas doldrums are: an excessive consumerism, memories of deceased family members, and the stress of preparing holiday meals, etc., but there is a deep-seated kind [of symptom] in the West, due to the 'sediment' that remains in the DNA of a European of the secularized world after so many years of Christianity.
The Zenit article says that the priest invites the faithful to rediscover and relish Christmas and to relearn a personal encounter with God. After all, that *is* what Christmas is all about. It is not about a particular menu, or decoration, or gift. It is about the Gift that is always available to us--Christ Himself.
Christmas depression
Zenit News has a very helpful story on one parish's attempt to help those who suffer from Christmas Depression. Father Xavier Morlans of St. Raymond of Penyafort Parish in Barcelona, Spain says that
Many are seeking a possible happiness associated with humility. The symptoms of the so-called Christmas doldrums are: an excessive consumerism, memories of deceased family members, and the stress of preparing holiday meals, etc., but there is a deep-seated kind [of symptom] in the West, due to the 'sediment' that remains in the DNA of a European of the secularized world after so many years of Christianity.
The Zenit article says that the priest invites the faithful to rediscover and relish Christmas and to relearn a personal encounter with God. After all, that *is* what Christmas is all about. It is not about a particular menu, or decoration, or gift. It is about the Gift that is always available to us--Christ Himself.
The Papal Camauro
Both St. Peter's Helpers and The Curt Jester have posted pics of Pope Benedict wearing the Camauro, which, according to this website on Roman Catholic Vestments is:
the white fur-trimmed red bonnet reserved to Popes in place of the biretta. No Pope since John XXIII (d. 1963) has used it.
The camauro, like the biretta, evolved from the academic cap of the Middle Ages. Unlike the biretta, however, it did not evolve much. The camauro in its present form was established by the twelfth century.
I'll bet this keeps him warm during the cold winter months. Such style! So appropriate to the season!
The Papal Camauro
Both St. Peter's Helpers and The Curt Jester have posted pics of Pope Benedict wearing the Camauro, which, according to this website on Roman Catholic Vestments is:
the white fur-trimmed red bonnet reserved to Popes in place of the biretta. No Pope since John XXIII (d. 1963) has used it.
The camauro, like the biretta, evolved from the academic cap of the Middle Ages. Unlike the biretta, however, it did not evolve much. The camauro in its present form was established by the twelfth century.
I'll bet this keeps him warm during the cold winter months. Such style! So appropriate to the season!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Words my mil's mother wouldn't let *her* say
My late mil was born in 1917. Her mom had her own list of words that were forbidden in their household. Here they are:
1) Gee
2) Gosh
3) Darn
4) Lookit
My mil and her siblings used to say them all strung out like one big forbidden word:
"Geegoshdarnlookit!"
This is also the women who used to tell my mil to quit listening to the (jazz) music that was newly popular then. According to her, it was nothing but, "jiggida, jiggida, jiggida!"
Hmmm...maybe times really *were* simpler back then.
1) Gee
2) Gosh
3) Darn
4) Lookit
My mil and her siblings used to say them all strung out like one big forbidden word:
"Geegoshdarnlookit!"
This is also the women who used to tell my mil to quit listening to the (jazz) music that was newly popular then. According to her, it was nothing but, "jiggida, jiggida, jiggida!"
Hmmm...maybe times really *were* simpler back then.
Words my mil's mother wouldn't let *her* say
My late mil was born in 1917. Her mom had her own list of words that were forbidden in their household. Here they are:
1) Gee
2) Gosh
3) Darn
4) Lookit
My mil and her siblings used to say them all strung out like one big forbidden word:
"Geegoshdarnlookit!"
This is also the women who used to tell my mil to quit listening to the (jazz) music that was newly popular then. According to her, it was nothing but, "jiggida, jiggida, jiggida!"
Hmmm...maybe times really *were* simpler back then.
1) Gee
2) Gosh
3) Darn
4) Lookit
My mil and her siblings used to say them all strung out like one big forbidden word:
"Geegoshdarnlookit!"
This is also the women who used to tell my mil to quit listening to the (jazz) music that was newly popular then. According to her, it was nothing but, "jiggida, jiggida, jiggida!"
Hmmm...maybe times really *were* simpler back then.
More wisdom from myCatholic.com
I think if we all understood this, it would solve many of today's problems.
Friendship
You say that he is full of defects. Very well... but, apart from the fact that people who are perfect are found only in Heaven, you too have defects, yet others put up with you and, what is more, appreciate you. That is because they love you with the love Jesus Christ had for his own, and they had a fair number of shortcomings.
Learn from this.
– St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #758
More wisdom from myCatholic.com
I think if we all understood this, it would solve many of today's problems.
Friendship
You say that he is full of defects. Very well... but, apart from the fact that people who are perfect are found only in Heaven, you too have defects, yet others put up with you and, what is more, appreciate you. That is because they love you with the love Jesus Christ had for his own, and they had a fair number of shortcomings.
Learn from this.
– St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #758
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Words my mother wouldn't let us say
No, not *those* words! That would be way too obvious! The words my mom wouldn't let us say are the following.
1) "At." This one *is* rather obvious. "Don't end a sentence with 'at'". Most of the time, I don't.
2) "Ain't." In the immortal words of someone whose name I don't remember, "Ain't, ain't right to say." We never really did get into the habit of saying ain't, probably because of her continual insistence.
3) "Lost." Mom's bit of wisdom on this word was, "Don't say 'lost', say 'misplaced.'" Don't know why...and I still say "lost".
4) "Alley" We grew up at the end of a dead end street. Most of our friends lived across the alley...oh, excuse me...across the LANE, as my mom insisted we call it. I guess alley conjured up too many images of mangy cats (and other things I didn't want to think about as a small child.)
So, yeah, those are my mom's words you shouldn't say.
1) "At." This one *is* rather obvious. "Don't end a sentence with 'at'". Most of the time, I don't.
2) "Ain't." In the immortal words of someone whose name I don't remember, "Ain't, ain't right to say." We never really did get into the habit of saying ain't, probably because of her continual insistence.
3) "Lost." Mom's bit of wisdom on this word was, "Don't say 'lost', say 'misplaced.'" Don't know why...and I still say "lost".
4) "Alley" We grew up at the end of a dead end street. Most of our friends lived across the alley...oh, excuse me...across the LANE, as my mom insisted we call it. I guess alley conjured up too many images of mangy cats (and other things I didn't want to think about as a small child.)
So, yeah, those are my mom's words you shouldn't say.
Words my mother wouldn't let us say
No, not *those* words! That would be way too obvious! The words my mom wouldn't let us say are the following.
1) "At." This one *is* rather obvious. "Don't end a sentence with 'at'". Most of the time, I don't.
2) "Ain't." In the immortal words of someone whose name I don't remember, "Ain't, ain't right to say." We never really did get into the habit of saying ain't, probably because of her continual insistence.
3) "Lost." Mom's bit of wisdom on this word was, "Don't say 'lost', say 'misplaced.'" Don't know why...and I still say "lost".
4) "Alley" We grew up at the end of a dead end street. Most of our friends lived across the alley...oh, excuse me...across the LANE, as my mom insisted we call it. I guess alley conjured up too many images of mangy cats (and other things I didn't want to think about as a small child.)
So, yeah, those are my mom's words you shouldn't say.
1) "At." This one *is* rather obvious. "Don't end a sentence with 'at'". Most of the time, I don't.
2) "Ain't." In the immortal words of someone whose name I don't remember, "Ain't, ain't right to say." We never really did get into the habit of saying ain't, probably because of her continual insistence.
3) "Lost." Mom's bit of wisdom on this word was, "Don't say 'lost', say 'misplaced.'" Don't know why...and I still say "lost".
4) "Alley" We grew up at the end of a dead end street. Most of our friends lived across the alley...oh, excuse me...across the LANE, as my mom insisted we call it. I guess alley conjured up too many images of mangy cats (and other things I didn't want to think about as a small child.)
So, yeah, those are my mom's words you shouldn't say.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
McCain Torture Ban Spells End of Haugen Haas Music
The Curt Jester says, file this under wishful thinking. I agree. The headline from the original Plato's Stepchild article reads,
McCain Torture Ban Spells End of Haugen Haas Music
Would that it were true! For those of you not immediately familiar with Haugen Haas music, they have written such theological gems as "Gather us in" and "We Remember"--songs that are nearly impossible to sing in an average church setting and have quite iffy theology to begin with. Someone once told me that those musicless Masses said at the crack of dawn are called "musicians' Masses". The sort of music written by Haugen and Haas is the reason why.
The Society for a Moratorium on the Music of Marty Haugen and David Haas has some funny parodies such as this one:
We Remember (after Marty Haugen)
CHORUS:
We remember how we used to sing great hymns,
And we're still hoping we'll sing them all again.
'Cause all we hear at Mass is drivel
Written by
Marty Haugen's pals.
We remember the hymns we used to sing.
and this one:
Gather Us In
Here in this church the choir is droning;
"Gather Us In" is our entrance song.
Chanted this slow, it sounds more like groaning;
I notice no one is singing along.
"Gather Us In" is sung every Sunday;
"Gather Us In" is sung every Mass.
Give us a break and sing something different,
"Gather Us In" gets old really fast.
McCain Torture Ban Spells End of Haugen Haas Music
The Curt Jester says, file this under wishful thinking. I agree. The headline from the original Plato's Stepchild article reads,
McCain Torture Ban Spells End of Haugen Haas Music
Would that it were true! For those of you not immediately familiar with Haugen Haas music, they have written such theological gems as "Gather us in" and "We Remember"--songs that are nearly impossible to sing in an average church setting and have quite iffy theology to begin with. Someone once told me that those musicless Masses said at the crack of dawn are called "musicians' Masses". The sort of music written by Haugen and Haas is the reason why.
The Society for a Moratorium on the Music of Marty Haugen and David Haas has some funny parodies such as this one:
We Remember (after Marty Haugen)
CHORUS:
We remember how we used to sing great hymns,
And we're still hoping we'll sing them all again.
'Cause all we hear at Mass is drivel
Written by
Marty Haugen's pals.
We remember the hymns we used to sing.
and this one:
Gather Us In
Here in this church the choir is droning;
"Gather Us In" is our entrance song.
Chanted this slow, it sounds more like groaning;
I notice no one is singing along.
"Gather Us In" is sung every Sunday;
"Gather Us In" is sung every Mass.
Give us a break and sing something different,
"Gather Us In" gets old really fast.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Let Go, Let God
I'm reading a very helpful article about Letting Go on Aish, which is a website on Jewish spirituality. Life is full of painful circumstances. When painful things happen to us, we tend to blame people and circumstances beyond our control. This of course, makes no sense and is indeed counterproductive.
Secondly, the article states,
The next point is so important, that I'll quote it verbatim.
Very wise, I think.
Hanging on to anger and resentment assumes that we have control over the behavior of another person.On the contrary, we can't control others' actions or their feelings. The more we try, the more likely they are rebel or feel inadequate and the cycle of miscommunication continues. Reaching deep down and finding the positive, as difficult as that is to do, is much more likely to get results.
Secondly, the article states,
no challenge in life is arbitrary or capricious. My life and the circumstances by which I am confronted are uniquely relevant to me and provide an invitation for me to grow on a personal levelor as it says in the New Testament, "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord." (Romans 8:28). The article suggests turning the constant negative feedback we give ourselves into positive self-talk as a way to "let go and forgive." Again, being positive is much more likely to get results.
The next point is so important, that I'll quote it verbatim.
Everyday is precious and life passes all too quickly. We must not allow yesterday to contaminate today. How sad it would be for us to miss today's beautiful sunshine, because we refuse to let go of yesterday's overcast skies. In Hebrew there is a saying, "Do not prolong the suffering beyond the time of pain."
Very wise, I think.
Let Go, Let God
I'm reading a very helpful article about Letting Go on Aish, which is a website on Jewish spirituality. Life is full of painful circumstances. When painful things happen to us, we tend to blame people and circumstances beyond our control. This of course, makes no sense and is indeed counterproductive.
Secondly, the article states,
The next point is so important, that I'll quote it verbatim.
Very wise, I think.
Hanging on to anger and resentment assumes that we have control over the behavior of another person.On the contrary, we can't control others' actions or their feelings. The more we try, the more likely they are rebel or feel inadequate and the cycle of miscommunication continues. Reaching deep down and finding the positive, as difficult as that is to do, is much more likely to get results.
Secondly, the article states,
no challenge in life is arbitrary or capricious. My life and the circumstances by which I am confronted are uniquely relevant to me and provide an invitation for me to grow on a personal levelor as it says in the New Testament, "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord." (Romans 8:28). The article suggests turning the constant negative feedback we give ourselves into positive self-talk as a way to "let go and forgive." Again, being positive is much more likely to get results.
The next point is so important, that I'll quote it verbatim.
Everyday is precious and life passes all too quickly. We must not allow yesterday to contaminate today. How sad it would be for us to miss today's beautiful sunshine, because we refuse to let go of yesterday's overcast skies. In Hebrew there is a saying, "Do not prolong the suffering beyond the time of pain."
Very wise, I think.
True Freedom in Christ
Catholic Analysis has a wonderful commentary on true freedom in Christ. The biblical text from Galatians 6:18 says "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery". The article asks how this applies to us in the "modern" world.
Modern man, it says, is a slave to the "religion of secularism." We see ourselves as "belonging" to a particular city, profession or class of people. It tells a story of a woman from New Orleans whose fiance wanted to move to Atlanta. She sees herself as a "New Orleans girl" and he finally gives in and moves there. Later, they both end up so depressed that they make a suicide pact. He dies. She lives. All for the identity of being attached to a particular city.
Parents are so quick to identify their children with getting that all important college degree (to get the all important well paying job) that they ignore the sometimes negative affects that some college experiences can have on their children.
"Once you get the degree," states Catholic Analysis, "the parent is proud even if the daughter has slept around or shacked up with several males in the process of pursuing higher education. Once you get the degree, the parent is proud even if the son is an obnoxious and boorish personality enveloped in immaturity."
I think many of us go through life on auto pilot, going after things that are not important in the long run of eternity and ignoring the consequences of following the crowd.
Freedom in Christ is true freedom--freedom from slavery to objects that are impermanent; freedom from slavery to identities that can be taken away from us in a moment by death, or abandonment or change in health. The only real lasting thing is God, who created all.
Modern man, it says, is a slave to the "religion of secularism." We see ourselves as "belonging" to a particular city, profession or class of people. It tells a story of a woman from New Orleans whose fiance wanted to move to Atlanta. She sees herself as a "New Orleans girl" and he finally gives in and moves there. Later, they both end up so depressed that they make a suicide pact. He dies. She lives. All for the identity of being attached to a particular city.
Parents are so quick to identify their children with getting that all important college degree (to get the all important well paying job) that they ignore the sometimes negative affects that some college experiences can have on their children.
"Once you get the degree," states Catholic Analysis, "the parent is proud even if the daughter has slept around or shacked up with several males in the process of pursuing higher education. Once you get the degree, the parent is proud even if the son is an obnoxious and boorish personality enveloped in immaturity."
I think many of us go through life on auto pilot, going after things that are not important in the long run of eternity and ignoring the consequences of following the crowd.
Freedom in Christ is true freedom--freedom from slavery to objects that are impermanent; freedom from slavery to identities that can be taken away from us in a moment by death, or abandonment or change in health. The only real lasting thing is God, who created all.
True Freedom in Christ
Catholic Analysis has a wonderful commentary on true freedom in Christ. The biblical text from Galatians 6:18 says "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery". The article asks how this applies to us in the "modern" world.
Modern man, it says, is a slave to the "religion of secularism." We see ourselves as "belonging" to a particular city, profession or class of people. It tells a story of a woman from New Orleans whose fiance wanted to move to Atlanta. She sees herself as a "New Orleans girl" and he finally gives in and moves there. Later, they both end up so depressed that they make a suicide pact. He dies. She lives. All for the identity of being attached to a particular city.
Parents are so quick to identify their children with getting that all important college degree (to get the all important well paying job) that they ignore the sometimes negative affects that some college experiences can have on their children.
"Once you get the degree," states Catholic Analysis, "the parent is proud even if the daughter has slept around or shacked up with several males in the process of pursuing higher education. Once you get the degree, the parent is proud even if the son is an obnoxious and boorish personality enveloped in immaturity."
I think many of us go through life on auto pilot, going after things that are not important in the long run of eternity and ignoring the consequences of following the crowd.
Freedom in Christ is true freedom--freedom from slavery to objects that are impermanent; freedom from slavery to identities that can be taken away from us in a moment by death, or abandonment or change in health. The only real lasting thing is God, who created all.
Modern man, it says, is a slave to the "religion of secularism." We see ourselves as "belonging" to a particular city, profession or class of people. It tells a story of a woman from New Orleans whose fiance wanted to move to Atlanta. She sees herself as a "New Orleans girl" and he finally gives in and moves there. Later, they both end up so depressed that they make a suicide pact. He dies. She lives. All for the identity of being attached to a particular city.
Parents are so quick to identify their children with getting that all important college degree (to get the all important well paying job) that they ignore the sometimes negative affects that some college experiences can have on their children.
"Once you get the degree," states Catholic Analysis, "the parent is proud even if the daughter has slept around or shacked up with several males in the process of pursuing higher education. Once you get the degree, the parent is proud even if the son is an obnoxious and boorish personality enveloped in immaturity."
I think many of us go through life on auto pilot, going after things that are not important in the long run of eternity and ignoring the consequences of following the crowd.
Freedom in Christ is true freedom--freedom from slavery to objects that are impermanent; freedom from slavery to identities that can be taken away from us in a moment by death, or abandonment or change in health. The only real lasting thing is God, who created all.
Get Over Vatican II
Hallowed Ground has a great post about Vatican II. In essence, it says, yes, I agree that Vatican II was a legitimate council. Yes, I agree with any doctrine that was promulgated from Vatican II. But, it still had its negative affect on the Church. Pretty much sums things up nicely.
Get Over Vatican II
Hallowed Ground has a great post about Vatican II. In essence, it says, yes, I agree that Vatican II was a legitimate council. Yes, I agree with any doctrine that was promulgated from Vatican II. But, it still had its negative affect on the Church. Pretty much sums things up nicely.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
What is your style of American Catholicism?
| You scored as Traditional Catholic. You look at the great piety and holiness of the Church before the Second Vatican Council and the decay of belief and practice since then, and see that much of the decline is due to failed reforms based on the "Spirit of the Council". You regret the loss of vast numbers of Religious and Ordained clergy and the widely diverging celebrations of the Mass of Pope Paul VI, which often don't even seem to be Catholic anymore. You are helping to rebuild this past culture in one of the many new Traditional Latin Mass communities or attend Eastern Catholic Divine Liturgy. You seek refuge from the world of pornography, recreational drugs, violence, and materialism. You are an articulate, confident, committed, and intelligent Catholic. But do you support legitimate reform of the Church, and are you willing to submit to the directives of the Second Vatican Council? Will you cooperate responsibly with others who are not part of the Traditional community?
What is your style of American Catholicism? created with QuizFarm.com |
The answer to the above is, yes, of course.
What is your style of American Catholicism?
| You scored as Traditional Catholic. You look at the great piety and holiness of the Church before the Second Vatican Council and the decay of belief and practice since then, and see that much of the decline is due to failed reforms based on the "Spirit of the Council". You regret the loss of vast numbers of Religious and Ordained clergy and the widely diverging celebrations of the Mass of Pope Paul VI, which often don't even seem to be Catholic anymore. You are helping to rebuild this past culture in one of the many new Traditional Latin Mass communities or attend Eastern Catholic Divine Liturgy. You seek refuge from the world of pornography, recreational drugs, violence, and materialism. You are an articulate, confident, committed, and intelligent Catholic. But do you support legitimate reform of the Church, and are you willing to submit to the directives of the Second Vatican Council? Will you cooperate responsibly with others who are not part of the Traditional community?
What is your style of American Catholicism? created with QuizFarm.com |
The answer to the above is, yes, of course.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Monday, December 12, 2005
Scrooge
I confess to being a great fan of Ebeneezer Scrooge. But, for me, only the Alistair Simms version will do. There is something about that black and white rendition of the old miser's journey from greed to redemption that seems more real, somehow, than the versions in color, and, certainly more real than the versions that have the characters break into song throughout the story. The stark atmosphere of Scrooge's intense greed and closed heart are made manifest through the lack of color in the picture.
Ebeneezer Scrooge is such an appropriate icon of modern America. He looses everything he tries to gain by greed. Greed and bitterness shut him off from meaningful relationships, and from a meaningful life. He begins to turn bitter when his sister dies in childbirth. His fiance (who is one of the wisest characters in the movie, IMO) breaks up with him when she realizes that she will never take the place of money and possessions in his heart. How many of us would have that kind of intestinal fortitude when face to face with a sure way out of poverty?
The conversation between Scrooge and his nephew Fred typifies the two philosophies.
``A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!'' cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.
``Bah!'' said Scrooge, ``Humbug!''
He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge's, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.
``Christmas a humbug, uncle!'' said Scrooge's nephew. ``You don't mean that, I am sure.''
``I do,'' said Scrooge. ``Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.''
``Come, then,'' returned the nephew gaily. ``What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.''
Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, ``Bah!'' again; and followed it up with ``Humbug.''
``Don't be cross, uncle,'' said the nephew.
``What else can I be,'' returned the uncle, ``when I live in such a world of fools as this Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas. What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books and having every item in 'em through a round dozen of months presented dead against you? If I could work my will,'' said Scrooge indignantly, ``every idiot who goes about with ``Merry Christmas'' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!''
``Uncle!'' pleaded the nephew.
``Nephew!'' returned the uncle, sternly, ``keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.''
``Keep it!'' repeated Scrooge's nephew. ``But you don't keep it.''
``Let me leave it alone, then,'' said Scrooge. ``Much good may it do you! Much good it has ever done you!''
``There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,'' returned the nephew: ``Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!''
Literature.org has the entire text of Dickens' A Christmas Carol for your holiday perusal and edification.
CEDMagic has a wonderful series of stills with quotes from the story.
A merry Christmas to you, and God Bless us, everyone!
Scrooge
I confess to being a great fan of Ebeneezer Scrooge. But, for me, only the Alistair Simms version will do. There is something about that black and white rendition of the old miser's journey from greed to redemption that seems more real, somehow, than the versions in color, and, certainly more real than the versions that have the characters break into song throughout the story. The stark atmosphere of Scrooge's intense greed and closed heart are made manifest through the lack of color in the picture.
Ebeneezer Scrooge is such an appropriate icon of modern America. He looses everything he tries to gain by greed. Greed and bitterness shut him off from meaningful relationships, and from a meaningful life. He begins to turn bitter when his sister dies in childbirth. His fiance (who is one of the wisest characters in the movie, IMO) breaks up with him when she realizes that she will never take the place of money and possessions in his heart. How many of us would have that kind of intestinal fortitude when face to face with a sure way out of poverty?
The conversation between Scrooge and his nephew Fred typifies the two philosophies.
``A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!'' cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.
``Bah!'' said Scrooge, ``Humbug!''
He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge's, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.
``Christmas a humbug, uncle!'' said Scrooge's nephew. ``You don't mean that, I am sure.''
``I do,'' said Scrooge. ``Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.''
``Come, then,'' returned the nephew gaily. ``What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.''
Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, ``Bah!'' again; and followed it up with ``Humbug.''
``Don't be cross, uncle,'' said the nephew.
``What else can I be,'' returned the uncle, ``when I live in such a world of fools as this Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas. What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books and having every item in 'em through a round dozen of months presented dead against you? If I could work my will,'' said Scrooge indignantly, ``every idiot who goes about with ``Merry Christmas'' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!''
``Uncle!'' pleaded the nephew.
``Nephew!'' returned the uncle, sternly, ``keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.''
``Keep it!'' repeated Scrooge's nephew. ``But you don't keep it.''
``Let me leave it alone, then,'' said Scrooge. ``Much good may it do you! Much good it has ever done you!''
``There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,'' returned the nephew: ``Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!''
Literature.org has the entire text of Dickens' A Christmas Carol for your holiday perusal and edification.
CEDMagic has a wonderful series of stills with quotes from the story.
A merry Christmas to you, and God Bless us, everyone!
Deck the Vatican with bows of holly...
Catholic World News reports that Pope Benedict "noted that preparations for Christmas traditionally begin in earnest after the feast of the Immaculate Conception" which is December 8th. The Vatican will be lighting their Christmas tree on December 17th. The Holy Father said that it is "providential...that the entrance door to Christmas should be the feast of the mother of Jesus."
Well, that makes me feel a lot better! As I have said here before, I decided pretty early on in my marriage that I couldn't continue my father's tradition of everything being put up on Christmas Eve after the kids are in bed. My mental health just couldn't take it!
But, I'm not really someone who would put up the full set of decorations the day after Thanksgiving either. That's just too soon for me.
Glad to know I'm following in the footsteps of the Vatican on this one!
Thanks to Recta Ratio for bringing this to my attention.
Well, that makes me feel a lot better! As I have said here before, I decided pretty early on in my marriage that I couldn't continue my father's tradition of everything being put up on Christmas Eve after the kids are in bed. My mental health just couldn't take it!
But, I'm not really someone who would put up the full set of decorations the day after Thanksgiving either. That's just too soon for me.
Glad to know I'm following in the footsteps of the Vatican on this one!
Thanks to Recta Ratio for bringing this to my attention.
Deck the Vatican with bows of holly...
Catholic World News reports that Pope Benedict "noted that preparations for Christmas traditionally begin in earnest after the feast of the Immaculate Conception" which is December 8th. The Vatican will be lighting their Christmas tree on December 17th. The Holy Father said that it is "providential...that the entrance door to Christmas should be the feast of the mother of Jesus."
Well, that makes me feel a lot better! As I have said here before, I decided pretty early on in my marriage that I couldn't continue my father's tradition of everything being put up on Christmas Eve after the kids are in bed. My mental health just couldn't take it!
But, I'm not really someone who would put up the full set of decorations the day after Thanksgiving either. That's just too soon for me.
Glad to know I'm following in the footsteps of the Vatican on this one!
Thanks to Recta Ratio for bringing this to my attention.
Well, that makes me feel a lot better! As I have said here before, I decided pretty early on in my marriage that I couldn't continue my father's tradition of everything being put up on Christmas Eve after the kids are in bed. My mental health just couldn't take it!
But, I'm not really someone who would put up the full set of decorations the day after Thanksgiving either. That's just too soon for me.
Glad to know I'm following in the footsteps of the Vatican on this one!
Thanks to Recta Ratio for bringing this to my attention.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Pope calls for a renewed committment to mentally ill
According to Zenit News, Pope Benedict has called for a greater committment to the mentally ill and their families.
The pope says that the current crisis of values in our society "increases the sense of loneliness, undermin(es)and even break(s) down traditional forms of social cohesion, beginning with the institution of the family, and marginaliz(es)the sick, and especially the mentally ill, who are often seen as a burden for their families and the community."
The pope also blames the rise in mental illness on the rise of traumatic situations around the world including war, terrorism and natural disasters.
The pope says that the current crisis of values in our society "increases the sense of loneliness, undermin(es)and even break(s) down traditional forms of social cohesion, beginning with the institution of the family, and marginaliz(es)the sick, and especially the mentally ill, who are often seen as a burden for their families and the community."
The pope also blames the rise in mental illness on the rise of traumatic situations around the world including war, terrorism and natural disasters.
Pope calls for a renewed committment to mentally ill
According to Zenit News, Pope Benedict has called for a greater committment to the mentally ill and their families.
The pope says that the current crisis of values in our society "increases the sense of loneliness, undermin(es)and even break(s) down traditional forms of social cohesion, beginning with the institution of the family, and marginaliz(es)the sick, and especially the mentally ill, who are often seen as a burden for their families and the community."
The pope also blames the rise in mental illness on the rise of traumatic situations around the world including war, terrorism and natural disasters.
The pope says that the current crisis of values in our society "increases the sense of loneliness, undermin(es)and even break(s) down traditional forms of social cohesion, beginning with the institution of the family, and marginaliz(es)the sick, and especially the mentally ill, who are often seen as a burden for their families and the community."
The pope also blames the rise in mental illness on the rise of traumatic situations around the world including war, terrorism and natural disasters.
Friday, December 9, 2005
Grotto accepting donations for Luminous Mysteries
I live rather close to the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD and noticed the other day that they are planning on adding a series of mosaics depicting the Mysteries of Light of the Rosary. They currently have a beautiful outdoor Rosary Walk with mosaics for each of the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries. The Grotto is a very powerful and peaceful place to visit and spend time with the Lord.
If you are ever in the area of the east coast of the U.S. it is worth spending some time there. If your are interested in donating toward the building of these new mosaics, send your donations payable to The Grotto of Lourdes to:
National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes,
Mount Saint Mary's University,
Emmitsburg , MD 21727
Their website says that
While a special plaque will honor those donors who give $250 or more, please know that gifts at all levels will be most appreciated.
Grotto accepting donations for Luminous Mysteries
I live rather close to the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD and noticed the other day that they are planning on adding a series of mosaics depicting the Mysteries of Light of the Rosary. They currently have a beautiful outdoor Rosary Walk with mosaics for each of the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries. The Grotto is a very powerful and peaceful place to visit and spend time with the Lord.
If you are ever in the area of the east coast of the U.S. it is worth spending some time there. If your are interested in donating toward the building of these new mosaics, send your donations payable to The Grotto of Lourdes to:
National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes,
Mount Saint Mary's University,
Emmitsburg , MD 21727
Their website says that
While a special plaque will honor those donors who give $250 or more, please know that gifts at all levels will be most appreciated.
Christmas Music favorites
In response to Saint Peter's Helpers, I wanted to post a bit about specific Christmas CD's that I like. I don't have an extensive collection. I'm notorious for being behind the times technologically, so, just when I get a collection going, they change the mode of delivery and I have to start all over again!
I have CDs from two groups local to Maryland that I enjoy around Christmas. One is Larksong, that performs (under a different name, I think) at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I have 3 of their CDs, one of which is called Softly the Stars are Shining. They are a small vocal group and their CDs will sound more like live (read "not necessarily perfect") performances, which, as a vocalist, I don't mind.
Another cool MD group are the Columbia Brass out of Columbia, MD. Their Christmas CD includes such favorites as Ave Verum, Greensleeves and Hallelujah Chorus.
I have good luck sometimes buying classical CDs at "regular" music stores. They are often on sale because no one but me ever buys them! I have one I like (Actually 2 CDs) titled, The 50 Greatest Songs of Christmas. Each song lists the group that performs it, which is a good way to avoid fake elevator-music type CDs. It has a mix of secular and sacred type Christmas music.
I always bring out Handel's Messiah around this time of year too. It works for both Christmas and Easter. Can't forget the old favorite, The Nutcracker Suite. A very motivating, dance-around-the-room type CD!
Another great CD is Manheim Steamroller, A Fresh Aire Christmas. They have many favorites, including, In dulci Jubilo, The Holly and the Ivy, and my favorite, Lo How a Rose E're Blooming.
Something I love to hear but don't have on CD are Lessons and Carols. It is one thing that the Anglicans do that I think is worth borrowing. It is either done as an Advent Lessons and Carols (in which case you have to find a bunch of *Advent* songs--not easy) or Christmas Lessons and Carols. Each carol is interspersed with a Scripture reading.
The public radio stations like to play it, often on Christmas Eve Day, and I LOVE to hear it! I really need to see if I can find it on CD. As a former choir member, I love to see what songs they will find to sing. This a quite a challenge for any choral leader and is hard work to put together!
Enjoy the music of the Season!
I have CDs from two groups local to Maryland that I enjoy around Christmas. One is Larksong, that performs (under a different name, I think) at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I have 3 of their CDs, one of which is called Softly the Stars are Shining. They are a small vocal group and their CDs will sound more like live (read "not necessarily perfect") performances, which, as a vocalist, I don't mind.
Another cool MD group are the Columbia Brass out of Columbia, MD. Their Christmas CD includes such favorites as Ave Verum, Greensleeves and Hallelujah Chorus.
I have good luck sometimes buying classical CDs at "regular" music stores. They are often on sale because no one but me ever buys them! I have one I like (Actually 2 CDs) titled, The 50 Greatest Songs of Christmas. Each song lists the group that performs it, which is a good way to avoid fake elevator-music type CDs. It has a mix of secular and sacred type Christmas music.
I always bring out Handel's Messiah around this time of year too. It works for both Christmas and Easter. Can't forget the old favorite, The Nutcracker Suite. A very motivating, dance-around-the-room type CD!
Another great CD is Manheim Steamroller, A Fresh Aire Christmas. They have many favorites, including, In dulci Jubilo, The Holly and the Ivy, and my favorite, Lo How a Rose E're Blooming.
Something I love to hear but don't have on CD are Lessons and Carols. It is one thing that the Anglicans do that I think is worth borrowing. It is either done as an Advent Lessons and Carols (in which case you have to find a bunch of *Advent* songs--not easy) or Christmas Lessons and Carols. Each carol is interspersed with a Scripture reading.
The public radio stations like to play it, often on Christmas Eve Day, and I LOVE to hear it! I really need to see if I can find it on CD. As a former choir member, I love to see what songs they will find to sing. This a quite a challenge for any choral leader and is hard work to put together!
Enjoy the music of the Season!
Christmas Music favorites
In response to Saint Peter's Helpers, I wanted to post a bit about specific Christmas CD's that I like. I don't have an extensive collection. I'm notorious for being behind the times technologically, so, just when I get a collection going, they change the mode of delivery and I have to start all over again!
I have CDs from two groups local to Maryland that I enjoy around Christmas. One is Larksong, that performs (under a different name, I think) at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I have 3 of their CDs, one of which is called Softly the Stars are Shining. They are a small vocal group and their CDs will sound more like live (read "not necessarily perfect") performances, which, as a vocalist, I don't mind.
Another cool MD group are the Columbia Brass out of Columbia, MD. Their Christmas CD includes such favorites as Ave Verum, Greensleeves and Hallelujah Chorus.
I have good luck sometimes buying classical CDs at "regular" music stores. They are often on sale because no one but me ever buys them! I have one I like (Actually 2 CDs) titled, The 50 Greatest Songs of Christmas. Each song lists the group that performs it, which is a good way to avoid fake elevator-music type CDs. It has a mix of secular and sacred type Christmas music.
I always bring out Handel's Messiah around this time of year too. It works for both Christmas and Easter. Can't forget the old favorite, The Nutcracker Suite. A very motivating, dance-around-the-room type CD!
Another great CD is Manheim Steamroller, A Fresh Aire Christmas. They have many favorites, including, In dulci Jubilo, The Holly and the Ivy, and my favorite, Lo How a Rose E're Blooming.
Something I love to hear but don't have on CD are Lessons and Carols. It is one thing that the Anglicans do that I think is worth borrowing. It is either done as an Advent Lessons and Carols (in which case you have to find a bunch of *Advent* songs--not easy) or Christmas Lessons and Carols. Each carol is interspersed with a Scripture reading.
The public radio stations like to play it, often on Christmas Eve Day, and I LOVE to hear it! I really need to see if I can find it on CD. As a former choir member, I love to see what songs they will find to sing. This a quite a challenge for any choral leader and is hard work to put together!
Enjoy the music of the Season!
I have CDs from two groups local to Maryland that I enjoy around Christmas. One is Larksong, that performs (under a different name, I think) at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I have 3 of their CDs, one of which is called Softly the Stars are Shining. They are a small vocal group and their CDs will sound more like live (read "not necessarily perfect") performances, which, as a vocalist, I don't mind.
Another cool MD group are the Columbia Brass out of Columbia, MD. Their Christmas CD includes such favorites as Ave Verum, Greensleeves and Hallelujah Chorus.
I have good luck sometimes buying classical CDs at "regular" music stores. They are often on sale because no one but me ever buys them! I have one I like (Actually 2 CDs) titled, The 50 Greatest Songs of Christmas. Each song lists the group that performs it, which is a good way to avoid fake elevator-music type CDs. It has a mix of secular and sacred type Christmas music.
I always bring out Handel's Messiah around this time of year too. It works for both Christmas and Easter. Can't forget the old favorite, The Nutcracker Suite. A very motivating, dance-around-the-room type CD!
Another great CD is Manheim Steamroller, A Fresh Aire Christmas. They have many favorites, including, In dulci Jubilo, The Holly and the Ivy, and my favorite, Lo How a Rose E're Blooming.
Something I love to hear but don't have on CD are Lessons and Carols. It is one thing that the Anglicans do that I think is worth borrowing. It is either done as an Advent Lessons and Carols (in which case you have to find a bunch of *Advent* songs--not easy) or Christmas Lessons and Carols. Each carol is interspersed with a Scripture reading.
The public radio stations like to play it, often on Christmas Eve Day, and I LOVE to hear it! I really need to see if I can find it on CD. As a former choir member, I love to see what songs they will find to sing. This a quite a challenge for any choral leader and is hard work to put together!
Enjoy the music of the Season!
The Christmas Witch?!
From the "its ok to hate Christians" file, a Wisconsin school district has banned any Christmas songs with a Christian theme, but oks Hanukkah pieces. The words to Silent Night, written by Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr in 1818, have been changed to reflect the new policy of no "dogmatic religious statements" allowed in music programs. So, yeah, lets just throw out 1000+ years of western music history while we're at it! In case you were wondering, the new words to Silent Night include,
World Net Daily reports that
Ok. We can have an Italian Christmas Witch, but not a manger scene? Not the REAL Silent Night?! Can you say, blatant prejudice?!?!
I've never understood this hatred of our country's heritage. If I lived in China, or Tibet, or India, I would expect schools and businesses to reflect the country's majority religious holy days. As a Christian, I wouldn't be offended and I certainly wouldn't necessarily expect the country to make sure that Christian symbolism abounded along with their own religions'.
But we here in America are a "free" country with "freedom of religion". Apparently that no longer includes Christianity, though. That nasty, narrow minded religion that has only produced the most beautiful works of music and art in the last 2 centuries...
Cold in the night, no one in sight, winter winds whirl and bite, how I wish I were happy and warm, safe with my family out of the storm.
World Net Daily reports that
this year's winter program included decorating classrooms with Santa Claus, Kwanzaa symbols, menorahs and Labafana, a mythical witch that's a part of traditional Christmas celebrations in Italy.
Ok. We can have an Italian Christmas Witch, but not a manger scene? Not the REAL Silent Night?! Can you say, blatant prejudice?!?!
I've never understood this hatred of our country's heritage. If I lived in China, or Tibet, or India, I would expect schools and businesses to reflect the country's majority religious holy days. As a Christian, I wouldn't be offended and I certainly wouldn't necessarily expect the country to make sure that Christian symbolism abounded along with their own religions'.
But we here in America are a "free" country with "freedom of religion". Apparently that no longer includes Christianity, though. That nasty, narrow minded religion that has only produced the most beautiful works of music and art in the last 2 centuries...
The Christmas Witch?!
From the "its ok to hate Christians" file, a Wisconsin school district has banned any Christmas songs with a Christian theme, but oks Hanukkah pieces. The words to Silent Night, written by Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr in 1818, have been changed to reflect the new policy of no "dogmatic religious statements" allowed in music programs. So, yeah, lets just throw out 1000+ years of western music history while we're at it! In case you were wondering, the new words to Silent Night include,
World Net Daily reports that
Ok. We can have an Italian Christmas Witch, but not a manger scene? Not the REAL Silent Night?! Can you say, blatant prejudice?!?!
I've never understood this hatred of our country's heritage. If I lived in China, or Tibet, or India, I would expect schools and businesses to reflect the country's majority religious holy days. As a Christian, I wouldn't be offended and I certainly wouldn't necessarily expect the country to make sure that Christian symbolism abounded along with their own religions'.
But we here in America are a "free" country with "freedom of religion". Apparently that no longer includes Christianity, though. That nasty, narrow minded religion that has only produced the most beautiful works of music and art in the last 2 centuries...
Cold in the night, no one in sight, winter winds whirl and bite, how I wish I were happy and warm, safe with my family out of the storm.
World Net Daily reports that
this year's winter program included decorating classrooms with Santa Claus, Kwanzaa symbols, menorahs and Labafana, a mythical witch that's a part of traditional Christmas celebrations in Italy.
Ok. We can have an Italian Christmas Witch, but not a manger scene? Not the REAL Silent Night?! Can you say, blatant prejudice?!?!
I've never understood this hatred of our country's heritage. If I lived in China, or Tibet, or India, I would expect schools and businesses to reflect the country's majority religious holy days. As a Christian, I wouldn't be offended and I certainly wouldn't necessarily expect the country to make sure that Christian symbolism abounded along with their own religions'.
But we here in America are a "free" country with "freedom of religion". Apparently that no longer includes Christianity, though. That nasty, narrow minded religion that has only produced the most beautiful works of music and art in the last 2 centuries...
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Classical Christmas Curmudgeon
What *is* Christmas music, hmmm? Is it, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer? Is it Elvis singing some sappy Christmas tune? Not in my opinion.
I just purchased Sirius Satellite radio, mainly for EWTN. Then I learn that there is a seasonal station which will play Christmas music. Also, there is a station that purports to play vocal music. Forget it!! The Christmas station plays Pop Christmas drivel that I can't listen to for more than 2 minutes per Christmas season. The classical vocal station plays mainly opera. Sorry, my level of appreciation for both seasonal pop music, and opera just isn't registering on the meter.
Where is the *real* Christmas music? Where are the choirs singing carols!?!?!?
Oh well, I guess I have to stick to my record and CD collection for Christmas.
I just purchased Sirius Satellite radio, mainly for EWTN. Then I learn that there is a seasonal station which will play Christmas music. Also, there is a station that purports to play vocal music. Forget it!! The Christmas station plays Pop Christmas drivel that I can't listen to for more than 2 minutes per Christmas season. The classical vocal station plays mainly opera. Sorry, my level of appreciation for both seasonal pop music, and opera just isn't registering on the meter.
Where is the *real* Christmas music? Where are the choirs singing carols!?!?!?
Oh well, I guess I have to stick to my record and CD collection for Christmas.
Classical Christmas Curmudgeon
What *is* Christmas music, hmmm? Is it, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer? Is it Elvis singing some sappy Christmas tune? Not in my opinion.
I just purchased Sirius Satellite radio, mainly for EWTN. Then I learn that there is a seasonal station which will play Christmas music. Also, there is a station that purports to play vocal music. Forget it!! The Christmas station plays Pop Christmas drivel that I can't listen to for more than 2 minutes per Christmas season. The classical vocal station plays mainly opera. Sorry, my level of appreciation for both seasonal pop music, and opera just isn't registering on the meter.
Where is the *real* Christmas music? Where are the choirs singing carols!?!?!?
Oh well, I guess I have to stick to my record and CD collection for Christmas.
I just purchased Sirius Satellite radio, mainly for EWTN. Then I learn that there is a seasonal station which will play Christmas music. Also, there is a station that purports to play vocal music. Forget it!! The Christmas station plays Pop Christmas drivel that I can't listen to for more than 2 minutes per Christmas season. The classical vocal station plays mainly opera. Sorry, my level of appreciation for both seasonal pop music, and opera just isn't registering on the meter.
Where is the *real* Christmas music? Where are the choirs singing carols!?!?!?
Oh well, I guess I have to stick to my record and CD collection for Christmas.
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
A day that will live in infamy
Today is December 7th. Sixty-four years ago, on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, HI, and the United States finally entered the Second World War.
Today is a good day to send up a prayer of thanks for the members of the "Greatest Generation" who survived that era, not only in the U.S., but all over the world. Those who fought in WWII and those who survived the Holocaust are finally being remembered and honored in a way appropriate to the sacrifices they made. At the time, most of them were just "doing their duty" or fighting to survive an incomprehensible time of suffering. Even the small sacrifices they made are hard to imagine doing on a large scale today.
Let us never forget. Let's make sure it never happens again.
A day that will live in infamy
Today is December 7th. Sixty-four years ago, on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, HI, and the United States finally entered the Second World War.
Today is a good day to send up a prayer of thanks for the members of the "Greatest Generation" who survived that era, not only in the U.S., but all over the world. Those who fought in WWII and those who survived the Holocaust are finally being remembered and honored in a way appropriate to the sacrifices they made. At the time, most of them were just "doing their duty" or fighting to survive an incomprehensible time of suffering. Even the small sacrifices they made are hard to imagine doing on a large scale today.
Let us never forget. Let's make sure it never happens again.
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Happy Saint Nicholas Day!
Today is Saint Nicholas Day! Here is some basic info on Saint Nicholas from MyCatholic.com:
St. Nicholas of Myra
Nicholas was a priest, an abbot, and a bishop of Myra. Once, he helped a poor family by dropping bags of gold coins in a window, landing in a stocking hung up to dry. Thus, the story of Santa Claus was born. He was known for his holiness, zeal, and astonishing miracles–even raising people from the dead.
Check out the Saint Nicholas Center website today. It is a wealth of information about today's saint and the origin of Santa Claus. For many cultures and in many times, Saint Nicholas Day was the gift giving day and Christmas day was a holy day only.
I like to use Saint Nicholas Day as a day to focus on the Christian meaning of the holidays. I often would buy a holy card or something similar to go along with the candy that Saint Nicholas bought. One year, Saint Nicholas even brought a gold fish in a gold fish bowl!
An appropriate children's video to watch on Saint Nicholas Day is called, Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa. Its a good explanation of Santa Claus with a Christian perspective.
There are some churches who like to have someone dress up as Saint Nicholas for the children--I think its a great way to take back the Christmas message from the total secularization of the world.
Saint Nicholas, help us all to be generous and loving, and to keep the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long!
Happy Saint Nicholas Day!
Today is Saint Nicholas Day! Here is some basic info on Saint Nicholas from MyCatholic.com:
St. Nicholas of Myra
Nicholas was a priest, an abbot, and a bishop of Myra. Once, he helped a poor family by dropping bags of gold coins in a window, landing in a stocking hung up to dry. Thus, the story of Santa Claus was born. He was known for his holiness, zeal, and astonishing miracles–even raising people from the dead.
Check out the Saint Nicholas Center website today. It is a wealth of information about today's saint and the origin of Santa Claus. For many cultures and in many times, Saint Nicholas Day was the gift giving day and Christmas day was a holy day only.
I like to use Saint Nicholas Day as a day to focus on the Christian meaning of the holidays. I often would buy a holy card or something similar to go along with the candy that Saint Nicholas bought. One year, Saint Nicholas even brought a gold fish in a gold fish bowl!
An appropriate children's video to watch on Saint Nicholas Day is called, Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa. Its a good explanation of Santa Claus with a Christian perspective.
There are some churches who like to have someone dress up as Saint Nicholas for the children--I think its a great way to take back the Christmas message from the total secularization of the world.
Saint Nicholas, help us all to be generous and loving, and to keep the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long!
Monday, December 5, 2005
Put Christmas on your desk!
Thanks to Approchons-nous de la Table..., I have found another cool French language blog! This one is worth looking through, and viewing here in English.
The website is called Noël sur mon bureau which means, Christmas on my Desk. The idea is to quietly evangelize through the image(s) on your computer desktop. The author's premise is nicely stated in one of his posts.
Be not afraid to show the real meaning of Christmas in the workplace as well as in the home. The creche can be a powerful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
With freedom of religion in this country under attack from all sides, Christmas on Your Desk can be quite a revolutionary idea.
Go for it!!
Put Christmas on your desk! And in your window...and on your yard... (you get the idea!)
The website is called Noël sur mon bureau which means, Christmas on my Desk. The idea is to quietly evangelize through the image(s) on your computer desktop. The author's premise is nicely stated in one of his posts.
Considering the reactions of my professional entourage, I retain this teaching: beauty and art is a way towards the Truth. No need to post a Creed to show the Savior.
Be not afraid to show the real meaning of Christmas in the workplace as well as in the home. The creche can be a powerful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
With freedom of religion in this country under attack from all sides, Christmas on Your Desk can be quite a revolutionary idea.
Go for it!!
Put Christmas on your desk! And in your window...and on your yard... (you get the idea!)
Put Christmas on your desk!
Thanks to Approchons-nous de la Table..., I have found another cool French language blog! This one is worth looking through, and viewing here in English.
The website is called Noël sur mon bureau which means, Christmas on my Desk. The idea is to quietly evangelize through the image(s) on your computer desktop. The author's premise is nicely stated in one of his posts.
Be not afraid to show the real meaning of Christmas in the workplace as well as in the home. The creche can be a powerful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
With freedom of religion in this country under attack from all sides, Christmas on Your Desk can be quite a revolutionary idea.
Go for it!!
Put Christmas on your desk! And in your window...and on your yard... (you get the idea!)
The website is called Noël sur mon bureau which means, Christmas on my Desk. The idea is to quietly evangelize through the image(s) on your computer desktop. The author's premise is nicely stated in one of his posts.
Considering the reactions of my professional entourage, I retain this teaching: beauty and art is a way towards the Truth. No need to post a Creed to show the Savior.
Be not afraid to show the real meaning of Christmas in the workplace as well as in the home. The creche can be a powerful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
With freedom of religion in this country under attack from all sides, Christmas on Your Desk can be quite a revolutionary idea.
Go for it!!
Put Christmas on your desk! And in your window...and on your yard... (you get the idea!)
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Quick! Send this to 10 people!
Ok, I go on record as officially hating those emails! I have learned to tolerate the ones that say such drivel as, "your luck will improve if you send this email to 10 people right away." I may reply to the original sender if the body of the email itself is funny, or witty or whatever. But I never send it to 10 people.
I just got one that not only insisted I send it along to 10 other people, but said that my wish would come true if I did, and...that the opposite would happen if I didn't!
So, now, these bothersome spam-emails-from-friends are threatening us?!?
Instead, let's remember Jesus' words:
I just got one that not only insisted I send it along to 10 other people, but said that my wish would come true if I did, and...that the opposite would happen if I didn't!
So, now, these bothersome spam-emails-from-friends are threatening us?!?
Instead, let's remember Jesus' words:
Matthew 21:22
And all things whatsoever you shall ask in prayer believing, you shall receive.
Quick! Send this to 10 people!
Ok, I go on record as officially hating those emails! I have learned to tolerate the ones that say such drivel as, "your luck will improve if you send this email to 10 people right away." I may reply to the original sender if the body of the email itself is funny, or witty or whatever. But I never send it to 10 people.
I just got one that not only insisted I send it along to 10 other people, but said that my wish would come true if I did, and...that the opposite would happen if I didn't!
So, now, these bothersome spam-emails-from-friends are threatening us?!?
Instead, let's remember Jesus' words:
I just got one that not only insisted I send it along to 10 other people, but said that my wish would come true if I did, and...that the opposite would happen if I didn't!
So, now, these bothersome spam-emails-from-friends are threatening us?!?
Instead, let's remember Jesus' words:
Matthew 21:22
And all things whatsoever you shall ask in prayer believing, you shall receive.
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Lord, give me the strength for this!
Here is another spiritual gem from Josemaria Escriva via My Catholic.com.
One Minute Meditations
Mortification
That joke, that witty remark held on the tip of your tongue;
the cheerful smile for those who annoy you;
that silence when you're unjustly accused;
your friendly conversation with people whom you find boring and tactless;
the daily effort to overlook one irritating detail or another in the persons who live with you...
this, with perseverance, is indeed solid interior mortification.
– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #173
Lord, give me the strength for this!
Here is another spiritual gem from Josemaria Escriva via My Catholic.com.
One Minute Meditations
Mortification
That joke, that witty remark held on the tip of your tongue;
the cheerful smile for those who annoy you;
that silence when you're unjustly accused;
your friendly conversation with people whom you find boring and tactless;
the daily effort to overlook one irritating detail or another in the persons who live with you...
this, with perseverance, is indeed solid interior mortification.
– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #173
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Family wins right to display manger scene on yard
Catholic News Agency reports that the Samona family, of Novi, Michigan was told to take down their manger scene or be fined $100 per week. Their lawyer, Richard Thomson, chief counsel for the Ann Arbor based Thomas More Law Center said that “The action of the management company in demanding only that the nativity scene be removed when several other objects remained on the lawn is clear evidence that this was an attack on Christmas.”
Its bad enough when schools and businesses can't display religious oriented decorations of the season, but when a private citizen is prevented from doing so, that has to change! Kudos to this family for standing up for their rights--and ours!
Its bad enough when schools and businesses can't display religious oriented decorations of the season, but when a private citizen is prevented from doing so, that has to change! Kudos to this family for standing up for their rights--and ours!
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