Today is Shrove Tuesday. There are many traditions associated with this day.
One is the eating of pancakes. This began because pancakes are a way to use up the forbidden oil, eggs and milk before the Lenten fast. Many churches have pancake suppers on Shrove Tuesday.
Shrove Tuesday is also a traditional day of going to confession to be shriven, or given absolution. It is a day of introspection to clean your slate before Lent.
The general feasting associated with this day (which the French call Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) comes from the desire to eat all the foods that are forbidden during Lent without wasting them or having them spoil.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Shrove Tuesday
Today is Shrove Tuesday. There are many traditions associated with this day.
One is the eating of pancakes. This began because pancakes are a way to use up the forbidden oil, eggs and milk before the Lenten fast. Many churches have pancake suppers on Shrove Tuesday.
Shrove Tuesday is also a traditional day of going to confession to be shriven, or given absolution. It is a day of introspection to clean your slate before Lent.
The general feasting associated with this day (which the French call Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) comes from the desire to eat all the foods that are forbidden during Lent without wasting them or having them spoil.
One is the eating of pancakes. This began because pancakes are a way to use up the forbidden oil, eggs and milk before the Lenten fast. Many churches have pancake suppers on Shrove Tuesday.
Shrove Tuesday is also a traditional day of going to confession to be shriven, or given absolution. It is a day of introspection to clean your slate before Lent.
The general feasting associated with this day (which the French call Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) comes from the desire to eat all the foods that are forbidden during Lent without wasting them or having them spoil.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Special Needs Student an Inspiration
Jason McElwain is an autistic high school student in Rochester New York. For a few years, he has been a member of the high school basketball team, assisting the coach and contributing a great deal to the team spirit. During the final game of the year, with 4 minutes to go, the coach decided to let him wear a team jersey and actually put him in the game. The results were spectacular--Jason shot 6 three pointers in a row! Afterwards Jason said he is used to feeling different, but never this different; never this wonderful.
As pointed out on the comment section of the website which shows the video of the original CBS news story, perhaps the coach should have put Jason in the game long before the last game of the season.
Thanks to Irish and Dangerous for the link.
As pointed out on the comment section of the website which shows the video of the original CBS news story, perhaps the coach should have put Jason in the game long before the last game of the season.
Thanks to Irish and Dangerous for the link.
Special Needs Student an Inspiration
Jason McElwain is an autistic high school student in Rochester New York. For a few years, he has been a member of the high school basketball team, assisting the coach and contributing a great deal to the team spirit. During the final game of the year, with 4 minutes to go, the coach decided to let him wear a team jersey and actually put him in the game. The results were spectacular--Jason shot 6 three pointers in a row! Afterwards Jason said he is used to feeling different, but never this different; never this wonderful.
As pointed out on the comment section of the website which shows the video of the original CBS news story, perhaps the coach should have put Jason in the game long before the last game of the season.
Thanks to Irish and Dangerous for the link.
As pointed out on the comment section of the website which shows the video of the original CBS news story, perhaps the coach should have put Jason in the game long before the last game of the season.
Thanks to Irish and Dangerous for the link.
Word Cloud
This is a Word Cloud of my blog. This website will automatically build a "word cloud" of your blog. After it is created, you can buy a t-shirt with the words on it.
Word Cloud
This is a Word Cloud of my blog. This website will automatically build a "word cloud" of your blog. After it is created, you can buy a t-shirt with the words on it.
The Incredible, Edible Egg
I wanted to talk a bit about alternative protein sources for Lent. Traditionally, Fridays during Lent (along with Ash Wednesday) have been fish-eating days, and seafood is still a good alternative to meat eating. But for those who dislike or can't have seafood, there are other non-meat sources for Lent.
One such source is the egg. Eggs are an inexpensive, easily digestible source of protein which almost completely matches the human amino acid requirement for protein.
Besides the usual cooking methods (fried, hard boiled, soft boiled and poached) mostly seen at breakfast, eggs can be used quite successfully for lunch and dinner. Hard boiled eggs can be eaten as is for a quick meal, made into deviled eggs or chopped and made into egg salad. For dinner, there are the 2 Asian stand-bys, Egg Foo Young and Egg Drop Soup. Yummy and nutritious.
I would encourage you to patronize your local egg farmer if you have one. The picture above shows the variety that chicken eggs can take. In many parts of the country white eggs are considered "normal", but chicken eggs come in many shades of brown, and even occasionally blue or green.
For an organic farm, restaurant, co-op, or farmer's market near you, check out the Local Harvest website. Fresh eggs are the best!
The Incredible, Edible Egg
I wanted to talk a bit about alternative protein sources for Lent. Traditionally, Fridays during Lent (along with Ash Wednesday) have been fish-eating days, and seafood is still a good alternative to meat eating. But for those who dislike or can't have seafood, there are other non-meat sources for Lent.
One such source is the egg. Eggs are an inexpensive, easily digestible source of protein which almost completely matches the human amino acid requirement for protein.
Besides the usual cooking methods (fried, hard boiled, soft boiled and poached) mostly seen at breakfast, eggs can be used quite successfully for lunch and dinner. Hard boiled eggs can be eaten as is for a quick meal, made into deviled eggs or chopped and made into egg salad. For dinner, there are the 2 Asian stand-bys, Egg Foo Young and Egg Drop Soup. Yummy and nutritious.
I would encourage you to patronize your local egg farmer if you have one. The picture above shows the variety that chicken eggs can take. In many parts of the country white eggs are considered "normal", but chicken eggs come in many shades of brown, and even occasionally blue or green.
For an organic farm, restaurant, co-op, or farmer's market near you, check out the Local Harvest website. Fresh eggs are the best!
Finding a Catholic Therapist
A valuable mental health resource for Catholics is Catholic Therapists.com. Catholic Culture says this of the site:
It is important to find a therapist who will respect your religious beliefs during the healing process.
The primary objective of CatholicTherapists.com is "to provide referrals to qualified psychotherapists and mental health professionals who are faithful to the magisterium of the Roman Catholic church and who integrate the truths of the faith in the therapeutic process." However, the site also provides information on various topics related to mental and emotional health in the form of articles, book reviews, and recommendations.
It is important to find a therapist who will respect your religious beliefs during the healing process.
Finding a Catholic Therapist
A valuable mental health resource for Catholics is Catholic Therapists.com. Catholic Culture says this of the site:
It is important to find a therapist who will respect your religious beliefs during the healing process.
The primary objective of CatholicTherapists.com is "to provide referrals to qualified psychotherapists and mental health professionals who are faithful to the magisterium of the Roman Catholic church and who integrate the truths of the faith in the therapeutic process." However, the site also provides information on various topics related to mental and emotional health in the form of articles, book reviews, and recommendations.
It is important to find a therapist who will respect your religious beliefs during the healing process.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
What was number one?
What was the number one song on the day you were born? How about the day of your high school graduation? Your wedding? Go to this website and find out!
Here are my stats:
Here are my stats:
Birthday #1: "Runaway" by Del Shannon
High School Graduation #1: "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer
Wedding day #1: "When Doves Cry" by Prince
DH's Birthday song--one of his favorites!:
"Autumn Leaves" by Roger Williams
What was number one?
What was the number one song on the day you were born? How about the day of your high school graduation? Your wedding? Go to this website and find out!
Here are my stats:
Here are my stats:
Birthday #1: "Runaway" by Del Shannon
High School Graduation #1: "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer
Wedding day #1: "When Doves Cry" by Prince
DH's Birthday song--one of his favorites!:
"Autumn Leaves" by Roger Williams
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Fasting
Man has practiced fasting since pre-historic times. Fasting usually refers to abstaining from some or all food or drink for a prescribed period of time. Fasting is still practiced by modern day members of the Bahá’í faith, Buddhist monks and nuns, Hindus, Muslims, observant Jews and many Christian denominations.
For Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and some Protestants, the upcoming holy season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
The following information on Christian fasting is from Wikipedia:
Perhaps some of us who come from traditions which don't require much fasting, will feel called this Lent to extend the scope of our Lenten fast voluntarily. The Orthodox fast resembles a Vegan diet with food being cooked in water instead of oil of any kind.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also suggests that we fast from sin. Fasting from such things as gossip, negativity, gluttony and laziness are great ways to spend a holy Lent. A cleansing confession is a wonderful way to start this off.
For Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and some Protestants, the upcoming holy season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
The following information on Christian fasting is from Wikipedia:
For Roman Catholics, fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food to one full meal (which may contain meat) and two small meals. Complete abstinence is the avoidance of meat for the entire day.
For Catholics in the United States the only fast days are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed. The days for abstinence from meat are Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday. Also, we are to do more penances of our own choosing especially on Fridays throughout the year, since Jesus gave his life for us on a Friday, and during Lent, when we recall what the Lord suffered for us.
[The above paragraph from the Daughters of Saint Paul website.]
For Orthodox Christians, there are five fasting seasons, which include Nativity, Meatfast, Great Lent & Holy Week, Apostles' Fast and Dormition. Fasting during these times refers to abstention from animal products, olive oil (or all oils, according to some Orthodox traditions), wine and spirits.
Perhaps some of us who come from traditions which don't require much fasting, will feel called this Lent to extend the scope of our Lenten fast voluntarily. The Orthodox fast resembles a Vegan diet with food being cooked in water instead of oil of any kind.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also suggests that we fast from sin. Fasting from such things as gossip, negativity, gluttony and laziness are great ways to spend a holy Lent. A cleansing confession is a wonderful way to start this off.
Fasting
Man has practiced fasting since pre-historic times. Fasting usually refers to abstaining from some or all food or drink for a prescribed period of time. Fasting is still practiced by modern day members of the Bahá’í faith, Buddhist monks and nuns, Hindus, Muslims, observant Jews and many Christian denominations.
For Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and some Protestants, the upcoming holy season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
The following information on Christian fasting is from Wikipedia:
Perhaps some of us who come from traditions which don't require much fasting, will feel called this Lent to extend the scope of our Lenten fast voluntarily. The Orthodox fast resembles a Vegan diet with food being cooked in water instead of oil of any kind.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also suggests that we fast from sin. Fasting from such things as gossip, negativity, gluttony and laziness are great ways to spend a holy Lent. A cleansing confession is a wonderful way to start this off.
For Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and some Protestants, the upcoming holy season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
The following information on Christian fasting is from Wikipedia:
For Roman Catholics, fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food to one full meal (which may contain meat) and two small meals. Complete abstinence is the avoidance of meat for the entire day.
For Catholics in the United States the only fast days are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed. The days for abstinence from meat are Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday. Also, we are to do more penances of our own choosing especially on Fridays throughout the year, since Jesus gave his life for us on a Friday, and during Lent, when we recall what the Lord suffered for us.
[The above paragraph from the Daughters of Saint Paul website.]
For Orthodox Christians, there are five fasting seasons, which include Nativity, Meatfast, Great Lent & Holy Week, Apostles' Fast and Dormition. Fasting during these times refers to abstention from animal products, olive oil (or all oils, according to some Orthodox traditions), wine and spirits.
Perhaps some of us who come from traditions which don't require much fasting, will feel called this Lent to extend the scope of our Lenten fast voluntarily. The Orthodox fast resembles a Vegan diet with food being cooked in water instead of oil of any kind.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also suggests that we fast from sin. Fasting from such things as gossip, negativity, gluttony and laziness are great ways to spend a holy Lent. A cleansing confession is a wonderful way to start this off.
Lent!
Lent is a mere 6 days away! I wanted to ask everyone who reads this blog what they plan on doing for Lent. I haven't decided yet, and I wanted to see what you all are doing.
Lent!
Lent is a mere 6 days away! I wanted to ask everyone who reads this blog what they plan on doing for Lent. I haven't decided yet, and I wanted to see what you all are doing.
Just as I suspected...!
You are a good old-fashioned six-sided cube, otherwise known as a d6. Others know you to be plain, predictable, conservative, average, ordinary, and downright boring. You prefer to describe yourself as dependable, honest, practical and trustworthy. People usually know what to expect from you, since you rarely hold any surprises. You hate to make decisions, and if forced to decide, you'll always fall back on how it was done in the past. You always order the same thing at your favorite restaurant, and your jokes, while funny, are never too offensive. It seems that you are well liked, but maybe that's simply because there's nothing to hate.
Just as I suspected...!
You are a good old-fashioned six-sided cube, otherwise known as a d6. Others know you to be plain, predictable, conservative, average, ordinary, and downright boring. You prefer to describe yourself as dependable, honest, practical and trustworthy. People usually know what to expect from you, since you rarely hold any surprises. You hate to make decisions, and if forced to decide, you'll always fall back on how it was done in the past. You always order the same thing at your favorite restaurant, and your jokes, while funny, are never too offensive. It seems that you are well liked, but maybe that's simply because there's nothing to hate.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Stephanie Cole
I've just discovered that Stephanie Cole, one of my favorite Britcom actresses, also suffers from depression. In an article for Mindout for Mental Health she tells of her life long struggle with depression, anxiety and agoraphobia, beginning at age 12. She talks about a lack of understanding of mental illnesses that still persists today.
She is perhaps best known in the U.S. for her role as Diana Trent in the BBC comedy, Waiting for God.
I still find it extraordinary that people are ready and willing to help with physical disease but not with mental disease when in fact a broken mind is far worse than a broken arm.
She is perhaps best known in the U.S. for her role as Diana Trent in the BBC comedy, Waiting for God.
Stephanie Cole
I've just discovered that Stephanie Cole, one of my favorite Britcom actresses, also suffers from depression. In an article for Mindout for Mental Health she tells of her life long struggle with depression, anxiety and agoraphobia, beginning at age 12. She talks about a lack of understanding of mental illnesses that still persists today.
She is perhaps best known in the U.S. for her role as Diana Trent in the BBC comedy, Waiting for God.
I still find it extraordinary that people are ready and willing to help with physical disease but not with mental disease when in fact a broken mind is far worse than a broken arm.
She is perhaps best known in the U.S. for her role as Diana Trent in the BBC comedy, Waiting for God.
Thoughts on the Chair of Saint Peter
Today is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. Since Carmel has a great post about the feast, I thought I would just add some thoughts.
The Church has a definate heirarchical structure that baffles many in the modern world. There are many who wonder why the Church has a heirarchy at all. They see the Church as being under one absolutist ruler and would rather it be a "democracy". Why should we have a "Chair of Peter"? Why bother with a Pope in this day and age?
Without a Pope, we would have a church ruled by committee. Not the best idea, IMO. It becomes a "politically correct" church whose doctrine and practice change with every fad that comes down the pike. Its members can never be sure of what the teachings of a so-called "democratic" church would be at any one time, since popular opinion can change at a moment's notice.
Many outside the Church see the Papacy as a "one man rule" type of thing. It is far, far from that. Churches and organizations that rely on the charasmatic personality of one leader alone are cults. One man, whether it be the Pope, or a priest or a lay person, does not and should not, "make up the rules" in the Catholic Church.
The Chair of Peter does not depend on any one person, on any one pope. There have been holy popes and unholy ones. The doctrine of the Church is passed down from generation to generation through the teaching authority of the Magesterium (the pope in union with the bishops) and has been guaranteed by Christ.
That is what the term "Apostolic" means. The teachings of the Church have been passed down, unchanged from the time of the Apostles, beginning with Saint Peter.
The Church has a definate heirarchical structure that baffles many in the modern world. There are many who wonder why the Church has a heirarchy at all. They see the Church as being under one absolutist ruler and would rather it be a "democracy". Why should we have a "Chair of Peter"? Why bother with a Pope in this day and age?
Without a Pope, we would have a church ruled by committee. Not the best idea, IMO. It becomes a "politically correct" church whose doctrine and practice change with every fad that comes down the pike. Its members can never be sure of what the teachings of a so-called "democratic" church would be at any one time, since popular opinion can change at a moment's notice.
Many outside the Church see the Papacy as a "one man rule" type of thing. It is far, far from that. Churches and organizations that rely on the charasmatic personality of one leader alone are cults. One man, whether it be the Pope, or a priest or a lay person, does not and should not, "make up the rules" in the Catholic Church.
The Chair of Peter does not depend on any one person, on any one pope. There have been holy popes and unholy ones. The doctrine of the Church is passed down from generation to generation through the teaching authority of the Magesterium (the pope in union with the bishops) and has been guaranteed by Christ.
Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
That is what the term "Apostolic" means. The teachings of the Church have been passed down, unchanged from the time of the Apostles, beginning with Saint Peter.
Thoughts on the Chair of Saint Peter
Today is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. Since Carmel has a great post about the feast, I thought I would just add some thoughts.
The Church has a definate heirarchical structure that baffles many in the modern world. There are many who wonder why the Church has a heirarchy at all. They see the Church as being under one absolutist ruler and would rather it be a "democracy". Why should we have a "Chair of Peter"? Why bother with a Pope in this day and age?
Without a Pope, we would have a church ruled by committee. Not the best idea, IMO. It becomes a "politically correct" church whose doctrine and practice change with every fad that comes down the pike. Its members can never be sure of what the teachings of a so-called "democratic" church would be at any one time, since popular opinion can change at a moment's notice.
Many outside the Church see the Papacy as a "one man rule" type of thing. It is far, far from that. Churches and organizations that rely on the charasmatic personality of one leader alone are cults. One man, whether it be the Pope, or a priest or a lay person, does not and should not, "make up the rules" in the Catholic Church.
The Chair of Peter does not depend on any one person, on any one pope. There have been holy popes and unholy ones. The doctrine of the Church is passed down from generation to generation through the teaching authority of the Magesterium (the pope in union with the bishops) and has been guaranteed by Christ.
That is what the term "Apostolic" means. The teachings of the Church have been passed down, unchanged from the time of the Apostles, beginning with Saint Peter.
The Church has a definate heirarchical structure that baffles many in the modern world. There are many who wonder why the Church has a heirarchy at all. They see the Church as being under one absolutist ruler and would rather it be a "democracy". Why should we have a "Chair of Peter"? Why bother with a Pope in this day and age?
Without a Pope, we would have a church ruled by committee. Not the best idea, IMO. It becomes a "politically correct" church whose doctrine and practice change with every fad that comes down the pike. Its members can never be sure of what the teachings of a so-called "democratic" church would be at any one time, since popular opinion can change at a moment's notice.
Many outside the Church see the Papacy as a "one man rule" type of thing. It is far, far from that. Churches and organizations that rely on the charasmatic personality of one leader alone are cults. One man, whether it be the Pope, or a priest or a lay person, does not and should not, "make up the rules" in the Catholic Church.
The Chair of Peter does not depend on any one person, on any one pope. There have been holy popes and unholy ones. The doctrine of the Church is passed down from generation to generation through the teaching authority of the Magesterium (the pope in union with the bishops) and has been guaranteed by Christ.
Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
That is what the term "Apostolic" means. The teachings of the Church have been passed down, unchanged from the time of the Apostles, beginning with Saint Peter.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Pick a Winter Olympic Sport
What winter Olympic sport would you like most to try?
I've always wanted to try bobsledding. I think it was one of the first sports I remember enjoying watching. The speed coupled with the relative protection of the sled and the option of having team mates go with you makes it appealing to me.
What would your winter sport be?
Pick a Winter Olympic Sport
What winter Olympic sport would you like most to try?
I've always wanted to try bobsledding. I think it was one of the first sports I remember enjoying watching. The speed coupled with the relative protection of the sled and the option of having team mates go with you makes it appealing to me.
What would your winter sport be?
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Come adore Him with the Holy Spirit Sisters
Feeling overwhelmed? Take your intentions, feelings and petitions directly to the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. If you are unable to get to adoration, check out the www.Savior.Org's 24 hour Adoration webcam. Petitions can be submitted via that site to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
They are a cloistered, contemplative congregation dedicated to perpetual adoration They wear rose colored habits in honor of the Holy Spirit. Their main website explains their purpose:
"In prayer before the Eucharistic Throne, we bring to the Triune God the special intentions of evangelization, the sanctification of priests and the needs recommended to us."
Visit both sites for a refreshing experience in spiritual grounding, knowing that there are women who have dedicated their lives to pray to God continually for us!
Come adore Him with the Holy Spirit Sisters
Feeling overwhelmed? Take your intentions, feelings and petitions directly to the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. If you are unable to get to adoration, check out the www.Savior.Org's 24 hour Adoration webcam. Petitions can be submitted via that site to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
They are a cloistered, contemplative congregation dedicated to perpetual adoration They wear rose colored habits in honor of the Holy Spirit. Their main website explains their purpose:
"In prayer before the Eucharistic Throne, we bring to the Triune God the special intentions of evangelization, the sanctification of priests and the needs recommended to us."
Visit both sites for a refreshing experience in spiritual grounding, knowing that there are women who have dedicated their lives to pray to God continually for us!
Another reason for NFP
The Catholic News Agency today reports that while men's cancer rates are down, women's are up, for the most part due to the use of hormonal birth control and induced abortion.
Karen Malec, president of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer states that
What is perhaps less known among the general public is the fact that hormonal birth control can sometimes cause a fertilized egg to fail to implant in the lining of the uterus--thus causing an early abortion.
It seems that easy and convenient access to sex is becoming more important than women's lives. I wonder what the current state of artificial birth control would be right now if the lives of men were similarly at risk...
Karen Malec, president of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer states that
"in a 1986 letter to the British journal Lancet, government scientists acknowledged that 'Induced abortion before first term pregnancy increases the risk of breast cancer.' Instead of informing women, the cancer establishment chose to cover it up by using seriously flawed research to discredit the link. Now women are paying with their lives," she argues.
What is perhaps less known among the general public is the fact that hormonal birth control can sometimes cause a fertilized egg to fail to implant in the lining of the uterus--thus causing an early abortion.
It seems that easy and convenient access to sex is becoming more important than women's lives. I wonder what the current state of artificial birth control would be right now if the lives of men were similarly at risk...
Another reason for NFP
The Catholic News Agency today reports that while men's cancer rates are down, women's are up, for the most part due to the use of hormonal birth control and induced abortion.
Karen Malec, president of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer states that
What is perhaps less known among the general public is the fact that hormonal birth control can sometimes cause a fertilized egg to fail to implant in the lining of the uterus--thus causing an early abortion.
It seems that easy and convenient access to sex is becoming more important than women's lives. I wonder what the current state of artificial birth control would be right now if the lives of men were similarly at risk...
Karen Malec, president of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer states that
"in a 1986 letter to the British journal Lancet, government scientists acknowledged that 'Induced abortion before first term pregnancy increases the risk of breast cancer.' Instead of informing women, the cancer establishment chose to cover it up by using seriously flawed research to discredit the link. Now women are paying with their lives," she argues.
What is perhaps less known among the general public is the fact that hormonal birth control can sometimes cause a fertilized egg to fail to implant in the lining of the uterus--thus causing an early abortion.
It seems that easy and convenient access to sex is becoming more important than women's lives. I wonder what the current state of artificial birth control would be right now if the lives of men were similarly at risk...
Filtered Catholic Internet Service
Thanks to St. Peter's Helpers for pointing out what looks to be a very useful Catholic internet service. CatholicExchange.NET filters pornography and spam at the server, not at your individual computer. They offer high speed dial up as well as broadband dsl.
Filtered Catholic Internet Service
Thanks to St. Peter's Helpers for pointing out what looks to be a very useful Catholic internet service. CatholicExchange.NET filters pornography and spam at the server, not at your individual computer. They offer high speed dial up as well as broadband dsl.
Filipino Tragedy
Please pray for the 1800 Filipino victims of the massive mud slide that occurred in the village of Guinsaugon in the Philippines. Mud covering the village is up to 30 feet thick.
Rescue efforts include the Red Cross, the USS Essex and the USS Harper's Ferry.
Rescue efforts include the Red Cross, the USS Essex and the USS Harper's Ferry.
Filipino Tragedy
Please pray for the 1800 Filipino victims of the massive mud slide that occurred in the village of Guinsaugon in the Philippines. Mud covering the village is up to 30 feet thick.
Rescue efforts include the Red Cross, the USS Essex and the USS Harper's Ferry.
Rescue efforts include the Red Cross, the USS Essex and the USS Harper's Ferry.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Confraternity of the Holy Cross
I have just discovered a wonderful spiritual association for those with chronic, debilitating or fatal illnesses. Their website states their purpose.
I think this is a great opportunity for those of us who are going through any sort of suffering to offer it up for our own sanctity and growth, and for the sanctity and growth of the Church, which has been hurt so badly in recent years.
Purpose in suffering is a great gift given to us by God. So many other religions/non-religions/philosophies do not realize the efficacy of suffering and some go so far as to blame those who suffer for what they are going through. God Himself suffered for us physically on the cross as well as emotionally during the time he was here ministering on earth. Let's join our suffering with His for the betterment of ourselves and for the world.
The Confraternity of the Holy Cross is a spiritual association of the faithful erected under the authority of Bishop Slattery and open to those Catholics in the Diocese of Tulsa whose lives are characterized by serious, chronic, debilitating, or life-threatening diseases and who wish to offer their suffering as a gift to God our Father in union with the suffering of His Son.
[Note: The Confraternity was originally open only to those generous members of the Church in Tulsa; however, Bishop Slattery has recently opened enrollment to any Roman Catholic from whatever parish throughout the world, who loves the Church and is willing to let God the Father use their daily suffering and pain for the salvation and healing of others.]
Those who offer their suffering as a gift to the Father do so for three principle ends:
*the sanctification of the universal Church
*their own growth in charity and love
*the healing of those who have been sexually abused by priests
I think this is a great opportunity for those of us who are going through any sort of suffering to offer it up for our own sanctity and growth, and for the sanctity and growth of the Church, which has been hurt so badly in recent years.
Purpose in suffering is a great gift given to us by God. So many other religions/non-religions/philosophies do not realize the efficacy of suffering and some go so far as to blame those who suffer for what they are going through. God Himself suffered for us physically on the cross as well as emotionally during the time he was here ministering on earth. Let's join our suffering with His for the betterment of ourselves and for the world.
The Confraternity of the Holy Cross
I have just discovered a wonderful spiritual association for those with chronic, debilitating or fatal illnesses. Their website states their purpose.
I think this is a great opportunity for those of us who are going through any sort of suffering to offer it up for our own sanctity and growth, and for the sanctity and growth of the Church, which has been hurt so badly in recent years.
Purpose in suffering is a great gift given to us by God. So many other religions/non-religions/philosophies do not realize the efficacy of suffering and some go so far as to blame those who suffer for what they are going through. God Himself suffered for us physically on the cross as well as emotionally during the time he was here ministering on earth. Let's join our suffering with His for the betterment of ourselves and for the world.
The Confraternity of the Holy Cross is a spiritual association of the faithful erected under the authority of Bishop Slattery and open to those Catholics in the Diocese of Tulsa whose lives are characterized by serious, chronic, debilitating, or life-threatening diseases and who wish to offer their suffering as a gift to God our Father in union with the suffering of His Son.
[Note: The Confraternity was originally open only to those generous members of the Church in Tulsa; however, Bishop Slattery has recently opened enrollment to any Roman Catholic from whatever parish throughout the world, who loves the Church and is willing to let God the Father use their daily suffering and pain for the salvation and healing of others.]
Those who offer their suffering as a gift to the Father do so for three principle ends:
*the sanctification of the universal Church
*their own growth in charity and love
*the healing of those who have been sexually abused by priests
I think this is a great opportunity for those of us who are going through any sort of suffering to offer it up for our own sanctity and growth, and for the sanctity and growth of the Church, which has been hurt so badly in recent years.
Purpose in suffering is a great gift given to us by God. So many other religions/non-religions/philosophies do not realize the efficacy of suffering and some go so far as to blame those who suffer for what they are going through. God Himself suffered for us physically on the cross as well as emotionally during the time he was here ministering on earth. Let's join our suffering with His for the betterment of ourselves and for the world.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Post surgical musings
Normally I loathe housekeeping. But, like an errant toddler, now that the doctor has said I can't do anything, I am noticing every bit of dust and every piece of paper on the floor! Its amazing how counter-suggestive the human mind is!
Post surgical musings
Normally I loathe housekeeping. But, like an errant toddler, now that the doctor has said I can't do anything, I am noticing every bit of dust and every piece of paper on the floor! Its amazing how counter-suggestive the human mind is!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Photo meme
I saw this over on Carmel's blog and thought I'd give it a try.
Instructions: Use the picture you like best from the first (no clicking around for 44 pages) page of the search results on Google Image.
1. The city and province of the town where you grew up, no quotation marks.
2. The town where you currently reside.
3. Your name, first and last, but no quotes.
4. Your grandmother's name.
5. Your favorite food.
6. Your favorite drink.
7. Your favorite smell.
8. Your favorite song.
Instructions: Use the picture you like best from the first (no clicking around for 44 pages) page of the search results on Google Image.
1. The city and province of the town where you grew up, no quotation marks.
2. The town where you currently reside.
3. Your name, first and last, but no quotes.
4. Your grandmother's name.
5. Your favorite food.
6. Your favorite drink.
7. Your favorite smell.
8. Your favorite song.
Photo meme
I saw this over on Carmel's blog and thought I'd give it a try.
Instructions: Use the picture you like best from the first (no clicking around for 44 pages) page of the search results on Google Image.
1. The city and province of the town where you grew up, no quotation marks.
2. The town where you currently reside.
3. Your name, first and last, but no quotes.
4. Your grandmother's name.
5. Your favorite food.
6. Your favorite drink.
7. Your favorite smell.
8. Your favorite song.
Instructions: Use the picture you like best from the first (no clicking around for 44 pages) page of the search results on Google Image.
1. The city and province of the town where you grew up, no quotation marks.
2. The town where you currently reside.
3. Your name, first and last, but no quotes.
4. Your grandmother's name.
5. Your favorite food.
6. Your favorite drink.
7. Your favorite smell.
8. Your favorite song.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
What kind of coffee are you?
| You are a Black Coffee |
 At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it Your caffeine addiction level: high |
I think I am fairly low maintenance; definitely a cheap date! I'm trying to go low on the caffeine and am not usually too very picky about where I get it! :) These days I prefer tea.
P.S. I don't usually drink black coffee! I like mine "polluted" with lots of cream and sugar.
What kind of coffee are you?
| You are a Black Coffee |
At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it Your caffeine addiction level: high |
I think I am fairly low maintenance; definitely a cheap date! I'm trying to go low on the caffeine and am not usually too very picky about where I get it! :) These days I prefer tea.
P.S. I don't usually drink black coffee! I like mine "polluted" with lots of cream and sugar.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and also the World Day of the Sick. I am home recovering from spinal surgery and join Catholics the world over praying for all those who are sick, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of Lourdes
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and also the World Day of the Sick. I am home recovering from spinal surgery and join Catholics the world over praying for all those who are sick, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Monday, February 6, 2006
Sunday, February 5, 2006
I've been tagged!
I have actually been personally tagged by Irish and Dangerous!
Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) Anastasia
2) LutherPunk
3) Jonathan (AFCM)
4) Irish and Dangerous (Me, Danny)
5) Dymphna's Well
Next select five people to tag
1) Suso
2) Wendy
3) Recta Ratio
4) Carmel
5) Moneybags
(Note: If you've already done this, that counts, lol)
What were you doing 10 years ago?
February 1996: I had been married 12 years. My son was 8 years old. I was living in Baltimore, MD.
What were you doing 1 year ago?
Just starting back to work for the Spring semester.
Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Chocolate
2) Raman Noodles
3) Stuffed mushrooms
4) Ice Cream
5) Miso Soup
Five songs you know all the words to:
A. Any Jesus Christ Superstar song (at the moment)!
B. Anything from Godspell
C. Anything on my dh's "House of Faith" album.
D. Many old hymns (complete with non-inclusive words!)
E. Most of the songs from The Wizard of Oz.
(Unfortunately, the older I get, the more my brain has to make room for all those songs I used to know the words to!)
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
A. Pay off my debts
B. Go to England and spend some real time
C. Go to Canada to see a taping of the Red Green Show
D. Get a total makeover on my house
E. Get someone to clean my house on a regular basis
Five bad habits:
A. Eating too much
B. Not exercising enough
C. Sleeping in late on days off
D. Being lazy about my prayers
E. Not eating together as a family
Five things you enjoy doing:
A. Blogging
B. Working (most of the time!)
C. Reading
D. Writing haikus
E. Listening to music
Five things you would never wear again:
A. Mini skirts
B. High heels
C. Underwire bras
D. Plaid pants
E. short shorts
Five favorite toys: (How about 5 toys I remember)
A. Clackers
B. Velvet and Chrissy dolls
C. Medieval woodcuts coloring book
D. Box of 64 crayons
E. Twin dolls
Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) Anastasia
2) LutherPunk
3) Jonathan (AFCM)
4) Irish and Dangerous (Me, Danny)
5) Dymphna's Well
Next select five people to tag
1) Suso
2) Wendy
3) Recta Ratio
4) Carmel
5) Moneybags
(Note: If you've already done this, that counts, lol)
What were you doing 10 years ago?
February 1996: I had been married 12 years. My son was 8 years old. I was living in Baltimore, MD.
What were you doing 1 year ago?
Just starting back to work for the Spring semester.
Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Chocolate
2) Raman Noodles
3) Stuffed mushrooms
4) Ice Cream
5) Miso Soup
Five songs you know all the words to:
A. Any Jesus Christ Superstar song (at the moment)!
B. Anything from Godspell
C. Anything on my dh's "House of Faith" album.
D. Many old hymns (complete with non-inclusive words!)
E. Most of the songs from The Wizard of Oz.
(Unfortunately, the older I get, the more my brain has to make room for all those songs I used to know the words to!)
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
A. Pay off my debts
B. Go to England and spend some real time
C. Go to Canada to see a taping of the Red Green Show
D. Get a total makeover on my house
E. Get someone to clean my house on a regular basis
Five bad habits:
A. Eating too much
B. Not exercising enough
C. Sleeping in late on days off
D. Being lazy about my prayers
E. Not eating together as a family
Five things you enjoy doing:
A. Blogging
B. Working (most of the time!)
C. Reading
D. Writing haikus
E. Listening to music
Five things you would never wear again:
A. Mini skirts
B. High heels
C. Underwire bras
D. Plaid pants
E. short shorts
Five favorite toys: (How about 5 toys I remember)
A. Clackers
B. Velvet and Chrissy dolls
C. Medieval woodcuts coloring book
D. Box of 64 crayons
E. Twin dolls
I've been tagged!
I have actually been personally tagged by Irish and Dangerous!
Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) Anastasia
2) LutherPunk
3) Jonathan (AFCM)
4) Irish and Dangerous (Me, Danny)
5) Dymphna's Well
Next select five people to tag
1) Suso
2) Wendy
3) Recta Ratio
4) Carmel
5) Moneybags
(Note: If you've already done this, that counts, lol)
What were you doing 10 years ago?
February 1996: I had been married 12 years. My son was 8 years old. I was living in Baltimore, MD.
What were you doing 1 year ago?
Just starting back to work for the Spring semester.
Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Chocolate
2) Raman Noodles
3) Stuffed mushrooms
4) Ice Cream
5) Miso Soup
Five songs you know all the words to:
A. Any Jesus Christ Superstar song (at the moment)!
B. Anything from Godspell
C. Anything on my dh's "House of Faith" album.
D. Many old hymns (complete with non-inclusive words!)
E. Most of the songs from The Wizard of Oz.
(Unfortunately, the older I get, the more my brain has to make room for all those songs I used to know the words to!)
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
A. Pay off my debts
B. Go to England and spend some real time
C. Go to Canada to see a taping of the Red Green Show
D. Get a total makeover on my house
E. Get someone to clean my house on a regular basis
Five bad habits:
A. Eating too much
B. Not exercising enough
C. Sleeping in late on days off
D. Being lazy about my prayers
E. Not eating together as a family
Five things you enjoy doing:
A. Blogging
B. Working (most of the time!)
C. Reading
D. Writing haikus
E. Listening to music
Five things you would never wear again:
A. Mini skirts
B. High heels
C. Underwire bras
D. Plaid pants
E. short shorts
Five favorite toys: (How about 5 toys I remember)
A. Clackers
B. Velvet and Chrissy dolls
C. Medieval woodcuts coloring book
D. Box of 64 crayons
E. Twin dolls
Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) Anastasia
2) LutherPunk
3) Jonathan (AFCM)
4) Irish and Dangerous (Me, Danny)
5) Dymphna's Well
Next select five people to tag
1) Suso
2) Wendy
3) Recta Ratio
4) Carmel
5) Moneybags
(Note: If you've already done this, that counts, lol)
What were you doing 10 years ago?
February 1996: I had been married 12 years. My son was 8 years old. I was living in Baltimore, MD.
What were you doing 1 year ago?
Just starting back to work for the Spring semester.
Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Chocolate
2) Raman Noodles
3) Stuffed mushrooms
4) Ice Cream
5) Miso Soup
Five songs you know all the words to:
A. Any Jesus Christ Superstar song (at the moment)!
B. Anything from Godspell
C. Anything on my dh's "House of Faith" album.
D. Many old hymns (complete with non-inclusive words!)
E. Most of the songs from The Wizard of Oz.
(Unfortunately, the older I get, the more my brain has to make room for all those songs I used to know the words to!)
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
A. Pay off my debts
B. Go to England and spend some real time
C. Go to Canada to see a taping of the Red Green Show
D. Get a total makeover on my house
E. Get someone to clean my house on a regular basis
Five bad habits:
A. Eating too much
B. Not exercising enough
C. Sleeping in late on days off
D. Being lazy about my prayers
E. Not eating together as a family
Five things you enjoy doing:
A. Blogging
B. Working (most of the time!)
C. Reading
D. Writing haikus
E. Listening to music
Five things you would never wear again:
A. Mini skirts
B. High heels
C. Underwire bras
D. Plaid pants
E. short shorts
Five favorite toys: (How about 5 toys I remember)
A. Clackers
B. Velvet and Chrissy dolls
C. Medieval woodcuts coloring book
D. Box of 64 crayons
E. Twin dolls
More Catholic than your bishop?
My dh tells me that we have more religious pictures, icons and statues in our home than they do in many churches. I always reply that as long as they keep taking them out of churches, I'll have to keep putting them in my home! I say this to illustrate the fact that I am not a religious or liturgical minimalist, by any stretch of the imagination. I am an avid devotee of Our Lady and rely on her for strength and comfort.
But, one thing that has distressed me in the past couple of years is the rabid following that unapproved Marian apparitions have garnered. There are Church-approved apparitions, such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe, as well as the appearance of Our Lord to Saint Margaret Mary. Our Lady has many legitimate titles in on which we can meditate and ask her to pray for us.
The late 20th and early 21st century has seen a boon in reported citings of Christ and Mary all over the globe. While this could be a good thing, it is unsettling to witness the disobedience of some "seers" and their followers. There is a real danger in these so-called "seers" publishing directives supposedly told them by Our Lady or even God Himself, that go against centuries of Church teaching and are often against the local bishop's stated wishes.
What this phenomenon does to those who follow it, is to take well-meaning, pious, traditional people and put them on the fringes of the Church. Some are perilously close to being outside the Church because of their disobedience to their local bishops who may have forbidden the promulgation of these texts.
A brilliant article by Father Peter Joseph says,
And yet, there are many people who use up their valuable God-given gifts of time, talent and energy almost forcing these "messages" on anyone who will (or often won't) listen. The contents of these "messages" often contain sheer panic about the current state of the world and sometimes have specific "directives" that "must" be done to "save ourselves."
Here's a news bulletin for you: We already know what is necessary for salvation. It cannot be added to. Also, each one of us will die. Some of us much sooner than others. Jesus said to us, "You know neither the day nor the hour" of the end of time. Yet, many of these "apparitions" insist that they know exactly when it will occur and only they have the secret to avoid it--often in magical sounding directives that have never been a part of (any) church's teaching.
The Lord has given us such comfort in the Church. We have the prayers and practices of the Church, as well as the Sacraments and Scripture, to guide us down the bumpy road of life. Following these unapproved apparitions only serves to distract us from the treasure we already have available to us.
But, one thing that has distressed me in the past couple of years is the rabid following that unapproved Marian apparitions have garnered. There are Church-approved apparitions, such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe, as well as the appearance of Our Lord to Saint Margaret Mary. Our Lady has many legitimate titles in on which we can meditate and ask her to pray for us.
The late 20th and early 21st century has seen a boon in reported citings of Christ and Mary all over the globe. While this could be a good thing, it is unsettling to witness the disobedience of some "seers" and their followers. There is a real danger in these so-called "seers" publishing directives supposedly told them by Our Lady or even God Himself, that go against centuries of Church teaching and are often against the local bishop's stated wishes.
What this phenomenon does to those who follow it, is to take well-meaning, pious, traditional people and put them on the fringes of the Church. Some are perilously close to being outside the Church because of their disobedience to their local bishops who may have forbidden the promulgation of these texts.
A brilliant article by Father Peter Joseph says,
"No private individual has the authority to judge definitively and officially which private revelations are true and which are not.
The authority to rule on the genuineness of a private revelation rests first with the local Bishop. It is forbidden, as well as sinful, to propagate private revelations which have received a negative judgment from the local Bishop, the conference of Bishops, or the Vatican'’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith."
And yet, there are many people who use up their valuable God-given gifts of time, talent and energy almost forcing these "messages" on anyone who will (or often won't) listen. The contents of these "messages" often contain sheer panic about the current state of the world and sometimes have specific "directives" that "must" be done to "save ourselves."
Here's a news bulletin for you: We already know what is necessary for salvation. It cannot be added to. Also, each one of us will die. Some of us much sooner than others. Jesus said to us, "You know neither the day nor the hour" of the end of time. Yet, many of these "apparitions" insist that they know exactly when it will occur and only they have the secret to avoid it--often in magical sounding directives that have never been a part of (any) church's teaching.
The Lord has given us such comfort in the Church. We have the prayers and practices of the Church, as well as the Sacraments and Scripture, to guide us down the bumpy road of life. Following these unapproved apparitions only serves to distract us from the treasure we already have available to us.
More Catholic than your bishop?
My dh tells me that we have more religious pictures, icons and statues in our home than they do in many churches. I always reply that as long as they keep taking them out of churches, I'll have to keep putting them in my home! I say this to illustrate the fact that I am not a religious or liturgical minimalist, by any stretch of the imagination. I am an avid devotee of Our Lady and rely on her for strength and comfort.
But, one thing that has distressed me in the past couple of years is the rabid following that unapproved Marian apparitions have garnered. There are Church-approved apparitions, such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe, as well as the appearance of Our Lord to Saint Margaret Mary. Our Lady has many legitimate titles in on which we can meditate and ask her to pray for us.
The late 20th and early 21st century has seen a boon in reported citings of Christ and Mary all over the globe. While this could be a good thing, it is unsettling to witness the disobedience of some "seers" and their followers. There is a real danger in these so-called "seers" publishing directives supposedly told them by Our Lady or even God Himself, that go against centuries of Church teaching and are often against the local bishop's stated wishes.
What this phenomenon does to those who follow it, is to take well-meaning, pious, traditional people and put them on the fringes of the Church. Some are perilously close to being outside the Church because of their disobedience to their local bishops who may have forbidden the promulgation of these texts.
A brilliant article by Father Peter Joseph says,
And yet, there are many people who use up their valuable God-given gifts of time, talent and energy almost forcing these "messages" on anyone who will (or often won't) listen. The contents of these "messages" often contain sheer panic about the current state of the world and sometimes have specific "directives" that "must" be done to "save ourselves."
Here's a news bulletin for you: We already know what is necessary for salvation. It cannot be added to. Also, each one of us will die. Some of us much sooner than others. Jesus said to us, "You know neither the day nor the hour" of the end of time. Yet, many of these "apparitions" insist that they know exactly when it will occur and only they have the secret to avoid it--often in magical sounding directives that have never been a part of (any) church's teaching.
The Lord has given us such comfort in the Church. We have the prayers and practices of the Church, as well as the Sacraments and Scripture, to guide us down the bumpy road of life. Following these unapproved apparitions only serves to distract us from the treasure we already have available to us.
But, one thing that has distressed me in the past couple of years is the rabid following that unapproved Marian apparitions have garnered. There are Church-approved apparitions, such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe, as well as the appearance of Our Lord to Saint Margaret Mary. Our Lady has many legitimate titles in on which we can meditate and ask her to pray for us.
The late 20th and early 21st century has seen a boon in reported citings of Christ and Mary all over the globe. While this could be a good thing, it is unsettling to witness the disobedience of some "seers" and their followers. There is a real danger in these so-called "seers" publishing directives supposedly told them by Our Lady or even God Himself, that go against centuries of Church teaching and are often against the local bishop's stated wishes.
What this phenomenon does to those who follow it, is to take well-meaning, pious, traditional people and put them on the fringes of the Church. Some are perilously close to being outside the Church because of their disobedience to their local bishops who may have forbidden the promulgation of these texts.
A brilliant article by Father Peter Joseph says,
"No private individual has the authority to judge definitively and officially which private revelations are true and which are not.
The authority to rule on the genuineness of a private revelation rests first with the local Bishop. It is forbidden, as well as sinful, to propagate private revelations which have received a negative judgment from the local Bishop, the conference of Bishops, or the Vatican'’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith."
And yet, there are many people who use up their valuable God-given gifts of time, talent and energy almost forcing these "messages" on anyone who will (or often won't) listen. The contents of these "messages" often contain sheer panic about the current state of the world and sometimes have specific "directives" that "must" be done to "save ourselves."
Here's a news bulletin for you: We already know what is necessary for salvation. It cannot be added to. Also, each one of us will die. Some of us much sooner than others. Jesus said to us, "You know neither the day nor the hour" of the end of time. Yet, many of these "apparitions" insist that they know exactly when it will occur and only they have the secret to avoid it--often in magical sounding directives that have never been a part of (any) church's teaching.
The Lord has given us such comfort in the Church. We have the prayers and practices of the Church, as well as the Sacraments and Scripture, to guide us down the bumpy road of life. Following these unapproved apparitions only serves to distract us from the treasure we already have available to us.
Friday, February 3, 2006
Where is our focus?
Man was made with a deep hunger for God. Sometimes in our life's journey, we try to fulfill that hunger in ways that set ourselves up for disappointment. When we run across a person or group who seem to have the answers we need, there is always a danger that we will make that person (or organization) "the Answer" in place of God.
Father Joe, in his Piece of the Puzzle blog says,
It is so easy, in the first flush of excitement over discovering a new spiritual practice or theory, to put all our spiritual eggs in one basket and think we have arrived. Before we know it, we begin to think that our salvation depends solely upon following one type of spiritual practice or another when those things exist only as helps towards holiness and not ends in themselves.
On the other hand, neither are we to "throw away the baby with the bathwater" and assume that we are to have a generic, whitewashed faith that is devoid of spiritual practice altogether.
Balance between these two extremes can be found in the teaching of the Church. The Church is neither "conservative" nor "liberal", neither Republican nor Democrat. The discipline that comes from following the Church's teachings, even if some of them may inevitably go against our personal tastes, helps to keep us humble and truly centered.
Let's pray that we always keep our eyes on the real goal, which is life in Christ.
Father Joe, in his Piece of the Puzzle blog says,
I would urge our Catholic people to avoid hero worship, or if they must, then turn to the canonized saints of the Church. They have run the race and have received their crown of victory. Living mortal men can be indecisive and in every occupation they can seriously disappoint us by their flaws and/or subsequent actions. Trust the Lord and our saving faith, not weak men.
It is so easy, in the first flush of excitement over discovering a new spiritual practice or theory, to put all our spiritual eggs in one basket and think we have arrived. Before we know it, we begin to think that our salvation depends solely upon following one type of spiritual practice or another when those things exist only as helps towards holiness and not ends in themselves.
On the other hand, neither are we to "throw away the baby with the bathwater" and assume that we are to have a generic, whitewashed faith that is devoid of spiritual practice altogether.
Balance between these two extremes can be found in the teaching of the Church. The Church is neither "conservative" nor "liberal", neither Republican nor Democrat. The discipline that comes from following the Church's teachings, even if some of them may inevitably go against our personal tastes, helps to keep us humble and truly centered.
Let's pray that we always keep our eyes on the real goal, which is life in Christ.
Where is our focus?
Man was made with a deep hunger for God. Sometimes in our life's journey, we try to fulfill that hunger in ways that set ourselves up for disappointment. When we run across a person or group who seem to have the answers we need, there is always a danger that we will make that person (or organization) "the Answer" in place of God.
Father Joe, in his Piece of the Puzzle blog says,
It is so easy, in the first flush of excitement over discovering a new spiritual practice or theory, to put all our spiritual eggs in one basket and think we have arrived. Before we know it, we begin to think that our salvation depends solely upon following one type of spiritual practice or another when those things exist only as helps towards holiness and not ends in themselves.
On the other hand, neither are we to "throw away the baby with the bathwater" and assume that we are to have a generic, whitewashed faith that is devoid of spiritual practice altogether.
Balance between these two extremes can be found in the teaching of the Church. The Church is neither "conservative" nor "liberal", neither Republican nor Democrat. The discipline that comes from following the Church's teachings, even if some of them may inevitably go against our personal tastes, helps to keep us humble and truly centered.
Let's pray that we always keep our eyes on the real goal, which is life in Christ.
Father Joe, in his Piece of the Puzzle blog says,
I would urge our Catholic people to avoid hero worship, or if they must, then turn to the canonized saints of the Church. They have run the race and have received their crown of victory. Living mortal men can be indecisive and in every occupation they can seriously disappoint us by their flaws and/or subsequent actions. Trust the Lord and our saving faith, not weak men.
It is so easy, in the first flush of excitement over discovering a new spiritual practice or theory, to put all our spiritual eggs in one basket and think we have arrived. Before we know it, we begin to think that our salvation depends solely upon following one type of spiritual practice or another when those things exist only as helps towards holiness and not ends in themselves.
On the other hand, neither are we to "throw away the baby with the bathwater" and assume that we are to have a generic, whitewashed faith that is devoid of spiritual practice altogether.
Balance between these two extremes can be found in the teaching of the Church. The Church is neither "conservative" nor "liberal", neither Republican nor Democrat. The discipline that comes from following the Church's teachings, even if some of them may inevitably go against our personal tastes, helps to keep us humble and truly centered.
Let's pray that we always keep our eyes on the real goal, which is life in Christ.
Saint Blaise
I went to Mass today not even realizing it was the feast of Saint Blaise. Catholic tradition has it that Saint Blaise healed a boy who was choking on a fish bone. Each year Catholics get their throats blessed on his feast day.
The priest places 2 crossed candles on the throat of each person and says this prayer:
Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
I was very grateful to get my throat blessed because, although my surgery will be on my spine, the incision will be in the front and the area that will hurt the most post-op will be my throat.
So, thank you, Saint Blaise!
Saint Blaise
I went to Mass today not even realizing it was the feast of Saint Blaise. Catholic tradition has it that Saint Blaise healed a boy who was choking on a fish bone. Each year Catholics get their throats blessed on his feast day.
The priest places 2 crossed candles on the throat of each person and says this prayer:
Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
I was very grateful to get my throat blessed because, although my surgery will be on my spine, the incision will be in the front and the area that will hurt the most post-op will be my throat.
So, thank you, Saint Blaise!
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Let's be Friends
You have to check out this blog called Let's be Friends. It highlights unusual animal friendships such as a a tiger and some baby pigs! The pictures are precious! Great site to visit if you need an emotional lift!
Thanks to Golden Arrow on Catholic Answers Forums for the heads up.
Thanks to Golden Arrow on Catholic Answers Forums for the heads up.
Let's be Friends
You have to check out this blog called Let's be Friends. It highlights unusual animal friendships such as a a tiger and some baby pigs! The pictures are precious! Great site to visit if you need an emotional lift!
Thanks to Golden Arrow on Catholic Answers Forums for the heads up.
Thanks to Golden Arrow on Catholic Answers Forums for the heads up.
Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks
Does it drive you crazy when people insist on putting quotation marks around a seemingly random word in a sentence or phrase? Have you ever seen a sign in a store saying something like this?
Is it not really on sale? Is someone saying "sale" and not the rest of it?
As a former English major, I thoroughly enjoyed this Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks.
Check it out!
All Winter Clothing on "Sale"
Is it not really on sale? Is someone saying "sale" and not the rest of it?
As a former English major, I thoroughly enjoyed this Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks.
Check it out!
Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks
Does it drive you crazy when people insist on putting quotation marks around a seemingly random word in a sentence or phrase? Have you ever seen a sign in a store saying something like this?
Is it not really on sale? Is someone saying "sale" and not the rest of it?
As a former English major, I thoroughly enjoyed this Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks.
Check it out!
All Winter Clothing on "Sale"
Is it not really on sale? Is someone saying "sale" and not the rest of it?
As a former English major, I thoroughly enjoyed this Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks.
Check it out!
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Prince Harry may go to Iraq
England's Prince Harry, third in line to the British throne behind his father, Prince Charles and brother, Prince William, is reported to have decided to join the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry after his officer training at Britain's elite Sandhurst military college ends in April.
The unit has a variety of duties including reconnaissance support to airborne forces as well as various ceremonial duties including personal body guard to the queen.
The regiment could very well be posted to Iraq sometime in the future. If that happens, Harry is more than willing to go.
He was quoted in September as saying, "There's no way I'm going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country."
Too bad he is third in line. Sounds like he would make a good king.
Prince Harry may go to Iraq
England's Prince Harry, third in line to the British throne behind his father, Prince Charles and brother, Prince William, is reported to have decided to join the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry after his officer training at Britain's elite Sandhurst military college ends in April.
The unit has a variety of duties including reconnaissance support to airborne forces as well as various ceremonial duties including personal body guard to the queen.
The regiment could very well be posted to Iraq sometime in the future. If that happens, Harry is more than willing to go.
He was quoted in September as saying, "There's no way I'm going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country."
Too bad he is third in line. Sounds like he would make a good king.
Thank you, Neighbors
I heard a surprising statistic on the radio today that is backed up by this webpage citing oil industry statistics.
The country which imports the largest amount of oil to the U.S. is Canada! That is heartening to me. The second largest oil importer to the U.S. is our other neighbor, Mexico.
Thank you, Neighbors
I heard a surprising statistic on the radio today that is backed up by this webpage citing oil industry statistics.
The country which imports the largest amount of oil to the U.S. is Canada! That is heartening to me. The second largest oil importer to the U.S. is our other neighbor, Mexico.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
