Shokkou Bishoujo

in dappled sunlight
piecing together my life--
she weaves silently

Putting the pieces of your life together

I heard something on EWTN today that I wanted to share. Has your life ever felt like it was unraveling, like a ball of yarn? Have you ever found that the strands of your life, the roles you play, have been strewn around the room in a jumble? Imagine Our Lady, sitting quietly in a corner, picking up the threads of your life and knitting (or weaving) them all together into a beautiful tapestry to give to God. Here is a haiku I wrote based on this image.

in dappled sunlight
piecing together my life--
she weaves silently

Putting the pieces of your life together

I heard something on EWTN today that I wanted to share. Has your life ever felt like it was unraveling, like a ball of yarn? Have you ever found that the strands of your life, the roles you play, have been strewn around the room in a jumble? Imagine Our Lady, sitting quietly in a corner, picking up the threads of your life and knitting (or weaving) them all together into a beautiful tapestry to give to God. Here is a haiku I wrote based on this image.

in dappled sunlight
piecing together my life--
she weaves silently

June: The month of the Sacred Heart

Remain in my love.
John 15:9

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I wanted to ask you all to remember the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in your prayers. They are the order who is in charge of the parish where I attend Mass. Ministering to God's children is not an easy job, especially in these times when we all are being tested.

Jesus' love for each of us, no matter who we are, is boundless. Say yes to His Love.

June: The month of the Sacred Heart

Remain in my love.
John 15:9

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I wanted to ask you all to remember the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in your prayers. They are the order who is in charge of the parish where I attend Mass. Ministering to God's children is not an easy job, especially in these times when we all are being tested.

Jesus' love for each of us, no matter who we are, is boundless. Say yes to His Love.

I thank God in the
searing, end-of-May heat,
for iced tea.

It's Hot

Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. ~Psalm 74:17

Well, summer is here, ladies and gentlemen and all I can say is, YUK! It's unbearable here for a woman in her mid '40's such as myself in my non-air conditioned house and its not 11 am yet! Oh well, I think I'll be drinking a lot of iced tea this summer! Thank God for the mint that grows prolifically in my garden.

It's Hot

Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. ~Psalm 74:17

Well, summer is here, ladies and gentlemen and all I can say is, YUK! It's unbearable here for a woman in her mid '40's such as myself in my non-air conditioned house and its not 11 am yet! Oh well, I think I'll be drinking a lot of iced tea this summer! Thank God for the mint that grows prolifically in my garden.

rainbow appears
behind barbed wire--
hope is alive

God's Rainbow

Pope Benedict visited the Auschwitz death camp during his recent visit to Poland. While he was praying for the victims of the Nazi horror, this rainbow appeared in an overcast sky.

Many thanks to Moneybags over at
A Catholic Life for alerting me to this story. Stop by and read his story on the Pope's visit to Poland.

I will set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be the sign of a covenant between me and between the earth.
~Genesis 9:13

God's Rainbow

Pope Benedict visited the Auschwitz death camp during his recent visit to Poland. While he was praying for the victims of the Nazi horror, this rainbow appeared in an overcast sky.

Many thanks to Moneybags over at
A Catholic Life for alerting me to this story. Stop by and read his story on the Pope's visit to Poland.

I will set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be the sign of a covenant between me and between the earth.
~Genesis 9:13

Resist pressure to abort and become a "genetic outlaw"

Zenit has an absolutely horrifying article about the modern eugenics movement. Focusing on Australia and Great Britain, the article states that not only is prenatal testing increasingly used to identify and kill children who are not genetically "perfect", but in some instances women are deliberately not told that the recommended "induced birth" will basically kill the child. Such women are not given information about the child's disability and how other parents cope. In these cases, there is no much-touted "right to choose". It is all about death for the imperfect.

One-third of obstetricians in England and Wales require a woman to agree to abort a child found to have a problem pre-natally.

Melinda Tankard Reist has written a book called, "Defiant Birth: Women Who Resist Medical Eugenics" (Spinifex Press) which tells the story of many women who went on to deliver their babies against the recommendation of health "professionals." She calls such women, "genetic outlaws" because they dare to resist the increasing pressure to kill preborn children who are imperfect.

I am currently reading an excellent book, "The Hidden Pope--The untold story of a lifelong friendship that is changing the relationship between Catholics and Jews". It is a very revealing look at the everyday life of both Karol Wojtyla (later Pope John Paul II) and his childhood friend Jerzy Kluger who is Jewish. They grew up together in Wadowice, Poland in the years surrounding World War II.

Reading about the incredible horror of the Nazi eugenics program and its effects on people's lives makes me realize that the modern eugenics movement is not a harmless nod to good science, but as secretive and under-the-radar screen of many of us as the Nazi "solution" was to many then. Many knew, many did not, and many did not want to know. The same is true right now. The pressure to abort children who are imperfect is prevalent and going on right in front of us. Those who manage to deliver their children could possibly face increasing societal pressure as this killing becomes commonplace.

As the generation who lived through the Nazi horrors dies out, those of us left are under increasing danger of forgetting how horrible eugenics is. We must fight against the "eugenics mentality" that exists today lest we end up needing to fight the same type of fight that our parents and grandparents had to in World War II. It is a small leap in the minds of some from killing genetically "imperfect" preborn children, to killing whatever category of out-of-the-womb person that they decide does not deserve life.

Resist pressure to abort and become a "genetic outlaw"

Zenit has an absolutely horrifying article about the modern eugenics movement. Focusing on Australia and Great Britain, the article states that not only is prenatal testing increasingly used to identify and kill children who are not genetically "perfect", but in some instances women are deliberately not told that the recommended "induced birth" will basically kill the child. Such women are not given information about the child's disability and how other parents cope. In these cases, there is no much-touted "right to choose". It is all about death for the imperfect.

One-third of obstetricians in England and Wales require a woman to agree to abort a child found to have a problem pre-natally.

Melinda Tankard Reist has written a book called, "Defiant Birth: Women Who Resist Medical Eugenics" (Spinifex Press) which tells the story of many women who went on to deliver their babies against the recommendation of health "professionals." She calls such women, "genetic outlaws" because they dare to resist the increasing pressure to kill preborn children who are imperfect.

I am currently reading an excellent book, "The Hidden Pope--The untold story of a lifelong friendship that is changing the relationship between Catholics and Jews". It is a very revealing look at the everyday life of both Karol Wojtyla (later Pope John Paul II) and his childhood friend Jerzy Kluger who is Jewish. They grew up together in Wadowice, Poland in the years surrounding World War II.

Reading about the incredible horror of the Nazi eugenics program and its effects on people's lives makes me realize that the modern eugenics movement is not a harmless nod to good science, but as secretive and under-the-radar screen of many of us as the Nazi "solution" was to many then. Many knew, many did not, and many did not want to know. The same is true right now. The pressure to abort children who are imperfect is prevalent and going on right in front of us. Those who manage to deliver their children could possibly face increasing societal pressure as this killing becomes commonplace.

As the generation who lived through the Nazi horrors dies out, those of us left are under increasing danger of forgetting how horrible eugenics is. We must fight against the "eugenics mentality" that exists today lest we end up needing to fight the same type of fight that our parents and grandparents had to in World War II. It is a small leap in the minds of some from killing genetically "imperfect" preborn children, to killing whatever category of out-of-the-womb person that they decide does not deserve life.

Gentle Reads

Thanks to the Afternoon Tea Forum on Delphi, I've discovered a website that lists "Gentle Reads"--books containing "little violence or sex and feature story lines with good, 'old fashioned' qualities."

A couple I've read:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
Murder, She Meowed by Rita Mae Brown
A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters
Fatherhood by Bill Cosby

A few other authors I've read:

Janette Oke
Rosamunde Pilcher
Mary Stewart
Mark Twain

I would like to particularly recommend the Brother Cadfael series (A Morbid Taste for Bones etc.) by Ellis Peters, and the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. I also enjoyed the Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown series.

Do any of you have any favorite authors out there that might fall into this category?

Gentle Reads

Thanks to the Afternoon Tea Forum on Delphi, I've discovered a website that lists "Gentle Reads"--books containing "little violence or sex and feature story lines with good, 'old fashioned' qualities."

A couple I've read:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
Murder, She Meowed by Rita Mae Brown
A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters
Fatherhood by Bill Cosby

A few other authors I've read:

Janette Oke
Rosamunde Pilcher
Mary Stewart
Mark Twain

I would like to particularly recommend the Brother Cadfael series (A Morbid Taste for Bones etc.) by Ellis Peters, and the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. I also enjoyed the Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown series.

Do any of you have any favorite authors out there that might fall into this category?

Memorial Day

Monday is Memorial Day in the United States--a day we set aside to remember those who died serving our country.

I would like to remember, not only those who are currently serving and dying abroad in the service of our country, but all those in past generations who sacrificed their loved ones and themselves.

The World War II generation is quickly dying out. They went through unprecidented sacrifice and suffering for their country--not only the soldiers, but the citizens as well. People routinely gave up everyday items such as food, gasoline, silk stockings and the like, for the "war effort". Would we, in the 21st century sacrifice so much with so little complaining?

The picture above reminds me of my dad. He didn't live long enough to get grey hair or be in a wheelchair, but he always stood when a flag passed by. And in the 1960's and '70's, when we were growing up, he was often the only one to do so.

Memorial Day

Monday is Memorial Day in the United States--a day we set aside to remember those who died serving our country.

I would like to remember, not only those who are currently serving and dying abroad in the service of our country, but all those in past generations who sacrificed their loved ones and themselves.

The World War II generation is quickly dying out. They went through unprecidented sacrifice and suffering for their country--not only the soldiers, but the citizens as well. People routinely gave up everyday items such as food, gasoline, silk stockings and the like, for the "war effort". Would we, in the 21st century sacrifice so much with so little complaining?

The picture above reminds me of my dad. He didn't live long enough to get grey hair or be in a wheelchair, but he always stood when a flag passed by. And in the 1960's and '70's, when we were growing up, he was often the only one to do so.

slowly waking
on a winter morning--
thick fog lifting

Our Lady Help of Christians

Today is the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, the patroness of Australia. The feast was instituted in 1815 by Pius VII after being freed from prison. He had been arrested in 1808 by Napolean and freed on the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.

Our Lady Help of Christians

Today is the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, the patroness of Australia. The feast was instituted in 1815 by Pius VII after being freed from prison. He had been arrested in 1808 by Napolean and freed on the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.

What Flavor of Tea Are You?

I love peppermint tea! This made my day!!!! (I know--I'm fairly easily amused, in spite of the answer below that says I'm not overly ecstatic.)

Which flavor of tea are you? (with images)

You are Peppermint tea! Lots of people like peppermint tea, it's always sold out in the market. Not quite run of the mill with your unique zingy mintiness, you are still in a group of large people. Not boring...yet not over ecstatic.
Take this quiz!








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What Flavor of Tea Are You?

I love peppermint tea! This made my day!!!! (I know--I'm fairly easily amused, in spite of the answer below that says I'm not overly ecstatic.)

Which flavor of tea are you? (with images)

You are Peppermint tea! Lots of people like peppermint tea, it's always sold out in the market. Not quite run of the mill with your unique zingy mintiness, you are still in a group of large people. Not boring...yet not over ecstatic.
Take this quiz!








Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Tea and God

I found a beautiful poem on A Cup of Tea and a Blog that I wanted to share. The poem is from Drifting, by Dominic Cheung (Chang Ts'o) who is a Taiwanese poet. They are love poems with tea as the main image.

The first poem really reminds me of the biblical quote,
He must increase and I must decrease. John 3:30

Love Poems of Tea
1 If I, the boiling water,
And you, the tea;
Then your fragrance
Has to depend solely upon my plainness.

Tea and God

I found a beautiful poem on A Cup of Tea and a Blog that I wanted to share. The poem is from Drifting, by Dominic Cheung (Chang Ts'o) who is a Taiwanese poet. They are love poems with tea as the main image.

The first poem really reminds me of the biblical quote,
He must increase and I must decrease. John 3:30

Love Poems of Tea
1 If I, the boiling water,
And you, the tea;
Then your fragrance
Has to depend solely upon my plainness.

Saint Rita of Casica

Today is the feast of St. Rita of Cascia. She was born in Spoleto in 1386 to older than average parents. She wanted to become a nun, but in obedience to her parents, she married a man who turned out to be abusive. She had twin sons by him. When he was murdered, she begged her sons not to take revenge for their father's death. She prayed to God that they be prevented from this crime, and they each died before they could carry it out.

She entered the Augustinian convent at Cascia after first being turned away because she was a widow. She died there in 1456.

Saint Rita is the patron saint of my parish church and patron of impossible causes.

Saint Rita of Casica

Today is the feast of St. Rita of Cascia. She was born in Spoleto in 1386 to older than average parents. She wanted to become a nun, but in obedience to her parents, she married a man who turned out to be abusive. She had twin sons by him. When he was murdered, she begged her sons not to take revenge for their father's death. She prayed to God that they be prevented from this crime, and they each died before they could carry it out.

She entered the Augustinian convent at Cascia after first being turned away because she was a widow. She died there in 1456.

Saint Rita is the patron saint of my parish church and patron of impossible causes.

First Communion

I'm in the process of getting my marriage validated and going through some paperwork. I have discovered that I made my First Holy Communion on May 18, 1969, which happened to be Pope John Paul II's birthday. Kind of cool!

First Communion

I'm in the process of getting my marriage validated and going through some paperwork. I have discovered that I made my First Holy Communion on May 18, 1969, which happened to be Pope John Paul II's birthday. Kind of cool!

I call out
and the Spirit breathes--
infusing love.

late lilacs
God's graduation
gift--Thanks!

The Guys' Rules

These made me laugh out loud! Hat tip to Martin on the NFP board.

The Guys' Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear "the rules" from the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!
Please note... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men ARE not mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport.
And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly Acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only If you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not! A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will Be scratched.
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear Is fine...Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

The Guys' Rules

These made me laugh out loud! Hat tip to Martin on the NFP board.

The Guys' Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear "the rules" from the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!
Please note... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men ARE not mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport.
And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly Acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only If you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not! A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will Be scratched.
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear Is fine...Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Mike Wallace talks about his struggle with depression

News from the National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI):

NEWS ALERT: 60 Minutes on Sunday, May 21

On Sunday, May 21, 2006, CBS correspondent Mike Wallace will make his last scheduled appearance on the news television show 60 Minutes, broadcast on CBS television stations at 7:00 ET/PT (Check local listings).

The show will highlight many parts of Wallace's career, but particularly poignant will be a frank discussion with his colleague Morley Safer about his struggle with depression -- including for the very first time, his attempted suicide.

Wallace has devoted himself to ending the stigma of mental illness and encouraging people to get help when they need it. This broadcast will continue to advance that public education. NAMI thanks him.

Mike Wallace talks about his struggle with depression

News from the National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI):

NEWS ALERT: 60 Minutes on Sunday, May 21

On Sunday, May 21, 2006, CBS correspondent Mike Wallace will make his last scheduled appearance on the news television show 60 Minutes, broadcast on CBS television stations at 7:00 ET/PT (Check local listings).

The show will highlight many parts of Wallace's career, but particularly poignant will be a frank discussion with his colleague Morley Safer about his struggle with depression -- including for the very first time, his attempted suicide.

Wallace has devoted himself to ending the stigma of mental illness and encouraging people to get help when they need it. This broadcast will continue to advance that public education. NAMI thanks him.

12 Step Spirituality

I've been thinking of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous lately. I think they are applicable to life, whether one is an alcoholic or not. Sometimes, sin can be a kind of "addiction". We get almost addicted to doing things our way instead of God's way. Sometimes we want to change but don't know how. I think the spirituality of the 12 steps can help.

The 12 Steps

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

When we have gotten to the point where we have run out of excuses for our sin; when we have seen over and over the consequences of our sin and want to change, but don't know how, the first step is the key. Once we can admit to ourselves that our lives, whether it be our "everyday" lives, or our spiritual lives, have become "unmanageable", then we can make a start toward freedom. To realize that only God can really change us is the most freeing thing. To place your sins and difficulties at the foot of the cross and ask for God's help is the most important beginning embodied by the first 3 steps.

Making a "searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves" is painful but necessary. When we realize all that we have done, either directly or indirectly, to cause our brothers and sisters to hurt or to fall, it can be overwhelming. But sin is like an infected sore on our souls that we need to open up in order to clean out.

To me, step 5 is basically the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession. The priest acts in persona Christi in the sacrament, but he also is a human being. So, in confession, we are admitting to "God, ourselves *and* another human being the exact nature of our wrongs." Confession can be scary and humbling, but it can also be healing once we have "asked God to remove these defects of character."

Making ammends is important to our spiritual and emotional healing. The fact that we have caused any sort of harm to others will haunt us unless we first confess, and second, try to make some sort of ammends. Ammends may be something as simple as praying for those people whom we have hurt. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Step 10 says basically, keep going--keep it up. As long as we live on this earth, we will fall and fail and we will need to continue to run to God and ask His help. In step 11, we yearn toward union with God in prayer. Keep at it even during the spiritual dry times. God is faithful.

I think step 12 is about consistency. "Practice these principles in all our affairs". We shouldn't compartmentalize our spiritual life to one hour on Sunday.

12 Step Spirituality

I've been thinking of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous lately. I think they are applicable to life, whether one is an alcoholic or not. Sometimes, sin can be a kind of "addiction". We get almost addicted to doing things our way instead of God's way. Sometimes we want to change but don't know how. I think the spirituality of the 12 steps can help.

The 12 Steps

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

When we have gotten to the point where we have run out of excuses for our sin; when we have seen over and over the consequences of our sin and want to change, but don't know how, the first step is the key. Once we can admit to ourselves that our lives, whether it be our "everyday" lives, or our spiritual lives, have become "unmanageable", then we can make a start toward freedom. To realize that only God can really change us is the most freeing thing. To place your sins and difficulties at the foot of the cross and ask for God's help is the most important beginning embodied by the first 3 steps.

Making a "searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves" is painful but necessary. When we realize all that we have done, either directly or indirectly, to cause our brothers and sisters to hurt or to fall, it can be overwhelming. But sin is like an infected sore on our souls that we need to open up in order to clean out.

To me, step 5 is basically the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession. The priest acts in persona Christi in the sacrament, but he also is a human being. So, in confession, we are admitting to "God, ourselves *and* another human being the exact nature of our wrongs." Confession can be scary and humbling, but it can also be healing once we have "asked God to remove these defects of character."

Making ammends is important to our spiritual and emotional healing. The fact that we have caused any sort of harm to others will haunt us unless we first confess, and second, try to make some sort of ammends. Ammends may be something as simple as praying for those people whom we have hurt. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Step 10 says basically, keep going--keep it up. As long as we live on this earth, we will fall and fail and we will need to continue to run to God and ask His help. In step 11, we yearn toward union with God in prayer. Keep at it even during the spiritual dry times. God is faithful.

I think step 12 is about consistency. "Practice these principles in all our affairs". We shouldn't compartmentalize our spiritual life to one hour on Sunday.

Psalm 51

This is "out of season", but its one of my favorite psalms and I thought I would go ahead and post it. God's compassion and forgiveness is truly a beautiful thing and His greatest gift.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge.
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness
that the bones you have crushed may thrill.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Psalm 51

This is "out of season", but its one of my favorite psalms and I thought I would go ahead and post it. God's compassion and forgiveness is truly a beautiful thing and His greatest gift.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge.
O see, in guilt I was born,
a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness
that the bones you have crushed may thrill.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.

I am shown
the dark precipice and so--
move toward light.

Deliver Me, O Lord

This prayer, although perhaps horrifying to some at first glance, is very beautiful when one is striving towards union with God.

The Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…


If we are delivered from all these desires of the self, we can better do what is right without fear of what others may think.

Deliver Me, O Lord

This prayer, although perhaps horrifying to some at first glance, is very beautiful when one is striving towards union with God.

The Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…


If we are delivered from all these desires of the self, we can better do what is right without fear of what others may think.

All have sinned

I heard Father Corapi say something on EWTN today that I think is very enlightening. He was talking about the struggle of married people to live their marriage faithfully. He talked about the reality of people who are unfaithful to their spouse and how hard that is.

After going into some of the Church's teaching regarding marriage, he said there were many theologians and priests who openly questioned those teachings and others. What are we to think in those cases?

He said, "See? Priests struggle with infidelity just like everyone else."

Kind of puts a whole new light on things.

All have sinned

I heard Father Corapi say something on EWTN today that I think is very enlightening. He was talking about the struggle of married people to live their marriage faithfully. He talked about the reality of people who are unfaithful to their spouse and how hard that is.

After going into some of the Church's teaching regarding marriage, he said there were many theologians and priests who openly questioned those teachings and others. What are we to think in those cases?

He said, "See? Priests struggle with infidelity just like everyone else."

Kind of puts a whole new light on things.

Voting Day in PA

Today is primary day in Pennsylvania. If you live in PA, don't forget to vote!

Voting Day in PA

Today is primary day in Pennsylvania. If you live in PA, don't forget to vote!

French Wisdom

This sticker was spotted on a DaVinci Code poster in France. It translates as: No to Anti-Christian Revisionism. I can only add: absolument.

Hat tip to The Cafeteria is Closed.

French Wisdom

This sticker was spotted on a DaVinci Code poster in France. It translates as: No to Anti-Christian Revisionism. I can only add: absolument.

Hat tip to The Cafeteria is Closed.

Happy Feast Day!

Thanks to Deo gratias for reminding me, via a reply to my Mother's Day post, that today is our patron saint's feast day!

Dymphna was the daughter of a pagan Irish chieftain named Damon and a Christian mother, who raised her in the faith. When she was 14, her mother died. Both Dymphna and Damon mourned their loss. Damon was so torn by grief that his advisors recommended he find another wife to replace the one who had died.

When he realized that none could be found who were as beautiful except his own daughter, he decided to marry her. She was horrified and refused, fleeing with her confessor to Belgium. Her father found her in Gheel and in his rage, he beheaded her.

Dymphna died defending her Christian beliefs in purity. She is the patron saint of mental illness, nervous diseases, incest victims, and runaways. The spot where she was killed became a shrine where her heavenly reputation for curing those with mental illness became quickly known.

Prayer to St. Dymphna
I humbly request you, dear virgin and martyr Dymphna,
to take under your protection
all who are bound to me by ties of blood or friendship.
May all the lives which touch mine
experience the blessings God is pleased to grant
through your intercession.
I now commend to your prayers
all the intentions of my relatives and friends.
Remember also those persons who have asked me to pray for them.
Pray especially for the lonely and forsaken
who have no one to pray for them.

Thank you, dear St. Dymphna, for remembering us all
before our God and Savior.
~Amen~

Happy Feast Day!

Thanks to Deo gratias for reminding me, via a reply to my Mother's Day post, that today is our patron saint's feast day!

Dymphna was the daughter of a pagan Irish chieftain named Damon and a Christian mother, who raised her in the faith. When she was 14, her mother died. Both Dymphna and Damon mourned their loss. Damon was so torn by grief that his advisors recommended he find another wife to replace the one who had died.

When he realized that none could be found who were as beautiful except his own daughter, he decided to marry her. She was horrified and refused, fleeing with her confessor to Belgium. Her father found her in Gheel and in his rage, he beheaded her.

Dymphna died defending her Christian beliefs in purity. She is the patron saint of mental illness, nervous diseases, incest victims, and runaways. The spot where she was killed became a shrine where her heavenly reputation for curing those with mental illness became quickly known.

Prayer to St. Dymphna
I humbly request you, dear virgin and martyr Dymphna,
to take under your protection
all who are bound to me by ties of blood or friendship.
May all the lives which touch mine
experience the blessings God is pleased to grant
through your intercession.
I now commend to your prayers
all the intentions of my relatives and friends.
Remember also those persons who have asked me to pray for them.
Pray especially for the lonely and forsaken
who have no one to pray for them.

Thank you, dear St. Dymphna, for remembering us all
before our God and Savior.
~Amen~

Mother's Day

What a privilege it is to be a mother! We are the gender to whom God entrusted the nurturing of new life. In this way, God gives us a special gift and ministry in His world. We are called, with Mary, to ponder all things in our hearts.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
~Amen.

Mother's Day

What a privilege it is to be a mother! We are the gender to whom God entrusted the nurturing of new life. In this way, God gives us a special gift and ministry in His world. We are called, with Mary, to ponder all things in our hearts.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
~Amen.

Our Lady of Fatima

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. In 1917 Our Lady appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal. Our Lady told the children,

"The war is going to end: but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the Pontificate of Pius XI."

This was a prediction of World War II.

On October 13, 1917, a crowd of more than 40,000 people, including newspaper reporters and photographers, witnessed what is called "The Miracle of the Sun."

Portugal's most influential newspaper O Século, reported at the time,

"Before the astonished eyes of the crowd, whose aspect was biblical as they stood bare-headed, eagerly searching the sky, the sun trembled, made sudden incredible movements outside all cosmic laws-the sun 'danced' according to the typical expression of the people."

The newspaper Ordem reported

"The sun, at one moment surrounded with scarlet flame, at another aureoled in yellow and deep purple, seemed to be in an exceeding fast and whirling movement, at times appearing to be loosened from the sky and to be approaching the earth, strongly radiating heat".

Two of the children died young, as Our Lady predicted. The third, Lucia, lived until February 13, 2006.

On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot in an assasination attempt in St. Peter's Square. The pontiff later attributed his survival to Our Lady's protection.

On May 14, 2000, the Vatican disclosed the "Third Secret of Fatima", which is said to predicted the 1981 assasination attempt on the pope.

Our Lady of Fatima

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. In 1917 Our Lady appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal. Our Lady told the children,

"The war is going to end: but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the Pontificate of Pius XI."

This was a prediction of World War II.

On October 13, 1917, a crowd of more than 40,000 people, including newspaper reporters and photographers, witnessed what is called "The Miracle of the Sun."

Portugal's most influential newspaper O Século, reported at the time,

"Before the astonished eyes of the crowd, whose aspect was biblical as they stood bare-headed, eagerly searching the sky, the sun trembled, made sudden incredible movements outside all cosmic laws-the sun 'danced' according to the typical expression of the people."

The newspaper Ordem reported

"The sun, at one moment surrounded with scarlet flame, at another aureoled in yellow and deep purple, seemed to be in an exceeding fast and whirling movement, at times appearing to be loosened from the sky and to be approaching the earth, strongly radiating heat".

Two of the children died young, as Our Lady predicted. The third, Lucia, lived until February 13, 2006.

On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot in an assasination attempt in St. Peter's Square. The pontiff later attributed his survival to Our Lady's protection.

On May 14, 2000, the Vatican disclosed the "Third Secret of Fatima", which is said to predicted the 1981 assasination attempt on the pope.

Praying for Peace

A group of Catholics in Lincoln Park, NJ meets each Sunday at 5 pm to pray for 24 minutes (representing the 24 hours in each day) for an end to terror and violence.

The participants pray individually for peace. Some pray the rosary, or stations of the cross, meditate on Scripture or offer their own intentions. Each session ends with the Prayer of Saint Francis.

Franciscan Sister of Peace, Ellen Byrnes says,"Our focus is to pray for peace and to trust in the power of prayer. In this time of fear and terror, the sisters believe that prayer is an untapped source needed in our world."

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Hat tip to The Cafeteria is Closed for this story.

Praying for Peace

A group of Catholics in Lincoln Park, NJ meets each Sunday at 5 pm to pray for 24 minutes (representing the 24 hours in each day) for an end to terror and violence.

The participants pray individually for peace. Some pray the rosary, or stations of the cross, meditate on Scripture or offer their own intentions. Each session ends with the Prayer of Saint Francis.

Franciscan Sister of Peace, Ellen Byrnes says,"Our focus is to pray for peace and to trust in the power of prayer. In this time of fear and terror, the sisters believe that prayer is an untapped source needed in our world."

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Hat tip to The Cafeteria is Closed for this story.

Meditating on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries

Fridays hold a special place in Catholic spirituality, because it is the day that Christ died on the cross for our sins and, therefore, it is the day that we meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Catholics are *still* required to either fast from meat on that day, or substitute another penance. This penetential flavor of Fridays is in direct contrast to society's view of Fridays as a day to "party."


Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesdays and Fridays. Also Sundays in Lent.

1. The Agony in the Garden.
Virtue: Praying in a manner pleasing to God. Contrition for sin.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar.
Virtue: Purity. Mortification

3. The Crowning of Our Lord with Thorns.
Virtue: Moral Courage.

4. The Carrying of the Cross.
Virtue: Patience in suffering.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord.
Virtue: Self-Denial.

Meditating on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries

Fridays hold a special place in Catholic spirituality, because it is the day that Christ died on the cross for our sins and, therefore, it is the day that we meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Catholics are *still* required to either fast from meat on that day, or substitute another penance. This penetential flavor of Fridays is in direct contrast to society's view of Fridays as a day to "party."


Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesdays and Fridays. Also Sundays in Lent.

1. The Agony in the Garden.
Virtue: Praying in a manner pleasing to God. Contrition for sin.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar.
Virtue: Purity. Mortification

3. The Crowning of Our Lord with Thorns.
Virtue: Moral Courage.

4. The Carrying of the Cross.
Virtue: Patience in suffering.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord.
Virtue: Self-Denial.

Meditating on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary--The Luminous Mysteries

In the papal document ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE, Pope John Paul II declared October 2002 – October 2003 The Year of the Rosary and proposed 5 new mysteries reflecting on the public life of Christ.

This new cycle of mysteries, which in a sense, complete the rosary as a prayerful meditation on the entire life of Christ will, no doubt, go down in Church history as one of the late pontiff's greatest contributions to Catholic spirituality.

Luminous Mysteries
Thursdays.

1. The Baptism of Our Lord.
Virtue: Rebirth in Christ. Fidelity to one's vocation

2. The Wedding at Cana.
Virtue: Trust in the Lord and His Mother.

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom.
Virtue: Perseverance. Evangelization. Conversion of heart

4. The Transfiguration of Our Lord.
Virtue: Reverence. Unity with God and His Will.

5. The Institution of the Eucharist.
Virtue: Devotion to and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.

Meditating on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary--The Luminous Mysteries

In the papal document ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE, Pope John Paul II declared October 2002 – October 2003 The Year of the Rosary and proposed 5 new mysteries reflecting on the public life of Christ.

This new cycle of mysteries, which in a sense, complete the rosary as a prayerful meditation on the entire life of Christ will, no doubt, go down in Church history as one of the late pontiff's greatest contributions to Catholic spirituality.

Luminous Mysteries
Thursdays.

1. The Baptism of Our Lord.
Virtue: Rebirth in Christ. Fidelity to one's vocation

2. The Wedding at Cana.
Virtue: Trust in the Lord and His Mother.

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom.
Virtue: Perseverance. Evangelization. Conversion of heart

4. The Transfiguration of Our Lord.
Virtue: Reverence. Unity with God and His Will.

5. The Institution of the Eucharist.
Virtue: Devotion to and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.

Meditation on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary: The Glorious Mysteries

Glorious Mysteries
Wednesdays and ordinary Sundays

1. Resurrection
Virtue: Faith.

2. Ascension.
Virtue: Hope.

3. Descent of the Holy Spirit
Virtue: Love; Spiritual Gifts.

4. Assumption of Our Blessed Mother into Heaven.
Virtue: Eternal happiness. Final Perserverance; Happy Death

5. Coronation of Our Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven.
Virtue: Devotion to Mary. Renewal of consecration to Our Lady

Meditation on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary: The Glorious Mysteries

Glorious Mysteries
Wednesdays and ordinary Sundays

1. Resurrection
Virtue: Faith.

2. Ascension.
Virtue: Hope.

3. Descent of the Holy Spirit
Virtue: Love; Spiritual Gifts.

4. Assumption of Our Blessed Mother into Heaven.
Virtue: Eternal happiness. Final Perserverance; Happy Death

5. Coronation of Our Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven.
Virtue: Devotion to Mary. Renewal of consecration to Our Lady

Meditating on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesdays and Fridays. Also Sundays in Lent.

1. The Agony in the Garden.
Virtue: Praying in a manner pleasing to God. Contrition for sin.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar.
Virtue: Purity. Mortification

3. The Crowning of Our Lord with Thorns.
Virtue: Moral Courage.

4. The Carrying of the Cross.
Virtue: Patience in suffering.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord.
Virtue: Self-Denial.

Meditating on the Virtues of the Holy Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesdays and Fridays. Also Sundays in Lent.

1. The Agony in the Garden.
Virtue: Praying in a manner pleasing to God. Contrition for sin.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar.
Virtue: Purity. Mortification

3. The Crowning of Our Lord with Thorns.
Virtue: Moral Courage.

4. The Carrying of the Cross.
Virtue: Patience in suffering.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord.
Virtue: Self-Denial.

Praying the Rosary--Meditating on the Virtues--the Joyful Mysteries

When praying the rosary, one technique to help meditate on the mysteries, is to pray to God to increase a particular virtue that is associated with that mystery. For the next few days, I'm going to publish a set of mysteries normally prayed on that day, and the virtues associated with them.




Joyful Mysteries
Mondays and Saturdays. Also Sundays in Advent.

1. Annunciation
Virtue: Humility.

2. Visitation
Virtue: Charity; Love of Neighbor.

3. Birth of Our Lord.
Virtue: Detatchment from the World; Poverty.

4. Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple .
Virtue: Obedience to God's Will.

5. Finding of The Child Jesus in the Temple.
Virtue: Piety. Repentance for loosing Jesus through Sin and Seeking out Christ

Most of the above is taken from the site, Spiritual Treasures: The Holy Rosary.

Praying the Rosary--Meditating on the Virtues--the Joyful Mysteries

When praying the rosary, one technique to help meditate on the mysteries, is to pray to God to increase a particular virtue that is associated with that mystery. For the next few days, I'm going to publish a set of mysteries normally prayed on that day, and the virtues associated with them.




Joyful Mysteries
Mondays and Saturdays. Also Sundays in Advent.

1. Annunciation
Virtue: Humility.

2. Visitation
Virtue: Charity; Love of Neighbor.

3. Birth of Our Lord.
Virtue: Detatchment from the World; Poverty.

4. Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple .
Virtue: Obedience to God's Will.

5. Finding of The Child Jesus in the Temple.
Virtue: Piety. Repentance for loosing Jesus through Sin and Seeking out Christ

Most of the above is taken from the site, Spiritual Treasures: The Holy Rosary.