More on Angels

Since today is the actual feast of the 3 Archangels, (and in the past it was called the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels) I thought I'd post something from Peter Kreeft about Angels in general.

Angels--The Twelve Most Important Things to Know About Them

1. They really exist. Not just in our minds, or our myths, or our symbols, or our culture. They are as real as your dog, or your sister, or electricity.

2. They’re present, right here, right now, right next to you, reading these words with you.

3. They’re not cute, cuddly, comfortable, chummy, or “cool”. They are fearsome and formidable. They are huge. They are warriors.

4. They are the real “extra-terrestrials”, the real “Super-men”, the ultimate aliens. Their powers are far beyond those of all fictional creatures.

5. They are more brilliant minds than Einstein.

6. They can literally move the heavens and the earth if God permits them.

7. There are also evil angels, fallen angels, demons, or devils. These too are not myths. Demon possessions, and exorcisms, are real.

8. Angels are aware of you, even though you can’t usually see or hear them. But you can communicate with them. You can talk to them without even speaking.

9. You really do have your very own “guardian angel”. Everybody does.

10. Angels often come disguised. “Do not neglect hospitality, for some have entertained angels unawares”—that’s a warning from life’s oldest and best instruction manual.

11. We are on a protected part of a great battlefield between angels and devils, extending to eternity.

12. Angels are sentinels standing at the crossroads where life meets death. They work especially at moments of crisis, at the brink of disaster—for bodies, for souls, and for nations.

More on Angels

Since today is the actual feast of the 3 Archangels, (and in the past it was called the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels) I thought I'd post something from Peter Kreeft about Angels in general.

Angels--The Twelve Most Important Things to Know About Them

1. They really exist. Not just in our minds, or our myths, or our symbols, or our culture. They are as real as your dog, or your sister, or electricity.

2. They’re present, right here, right now, right next to you, reading these words with you.

3. They’re not cute, cuddly, comfortable, chummy, or “cool”. They are fearsome and formidable. They are huge. They are warriors.

4. They are the real “extra-terrestrials”, the real “Super-men”, the ultimate aliens. Their powers are far beyond those of all fictional creatures.

5. They are more brilliant minds than Einstein.

6. They can literally move the heavens and the earth if God permits them.

7. There are also evil angels, fallen angels, demons, or devils. These too are not myths. Demon possessions, and exorcisms, are real.

8. Angels are aware of you, even though you can’t usually see or hear them. But you can communicate with them. You can talk to them without even speaking.

9. You really do have your very own “guardian angel”. Everybody does.

10. Angels often come disguised. “Do not neglect hospitality, for some have entertained angels unawares”—that’s a warning from life’s oldest and best instruction manual.

11. We are on a protected part of a great battlefield between angels and devils, extending to eternity.

12. Angels are sentinels standing at the crossroads where life meets death. They work especially at moments of crisis, at the brink of disaster—for bodies, for souls, and for nations.

Autumn colored cat
hypnotically gazing
behind white lace

old woman
feeding a solitary
house plant

harvest moon--
reflecting on uncounted
drops of rain

unknowing
the spider clings to the web
in the rain

fragile tree
uncertainly blooms in
the midst of drought

Monastery Greetings

Thanks to the good people over at the NFP board at Delphiforums, I have discovered Monastery Greetings, a clearinghouse for monastic products. These are products made by monasteries and abbeys to support themselves.

Everything from CD's, books, food, icons and incense are featured here.

Christmas time is coming--check them out!

Monastery Greetings

Thanks to the good people over at the NFP board at Delphiforums, I have discovered Monastery Greetings, a clearinghouse for monastic products. These are products made by monasteries and abbeys to support themselves.

Everything from CD's, books, food, icons and incense are featured here.

Christmas time is coming--check them out!

Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

In honor of Friday's feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels, I thought I would post a bit on the Church's understanding of these heavenly beings.

We learn about angels from Scripture. In Sacred Scripture, we learn that there are 9 "choirs" of angels as well as others who are mentioned. These 9 choirs include:

Seraphim, Dominions, Principalities, Cherubim, Virtues, Archangels, Thrones,Powers and Angels.

Other angels mentioned in the bible include the "Angel of the Lord", Guardian Angels, the Angel of Gethsemane and the Angel of the Resurrection.

Angels' function in creation is to stand before the throne of God as part of the court of heaven. They are to praise God and minister to Him for all eternity.

A second function of angels is as God's holy messengers. The Bible gives us many examples of this. An angel announces the birth of Sampson, Isaac, John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. An angel brings comfort to Joseph, when he is concerned about Mary's unexpected pregnancy, and to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemani.

The third function of angels is as personal guardians--our guardian angels. Since we each have our own Guardian Angel, there are always angels all around us, especially during Mass. Wherever Jesus is, in His Real Presence, angels abound.

Saint Padre Pio used to send his angel on erands of mercy to others. We can ask our own guardian angel, and others' to pray for us before the throne of God. The next time you are in the presence of someone "challenging", pray to their guardian angel (and your own) for strength and support.

The book of Revelation mentions angels in a context that sounds remarkably like Mass.

Revelation	8:3	And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer: and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints, upon the golden altar which is before the throne of God.
Revelation	8:4	And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.

Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

In honor of Friday's feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels, I thought I would post a bit on the Church's understanding of these heavenly beings.

We learn about angels from Scripture. In Sacred Scripture, we learn that there are 9 "choirs" of angels as well as others who are mentioned. These 9 choirs include:

Seraphim, Dominions, Principalities, Cherubim, Virtues, Archangels, Thrones,Powers and Angels.

Other angels mentioned in the bible include the "Angel of the Lord", Guardian Angels, the Angel of Gethsemane and the Angel of the Resurrection.

Angels' function in creation is to stand before the throne of God as part of the court of heaven. They are to praise God and minister to Him for all eternity.

A second function of angels is as God's holy messengers. The Bible gives us many examples of this. An angel announces the birth of Sampson, Isaac, John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. An angel brings comfort to Joseph, when he is concerned about Mary's unexpected pregnancy, and to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemani.

The third function of angels is as personal guardians--our guardian angels. Since we each have our own Guardian Angel, there are always angels all around us, especially during Mass. Wherever Jesus is, in His Real Presence, angels abound.

Saint Padre Pio used to send his angel on erands of mercy to others. We can ask our own guardian angel, and others' to pray for us before the throne of God. The next time you are in the presence of someone "challenging", pray to their guardian angel (and your own) for strength and support.

The book of Revelation mentions angels in a context that sounds remarkably like Mass.

Revelation	8:3	And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer: and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints, upon the golden altar which is before the throne of God.
Revelation	8:4	And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.

One can only hope.

One can only hope.

Did you take communion today?

Hopefully, the answer is NO! For those of us who are Catholic, we don't "take" communion, we receive Communion. Communion, or the Holy Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Savior, as stated in Scripture.

And while they were at supper, Jesus took bread and blessed and broke it and gave to his disciples and said: Take and eat. This is my body. And taking the cup, he gave thanks and gave it to them, saying: Take all of you and drink it. For this is my blood of the new covenant, which shall be shed for many for the remission of sins.

~Matthew 26:26-28

He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me: and I in him.

~John 6:55-57

The priest acts in persona Christi. Christ Himself, gives us his Body and Blood. We do not presume to take it, because we do not deserve it. It is a free gift from Our Lord.

And behold I am with you always, even to the end of time.

~Matthew 28:20

Did you take communion today?

Hopefully, the answer is NO! For those of us who are Catholic, we don't "take" communion, we receive Communion. Communion, or the Holy Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Savior, as stated in Scripture.

And while they were at supper, Jesus took bread and blessed and broke it and gave to his disciples and said: Take and eat. This is my body. And taking the cup, he gave thanks and gave it to them, saying: Take all of you and drink it. For this is my blood of the new covenant, which shall be shed for many for the remission of sins.

~Matthew 26:26-28

He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me: and I in him.

~John 6:55-57

The priest acts in persona Christi. Christ Himself, gives us his Body and Blood. We do not presume to take it, because we do not deserve it. It is a free gift from Our Lord.

And behold I am with you always, even to the end of time.

~Matthew 28:20

A little silly self indulgence

My dog now has her own web page! Stop by and see Sweetie's Page on Dogster.

A little silly self indulgence

My dog now has her own web page! Stop by and see Sweetie's Page on Dogster.

Special Intention

Please pray

for a special intention

for someone.

Thank you all very much.

Special Intention

Please pray

for a special intention

for someone.

Thank you all very much.

Latest read

I just finished a very satisfying book, Blood Sisters, by Melody Carlson. It is categorized in our local library as "inspirational", and has some of the expected characteristics of such books, such as no explicit scenes and characters that believe in God and turn to Him in times of trouble.

This particular book happens to have a riveting plot line and deals with such issues as racism and hate crimes in a non-sensationalist and realistic manner.

I recommend it.

Latest read

I just finished a very satisfying book, Blood Sisters, by Melody Carlson. It is categorized in our local library as "inspirational", and has some of the expected characteristics of such books, such as no explicit scenes and characters that believe in God and turn to Him in times of trouble.

This particular book happens to have a riveting plot line and deals with such issues as racism and hate crimes in a non-sensationalist and realistic manner.

I recommend it.

New Order Focuses on Deaf Ministry

Father Thomas Coughlin has fulfilled a lifelong dream by starting his own order, the Dominican Missionaries for the Deaf Apostolate. Deaf since birth, Coughlin has always wanted to start an order where sign language is the primary means of communication. Based in San Francisco, CA, the order currently has 5 men, who made their final profession of vows in Oakland, CA on August 27. Fr. Thomas Coughlin, the founder, was joined by Brothers Gregoire Ubara and Isidore Niyongabo who are Deaf and Brothers Adam Zawadzki and Andrew Sanchez, who are hearing.

It is always encouraging to this baby boomer Catholic, to see new vocations, and especially new orders being created. But having an order specially dedicated to working with those who are Deaf is very exciting. To find out more about this new order, visit their website.

New Order Focuses on Deaf Ministry

Father Thomas Coughlin has fulfilled a lifelong dream by starting his own order, the Dominican Missionaries for the Deaf Apostolate. Deaf since birth, Coughlin has always wanted to start an order where sign language is the primary means of communication. Based in San Francisco, CA, the order currently has 5 men, who made their final profession of vows in Oakland, CA on August 27. Fr. Thomas Coughlin, the founder, was joined by Brothers Gregoire Ubara and Isidore Niyongabo who are Deaf and Brothers Adam Zawadzki and Andrew Sanchez, who are hearing.

It is always encouraging to this baby boomer Catholic, to see new vocations, and especially new orders being created. But having an order specially dedicated to working with those who are Deaf is very exciting. To find out more about this new order, visit their website.

Pope's visit to Turkey will proceed

Bishops in Turkey and Abdullah Gul, Ankara’s Foreign Affairs Minister, have confirmed that the Holy Father will indeed visit their country from November 28th to December 1st of this year, AsiaNews reports.

Saint Nicholas, Turkish Bishop and patron of travellers, Pray for our Holy Father!

Pope's visit to Turkey will proceed

Bishops in Turkey and Abdullah Gul, Ankara’s Foreign Affairs Minister, have confirmed that the Holy Father will indeed visit their country from November 28th to December 1st of this year, AsiaNews reports.

Saint Nicholas, Turkish Bishop and patron of travellers, Pray for our Holy Father!

Angela Messenger

I ran across a very uplifting blog today. Angela Messenger's conversion story is especially moving and beautifully written--well worth the read.

Her journey mirrors many others in my generation who were baptized Catholic but went on to denounce the Church, only to have to go through many hurdles and trials to return.

Angela Messenger

I ran across a very uplifting blog today. Angela Messenger's conversion story is especially moving and beautifully written--well worth the read.

Her journey mirrors many others in my generation who were baptized Catholic but went on to denounce the Church, only to have to go through many hurdles and trials to return.

The goodness and reasonableness of our God

MK's response to my "I Support Pope Benedict" post got me thinking. She suggests that we are now experiencing an unparalleled opportunity to reach out to those around us for the greater glory of God.

Do not hesitate to share your faith with an ex catholic or a lapsed catholic. Not to change them or be "right" but to just speak of the goodness, the reasonableness of our God. It's so important in the face of evil of Islam and in the face of our own evil. Catholicism is once again in the media and I think God can use this to His glory in some way.

We need to be bearers of Christ to the world right now. We need to show, by our actions, and our prayers, "the goodness, the reasonableness of our God." I know that "all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose", as it says in Romans 8:28, but I think this moment in history is a unique opportunity for us to show God's love to the world.

The goodness and reasonableness of our God

MK's response to my "I Support Pope Benedict" post got me thinking. She suggests that we are now experiencing an unparalleled opportunity to reach out to those around us for the greater glory of God.

Do not hesitate to share your faith with an ex catholic or a lapsed catholic. Not to change them or be "right" but to just speak of the goodness, the reasonableness of our God. It's so important in the face of evil of Islam and in the face of our own evil. Catholicism is once again in the media and I think God can use this to His glory in some way.

We need to be bearers of Christ to the world right now. We need to show, by our actions, and our prayers, "the goodness, the reasonableness of our God." I know that "all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose", as it says in Romans 8:28, but I think this moment in history is a unique opportunity for us to show God's love to the world.

tiny diamond
ablaze with love
luminous offering

I support the pope!

Kenneth Kully has made some "I Support the Pope" banners for general distribution in the bloggosphere.

I support the pope!

Kenneth Kully has made some "I Support the Pope" banners for general distribution in the bloggosphere.

Prayers for the Pope

In light of all the goings on related to the Holy Father's recent speech in Germany, I wanted to ask you all to pray for him.

Someone on Catholic Answers Forums likened what the current Pope is going through to what Pope Pius XII went through in WWII--how much does one speak out given the resulting violence that is sure to follow?

Dear God, protect our Holy Father and give our world peace.

Prayers for the Pope

In light of all the goings on related to the Holy Father's recent speech in Germany, I wanted to ask you all to pray for him.

Someone on Catholic Answers Forums likened what the current Pope is going through to what Pope Pius XII went through in WWII--how much does one speak out given the resulting violence that is sure to follow?

Dear God, protect our Holy Father and give our world peace.

Words of Wisdom from St. Francis de Sales

Some say it is unreasonable to be courteous and gentle with a reckless person who insults you for no reason at all. I have made a pact with my tongue; not to speak when my heart is disturbed.
– St. Francis de Sales

Words of Wisdom from St. Francis de Sales

Some say it is unreasonable to be courteous and gentle with a reckless person who insults you for no reason at all. I have made a pact with my tongue; not to speak when my heart is disturbed.
– St. Francis de Sales

Our Lady of Sorrows

Stabat mater dolorosa
iuxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.

At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The popular image of Our Lady of Sorrows is taken from the biblical verse,

And thy own soul a sword shall pierce.
Luke 2:35

Our Lady of Sorrows

Stabat mater dolorosa
iuxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.

At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The popular image of Our Lady of Sorrows is taken from the biblical verse,

And thy own soul a sword shall pierce.
Luke 2:35

Pandora Internet Radio

Thank you to DS for showing me the link for Pandora Internet Radio. You type in your favorite artist or song, and it cues up a whole virtual radio station of similar songs. Right now I have a "Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young" Radio station, a "Paul McCartney" station and a "Sympathique" station. Good stuff!

Pandora Internet Radio

Thank you to DS for showing me the link for Pandora Internet Radio. You type in your favorite artist or song, and it cues up a whole virtual radio station of similar songs. Right now I have a "Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young" Radio station, a "Paul McCartney" station and a "Sympathique" station. Good stuff!

on the road
fighting for its life
the grass grows

I will hate it.

I have always hated cigarettes. Ever since I watched my grandmother smoke, and saw what it did to her, her voice, her health...everything...I have hated them. Even as a small child, when "everyone" smoked, I loathed smoking and all that went with it. I used to try to surreptitiously blow a stream of air onto cigarettes left in ash trays around the house so that when the adult in question returned, the cigarette would have "mysteriously" burnt itself out.

Now, after decades of anti-smoking legislation and anti-smoking efforts, the tobacco companies are STILL putting MORE nicotine in cigarettes and this is LEGAL!!!! Cigarettes are now MORE addictive than they were in 1998. One would think that these law suits would have taught the cigarette companies not to do things that deliberately continue to harm the health of people, but, they have to continue to sell cigarettes to their customers who are still alive.

Unfortunately, one of those customers happens to be my husband. Knowing that, after years of not smoking, he now smokes cigarettes with 10% more nicotine in them than before, makes me only hate tobacco companies with more venom.

I know there has been a lot of backlash against the anti-smoking campaigns in recent years. People say there is "anti-smoking hate and intolerance." Well, when a company makes its money selling a product which, when used according to directions, is addictive and fatal, I will hate it. I won't tolerate it.

The only way anyone has a "right" to smoke, in my opinion, is if they live alone, and have no one who will miss them when they die of a smoking related illness. If that is you, then, by all means, enjoy yourself.

I will hate it.

I have always hated cigarettes. Ever since I watched my grandmother smoke, and saw what it did to her, her voice, her health...everything...I have hated them. Even as a small child, when "everyone" smoked, I loathed smoking and all that went with it. I used to try to surreptitiously blow a stream of air onto cigarettes left in ash trays around the house so that when the adult in question returned, the cigarette would have "mysteriously" burnt itself out.

Now, after decades of anti-smoking legislation and anti-smoking efforts, the tobacco companies are STILL putting MORE nicotine in cigarettes and this is LEGAL!!!! Cigarettes are now MORE addictive than they were in 1998. One would think that these law suits would have taught the cigarette companies not to do things that deliberately continue to harm the health of people, but, they have to continue to sell cigarettes to their customers who are still alive.

Unfortunately, one of those customers happens to be my husband. Knowing that, after years of not smoking, he now smokes cigarettes with 10% more nicotine in them than before, makes me only hate tobacco companies with more venom.

I know there has been a lot of backlash against the anti-smoking campaigns in recent years. People say there is "anti-smoking hate and intolerance." Well, when a company makes its money selling a product which, when used according to directions, is addictive and fatal, I will hate it. I won't tolerate it.

The only way anyone has a "right" to smoke, in my opinion, is if they live alone, and have no one who will miss them when they die of a smoking related illness. If that is you, then, by all means, enjoy yourself.

Happy Anniversary, Star Trek!!!

Today is the 40th anniversary of the first Star Trek show. On September 8, 1966, we first heard the words, "Space, the Final Frontier."

Cutting edge in spite of the now retro feel, Star Trek did break some TV ground. Although only on the air for 3 years, the original series has been followed by many more with hopefully, more to come.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Star Trek!!!

Today is the 40th anniversary of the first Star Trek show. On September 8, 1966, we first heard the words, "Space, the Final Frontier."

Cutting edge in spite of the now retro feel, Star Trek did break some TV ground. Although only on the air for 3 years, the original series has been followed by many more with hopefully, more to come.

Happy Anniversary!

You are the Salt of the Earth

I've just read a fascinating and eye-opening article online in Touchstone Magazine, called Salt of the Empire--The Role of the Christian Family in Evangelization by Mike Aquilina. He talks about the astonishingly rapid growth of the early Christian Church in the declining Roman Empire--40% per decade. He rightly points out that these Christian converts were not--could not be--of the "cafeteria" variety. Christianity was so heavily persecuted, and went so against the grain of the society of the time, that to be a Christian was serious and life-threatening.

Many of the early converts were women, because women were far better off following the tenants of Christianity than they were under Roman rule. In pagan Rome, girls got married at age 11 or 12 in what was little more than legalized rape. The life expectancy at that time was around age 30 for men, and probably younger for women. A married woman in Rome could expect a lifetime of enforced predatory sexual practices, contraception, abortion and infanticide. Aquilina states, "Of the 600 families who show up in the records from ancient Delphi, only six raised more than one daughter. Though most of those 600 families were quite large, they had all routinely killed their baby girls."

This resulted in a shortage of Roman citizens, especially women. Rome had to bring in soldiers from other countries to fight for them, and, homosexuality began to be considered normal even for married men.

But, for Christians, life was quite different. Husbands and wives tried their best to follow Christ's prescription to genuinely love each other. For Christian wives, there was no danger of such things as contraception, abortion, infanticide, or the normalization of unnatural marital arrangements. As a result of this liberation of love, women began to flock to the Church, and the men followed.

The Christian family, who welcomed all potential members into their lives, followed their Church's edicts to love and treat with respect, not only each other, but strangers in the community as well. When the inevitable natural and man-made disasters cropped up during that time, pagan doctors often fled the area, but Christian families tended the sick and injured.

In the early 2nd century, Letter to Diognetus, the anonymous writer speaks with astonishment about the lifestyles of the early Christians. He muses on their "“wonderful and striking way of life."”

They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not commit infanticide. They have a common table, but not a common bed. . . . They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men.

In case you haven't gasped with recognition while reading this post, we are living in similar times. As a whole, our society has gone completely against the teachings of Christ and the Church. Fifteen minutes flipping through television channels is enough to convince anyone of that. It has come to the point where few practice the fullness of the faith. Christianity has saved civilization before. I think the time has come for that to happen again.

You are the Salt of the Earth

I've just read a fascinating and eye-opening article online in Touchstone Magazine, called Salt of the Empire--The Role of the Christian Family in Evangelization by Mike Aquilina. He talks about the astonishingly rapid growth of the early Christian Church in the declining Roman Empire--40% per decade. He rightly points out that these Christian converts were not--could not be--of the "cafeteria" variety. Christianity was so heavily persecuted, and went so against the grain of the society of the time, that to be a Christian was serious and life-threatening.

Many of the early converts were women, because women were far better off following the tenants of Christianity than they were under Roman rule. In pagan Rome, girls got married at age 11 or 12 in what was little more than legalized rape. The life expectancy at that time was around age 30 for men, and probably younger for women. A married woman in Rome could expect a lifetime of enforced predatory sexual practices, contraception, abortion and infanticide. Aquilina states, "Of the 600 families who show up in the records from ancient Delphi, only six raised more than one daughter. Though most of those 600 families were quite large, they had all routinely killed their baby girls."

This resulted in a shortage of Roman citizens, especially women. Rome had to bring in soldiers from other countries to fight for them, and, homosexuality began to be considered normal even for married men.

But, for Christians, life was quite different. Husbands and wives tried their best to follow Christ's prescription to genuinely love each other. For Christian wives, there was no danger of such things as contraception, abortion, infanticide, or the normalization of unnatural marital arrangements. As a result of this liberation of love, women began to flock to the Church, and the men followed.

The Christian family, who welcomed all potential members into their lives, followed their Church's edicts to love and treat with respect, not only each other, but strangers in the community as well. When the inevitable natural and man-made disasters cropped up during that time, pagan doctors often fled the area, but Christian families tended the sick and injured.

In the early 2nd century, Letter to Diognetus, the anonymous writer speaks with astonishment about the lifestyles of the early Christians. He muses on their "“wonderful and striking way of life."”

They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not commit infanticide. They have a common table, but not a common bed. . . . They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men.

In case you haven't gasped with recognition while reading this post, we are living in similar times. As a whole, our society has gone completely against the teachings of Christ and the Church. Fifteen minutes flipping through television channels is enough to convince anyone of that. It has come to the point where few practice the fullness of the faith. Christianity has saved civilization before. I think the time has come for that to happen again.

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin

Today is the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin--

the day the Church celebrates Mary's Birthday.

Say an extra Rosary today.

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin

Today is the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin--

the day the Church celebrates Mary's Birthday.

Say an extra Rosary today.

LOL!

This is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

LOL!

This is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Further thoughts on Steve Irwin

Further thoughts have occurred to me as more on the tragic death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin comes to light.

American TV has been broadcasting interviews with Irwin after his controversial feeding of an alligator while holding his then 1 month old son, Bob. Irwin, was of course, upset at all the negative feedback he was getting regarding the incident and insisted, "I was in complete control."

I was a bit taken aback by that statement. How could *anyone*, even Steve Irwin, be "in complete control" of a wild alligator?

I wonder if this wasn't a bit of hubris on Irwin's part. Mankind likes to think that he is "in complete control" when in reality, we are *never* completely in control of any situation. Nature, Fate, God, whatever you want to call it, can step in at any time, as is evident in the disastrous events of Monday resulting in his death.

Another thing I read that shocked me, was a statement by Billy Campbell, the president of Discovery Networks, which owns the Animal Planet cable TV channel. When asked whether they would ultimately air the footage of Irwin's untimely death, he stated, "It's still too early. We'll have to take a look at it." I realize that legally, the footage is probably in the hands of Discovery Networks, but given the horrific nature of what happened, I think the compassionate thing to do would have been to leave it completely in the hands of Terri Irwin to decide.

What *is* Campbell going to let Terri have a say in? Whether or not daughter Bindi's show will continue without her father. Campbell said, "I want to give her (Terri) a few days to mourn and think through things. "We'll talk about that in due time."

A few DAYS!?! How utterly callous of him! Campbell apparently is so wrapped up in the Irwins as a commodity, that he is unable to see them as a grieving family and treat them accordingly. But then again, the whole family *was* in the business of conservation through self-promotion.

Plenty of hubris to go around here.

Further thoughts on Steve Irwin

Further thoughts have occurred to me as more on the tragic death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin comes to light.

American TV has been broadcasting interviews with Irwin after his controversial feeding of an alligator while holding his then 1 month old son, Bob. Irwin, was of course, upset at all the negative feedback he was getting regarding the incident and insisted, "I was in complete control."

I was a bit taken aback by that statement. How could *anyone*, even Steve Irwin, be "in complete control" of a wild alligator?

I wonder if this wasn't a bit of hubris on Irwin's part. Mankind likes to think that he is "in complete control" when in reality, we are *never* completely in control of any situation. Nature, Fate, God, whatever you want to call it, can step in at any time, as is evident in the disastrous events of Monday resulting in his death.

Another thing I read that shocked me, was a statement by Billy Campbell, the president of Discovery Networks, which owns the Animal Planet cable TV channel. When asked whether they would ultimately air the footage of Irwin's untimely death, he stated, "It's still too early. We'll have to take a look at it." I realize that legally, the footage is probably in the hands of Discovery Networks, but given the horrific nature of what happened, I think the compassionate thing to do would have been to leave it completely in the hands of Terri Irwin to decide.

What *is* Campbell going to let Terri have a say in? Whether or not daughter Bindi's show will continue without her father. Campbell said, "I want to give her (Terri) a few days to mourn and think through things. "We'll talk about that in due time."

A few DAYS!?! How utterly callous of him! Campbell apparently is so wrapped up in the Irwins as a commodity, that he is unable to see them as a grieving family and treat them accordingly. But then again, the whole family *was* in the business of conservation through self-promotion.

Plenty of hubris to go around here.

Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley used "text speak"

Elizabeth I, and the man who some report was her lover, Robert Dudley, used what is now known as "text speak" in notes to each other, 400 years before the invention of the cell phone.

Researchers reveal that royal love letters between the British monarch and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester use abbreviations similar to those currently used in modern text messaging.

Drawing from the Queen's pet name for him, "Eyes", Dudley refers to himself as @@ in a note dated February 17 1571. It reads,

"Your great favour, thus oft and so far to send, to know how your poor @@ doth, is greatly beyond the reach of his thanks."

Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley used "text speak"

Elizabeth I, and the man who some report was her lover, Robert Dudley, used what is now known as "text speak" in notes to each other, 400 years before the invention of the cell phone.

Researchers reveal that royal love letters between the British monarch and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester use abbreviations similar to those currently used in modern text messaging.

Drawing from the Queen's pet name for him, "Eyes", Dudley refers to himself as @@ in a note dated February 17 1571. It reads,

"Your great favour, thus oft and so far to send, to know how your poor @@ doth, is greatly beyond the reach of his thanks."

Labor Day

In honor of Labor Day, I'm posting a portion of the Litany to Sanctify Work from Magnificat Magazine.

R. Lord protect me.

From the temptation to be listless and lazy. R.
From the temptation to complain. R.
From the temptation to be critical of my boss. R.
From the temptation to cheast or to be dishonest with others. R.
From the temptation to gossip. R.
From the temptation to lateness. R.
From the temptation to waste time. R.
From the temptation to be judgmental of my co-workers. R.
From the temptation to procrastinate. R.
From the temptation to be jealous or envious of others. R.
From the temptation to indolence and lethargy. R.
From the temptation to be hypercritical. R.
From the temptation to engage in idle conversation. R.
From the temptation to be quick to take offense. R.
From the temptation to shift my work onto others. R.
From the temptation to impatience. R.
From the temptation to cut corners or to be sloppy. R.
From the temptation to give in to weariness. R.

Labor Day

In honor of Labor Day, I'm posting a portion of the Litany to Sanctify Work from Magnificat Magazine.

R. Lord protect me.

From the temptation to be listless and lazy. R.
From the temptation to complain. R.
From the temptation to be critical of my boss. R.
From the temptation to cheast or to be dishonest with others. R.
From the temptation to gossip. R.
From the temptation to lateness. R.
From the temptation to waste time. R.
From the temptation to be judgmental of my co-workers. R.
From the temptation to procrastinate. R.
From the temptation to be jealous or envious of others. R.
From the temptation to indolence and lethargy. R.
From the temptation to be hypercritical. R.
From the temptation to engage in idle conversation. R.
From the temptation to be quick to take offense. R.
From the temptation to shift my work onto others. R.
From the temptation to impatience. R.
From the temptation to cut corners or to be sloppy. R.
From the temptation to give in to weariness. R.

RIP Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, the famous Australian Crocodile Hunter is dead at the age of 44. Irwin was filming an underwater television special in Queensland, when he was killed instantly by a sting ray barb to the heart.

His wife, Terri was in Craddle Mountain, Tasmania with their 2 children at the time of the accident.

RIP Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, the famous Australian Crocodile Hunter is dead at the age of 44. Irwin was filming an underwater television special in Queensland, when he was killed instantly by a sting ray barb to the heart.

His wife, Terri was in Craddle Mountain, Tasmania with their 2 children at the time of the accident.

The Hero Machine

Thanks to the Southern Conservative for pointing out this handy resource for manufacturing your own heroes (or alter egos) on the net. Mine is called Defender of the Faith.

Thanks to ds for helping me find the background tool in the original Hero Machine.

The Hero Machine

Thanks to the Southern Conservative for pointing out this handy resource for manufacturing your own heroes (or alter egos) on the net. Mine is called Defender of the Faith.

Thanks to ds for helping me find the background tool in the original Hero Machine.

Life Lessons from Sims

I saw ds the other night in the kitchen. Washing a dish. I wondered where in the world this miracle had come from.

Later in the week, he invited me to see his character's digs in Sims. His character is a young man, who makes his living by selling his paintings. In other words, he's unemployed.

In the kitchen, he has an old teal colored card table just like the one we have in our computer room. His character couldn't use his computer, because he didn't have the right type of knowledge or enough money to fix it. If he spends all his time painting, his "social" meter goes down and he has to have some sort of human-to-human (or cyber-human) interaction.

So, after watching his Sims character learn the consequences of not doing such things as interacting with others or washing dishes, I've decided that Sims has something to teach us.

Life Lessons from Sims

I saw ds the other night in the kitchen. Washing a dish. I wondered where in the world this miracle had come from.

Later in the week, he invited me to see his character's digs in Sims. His character is a young man, who makes his living by selling his paintings. In other words, he's unemployed.

In the kitchen, he has an old teal colored card table just like the one we have in our computer room. His character couldn't use his computer, because he didn't have the right type of knowledge or enough money to fix it. If he spends all his time painting, his "social" meter goes down and he has to have some sort of human-to-human (or cyber-human) interaction.

So, after watching his Sims character learn the consequences of not doing such things as interacting with others or washing dishes, I've decided that Sims has something to teach us.

I'm Baaaaack!

Thank you to all for your prayers! I came back from the hospital yesterday and am enjoying being home. Surgery went well, and I seem to be recovering well too, by the grace of God.

I'm Baaaaack!

Thank you to all for your prayers! I came back from the hospital yesterday and am enjoying being home. Surgery went well, and I seem to be recovering well too, by the grace of God.

Pray for the bloggers

A Catholic Life has posted the Holy Father's general prayer intention for September. I think we bloggers fit into this category.

September general intention: That those who use the means of social communication may always do so conscientiously and responsibly.

Pray for the bloggers

A Catholic Life has posted the Holy Father's general prayer intention for September. I think we bloggers fit into this category.

September general intention: That those who use the means of social communication may always do so conscientiously and responsibly.