Number one, today I saw our new OB with my husband, and he thinks he'll do, so that's good, because I didn't want to go doctor hunting. He's very experienced, laid back, and is ok with my progesterone issues, though he doesn't take it as seriously as the doc who first told me how important it could be. He's really leaving it up to me, how much I want to take and for how long. I was a bit incredulous, as I'm used to the doctor wanting to be in charge of such things. I guess that works for me! He also said my official due date is November 24th, and that I am, as of today, 10 weeks along. So my baby ticker widget is a little slow.
I also put up a cute bookshelf widget. I will try to update it as I move onto other books. I'm not technically reading the Susie Lloyd book yet, but I want to be! I've hinted very strongly for Mother's Day....
I have quite a variety I'm reading right now. I just pick up whatever I'm interested in on a given evening, and read it. And if my mood is different, I do something else for a while. So I'm usually reading at least 2 books at a time, sometimes 5.
I hope the sun is shining where you are, it certainly is here!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
And people wonder why I homeschool...
I just ran into an astounding history lesson yesterday.
I really love the author Jean Fritz. She does a good job on history books, making historical stories of important people come alive. I was reading Around the World in 100 Years, which covers everyone from Henry the Navigator to Ferdinand Magellan. It's really fascinating stuff.
But then I came to this quote, and a couple of others, which rubbed me the wrong way. I decided to find out if they were true. In reading her biography, I find she was born in China in 1915, of missionary parents. It's possible her usually accurate history was colored by some anti-Christian/Catholic bias, like so many other people's. I mean, it is rampant, after all. I'm amazed at how much "history" is not even true, or at least extremely one-sided. And I'm fascinated with uncovering history from "the other side".
Here's the first, on pages 11-12.
"(After Ptolemy)... Then suddenly all this wondering and figuring stopped. Christianity was the new religion, fighting for survival, and in AD 391 Christians burned the city of Alexandria and its famous libraries, which contained, along with many ancient treasures of scholarship, the work of Ptolemy. Christians did not believe in scholarship. They thought it was sacrilegious to be curious. Anything people wanted to know, they said, could be found in the Bible. So when they drew maps, they put Jerusalem at the center of the world...."
First of all, the Bible was still being settled on, so there was not really a "Bible" yet. Secondly, not all Christians felt this way, but some of their leaders did, like most problems in history. Thirdly, that library had been attacked several times already, it turns out, and that was just one of the last of several attacks, and the only one by Christians.
Here is a link for you to read, so you can see what I mean.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2233/what-happened-to-the-great-library-of-alexandria
Don't even get me started on the Reformation or the Inquisition....
I really love the author Jean Fritz. She does a good job on history books, making historical stories of important people come alive. I was reading Around the World in 100 Years, which covers everyone from Henry the Navigator to Ferdinand Magellan. It's really fascinating stuff.
But then I came to this quote, and a couple of others, which rubbed me the wrong way. I decided to find out if they were true. In reading her biography, I find she was born in China in 1915, of missionary parents. It's possible her usually accurate history was colored by some anti-Christian/Catholic bias, like so many other people's. I mean, it is rampant, after all. I'm amazed at how much "history" is not even true, or at least extremely one-sided. And I'm fascinated with uncovering history from "the other side".
Here's the first, on pages 11-12.
"(After Ptolemy)... Then suddenly all this wondering and figuring stopped. Christianity was the new religion, fighting for survival, and in AD 391 Christians burned the city of Alexandria and its famous libraries, which contained, along with many ancient treasures of scholarship, the work of Ptolemy. Christians did not believe in scholarship. They thought it was sacrilegious to be curious. Anything people wanted to know, they said, could be found in the Bible. So when they drew maps, they put Jerusalem at the center of the world...."
First of all, the Bible was still being settled on, so there was not really a "Bible" yet. Secondly, not all Christians felt this way, but some of their leaders did, like most problems in history. Thirdly, that library had been attacked several times already, it turns out, and that was just one of the last of several attacks, and the only one by Christians.
Here is a link for you to read, so you can see what I mean.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2233/what-happened-to-the-great-library-of-alexandria
Don't even get me started on the Reformation or the Inquisition....
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A real Shepherd
Wow. I'm blown away. How about you? Really, it's a pdf file worth reading, from a Right To Life convention in Kansas.
http://www.diocese-kcsj.org/_docs/Gospel-of-Life-04-09.pdf
And a hat tip to Fr. Farfaglia, who is also endorsing the movie "Fireproof", and saying how it helps him, because he is married to his parish.
http://www.diocese-kcsj.org/_docs/Gospel-of-Life-04-09.pdf
And a hat tip to Fr. Farfaglia, who is also endorsing the movie "Fireproof", and saying how it helps him, because he is married to his parish.
Thoughts on the world right now
I guess this might be a snapshot into my brain, and it will probably come out jumbled, which will be somewhat amusing to some people. I will give it a go, though.
Being on Facebook has done a lot to help me understand where people are coming from. I have VERY strong convictions on a number of things, mostly having to do with being a Catholic who actually thinks that guy with the hat at the Vatican actually knows what he is talking about, and so did every guy before him all he way back to Peter. Jesus gave him the keys, and every successor, when speaking from the Chair of Peter, has spoken truth since then. Even the sinful Popes have done so. Amazing.
My strong convictions have to do with abortion, birth control, liberalism, the government's place in our lives, and how to be a faithful Catholic. I guess it comes down to people taking long-term responsibility for their lives, and having a long view of how certain personal and political decisions are going to play out, not just for this year, bur for 100 years. Not to mention in the next life.
I've been reading Bill O'Reilly's "Culture Warrior", and it's better than I expected. He spells things out that are a problem in society. He also spells out what the media is up and why, and what he's done right and also wrong over the years in trying to dissect the liberal media. It's incredibly interesting, really. The part I do like, is that he'll say right away what he likes and what he doesn't like about a person, and he's fair about it. Al Franken? Outright liar, not even with brains. And he provides very obvious proof. Molly Ivins, doesn't agree with her, but thinks she has a brain. I find this very interesting.
Why do I find this interesting? Well, it comes back to Facebook, too. What I have found out lately is that, even more than I thought, you simply cannot put most people in boxes. I think God is beating me over the head, trying to teach me this, but at least I'm open to learning it. I'm not sure if enough people are. OK, I'm quite, quite sure not enough people are.
For instance, on Facebook, I have VERY liberal friends. I have VERY conservative friends. I have friends who have stated they think government has a bigger say over my children than I do. I have friends who think feminism was the beginning of all our problems, and should be abolished. I have a friend who is gay, and very pro-life, too. I have a protestant cousin operating an MAF base in Kathmandu who is able to tell me that people will change the world long before any government does, because her husband was one of the first to fly into Aceh Province after the great big tsunami a few years ago.
Today I thought I was having a nice discussion with someone about that. I think she got mad at me. It's a relative of a friend of mine, and most of the family is pretty liberal, but I was explaining to her that my cousin said that Aceh was formerly a very fundamental Muslim, Christian-and-Western Civ-hating group of people. Those who did somehow survive the tsunami found out that their government was not the first to bring supplies. Christian missionaries were. And those missionaries could speak the language. And that mattered. It mattered much more than the UN troops or anyone else did. Because these were people, and they cared, and they brought hope and love and food and medication. The woman I spoke to (and her relative) seemed to think, "Well, government SHOULD help its people." Nobody can really disagree with that. But, does it? When has it? Really? Over a long period of time, across several leaders, have you ever seen a government really provide for its people on a large scale, without giving up some serious freedom? Or has it become corrupt? The only organizations I see making a real difference in the third world right now are the private ones. Heifer International, The Gates Foundation, all the religious... but not the governments. They send money, and it gets eaten. When you send people, things really start to happen. Because people to people matters. Somehow, I thought that "people make the real difference" would actually strike a chord with a liberal mindset person. But instead, the conversation ended rather abruptly. I thought they were all about people power. I'm so confused....
In Bill O'Reilly's book, he says that die-hard liberals want their government to provide for them. They think that is what it is FOR. He counters that thought by saying that our founding fathers think the government is a clearinghouse to make and centralize laws and to manage infrastructure, but to basically get out of the way of the people so they have opportunities to succeed. If they fail to grasp that opportunity, that's their own problem. Free will is like that. The number of laws we have is just staggering. They've taken the place of common sense. It just amazes me that folks think more laws and more government are what we need, but again, I can see what they mean. Obvious to me, though, is that it isn't the system so much that is broken, but the people in it who are allowed by other people to be greedy.
I could go on and on about this book, but I won't here.
What I have learned lately, is that as much as I personally dislike being put in the "conservative Catholic lotsa kids NFP homeschooler nutjob" category, my liberal friends who are pro-life are very annoyed at being called "right wing terrorists" recently in a homeland security memo. No one should be in a box. We're simply more convenient to handle if we are put in them and told what to think. Sometimes we listen too attentively to people and let ourselves be put in a box. Protestants believe what their pastor tells them about Catholics, because, religion being his business, of course he would know. Except he doesn't. People who are like me often make the same mistake. And I am tired of the name calling. I think sometimes, as we get older, we have our friends and we don't like to become uncomfortable by making friends with people who strongly disagree with us, whose minds we are not likely to change. It IS uncomfortable, but I think it's worth it. Still trying to figure out if the stress I feel sometimes really is worth it.
So ponder whether you are in a box, and whether you have been boxing people lately. I know I have. I think it is human error. But like all human error, with some prayer and determination, we can all work to be better. And we should keep up dialogue when at all possible with people we strongly disagree with. We don't have to change our priorities and minds, we don't have to give up positions we'd lay down our lives for. Just listening is good for us.
Being on Facebook has done a lot to help me understand where people are coming from. I have VERY strong convictions on a number of things, mostly having to do with being a Catholic who actually thinks that guy with the hat at the Vatican actually knows what he is talking about, and so did every guy before him all he way back to Peter. Jesus gave him the keys, and every successor, when speaking from the Chair of Peter, has spoken truth since then. Even the sinful Popes have done so. Amazing.
My strong convictions have to do with abortion, birth control, liberalism, the government's place in our lives, and how to be a faithful Catholic. I guess it comes down to people taking long-term responsibility for their lives, and having a long view of how certain personal and political decisions are going to play out, not just for this year, bur for 100 years. Not to mention in the next life.
I've been reading Bill O'Reilly's "Culture Warrior", and it's better than I expected. He spells things out that are a problem in society. He also spells out what the media is up and why, and what he's done right and also wrong over the years in trying to dissect the liberal media. It's incredibly interesting, really. The part I do like, is that he'll say right away what he likes and what he doesn't like about a person, and he's fair about it. Al Franken? Outright liar, not even with brains. And he provides very obvious proof. Molly Ivins, doesn't agree with her, but thinks she has a brain. I find this very interesting.
Why do I find this interesting? Well, it comes back to Facebook, too. What I have found out lately is that, even more than I thought, you simply cannot put most people in boxes. I think God is beating me over the head, trying to teach me this, but at least I'm open to learning it. I'm not sure if enough people are. OK, I'm quite, quite sure not enough people are.
For instance, on Facebook, I have VERY liberal friends. I have VERY conservative friends. I have friends who have stated they think government has a bigger say over my children than I do. I have friends who think feminism was the beginning of all our problems, and should be abolished. I have a friend who is gay, and very pro-life, too. I have a protestant cousin operating an MAF base in Kathmandu who is able to tell me that people will change the world long before any government does, because her husband was one of the first to fly into Aceh Province after the great big tsunami a few years ago.
Today I thought I was having a nice discussion with someone about that. I think she got mad at me. It's a relative of a friend of mine, and most of the family is pretty liberal, but I was explaining to her that my cousin said that Aceh was formerly a very fundamental Muslim, Christian-and-Western Civ-hating group of people. Those who did somehow survive the tsunami found out that their government was not the first to bring supplies. Christian missionaries were. And those missionaries could speak the language. And that mattered. It mattered much more than the UN troops or anyone else did. Because these were people, and they cared, and they brought hope and love and food and medication. The woman I spoke to (and her relative) seemed to think, "Well, government SHOULD help its people." Nobody can really disagree with that. But, does it? When has it? Really? Over a long period of time, across several leaders, have you ever seen a government really provide for its people on a large scale, without giving up some serious freedom? Or has it become corrupt? The only organizations I see making a real difference in the third world right now are the private ones. Heifer International, The Gates Foundation, all the religious... but not the governments. They send money, and it gets eaten. When you send people, things really start to happen. Because people to people matters. Somehow, I thought that "people make the real difference" would actually strike a chord with a liberal mindset person. But instead, the conversation ended rather abruptly. I thought they were all about people power. I'm so confused....
In Bill O'Reilly's book, he says that die-hard liberals want their government to provide for them. They think that is what it is FOR. He counters that thought by saying that our founding fathers think the government is a clearinghouse to make and centralize laws and to manage infrastructure, but to basically get out of the way of the people so they have opportunities to succeed. If they fail to grasp that opportunity, that's their own problem. Free will is like that. The number of laws we have is just staggering. They've taken the place of common sense. It just amazes me that folks think more laws and more government are what we need, but again, I can see what they mean. Obvious to me, though, is that it isn't the system so much that is broken, but the people in it who are allowed by other people to be greedy.
I could go on and on about this book, but I won't here.
What I have learned lately, is that as much as I personally dislike being put in the "conservative Catholic lotsa kids NFP homeschooler nutjob" category, my liberal friends who are pro-life are very annoyed at being called "right wing terrorists" recently in a homeland security memo. No one should be in a box. We're simply more convenient to handle if we are put in them and told what to think. Sometimes we listen too attentively to people and let ourselves be put in a box. Protestants believe what their pastor tells them about Catholics, because, religion being his business, of course he would know. Except he doesn't. People who are like me often make the same mistake. And I am tired of the name calling. I think sometimes, as we get older, we have our friends and we don't like to become uncomfortable by making friends with people who strongly disagree with us, whose minds we are not likely to change. It IS uncomfortable, but I think it's worth it. Still trying to figure out if the stress I feel sometimes really is worth it.
So ponder whether you are in a box, and whether you have been boxing people lately. I know I have. I think it is human error. But like all human error, with some prayer and determination, we can all work to be better. And we should keep up dialogue when at all possible with people we strongly disagree with. We don't have to change our priorities and minds, we don't have to give up positions we'd lay down our lives for. Just listening is good for us.
Friday, April 24, 2009
A self-esteem problem these days
I love The Common Room. I'm like some creepy hanger-on, who just can't get enough. Shame on me.
Here's another gem. I think it describes a lot of our societal ills that are getting worse perfectly. I know it explains a few relatives I know... :P
We Have A Self Esteem Problem
Here's another gem. I think it describes a lot of our societal ills that are getting worse perfectly. I know it explains a few relatives I know... :P
We Have A Self Esteem Problem
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Miss CA is honest, thank goodness
Since the whole debacle made me mad enough to spit, I will just give you a link from CNN. This particular columnist is not my favorite guy most of the time, but this time he said exactly, exactly, what I was thinking.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/22/martin.miss.california/index.html
You know what else makes me super mad? Several times I've had this happen. I've even lost a facebook friend over it. "Gays should be allowed to marry, and you shouldn't be against it, because you are in a bi-racial marriage, and that used to be illegal, too."
BARF!
Yes, racism is wrong. I like being married to my husband, yes! But it just is not the same thing! That's a law that was different in different countries, times, and places, and changed a lot over the centuries. But marriage between two people who have the same body parts? If people want the ability to leave their partner things in their will, and to say yay or nay when someone is brain dead, and even to have shared insurance benefits, I'm ok with that. Not my cup of tea, but I'm not against it. But marriage has ALWAYS been defined as man and woman, for the closeness of the relationship, and for procreation. It's natural law, and it's law according to almost any common sense in the world, no matter what religion you are or aren't. Changing the meaning of marriage cheapens it. My opinion, but also that of many, many others.
I hope you enjoy the above article.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/22/martin.miss.california/index.html
You know what else makes me super mad? Several times I've had this happen. I've even lost a facebook friend over it. "Gays should be allowed to marry, and you shouldn't be against it, because you are in a bi-racial marriage, and that used to be illegal, too."
BARF!
Yes, racism is wrong. I like being married to my husband, yes! But it just is not the same thing! That's a law that was different in different countries, times, and places, and changed a lot over the centuries. But marriage between two people who have the same body parts? If people want the ability to leave their partner things in their will, and to say yay or nay when someone is brain dead, and even to have shared insurance benefits, I'm ok with that. Not my cup of tea, but I'm not against it. But marriage has ALWAYS been defined as man and woman, for the closeness of the relationship, and for procreation. It's natural law, and it's law according to almost any common sense in the world, no matter what religion you are or aren't. Changing the meaning of marriage cheapens it. My opinion, but also that of many, many others.
I hope you enjoy the above article.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Divine Mercy Sunday
I'm just getting to know Divine Mercy Sunday. It turns out there's a reason: It was not made an official day by the Vatican until the Jubilee Year of 2000. It is the Sunday following Easter, and has everything to do with St. Faustina Kowalska, who was a contemporary of Pope John Paul II.
There seems to be a very spiritual connection between them, possibly St. Therese of Liseaux, and "Anne" A Lay Apostle, who, with her bishop's permission, has been publishing something called "The Volumes" and three other books. Her website is at Direction For Our Times. I have read some of the Volumes and also her first book, Climbing the Mountain. It is so very refreshing and encouraging to read any of what she has written. She believes she is receiving inner locutions (like a voice, but more like an inspiration outside of one's self -- very possibly how the apostles and disciples wrote the Gospels). She has been instructed by Jesus and Mary to write them down.
There is a little bit of "end times" themes running through some of the things you'll read, but unlike many apocalyptic writings, it is realistic and encouraging. No exact timeline, of course, because our prayers make all the difference. But her visions of Heaven make me want to go right now. The encouragement to do what I am to do exactly where I live is something I need to hear, especially as housewife. Sometimes I need to know that I should work on myself, not on everybody else. It's sort of like that passage about the speck in your neighbor's eye, and not seeing the plank in your own. I'm very guilty of that, and I know should work on myself and my own family first and foremost. These writings encourage me to do God's Will, and do my job exactly where He puts me. I always can tell after the fact, that God put me wherever I am for a reason, and I am to be the best person I can be from that place.
I am going to copy and paste an explanation for Divine Mercy Sunday right here, I hope you all don't mind a rather long post. I thought it was important. Enjoy!
Divine Mercy Sunday
MESSAGE FOR ALL CATHOLICS:
“JESUS IS IN THE CONFESSIONAL”
Despite evil’s attempts at discrediting Catholic Priests, many fallen-away Catholics will soon be returning to the practice of their faith. The reason: the Church’s new feast on the Sunday after Easter. What new feast you might say? It is the “Feast of Divine Mercy”. The Catholic Church has been celebrating this feast ever since the Vatican had made it official on April 30th in the Jubilee year 2000. Why would every Catholic want to come back, you might ask? It is the promise that Jesus Himself made for a complete forgiveness of sins and punishment on that day, even to the most terrible sinner imaginable. God in His great mercy is giving mankind a last chance for salvation.
When did Jesus make this promise and how does one get it? Jesus left all the details in a diary that He commanded Saint Faustina to write in the 1930’s. It was her job to record everything that He wanted mankind to know about His mercy before He returns to judge the world. To get this great promise one has to go to Confession and then receive Holy Communion on that Feast of Divine Mercy, which has now been called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the whole Church. Jesus said, “Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 300) To receive Communion worthily one should be in the state of grace and without serious sin.
How many today receive Holy Communion with souls stained with mortal sins? When a person receives the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in Holy Communion without first going to Confession to cleanse their souls, that soul is going even deeper into sin. Many have not confessed their sins in a long time so this special promise of a complete pardon is an incentive to come to Him, with trust, before He returns again soon.
In Saint Faustina’s diary, she recorded that Jesus also indicated that He Himself is there in the confessional. He told her, “When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity." (1602)
Jesus knew that people would need to hear these words today, so He went on to say “Come with faith to the feet of My representative...and make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is, for Me, only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest that I am making use of; open your soul in confession as you would to Me, and I will fill it with My light." (1725) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602)
Many feel that their sins are unforgivable but, Jesus said, “Were a soul like a decaying corpse, so that from a human standpoint, there would be no hope of restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. In the Tribunal of Mercy (the sacrament of Confession) ...the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated." (1448) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602) Every sin imaginable could be forgiven by Him!
So many people are weighed down by sin and their prideful nature keeps them away from the confession of their sins. They are living in misery. Jesus said, “Oh, how miserable are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God’s mercy! You will call out in vain, but it will be too late." (1448) "Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace." (1074) "There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy.” (1273) Jesus came to restore sinners and one would be foolish to turn away.
On the evening of His resurrection Jesus appeared to His Apostles and the first thing that He did was to give them the power to forgive sins (John 20:19-31). This is done through the power of the Holy Spirit. For sure it was not the Lord’s intention just for the Apostles to forgive sins but rather for that power to be passed down through the Holy Spirit to the priests of today. That is why Confession is so much of an uplifting experience; we are actually receiving heavenly graces and the forgiveness of sins from the Lord Himself!
Most people haven’t spent much time thinking about the future. Some might think that they are brilliant and successful in this life, but what is that as compared to eternity? The father of lies has everyone focused on this life while not thinking about what happens in the eternal life. If you really want to be wise, think about where you are going to spend eternity. We will be there for quite a long time. Many do not believe in the fires of hell. Unfortunately, those are the ones that usually will end up there. Be wise, think about it!
Remember these words of Jesus, “ I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment." (699) "Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity...tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.” (965) Wake up people of the World, and repent of your sins, this just might be our last hope of salvation!
Contact your local Catholic Church and arrange go to Confession as soon as you can, so that you may be ready always to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, especially on Divine Mercy Sunday, when you can receive the total forgiveness of your sins and punishment!
Robert R. Allard, Director
Apostles of Divine Mercy
Diary, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul (c) 1987 Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, MA 01263. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
©Copyright 2002, Apostles of Divine Mercy
1-888-732-0722
Email: robertallard@divinemercysunday.com
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There seems to be a very spiritual connection between them, possibly St. Therese of Liseaux, and "Anne" A Lay Apostle, who, with her bishop's permission, has been publishing something called "The Volumes" and three other books. Her website is at Direction For Our Times. I have read some of the Volumes and also her first book, Climbing the Mountain. It is so very refreshing and encouraging to read any of what she has written. She believes she is receiving inner locutions (like a voice, but more like an inspiration outside of one's self -- very possibly how the apostles and disciples wrote the Gospels). She has been instructed by Jesus and Mary to write them down.
There is a little bit of "end times" themes running through some of the things you'll read, but unlike many apocalyptic writings, it is realistic and encouraging. No exact timeline, of course, because our prayers make all the difference. But her visions of Heaven make me want to go right now. The encouragement to do what I am to do exactly where I live is something I need to hear, especially as housewife. Sometimes I need to know that I should work on myself, not on everybody else. It's sort of like that passage about the speck in your neighbor's eye, and not seeing the plank in your own. I'm very guilty of that, and I know should work on myself and my own family first and foremost. These writings encourage me to do God's Will, and do my job exactly where He puts me. I always can tell after the fact, that God put me wherever I am for a reason, and I am to be the best person I can be from that place.
I am going to copy and paste an explanation for Divine Mercy Sunday right here, I hope you all don't mind a rather long post. I thought it was important. Enjoy!
Divine Mercy Sunday
MESSAGE FOR ALL CATHOLICS:
“JESUS IS IN THE CONFESSIONAL”
Despite evil’s attempts at discrediting Catholic Priests, many fallen-away Catholics will soon be returning to the practice of their faith. The reason: the Church’s new feast on the Sunday after Easter. What new feast you might say? It is the “Feast of Divine Mercy”. The Catholic Church has been celebrating this feast ever since the Vatican had made it official on April 30th in the Jubilee year 2000. Why would every Catholic want to come back, you might ask? It is the promise that Jesus Himself made for a complete forgiveness of sins and punishment on that day, even to the most terrible sinner imaginable. God in His great mercy is giving mankind a last chance for salvation.
When did Jesus make this promise and how does one get it? Jesus left all the details in a diary that He commanded Saint Faustina to write in the 1930’s. It was her job to record everything that He wanted mankind to know about His mercy before He returns to judge the world. To get this great promise one has to go to Confession and then receive Holy Communion on that Feast of Divine Mercy, which has now been called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the whole Church. Jesus said, “Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 300) To receive Communion worthily one should be in the state of grace and without serious sin.
How many today receive Holy Communion with souls stained with mortal sins? When a person receives the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in Holy Communion without first going to Confession to cleanse their souls, that soul is going even deeper into sin. Many have not confessed their sins in a long time so this special promise of a complete pardon is an incentive to come to Him, with trust, before He returns again soon.
In Saint Faustina’s diary, she recorded that Jesus also indicated that He Himself is there in the confessional. He told her, “When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity." (1602)
Jesus knew that people would need to hear these words today, so He went on to say “Come with faith to the feet of My representative...and make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is, for Me, only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest that I am making use of; open your soul in confession as you would to Me, and I will fill it with My light." (1725) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602)
Many feel that their sins are unforgivable but, Jesus said, “Were a soul like a decaying corpse, so that from a human standpoint, there would be no hope of restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. In the Tribunal of Mercy (the sacrament of Confession) ...the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated." (1448) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602) Every sin imaginable could be forgiven by Him!
So many people are weighed down by sin and their prideful nature keeps them away from the confession of their sins. They are living in misery. Jesus said, “Oh, how miserable are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God’s mercy! You will call out in vain, but it will be too late." (1448) "Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace." (1074) "There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy.” (1273) Jesus came to restore sinners and one would be foolish to turn away.
On the evening of His resurrection Jesus appeared to His Apostles and the first thing that He did was to give them the power to forgive sins (John 20:19-31). This is done through the power of the Holy Spirit. For sure it was not the Lord’s intention just for the Apostles to forgive sins but rather for that power to be passed down through the Holy Spirit to the priests of today. That is why Confession is so much of an uplifting experience; we are actually receiving heavenly graces and the forgiveness of sins from the Lord Himself!
Most people haven’t spent much time thinking about the future. Some might think that they are brilliant and successful in this life, but what is that as compared to eternity? The father of lies has everyone focused on this life while not thinking about what happens in the eternal life. If you really want to be wise, think about where you are going to spend eternity. We will be there for quite a long time. Many do not believe in the fires of hell. Unfortunately, those are the ones that usually will end up there. Be wise, think about it!
Remember these words of Jesus, “ I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment." (699) "Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity...tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.” (965) Wake up people of the World, and repent of your sins, this just might be our last hope of salvation!
Contact your local Catholic Church and arrange go to Confession as soon as you can, so that you may be ready always to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, especially on Divine Mercy Sunday, when you can receive the total forgiveness of your sins and punishment!
Robert R. Allard, Director
Apostles of Divine Mercy
Diary, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul (c) 1987 Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, MA 01263. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
©Copyright 2002, Apostles of Divine Mercy
1-888-732-0722
Email: robertallard@divinemercysunday.com
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Homeland Security= Ministry of Truth?
Very scary. To be fair, they did release a document about left-wing terrorists, too, but that one named actual groups, like the Earth Liberation Front. This document just thinks everyone who is unhappy with the Dems is going to be suckered in by extremists who bomb things. Since when? Yes, those fringe groups are out there, but they should be labeled "terrorists", not left wing or right wing. When did the government start telling us what to call our neighbors? When did we start deciding to fear everyone who disagrees with us? People are buying guns because they are afraid that right will be taken from them, and they want to do it while it's still legal. People protest abortion because it is rampant, not well-regulated, and oh yes, murder! We are not going to bomb things, but the people will organize themselves if they see enough of their constitution being stomped on.
Here is the Homeland Security document, enclosed as a pdf in the following article:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09041510.html
And here is an article about how big the Tea Party movement is getting. There were two rallies in my rather small city yesterday. My friend who took pictures confirmed for me that these are our friends and neighbors and relatives. Lots of retired people, people from all walks of life, liberal, conservative and neither. All of them dislike government bail-outs. We don't know where that trillion dollars came from, AND even our elected officials don't know exactly know where it went. Let alone those who voted for them. I can't imagine why this doesn't concern people.
This is why you NEVER let all the branches of this government get ruled by the same party. Thank goodness for the Supreme Court... for now.
Here is the Homeland Security document, enclosed as a pdf in the following article:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09041510.html
And here is an article about how big the Tea Party movement is getting. There were two rallies in my rather small city yesterday. My friend who took pictures confirmed for me that these are our friends and neighbors and relatives. Lots of retired people, people from all walks of life, liberal, conservative and neither. All of them dislike government bail-outs. We don't know where that trillion dollars came from, AND even our elected officials don't know exactly know where it went. Let alone those who voted for them. I can't imagine why this doesn't concern people.
This is why you NEVER let all the branches of this government get ruled by the same party. Thank goodness for the Supreme Court... for now.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Great UN news!!!!
Even the smallest person can change the course of history. -- Galadriel, The Fellowship of the Ring
ZE09040902 - 2009-04-09
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-25617?l=english
Tolkien's Dark Lord at the UN; a Blessed Painter
Hobbit Alliance Brings Triumph of Hope
By Elizabeth Lev
ROME, APRIL 9, 2009 (Zenit.org).- It was an epic tale of triumph worthy of J.R.R. Tolkien. The events at the U.N. Population and Development Commission last week could have been taken straight out of his great trilogy "The Lord of the Rings."
Last week, representatives from 47 countries gathered in New York for the annual meeting of the commission on population and development of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In view of a world population projected to hit 9 billion in 2050, the commission reviews and assesses the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development approved by the United Nations in 1994.
Behind the optimistic façade of concern for the welfare of a burgeoning population, a darker, most sinister agenda loomed. A new language was insinuating itself amid the hopeful statements of the earlier U.N. documents.
The main agenda item was "sexual and reproductive health and rights" -- the terminology under which many NGOs and U.N. committees promote abortion -- and the codification of a language that would open the door to an array of demands by homosexual activists.
Like the one ring forged by Sauron in the depths of Mount Doom, this term revealed the master plan: "One Ring to rule them all" and to bring them into darkness. Changing the word 'ring' to 'agency,' the specter of the Dark Lord could be replaced by Planned Parenthood, one of the most active NGOs at the meeting.
A prescient few saw the impending menace. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, noted that "one cannot help but get the impression that populations are seen as the hindrance to greater social and economic development." The prelate also warned that the commission "is giving priority to population control and getting the poor to accept these arrangements rather than primarily focusing upon its commitments to addressing education, basic health care, access to water, sanitation and employment."
But the armies of darkness were strong and seemed invincible. China, Great Britain, Brazil, the Russian Federation, Spain and Germany could be expected to promote this language. The United States, under a new administration in thrall to the culture of death, would use all of its might to advance the reign of Planned Parenthood. All seemed lost.
These international giants, the leaders in economy, development and technology, were certain that no obstacle remained to their plan.
In the statement made by Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, the plan was revealed. She invoked the world financial crisis, and the subsequent difficulty in sustaining programs to improve the health and education of the world's poor. “The financial crisis was threatening to wipe out this hard-won progress."
But her solution was to ensure that "greater attention is paid to population issues and more resources are devoted to women's empowerment and reproductive health, including maternal health care and family planning."
Translating this to the common tongue, her proposal is to teach women that childbearing is dangerous and oppressive; therefore abortion is healthy and liberating. Even the Evil Lord of Mordor never tried to pass off his agenda of death and enslavement of the human race as something "positive" and "empowering."
Obaid then reminded the commission that the Cairo conference had agreed that "every person has the right to sexual and reproductive health," and exhorted the commission "to keep the promise to ensure universal access to reproductive health by 2015."
The great nations nodded and applauded, much like the ring wraiths whose will had long been bound to that of their wicked overlord. The culture of life braced itself to take another loss among the many it had already suffered.
Then help came from an unexpected quarter. Iran took the floor and protested that the "right to sexual and reproductive health" could not be substituted with "sexual and reproductive health and rights."
The Iranian delegate pointed out that this phrase had never been included in any negotiated U.N. document before and urged the commission to revert to previously agreed upon and carefully negotiated language from the original 1994 Program of Action, which is understood not to create any right to abortion.
Immediately four Catholic countries -- Ireland, Peru, Chile and Poland -- picked up Iran's call to strike the wording. It was an unusual alliance, not unlike the dwarves and elves overcoming their differences to fight the common enemy.
Although the Christian community and Iran find themselves opposed on many issues, it was a heartening vision to see the diverse nations cooperating in defense of alliance and dialogue through the culture of life.
But as in Tolkien's great adventure of the fellowship of the nine, it was the smallest of all that saved the day. Like the four indomitable hobbits of Tolkien's epic, the Holy See (a tiny 104-acre state), Comoros (which I had to look up on Googlemaps -- it's in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar) Santa Lucia and Malta all joined the fellowship to break the stranglehold of the forces of evil.
These four hobbit-like states, whose collective national products probably don't equal the operating budget for Planned Parenthood, spoke loudly and convincingly. Malta decried the consistent attempts by the commission to expand "reproductive health" to include abortion.
The delegate from Santa Lucia saw to the heart of the proposed wording and stressed that her delegation understood that this provision did not threaten the right of health care providers to refuse to perform or be complicit in abortions as a matter of conscience.
As Galadrial said to the wavering Frodo, "even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
At the last moment at the close of the meeting, the ring of power was thrown back into the fires of Mount Doom from whence it came. "Sexual and reproductive health and rights" was struck from the text.
In these days of imminent conscience coercion, massive government funding of abortion and other gloomy signs on the horizon, this little fellowship at the United Nations demonstrated what Tolkien's characters whisper during the darkest hours and Pope Benedict XVI exclaims from nation to nation: "There is still hope."
ZE09040902 - 2009-04-09
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-25617?l=english
Tolkien's Dark Lord at the UN; a Blessed Painter
Hobbit Alliance Brings Triumph of Hope
By Elizabeth Lev
ROME, APRIL 9, 2009 (Zenit.org).- It was an epic tale of triumph worthy of J.R.R. Tolkien. The events at the U.N. Population and Development Commission last week could have been taken straight out of his great trilogy "The Lord of the Rings."
Last week, representatives from 47 countries gathered in New York for the annual meeting of the commission on population and development of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In view of a world population projected to hit 9 billion in 2050, the commission reviews and assesses the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development approved by the United Nations in 1994.
Behind the optimistic façade of concern for the welfare of a burgeoning population, a darker, most sinister agenda loomed. A new language was insinuating itself amid the hopeful statements of the earlier U.N. documents.
The main agenda item was "sexual and reproductive health and rights" -- the terminology under which many NGOs and U.N. committees promote abortion -- and the codification of a language that would open the door to an array of demands by homosexual activists.
Like the one ring forged by Sauron in the depths of Mount Doom, this term revealed the master plan: "One Ring to rule them all" and to bring them into darkness. Changing the word 'ring' to 'agency,' the specter of the Dark Lord could be replaced by Planned Parenthood, one of the most active NGOs at the meeting.
A prescient few saw the impending menace. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, noted that "one cannot help but get the impression that populations are seen as the hindrance to greater social and economic development." The prelate also warned that the commission "is giving priority to population control and getting the poor to accept these arrangements rather than primarily focusing upon its commitments to addressing education, basic health care, access to water, sanitation and employment."
But the armies of darkness were strong and seemed invincible. China, Great Britain, Brazil, the Russian Federation, Spain and Germany could be expected to promote this language. The United States, under a new administration in thrall to the culture of death, would use all of its might to advance the reign of Planned Parenthood. All seemed lost.
These international giants, the leaders in economy, development and technology, were certain that no obstacle remained to their plan.
In the statement made by Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, the plan was revealed. She invoked the world financial crisis, and the subsequent difficulty in sustaining programs to improve the health and education of the world's poor. “The financial crisis was threatening to wipe out this hard-won progress."
But her solution was to ensure that "greater attention is paid to population issues and more resources are devoted to women's empowerment and reproductive health, including maternal health care and family planning."
Translating this to the common tongue, her proposal is to teach women that childbearing is dangerous and oppressive; therefore abortion is healthy and liberating. Even the Evil Lord of Mordor never tried to pass off his agenda of death and enslavement of the human race as something "positive" and "empowering."
Obaid then reminded the commission that the Cairo conference had agreed that "every person has the right to sexual and reproductive health," and exhorted the commission "to keep the promise to ensure universal access to reproductive health by 2015."
The great nations nodded and applauded, much like the ring wraiths whose will had long been bound to that of their wicked overlord. The culture of life braced itself to take another loss among the many it had already suffered.
Then help came from an unexpected quarter. Iran took the floor and protested that the "right to sexual and reproductive health" could not be substituted with "sexual and reproductive health and rights."
The Iranian delegate pointed out that this phrase had never been included in any negotiated U.N. document before and urged the commission to revert to previously agreed upon and carefully negotiated language from the original 1994 Program of Action, which is understood not to create any right to abortion.
Immediately four Catholic countries -- Ireland, Peru, Chile and Poland -- picked up Iran's call to strike the wording. It was an unusual alliance, not unlike the dwarves and elves overcoming their differences to fight the common enemy.
Although the Christian community and Iran find themselves opposed on many issues, it was a heartening vision to see the diverse nations cooperating in defense of alliance and dialogue through the culture of life.
But as in Tolkien's great adventure of the fellowship of the nine, it was the smallest of all that saved the day. Like the four indomitable hobbits of Tolkien's epic, the Holy See (a tiny 104-acre state), Comoros (which I had to look up on Googlemaps -- it's in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar) Santa Lucia and Malta all joined the fellowship to break the stranglehold of the forces of evil.
These four hobbit-like states, whose collective national products probably don't equal the operating budget for Planned Parenthood, spoke loudly and convincingly. Malta decried the consistent attempts by the commission to expand "reproductive health" to include abortion.
The delegate from Santa Lucia saw to the heart of the proposed wording and stressed that her delegation understood that this provision did not threaten the right of health care providers to refuse to perform or be complicit in abortions as a matter of conscience.
As Galadrial said to the wavering Frodo, "even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
At the last moment at the close of the meeting, the ring of power was thrown back into the fires of Mount Doom from whence it came. "Sexual and reproductive health and rights" was struck from the text.
In these days of imminent conscience coercion, massive government funding of abortion and other gloomy signs on the horizon, this little fellowship at the United Nations demonstrated what Tolkien's characters whisper during the darkest hours and Pope Benedict XVI exclaims from nation to nation: "There is still hope."
Bad blogger lady
I know, I know, I'm not blogging much lately. Must've fell off the horse.
Let's see... what's going on?
My mom and sister came for Easter. My mom bought the Easter dress and fixin's, and also two mattresses, and brought my bunkbed from childhood. Now we're trying to figure out how to fit it right. We also got a dresser from Robin, and it probably matches the bunkbed, but I haven't figured out how to make it fit yet and it's HEAVY. Solid wood, very heavy. Good quality, just ouch. Need at least a couple of men, and I have to clear the area first.
Yesterday, I felt nauseous all day long. It was yucky. I think I did too much while my my mom was here. After last night I feel a lot better. Thank Goodness. I thought maybe morning sickness was having a long last battle. I just need to get sleep.
I sent a letter to my new OB/GYN and spelled out for him what I need as far as progesterone, explained what happened last time, and enclosed the chart from my last pregnancy. I'll get the levels checked tomorrow, and we'll see where we're at (and whether they will actually call, or if I have to drag the information out of them). I hope he understands what I'm trying to do, or else I might have to go dr. hunting. I really don't want to. At least I have another doc in mind to try, but it's a longer drive.
My husband just found out his new shift. 11pm-10am, Wednesday through Saturday. That really means one hour of each of those days, which means that we have him all day Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It also means he can come to Rosary night, Beer making night, Mass at 11:30 or else Sat. night, and scouting events of various kinds. It does mess with soccer camp, but I think I can hijack a friend to figure that one out. It's only one week this summer. I think maybe he can even volunteer for Gabe's camp a little bit. This means we have to be somewhat quiet after 11 am most days, when he gets home, but that's not hard, it's nap time by 1. And also, we'll have the car after 11am most days, and all day the other days. Hip, hip hooray!!! And a 10% raise while he has this shift (about 3 months worth). That can go toward a car. YES! Do not feel sorry for DH. He asked for this shift, and with our car situation, 3 months of nights is a blessing, not a curse. It's nice to know it will end, it's not a year long thing. It starts April 26th.
I love Microsoft. I really, really do. He gets a month off, paid, when the baby comes.
The kids are hollering at me for breakfast and Gabe wants to "get homeschooling over with", so I guess I'd better go.... I think the candy got out of their systems a bit and we can have a normal day today.
You have a good one, too!
Let's see... what's going on?
My mom and sister came for Easter. My mom bought the Easter dress and fixin's, and also two mattresses, and brought my bunkbed from childhood. Now we're trying to figure out how to fit it right. We also got a dresser from Robin, and it probably matches the bunkbed, but I haven't figured out how to make it fit yet and it's HEAVY. Solid wood, very heavy. Good quality, just ouch. Need at least a couple of men, and I have to clear the area first.
Yesterday, I felt nauseous all day long. It was yucky. I think I did too much while my my mom was here. After last night I feel a lot better. Thank Goodness. I thought maybe morning sickness was having a long last battle. I just need to get sleep.
I sent a letter to my new OB/GYN and spelled out for him what I need as far as progesterone, explained what happened last time, and enclosed the chart from my last pregnancy. I'll get the levels checked tomorrow, and we'll see where we're at (and whether they will actually call, or if I have to drag the information out of them). I hope he understands what I'm trying to do, or else I might have to go dr. hunting. I really don't want to. At least I have another doc in mind to try, but it's a longer drive.
My husband just found out his new shift. 11pm-10am, Wednesday through Saturday. That really means one hour of each of those days, which means that we have him all day Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It also means he can come to Rosary night, Beer making night, Mass at 11:30 or else Sat. night, and scouting events of various kinds. It does mess with soccer camp, but I think I can hijack a friend to figure that one out. It's only one week this summer. I think maybe he can even volunteer for Gabe's camp a little bit. This means we have to be somewhat quiet after 11 am most days, when he gets home, but that's not hard, it's nap time by 1. And also, we'll have the car after 11am most days, and all day the other days. Hip, hip hooray!!! And a 10% raise while he has this shift (about 3 months worth). That can go toward a car. YES! Do not feel sorry for DH. He asked for this shift, and with our car situation, 3 months of nights is a blessing, not a curse. It's nice to know it will end, it's not a year long thing. It starts April 26th.
I love Microsoft. I really, really do. He gets a month off, paid, when the baby comes.
The kids are hollering at me for breakfast and Gabe wants to "get homeschooling over with", so I guess I'd better go.... I think the candy got out of their systems a bit and we can have a normal day today.
You have a good one, too!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
SO TRUE!
A funny for you! I so know how this goes. Project or maintenance? Homeschooling or cleaning? Pick one! Not all!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Happy Easter Vigil 2009
The Catholic Church, even in America, continues to grow. They must know something the usual media suspects don't. :)
www.catholicnewsagency.com
Catholic Church prepares for tens of thousands of U.S. converts
Washington D.C., Apr 1, 2009 / 04:09 am (CNA).- Tens of thousands of new Catholics are expected to join the Catholic Church in the U.S. in 2009, with many doing so at the Easter Vigil liturgies on April 11. Converts to Catholicism are known as catechumens if they have never been baptized and as candidates if they have received baptism in another Christian community and now seek full communion with the Catholic Church.
The Archdiocese of Atlanta, where Catholics have traditionally been a minority, estimates that 513 catechumens and 2,195 candidates will enter the Catholic Church in 2009, about 1,800 doing so at Easter. The figures do not include infant baptisms.
Father Theodore Book, director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Atlanta Archdiocese, said the archdiocese has been “blessed with an authentic dynamism” during recent years. He cited the archdiocese’s annual Eucharistic Congress, saying it draws nearly 30,000 participants.
“One of the many blessings that we have received from the Lord is the large number of individuals entering the Church,” he said.
The Archdiocese of Seattle will reportedly welcome 736 catechumens and 506 candidates, while the Diocese of San Diego will baptize 305 and receive into communion 920 other baptized Christians.
The mostly rural Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama reportedly will have 445 new converts. The diocese’s Cathedral of St. Paul could not hold them and their families for the Rite of Election, which had to be held in three separate ceremonies.
At St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, California resident Heidi Sierras will represent North America at the Easter Vigil, where she will be baptized by Pope Benedict XVI.
The 2008 Official Catholic Directory listed 49,415 adult baptisms and 87,363 people received into full communion in 2007.
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(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com)
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