Saturday, January 31, 2009
More on Abortion
I was reading my email this morning and got an inspiring email from a pro-life friend from Church. It has inspired me to blog more of "the truth" about what abortion really is. For instance, it's murder. I think it's important we begin to use that word more because that's what it really is.
We have pro-choicers who say it's the woman's right to choose. Choose what? Murder? Murder of her own baby? It seems pretty animalistic to me. It's animalistic to give into our sexual desires with full knowledge that we could create a human life, only to have the "choice" to kill it. Because that's what it is isn't it? Killing your own baby?
Then we have women in the feminist movement that say, "I don't want the government to tell me what to do!" Huh? Does the government not tell you that you can't shoot your mother in the head? Does the government not tell you that you have to send your kids to school? Does the government not tell you that you have to pay taxes? Does the government not tell you that you can't force sex on another human being? The government tells us a lot of things we can't morally do without being punished. So why can't they tell us it's not OK to kill our unborn children?
How horrible that the sexual freedom we feel has brought us to this animalistic behavior. And the saddest part is that most of us don't even realize what it's doing to our culture.
All We Need is Faith
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Faith to me is something that I feel. And the more I know and learn about God, the more faith I have in Him. The more faith I have in Him, the more my eyes are open to see how He works in my life. Sometimes I don't like to see it, but more often than not, He is trying to tell me something. Sometimes I wonder if He's yelling at me because I'm just not getting it!
Faith is not luck. Faith does not come in those emails we get that say, "Pass this on to 5 friends and you will get your wish." I know, I have passed them on before. I don't truly believe in them. Sometimes they have a good message, and sometimes they're just fun.
But it's important for us to know, and to teach our children, that faith is not magical. It's not lucky, and it's not about wishing. It's about following the law that's in our heart and believing in what we cannot see. Our faith is what brings us to pray. Our faith is what brings us to act a certain way. Our faith is what drives our motivation. Our faith is what brings us closer to God and closer to the truth.
What does having faith mean to you?
Lord, I want what you want for me. Please lead me down Your path.
Faith to me is something that I feel. And the more I know and learn about God, the more faith I have in Him. The more faith I have in Him, the more my eyes are open to see how He works in my life. Sometimes I don't like to see it, but more often than not, He is trying to tell me something. Sometimes I wonder if He's yelling at me because I'm just not getting it!
Faith is not luck. Faith does not come in those emails we get that say, "Pass this on to 5 friends and you will get your wish." I know, I have passed them on before. I don't truly believe in them. Sometimes they have a good message, and sometimes they're just fun.
But it's important for us to know, and to teach our children, that faith is not magical. It's not lucky, and it's not about wishing. It's about following the law that's in our heart and believing in what we cannot see. Our faith is what brings us to pray. Our faith is what brings us to act a certain way. Our faith is what drives our motivation. Our faith is what brings us closer to God and closer to the truth.
What does having faith mean to you?
Lord, I want what you want for me. Please lead me down Your path.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Trying to Keep Up
Hi All,
Sorry I haven't been so diligent in posting. It has been pretty crazy around here the past couple of days. We had some snow days, and I had errands and volunteering at school to do. So it doesn't leave a lot of time to do my lovely blogging!!
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you guys knew that I haven't gone away, and I hope to get some info out to you this weekend from Mother Angelica and Father Frank. Make sure you follow the news and pay close attention to this "stimulus" package. It looks like Pelosi thinks that providing birth control (contraceptives, abortion...) is the best way to go because in the long run, it's expensive to raise a child. I'm not sure what's going to happen, but it looks like they took out the part of the package that supports increased federal funding to birth control. Yeah, that's a good idea. Not sure how they think THAT would "stimulate" the economy.
Anyway, so many thoughts I have on the subject, but don't have time right now to write them all. Kids are up and I have to go get them!!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Sorry I haven't been so diligent in posting. It has been pretty crazy around here the past couple of days. We had some snow days, and I had errands and volunteering at school to do. So it doesn't leave a lot of time to do my lovely blogging!!
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you guys knew that I haven't gone away, and I hope to get some info out to you this weekend from Mother Angelica and Father Frank. Make sure you follow the news and pay close attention to this "stimulus" package. It looks like Pelosi thinks that providing birth control (contraceptives, abortion...) is the best way to go because in the long run, it's expensive to raise a child. I'm not sure what's going to happen, but it looks like they took out the part of the package that supports increased federal funding to birth control. Yeah, that's a good idea. Not sure how they think THAT would "stimulate" the economy.
Anyway, so many thoughts I have on the subject, but don't have time right now to write them all. Kids are up and I have to go get them!!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Your Heart's Desire
Find your delight in the LORD
who will give you your heart's desire. Psalm 37:4
As you may know I have a helper when I do my devotionals. It's a mini-magazine called Living Faith. I get to read a devotional before I send you one each day! The devotional for today is so neat, I'm going to share part of it with you:
Recently, I heard a man say that he decided to trust that God had someone in mind for him to be his life's partner. He just didn't know who that person was. So, on those days when he felt most lonely, he wrote love letters to his future spouse. On New Year's Eve when he had no one to kiss, on Valentine's Day when he had no one to send him a card, he wrote love letters to "his heart's desire," and trusted that God would open his heart and his eyes to the right person. On his wedding day, his gift to his bride was a box of love letters written to her when he didn't even know who she was.
- Claire J. King
Isn't that awesome?! What an inspiring story of faith! While I feel like I'm more comfortable in the spot God has placed me in, I still don't feel like I have that kind of blind faith. I wish I could let go more and let Him work His power. But when I do that, I can feel myself tighten the reigns again.
Do you do that? Do you have moments when you decide to let go and throw your life to His goodness and His will and then draw back a little?
Thank You Lord, for the presence You have made plain in my life. Help me to keep my faith in You and follow Your every desire!
who will give you your heart's desire. Psalm 37:4
As you may know I have a helper when I do my devotionals. It's a mini-magazine called Living Faith. I get to read a devotional before I send you one each day! The devotional for today is so neat, I'm going to share part of it with you:
Recently, I heard a man say that he decided to trust that God had someone in mind for him to be his life's partner. He just didn't know who that person was. So, on those days when he felt most lonely, he wrote love letters to his future spouse. On New Year's Eve when he had no one to kiss, on Valentine's Day when he had no one to send him a card, he wrote love letters to "his heart's desire," and trusted that God would open his heart and his eyes to the right person. On his wedding day, his gift to his bride was a box of love letters written to her when he didn't even know who she was.
- Claire J. King
Isn't that awesome?! What an inspiring story of faith! While I feel like I'm more comfortable in the spot God has placed me in, I still don't feel like I have that kind of blind faith. I wish I could let go more and let Him work His power. But when I do that, I can feel myself tighten the reigns again.
Do you do that? Do you have moments when you decide to let go and throw your life to His goodness and His will and then draw back a little?
Thank You Lord, for the presence You have made plain in my life. Help me to keep my faith in You and follow Your every desire!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Pray for Little Things
How often do we pray for the little things? It's hard to remember to do that because we don't appreciate those little things as much as the big. Well, for me it's that I have to make a conscious effort to remember those little things to pray for.
I think that we also tend not to appreciate those little things that we do for each other, especially our spouses. There are things my husband does that I appreciate, that are little, but I don't say anything. But because he does those little things, like get wood in, fill our heater, come home every night, coach baseball, I know that he loves us. And I try to do little things for him in return. The same can be true of our kids too can't it? I can't even count how many times my kids do little things that are good and sometimes they go unnoticed. I know in my head that that was a nice thing that they did, but I don't vocalize it all the time. But boy, when I vocalize it, it's AMAZING how they react! They are just so proud of themselves.
My point is, is that those little things really add up. And whether we consciously know it or not, those little things are the things that we truly appreciate. So Mother Angelica wants us to ask God for those little things too. Because that's one of the many ways we can show Him that we love Him.
I think that we also tend not to appreciate those little things that we do for each other, especially our spouses. There are things my husband does that I appreciate, that are little, but I don't say anything. But because he does those little things, like get wood in, fill our heater, come home every night, coach baseball, I know that he loves us. And I try to do little things for him in return. The same can be true of our kids too can't it? I can't even count how many times my kids do little things that are good and sometimes they go unnoticed. I know in my head that that was a nice thing that they did, but I don't vocalize it all the time. But boy, when I vocalize it, it's AMAZING how they react! They are just so proud of themselves.
My point is, is that those little things really add up. And whether we consciously know it or not, those little things are the things that we truly appreciate. So Mother Angelica wants us to ask God for those little things too. Because that's one of the many ways we can show Him that we love Him.
Speaking with Truth
We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this is all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who is telling you about a problem they are having and you want to talk about God with them, but you're afraid? You want to tell them to pray. You want to tell them to talk to God about it. You want to tell them to listen to His whispers and follow His ways. You want to tell them that He loves them if they only ask Him for His forgiveness.
I have. Why don't we? For me it's fear. It's fear that this other person won't take me seriously. It's fear about how this other person will think of me because I'm speaking of God. That's sad, isn't it? It's sad that we have this fear now of talking about God. There are so many wonderful things that have happened in my life since I let Him take control. And I want to shout it to the world! But I'm afraid.
Well, that fear will get in the way of our family and friends hearing the truth. I try to remind myself of that all the time. It will get in the way of them having a closer relationship to God. Our friends and our family deserves the best of us. The best of us is the love we have for God. Let it shine through! Show them how wonderful it is. Make them want what you have!
"Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear." (Mark 4:23)
So who are you going to talk to today?
Lord, give me the strength and courage to speak of you with truth and act with your light inside my heart.
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who is telling you about a problem they are having and you want to talk about God with them, but you're afraid? You want to tell them to pray. You want to tell them to talk to God about it. You want to tell them to listen to His whispers and follow His ways. You want to tell them that He loves them if they only ask Him for His forgiveness.
I have. Why don't we? For me it's fear. It's fear that this other person won't take me seriously. It's fear about how this other person will think of me because I'm speaking of God. That's sad, isn't it? It's sad that we have this fear now of talking about God. There are so many wonderful things that have happened in my life since I let Him take control. And I want to shout it to the world! But I'm afraid.
Well, that fear will get in the way of our family and friends hearing the truth. I try to remind myself of that all the time. It will get in the way of them having a closer relationship to God. Our friends and our family deserves the best of us. The best of us is the love we have for God. Let it shine through! Show them how wonderful it is. Make them want what you have!
"Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear." (Mark 4:23)
So who are you going to talk to today?
Lord, give me the strength and courage to speak of you with truth and act with your light inside my heart.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Catholic Saints Coloring Pages
Check out this new site I found! This woman draws her own pictures and puts them up for us to print and use with our children. She does wonderful work and have printed out 2 already for the kids. My daughter is coloring Our Lady of the Rosary right now and we are planning on making a Saint book. VERY COOL!!
Click here to see the site.
Click here to see the site.
The Law in Our Hearts
I will put my laws in their hearts. Hebrews 10:16
"Law" is a scary word to some people isn't it? Who wants to be confined by a bunch of "laws?" Who wants to be told what they can and can't do, where they can and can't do it, and with whom they should or shouldn't do it with? Well, I for one like laws and rules. It gives me something to go by. Our society depends on laws and rules so we are not "unruly" people.
As Christians, I think there are going to be some governmental laws that may not coincide with God's law. He gave us laws that he wants us to live by and hold close to us in our hearts. They are called the Ten Commandments. Those are the laws that should come first, regardless of what the laws of our society are.
"Law" is a scary word to some people isn't it? Who wants to be confined by a bunch of "laws?" Who wants to be told what they can and can't do, where they can and can't do it, and with whom they should or shouldn't do it with? Well, I for one like laws and rules. It gives me something to go by. Our society depends on laws and rules so we are not "unruly" people.
As Christians, I think there are going to be some governmental laws that may not coincide with God's law. He gave us laws that he wants us to live by and hold close to us in our hearts. They are called the Ten Commandments. Those are the laws that should come first, regardless of what the laws of our society are.
Detach Yourself
Detachment is an overwhelming attachment to God.
- Mother Angelica
Detachment from what? Well, I think what Mother is saying here is that when we detach ourselves from the "things" of this world, we become more attached for God. When we pay less attention to the "things" we want, the "things" we think we might need, the more we can focus on God and the "things" He wants!
Does that make sense to you? It makes sense to me. When we can let go of ourselves and our stuff, we can grab ahold of Him and His holiness. We can become more tuned in to our Lord and His wants and His desires for us as Christians following Him.
So what could you let go of in your life today that will bring you closer to God's holiness?
- Mother Angelica
Detachment from what? Well, I think what Mother is saying here is that when we detach ourselves from the "things" of this world, we become more attached for God. When we pay less attention to the "things" we want, the "things" we think we might need, the more we can focus on God and the "things" He wants!
Does that make sense to you? It makes sense to me. When we can let go of ourselves and our stuff, we can grab ahold of Him and His holiness. We can become more tuned in to our Lord and His wants and His desires for us as Christians following Him.
So what could you let go of in your life today that will bring you closer to God's holiness?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Girl Scouts
I had a post up earlier, don't know if you saw, about Girl Scouts and an apparent relationship between them and Planned Parenthood. I felt the need to take it down because I wasn't sure what was going on and didn't want to put out false information.
I'm still not sure what's going on, but I did find more info on the net and our troop leader disseminated some info to us so we could pass it on to others who may have questions. Essentially, we had people telling some of our parents that they were not going to buy cookies because they heard we had a relationship with Planned Parenthood and they didn't want to support it.
I know that Girl Scouts started off with a different purpose, a Christian feel. To associate with Planned Parenthood is not something I feel is Christian because it doesn't teach our girls to be responsible when it comes to sex. Other parents may feel it is OK because that's how they want to raise their children, but I don't feel it's a good fit for me.
The other part of this is that it is a troop thing. The troop leader decides what activities to do and what not to do. So if I stick to being troop leader, my girls will be OK? Probably. But do I associate them with Girl Scouts if this organization has changed and now thinks Planned Parenthood provides our girls with the "right" kind of sex education?
If you want more info on this, here are a couple of links. The first will take you to a transcript from back in 2004 about CEO Kathy Croninger and an interview on the Today Show about this. It started with a troop in Waco, Texas. Apparently this troop had some sex ed stuff going on that was pretty graphic: homosexuality, masturbation, condom use, the works. So the parents were upset. To be fair here, we don't know who dropped the communication ball. So either the parents weren't fully informed, or they didn't read everything they should. Either way, the girls got some education the parents weren't happy about. Read the transcript here.
Also read this from another troop mom from 2004.
I'm still not sure what's going on, but I did find more info on the net and our troop leader disseminated some info to us so we could pass it on to others who may have questions. Essentially, we had people telling some of our parents that they were not going to buy cookies because they heard we had a relationship with Planned Parenthood and they didn't want to support it.
I know that Girl Scouts started off with a different purpose, a Christian feel. To associate with Planned Parenthood is not something I feel is Christian because it doesn't teach our girls to be responsible when it comes to sex. Other parents may feel it is OK because that's how they want to raise their children, but I don't feel it's a good fit for me.
The other part of this is that it is a troop thing. The troop leader decides what activities to do and what not to do. So if I stick to being troop leader, my girls will be OK? Probably. But do I associate them with Girl Scouts if this organization has changed and now thinks Planned Parenthood provides our girls with the "right" kind of sex education?
If you want more info on this, here are a couple of links. The first will take you to a transcript from back in 2004 about CEO Kathy Croninger and an interview on the Today Show about this. It started with a troop in Waco, Texas. Apparently this troop had some sex ed stuff going on that was pretty graphic: homosexuality, masturbation, condom use, the works. So the parents were upset. To be fair here, we don't know who dropped the communication ball. So either the parents weren't fully informed, or they didn't read everything they should. Either way, the girls got some education the parents weren't happy about. Read the transcript here.
Also read this from another troop mom from 2004.
Ambivalent
I went to a Pro-Life meeting last night in our County and came away feeling a little ambivalent about it. They are part of the National Right to Life. Anyway, I got there late with a friend of mine and was surprised to see who I saw. If it wasn't for quite a few new people, there would have only been one female at this meeting and several men, mainly older.
These folks are highly committed to the pro-life movement and do not mean them any disrespect with this post at all. I am just surprised, no not really, but I guess disappointed, that there weren't more women involved. And there weren't any black, hispanic, or any other minority group there.
These guys also don't have a webpage, no blog, no way of reaching out more to others on the Internet. So we discussed getting the word out there more that way. I'm glad that the new folks coming in are going to be able to get this group going even more. Recruit some young people, females, and minority groups.
I heard a startling statistic last night: 9 out of 11 black women who get pregnant abort their babies. I think he arrived at that statistic with the information that black people, or African Americans, make up 12% of the population, and receive 35% of the abortions. He did some math and came up with the ratio of 9:11.
Also startling: 1 out of 3 women who find out they're pregnant get abortions. That is a lot of babies dying and a lot of women who get hurt.
There was a man there also from 40 Days for Life to talk to us. That was VERY cool! It was kind of surreal. I found out about 40 Days during the election and kind of did my own thing until the 40 days was up. This guy is looking for volunteers!! WOW!! This is very exciting. Essentially, for 40 days, volunteers pray outside of an abortion clinic. They not only pray that abortion will end there, but that God will be with those mothers and children as they go through with their decision to abort. They are there for 40 days. Very powerful.
There are other things we can do too. Door-to-door, novenas, praying, fasting... anything your life will allow. So if you're interested in doing this with us, and there isn't a group in your area, let me know. The dates are February 25- April 5. During that time, I will most likely be fasting and praying, and blogging of course. I may even do some of the vigil, not sure about door-to-door. We will have to see what my schedule allows, and hubby! :)
These folks are highly committed to the pro-life movement and do not mean them any disrespect with this post at all. I am just surprised, no not really, but I guess disappointed, that there weren't more women involved. And there weren't any black, hispanic, or any other minority group there.
These guys also don't have a webpage, no blog, no way of reaching out more to others on the Internet. So we discussed getting the word out there more that way. I'm glad that the new folks coming in are going to be able to get this group going even more. Recruit some young people, females, and minority groups.
I heard a startling statistic last night: 9 out of 11 black women who get pregnant abort their babies. I think he arrived at that statistic with the information that black people, or African Americans, make up 12% of the population, and receive 35% of the abortions. He did some math and came up with the ratio of 9:11.
Also startling: 1 out of 3 women who find out they're pregnant get abortions. That is a lot of babies dying and a lot of women who get hurt.
There was a man there also from 40 Days for Life to talk to us. That was VERY cool! It was kind of surreal. I found out about 40 Days during the election and kind of did my own thing until the 40 days was up. This guy is looking for volunteers!! WOW!! This is very exciting. Essentially, for 40 days, volunteers pray outside of an abortion clinic. They not only pray that abortion will end there, but that God will be with those mothers and children as they go through with their decision to abort. They are there for 40 days. Very powerful.
There are other things we can do too. Door-to-door, novenas, praying, fasting... anything your life will allow. So if you're interested in doing this with us, and there isn't a group in your area, let me know. The dates are February 25- April 5. During that time, I will most likely be fasting and praying, and blogging of course. I may even do some of the vigil, not sure about door-to-door. We will have to see what my schedule allows, and hubby! :)
Spread the News!
I announced Your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;
your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;
I have made no secret of your kindness
in the vast assembly. Psalm 40:10-11
Can you say that you've done this? I can say that I've done this, but I don't do this all the time. I find myself lately holding my tongue. I don't exactly know why, but I have a feeling He doesn't like it when we do that!
It's hard isn't it? It's hard to speak out sometimes with our love for Him and the good works that He does. When I first started coming around to knowing God, I couldn't keep my mouth shut and I just had to start a blog. I wanted to shout it to the world! It all made sense now. I saw all the negatives in my life with a positive spin now that I lived for God. It was absolutely amazing to see this light.
When something new like this happens to us, we want to do that don't we? Shout it to the world? Then time goes by, and it's just such a part of our life, it doesn't feel so new anymore. This Scripture comes just in time for me to start shouting again!!
Lord, stay with me and work through me so that I may shout Your good works without reservation.
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;
your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;
I have made no secret of your kindness
in the vast assembly. Psalm 40:10-11
Can you say that you've done this? I can say that I've done this, but I don't do this all the time. I find myself lately holding my tongue. I don't exactly know why, but I have a feeling He doesn't like it when we do that!
It's hard isn't it? It's hard to speak out sometimes with our love for Him and the good works that He does. When I first started coming around to knowing God, I couldn't keep my mouth shut and I just had to start a blog. I wanted to shout it to the world! It all made sense now. I saw all the negatives in my life with a positive spin now that I lived for God. It was absolutely amazing to see this light.
When something new like this happens to us, we want to do that don't we? Shout it to the world? Then time goes by, and it's just such a part of our life, it doesn't feel so new anymore. This Scripture comes just in time for me to start shouting again!!
Lord, stay with me and work through me so that I may shout Your good works without reservation.
Frustration
I was watching tv, I think Friday night, and caught the end of Law and Order. I'm going to try to give you the scenario here without confusing you too much. I can't really remember what the crime was that started the show because it ran from one crime to the next.... It ended up in a Catholic School. And in this Catholic School, the inspectors spoke with a boy who headed up a Chastity group. He was very proud of it. Even spoke of his girlfriend taking the same vow of chastity as himself. They were going to be married and would be pure. "OK," I thought, "pretty cool. It's nice to see this getting out there." Well, I think I thought too soon.
Apparently, his girlfriend headed up 4 girls who planned to get pregnant together. It didn't matter who they slept with to do it. They just went out, had sex, and got pregnant. They thought it was so great that they could have their babies together. It ended up that the boyfriend killed the girlfriend in rage because she broke her vow to him and it hurt him deeply, obviously.
So the thing that got me was that it portrayed what a lot of shows portray: hypocrisy. Now, I know it exists in Catholicism, I do. It exists in every religion. But it really bothers me that Catholicism is at the center most of the time. Throughout the investigation, the parents were portrayed as immoral. When their daughters were being spoken to and they found out about what their daughters did, and heard the disrespect they showed the officers, the parents just sat there. Would you just sit there? I think not. I definitely wouldn't.
I for one send my children to Catholic School because I want them to get a good Catholic education. And I want our lives at home to center on those beliefs too. But there are others out there who send their children to Catholic School for "status." So they can say their child attends private school. For those kids, they get mixed messages and it's not fair to them.
So, how do we overcome these stereotypes? I'm not so sure that we can. The only thing I can do is to make sure that my children know what's important to us as a family by following God and putting the principles, laws, and rules of Catholicism first. We must live Catholicism. I'm not willing to be one of those parents who preach instead of live.
Apparently, his girlfriend headed up 4 girls who planned to get pregnant together. It didn't matter who they slept with to do it. They just went out, had sex, and got pregnant. They thought it was so great that they could have their babies together. It ended up that the boyfriend killed the girlfriend in rage because she broke her vow to him and it hurt him deeply, obviously.
So the thing that got me was that it portrayed what a lot of shows portray: hypocrisy. Now, I know it exists in Catholicism, I do. It exists in every religion. But it really bothers me that Catholicism is at the center most of the time. Throughout the investigation, the parents were portrayed as immoral. When their daughters were being spoken to and they found out about what their daughters did, and heard the disrespect they showed the officers, the parents just sat there. Would you just sit there? I think not. I definitely wouldn't.
I for one send my children to Catholic School because I want them to get a good Catholic education. And I want our lives at home to center on those beliefs too. But there are others out there who send their children to Catholic School for "status." So they can say their child attends private school. For those kids, they get mixed messages and it's not fair to them.
So, how do we overcome these stereotypes? I'm not so sure that we can. The only thing I can do is to make sure that my children know what's important to us as a family by following God and putting the principles, laws, and rules of Catholicism first. We must live Catholicism. I'm not willing to be one of those parents who preach instead of live.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Conscientious Objection
I read some of Father Frank this weekend and read some very interesting things about the Pro-Life Movement. And I just so happened to read about the "Conscientious Objection." So what is this "Conscientious Objection?"
Well, we all know what our conscience is, right? This is when we use our own judgment to figure out what's right and what's wrong. And our abortion facilities need certain services to stay in business, don't they? They need construction workers, exterminators, food service, plumbers, electricians... the list goes on. Father Frank thinks it's time for these workers to take up a "Conscientious Objection" and not service a facility if they know they perform abortions there.
It's a silent kind of protest. This kind of objection and refusal of service will tell these abortion facilities that we will not take part in their efforts to kill our unborn children.
Father Frank says: "It takes a village to kill a child, and we don't have to participate!" He has some good insights, doesn't he?
Well, we all know what our conscience is, right? This is when we use our own judgment to figure out what's right and what's wrong. And our abortion facilities need certain services to stay in business, don't they? They need construction workers, exterminators, food service, plumbers, electricians... the list goes on. Father Frank thinks it's time for these workers to take up a "Conscientious Objection" and not service a facility if they know they perform abortions there.
It's a silent kind of protest. This kind of objection and refusal of service will tell these abortion facilities that we will not take part in their efforts to kill our unborn children.
Father Frank says: "It takes a village to kill a child, and we don't have to participate!" He has some good insights, doesn't he?
Paying it Forward
I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you. 2 Timothy 1:5
As you can see, this second letter to Timothy is quite personal. The use of names here can tell you that. This passage tells us also that faith was rich in Timothy's family life. He was surrounded with love of the faith in Jesus.
I was not raised that way, and here I am, trying my best to be an active, practicing Catholic. Who knew? I think that the elders in our families are of great influence to us and how we live and end up to be. Whether we end up like them or not, they influence us in one way or the other. We watch them and how they treat others. We watch them work through conflicts, or not. We watch them and the things they like to do with their spare time. All of that contributes to us as a person.
In my case, faith was not passed on by way of Catholicism. But I do hope that I can pass on my love for our Lord and my faith to my children and their children's children.
Lord, help me to keep you in my mind, my heart, my actions, and my lips so I may pass on Your love to future generations.
As you can see, this second letter to Timothy is quite personal. The use of names here can tell you that. This passage tells us also that faith was rich in Timothy's family life. He was surrounded with love of the faith in Jesus.
I was not raised that way, and here I am, trying my best to be an active, practicing Catholic. Who knew? I think that the elders in our families are of great influence to us and how we live and end up to be. Whether we end up like them or not, they influence us in one way or the other. We watch them and how they treat others. We watch them work through conflicts, or not. We watch them and the things they like to do with their spare time. All of that contributes to us as a person.
In my case, faith was not passed on by way of Catholicism. But I do hope that I can pass on my love for our Lord and my faith to my children and their children's children.
Lord, help me to keep you in my mind, my heart, my actions, and my lips so I may pass on Your love to future generations.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
All Things Girl
OK, check this out!! I got this newsletter this morning from Catholic Heritage Curricula. I found out about them from, hmmm, somewhere, I don't remember. Anyway, I have ordered free catalogs from a few Catholic Homeschool publishing companies to look at some things I might want to do over the summer with the kids. And in this newsletter, was some info on a new series called "All Things Girl." It's for Tweens and Teens, and my daughter isn't quite there yet, but I thought about ordering one of the books to see if I could tone it down to her level.
Click here to take a gander. There's lots of other neat stuff there. I was personally going to check out the drawing stuff. We like to draw around here and it looks like this will keep us busy!!
Click here to take a gander. There's lots of other neat stuff there. I was personally going to check out the drawing stuff. We like to draw around here and it looks like this will keep us busy!!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Honoring the Holy Throne
God is king over all the earth;
sing hymns of praise.
God rules over the nations;
God sits upon His holy throne. Psalm 47:8-9
I suppose this passage is pretty self-explanatory. I feel it is an important one to talk about right now, and have had a hard time figuring out what to say without getting into politics too much. I think it is crucial that we hold strong to our King, our one true King.
The media has taken a man, your everyday American, and made him to be our messiah, and now he is our president. Barack Obama is our newly inaugurated president and his policies that he professed to implement once he is president, do not quite match up with God's.
I think we get confused sometimes as to who to we should look to to be "saved." We are going through harsh economic times, yes. We are in the middle of a major war with another country, yes. But should we put those things ahead of the importance on human life? Would that be God's rule in God's Kingdom?
Lord, help me put your Will first. Everything else will follow.
sing hymns of praise.
God rules over the nations;
God sits upon His holy throne. Psalm 47:8-9
I suppose this passage is pretty self-explanatory. I feel it is an important one to talk about right now, and have had a hard time figuring out what to say without getting into politics too much. I think it is crucial that we hold strong to our King, our one true King.
The media has taken a man, your everyday American, and made him to be our messiah, and now he is our president. Barack Obama is our newly inaugurated president and his policies that he professed to implement once he is president, do not quite match up with God's.
I think we get confused sometimes as to who to we should look to to be "saved." We are going through harsh economic times, yes. We are in the middle of a major war with another country, yes. But should we put those things ahead of the importance on human life? Would that be God's rule in God's Kingdom?
Lord, help me put your Will first. Everything else will follow.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Silent No More
This week was the March for Life. This week, the pro-life movement is fighting hard for the dignity of women and our right to choose. We have the right to choose abstinence. We have the right to choose to say no to sex. We have the right to choose to date a guy for a while before we marry him. We have a right to choose our life path.
We have these rights. And we should have these rights without criticism from society. I found this great video from Silent No More Awareness. It is a campaign to bring women out of the dark about abortion and let them know that others feel their pain. It's also to raise awareness for those who may be facing an abortion.
These women you will see here in this video were not told about the negative effects this abortion may have on them. These women were told that abortion would fix their problems. And now they are here to tell us differently:
We have these rights. And we should have these rights without criticism from society. I found this great video from Silent No More Awareness. It is a campaign to bring women out of the dark about abortion and let them know that others feel their pain. It's also to raise awareness for those who may be facing an abortion.
These women you will see here in this video were not told about the negative effects this abortion may have on them. These women were told that abortion would fix their problems. And now they are here to tell us differently:
My Interview
Well, I've met some really wonderful people through blogging and the Internet. It's had its ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh the downs.
Anyway, a fellow blogger, Tracy, did this neat thing by giving out 5 questions to post on our blog that we could answer. These are the questions she gave me, and my answers.
1. Who is your hero and why? OK, this was a real tough one for me. I don't really have a hero per se. But I do look up to quite a few people. My husband comes first. While I don't always like what he has to say, somehow he ends up being right. Not ALL the time, but most of the time. And even though my parents are divorced and they may have made mistakes, I also look up to them. Because they may have been through the mill with each other, they still raised my brothers and I with love, respect, and support, and we turned out pretty darn good. And I know that I can learn from that.
2. Do you have a favorite day of the week? If yes, which is it and why. My favorite day I would say is Sunday. It's very relaxing. We have a tradition of eating a nice, fatty breakfast at the in-law's and then stay and play for a while with the kids. Then we get home and kind of chill. I like that.
3. When did you first discover blogging and what encouraged you to start your own? I discovered it a while ago, maybe a year or so. I never really got into it until I was exploding with God's love and finally understood most of it, and needed to share it with the world! I have met some really wonderful people!
4. Tell us about your favorite childhood memory. Another tough one Miss Tracy! I think my favorite childhood memory would be when my dad sang "Goodnight Sweetheart" to me before I went to sleep at night. I do that sometimes with my own daughter now....
5. What is your most liked thing about being a Catholic? I think my most favorite thing, and I never thought I would have said this, but I love going to Mass. I didn't used to like going to Church, but I actually look forward to it now during the week. I feel drawn to the Church. And I really think it has a lot to do with the priest. He teaches in his homilies and I learn a lot from him.
Thank you for those questions Tracy! This was a lot of fun.
If anyone here has a blog and would like me to send you 5 questions to post the answers to on your blog, send me an email and let me know!
Anyway, a fellow blogger, Tracy, did this neat thing by giving out 5 questions to post on our blog that we could answer. These are the questions she gave me, and my answers.
1. Who is your hero and why? OK, this was a real tough one for me. I don't really have a hero per se. But I do look up to quite a few people. My husband comes first. While I don't always like what he has to say, somehow he ends up being right. Not ALL the time, but most of the time. And even though my parents are divorced and they may have made mistakes, I also look up to them. Because they may have been through the mill with each other, they still raised my brothers and I with love, respect, and support, and we turned out pretty darn good. And I know that I can learn from that.
2. Do you have a favorite day of the week? If yes, which is it and why. My favorite day I would say is Sunday. It's very relaxing. We have a tradition of eating a nice, fatty breakfast at the in-law's and then stay and play for a while with the kids. Then we get home and kind of chill. I like that.
3. When did you first discover blogging and what encouraged you to start your own? I discovered it a while ago, maybe a year or so. I never really got into it until I was exploding with God's love and finally understood most of it, and needed to share it with the world! I have met some really wonderful people!
4. Tell us about your favorite childhood memory. Another tough one Miss Tracy! I think my favorite childhood memory would be when my dad sang "Goodnight Sweetheart" to me before I went to sleep at night. I do that sometimes with my own daughter now....
5. What is your most liked thing about being a Catholic? I think my most favorite thing, and I never thought I would have said this, but I love going to Mass. I didn't used to like going to Church, but I actually look forward to it now during the week. I feel drawn to the Church. And I really think it has a lot to do with the priest. He teaches in his homilies and I learn a lot from him.
Thank you for those questions Tracy! This was a lot of fun.
If anyone here has a blog and would like me to send you 5 questions to post the answers to on your blog, send me an email and let me know!
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