Hush-a-bye now

I love when snow has been falling all day, and so, at night, every sound is muffled, muted. It's so peaceful out, even passing cars barely make a hush of a sound. And since all the snow reflects so much light, it's so bright out.

I went outside and shoveled and played in the snow (without my kids!). I felt like a kid myself. I wanted to go take a walk but couldn't, and so contented myself by standing with snow slowly falling on me. Then I just leaned back and made a snow angel. I literally laughed out loud, because it was deeper and fluffier than I thought. I'm lucky I didn't hit my head on a rock. I just laid there, quieting my heart and letting the flakes fall on my face, feeling the cold snow going down my neck and soaking into my jeans, almost reveling in that shocking cold. And then I giggled at myself and tried to get up, and the cat was staring at me! About scared me to death.

I just love snowfall at night, the snow sticking to every branch. Especially when there is no wind. It's just this stillness that is still possible in a city.
     Although, it has not been fun to drive in!

No Explanations, Please

'First of all, I'd like to make one thing quite clear. I never explain anything.' 
      So since I'm a mom, you will find a lot of references to kids' movies in my posts (even the evil Disney kind!). This quote is from Mary Poppins of course, but it reminded me of another part of Remember Jesus Christ (can you believe I'm only on page 21? Geez this book makes me think a lot.).

"Celsus, a pagan in the second century, in fact writes indignantly that Christians act like people who believe without reason. He is affronted that some of them do not wish to discuss the reasons for and against what they believe but keep repeating, 'Do not examine, but believe!'.....
     Celsus (who seems extraordinarily close to proponents of modern relativism here) essentially would like Christians to present their faith in a dialectical manner, thereby submitting it entirely to investigation and debate. Thus, Christian faith could re-enter the general framework - acceptable to philosophy as well - of humanity's effort to understand itself and the world, an effort that always remains provisional and open-ended....
     Rather, they [Christians] believed faith cannot spring from that debate but should precede it as a work of the Spirit and not of reason."

Destroy the Sin

In watching Harry Potter 7, the part of the movie dealing with the locket horcrux made me think of how the locket made Harry, Ron, and Hermione react in different ways. I had the thought pop into my head that sin affects each of us differently, even the 'same' sin, can make one person melancholy, another jealous, another person angry.

Then, when Ron was trying to destroy the horcrux, how Voldemort's soul spoke to him, trying to incite his jealousy so as to not destroy it (the locket). And how does the devil try to speak to us, to convince us not to destroy the sin in our lives: by telling us that we are so sinful we do not deserve mercy; incite our passions; make us despair; to ultimately turn us away from God, so we do not root out the evil/sin from our hearts, thereby leading us away from us from what should be our ultimate goal: heaven.

See? Even good can come out of Harry Potter!

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 30

Today we pray for the soul most like ourselves.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Ghost vs Spirit

Which do you prefer, Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit?

I do have to say that I prefer to say Holy Ghost over Holy Spirit. It's not that I think one is better than the other, just that I like the old school 'feel' of it. I can't quite explain it, just that it invokes a different set of images for me.

How about you?

Of great importance

I saw the funniest commercial today - for Presidential head Chia pets. That's not the funny part.

The voice over said something like: "The three greatest U.S. Presidents ever: Washington, Lincoln, and now Obama!" LOL! Are you kidding me? We're two years into his term, his approval rating is something like 39% and he's one of the greatest presidents evah?! Too funny.

The First Sunday of Advent

Phrases that struck me from the readings:

First reading: O house of Jacob, come/let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Second reading: It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
Gospel: Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.

The readings for today remind me of the reading from Night Pray for Tuesday (from the Hours): Stay sober and alert, for your opponent the devil is prowling like a lion, looking for someone to devour.
     I not only need to stay awake and alert for when Jesus comes, but also to repel my opponent from lulling me into this false sense of security, into this sense that the trappings of this world are what's important, instead of keeping my eyes on the ultimate goal of heaven.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 29

Today, we pray for the soul who was least prepared to die.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Letter-writing

It scares me how many Americans don't think it's a big deal with the new TSA rules. It boggles my mind.
     I've been trying for days to write a letter to my senators and congressmen about this issue. I'm not the best formal letter writer, especially when it comes to important issues. So, on top of other health issues, letter-writing just exacerbates it.

Then I think of the news showing polls of Europeans. I mean, I wonder if the polls for Europe are as skewed as the polls here. I mean, the polls here are still trying to say that the majority of Americans approve of President Obama.
      Those of you in Europe and elsewhere will have to tell me how people around you really feel about the full body scanners and/or the pat downs. On the news, so many of them quote Europeans as saying: "It's no big deal. I don't see what Americans are so upset about."
     I think it's a nation thing - how Americans vs. Europe or Americans vs. U.K. view rights and government overstepping their bounds. That's part of what I want to write in the letter - basically I just want to quote so many part of the CCC, because it says it so much better than me.

That's why I'm finding it hard to write these letters. I have a hard time saying what I want to say, when it really counts. And then when I go back to re-read what I've wrote, it sounds too gauche, too innocent, or too accusatory. Urgh.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 28

Today we pray for the soul least thankful for their Guardian Angel.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

You Know You're Catholic When....

Your top 5 blog posts of the week have to do with drinking, sex, and secrets.

Oh, lighten up, you with the frown.

Watch it Buddy

I've been trying lately to really watch what I eat. Now I haven't been perfect, but I'm getting better at setting incremental limits, like:

• making meal portions smaller
• no or small snacks after 8:30ish
• not going overboard with candy/desserts

I haven't really started exercising, but I'm just slowly trying to watch what I put in my mouth. I can't just go all 'Biggest Loser' all of a sudden because I know it won't stick.
Where I know it's going to be hard:

• sugar in my coffee - I'm cutting back but still, 1 spoonful adds up
• eating regularly - I tend to skip meals, which leads to overeating at other meals
• cooking healthier meals - I hate cooking anyway, and I am not a good one
• starting to exercise - I will not join another gym ever. Exercise outside right now is not an option, and with my husband's schedule it is hard to find a time to work out. But I am trying to be more active with my kids.

I'm hoping I can start slowly, and make things 'stick', so the weight doesn't.

Giving Thanks

I hope your Thanksgiving was one that was full of love and laughter. Ours was different than planned, but still good.

God is good. Alleluia!

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 27

Today for pray for the least penitent soul in Purgatory.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 26

Today we pray for those souls who have taken their own lives.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Drink Thursdays

Because we're not pagans, and we're not Puritans, we are Catholic, and we like to appreciate drinking. (Here's the introductory Drink Thursday.)


For this Drink Thursday, I have had to think long and hard about who I would invite to Thanksgiving Dinner, either celebrated by my large Catholic family who likes to have angry, bitter, 20-year-old fights; or my small, Protestant, secret alcoholic in-laws.
     So, that's the first decision I have to make before I decide whom I would invite to eat and drink with either family. Any person I pick is going to have to keep up with me.


I'm going to pick my family (in a hypothetical situation here because my family is so scattered we rarely get together) over my in-laws, well because since half my family is Catholic, alcohol is no big deal (versus the secret alcoholics in my in-laws).


Now that I've picked the family, I have to decide who the person is going to be. With my family, we don't mess around when it comes to our booze. We like good wine, cheap beer and good liquor.


I realize that my choice is going to controversial, because this person is *ahem* definitely not censored. But he is crazy and light-hearted and I think just what the holidays with my family needs:

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 25

Today we pray for the soul who has sinned most against their children.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Faces

I think that I must just have a face that says, 'Please, tell me your life story.'

It seems that no matter where I go, each person that I interact with wants to tell me a story that lasts for twenty minutes. Which is usually fine when I'm not in a hurry; but especially when I'm in a hurry, it seems to happen so much more.

Which is probably God's way of telling me something, right? And how often do I listen?


*crickets*


Right.

The Little People, etc.

Undercover Boss: I hate it and I love it, for the same reasons: bosses coming to see how the little people do their jobs, then reward them with lavish gifts and praise. It reminds me of The Lion King where Scar is deriding Mufasa, for 'descending from up on high to mingle with the commoners.'

Speaking of DWTS, to be honest, I don't vote on DWTS or any other reality show (except once for a group on America's Got Talent). I figure celebrities don't need any help. But I know there's been a controversy over Bristol Palin being in the finals. I don't deny she has greatly improved over the whole season, and she inspires those who might not have the courage to take up dancing.
      But, I think Kyle Massey did the best improving week to week. His dance last night was really great. I think he and Lacey should have won.

Dear Hollywood, Part Two:
      Stop ruining my childhood memories. GET ORIGINAL IDEAS!
      And stop making movies about strippers. It never turns out well. You can call it 'dancing' if it makes you feel better, but taking your clothes off to music is called stripping.

So the newest anti-meth ads end with 'And this is what I told her when she said she was going to try meth for the first time....' (silence). I'm really beginning to hate these anti-meth commercials. I'm sorry, but when did it become your friends' responsibility to stop you from doing stupid shit? So the fact you started a destructive habit is the fault of your friends? Ummm, sorry, no. Should a good friend say, "Hey idiot, don't do that because it's an idiotic thing to do." Sure, maybe, I don't know.
      'Am I my brother's keeper?' Yes.. Grr....I guess something in me rebels against that, 'It's not my fault, it's so-and-so's fault for not stopping me.' Then, at that point, every sin you commit is someone else's fault and never your own. Sin has a communal aspect to it, but I don't think that's what the Church exactly says.

The spark to catch the kindling aflame

Do you ever notice on how in one day's time, everything you read, relates to one another? From the Magnificat the other day: "A simple human connection can sometimes be the best sermon; a spark can ignite a great fire." (Elisabeth Laseur)

From the editorial of this month's Magnificat: "If there were such a thing as a loneliness which could no longer be penetrated and transformed by the word of another then we should have real, total loneliness and frightfulness, what theology calls 'hell'." (Pope Benedict XVI)

Then, from Remember Jesus Christ by Fr. Cantalamessa: "The proclamation 'Jesus is Lord!' does not, by itself, constitute the entirety of preaching, but it is nevertheless its soul, so to speak, the sun that illuminates it...To come to faith is the unexpected and wondrous opening of a person's eyes to this light." (this is a backing up a bit from the last time we talked about kērygma.)

Much ado about nothing?

Prince William and Kate Middleton have set a date for their wedding. Big whoop. I certainly hope that he has learned from his father's mistakes, and that their marriage may be a better, happier and hopefully a more private marriage.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 24

Today we pray for the soul who has sinned most against their spouse.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Learning as you go

Why did I not realize that the way to increase traffic to your blog is to email an influential Catholic blogger.

Thanks Mark. Though for calling me a guy, you get to buy the first round. I'll buy the second. Cheers.

Sexiness

What makes a man sexy? People supposedly tells us every year, the sexiest man alive. But I will tell you what I don't find sexy: a cheat, a philanderer, an adulterer, a deserter of children, a denigrater of others' beliefs, an elitist... the list goes on.

I reject their premise that those men are 'sexy'. Did God (and perhaps a doctor's knife) do a good job creating them? Yes, perhaps. I don't doubt that. But as so often is quoted to me: "Actions speak louder than words." Their actions are not actions of honorable men. And therefore, not sexy.

Besides, sexiness is subjective.

Hey, this guy looks familiar

I knew this image looked familiar. Last month's Magnificat magazine featured it on the cover. Here's what Pierre-Marie Dumont had to say about this piece of art, and Cimabue, the artist.

The whole of Cimabue's work reflects his training in the art of the icon. It is in this Byzantine spirit that, in Assisi, he paints the Virgin and Child enthroned and surrounded by celestial angels. Yet all of a sudden, in an isolated space to the right of this group, he breaks 'outside the frame' of his composition. Leaving iconic convention behind, Cimabue does something entirely new: he paints a realistic portrait of Saint Francis. In so doing, he signals the birth of Western painting.

What accounts for this sudden 'miracle'? The artist is no doubt inspired by the dovetailing of two recent events: first, in 1225, the promulgation in Rome of the rite of the elevation of the host and the chalice after the consecration; and, second, the death in 1226 of Saint Francis of Assisi. In Cimabue's portrait, the visible stigmata and the book of the Gospels he carefully cradles bear witness to Francis as the alter Christus celebrated by his disciples. Now, it is through Christ's incarnation that we receive the grace of his divinity, and through his physical, very humble reality as a man that Jesus communicates the glory of his holiness to us. Thus, in representing Francis as he really is in the flesh, Cimabue suddenly intuits how best to capture the dramatic truth of Francis' sanctity - his configuration to Christ, the Word incarnate. 

It remains only for Cimabue's student, Giotto, to develop a narrative form of figurative painting. This he accomplishes three years later in his frescoes for the Upper Basilica of Assisi: the story of the life of Saint Francis unfolds there in a succession of scenes, the prototype of the multi-paneled altarpieces which soon serve as the backdrop for the elevation of the body and blood of Christ. 

Beautiful!

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 23

Today we pray for the soul for whom I am bound to pray.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

By Popular Demand

One thing I can't stand about how American culture (could be in other cultures too) is how they treat Catholic saints, like Bl. Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II. Most of them dumb down and generalize that saint was 'just a good person'. Or they declare the saint/blessed was a Nazi, or made up.

No, I don't think that the Church goes around just canonizing (officially recognizing that person is in heaven) any ole person who was generally considered 'good' in their lifetime.

And most of the time, there's this "Well, she/he was a saintly person in spite of being Catholic." Uh, don't think so.

Through the graces received from the Sacraments, and being a disciple of Christ, the saints are much more than 'good' people. It all comes back to that nucleus of faith, that original spark of faith that changed their life forever, sustained by the graces received through the Church and through the Sacraments. Through perseverance, they maintained that life of faith in Christ - not in some generalized 'goodness', but because of God made man, being crucified for our sins, and being resurrected.

That, and being part of the communion of Christ's body, the Church, they are interceding for us long after their earthly body has passed away. They are not saints in spite of the Church, but because of it.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 22

Today we pray for the soul who has been in Purgatory the shortest.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal Rest...

You Cut Me Deep, Man

I was watching Charlie Rose on PBS the other night. He had on the two economists that are part of the economic panel that President Obama set up. All this talk of cuts (that they came up and others are bitching about) with 'You can't cut this, you can't cut that, it too much, blah, blah, blah. Well, ya, we want you to cut out earmarks, but not our earmarks (they're good) - another state's earmarks (they're bad)!"

Personally, I think it goes back to community. Communities are so used to saying, 'Well, let's ask the guv'mint to fix it.' Instead of truly being a community and saying, 'We will fix it.' Communities have abdicated their power, either willingly or unwillingly because they are afraid of lawyers bringing suit.
     An aside: I can think of a case locally where a guy was tired of potholes in his street and after asking the city to fix them over and over, he went and fixed them himself. And was promptly sued by the city.

Whatever happened to see a need, fill a need?
Are cuts going to hurt? Yes. But are they necessary if we want this country to succeed? Yes.

(I will end by saying that I am no economist and if what I'm saying is full of bullshit, so be it.)

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 21

Today we pray for the soul most abandoned.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Offending God

'My God, I dare not offend any earthly superior; I am afraid - for I know I shall get into trouble - yet I dare offend Thee.' -Blessed John Newman

How true those words are for me. I fear those who might slander me, or socially ostracize me, or financially punish me; and so I say nothing when another offends God, or blasphemes, or distorts what Jesus says through the Church. I say nothing because I am afraid of 'getting into trouble.'

I think we are raised to fear getting into trouble, raised to not question our 'betters', raised to be followers, to be sheep. And it is so ingrained into our culture, that when you see someone step out of line, you are so taken aback, you label them crazy or stupid or any other labels. Because it is shocking.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 20

Today we pray for the souls who have turned away from their Catholic faith.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Secrecy

I have a secret.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 19

Today we pray for the soul who sinned most because of the misuse of power and influence.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Drink Thursday

Because we're not pagans, and we're not Puritans, we are Catholic, and we like to appreciate drinking. (Here's the introductory Drink Thursday.)

Today's guest is a fellow whose writing I like to read, someone who changed my mind about torture, and someone who you can hear laughing during some of his articles.

Unplugged

I think I'm getting old. I see that board game makers are coming out with electronic versions (Monopoly, Scrabble, et al); I think to myself, "I want to unplug from the world when I play a board game or do a puzzle - I don't want to be constantly connected."

I love just sitting down with friends (and sometimes a bottle of booze) and playing a board game. Yes, I am a sore loser. I play a competitive game and I hate losing. But there is something to just sitting around playing board games with the tv off, stereo off, cell phones put away; and just having fun conversation. While I'm hopefully kicking some ass.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 18

Today we pray for the soul who sinned most because of the misuse of modern media.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

A Challenge

Thinking more about this, St. Francis' legend is that he created the first creche, which I've already talked about wanting to be more reflective in Advent this year, and in some small way, fight against the commercialization of Our Savior's birth.

So, in a way, I think having St. Francis as my patron for the coming year is both a blessing and a challenge.

I think the tough part will be discerning how God is calling me to be part of rebuilding the Church - if that might be part of this, or not. I, in a big way, (yes, I'm a chicken) don't want the persecution that would come (from within and without the Church) from just simply asking questions that I know people in this diocese don't want asked, and don't want to answer. I don't think I'm ready for, as Sunday's Gospel says, to be persecuted by parents, family, and friends.

Perhaps that will be part of my challenge, to stand and fight for the Church.

Revenge is Looming

So I bought (and read) the latest collection of short stories by Stephen King, called "Full Dark, No Stars." It's four short stories exploring that dark side of people, that side that exists in each person.

I honestly don't know that I have a favorite of the four stories. As King himself says in the 'Afterword': "The stories in this book are harsh." But he never really explains why he wrote such harsh stories: "It's none of your business, chummy." And I suppose it's not. I don't know if I'd want to know the compulsion that a person might have to write such stories.

In a way, you could say that each story revolves around revenge, how a person deals with it, or how they are dealt it.
(Warning, possible spoilers ahead!)

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 17

Today we pray for the souls who have sinned most against humanity through genocide, abortion, infanticide and euthanasia.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Thank You?

Umm, so I have 10 followers now, I just noticed. Thank you? I guess I'm flabbergasted that people like some of what I have written. So, thanks. God bless.

Keeping the Peace

I did not lose my peace at Mass on Sunday. I was so happy about that. In confession this past week, the priest basically said to pray through my frustration, my anger at things that are so blatantly wrong during the liturgy.

It was a struggle, I will admit, but I just kept offering up that frustration for the priests' conversion and for the liturgy to improve.

BUT, I realize that I can no longer just pray for change. I need to ask the hard questions, ask why we aren't doing things we should be doing. That is going to be really hard for me, because in real life, I am a peacemaker - I don't like conflict. I don't like upsetting those I care about. But, if I don't, and I'm supposed to - what if I'm the catalyst for someone else's courage?

Ha ha, but this also means I need to educate myself. What do the documents of Vatican II actually say? More importantly, what do they not say? LOL. I'm tired of this 'in the spirit of Vatican II' bullshit. LOL, just say that you wanna do what you want, and could give a rip for what the Church says. Be honest that you want to remake the Church in your own image. Quit tearing the Church down at every turn, calling her a liar and a cheat, and a distortion.

Yes, has the Church's bishops, cardinals, and priests done awful and continue to do awful things? Damn straight. But the holy, Catholic Church survives in spite of all us sinners.

THANK GOD!

So, as you may have noticed

St. Francis of Assisi is my patron for the coming Church year. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about that. The friend who picked for me and my family says, 'Well, you know, God asked St. Francis to rebuild his Church.' Ummm, ha ha, God, but I'm not laughing. I know my diocese has a lot of problems, but I'm not sure that I'm the person to help with that.
      Another friend remarked, 'You know he also had the stigmata.' Umm, once again, not funny God. I definitely am not holy enough for that. I did remark that as long as I didn't have to renounce all worldly good whilst stripping naked, I'd probably be alright.
     I think he will be a good patron for me, especially as I will be going through some upheaval in my life soon, and hopefully will help me embrace more of a spirit of poverty, and not be so attached to things of the world, and instead store my treasures up in heaven.

As long as I'm not naked.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 16

Today we pray for the souls of priests and other religious men and women.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Open Tabs: Pissed Off Edition

The thing all of these links will have in common? All make me shake my head, and say, "WTF?"

Sorry, kids, you're on your own!

Catholic nuns are terrorists.

More on the TSA, here, and here, and here, and here. Unfortunately, a friend's daughter was accosted by airport security, in full view of two male TSA agents, while she was basically felt up by this woman. Disgusting. But we're just supposed to take it because those elites know better. Take the poll from Reuters.  I don't fly anymore, but that decision was made before the new rules. The new rules just re-inforce that decision. Here's another link: Abolish the TSA.

Bishop Kicanas is just mis-understood. *Snort*

And just for all that, here's a mind-cleanser:

Joy of Painting

Bob Ross, Joy of Painting

Bob Ross is awesome. I mean, I could never do what he's doing, because although I love what he does, I have no talent in that regard. I used to think he was such a goober, but after learning more about him and about his charity (proceeds from supplies are donated to something, I can't remember what), my mind was changed.

I caught one of his shows, and it must have been shortly after his wife's death. At the end of the show, he just said a simple and heartfelt thank you to fans that had sent in sympathy notes. That was so classy, such a kindly thing to do.

Plus, he signs off with 'God bless' and he rocks the fro.

Tis the Season

This year I'm really going to try to do a proper Advent - no Christmas stuff in or on the house until Christmas Eve. I just really want to focus on Advent as a family this year. I'm going to be cleaning off the entertainment center and place the candles there, and hopefully a Nativity set and perhaps we will get a Jesse tree or an Advent calendar for the kids. Now the hard part will be convincing my husband.

I just want, in my own small way, to push back against the commercialism of such a sacred season - and for me that means not engaging in that rush to buy gifts (that are meaningless for the most part), the rush to prove something to the world. I want to prepare myself and my family in a a Catholic way for Christ's birth.

But since my husband was raised pretty secularly, it has been a struggle to get him to see how important it is. In my family growing up, it was never about the gifts or buying things or even putting up lights. It was about family traditions, spending time with family and friends, going to Mass, and sharing in each other's joy. Were there times when I was disappointed because of a gift or lack of a gift? Yes, I'm sure. But as I've grown older, I've realized that what my parents gave me, long term, was the best gift. Knowing what's important in life, and where you fit into the 'grand scheme' of things (hint: it's not at the top!) is one of the best lessons I've ever learned.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 15

Today we pray for the soul most devoted to (insert your patron saint here).

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...

Eternal rest...

Sex and Booze and Guns

Sounds like fun, doesn't it. Well, not the way Nightline sees it.

"They're our daughters, not some corporations' meal tickets or the next big demographic."
      There's that dichotomy again, courtesy of Nightline. Just a few weeks ago, they had a story on a new, 'kinder, softer' porn magazine. Now, they do a story on what they call corporate pedophilia - sexy wear for younger and younger children, promoted by 'used-to-be good girls' (Miley Cyrus, et al.) turned naughty.
      For some reason, the media can't see or is unwilling to see that disconnect that is right in front of their eyes. Why is it wrong, or bad, for 12 year-old girls to wear skimpy clothing if a few years later you are encouraging them to take it all of anyway? Because on one hand they are too young to 'know better' and on the other hand, they're legal so it doesn't matter whether they know the consequences or not?

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 14

Today we pray for the soul undergoing the most suffering.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...

Eternal rest...

Redefining Family

Have you noticed the insidious way that our worldly society is trying to define family/parents?

I was flipping channels at home the other day and attempting to find something to watch when I stopped on what I thought was going to be "Let's Make a Deal" (a zany show if ever there was one), but instead was The Bitchfest, which I've talked about before.

The promos before the show started was about Katherine Hiegl on the cover of "W" magazine with her adopted daughter; another 'non-traditional' family piece; and LL Cool J talking about being raised by a single made that made him the man he is today.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 13

Today we pray for the soul who is in most urgent need of our prayers.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...

Eternal rest...

Smoke 'Em if You've Got 'Em

So there's a new controversy because the FDA is going to be requiring tobacco manufacturers to put even bigger warning labels on cigarette packs. Warning labels that are graphic. Like this:

There are others like: a skinny bald cancer patient in a hospital bed, a stitched up man in a morgue, etc. So some people are saying that it's too much, it's too graphic, etc,; while proponents are arguing that ads like these are 'very effective' overseas, in cutting the rates of smoking.

I guess I don't understand such animosity toward the smoking industry, and yet there is not the same animosity toward the abortion industry. Both promote something that harms your body (and others' around or in you), and yet only with one industry is there this scorn (society wide), there is this derision that someone would actively engage in such a behavior or promote it.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 12

Today we pray for the souls of teenagers who yielded to the immorality of modern society.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Put on the armor of God

In this month's Magnificat magazine, there is the painting entitled "Saint Martin and the Beggar" by El Greco, but that is actually not what I'd like to discuss. What  I'd like to talk about is part of their in-depth explanation of the painting.

From www.lib-art.com

Drink Thursdays

So, I'm going to start a new series here at 'the hell with it'. It's called "Drink Thursdays", in which I talk about a person that I'd like to sit down and have a drink with, and why. And because I'm Catholic, darnit, and we're not Puritans.

The inaugural post is a little contradictory, because our first guest is a recovering alcoholic, and therefore can't drink. He is funny, he is newly American, he's silly, and not the least pretentious (or so I hope). He also has an accent, and is darn sexy to boot. Find out who it is after the jump.

See what happens???

There will be a lot of new posts going up, on automatic. I've had way too much time to sit and think lately since I've been sick, so I hope I don't overload every one on heavy thoughts. I'm going to try to parcel them out. I'm also hoping they make sense.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 11

Today we pray for the soul most discouraged in earthly life.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Freedom

I love going to confession. And I hate it. lol. I hate and dread going to confession. I hate admission of wrong-doing. I hate owning up to the fact that my sins have hurt others, have hurt myself, and most importantly, hurt God.

But I love knowing that I am forgiven, that I have made reparation, that I have received strength through God's grace to get up and try again to lead a life of holiness.

All the Gossip

I was flipping channels the other night, trying to find something to watch because my stupid antennae decided not to watch Dancing With the Stars, and came across "Gossip Girl". Do people willingly watch that drivel? Honestly, the acting was so horrid. It's like the girls were cast for their T&A, or to look pleadingly into the camera; and the guys were cast to either look brooding and serious or waifish emo. Blech.

I finally got to watch Chase, but only because I couldn't get Castle to show up. It's fine, but it's definitely drama and not dramedy like Castle.

And there was this commercial for a new movie, "Skyline". Why do they keep making movies about aliens invading and inhabiting the earth? It's more likely that the guv'mint is going to slowly squash more and more of our rights until we are living in a police state. Oh wait. That might hit a little too close to home, hmmm?

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 10

Today we pray for the soul who was most indifferent to the needs of others.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 9

Today we pray for the soul who was least responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Off-kilter

Sorry I've been so quiet. (My 'holy souls' posts are set up for automatic posting.) I've been dealing with some health issues. I am still hoping to go to confession today or tomorrow. Please pray for me, that I might be able to.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 8

Today we pray for the soul who has been in Purgatory the longest.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Community

We just bought Toy Story 3 and watched it. Never saw it in the theaters, so I was excited to see it.

Wow! First off, I did not expect to be so emotional during this movie. That was definitely unexpected. I thought the humor was great (some parts were a little too much) - but obviously not something my kids are going to pick up on.

Warning: spoilers ahead.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day Seven

Today we pray for the soul who most offended God through sins of the flesh.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal Rest...

Because they're so smurt!!!

Why would you take any kind of advice from celebrities? Especially dieting advice? Have they proven themselves worthy of such trust, such faith, in their advice? Are they educated on dietary needs? Obviously many of them have decided that looks, fame and wealth are more important than their health; so should we really be taking advice from them on anything? They are jesters, people!! Entertainers.

Patricia Clarkson was on the Morning Mix-Up Friday morning with Georgie-Porgie and Deborah Norville. Now, I like Deborah Norville, I think she was a fair, and classy lady on this round-table discussion.  Patricia, on the other hand, was an idiot. She just parroted the Hollywood liberal line. On Sarah Palin (paraphrasing): "I want my President to be the smartest person in the room, and she can never be that." The Republicans "have voted no to everything the President has been trying to do for the past two years." Never mind the fact that the Won said (basically): "I won. So you can suck it." "John Boehner needs to spend less time in the tanning salon", and they (the Republicans) will have to compromise. Why can't the Democrats learn how to compromise?

Seriously, talk about jesters. Lady, you are paid to entertain. All the Hollywood people are. And most of them do that job poorly. Why would we trust your opinion on anything else if you can't even do the one job well that you are paid to do?

Public vs. Private

Public confessions vs. private confessions....

I think that people go on talk shows to validate their behavior. Because as wrong as their behavior may be, there will be a sympathetic ear listening (even if that ear pretends to be disgusted). I mean, look at Jerry Springer, or even Oprah.

And yet, Catholics are the weird ones for going to a priest for confession? (We've talked about this before.) Is it because we don't have millions of people listening? Is it because we (hopefully) will get called to account for our behaviors, and *gasp* have to do penance? Heaven forbid that you say you are sorry and admit wrong-doing.

Of course, I know how hard it is to do that - hell, the hardest step to take is towards the confessional, to admit where and when and how you've sinned. But the graces, oh the graces that you receive! To know that you are forgiven! To be able to receive our Lord in the Eucharist again!! Sigh. It's just amazing. What makes it more amazing is the fact that I may not be able to 'feel' forgiven, but I know it to be true, because the Church says it is true.

Can you tell I'm getting ready to go to confession hopefully soon? lol

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 6

Today we pray for the soul who sinned most because of oaths, curses, and taking Our Lord's name in vain.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest....

Starry, Starry Night

I love twilight.

No, not the movies, but that magical time at night after the sun has set and when the cloak of darkness has mostly covered the sky. There's just something about looking at the sky with a little bit of light, but for the most part, everything is in shadow. There's something mysterious about how the world looks, like anything fantastical could happen at any moment.

And then to see the stars start to come out, it just makes me love living where I do; where the sky is so clear and the stars so bright. Especially in fall, because the air is so crisp - not freezing like it is during winter, but just enough chill to make you know that winter is coming. Then the smell of wood-burning stoves that makes you want to just take a walk to listen to the rustling of the leaves, to feel the wind blowing your hair away from  your face, to see the twinkling of the lights and the occasional overhead light of a street-lamp.

Sigh. I love fall.

Ineptitude

Redneck Reflections: WARNING! This post contains frank and condemnarty language, and an indictment of the performance of priests in the Archdiocese of Louisville--live with it.

Experiences like this make me want to go bat-shit crazy on the hierarchy of the Church. I mean, come on.... "oops, sorry, I have an appointment, so I can't go anoint someone who is dying!" Bullshit. In the grand scheme of things, meetings don't mean jack. Neither does eating or sleeping. You were ordained to help people on the way to salvation through the Sacraments.

All those priests called, and the diocese and finally someone was sent out? You've got to be kidding me! When will Church hierarchy realize that it is ultimately the Sacraments that matter - not fundraising, not giving an ear especially to those who are powerful and/or wealthy.

Just look at that smile

I think one reason I really enjoy the Mentalist is because Simon Baker (who plays Patrick Jane on the show) reminds me a little of Ferris Bueller. It's this certain irreverence about life, a certain "I'm gonna poke at people who annoy me but in a fun way" quality. But at the same time, there is a wounded-ness.
     BTW, did you know there are some people out there that posit the argument that Ferris Bueller was a total figment of Cameron's imagination? (Called the "Fight Club Theory") Weird.

Plus, God did a good job when creating Simon Baker.

To add:

Ferris Club - watch more funny videos

Gonna Get Schooled

One show I do love is School Pride, where they renovated dilapidated schools, and talk to governors and legislators about why schools are so bad. The only thing is that I feel they are stepping around the big elephant in the room: teachers unions, or other unions. I'm thinking of a school they renovated in California and they interviewed Ahnold. Perhaps in the raw, unedited video he talked about unions, because in the finished interview, he seemed to allude to the problems they cause.
    Another thing I like is the community involvement - which is why I think a lot of private school do really well at involving the local community and the parents.

Unfortunately, this show also drives home to me that too many systems are broke and we need a 'rethink' of how educating our children is done in this day and age.

Silliness....

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 5

Today we pray for the soul who sinned most because of malicious gossip, slander.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Gotcha!

I can't stand that show "What Would You Do?". It's too 'gotcha' for me. What if there are legitimate reasons not to get involved? It's exploitative without someone's consent. It reminds me of that show "To Catch a Predator". It just has this creepy vibe to it and why I can't stand to watch that show. And to be paranoid about it (haha), in a way, could be used against Christians. Hear me out!! What if they staged a scene about a gay marriage in a sacred spot? Or about abortions? And if you disagree, then you are publicly named and shamed by the new moral authority. I dunno - there's already show on that I think, "they only need a little tweak and this is straight out of 'Running Man'." Or shows that re-inforce the image of benefactoring (I know it's not a word!) by a corporate entity, like we are going to take pity on you poor folk. LOL! If we reward you by playing a silly game, then other 'po' folks won't be so upset by the economy or the guv'mint intruding more and more onto your life.
     You're not paranoid if they really are out to get you, right?

Patron Saints 2011 Edition

I know some other bloggers that do this, but I did this last year for family and friends, and I'm going to be continuing that tradition again this year. (Completely stolen from the interwebz by the way, so I do not claim this as my own invention.)

Time for new patron saints in anticipation for the Church's 'new year' (first Sunday of Advent which is November 28). Please let me know if you would like a patron saint for yourself and/or someone else. Forward onto anyone you think would be interested.

The saints in the mix this year are: the "standards"; patrons of: vocations, defenders of the faith, martyrs, families, marriages, children/babies/pregnancies, and the poor. What I will then do is pray for the person who has asked for a patron saint, through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, then pick a saint's name out of a bowl. 

If you would like a saint, post in the combox. Please tell me a little of yourself (if I don't already know you): student? discerning? oldest/youngest sibling? Any worries about the coming year? etc....

God bless

Fancy Pants McBotox

Nancy Pelosi - you make me sick.

And not just because this is a real actual photo of you.

She's proud of the healthcare bill because it's 'for our children and their futures.' Really? How about all those aborted babies, Fancy Nancy? How about their futures? But they don't count, right? Because they can't vote?

And how delusional is it to say that voters weren't rejecting the course that the Dems were on, they were unhappy that it wasn't fast enough to produce jobs! Oh give me a break. Open your botoxed eyes, Nancy - voters, by & large, are pissed off!


You pushed through legislation without involving the American public, then act all surprised when people don't 'appreciate' your largesse. 'But...but...but...I know what's good for you, you great unwashed, uneducated people that keep having babies!!'

I am glad she will not be speaker of the House anymore. Obviously.

Christian leadership

So, I was asked to answer some questions about Christian leadership, for a college student for a presentation. I'm going to post the questions and my answers, and I would love to know your thoughts about what I said; if you would have answered differently or if you would have added something, let me know in the combox. Questions in black, answers in orange.

1. What defines a Christian leader to you?
A Christian leader is in my mind, first and foremost, someone who is driven by a hope; as 1 Peter 3:15 says: "Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you." Someone who knows what they believe and why, and can present that in an attractive, clear and forthright way; someone that isn't afraid of stepping up and presenting Catholic teaching when it is needed. Also, someone who is willing and able to admit when they are wrong.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day Four

Today we pray for the soul who sinned most because of pride, vanity.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hey morons, Stop. Ruining. Dr Seuss. For the World.

Boob Tube

This picture makes me laugh so freaking hard.
From www.aceshowbiz.com

I watched Dancing With The Stars the other night. Usually, I'm like "whatever" after the dancing part is over (because as much as I love love love Tom Bergeron, him and that chick are absolutely shitty about hosting), but after Rick Fox's dance, it looked like he kept trying to feel up his dance partner (Cheryl?).  !!! Hello, you are on national LIVE t.v. - have a modicum of respect! If you want to see it, click here and go to  9:22. Honestly, it looks like she's way uncomfortable with it too. (The dance starts around 5:40.)

Then, there was a movie trailer for "Love & Other Fluffy Shit" and showed a kissing scene with tongue (!!!) as part of the trailer. Umm, yeah, that does not make me think "Oh hawt! I must see this movie now!!".

I love "Castle". There's just something about that guy that makes me laugh. He's very endearing. But I also like the show "Chase". I hate when there are two equally good shows on that I like in the same time slot. Unfortunately for "Chase", I've been watching "Castle". He's just too cute.

The ad for the CMA awards show - since when is Sheryl Crow country? Is it because she stinks so much at pop and keeps failing at it that now she's moving on to country? All those people are not what I would call country. They are pop with country flavor, but not really country.

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 3

Today we pray for the soul in purgatory who was most abusive to their fellow man.

Our Father....
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 1 & 2

Charlotte has a good idea for praying for the souls in purgatory. Since I missed day one, we'll do day one and day two together. 


Today we pray for the soul whose liberation from Purgatory would give Mary the most honor, and for the soul whose liberation from Purgatory would give God the most glory.


Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Eternal rest...

Pray for Us...

Dear Heavenly Father, you know who I commend to you now. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Litany for Souls in Purgatory:
Almighty God, Father of goodness and love, have mercy on the poor suffering souls, and grant Thine aid:
To my dear parents and ancestors;
Jesus, Mary, Joseph! My Jesus, mercy.
To my brothers and sisters and other near relatives;
Jesus, Mary, Joseph! My Jesus, mercy.
To my benefactors, spiritual and temporal; etc.
To my former friends and subjects;
To all for whom love or duty bids me pray;
To those who have suffered disadvantage or harm through me;
To those who have offended me;
To all those who are especially beloved by Thee;
To those whose release is at hand;
To those who desire most to be united with Thee;
To those who endure the greatest suffering;
To those whose release is most remote;
To those who are least remembered;
To those who are most deserving on account of their services to the Church;
To the rich, who now are the most destitute;
To the mighty, who now are as lowly servants;
To the blind, who now see their folly;
To the frivolous, who spent their time in idleness;
To the poor, who did not seek the treasures of Heaven;
To the tepid, who devoted little time to prayer;
To the indolent(lazy), who were negligent in performing good works;
To those of little faith, who neglected the frequent reception of the Sacraments;
To the habitual sinners, who owe their salvation to a miracle of grace;
To parents who failed to watch over their children;
To superiors who were not solicitous for the salvation of those entrusted to them;
To the souls of those who strove for hardly anything but riches and pleasures;
To the worldly-minded, who failed to use their wealth and talents in the service of God;
To those who witnessed the death of others, but would not think of their own;
To those who did not provide for the great journey beyond, and the days of tribulation;
To those whose judgment is so severe because of the great things entrusted to them;
To the popes, rulers, kings and princes;
To the bishops and their counselors;
To my teachers and spiritual advisors;
To the deceased priests of this diocese;
To all the priests and religious of the whole Catholic Church;
To the defenders of the Holy Faith;
To those who died on the battlefield;
To those who are buried in the sea;
To those who died of stroke or heart attack;
To those who died without the last rites of the Church;
To those who shall die within the next twenty-four hours;
To my own poor soul when I shall have to appear before Thy judgment seat;

V. O Lord, grant eternal rest to all the souls of the faithful departed,
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.

To The Cloud

That Windows Cloud commercials where they show the mom swapping out people's heads to get the best picture seems really creepy and ripe for abuse. Ewww....imagine the possibilities.

The Mirror is my Enemy

I'm going out on a limb today, people.

I hate mirrors. I can't stand to see myself in them. It makes me sick to look at myself. Sometimes I am so nauseated by what I see, that even the thought of food makes me physically ill.

I was reading this article today, about a woman having a hard time with how her body changed after her pregnancy. Yeah, well, try having more than just one kid, lady, and see how your body fails to bounce back.

I think part of the reason I am still bitter about my body is that I am supposed to still be pregnant. I am supposed to still be growing and changing to accommodate my baby.

Children and Abortion

Aggie Catholics has a post up about children against abortion, but it brings up to me that I don't know how to talk to my kids about abortion, or praying in front of a Planned 'Parent'hood. What do I say? When is the appropriate age to talk about abortion? What have you said to your kids?

Open Tabs

I'm a Catholic who does positively peasantlike things, according to Scalia. Ha ha, that's just awesome.

The Pope's Prayer Intentions for November.

I found the Great Pumpkin! LOL, I know this is snarky, but whomever thinks she has great fashion sense has got a huge blindspot.

No costumes at any Masses I went to this weekend, but unfortunately, Terry wasn't so lucky. Stuff like this makes me want to weep. A discussion from dinner on Friday: Would you rather go to a clown Mass or a Halloween Mass?

Some cute kids. And another.

51 Killed in Catholic Church in Iraq. Persecution is not so far away, my friends.

An organization that promotes (and performs) abortions might be unethical in other areas?? You don't say!

Become holy.

Or become David Caruso.

So, so, classy. Especially 3, 5, 9, 14, 18, 19, 21, 26, 41, 44, 75, and 93.

Modern women choosing to convert to Islam.