Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Why I hate Church holidays
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As Christmas approaches, and the multitude of "holiday only" Christians mindfully prepare themselves for church or Mass (by preparing, I sadly mean a new dress, or trip to the barber), I am more saddened by the folly now than when I was an Evangelical (although, even as an atheist I was bothered by the insincerity of it) .
Sure, Protestant and Catholic churches will all have less than pious attendees on the 25th, but sadly only those cradle Catholics going to Mass on Christmas are likely, and possibly unknowingly, endangering their own eternal soul.
As Christmas approaches, and the multitude of "holiday only" Christians mindfully prepare themselves for church or Mass (by preparing, I sadly mean a new dress, or trip to the barber), I am more saddened by the folly now than when I was an Evangelical (although, even as an atheist I was bothered by the insincerity of it) .
Sure, Protestant and Catholic churches will all have less than pious attendees on the 25th, but sadly only those cradle Catholics going to Mass on Christmas are likely, and possibly unknowingly, endangering their own eternal soul.
"For anyone who eats and drinks
without recognizing the body of the Lord
eats and drinks judgment on himself.
That is why many among you are weak and sick,
and a number of you have fallen asleep."
1 Corinthians 11:29-30
without recognizing the body of the Lord
eats and drinks judgment on himself.
That is why many among you are weak and sick,
and a number of you have fallen asleep."
1 Corinthians 11:29-30
This Christmas, like most Sundays, we at Mass will witness a mass sin as many of our brothers and sisters walk down that aisle towards not grace but judgement. Granted, full knowledge is a factor too, but can we play with canonical loopholes when our brethren may be harming themselves?
My wish is that anyone reading this would at least talk in love and truth, to one non-practicing Catholic in the hopes of helping them see the grave nature of what they are about to do. Maybe you have to talk to a sibling or other family member?
Most churches have penance services this week, so maybe invite your friend, and take'em to dinner afterward.
God bless us everyone!
D'art
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My wish is that anyone reading this would at least talk in love and truth, to one non-practicing Catholic in the hopes of helping them see the grave nature of what they are about to do. Maybe you have to talk to a sibling or other family member?
Most churches have penance services this week, so maybe invite your friend, and take'em to dinner afterward.
God bless us everyone!
D'art
.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Perpetual Change Leads to Rest . . .I hope
A good friend recently called me out, so to speak, on my blog silence, so I will give a few words now on what my blog plans are for the upcoming new year.
Last Summer, after an already difficult year, I was misdiagnosed with a less than pleasant condition, the same which took my father only a few months earlier. While they still don't know exactly what is happening to my body, they have, for the time, ruled out the original diagnosis.
Anyhow, it was the straw the broke the camels back of my faith, and along with the ridicules amount of meds I was on, I became rather "numb". Numb to life, numb to God, .... just numb.
Well we don't serve a God who wishes his children to be like that, so with His grace I decided to drop all the meds, and see if a lifestyle change might help a bit.
So, first was moving to a more peaceful environment, hence the pic above of my new house on the Chesapeake Bay. The next would be using this blessing to help others, so I am trying to fix the place up for my Christian brethren to have as a weekend respite from the chaos of city life (and the parish is only a 10 minute walk on the boardwalk away).
That is just a quick update (thanks brother Mike), and I plan to start writing daily after the First.
God bless, and I'll seeya at the beach (all are welcome).
.
Last Summer, after an already difficult year, I was misdiagnosed with a less than pleasant condition, the same which took my father only a few months earlier. While they still don't know exactly what is happening to my body, they have, for the time, ruled out the original diagnosis.Anyhow, it was the straw the broke the camels back of my faith, and along with the ridicules amount of meds I was on, I became rather "numb". Numb to life, numb to God, .... just numb.
Well we don't serve a God who wishes his children to be like that, so with His grace I decided to drop all the meds, and see if a lifestyle change might help a bit.
So, first was moving to a more peaceful environment, hence the pic above of my new house on the Chesapeake Bay. The next would be using this blessing to help others, so I am trying to fix the place up for my Christian brethren to have as a weekend respite from the chaos of city life (and the parish is only a 10 minute walk on the boardwalk away).
That is just a quick update (thanks brother Mike), and I plan to start writing daily after the First.
God bless, and I'll seeya at the beach (all are welcome).
.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Back to . . .
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"I've got a photo of her standin' near an orange tree.
I keep it hidden in my pocket with a rosary."
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Believing is seeing
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In today's reading a blind man, Bartimaeus, is rebuked by fellow members of the crowd who were also waiting outside Jericho to meet Jesus.
I wondered who I most represented in this story.
Was I the blind man painfully aware of my need for Christ, or am I more like the crowd who tried to silence him out of embarrassment for upsetting their fragile status quo?
Who are you in this story? Are you aware of your blindness and not ashamed to admit that, or are you a person quick to silence a friend speaking the Truth so that no one might realize you are one of those "Christians"?
Is there a person in your life who could "see" if only you weren't rebuking them with your silence? Who could be healed if only you helped raise their hand to touch His garmet?
In today's reading a blind man, Bartimaeus, is rebuked by fellow members of the crowd who were also waiting outside Jericho to meet Jesus.
I wondered who I most represented in this story.
Was I the blind man painfully aware of my need for Christ, or am I more like the crowd who tried to silence him out of embarrassment for upsetting their fragile status quo?
Who are you in this story? Are you aware of your blindness and not ashamed to admit that, or are you a person quick to silence a friend speaking the Truth so that no one might realize you are one of those "Christians"?
Is there a person in your life who could "see" if only you weren't rebuking them with your silence? Who could be healed if only you helped raise their hand to touch His garmet?
Jesus said to him in reply,
"What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him,
"Master, I want to see."
Jesus told him,
"Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.
.
"What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him,
"Master, I want to see."
Jesus told him,
"Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Pegging DC
"Theirs is an endless road,Matthew 6:33
a hopeless maze,
who seek for goods
before they seek for God".
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Monday, October 12, 2009
Leaving the "Typical"
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This tune by Christian band MuteMath conveys quite well that nagging feeling so many seeking Christians feel before they discover the fullness of Faith in the Catholic Church.
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This tune by Christian band MuteMath conveys quite well that nagging feeling so many seeking Christians feel before they discover the fullness of Faith in the Catholic Church.
"Cuz I know there's got to be another level
Somewhere closer to the other side"
Also the unique way the video was shot helps demonstrates how many of us discover this truth - by retracing the steps, and history, of the church - by going backwards to the beginning and discovering that we indeed belong to the church Christ started (Matthew 16:18) (O:Somewhere closer to the other side"
.
.
And I'm feelin' like it's now or never
Can I break the spell of the typical?"
.
Can I break the spell of the typical?"
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Friday, October 9, 2009
Adventures of Robin Hood
Lady Marian Fitzswalter:Why, you speak treason!Robin Hood: Fluently.
One of my favorite lines in any movie (O:
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Anti Pro
As a Conservative working in the art world I was more than a bit the stranger in a strangeland, but I wasn't given true alien status until I became a Christian nine years ago. The difference was that arguing on politics was fun, especially when you always win the debate (not very difficult, as conservative ideals are based more on logic and reason; where liberal ideology is predominately about trends and emotions).As a Christian, it was no longer my ideals being spat on, but my God, my Savior, my friend, my most perfect Love. Saddened also by the knowledge that the One they were denying, or worse hating, was the very One who loved them too, and to the point of death. I no longer wished to argue, but just point as best I could to the Love they weren't seeing (sadly, it took me a while to realized that I was to be that Love to them). I can honestly say I have never felt more alone, more isolated, then in those early months living in what I felt was enemy territory (the left seems to pick and choose who they're "tolerant" of).
One of the early reminders that I wasn't alone, was when I would spot an Ichthus (Christian fish) on a car or children filled minivan. My heart would light up every time I saw one, and it became a bit of a game to try to spot them (more likely in the 'burbs, than downtown DC). I happily placed one on my car, as to be another one "crying out in the desert" that we are one family, and one body of Christ, and that to say "you're not alone" to any other Christian feeling a bit the outcast.
The happiness I would feel at spotting an Ichthys, was countered by the sadness I would/do feel when I see a Darwin emblem. When I see a "fish", that symbol of the early persecuted church, I see a bold sign of love and courage; but the Darwin sticker is only a mockery full of spite and malice, and is a sign of anything but love. Rare is it to even find someone sporting it who can actually give you a clear defense of Evolution Theory (a "theory" I, nor the Church, denies), but who will rattle on ignorantly on why God isn't God. Even more rare is it to find one who is entrusting the late Charles Darwin with their immortal soul, as us wacky Christians trust ours to Jesus.
I honestly never get mad, the desired effect of those with the walking fish stickers, but truly do get a tad glum, as I only see it as a bitter child kicking and screaming in their loving Father's arms, not yet aware of the joy of just letting go of their pride and anger, and embracing the only true and perfect Love.
I did have the pleasure once of scraping a Darwin sticker off a atheist friends car, not because she became a Christian (although I am a prayin'), but that she understood the hate it represented, and not because I argued, but because she also understood how heavy-hearted the symbol made me.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Make them One
"I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity
to let the world know that you sent me
and have loved them even as you have loved me."
John 17
to let the world know that you sent me
and have loved them even as you have loved me."
John 17
The other day I finally finished watching the A&E mini-series "God or the Girl", a reality show about four twenty something young men who were discerning the priesthood. I only decided to watch it, after I saw the DVD for sale in my latest Ignatius Press catalog, which allowed me to assume it would at least be respectful of the church.
Naturally I objected to the title, in that it implied that if you chose married life over the celibacy, you somehow lose God, or worse, that He comes in second place. That aside, I did enjoy watching the show, and even a few times caught myself weeping in joy at the sight of Christianity honestly portrayed on secular television. The fact that my "favorite" of the four, was from the DC area, was also a plus.
The other kid I was rooting for, Dan, was described as this "on fire" Catholic man, and for the most of the five episodes, that is who we saw. The sad part came in a scene where he is confronted by a Bible thumpin' Evangelical, and our fiery Catholic hero is instead silent, lacking any good argument (witness) for his own faith. As an armchair quarterback (and both a salesman and a Catholic convert), I of course could have scored a touchdown, or at least gotten pretty darn close.
After all my study and personal experience, I know where the Protestants are wrong, and why the Church is "the Church", but that scene of ball dropping, has left me wondering if many cradle Catholics could, under the same circumstance, defend their faith. I also realized that most non-Catholics have a lot of misinformation, and have sadly gotten it from Catholics who don't understand, or much care about, their own faith. In all honesty, it has only been in the last few years, that I myself, have met any substantial number of "Christian" Catholics (and I am happy to say, they, we, are everywhere! and growing in faith and number).
Yesterday, a friend actually said to me that Catholics weren't Christian, and if he would have taken the stance that most calling themselves "catholic", were using the term as a cultural or ethnic identity, similar to a Jewish atheist who still calls himself a Jew (but has never been in a temple), I may have agreed on that point. But to say that a devout Catholic is not a Christian actually shows ignorance on a profound level.
If the definition of Christian is "follower of Christ", than it would actually mean that Protestants were in fact not Christian, regardless of how devout they appear to be. Following Christ means following His teaching, and since He instituted/taught the Sacraments, that the Evangelicals constantly reject or deny (mostly out of Catholi-phobia), then we can conclude that they can not in truth, call themselves Christian.
I am not saying this keeps anyone out of heaven, as God alone knows the number of His children. I am saying that both camps (myself included) are guilty, to some degree, of an ignorance and pride, that is beneficial to Satan alone.
Anyhow, what my caffeine deficient brain is trying to get at is this;
a) if you are Catholic, I challenge you to learn how to defend, as well as share, your faith in Christ Jesus,
and b) if you are Protestant, I challenge you to study to see if maybe the church Christ started, still is.
Naturally I objected to the title, in that it implied that if you chose married life over the celibacy, you somehow lose God, or worse, that He comes in second place. That aside, I did enjoy watching the show, and even a few times caught myself weeping in joy at the sight of Christianity honestly portrayed on secular television. The fact that my "favorite" of the four, was from the DC area, was also a plus.
The other kid I was rooting for, Dan, was described as this "on fire" Catholic man, and for the most of the five episodes, that is who we saw. The sad part came in a scene where he is confronted by a Bible thumpin' Evangelical, and our fiery Catholic hero is instead silent, lacking any good argument (witness) for his own faith. As an armchair quarterback (and both a salesman and a Catholic convert), I of course could have scored a touchdown, or at least gotten pretty darn close.
After all my study and personal experience, I know where the Protestants are wrong, and why the Church is "the Church", but that scene of ball dropping, has left me wondering if many cradle Catholics could, under the same circumstance, defend their faith. I also realized that most non-Catholics have a lot of misinformation, and have sadly gotten it from Catholics who don't understand, or much care about, their own faith. In all honesty, it has only been in the last few years, that I myself, have met any substantial number of "Christian" Catholics (and I am happy to say, they, we, are everywhere! and growing in faith and number).
Yesterday, a friend actually said to me that Catholics weren't Christian, and if he would have taken the stance that most calling themselves "catholic", were using the term as a cultural or ethnic identity, similar to a Jewish atheist who still calls himself a Jew (but has never been in a temple), I may have agreed on that point. But to say that a devout Catholic is not a Christian actually shows ignorance on a profound level.
If the definition of Christian is "follower of Christ", than it would actually mean that Protestants were in fact not Christian, regardless of how devout they appear to be. Following Christ means following His teaching, and since He instituted/taught the Sacraments, that the Evangelicals constantly reject or deny (mostly out of Catholi-phobia), then we can conclude that they can not in truth, call themselves Christian.
I am not saying this keeps anyone out of heaven, as God alone knows the number of His children. I am saying that both camps (myself included) are guilty, to some degree, of an ignorance and pride, that is beneficial to Satan alone.
Anyhow, what my caffeine deficient brain is trying to get at is this;
a) if you are Catholic, I challenge you to learn how to defend, as well as share, your faith in Christ Jesus,
and b) if you are Protestant, I challenge you to study to see if maybe the church Christ started, still is.
Catholic means universal/one,
so let us all strive for that, in Jesus' holy name!
Amen!
so let us all strive for that, in Jesus' holy name!
Amen!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Islam's Greatest Weapon
Many folks wonder if Islam will be the dominant religion by the end of this century, especially due to it's spread in Europe.
The odd thing is that most people attribute it to conversion (forced or chosen), but the truth is that Muslims are just having more children.
Granted, our selfish culture is infecting them as well, so that their birthrates are also dropping, but still higher than ours.
So all you married folk out there, go "get busy" for yer country . . . and yes I'll baby sit (O:
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Saturday, October 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
or
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sharing God's Love
....
I came upon this window yesterday while doing my rounds in the Canton/Fells Point area of Bawlmer (that's Baltimore for you non-locals).
At first it just gave me a little smile, and I did the sign of the cross as I said a quick thanksgiving. Looking closer, I read the words written on a little card at the foot of the statue of our Lord, and I smiled again . . .and wept.
How beautiful the heart of one who would open their humble little window to remind folks that they are each the apple of God' eye.
How true the statement, and the need for us all to remind each other of this truth.
.
I came upon this window yesterday while doing my rounds in the Canton/Fells Point area of Bawlmer (that's Baltimore for you non-locals).At first it just gave me a little smile, and I did the sign of the cross as I said a quick thanksgiving. Looking closer, I read the words written on a little card at the foot of the statue of our Lord, and I smiled again . . .and wept.
How beautiful the heart of one who would open their humble little window to remind folks that they are each the apple of God' eye.
How true the statement, and the need for us all to remind each other of this truth.
.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Elementary
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“It is as impossible for man to demonstrate the existence of God
as it would be for even Sherlock Holmes
to demonstrate the existence of Arthur Conan Doyle.”
Frederick Buechner
.
as it would be for even Sherlock Holmes
to demonstrate the existence of Arthur Conan Doyle.”
Frederick Buechner
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Monday, September 21, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Between Heaven and Hell
.
.
From the first time I read Dr. Peter Kreeft's "Between Heaven and Hell", and every time since, I always pictured it as a play (with me playing Lewis of course).
Combining logical argument with literary imagination, Kreeft uses a dialogue between C.S. Lewis, John F. Kennedy and Aldous Huxley (all of whom died within hours of each other) to investigate the claims of Christ.
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From the first time I read Dr. Peter Kreeft's "Between Heaven and Hell", and every time since, I always pictured it as a play (with me playing Lewis of course).
Combining logical argument with literary imagination, Kreeft uses a dialogue between C.S. Lewis, John F. Kennedy and Aldous Huxley (all of whom died within hours of each other) to investigate the claims of Christ.
Friday, September 18, 2009
What a husband should say . . .Everyday
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I have taken you in my arms,
I prefer you to my life itself,
For I love you, I love you.
And my most ardent dream is
To spend my days in such a way
To be near you, to be near you.
And this present life is nothing,
Without knowing that we're loving,
I am here to live for you,
Yes here to live with you.
For I love you.
I have taken you in my heart,
I prefer you to all else
Because I love you.
And together we in prayer
Beseech the blessing
We will share, I love you.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more bitter to me
Than to be of a different mind than you,
Than to be of a different mind.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more painful to me
Than to be of a different heart than you,
Than to be of a different heart.
I love you.
And this present life is nothing,
Without knowing that we're loving,
I am here to live for you, here to live with you.
For I love you. I love you.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more bitter to me
Than to be of a different mind than you,
Than to be of a different mind.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more painful to me
Than to be of a different heart than you,
Than to be of a different heart.
.
I prefer you to my life itself,
For I love you, I love you.
And my most ardent dream is
To spend my days in such a way
To be near you, to be near you.
And this present life is nothing,
Without knowing that we're loving,
I am here to live for you,
Yes here to live with you.
For I love you.
I have taken you in my heart,
I prefer you to all else
Because I love you.
And together we in prayer
Beseech the blessing
We will share, I love you.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more bitter to me
Than to be of a different mind than you,
Than to be of a different mind.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more painful to me
Than to be of a different heart than you,
Than to be of a different heart.
I love you.
And this present life is nothing,
Without knowing that we're loving,
I am here to live for you, here to live with you.
For I love you. I love you.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more bitter to me
Than to be of a different mind than you,
Than to be of a different mind.
I place your love above all things,
Nothing would be more painful to me
Than to be of a different heart than you,
Than to be of a different heart.
.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
In Christ's Peace
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I remember listening to this tune when my friend John left us, and again when my mother fell asleep a few months later.
I remember listening to this tune when my friend John left us, and again when my mother fell asleep a few months later.
"I write clever words on paper
I sometimes think i dont belive at all
I've never felt so fake
so false
I'm such a liar
I couldnt even look him in the eyes"
I sometimes think i dont belive at all
I've never felt so fake
so false
I'm such a liar
I couldnt even look him in the eyes"
Since, I have added the face of my father, a friend's mother and child, my aunt, another friend's brother, my boss's father, etc., when I hear this song. Today, I add my friend Ralph to these images in my brain that this song paints, leading me to pray for all mentioned.
.
.
"It made me feel so empty
collapsing on some dirty bathroom floor
and isn't it just like me to mourn his passing breath
when he will never suffer anymore
and i sing of faith but his was true and fierce
and I will miss him
the angels wings will cover you tonight
Hallelujah
press your head against the breast of Christ
Hallelujah"
collapsing on some dirty bathroom floor
and isn't it just like me to mourn his passing breath
when he will never suffer anymore
and i sing of faith but his was true and fierce
and I will miss him
the angels wings will cover you tonight
Hallelujah
press your head against the breast of Christ
Hallelujah"
May the souls of the faithful departed Rest in Peace
.
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Memorial Service for Slain Pro-Life Hero
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OWOSSO, Mich., Sept. 15 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Hundreds of friends and family of Jim Pouillon are expected to gather to pray and remember the life and work of the slain pro-life activist on Wednesday. A public memorial service for Pouillon is scheduled to be held at Willman Football Stadium in Owosso, Michigan, beginning at 1:00pm.
Still waiting for the Abortion Pres to condemn the murder as he did with that of the recent abortion doctor.
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OWOSSO, Mich., Sept. 15 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Hundreds of friends and family of Jim Pouillon are expected to gather to pray and remember the life and work of the slain pro-life activist on Wednesday. A public memorial service for Pouillon is scheduled to be held at Willman Football Stadium in Owosso, Michigan, beginning at 1:00pm.
Still waiting for the Abortion Pres to condemn the murder as he did with that of the recent abortion doctor.
.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Hope for my un-Hope
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"One thing alone I know - that according to our need, so will be our strength. One thing I am sure of, that the more the enemy rages against us, so much the more will the Saints in Heaven plead for us; the more fearful are our trials from the world, the more present to us will be our Mother Mary, and our good Patrons, and Angel Guardians; the more malicious are the devices of men against us, the louder cry of supplication will ascend from the bosom of the whole Church to God for us. We shall not be left orphans; we shall have within us the strength of the Paraclete, promised to the Church and to every member of it."
John Henry Newman
"God is truly love, and I am truly loved by God,
still, it has been such a long time since I tasted the joy of this truth
and than I receive the Eucharist"
D'art
The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear;
and I have not rebelled,
have not turned back.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
my face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.
.
"One thing alone I know - that according to our need, so will be our strength. One thing I am sure of, that the more the enemy rages against us, so much the more will the Saints in Heaven plead for us; the more fearful are our trials from the world, the more present to us will be our Mother Mary, and our good Patrons, and Angel Guardians; the more malicious are the devices of men against us, the louder cry of supplication will ascend from the bosom of the whole Church to God for us. We shall not be left orphans; we shall have within us the strength of the Paraclete, promised to the Church and to every member of it."
John Henry Newman
"God is truly love, and I am truly loved by God,
still, it has been such a long time since I tasted the joy of this truth
and than I receive the Eucharist"
D'art
The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear;
and I have not rebelled,
have not turned back.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
my face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.
The Lord GOD is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
He is near who upholds my right;
if anyone wishes to oppose me,
let us appear together.
Who disputes my right?
Let that man confront me.
See, the Lord GOD is my help;
who will prove me wrong?
.
Un-Anniversary
.
.
A little un-Anniversary tune for the day
..
.
"I never realized the passing hours of evening showers
A slip noose hanging in my darkest dreams
I'm strangled by your haunted social scene
Just a pawn out-played by a dominating queen
It's four o'clock in the morning
listen to me good
I'm sleeping with myself tonight
Saved in time,
thank God my music's still alive!"
.
"I never realized the passing hours of evening showers
A slip noose hanging in my darkest dreams
I'm strangled by your haunted social scene
Just a pawn out-played by a dominating queen
It's four o'clock in the morning
listen to me good
I'm sleeping with myself tonight
Saved in time,
thank God my music's still alive!"
.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Pro-Life Activist Gunned Down
.
OWOSSO, Michigan, September 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Jim Pouillon, the pro-life activist shot and killed outside a high school in Owosso Friday morning, is being remembered today by friends as a peaceful and dedicated defender of the unborn. Those who knew him say that, in the face of the frequent physical harassment and death threats aimed at him for his pro-life work, the veteran pro-lifer always responded with charity.
Sadly, unlike with Dr. Tiller, our Abortion President has not made a comment or expressed his outrage, nor have most Pro-abortion groups, at the gunning down of a man in a wheelchair.
Granted, we are still waiting to here the suspect's possible motive,which the media seems to be less than interested (or maybe afraid) in finding.
Pray, pray, and pray!
.
.
OWOSSO, Michigan, September 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Jim Pouillon, the pro-life activist shot and killed outside a high school in Owosso Friday morning, is being remembered today by friends as a peaceful and dedicated defender of the unborn. Those who knew him say that, in the face of the frequent physical harassment and death threats aimed at him for his pro-life work, the veteran pro-lifer always responded with charity.
Sadly, unlike with Dr. Tiller, our Abortion President has not made a comment or expressed his outrage, nor have most Pro-abortion groups, at the gunning down of a man in a wheelchair.
Granted, we are still waiting to here the suspect's possible motive,which the media seems to be less than interested (or maybe afraid) in finding.
Pray, pray, and pray!
.
.
Sacred Arts & Kreeft
.
Dr. Peter Kreeft, will be giving a talk today on the
"The Power of Beauty in the Sacred Arts"
at St. Mary's in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Sadly, I won't be there (don't venture to that part a town), but wanted to let any of you folks in a hundred mile radius know, as he is a brilliant mind and amazing speaker.
His talk coincides with the 7th Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts, only a few blocks from the church.
Join us Saturday, September 12th to hear Dr. Peter Kreeft speak about: "The Power of Beauty in the Sacred Arts."
Opening Reception at 7pm. Talk at 7:30pm The Lyceum at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 313 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA. Seating will be limited to 125 people.
Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Boston College and at the King's College (Empire State Building), in New York City. He is a regular contributor to several Christian publications, is in wide demand as a speaker at conferences, and is the author of over 45 books.
Raffle tickets will be available at the door for a limited edition signed giclee print by Anthony Visco entitled: The Agony in the Garden. 1 for $20 or 3 for $50. All proceeds will benefit The Foundation for Sacred Arts.
Hosted by St. Mary's Catholic Church and The Mary Martha Guild.
www.thesacredarts.org
www.peterkreeft.com
His similar lecture is available online .
Dr. Peter Kreeft, will be giving a talk today on the
"The Power of Beauty in the Sacred Arts"
at St. Mary's in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Sadly, I won't be there (don't venture to that part a town), but wanted to let any of you folks in a hundred mile radius know, as he is a brilliant mind and amazing speaker.
His talk coincides with the 7th Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts, only a few blocks from the church.
Join us Saturday, September 12th to hear Dr. Peter Kreeft speak about: "The Power of Beauty in the Sacred Arts."
Opening Reception at 7pm. Talk at 7:30pm The Lyceum at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 313 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA. Seating will be limited to 125 people.
Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Boston College and at the King's College (Empire State Building), in New York City. He is a regular contributor to several Christian publications, is in wide demand as a speaker at conferences, and is the author of over 45 books.
Raffle tickets will be available at the door for a limited edition signed giclee print by Anthony Visco entitled: The Agony in the Garden. 1 for $20 or 3 for $50. All proceeds will benefit The Foundation for Sacred Arts.
Hosted by St. Mary's Catholic Church and The Mary Martha Guild.
www.thesacredarts.org
www.peterkreeft.com
His similar lecture is available online .
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Word up
.
"What am I?
I am myself a word spoken by God.
Can God speak a word that does not have any meaning?
...I cannot discover my "meaning"
if I try to evade the dread
which comes from
first experiencing my meaninglessness!"
Thomas Merton
.
I am myself a word spoken by God.
Can God speak a word that does not have any meaning?
...I cannot discover my "meaning"
if I try to evade the dread
which comes from
first experiencing my meaninglessness!"
Thomas Merton
.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
When life is in discord
August evenings bring solemn warnings
To remember to kiss the ones you love goodnight
You never know what temporal days may bring
So laugh, love, live free and sing
When life is in discord
Praise ye the Lord!
.To remember to kiss the ones you love goodnight
You never know what temporal days may bring
So laugh, love, live free and sing
When life is in discord
Praise ye the Lord!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Welcome home sisters!
.
"As sect ordains women and gays,
Catonsville sisters become Catholic"
Catonsville sisters become Catholic"
reads the heading for a Baltimore Sun article on 10 Episcopal nuns "movin' on up"
(oh, my bad, that's sista not sister).
(oh, my bad, that's sista not sister).
Knowing the passion of us converts and witnessing some of the extreme liberalism here in Bawlmer, I am even more happy to see this.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
"Will you love me"
".
"And I saw (a picture of) a baby with a tumor on top of its head and in its brain. And I saw his eyes and — this sounds like such sentimental hogwash, but I’m telling you the truth — in my heart I heard this boy calling to me, saying,
'Will you love me?'"
Jim Caviezel in Catholic Digest ,
talking about adoption, abortion, and the arrogance of "choosing" between the two.
.
"And I saw (a picture of) a baby with a tumor on top of its head and in its brain. And I saw his eyes and — this sounds like such sentimental hogwash, but I’m telling you the truth — in my heart I heard this boy calling to me, saying,'Will you love me?'"
Jim Caviezel in Catholic Digest ,
talking about adoption, abortion, and the arrogance of "choosing" between the two.
.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Bop bop bop bop ba da baaaaaa
"Better stop dreaming of the quiet life
Cos its the one well never know
And quit running for that runaway bus
Cos those rosey days are few
And - stop apologizing for the things you've never done,
Cos time is short and life is cruel -
But its up to us to change
This Town Called Malice."
Cos its the one well never know
And quit running for that runaway bus
Cos those rosey days are few
And - stop apologizing for the things you've never done,
Cos time is short and life is cruel -
But its up to us to change
This Town Called Malice."
With or Without, it ain't easy
.
"When Christ reveals Himself
there is satisfaction in the slenderest portion,
and without Christ
there is emptiness in the greatest fullness".
Alexander Grosse
"It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly
until He has hurt him deeply."
A.W. Tozer
"Like the guy who bloodied your nose
but than gives ya a ride home on His bike".
Rich Mullins (on God)
.
there is satisfaction in the slenderest portion,
and without Christ
there is emptiness in the greatest fullness".
Alexander Grosse
"It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly
until He has hurt him deeply."
A.W. Tozer
"Like the guy who bloodied your nose
but than gives ya a ride home on His bike".
Rich Mullins (on God)
.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Holy Moses!
St Moses the Black 330 – 405
When a brother committed a fault and Moses was invited to a meeting to discuss an appropriate penance, Moses refused to attend. When he was again called to the meeting, Moses took a leaking jug filled with water and carried it on his shoulder. Another version of the story has him carrying a basket filled with sand. When he arrived at the meeting place, the others asked why he was carrying the jug. He replied, "My sins run out behind me and I do not see them, but today I am coming to judge the errors of another." On hearing this, the assembled brothers forgave the erring monk.
.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Looking Up
'I can do no more justiceto the awesome wonder-filled theme called love
than a child can grasp a star.
Still by reaching toward the star
the child may call attention to it
and even indicate the direction one might look to see it.
So, as I stretch my heart toward the high, shining love of God,
someone who has not before known about it
may be encouraged to look up and have hope.'
than a child can grasp a star.
Still by reaching toward the star
the child may call attention to it
and even indicate the direction one might look to see it.
So, as I stretch my heart toward the high, shining love of God,
someone who has not before known about it
may be encouraged to look up and have hope.'
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Alternative to ObamaCare
.
The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare
Eight things we can do to improve health care without adding to the deficit.
Interesting opinion piece by Whole Food's John Mackey in the Wall Street Journal, which has lead to some Obama / Union sponsored picketing outside some DC stores. This video, from left leaning City Paper, actually helps demonstrate how clueless these rhetoric lovers often are . . . and being an ex-liberal, it kinda reminds me a little of my once close minded zombie mentality.The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare
Eight things we can do to improve health care without adding to the deficit.
It's Torture Stupid!
Made this lil' sticker after driving on I95 yesterday. I spied a Volvo with a "Torture is Wrong" bumper sticker plastered next to a "Keep Abortion Legal" sticker, and again was struck by the lack of objective thought found in most folks theses days. Do they even have a core value where all these so called ideals come from? Similar to the fact that I have never met a PETA-phile that was Pro-life, well, unless you have fur of feathers - humans don't seem to count.We really are achieving a level of stupidity that boggles (or Twitters) what's left of the human mind.
.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A lil' Coffin Humor for my Birthday
.
"Youth is when you blame all your troubles on your parents;
maturity is when you learn that everything is the fault
of the younger generation."
Harold Coffin
maturity is when you learn that everything is the fault
of the younger generation."
Harold Coffin
It is a simple fact, knowing my parents state of mind at the time of my conception (or the day after), that if our Abortion President woulda been active in the 60's, you all would be staring at a blank screen right now.
0Monday, August 24, 2009
Say Say Sayers
.
"Hard it is, very hard,
To travel up the slow and stony road
To Calvary, to redeem mankind; far better
To make but one resplendent miracle,
Lean through the cloud, lift the right hand of power
And with a sudden lightning smite the world perfect.
Yet this was not God's way, Who had the power,
But set it by, choosing the cross, the thorn,
The sorrowful wounds. Something there is, perhaps,
That power destroys in passing, something supreme,
To whose great value in the eyes of God
That cross, that thorn, and those five wounds bear witness".
Dorothy L. Sayers
.
To travel up the slow and stony road
To Calvary, to redeem mankind; far better
To make but one resplendent miracle,
Lean through the cloud, lift the right hand of power
And with a sudden lightning smite the world perfect.
Yet this was not God's way, Who had the power,
But set it by, choosing the cross, the thorn,
The sorrowful wounds. Something there is, perhaps,
That power destroys in passing, something supreme,
To whose great value in the eyes of God
That cross, that thorn, and those five wounds bear witness".
Dorothy L. Sayers
.
Work for Love
"taken by the hand from above
I really do feel
we work for love"
Because no matter who signs yer pay check, we work for Love
.
I really do feel
we work for love"
Because no matter who signs yer pay check, we work for Love
.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
A Rose is a Rose is a Saint
Although today's Saint was born Isabel, she was soon called Rose because of her beauty. In truth though the name fits even more in that she exemplified someone who comes to life in the Son, and who's circadian rhythm causes others to look up at her source.
.
.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Note to the Abortion Pres
.
Just wondering if you, Dear President AbOrtion, realize that all the babies yer helping to kill or prevent from life, could be future taxpayers, and with yer insane economic ideas, we will be needing a lot more of 'em!
Sorry, this is something we call logic, which you folks in politics seem to have traded for mindless rhetoric.
.
Just wondering if you, Dear President AbOrtion, realize that all the babies yer helping to kill or prevent from life, could be future taxpayers, and with yer insane economic ideas, we will be needing a lot more of 'em!
Sorry, this is something we call logic, which you folks in politics seem to have traded for mindless rhetoric.
.
Friday, August 21, 2009
But I don't . . .
Over dramatic yes, but still an awesome scene from an average movie from an awesome book by an amazing writer. Although I do wonder what the atheist Miss Rand would think of the fact that God used her writing to lead me to Christianity . . .which is a story served better with coffee and carrot cake . . . mmm, carrot cake (O:
.
God Love You!
.Ran into my counterpart from another company yesterday, and after talkin' a bit, found out that Archbishop Sheen was his uncle. Sadly, my friend left the Church, so I thought the quote below rather fitting.
"There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church.
There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church....
As a matter of fact, if we Catholics believed all of the untruths and lies which were said against the Church,
we probably would hate the Church a thousand times more than they do."
There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church....
As a matter of fact, if we Catholics believed all of the untruths and lies which were said against the Church,
we probably would hate the Church a thousand times more than they do."
Thursday, August 20, 2009
those with ears to hear
.
There is an awesome and free mp3 blog, Sonitus Sanctus, where I have been finding a treasure trove of Catholic lectures/talks/and radio shows. Just finished Patrick Madrid's EWTN show Pope Fiction , which has me thinkin' I may hafta buy the book.
.
There is an awesome and free mp3 blog, Sonitus Sanctus, where I have been finding a treasure trove of Catholic lectures/talks/and radio shows. Just finished Patrick Madrid's EWTN show Pope Fiction , which has me thinkin' I may hafta buy the book.
.
GK quote o' da day
.
"Impartiality is a pompous name for indifference,
which is an elegant name for ignorance."
G. K. Chesterton
"Impartiality is a pompous name for indifference,
which is an elegant name for ignorance."
G. K. Chesterton
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Maker of Noses
Found this band performing one of my favorite Rich Mullins' tunes
Maker of Noses - Rich Mullins
"They said boy you just follow your heart
But my heart just led me into my chest
They said follow your nose
But the direction changed every time I went and turned my head
And they said boy you just follow your dreams
But my dreams were only misty notions
But the Father of hearts
and the Maker of noses
And the Giver of dreams
He's the one I have chosen
And I will follow Him"
.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Bawlmer Humor #37
.
Q: Why can't Episcopalians play Chess?
A: Because they can't tell a Bishop from a Queen
found over at Tiber River Swim Team 2009
.
Q: Why can't Episcopalians play Chess?
A: Because they can't tell a Bishop from a Queen
found over at Tiber River Swim Team 2009
.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Dude, Kreeft in Old Town
Seems my favorite writer, Dr. Peter Kreeft, will be giving a talk on the "The Power of Beauty in the Sacred Arts" at St. Mary's in Old Town Alexandria, VA on September 12th. I sadly won't be there (don't venture to that part a town), but wanted to let any of you folks in a hundred mile radius know, as he is a brilliant mind and amazing speaker.His similar lecture is available online .
.
Who you want to be?
.
"To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend,
without a steady struggle for truth,
that is not living
but existing."
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
.
"To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend,
without a steady struggle for truth,
that is not living
but existing."
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Academia and Lil'Hitlers
.
After finishing a lecture on the "Catholic Church in time of the Dictators" (no not our Abortion Pres, but Stalin, Mussolini, and Hitler) I googled for more info on Pope Pius XII and was saddened to find this extremely slanted, and academically juvenile web site hosted by Claremont McKenna College.
Why didn't the churches of Europe oppose the Holocaust?
Although there are very few actual sources sited, they all come from anti-Church or anti-Catholic authors. You won't find any links to the thousands of Vatican documents from WWII, many of which a 3rd grader could find online.
Sadly, it is this very closed minded and bias approach to history that aided the dictators in the first place.
I have already written the Professor responsible, and will write the school tomorrow.
8/17 response from Prof Petropoulos
"Many thanks for your note. When it came time to discuss the students' websites (about eight years ago), I encouraged them to pursue a more balanced interpretation. I can't quite believe that these websites are still on-line (it was a program run by Claremont Graduate University). I gave the students complete freedom as they prepared (and the presented) their websites. I think many would be astonished that their work is still eliciting reactions.
After finishing a lecture on the "Catholic Church in time of the Dictators" (no not our Abortion Pres, but Stalin, Mussolini, and Hitler) I googled for more info on Pope Pius XII and was saddened to find this extremely slanted, and academically juvenile web site hosted by Claremont McKenna College.
Why didn't the churches of Europe oppose the Holocaust?
Although there are very few actual sources sited, they all come from anti-Church or anti-Catholic authors. You won't find any links to the thousands of Vatican documents from WWII, many of which a 3rd grader could find online.
Sadly, it is this very closed minded and bias approach to history that aided the dictators in the first place.
I have already written the Professor responsible, and will write the school tomorrow.
8/17 response from Prof Petropoulos
"Many thanks for your note. When it came time to discuss the students' websites (about eight years ago), I encouraged them to pursue a more balanced interpretation. I can't quite believe that these websites are still on-line (it was a program run by Claremont Graduate University). I gave the students complete freedom as they prepared (and the presented) their websites. I think many would be astonished that their work is still eliciting reactions.
With best regards,
Jonathan Petropoulos"
.
Peaceful Sunday
.
."I am clay and I am water
Falling forward in this order
While the world spins 'round so fast
Slowly I'm becoming who I am"
.
Falling forward in this order
While the world spins 'round so fast
Slowly I'm becoming who I am"
.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Old School for Saturday Nite
.
"I know you're supposed to be my steering wheel
Not just my spare tire (home)
But lord I ask you (home)
To be my guiding force and truth (home)
For some strange reason it had to be (home)
He guided me to Tennessee (home)"
.
"I know you're supposed to be my steering wheel
Not just my spare tire (home)
But lord I ask you (home)
To be my guiding force and truth (home)
For some strange reason it had to be (home)
He guided me to Tennessee (home)"
.
Assumption of Mary
"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also." According to Catholic theology, Mary is the pledge of the fulfillment of Christ's promise..
Sola Blogtura
.
My study of Christian history (ie. Catholic history) continues to show the narrow mindedness of my Protestant brethren (and I do so love that the Church considers them separated brethren, unlike what they think of the Church). Narrow may be strong, maybe lazy is a better word, in that I think one only has to study what Christ said along with what the Church teaches, to see that those wacky ol men in Rome actually are the only ones who are getting it right.
Lately, the idea of Sola Scriptura has actually been almost laughable to me in the same way it would have been to Christians only a few years before Luther was forced to come up with it (I say forced, as the more I read it seems he was trying to salvage his pride, more than reform the church). For if someone would have said that the Bible alone was the only authority to people who were mostly illiterate, and in a time before mass produced writings could be found (a Bible would take about a year to copy), they would have responded about the same way Christians in the 50's would have responded to someone's claim that Twitter was the only true authority . . . . (O:
.
My study of Christian history (ie. Catholic history) continues to show the narrow mindedness of my Protestant brethren (and I do so love that the Church considers them separated brethren, unlike what they think of the Church). Narrow may be strong, maybe lazy is a better word, in that I think one only has to study what Christ said along with what the Church teaches, to see that those wacky ol men in Rome actually are the only ones who are getting it right.
Lately, the idea of Sola Scriptura has actually been almost laughable to me in the same way it would have been to Christians only a few years before Luther was forced to come up with it (I say forced, as the more I read it seems he was trying to salvage his pride, more than reform the church). For if someone would have said that the Bible alone was the only authority to people who were mostly illiterate, and in a time before mass produced writings could be found (a Bible would take about a year to copy), they would have responded about the same way Christians in the 50's would have responded to someone's claim that Twitter was the only true authority . . . . (O:
.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Who Chooses Who?
. .
Although it has never manifested itself in any such way as to make ol D'art rich and/or the toast of the academic world, I must confess that tests have shown that this here Mass'keteer has an IQ approaching 180.
I have never taken great stock in this, and have even cursed God for what I saw as a curse on me, as being smarter than yer buds or parents, doesn't exactly help one fit in.
I only mention it in that if we take the world's view of what is substandard and worthy of being eliminated because of the lack of intelligence; applying it than to folks like me as to what the intellectual standard is based on - than naturally even our Abortion Pres, with his piddly 120 IQ is not really worthy of sharing our air.
Thankfully, I don't belong to the Eugenic church of Planned Parenthood, but instead belong to the Church founded on love - which holds that every person - born or unborn - is worthy of that love - and has a God given dignity that is no ones choice!
(not even a smarty pants like me)
.
Although it has never manifested itself in any such way as to make ol D'art rich and/or the toast of the academic world, I must confess that tests have shown that this here Mass'keteer has an IQ approaching 180.
I have never taken great stock in this, and have even cursed God for what I saw as a curse on me, as being smarter than yer buds or parents, doesn't exactly help one fit in.
I only mention it in that if we take the world's view of what is substandard and worthy of being eliminated because of the lack of intelligence; applying it than to folks like me as to what the intellectual standard is based on - than naturally even our Abortion Pres, with his piddly 120 IQ is not really worthy of sharing our air.
Thankfully, I don't belong to the Eugenic church of Planned Parenthood, but instead belong to the Church founded on love - which holds that every person - born or unborn - is worthy of that love - and has a God given dignity that is no ones choice!
(not even a smarty pants like me)
.
Baby Doe - Steve Taylor
Steve Taylor - Baby Doe
"They're drawing a bead
Reciting their creed
"Respect A Woman's Choice"
I've heard that before
How can you ignore
This baby has a voice
-
It's over and done - The presses have run
Some call the parents brave
Behind your disguise your rhetoric lies
You watched a baby starve
I bear the blame - The cradle's below
And where is Baby?"
.
"They're drawing a bead
Reciting their creed
"Respect A Woman's Choice"
I've heard that before
How can you ignore
This baby has a voice
-
It's over and done - The presses have run
Some call the parents brave
Behind your disguise your rhetoric lies
You watched a baby starve
I bear the blame - The cradle's below
And where is Baby?"
.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Great Scott !
Tonight was the last "Free" night at the American Visionary Art Museum, during the "Films on the Hill" summer movie series I blogged about last month - and I likes me some "Free"To be honest, the idea of AVAM and Outsider Art, always left a pretentious taste in my mouth. Art is Art, heck business is Art if done with passion (yes, a nod to Ayn Rand there), so separating artists by schooled and un-schooled kinda bugs me - but like I said "I likes me some Free!"
As I do my nightly Rosary near the museum, I was actually on the Third Luminous Mystery as I entered my first exhibit. Art done in ball point pen or coke bottles - fabrics and rubber bands - oil or finger paints - all seemed rather fitting as I pondered the "Kingdom".
Then as I reached the top floor, I saw the photograph above, recognizing instantly the face of Downs Syndrome. The thing was that the photograph was not only the art, but of an artist.
Judith Scott (1843-2005) was an Outsider artist who made wonderful sculptures in fabric and found (and stolen) objects, and who was deaf and had Downs Syndrone. Read more here or here, and watch a youtube vid here.
I couldn't move for several minutes - because of the photo - the art - the blessings I have - my sister ( a blessing, who has Downs) - and lastly the sickening thought that we let people choose whether or not they wish there baby with a disability to live or die (often letting a disabled newborn to slowly die of starvation alone in a closet or backroom) - because we think they are somehow less.
This is what our abortion Pres wants us to not only accept, but to fund, and while I am generally a decent sort of folk, I only have two words for anyone who thinks my sister or Judith Scott is less deserving of life than anyone else - F*&k You!
yeah, o.k. , I'll pray for them too . . . especially as we who call ourselves Pro-life, but say nothing, are actually the most guilty, and deservedly will be judged the most harshly.
,
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Church Teaches
.
"The Church teaches" - oh, how often a certain redhead once could disarm, and deflate, my Evangelical pomp with those words. The very humility of someone as intelligent and educated laying down their own pride in the name of Christ's church, by this simple statement, was a big part of my becoming Catholic - and I had so tired of being my own pope (and doing it badly)
(o.k., the fact that this amazing woman also proclaimed that she couldn't marry a non-Catholic also had a lil' to do with my conversion, but only the "when", not the "why")
A Catholic is of course allowed to use the the standard Protestant response of "The Bible says" or "well, I think", but we also are so blessed to have that authoritative body of the Church to lead us in truth, as well as humility.
What is more humble than laying down our own views, and saying "Jesus, I trust you , even though I gots some problems with this or that, I trust You and the Church You died to give us" , with the pure peace that comes from knowing that I don't have to know - or understand - everything, just trust in the One who does, and thus trust who He gave the keys to.
This very humility is something I saw lacking in my old church. Sure their was dancing and singin' in the aisles, as well as lots of good and decent Christian teaching, and some very loving people - but that true act of faith that comes from trusting in your church or pastor was never there, unless it was a type of silly pride like rootin' for the home team.
Churches splinter, and splinter some more, and most folks don't even know what their own church teaches (yeah, sadly most cradle catholics are a lil' dull on that point too). The silly notion that God would desire these separations and ignorances, should be enough to have anyone calling themself a Christian seeking the truth of the One church - which me thinks they can only find in the one Christ started.
As for all those folks I have met that have sought that path and swam the Tiber , I must say how much their conversions prove their love of Christ, as every single one I have ever met or spoken with is of an intellect far above my own (which itself ain't too shabby). These are not simple minded people tricked into submission, but humble minds drawn into obedience.
As for me, I keep my catechism right next to my Bible, and love to tell others "well, the Church teaches . . ."
thanks Red!, and thank you Jesus!
.
"The Church teaches" - oh, how often a certain redhead once could disarm, and deflate, my Evangelical pomp with those words. The very humility of someone as intelligent and educated laying down their own pride in the name of Christ's church, by this simple statement, was a big part of my becoming Catholic - and I had so tired of being my own pope (and doing it badly)
(o.k., the fact that this amazing woman also proclaimed that she couldn't marry a non-Catholic also had a lil' to do with my conversion, but only the "when", not the "why")
A Catholic is of course allowed to use the the standard Protestant response of "The Bible says" or "well, I think", but we also are so blessed to have that authoritative body of the Church to lead us in truth, as well as humility.
What is more humble than laying down our own views, and saying "Jesus, I trust you , even though I gots some problems with this or that, I trust You and the Church You died to give us" , with the pure peace that comes from knowing that I don't have to know - or understand - everything, just trust in the One who does, and thus trust who He gave the keys to.
This very humility is something I saw lacking in my old church. Sure their was dancing and singin' in the aisles, as well as lots of good and decent Christian teaching, and some very loving people - but that true act of faith that comes from trusting in your church or pastor was never there, unless it was a type of silly pride like rootin' for the home team.
Churches splinter, and splinter some more, and most folks don't even know what their own church teaches (yeah, sadly most cradle catholics are a lil' dull on that point too). The silly notion that God would desire these separations and ignorances, should be enough to have anyone calling themself a Christian seeking the truth of the One church - which me thinks they can only find in the one Christ started.
As for all those folks I have met that have sought that path and swam the Tiber , I must say how much their conversions prove their love of Christ, as every single one I have ever met or spoken with is of an intellect far above my own (which itself ain't too shabby). These are not simple minded people tricked into submission, but humble minds drawn into obedience.
As for me, I keep my catechism right next to my Bible, and love to tell others "well, the Church teaches . . ."
thanks Red!, and thank you Jesus!
.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Jews for Hitler
.
. . .does that sound any more ridiculous
than Christians for Obama?
Granted, being African American and being all gung ho about our Abortion Pres is equally foolish, as abortion has wiped out a third of the black population, much helped by an agency who's early goal was to solve the "negro problem".
Of course that is if we were to dust off that thing called logic, or go search in the attic where we boxed up integrity or virtue . . .nah, we gots twitter and Facebook. (O:
.
. . .does that sound any more ridiculous
than Christians for Obama?
Granted, being African American and being all gung ho about our Abortion Pres is equally foolish, as abortion has wiped out a third of the black population, much helped by an agency who's early goal was to solve the "negro problem".
Of course that is if we were to dust off that thing called logic, or go search in the attic where we boxed up integrity or virtue . . .nah, we gots twitter and Facebook. (O:
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday Morning Wisdom
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"If your eyes hurt after you drink coffee,
learn to take the spoon out of the cup."
Norm Crosby
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"If your eyes hurt after you drink coffee,
learn to take the spoon out of the cup."
Norm Crosby
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Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sheen still Shines
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"If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true
Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hated. My reason for doing this would be, that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, He must still be hated as He was when He was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world.
Look for the Church that is hated by the world as Christ was hated by the world.
Look for the Church that is accused of being behind the times, as our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned.
Look for the Church which men sneer at as socially inferior, as they sneered at Our Lord because He came from Nazareth.
Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil, as Our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils.
Look for the Church which, in seasons of bigotry, men say must be destroyed in the name of God as men crucified Christ and thought they had done a service to God.
Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible, as Pilate rejected Christ because He called Himself the Truth.
Look for the Church which is rejected by the world as Our Lord was rejected by men.
Look for the Church which amid the confusions of conflicting opinions, its members love as they love Christ, and respect its Voice as the very voice of its Founder, and the suspicion will grow, that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world, then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly it is other worldly. Since it is other-worldly, it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ Himself. But only that which is Divine can be infinitely hated and infinitely loved. Therefore the Church is Divine".
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"If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true
Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hated. My reason for doing this would be, that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, He must still be hated as He was when He was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world.Look for the Church that is hated by the world as Christ was hated by the world.
Look for the Church that is accused of being behind the times, as our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned.
Look for the Church which men sneer at as socially inferior, as they sneered at Our Lord because He came from Nazareth.
Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil, as Our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils.
Look for the Church which, in seasons of bigotry, men say must be destroyed in the name of God as men crucified Christ and thought they had done a service to God.
Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible, as Pilate rejected Christ because He called Himself the Truth.
Look for the Church which is rejected by the world as Our Lord was rejected by men.
Look for the Church which amid the confusions of conflicting opinions, its members love as they love Christ, and respect its Voice as the very voice of its Founder, and the suspicion will grow, that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world, then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly it is other worldly. Since it is other-worldly, it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ Himself. But only that which is Divine can be infinitely hated and infinitely loved. Therefore the Church is Divine".
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Saturday, August 8, 2009
Even followers get lost sometime
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I must confess that my nightly prayer over the past year has more often been the selfish "please let me not wake tomorrow", than "your will be done", so I found this lil' tune of betrayal and sadness rather fitting today.
Thankfully, I have been blessed with the ability to use St Ignatius' exercises in my musical listening, and was lead to view this song as the soundtrack to our Lord's passion, and as if He were singing it to us. The difference being that He could have ended it anytime - but in His love and mercy - somehow - thought this worthless blogger - worth His life.
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I must confess that my nightly prayer over the past year has more often been the selfish "please let me not wake tomorrow", than "your will be done", so I found this lil' tune of betrayal and sadness rather fitting today.
Thankfully, I have been blessed with the ability to use St Ignatius' exercises in my musical listening, and was lead to view this song as the soundtrack to our Lord's passion, and as if He were singing it to us. The difference being that He could have ended it anytime - but in His love and mercy - somehow - thought this worthless blogger - worth His life.
"To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life"
Thanks be to God, for good days and bad
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To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life"
Thanks be to God, for good days and bad
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Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Believe is a verb
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" In the late 1890's, a famous tightrope walker strung a wire across Niagara Falls. As 10,000 people watched, he inched his way along the wire from one side of the falls to the other.
When he got to the other side, the crowd cheered wildly. Finally, the tightrope walker was able to quiet the crowd and shouted to them, 'Do you believe in me?'. The crowd shouted back, 'We believe! We believe!'.
Again he quieted the crowd and shouted to them, 'I'm going back across the tightrope but this time I'm going to carry someone on my back. Do you believe I can do that?'. The crowd yelled back, 'We believe! We believe!'. He quieted the crowd one more time and then asked them, 'Who will be that person?'.
The crowd suddenly became silent. Not a single person was willing to apply the very truth that they professed to believe in--that the tightrope walker could cross the falls with a person on his back"
I had heard this story before as an Evangelical, as a demonstration on "false" vs "genuine" faith. Do a quick search and you can even find it on dozens of Protestant sites and blogs. Odd thing is that what it more clearly demonstrates is that Believe is a verb, and that Faith, in part, is a work.
" In the late 1890's, a famous tightrope walker strung a wire across Niagara Falls. As 10,000 people watched, he inched his way along the wire from one side of the falls to the other.
When he got to the other side, the crowd cheered wildly. Finally, the tightrope walker was able to quiet the crowd and shouted to them, 'Do you believe in me?'. The crowd shouted back, 'We believe! We believe!'.
Again he quieted the crowd and shouted to them, 'I'm going back across the tightrope but this time I'm going to carry someone on my back. Do you believe I can do that?'. The crowd yelled back, 'We believe! We believe!'. He quieted the crowd one more time and then asked them, 'Who will be that person?'.
The crowd suddenly became silent. Not a single person was willing to apply the very truth that they professed to believe in--that the tightrope walker could cross the falls with a person on his back"
I had heard this story before as an Evangelical, as a demonstration on "false" vs "genuine" faith. Do a quick search and you can even find it on dozens of Protestant sites and blogs. Odd thing is that what it more clearly demonstrates is that Believe is a verb, and that Faith, in part, is a work.
"Not everyone who says Lord, Lord, will enter the
but rather he who does the will of my Father"
(Matthew 7:21)
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but rather he who does the will of my Father"
(Matthew 7:21)
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Love is Giving
Have you ever had one of those dreams, the one where you are happily back in the arms of someone who you once loved, only to wake up alone - and even for a few minutes, unable to move because of the abrupt emptiness? Well I woke up that way today, but not from missing a person.
Above is a photo of my 30 + year music collection, that I willingly gave up one year ago today, as a sign of that sacrifice men need to demonstrate - and live out - for their bride.
"Husbands love your wife as Christ loved the church.
Give yourself up for your wife"
Give yourself up for your wife"
To most folks it may seem a tad silly for this to be considered a sacrifice, but to me, these lil ' bits of vinyl were welcoming friends after a long day. Yes, there were many times that I found that much needed focused distraction of making a mix for a friend or customer - that three or four hours of concentrated effort that would result in 80 minutes of a perfectly ordered mini-soundtrack for the day, and that little reminder that I was at least good at this.
While I regret at times the sacrifice to one unable - as yet - to love in this way, with the pain of this taking the joy of music from me (I rarely listen to music anymore), I am reminded again that loving isn't "to give to get" , but is found in the joy of knowing that Christ is making you a person able to give - to give away that which you might think is most important, and reveals in that what is truly most important - LOVE! and love is sacrifice.
I admit I still terribly miss gazing at my music collection , even as I try to find rest in the knowledge that Christ is still finishing that work in me of wanting nothing - loving nothing- more than the One who I will (hopefully) spend all eternity with. He is all I need - all you need!
maybe I am growing up after all, and my lil' dream was a reminder to let go of what is passing - or already passed.
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