Out of the Brush of Babes

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An extreme perk to my humble little career , is that I am constantly viewing beautiful original works of art. As I entered Hermitage Gallery in Virginia yesterday, I was imediately taken by the new showing of Arlington native Teresa Oaxaca's classical art. Finding that she isn't even old enough to legally have a glass a wine at her own opening, only enhanced my appreciation of this talented woman's work.

Check out her website's gallery
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Today's Reading

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"Brothers and sisters:
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested."

As faith is the evidence we present to an unbelieving world stinking drunk on instant gratification, let us not forget that our lack of faith, our lack of trusting completely in this Savior we dust off only if we have a bad day, is also evidence . . . damning evidence, a testimony so quickly used by the one who whispers lies in the ears of our brothers and sisters. Our faith life is proof indeed . . . for OR against!'For the sake of His sorrowful Passion
have mercy on us
and on the whole world.'
Jesus, I trust in You!

(say it, pray it, live it!)
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Well, Are You?

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I was wondering how many folks know that this Lenny Kravitz tune is written as if it is Christ asking the question? I don't pretend to know Lenny's relationship with our Lord, but I do know that as a baby Christian I wept in joy when I saw him wearing this shirt on VH1.

"I was born long ago
I am the chosen I'm the one
I have come to save the day
And I won't leave until I'm done"

"Are You Gonna Go My Way?"

Ya don't know what ya got until . . .

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In many ways I am happy to be back in my beloved Baltimore, where in general folks are a little nicer, a little less pretentious, and a little less "me" focused than in our National Swamp (although the DC-ites are moving here in force, $20 martinis in hand). Granted, Washington must be aware of it's spiritual deficit (or the faithful are aware of how easy it is to get caught up in the rampant materialism and status), as it sure was a lot easier to find a Bible Study or Adoration chapel down there than I am finding up here in Bawlmer, hon.

I've posted in the past of my own, almost selfish, need to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, and the blessing of how transformed I feel after just a few hours sitting in silence with our Lord. In my new neighborhood, Father Patrick (who runs three churches without benefit of another priest) barely has time for daily matters, so we only have a short weekday Adoration time. Searching the neighboring parishes, I seem to be finding much of the same, with a one hour gap here, or a first Friday devotion there; but no regularly evening scheduled time for us silly working folk. Last night I even went to my old, wonderful parish, but the sound of Ice crashing as it slid off the roof made me anxious about my one hour plus drive home, so I rested not. I am guessing I am gonna have to make a bit of parishioner noise if I am going to get a bit of spiritual silence (O:

So, if any of the D'artagnon minion have ideas on how to go about getting a weekly Adoration time, or has had to do similar, please give a shout. . . .and if ya happen to have Perpetual Adoration at your church, and ain't going , I can only say "wanna trade homes" (O:
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Something More

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" The end of all my labors has come.
All that I have written appears to me as much straw
after the things that have been
revealed to me."
St. Thomas Aquinas

Continuing with my rant about why Christian music is my tuneage of choice, I ask ya to give a listen to the opening of this song. For all my (attempts at) intellectual musings or academic babblings, I hope I never forget the simple, yet sometimes hard to accept, truth of the Gospel ; that We are loved beyond words . . .
You are loved beyond words . . .pass it on!
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"Hold on to what we got
This is worth any cost
So make the most of life that's borrowed
Love like there's no tomorrow

Someone loves you
Even when you don't think so
Don't you know
You got me and Jesus
By your side
Through the fight
You will never be alone
On your own
You got me and Jesus"
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There IS More

Recently, after I mentioned at dinner that I choose not to listen to secular music, my beloved niece responded with rolling of the eyes "Uncle Mike, you don't HAVE to listen to just Christian music!".

Oh, how I have failed, or maybe she is still responding to her "cool" uncle's severe hair cut of a few years back, but one of my main purposes is to show folks that while it is not a church teaching that all must pay tribute at the altar of CCM, it is still much better than the church of Top 40.

"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial.
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive."
1 Corinthians 10:23

While I don't equate listening to most Christian music with that of Bible study or Patristic reading, I would prefer silence to most of the Billboard 100. I guess the best comparison is that if I was in need of a snack in between meals, Christian music would be to me more like a handful of Trail Mix or a Clif Bar, and most secular music more like filling up on Funyons or HoHos. . . . . . .mmmm HoHos (oh, but I digress . . .digest?).

Anyhoo, complaining is not the answer, but hopefully demonstrating again, that there is soooo much great Christin music out there, and more than enough to get you through to that next meal .

With that in mind, I bring you Candlefuse, another new band of Christian rawkers, who have on their website this Mission (which me thinks is better than "babes and booze" of yer typical bands)

"With purpose, poetry, and passion, Candlefuse chooses to follow Jesus Christ and the ministry example He set: To go out into the highways and hedges and compel souls to come in."

Prayers

My family was told last week that my father only had maybe a few more weeks left with us. He sleeps most of the day, and consumes very little food or water. He is looking more and more like the pictures you see of Holocaust survivors.

Yesterday as I opened the door to that little rowhouse I grew up in, thinking again I would find him in his usual slumber, I was so wonderfully shocked to see my dad sitting up and with a grin say "whattaya know Mike?" I felt like dancing, but just let out a "thank you God".

A little holiday from the illness, and soon he will fall back into that slumber, and than too soon (at least for me) his sleep with our loving Father, but I just wanted to let ya all know how much your prayers are helping (keep'em coming), how happy I was for just a few minutes of time with my pop, and I just want to say thank you from me and my family. God bless you!

Praise Jesus!

mike
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Switchfoot On Your Knees

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We had a wonderful time seeing the new band Fiction Family last night, and were even more blessed that Jon played this song from his solo album (think Switchfoot acoustic worship cd). Absolutely beautiful, and I so wish the Church would include this in it's folk masses.

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let Your kingdom come in my world
And in my life

Give me the food I need
To live through today
Forgive me as I forgive
The people that wrong me

Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place

I walk to the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day

So why should I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need!

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town

The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us, today, our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons
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Intro to Intro

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"Be patient, not only with respect to the main trials which

beset you, but also under the accidental and accessory
annoyances which arise out of them. We often find people who
imagine themselves ready to accept a trial in itself who are
impatient of its consequences."

St. Francois de Sales

The First Catholic book I was ever given, besides the bible, was St. Francois de Sales' classic "The Introduction to the Devout Life". Sadly, me thinks I am still in the introductory part of said devout life, but re-reading this lil' gem of wisdom has gotten me back on track more than once.
Francis was destined by his father to be a lawyer so that the young man could eventually take his elder’s place as a senator from the province of Savoy in France. For this reason Francis was sent to Padua to study law. After receiving his doctorate, he returned home and, in due time, told his parents he wished to enter the priesthood. His father strongly opposed Francis in this, and only after much patient persuasiveness on the part of the gentle Francis did his father finally consent. Francis was ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, then a center for Calvinists. Francis set out to convert them, especially in the district of Chablais. By preaching and distributing the little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine, he had remarkable success.

At 35 he became bishop of Geneva. While administering his diocese he continued to preach, hear confessions and catechize the children. His gentle character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.”

Besides his two well-known books, the Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God, he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a vast correspondence. For his writings, he has been named patron of the Catholic Press. His writings, filled with his characteristic gentle spirit, are addressed to lay people. He wants to make them understand that they too are called to be saints. As he wrote in The Introduction to the Devout Life: “It is an error, or rather a heresy, to say devotion is incompatible with the life of a soldier, a tradesman, a prince, or a married woman.... It has happened that many have lost perfection in the desert who had preserved it in the world. ”

In spite of his busy and comparatively short life, he had time to collaborate with another saint, Jane Frances de Chantal, in the work of establishing the Sisters of the Visitation. These women were to practice the virtues exemplified in Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: humility, piety and mutual charity. They at first engaged to a limited degree in works of mercy for the poor and the sick. Today, while some communities conduct schools, others live a strictly contemplative life.

Comment:

Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” As he said himself, it took him 20 years to conquer his quick temper, but no one ever suspected he had such a problem, so overflowing with good nature and kindness was his usual manner of acting. His perennial meekness and sunny disposition won for him the title of “Gentleman Saint.”

Quote:

Francis tells us: “The person who possesses Christian meekness is affectionate and tender towards everyone: he is disposed to forgive and excuse the frailties of others; the goodness of his heart appears in a sweet affability that influences his words and actions, presents every object to his view in the most charitable and pleasing light.”

From Saint of the Day

Basic Instructions

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Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

"The Bible is like a telescope. If a man looks through his
telescope, then he sees worlds beyond; but if he looks at his
telescope, then he does not see anything but that. The Bible
is a thing to be looked through, to see that which is beyond."
Henry Ward Beecher

"The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid."
A. W. Tozer

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.”

G. K. Chesterton

(Trying not to quote Chesterton is as futile as trying to only eat one potato chip)
Dr. Peter Kreeft
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Selfish-Evident

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Timeless Truth "We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all human beings are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among which is the right to life . . .."

Modern "truth" "We (in power) hold these whims to be selfish-evident: That all human beings are created if it's convenient, and are sometimes (if it's an election year) endowed by their Government with certain rights (if they can vote), among which is the right to be lead by the media, lest anyone should think for themself"
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Lifesongs

"Oh little baby, you'll never cry, nor will you hear a sweet lullabye."
Unborn Child - Seals and Croft

"Body I'm not animal
Mummy I'm not an abortion!"
Bodies - Sex Pistols

Even Johnny Rotten knew that Abortion is Mean!

Luke 11:5-8

"And Jesus said unto them,

Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth."

"According to Jesus, by far the most important thing about
praying is to keep at it... Be importunate, Jesus says--not,
one assumes, because you have to beat a path to God's door
before he'll open it, but because until you beat the path
maybe there's no way of getting to your door."
Frederick Buechner

Seeing Victory in Defeat

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Of all the photos that stick in my over cataloged database of a noggin, one of my favorites is a picture of an old friend's grand parents (wish I had a copy to show ya). In this slightly distressed sepia print from the early 20th century, sits a nicely dressed African American woman, and standing next her, a Native American looking daper in a three piece suit and sporting a mohawk.

I thought of that photo, as well as a wonderful lil' film "Once Upon a Time, When We were Colored", back in October when it was announced that Barack Obama had won the presidential election. While I pretty much disagree with just about everything that comes out of our new President's mouth, I have found a bit of solace in the fact that there are so many of my slightly more tan brothers and sisters out there, that have maybe for the first time, completely felt that God given dignity, that I take for granted every single day.

Just a thought.
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Another Sad Truth of Genetic Engineering

The Downside of Genetic Engineering by Philip Tseng.

Speak, for your servant is listening

Yesterday's first reading from Samuel, is helpful for many reasons, but especially in teaching us elements of prayer.

"At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD,
because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.
Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.”
Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.
So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply,
Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”
When Samuel went to sleep in his place,
the LORD came and revealed his presence,
calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

So often, me thinks, our usual, and hopefully unconscious, call to God is "shush God, your servant is speaking", as we ramble on our list of needs and wants to our heavenly Father Christmas " gimmee, gimmee, gimme, in Jesus' name, amen", and than out the door, latte in hand.

Oh yeah, I am as guilty of this as anyone, and thankfully found a convicting call to my heart in this passage. Learning to listen to God, or anyone quite frankly, is not the easiest thing for most people; but what shows greater humility?, or helps us more, than a heart and mind open to God.

Granted, if we listen to our Lord we might have to do something we don't want, love someone we'd rather not, work somewhere that pays less . . . we might have to serve and submit, and like Christ, have our own desires crucified for the sake of the One who sends us.

The passage also ends with a promise for those with "ears to hear" (it's also a great line to defend papal infallibility with), as well as a bit of almost biblical sarcasm, in that unless we learn to listen, we will never "grow up".

"Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect."
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The Spirit IS Willing

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"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;
and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
James 4:8

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:
the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Matthew 26:41

I recently started a ritual of daily fasting, where each day of the week I give up something that I consider a trouble spot of wasted energy and time (food,internet,music, etc.). For Fridays, I have chosen the traditional food fast, and as I did the Sorrowful Mysteries to the sound of a growling tummy, something about Matthew 26 seemed to speak to me as never before.

As someone who always considered that Jesus was merely showing His great mercy in "but the flesh is weak", it was only in context that I realized that this was more a warning. Christ was telling the apostles which part of their nature to use to, to focus on, to control the other, so as to "not enter into temptation".

It seems we too often use "our weak flesh" as an excuse to sin, or to allow others to dwell in temptation-land; where we should be focusing more on the strength of Christ's spirit, "which is willing", inside us that beckons us all to "watch and pray".

Sadly, we are too often, as James writes "double-minded",thinking we can feed both the "spirit" and the "flesh", forgetting that to there is only enough food for one.

M5 with God Alive

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If you're also a fan of Maroon 5, but wished they would write lyrics of God's true and pure love, instead of songs of lust and infidelity, have I got a CD for you!

DC raised Nate Sallie's latest disc will have you dancing like David in no time, and might even have ya saying "Maroon who?". His first disc "Inside Out" was more guitar driven power pop aimed at the youth group crowd, but "Ruined for Ordinary" shows a more mature soulful side of this Christian artist that will hopefully appeal to the various generations of music lovers.

Could find no video, as of yet, for the first single "Lone Ranger" (go ahead, download it for a buck), but I found this lil' live clip to give ya a taste. . . enjoy!

I don't ever wanna be alone again
Now that I have found a love that never ends
Everything you are is all I hope to be, yeah

I used to walk around and be the lone ranger
Never needed love from a stranger
Always walked away from the danger
Of losing a friend, yes

And then I stumbled in to You in my senses
I needed You to melt my defenses
You're the sum of all I've been missing for so long
Let me say to You

I don't ever wanna be alone again
Now that I have found a love that never ends
Everything you are is all I hope to be
'Cause You're the best thing that's happened to me

And You know that I'll go
Anywhere you take my hand
And I don't ever wanna be alone again
I don't wanna be 'lone again
Don't wanna be 'lone again
yeah!
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Today's Reading

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Oh, that today you would hear his voice,
“Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion
in the day of testing in the desert,
where your ancestors tested and tried me
and saw my works for forty years.
Because of this I was provoked with that generation
and I said, ‘They have always been of erring heart,
and they do not know my ways.’
As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter into my rest.’”

I realized in reading this that it is not so much that our hearts can become harden under testing, as much as that the trial reveals a heart already hardened . . . luckily, Christ can breakthrough even the hardest of hearts, as I am, praise God, living proof.
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Brother Lawrence: deeds or motives?

"[He said:] that our sanctification did not depend upon our
changing our works, but upon our doing that for God's sake
which commonly we do for our own; that it was lamentable to
see how many people mistook the means for the end, addicting
themselves to certain works, which they performed very
imperfectly, by reason of their human or selfish regards."

Brother Lawrence (c.1605-1691)
A quote from The Practice Of The Presence Of God , a wonderful little classic for anyone wishing to make their whole life a prayer.

On a side note, I am collecting covers of old paperbacks to eventually frame, so if anyone comes across a ten cent copy of an old Lewis, Chesterton, MacDonald, etc., feel free to send 'em my way (O: (and for you "bookies" out there, yes, I am ripping the covers off old novels). My humblest of apologies to my fellow Mass'keteer, but Mandate is not, as of yet, sufficiently distressed for my design purposes (O:
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Chains or Dust

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Matthew Warner over at Fallible Blogma (love that name), has a helpful lil' post about the truth behind the Church's old practice of chaining up the bibles . . . with is much better than our modern method of holding them down by layers of dust.
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Who Will Speak Up?

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Will YOU take time for the March for Life?
Will YOU speak for those without a voice?
Does Your Silence = Their Death?
Will You at least Pray for our unborn family?

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This song by Phil Keaggy, "Little Ones".
From the 1980 Album, "Ph'lip Side.
May we all do our part to save the children.
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Raven Religious

O.K., this is photo was actually taken during Pope Benedict's visit, but since moving back to Bal'mer, I am surprised at how often our Ravens are mentioned in the homily ( a "hon"- ily?) (O:
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Through the Church, not "Drive-thru Church"

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"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold
wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and
authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal
purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ephesians 3:10-11

Christian Critical Success Factors

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It was only recently that I heard someone use the phrase
"Critical Success Factor", which it seems is a business term, used for an element which is necessary for an organization or project to achieve its mission. It, of course, lead to my meditating on what D'art's own personal one(s) might be, given that my "mission" is to "love God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind" and 'Love my neighbor as myself.'; I realized that my CSFs are to be found again in scripture.

To achieve my God given mission in life I must strive to make it possible to interchange the word Love (or charity) in 1 COR 13:4-7, with that of my own name. So these are my Critical Success Factors:

Michael never gives up.
Michael cares more for others than for self.
Michael doesn't want what he doesn't have.
Michael doesn't strut,
Michael doesn't have a swelled head,
Michael doesn't force himself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Michael doesn't fly off the handle,
Michael doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Michael doesn't revel when others grovel,
Michael takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Michael never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

On some I am, praise God!, a lil' closer than others, but in all I must work very hard to achieve, and with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul . . . that is how I love my God.

"thoroughly joyless"

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"Hathaway and Hudson, both natural charmers, are reduced to female stereotypes in this outdated comedy," while Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post minces no words: "This thoroughly joyless movie also possesses a deep nasty streak, making it loathsome when it might have been merely annoying."
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uuum, obviously Ms. Hornaday is not married, or if so did not discuss this review with her husband in advance, because as one who barely survived the engagement process, I have to say that putting that first ring on even the nicest "natural charmer" can sadly turn one into a "female stereotype" capable of making a wedding, or a groom, "thoroughly joyless".
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So many little gods, so little time

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Money
Security
Romantic Love
Family
Popularity
Happiness
Television
Exercise
Travel
Esteem
Sex
Knowledge
Friends
Cars
Food
Politics
Work
Xbox
Bitterness
Music
Marriage
Good Grades
Success
Opinions
Sensations
Persona
Art
Clothes
Monkish Blogs

"We also know that the Son of God has come
and has given us discernment to know the one who is true.
And we are in the one who is true,
in his Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
Little Children, be on your guard against idols."
1 John 5:20-21
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Family Non-Fiction

Touring with his bandmates Switchfoot as part of the Music Builds tour (with Jars of Clay and Third Day) benefiting Habitat for Humanity and the ONE Campaign, releasing 4 solo E.P.s and a full L.P., and hosting a Surf Contest/Festival; ya might think that Jon Foreman might want some time off . . .nah!

Seems he and Nickel Creek friend Sean Watkins have made a little record (release date 1/20/09) under the moniker of Family Fiction .The first single "When She's Near", is available for free for Download this week at itickets, and it has Jon singing about romantic love, something he has for the most part, shied away from on his other projects.

From their Bio "Foreman and Watkins began their collaboration in 2005, and eventually pieced together their first song called "Betrayal." The pair continued to write songs in the same manner because Nickel Creek and Switchfoot were both constantly on the road touring. "Whoever was home from tour would chip away at the songs with no real expectations at all," said Foreman. It was "mainly just for ourselves and for the love of the song I suppose."

The tracking of the record was very organic, with little production involved besides some basic samples the two created from scratch. It was recorded completely in Foreman and Watkins' home studios, and with a few exceptions, "every note was written, arranged, played, recorded, mixed, and mastered by sean and myself," Foreman said.

Eventually, the pair had pulled together enough songs for an EP, but enjoyed the project so much they decided to continue writing until they had a full record. They finished tracking in 2007, and rumors were swirling that Starbucks Coffee would be releasing the record on their label. But that deal apparently fell through, and the album was shelved until ATO Records picked it up late in 2008."

They are also touring to promote the disc, and I am excited that they will be in my area in a couple weeks (and I get to take a couple of awesome friends with me to the show).

check 'em out

Jan 13 2009 12:30P	Borders Store - FREE	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jan 13 2009 7:00P	The Ark	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jan 14 2009 7:00P	Literary Club - Calvin College	GRAND RAPIDS
Jan 15 2009 7:00P	Abbey Pub	Chicago, Illinois
Jan 17 2009 7:00P	Ransburg Auditorium - University of Indianapolis	Indianapolis, Indiana
Jan 18 2009 7:00P	Mountain Stage at WVU	Morgantown, West Virginia
Jan 20 2009 7:00P	Bowery Ballroom	New York, New York
Jan 21 2009 7:00P	Paradise Rock Club	Boston, Massachusetts
Jan 22 2009 7:00P	World Cafe Live	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jan 23 2009 7:00P	Crawford Auditorium	Grove City, Pennsylvania
Jan 24 2009 7:00P	Jammin’ Java	Vienna, Virginia
Jan 25 2009 7:00P	Brubaker Auditorium	Grantham, Pennsylvania
Jan 27 2009 7:00P	Gravity Lounge	Charlottesville, Virginia
Jan 29 2009 7:00P	Variety Playhouse	Atlanta, Georgia
Jan 30 2009 7:00P	Belcourt Theater	Nashville, Tennessee
Feb 3 2009 7:00P	Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room	Seattle, Washington
Feb 4 2009 7:00P	Aladdin Theater	Portland, Oregon
Feb 5 2009 7:00P	The Independent	San Francisco, California
Feb 6 2009 7:00P	Anthology Restaurant	San Diego, California
Feb 7 2009 7:00P	Largo at Coronet Theater	West Hollywood, California

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Prayers please

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I have been, until now, rather silent about the not so great events surrounding my life at present, but thought it best to ask the blogosphere to please take a moment to say a prayer for my family.

My father is in the late stages of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), as well as suffering from Alzheimer's. My poor stepmom, who has been trying to do a lot of the care giving (we have just started home hospice), is now herself suffering from pneumonia (they will hopefully celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary in April). My sister who normally lives with them, has Downs Syndrome, and is temporarily living with my other sister (who has enough on her plate, as she has two teenagers), until we can set up a permanent room in my humble lil' house.

Please , please mention us in your prayers, that the Peace that surpasses all understanding would flood our lives, lending us the grace and wisdom to help and support each other through a stressful and sad time.

Thanks and God bless,
mike

Finally;honest reporting (O:

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A wonderful, and surprisingly gentle, lil' satire of the vacuous state of most media. Thanks to Relevant Radio's Morning Air blog for posting, as I am not one to visit the Onion that often.


Breaking News: Series Of Concentric Circles Emanating From Glowing Red Dot

Who do YOU pray for?

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My new parish is more correctly a "community" comprised of 3 historic churches pastored by one priest, who is alone left to preside over each Sunday Mass, as well as the weekday daily masses. Lately poor Fr. Pat has been looking like a cold has gotten the best of him, and I can't help but worry about when he will be get a bit of rest (granted, the Christmas season is over, so I hope he'll get a slight respite).

Knowing this servant and shepherd is the only priest for 3 churches lead my mind to, of course firstly, wish that I had become a priest, but more importantly, reminded me that we MUST remember to pray for our pastors each and everyday. . . . BUT DO WE?

Partly, me thinks, we tend to only pray for those we "feel" need prayer (someone sick, grieving, struggling, etc.), and forget about those who we think are spiritually above us (how we determine this, I ain't sure). Many of us might just think that they (religious) take care to pray for one another (which is true), but are our petitions of any less importance, or have any less power available to them? Even in this, I only realized that I should pray more for our religious after I noticed a coughing cleric struggling to get through mass.

Anyhow, so I just wanted to ask anyone out there to please remember to pray for our religious, from the Pope on down to yer favorite Deacon, because they do so need our prayers . . . mostly 'cause they have to deal with us (O;

O Jesus, eternal Priest,

keep your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart,

where none may touch them.

Keep unstained their anointed hands,

which daily touch Your Sacred Body.

Keep unsullied their lips,

daily purpled with your Precious Blood.

Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,

sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.

Let Your holy love surround them and

shield them from the world's contagion.

Bless their labors with abundant fruit and

may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here and in heaven their beautiful and

everlasting crown. Amen.
St. Therese of Lisieux

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"A person's a person no matter how small"

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Found an interesting article on the Pro-life questions raised in "Horton Hears a Who," and I couldn't help but wonder how long before our fascist friends on the left, who control much of the NEA,will have the book removed from school libraries.

Sadly, I also found an article where Audrey Geisel, widow of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), was upset that the quote was being used for a pro-life poster advertising a Pro-Life Sunday .

While a fully pregnant woman, in all her beauty, might feel a bit like our beloved elephant Horton at times, I don't know exactly if the good Doctor had that in mind (O:

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Greetings from New York

While this perhaps looks as if I am on the Staten island ferry, this photo was actually taken while on a lil' trip to Governor's Island. Kind of an interesting piece of history, and a nice (and free) place to visit if yer in New York, especially if you are fortunate enough to be given a private tour by someone who lived there as a child.

Yes, sadly, there SHOULD be Towers behind me.
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