Lily Maiden

Lenten Mini-Reflection

2011-04-12T11:17:00.003-05:00

"We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:2)

That is why Lent is about death. We have to DIE to our old selves, DIE to sin so that Christ can make us a new creation. Death is always painful. But resurrection is beyond the best we can imagine!

A Priest Forever

2011-03-27T20:47:00.005-05:00

Today, my mom and I went to the nearby hospital to visit a dear, elderly Franciscan who recently took a turn for the worse and now needs the constant presence of someone to help meet his basic needs. We sought to offer comfort in whatever small ways possible...food, water, and conversation being some chief ways. I sang and read from one of my sister's brilliant Scripture exegeses to help take his mind off the pain of his tired body. Despite his physical weakness, Father's famous wit was still strong, and spontaneous plays-on-words interspersed his dialogue in the charming way they always have.

It was difficult yet meaningful — and especially Lenten — to watch a dear one suffer and be able to do very little about it. I also couldn't think of a more grace-filled way to spend a Sunday afternoon than experiencing this spiritual work of mercy.

The thing that struck me most, however, was when this suffering priest of 80-something years imparted his farewell blessing to his visitors. Despite the fact that the littlest movement was torturous for him, he made every effort to raise the arm lying limp on the pillow in order to bless us not only with his words, but with his I.V.-laden hand. Such a picture of fidelity. Such a picture of a priest whose identity runs in every fiber of his being! Such a picture of Christ.

Announcing...Made4RealLove.org Photo Contest!

2011-03-19T09:54:00.003-05:00

A goddaughter of mine is in the process of launching an exciting new website to promote chastity. This photo contest is not only a great opportunity for you to be a part of this project, but to possibly bring in a little extra cash as well! Please share the word with anyone who may be interested!

Here are all the details.

Note the deadline is March 30th. Act fast. :)

Eye-Opening Entomology

2011-02-27T14:27:00.000-06:00

...the complexities of “adult” and “adultery.” How can such similar words have such different meanings?

Remarkably, the answer is that the words don’t share a common ancestor. “Adult” comes from the Latin verb adolescere, “to grow up, mature.” Students of Latin will understand what we mean when we say that adultus is the pluperfect of adolescere. Adultery, on the other hand, derives from a French word, avoutre, which in turn evolved from a distinct Latin verb, adulterare, “to corrupt.” The verb adulterate, “to debase or make impure by adding inferior materials or elements,” stems from the same source.

The sense of “adult” that means pornographic emerged as a kind of reverse assumption that adult and adultery have more direct links than they do.

-from Dictionary.com

Truth-Seekers vs. Open-Minded Cowards

2011-02-26T13:19:00.003-06:00

Wow. Archbishop Sheen has such a way of nailing it on really relevant topics! I've often wondered why "openness of mind" seems such an oft-idolized, twisted concept. Here we have the distinction between a necessary open mind and a narcissistic one.

The open mind is commendable when it is like a road that leads to a city, but the open mind is condemnable when it is like an abyss.

Those who boast of their open-mindedness are invariably those who love to search for truth but not to find it; they love the chase but not the capture; they admire the footprints of truth, but not catching up with it. They go through life talking about “widening the horizons of truth” without ever seeing the sun. Truth brings with it grave responsibilities; that is why so many keep their hands open to welcome it but never close them to grasp it.

The real thinker who is willing to embrace a truth at all costs generally has a double price to pay—first, isolation from popular opinion. For example, anyone who arrives at the moral conclusion that divorce prepares the way for civilization’s breakdown must be prepared to be ostracized by the Herods and Salomes of this world.

Nonconformity with popular opinion can be expected to bring down opposition and ridicule upon the offender’s head.

Second, those who discover a truth must stand naked before the uplifted stroke of its duties or else take up the cross that it imposes. Those two effects of embracing truth make many people fearful. In their cowardice, they keep their minds “open” so they will never have to close on anything that would entail responsibility, duty, moral correction or altered behavior.

The “open mind” does not want truth for truth implies obligation, which predicates responsibility, and responsibility is the only thing the “open mind” is most eager to avoid. Avoiding responsibility only results in the abdication of one’s free will to another, whether it be to an ideology or to a director. The only real solution is for those with “open minds” to grasp truth, even though it does involve a change in behavior, for ultimately it is only truth that can make them free.

—Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Way to Inner Peace (New York: Alba House Publishers, 1994)

Upcoming Conference

2011-01-12T00:13:00.002-06:00

I am delighted to announce that next month I travel to Dubuque, Iowa as a teen speaker for the Martha and Mary Women's Conference sponsored by "Springtime of Hope". Please pass along the word to anyone in the vicinity, visit their website for further details, and if you are from the area yourself I'd love to meet you!

Life and Health

2011-01-11T14:14:00.003-06:00

Your words to me are life and health
Pour strength into my soul
Enable, guide and teach my heart
To reach its perfect goal

Your words to me are light and truth
From day to day they show
Their wisdom, passing earthly lore
As in their truth I grow

Your words are perfected in one
Yourself, the Living Word
Within my heart Your image print
In clearest lines, O Lord

(Hymn from a Magnificat morning prayer this week)

Today's Pick-Me-Up

2010-12-02T11:45:00.004-06:00

I admit, I was succumbing to a bit of self-pity and restlessness the last day or two. But after 8am Mass this morning, that all changed.

I watched a sweet elderly lady balance herself and her cane against a pew to put on her scarf, and realized she must have come to church alone. I know her from seeing her regularly at daily Mass, but couldn't remember her name.

"Did you drive here all by yourself?" I approached, thinking to help her get to her car.

"Oh, no -- I walked," came the sweet reply, to my incredulous expression. (Mind you, it was all of 25 degrees F here this morning!)

"I've been told it's 18 blocks round-trip," she continued rosily while zipping her coat, "but I always tell people 14 because I don't like to sound like a show-off."

"And how old are you, again?" I queried.

"I'm 92 and —what's today?— 32 days."

She proceeded to kiss me goodbye on the cheek. "Love ya. And you have such a sweet dimple!"

That was just the inspirational kick I needed. Here is a precious lady who doesn't drive and who can barely walk steadily, yet who rises early on icy mornings to walk 8+ blocks one way to Church and who is always there on time... and here is 22-year-old me, who too many mornings (especially lately) weakly allows myself "just a few more minutes" under the warm covers and then arrives late to Mass.

The joyful witness of such fidelity moves me to strive for greater discipline this Advent, and reminds much I still need to learn about denying myself...

Thank you, Mary Ann! May your reward be great.

Divine Love

2010-10-24T13:36:00.005-05:00

I wrote this as a comment on a friend's blog and thought I would share it here, too.

***

What does God’s love look like?

His love is manifest not only to our sight, but each of our senses given to us for the purpose of experiencing and taking in His goodness!

To me, the Divine Romancer expresses His love daily, vividly, enchantingly... in the passionate colors of a sunset... the engulfing power of the ocean... the caressing petal of a rose... the precious face of a baby... the piercing beauty of a line of quality music. Lovers often say, "I'd hang the moon in the sky for you if I could..." well, He can and DOES! :)

How do you know God loves you?

Countless, numerous ways, both big and small. I know that He called me into being from all eternity with a unique, individualized mission for my life. Every skill and talent I possess is a free gift from Him. And the God of the universe loves His people so deeply as to make Himself a prisoner of love in every tabernacle in the world, just to be physically present to us!

To look at the crucifix is the ultimate picture of love (I know a couple that chose to hold a crucifix during their wedding vows for this very reason!). And I am always moved by the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When He appeared to St. Margaret Mary and she saw His heart aflame and pierced and bleeding, His words were: "Behold the Heart that so much loves man!"

When do you most feel His love?

When I receive Him sacramentally, when I spend time in His presence, gazing at the monstrance holding His body, and when I allow myself to marvel in childlike awe at the majesty of his creation. I know His love and see His smile when I look at the family and friends I've been blessed with, and when He answers very specific prayers! For example, yesterday we had a surprise outdoor 50th birthday party for my Mom. Thunderstorms were predicted, but I knew and trusted all along the the Lord (and His Blessed Mother, whom I often ask for help with details like this) would defy the forecast for us. We prayed with confidence, and the morning's rain gave way to pleasant sunshine in perfect timing for our celebration, which was blessed in every way! As the weather is something that is completely out of our human control, I'm very moved whenever the Lord grants a miracle like that!

I believe that the struggle is not in God lacking expression of His love, but in our failure to recognize it. As the convert, philosopher, and author G.K. Chesterton so wonderfully said...

"The world is not starved for lack of wonders, but for lack of wonder."

Women and Potential

2010-10-09T11:38:00.001-05:00

I invite you to read my post at The Catholic Young Woman today. Have a blessed and beautiful weekend!

My Favorite Morning Offering

2010-10-07T07:20:00.005-05:00

Eternal Father,

I offer You everything I do this day:

my work, my prayers, my apostolic efforts;

my time with family and friends;

my hours of relaxation;

my difficultities, problems, distress,

which I shall try to bear with patience.

Join these, my gifts,

to the unique offering which Jesus Christ, Your Son,

renews today in the Eucharist.

Grant, I pray,

that, vivified by the Holy Spirit

and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

my life this day may be of service to You and Your children

and help consecrate the world to You.

Amen!

~from the Apostleship of Prayer

"Love Is Not Tolerance"

2010-08-27T13:51:00.004-05:00

What does it really mean to love authentically? How do we walk the fine line between tender and tough love? The great speaker and TV evangelist Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen offers timeless guidance in this poem...

Love is Not Tolerance

Christian love bears evil, but it does not tolerate it.

It does penance for the sins of others, but it is not broadminded about sin.

The cry for tolerance never induces it to quench its hatred of the evil philosophies that have entered into contest with the Truth.

It forgives the sinner, and it hates the sin; it is unmerciful to the error in his mind.

The sinner it will always take back into the bosom of the Mystical Body; but his lie will never be taken into the treasury of His Wisdom.

Real love involves real hatred: whoever has lost the power of moral indignation and the urge to drive the buyers and sellers from the temples has also lost a living, fervent love of Truth.

Charity, then, is not a mild philosophy of "live and let live"; it is not a species of sloppy sentiment.

Charity is the infusion of the Spirit of God, which makes us love the beautiful and hate the morally ugly.

Of a boy and his lunch

2010-08-26T15:17:00.007-05:00

Apparently, 'tis the week to enjoy small-boyish antics! ;) I have made various sandwiches for my brother David's lunches this week, and today when I asked mom what she'd like for lunch, he piped up, "Please, not a sandwich."

"But that is yummy bread, and with garden tomatoes..." I pointed out, "You should be grateful you can eat those things!" (I'm gluten-sensitive and allergic to tomatoes)

He comes downstairs to the kitchen a bit later and asks, "Where's my food?"

"Well, I was thinking of ham and cheese..." I answer. "But now that you're down here, you can make it yourself."

"Oh!" he reasons. "I guess I better disappear for a while. Bye!" He pops out the back door, but is inside again a moment later.

"Claire, are you making my sandwich?" (insert puppy dog eyes)

"Maybe."

"Oh, thank you!" (He plants a kiss on my cheek and opens the fridge.) "Now in the meantime, I'm going to eat a snack...er, I mean, an appetizer!"

*Fast forward a few minutes*

David: (watching me prepare it) "Mmm...hot ham and cheese."

Me: "But David, you don't like sandwiches."

David: "Um, I thought I didn't."

Few bites into the sandwich: "Claire, why didn't you tell me this would be a good sandwich?"

Three-quarters done: "You can make me a sandwich like this every day!"

=)

Listen Up, World

2010-08-26T13:38:00.006-05:00

The too-cute 4-year-old mentioned in yesterday's post is quite the character: he's blonde-haired, big-eyed, and closer to the size of a 2 year old, but will open his articulate mouth and talk like he's 22. :)

Francis prompts laughter and endearment continually, but this particular exchange from last night is too good not to document. His brother three years his elder had been doing a bit of name-calling, prompting me to pull him aside for a little talk. Francis was meanwhile standing behind me on the porch steps.

Me: "Joseph, would Jesus have talked like you did?"

J: "No. But why do we have to be like Jesus?"

Me: "Because if we do not act like Jesus, that makes our enemy happy. Do you know who that is?" (Very helpful: always capitalize on spiritual warfare when catechizing little boys) ;)

J: "The devil."

Me: "And the devil hates us. He doesn't want us to be happy. He wants us to hurt God, others, and ourselves."

Francis: (with hands expressively lifted) "And why would you want to listen to someone who doesn't even love you? That doesn't make sense!"

You go, little one. If only the rest of the world would figure that out, a lot of people would be a whole lot happier!

Simple Joys

2010-08-25T23:06:00.004-05:00

Today I am delighting in the simple pleasures and home joys of life...

...watching four small boys play "battle" as only little boys can

...sharing music (and laughter) with my students

...sending love to my sisters via text (though 700 miles separates us)

...chatting on the phone with my great-uncle and aunt down in Louisiana and being thoroughly entertained by their endearing Southern charm and drawl!

...greetings and hugs to gals at the University choir after not seeing each other all summer

...walking amidst the late summer trees under an azure sky

...watching five beautiful children tonight: giggling over innocent amusements with Miss 9-yr-old and Miss 11-yr-old, cuddling Mr. 4-yr-old and listening to him philosophize

...playing in bread dough with Mr. 7-yr-old and Mr. 4-yr-old, who at one point were constructing a cave and tunnel in it :)

...laying in our new hammock under a round, glowing moon

...just being a child of God.

"...I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly."

(John 10:10)

Hailing from the Sacrament Ship...

2010-08-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

One of the reasons I've been so not-here this summer. :)

Security

2010-06-18T20:14:00.002-05:00

This verse never fails to quiet my heart!

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven… He has made everything beautiful in His time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

– Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11

Davidisms :)

2010-06-14T23:50:00.000-05:00

My 13-year-old brother had us all in stitches this morning. You kind of had to be there to "get it" fully, but I'll see if I can repaint the scene. :)

The four siblings were sitting in Church, and Sarah had David reading aloud The Universal Prayer of Pope Clement (okay, every version I can find online has a slightly different translation, so that messes up the dialogue a little bit). Anyway, the prayer book we have says, "Lord, make me...diligent in my duties". Now if you know my brother, you know that he can be a little, shall we say, hard to keep focused sometimes. So when we hit that part of the prayer, here's what transpired:

Sarah: Um, sir, repeat that line!

David: "Diligent in my duties"

Sarah: Try it again.

David: "Diligent in my duties"

(Repeat this exchange at least once more)

*Insert sibling chuckles here*

David: Well, I do a pretty good job when I'm motivated.

Me: What about the other 99% of the time?

Sarah: Well, there's this thing call SELF-motivation that you need.

Me: It's interesting, isn't it, all the words that start with "D"? David can either be a distracted, destructive dawdler or a diligent, dutiful...

(Sarah and Claire look at each other, searching for the right "D" word to finish)

David: ...DUDE!

June: Month of the Sacred Heart

2010-06-08T11:32:00.003-05:00

“For evangelization today, the Heart of Christ must be recognized as the heart of the Church: It is He who calls us to conversion, to reconciliation. It is He who leads pure hearts and those hungering for justice along the way of the Beatitudes. It is He who achieves the warm communion of the members of the one Body. It is He who enables us to adhere to the Good News and to accept the promise of eternal life. It is He who sends us out on mission. The heart-to-heart with Jesus broadens the human heart on a global scale.”

– Pope John Paul II

Immodesty and Beauty Pageants

2010-05-18T20:23:00.002-05:00

A poignant and needed opinion piece at Catholic.org:

Immodest Miss USA Photos: It's Time for Decency and Dignity

"The Miss USA pageant must pull back the reigns and take a more modest approach, or women of virtue and ethics will not participate. Without women of principle, the pageant will scrape the bottom of the barrel for eager, unprincipled participants. That industry exists and it's called pornography-and God knows we don't need more of that."

HT: Colleen Hammond

The Honor of Motherhood

2010-05-09T20:00:00.006-05:00

I've posted them before, but in honor of Mother's Day, these beautiful words are worth sharing again...

"The Most Important Person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral -- a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body...The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God's creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation...What on God's good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother?"

- Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

Happy Mother's Day!

Thoughts on Beauty

2010-05-07T11:23:00.001-05:00

I just found this, somehow still saved as a draft, though I wrote it back in January of last year. I know we are now in Spring, but I wanted to publish it because I think it's a meaningful reflection for any time!

My little brother and I ran an errand tonight...in a perfect wonderland. Snow, falling thickly yet gently, is blanketing the world. Such a sight never ceases to move me to joyous wonder.

Pausing to watch the millions of glittering flakes waft under street lights, I couldn't help but exclaim to David, "Oh, it's marvelously beautiful!".

He's 11, but has already heard enough drivers talking to know what comes along with this beauty. "Yes, but it's dangerous," he piped from the back seat.

And a response came to me, immediately and reflectively. "But all beauty comes with some danger, David."

...Particularly the beauty of femininity. One of the many quotes which struck me deeply from Dr. Alice von Hildebrand's The Privilege of Being a Woman was this:

“The power that women can wield over men is great indeed. If they pursue their own selfish aims, women are Satan’s slaves. If they put their charm at God’s service, they are God’s great allies.” (emphasis hers)

It is precisely because of the value, the power of beauty that it comes with danger. In my interactions with girls and ladies young and old, the bestowing of beauty as a gift on our sex is more and more apparent to me. But the world works it hardest to train us to misuse and abuse this gift. We are told to be beautiful for our own happiness, our own success, our own fullfillment, our own benefit. And yet, Dr. von Hildebrand warns us quite clearly about such selfishness and misuse of power.

The beauty itself is not the problem. Just as the snow itself is not the problem! The danger comes with our response. If I throw caution to the wind and drive without care on slippery roads, sure danger awaits — for me and for others. If I throw prudence to the wind and aspire for beauty without care for its essence, its Source and Giver, sure danger awaits — for me and for others.

Indeed, beauty it is both a gift and a calling from the Creater to His daughters. We are called to manifest to the world a glimpse of His perfect, radiant beauty. The physical should be only a mirror of the interior, timelessly captivating beauty of a pure, servant heart.

Let us be ever-mindful of this marvelous gift and high calling, and careful of the danger that comes with it!

Today's Quote

2010-05-05T23:33:00.002-05:00

"The present moment holds infinite riches beyond your wildest dreams but you will only enjoy them to the extent of your faith and love. The more a soul loves, the more it longs, the more it hopes, the more it finds. The will of God is manifest in each moment, an immense ocean which only the heart fathoms insofar as it overflows with faith, trust and love."

—Jean-Pierre De Caussade in The Sacrament of the Present Moment

~~~

I think that book needs to be on my reading list!

Holy Card Heaven

2010-04-28T23:18:00.003-05:00

I have to share this lovely treasure of a blog so that you, too, can enjoy its beauty! Not only are countless holy cards (including antiques!) shared, but they even have one of my favorite scriptures verses in the header. :)

Holy Card Heaven

Pope asks Bloggers to Give Internet a Soul

2010-04-25T15:54:00.003-05:00

(24 Apr 10 – RV) The need to give the Internet a soul and humanize the dynamics of the digital world was at the heart of Pope Benedict XVI’s message Saturday to participants in a conference on modern means of mass communication.

Promoted by the Italian Bishops Conference, “Digital Witness” draws together experts in information technology, social networking, web journalism and blogging to focus on the language we use and the way we communicate as Christians in the online society.

Pope Benedict told participants that the task of every believer who works in media, is to ensure the “quality of human contact, guaranteeing attention to people and their spiritual needs”.

“This is increasingly urgent in today’s world”, he said, at a time when Internet appears to have a “basically egalitarian” vocation, but at the same time, “marks a new divide", the "digital divide" that "separates the included from the excluded."

"The dangers of homologation and control, of intellectual and moral relativism are also increasing, as already recognizable in the decline of critical spirit, in truth reduced to a game of opinions, in the many forms of degradation and humiliation of the intimacy of the person."

Thus said the Pope we see, a "spiritual pollution" that brings us to no longer "look one another in the face”. So we must “overcome those collective dynamics that risk reducing people to "soulless bodies, objects of exchange and consumption”. The media must become a “humanizing factor”, focused "on promoting the dignity of persons and peoples". Only then will "the epochal times we are experiencing be rich and fertile in new opportunities."

"Without fear we must set sail on the digital sea facing into the deep with the same passion that has governed the ship of the Church for two thousand years. Rather than for, albeit necessary, technical resources, we want to qualify ourselves by living in the digital world with a believer’s heart, helping to give a soul to the Internet’s incessant flow of communication".

Power of the Eucharist

2010-04-17T10:28:00.007-05:00

I love quotes... you know that by now. :) But when I find one this moving, how can I not share it?

"My children, we know when a soul has worthily received the Sacrament of the Eucharist, it is so drowned in love, so penetrated and changed, that it is no longer to be recognised in its words or its actions... It is humble, it is gentle, it is mortified, charitable, and modest; it is at peace with everyone. It is a soul capable of the greatest sacrifices; in short, you would not know it again."

—St John Vianney, special patron of this "Year for Priests"

(Quote found at this blog, where there is also an insightful article about the recent persecution of the Holy Father and the clergy scandal.)

On a completely non-related note, I noticed that I've just exceeded 500 posts: this is my 501st entry here. :)

Answers & Winners :)

2010-04-15T12:19:00.003-05:00

Okay, here are the answers for the Easter greeting languages. And congrats to Nati, who correctly identified 10 of them! Runners up are Larissa and Catherine, who each knew 7. Hope you had fun. :)

1. Cristo ressuscitou! Ressuscitou verdadeiramente!
Portuguese

2. Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!
German

3. Christus is opgestaan! Hij is waarlijk opgestaan!
Dutch

4. Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere!
Latin

5. Christ est ressuscité! Il est vraiment ressuscité!
French

6. Cristo è risorto! È veramente risorto!
Italian

7. Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En verdad ha resucitado!
Spanish

8. Χριστός ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!
Greek

9. Христос воскрес! Воистину воскрес!
Russian

10. Krist uskrsnu! Uistinu uskrsnu!
Croatian

11. Chrystus zmartwychwstał! Prawdziwie zmartwychwstał!
Polish

12. Christos voskresen! Naistino voskresen!
Church Slavonic used by Slovaks

13. Kristus prisikėlė! Tikrai prisikėlė!
Lithuanian

14. Tá Críost éirithe! Go deimhin, tá sé éirithe!
Irish

15. Tha Crìosd air èiridh! Gu dearbh, tha e air èiridh!
Scottish

16. Si Cristo ay nabuhay! Siya nga ay nabuhay!

Filipino

17. Ua ala hou ´o kristo! Ua ala ´i ´o no ´oia!
Hawaiian

18. Krisztus feltámadt! Valóban feltámadt!
Hungarian

19. Kristus er opstanden! Ja, sandelig opstanden!
Danish

20. Ha Masheeha houh quam! Be emet quam!
Hebrew

Sources:
http://www.oca.org/OCpaschalgreetings.asp?SID=2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paschal_greeting

Greetings on Divine Mercy Sunday!

2010-04-11T13:22:00.003-05:00

In the words of Jesus:

"I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls... On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."

-St. Faustina's Diary p. 699

Here's a beautiful website explaining the devotion, Feast, graces, and more:

www.thedivinemercy.org

Doesn't anyone visit here anymore?

2010-04-09T22:16:00.001-05:00

...or is everyone too shy to participate in my Paschal languages contest? Come on, come out of hiding! :)

Modern "Feminism"

2010-04-06T18:06:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Malori has authored a splendid article on The Negative Effects of Modern Feminism, and I was honored to be the editor. Do head over to her blog and check it out. Let us know what you think!

Easter Greetings from around the world...

2010-04-06T17:06:00.008-05:00

Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! In a true Catholic (universal) spirit, here are the joyful greetings as spoken 'round the globe. How many languages can you identify (or add)? Time for a comment contest!

1. Cristo ressuscitou! Ressuscitou verdadeiramente!

2. Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!

3. Christus is opgestaan! Hij is waarlijk opgestaan!

4. Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere!

5. Christ est ressuscité! Il est vraiment ressuscité!

6. Cristo è risorto! È veramente risorto!

7. ¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En verdad ha resucitado!

8. Χριστός ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!

9. Христос воскрес! Воистину воскрес!

10. Krist uskrsnu! Uistinu uskrsnu!

11. Chrystus zmartwychwstał! Prawdziwie zmartwychwstał!

12. Christos voskresen! Naistino voskresen!

13. Kristus prisikėlė! Tikrai prisikėlė!

14. Tá Críost éirithe! Go deimhin, tá sé éirithe!

15. Tha Crìosd air èiridh! Gu dearbh, tha e air èiridh!

16. Si Cristo ay nabuhay! Siya nga ay nabuhay!

17. Ua ala hou ´o kristo! Ua ala ´i ´o no ´oia!

18. Krisztus feltámadt! Valóban feltámadt!

19. Kristus er opstanden! Ja, sandelig opstanden!

20. Ha Masheeha houh quam! Be emet quam!

Now, if only I could pronouce all of these, we'd be good to go. :)

In the Tomb

2010-04-03T12:24:00.004-05:00

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer

Death is strong, but Life is stronger

Stronger than the dark, the light

Stronger than the wrong, the right

Faith and Hope triumphant say:

Christ will rise on Easter Day.

(Bishop Phillips Brooks, An Easter Carol)

I long

2010-04-02T02:36:00.004-05:00

...for the day when our culture will be so completely Christian, so completely Catholic, that Google will acknowledge Good Friday. Not that I have anything against Hans Christian Anderson, but the salvation of the world is more noteworthy than his 205th birthday...

1 Thess 5:17

2010-03-31T02:36:00.000-05:00

"You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink."

--G.K. Chesterton

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,

for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

(1 Thess 5:16-18)

Through Him, With Him, In Him

2010-03-31T00:37:00.002-05:00

I'm marveling at the greatness of Christ working through His Mystical Body, when its members unite! This is the project I was blessed to be a part of the past two weekends. Nearly 2500 souls were touched with the reality of the Passion. Blessed be God!

Feast of the Annunciation

2010-03-25T11:06:00.004-05:00

On this Solemnity of the Annunciation, we rejoice in the mystery of the Incarnation: that by a maiden's "yes", the Word of God became flesh and dwells among us!

My full reflection for today can be found here.

Happy Feast Day!

2010-03-19T10:39:00.004-05:00

Today is the feast of St. Joseph. What do we know about this man?

He was a “just man.” (Matthew 1:19)
He lived a simple life.
He was a carpenter.
He was a descendant of King David.
He lived in Nazareth, in Galilee.
He was the husband of Mary.
He was the foster-father of Jesus.
He was protector of the Holy Family.

He often received messages in dreams.
He is the patron saint of fathers.
He is the patron saint of families.
He is patron of the Universal Church.
He is the patron saint of workers.

He has a second feast day:
May 1 is “St. Joseph the Worker”,
when we honor him as patron of all workers.

He is the patron of a happy death,
because he died in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Prayer to St. Joseph
(from the 1st Century)

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power, I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.

Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.

Reflection:

“Fathers of families find in Joseph the best personification of paternal solicitude and vigilance; spouses a perfect example of love, of peace, and of conjugal fidelity; virgins at the same time find in him the model and protector of virginal integrity.”

– Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII
On Devotion to St. Joseph

Happy Feast Day, everyone!

Impressive

2010-03-17T22:09:00.001-05:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day...

HT: Catholic Fire

Laughs from Children

2010-03-17T09:02:00.004-05:00

To funny not to share...

Last night at RE classes, my mom graciously substitute-taught Grade 1 for me because the catechist couldn't be there (thank you, Mom!). The daytime school teacher had left a classroom window open and written on the board, "Please shut the windows, thank you!".

During class, Mom had the children make Easter greeting cards for their families, and so she wrote a few words for them on the board to help them with messages. Near the end of class, she started erasing the window message, when one little boy called out, "Wait, I'm not done with it yet!"

Apparently, that Easter card will have a rather unique greeting. :D

The past week +

2010-03-14T14:34:00.004-05:00

I pulled... two all nighters to finish the Modeling Modesty Handbook* (thanks for your assistance!).

I traveled... to northern WI.

I gave... two presentations (with PowerPoint; that was fun) to 130 or so ladies at the Embracing Your Call to Holiness Conference. Great response, and great event!

I visited... several wonderful families we know in Northern WI, and my grandparents on the way home.

I enjoyed... Sarah home on Spring break!

I felt... the pain of too many priests and seminarians under attack. The battle for souls is at an all-time high.

I welcomed... the first days of Spring.

I saw... A Walk to Remember with sisters and friends for "girls' movie night"

I practiced... for the upcoming Seven Last Words of Christ Performance, the premiere Lenten meditation/passion play of Chicagoland. With nearly 100 performers, it includes a large choir performing Dubois' classical contata (that's where I am), several professional soloists, live orchestra, and actors. Purchase tickets online, or call (815) 727-3018.

I smiled... at my music students' recital last night, and the pleasure of seeing their joy.

I went... from one big project right into another, as I write an Easter Play for my RE Program. As soon as I hit "publish", it's back to that now...

I (just) watched... this inspiring movie. I remember seeing this skilled gentleman last year at the Sacred Music Colloquium. Never say "can't".

I stole (shamelessly)... the style of this post from my sister. :) Love you, sis.

~~~

*To request a copy of the Modeling Modesty Handbook, email me at lily maiden @ sbc global . net (remove the spaces).

Blessed

2010-03-05T04:15:00.004-06:00

I am one blessed gal. Between my loving family and abundant, kind friends, I was simply showered with joys on my birthday! And it's the little, thoughtful things (that aren't little to me). Dad and David singing Happy Birthday while waking me. The lovely pashmina from my mom. A surprise homemade skirt by Veronica (I'm wearing both here). Birthday kisses and a coupon good for 22 back rubs from David. So many birthday greetings on Facebook, I lost count. Six red roses from one of the catchesists in my RE Program. Tulips from my goddaughter. Sweet posts by friends and sisters. A swivel seat for my troubled back, wrapped so beautifully and dropped on my porch by friends. Heartwarming homemade cards by little ones. Phone calls and "singing telegrams". E-cards. Cards in the mail. The university choir serenading me at practice...

I thank our Lord, and I thank you... (Phil 1:3).

Please keep me in your prayers this weekend as I speak at the "Embracing Your Call to Holiness" Women's Conference for the Diocese of LaCrosse, WI!

P.S. Many thanks to everyone who responded to this post. Not all quotes fit into the print booklet, but it will be great to have a testimonies section of the website when I expand it! Keep responding!

P.P.S. Sorry that I slipped posting on Days 6-9 of the Novena for Priests. Let's not cease interceding for them every day. Consider a perpetual novena for the rest of the Year for Priests.

Happy Birthday!

2010-03-02T22:06:00.015-06:00

My beautiful sister Claire celebrated 22 years yesterday!!

Wow...where has the time gone?!

We love you, Claire!

-Your staff

P.S. Sorry this is a little late!! =)

"As a lily among thorns, so is my beloved among women."

-Song of Songs 2:2

Papa Benedict on Purity

2010-02-28T19:57:00.001-06:00

I just found this wonderful quote from World Youth Day 2008:

"Authentic love is obviously something good. Without it, life would hardly be worth living. It fulfils our deepest need, and when we love, we become most fully ourselves, most fully human. But how easily it can be made into a false god! People often think they are being loving when actually they are being possessive or manipulative. People sometimes treat others as objects to satisfy their own needs rather than as persons to be loved and cherished. How easy it is to be deceived by the many voices in our society that advocate a permissive approach to sexuality, without regard for modesty, self-respect or the moral values that bring quality to human relationships! This is worship of a false god. Instead of bringing life, it brings death."

I need your help!

2010-02-28T16:42:00.009-06:00

I'm right now working hard to complete a newly updated version of my booklet formerly called The Young Woman's Modesty Resource Guide (it will have a new name!). I'm revamping the layout for a crisp, sleeker presentation, and also doing a bit of expansion. That's where you come in.

Ladies: Do you have a favorite modesty website to share — either a source for purchasing apparel, or for going deeper into this subject? Are you willing to write a brief personal testimony about your modesty journey, why this virtue is important to you, or an experience or change of heart that you've had?

Gentlemen: Why is modesty important to you as a Christian man? Does it help you respect and reverence women? How does a modest gal help you in the quest for purity? How do you appreciate the girls and women in your life who seek to model modesty?

I'm calling on everyone: If you are a blog "lurker" who visits here and never speaks up, please do now. Your quotes will help me add valuable insight to this new print booklet, and/or to expansions on my website (which is another project on the burner). Now's your chance to speak out on this relevant topic! Only first names and ages will be published. You don't have to write a ton — anything from one sentence to a few paragraphs is perfect.

You can email your responses to me at lily maiden @ sbc global . net (remove all spaces). The only thing is that I need you to act fast. :) This edition of the booklet will be going to the printer within the next 2-3 days. So if you can send me something before then, that will be terrific. If you need more time, just send it as soon as you can, because it can still be helpful for future printings and/or the website. Please remember to include your age.

Quotes from Christian/Catholic men are always especially powerful. Women want to know what real men really think about this subject. After all, you are the ones whom modesty/immodesty affects the most (besides ourselves). So guys, speak up! And ladies, ask your husband, father, or brother to lend input and send me a quote from him, too.

Hope to hear from you soon!

This will also help me know how many visitors I have... I tried subscribing to a site meter recently, and it's telling me that I have received 0 hits. I think/hope there's at least a couple more than that!

Next Weekend in Wisconsin...

2010-02-27T20:53:00.006-06:00

...I am thrilled to be speaking at the "Embracing Your Call to Holiness" Women's Conference in Altoona, WI on Saturday, March 6th. If you or a lady you know lives somewhere in that area, please take this as a personal invitation! :)

The online PDF brochure can be downloaded here. You can still register by calling
715-597-2268.

I will be presenting two talks...

Clothed with Grace: Feminine Modesty and the Call to Beauty
Society depends on our authenticity as women, and more than ever has need of our gifts and dignity. This feminine dignity is empowered by purity and protected by the virtue of modesty. What does the Church say about feminine dignity, and what does it teach about modesty? What is feminine mystique? What role does beauty play in the healing of society? While exploring the answers to these and other important questions, we will learn from the inspiring examples of Our Lady and heroic feminine saints to understand the noble call of womanhood.

Raising Marylike Maidens amidst a Culture of Death
In a culture that eschews virtue and encourages vice, powerful influences infiltrate from every direction to affect the formation of our young generation. The challenge is to train our children to be in the world, but not of it. How can we raise young women confident in their identity as daughters of God and filled with holy boldness to resist the darkness? Sharing from her homeschool upbringing and experiences as a teacher and Catechetical leader, Claire will offer wisdom relevant not only to mothers, but to all Catholic women.

Regardless of your proximity to La Crosse, WI, please keep me in your prayers this week as I prepare my presentations, and work to update and replenish my print resources. I also really need to update my website... Holy Spirit, grant me efficiency!

Praying for Priests — Novena Day 5

2010-02-27T19:08:00.003-06:00

Responsorial...

Priests are called to consecrate their lives to God for the salvation of his people and to unite themselves more closely every day to Christ the High Priest.

Intercession...

United with Jesus Christ the Great High Priest, we pray;
Lord, show us your face!

That priests will renew and intensify their devotion to daily prayer;
Lord, show us your face!

That priests will prayerfully meditate on the law of God and put into practice what they teach;
Lord, show us your face!

That priests will sustain God's people by sharing with them the fruits of their own prayer lives;
Lord, show us your face!

Pray the Prayer to the Mother of God shared on Day 1.

Prayer for Priests — Novena Day 4

2010-02-26T08:46:00.001-06:00

"O Jesus, eternal Priest, keep your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart, where none may touch them."

Pray the Prayer to the Mother of God shared on Day 1.

If you're on Facebook, look up this wonderful group started by some friends of mine: Humble Prayers for Holy Priests.

Prayer for Priests — Novena Day 3

2010-02-25T22:50:00.000-06:00

The Wisdom of the Church:

"A priest's office is to be a mediator between God and his people, for as much as he bestows divine blessings on the people and offers up their prayers to God, and in some manner renders satisfaction to God for their sins...Because he is placed between God and man, the priest should touch God by his prayer and touch man by his mercy and compassion."

(St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica)

Pray the Prayer to the Mother of God shared on Day 1.

Prayer for Priests — Novena Day 2

2010-02-24T10:05:00.002-06:00

Insights of St. John Vianney:

"Oh, how great is the priest! If he understood himself he would die...God obeys him; he speaks two words, and Our Lord comes down from heaven at his voice, and shuts himself up in a little Host...

If man well understood this mystery, he would die of love."

Pray the Prayer to the Mother of God shared on Day 1.

Prayer for Priests — Novena Day 1

2010-02-23T07:46:00.006-06:00

I decided there would be no better time than today to begin a novena for priests. I've had the Magnificat Year for Priests companion sitting in my book basket for at least a few months...

Won't you join me? Drop me a comment to let me know that you're participating in this spiritual effort, and if you have your own prayer source, do share it with us!

I will try to share a portion of the Magnificat Novena each day...

A Prayer to the Mother of God for Priests by St. Charles Borromeo

O Holy Mother of God, pray for the priests you Son has chosen to serve the Church. Help them, by you intercession, to be holy, zealous, and chaste. Make them models of virtue in the service of God's people. Help them be pious in mediation, efficacious in preaching, and zealous in the daily offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Help them administer the Sacraments with love and joy. Amen.

You can learn more about the wonderful Magnificat booklet here (it's only $3.95, and I found mine free at a nearby parish), or there is a beautiful prayer from EWTN here.

"How great is the priest!

He will only rightly understand himself in heaven.

To understand the priesthood on earth

would make one die, not of fear, but of love.

The priesthood is the heart of the love of Jesus."

(St. John Marie Vianney, Cure of Ars)

Today: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

2010-02-22T21:26:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite verses:

"Always be ready to give an explanation

to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
but do it with gentleness and reverence..."

(1 Peter 3:15-16)

Here's something that is only slightly related, but amusing enough to mention — the two or three times today that I typed "Chair", my fingers automatically added an "e" to the end. After all, how many thousands of times have I typed my own name? :) Similarly, whenever I need to type the name "Tim", it always becomes "time" first... typing autopilot, I suppose!

Prayer for Priests

2010-02-22T13:54:00.002-06:00

I've seen trial and difficulty come lately to too many priests I know. We can always use a reminder to pray for our priests!

Jesus, Good Shepherd, Great High Priest, today I lift to You in prayer all of our priests. You left us Yourself in the person of the priest. Mold them into what You want them to be. Let them be You to each person they meet. May they fill all the needs of those who turn to them today. Send someone to lift their spirit and to be Jesus to them when others knock them down, to encourage them when their hope is gone. Give them all the strength and courage they need to persevere in holiness when under trial or just worn out from saving souls. Please bless us with many more holy priests. Teach us to love and appreciate all of our priests and to see You in them.

I consecrate all priests to the Immaculate Hands and Heart of Mary, Our Mother of Divine Love Patroness of Priests. I thank You for their priesthood. Keep them close to You. Please enfold and protect them in Your Mantle of Divine Love. My Lord Jesus I trust in You! Amen.

Pro-Life Victory

2010-02-18T10:51:00.002-06:00

LifeSiteNews.com —

Young Counselor Threatened with Knife Learns that Baby Was Saved from Abortion

Three months after being threatened with a knife to her throat by a woman entering an abortion mill, 21-year-old pro-life counselor Leah Winandy has
learned that her attacker has decided not to abort her child – and credits Leah
and Leah’s mother for saving her from a life of regret.

Population

2010-02-16T23:25:00.002-06:00

The video speaks for itself. I guess we need more Duggar families if we're going to balance this out! ;)

A Picture of Love

2010-02-14T22:59:00.002-06:00

My column in this weekend's bulletin at the parish where I am Religious Education Coordinator. Happy St. Valentine's Day to my readers!

Today is Valentine’s Day, concluding National Marriage Week which was February 7-14! Despite what many think, this is not just another Hallmark holiday. This day actually started as the celebration of a wonderful Catholic Saint:

St. Valentine, a priest in Rome during the persecution of Christians in the 200’s, risked his life to help his fellow Christians to worship in secret. When the Emperor Claudius issued a decree forbidding marriage (in order to increase troops for his army, believing that single men made better soldiers than married men), Valentine defied this decree and urged young lovers to come to him in secret so that he could join them in the sacrament of matrimony. He knew that marriage is a holy union willed by God. Eventually he was discovered by the Emperor and was thrown into prison. While in prison, Valentine converted his jailor to the Christian Faith, and also healed the jailor’s daughter, who was blind. Legend has it that while in jail, he wrote letters to encourage the Christians and signed them “From Your Valentine”. He was martyred on February 14, and his feast day became Valentine’s Day.

Our society has a lot of mixed-up ideas about love. We might hear someone say “I love pizza”… then “I love my wife” and “I love Jesus”! In reality, love can only be toward a person – never a thing. It is about much more than flowers, balloons, chocolates, poetic cards, or warm feelings. True love is not just expressed in a costly gift, but in the giving of oneself. It can be much easier to bare one’s wallet than it is to bare one’s heart.

If we want a picture of love, all we need do is look at the cross. Jesus Christ, Love incarnate, came to show us that love equals sacrifice. He said to us: “This is how much I love you” – and then gave up His life for us.

How many spouses get motivated to do something memorable and romantic today, and then return to Mr. or Mrs. Grouch tomorrow? The challenge to each of us today is this: Am I willing to lay down my life – or at the very least, my comforts or preferences – for the sake of the one that I love?

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T13:47:00.004-06:00

"Joy is a net of love

by which you can catch souls."

"Intense love does not measure,

it just gives."

"Love begins at home,

and it is not how much we do...

but how much love we put in that action."

"I have found the paradox,

that if you love until it hurts,

there can be no more hurt, only more love."

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God

who is sending a love letter to the world."

(Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

~ ~ ~

"Since love grows within you, so beauty grows.

For love is the beauty of the soul."

(Saint Augustine of Hippo)

Miss Anna at Maidens of Worth has a beautiful reflection here.

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

Feminine Hairstyles, Day 7

2010-02-13T16:43:00.004-06:00

Model: Miss Rachel

Style: "The Rachel Braid" :)

Done: Last July at Ave Cor Mariae Summer Camp

Time: 3o minutes (?)

Supplies: Comb, hairties, bobby pins

How: Rachel's hair is only a bit past her shoulders, but is thick and textured. It was also wavy from being previously braided, so that added even more volume! As is often the case when I "invent" a braid, this one is the combination of a few different things. :)

1. You will first need to know the "X & O braid", as explained here.

2. You will also need to experience doing an upside-down single french braid. This is the same concept as a regular french braid, only started at the neck going upward. It's explained here.

3. The first part of The Rachel Braid is a combination of the above two: an X braid down up-side down, but leaving some of the upper hair free.

4. After doing the X braid, I parted her upper hair down the center and made a small rolled bun on either side, placed so that the ending braids from the X could come up around the outside of each, and the braid ends tucked into the center.

I'm not sharing this one to intimidate anyone, just to provide an example of the kind of thing you can come up by creatively combining what you know. :)

Photos:

Top view

Back (see the X?)

Side (the hair above the slight part is what I used to make the rolled bun)

She was pleased, I think!

Feminine Hairstyles, Day 6

2010-02-12T22:47:00.005-06:00

Model: Miss Mary Kate

Style: French herringbone/fishtail, tucked under

Done: Last summer (as you can see from all the foliage in the photos!)

Time: Maybe 15 minutes

Supplies: Comb, hairtie, few large bobby pins and/or small claw clips if you plan to tuck it under. *This braid is challenging on fine or slippery hair. Miss MK's hair is somewhat textured and was also just perfectly damp-dry at this time I did this, which is why it turned out best of any french herringbone I've tried! If you are going to try it with fine hair, I suggest using mouse or a volumizing product first.

How: Go to "Fishtail or Herringbone Braids" on this page. I generally recommend adding very small sections of hair for this braid. The hair should always be damp or wet for best results. I do recommend trying out the basic herringbone technique first with the hair in a ponytail, then without the pontail, then the french way.

Photos:

Braid down

Tuck end under and secure with hidden pins/clips

One more view...

Feminine Hairstyles, Day 5

2010-02-11T12:17:00.005-06:00

Models: Elyse and Sarah

Style: The no-iron curled updo

Supplies: Comb, plenty of bobby pins, hairspray, accessories or flowers if desired

Time: Between 15-45 minutes, depending on thickness and type of hair

How: I just started doing this one in the past few months after seeing the basic concept. It's been well-received every time, and would be ideal for any formal event or a wedding! Here are the fundamental steps:

1. Do something — either small twists or braids or a "poof" using bobby pins — with the upper hair so that is frames the face and is drawn securely to the middle of the head with criss-cross bobby pins. On both the models below I did a side part and two small french ropes using the same braiding technique used here.

2. The updo is achieved by taking a small to medium strand of hair (the thinner the hair, the smaller the section), combing it through and coating it with hairspray, then using two of your fingers as a "roller" to roll it toward the head. Do this as neatly as possible, making the roll somewhat wide and thin. When you have rolled all the way to the scalp, carefully remove your fingers from inside, smooth the "curl" and position it whichever direction you would like, and fasten it in place with a bobby pin or two in each side (underneath the roll so that you can't see it).

3. The key is thickness and placement of the "curls". You don't want them all going the same direction, but there should be some order to it. Depending on the length, texture, and thickness of the hair, you will make probably 10-30 rolls for the entire updo.

4. When finished, hairspray your masterpiece and add any desire accessories, flowers, or hair sparkle dust. :) For our December orchestra concert, I did this on three of us, and we added red roses for a beautiful effect. Alas, somehow there aren't any pictures of those...

I have done this one on myself with the aid of a mirror, and then had my sister secure a few out-of-place strands when finished. This style can be done nicely on shoulder-length to waist-length hair, whether layered or not.

Photos:

Elyse from choir — her hair is fairly thick,

about 6" below her shoulders, and has a lot of layers

Different lighting and angle

The sparkly flower clips made by Veronica and I
ended up being featured a lot in this series —
I suppose because they are so versatile!

My sister Sarah at this year's Father-Daughter Snow Ball

Accented with peach-tone roses and babies breath

Feminine Hairstyles, Day 4

2010-02-10T23:11:00.006-06:00

Model: "Miss Flora"

Style: The heart braid (I learned this one from Vicki!)

Done: About two months ago

How: Seat her so that her face is looking at you. Part hair down the center and about halfway down the scalp. Take a very small section of hair from the middle of her head, next to the part, and start braiding toward yourself. Use the french "lace braid" technique by only adding sections from the part. As you come towards her forehead, curve the braid into a J shape for the left side, or a backwards J for the right side. Finish the end of the braid and secure it while you do the other side. Join the braids together in the middle and add a barette or accessory, if desired.

Supplies: Comb, small hairties. *If the hair is fine or slippery, you will need to wet the top down with a spray bottle of water before braiding.*

Time: About 10 minutes

Photos:

Front

Back (see the heart?)

As you can see, this braid is adorable with short hair, but it can be done easily on longer hair as well.

Feminine Hairstyles, Day 3

2010-02-09T22:28:00.007-06:00

Model: "Miss Eve" (Miss Nacia's sister!)

Style: Two-into-one french rope

Done: About a month ago

How: For this style, part the hair down the middle and clip one half of it while you do the other. The french rope is done using two sections of hair (not three until the end). Do the right side first following these steps:

1. Take two small sections of hair from the top. Twist the outer piece clockwise before crossing it to the left over the other section.

2. Add a small section of hair to both pieces and repeat the above action. It is important to twist the outer section clockwise (or to the right) every time you cross it to the left. This is what makes the twist pattern show up.

3. Continue until nearly half the hair is included. Leave a small section — about half the thickness of what you just braided — undone at the bottom. Add a few extra twists to the rope for security and place one or two claw clips to hold it while you do the other side.

5. The left side is done exactly as a mirror of the right. You cross the outer section over the inner, but this time you will be twisting it counterclockwise, or to the left, before crossing it to the right.

6. Leave a section of hair at the bottom, the same thickness as the other, and join these two together. For the hanging down rope braid, three sections are needed, and this has just become your third section.

7. The joining together of the three parts into one rope braid must be done carefully so as not to loosen your french ropes. This transition is the most difficult part and comes with practice to perfect the method that works best for you.

8. The three-strand rope is achieved by holding the pieces firmly in your fingers throughout this action: twist the far left piece counterclockwise (to the left), then cross it over both the other pieces. The entire braid rotates a bit. This action is repeated constantly from left to right, always taking the (new) lefthand piece, twisting it counterclockwise, and crossing it over the other two.

9. It would be a good idea for you to practice the three-strand rope (step 8) by itself before trying this style. Initially try it with your hair in a ponytail, which is easier, then progress to starting it without a ponytail. Once you have perfected these, you will be ready to try the two-into-one french rope. :)

10. For this braid, I left the very bottom looped up into the scrunchie (optional).

Supplies: Comb, hairtie or scrunchie, and maybe a few tiny clips or bobby pins to secure loose strands after you are done. *If the hair is fine or slippery, you will need to wet it down with a spray bottle before trying this style.*

Time: About 15-20 minutes (but allow more if you are just trying it out)

Photos:

Side close-up

View II

Such a sweetheart!

Feminine Hairstyles, Day 2

2010-02-08T22:09:00.008-06:00

Model: "Miss Nacia"

Style: A combination of five princess crowns, named after this young lady since I invented it for her. :)

Done: About a month ago

How: The "princess crown" is what I call a small, horizontal, curved french braid which pulls hair only from the front. This combination is explained in more detail with the photos below...

Supplies: Comb, small hairties (and I actually styled her bangs with hand lotion because it was nearby — it worked!)

Time: I redid parts of this one while deciding how I wanted it to look, so it was probably about 30-45 minutes.

Photos:

Finished "masterpiece". She was so patient while I experimented, but by her expression upon looking in the mirror, I think she was satisfied. :)

The first two braids go from right to left, the middle braid from left to right, and the bottom two from right to left.
The other side...

The front gives an unique "pigtail" appearance with two braids on one side and two on the other

Feminine Hairstyles, Day 1

2010-02-07T21:22:00.007-06:00

Here we go!

Model: Miss Havilah

Style: A updo variation on the diagonal french braid. I've given names to some of the hairstyles I will post this week, but some (including this one) are currently nameless...so I'm going to invite reader participation to help me out here! What do you think this braid should be called? Give your suggestions or cast your vote on others' suggestions in the comment box!

Supplies: Comb, one hairtie, about 10 blonde bobby pins and (optional) a double-comb piece like those shown here (they are sold at Jewel, Walgreens, or Wal-Mart for less than this site).

Time: About 10 minutes, maybe less

Photos (these are also in chronological order so you can see its progression!):

Diagonal braid, down

Side view

Other side — you can see where the braid was started

Braid up with end tucked in — voila!

Front view of her pretty face!

Hair comb duo added for decor

Finished product, one more angle (and different lighting)

Don't forget to submit your name suggestions! :)

See the list of "Week in Feminine Hair" participants here.

And for next week...

2010-02-06T20:02:00.003-06:00

...My friend Victoria Rose has lauched this project. I will participate to the best of my ability (availability!) and with my own twist: featuring various hairstyles I've done on others over the past several months. Stay tuned!

(I'm honored to be featured on her official banner.)

Explanation here.

Instructions here.

Bonus: A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 8

2010-02-06T17:05:00.012-06:00

Today's schedule: 8:00am Mass, accompanied flutist and bass player for their school contest, met with friends from Iowa to celebrate their baby's baptism, and after hitting "post" I must be off to catch up on deskwork and cleanup for a few solid hours. There's talk of a family movie for tonight. :)

Today's outfit #1... I wanted to post the "bonus" Day 8 to highlight a casual feminine outfit: a dark denim gored skirt with cotton tights, snowflake/snowman-print turtleneck, and sky blue zip-up sweatshirt. A combination ideal for housecleaning, chores, or "loungewear".

Today's outfit #2... For the baptism celebration and student contests, a more dressy ensemble: floral polyester skirt by "Southern Lady" (from a boutique), dark purple turtleneck, and lavender zip-up suede jacket.

I do want to share a picture of my necklace today because it's very special...my dear sister Sarah, who is a freshman at Christendom college, gave one to both Veronica and I (as well as herself) before going from Christmas break. The back reads, The best thing about having a sister is that I always have a friend. It's nice having the reminder close by even though she's 12 hours away. Love and miss you, Sarah!

Veronica's outfit... Black stretch-lace skirt — it also has a touch of velvet — from Burlington Coat Factory (as you can tell by the number of times I've mentioned them, there is more there than just coats!), wool sweater, and black dress ankle boots from Famous Footwear. Her spandex turtleneck shell was ordered from Boscov's: she has blue and black and really likes them for layering under sweaters and other tops. They fill in low necklines perfectly, as well as add warmth and style.

This snapshot offers a nice view of her miraculous medal from The Catholic Company (my Confirmation gift as her sponsor), as well as the way her turtleneck is gathered across the front, and her chastity ring.

Today's femininity quote:

“The power that women can wield over men is great indeed. If they pursue their own selfish aims, women are Satan’s slaves. If they put their charm at God’s service, they are God’s great allies.”

~Dr. Alice von Hildebrand

Today's feminine website: www.catholicmodesty.com

One last fun picture...my 12-year-old brother can be sweet when he decides to be! Yes, this was his own initiative. Never mind that he took the opportunity to try and tickle my face with his smack. ;)

And that, my friends, officially concludes our Winter Week in Feminine Dress. The comment boxes have been rather quiet... if you have been encouraged or inspired this week, please let me know! I really appreciate your thoughts and feedback. My purpose in hosting this is not to see my own face in print, but hopefully to offer a glimpse of how skirts and dresses can be implemented effectively into daily life.

Gentlemen, if you are grateful for the girls in your life who make the effort and priority to dress with dignity, let them know! After all, the wisdom of the world tells us modesty is unattractive...even though we know better, it's helpful and encouraging to hear the the truth from our brothers in Christ.

Ladies, I've heard one Catholic author descibe modesty as "a ministry of beauty". Our goal must be to offer in our dress and presentation a mirror of the perfect beauty of God, and a reflection of His presence in our hearts. The virtue of modesty is an important weapon to defeat the culture of death and transform it into a culture of life. As Colleen Hammond so wisely says...

"We can change the world: one outfit at a time!"

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 7

2010-02-05T22:06:00.007-06:00

Today's schedule: 7:30am Mass, various morning deskwork, University choir practice, few afternoon lessons, some R.E. work, a nap (I needed it!), another evening coaching session for a student playing their contest tomorrow.

Today's outfit:

Skirt: The brand is Liz Claiborne, but I'm not sure where I got it. It's a dark grey with tan and red plaid.

Shawl: Self-explanitory. Cream, knit, and cozy. :)

Top: Venetian red according to this page (color charts are such fun!), with a lace-up front and small collar. I really like that the lace-up has its own insert.

Necklace: My "Friends in Christ" necklace that I share with my dear friend Malori (who, by the way, just started her own Week in Feminine Dress. Do go and visit!). We've known each other for 14 years and we've only had reunions about six times, living many states from one another...so we started this tradition early on. Each time we are able to see each other, we exchange necklaces. One has a filled-in cross, and the other a cut-out cross. As you can see, I currently have the former.

Hair: Two-frenchbraids-into-one, which has been named "The Sarah" after my sister. :) It's called "High Combo" here.

Today's femininity quote:

“When women are pure, men will respect, nay, venerate them; they will also hear the call challenging them to chastity.”

~Dr. Alice von Hildebrand

Today's feminine website: www.saintmariasmessenger.com

"An interactive website for teen girls, under the patronage of St. Maria Goretti"

Champions for Life

2010-02-05T09:36:00.006-06:00

In case there are any gentlemen around who are a little tired of apparel and hairstyles, here's something a little different! ;) I'm not usually a football person, but this is great...you ladies will enjoy it, too.

From newsbusters.org:

There has been a lot of controversy over the Super Bowl ad featuring Tim Tebow and his mother discussing how she chose life for her son.

The ad is a simple sincere look at a personal story. Yet the left and the "feminists" have gone nuts over it.

23 years ago, The American Life League, one of the largest Catholic Pro-Life organizations, produced a short featuring members of the Super Bowl winning New York Giants.

As you watch former superstars Phil Simms — the game's MVP and current sportscaster for CBS! — Mark Bavaro, Jim Burt, Chris Godfrey, George Martin, and Phil McConkey speak out against abortion, try to imagine what the reaction would be to this film if it was made today.

The roar from the left would be heard from outerspace...

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 6

2010-02-04T23:39:00.002-06:00

Today's schedule: Noon Mass and adoration, meeting with a friend, Suzuki violin group (concert rehearsal), and more music coaching sessions (I've had a few extra this week because some middle school students playing their instruments for "contest" this weekend have me as their accompanist). Normally I work on Religious Ed. things in my home office on Thursdays, but didn't get to that today! That means more things stacked up for upcoming days...Friday, Saturday, and Monday usually have a lot of RE work in preparation for classes meeting on Tuesday. It is a mixed challenge/benefit to do much of the work from my home office and to set my own hours. :)

Today's outfit:

Skirt: Deep green corderoy makes for a seasonal standby. The five gores give it a great width and drape.

Top: Dusty lavendar sweater with attached tie-collar, found at a boutique. There is a rhinestone button sewn through both ties. Most of the time I wear a close-fitting short sleeve top underneath my pullover sweaters. No only does this aid in warmth, but in keeping the sweater fresh enough to wear a few times between washings. My favorite undershirts are soft organic cotton tops by Seed Supply Co. — which, believe it or not, are sold at Wal-Mart in a variety of colors. They aren't bulky, and the long length keeps them tucked in well. This company makes leggings and such, too.

Legwear: Maggie's lightweight cotton tights in black.

Hair: Nothing extraordinary today — just the "bangs" pulled back with a flat silver barrette.

Outerwear: I've had my main winter coat — suede-type in deep plum with thick, soft inside — for about three winters already. A coat that probably costs $50-$100 or more new is usually about $10-$20 at Unique. I also found this pretty aqua scarf there recently. It's super long, which means I can wrap it several times around.

Bonus outfits...

Mrs. H (aka Mom) enjoys a plum suede skirt with some small pleats near the hemline, coupled with black Maryjane shoes and her Maggie's cotton tights (no, they didn't pay me for advertising!). Her cotton sweater has yarn-embroidered flowers and large cream buttons, and she's wearing a blouse with a scalloped round collar that lays over the sweater. Her necklace is actually a medal of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Veronica's top is from Burlington Coat Factory, and she layers a black tank underneath to remedy the low v-neckline. Her pashmina/scarf is from Wal-Mart, and her grey skirt I gave her from Christmas (a Goodwill find). She often gets compliments on its trio of side pleats.

Today's femininity quote:

"All human society is increasingly enriched by the gifts proper to masculinity and femininity."

~Pope John Paul the Great

Today's feminine website: www.endowonline.com

"As a Catholic educational program, ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women" brings women together to discover their God-given dignity and to understand their role in humanizing and transforming society."

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 5

2010-02-03T23:09:00.006-06:00

Today's schedule: Mass and music lessons in the morning, University choir, afternoon lessons, took my brother to cello, evening orchestra practice. Yes, Wednesday is a big music day. :)

Today's oufit:

Skirt: Mock-suede Chadwicks that I found secondhand for probably 1/10 of the new price. Yet another winter favorite.

Top: A deep violet turtleneck underneath a soft, warm sweater with flower/bead decor. Maybe at this point I should just stop mentioning thrift stores and say only when I got it somewhere else!) :)

Shoes: Same boots as yesterday, with nylons.

Hair: I must admit that for most of the day, I didn't have time to do anything with my hair, but before going to orchestra tonight I snagged a few minutes to freshen up. I twisted the sides using small clips, and tried something new with the back. It came out being what I always imagined a chignon to look like (you know, the hairdo they always mention in civil war books?). Although now that I've looked it up, it seems like perhaps the term just meant a bun or knot. Oh well...maybe I'll have to give it a new name.

View 2:

Today's femininity quote:

"Either we must speak as we dress, or dress as we speak. Why do we profess one thing and display another? The tongue talks of chastity, but the whole body reveals impurity."

~St. Jerome

Today's feminine website: www.womenofgrace.com

Showing Off My Students

2010-02-03T22:15:00.004-06:00

This morning during music lessons, I had two families here and placed these four precious young ladies (two sets of sisters) filling every octave of the piano to play Twinkle...something my sisters, friends and I used to have such fun doing when we were small! This is Twinkle Variation B, which you will recognize if you know Suzuki music literature. :)

This was my first-ever YouTube video uploaded...and I learned that it was not near as simple or quick as I expected it would be! Oh, well, I hope you enjoy. :)

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 4

2010-02-02T23:21:00.001-06:00

Today's schedule: Religious Education work from 8am-8pm (home and school offices), with a few hours break in the afternoon for noon Mass and voting in the IL Primary Elections. At the end of the day, a non-regular music lesson and writing my bulletin article for this weekend.

Today's inspiration: This has nothing to do with the rest, but I have to mention it because I was so blessed when a lady came up to me after noon Mass thanking me for starting "O Salutaris" at the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament...expressing how moved she was by my singing. You never know when the littlest thing will touch someone!

Today's outfit:

Skirt: My favorite secondhand find this season. A conviently practical length and width, and homemade by my observation of the seams and absence of a tag. Heavier material and lining attached = nice and warm!

Top: Teal ribbed cotton turtleneck/sweater from Burlington Coat Factory. $4.99, I think. I enjoy this color a lot.

Scarf: Worn the same way as Day 1, this was a Christmas gift from Veronica — I happen to know that she found it at Wal-Mart, where pashmina-style scarves are only about $5.

Legwear: Probably the only thing I own that was from a "Juniors" section! These lace-edged leggings are only $5 or $6 at Wal-Mart. They'd be better if "Miley Cirus" wasn't printed inside the tag area (ugh), but the price can't be beat and they go great under skirts! For you ladies that don't like tights/pantyhose, leggings are the perfect thing to keep your legs warm with a winter skirt or dress. They're all over the place this season, anyway, so you won't have a hard time finding some! I wore a pair of black knee-high nylons underneath this pair since they are "capri" length.

Footwear: Winter boots by Khombu. Trim and pretty and totally wearable (an awful lot of boots these days are not!). I couldn't decide whether to get black or brown when getting these in the Fall, but ended up going with the latter, and they match pretty well with all my winter skirts.

Necklace: My miraculous medal, peeking out the center between the ends of my scarf.

Hair: I washed it this morning and it dries wavy, so I just parted it to the side and gently clipped back the sides with some turquoise-flowered bobby pins (to match the top and scarf). A couple of crossways brown bobby pins underneath the decorative ones helped it stay secure.

Veronica's outfit...

...a cranberry wool skirt and off-white rabbit-hair sweater with sparkles in it over a purple top. Actually, I think I may have found both those pieces...when thrift shopping I'm always finding nice things that fit my sisters. :) Her necklace was made by and older gentleman we know who makes jewelry as a hobby and gave us each a piece one year for Christmas. She actually wore her purple scarf from Day 2 much of the day with this outfit, which looked great also.

Today's femininity quote:

"True feminine beauty has a way of transforming and purifying and ennobling a man. This beauty carries with it a quiet confidence.”

~A holy priest I know

Today's feminine website: http://www.modesty-mall.com/ (designed by my own dear goddaughter)

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 3

2010-02-01T23:07:00.005-06:00

Today's schedule: A lot! 7:30am Mass, University choir practice, presentations for a nearby Catholic School (see outfit #2), a few music lessons, my Cherubim Catholic Children's Choir practice, a few more lessons, and various tasks in between. :)

Today's outfit #1...

This one is pretty straightforward... my favorite black linen skirt — which I needed for outfit #2, so I kept it simple by using it all day — with a pastel pink turtleneck underneath a coral/pink cotton sweater (both hand-me-downs). Black tights, and my pick slippers above...when outside, I had black Maryjanes. Necklace is my large miraculous medal which I wear almost all the time, either above or underneath my top. I had no time for elaborate hair, so it's only a simple bun with clips (it should have had a few more, because the three shown actually didn't hold it well).

Outfit #2...

In honor of Catholic Schools Week, I was asked to do a first-person portrayal of a relevant saint for a nearby parochial school. I won't say anything more...can you guess who she is?

Today's femininity quote:

"You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, and the great charm of all power is modesty."

~Louisa May Alcott

Today's feminine website: www.setapartgirl.com (Though I do not necessarily agree with everything on her site, Leslie Ludy's work is very inspiring!)

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 2

2010-01-31T22:37:00.009-06:00

Today’s schedule: A Family Day! Last year, Dad and David went to the University of IL-Champaign for something called an “E-Fest” – basically a large, regional gathering of model airplanes and helicopters. They enjoyed it so much that Dad really wanted to take us all to see it this year. I can see how someone with an engineering mind would be totally enthralled, because I found it interesting and enjoyable even though I am not at all scientifically-bent. :)

Following the E-Fest, we went to a very well-attended and vibrant Mass at St. John’s Newman Center, and then to Panera Bread for dinner.

Today’s outfit…

Skirt: Wool and pleated with a pattern of colored lines peeking from the pleats...so comfortable and warm! It’s another thrift-store find from several winters ago. I like to pair it with a red or green top during the Christmas season, but it works nicely throughout the rest of the winter, too.

Top: A sky-blue Worthington pullover I got this Fall from Unique Thrift Store. (You are detecting a pattern here, right? They are usually the best places to find quality modest clothing!). I’m wearing the same black tank underneath that I wore yesterday. The sweater’s dark neckline edge ties in well with the skirt, and there are actually blue lines in the skirt pattern (though you can’t see that in the photo). The black crocheted sweater is my mom’s, which she kindly lets me borrow since I don’t have one. :)

Shoes: Same as yesterday, but with Maggie’s lightweight cotton tights. These are the nicest cotton tights I’ve found: unlike many other brands, this particular Maggie’s design is warm and comfortable, and doesn’t slip down easily. They are trim and classy: a staple ready to pair with any winter skirt! Today I’m wearing charcoal gray, which ties together my black skirt and brown shoes. It’s actually just the right neutral shade against both the black and the brown.

Necklace: My dressy miraculous medal, and on my sweater a “Precious Feet” pin. (You can see the blue top’s cute neckline bow in this photo, too).

Hairstyle: A diagonal/curved French braid, spiraled up into a braided bun and secured with small claw clips (probably my favorite hair invention ever). The flower is of sparkly ribbon and was made by Veronica and I – we designed them for the ladies to wear in our December choir concert. It’s hot-glued to a standard, brown, flat clip which makes it a snap to put in. This do took me about 10-12 minutes this morning.

View 1:

View 2:

Bonus…my sister Veronica’s outfit:

Unbeknownst to one another, we chose similar pleated wool skirts today! She paired hers with what she describes as a “dull plum” colored top (yes, from a thrift store), layered a lighter purple cami underneath, and added a brown shell/stone necklace lent from Mom.

Her paisley-print purple pashmina scarf is worn the same way mine was yesterday, but pulled tighter and tied in the front. She's also enjoying Maggie’s lightweight cotton tights in brown...a perfect color match. Charming, isn't she?

Today’s femininity quote:

"Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor."

~Webster's Dictionary 1828

Today’s feminine website:

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 1

2010-01-30T22:32:00.016-06:00

Since my last week in feminine dress was in Spring, I thought it would be a fitting time to do another, and also a good revival for my poor neglected blog.

I'm often asked about how to dress femininely and warmly in wintertime. Granted, our midwestern winters are not quite as frigid as northern Wisconsin or Canada, but we do get our share of cold! I hope to share tips, ideas, and inspiration this week for feminine (plus stylish and frugal) winter apparel.

Today's schedule: The SpeakOut Illinois 2010 Pro-Life Conference

Today's oufit...

Skirt: A favorite I've had for a number of years (probably a thrift store find). The colors and weight make it a three-season piece. It actually has a second layer attached, which is helpful in warding off static-cling and chill (I do wear an additional slip as well). The dressy print of roses in deep red, dusty purple and deep goldenrod went well with the pro-life theme today.

Shoes: My super-comfortable Maryjane-style Sketchers in deep brown, worn with nylons. These are the most brilliant combination of pretty and practical, especially if you will be all day on your feet. I have wide feet, so a few good quality pairs of wide-width shoes are pretty much all I use. I was able to get these for a great sale price at Famous Footwear this fall. Beautiful footwear does not have to be painful — nor need comfort be dowdy! :)

Top: A v-neck sweater with 3/4 sleeves in deep red ("carmine" according to this...it appears a bit brighter than actuality in the photos). I found this one at a recent thrift store excursion. Layering is great both for warmth and modesty — underneath my sweater is a black tank with sequin accents at the neckline.

Necklace: The same rose necklace I wore here.

Shawl/Scarf: Purple "pashmina"-style ($10 from Burlington Coat Factory). This last season, I've discovered how much I enjoy these scarves! Not only do they bring a classy touch, but worn this way it feels as warm as wearing another sweater. There are many ways to wear them, but the two I use most frequently are demonstrated in this video (my first photo today features the first method shown here):

Todays' hair style: A fairly simple but becoming method I devised in the last few months. It is achieved by starting a side part, then turning it into a "box" part. Leave that small section of hair hanging in front, and draw the rest of your bangs (upper hair) back into a barette, smoothing the top with a comb. Put a braid or twist into the small section of hair, drawing it back and joining it into the barette. This style could work on shoulder-length or longer hair. If you find my directions confusing or need assistance, let me know. :) It takes about 3 minutes to do this on myself.

Today's femininity quote:

"When men wish to be safely impressive, as judges, priests or kings, they do wear skirts, the long trailing robes of female dignity."

-G.K. Chesterton

Media Malpractice

2010-01-30T19:19:00.005-06:00

This year's March for Life was bigger than ever. And, once again, the secular news media all but ignored it. Last night I heard a priest comment, "You want to know how to make 250,000 people disappear? Send them to Washington and hand them pro-life signs."

What's even more frustrating is that not only does the media belittle the huge, peaceful pro-life presence, but if they do mention us, they try to say that there are just as many pro-abortion individuals there, too. They like to label us "anti-abortion activists" and say things like, "most protestors are in their 60's or older", and "there are no young women around". Sorry, but anyone in D.C. on January 22 can tell you that YOUTH are the ones who fill the place. And young women? I was there, people. If anything, we are the majority!

Righteous indignation is needed here, folks. And plenty of our own self-publishing of the real, staggering facts, while expressing our vocal dissatisfaction with the seriously deficient average news media. Write your paper, TV station, whatever. Point out their obvious lack of skill and respectfully demand fair and balanced reporting in 2011.

From Catholic Fire: At the 2010 March for Life the media set new standards for journalistic fraud. In its lead photo, CNN showed five pro-abortion picketers, all that could be found, and ignored the 300,000 pro-life marchers. CNN's Rick Sanchez wondered out loud which group dominated. Newsweek claimed that most participants were in their 60's when, in fact, most were under 25. This video sets the record straight.

Weekend Recap...

2010-01-26T01:19:00.003-06:00

Thursday: Lively bus ride to D.C. with prayers, songs, hair braiding...all the usual Claire stuff. :)

Friday: Went up 13 floors at the Old Post Office Building in D.C., Marched for Life with 200,000+, interviewed live by EWTN along with my sister, prayed and sang at the Supreme Court steps, enjoyed time with my sister Sarah and my dear friend Malori!

Saturday: Attended Students for Life Conference and had wonderful surprise reunions with friends, went to a packed-full Mass at the crypt church of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, rode the Metro train (first time!) and spread smiles to whomever I could, visited the Servants of the Lord Convent, had precious time with my sister back at Christendom College, and then went to the black-and-white "Oreo" Dance

Sunday: Awesome Christendom Liturgy, afternoon socializing/open house, evening debate society gathering, swing dance practice!

Monday: Sat in on Theology, Astronomy, and Philosophy (where discussion included differing natures of men and woman AND the four temperaments...totally my element), said goodbye to Sarah (love you, sis!), flew to Atlanta for my connecting flight to Chicago, then find out the lovely lady sitting next to me lives a few blocks away (Erika, thanks so much for the ride!)

...just a slightly full and blessed few days. My heart is overflowingly grateful.

Seasonal Humor

2010-01-07T10:57:00.000-06:00

A mother gathered her three young children around their Christmas nativity and read the story of the Wise Men who traveled to worship the Christ Child. Mom told the children that the Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

After the story, her oldest son observed, “You know, Mom, a Wise Woman would have brought diapers.” =)

I'm one day late, but Blessed Epiphany!

What I'd Like to Say

2009-12-08T22:47:00.002-06:00

...my goddaughter, Miss Rose, very articulately expressed a lot of what I'd like to say on the whole "Happy-Holidays-versus-Merry-Christmas" thing, as well as the "get-it-over-with-Christmas-starting-in-October-and-ending-Dec-26-rush". How's that for a lot of hyphens? :)

Anyway, take a trip over for some good thoughts.

Blessed Advent Week of Peace!

Advent Message from Papa Benedict

2009-12-07T13:36:00.003-06:00

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2009 (Zenit.org).- As the Church begins Advent, Benedict XVI is recalling that it is a season to recall how God comes to visit us.

The Pope said this during a homily at First Vespers on Saturday, with which the Church began Advent and the new liturgical year.

The Holy Father reflected on the etymology of the word "advent" from the Latin adventus. "With the word adventus an attempt was made essentially to say: God is here, he has not withdrawn from the world, he has not left us alone," he explained. "Although we cannot see or touch him, as is the case with tangible realities, he is here and comes to visit us in multiple ways."

The Pontiff added that the expression advent also includes "visitatio, which means simply and properly 'visit."

"In this case," he said, "it is a visit of God: He enters my life and wants to address me."

Taking time
Benedict XVI acknowledged that we all experience "having little time for the Lord and little time for ourselves."

"We end up by being absorbed in 'doing,'" he said. "Is it not true that often activity possesses us, that society with its many interests monopolizes our attention? Is it not true that we dedicate much time to amusements and leisure of different kinds? Sometimes things 'trap' us."

In this scenario, the Holy Father said, Advent "invites us to pause in silence to grasp a presence." He continued: "It is an invitation to understand that every event of the day is a gesture that God directs to us, sign of the care he has for each one of us. How many times God makes us perceive something of his love! To have, so to speak, an 'interior diary' of this love would be a beautiful and salutary task for our life! Advent invites and stimulates us to contemplate the Lord who is present. Should not the certainty of his presence help us to see the world with different eyes? Should it not help us to see our whole existence as a 'visit,' as a way in which he can come to us and be close to us, in each situation?"

Advent is furthermore a time of joy, the Pontiff said. It is "the time of the presence and the expectation of the eternal. Precisely for this reason it is, in a particular way, the time of joy, of an internalized joy, that no suffering can erase. Joy because of the fact that God became a child. This joy, invisibly present in us, encourages us to walk with confidence."

And this joy, he concluded, finds a model and support in the Virgin Mary, "through whom the Child Jesus has been given to us." He prayed: "May she, faithful disciple of her Son, obtain for us the grace to live this liturgical time vigilant and diligent in waiting."

~from zenit.org

Straightening Out the "2012" Craze

2009-11-30T22:30:00.007-06:00

I know that it seems like I've abandoned this poor blog. Not intentionally, to be sure, but that's just how things play out. One of these days perhaps I can play catch-up here.

In the meantime, I can't help but take a moment to share this very informative film review about 2012 from Fr. Barron. He clearly and effectively explains just what is askew with this extravagant movie.

Catholics, let's not put a cent of support towards such flagrant disdain for Holy Mother Church. And not only for Catholicism, but towards all Christianity. Kyrie eleison!

Not In Control

2009-10-26T21:08:00.004-05:00

I'm a perfectionist. Anyone who knows me well will tell you I am detailed oriented. I try to be organized.

And the past few days have been the kind that makes one feel and look disorganized, despite one's very best efforts. Ever experience a situation when your best-laid plans get thwarted, and you exhaust your resources to remake them but it still doesn't work out?

In a nutshell, a much-anticipated event I'd planned for my R.E. program families to have tomorrow at a local nursing home was cancelled Friday morning by the Home's Activities Director. I had another prospective location that was to take us (hopeful "plan B"), but at 1:30 this afternoon they decided against it, too! I was left with 75 children prepared to come in saints' costumes with music and talks, and no where for them to give the program...

In this midst of this saga, our main computer officially froze up. AND for awhile the laptop wouldn't access the database of phone numbers I needed to notify the 48 families. (Thankfully Veronica was able to procure the file for me).

The temptation to get deflated and frustrated has definitely been present. I mean, Lord, when I'm trying to go the extra mile and more to serve You, why the dump of this stress? When it looked like the plan B location might work, both relief and excitement came in. "Lord, I can see now why the first place cancelled — this one will be better!" Then when plan B fell through today, and I was forced to come up with plan C (having regular class back at the school with kids in their costumes), I had to hold up my hands and say, "Okay, Lord, I truly don't see the better plan in all this, but I still trust You."

These kind of bumps and glitches are a raw reminder that I am not in control. Oh, most of us try to be. It's nice to feel like we are. But it seems to me that if we get a little overconfident, the Holy Spirit likes to stir things up to keep us in our place and to make us trust the One Who is in control.

As I sought out the meaning in all of this today, it came to mind how many times Our Lady dealt with bumps and glitches in her road. Things like getting woken mid-night and sent to Egypt with a newborn obviously were not her plan. Nor was traveling to Bethlehem at nine months pregnant, for that matter.

No, our Blessed Mother did not have it easy. I'm in good company. I'm just working on having her reponse — the one that made her full of grace.

Fiat. Be it done to me according to Your Word.

What are we coming to?

2009-10-13T21:03:00.003-05:00

I'm afraid that I'm coming down with something today, and was wondering why I should be getting sick. Well, a glance at some of the headlines in LifeSiteNews and Catholic News Agency showed that there's an awful lot to make reparation for right now...

Chicago Mayor Daley to Sign Abortion "Bubble Law" Ordinance
New ad backing same-sex ‘marriage’ in Maine misrepresents Catholicism
Obama Criticizes People with "Old Attitudes" in Keynote Speech at Homosexualist Dinner
President of USCCB Congratulates President Obama for Nobel Peace Prize
Homosexual Hate Crimes Law Poised to Become Law after Passing U.S. House
Notre Dame Pays Student Expenses to D.C. March for Homosexual 'Marriage'
Policeman Confiscates Rockford Pro-Lifer's Christ Image

There were a few positive ones, too, but the above type seemed sadly overpowering! Friends, we much pray and sacrifice for our slipping nation.

Music in Utero: The Smile of the Unborn

2009-09-18T19:05:00.003-05:00

As both a pro-lifer and a musician, I find this article so beautiful. Here's a taste:

The footage was part of a recent PBS special, The Music Instinct:
Science & Song. The program was an exploration of, among other things,
music’s “biological, emotional and psychological impact on humans.”

Part of this “exploration” included how music affects babies. If we
are, as some scientists believe, “wired for music,” then babies are ideal test
subjects since their reactions are, by definition, instinctual.

Part of this research involved the effect of music on fetuses.
While we knew that mothers often sing to their unborn children, we weren’t sure
that the unborn child could hear them.
We are now. A segment of The Music Instinct featured Sheila C. Woodward of the University of Southern California, who has studied fetal responses to music. A camera and a microphone designed for underwater use were inserted into the uterus of a pregnant woman. And then Woodward sang.

The hydrophone picked up two sounds: the “whooshing” of the uterine
artery and the unmistakable sound of a woman singing a lullaby.

Then something extraordinary happened. Upon hearing the woman’s
voice, the unborn child smiled.

It was one of those moments that makes you catch your breath. The
full humanity of the fetus could not have been clearer if he had turned to the
camera and winked.

Apparently, fetal responses to music aren’t limited to smiling. They have been observed moving their hands in response to music, almost as if conducting. They have been soothed by Vivaldi and disturbed by loud tracks from Beethoven. They have even responded “rhythmically to rhythms tapped on [their] mother’s belly.”

Read the rest here. Thrilling...and powerful!

On Marriage

2009-09-16T13:22:00.008-05:00

A few weeks ago, a lady I know who writes for the Herald News called me to get some quotes for an article. It came out today, discussing a current "debate" on the ideal marriageable age for Christians. Although I'm not sure I get the title, I think she did a fairly good job covering the contrasting viewpoints on the topic. One stance says couples should delay marriage until they have finished college, paid off the loans, and established a career. This mindset seems to me to be rather inspired by our me-in-control, individualistic culture. Of course, I've known wonderful people who were called to a longer season of singleness before marriage (evidenced by the fact that they didn't meet their spouse until they were a bit older). But when a couple in their early 20's has been together for some time, truly know one another, and know they want to spend the rest of their lives together, delaying the commitment by a few or several years can usher in plenty of negative effects. Especially when the pair is striving to remain pure. Love desires union, and particularly the full marital union of husband and wife. Don't presume that you are strong enough to indefinitely wait (the key word there is "indefinitely"). Wait, yes! But I have heard plenty of wise couples advise against a long engagement for this very reason — so the passions don't run away.

I think it's no coincidence that another marriage-themed article also appeared in today's paper: 'Playing house' not a good idea. Finally, a reality check! The news? It's not healthy for your relationship to cohabitate before marriage. I find it both sad and amusing when "new studies" come forth confirming what the Church (and common sense) have known and taught for, well, at least the last 2000 years.

How unfortunate for a generation to go such lengths to get rid of moral standards, only to realize that "old-fashioned" values aren't such a bad idea after all.

Prayers For My Friends

2009-09-11T21:05:00.004-05:00

The father of some friends of mine (and volunteer catechists for the RE program that I coordinate) was found dead in his bed this morning. He was a devout Catholic husband, father of four (ages 24-4) and history teacher at the local Catholic high school. Please keep his soul and his family in your prayers in their time of grief!

From Sweet Sixteen... to Sweet Seventeen

2009-09-07T15:07:00.014-05:00

Dear Veronica,

I can remember — though I was only four — that day you were born: how can it be 17 years ago? What colorful years they have been! Your creativity, personality, and spunk have etched your invaluable place as the third child in our family.

"Sugar and spice and everything nice" always makes me think of you. Your dramatic demeanor has always made it easy for your family to "roast" you, yet you are usually quite gracious as the subject of laughter. ;)

Persistant and devoted, your gifts and talents edify not only your family, but so many others as well.

"His Little Butterfy", how utterly special that from our long-watched cocoon should emerge a gorgeous butterfly — on the morning of your birthday!

You live life with a passion, and though the combination of our assertive personalities has induced "clashes" at times, I love you lots and am so grateful to call this graceful, taller-than-me 17-year-old my sister.

In the spirit of your patron Saint Therese, keep growing as His little flower!

With love,
Claire

P.S. Thanks for letting me have so much fun taking birthday photos of you!

(Explanation for readers... the first few photos were snapped at Grandpa and Grandma's farm in WI when we were there yesterday, the butterfly photo this morning, and the rest this afternoon after I did Veronica's hair to match her 1930's Belles on Their Toes-inspired homemade dress. Isn't she too charming? And so photogenic...I wanted to capture every pose!)

By the apple tree

About to leave on her daddy-daughter date this afternoon

* * *

Happy Birthday, dear Sister!

I Love the Duggars!

2009-09-03T14:59:00.005-05:00

In an era that devalues the gift of life, I think the joyful Duggar family is a wonderful witness to the reality of this gift. Parents Jim Bob and Michelle are always so upbeat and positive, and I can never get over how stunning and youthful Michelle looks — just pregnant with number 19, she is more gorgeous and glowing than ever! It's both sad and interesting how many people are derogative about their openness to life. And I'm sure these critics are the very same who claim to stand for "tolerance" and "choice". Why should they be mad about a large, happy, Christian, homeschooling family that chooses life (and that lives debt-free in a home they built themselves)? These well-rounded children will each bring a valuable contribution to society. I also love how beautifully and femininely the ladies of the Duggar family dress — Michelle and all 8 daughters! This family stands for the kind of beautiful values that are all-too-rare today. Though the Duggars are not Catholic, I think it's great how Jim Bob quotes Mother Teresa in this recent video announcing baby #19:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

And there are some very sweet photos in this one. See what I mean about a lovely mama? (At 42, she hardly looks older than her daughter-in-law!)

May the Lord continue to bless this family, and may their courageous witness inspire many to embrace the gift of life.

Butterfly

2009-09-02T22:37:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers! I am doing better. I'd like to share a quote that was timely and encouraging...

Just as the butterfly must wait upon its maker to be transformed, so must we. God is His infinite wisdom has a sovereign and individual plan for the transformation of our hearts and minds. Psalm 27:14 says "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Being transformed is a process, so do not loose heart. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."

~from a past issue of the Girlhood Home Companion (Volume 1, Issue 12)

Request

2009-09-01T11:07:00.003-05:00

I know my readers are pray-ers (if anyone is left reading this neglected blog by now), and I'm having an extraordinarily rough day, so could I please petition for your prayers for this tired soul? I can't go into all the detail, but a boost of grace would be a big help. Thank you so much.

New Blogger; New Baby

2009-08-26T15:18:00.003-05:00

I know I've been all-too-absent for all-too-long, but I need to pop in briefly to welcome my dear sister, Sarah (Princess, Pure and Brave), to the blog world! Her lovely web domain is here.

Today, I had the opportunity to (almost) be present at a friend's home birth! I was there for several hours in the morning, helping with tasks like heating and carrying water and preparing food for the daddy and the attendants. I had to leave for an appointment and choral rehearsal, but made it back in the afternoon to see the new baby boy 15 minutes after his arrival! So beautiful and amazing...the gift of life. Deo Gratias.

The King's Castle

2009-07-23T10:45:00.004-05:00

This morning's Joliet Herald News ran a beautiful article on what has been an immense but delightful summer project for me: organizing a Catholic Kids' Day Camp through St. Joseph Parish.

If you are visiting this blog because of the link mentioned in the newspaper article, welcome! This is actually my personal blog site; but the website of the purity apostolate mentioned in the article is www.rosamysticamodesty.org. If you are not attending the Camp, but are interested in receiving the children's coloring books mentioned in the article, you can email me at stjosephcre @ sbcglobal.net . net (remove the spaces).

If you're looking for information on the Camp, here is a summary...

THE KING'S CASTLE:

Knights and Princesses in the Family of God

~ ~ ~

Not just your typical Vacation Bible School...4 days of Catholic immersion!

When: July 28-31 (Tue-Fri) • 9am to 12noon
For: Kindergarten-6th Grade

Cost: $35/child • Second child in family $15 • Third child free

Limited openings available until July 25 by contacting Claire:

(815) 325-7361 or stjosephCRE @ sbcglobal . net (remove the spaces)

I will try to post some photos after the event!

Planned Parenthood Exposed

2009-07-14T16:42:00.003-05:00

Wow. Lila Rose continues her amazing pro-life work! I am very impressed by the tone of the reporter in this news clip. She actually calls us "pro-lifers" (instead of "anti-abortion activists"), and does not sugar-coat the case. In fact, she sounds like she may be pro-life herself! And how encouraging that the attorney general of the state is cued in and working for justice. Let us be ever vigilant!

Update: A commenter kindly notified me that the reporter is Laura Ingraham, which explains her authentic indignation at this story! It's been awhile since I watched an interview of hers; no wonder she looked familiar but I couldn't quite place her. :)

Powerful Saintly Wisdom

2009-07-02T20:08:00.001-05:00

"You may dazzle the mind with a thousand brilliant discoveries of natural science; you may open new worlds of knowledge which were never dreamed of before; yet, if you have not developed in the soul of the pupil strong habits of virtue which will sustain her in the struggle of life, you have not educated her, but only put in her hand a powerful instrument of self-destruction."

—Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

HT: Saint Quote of the Day

Mini-Interview

2009-06-30T16:03:00.004-05:00

A friend recently emailed me some questions on womanhood for a project she's completing, and I thought I'd share my answers here.

How do you feel to be a woman in today's society?
Being a woman in today's society is both a great challenge and a great opportunity. It is a challenge because our society has become a culture of death that does not understand what it means to be a woman. By attempting to eradicate (erase) the beautiful, God-given differences between man and woman, the movement of modern "feminism" fights not for womanhood, but against it. Our current society puts forth a very false image of womanhood, spreading around lots of lies and confusion. All this means that we have a most important call than ever to evangelize through our witness of authentic Christian, Catholic womanhood. As one adage so beautifully says, "The darker the night, the brighter shine the stars!".

What do you value most about being a woman?
I value most my call to bring beauty to the world by reflecting the perfect beauty of God, my creator and Father. And I value the feminine call to motherhood. As Pope John Paul so beautifully explains, we are granted special feminine gifts from God in order to fulfill this call to motherhood -- whether it be spiritual, biological, or both. I am grateful for the feminine capacity to love, to give and nurture life, and to respond to Divine initiation.

Do you have an ideal of what a woman should be like or is there a woman who is a model for you? Who?
When looking for the ideal woman, we of course need look no further than our Mother Mary. I often reflect on how perfectly she reflected the image of God. We are all created in His image, and are called to reflect it by purity and holiness. She did not merely reflect Him, however; she magnified Him! (Magnificat, Luke 1). She shows us what amazing things the Father can accomplish through us if we but surrender our lives and plans to Him. By giving all of herself as a joyful handmaiden, she became the Mother of the Messiah and of all mankind, co-Mediatrix of all graces, and the queen of Heaven and earth. Mother Teresa and St. Gianna Molla are also two big role models for me of beautiful, self-giving womanhood!

What do you think a woman can give to a man?
As women, we are able to give a great deal to man, both individually as a whole. I've learned from personal experience that if I am a real lady, it encourages men rise to the challenge of being real gentlemen. The creation account in Genesis so beautifully shows the Creator's mastery in creating woman as a helpmeet and partner for man. We are equal in dignity, but wonderfully different in design. Both man and woman have a unique call, special gifts, and the ability to complement and build up the other. We women have a "divine assignment": to give man a glimpse of the ultimate beauty and mystery of God through the beauty and mystery of our femininity.

Too, too sweet

2009-05-30T16:58:00.002-05:00

Is this not the sweetest thing? An impromptu performance at Mayo Clinic, by a couple married for 62 years — and the husband just turned 90!

HT: The Millers

Don't try to tell me that Catholics are behind the times!

2009-05-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

www.pope2you.net

Just discovered it...How cool is that?

Fatherhood

2009-05-25T08:24:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Dad and I went on our "Daddy-Daughter Date", a tradition he's done with his three daughters for at least the last 17 years. He takes us out for our birthday for a meal, and then to the nearby Poor Clare Monastery for Evening Vespers. My birthday was actually over two months ago, but we didn't have a chance to go out before now. :)

This time, instead of a restaurant, Mom and Sarah packed us a lovely picnic basket, which we took to a nearby greenhouse/botanical gardens sort of place. The outdoor beds seemed to be in a state of transition, so we found a sweet little bench inside the greenhouse and under a palm tree, spread the picnic cloth over our laps, and enjoyed our meal. We both agreed that it was the most fun yet!

When I was younger, I used to not realize just how privileged I am to have a father like this. In recent years, I have realized. And I was so strongly reminded of this tonight, when a few of us went on an evening walk and ran into a young girl trying to find a friend's house (which she'd never been to). In helping her locate the address, we got to know one another. At nineteen, this young girl had been through so many hardships. She mentioned leaving home at 15, and that her dad "was abusive and stuff". Just having enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of prayer and bonding with my father, I couldn't help but notice the painful contrast. And thank the Father for bestowing such gifts.

Chilling

2009-05-19T17:08:00.001-05:00

The Western Culture of Death is taking its toll. We need lots more devout Christian Catholic families with lots of children!

Catch-Up!

2009-05-18T22:21:00.015-05:00

My poor blog has been rather neglected for a while. One can only keep up with so many things at once! I'll attempt at a bit of catch-up with some photo glimpses at the last two months...

My new profile photo is courtesy of Sis Veronica photography, taken on my birthday back in March. :) She also took the following photo, which I have to share: I woke up on my birthday morning to the dining room table covered with...me! Resourceful Miss V had gone through albums and computer files and found a photo of me from every year of life, most taken on my birthdays. How sweet is that?

The lovely red roses were a surprise delivery sent from my godparents — they lasted a full two weeks plus!

Also in March, my youngest and only brother made his Confirmation:

Then came Easter. I already shared a photo glimpse from that day, but here's one of the four siblings on Easter morning... Claire (21), Veronica (16), David (11), and Sarah (18).

Now for another food photo: the charming Easter "Challah" bread and butter lamb made by Sarah and Veronica. Darling, isn't it?

Our Spring tree bloomed (all too briefly), and Veronica carried out her "traditional" photo-shoot of David amidst the white flowering-pear blossoms:

Our yard is looking lovely, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the same young gentleman...

Since I didn't post anything for Mother's Day, this will fill in...I love you, Mom!

A few weeks ago, we thoroughly enjoyed a visit from friends (three brothers) when they passed through our area on their way home from school. 'Twas a merry time of music-making with piano, guitar, banjo, violins, cello, and voices, not to mention great devotions as a group, and plenty of contra and swing dancing in the living room! (Thank you, gentlemen!)

Last week, Sarah and I had the wonderful opportunity of traveling with our University Schola Cantorum to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI. Our family traveled up seperately to visit the Shrine and hear our concert! We were blessed with simply perfect weather. This is Dad and Mom atop one of the lovely bluffs:

The Shrine itself was absolutely spectacular! The main Church was just dedicated last July. It was absolutely thrilling to sing in it...such amazing acoustics! Being so newly-constructed, many of its paintings were recent saints, like St. Gianna Molla.

I cannot encourage you enough to check out the Shrine website, and to visit it if you have a chance! It is nothing less than a heavenly experience.

This past weekend, we were back in WI for Grandpa's 88th Birthday party. Still the farmer, he spent five hours on his birthday driving a tractor for the son who now runs the farm!

What my Dad's Easter basket looked like this year

2009-05-06T00:21:00.003-05:00