Announcing...Made4RealLove.org Photo Contest!

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. :)

Special Announcement

A few months ago, Clare at A Maiden's Wreath graciously invited me to join as a contributor. I'm excited to say that I've put up my first introductory post there, including a bit of background on why I'm thrilled to be a part of that blog! You can check it out here. God-willing, I'll be posting there somewhat regularly with thoughts, encouragement, and advice specific to Catholic young ladies. I hope you'll bring over a cup of tea and join us!

Around the Corner...

Illinois Catholic Homeschool Conference and Vendor Fair

May 23-24, 2008

University of St. Francis, Joliet

Since my mom is coordinating this conference, the Little Flowers Troupe is performing, my resources will be in the vendor hall, and my sister Sarah and I are giving a workshop ("The Fruits of Homeschooling: A Graduate's Perspective"), I will be more than occupied the next few weeks. In fact, if you think of it I could really use some prayer warriors' intercession because what I need to accomplish in the next two weeks is not humanly possible... that means only by the grace of God and the power of prayer will I be ready. That also means that I must leave any and all blogging till after this event is over!

Of course, I can't leave without plugging the conference — especially if you live in IL or the greater midwest! Visit our conference website to see all of its wonderful offerings... including terrific keynotes, wide selection of workshops, Conference Mass with Fr. Pablo Straub, and entertainment by the Little Flowers Catholic Dance and Theatre Troupe.

May the grace and peace of Christ be with you all! Adieu for now!

"He Maketh All Things Beautiful in His Time"

There will (hopefully) be some expansions and alterations around here for the next several days (weeks?). I hope to -- without taking too much time... we'll see! -- try and make this blog more artistic and more unique. If you are experiencing any problems with the new template, kindly let me know!

Friday Activities!

Okay, it's not quite "tomorrow morning", but I wanted to wait until everything tomorrow
(Friday) was confirmed. Here's the info:

Omaha Catholic Homeschool Association Monthly Mass and Gathering
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
5419 N 114th St.
Omaha, NE 68164

Holy Mass: 11:00am

12:00-12:45pm: "Lunch with Miss Claire"
During lunch, Claire will speak for maidens ages 6-10

12:45-1:45pm and 1:45-2:45pm: Workshops sessions
During the "Fun Friday" workshop sessions, as a complimenting activity to Miss Claire’s lunchtime talk, young ladies of all ages are invited to participate in “Magdalena’s Hair Salon”! Girls will have the chance for some informal discussion and bonding “girl-time” while learning about the art of French-braiding and feminine hair-dos, and can have their hair done by Miss Claire.

Questions contact Denise at at (402) 502-1347.

~ ~ ~

We Made It! AND *Radio Interview New Time*

I wonder if this could qualify as "live-blogging"? :o)

Veronica and I made it to Nebraska. I say "made it" because getting here turned out to be quite an adventure! Needless to say, we expected some, well, opposition (since any time something good is in the works one must be ready for an onslaught of obsticles) -- but I'm not sure we quite anticipated what we got. And this is only the first day! But in a sense, the opposition is actually encouraging...because we know that there must be some good fruit going to come about -- or else old sir devil wouldn't put up such a stiff fight. :)

Between a somewhat later start than we hoped this morning, traffic, "orange" security, a flight switch, more security, airplane trouble, another flight switch, unloading, and reboarding...we ended up getting here 4 hours later than planned. This afternoon's speaking event and interview with the Omaha Catholic Radio had to be replanned...

And yet, the hand of God could still be seen guiding us along. Between the flight switches, we were able to attend Mass and receive our Lord at the O'Hare Chapel. I had missed Mass this morning because of trying to finish preparations, and been lamenting that I wouldn't get to receive Jesus today. So I just prayed, "Lord, if You want me to receive You today, please work it out somehow!".

Well, in between the hustle and bustle of working our way through the airport, I looked up and saw a Roman collar. It was the Airport Chaplain, and, lo and behold: there was to be a Mass at 11:30 -- right in the middle of our "in between" time. Truly, an omnipotent Father watches over us.

Thankfully, it looks like I will still get to be with the little girls, only on Friday (more details to follow). And Spirit Catholic Radio is able to record our interview with me tomorrow morning.

Which brings me to the real purpose for this post: the interview air time has actually been changed. It will still air Friday morning, but is now planned for approximately 8:15-9:00am Central Time.

Again, if you're in the greater Omaha area, you can tune in to:
88.9FM (Omaha)
103.1FM (Schuyler)
98.3FM (Norfolk)

Or for everyone else, listen online here.

Thank you again for your wonderful prayers! It is so exciting and humbling to be, as Mother Teresa so beautifully put it, "a pencil in the hand of God". May He increase and I decrease!

~ ~ ~

Catholic Radio Interview

Update:
My interview on Omaha’s Spirit Catholic Radio (which will actually be recorded tomorrow) will be aired during their Morning Show on Friday, March 9th from approximately 7:15 to 7:45am Central Time.

If you're in the greater Omaha area, tune in to:
88.9FM (Omaha)
103.1FM (Schuyler)
98.3FM (Norfolk)

Or if you're anywhere else, you can listen live at the Spirit Radio Website!

Thank you for your prayers!

~ ~ ~

Nebraska/Iowa: News from...

The Rosa Mystica Modesty Movement
Restoring a Culture of Life through Modesty!

Dear Friends,

It is with great excitement that I prepare to fly out Tuesday (along with my sister and tavel companion Veronica) to Omaha, Nebraska for six days of speaking. If you happen to live/will be in the Omaha, NE, Wynot, NE, or Sioux City, IA areas, I'd love to meet you! And if you have friends in these areas, please spread the word!

Even more importantly, I humbly request your prayers. My apostolate is under the protection and guidance of Our Lady, Mystical Rose: it is her work. And none of it would be possible but for the wonderful support of so many prayer warriors such as yourselves. This is the beauty of the Body of Christ. If you can, please join in praying the novena below to Our Lady, Rosa Mystica. If you begin today (Sunday) and go for nine days, you will be praying throughout the duration of my trip. But even starting tomorrow, or anytime this week, is great too! …Even if you can't pray the novena, we ask that you try to offer Memorares or any prayers and sacrifices you can. May God be glorified and many souls reached!

And lastly, if you should feel led to contribute a monetary donation to this work – in any amount – know that it would be much appreciated. This apostolate does exist solely on grace and donations, since all of our resources are offered free of charge. If the Holy Spirit places it on your heart to contribute in some way, please do! (Visit my contact page for where to send a donation).

While carrying out Christ’s unique work for each of us, let us press on together toward the goal... (Phil. 3:14).

Yours in the Faith,
Miss Claire J.M. Halbur

Foundress and Directress
The Rosa Mystica Modesty Movement

~ ~ ~

Nebraska/Iowa Speaking Schedule

Tuesday, March 6:
St. Peter Catholic Church (Convent of the Seraphic Sisters of the Eucharist)
27th & Leavenworth
Omaha, Nebraska 68105

Presentation for homeschooled young ladies ages 6–10 (2:00pm)
Other young ladies welcome!
For more details or to RSVP contact Salesia at (402) 345-0541
………………………………………….

Wednesday, March 7:
Holy Family Parish
807 Emerson Ave.
Wynot, Nebraska 68792

Presentations for young ladies of the Religious Education Program
(1st–5th Grade 7:15pm, 6th–12th Grade 7:40pm)
Other young ladies welcome!
For more details contact Minette at (402) 357-2669
………………………………………….

Thursday, March 8:
Holy Family Parish (Sacred Heart Hall)
807 Emerson Ave.
Wynot, Nebraska 68792

Mother/Daughter Tea (7:00pm)
All ladies welcome, with or without daughters (6th grade and older)
For more details or to RSVP contact Minette at (402) 357-2669
………………………………………….

Friday, March 9:
Interview aired on Omaha’s Spirit Catholic Radio Morning Show
*For time, check back on this blog on or after Monday, 3/05*
88.9FM – Omaha 103.1FM – Schuyler 98.3FM – Norfolk
Listen Live at the Spirit Radio Website: www.kvss.com
………………………………………….

Saturday, March 10:
Trinity Heights Shrine
2501 33rd Street (& Floyd Blvd.)
Sioux City, Iowa 51108

Mother/Daughter Tea (1:30pm)
All ladies welcome, with or without daughters (6th grade and older)
For more details or to RSVP contact Judy at (712) 276-8032
………………………………………….

Sunday, March 11:
St. Peter Catholic Church
27th & Leavenworth
Omaha, Nebraska 68105

Mother/Daughter Tea (3:00pm)
All ladies welcome, with or without daughters (6th grade and older)
For more details or to RSVP contact Denise at (402) 502-1347

………………………………………….

Novena Prayer to Our Lady, Rosa Mystica

Mystical Rose, Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, I venerate thee that I might honor thy Divine Son and thereby win His mercy. I ask for thy help in the clemency of thy Maternal Heart in all confidence that I will be heard. Hail Mary...

Mystical Rose, Mother of the Savior, Queen of the Holy Rosary and Mother of the Church, Christ's Mystical Body, I beseech thee on behalf of a war-torn world enslaved by sin, be merciful to those about to be lost for all eternity, especially those who have no one to pray for them, and pray for us, your children through consecration. Hail Mary...

Mystical Rose, Ever-Chaste Queen of Heaven and Earth, grant us holy zeal for souls, a heart surrendered to the Divine Will, and the grace and strength we need to carry out the work your Son has for us, so that one day, we and many others may join thee in perfect, pure union with Thy Son in the eternal beauty of Heaven. Hail Mary...

Hail Holy Queen...
Mystical Rose, Help of Christians, pray for us.

Mystical Rose of the Immaculate Conception, PRAY FOR US!

Memorare...

(prayer derived from devotions given here)

Thank you and may God bless you!

~ ~ ~

They've Arrived!

The results of The Modesty Survey have been released!

The Rebelution launched them today, in honor of St. Valentine's Day, as a special gift to Christian girls everywhere -- and a gift they are! Over 1,600 Christian guys (12-50+) submitted 150,000+ answers—including over 25,000 text responses to participate in this survey! The Survey Team did an amazing job in every aspect of this project: from publicizing, to answering concerns and questions, to balancing the approach and making the results super-easy to browse.

Most importantly, the survey is presented as a resource to help Christian girls (and guys), not a list of legalistic rules, and it is accompanied by the Modesty Survey Petition -- signed by hundreds of gentlemen -- which encourage young women to focus on the heart, to honor their parents, and to take this to prayer.

I encourage EVERYONE to head over and check it out! AND spread the word to others about this powerful project. The very fact that a team of teenagers conceived the idea and carried it out is amazing! It has been so truly exciting to watch it unfold. Please join me in praying for much good fruit to come from this -- and for the continued rising of our generation to a higher call, discovering the freedom of true discipleship.

P.S. Attention, Gentlemen: signatures are still being accepted for the Modesty Survey Petition, so there's still an opportunity for you to be a part of this!

~ ~ ~

Google No More!

I've been amazed at the number of folks I have spoken to lately (and active pro-lifers, too!) who don't know about ProLifeSearch.com!

Simple and direct, here's the operation:

ProLifeSearch.com is the "Web's First Pro-Life Search Engine." It is Google-powered (so don't worry, you don't loose any "search competence"!). You and I go to www.prolifesearch.com to search the Web just like we would with any major search engine, and the revunes this one generates are donated to Pro-Life charities.

If you have more questions about how it works, go here.

If not, make ProLifeSearch.com your homepage today!

~ ~ ~

From a Proud Sister

Take a moment to visit Generations for Life and read my sister's essay, which won their recent contest!

Sarah has written a bit for us in the past, too...she has a gift, and is using it for God's glory.

Congratulations, dear sister!

~ ~ ~

I'm Going to Nebraska!

Your prayers are requested as I prepare to fly to Nebraska/Iowa to speak from March 7-11. And if you or anyone you know happens to live in the Omaha, NE, Wynot, NE, or Sioux City, IA area -- watch for further details! I'd love to meet you!

Mystical Rose, Pray for Us

~ ~ ~

How Neat is This?

The Rebelution announced today that the results of The Modesty Survey will be released for St. Valentine's Day!

~ ~ ~

A bit of follow-up...

Little did I know that my post about voting for SpunkyHomeschool versus Michael Bérubé in the the Weblog Awards would end up being quoted on his blog, sending me the highest traffic that day that I've ever experienced. A surprise, to say the least! Which also made for some interesting developments -- making it necessary for me to bring here some clarifications that Mr. Bérubé kindly made for us on his and IvyGate's (another leading contestant for the Weblog Best Educational Blog Award) comments during the race.

In his own words:

The point is this. We really were kidding. But in pretending to be people who take weblog awards way too seriously, we apparently crossed some people who take weblog awards way too seriously. I have nothing against Ms. Braun [Spunky] or her family, and wish them the very best.

Apparently, this whole incident is a good example of the mis-communication that our modern snazzy methods of communications can bring upon us sometimes. :) We homeschoolers are all-too-familiar with warring attitudes towards us…and the truth is there are many folks on the web who make remarks such as his and are serious. For those of us unfamiliar with Mr. Bérubé's style of irony, it was only natural we would take his remarks literally. It was a welcome development to learn that it was all not quite as heavy as we thought. :)

One a positive ending note, it was heartening to read very cordial comments by both SpunkyHomeschool and Mr. Bérubé on each other's blogs. The closing graciousness shown by each was an appreciated outcome to all this!

Drum Roll...

"Join other Christian young men and women in TheRebelution.com’s new and exciting project: The Modesty Survey. The Modesty Survey allows any girl to submit anonymous, modesty-related questions to Christian guys and to receive (multiple) anonymous replies. It’s the discussion you’ve always wanted to have."

Read the rest and find out how both gentlemen and ladies can participate by clicking here or on the above logo! But girls, you'll need to act fast, because the deadline for submitting your questions is tomorrow (December 15th).

I can't wait to see the results of this! As a young woman active in the modesty movement, I quickly learned that there is nothing so powerful and so moving for us girls seeking true modesty and real beauty, and nothing with such effectiveness at reaching those girls’ hearts who may even not be seeking modesty, as the testimonies and humble, honest pleas of Godly young men. I think sometimes it can take just one Godly man to drive home with sure force the message that scores of girls could have been trying to share with another girl. Sadly, it’s far too rare that young men (or fathers!) do speak up about this topic…but when they do, feminine ears perk up!

Please join me in prayer that this project will truly bear wonderful fruit for God's Kingdom!

Homeschoolers Unite!

Even though the 2006 Weblog Awards voting ends tomorrow, we can still affect the results!

In short, the two top blogs competing (very closely, I might add!) for the Best Educational Blog award are... liberal Michael Bérubé and SpunkyHomeschool, a dedicated, witty, and devout Christan homeschool mom.

This has really and truly come down to a battle of Christian ideals versus Secular ideals, Godly values versus Godless values. As reported on the ever-fantastic blog The Rebelution, "Michael Bérubé recently commented... 'The important thing is that...I crush the homeschoolers.' "

To get the whole scoop, click here.

To help SpunkyHomeschool win, you can vote once per day per computer by clicking here. Get your friends to vote too! But HURRY: voting ends tomorrow (December 15th)!