Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 11

Today's Political Quote:

"To put the world right in order,

we must first put the nation in order;

to put the nation in order,

we must first put the family in order;

to put the family in order,

we must first cultivate our personal life;

we must first set our hearts right."

(Confucius)

- Today's Life Devotional here. Theme: Unconditional Love.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 10

An Election Prayer to Mary

from EWTN.com

O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. Most Holy Mother, we beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection. Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.

Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God’s law is the foundation on which this nation was founded, and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

O Merciful Mother, give us the courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life. Amen.

- Check out: "Being Bold", A heartwarming and challenging post at Faith and Family Live. Are we boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Life?

- Today's Life Devotional here.

More Eduardo News

From CNA: Eduardo Verastegui, the Mexican actor who starred in the movie “Bella,” joined pro-life sidewalk counselors and prayerful demonstrators at a Los Angeles abortion clinic on Saturday as he counseled women to turn away from aborting their unborn children.

Many of the demonstrators were present at the Family Planning Associates abortion clinic as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.

John Anthony, co-coordinator of 40 Days for Life Los Angeles, described Verastegui's efforts... According to Anthony, Verastegui spent time in prayer and counseled and encouraged women to keep their babies, acting with “love, tenderness, humility and compassion.” “Five babies were saved that morning!” Anthony said. “Prayer and love in action were key and beautifully exemplified by all present.”

From LifeSite News: He [Eduardo] said, "You wanna hear something really, really funny? Here's what happened at the end. All the nurses from the clinic — some were African Americans, some were Latinas — came outside."

The next thing Eduardo Verastegui knew, eight nurses wanted someone to take pictures of them with him. Instead, he gave each nurse a Miraculous Medal and his DVD. They didn't want to watch his DVD, but promised to do so simply because he requested it. He told them, "I'm going to be here next Saturday and we'll take a picture next Saturday." Then the security guard confronted him, asking, "What are you doing here?" Verastegui countered, "What are you doing here, my friend?"

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 9

October 6: National Pro-Life Memorial Day

From ProLifeMemorialDay.com: Since the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton in 1973, 49,640,776 babies have been surgically and medically aborted – millions more have been killed chemically. This staggering death toll is the direct result of these two decisions.
On the first Monday in October, the U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term. This is a day on which pro-lifers across the nation will mourn the victims of America's hidden holocaust: abortion.
Who will hear the cries of these preborn children? Who will be their voice? Who will mourn their deaths? On October 6, thousands of Americans nationwide will be mourning the victims of abortion by wearing black armbands, gathering for prayer and candlelight vigils at the U.S. Supreme Court and abortion facilities nationwide, wearing the official Pro-Life Memorial Day 2008 T-shirt and engaging in many other activities.

Visit ProLifeMemorialDay.com for all the details.

Visit this page for today's Life Devotional.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 8

"Why Participate in Politics?"

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “it is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (nos. 1913-1915).

—United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,

Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship

Today's Election resource:

www.faithfulcitizenship.org

This terrific website is provided by the USCCB and is solely dedicated to exhorting, educating, and equipping the faithful to fulfill our obligation as Catholic citizens. Visit it today, and tell a friend about it!

Access today's Life Devotional here.

Feast Day of The Little Flower

One little Carmelite nun...

one great missionary heart.

One hidden soul....

one courageous conquerer of self.

One simple girl...

one passionate life.

Quiet keeper of the "Little Way"...

today, one of our greatest saints.

~ ~ ~

"We can never have too much confidence in the good God who is so powerful and so merciful. We obtain from him as much as we hope for."

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus,

pray for us!

For more, visit The Society of the Little Flower

P.S. Happy Feast Day to my sister and goddaughter Veronica! :)

Beautiful picture from Holy Cards for Your Inspiration

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 7

"Thoughts on Obama"

(Guest post by Veronica)

What is all the excitement about Barack Obama? What causes people to be so attracted to him? Obama calls for “change” and people are constantly hopping onto his change wagon. But what motivates this “change current”? Obama gives people a euphoria with his fancy words, smooth appearance, and passion-summoning ads, “Change” rallies, exciting words, and plastered smiles. It is an emotionally-charged approach to saying “Vote for me!”, and it is enticing people because emotional infatuation is a rather driving force these days. But do the majority of Obama's fans really know what kind of change they are rooting for? How do we know it isn’t just a cookie-cutter, fake approach to infatuate people? (If so, it has succeeded). Or even worse, is it the kind of change that will send our country on a downward spiral? Have we ever given it a thought that maybe Obama is not much more than fancy words and smooth appearance? That he can’t give our country much more than just a euphoria of passion? Consider it.

View today's Life Devotional here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 6

"143 Days"

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience as a surgeon.

You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.

You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.

BUT...
From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator (January 2005), to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working. After 143 days of active work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief.

And, strangely, a large sector of the American public is okay with this and is even campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are will accept it for the President of the United States of America?

(from an email)

There is an intriguing experience comparison of the two candidates here.

And today's Life Devotionals can be found here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 5

This video has been making its rounds via internet and email — and with good cause. I think it's the single most moving and effective resource I've seen... truly "summing it all up". And it's not relevant only for Catholics: any truth-loving citizen needs and deserves the reminder.

Be sure to visit www.catholicvote.com (this film's host) for numerous outstanding resources.

And you can read today's Life devotional here.

Blessed Sunday!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 4

I decided that in order to embody more of a spirit of continuity, instead of just doing my "Election Countdown", I will follow along with the 40 Days for Life (especially since many, if not most, of my election resources will be life-themed). Since the 40 Days for Life began the 24th, we are on Day 4 already.

Today's Election Resource: What if Obama Promised...

HT: Catholic Fire

And here are the Devotionals for 40 Days for Life Day 4, written by Fr. Frank Pavone.

In Theaters Now: Fireproof

I have been thrilled about this movie ever since I first heard of it weeks ago.

In an age when marriage is so undermined, belittled, and devalued, a portrayal of faithfulness is a true breath of fresh air.

It got even better tonight when I read the most marvelous article about lead actor Kirk Cameron. This guy is the real thing: not only does he star in a movie upholding marriage, but he absolutely and totally lives it. In Hollywood, that is rarer than a poor celebrity! Mr. Cameron is married 17 years, the father of six children (four of whom are adopted), and — get this — will only kiss his wife. Even on screen. I think that is just the greatest thing...seriously, I got delightful shivers up my back just reading it. We're talking the genuine article here, folks!

Of course, that wonderful personal commitment of his leaves us all wondering how on earth they shot a kissing scene in a movie like Fireproof, which (obviously) has to have one. Simple: it's him and his real wife. “So when I’m kissing my wife, we’re actually husband and wife honoring marriage behind the scenes,” Kirk explains. So beautiful.

I'm excited to have learned all this before seeing the movie... it will only make it more meaningful when I do! And now, what are you waiting for?

- Visit the official website (and enjoy a both tearful and humorus trailer!)

- Read an interview with the Fireproof Cast on Focus on the Family's CitizenLink

- Read MSNBC's article "Kirk Cameron: I'll Only Kiss My Wife" (watch the video interview too!)

And most importantly, plan a real movie into your weekend!

Election Countdown: Day 40

Every American pro-lifer agrees that this year's election is monumental. Live never before, we are obligated — yes, obligated — to fight for the sake of justice, the triumph of truth, and a day when light will perminantly dispell the darkness. Those with a voice cannot remain silent. Each day from today until November 4 (40 days), I will share a thought, video, action item, or news article relating to these historic elections. Through the widespread outlet of the internet, we have the chance to impact this election more powerfully than any ever before.

"The Church... must encourage the use of Internet for the common good, the development of peace and justice, in respect of personal dignity and with a spirit of solidarity."

(Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications)

Let the voice of Truth be heard, through us. Rise and fight!

A Real Man. A Real Star.

From LifeSiteNews.com:

Actor Eduardo Verastegui Makes Pro-Life Plea to Hispanic Voters

September 25, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Mexican heartthrob actor Eduardo Verastegui has issued a pro-life plea to Hispanic voters in the United States in his introduction to the video "Dura Realidad" (Hard Reality), which shows healthy, developing fetuses juxtaposed with footage of abortions and the bodies of those who have died by the procedure...

Verastegui, star of the recent hit film "Bella", sits and speaks to the viewer about the horrifying nature of abortion and its impact on Hispanics, who seem to be disproportionately targeted by the abortion industry, before beginning the Hard Reality video."Abortion is an act of violence that kills babies," says Verastegui. "If you think this is an exaggeration, the next minutes are going to change your opinion."

Read the whole aricle here.

View Eduardo's video with English subtitles (the graphic footage has also been removed from this version):



Praise the Lord for real role models!

New Every Morning

The pace of my life lately has left me quite weary and worn. This morning, I sat in Church wondering how to maximize the hours ahead of me, trying not to become despondent as I contemplated the deadlines of the day. Arriving home, I was greeted by the sweet, shining faces of the morning glories which cascade over our fence— blue blossoms lifted towards the nearly equally blue heavens.

I longed for the upward gaze and serene loveliness of the morning glories, and with a sigh stepped into the moist grass. The sounds and smells of morning surrounded me, and for a sweet, tranquil moment I drank in its freshness. Its brightness and newness. The Giver of the new day reached down and soothed my soul. And my heart and gaze lifted upward.

"But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope:
The favors of the LORD are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent;
They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness."

(Lamentations 3:21-23)

I need to get with the program

It seems to me I may have seen something about this — maybe even a few times — but it wasn't until this evening that that I actually took notice. In case you are like me and haven't heard (or fully heard) about the 40 Days for Life starting today, do visit the official website! It's wonderful.

www.40daysforlife.com

From today through November 2, pro-lifers across the nation are uniting spiritually in prayer and fasting for life. This video explains it beautifully, mentioned all the times in Biblical History that 40 days of intercession helped bring about a transformation of God's people. Now more than ever, we need a transformation. Be a part of this historic effort!

Of Walkers and Worship

At Holy Mass this morning, I ran into an elderly gentleman that my family has known for several years, but with whom I have not spoken in a while. We initially got to know him from attending Mass at the Cathedral, and that is where I saw him today. This same gentleman is now quite up in years, and as I watched him return from Holy Communion today I couldn't help but notice what an immense effort it took for him to make each step— even with the aid of his walker. Such fidelity struck me. Here is a man who can barely move, yet he still drives faithfully to Mass each morning, lifts his walker from his car, and propels himself into the Church on two unsteady feet to sit down slowly in a pew and worship his God. Many of the rest of us who are agile and nimble could use to take some inspiration from this depth of effort!

Meme

One or two blogging friends "assigned" this to me quite a while back, so I'm finally snagging a few moments to complete it! It's been a packed last few days, so this is a welcome creative respite. I've seen plenty of other memes before, but this open-ended type is probably my favorite... Hopefully it may help you "get to know" me a bit better. :)


I am...a handmaiden of the Lord

I think...about His mysteries

I know...He is Prince of my heart

I have...lots of hopes and dreams

I wish...I knew His will with certainty

I hate...heavy metal "music"

I miss...my grandmother (deceased), and Malori (far away)

I fear...putting my own desires above His for me

I feel...somewhat overwhelmed at my current to-do list

I hear...my little brother practicing his cello upstairs, being coached by Sarah

I smell...the lingering scent of the frozen blueberries on which I just finished snacking (mmm!)

I crave...words of affirmation

I search...for meaning in everything

I wonder...what my future husband (Lord-willing) is doing right now

I regret...not practicing my violin more

I love...life

I ache...for children starved for truth; victims of the culture of death

I am not...quite ready for bedtime to be here yet; it would help the progress of my week if sleep wasn't required. :)

I believe...in miracles

I dance...at every opportunity

I sing...to give glory to God

I cry...for the pain in the world

I don't always...maintain the balancing act of life very well

I fight...my will sometimes

I write...plenty of things inside my head, and wish I had more chance to put them down :)

I win...word games frequently

I lose...chess! (In fact, I never even play it. My mind isn't wired for that kind of thing; I leave it to my dad and brother).

I never...want to fall into mortal sin

I always...long for motherhood when a baby is in my arms

I confuse...the days when they all "mesh" together!

I listen...to uplifting music whenever I can

I can usually be found...happiest when surrounded by children

I am scared...of hurting others by uncharitable words

I need...my sisters!

I am happy about...finishing this meme and posting on my poor, neglected blog

I imagine...Heaven and those who rejoice there

I am wearing...a light pink top, cross necklace made by my cousin Gabrielle long ago, and a dark skirt printed with vivid blue roses and pink flowers of a tone that I can't properly name right now.

I confess...to being chronically "time challenged" (I truly am working on that, though)

I anticipate...seeing Fireproof (hopefully) this weekend

I read...the Fairy Tale Novels when I need a "book escape"

I play...volleyball with my family on the beach when we go on vacation

I smile...whenever I see a reminder of His love

I laugh...when surrounded by joyful girlhood friends

I can't wait...for the next time I can go to Adoration

I believe...that we need to really storm heaven for the upcoming Elections!

Now, I think I'm supposed to "assign" this to a bunch of people, but since I'm not sure who may or may not have done it already, if you read my blog and haven't done this yet, please consider yourself tagged! And please comment and let me know if you do it!

Symbols and Realities of Faith

Today is the Feast of the Exhaltation of the Holy Cross. This morning at Mass, Father stated during his homily that "the cross is the greatest symbol of our Faith". He went on to add, "The reason that the Eucharist is not the greatest symbol of our Faith is because it is not a symbol: it is a reality."

I thought it was a point worth repeating!

(For my non-Catholic readers: We believe that the Eucharist is a reality, not a symbol, because we take Jesus Christ at his word in John 6:48-58 and Luke 22:19-20. For more biblical explanation of the Eucharist, visit the Catholic Answers article here.)

Birthday Mother

Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God,
heralded joy to all the world.
For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

Destroying the curse, He gave blessing;
and damning death,
He bestowed on us life everlasting.
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

For from thou hast risen of Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

­ from The Divine Office - Matins (Morning Prayer)

Today, we celebrate with joy the day that Our Lady came into the world — for that brought mankind gloriously near to the coming of its Redeemer. The body of this tiny maiden would one day bear within it the Word Made Flesh...and bring forth that Word to dwell among us.

For more on this tradition and history of this Feast, see these excellent articles:

Birth of Mary at EWTN.org

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Women for Faith and Family

Birthday Maiden

To a maiden who is

colorful...

gentle...

artistic...

graceful...

our Little Bear!...

tender...

talented...

wistful...

gifted...

thoughtful...

adorable...

expressive...

innocent...

elegant...

joyful...

...Happy 16th Birthday!

Veronica, can it be that my little sister is such a lady? I so remember the day you entered my world! There is so much to love in you...the sugar and spice that you sprinkle all around, your piety, your fidelity, your perseverance and determination. Thank you for being my sister, my goddaughter, and my friend. I love you!