Powerful Saintly Wisdom

"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

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

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!

www.pope2you.net

Just discovered it...How cool is that?

Fatherhood

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

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

Catch-Up!

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

Forces United

Wow, there is nothing like a big injustice to mobilize the faithful! The huge recent scandal of Obama being invited to speak at and receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame has elicted an impressively emphatic and immediate response. In the span of just a few days, a number of websites have been created to voice opposition, including www.ndresponse.com. There is more than one online petition, most notably www.notredamescandal.com, whose petition has gathered more that 177,00 signatures in less than a week!

I very much agree that this invitation from a prestigious Catholic University is saddening, but I am also heartened by the unification and action we have seen as a result. Let's hope those 177,000 are on their knees petitioning heaven, too.

If you're not part of the throng yet, don't waste any time!

Great Article!

Pope Benedict Tells Youth: Church Counts on You
Urges Them to Be Envoys of God's Love

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 4, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is encouraging young people to pray and live the sacraments, so as to be witnesses of hope and joy in a world that counts on them.

Recalling the 2008 youth gathering in Sydney, the Pontiff reminded the young people, "I urged you to let yourselves be shaped by [the Holy Spirit] in order to be messengers of divine love, capable of building a future of hope for all humanity."

He added: "Youth is a special time of hope because it looks to the future with a whole range of expectations. When we are young we cherish ideals, dreams and plans. Youth is the time when decisive choices concerning the rest of our lives come to fruition."

We ask ourselves, he noted, "Where can I obtain and how can I keep alive the flame of hope burning in my heart?"

The Holy Father observed, "Experience shows that personal qualities and material goods are not enough to guarantee the hope which the human spirit is constantly seeking."

He said, "If you find your sustenance in Christ, my dear young people, and if you live profoundly in him as did the Apostle Paul, you will not be able to resist speaking about him and making him known and loved by many of your friends and contemporaries."

Benedict XVI emphasized: "The Church depends on you for this demanding mission. Do not be discouraged by the difficulties and trials you encounter."

"Be patient and persevering so as to overcome the natural youthful tendency to rush ahead and to want everything immediately."

He added, "Following in the footsteps of the people of hope -- composed of prophets and saints of every age -- we continue to advance toward the fulfillment of the Kingdom, and on this spiritual path we are accompanied by the Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope."

These are just some excerpts. Read the whole thing here!

HT: Victory Rose for Christ

"Perfectly Relaxing Songs"

This offer is too good not to share! Hat tip to American Papist...

St. Patrick's Breastplate

Today is not just a day to celebrate being Irish. It’s about celebrating the great saint and bishop, Patrick, who brought the light of the Christian Catholic Faith into the great nation of Ireland 1600 years ago!

From the Catholic Encyclopedia at New Advent:

The beautiful prayer of St. Patrick, popularly known as "St. Patrick's Breast-Plate", is supposed to have been composed by him in preparation for this victory over Paganism. The following is a literal translation from the old Irish text:

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.

I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.

Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ in the ship,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

~~~

What a glimpse into the powerful spirituality of Patrick... too often we hear only a part of something like this, instead of the richness of the whole thing!

So, bind yourself today to Christ, in the true spirit of Patrick!

Of Movies, Actors, and Real Men

So, my family watched The Ten Commandments for the first time this Lent (I know, we've had so many people say they can't believe we hadn't seen it yet!). Both Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner were simply incredible. I've enjoyed Heston immensely when seeing him before, and it struck me how thoroughly he takes the individual character of each role. The Heston Moses never came across as a Moses/Ben Hur mix! He was entirely the character in all its uniqueness. In my mind, this is a mark of a truly excellent actor.

Those of you who've read my blog for a while probably know that I'm all about who actors and celebrities really are...not just who they are on screen. And the more I've learned about the real Heston, the more impressed I am. Not only does he portray many upright characters; he was one! He served in the air force, championed the civil rights movement, was a friend of Martin Luther King Jr., and spoke out against abortion. Most significantly, he was faithfully married for 64 years to his bride, Lydia, whom he wed at age 20! Amidst the countless Hollywood scandals and divorces, this speaks volumes. He stands alone amidst celebs married two, four, five, and seven times...

In fact, I learned that my oft-repeated quote "Political correctness is simply tyranny with manners," — which and for some reason I thought was from Chesterton — was actually from Charlton Heston! (By the way, his actual name was John Charles Carter).

Check out this wonderful LifeSiteNews article from his passing almost a year ago (and check out the links at the bottom of the story!):

Larger than Life Hollywood Icon and Pro-life Advocate Charlton Heston Dies at 84

And check out this wonderful video clip of Heston on abortion. Powerful! (Don't forget to pause the music at the right). This is the introduction he gave to a video made in 1987 to raise awareness of late-term abortions.

A General Thank You...

I just wanted to express my thanks to those of you (particularly Lady Rose and Vicki) who have been kind enough to bestow various blog awards upon me on many occasions... even though I may have not always responded! Your commendation really does make my day. :) I've just taken the time to add them to my sidebar.


Any blog author who visits mine and who has not been awarded one of these can consider themself awarded. :)

I Am Blessed

My family, friends, and especially my goddaughters made my birthday so special! So did each of you, with your kind words, wishes, and prayers. I am both blessed and overwhelmed by the outpouring of sweetness. Thank you, all of you!

It's hard to believe we are two weeks into Lent already...I am trying to make the most of this truly beautiful season. Yes, it is a "desert", but because we are there with our Lord, there is beauty. We easily forget that this is a positive season. We are supposed to deprive our bodies in order to beautify our souls. That's right: Lent is beauty treatment for the soul!

I don't know about you, but I always have to resist the urge to take on everything during Lent. The same dozen vices and struggles assail me with ongoing persistance, and, perfectionist that I am, I want to tackle them all at once. Unfortunately, I am too often an all-or-nothing person. When a few of my good intentions slip, I too quickly lose hold on the rest of them. Being faithful in the little things, and targeting my struggles one or two at a time, are ongoing goals of my Lent this year. This is not to say I've been glamorously successful thus far...but I am glad to have 4+ weeks left to work on this "beauty treatment"!

Happy Birthday Claire...

21 years ago a beautiful baby girl was born...










1st birthday!



...the pride of her parents...

...a joy in their lives!

age 2 - what yummy cake!

The years passed on...

3 already!

As she continued to grow...

Birthday #4

5th Birthday

...In sweetness,

Smiling 6

...JOY,

7th Birthday

9 years old at Easter

8!

Birthday #10!

...and Love.

11 - see that smile!








Before we knew it...

12 years old

14 years

Age 13 with Birthday bread (for Lent =)












Miss 15

She was a young lady!

Sweet Sixteen!

Mature,

...Kind,

17 years

at her suprise 18th Birthday party

...and beautiful.

Her gifts and her talents amaze all who meet her...






19 - wow!

20 already

...As she continues to be...










...Christ's giver of LIGHT!

Happy 21st Birthday!

We love you, Claire!

Affectionately,

Your Staff

Surprise!

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walking 'till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.
But more than anything, more than anything...

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And always give more than you take.
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything...

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

~ "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

Wishing the happiest of happy birthday's to my "Fairy Godmother" Claire.
May you be blessed with every happiness on your special day!


With lots of love from,
Your Goddaughter, Amanda

I Love LifeSiteNews!

Where else would we get such an affirming, beautiful story as this one?

Husband of Woman in Coma for 14 Years Visits Wife Three Times Daily, Won't Give Up
Will love his wife "until God has the last word"

SANTIAGO, February 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) -- In a story that stands in stark contrast to the Eluana Englaro and Terri Schiavo cases in Italy and the United States, a Chilean man has been visiting his comatose wife for 14 years, and says he won't give up on her.

Carlos Abarca has always visited his wife regularly, and now that he has retired from the national police force, he is able to come three times a day. He says that caring for her is his whole life.

"My affection will always be focused on her, I have never doubted it," he told the Chilean daily El Mercurio, which broke the story. "I don't seek for more from life than caring for her. There is nothing more to do."

The affection he has for his wife, says Abarca, is "stronger than ever. I want to protect her, care for her, make sure she is well, that she lacks nothing."

Abarca says he will continue to love his wife, "until God has the last word. In the end, if tomorrow she must go, our conscience will be clear."

Go here to see a touching photo and read the whole story.

Valentine...All The Time

This past weekend, this was my article for my parish's bulletin, in which I have a weekly column as Religious Education Director. I thought it would be worthwhile to share here, too!

Yesterday, we celebrated Valentine’s Day. Despite what many think, this is not just another Hallmark holiday or a get-you-to-spend-more-money tactic. For the Christian, and especially for the Catholic Christian, Saint Valentine’s Day is much richer. The roses you received will wither in a few days, and the chocolate may disappear too quickly (before reappearing on your hips or waist), but the meaning of the day doesn’t have to be so temporary. Love is about much more than flowers, balloons, chocolates, poetic cards, or warm feelings. How many spouses get motivated to do something memorable and romantic on February 14, and then return to Mr. or Mrs. Grouch the next day? Yesterday’s card may have said “I Love You”, but how about their actions?

There is a fabulous new movie (just released January 27 on DVD) which tells a powerful story of a husband learning how to truly love his wife…authentically and unconditionally. Fireproof is a brilliant combination of tenderness, action, intensity, and humor. Its message is one of inspiration and hope for everyone, married couples and singles alike. (Check out http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/).

The challenge to you today, then, is this: don’t let the “Valentine spirit” droop as quickly as those roses will. True love is not just expressed in the 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. Are you willing to lay down your life – or at the very least, your comforts or preferences – for the sake of the one you love?

The Voice of My Pro-Life Generation

Articulate, poised, researched, expressive...this 12-year-old speaker is simply compelling! Watch the video below, then be sure to visit this site to follow the amazing saga of her speech competition.

Actually, I don't want to sound boastful, but she reminds me a lot of me at that age. I started public speaking at eight, and had many similar mannerisms and expressions. I presented many pro-life speeches, too (though none that direct...she's got the bull by the horns!). Too bad YouTube wasn't around then so I could go back and watch myself. :)