Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 32 (Sat)

Today's Election Resource: Dr. Dobson Interviews Sarah Palin. A candid, conversational interview in which Sarah speaks easily and freely about her family, her campaign, and her faith.

Today's Life Devotional prays for humility... and that is one thing that jumps out at me from this interview. She's real, earnest, and not at all arrogant. That is refreshing in a politician!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 31

Months ago, I remember hearing something about Obama's citizenship status being questionable. Then it seemed to be written off. Now Pennsylvania Democrat Philip J. Berg is bringing forth evidence that Obama may actually be Kenyan-born, which would make him not a natural-born U.S. Citizen, and therefore...you guessed it: not eligible to run for president. The American people deserve to know about this investigation. But you can be sure the liberal news media will ignore it entirely. They're far too busy trying their utmost to dig up dirt on conservative, principled candidates (a.k.a. Sarah Palin).

I'm not saying that Mr. Berg's claim is entirely verified yet, but the fact that it legitimately may be makes this a piece that American citizens have every right to know about. Most of all, it means that we must redouble our prayers for our Lord's mercy. If this does turn out to be true, what a terrible shame for such deception to have taken a man this far in our country.

Don't forget today's Life Devotional!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 30 (Thurs)

Folks, I know I've posted scores of gripping videos here, but this is THE most enlightening film yet. 3 minutes and 52 seconds contrasting the candidates' very own words on the life issue. No extra opinions, no outside editorials... their own words tell it all. Every single voter deserves to see this before stepping into the booth. You can share this film easily by giving the link http://www.americaschoicenow.com/ to everyone you know.

- Today's Life Devotional is here.

Three Times the Joy

I just saw this at my dear friend Malori's blog and had to post it! A young couple in Texas recently welcomed idential triplet boys (added to their three older sons) — conceived totally naturally without the use of any fertility drugs! Is not that photo just too sweet for words?

This one, too!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 29

Eduardo Verastegui, producer and lead actor of the 2007 American film Bella, endorsed Sen. John McCain on October 15th in Colorado. From the news release on Eduardo's website:

On October 17th, Verastegui was invited to Miami to speak at a rally with Senator John McCain, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Sen. Mel Martinez, Florida’s former Governor Jeb Bush and Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Verastegui said, "I am endorsing Sen. McCain for President because of his commitments to end abortion, to protect traditional marriage, to select conservative judges and to pass a just immigration reform."

"We need to put an end to abortion, and political candidates play a very important role in this matter. More than 200,000 Latino babies are killed by abortion each year in the USA. This holocaust must end. That's why we must elect Senator McCain. He will defend and protect the most innocent of his country, the beautiful babies in their mothers' wombs."

This is a man who has the issues in perspective...right on!

Verastegui believes that unless Americans elect a president who will defend fundamental human rights, no one can expect a sound economy, health care or national security, including immigration reform.

..."I can make hundreds of movies like Bella, and they will hopefully save many babies, but it's never going to be as powerful as a president nominating judges who observe constitutional law. After all, we are just one pro-life Supreme Court Justice away from overturning Roe v. Wade."

"We can never vote for any candidate that supports abortion."

And he makes a meaningful point on "change":

"Barack Hussein Obama speaks about 'change,' but what change are we talking about? Fidel Castro spoke about change in Cuba. Hugo Chavez talks about change in Venezuela, and other charismatic, well-spoken dictators promised change, but look what happened to their countries."

LifeSiteNews did an terrific interview with Eduardo which includes some more of his thoughts and quotes. The part that I think is simply too neat:

"When I finished [speaking], I went to John McCain and I said, 'Senator, thank you for your commitment to life. I’d like to give you something.' I gave him a Miraculous Medal blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and he was amazing. He said, 'Thank you so much! Look what I have here in my pocket.' Then Sen. McCain took a medal out of his pocket that he carries everywhere and it was a Blessed Mother Teresa medal. He said, 'Eduardo, now I am going to keep both.'"

Verastegui also gave McCain’s wife, Cindy, a Miraculous Medal. He said, “I was touched when I found out that the McCains adopted one of their daughters from Mother Teresa’s orphanage in India. There is nothing more beautiful than to give children homes with families who will love them. I hope that one day that I can do the same."

Praise God for men like this who are not afraid to speak the truth in the eye of the public — free of motives for personal gain, simply and clearly, and without compromise!

Don't forget today's Life Devotional...

To My Mom

Blessed Birthday, and thank you for giving me admonitions that I need to hear! :)

Love you!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 28 (Tue)

More Biden News...his recent prediction (which almost sounded like a threat!) of an international crisis" brought on by an Obama presidency. The exact quote?

"Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack
Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a
brilliant 47-year old senator president of the United States of America.
Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said.
Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the
mettle of this guy."

Interesting. And disturbing. Read the article here from Real Clear Politics.

Today in our Life Devotional we pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates. That would include praying for the conversion of pro-abortion politicians...especially so-called "Catholics".

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 27 (Mon)

Dr. Alveda King: Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Truly an inspiring lady and real civil rights champion!

It is fitting that today's Life Devotional intention is for humility in our work for God's Kingdom. Dr. King really seems to embody that! 50 seconds into the following CNN clip, she is interviewed on this presidential election. This civil rights activists says that she awaits the day when she can vote an African-American for President...and then explains why she cannot vote for Obama:

HT on Dr. King: Cecilia Rose

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 26 (Sun)

LifeSiteNews.com — Flip-flop: Now Biden Supports Homosexual "Marriage"
A very interesting and informative article! I'm sorry, but I find it very hard to respect or take seriously politicians who say one thing to one group and the opposite to another...

Life Devotional intention: That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 25 (Sat)

(With company visiting over the weekend, I ended up away from the blog for a few days. We'll catch up now on the countdown, though!)

Today's outstanding election resource: www.politicalresponsibility.org. The election website of Priests for Life...one of the best I've seen!

Today's pro-life resource: www.unchoice.org. Startling facts and statistics on how often abortion is really not the woman's choice.

Life Devotional intention: We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 24

Bishop Jackels of Wichita, Kansas: Think of Life When You Vote

As a consequence of our belief, whether or not a candidate gets our vote should depend on their positions on issues related to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. A candidate can make attractive promises on the economy or the environment, but those should take second place to a candidate’s positions related to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. A candidate who is indifferent to or worse yet antagonistic to these preeminent positions is not worthy of consideration.

So, when election day comes, vote for the candidate who acknowledges the fundamental importance of the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person, and who recognizes our responsibility for each other.

Read the complete, excellent article here.
Today's Life Devotionals here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 23

Without a doubt, the most important part of last night's presidential debate:





It's late and I need to head to bed, but hopefully a bit of commentary may follow tomorrow...there is plenty to be discussed from this segment.

Today's Life Devotional can be found here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 22

Today's excellent resource:

EWTN's "A Guide to Catholic Teaching and Voting" website

This site is loaded with wonderful information! Be sure to check out the "Catholic Vote" series by Fr. Frank Pavone.

Life Devotionals here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 21

(Overdue from Tuesday...)

I don't know too much about Susan B. Anthony other than that she was a pro-life feminist, but from this quote I found it appears she may have been Catholic, too. I found this intriguing! A good example of authentic "tolerance".

"I tell them I have worked 40 years to make the W.S. platform broad enough
for Atheists and Agnostics to stand upon, and now if need be I will fight the
next 40 to keep it Catholic enough to permit the straightest Orthodox
religionist to speak or pray and count her beads upon."

- Susan B. Anthony on the Women's Suffrage platform

Life Devotionals here. "Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might."

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 20

I was pleasantly amazed to hear some straightforward, non-liberally-biased analysis coming from the panel on this video, which poses the question: Is the press trying to paint Palin in a bad light? As she's conservative and non-conforming, the answer is naturally yes. It was nice to actually see some secular analysts acknowledging this, and even expressing some dissatisfaction with the manipulative mainstream media.

And we are already halfway through the 40 Days for Life! Let us redouble our prayer and efforts during this second half to call down Divine Mercy upon our country.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 19

Sarah Palin may not be perfect (then again, what politician — or person — is?), but her speech yesterday in Johnstown, Pennsylvania was the most refreshing I've ever heard from a politician. With candor, conviction, and clarity, she spoke in defense of life. And not just in a passing, general way, but with the authenticity of one who truly believes in the cause. So different from those politicians who so often take a stance only because it is adventagious to do so...

The tone of some of Sarah's remarks in this speech are actually reminiscent of some of the points made by Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul, especially this:

"I believe the truest measure of any society is how it treats those who are least able to defend and speak for themselves. And who is more vulnerable, or more innocent, than a child?"

I think that my favorite line of all, however, is:

"There are the world’s standards of perfection … and then there are God’s, and these are the final measure. Every child is beautiful before God, and dear to Him for their own sake."

This 9-minute video is well worth every moment! I love her continual eye contact with the crowd as she speaks not from a page, but from her heart.

- Read the transcript here.

- Read Today's Life Devotional here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 18

I was saddened to read the following news article today:

Young Catholics not turning to sanctity of life and marriage as voting issues, poll finds

Catholic News Agency — A new poll of Americans ages 18-34 has surveyed the faith, politics, and issue positions of young adults before the 2008 election. The poll claims about 60 percent of younger self-identified Catholics say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 44 percent reportedly support same-sex marriage, a number which rises to 64 percent when religious liberty protections are emphasized.

The claims come from the Faith in Public Life’s “The Faith and American Politics Survey,” which was conducted by Public Religion Research between August 28 and September 19. Polling 2,000 American adults and an over sample of 1,250 younger adults, its methods included both land line and cell phone interviews.

I found it interesting — but not entirely surprising — that "the poll shows overall voters who attend religious services once or twice a month support Obama at a rate of 60 percent". It would have been more balanced of them to include candidate support for young Catholics who abide by the Church's precepts and attend Mass weekly, even though this group made up only 28 percent of those polled:

Of Catholics ages 18-34, 28 percent reported attending church once a week,
while 22 percent said they attend once or twice a month. Another 27 percent
reported attending a few times a year, while 17 percent said they seldom or
never attend church. Six percent reported attending church more than once a
week.

I fall into that last category...and no, I didn't get polled. The most troubling part of this article is that only 28 percent of "self-professed" Catholic young adults actually comply with their most fundamental obligation of weekly Mass. I would venture to say that if we could bring that number up, the emphasis given by these youth to sanctity of life and marriage issues would likewise increase.

In other words, those of us intent on evangelizing our generation have our work cut out for us. Are you a young Catholic reading my blog? If so, I challenge you to do something today to evangelize one of your peers. We may be the "minority", but we are by no means silent. Post a comment with your "answers" to this poll, and let us know what action you will take to make us the majority!

And don't forget today's Life Devotional, in which we pray for "a flowering of the joy of parenthood". Do something today to help a struggling parent find joy in their vocation!

Do we ever need to hear this right now

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.

Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,

even if your whole world seems upset."

~Saint Francis de Sales

Lord, our whole world does indeed seem upset right now...in more ways than one. By Your grace, may we not lose our inner peace, despite the chaos and confusion all around us.

Amen.

Fireproof rocks the box office!

Pro-Marriage Film Fireproof Wins at the BoxOffice with Highest per Screen Opening Weekend of 2008

'Fireproof' succeeds in theaters and print

'Fireproof' surprise hit of the fall (currently the lead story on the CNN Entertainment page!)

And even more wonderful are some of the incredible testimonies from couples and individuals whose marriages and lives have been powerfully changed. These testimonies, along with other encouraging news and exciting updates (including new additional theater listings!) can be found at the Official Fireproof Blog.

If you haven't seen it yourself yet, don't wait! Last weekend my sisters and I, along with a few girlfriends, were thoroughly delighted and inspired by this quality film. Let's make sure it continues to run strong so that many, many more may be inspired!

www.fireproofthemovie.com

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 17

Today's video is one of encouragement. Father Frank Pavone's exhortation to pro-life members of the U.S. Senate is one that we all should hear.

"Risk it!"

Fr. Pavone also wrote today's Day 17 Devotional with another significant reminder— that the pro-life message is rooted in the two basic truths of life:

There is a God;
He isn't me.

In reality, all the ongoing complexities are rooted in this, aren't they? When human beings think we are big enough, strong enough, advanced enough to try and take on the role of God. It's been happening since Eden with devastating results. The million-dollar question is: how long will it take us to get the message?

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 16

I was perusing the issues section of McCain's website today and was heartened to read the substantial explanation on "Sanctity of Life", particularly this section...

"Overturning Roe v. Wade"

John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench.

Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat.

However, the reversal of Roe v. Wade represents only one step in the long path toward ending abortion. Once the question is returned to the states, the fight for life will be one of courage and compassion — the courage of a pregnant mother to bring her child into the world and the compassion of civil society to meet her needs and those of her newborn baby. The pro-life movement has done tremendous work in building and reinforcing the infrastructure of civil society by strengthening faith-based, community, and neighborhood organizations that provide critical services to pregnant mothers in need. This work must continue and government must find new ways to empower and strengthen these armies of compassion. These important groups can help build the consensus necessary to end abortion at the state level. As John McCain has publicly noted, "At its core, abortion is a human tragedy. To effect meaningful change, we must engage the debate at a human level."

Visit the complete Sanctity of Life page here.

Today's Life Devotional prayer intention goes fittingly with the points of the last paragraph above...

Pray that as young couples or single moms choose life for their child, the
church will come alongside them physically, emotionally, and spiritually to help
bear their burdens.

Let us each reach out today — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — to help another bear their burdens, and by so doing add our effort to the cause of life.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 15

A bit on the lighter side, here's a campaigning strategy that gave me a smile. I wouldn't mind have a few of those in my yard! :)

Today's Life Devotionals can be found here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 14

Overdue for yesterday: An insightful commentary by African-American Alan Keyes on Barack Obama. Hurrah for politicians who are honest and true!

Alan Keyes on Obama

Today's Life Devotional, written by Fr. Frank Pavone, prays that all of God's people have the freedom and grace to say "yes" to His marvelous plans.

And according to the 40 Days website, the success stories submitted by those in prayer and action total over 100 babies saved thus far during this vigil!

HT: Catholic Fire

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 13

I don't exactly consider myself a Sean Hannity fan, but this piece is worth the watch:

"Obama and Planned Parenthood"

The intention of today's Life Devotional is a beautiful one: for fathers who are terrified of being fathers. I couldn't help but shudder at the closing statements made by Obama in the above video clip, in which he thanked Planned Parenthood "for all the work that you are doing for women all across the country, for families all across the country, and for men who have enough sense to realize you are helping them."

How anyone can make such a statement is truly frightful. As the biggest member of the abortion industry, Planned Parenthood is one of the greatest causes of the dehumanizing of women, the destruction of families, and the cowardizing of men... all across the country.

And today, October 6, across this same country, people of goodwill mourn and remember our murdered, innocent brothers and sisters — all 49 million of them.

Kyrie eleison.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 12

My evening spiritual reading is Pope Benedict's Jesus of Nazareth, which I'm finding to be both beautiful and deep. I take it in small bits at a time, to better absorb its richness. Last night, this quote caught my eye:

"Constructing a world by our own lights, without reference to God, building on our own foundation; refusing to acknowledge the reality of anything beyond the political and material, while setting God aside as an illusion— that is the temptation that treatens us in many varied forms. "

Indeed, "constructing a world by our own lights", "building on our own foundation", "refusing to acknowledge the reality beyond the political and material", and the "setting aside" of the King of the Universe seem to be all too prevelant themes within government and politics. Let us pray and sacrifice for the intention of true leaders who will...

...contruct a world by the Divine Light, unashamed to reference God,
...build not upon unstable human foundations, but the only One that is secure,
...acknowledge and respect the vivid reality beyond the political and material,
...set Truth — the person of Christ — in the center.

Today's Life Devotional is themed on humility...and healing. I would say the above quote is indication that we desperately need both!

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!

On Prisons

My lovely goddaughter recently posted photos which she'd received in an email identified as a "new prison" facility in IL. It is my habit to always check on snopes.com or some other such site to look up the reliability of such emails, which I did before commenting on her post. I thought I'd share part my comment here, since it contains some of my recent reflections (they will make more sense if you read the post under discussion first). By the way, comments on my comment are welcome! :)

I recently listened to a CD with the conversion story of Russell Ford, an Alabama prisoner who converted to the Catholic Faith while in prison and is now a leader in prison ministry and evangelization. His story is intensely powerful and shares some of the troubling details of prison life. And while reading further on him online, I read some appalling firsthand descriptions of a prisoner's environment.

The fact that I had just researched the above made it hard for me to believe that these photos are really a U.S. prison. So I searched "New Cook County Correctional Center" and quickly learned that those photos are actually of a court building and prison in Austria. According to snopes.com and urbanlegend.about.com (two reliable resources for checking on supposed information), the photos have been circulating via email the last several months, decrying the use of our tax dollars, when in fact this is not the case. As I know nothing of Austria's system or laws, I will not propose to pass judgment on the building of this prison. There is, however, no cause for Americans to be up-in-arms about their tax dollars going to it.

As to that "comparison list", I believe I've seen it before... but it seems to me unfitting for people of good will to make such complaints. I doubt there is any hardworking free man who would rather be behind bars, even if it is hypothetically "easier". Prisoners need our prayers and compassion, not our ridicule. The most valued American right and ideal is freedom. That freedom is justly forfeited by one who defies the law. The fact that a prisoner has lost his freedom should be punishment enough for him: we don't need to top it with sub-human conditions.

Now, just because I got on a soapbox here, please don't think I am upset with you, dear goddaughter. :) The subject of your post simply gave me the opportunity to share some recent knowledge and thoughts. I hope they will challenge you and your readers toward the most Christ-like response to this topic.

Today's Quote

In the midst of some sorting, putting away, and de-cluttering, I just came across one of my old Prayer Journals from a few years ago and flipped it open this this quote from St. Claude de la Columbiere. I remember it summing the cry of my heart at the time I first read it — and so many times since then!

Jesus, I feel within me
a great desire to please You
but, at the same time,
I feel totally incapable of doing this
without Your special light and help,
which I can expect only from You.

Accomplish Your will in me —
even in spite of me.

Dear Lord, accomplish your will in us today — even in spite of us.

Bodies on Display

I read a disturbing article this morning at LifeSiteNews.com regarding the touring "human body" exhibits that have become highly popular in the last few years. In these exhibits, real human bodies which have been partially dissected and gone through an extensive preservation process are put on display. While many claim that they have unique educational worth, others have questioned from the beginning the moral uprightness of such an exhibition. As Christians, we understand the inherent worth of each human person — mind, heart, soul, and body. The Theology of the Body teaches that because the design of our bodies teach us about our Creator and our relationship with Him, the body is sacred and precious. Not an object for lustful fantasy, a toy for sexual conquest, a vehicle for trafficking of illegal substances...or a display at a science museum.

The issue also raises concern that such individuals were not given the reverent burial to which we as Christians believe each person is entitled.

The aforementioned article, however, reveals that the questionable nature of this topic goes even deeper than the concerns mentioned thus far. There is evidence that the bodies on display by some producers are very possibly the remains of executed Chinese prisoners. "BODIES: The Exhibition" even has a disclaimer on the opening page of their website stating that they "cannot independently verify that they [the bodies] do not belong to persons executed while incarcerated in Chinese prisons."

From the article:

Among the critics is Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, who according to NZ Catholic newspaper called the display a sort of "human taxidermy" that "degrades the actual people who, through their bodies, once lived, loved, prayed and died."

Read the complete article here.

End of Summer

Every summer I can remember has gone quickly for me, but I think this has to be one of the quickest. The sheer number of things that went on is, to tell the truth, rather dizzying!

I have missed my blog. Thank you to you kind folks that have said you missed me, too. I am striving for virtuous balance in my life; the "holy blend" of prayer, apostolic work, study, recreation, and rest. It amazes me how precious the time is now that one takes for granted as a carefree child.

Lord willing, I will try to work regular posting back into my routine. I have plenty to share from the past few months!

For now, I will leave you with a wonderful quote I just found from St. Augustine, whose feast day is coming up. It sums up a frequent theme of my reflection as of late:

"My love for you, Lord, is not an uncertain feeling, but a matter of concious certainty. With your word you pierced my heart, and I loved you. But heaven and earth and everything in them on all sides tell me to love you."

Photo capture by my sister, Veronica

Off...yet again

Ah, such is summer! Sarah, Veronica and I are headed to our annual week at the Fair Food Stand, helping with pies, pancakes, registers, and hair-dos! Don't worry, I really do hope/plan to resume somewhat regular posting here, and to continue our "Why Am I Catholic?" series... as soon as I have the chance. Thank you to all the commenters who've asked me questions about Catholicism, and to others who have offered some answers. I appreciate each of your comments and will respond to them when I can!

Blessings to all!

Prayers, Please

I apologize for being absent here lately. A lot has been going on, including health crises for both my dad's dad and my mom's mom. My grandpa recently underwent heart tests and has two blocked arteries. He is 87 and has been blessed with excellent health for the most part. About 13 years ago he underwent a very successful 5-bypass surgery, but it seems that some of them have clogged again. Because of his age, he is not a candidate for another open heart surgery. His physicians have opted to try and manage his condition with medications, but we are not sure how much longer he will be with us.

My grandma (mom's mom) has suffered from a huge variety of health struggles for years, including diabetes, heart failure, cancer, and more. But just yesterday she was rushed from her home (assisted living) to the hospital after a seizure-type of episode. We received a call a bit ago that they have moved her to the intensive care unit because of her lack of responsiveness. At this point we don't even know what is causing her systems to shut down.

If you would please remember Bernard and Jan in your prayers, I would appreciate it very much. If it is God's will, we pray that they may they remain with us longer. If not, we pray for the grace of a holy, peaceful death.

Amen.

UPDATE (7/15): Grandma came out of her "stupor" (not quite sure what to call it) late last night and spoke with my mom briefly over the phone. We are still unsure of the cause of these incidents (she's had two in the last few weeks). Thank you all for your continued prayers.

Off Again!

I'm off again, and I never came back here this week. Too much catch-up. You will all be in my prayers... I will return July 6th.

On the Road...

I will probably be away from the blog till the 22nd. I'll be at Suzuki Violin Teacher Training, and don't know if I'll have internet access while there. God-willing, the "Why Am I Catholic?" series will be continued as soon as I return.

Please keep me in your prayers and know that you will be in mine!

Bishop Addresses Dress for Mass

06/11/2008 Manilla, Philippines

A Catholic bishop on Wednesday said that "freedom of expression" should not be used as an excuse for some churchgoers who continue to ignore a "dress code" inside the church.

Davao archbishop Fernando Capalla said it is foolish to invoke personal freedom in the choice of dress for liturgical functions.

..."I am only supporting what the home, the school, and social and civic institutions are supposed to be doing on this matter," he added.

Capalla said that in the celebration of the Eucharist, which the Church considers a solemn occasion, churchgoers are required to be in their decent attire.

Complete article here.

Article found through pewsitter.com

"The Voice of the Catholic Lay Faithful"

Why Am I Catholic? Part 2: Purgatory, Mortal Sin and Venial Sin

In their article on "The Roots of Purgatory", Catholic Answers makes an excellent point:

All Christians agree that we won’t be sinning in heaven. Sin and final
glorification are utterly incompatible. Therefore, between the sinfulness of
this life and the glories of heaven, we must be made pure. Between death and
glory there is a purification.

The Catholic understanding of Purgatory is explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), paragraphs 1030-31:

"All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned."

The doctrine of Purgatory is connected to the Catholic teaching of two kinds of sin: mortal and venial. All sin is wrong, evil, weakening, and dehabilitating. But few of us would say that a five-year-old sneaking a cookie is equally wrong with an adult stealing a car. The first would be a venial (or "lesser") sin; the second, mortal (or "deadly"). Anyone who is familiar with Latin or Spanish recognizes "morte" — the word for death — at the root of "mortal". This concept of deadly and non-deadly sin comes right from 1 John 5:16-17:

"If anyone sees his brother commit sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death."

St. John says clearly that there is sin that leads to death, and that there is sin that doesn't. But he makes sure to clarify that all wrongdoing is still sin. Just because the five-year-old's disobedience in sneaking the cookie isn't as major as hotwiring and stealing a car doesn't mean it's not wrong. He is still guilty, but with a lesser guilt than the other. Likewise, the punishment is proportional — probably a few minutes in the time-out chair versus a few years in jail.

Mortal, or deadly, sin does just what the name implies: kills the life of God (grace) in one's soul. Catholics believe that for one to die with the guilt of unrepented deadly sin makes it impossible for them to go to Heaven (this is where Confession comes in...but that will be addressed later in the series!). A soul who dies in this state has forfeited Heaven.

Venial sin, because of its lesser severity, does not kill the life of God in a soul, but weakens and undermines it. We all commit venial sins every day. These venial sins "clutter up" our souls with impurity. One who dies with venial (not mortal) sin on their soul is said to be in a state of grace. They are assured of salvation, but are not yet ready to enter Heaven: Revelation 21:27 states that nothing and no one unclean can enter the presence of God in heaven. All traces of venial sin must be purified from a soul before this can happen. This purification is what takes place in Purgatory.

Some imagine that the Catholic Church has an elaborate doctrine of purgatory worked out, but there are only three essential components of the doctrine: (1) that a purification after death exists, (2) that it involves some kind of pain, and (3) that the purification can be assisted by the prayers and offerings by the living to God.

Many early Church Fathers wrote on this subject, for example, St. Augustine in A.D. 392:

"Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice [Job 1:5], why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them" (Homilies on First Corinthians 41:5)

The doctrine of Purgatory is a rich and beautiful one. Not only that, it is a merciful one. I have only begun to offer an explanation here... let me point you to some excellent reading that goes into this deeper!

- Purgatory from CatholicAnswers.com debunks some Purgatory myths and explains why it is not a Catholic "invention" .

- The Roots of Purgatory contains a number of intriguing quotes from the writing of early Church Fathers recognized and appreciated by Catholics and Evangelicals alike.

- Purgatory at OurCatholicFaith.com makes more connections with scripture and Church Fathers.

- Why Mortal and Venial Sins? is a former evangelical's take on the subject.

Why Am I Catholic? Part 1: The Eucharist

Meshaay asked the following in the comment box recently...

Hey, I've been wondering, what do you believe as a Catholic? What makes you different from a Christian, and why did you choose Catholicism over Christianity? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the question, Meshaay! I need to clarify right off (as some friends did kindly in the comment box) that as a Catholic, I am also a Christian. It's not one versus the other. In fact, Catholics are the original Christians and the largest Christian church in the world with over 1 billion members (1/6 the world's population). The Catholic Church is the one which Christ founded nearly 2000 years ago. All other Christian denominations (Protestant, Baptist, Lutheran, etc.) are the results of "splits", or individuals/groups breaking off from the Catholic Church over the past 500 years. And though these splits often occurred because an individual or group contested with Catholic doctrine, all Catholics do share with our evangelical Christian brothers and sisters a common faith in God as Creator and Father and in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

As far as our differences go, the main ones include the Eucharist, Purgatory, devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Sacraments (especially Confession), the Holy Father and Magisterium, and Sacred Tradition as a means of passing on truth along with Sacred Scripture.

Rather than make this a very lengthy post to explain all of the above, I'll do a series and cover one topic in each. Today is the first and foremost: The Eucharist.

As Catholics, we take Jesus at His word. In John 6:51-53, He says:

"'I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.'

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, 'How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?'

Jesus said to them, 'Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.

'For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.

'This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.'"

Most Protestants hold that Jesus was speaking symbolically in this passage. However, a look at the original Greek shows otherwise. The Greek word for "body" in John 6:54 is sarx, which means physical flesh, and the word for "eats" (trogon) translates as "gnawing" or "chewing." This is certainly not the language of metaphor. (Reference: The Institution of the Mass from Catholic Answers.)

His clarity is further shown by the fact that when many of His disciples left him due to the radicalism of the above (John 6:66), He let them go. He didn't call them back and say "Wait! I was speaking symbolically. The meaning of the parable is...". No — He let them go.

When He said His flesh would give us life, he meant it — literally. Take a look at how many times He uses the words "life" and "living" in the above passage. He even uses "Amen, Amen" to emphasize His words!

Jesus went on to fulfill His promise of John 6 at the Last Supper, when He took bread and wine and turned them into His body and blood. His words "This is My Body" and "This is My Blood" are recorded in three of the Gospel narratives. (Matthew 26:26-27, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20). He commands His Apostles, and us, to "Do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).

If I had to name the single most important reason I am Catholic, it is this. The Catholic Church brings me the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of my Lord and God so that I might receive Him physically! If one is receptive, this can be a life-changing experience each and every time it occurs (see Secrets of the Eucharist). I have been blessed to attend Mass and receive Him every day since my First Holy Communion 14 years ago (only missing a few). He is my strength and my sustenance of life, just as He promised in John 6. Not only that, but because He remains fully present in the Eucharist He waits day and night in our churches for His children to come and be with Him. Adoration, or worship of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (the Eucharist), is, after receiving Him physically, one of the most powerful experiences of grace possible.

For more thorough and excellent explanations on the Eucharist, check out:

- Christ in the Eucharist from CatholicAnswers.com
- The Eucharist in Scripture
- The Real Presence from CatholicAnswers.com
- The Eucharist Article Index: Q & A and more from EWTN.com

I would like to welcome any non-Catholic readers I may have and encourage you to explore this topic. I hope that this series may be helpful to your understanding of why Catholics believe what we do. Charitable discussion in the comment box is encouraged!

Quality Time

Today I enjoyed an afternoon/evening spent with my goddaughter... drinking in the simple pleasure of each other's company and conversation interspersed with lunch, prayer, adoration of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, a few walks, ice cream, and flowers. :) A lovely and memorable afternoon filled with one of the five love languages: quality time. For someone as continually busy as I am, finding quality time with those I love can be difficult. But still very rewarding...not only for their spirit (hopefully), but for mine!

What is Mercy?

From my spiritual reading of Mother Teresa today:

"Mercy is more than a feeling of pity or compassion; mercy has to be expressed. It needs constant emphasis that mercy is love expressed under the aspect of need. Mercy is love going out to meet the need of the person loved. Mercy is prayer to the Father of all mercies on behalf of all who suffer."

~from Blessed are You: Mother Teresa and the Beatitudes