MANGER SCENES VANDALIZED

The world would destroy what is is looking for!

Please erect display and promote manger scenes so that people can be reminded of what CHRISTMAS is all about.

I don't know what a holiday season is supposed to be about, but Christmas is something I do know (being a son of Claus) and is a time of love and family.

I hope that the Christmas gifts of Hope, Peace Joy and/or Love are yours always, kind reader.



MANGER SCENES VANDALIZED

Today, the Catholic League erected a nativity scene in Central Park. Unfortunately, vandals have destroyed or stolen manger scenes nationwide. Here are some of the locales:

· Foreman, Arizona
· Rogers, Arizona
· Antioch, California
· Glastonbury, Connecticut
· Arredondo Farms, Florida (three instances)
· Bal Harbour, Florida
· Fort Walton Beach, Florida
· Panama City, Florida (more than a dozen incidences)
· Tampa, Florida
· Bainbridge, Georgia
· Schaumberg, Illinois (two instances)
· Kearney, Missouri (two instances)
· Kirkwood, Missouri
· Bozeman, Montana
· Lattimore, North Carolina
· Westbury, New York (the homeowner was assaulted)
· Elyria, Ohio
· Sylvania Township, Ohio
· Greensboro, North Carolina
· Leesburg, Virginia
· Marlow, West Virginia

In perhaps the sickest incident, an elementary public school coach in Marietta, Georgia drove students around the area in his pickup truck instructing them to thrash Christmas displays after dark; they also created obscene displays with some of the adorning statues.

baby hedgehog - iriqi

baby hedgehog - iriqi
Originally uploaded by The Kosovar

I saw this picture and it reminded me of our pet hedgehogs we had about 6 or 7 years ago.

They are very hard to find, and I found a pet store that was willing to order it. We took a triip also to NYC where I found a nice fellow on the internet who had a pet hedgehog and was trying to get someone to pay attention to her.

So we had 2 hedgehogs. They lasted about 4 or 5 months. We used to let them go on the couch with us and Jennie would make a tunnel for them to run along. Our pet cats were curiouis but kept their distance.

How a spikey creature got to be so close to us is beyond me. When they picked up a cough and passed on it was sad for the whole family. Their time with us ws a special blessing and I'll aways have a warm place in my heart for these creatures.

Just this side of heaven
is a place called
Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies
that has been
especially close
to someone here,
that pet goes
to Rainbow Bridge.


There are meadows
and hills for all
of our special friends
so they can run
and play together.

There is plenty
of food, water
and sunshine,
and our friends
are warm
and comfortable.

All the animals
who had been ill
and old
are restored
to health and vigor.


Those who were hurt
or maimed
are made whole
and strong again,
just as we remember
them in our dreams
of days and times
gone by.

The animals are
happy and content,
except for one
small thing;
they each miss
someone
very special
to them,
who had to be
left behind.

They all run
and play together,
but the day comes
when one suddenly
stops and looks
into the distance.


His bright eyes
are intent.

His eager body
quivers.

Suddenly he begins
to run from
the group,
flying over
the green grass,
his legs carrying
him faster
and faster.

You have been
spotted, and when
you and your
special friend
finally meet,
you cling together
in joyous reunion,
never to be
parted again.

The happy kisses
rain upon your face;
your hands again
caress the beloved head,
and you look once more
into the trusting eyes
of your pet,
so long gone
from your life
but never absent
from
your heart.

Then you cross
Rainbow Bridge
together....

Author unknown

One in a million shot A smile from God...

Miracle Monday

The following reflection from Jim Rohn reflects my belief that Miracles abound in everyday life. Thanks to Sr. Pat for the quote!

I have found in life that if you want a miracle
you first need to do whatever it is you can do -
if that's to plant, then plant;
if it is to read, then read;
if it is to change, then change;
if it is to study, then study;
if it is to work, then work;
whatever you have to do.
And then you will be well on your way of doing the labor that works miracles.
Jim Rohn.

What miracles did you experience today?
The smile of a child.
A revelation of a mystery of who I am
Feet trodding familiar paths
A fall breeze foreboding winter.
A memory of a face from the past, a prayer on my lips.
A moment to pause and marvel- Shhh... I'm talking to God!

Remember Me- Veteran's Day

The email I received had the following note:
This film was made by a 15 year old girl.

The following is the hottest thing on the Internet and on Fox News today.

Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together is 15 years old. There have been over 3,000,000 hits as of this morning. In case you missed it, here it is.



Take a minute. Remember Them. Pray for them.

And When they are home, embrace them.

How Halloween Can Be Redeemed

How Halloween Can Be Redeemed

I learned a few things about the background of Halloween, and I now I can support if for the right reasons!

Happy Halloween! And walk carefully, for Sister Death follows.......

Hang On to Each Other - [from LifeSupport]

The following illustrates how God may send us to others, to shower his love on them, and in the process, shower His love on us.

HANG ON TO EACH OTHER

Too often we feel alone. But there is always someone ready to take our
hand. There is a beautiful story of an overworked nurse who escorted a
tired, young man to her patient's bedside. Leaning over and speaking
loudly to the elderly patient, she said, "Your son is here."

With great effort, his unfocussed eyes opened, then flickered shut
again. The young man squeezed the aged hand in his and sat beside the
bed. Throughout the night he sat there, holding the old man's hand and
whispering words of comfort.

By morning's light, the patient had died. In moments, hospital staff
swarmed into the room to turn off machines and remove needles. The
nurse stepped over to the young man's side and began to offer
sympathy, but he interrupted her. "Who was that man?" he asked.

The startled nurse replied, "I thought he was your father!"

"No, he was not my father," he answered. "I never saw him before in my
life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I realized he needed his son and his son wasn't here," the man
explained. "And since he was too sick to recognize that I was not his
son, I knew he needed me."

Mother Teresa used to remind us that nobody should have to die alone.
Likewise, nobody should have to grieve alone or cry alone either. Or
laugh alone or celebrate alone.

We are made to travel life's journey hand in hand. There is someone
ready to grasp your hand today. And someone hoping you will take
theirs.

-- Steve Goodier www.lifesupport.com

Do You Have It?

I bet you'll know the answer before reading this article. If not, you'll know when you are done.

LifeSupport : Message: The Symptoms of Inner Peace

Prayer for Autumn Days
God of the seasons, there is a time for everything; there is a time for dying and a time for rising. We need courage to enter into the transformation process. God of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been. We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so. God of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns. As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them. God of misty days and harvest moon nights, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder in our lives. We always need to recognize your power-filled presence. May we gain strength from this. God of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender. We must wait for harvest in faith and hope. Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings. God of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be left behind and what needs to be carried into the future. We yearn for insight and vision. God of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons. God of life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with the freedom to choose life. For all this, we are grateful. Author Unknown

Fund Adoption Vanity Plate

In this day of vanity let some vanity do some good.... with a vanity plate. (available in CT, NY, and NJ)

Fund Adoption

Abortion is not a choice, it's a baby!

99 Balloons

What is life truly about? I think Elliot and his family have a gimpse of the answer and have shared a taste of the truth about the purpose of life. This is really moving and brought me to the tears which are a gift from the Spirit to allow us to know that we have touched the Holy, the veil has been lifted and God is with us today.

Took My Place!

One day, a man went to visit a church, He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near; the driver got out and said, ' I always park there! You took my place!' The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, 'That's my seat! You took my place!' The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, ' That's where I always sit! You took my place!' The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, 'What Happened to you?' The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tearfell from his eye, 'I took your place.'
Say a prayer when you see this. Maybe, just maybe, we can get the world to start thinking of who took our place.

Author Unknown

May the Lord Bless You....

“Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27"

Miller Time Again

September 28, 2007

MILLER OFFICERS RECEIVE S&M PHOTOS;
BOYCOTT TO EXTEND BEYOND SUNDAY’S EVENT
Catholic League president Bill Donohue explained the latest developments in the boycott against Miller Brewing:
“Miller Brewing will now be known as S&M Miller, and that is because it has apparently decided to drop anchor with the sadomasochistic festival that it is proudly sponsoring on Sunday at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco. It still refuses to pull sponsorship of this obscene event, knowing full well that it is making a financial contribution to an anti-Catholic group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; the Sisters is one of the beneficiaries of the street fair. And last night in San Francisco, the Sisters held a mock Last Supper, ridiculing all Christians.
“Yesterday, we sent all eleven members of the company’s Executive Committee a sample of the kinds of sick behaviors (click here) S&M Miller is sponsoring; the packet was sent by overnight mail to the all-male committee. The accompanying memo says:
It is hard to believe that if you knew exactly what kind of event the Folsom Street Fair is that you would want Miller to be sponsoring it. That is why I am sending the enclosed photos of this event (taken from previous years) to you. In the outside chance you are not disturbed by these photos, please show them to your mother, wife and daughters. I trust that you will do the right thing and withdraw sponsorship of this event immediately. Rest assured that we will not walk away from this issue. The public is rallying to our side, emboldening us to stay in this fight for as long as it takes.
“Over 200 religious organizations spanning six faith communities were sent a letter yesterday asking them to join us in the boycott. If S&M Miller doesn’t pull its sponsorship, we will announce a game plan on Monday that will make the company regret it ever decided to insult Christians.”
Contact Miller Brewing at 1-800-MILLER 6 or 414-931-2000

International Talk Like a Pirate Day - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ahoy me hearties,

It's talk like a Pirate day!

International Talk Like a Pirate Day - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Just a reminder - even if you can talk the talk, can you walk the walk? Or would you walk the plank?

Only be the grace of God!

Arrrrgh!

God is in New York!

Who would think??
Right here.
In our presence.
The awesome wonder of God.
Here.
Sharing our Daily life.



Thank you Jesus.

Catechism Quiz: How Do We React to Mother Teresa's Doubts

How Do We React to Mother Teresa's Doubts? (from Friar Jack's E-spirations)
by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.

I met Mother Teresa of Calcutta in 1981 during the dedication of a peace garden located at my seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was in the U.S. visiting primarily to establish her community in New York City. It was a beautiful June Sunday afternoon, and I found myself standing right next to this amazing little woman. I say “little” since I’m 6'2" and Mother’s head seemed to barely reach my elbows.

Many of you saw on the Internet and television the reaction to the “revelations” of Mother’s book (Come, Be My Light) of correspondence with her spiritual directors. She described in deeply moving words her struggles with faith, her doubts and sense of abandonment by God. On the surface, her words appear shocking, but in reality she was experiencing what Catholic spirituality describes as the “dark night.” There is no question that to suffer this for a 40-year period must have been a terrible trial. What it says is that this saintly nun, so dedicated to others, also bore a gigantic cross that only increased her holiness and union with God.

What was unfortunate, though understandable, was how people, who didn’t know the theology or language of the spiritual life, reacted, referring to Mother Teresa as a “fake and a pretender” and, worse, a “liar.”

One thing we know for sure is that Mother Teresa was never a fake or a liar. Her whole life was as honest and true as it could be. Her entire being was to do the will of God and, in fact, that it is exactly what she did so wonderfully. If you look at her influence, her wonderful religious community and the tens of thousands of people she and her sisters have helped, we see that her life was an amazing journey with God and ministry to the poorest of the poor.

But what about the darkness, the doubts and the dryness of her life where God seemed to be gone? We ordinarily equate the presence of God with deep feelings of certainty, almost as if you can reach out and touch him. But all those feelings and experiences are not God himself. They are our understanding and images of God. As a person seeks to draw closer to God, God begins to remove all those things that we think are God but are only representations. And one by one, the closeness of God may seem to fade or disappear.

In the language of the spiritual life, Mother Teresa was experiencing the dark night of the senses and of the spirit, which has been written about in Catholic spirituality. The dark night is certainly not punishment given by God. Quite the opposite. It is a sign of spiritual growth and reflects the paradox of the gospel: To die is to live, to live is to die, less is more and more is less. The great expositors of these spiritual principles were St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. (For those of you who would like to read about these spiritual principles, check this Web site: danschrock.org/Contemplation.aspx.)

Mother Teresa was not fake, nor did she lose her faith. In fact, her faith grew all the time while she was walking with the Lord, growing deeper in her union with him. However, her experience was of just the opposite. Real faith is believing in what we cannot see or feel. Faith is the strongest when there are no feelings and reassurances. All saints speak of similar experiences, whether they were religious or laity.

From St. Francis of Assisi to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, saints and all those seeking union with God have experienced darkness and struggles, some more than others. But perhaps the most important example is what Jesus experienced during his own passion and death, hanging on the cross. In his human nature, he experienced an abandonment of God: “Why have you forsaken me?” But would anyone doubt that his faith at the moment of deepest sacrifice was the greatest ever?

One final point: Some people may feel upset that Mother Teresa’s letters were published and not destroyed as she had wanted. If every saint who died got their wish that their correspondence be destroyed, the Christian world would be without some of the most instructive and inspiring writings we could have. (Saints don’t always know what should be and should not be published.) Her experiences will enlighten a lot of people. (I just ordered her book, Come, Be My Light.)

I had to share this. May the doubt expressed by Mother Theresa be:
- a sign that God's greatness surpasses human (even Saintly) understanding
- an encouragement to us
- a reminder that God simply does not abandon us. We may not always see Him through our Life on earth, but he is unmistakably. present. Our knowlege of His presence is a gift from Him to us. Its a gift to pray for and not take for granted.

May Christ Always be With Us!

Encourage not needed, time marches on.....

The following quotes provide no great encouragement for the future.
Yet time marches on, and each great idea in its time....

"Radio has no future. Heavier-than-air flying machines are
impossible. X-rays will prove to be a hoax." - English
scientist William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, 1899

"Television won't matter in your lifetime or mine." - Radio
Times editor Rex Lambert, 1936

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their
home." - Ken Olson, president, chairman, and founder of
Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

"By 2000, the machines will be producing so much that every-
one in the U.S. will, in effect, be independently wealthy.
- Time Magazine, 1966

"An impractical sort of fad, and has no place in the
serious job of postal transportation." - Second Assistant
U.S. Postmaster General Paul Henderson on airmail, 1922

"It's a bad joke that won't last. Not with winter coming."
- Fashion designer CoCo Chanel on miniskirts, 1966

"Everything that can be invented has been invented." -
Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents,
1899

"Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?" - H.M. Warner,
Warner Brothers, 1927

"You ought to go back to driving a truck." - Concert
manager, firing Elvis Presley in 1954

"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way
out." - Decca Recording Co., rejecting the Beatles, 1962

"It doesn't matter what he does, he will never amount to
anything." - Albert Einstein's teacher to his father, 1895

Drive-by Evangelism, or Missional Rescue Force?

Drive-by Evangelism, or Missional Rescue Force?

Where is the Love? A California pediatrician reportedly refused to treat a baby girl because her mother had tattoos. The doctor, whose name I won’t mention, says “his Christian faith has inspired him to enforce certain standards in his medical practice, and that means no tattoos, no body piercings, and no gum chewing.” The article goes on: “After taking one look at Tasha Childress, who has both tattoos and piercings, [the doctor] asked her and her daughter to leave.” The shunned mother, speaking about her daughter, said, “She had to go that entire night with her ear infection with no medicine because he has his policy; it isn’t right.”



Christ did not deny any who came to him. We must be prepared to do the same.



Lord allow me to see You in all who come to me for assistance, and may be be as eager to help them as I would you.

Anne Rice and Hillary; Pa. bishop responds to Catholic activist

Anne Rice and Hillary; Pa. bishop responds to Catholic activist

Is Hillary Clinton the voice of America?

I know at least some people in this country who do not believe that she is the voice of anyone else but herself and special interests wo support her.

I would sooner listen to a bishop who speaks from tradition and the bible, who holds life as a sacred creation.

RU 486 abortion pill unsafe despite media reports

RU 486 abortion pill unsafe despite media reports

Let us pray for those who take this pill. Let us pray that the word of the unsafeness of it is spread to the point where no one wants it and no one will prescribe it.

God of Light and Life enlighten our hearts to remain on your path!

A Pure Heart

A Pure Heart
by Jon Walker



“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 NIV)

Oh God, create in me a pure heart ...


A heart that won’t run with lust after physical pleasure,
A heart that obediently refuses what you’ve rightly and wisely fenced away as sin,
A heart of love that never insists on its own way (1 John 2:16).

Oh God, create in me a pure heart ...


A heart that knows no greed when it looks upon worldly treasures,
A heart that thinks of others, and not itself,
A heart that argues for love instead of fairness.

Oh God, create in me a pure heart ...


A heart that never boasts about what it has or what its done,
A heart that walks humbly, not trying to appear more important than it is,
A heart that takes no pride in the flesh.

Oh God, create in me a pure heart ...


A heart that chases after you,
A heart that looks to you for its provision,
A heart that trusts that you are at work in others,
A heart that does not manipulate people or circumstances,
A heart that looks upon the things above and not the things below.

Heavenly Father, renew a steadfast spirit within me ...


A spirit committed completely to you,
A spirit that is not double-minded,
A spirit that is focused, and single minded on your purposes,
A spirit resolved to know Christ and Christ alone.

So what?


Start from the top of the devotional, and work your way down.

© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.

May my heart always reflect You Lord!

A Message From a Saint About Cell Phones & Life - Natural Life Magazine May/June 2007

A modern discussion about cellphones and technology with St. Francis. Yes, St.Francis somehow approves technology as the means to an end, not the end in itself.



St Francis took every opportunity to follow Christ and we must do the same.



If we figure out how to make cell phone calls, do laundry, drive our cars (see Pope Benedict's Ten Commandments of the Road) do our appointed jobs in the Spirit of St. Francis, the Peace of Christ will be with us.



A Message From a Saint About Cell Phones & Life - Natural Life Magazine May/June 2007



May Peace be with you today!

Chicago Catholics Outraged by Hillary Speech

I have shown (and currently eliminated) Rudy as my candidate.
Hillary Clinton goes even further down the totem pole. Apparantly she only cares about current voters and not the voters of the future.

Chicago Catholics Outraged by Hillary Speech

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel for the Conversion of Abortionists

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. www.hli.org/st_michael_prayer.html

Giuliani’s Catholic chameleon campaign

I am looking for a candidate who aligns with Catholic beliefs and social activism.

It appears that Rudy falls short. Catholics are not chameleons. We are what we are. We are not perfect, but we strive for the perfect kingdom of God.

Giuliani’s Catholic chameleon campaign

Bishop of Rhode Island condemns Giuliani's abortion stance

New FDA guidelines threaten religious freedoms; Holy water could be regulated as "drugs" and rosaries as "medical devices"

New FDA guidelines threaten religious freedoms; Holy water could be regulated as "drugs" and rosaries as "medical devices"

A while a go I saw this- something that made me go 'hmm'.

What kind of government would keep the health from the health seekers.

And what kind of license would the Heavenly Physician require?

And allow the perfectly created to die because they were not yet born......

Maybe "Culture of Death" is where you are when you step outside the kingdom of God.

God shows His love for us because

God shows His love for us because:

He chose us,
He seeks us,
He instructs us and teaches us with patience,
He demonstrates His love in ways we can understand,
He hurts for us,
He forgives us,
and He saves us. -

Hosea 11

What Saints Are For!

What Saints Are For!

(Just a Word of Encouragement from Mark Shea and Jeff Cavins)

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

If you've ever wondered why the Catholic Church canonizes saints, today's verse gives the basic reason. We don't just learn about Christ from looking at Christ. We learn about Christ from looking at how His Spirit works in the lives of all His holy saints. 'For Christ plays in ten thousand places,/ Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his/ To the Father through the features of men's faces' Gerard Manley Hopkins.

St. Juan Diego is model of lay evangelist says Mexican cardinal

St. Juan Diego is model of lay evangelist says Mexican cardinal

Echoes of St. Francis of Assisi and his evangelization entered as I read this article. St. Francis always submitted to his bishop, and then, in starting his order, to the pope. The comments about St Juan Diego and his releationship with his bishop remind me of our relationship with the Pope, who has been teaching and clarifying the position of the church.

Juan Diego's obediance to our lady and the church as personified in the bishop speak volumes of his love for Jesus. And the miracle that blessed him is an echo through history that God will bless us he will not abandon us, he will provide for us and provide abundantly.

It is said that if you look with a microscope into the eyes of our lady's image on the tilma, that the images of those present can be seen in those eyes. Just as we are always present in the eyes of God, in an eternal gaze of love.

May St. Juan Diego and our lady keep us in prayer before our Lord. May he steady our steps in walking the path set before us and so enter our eternal reward.

[LifeSupport] Encouragement Works

Author Ron Dunn tells the story of two altar boys. One was born in 1892 in Eastern Europe. The other was born just three years later in a small town in Illinois (USA). Though their lives were quite different,these two boys shared a similar experience. Each altar boy assisted his parish priest in the celebration of Mass. While handling the chalice during Holy Eucharist, they both accidentally spilled some of the wine on the carpet.But this is where their stories diverge. The priest in the Eastern European church, seeing the purple stain, slapped the altar boy across the face and shouted, "Clumsy oaf! Leave the altar." He did. The little boy grew up to become the atheist and communist dictator of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. The priest in the church in Illinois, upon seeing the wine stain,knelt down beside the boy and looked him tenderly in the eyes and said, "It's all right, son. You'll do better next time. You'll be a fine priest for God someday." That little boy grew up to become the much loved Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.We will never know how much a kind and encouraging word from the priest, or the lack of one, influenced these boys' lives. But kindness and instruction are always far more valuable than anger and criticism.Encouragement works.-- Steve Goodier

A Delicious Solution for High Blood Pressure

A Delicious Solution for High Blood Pressure
By Jon Herring
More good news for chocolate lovers. A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that eating just a small amount of dark chocolate can be as effective at lowering blood pressure as making major dietary changes. And it is certainly an easier regimen to maintain.
German researchers at the University Hospital of Cologne divided 44 adults with early-stage hypertension into two groups. The subjects ate 6.3 grams of either dark chocolate or white chocolate each day. While the dark chocolate contained about 30 mg of beneficial polyphenols (from cocoa), the white chocolate contained none.
The subjects who consumed the dark chocolate experienced an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 2.9 mm Hg and diastolic BP reduction of 1.9 mm Hg. Furthermore, the percentage of the test subjects who were clinically diagnosed with hypertension dropped from 86 percent to 68 percent. And these improvements were made without any changes in body weight, blood lipids, or blood sugar levels. Those who ate the white chocolate saw no changes.
The polyphenols in cocoa work as vasodilators, helping the blood vessels relax and become more flexible, and thus reducing the pressure inside. And it takes a surprisingly small amount to have an effect.
So if you love chocolate, take heart. But stick to dark chocolate. Milk chocolate has very little cocoa and too much sugar. You can also buy organic powdered cocoa at most health food stores. I often mix a teaspoon or two into my coffee, or I mix it in milk and add a teaspoon of erythritol for a tasty and healthful chocolate drink.

Letter to Amnesty International

Good Day to All!

While the proposed action by Amnesty International (in support of abortion) may appear to some to support women's freedom or provide a compassionate response to women in difficult situations of pregnancy, abortion injures the health and dignity of women at the same time that it ends the life of the unborn child. A far more compassionate response is to provide support and services for pregnant women, advance their educational and economic standing in society, and resist all forms of violence and stigmatization against them. (See Bishop Skylstad's Letter to AI .)

Many of the great figures of our time who advanced human rights and compassion for the destitute - Susan B. Anthony, Mohandas Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Dorothy Day, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Fannie Lou Hamer - also opposed abortion. Many will find it incomprehensible that these giants of human progress must now be seen as enemies of human rights. The action of the Executive Council undermines AI's longstanding moral credibility, diverts its mission, divides its own members (many of whom are Catholic or defend the rights of unborn children), and jeopardizes AI's support by people in many nations, cultures and religions.

I humbly ask that the action be reconsidered as many lives and the quality of other lives hang in the balance. There is a great opportunity presented in this issue to defend human lives, especially those who are unable to speak for themselves.

--
God does not ask about our ability, but our availability.
-Anonymous

Sandal tracksto Paradise

PRECIOUSNESS OF SILENCE

PRECIOUSNESS OF SILENCE
'But Jesus was silent.' Mt 26:63
-----------------------------------

The Silence is Meekness.
When you do not defend yourself against offenses;
When you do not claim your rights;
When you let God defend you;
The Silence is Meekness.

The Silence is Mercy.
When you do not reveal the faults of your brothers to
others;
When you readily forgive without inquiring into the
past;
When you do not judge, but pray in your heart;
The Silence is Mercy.

The Silence is Patience.
When you accept suffering not with grumbling but
joyfully;
When you do not look for human consolations;
When you do not become too anxious, but wait in
patience for the seed to germinate;
The Silence is Patience.

The Silence is Humility.
When there is no competition;
When you consider the other person to be better than
yourself;
When you let your brothers emerge, grow and mature;
When you joyfully abandon all to the Lord;
When your actions may be misinterpreted;
When you leave to others the glory of the enterprise;
The Silence is Humility.

The Silence is Faith.
When you keep quiet because you know that the Lord will
act;
When you renounce the voice of the world to remain in
the presence of the Lord;
When you do not labour yourself to be understood;
because it is enough for you to know that the Lord
understands you;
The Silence is Faith.

The Silence is Adoration.
When you embrace the cross without asking 'Why?';
The Silence is Adoration.
-------------------------------------

Thanks to the Missionaries of Charity who shared this with our friends at http://www.cukierski.net

Silence is so undervalued and yet, sometimes God speaks in a whisper.
Peace be with you all.

The Trend of 'Believing without Belonging'

The Trend of 'Believing without Belonging'

My belief requires belonging to Church. The apostles were all of one church. Christ always sends out his own in groups of 2. Jesus said "Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst".

One sin that is at the basis of many is pride. If you can finid your salvation without church, you are putting pride in yourself above all. Church keeps the voice of Satan in check. If the inner voice contradicts church then prayer is needed for stregnth and guidance from God. His scripture and the teaching of the church will keep the evil one in line.

Lord be with us and align us always with your church. May we be subject to your your word and law so that we may rightly call you Lord of our life. Thank you Jesus for all you have done and continue to do in our lives. May we be one in you as you are one in the Father.

Holy Week: Walking to the Cross

Holy Week: Walking to the Cross

Gods Love

Nothing we can do holds the significance of Christ's action.

So if our inner drive is to prove something to God or the world or ourselves, our actions are a poor indicator then of the effect of God's Love in our lives. It is when we come to the cross, we see the cross, we respond to the cross- this motion that is cross-oriented that centers our thoughts lives and placement in creation.

The same activity- Acolyte, minster of communion, feeder of the hungry - activities that we are moved to do because of the love of God can backfire if we say "Look what I can do!". Even "Look what I can do for you Lord" is a big "Look At Me" that smacks of the evil the Lord has warned us against. Yet it is His word that brings us to action.

So let everything we Do or Say, be it in the Church or the Living Room, Our Car or the Work Place not promote anything but Life in the Shadow of the Cross. This is the Life Francis promoted: Do not look at what I can do for God, but what God can do.

Mother Of All Peoples - Mary, First Witness of the Resurrection

Mother Of All Peoples - Mary, First Witness of the Resurrection

Were you there when they rolled the stone away?......

I found myself thinking of Mary this past Sunday, After holding her dead son on Friday, and knowing his words and having an incredible trust in Jesus and the will of God. Why would the mother of God be involved in the reserection?

1. Jesus' Mother followed Jesus. She was mentioned as travelling with him often.
2. She was present at the foot of the cross. She had a great devotion to Jesus.
3. Her faith went beyond the visible physics of the universe, the Annunciation, The miracle of water into wine.
4. Her Love was returned tenfold. She was given a Son in John at the foot of the cross, she was the example of one who does Gods will when Jesus called All who do God's will as my mother, and my brothers and sisters.
5. Jesus did appear to only a few, but the few that would testify to the truth. Mary's life was a testimony to the truth. She was also blessed among women so her hope would not go unrewarded.

Our hearts could not fathom the joy in Mary's Easter encounter. This moment is one captured in the believers heart and not words.

Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and Deadly

Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and Deadly

Scripture is the base of the Christian Catholic Faith. The above article reminds me of some of the truths of our faith:

1. We should not seek money first, but rather the will of God.

2. Christ said "Blessed are the Poor"

3. Christ said "You will always have the poor among you"

4. God gives us what we need in this life. This is what we pray for in the "Our Father" when we ask for our daily bread.

5. Earthly riches cloud our view and the scope of the Kingdom of God. "It is harder for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle then it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.". But then, nothing is impossible with God.

6. The Catholic Church is always asking for money, and so what is wrong with having it? NOTHING! However, the bottom line is what you do with what you have. This Church has been blessed to receive many kind donations. These donations go toward promoting the faith to the churched and unchurched in the community, primarily through acts of charity as promoted by our Lord Jesus Christ. Being that the church is run by people -sinners- we do not always make the best use of the resources.

We pray the we and our church use what resources we have available to us to further the kingdom of God on earth today!

To meet such a man

I received the following from one of my Franciscan sister, and reading this made me feel as though I was visited in a special way by the little poor man of Assisi on this day.

Spend some time walking with him.

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day. As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There,walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food." My heart sank.I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square."Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor."Looking for the pastor?" I asked."Not really," he replied, "just resting.""Have you eaten today?""Oh, I ate something early this morning.""Would you like to have lunch with me?""Do you have some work I could do for you?""No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.""Sure," he replied with a smile.As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.Where you headed?"" St. Louis .""Where you from?""Oh, all over; mostly Florida ""How long you been walking?""Fourteen years," came the reply.I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services,and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God "Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.""Ever think of stopping?" I asked."Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles . That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads."I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?""What?""To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?""Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments.Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me."My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said,"Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in."I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked.He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it 14 times," he said."I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see"I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful."Where are you headed from here?" I asked."Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.""Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?""No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things."Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet."I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life.
I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.""Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.""I know," I said, "I love you, too." "The Lord is good!""Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked.A long time," he replied And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem .""I'll be there!" was my reply.He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?""You bet," I shouted back, "God bless.""God bless." And that was the last I saw of him.Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.Then I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem ," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...If this story touched you, forward it to a friend!"I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed.This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. Please do not break this pattern. Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. God bless and have a nice day!

"Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious Name Amen."

"I sent this to more than four, but this story is so touching I felt each of you would enjoy it greatly.GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!

He Called Me to the Window

He called me to the Window.

In the poverty of warmth

I was eager to obey.

All experience the presence

In many different ways.

Some run, some cower,

but Francis chose to stay.

Called by God from finery

True finess in the soul

Only once in heaven's gate

Would he truely know.

You can pretend she is far away

but then you must ignore the door

If you do not answer

You will not meet the Lord.

He will pass by, that choice is gone,

But none know more than He

The opportunities supplied

He'll send her patiently.

Some day the voice won't be ignored

For upon the cross the word will come

Our hearts and minds will be pierced by love

The Lady spurned will be greeted with open arms.

Francis' wounds, his bond of love

Renewed in us, his face to the world

Reflecting the face who is at the door

Greeted in love, Arms outstretched

In victory over sin, He, in Poverty, will free.

Family Prayer

UConn Mistaken on Pope

Pope Mistaken On Euthanasia - Commentary

Here we see the culture of death has returned to my alma mater. No accounting for taste.

Pope Benedict XVI denounced euthanasia over the weekend, once again proclaiming life a gift from God and asserting that it could not be terminated under "the guise of human compassion." The pontiff's announcement came after an Italian doctor was cleared of wrongdoing in an euthanasia case, and more or less echoed the statements made by Pope John Paul II during the 2004 Terri Schiavo case. While it is indeed the pope's prerogative to take a stance on such divisive issues, the purportedly infallible Benedict is undoubtedly mistaken on the issue of euthanasia. Without question, euthanazing a pain-wrought patient who is not going to recover is an act of genuine human compassion that should not be prohibited. Many terminal illnesses can be extremely painful to endure. In the event that a mentally-sound patient is afflicted with such a pernicious disease, it is his or her to right to end his or her life. To borrow from John Stuart Mill's "Harm Principle," an individual should have complete independence when engaging in self-regarding actions - actions that directly affect only the individual making these choices. Choosing how and when one's life ends is a choice that truly affects the individual making the choice, and thus falls under the category of choices that should not be regulated by any outside presence. Accordingly, it is not the place of the pope nor the state to interfere with one's decision to end one's life in the event of terminal illness.The pope ought to heed the words of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, who contradicted the pontiff last month when he said that terminally ill patients deserve the right to refuse "unreasonably obstinate" treatment that will merely stave off inevitable death. While Martini does not support active euthanasia, i.e. administering a lethal injection to a dying patient, his nuanced perspective on the subject is appreciated, given the generally unyielding nature of the Vatican. Perhaps, in the future, a pope may come to realize, like Martini, that allowing a consenting party to die is not tantamount to murder. Societies proscribe murder because killing another human being entails violating his or her rights. In the case of an individual who wants to die, however, preserving life does not mean preserving one's rights - it means violating them. While the pope is right to believe that life deserves respect, he is wrong to maintain that all life must be continued. As evidenced by the will of some patients to die, some lives simply are not worth continuing. In these cases, euthanasia is the most rational and compassionate course of action.

The value of life goes beyond the visible - what is measured and even felt. Life is the gift and love is expressed from God and believers through life. By taking life into our hands we make ourselves like Gods. This is the sin which cast man from paradise- just because man can do something, does it mean he should?

Father, Please grant us the gift of respect of your Holy gifts, especially life. Let us not take any day for granted but see all as a gift from God.

Beatification cause opened for courageous Argentinean mother who rejected abortion

The following shows that the saints are still among us if if we live in the loving compassion of our God, we can be one with them.

Beatification cause opened for courageous Argentinean mother who rejected abortion
BUENOS AIRES, February 6 (CNA) - Archbishop Guillermo Jose Garlatti of Bahia Blanca has opened the cause for beatification of the Servant of God, Maria Cecilia Perrin de Buide who refused cancer treatments in order save her unborn daughter Augustina.The tribunal that will investigate the heroism of Cecilia Perrin, who was a member of the Focolare movement, will include Father Marino Giampetruzzi, Father Elio Ricca and Alejandra Belfoire.Cecilia Perrin died on March 1, 1985 at the age of 28, when she gave up her life for her daughter and refused to undergo an abortion. In February of 1984, while already pregnant, Perrin was diagnosed with cancer. Her daughter Agustina was born in July of 1984. By the time she gave birth, however, the cancer had already progressed toolic an untreatable stage, and Cecilia died eight months later.Her remains are interred at the Mariapolis Lia Cemetery in the Buenos Aires province and hundreds visit the place each year, especially pregnant women who pray for her intercession. On November 10, 2005 the Holy See declared Perrin a Servant of God, thus paving the way for the opening of her cause for beatification and canonization.

Father, grant us the courage to live as one of your saints. May the decisions we make in our lives give glory to your kingdom of life and love. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Phone thief repents after 21 text messages

Phone thief repents after 21 text messages Oddly Enough Reuters.com

A Chinese thief has returned a mobile phone and thousands of yuan he stole from a woman after she sent him 21 touching text messages, Xinhua news agency said on Monday

How often does God call us to repent of our sins? How often do we respond? If we ask forgiveness, He will provide.

Let us always be on the look out for the message from God that speaks of his love for us.

Nothing Will Grow There!

Nothing Will Grow There!

Brian Cavanaugh, T.O.R. tells about a magnificent harvest in his book "MORE SOWER'S SEEDS: Second Planting." One spring, he and two seminary friends sought permission to plant a garden. He says, "Our house of studies was located in the downtown area of a large metropolitan city. There wasn't much of a backyard. Actually, it was a stone-covered dirt parking lot with no extra space. However, we carefully planned our garden, taking into account the area that received optimal sunshine."The three of us approached the superior with our plan for a small area to plant some squash, tomatoes and cucumbers. The only real cost involved was to rent a rake, a pickax and a hoe. However, getting the superior's permission would still be difficult. None of us who were involved with this garden project will ever forget his response to our request. With a slightly bored, tilting of his head he glanced at us and abjectly replied, 'You're wasting your time. Nothing will ever grow there! But, go ahead if you still want to.'"We had received permission from on high! So what if it wasn't enthusiastic. We rented tools; raked four inches of stones into neat walls outlining the garden; hoisted the pickax and struck what must have been a former refuse area. A gardener's dream -- dark, composted, fertile soil just sitting there waiting to be discovered. We looked at each other with broad grins and repeated in unison, 'Ah, nothing will grow there.' As you might have surmised by now, things did grow there, in our garden. In fact, twice we re-staked the tomatoes, topping them off, finally, when they were seven feet tall."Have you ever felt that way about your life -- "Nothing will grow there..."? Have you felt discouraged about your life's progress? Worried about crop failure? Disappointed that nothing good ever seems to come up?What do you want to grow? Understanding? Faith? Courage? Optimism? Joy? Love? Or are you nurturing a new project or small business?Don't believe that "nothing will grow there." I like the observation of writer George Eliot, "It's never too late to be who you might have been." You may not always see the potential for growth, but it is there. All the rich compost you need may be hidden just beneath the surface, but can only be discovered after you begin digging.Ralph Waldo Emerson proclaimed, "Oh man! There is no planet sun or star could hold you, if you but knew what you are." You are capable of doing and becoming more than you might imagine!With careful nurture, something WILL grow there. And it will be magnificent.
By Steve Goodier

Father God,
The winter world seems cold and void of life. Let us look into our own lives, under the stones of neglect to find the fertile ground that brings forth our life, the fertile ground that is your love. Let is continue to realize that all good comes from you but that sometimes you want us to clear the stone of our lives. As St. Francis rebuilt your Holy Church we are called to rebuild our lives in the image of a perfect church, the bride of your son Jesus.

Bless us with the vision to see beyond the stones and to see and bring forth all the good that your love provides.

School bans Catholic girl from wearing crucifix

School bans Catholic girl from wearing crucifix

We take for granted that we can wear our crosses and have small reminders in our Christian Life, and people look at this as a nice little cross and think not more of it, except that Christ is given another opportunity to touch a life.

This girl is marked as out of the ordinary and unacceptable because she wants to display her faith. Truth be told, the girl would not survive the school if she truly lived this faith. She would be found out of the ordinary and unacceptable because of a gospel promoting life and love.

Heavenly Father look down upon us. Allow us to Share the Gospel with all those around us. May they see our smiles and our crucifixes and be drawn to you. May they see the love of our living God in our lives and be transformed by that holy presence.

And may those who sow the Gospel of Love reap His Peace.