Idol Worship

How much time do you think the average person has spent on Michael Jackson's death? Probably much more time than he has in prayer or at church. Why? Why have celebrities become so all -consuming to Joe and Jane Public? America is creating its own gods and pronouncing them good.

We are inundated by television and magazines with information about celebrities, their habits, their love lives and all sorts of details of which we have no business knowing and we eat it up like candy. Magazines like People and US are filled with gossip and tawdry details. Why doesn't anyone realize it is none of our business. Yes, they are celebrities. Yes, some of them have talent but they are not the property of the people of the United States. But, they are treated as such. I would not want to be treated that way. I would not want my heartbreaks, mistakes and failures to be fodder for the great unwashed.

I used to have subscriptions to those magazines. I liked to look at them mostly for the clothes they showed, especially to awards shows. I really got sick of all the gossip and endless speculation and I felt guilty for participating in gossip. I also got sick of them using their celebrity status to push their agenda. So I quit.

There is going to be a memorial in LA for Michael Jackson. He was a poor, lost soul. It would be much better for those attending, and Michael himself, if they spent that time in prayer for the repose of his soul.

Obamanation, We ARE a Christian Country..look

President Barack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

Take a look, not one Allah to be found. Lots of Almighty God and lookit Virginia getting all crazy and flat out talking about Christian forbearance, love and charity!

From an email I received:

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to =2 0 Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe... (no, Obama, this doesn't mean you.)
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being (again, Obama, not YOU) for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe (still not you in a million years)In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 20 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience.
Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility.. .
Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

Taking it too far

There's a Facebook poll which asks "Should same sex marriage be legalized?" I have friends who have voted either way. After voting yes, one acquaintance put up a status saying,

"Relationships will always be a personal process; and to have one or a group of people express their views that love is only a bond by the opposite sex has limited themselves spiritually. Because the hatred overshadows humanity, and the purity of God's love."

I think this is an extreme, if typical, reaction by those who support same sex marriage. How does hatred enter the equation to a simple yes or no question? No commentary, either for or against is given on this question by the respondents. Simple disagreement with an opposing view is now hatred? Making such a statement is equivalent of doing an amputation for a finger with a sliver in it!

Being spiritually limited? That piece made me laugh a little as well as gag. If one has a desire to do something or for something does not make it moral, licit or natural. One's desire does not make it a right that one is being denied. With this weak argument much could be made in a case for bestiality or pedophilia. Practictioners of those perversions probably find them fabulous as well. Why should those bonds of 'love' be denied?

Finally, God's opinion is quite clear in the bible regarding homosexuality. He's not for it. God loves each and every one of us. Each and every one. God's love is not restricted or limited, due to His unfathomable mercy. That does not mean that He necessarily loves our actions or our sins. We can choose to end our friendship with God by our actions and our sins. We do not have the right to demand anything of God much less "Love me, love my sins". Far better for all of us to ask ourselves, Which do I love more: God or my sins?

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for those who have recourse to thee!

Would you? Could you? Forgive Infidelity?

Entropy has been posting lately about marriage, or for you Princess Bride fans, mawwaige. In one of the posts about the burden of honesty we were talking about would we want to know if our spouse was unfaithful.

Entropy said yes. I don't think I would want to know. I think it is pure selfishness to unload that onto someone else just so you can feel better. I think it more fitting that the cheater suffer the guilt and burden alone. Dumping that on an unsuspecting spouse is just insult to injury.

I know three couples who have dealt with this issue. One is still together and the other two are divorced. The woman who is divorced was willing to forgive her husband and wanted to work on their marriage and save it. She has never said an unkind word about that cheating jerk. I have often been impressed by her love and commitment to him. The husband in the other couple was willing to overlook his wife's infidelity and work on their marriage for the sake of the children.
And it makes me wonder what is lacking in me because I'm pretty sure that I could not forgive or forget much less trust my husband if he ever did such a thing. And he'd never touch me again, that's for damn certain.

When we had one of our meetings with the priest before we got married, Father asked if there was anything we wouldn't be able to forgive. My soon to be husband said no. I said, adamantly yes: infidelity and drugs/alcohol. Father kinda blinked then looked at my husband and said, well, now you know.

Here's why: infidelity is not an accident. It is a deliberate choice each and every step along the way, it is a choice. Clothes don't just fall off. You don't just magically end up in someone else's bed. It may take several steps or one giant one, but it is still a choice. Each piece of clothing you remove is a choice.

That was one of the reasons I didn't like the movie He's Just Not That Into You. It showed the husband making those steps. He tried a little bit, to avoid the temptation but he kept putting himself in situations that could lead to more than just temptation.

For those husbands and wives who are willing and able to forgive and forge on, I have nothing but respect and admiration for them. Maybe a little bit of envy, too. It takes a lot of forgiveness, strength, courage, love and humility to be able to do that.

Would you, could you forgive infidelity? Would you want to know that your spouse was unfaithful to you?

The Value of Life

No one has the right to deprive another of life. Each one of us, and our lives, belongs to God. God alone determines when we draw our last breath. No one who values life, from conception to natural death, would violate this by murder.

Much spin will be put on the suspect accused of murdering Tiller. Much emphasis will be made if this person considered himself to be 'pro-life'. More focus will be put on pro-life groups, even now being considered and called terrorist groups. Anything to divert the public's attention from the truth of abortion, what it does, what it is, its long term effects and how it is performed.

Much will be said about Tiller and the 'value' and 'good' he has done by murdering innocent babies by the thousands and the terrible injustice done to him and by his murder, women everywhere. That all is just blathering, posturing and hot air. Tiller was a modern day Herod, responsible for the violent slaughter of innocent life. Tiller, unless he repented in his last moments, died with innocent blood on his hands. God Himself said such blood cries out to Him from the ground.

Please pray for Tiller's soul, for his family and for the person who murdered him. Please pray for the conversion of all abortionists and for healing for all those suffering from the aftermath of an abortion.

Every life, from the most innocent in the womb to the most heinous, is precious to God and belongs to Him.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Kudos to Archbishop Nienstedt

Kudos to Archbishop Nienstedt regarding his reply to the Rainbow Sash Alliance regarding Pentecost Sunday. RAS is a group for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual catholics (?) and their allies. Allies? Are we at war? Apparently so or at the very least under attack.

What a difficult position to be in! As the Shepard of this archdiocese, he must love the sinner but hate the sin; instruct the ignorant and counsel the sinner. He does so beautifully and lovingly.

I am overjoyed that there are courageous, faithful bishops and archbishops who are willing to do this. Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, I hope you're next for your position on abortion.

Via Father Zuhlsdorf is Archbishop Nienstedt's reply to the Rainbow Sash Alliance regarding their intended (and past) behavior during the Pentecost Mass. He firmly but gently says, No, those wearing sashes will not be allowed to receive the Eucharist.

These disruptive, disrespectful and disordered souls feel the need every Pentecost to don their sashes to parade their sins through the church and demand to receive the Eucharist. According to Brian McNeill, the organizer of the Rainbow Sash Alliance, they attend in such a fashion on Pentecost Sunday to "celebrate who we are". Go celebrate who you are in Loring Park.

The Mass is not a celebration of you, me or anyone other than Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Yes, our sins, yours, mine and everyone else's. None of us are to receive the Eucharist if we are not in a state of grace otherwise, we 'eat and drink condemnation unto ourselves'. (1 Cor. 11:23-29) We're supposed to be sorry for our sins, not symbolize them with a sash, which shows pride, arrogance and ignorance.

The Rainbow Sash people want to 'dialogue' with the Church, where dialogue means alter the Church to suit their desires, disordered and otherwise. People, there's a reason that the Church has not changed in 2000 years. It is because it upholds the truth. Truth doesn't change.

Please pray for Brian McNeill and his misguided group.

"Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen"

A Look at Rainbow Sash Alliance

emphasis and commentary are mine.
This is what the Rainbow Sash Alliance is about:

In wearing the Rainbow Sash we proclaim that we are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who embrace and celebrate our sexuality as a sacred gift. There's the first problem! In order to receive the Eucharist, one must be in a state of grace. An active homosexual is not in a state of grace. Also, to be Catholic, one must be faithful to the teachings of the Church. There's no picking and choosing. There's no changing what you don't like to suit yourself.

In wearing the Rainbow Sash we call the Roman Catholic Church:

• to honor our wisdom and experience; (Let's see: Catholic Church 2000 years, RAS 11 years, who has the wisdom and experience?)
  

• to enter into public dialogue with us; (This should really read: change to suit our disordered demands. Give us the validation that we crave. Tell us that what we are doing is acceptable, normal and morally right).
  

• to work with us for justice and understanding.

Together, let us seek a new appreciation of human sexuality in all of its diversity and beauty. Don't tell us no. Don't tell us we are wrong. There's no such thing as sin. Where is your tolerance? Don't spread your hate (truth). Don't tell us what we don't want to hear.

The Measure of a Man and a Thank You to Those Who Serve

Gates Hails Soldier Snapped in Pink Boxer Shorts - Afghanistan | Map | War - FOXNews.com

What is the measure of a man? Courage, honesty, loyalty, bravery, commitment, valuing the good of others over the good of oneself. These measures are missing in a good many men today. The soldier who didn't finish getting dress, garbed only in a red t-shirt, flip-flops and pink boxers, to go fight an attack on his unit has these measures in spades. He didn't think of himself first, he got his pink boxer covered ass out to fight and defend his unit. This soldier is nineteen years old. He and so many others like him deserve our thanks, our gratitude and our support.

This weekend is not just the start of summer. It is not just a long weekend. Monday's specific purpose is to honor men like Zachary Boyd of Fort Worth Texas. Men who have served this country, given their blood and some their lives to keep the United States free and protected; to fight against grave evil as in WWII. Men and women who put themselves in harm's way so that we can live out of harm's way. Their families, who live without their loved ones for long periods of time; parents who know and fear the risks that their selfless children take to fight in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas of the world.

Thank you, Mr and Mrs Boyd, what an outstanding young man you have raised. Thanks Dad, for fighting in WWII. Thanks June Cleaver for the sacrifice you and your family make each day while your husband serves. Thank you to the countless others who have served this nation and their families.

Posted using ShareThis

Mary, Day by Day

Can a woman forget her infant, be without mercy for the child in her womb? And if she forget, I shall never forget you. ~ Isa 49:15

Reflection: The Blessed Virgin Mary is like a mother who has many children. She is always busy going from one to the other! ~ St John Vianney

Prayer: O Mary, you are more devoted to the salvation of your children than any earthly mother can be. I thank you for your loving concern for me, which will only rest when I am in heaven with you.


Taken from Mary, Day by Day.

I remember Momma

This time of year is very hard for me. My mom died almost 20 years ago. Her wake was on Mother's Day so the two events are inextricably linked in my mind. Some years are harder than others. This year seems to be especially hard.

My mom was not an emotional, touchy-feely mom, free with hugs and kisses. She rarely, if ever, said "I love you". She certainly never said she was proud of me. She showed her love by doing things for us. I never understood for many years that when she made home-made bread, she was saying "I love you".

We were not on good terms when she died so with her died the possibility of reconciliation, forgiveness and to know for certain she loved me or at least liked me. She never forgave me for getting pregnant at an unwed nineteen. When I was pregnant, she was embarrassed and ashamed to be seen with me. She wouldn't go to church with me.

There are many things that I learned from my mom, good and bad, that I have adopted as a mother myself. I've tried to make holidays and birthdays special. I always decorated the house on holidays. But I've been free with my hugs and kisses. My daughter knows down to the marrow of her bones that I love her and am proud of her and consider her the best gift from God. She also knows to never leave someone with angry words or hurt feelings because you never know if that is the last time you will see her.

I've been wondering a lot this year what it would be like if my mom were still alive. I have been praying that she has finally forgiven me. I've been praying for her soul. I've been trying to remember the good things and forget and forgive the bad. I also wish her intercession so that I will be a good mother and change the things I need to change.

For anyone who still has their mother, please, appreciate that you still have her with you. Forgive her if she's hurt you and pray for her.

Happy Mother's day to you!