My Town Abby

Many times when reading remarks by Abby Johnson, I feel as though she is telling me (and you) "This is my town! I know better than you, because your experiences are not the same as mine. I used to work for Planned Parenthood, and that makes me an expert. Anyone who has different ideas is not as pro-life as I am; maybe not at all."

I know this post will not be a popular one. Then, the truth is generally not very popular these days. Also, it is not my intent to tear Abby down, just to call her out. In the end, I may have the same or similar opinion about some legislation that was the catalyst for some remarks she made. I really don't know. But I do know that it is wrong for Abby to suggest that some very good people who have devoted much of their lives to saving babies have "sneaky" agendas or may not be truly Pro-life at all.

In fact, I remember Abby being upset when she found it difficult to be accepted by many pro-life circles. She was upset that people did not "trust" her. I guess she was concerned that people thought she may have had a "sneaky" agenda or may not be truly pro-life. I'm not throwing out an accusation, just noting a comparison.

A recent example, though not covering all of what I stated in the opening paragraph is this comment from Abby (emphasis mine)

Guys, I am trying to give you arguments to use against prochoice rhetoric. It is important to be equipped when someone says that life doesn't begin until the fetus is born. You can talk to them about the baby's heartbeat beginning at 18 days. If you think you can change someone's mind on abortion by simply saying "life begins at conception. Period," you are wrong. You have to have logical arguments to throw back at them. One of the reasons we are behind in this movement is because we do NOT have enough logic to fall back on. It is easy for me to back someone into a corner using their own faulty ideas. We must all be equipped.

I know that sounds harmless enough on its own, but keep reading.

At the same time, Abby is always (and I mean always) complaining that pro-life groups and organizations spend too much time fighting with each other. Oh, I definitely agree on that and wrote a very short piece on that last year.

So why am I "complaining" about Abby Johnson?

Yesterday, Abby wrote on facebook (again, all emphasis mine)

I will NEVER understand why a "prolife" group would want to overturn a solid parental consent bill. I have to wonder about some groups...they say they want to end abortion, but work to do the opposite.

After being questioned, she identified the group she was complaining about as "National Right to Life". A little later, she went on to complain about Texas Right to Life as well.

Her complaints were mostly vague (as in no real details) but were centered on some piece of legislation regarding parental consent laws.

I apologize to the reader, but I am confused because at first I thought NRL was against a bill, or was it an existing law? I thought TRL was okay, then later they were bad too. Several people asked for clarification, but I couldn't see a real answer in any of Abby's responses. Abby stated that NRL and TRL were "against parental consent" and wanted to "go back" to parental "notification". I contacted a friend with NRL, but she had no idea of what I was talking about. I tweeted to NRL, but they politely asked me to call a phone number with questions about legislation. Well, I will, but not without REAL information instead of HYPE.

Many respondents also seemed frustrated by the lack of real details.

Several hours later, Abby started a new thread by stating

I remember when I worked at Planned Parenthood in 2005, we were fighting SO hard to stop the parental consent legislation. We knew it would be devastating for us. Parental notification was SO easy to get around. They could give us the number to Walmart or Target or their cousin and as long as we said we made the contact, then they could get their abortion. We knew parental consent would make our jobs much more difficult. And I remember sitting across the hall from all of the pro-life groups...the groups that we were fighting. Well, all but ONE. There was ONE group that stood alongside Planned Parenthood. There was ONE group that opposed parental consent. I remember thinking to myself THEN, "what type of 'pro-life' group would ever not want parental consent?" Well, that same group is continuing to fight against parental consent in our state. Any group that will stand alongside Planned Parenthood is certainly no pro-life group. We must divide from these groups as they are incredibly detrimental to our efforts. The group I am referring to in this case is Texas Right to Life...fueled by the damaging legislation of National Right to Life.

I finally joined in the comments by asking/stating

What is the specific legislation number you are talking about? And I am sorry to hear you advocating "dividing" after all of the complaining about divisiveness. Anyway, it would help to address these organizations if we know a little more. (I contacted NRL and they don't seem to know about this). 

 I don't believe this has been answered yet.

Regardless, I agree with Abby's former position that pro-life groups should not fight with each other. But apparently, I misunderstood, because it seems that what she meant by that was as long as everyone's ideas are the same as hers.

Look, everyone has to do what they can do and handle their little piece. Abby has a lot to contribute with regard to how Planned Parenthood works and how we might best reach those within the organization. But these comments and accusations lead me to believe that her transition from one "side" to the other was perhaps too quick.

I don't mean the conversion part, but that perhaps the over-night sensation and best-selling author thing may not have helped her understanding that many good people have given much to the pro-life cause for a very long time. Perhaps it's wrong to try to label them as sneaky or as not really being pro-life because their ideas ae different.

Viva la Vida: A Glimpse

Noticing I was home and at the computer, she looked over my shoulder at the screen. "What are you doing?", she asked. It was a fair enough question since I had been gone for a couple of hours and had not bothered to announce my return. I really didn't want to answer, fearing another exchange would distract me from my purpose, "I'm looking for a priest."

Her response was quick, "You're looking for a priest? I thought you just came back from church!" Still scrolling, I responded, "Yes, but I'm looking for a particular priest." I could feel the eye-roll behind my neck as she silently ambled away.

I was so relieved that the questioning has ceased. After all, I wasn't sure our relationship could stand the strain that would be caused if I told her God "told" me to find this priest. It could have ended up in an all-out donnybrook.

Just then, I saw his name. There he was, and now he was the pastor of a local parish. I got goosebumps. His parish was what was supposed to be my parish. The priest that God sent me in search of lived about 4 blocks from my house.

My conversion was continuing.
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This is a glimpse of a blog post yet to come. I have decided to blog more about many of my life experiences. I'm sure that it will be helpful for me to do some reflecting, and perhaps you will find it enjoyable.

It won't be chronological or all-inclusive, and I'll be careful not to indict anyone else (too much). I've decided to use "Viva la Vida" (Live Life) as the intro for these posts. Yes, it's partly because I love the Coldplay song, and I'm going to find a way to work it in occasionally.

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North Texas Review: Texas Family Medicine

My family moved from South Louisiana to North Texas 7 years ago. While my wife was pregnant with our now-4-year-old daughter, we decided to find a new pediatrician.

A friend suggested we try Dr. Chris Noyes of Texas Family Medicine. She said that although Dr. Noyes did not specialize in pediatrics only, we would be more than satisfied. Well, she was right! Dr. Noyes specializes in people, and we could not be more pleased that we decided to entrust our children's healthcare to him and his team.

Rather than spend a lot of time reviewing each aspect and/or quality about TFM and Dr. Noyes, there are a couple of main points I want to make.

Dr. Noyes has always treated us as though we were his only appointment for the day. I have never been made to feel hurried or that there are any questions that he doesn't have time to answer. In fact, he has always taken an interest in our lives beyond the realm of physical health.

When I have to make health decisions regarding my children, I feel very comfortable in asking Dr. Noyes, a father of five himself, "What would you do for your own children?" Oh, and the kids actually love visiting too (except the occasional shots of course).

Also, there have been instances where we have been seen by Dr. Heather Sheffield as well. Our experiences with Dr. Sheffield have been similar to those with Dr. Noyes.

There is something else about Dr. Noyes that makes me particularly proud of him. He is very open about his faith and about being pro-life. The very first time that I met Dr. Noyes, before he knew anything at all about me, he made it very clear that he was pro-life, that his practice would always be consistent with his pro-life beliefs, and that he does not do patient referrals for practices, procedures, medications, etc that are not consistent with his pro-life beliefs. I love that!

Texas Family Medicine website *** facebook page *** contact

Texas Family Medicine
8380 Warren Parkway Suite 100
Frisco TX 75034

Phone: 214-387-8288
Fax : 214-387-8289

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Saturday 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

The ABC's of Abortion

I have always found the language of the pro-abortion crowd confusing, but it seems even Planned Parenthood now agrees with me about the ABC's of Abortion. Honestly, I've always believed the pro-abortion word games were intentional and not a mistake.

Choice

For instance, the whole "pro-choice" thing. Do they really mean they are for choice? Probably not, since abortion proponents don't want women to see ultrasound pictures of their babies. They might see the baby moving and choose not to kill it you know.

Safe

"Safe" is another complicated term for the abortion crowd too. Well, it's definitely not safe for the human baby that is killed. It's not safe for the women who die or are physically wounded during the killing of their babies. It's not safe for the psychologically damaged women, men, friends, and family who suffer because of the killing of these babies. This doesn't sound safe to me. Yet, those who are for abortion, do not want women to be properly informed of these facts. Is that what they mean by "choice"?

Legal

"Legal"? Oh, I guess it is legal in this country theses days. Slave owners were legally free to choose to own slaves not too long ago either.

Rare

"Rare"? 55,000,000 (that's 55 MILLION) babies killed in the womb (and many outside of the womb) does not sound rare to me. In fact, the number of babies that are killed by abortion in this country every year out-number the deaths of Americans in all wars combined. Oh, and that includes actions against pirates too. Most of those war heroes made a choice to lay down their lives. Some of course really did not have a choice. NONE of the babies killed by abortion are given a choice.

Reproductive Rights

"Reproductive Rights" is the latest attempt to confuse. Come on! This one is simple. No one wants to infringe on the rights of women to reproduce. At least not yet, that is. In China, women are forced to abort their babies; population control, you know. If that sad day ever comes to America, the abortion crowd will have to choose to rethink this one too. "That could never happen here!" Well, when the government decides it is no longer economically feasible...

Planned Parenthood

"Planned Parenthood"; the best example of the intentional twisting of language. Planned Parenthood is about abortion. It's what they do. It's what they advocate. Anything that might steal away their abortion business (like choosing not to kill babies) is not the choice they mean. Parenthood is not really their plan.

What DO They MEAN by CHOICE?

No matter how the pro-abortion crowd twists, rearranges, and attempts to confuse the ABC'c of abortion, the question remains; "What do they mean by choice?"

If you choose to share this post, please use the hashtag #Tweet4Choice 

Why did God make you?

Why did God make you?

This morning, when I read "How to Practice Catholicism" by Lisa Graas, there were several thoughts I had on the subject.

First, she writes

It’s one thing to be Catholic and quite another to practice Catholicism.

It sure is. A former pastor of mine used to say quite frequently "Being a Catholic is more than having your membership card."

If you have a membership card to the gym, but never use it, what good is it? And when you need to use those muscles that you would have built up at the gym, they probably won't respond properly.

and later, this

That is why study is necessary, but study is just an initial step. After you know what to practice, you can then become a practicing Catholic.

Back to the membership card thingee (that one's for my wife); If you do use the card, go to the gym to work-out, but don't take the time to learn how to use the equipment properly, there's a good chance you will hurt yourself and possibly others as well.

continuing

As the Church is employing social media more and more in bringing Christ to the world, we would all do well to remember our brokenness and to understand that it is not our intellectual brilliance in writing and creating fancy graphics that will bring souls to Him as much as it is our prayers and our desire to always seek to get to know Him better ourselves...

No doubt, I am not blowing anyone over with my "intellectual brilliance". I hope you enjoy reading this blog, but I sure hope the things I post "about me" are really about how much work God has left to do with me.

Over the course of the last 7 1/2 years, I have lost over 110 pounds. Honestly, sometimes I can get lazy or careless about what and how much I eat. This is dangerous, and the same is true if we become "comfortable" with our relationship with God. We must always seek Him in prayer, especially when it seems "difficult" or even worse "unnecessary" to pray.

and finally

If we don’t know Jesus personally, we cannot possibly project the real Jesus to the world. What’s more, if we don’t get to know Jesus, we will never get to know our true selves. Our hearts were made for loving Him. Know Him, love Him, serve Him.

This last comment is so "back to the basics" of Catholicism. Do you remember the Baltimore Catechism ("there he goes")? Well, maybe you don't. Back in the 70's, when I was a kid, I know there was an effort to get rid of all that "rigidness". Ugggggg!!!!!

The Baltimore Catechism (of 1891), in "Lesson First" (Question #6), states

6. Q. Why did God make you?
A. God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven

So much is said in that little question and answer. Isn't that what so many are searching for in asking "Why am I here?"

I have often posted about liturgy, the Sacraments, etc. These may seem to some to "not really matter" as long as "I have a personal relationship with God". This is exactly why I post such things. Because how we worship God does matter to Him, and our relationship with Him is tied to and perfected in their PRACTICE.

Those who with God's help have welcomed Christ's call and freely responded to it are urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world. This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors. All Christ's faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer - (Catechism 3)

Why did God make you?

God made you to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven

Catholic Church Celebrates My Blog

Today, the Catholic Church Celebrates my blog; A Taking Donkey. At least according to Deacon Greg Kandra it used to...sort of.

A girl with child on a donkey would be led through town to the church, where the donkey would stand beside the altar during the sermon, and the congregation would “hee-haw” their responses to the priest. 

Check it out for yourself:

Happy Feast of the Ass

AND Lighten up a little.  

Update on Uncomfortable

I thought it appropriate to follow up on Wednesday's blog "The Anchoress Made Me Feel Uncomfortable" in which I questioned whether I was brave enough to pray a simple prayer I prayed several years ago:

"God, do for me what I am afraid to do for myself. Take away what you don't want me to have, and give me only what You Will."

The question cuts deep as it shows fear on my part; fear to trust God in all things even after all He has brought me through. It also shows a fear on my part to embrace suffering; "pruning", if you will.

Lisa Graas (Catholic Bandita <And if you don't read this blog already, you should.>) commented

There will come a point when you will seek the Cross in all things because you know that is where Jesus is. To be humble is to know the love of Jesus. To be unafraid is to know the love of Jesus. To be subjected to the thorns of hateful words is to know the love of Jesus. After a while, you seek the love of Jesus so much that you hope for crosses. You hope to be made "uncomfortable" and then the things that were once uncomfortable are all transformed into the love of Jesus, and so it is not "uncomfortable" at all. It is just love for Him and from Him.

I will again be praying this simple prayer. I am not saying that all of a sudden these insecurities and spiritual deficiencies of mine are gone, but I do know that God wants me to experience "more fruitful growth", and that's enough for me now. Just as, with God, imperfect contrition can be transformed to perfect contrition, I believe that God will be "abidingly patient" with me as He teaches me How to love Him more.

This is "Worlds Apart" by Jars of Clay:

I look beyond the empty cross, forgetting what my life has cost; so wipe away the crimson stains and dull the nails that still remain -----take my world apart

Reverence: Catholic Cataclysmic Failure

The past several decades of incredibly bad catechesis, combined with an ever-compounding  failure of Catholics to properly form themselves and thus their children, have effectively caused an inability for many to decipher (much less to be able to explain) what makes the Catholic Church "different" from other Christian ecclesial Communities.

The effects of such have been cataclysmic, and NO, I am NOT over-reacting!

This past Monday, in "Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Necessity or Convenience", I stated:

I like to post articles which draw attention to a more reverent attitude toward the Liturgy, the Sacraments, and especially the Eucharist.

Because of the aforementioned reasons, many find this conversation "difficult", and many refuse to enter into it (the discussion) or even consider availing themselves of well-documented Christian history, which is more accessible (and affordable for sure) than ever through today's technology.

That said, I believe the items below "draw attention to a more reverent attitude toward the Liturgy, the Sacraments, and especially the Eucharist":

Fr. Z responds to a question about women lectors in which he states

"because the lectorate has always been a step to Holy Orders, women reading in the sanctuary can be seen by some as a step to the ordination of women to the priesthood."

Of course, a less damaging yet still wrongful misunderstanding can also be concluded via male lectors who clearly are not "officially instituted" as a "step to ordination". See the full post here.
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Max Lindenman writes

I've only served as an EM on an emergency basis; it was all I could do to remember to wipe the chalice. I had no idea how much on-the-spot legal analysis the job can potentially involve. 

...and then links to an Ed Peters piece regarding the canons governing reception, distribution  and withholding of Communion.
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Adoremus in Aeternum, A Catholic Gathering shared a most excellent article by John Vennari "The Day the Host Dropped" which includes a look at some Christian history

First of all, Saint Thomas Aquinas taught that “out of reverence for this Sacrament, nothing touches it but what is consecrated.” Thus, he said the sacred vessels of the altar are consecrated for this holy purpose, but also, the priest’s hands are consecrated for touching this Sacrament. And St. Thomas said that it is therefore not lawful for anyone else to touch it, except to save it from desecration. (Summa, III, Q. 82. Art. 3)

...as well as how we treated the Eucharist not so long ago

1) From the moment the priest pronounces the words of the Consecration over the Sacred Host, the priest keeps his forefinger and thumb together on each hand. Whether he elevates the chalice, or turns the pages of the missal, or opens the tabernacle, his thumb and his forefinger on each hand are closed. The thumb and forefinger touch nothing but the Sacred Host; 

2) During Holy Communion, the altar boy holds the paten under the chin of those receiving Communion, so that the slightest particle does not fall to the ground. This paten is cleaned into the chalice afterwards; 

3) After Holy Communion is distributed, the priest scrapes the corporal (the small linen cloth on the altar) with the paten, and cleans it into the chalice so that if the slightest particle is left, it is collected and consumed by the priest; 

4) Then, the priest washes his thumb and forefinger over the chalice with water and wine, and this water and wine is reverently consumed to insure that the smallest particle of the Sacred Host is not susceptible to desecration.

Disclaimer: Any links to or references to persons or organizations which may advocate schismatic ideologies or tendencies or in any way lend to an insinuation of anything other than complete fidelity to the Holy See and/or Magisterium are NEVER intended to represent me or my beliefs in any way. NEVER.
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On a personal note, my son Brandon and my Faith Formation class will all be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time tonight. Please say a prayer for these and all children. Thank you, and God's blessings be with you and your families.

The Anchoress Made Me Feel Uncomfortable

Elizabeth Scalia (The Anchoress over at Patheos) made me feel uncomfortable. This is actually a good thing though. Years ago, someone told me "If you're comfortable with where you are in your relationship with God, you're probably not where you should be." Perhaps I have once again become a little too comfortable.

In her blog post "Failing…in love again", Elizabeth writes:

"Be careful what you ask for in prayer. God takes you at your word, and He is an abidingly patient but thorough teacher, with unsoundable depths."

I know this all too well. I have experienced this in my own life. As I reflect on a "me" I hardly recognize, I am reminded that God calls to us, even at (especially at) our darkest and loneliness moments. The truly sincere heart that reaches out to God and is willing to finally "let go" will truly be blessed. But there is always some "pruning". And it is not us, but God who must do the pruning.

Pruning: To cut away what is unwanted or superfluous; To cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth -Webster

In August, I posted "Hurricane Isaac Reminds Me of How I Got Here" in which I shared the story of my family's exodus from Louisiana to Texas during Hurricane Katrina.

In that post I linked to a lay witness I gave several years ago in my parish, during which I revealed:

"I attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through High School. My parents were involved in our Church and in the schools I attended. We never missed Mass, and God was not a Sunday-only topic in our home. Despite those things my own Faith formation still fell short and, suffice to say that somewhere along the way I re-fashioned God to fit my own needs. It wasn't something I was conscious of, and I am fairly certain that it wasn't evident to others around me until I had made certain choices in my life and had closed myself off to them or anyone else. By the time I was ready to admit to myself that I had dug a pretty deep hole, it was already caving in. By my own actions, I had separated myself from God, from His Church, and the Sacraments."

I have been contemplating writing more about some of the events, or choices rather, that have led to where I am now in my relationship with God. But that's where Elizabeth's post got to the "uncomfortable" part. I started thinking about that "me I hardly recognize", and I remembered....

I remembered that prayer, that simple prayer with a most sincere heart;

"God, do for me what I am afraid to do for myself. Take away what you don't want me to have, and give me only what You Will."

Am I brave enough to pray that prayer today? Uncomfortable.

Parents Are Not Perfick

My son Brandon (8) began taking karate instruction in November. He's really doing great, and I am impressed with his intensity and ability to learn so quickly. I'm most impressed with his ability to remain focused.

Brandon is a wonderful boy, does very well in school, and has a super golden heart. He's also what I would call "all-out BOY", and in most things outside of school-work it is difficult for him to "be still" long enough to completely take in the moment.

As I suspect most dads do, I want Brandon to be successful. I want him to be the best that he can be at whatever he does. Brandon and I have been working on his karate at home, and I see that it is really helping him. What's more important though is that Brandon can see that it's helping him. I know this because yesterday there was a transition in the nature of our home practice.

Previously, it has been difficult for Brandon to achieve the same level of focus and intensity at home as he displays in karate class. But not yesterday. I could see the concentration as he went through his patterns, and as he practiced his punches and kicks. I knew that the praises of his karate instructors during class had convinced him that our practices at home were effective. The one problem? He kept taking his eyes off of his "target" to look at me. He did this repeatedly, though I admonished him several times.

And all at once it hit me. My son just wanted to please his dad. He wanted me to be happy with his performance. I could see it in his face. I could feel it in his eyes. He knew that I was looking for perfection from him.

Oh oh. Perfection; I've blogged about that before. Did I fail at family again? Were my expectations of perfection from Brandon negatively affecting his desire to continue karate or possibly even damaging our relationship?

I try to remain conscious of how our relationship will continue to shape Brandon's understanding of the relationship he is called to have with God, his real Father; OUR real Father. In doing so though, I always learn more than I teach.

I pulled Brandon close to me, hugged him, and told him, "I know you're just trying to please me. I want you to know that I am very proud of you, and it pleases me just to know that you want to please me; and I always love you. Do the best you can, and let me help you to do better."

There's no problem with striving for perfection. In fact, God wants perfection from us as well (Matthew 5:48). I am far from a perfect dad, and that is never more evident than when I complete an examination of conscience. But after the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I hear Him reassure me:

"It pleases me just to know that you want to please me; and I always love you. Do the best you can, and let me help you to do better."

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Necessity or Convenience

This weekend, I read an article by Fr. Rick Hellman; Extraordinary Ministers No More *Gulp*. Fr. Hellman  decided that the use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass in his parishes (2) were more of a convenience than a necessity. He states:

This weekend we made the move to refrain from the use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Thanks to this internet age in which we live, the appropriate teaching on this was hard to escape. Up to now, I hid behind my “ignorance”, but once I received the truth, the culpability of my dissent became more grave. I could no longer cower behind my lack of knowledge. My conscience got the better of me as I realized my dissent would now be direct.

I posted the link on my facebook page, and there were a few comments and questions as I suspected there would be. I knew almost immediately that I wanted to blog about this to try to help "clarify" some things, but it turns out that Fr. Z has already done this. (What a shocker.) Fr. Hellman linked to Fr. Z's blog post, The question of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Please, please read Fr. Z's post.

I realize that many times, people will, as I did in this instance, read an article without checking the included links. I seriously urge you to read the articles which I have linked in this post. Pretty please?

Some may find many topics which I post are "difficult" and my involvement in many of the ministries (especially liturgical) in my parish may perhaps lend one to misunderstand some of what I "say".

With that in mind, I want to make a few points.

I like to post articles which draw attention to a more reverent attitude toward the Liturgy, the Sacraments, and especially the Eucharist. My posting of such topics is not intended to be a criticism of valid and acceptable liturgical practices. I have a preference (and true belief) for many things that some would say are "traditionalists" views. However, most real "traditionalists" would not call me that at all (and I'll leave it at that for now). While Liturgical decisions as this are in the hands of our bishops, then our respective pastors, I have a personal opinion which questions if the US bishops have taken too much into their own hands. But that's for Rome to decide.

Also, I strongly urge you to take advantage of the wealth of information available about our Faith. Here are some very good starting points:

Redemptionis Sacramentum - Because of the nature of this topic, if you do not read any other links below, READ THIS ONE.

General Instruction Of The Roman Missal - for the United States

Adaptations to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal - for the United States

USCCB Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion 

Catechism of the Catholic Church (searchable index) - This one should be a permanent bookmark.

Okay, one last thing; did I say READ FR. Z'S BLOG POST?

Poverty in America

My youngest daughter, Monica (4), is the sweetest little girl I know. Honestly.

However, she has "another side". It comes out when she doesn't get her way, or just doesn't get it fast enough. She is, well, high maintenance. Even our priests, who shower her with priestly love, are aware of this, and have "messed" with her about it from time to time. Of course, they know to wait until everything's "OK" first.

Yesterday, Monica was "hurrying" me about getting her lunch. When it wasn't going fast enough for her, she whined, "I'm starving!" "No, Monica", I insisted, "You may be hungry, but you are definitely not starving."

On my pin-board next to my computer, I have a picture of a little boy who, at the time the picture was taken, was starving. I keep it there to keep some perspective for myself; to remind me to be thankful for what I have and don't have, and to remind me that there are many in this world, in this country even, with real needs; needs, not just wants and desires.

Later, I noticed that the USCCB facebook page posted that January is "Poverty Awareness Month". I am going to be honest. When I first clicked to go to the daily calendar provided, I winced a bit, noticing that this was part of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, an organization within the USCCB that has not always properly vetted the organizations it works with and contributes to.

But first, I do believe that much has been done and is being done to "correct" this. Next, looking over the calendar, I think this is a great way to educate my family (myself included) about what poverty in the United States really looks like, and some ways to help that we might not have thought about before.

The calendar includes a suggestion or bit of information along with a link for each day in January. Yesterday's  spot stated:

Take the Poverty Tour to see what life is like for a family of four living at the poverty line in the United States. Then share the Poverty Tour on Facebook!

I hope you will check it out. Heres the link again:


JANUARY 2013: POVERTY AWARENESS MONTH

Wolves in Wolves' Clothing

Since the Sandy Hook tragedy in Connecticut last month, I have not offered much here with the exception of my desire to keep my youngest children isolated from knowledge of the incident. I'm still not ready to break much from that yet.

You know, as a parent, I think the families deserve better than what we have put out there.

Back in August, I lamented that "Most of the issues currently being debated in our country are being done so within the realm of politics." Sadly, the same holds true even in this instance. I'm not even going to get into the "sides" of the argument. They're so much "in your face" that you know exactly what I'm talking about.

What I will say is that everyone is claiming to want that which would bring about "peace". But I don't believe they think of peace the same way the Church does. And I KNOW they have much different ideas than the Church on how to pursue peace.

Saddest of all is that we used to have to be wary of wolves in sheep's clothing. Today, the wolves don't even have to dress up anymore. There are plenty of sheep that have learned how to become wolves themselves. They think they are safe and in "like company".

*Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity

*Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic "Prince of Peace." By the blood of his Cross, "in his own person he killed the hostility," he reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of the unity of the human race and of its union with God. "He is our peace." He has declared: "Blessed are the peacemakers." 

*Those who renounce violence and bloodshed and, in order to safeguard human rights, make use of those means of defense available to the weakest, bear witness to evangelical charity, provided they do so without harming the rights and obligations of other men and societies. They bear legitimate witness to the gravity of the physical and moral risks of recourse to violence, with all its destruction and death. -  Catechism 2304 - 2306