Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
About Those Seeds: Part 2
Much belated, but continuing the examination begun last week of the well known parable from Luke 8:4-15 of the sower and the seeds that fall on various sorts of ground. I especially appreciate this point about prayer because so often it is presented as something that is easy, whereas I struggle with myself every single day just to take the time for individual prayer.
And some fellon the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. At "the moment of truth" they succumb because their allegince to Christ has been rooted solely in feeling and not in prayer. They have therefore been unabel to endure difficult moments unscathed, or take in their stride the trials of life and periods of spiritual dryness. Many people are pleased by what they hear, and sincerely resolve to pursue the good. Yet when adversity and suffering come, they soon abandon their good works (St. Gregory the Great). How many good resolutions have come to nought when the spiritual life has become a struggle! These souls were seeking themselves rather than God. As St. Augustine pointed out, Some act for one reason. Others act for another. The fact is that few look to Jesus for the sake of Jesus. To look for Jesus is to follow his footsteps wherever they may lead, no matter if the trail is smooth and easy or uphill and arduous. The key thing is to have the firm desire to reach Christ, to look for Jesus for the sake of Jesus. We can accomplish this only if we are faithful to our daily prayer, whether it comes to us easily or is more of a sacrifice. In Conversation with God (vol. 5, ordinary time weeks 24-34) by Francis Fernandez
2007 Weblog Awards
Just found out that nominations are open ... but only through today. Usually there's more buzz. Guess I'm not hanging out at the right places to hear about such things. I always like seeing who is nominated, whether it is a popularity contest or not, simply because I find good new blogs that way.
One thing that they do that I particularly like is to have categories of blogs based on TTLB ecosystem ranking so everyone has a chance. They also have podcast and video categories which should lead to some good links.
Take a look at the categories in case you're interested in nominating someone, including yourself if you qualify!
One thing that they do that I particularly like is to have categories of blogs based on TTLB ecosystem ranking so everyone has a chance. They also have podcast and video categories which should lead to some good links.
Take a look at the categories in case you're interested in nominating someone, including yourself if you qualify!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
For a Minute, I Though I Was Reading Disputations ...
... because Tom loves nothing more than a good chart or graph to illustrate a point.
But no, I was reading The Grail Code about why we should read great books. He illustrates his point with something from Plato's dialogues where "Socrates asks an ignorant slave boy how he would double the area of a square."
Go read it all.
But no, I was reading The Grail Code about why we should read great books. He illustrates his point with something from Plato's dialogues where "Socrates asks an ignorant slave boy how he would double the area of a square."
Go read it all.
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Black Moth Finale ...
... yes, we've finally reached the end of The Black Moth, as well as noting the fact that Halloween is the podosphere's favorite holiday with a few links to spots putting on special story-fests ... get it here and enjoy.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Because October is Rosary Month ...
... check out this good piece at Salve Regina about the Rosary and avoiding distractions.
Which means that you should stay far, far way from this. Via Ironic Catholic.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
About Those Seeds: part 1
This is from a few weeks (?) ago but only now have I found the time to share it. Jesus tells the well known parable from Luke 8:4-15 of the sower and the seeds that fall on various sorts of ground. I found it worth some meditation and am going to share it in several parts.
And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. The seed was completely lost without having given any fruit. Later on, Jesus explained to his disciples the parable and the reason for this loss:hearts which have become hardened through a lack of contrition are incapable of receiving the divine word. This bad ground represents the heart which has become accustomed to unclean thoughts, so "parched" as it were that it cannot receive and sustain the seed (St. Gregory the Great). The devil finds in souls of this kind a source of resistance to God's saving Grace.
On the other hand, a soul which reacts to imperfections and transgressions by sincere repentance actually attracts divine mercy. True humility allows God to sow his seed and have it bear abundant fruit. This is why we should use this parable to examine our spirit of reparation for the falls of every day, even in the least serious things. Do we go to Confession frequently and with a sincere yearning for divine assistance?In Conversation with God (vol. 5, ordinary time weeks 24-34) by Francis Fernandez
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Enbrethiliel is back!
Woohoo!
Thank goodness she pays close attention to her Guardian Angel's comments.
I am just waiting for her next super hero/movie/Catholic connection post now ...
Thank goodness she pays close attention to her Guardian Angel's comments.
I am just waiting for her next super hero/movie/Catholic connection post now ...
All's Well
Thanks so much to everyone for all the prayers!
Rose was a trooper and we had her home yesterday. Not without a few mishaps but all in all things went quite well. She is getting much better at the "log roll" or "barrel roll" method of getting up from a lying down position. I have become proficient as the nurse-assistant for this maneuver.
Just to add to the fun, she had to be wakened every two hours all night long to make sure she didn't have numbness or tingling in her legs. Since Tom was going to work today, I got those honors.
However, don't think that he got off easy.
When Pepper, our big Black Lab/Great Dane mix, began crying and walking in circles last night, seemingly unable to keep his legs under him. Tom is the one who took him to the vet (thank the Lord for vets open until 10 p.m.).
Turns out that he probably has ... yep ... a slipped disk in his neck!
Is that a contagious thing? Because we've got an epidemic around here seemingly!
So I now am giving him anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. As well as having to go fetch him when he becomes disoriented and winds up crying in the back yard unable to figure out how to get inside. Because we all tend to forget, the brain is a big muscle too!
Isn't life odd sometimes?
Update:
Pepper is on muscle relaxants. So now he is lying in the shade in the back yard looking boneless and sleeping. Maybe he's feeling bloopy. The Anchoress seems to be enjoying it ...
Rose was a trooper and we had her home yesterday. Not without a few mishaps but all in all things went quite well. She is getting much better at the "log roll" or "barrel roll" method of getting up from a lying down position. I have become proficient as the nurse-assistant for this maneuver.
Just to add to the fun, she had to be wakened every two hours all night long to make sure she didn't have numbness or tingling in her legs. Since Tom was going to work today, I got those honors.
However, don't think that he got off easy.
When Pepper, our big Black Lab/Great Dane mix, began crying and walking in circles last night, seemingly unable to keep his legs under him. Tom is the one who took him to the vet (thank the Lord for vets open until 10 p.m.).
Turns out that he probably has ... yep ... a slipped disk in his neck!
Is that a contagious thing? Because we've got an epidemic around here seemingly!
So I now am giving him anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. As well as having to go fetch him when he becomes disoriented and winds up crying in the back yard unable to figure out how to get inside. Because we all tend to forget, the brain is a big muscle too!
Isn't life odd sometimes?
Update:
Pepper is on muscle relaxants. So now he is lying in the shade in the back yard looking boneless and sleeping. Maybe he's feeling bloopy. The Anchoress seems to be enjoying it ...
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Apologies for missing posting about First Friday
Because of the tizzy we were thrown into by the doctor's pronouncement of a Monday morning surgery, as well as rushing around to get bloodwork, preadmission, and school issues settled on Friday, I completely forgot to mention the First Friday devotion.
I am, however, thankful for those who remembered ... you know who you are.
And so does God, which is more important. I'll do better next month, promise!
I am, however, thankful for those who remembered ... you know who you are.
And so does God, which is more important. I'll do better next month, promise!
The Good, the Bad, and the Boring
That's good ...
My recent trip to Springfield confirmed that my father is indeed feeling much better and my parents are doing pretty well all round. What a relief! Much thanks goes to St. Jude and to all of you who held my father in your prayers. Thank you so much!
That's bad ...
I took Rose to the neurosurgeon on Thursday. He took one look at her MRI film and scheduled her for the earliest opening he had for surgery. Which is Monday morning. At 7:15 a.m.
Basically, she has a huge herniation that is pressing on all nerves in her spine and both legs. A very bad thing altogether. The good thing is that some of the more dire consequences that he would normally expect haven't developed in Rose. (Let's all say, thank you, Lord, AMEN, shall we?)
It will be a day surgery sort of thing unless something unexpected pops up. Then she'll be home for two weeks or so.
We're not worried, apart from the natural apprehension that lurks on thinking of what might happen (which is instantly thrust from one's mind with a accompanying prayer), and trust this surgeon because he was the one who did Tom's last back surgery. All along the way through preadmittance and bloodwork precedures at the hospital yesterday, we kept hearing the same thing. "Dr. Weiner? Oh, he's a biggie. He's a really good doctor."
That's boring ... (the details for the few who might care)
She had been experiencing some problems with sciatica for about a year which would come under control with anti-inflammatories under our regular doctor's direction. My own feeling is that with a father who's had three back surgeries, none of which were due to accidents, and my side of the family which tends to have one hip a bit higher than the other ... well, the poor kid had natural genetic weaknesses which were exacerbated by taking yoga and kung fu at the same time. A month or so ago a kung fu kick resulted in much greater pain in one knee, down her leg, and numbness in her foot and calf. None of which was reported instantly to parents ... you know how that goes.
Naturally Rose was quite upset about the idea of surgery and missing school for two weeks, although she is adjusting to the idea. I told her that now is the time to cash in on requests for those CDs and DVDs she's been wanting. This weekend will be devoted to some serious Rose pampering (Do I know how to take care of a sick kid? Of course I do!).
That's Good Too
One of the best things about this is reflecting on our community. We have so many more friends to call on than we did long ago during Tom's surgeries. That's what letting God into your life does.He is overflowing in his generosity and that certainly extends to the circle of people who you know and love. Between our various retreat teams, others we know through St. Thomas, and (certainly not least) this blog, we know that all we have to do is ask and generous, caring friends will cover us with prayer, meals, or anything else we need during this time of crisis. And we are thankful for the visible Body of Christ.
As you can imagine, prayers are much appreciated. I'll update on this again on Tuesday or when the opportunity presents itself.
My recent trip to Springfield confirmed that my father is indeed feeling much better and my parents are doing pretty well all round. What a relief! Much thanks goes to St. Jude and to all of you who held my father in your prayers. Thank you so much!
That's bad ...
I took Rose to the neurosurgeon on Thursday. He took one look at her MRI film and scheduled her for the earliest opening he had for surgery. Which is Monday morning. At 7:15 a.m.
Basically, she has a huge herniation that is pressing on all nerves in her spine and both legs. A very bad thing altogether. The good thing is that some of the more dire consequences that he would normally expect haven't developed in Rose. (Let's all say, thank you, Lord, AMEN, shall we?)
It will be a day surgery sort of thing unless something unexpected pops up. Then she'll be home for two weeks or so.
We're not worried, apart from the natural apprehension that lurks on thinking of what might happen (which is instantly thrust from one's mind with a accompanying prayer), and trust this surgeon because he was the one who did Tom's last back surgery. All along the way through preadmittance and bloodwork precedures at the hospital yesterday, we kept hearing the same thing. "Dr. Weiner? Oh, he's a biggie. He's a really good doctor."
That's boring ... (the details for the few who might care)
She had been experiencing some problems with sciatica for about a year which would come under control with anti-inflammatories under our regular doctor's direction. My own feeling is that with a father who's had three back surgeries, none of which were due to accidents, and my side of the family which tends to have one hip a bit higher than the other ... well, the poor kid had natural genetic weaknesses which were exacerbated by taking yoga and kung fu at the same time. A month or so ago a kung fu kick resulted in much greater pain in one knee, down her leg, and numbness in her foot and calf. None of which was reported instantly to parents ... you know how that goes.
Naturally Rose was quite upset about the idea of surgery and missing school for two weeks, although she is adjusting to the idea. I told her that now is the time to cash in on requests for those CDs and DVDs she's been wanting. This weekend will be devoted to some serious Rose pampering (Do I know how to take care of a sick kid? Of course I do!).
That's Good Too
One of the best things about this is reflecting on our community. We have so many more friends to call on than we did long ago during Tom's surgeries. That's what letting God into your life does.He is overflowing in his generosity and that certainly extends to the circle of people who you know and love. Between our various retreat teams, others we know through St. Thomas, and (certainly not least) this blog, we know that all we have to do is ask and generous, caring friends will cover us with prayer, meals, or anything else we need during this time of crisis. And we are thankful for the visible Body of Christ.
As you can imagine, prayers are much appreciated. I'll update on this again on Tuesday or when the opportunity presents itself.
Friday, October 5, 2007
A Match Made in ... Heaven?
Sweeney Todd, Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter ... it doesn't get much better than this ...
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Feast of the Guardian Angels
Reposted from last year ... I don't think I can top it. I also was gone during the Feast of the Archangels so here is last year's post about them.
Also be sure to check out what Mike Aquilina has to say on the subject.
For my personal angel stories, as well as some general information, you can read more here, here, and here.
Also be sure to check out what Mike Aquilina has to say on the subject.
Devotion to the Guardian Angels goes back to the beginnings of Christianity. Pope Clement X proclaimed the feast a universal celebration in the seventeenth century. The Guardian Angels serve as the messengers of God. The Almighty has allocated a Guardian Angel to each one of us for our protection and for the good of our apostolate...As devoted as I am to the Archangels, I am especially fond of my Guardian Angel. He is always there when I need him and has a wicked sense of humor. Perhaps wicked is not the right word. He must, therefore, have an angelic sense of humor! This is one of my favorite feast days.
We have to deal with our Guardian Angels in a familiar way, while at the same time recognizing their superior nature and grace. Though less palpable in their presence than human friends are, their efficacy for our benefit is far greater. Their counsel and suggestions come from God, and penetrate more deeply than any human voice. To reiterate, their capacity for hearing and understanding us is much superior even to that of our most faithful human friend, since their attendance at our side is continuous; they can enter more deeply into our intentions, desires and petitions than can any human being, since angels can reach our imagination directly without recourse to the comprehension of words. They are able to incite images, provoke memories, and make impressions in order to give us direction.
For my personal angel stories, as well as some general information, you can read more here, here, and here.
Prayer to One's Guardian Angel
Dear Angel,
in his goodness God gave you to me to
guide, protect and enlighten me,
and to being me back to the right way when I go astray.
Encourage me when I am disheartened,
and instruct me when I err in my judgment.
Help me to become more Christlike,
and so some day to be accepted into
the company of Angels and Saints in heaven.
Amen.
Dear Angel,
in his goodness God gave you to me to
guide, protect and enlighten me,
and to being me back to the right way when I go astray.
Encourage me when I am disheartened,
and instruct me when I err in my judgment.
Help me to become more Christlike,
and so some day to be accepted into
the company of Angels and Saints in heaven.
Amen.
Tags: Catholicism, Christianity
Monday, October 1, 2007
Thank You ... I Think ...
Anathema comes ever to mind when thinking of you.
Courtesy of The Surrealist Compliment Generator. Via Scott D. Danielson.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Gone 'Til Monday ...
... to a place with limited email and computer availability. See you next week!
I'm a Mathete?
No, not a MathLETETO very kindly gave me a Mathetes Award which is...
A brand new award being passed out. It is the Mathetes Award, created by Dan King of Management by God to recognize those who take to heart the Great Commission and further God’s Kingdom by creating more disciples for Him. According to Dan mathetes is the Greek word for disciple.The rules for the award, as posted by its creator are as follows:
In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other “disciples” to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1) this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ.I have to agree with TO when she observed that choosing disciples is extremely difficult - not because there aren't many options, but because there are SO many! But here's my five in no particular order. Congratulations, and display your Mathete Award proudly ...
- Scott Nehring at Good News Film Reviews
- Adoro te Devote
- Steven Riddle at Flos Carmeli
- Penni at Martha, Martha
- Hey Jules at Maced With Grace
Monday, September 24, 2007
Eat at Chili's Today ... Benefit St. Jude's Hospital
Rose and her friends are having dinner at Chili's tonight because all the profits will go to St. Jude's Hospital. Yep. 100% of all profits from the chain today go to St. Jude's Hospital.
Not a bad idea at all ...
Not a bad idea at all ...
Friday, September 21, 2007
Bleg ...
In response to this quote earlier in the week:
A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. There are traps everywhere ... God is, if I may say it, very unscrupulous.This question was asked:C.S. Lewis
And what would some of those books be that a nice Catholic girl could recommend to her boyfriend, who was raised by dedicated atheists and who is letting himself be convinced by Sam Harris' and Richard Dawkins' latest books that there is no God?Answers happily accepted in the comments box!
The Chicken Foot of Death?
I meant to bring this up earlier this week ... from the Prison Break season opener. Michael is now the one behind bars while Lincoln has to try to help break him out from the outside. Let's take a minute to pity Michael with only that back up ... Linc is great on decisive bashing in of heads but not so much a brainiac.A nice little group is forming, an ironic one to anyone who knows the score ... the FBI agent, Teabag, Michael, and the corrupt prison guard all stuck in a South American prison so scary that the guards don't even go inside any more. As well as a little internal prisoners' government (dictatorship to be truthful) that enforces all their rules ... such as when you are given the "Chicken Foot of Death" (as we dubbed it) you must then fight to the death.
Hmmm ...
We'll see how this all goes ... they pulled it off last season with everyone out of prison. And I want to know what happened to that Hispanic prisoner on the run with his girlfriend and aunt (or mother?) stashed somewhere by the corrupt prison guard ... we never saw a thing about his story!
(not that I was looking for an excuse to post this photo again or anything ... absolutely not!)
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