Just the Links, Ma'am...

It Started Here. Let It End Here. ... And the Closing of the Aaron Women's Health Center.

First of all, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, June 28, for the closing of the Aaron Women's Health center.

A Mass of Thanksgiving and Prayer Service for the closing of Aaron’s will be celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Mark Seitz at 8:00 am on Saturday, June 28, at St. Rita Catholic Church, located at 12521 Inwood Rd., Dallas. St. Rita was the location of the opening Mass and kickoff rally for the 40 Days Vigil held in 2004-05. Following Mass we will take buses to Aaron’s for a closing prayer service and then return to St. Rita Sweeney Hall for a reception. All are invited to attend.

Laura has some more on this as she is a sidewalk counselor (or maybe finishing up her training) and has the scoop.

Secondly, Leticia noticed something that I didn't even connect. I quote her post in its entirety but go to her place to comment and see the links.

Last year, I remember Julie at Happy Catholic's post, It started here, let it end here, an initiative of prayer and fasting by Dallas, Texas Catholic bloggers to end abortion. Since Norma McCorvey of Roe v Wade was from Texas, these bloggers took responsibility for the Supreme Court Decision and began a vigil of prayer and sacrifice to end abortion.

This is one of the first fruits of their efforts, and thousands of others whose prayers stormed Heaven to end the killing at this mill. Well done!

NOW let's imitate them in our area.

I live in the abortion capitol of the world, so I have my work cut out for me.

Here's the story.

Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!

Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!

I am just that clueless. It didn't occur to me to connect that clinic's closing with the intention for which we have prayed and fasted for over a year now. (I figure I'm a lifer on the deal anyway ... or until it ends. Either way.)

However, I am not clueless enough to think that our prayers and fasting did more than support the very evident hands-on work of the people willing to go stand on sidewalks outside the clinic while praying or offering help to mothers-to-be.

I am not clueless enough to think that our prayers and fasting did more than add to the swell that is already there from the faithful across the nation and around the world in working to stop the slaughter of babes.

What I am is grateful that Leticia showed me that connection, that what we do in prayer does make a difference ... both for those for whom we pray and for ourselves in our walk with God.

My fasting this month may be the usual combination of willingness and annoyance (I am nothing if not human) but it will certainly have just a bit more awareness that what I am doing will make a difference somehow.

And if anyone else wants a personal way to work for the end to abortion we invite them to join us every first Friday in fasting, praying, and adoration for this cause.

Special thanks to Mark Windsor for conceiving of this effort and enrolling me in it.

Update:
Mark asked that I pass this on - "No thanks to me. All glory to God! His will be done. (And I couldn't be happier!)"

Amen, brothah!

Our Foster Child Puppy

Hannah brought her home without warning last night ... a six-week-old, round bellied, white puppy ... except for those two black circles around her eyes.

This baby came to the vet where Hannah works two weeks ago from the emergency vet clinic where she was found dropped off in a box (maybe? sadly, H has a lot of these sorts of stories so I may be getting this one confused with another). She was chock-full of worms at 4-weeks old. She's also been spending her time in a spare room at the vet's clinic and her evenings alone in a crate at the clinic. So we understood when Hannah wanted to give her some company last night.

She's sturdy, full of spunk, still has puppy breath and ... of course ... is completely adorable.

I took one look and began calling her Patches. While telling Hannah that she was our foster-puppy and that the clinic should be working on finding her a real home.

The cat took one look, puffed to twice her size and hissed warningly. At which the puppy wisely backed away. The cat began seeking high ground ... everywhere ... the better to keep an eye on this new threat.

The big black dog, who thinks he's a little dog, is terrified of our cat. He took one look at the puppy and must have thought, "That is little. Wait a minute! The devil (a.k.a. cat) is little. Therefore, that = devil." And spent the rest of the evening and this morning avoiding her, only taking time out to approach for little sniffs when her back was turned ... the better to assess this new threat.

The Boxer took one look and knew that this was a good deal ... interesting, fun, and maybe, just maybe, good for playing with. Sadly she doesn't really understand how to play with such a tiny puppy. The puppy was game to a certain extent but also didn't understand how to play with a giant!

Tom took one look and (I have a feeling) began dialing to his "No new pets" statements. Though he quite agreeably served as a soft napping spot when she just couldn't keep going any more.

Fun!

Postscript: I think it is a very bad sign that here in my office I feel as if I should still be getting a little puppy breath fix.

Scott Simon on Obama

Just had a chance to listen to Scott Simon's Reflections on Race and the Presidential Election.

It's only 3 minutes long so it isn't a chore to go click and listen right on your computer.

I guess it is sad that I was so surprised at his column. Because he was saying on NPR what many knew but didn't dare say out loud ... for the very reason Simon cites at the end of his piece.

As I said, go and listen.

Problem Solved ... Refreshingly

From The Curt Jester comes this vignette of a problem ... (natch, the whole story is at his place)

As announced in the Saint Joan of Arc bulletin last week:

Pride Week at SJA: Please join us on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 pm in the church for a prayer service to celebrate and give thanks for the gifts of our Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual / Transgendered community. Celebrate with us in prayer and song - we'll be joined by guest musician and SJA favorite Ann Reed. This service is part of Pride week in the Twin Cities. FFI on the week's events contact Julie Madden at the Parish Center. ...

... and a refreshing response to a letter of complaint to the diocese. It is sad that we are surprised by this straight forward and faithful answer. This is just a snippet so do go read it all.

... We apologize that you were scandalized by these violations of Church teaching but assure you that our Archbishop will not permit such infractions to be repeated or to continue.

An Invitation for Art Lovers in Pasadena

Belinda Del Pesco
New Work: Paintings & Printmaking

Artists' Reception
Sunday, June 29 • 4:00 -6:00 pm

Gale's Restaurant
452 South Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
PH: 626/432-6705
Hours: Tues-Thurs 11:30am-9:00pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:00pm
Sun 5:00pm-9:00pm
Closed Monday

50 Pieces of Original Art
Watercolors & Hand Pulled Printmaking

Preview selected work;
Web Site
Daily Art Blog

Treat yourself to a delicious Northern Italian dinner at Gale's after the reception.

For more information, call: 818-640-3475 or email: bdelpesco@mac.com

Feel free to forward this invitation to any art-lovers you know.

Any regular readers know that I'm a fan ... and would be there in a New York minute if we were anywhere near this ... as instructed I am passing it on to any other art lovers who will be in the area.

Yet one more reason to love Ray Bradbury's writing

"Lord, how they've changed things in our 'parlors' these days. Christ is one of the 'family' now. I often wonder if God recognizes His own son the way we've dressed him up, or is it dressed him down? He's a regular peppermint stick now, all sugar-crystal and saccharine when he isn't making veiled references to certain commercial products that every worshiper absolutely needs."

Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

Going into my quote journal. Found at SF Gospel where a nice contrast is made between the above and ... wait for it ... Rick Warren. Go and read.

The Wednesday Food Section

Mostly food-ish things today ... such as the right beer to have with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (check these hot links).

Which is just the kind of thing that I would care about considering I chose a fruity Zinfandel to have with our chicken nuggets (from a German deli so that makes it ok, right?) and Ore Ida french fries last night. The salad with homemade creamy garlic dressing was all that allowed me to maintain any integrity at all in the kitchen.

Or check out the East-West Spaghetti and Meatballs I made the other night ... which also allowed me to hold my head high while deciding whether to have 6 or 7 of those chicken nuggets the next evening. Delicious!

Worth a Thousand Words

Schmoo and Totoro ...

This one's for Hannah and Rose ... found at the practically perfect in every way food blog, Tigers and Strawberries. Check it out for lots of good, practical food talk and wonderful recipes.

Worth a Thousand Words

Garment study for a seated figure, 1470-84, Leonardo da Vinci

Via Lines and Drawings whose interesting article about Leonardo's drawings led me to the above study.

Welcome Villainous Company Readers

Those Meyers-Briggs Prayers are just the tip of the iceberg 'round here so please do come in and take a look around.

I am not much for reading political writing but I love the way that Cassandra at Villainous Company turns a pretty (and humorous) phrase. For instance:

Came home. Went to sleep, eventually. Woke up to find the post-racial candidate playing the race card like it was the world's tiniest violin:...

If you haven't happened upon her blog go check it out.

You know how you discover a fascinating blog? And then somehow forget all about it?

I don't know why that happens ... too many good blogs out there, for one thing!

Anyway, I have rediscovered Fallen Sparrow. Go. Read. Think.

A Man, His Doll, and Responsibility

Lars: I was talking to Bianca, and she was saying that in her culture they have these rites of passages and rituals and ceremonies, and, just all kinds of things that, when you do them, go through them, let you know that you're an adult? Doesn't that sound great?

Gus: It does.

Lars: How'd you know?

Gus: How'd I know what?

Lars: That you were a man

[...]

Gus: Okay, you know I can only give you my opinion.

Lars: That's what we want.

Gus: Well, it's not like you're one thing or the other, okay? There's still a kid inside but you grow up when you decide to do right, okay, and not what's right for you, what's right for everybody, even when it hurts.

Lars: Okay, like what?

Gus: Like, you know, like, you don't jerk people around, you know, and you don't cheat on your woman, and you take care of your family, you know, and you admit when you're wrong, or you try to, anyways. That's all I can think of, you know -- it sounds like it's easy and for some reason it's not.

Lars and the Real Girl

You wouldn't think that a movie about a man and a life-size, anatomically correct sex doll would be described as charming, heart-warming, and delightful but Lars and the Real Girl pulls it off.

Lars suffers from crippling shyness and an extreme desire to be alone, to the extent that even enduring dinner with his brother and sister-in-law is a severe trial to all concerned. Six weeks after his cubicle-mate shows him a life-size sex doll, Lars' new girlfriend "Bianca" shows up and is treated as real, to the natural alarm of his family. The town doctor advises that sometimes such severely dysfunctional behavior is a way to work through problems and tells them that they should also treat Bianca as real. She then prescribes a weekly series of "treatments" for Bianca's "low blood pressure" which give her the needed excuse to talk with Lars and try to help him work out his problems. For those worried about the fact that Bianca's original manufacture was for unnatural purposes, Lars' faith is very important to him, and, therefore, to Bianca who is given a spare bedroom at his brother's house.

The tale that emerges borders on the edge of fantasy, just as does The Castle, another small film that takes a fantastic premise and uses it to show a bigger picture. In the case of The Castle it is the strength of family love. In the case of Lars and the Real Girl, it is exemplified in the exchange excerpted above between Lars and his brother. Gus must come to terms with how his past choices have affected Lars and take responsibility. Lars uses Bianca not only as a shield from the world which terrifies him but also as a way to gain experience and strength in order to become an adult, ready to take on responsibility. This transition is shown in small fits and starts that give the actors a chance to show their talents as many of them are not spelled out and must be inferred from glances or other small signs.

Additionally, we are shown how various townspeople care enough for Lars to take on the fiction of Bianca's reality in order to help him. This gives them a chance to indulge in an opportunity to play as Bianca eventually takes on a life of her own in a way that is both humorous and charming.

This is an understated movie and the reflections on these themes are not deep but they are heart-felt. For those willing to let go and also play along this movie has big rewards.

Rated PG-13 for some sex-related content, which is fairly minimal and due to the fact that Bianca is a sex doll which leads to far less joking around than you would expect and in much better taste.

Highly recommended.

1 Down ... 5 to Go (in Dallas)

Breaking News!
Late-term abortion center in Dallas to close

Aaron Women's Health Center performed abortions up to 23 weeks. Last day for abortions is reported to be Saturday, June 28th.

• Aaron's was the focus of a previous 40 Days for Life Campaign - the 2nd one held in the nation, from December 12, 2004 (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) - January 22, 2005 (anniversary of tragic Roe v Wade decision) when it was remodeling to do late-term abortions
  
  
• Rumored to have been sinking financially
  
  
• Prayer Service tentatively set for Saturday, June 28th
  
  
• 1 down, 5 to go. Last abortion center in Dallas closed in May of 2001.

CPLC

Just got this via my CPLC pal, Laura. WOOHOO!

ENFJ ... Again!

Prompted by the prayer based on personality types, my curiosity got the better of me and I took the Briggs-Meyers test.

ENFJ.

You know, I could have sworn that I took it before.

Turns out I did, three years ago ... also ENFJ. Not surprising.

The surprising thing was the differences in the percentages. Although it makes sense to me internally as I would have thought I'd have changed some in the last few years.

Perhaps, though, it is due to changed activities in the last three years. For instance, I have a feeling that the lessened "extroverted" score is because I am now involved in many more activities with lots of people ... so my answers to practically everything about spare time wound up involving reading a book or spending time at home.

2005
Extroverted 33%
Intuitive 38%
Feeling 25%
Judging 78%


2008
Extroverted 22%
Intuitive 62%
Feeling 12%
Judging 78%

Ah, but I see the judging is just as strong as ever! (Ahem ... sorry 'bout that y'all!)

I found this to be insightful as a general commentary on the ENFJ personality ... and this really spoke to me. It is a trait that I have noticed and that has annoyed me ... but it seems it is perhaps par for the course.

TRADEMARK: "The first shall be last"

This refers to the open-door policy of ENFJs. One ENFJ colleague always welcomes me into his office regardless of his own circumstances. If another person comes to the door, he allows them to interrupt our conversation with their need. While discussing that need, the phone rings and he stops to answer it. Others drop in with a 'quick question.' I finally get up, go to my office and use the call waiting feature on the telephone. When he hangs up, I have his undivided attention!

So Are Catholics Literalists?

I am slowly working my way through the excellent podcast series studying Torah (Foundations of Biblical Theology) from St. Irenaeus Ministries. I continue to be impressed by the practicality, common sense, and deep truth conveyed by these scripture studies.

This in particular hit me in the face this morning when listening to Interpreting the Scriptures. Beautifully put.

So are Catholics literalists? Well, the problem is one of precise meaning of a tendentious term. Don't use the term I would strongly advise you. Don't use the word "literal." You'd have guilt by association.

So what do we say?

I would say something like this:

"I don't like the term literal. It's mostly misunderstood but I seek to believe and to obey all that the Bible teaches according to God's intention in giving us this text.

I believe that it is true. I believe that that it is without error in all that it teaches us; things which are vital to our salvation and growth and holiness. In our relationship with God I believe that this is vital.

I take it realistically within the normal canons of interpretation and human speech according to what the text purports to be.

I take it seriously and I tremble at the word of God. It is the power of God for salvation. I want to be transformed by it. Those who reject it and minimize its truth multiply their sorrows and their troubles in the sight of God."

David Higbee, FBT - Interpreting the Scriptures

Amen.

(And yes I transcribed this for you phrase by phrase ... that's how powerful I found it.)

Meyers-Briggs Prayers

I don't care what personality type you are ... these will leave you laughing (and also a bit thoughtful...). From Coffee Klatch where they have a link to the test, just in case you don't know your "type." (I don't know ... but also don't care ... which probably in itself says something about me.)

ISTJ: Lord, help me to relax about insignificant details beginning tomorrow at 11:41:23 a.m. E.S.T.

ISTP: God, help me to consider people’s feelings, even if most of them ARE hypersensitive.

ESTP: God, help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they’re usually NOT my fault.

ESTJ: God, help me to not try to RUN everything. But, if You need some help, just ask.

ISFJ: Lord, help me to be more laid back and help me to do it EXACTLY right.

ISFP: Lord, help me to stand up for my rights (if you don’t mind my asking).

ESFP: God, help me to take things more seriously, especially parties and dancing.

ESFJ: God, give me patience, and I mean right NOW.

INFJ: Lord, help me not to be a perfectionist. (Did I spell that correctly?)

INFP: God, help me to finish everything I sta

ENFP: God, help me to keep my mind on one th - Look a bird! - at a time.

ENFJ: God, help me to do only what I can and trust you for the rest. Do you mind putting that in writing?

INTJ: Lord, keep me open to other’s ideas, *wrong* though they may be.

INTP: Lord, help me to be less independent, but let me do it my way.

ENTP: Lord, help me follow established procedures today. On second thought, I’ll settle for a few minutes.

ENTJ: Lord, help me slow downandnotrushthroughwhatIdo.

Quick Linkiness: books and movies and related topics

All worth reading (at least to me) so I'm sharing them ... enjoy!

Worth a Thousand Words

From Art Knowledge News
(click through the link to get a larger view)

Worth a Thousand Words

Amsterdam, Nieuwe Kerk, pulpit, cuppa, detail
Originally uploaded by groenling