A Simple Catholic

Simple Music Guidelines

2012-01-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Mass confusion. That's what music for Mass seems to be these days. Catholic liturgical music has gone from chant, to folksy, to rock 'n' roll, to chaos. Well, maybe chaos is too extreme a word. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned guidelines? Is it just assumed that we know what we're doing? If music is the least of the priorities of those who issue guidelines for the Mass, then something is seriously wrong, because there is an awful lot of music in the liturgy. There are at least four hymns and half a dozen sung responses.

Much is left to the discretion of the music director, which is as it should be, ideally. My question is, where does the music director turn for direction? As organist and music director for two small town rural parishes, which share one priest with a third small town parish, I have been searching for over a decade for guidelines in choosing hymns and settings for our services. I do the usual: read the readings, psalm and gospel, choose applicable hymns from the missalette and hymnal, try and be consistent with the music for the responses. With all the choices available, it can get overwhelming. In my youth, we had a teen group that would play for the teen Mass. I do believe we occasionally made some inappropriate choices in the music we played for Mass in the name of keeping it "upbeat and lively". I now have a totally different perspective of what kind of music is in order for our most sacred of services.

This is where I get lots of feedback. Even though most of our congregation does not sing no matter what type of music is played, some will not hesitate to inform me that the songs were: "wonderful as usual" (thank God you didn't notice all my goofs), "boring old hymns" (if the words to "Immaculate Mary" bore you, maybe you need a little focus and meditation), "songs we don't know" (really? This is the 100th time we've done "Be Not Afraid" out of the missalette and you don't know it?), "too much Spanish" (1/2 and 1/2, alternating, for a bilingual Mass), the Our Father is supposed to be said, not sung (still waiting for the final word on this). Yet the Diocese, for all its' concern with Safe Environment, annulments, fundraising appeals and the New Translation (overly hyped I think), does not seem to think liturgical music worthy of being addressed. Ah, so I guess this is just part of my personal spiritual journey.

So as I continue to search for answers to the all-pervading question of what to play for Mass this Sunday, I will read the blogs of other church musicians, occasionally check the diocesan website for information, and network wherever I can, to see what other music directors are doing. And in the end, I'll make sure and clear it with my pastor. Meanwhile, Holy Spirit guide me, and help me to choose music that will soften the peoples' hearts and lift their spirits.

The Heavenly Man

2012-01-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

China is a Communist country. Christianity is illegal and those who preach it are cruelly treated. If a family has one child already and is found to be expecting another, the mother is detained and the developing baby aborted. If the mother manages to escape and have her baby, enormous fines and other punishments are imposed. Bibles are confiscated and those who possess them are beaten.

When Brother Yun got his first Bible, he read it hungrily, memorizing everything he could, even sleeping with it. He immediately began proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in small villages across China. From that moment on, he experienced persecution, torture and imprisonment by the Chinese government. Brother Yun recounts his imprisonments, tortures and escapes in graphic detail. Although there are those who question the extent of his reported tortures, his message is clear: Jesus is love. Jesus is everything. Jesus' love is worth dying for. The way he handles his tormenters, never losing faith, is truly inspiring and heartrending.

In a country such as ours, where so many of us who call ourselves "Christian" are lukewarm at best, the mere thought of suffering torture, blood, pain and death for the sake of Jesus Christ gives pause. Would I? Could I? Or would I deny Him and hide, gradually losing what little faith I had? Not a dilemma I want to be faced with. However, Brother Yun's story causes me to question whether I am witnessing to Jesus Christ in my everyday life. Do I hunger for the Eucharist and the Word? When presented with the opportunity to attend Mass or read the Bible do I respond with enthusiasm? Out of duty? Turn my back? Is my faith and hope contagious? Do I radiate peace and love? Good questions to keep in the front of my mind on a daily basis. In the end, don't we all want to be greeted with those precious words, "well done, good and faithful servant. Now enter in and claim your reward."? Brother Yun concludes by challenging the Western Church to return to basics. As the theme of this blog suggests, I think that's a wonderful idea.

Christopher Jean gives a compelling reading as Brother Yun, with Jeannie Park as Yun's faithful wife Deling. The readers lend warmth and truth to their characters and the audiobook (copyright 2008 by Hovel Audio) is a joy to listen to. The Heavenly Man, by Brother Yun, with Paul Hattaway, (c) 2002, was originally published by Monarch Books.

I would like to thank Christian Audio, for providing me with a free review copy of this audiobook. No other compensation was received for this review.

A Simple Plan

2012-01-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

With all the wonderful gadgets we have available to us, it is easy to get lost in today's technology. I have experienced the mind-numbing addiction of staring at the computer screen for hours on end. I try to limit my computer, phone and other related gadget time so that I don't miss out on life. Gadgets also eat up precious creative and productive time.

Then I felt the need to return to a more detailed planner for the coming year, 2012, but could not find one on the market that would work for me and was within my budget. I tried designing my own, but felt like I was re-inventing the wheel. Before I proceeded to invest large amounts of time in this project, I decided to see what I had in my computer.

I have not previously used computerized planning systems because
(a) it is not convenient to carry the computer around with me and
(b) printing out daily, weekly and monthly schedules, and reprinting with changes and updates, uses an enormous amount of paper, which is also not convenient to carry around and
(c) computers crash and lose information.

Fortunately, I found that there is a calendar on my ipod which will sync with a calendar on my computer. The ipod is very convenient to carry around. I now have a backup drive to store my programs, so there are 3 locations for my information to be stored. I can also print out copies of my schedule, although I will probably just do this for the end-of-year archives, if this all turns out to work the way I hope it will.

For my weekly to-do's I am using the notepad on my ipod, which I can email to myself if I want to print out a list (my ipod does not sync with my current printers). Right now, I am just filing the emailed copies in case the ipod crashes.

Although it has taken me 3 solid days of my Christmas break to input everything and learn how to use this system so that it will make my life easier, it seems to be working so far. As long as everything is backed up where it can be retrieved and printed out if necessary, I should be fine. If nothing else, I can make a printout and go back to the pencil and paper style.

It's getting so complicated to keep it simple.

Pacific Northwest Day 2 - Donner Pass

2011-12-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

After driving all day through 115 degree heat across endless Nevada deserts, we reached the turn-off for Reno, which would take us to Lake Tahoe. Hoping to camp in the pristine pine forests I remembered from my childhood, and wake up to take a dip in the lake, I drove the mountain roads with enthusiasm. As night fell, the lights around the lake revealed that there was a lot more development here than I remembered. Every single campground we passed was full. Finally, we met a ranger at yet another full campground. He had just come from Donner Pass, 45 minutes away, and informed us that every campground between Lake Tahoe and there was full, this being the last camping weekend before the start of school in California. He mentioned that there was one site open at the Donner Memorial State Park campground, and if we wanted to chance it, it would be worth a try. Having few other options, besides pricey motels, we made the drive.

Midnight at Donner Pass can be creepy, if you know the history. But at least it wasn't snowing...
After setting up the tent and organizing the rest of our camp for morning, we made a camp fire in the fire ring, but decided we were all too tired to eat. So one by one, we settled into our bedrolls. When I awoke the next morning, our camp was better than I had even hoped for at Lake Tahoe. Old pines towered over 100 feet above us. Donner Creek playfully spilled into Donner Lake, just yards away. I cooked our breakfast on the campstove while we warmed ourselves by the fire ring. After cleaning up the breakfast things, we repacked and broke camp.

We drove the short distance to the lake, and made use of one of the park's many hiking trails. By now, the sun was fully up and the temperatures in the high 70's at our altitude. Donner Lake was irresistible, so we donned swimsuits and went in. Though there is really no designated swimming area, we were at a small inlet that was not very busy with boats, and had a very refreshing swim. The water was clean and cold. We could see the bottom of the lake up to about six feet. After drying off in the warm sun, it was with deep regret that I changed back into my clothes, and we left our enchanted campground to continue our journey. Today we would be visiting an old friend near Vacaville, then travelling through Mount Shasta in hopes of finding another camping spot for the night.

Amazing Love

2011-12-01T07:30:00.001-07:00

As a prisoner in a Nazi death camp, Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker, saw many of her family and friends die. A fateful mistake caused her release only one day before all women her age were to be killed. She had every reason for despair and revenge. Instead, a few years later, she brought the Gospel of Jesus to the very women who were her guards in that concentration camp. The same women who had hated and despised her, were now imprisoned, and hungry for hope. With some difficulty, the grace of God and a box of chocolates, Corrie won these women to Christ.

Amazing Love is the story of Corrie Ten Boom's life of evangelization after surviving the Nazis in World War II. Originally published in 1953, the audio version is well read by Nadia May, (c) 2010 by Christian Audio. Ms. May's reading gives a personal quality to the narrative. I almost believed I was listening to the author herself. Corrie travels all over the world bringing the Gospel to movie stars in Hollywood, communists in Russia, and the poor in developing countries. Her courage and confidence are inspiring. She even admits to bouts of arrogance, when relying on her own talent and strength fails her, until she remembers to pray, and turn her will over to Jesus once again. Time and again, she is called upon to perform the impossible. Exorcizing demons, healing the sick, flying across the world to spread the gospel, with no money for plane tickets all demonstrate the power of God, manifested in the weakness of this woman. Relying only on her faith and trust in Jesus, Corrie does all that is asked of her, and many souls are converted to Christianity.

This is a very thought provoking, as well as entertaining account of Ms. Ten Boom's adventures. As Christians we are called to evangelize. To spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Do we really know how to do this? Can we even spread it around us in our current every day lives? I am left with much to ponder, and a thirst to learn more about how to do what I can to lead others to the love and peace I find with Jesus.

On sale right now for $7.49 from http://christianaudio.com/amazing-love-corrie-ten-boom.

Thank you to Christian Audio Reviewers Program for providing me with this free review copy. No other compensation was reveived for this review.

The Month of the Dead

2011-11-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

November is the month we remember our dead. On All Souls Day, November 2nd, we took a field trip to the local cemetary. Our own loved ones are buried in other states, but we spent some time praying for others' loved ones, forgotten ones, and contemplating our own mortality.

In our own small town cemetary, there is a mix of rich and poor, known and unknown, heroes, babies, parents, grandparents and scoundrels. We wondered at long ago lives, and shed new tears over more recent losses.

Finally recalling that, perhaps, they are the lucky ones. Already enjoying their eternal reward. Wondering what it is like to see Jesus face to face. To live in His glory forever and ever.

Someday we will know. Until then, we've got alot of livin' to do. Remember our veterans on November 11th.

Modest Dressing

2011-10-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am a convert to modest dressing. I have only been conciously trying to dress modestly for about eight years now. Prior to that I was all about fashion and being "appreciated". I have to put that in quotes because the kind of "appreciation" I got was not really what I was looking for. In my pursuit of guidelines for modesty, I ran across a book by Colleen Hammond called "Dressing With Dignity", in which she discusses some very unpleasant but true facts about how we dress and how we are treated. I did some research on my own, and concluded that her evidence was real. In defense of women, I am not just speaking of us, here. Modesty is just as important for men. Women may not be as visual in nature as men, but we do take notice of physical attributes. And in looking around me when I'm out in "the world", I realize just how important it is to encourage our children to dress modestly. I mean, is it really that "cute" when little children run around topless, or a first grader bends over and you can see her entire torso? Do we really think pedophiles are limited to the internet?

While there are many degrees of modesty, from fashionable to frumpy, I think most agree that basic modesty includes covering all cleavage and "privates". This would include not only necklines and waistbands (as opposed to hip bands), but also sleeve lengths and hemlines. Ms. Hammond's book gives one of the best basic guidelines I have found. To paraphrase: a woman's neckline should be such that cleavage is covered and when you bend over you are not giving a display; sleeve length should be long enough that when you lift your arms, you cannot see through to undergarments or what is underneath. Also, fabrics should not be sheer or see-through.

For myself, I prefer dresses and skirts, and I like my hemlines to be mid-calf or below, without slits, wraps or buttons that can inadvertently open to show my legs. I like my legs just fine, but I don't feel I have to show them off to everybody anymore. In cooler weather, I add a layer of leggings and socks under the dress. I prefer my sleeves 3/4 length or longer, I can always roll them up. Again, I wear an extra shirt in cooler weather, a sweater is also an option. I do wear shorter sleeves in hot weather. I do not bear the burden of excessive cleavage, however, I do try to keep my necklines up near that little dip in my collarbone (forget what it's called). Sometimes this involves adding a pin to close a low neckline a bit higher, or wrapping and tying a pretty scarf.

As far as head covering, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. This is more because of the fact that I have very fine hair that doesn't like to cooperate, and blows wildly in the slightest breeze. I frequently wear scarves and hats, and have always enjoyed them. I always try to wear a chapel veil in church, though there are many times I forget, and once in a while choose not to. But that is a whole 'nuther issue.

Swimsuits are a challenge. Though there are many options and offerings for modest clothing, there is a severe lack of choices in the swimsuit area. I love to swim, and for years now, I have been wearing long shorts and a long sleeved tshirt to swim. I have tried different materials, but unfortunately, the skin tight spandex seems to be the best choice for comfort, quick drying, and coverage. Lately I have run across some great styles in modest swimwear, and hope to make a new modest swimsuit for myself for next year. My favorite style is from Simply Modest, and consists of leggings ending just below the knee, and a tunic style shirt with short sleeves (which could be lengthened) and the tunic ending just a few inches above the knee, thereby covering the hip and buttocks area. I am not sure how this would do in the water, but from my experience with the tshirts, I believe the spandex on the torso would stay put, while the longer area may ride up in the water, but could be smoothed back down upon exiting. Another trick to keep in mind here, is choosing a patterned material for the top to de-emphasize the cling, and a solid, darker color for the leggings, for a slimming effect. As for men and boys, I appreciate the long, baggy trunks, held up, of course, to cover their "cleavage", and the mesh shirts, popular for many sports are preferable, in my opinion, to a bare chest. On a purely practical level, the more covered you are, the less need for sunscreen.

So there you have it - my take on modest dressing. Now that I'm started, I'm sure I'll have more to say in future posts.

The Touch

2011-10-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

"The Touch" is that rare, life affirming sensitivity that a few medical professionals and others posses. Doctor Andrew Jones is one of them. After a tragic accident in which his fiancee is killed, he abandons his gift and loses himself in teaching instead. Lara Blair is the billionaire heiress of a medical research and equipment company. For years her firm has been trying to perfect a surgical instrument that will duplicate a surgeon's movements and allow never-before-possible deep brain surgeries to succeed. When one of Lara's executives stumbles across an exhibit containing a highly detailed micro-miniature sculpture of the Lincoln Memorial, and discovers the identity of its creator, Blair Pharmaceuticals begins a relentless pursuit of the talents of Dr. Jones.

There is a higher power at work, however, as Lara and Jones find themselves facing old fears, and questioning whether their lives should continue on their current paths. The most compelling question is, will Andrew be able to defeat the demons that have tormented him since the death of his fiancee, in order to save his new love?

This audiobook contains a powerful message about the dignity of life at all stages, as well as the healing power of God's grace. It is a touching romance, without vulgarity, though one brief passage is probably not suitable for young ears. Paul Mitchell delivers an exceptional reading, his voice resonating with the different emotions conveyed throughout the story. Available for $12.98 from http://christianaudio.com/the-touch-randall-wallace.

I had trouble loading the MP3 files onto my ipod directly from the website, but no problem whatsoever downloading it to the computer and then transferring it to my ipod from there. The complete zip file loads really fast and opens easily.

Thank you to Christian Audio Reviewers Program for providing me with this free review copy. No other compensation was reveived for this review.

Prelude to the Pacific Northwest

2011-09-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for vacation wears me out. Trying to pack as little as possible and yet have everything we need sets off some lively discussions at our house. Nevertheless, my travelling companions and I managed to divvy up the labor and circumvent any pre-trip explosions. The plan, visit family and see some sights in Oregon and Washington over 3 weeks in August. The mode, a 24 mile per gallon Jeep Cherokee and a newly acquired used tent trailer. The new (to us) tent trailer was checked out, and minor repairs made. Camping supplies were reorganized and streamlined into two boxes and a cooler. Sleeping bags, camp chairs and camp stove were packed. Personal items were packed, unpacked, and repacked into half the space. This weary pilgrim fell into bed early to grab a few hours sleep before the epic vacation was to start. At 2:20a.m., grumbling and threatening bodily harm to a certain travelling companion who begrudged me my last 10 minutes of sleep, I stumbled to the espresso machine and made myself a large double (would that be a quadruple?). I dressed myself and my son, gathered my purse and book, and packed us into the back seat of the jeep, where we proceeded to fall directly back to sleep. It was still too dark for any sight seeing anyway.

First stop, Las Vegas, Nevada. Breakfast buffet at Palace Station. The cheese blintzes were awesome, but the strawberry sauce I put on top of them was not. Should have stuck with a dusting of powdered sugar. Coffee and sausage were plentiful, and after some in our party topped off with ice cream cones, we made our way to Bass Pro Shop for air mattresses. Unfortunately, we forgot the air pump at home, so had to get another one. I was in favor of a 12volt that could be left attached, to inflate the mattresses while we set up the rest of our camp, got the fire going, cooked dinner, etc. I was overrulled by manly men insisting on a bicycle style pump. Okay by me, I'm not the one going to be inflating the air mattresses anyway.

Now with the sun up, the drive through Nevada towards Reno was alot of gray, hot, dreary desert. It was too hot to stop anywhere to make sandwiches for lunch (our cooler and other food were in the tent trailer), so we just snacked. A roadside stand boasted buffalo jerkey, but it was rather pricey, so we opted for garlic stuffed olives instead - yuck! were they sour! Then we read the label and found they weren't even local...

We stopped again to stretch our legs in Goldfield, Nevada. While everyone else went over to inspect an ancient Mercedes diesel, I walked around the even more ancient Goldfield Hotel. Repairs are apparently being attempted on the dilapidated building, but they do not appear to be historically correct, which is a disappointment because it must have been a beautiful building. I must know: why such a huge hotel exists in such a remote town and what is the story of Goldfield? I will report at a future date.

The remainder of our first day is spent driving through the unmerciful heat of the Nevada desert. We finally reach our first camp at midnight, Donner Pass, but that will have to wait until my next post...

Grand Canyon Pilgrimage - August 2011

2011-08-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

I just spent the most awesome day at the Grand Canyon with my daughter and her friends. It was kind of a last minute thing, they were camping up there for the weekend, would I like to meet them? Hmm...how much gas is in the car? Yup, I'll be there. I really needed a day off from my worries and anxieties and I can't think of a better therapy than a day in one of the National Parks. Of course the fact that I live only 90 minutes away helps, also.

Our adventure started in Tusayan, with a visit to the Indian PowWow Swap Meet. While the younguns shopped for beads and baubles I chatted up some of the Navajo vendors and even found one with whom I shared a mutual friend. I wished I had some spending money, because the silver, turquoise and beading was authentic Navajo, exquisite, and inexpensive. Next stop, the IMAX Theater for a showing of Grand Canyon: The Movie. I enjoyed the film for its reenactment of the Anasazi occupation and Major John Wesley Powell's river exploration of the Canyon. Afterward we took in the Condor Encounter in the courtyard. Hoping to see actual California Condors up close, we were disappointed to find out that only injured and non-flying California Condors were allowed and none were currently available. However, we were entertained and delighted by the "smart" raven who took a dollar bill from an audience member and dropped it in the donation box; and the dancing crane.

Finally we proceeded to the park. Prepaid passes are the only way to go during peak season. Our cars were ushered straight into the prepaid lane and our entry into the park expedited. The first stop, as usual was Mather Point and the main Visitor's Center. Boy, have there been alot of changes in the six months since I was last there! Extra parking, more bathrooms, and a complete remodel in progress on the visitor center. I walked in and back out, making a beeline for the bookstore. At least everything is still familiar there. The boy and I picked up our summer visitors guides and stamped them with the commemorative stamps (free). We browsed the new offerings, and played with the raven puppets, then regrouped with our peeps and went for a 2 mile stroll down the paved, safety-railed Rim Trail.

Several times we noted tourists trying to feed the squirrels. Bigtime no-no! Those cute little friendly furballs have fleas and ticks which will jump onto humans just as happily and transmit lovely souveniers such as bubonic plague, lyme disease and if little furball decides to bite, he could be transmitting rabies as well. Not to mention that feeding them does them no favors, as they become reliant upon human handouts and will not survive the winter on their own. Best to enjoy the wildlife with your eyes, not your hands! Okay, rest now, my rant's over.

Though I much prefer to visit the Canyon mid-week in the off season, this particular Saturday was glorious. There were crowds, but they were friendly and not overwhelming. I think the presence of extra park rangers on the trails greatly contributed to the relaxed, genial atmosphere. Our recent rains seem to have given the sky a more sparkling blueness, and made the air more fresh and sweet. The view from the Rim Trail is dramatic. Some spots drop straight down over 5,000 feet. Others are deceptively inviting, yet treacherous and slippery. You can walk the trail a hundred times and get a different perspective every time.

It was such a refreshing day, and totally occupied my mind, relieving anxiety, and relaxing tension. Once back in my car at the IMAX, with a cup of coffee, I was ready to get back to reality, though perfectly willing to stay at the canyon if that had been an option. I know that God, who made such a glorious wonder as the Grand Canyon, also cares about me and my seemingly insignificant troubles. In getting my mind off of them for a day, I found some solutions and rediscovered gratitude.

The Blind Side

2011-08-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Typical upper middle class (is there still such a thing?) soccer mom meets underpriviledged, homeless youth. Recognizes hidden talent and alternataive learning style. Takes child into home to shock and dismay of friends and relatives. Sound like an overused storyline? Possibly, but The Blind Side is based on actual people and events. The names are not changed, but of course the actors are more "Hollywood" than the real people.

Family and child adopt each other and love brings out the best on both sides. Child garners attention of college football recruiters. "Non-governmental-organization" tries to foil child's chances at a college scholarship, "in his best interests". Child defies non-governmental-organization and chooses to go to college he picks, despite the fact that it is the college his "white" family endorses. All ends well.

How often do special interest groups become enforcers "in the best interests" of a child, a monority group, the environment, (add your pet peeve here), while really serving only their own best interests? As Catholic Christians we are called to the Works of Mercy - shelter the homeless, instruct the uninformed, feed, clothe, give drink. We are not necessarily called to form NGO's with boards of directors and large staffed offices to carry out these duties for us. All of which require money to operate. I liked The Blind Side because it shows people doing what people should. Feeding, clothing, sheltering and educating those less fortunate. Not asking for a grant to do it with. Not sending out fundraising letters or taking up a collection at church. Not calling social services and pushing the job off on someone else. Just seeing a child in need, and quietly doing what needed to be done. Amen.

The Blind Side is availabe in several formats at http://www.theblindsidemovie.com//.
No compensation was received for this review. I borrowed the movie from our church library.

The Pilgrim Virgin of Guadalupe

2011-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I was priviledged to participate in the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Guadalupe within our Mexican community. Once a year, a couple from Prescott brings a life-size portrait of the Virgin to our small town and She visits a number of homes where we gather for a nightly rosary, singing and a snack or meal afterwards. The food is always wonderful, the fellowship is comforting and the prayer time is liberating. More than one person has remarked on the relief experienced after laying his or her troubles at the feet of Our Lady.

This last visit lasted two months. Though it was often difficult to drag myself out of the house in the evening, when all I wanted was to eat a simple meal in front of the TV or read a good book, once I got there the power of shared prayer and devotions worked its healing magic on my weary body and mind.

Now that the Pilgrim Virgin has moved on, I struggle to say my daily rosary. The day gets so busy that when evening finally comes I am so tired that I fall into bed, reach over for my beads and maybe make it past the opening prayers before sleep overtakes me. On days when we have somewhere to go, we manage to say the rosary in the car. Living 50 miles from anywhere does have its perks. Sometimes my best time to say the rosary is in the evenings when I am topping off water troughs for the animals. The rhythm of the prayers, the cool of the mountain evening and the glory of the Arizona sunset just seem to lend themselves to meditation. Even then, frequently the boy is pestering me to play cowboy squirt guns or throw the baseball with him. Well, we keep trying. And we are truly blessed!

Love Amid The Ashes

2011-06-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

I found this book in our public library's NEW section. Looking at the title I thought 'ick, another Harlequin or Avon romance type'. But the cover illustration drew me in, and I picked it up and read the back, then glanced inside. Hooked, and intrigued by our librarian's seemingly sudden propensity for Christian fiction, I checked it out at the desk.

Set in Uz, (actual location lost, but several possibilities in Middle East) Love Amid the Ashes interlaces the Biblical stories of Job, Jacob and Esau, Joseph (of the many colored coat), the migration of the Hebrews to Egypt, and Dinah (sister of Joseph), in a very compelling way. By the end, I was ready to reread the book of Job, and start my own investigation to see if I could pick up on the threads Mesu Andrews so skillfully weaves together from the Bible as well as other ancient texts and rabbinical tradition.

As Dinah nurses and cares for Job during his long suffering, the story of her ill fated love, betrayal by her vindictive brothers (the same ones who sold Joseph into slavery) and her subsequent rejection by her clan as "ruined" is presented. The distinctive stories finally combine in Egypt, when it is discovered that the great vizier and "Father of the Pharoah" is none other than Joseph himself. Job and Dinah's tale comes to a gratifying conclusion and the reader is left hungry for more.

A little research on the internet and a look into Biblical, as well as ancient Egyptian timelines, convinced me that Ms. Andrews did, in fact, do her homework. That yes, it is just possible that these stories which we normally take separately in the Bible and in history, could maybe have intersected with each other in this or some other way. Which makes it all the more fascinating for me.

Love Amid the Ashes, by Mesu Andrews, (c) 2011, is available from http://www.revellbooks.com/ and other booksellers.

Drawn to Life - Our Parish Mission

2011-05-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Leighton Drake original print

Where's "The Happiest Place on Earth"? As a native SoCal gal, of course I knew the answer to that - Disneyland! Suddenly, Leighton Drake had my attention, and our parish lenten mission became personal to me. Having been to Dland dozens of times, not only as a child, but then with my children, I am well acquainted with the "happiness" factor of their marketing slogan. I am also familiar with the bleeding feeling as money escapes the wallet in mass quantities for parking, entry, food and souvenirs. Then there are the cranky children and exhausted adults. I totally relate to Drake's disenchantment with the Enchanted Kingdom. Based in Phoenix, Leighton Drake is an artist and youth minister, most familiar with the Disneyland dilemma. For some reason, Walt Disney's original theme park is a coveted destination for Arizona youth groups and senior class trips. Or maybe I'm just jaded, amusement parked-out.

After captivating us for nearly two hours with his conversion story and ongoing journey of faith, Drake, husband and father of four, stood before his empty sketch pad, and with seemingly random strokes of a chunk of charcoal, transformed it into a passionate portrait of Christ, bloodied and crowned with thorns. He then offered the breathtaking work at a silent auction after his talk.

My son, who has never been to Disneyland, but has discovered an interest in art, due to an art program on DVD we have been using in his homeschool, was absolutely delighted with the demonstration, and insisted upon examining the drawing in more detail. We came away with one of the artist's prints, a gift for ds's upcoming 1st Communion/Confirmation, (the opening bid on the silent auction was waaaaaay beyond what I could even consider) and a burning desire to become "on-fire" for Christ again, and to seek out ways to keep our love for Him burning steadily.

Click on this link to learn more about Leighton Drake and his Drawn to Life Ministries.

The Damascus Way

2011-04-28T07:57:00.001-07:00

Tiberius, Jerusalem, Damascus, in the year 40AD. Saul of Tarsus is hunting down followers of The Way and brutally bringing them to justice. Julia is the pampered daughter of Jamal, a wealthy merchant, and Jacob is one of his best caravan guards. Both are couriers of secret messages between the dispersed groups of Christians. When Saul and his retinue of temple guards join Jamal's caravan to Damascus, Jacob and Julia risk discovery as well as their very lives to warn believers there of the impending danger.

Christian historical fiction just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed The Damascus Way for its portrayal of daily life and business in the first century after Christ. I also liked the light romance and heavy suspense. Not only are messages being smuggled, but also frankinscense, a rare and costly spice. Bandits and Zealots threaten lives and livelihoods. Then there are the Roman guards who are also secret Christians...and the temptation on the road to Damascus to simply do away with Saul and his threat to their new faith.

With a guest appearance by the apostle Philip, and his encounter with the eunuch on the road to Gaza (Acts 8:26-39), Bunn and Oke continue to bring the Bible alive, especially the Acts of the Apostles. A refreshing story, full of adventure and imagination without being morally offensive or degrading to other faiths.

New from Bethany House Publishing, this is the third book in the Acts of Faith series by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.

The Sunday There Was No Mass

2011-04-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

We live in a very rural area. We were actually considered a "mission" church for many years before the Diocese restructured all the churches into independent entities. For a while we didn't even have a priest assigned to us.

Finally the Bishop decided to combine us with two other "local" churches and assign one priest to all three. So our parish priest travels over 100 miles every Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist with three different communities. Not to mention a "daily" Mass once a week, confessions, weddings, baptisms, etc., in each community.

So when a late winter storm struck last week and dropped a foot of snow on us, the middle church, on an early Saturday morning, we knew Father had alot more snow up at his higher altitude. Snow continued off and on all day, with intermittent thawing, enough to wet the roads for ice overnight. Sunday morning, the roads were closed due to multiple accidents and there was no route open for him to get to us to say Mass. Inevitably, that Sunday the church was packed. There is no deacon in our community, and without dispensation from the Bishop, we could not have a communion service. We did, however, sing and have the Liturgy of the Word. We then made a spiritual communion before leaving.

Afterwards, we had a food sale in the hall, and one generous patron made a large donation so that any who could not afford to buy could still eat. It almost felt like what the early church must have been like. But it also felt suspiciously Protestant. Without the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, I left with a longing and a hunger not satisfied. I also missed the usual rituals. I love the entire process of the Mass, from the processing in, the readings, the shared profession of faith, offering the gifts, consecration, Holy Communion, and final blessing. When I was away from the Church, this is what I missed. Since I have come back, I don't want to be without it. To receive Jesus, fully, into my body and soul; to have His grace well up inside me and overflow all around me, this I long for. This I desire most of all. I continue to pursue it and can never get enough. I am weak and human, and utterly fallable. I need His strength to attempt to live fully.

In our area we get this reminder several times a year when Father is sick, or the weather prevents him from coming to say Mass. How fortunate and grateful we are that we do have a priest to come and say Mass on Sunday, even one extra day a week. With the shortage of vocations and a culture that despises celibacy, we may someday soon have to drive a great distance to get to Mass. What a tragedy indeed, if the odd Sunday was the one that we did have Mass.

Cultural Diversity

2011-03-25T16:38:00.001-07:00

Several recent events have given me cause to be grateful for our cultural diversity here in the United States.

Once again, St. Patrick's day came and went, this year, with more meaning to me. I had watched the movie "St. Patrick, The Irish Legend" and subsequently did a little further research on this beloved saint. I'm not so much on corned beef and cabbage, but my Irish heritage has a bit more meaning when I contemplate the sacrificial love with which Patrick won over the Irish people, and stayed with them to continue to lead them to Jesus.

I read "Hopi Summer" by Carolyn O'Bagy Davis for book club. The story is about a Massachusetts family who toured the U.S. one year in the late 1920's, spending a lengthy time on the Hopi mesas in Arizona. (The book was the Arizona One Book winner for 2011). They struck up a friendship with several Hopi families which lasted their lifetimes, and left behind a wealth of photographs and correspondence which serves to chronicle that moment in American history.

I attended a Presentation celebration for a young Mexican friend. At the age of 3 or 4, a Mexican child is "presented" to Jesus and Our Blessed Mother at a special Mass, followed by feasting, etc. The Mass was very simple, the child dressed like a princess, knowing it was her special day, and taking all the ceremony and blessing very seriously.

I watched "The Singing Revolution", a documentary about the non-violent Estonian revolution and their ultimate break from Communist oppression in the late 1990's. Through their persistent preservation of their culture of singing, the Estonians eventually won worldwide support in their cause to liberate themselves from the USSR.

In the past, groups of immigrants would form their own close communities and preserve their language, culture and tradition. Not so much any more. Oh, we can still find tiny pockets of Polish, Amish, Native American and others. But mostly we really have to search them out. There is so much beauty in each different cultural tradition. Yes, we have our Sacramental celebrations, but the Mexican Presentation and Quincenera are beautiful additional reminders to continue to dedicate our lives to the Lord. The Polish blessing of the food before the Easter Vigil, reminds us that all we have comes from God, and Jesus lived and died that we might have it more fully. Shrove Tuesday (before it became a corrupted form of Mardi Gras) is the day before the start of Lent, when English-speaking immigrants would feast on foods rich with fats, sugars and eggs, before giving them up for Lent. The Swedes celebrate the feast of St. Lucia in December, with a teenage girl portraying the saint, adorned with a crown of candles and dressed in white; the candles symbolizing the fire that would not consume the saint when she was condemned to be burned. If you've had a chance to celebrate Passover, just as Jesus and the Apostles did, maybe you've experienced the mystical connection between the Jewish and Christian celebrations.

Americans are as guilty as any other country of trying to eradicate the customs and traditions of our many different citizens. A great deal of the Native American culture has been lost through earlier governmental intervention, much of which was done in the name of Christianity. Somehow, I don't think Christ would approve.

This Lent, instead of or in addition to giving up some thing, maybe we can try to give up some attitude that prevents us from being more Christ-like. I promise, once you get started, there is no end. We are forever slipping back into negative thought patterns. But as we confess our weakness and firmly resolve to try again, little by little we become more the children God created us to be. And like little children, we can accept and celebrate our wonderful cultural diversity.

St. Katherine Marie Drexel, American Saint

2011-03-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

And now for some GOOD NEWS...what is better than an inspiring American Roman Catholic from currently tormented Philadelphia? And a modern saint to boot?

source - freebase

March 3rd gives us the feast of St. Katherine Drexel. It couldn't be more timely this year. With the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in an uproar over more old clergy sex abuse cases coming to light, now would be a good time to remind ourselves of the good that comes out of the Catholic Church.

Katherine Drexel was born in Philadelphia in 1858 to wealthy parents. Following their example, young Katherine used her fortune to help the poor and suffering.. After touring the western U.S., she began establishing mission schools for Native Americans. Later she became a missionary and founded the "Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament", an order of religious sisters to help the poor and needy. She financed over 60 missions and schools for Native Americans and Blacks and also founded the first United States university for blacks in Louisiana.

She is the second American born saint. Katherine died on March 3, 1955 and is buried near Philadelphia, PA.

The Homekeeper's Journal 3/1/11

2011-03-03T07:58:00.001-07:00

http://christianhomekeeper.org/

This week the Homekeeper’s Journal is about Spring Time Changes.

In My Kitchen This Week … spinach salad with red onions, pork roast and baked potatoes, ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery (a treat!). Eating more meals outside in the nice weather.

Changes I Make To My Home In Spring … repotting the houseplants, cleaning out the corners, washing and putting away the extra blankets.

Changes In My Schedule … feeding the animals earlier, before the people; staying in the workshop later; having more homeschool lessons outdoors.

Changes In My Yard/Homestead … putting in a gate to get into the chicken yard; replacing gate to goat pen; mixing up the compost pile.
What I Look Forward to This Spring … sunshine and warm days; opening the windows; lighter layers of clothing.

Spring Brings with It … pollen and sinus activity; new grass for the critters; bugs.

A Sure Sign Of Spring … juniper berries popping and making noses run and eyes itch; ruffly, lacy Easter dresses; pansies at the nursery.

A Favorite Spring Activity … taking a morning walk; dozing in the lawn chair; putting a line in the water at the lake and claiming that I'm fishing.

The Homekeeper's Journal - 2/23/11

2011-02-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here's something new I found, thought I'd try it, hope you enjoy it;) If you would like to participate, go to christianhomekeeper.org.

Gentleness

“Behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5; cf. Zech. 9:9)

Gentleness is one of the Fruit of the Spirit. We’re commanded to be gentle with others. In the Bible the word Meekness means Gentleness. Most women don’t have too hard a time being gentle or meek. The problem women sometimes have with gentleness is in thinking that gentleness equals weakness.

In my kitchen this week ….. spaghetti with meat sauce, lentil chili and cornbread, pizza bread...

On my mind this week … my mom has leukemia, my grandson is wonderful, my goat is giving fresh milk.

Gentleness is one of the Fruit of the Spirit so as a Christian ….. I want to strive to temper my words to family with gentle understanding. Especially when they are being rude and inconsiderate, and I am feeling tired and vulnerable.

When the Bible says that Moses was the meekest of all men (Numbers 12:3), it reminds me that …. great leaders lead by example, not by force, or threats, or complaining.

The gentle person has died to self, so when I am gentle in situations that cause others to be angry and violent (Proverbs 16:32; 25:28) …..I can be grateful to be sowing peace, and contributing to the solution, not the problem.

Knowing that gentleness is not cowardice or lack of conviction (1 Peter 22-23), I am encouraged to …. beg my Lord for help in staying gentle when it is difficult to do so.

Life Is Worth Living « The Gospel in the Digital Age

2011-02-11T08:34:00.002-07:00

Well, the boys shook hands and moved on, without leaving Fulton Sheen's cause for sainthood in limbo. Time to let them out of their corners. See original post on November 10, 2010. Then go to Archbishop Timothy Dolan's blog and read the joyful news, the Diocese of Peoria (New York) has resumed the cause for Archbishop Sheen.

Life Is Worth Living « The Gospel in the Digital Age

Confession For Spiritual Direction

2011-02-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have an ongoing debate with a friend about Confession. It goes something like this: "I'm going to confession, you wanna come with?" (strength in numbers). "I don't need to go." "Huh?" "I haven't committed any sins." "Hah! What about...?" "No mortal sins! I just confess my venial sins straight to God." etc.

I can kinda see her point. For the most part we committed our mortal sins in our "wasted" youth. I'm sure some priests would agree with the late Fulton Sheen that hearing our confessions now would be "like being stoned to death with popcorn". I guess it takes a special kind of priest to sit through the confessions of people whose sins don't involve tragedy, chaos and breaking all 10 Commandments.

People who are looking for a deeper relationship with God.

People who want more help and direction in imitating Jesus and correcting their character defects.

I've been lucky since I returned to the church. I haven't yet been laughed out of the confessional. Even when I haven't prepared very well, I can think of at least one thing that plagues me and that can be enough. Resentment. Impatience. Entertaining distractions during Mass or personal prayer. Foul language. The list goes on. There is always something to wrestle with. Even if I just bring up one issue, whatever priest I am confessing to, whether he knows me or not, has been able to address that fault and suggest the steps to take to correct it.

I trust in the seal of the confessional. That my anxieties and failings aren't going to be gossipped about. I trust that most priests have been trained to give appropriate guidance and spiritual direction. I also know that they are imperfect men. But in the Sacrament of Penance, as at Mass, they are an open channel to Jesus Christ. To bestow grace and forgiveness. Forgiveness we sometimes refuse to give ourselves. In the confessional, the Holy Spirit should influence any advice the priest imparts. It should always lead one to a closer walk with Jesus. One of my resolutions was to go to Confession more often this year. I've already started. Won't you come along with me?

Shepherd of the Church

2011-01-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

Bishop Thomas Olmstead, of Phoenix, Arizona, has come under alot of fire in the seven years he has been here. The latest is an uproar over his revocation of St. Joseph's Hospital's Catholic status. Yet, what else could he do but stand up for and insist upon Catholic moral principles at a Catholic hospital. Catholic Healthcare West, the administrators of the hospital, purport to subscribe to the "Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services", set forth in its fourth edition, by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2001, which plainly states in Part Four, directive number 45, that "abortion...is never permitted". In this case, the abortion was performed on a pregnant woman with pulmonary hypertension. Doctors predicted that she had a "100% chance" of dying of this complication of pregnancy before the baby was born. We all know how accurate doctors "predictions" can be. I don't intend to debate that particular issue.

My intention is to uphold and thank Bishop Olmstead for being a true Shepherd of the Catholic Church in an era of political correctness and lukewarm Catholicism. For saying the rosary out in front of abortion clinics every week in all kinds of weather. For making the Sacramental Marriage Preparation process harder, instead of making the annulment process easier. For speaking and writing to politicians who want to be identified as Catholic, and telling them that they need to embody and protect Catholic morality if they want to do so. We need this kind of example from our leaders, religious as well as secular.

Of course, the bishop has done some things that I disagree with. But those deal more with administrative issues. As Paige Byrne Shortal mentions in her excellent column in this month's Ligourian Magazine, "The Word in Our World", Catholic "bishops and pastors are cast into roles of corporate CEOs rather than enlightened gurus". And this is much of what inspired me to start this blog. My deep, abiding love of the Catholic faith, and Catholic tradition, versus my abhorrence for administrative nonsense.

I Resolve, With The Help Of Your Grace...

2010-12-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

We seem to have made it through Christmas by the skin of our teeth around here. I actually had to give myself permission to let some of the things I wanted to do slide because there simply wasn't time, and I refused to let superficials interfere with our family and spiritual celebration. I did get the lights up, the tree decorated (actually my son did that) and the Nativity Scene up (my son again). Many people in our little mission parish were gone for the holiday. It was strange to see our tiny church only half-full on Christmas Eve, when in past years there was standing room only.

Now it's time to honor the tradition of New Year's resolutions. I actually contemplated mine about a month ago. There's really nothing new. Some of last year's resolutions were successful, some need more work, and some are no longer important. I want to finish my first book, get a couple of e-books out, and continue making my lifestyle more sustainable and less consumptive. I want to share joy and fascination for learning with my homeschooled son. I want to really get to know my soon-to-be-born grandson. I want to play with my critters and have an awesome vegetable garden. I want to get to sewing all those clothes I've been collecting fabric for - our wardrobe really needs replenishment. I want to get to confession more and take the next step in growing spiritually. I want to blog more regularly to share that spiritual growth and insight. I want to work on me, yet think less about me and more about the big picture. I want to let go and let God.

Zenyatta - Inspiration from the Queen of the Racetrack

2010-12-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

There are few things I enjoy more than an afternoon of watching horses. Maybe a day in Yosemite or Kings Canyon. To watch a herd of horses frolic on the open range, or thunder around a track, to me, is a thrill. To see a great horse honored is an immense joy. I am not an advocate of gambling and I don't support practices that demean principles of good stewardship of God's creatures. I do enjoy seeing the results of a horse being brought to it's full potential, and a rider who respects and admires that horse in a way that the team reaches a greater success than either would individually. Such are the examples of Mike Smith and Zenyatta, Ron Turcotte and Secretariat, Red Pollard and Sea Bisquit, to mention a few.

I do not follow horse racing, but my daughter does. She was born to the saddle. At the age of 2, I turned my back on her for five minutes and found her across the street with her older brother, trying to climb a fence into the paddock of the boarding stables, to pet the horses. At a big boned five-eleven, she never had a hope of becoming a jockey, though she did quite well at gymkhana. She is currently working towards her bachelor's degree in equine studies. She has a scrapbook - more like a database - on Zenyatta. She has studied her and followed her for the horse's entire career. Her excitement at being able to meet and talk with Mike Smith and John Sheriffs (Zenyatta's trainer) was contagious. To have her share her passion with me is an honor and a priviledge. To know that she finds inspiration and motivation to pursue her life's dream, even when her own horses are so far away from her for the time being, makes me glad.

For myself, I enjoy watching and interacting with horses. Ever since humans became aware that the horse was good for more than just the dinner table, there has been a mystical dynamic between horse and rider. A good rider can communicate to his horse with the slightest pressure, the softest sound. An intelligent and cooperative horse will respond to his rider almost intuitively. How often in history has a story been told of a horse finding his way home, his rider unconcious in the saddle? How often have I gone out to the paddock in distress and received a comforting nuzzle, an understanding companionship with my horses?

Truly the Creator put us here to find our way back to Him, and help our fellows to do so. But even when humankind fails us, God gave us a back-up, our animals. Cats, dogs, horses, all take their turn in our lives, comforting, entertaining, annoying and accompanying us back home.

The Human Experience - Dignity in the Midst of Poverty

2010-11-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Two young men from Brooklyn, New York set out to find out what it means to live the gospel in misery and poverty. From the homeless in New York, to the forgotten orphans of Peru, to modern day leper colonies in Africa, we are presented with the powerful drama that is "the rest of the world". The masses living on the outskirts of the comfort zone that we know as modern daily life.

The creators of The Human Experience attempt "By spotlighting heartwarming stories from around the world, (to) show viewers that every single person, no matter his or her lot in life, is beautiful."

This award winning documentary is brought to us by Grassroot Films, which also produced Fishers of Men, to inspire vocations to priestly service and God in the Streets of New York City. Grassroots Films strives to "make great films that inspire true change". The Human Experience has won over 30 awards since its release last year and emphasizes this year's Catholic Campaign for Human Development theme: Fight Poverty. Defend Human Dignity.

A truly inspiring film for private or group viewing, highly recommended by Catholic Traveller's A Simple Catholic.

Fulton Sheen's Cause - Victim Of Another Bishops' Snafu?

2010-11-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Rocco Palmo's latest update to Whispers In The Loggia today, cites yet another incomprehensible move by our "hierarchy". I can only hope that it is just a miscommunication that got out of hand. According to the website for archbishop Sheen's cause for sainthood, the Diocese of Peoria is passing the buck for Sheen's beatification, because the Archdiocese of New York won't release Sheen's remains for reinterrment in his home diocese. OH PULEEEZ!! Are we little boys on the playground fighting over territory? Do we need to stand in the corner until we can play nice?!

Excuse my ignorant little backwoods version of common sense, but I think that the BIG BOYS need to talk it out and get back to the cause. Fulton Sheen took Catholicism to the modern world even before Mother Angelica, through his writings and his television series "Life is Worth Living". His humor and advice are still timely, and I think we deserve a modern day saint to inspire us.

Now that I have had my rant, I truly hope that Archbishop Dolan (no relation) will take up the cause for Archbishop Sheen, and that we will soon have another official example of how to live for Jesus in the midst of this world's insanity.

Canticle of the Sun - Thoughts on Wind and Weather

2010-10-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

"Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance."

I try to call to mind this verse of St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Sun when the wind is ripping shingles off my roof, or blowing sheets of dirt into my face and hair. Meditating on it at these times helps calm my irritation as I accept that such winds are usually blowing gloomy weather away from my little homestead, or bringing nourishing rain and playful snow to it - depends on my perspective, doesn't it?

When I am hiking in the wind, if I stand still and close my eyes, I can feel Brother Wind embracing me, Brother Air infusing my body with healing oxygen, sensuous scents of evergreen, rain or snow, and sweet musky fragrances of flowers and mosses.

There is an anecdote about John Muir, the great naturalist, who was said to go for one of his "walks" in a storm, climb a tree and swing from the branches, just to let the wind and rain buffet and refresh him. In his own words, he felt "...free to take the wind into my pulses and enjoy the excited forest...I kept my lofty perch for hours, frequently closing my eyes to enjoy the music by itself, or to feast quietly on the delicious fragrance that was streaming past." (John Muir, The Mountains of California).

I too have had the hours pass swiftly as I sat upon a lofty peak (though not up in a tree!) feeling the wind wash me of my anxieties, cleanse me of my materialism and make me ready to face my human brothers and sisters again, with renewed tolerance, compassion and love.

All praise and glory to God, the awesome Creator!

Catholic Education: Homeschool or the Parish School?

2010-09-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

I read in our diocesan newspaper last week about how enrollment is dropping at Catholic schools. People can't afford tuition, there isn't enough assisstance to go around, etc. Families are disappointed that they have to pull their children out of the parish school and put them into public school. Frankly, my enthusiasm for Catholic schools has waned since more of the teachers started coming from the secular and often non-Catholic community, and more of the students from non-parish and frequently non-Catholic families who could "afford the better education".

Assuming that these same schools are keeping the tuition as low as possible, and that these same families are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their childrens' education, such as giving up the extra car, the boat, the vacation home, the vacation, meals out, extra wardrobe, shoes, downsized house and lifestyle, and still can't afford tuition, I have another suggestion - Catholic Homeschooling.

Homeschooling is far more economical than either tuition or public schooling (considering the expense of fashionable wardrobe/uniforms, supplies, backpacks, lunches and transportation). A homeschooler's primary cost is books. There are many excellent Catholic curricula available now, far more than when I began. And a family doesn't have to use all of one program. Materials can be mixed and matched according to individual needs and preferences. Some families even use entirely free public domain and library materials.

Two working parents can teach, one parent can stay home (thereby saving the expense of working wardrobe, convenience foods and transportation for that parent). Even single, working parents can homeschool - I am not suggesting parents need to be super heroes, either. Homeschooling can take about as much time as the nightly sitcoms, and when done well, merges right into daily life and experience.

As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1653: "Parents are the principal and first educators of their children". And again 2221: "The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute". As well as numerous other references in CCC 2221-2230.

I homeschooled my 3 grown children (two of whom recently graduated with Associate's Degrees and transferred to universities) for several of the middle- and high school years, and am currently homeschooling my second grader. I encourage anyone to check into this fantastic option for providing our children with a wholesome Catholic education.

Some places to start: Homeschool Legal Defense Association - great resource for state laws and precedents regarding homeschooling.

Catholic Heritage Curricula - excellent Catholic education resources

The Homeschool Lounge - great place to meet other homeschoolers, get ideas, support and have fun!

Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes - another great site for support and ideas for Catholic homeschooling

Mrs. D's Homestead and Around the Homestead - my other website and blog, where I discuss my country life and homeschooling

The Third Secret, by Steve Berry

2010-09-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

I enjoy Steve Berry's books. He is definitely a gifted historical/mystery/suspense writer. I don't even mind his frequent digs at the Catholic Church. Heaven know, we deserve some of it. But it goes way too far in "The Third Secret", based on the mysterious Third Secret of Fatima.

Whether you believe in the apparitions of Mary the Mother of Jesus at Lourdes, Fatima, La Salette and Medjugorje or not, to even concieve of the woman who carried our Savior in her womb would even suggest that abortion was a woman's choice ("know that your body is your own") is repulsive. Mary's entire story (the biblical one) is about the sanctity of life. Without Divine intervention, Mary's life would have been seriously hampered by the birth of this baby. In fact, she should have been stoned to death when the pregnancy was discovered. Even Mr. Berry's statement in the author's notes, that the "second half" of the Third Secret, upon which the book centers, is completely a product of his imagination, does not redeem this novel in my eyes.

My advice, don't even waste your time. Cotton Malone doesn't even appear in this book, and though it does give structure to the character of Colin Michener, who finally reappears in the Venetian Betrayal, you won't be missing out on anything by skipping "The Third Secret".

Vacation Bible School

2010-09-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Catholics didn't used to have Vacation Bible School. We had day camp, or youth group, or nothing at all. It was great fun, we went swimming, went to the beach, roller skating, did arts and crafts, and had a big campout on the last night.

Now alot of our churches are having Vacation Bible schools, but my local one doesn't. So I take my son to the Baptist church's VBS. It is a great ecumenical and community building experience and I just love the Baptist preacher and his wife, who also just happens to be one of my favorite authors. Oh, and the kids have a lot of fun too.

The ladies in charge of arts and crafts really outdo themselves with clever activities. The games are very clever and exciting, the snacks are fun and imaginative. The children learn a new Bible verse each night, and work on songs and dances all week, in order to put on a delightful production for their parents on the last night.

Every year we look forward to VBS at the Baptist Church and we hope they continue having it for years to come.

Welcome The Stranger

2010-08-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

While not usually listed among the Corporal Works of Mercy, Jesus states this command among them in his discourse in Matthew 25:31-46. Specifically verses 35 and 36: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me..." This should certainly leave Catholic Christians in a quandary about how to handle illegal immigration. I don't profess to have the answer. I can just share some of the reflections that give me cause to believe that the great state of Arizona has not hit on quite the right solution yet.

In desperation, the Holy Family fled Bethlehem right after Jesus' birth and entered into Egypt illegally, hiding there for several years until an angel proclaimed it safe to return home. How did Joseph support them during that time? What if it was today, and the Holy Family were fleeing to the United States, hoping for a better life or a safe haven from persecution? What if Jesus was born here and Joseph and Mary got deported? Far fetched? Not really. Throughout the Bible we find God's message of love. We are our brother's keeper. How do we help them achieve what they are hoping for when they cross our border? Can we help them do it legally, keeping families intact? Is there a way to help them improve their lives in their own country, so they can live with dignity and self respect there? In a world that has little use for the gospel message it is our duty to be a light in our own little corner. The opportunities will present themselves to each of us today. Lord, help us to recognize them and serve you.

Do not neglect to show hospitality, for by that means some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

Book Club

2010-08-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

A book club is an interesting place. I joined because I love to read and am writing a book. I thought it would help to discuss books with fellow readers and learn their likes and dislikes. It is certainly an ear opener! For instance, the general consensus seems to mandate the "obligatory sex scene" in a book, whereas I feel my imagination needs no assistance in that particular area. However, obviously it sells mainstream books, because it tends to be in most of them. Thus, it should come as no surprise that I frequently find I have greatly enjoyed a book that the others disapproved of and vice versa.

Case in point: a couple of months ago, our book was "Mutant Message Down Under" by Marlo Morgan. It is
a story about an American doctor who goes on walkabout in the Australian Outback with a group of Aborigines. The sufferings she endures help the tribe to teach her their spiritual principals of interrelatedness, divine creation, unconditional love, and being non-judgmental. I felt that it presented a powerful reminder of spritual principals we should all be living. Most of the others discounted the whole thing because "obviously she didn't learn anything from the experience because she still wears makeup and colors her hair". Huh? Not everyone is called to be a St. Francis of Assisi or Mother Theresa. We are all called to proclaim the Good News in our particular circumstances in life.

Then there are the ever-popular vampire books currently circulating as the "Twilight" series. Many of my book club confreres rave about them, but vampires simply do not appeal to me. Now give me a good historical suspense novel. I have the new Amelia Peabody mystery on hold: "A River in the Sky". After seeing the new "Sherlock Holmes" movie, I reread the books in a whole new light, with new enjoyment. And my friend from the Baptist church turned me on to Terri Blackstock's novels - who knew such wonderful work was being produced by Christian publishing houses? I am thrilled.

Go Fish!

2010-07-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

We got a late start on our fishing this year, but now we're making up for lost time. We're not really big fish eaters, and we don't particularly care if we catch anything, it's more an excuse to just get up to the lake for a few hours. It also saves hundreds of dollars on massage therapy, as gazing out across the water, casting and reeling in, or just going for a walk relieves all the pent up tensions of the week.

It is nice to catch something once in a while, even if it's just a crawdad. There's a feeling of accomplishment. Fishing played a big part in Jesus' life. Many of the apostles were fishermen. Jesus told Peter and Andrew He would make them "fishers of men". What does it mean for me to be a "fisher of men"?

Surely not to just sit passively and gaze across the lake. After the wonders of God's creation have filled me up and pushed out all the garbage of the material world, what next? Eventually it is time to drive back home and take up the daily tasks again. Fishers of men...to be Jesus to everyone around me. To extend kindness...to smile...to cheerfully lend a hand. To suffer interruptions joyfully, because it may be in that moment that the "fish" God has sent me takes the "bait".

God Bless America

2010-07-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

It warms my heart to hear people sing the Star Spangled Banner. In recent years, it seems I've noticed alot of people who don't know, or refuse to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, or sing our National Anthem. As a student in Catholic schools for ten years, not a day went by when we didn't say the pledge, and the anthem, as well as other patriotic songs were frequently included in our morning singing.

Undoubtedly, our country has severe flaws. Our president is less than inspiring to many of us. Our lawmakers are a big disappointment, to say the least. But we Americans, we Catholic Americans, come together on the Lord's Day, and encourage each other; we receive the nourishing body and blood of Christ and are strengthened to go out and do what little we can to be the change we want to see happen.

O' say, does that star spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?
As long as it continues to wave, and we continue to pray, there is great hope for our great country.

Oh the Drama!

2010-05-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

Maybe it's the so-called "alignment of the planets", as some say, or maybe it's just me, but there seems to have been a whole lot of drama going on lately. Families have their own inherent drama, of course. Someone's hurting, "well-meaning" others come in and stir things up and suddenly everything's out of hand.

In our church communities things get out of hand, too. Disputes over bilingual Mass and Latin or not get as heated as immigration law debates. Some cannot set aside their differences and agree to disagree, and leave. It's sad in families, it's sad in our church family.

The media pursues the sexual abuse issue like rabid hounds. As though they've forgotton Jim Baker. Or as though it's any bigger than taxpayer dollars going to big bankers to pay out bonuses to already overpaid executives.

Why are we so addicted to drama and the inevitable tragedy that accompanies it? Where do we find the answers, for healing in our families, our church, our world? All we can do is practice. Practice Jesus' example of unconditional love. Practice tolerance - of different languages, different opinions, different customs. Practice spiritual discipline - attend Mass, receive Holy Communion, go to confession. Pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

We who are not politicians, turn over our anxieties to the Highest Power, and make our voices heard to our elected representatives. We who are families, die with Christ every day for peace in our homes. We who are Catholics, die with Christ to our own self-righteousness, for peace in our communities. We can only do a little. But if we each do a little, so much gets done.

How to Fast

2010-02-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

As I ponder fasting, abstinence and "giving up" things for Lent, I am given insight in Friday's first reading: Isaiah 58:6-7: "This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly...setting free the oppressed...sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own."

These seem to be very clear instructions. God is telling Isaiah to tell the people that it is not sackcloth and ashes he requires, but for them to care for each other. Strive for fairness, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of your family, friends, community. All these things I should be doing all the time, now is the time to really focus on them. To make it a habit once again. Maybe it will be working at a food bank or soup kitchen; maybe packing an extra sandwich and giving it to the panhandler who approaches me in the parking lot at Walmart. Sacrificing my own agenda to help provide care for the friend or relative who is facing the prospects of a nursing home. Offering temporary room and board to friends or family trying to get back on their feet.

I could get worried about being taken advantage of; yet what did our Lord do but give His very life for me? He asks me let go of my anxiety and just trust Him. The funniest part is that when I start to give I am the one who receives the most benefit; I think I have a clearer idea of what I"m supposed to be doing now.

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

These forty days of Lent, O Lord, with you we fast and pray;
Teach us to discipline our wills and follow Lord your way.
(These Forty Days of Lent, (c) 1970 WLP)

I don't know what I'm "giving up" for Lent this year. I try to fast and abstain from meat on Fridays, and today of course, though physical limitations sometimes interfere. I tried to give up coffee a couple years ago and actually made it past the initial headaches, but when the foggy haze refused to lift, I caved in. That took about 2 weeks. One year I gave up chocolate, successfully, but right now that just seems like too much torture to endure again. The last couple years I have worked on certain character defects, but now this has become habit, and I think I should embark upon something new and difficult.

Our pastor emphasized prayer, fasting and abstinence in his homily today. Making time to pray no matter how busy we are.

Fasting - what can I forego, in solidarity with Jesus' suffering? Maybe a day to day decision - a meal, another gadget, a movie. Put the money saved where it will help someone else.

Abstinence - no meat on Fridays is easy, we already have 2 or 3 meatless days a week. To abstain from negative remarks in conversation - that can be hard. To abstain from gossip, even when it's just "reporting the facts", that's challenging.

Now that we have been marked with the ashes of last year's Palm Sunday palms, it is time to inwardly clean house and declutter our lives to become better bearers of the gospel. As St. Paul says to the Corinthians in today's second reading: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us...be reconciled to God...Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation".

What do Nuns do?

2010-02-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

I miss the presence of nuns in my rural parish. I was fortunate to attend Catholic school for most of my school years and they were everywhere then. They were our teachers, disciplinarians (ya, that was way back!), role models, referees and playmates.

There was Sr. Josephine, 3 feet tall, who swung a wicked ruler; Sr. Rita, who would perform a juggling act to recapture the attention of an unruly class; Sr. Rachel, who would jump right into any sport we were playing, from handball to volleyball, jump rope to kickball. The flying skirts and veils of recess gave way to the dignified setting of the classroom and frequently a stern look was all the ammunition needed to maintain order. These amazing women lived in the convent next to the school, attended daily Mass with us, and exuded a love of living for Jesus that spilled over into everything they did.

So what's a nun's life really like? Thanks to the internet, you can find out. There are several nun blogs where cloistered and non cloistered sisters open up about their daily routines, hopes, frustrations, joys and adventures. Would you believe a nun having a pirate-themed birthday party? Check out http://desertnuns.blogspot.com/. Nuns in shorts and tshirts climbing ladders to make building repairs? http://www.anunslife.org/. There really is a place for any interest in religious life - seclusion, working with people, health care, education, missions, and so much more. Most orders have websites now, and interested parties can email for more info.

The Smithsonian Institution is sponsoring a travelling exhibition, through 2012, called "Women and Spirit - Catholic Sisters in America" http://www.womenandspirit.org/index.html. The exhibit's homepage contains an awesome video of some of the exhibit and commentary. Definitely worth a look.

I Resolve for 2010...

2009-12-29T16:42:00.003-07:00

I love the time between Christmas and New Years. For me it has always been a kind of quiet, contemplative time. A time to sit in front of the fire with a much anticipated new book. A time to reflect on the past year and reevaluate goals for the new one.

Now that the school supplies have been broken in and well used, it's a time to break open a crisp new calendar, planner and journal. The unmarked pages lie full of hope and promise. Perhaps a colorful new pen and some stickers and stamps with which to decorate the record of a life. I know it will be another year where the pages of the calendar turn too quickly, the jobs in the planner will never get all crossed off, and the journal may not be written in as often as I'd like. But just for these few nights, I will reflect, and plan, and look forward joyfully to a fresh start.

I will try to be more realistic with my goals, flexible with my plans, more disciplined in my work.

I will worry less and pray more.

I will smile until I feel like smiling.

I will try a little harder to see and serve Jesus, especially in those I don't like.

I will sacrifice some of my excess and even, sometimes, some of my necessities, so that someone else may have basic comforts of food, shelter,clothing or education.

I will try to remember to make the best of every situation I find myself in, and if possible, to have fun with it. Even if others are determined that I should not.

I will play music, and read books, and walk in the woods.

I will share all these things with my children.

I will try to leave my little corner of the world a better place.

Catholics Come Home "Movie"

2009-12-14T07:55:00.001-07:00

Advent.

2009-12-14T07:52:00.001-07:00

Civil Disobedience

2009-12-14T06:52:00.005-07:00

It appears that very soon, Christians across the United States will be facing opportunity for civil disobedience on a scale that we have not experienced since the Vietnam War.

After the House passed their version of Health Care reform, eliminatng public funding for abortion at the demand of the people, the Senate has put abortion funding right back in to all of their options. And abortion is not the only issue. There is also the phasing out of medicare for the elderly, who have spent a lifetime already paying into that program; the danger of veterans losing their health care, which they often have to fight to get after fighting for our continued freedom; the possible "rationing" of services based on whether the government values the particular patient or not. The list goes on and on.

In theory, socialized medicine seems like a good idea - everyone gets health care. But in practice, there is always the danger of corruption. The unborn, elderly, special needs and "undesirables" are not protected. People are forced into treatments they have reasons of their own to refuse. Fines or jail time are threatened to those who cannot afford a plan and morally refuse to "go on the dole" (1930's talk for government aid). While I agree that the current system is not the best, more government control is not the answer.

One possible solution, Health Care Coops - like the financial credit unions - share in the expenses of members, and wield negotiating power with providers. Coops are formed around members' beliefs and ability to pay, so if one did not wish to fund someone else's elective plastic surgery, one would join a coop that did not pay for that. Unfortunately, too few coops exist to really offer an acceptable range of choices. The State of Washington offers an option for residents. There are Samaritan Ministries and Christian Care Medishare. What about our own Catholic Church? We used to run hospitals before the era of widespread malpractice abuse, why couldn't we set up health care coops based on our own principles?

But before we could even consider that route, we have to exercise our voices to our Senators over the next few weeks of their debates on health care.

I plead, let us rise up with one voice, united to our bishops - reject any plan that does not respect and protect life from conception to natural death!

Bread in Abundance

2009-12-02T07:26:00.002-07:00

Today's Mass readings speak of a richly generous God. Isaiah 25:6-10 "...the Lord of Hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines". Psalm 23 - need I quote? Matthew 15:29-37 is the story of Jesus feeding the 4000 (not including women and children). I grasped the point immediately: With 7 loaves and a few fish blessed by Jesus, the disciples fed the crowd and then gathered up 7 hampers full of leftovers. To me, this so obviously demonstrates God's abundant and generous love. He not only fills us, his love overflows and washes and consumes us. For me this is fact. He has demonstrated this to me over and over and over again in my life. Whether our feast was bread and butter sandwiches with water - and grateful for the butter to make the dry bread more palateable, or a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmin's, God's gracious hand has provided.

The problem came when I read the meditation, written so carefully by - a human! It started out well enough, a little humor, a little historical background. Then I got distracted. It said Jesus told Peter to forgive his brother 77 times. Wait, I thought that was 70 times 7?! Then again - it said the disciples started out with 7 baskets - wait! I just read that, it said 7 loaves, not 7 baskets. I despise it when people misquote Scripture! It's a pet peeve, what can I say? I want to know what version they found it in and what chapter and verse. Mentally I slapped myself upside the head. Back off, cynical self. These are minor details. It's not like misquoting the words of Jesus and leading people astray or using them for corrupt purposes.

So I summon up my self discipline and return my mind to the original point of the readings. Trusting in the abundance of God. In good times and bad. We are more important to Him than even the birds of the air, who neither plant, nor gather in, yet look at how our Father provides for them. (Did I quote that right?) If it's small stuff, don't sweat it.

Wicked Halloween!

2009-11-02T07:44:00.004-07:00

I frequently hear people refer to Halloween as a wicked or evil celebration. In fact, it is only in the past several centuries that some people have made it so. For most, it is merely a day to dress up in silly costumes and visit the neighbors begging for treats. The smiles I see on the faces of some of my neighbors, old and not so old, when the little ones come trick-or-treating, are priceless. They joyfully dole out sweets as parents silently calculate cavities. Or maybe that's just one of the pleasantries of small town life.

Granted, there are those who like to make this night a "high feast to the devil". All I can say is that there is and always has been sinfulness since the fall of Adam. Halloween, in the Catholic Church, began with trying to convert the various non-Christian peoples. Many had some kind of harvest festival involving the warding off of evil spirits. The church merely moved the Solemnity of All Saints to the following day, allowing the potential converts the practice of their custom on "All Hallows Eve" and then educating them about salvation with the Feast of All Saints the following day.

On All Saints Day, the Catholic Chuch celebrates the entering into eternal life of all those persons who, when on earth, strove to follow Christ. Including "canonized" saints like Francis of Assisi, and others, like perhaps someone you know.

The very next day is the Feast of All Souls, in Mexico, the "Day of the Dead". On this day, we Catholics pray for the souls of all who have died, especially those dear to us. It is said that with God there is no time, so prayers said even after a person's death can influence that dying soul's decision to accept Christ's mercy and attain final salvation.

What a blessed thought. What unfathomable mercy has our God! Praise and Glory to Him!

Our Lady of Sorrows

2009-09-22T08:19:00.005-07:00

Every year on my birthday I look at the parish calender and see it there. The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. How apropos, I used to think, with an ungrateful heart. Let's have a pity party. I felt sorry for myself and what I percieved as my sorrowful life.

In recent years, I have come to feel blessed and honored instead. To share my special day with Our Lady in all her Blessed Motherhood. I received a little pamphlet in the mail once, that explained the seven sorrows.

Simeon's Prophecy - imagine bringing your baby to be baptized and some old coot comes up and says "oh, what a cute baby - a sword of sorrow will pierce your heart". And Mary pondered this.

The Flight into Egypt - just at the most vulnerable time in both thier lives, Jesus and Mary, with Joseph, have to flee the country to save Jesus' life. To have to leave all their friends, family, home and jobs and live in a foreign country, with a different language, for an indeterminate period of time.

The Loss in the Temple - what parent would not panic and be consumed with anxiety over the loss of their child for even a few hours, much less several days?

The Carrying of the Cross - to watch her son, of whom she must have been so proud, undergo such shame and humiliation; the precious life she had protected for so long, bleeding out of him. And she was powerless to do anything but stay near him and watch.

The Crucifixion - as far as we know, Mary was not privy to God's plan. What faith, what trust, to watch her son die a criminal's death, yet to stay near him, trusting that there WAS a plan, and that it would be eventually revealed.

The Taking Down from the Cross - what paralyzing grief she must have felt as she held her son for what she may have thought was the last time. What questions plagued her? What struggle did she overcome to stay strong and faithful?

The Burial of Jesus - in what must have been a moment of great despair for her, Mary had only her trust in God and her Son to cling to. Mercifully, we have Mary, Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, and all the angels and saints to comfort and strengthen us to go on.

Her trust, her faith, her strength in all her uncertainty, trials, sufferings, and misunderstandings. And her joy! The glory of her risen Son, and her special mission to lead us closer to Him. What a woman to look up to and emulate! What an honor to share my birthday with her feast!

CatholicVote releases Life...part3

2009-07-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

Come Aside and Rest Awhile

2009-07-17T09:46:00.003-07:00

I went to daily Mass with my parents the other day. They still go to the same church I grew up in, though the building has changed. The readings and homily were about the Sabbath. The Old Testament reading about how the Jews were to keep the Passover, and the Gospel about the Jewish leaders reprimanding Jesus' apostles for pulling grain heads on the sabbath because they were hungry - this was considered "work", not allowed on the sabbath. Father Ted's teaching on that day's Word addressed the preoccupation we tend to have these days with work. How we rarely take time to rest anymore. Frequently we don't rest until illness or disability overtake us. We're in a hurry to fulfill our Sunday "obligation" so we can get back to work. How even sometimes priests will rush through the Mass to get people out in a timely manner.

How often I have complained about this very thing when attending Masses in the "big city". I've called it the Speed Mass. To me, there is a very mechanical feel to it, a seeming lack of reverence. I am so grateful that some of these same priests have since slowed the pace a bit. After all, those who come to daily Mass are really there by choice, and not because of "obligation". Also addressed in that day's homily was this sense of "obligation". For years we were taught that Sunday Mass was a requirement, and that missing it was a mortal sin. Well, it still is, but see it through the teaching of Father Ted: rest is a natural part of the rhythm of life. Rest is necessary in order to keep working. We are given this great blessing of rest and spiritual refreshment time one day a week.

My thoughts on this - someone bigger than our boss says we need a day off once a week, to relax and refresh our minds, rest our bodies. Can we refrain just one day a week from unnecessary work and come together as community to give thanks and praise to our Creator? Love and support to one another? Not "obligation", but a joy and pleasure. A treat. One day to clear our minds so that we can think better the rest of the week? One day to rest our bodies (or maybe to exercise our sedentary ones) so that we can work better the other six? Is it more important to make money in the short term by working (for money) on Sunday? Or is it better to make just that one day holy, to care for our bodies and minds and souls, for better health in the long run, and eternal life at the end of our mortal days?

I spent many years working on the Sabbath. I see now I had other options. It took more years than I will admit to here for me to come to the conclusion that I will keep Sunday holy. Since that time, Mass has not ever been an "obligation" for me. It has been joyfully anticipated and gladly celebrated. I jealously guard my Sunday rest time, and allow myself the indulgence of an afternoon spent reading or lying around. Of course, there does come the occasion when I have to round up goats that have escaped from their enclosure, or tend to a sick animal, family member or friend. But Jesus addresses that issue in later Gospel readings. Today He asks us to "come aside and rest awhile".

Walking with St. Francis of Assisi

2009-07-11T11:17:00.002-07:00

This is soooo cool and inspiring. 16 Franciscan friars walking from Virginia to Washington D.C. Depending, in the spirit of St. Francis, on the kindness and generosity of those they meet along the way. Check it out here www.friarwalk.com and here http://tinyurl.com/dksy7q.

My Baptism Day

2009-03-20T14:59:00.002-07:00

On this Friday, during Lent, when I am supposed to be fasting, I look at the calendar and am reminded that today is the anniversary of my baptism into the Catholic faith. Also, incidentally, my half-year birthday. Either way, good enough reason to celebrate.

On this day in 1965, my mother, newly widowed, and godparents stood before Father Albert Piekarski in the church of St. Augustine in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and promised to teach me and model for me the joys and the discipline of being a disciple of Jesus as a Catholic Christian. I never really got to know my godparents, as mom was just coming back from California after burying my dad, and taking grandma and me back out with her to live. I did have many fine substitute godparents. Grandma, a Jehovah's Witness, daily took me onto her lap and read the Bible to me. I was fascinated with the "red letter version", where Jesus' words are printed in red and began reading long before I started school.

I do not remember learning to pray, but some of my earliest memories are of saying my bedtime prayers with mom. We always wore our Sunday best to Mass when I was little, complete with chapel veil for mom, and a little round piece of lace that we little girls wore whose name escapes me, for me. I had little white gloves and a little white covered basket "purse" for my hankie and if I misbehaved there was no crying room for me - I got taken out for a spanking and solitary confinement in the old Rambler.

Our parish school did not have kindergarten at that time, so mom had an extra year before she chose to sacrifice a good portion of her paycheck to send me to Catholic school. There was no tuition assisstance, no tax credit for school of choice, and on top of all that, there were uniforms and shoes and stockings to buy, extra jackets and sweaters for my sickly self, lunch boxes and lunches (no school lunches then), myriad school supplies (my favorite), and miscellaneous for special activities, band, field trips, etc. We were fortunate to have mostly nuns teaching us at that time, nearly all of whom seemed to love their work, and us. You have not lived until you have played a vigorous game of four-square or kick-ball with a nun in full habit. There was a saint for every situation and then there were angels! There were plenty of priests and we had several daily Masses, special school Masses, regular confession times where there were actually priests waiting in the confessionals for you. There were all kinds of feast days. Anyone who desired could help with reading, singing, playing music, serving (boys only back then). Of course there were many volunteers because it meant getting out of class for practice! We were taught to have a very personal relationship with Jesus, Mary, the angels (especially our guardian angel) and the saints. Jesus, God the Son, our loving brother, was the big man, but it always helped to have intercessors and friends on your side up there to put in a good word for you.

Of course there were the less enchanting times, but the whole point of it is learning to draw on the strength of the good stuff to get through the bad stuff. We Catholics call it GRACE. We receive it in the sacraments - in baptism, holy communion, confession, confirmation, holy anointing for all; matrimony and holy orders for those called to that life. We receive it at Mass. We receive it at those odd times when God touches our hearts and fills us up. And it all started with Baptism.

So after Stations of the Cross tonight, there will be a meatless feast, and maybe a teeny little cake with a candle on it, in remembrance of my birth into Jesus' awesome life.

I Believe in Angels

2009-03-12T15:19:00.004-07:00

Oh my. Nearly a month since I've blogged. Not like nothing's been happening, or that I haven't had about a hundred opinions on a thousand different issues. Catholic schools, pro-life, parental rights, near fatal accidents, I have enough in the back of my mind to keep blogging non-stop for at least a month. That's not going to happen. I will start with a little bit about what's been keeping me otherwise occupied...

So with it being winter, my many animals are eating alot of hay, and hay is getting very expensive. At times like this, when sane people are getting rid of animals, I am shopping around for cheaper hay. Within a 200 mile radius. I found it, 200 miles away. When it is cheaper to drive 400 miles round trip, including the gas and motel room, to get enough hay for a month I have to ask myself, "Is there something wrong with this picture?" I have had successful dealings with this hay broker in the past, so trusting that the trip would be worth it, I checked out the truck and readied it, then tackled the old utility trailer. Problems there. Between the goats and chickens playing hide and seek underneath it, the wiring was trashed. The license plate got lost the last time we loaned it out. The hitch is oversized, heavy and involves oversized and heavy stabilizer bars. Much better to borrow the neighbor's trailer and avoid all this, right? The adventure begins.

I brought the borrowed trailer home without incident. Inspecting the ball and hitch, they looked properly matched. Loaded truck and started down the road. Luckily the first leg of my journey was down a state highway at a time of day with very little traffic. The trailer was a little bouncy, so I slowed my speed, continually checking it in the rearview mirrors. Suddenly I felt a tug, and looked back to see the trailer swerving. "Oh God!" I repeated my earnest prayer. I hit the brakes, the trailer slammed the truck and bounced back. Unbelievably, the chain was still holding it on the truck. I sped up a bit and began to back off my speed more slowly, all the while inching to the edge of the highway, ready to pull off whenever I got the trailer to stop. Soon I was successfully off the road and safe. I watched as 2 small cars and a pickup truck passed me. My prayer changed to "Thank you God!" as I began my post trauma shaking and tears. I discovered that the tow ball was a size too small, that's why the trailer bounced off. Thank God it was before there was a load of hay on it. All problems were remedied and hay was brought back to the farm. I've since made another hay run, with the old utility trailer - fewer problems.

The fact that the chain held the trailer amazes and baffles me. I have lost a lighter trailer and chain just around my farm. This one could have caused a major accident, possibly fatal. I believe angels saved us all that day, and kept that trailer from flying into several cars.

Barack Obama - from CatholicVote.org

2009-01-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Grand Canyon Caverns

2009-01-12T08:24:00.006-07:00

One of our favorite day trips is to the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs, Arizona. About 17 miles west of Seligman on Route 66, it is actually about 3 hours from Grand Canyon National Park. The Caverns get their name from the source of the fresh air that flows through them - the Grand Canyon, which is actually about 200 miles further up the road on Route 66, then I-40, then Route 64.

Being 200 feet under the earth is a leap of faith for me, I don't like to be enclosed and "trapped". But I have never had a problem with the caverns. Perhaps it is because of the airflow. We got to descend in an elevator. Original tourists, in the 1920's, got to pay 25 cents to hang off a rope with a lantern. This trip, the whole trail was open. We got to walk through all the rooms on the first and second levels, including where the giant sloth is reconstructed. One room is loaded with C rations dating from World War II: barrels and boxes of food and water, and one roll of toilet paper. Hmm... There are several more levels beneath that have not been fully explored or excavated. The privately owned caverns depend on paying their own way in developing their potential. What? No government bailouts? You gotta admire that.

These could be earlier visitors - but aren't those battery powered headlamps? In addition to the giant sloth, a popular attraction on the tour is the mummified bobcat, right next to the perfectly preserved wedding bouquets. Several weddings have taken place in the caverns. Guides will explain that the caverns were once underwater caves, and tease your imagination with visions of the creatures who might have lived there. They will point out several ancient (now dry) waterfalls, and as you leave, offer you petrified ham and eggs. Don't overdress for the tour, the caverns stay 55 degrees F year round. And don't forget you tennis shoes in the summer - you're not allowed on the tour with sandals.

Attitude of Gratitude

2008-12-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

Driving to visit relatives yesterday, I flipped through the radio stations to hear some Christmas carols. To my disappointment, I found the same theme present as when I was looking for some holiday cheer on television: ingratitude. Now we live in a rural area, and we don't watch TV at home, and rarely listen to the radio, so I'm not up on all the current trends. But it seems to me that complaining about someone's thinking enough about you to give you a token of their affection at this time of year is a sad and sorry thing. And to bombard ourselves with the reinforcement of this type of thinking is not healthy for our own spiritual growth. I know it takes me alot of practice to have an attitude of gratitude. I need to guard my eyes with what I allow them to read and view, and my ears with what I allow them to listen to. It is easy to follow the ways of the world and just let the media dictate how I act and feel. I have fought too hard to pry myself away from that. At times like this I am grateful and reenergized by my choice to limit the media's access to me. Sometimes it is harder to pick up a book, or play a board game or imagination game with my family than it is to turn on the TV. But it can and has become a habit with us. I also am grateful for this choice when I watch my 5 year old son interact with his friends and cousins. Instead of reenacting media promoted attitudes, I see him holding his own practicing the disciplines and attitudes we have been working hard to teach him. I hope and pray this will continue as he grows and faces the challenges of protecting his own purity, guarding his eyes and his ears from what may lead him astray.

It is not easy to stand constant guard over my senses, to keep them from dragging me into ingratitude and depression and restlessness. It is much easier, while visiting, to sit and watch objectionable shows with the rest of the crew, or join in with the gossip, than it is to get up and leave the room to go read my book elsewhere. And it's alot harder to stand up for my son's innocence and purity in front of others who mock my "prudishness". But with practice it gets easier. And when I see the positive results in my son, my resolve strengthens. The strange thing about it, is that sometimes they seem to even respect me for it. Even if they don't, this is what I believe is right. I've been down the road of temptation and spiritual laziness, and I know how cunning, baffling and powerful those forces are, always lying in wait for me. To quote Buddha, "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." Others have said much the same thing: You are what you think about all the time. Garbage in, garbage out. There's alot of good, positive, uplifting stuff out there to choose from. We just have to seek it out. Fill our minds with the good stuff, walk away from the negative. Change the channel. Or turn it off.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2008-12-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, came and it was decided it was too cold "for the little ones" to have our procession through town. So we had our mass and rosary in the church, and the children put on a play in the hall afterwards, followed by a delicious feast. It is interesting to note, that on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother Mary on Monday of the same week, a Holy Day of Obligation (Immaculate Conception is also patroness of the Americas), Mass was attended by a very few. And although the church was packed for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, not a Holy Day of Obligation, a very few went to communion. Our Lady's purpose in each of her apparitions has been to draw us closer to her Son. Yet of those attending the mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe, a very few showed up on Sunday for Mass.

Where is our teaching going wrong? Somehow we've got them coming for the cake and passing on the meat and potatoes. We pass out Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation like it's an inherent right, not an outward sign of inwardly embracing the faith. We try to "collect" as many people as possibe, but then we don't continue to welcome and feed them once they're here. Is this the fault of our clergy?

Much as I would like to evade responsibility, I think the fault resides in ourselves as Christ's body. Here's my take on it. Priests say mass and dispense the sacraments. They guide and direct us. Nuns pray for all and teach, or whatever their particular ministry includes. We, the church, are the teachers. We are the ones responsible for reaching our brothers and sisters in the faith, in their daily lives, through our daily lives. It is our responsibility to seek them out and care for them. Especially the ones that only show up on Christmas and Easter. Not to preach at them, but by including them in our daily lives, to be able to witness by our very lives what joy there is in living our Catholic faith. To share the grace and healing we receive in the Sacrament of Penance. To show our joy and inspiration from worshipping at mass. To shamelessly turn to Jesus in prayer, to Our Blessed Mother and all the saints in intercession, through all our joys and sorrows, hardships, confusion and prosperity. And only in this way to get them back to Sunday Mass, confession and Holy Communion.

Now having said that, I can think of one friend in particular, that I have neglected because she has stopped going to church. Sure, I don't want to slide back down the path of worldly temptations, but it's not like I have to be her shadow. Just call and chat once in awhile, maybe get together for a playdate with the kids. Just the reaching out to touch those God puts in our paths occasionally. We are not one person's saviour. Jesus was that for all of us. But we are called to love, and as Mother Theresa so sensibly explained it, some of the poorest of the poor are the very rich, for they are dying from lack of love.

Veterans Day

2008-11-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

I went to Catholic schools for ten years. Right after daily Mass we would line up for assembly and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by prayers and announcements. Sometimes we would sing the National Anthem. Devotion to country was placed right after devotion to God. Maybe that's why I choke up when I sing the Star Spangled Banner and blink through tears when I think about the sacrifices that have bought my freedom to be complacent. Like the sacrifice that bought my hope for entry into heaven.

My jaw drops when I encounter people who were born and educated in this country who do not know the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem. They are so entwined with the Sign of the Cross and the Our Father in my psyche, that I cannot comprehend the level of ignorance and arrogance this represents. My five year old son recites the Pledge, the Sign of the Cross and Our Father daily. He sings his own rendition of Star Spangled, which inexplicitly contains some reference to "Obama's red light". He is homeschooled. It seems to me that now that we've taken God out of our public schools, our devotion to our country is failing as well. On that point I am glad to be proved wrong.

The American Legion Post is the hub of activity in our small town. This year they organized our 1st Annual Veteran's Day parade. While bigger cities were closing off main thoroughfares for large, well attended events, our boys lined the town's two one-way streets with American Flags, then lined up at the Legion for the trek around town. Our vets led the parade, proudly carrying the flags, followed by the high school cheerleading squad, the historical society and the county sheriff. The only thing missing was the high school band, but that's because we don't currently have one. The country folk drove in and honked and hooted as the parade passed by, and the town people stood in their front yards waving and cheering. Children delighted in the candy thrown by the Historical Society and the Sheriff. Afterwards, everyone gathered at the Post for coffee and donuts.

The great thing about a small town is that when we get together for something like this, prejudices and fueds fall away in the interest of something bigger. It doesn't take a natural disaster to bring people together and nurture unity - if only we would do this more often.

Our little Catholic mission is also planning some public processions for the Christmas season. Sometimes it seems like we're two factions - the whites and the hispanics. But when we come together, to process around town, singing and carrying the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th, we will be united. We will celebrate the Mass and share a dinner in the hall. We will watch the children reenact the scene with Our Lady and Juan Diego. We will be one church - if only we would do this more often...

What is Pilgrimage?

2008-10-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

"A journey to a holy place, undertaken for religious reasons; a journey to a place with special significance."

To the above definition, which was taken from the dictionary, we might add, "to reunite a person with their center of being and help to restore their relationship with their Creator."

Sometimes just getting out of the routine for a few days or a few weeks can help us re-center and kindle or rekindle the fire of a passionate life devoted to love. Catholic Traveller's mission is to inspire busy people to take time out now and then for retreat and pilgrimage - to allow the Spirit to enter and heal and renew us, so that we return to our everyday lives better able to see and serve Jesus and Mary in all those around us.

WWJD?

2008-09-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2008

Summer has flown by and I have not been a very consistent blogger. I shall blame a lovely two week train vacation on Amtrak's Coast Starlight, from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA and back, and also the start of a new homeschooling year. But really we all know it's just my own lack of organization. There's always an excuse. The truth is, I have to stop on a regular basis and clear out the clutter in my life. I have always been one to try to overachieve, and with that comes the inevitable burnout and lack of achieving anything. I find myself stopping in the middle of doing something these days and asking, "how important is this? Is this just busywork that I've created for myself, or am I in some way contributing toward my livelihood and the work God has for me to do today?"

Which begs the question, "What is the work God has for me to do today?" The best I have been able to come up with is to do what's in front of me with love. Take care of what God has graciously given me - my family, home, animals. Help and share in the community in which I live. Try to attract others to Him by the way I live - there's the rub. Smile, speak in a positive and uplifting way. Dress modestly and behave modestly. Softly admonish the child who is poking along when we're late for an appointment and I really feel like screaming. Don't kick and cuss at the cow who broke through the fence - again. It's a tall order. I can do it for a short while, but as the little frustrations pile up, it gets harder and harder. If I haven't already done so, this is when I need to turn it all over to God. It's His show anyway. I'm just an extra. Hope I can keep doing my part.

Are You Paying Attention?

2008-07-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

July 15, 2008

This last Sunday's gospel focused on being receptive to Jesus word. How often do I try to impart some amazing truth, only to have my listener question me moments later, as though I had never said anything at all? I will review the day's schedule with my son at breakfast, only to have him respond with shock and amazement when I inform him that he cannot play his game now, as we have an appointment to keep. I will absentmindedly carry on a conversation with my son, only to look up and find him staring at me, and admonishing me for not listening. We have ears but do not hear.

What causes us to behave in this manner? If we are so preoccupied with the "cares of the world" that we are unable to give our family and friends our full loving attention, how much less so Jesus, who only wants to show us how to overcome those cares and live abundantly and fully. Today I am going to take a few minutes somewhere to be fully attentive to Jesus. Whether it be in a few moments of prayer or contemplation, or the reading of a few short verses in the Bible. And I am going to take that out into the world with me - to the post office, the neighbor who calls at an inconvenient time, the client who needs to vent about frustrations in his life, the friend who lives out of the way who needs a little help with her animals, and my son, who is now paging me from the bathtub.

So Little Time...

2008-06-11T08:15:00.001-07:00

June 11, 2008

Busy, busy, busy. So with Tball, swim camp, summer school, running a business (or three), tending to farm chores, blah, blah, blah, how do we make any time at all for prayer and meditation? Sometimes it seems that after moving to the country and working from home I have become busier than when I had a "real" job and lived in the city. Technically I'm not, but it's a matter of perspective. My priorities are different. I want my house to be a peaceful environment and it cannot be that way with all kinds of clutter, dirty dishes, and clothes stacked everywhere. So I need time to clean house and clean out the clutter. I want time to run my farm and benefit financially and physically from the homegrown produce, meat and dairy. This means I cannot be rushing off to every activity available to me or my son. Yet, I do want him to have social contact and enjoy activities with friends of all ages. So we try to limit activities to two days a week, besides Sundays.

Still, where do I fit prayer time into all of this? I have made a habit of beginning my day with prayer. This time is precious to me. I am thankful for working at home, because often, with a "job", this time gets lost to me because of oversleeping and then rushing to get to work on time. I am grateful for homeschooling, because I can work to encourage this habit in my son, instead of rushing to school, etc. And yet, I still crave more. I want to stop during the day and read my Bible or say the Rosary, but frequently I feel there is too much to do, and I cannot take the 15 or 20 minute break. Not to mention that in saying the Rosary I tend to meditate myself to sleep, so it takes much longer. These are all excuses. When I take 10 or 15 minutes once or twice a day to take a prayer and meditation break, my work seems to go easier and better, my priorities become clearer. Hmmm...why can't I get it through my head?

Which Way?

2008-05-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2008

We went to see Prince Caspian the other day. What a fantastic rendition of the book. I have to admit, the actors that get cast in the roles of my favorite characters are rarely as I imagined them, but when the movie is well made, that little distraction passes, and I end up captivated. I read a review on the movie later which delved deeply into the spiritual issues that C.S. Lewis was dealing with in this book, namely pride. Although much of the reviewer's analysis escaped me, I did grasp certain points of the movie. Namely, that when I try to "do it myself" I frequently fail, sometimes miserably. If we could do Spiritual Direction ourselves, we wouldn't need the Ten Commandments, the Gospels, religious leaders, retreats, pilgrimage or the Church. Like Peter, carrying out an attack on King Miraz' fortress himself, rather than seeking out Aslan and his advice and direction first, I bumble through one misadventure after another, leaving behind a trail of destruction and tears. Without a spiritual guide, it is difficult at times to resist the glamour of evil, as when the White Witch offers power and prestige in exchange for one drop of Peter or Caspian's blood. Edmund, who remembers his humiliation at the hands of the White Witch and Aslan's subsequent mercy and sacrifice, shatters the illusion and saves Narnia from that possible disaster.

Spiritual Direction requires submission. I am a proud, vain person. I like the feeling of being recognized for something "I've done myself". But in truth, anything I've ever done well, I've had lots of help with. In music, I've had years of lessons, encouragement, criticism, and investment by my parents. In running my businesses there has been a network of people, offering advice, experience and assisstance. So in my spiritual life, why is it so hard to figure out who to turn to? Submission requires trust. Our parish priest is busy, yes, with all the administrative details of running a "business". But when approached with spiritual questions and issues, his demeanor changes. He takes on a new enthusiasm, and answers with care and compassion. This is his real vocation. Our local bishop is laden with responsibility in running a large diocese which has been deeply hurt by scandal and in which immigration is a very present issue. Yet when he offers Mass, and preaches on Jesus word and how very applicable it is in our lives right this minute, you feel his holiness, his closeness to Jesus, his sincerity and devotion to us, his people. He is approachable, and very easy to converse with.

Spiritual Direction is not a do-it-yourself project. I have to ask for help, trust in the helper, and do what is suggested. How do I know if it's working? I have to look at my relationships. Am I at peace, or fighting everyone and everything? Am I at peace in my living situation? Am I at peace with my work? Am I in constant communication with my Lord? These are my goals in seeking Spiritual Direction.

Just a Little Bit

2008-05-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

May 21, 2008

Spiritual Direction. A friend and I were discussing religious life the other day. Sometimes she thinks about entering a monastery to become a contemplative nun. I encouraged her desire (against my own selfish wish to keep her here as my friend) to take several weeks or months at a Benedictine monastery where she is an oblate to discern this vocation. After arguing with God about why He would give me such a gift in friendship and then take it away, I realized that in this particular case, knowing my friend's devotion to her elderly uncle, her daughter and her grandson, she was probably just experiencing a need for some Spiritual Direction. In days past this was achieved by frequent confession with one's parish priest. Now, with fewer priests, and the ones we have being pulled in so many directions, it is sometimes a challenge to even have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession.

This has also been a theme in my life today. Unlike my friend, I do not have quite as much freedom or finance to travel to the nearest monastery for a few days of personal retreat and guidance from the holy people there. I try to get to confession frequently, which right now is every few months. I try to absorb the message of the homily during Mass. Here in our rural community, we have Mass on Sundays and Thursdays. Our pastor lives 20 miles away and serves 3 churches and helps with a fourth over an 80 mile radius. We have no deacon or assistant pastor at this time. Where to turn for more frequent direction?

Some days it's as simple as reading a few verses from the Gospel of Matthew over breakfast with my son. We read from the parts where Jesus is speaking. Only a few lines, as just keeping a 5 year old's attention to bless the food is a challenge. The words will stay with me for at least a few minutes, and I can contemplate them in between planning the day's work, chasing the dog off the porch where we're enjoying the early morning sun with our meal, and calling the child back from fighting off Captain Hook in Neverland to finish his oatmeal. And sometimes it's just enough to bless the rest of my day.