No Matter What?

Even though I am not keeping up with my blog, I frequently get ideas and inspirations for posts. Today, while praying with Helper's of God's Precious Infants outside a PP in Philadelphia, I saw a young lady going in and out of the facility, apparently loading a car for some political rally. She was toting signs urging people to vote for a certain man running for Governor, who would support abortion rights and keep the funding rolling in to PP.

What caught my eye, though, was her t-shirt.

Yes, you are reading that right. It says, Act, NO MATTER WHAT.

Do you feel the implications of that? No matter what? 

Just throw yourselves into this cause ladies, don't think about any of the ramifications, and really, please just don't think.

1. No matter that it has been proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that what is growing inside a pregnant woman is a human being from the moment of conception. 

2. No matter that to abort this human whether through a chemical or surgical procedure is an act of murder.

3. No matter that doing this will cause harm to the mother. Physical, emotional, spiritual and if left unaddressed, lifelong.

4. No matter that this bloody campaign is the scourge of America, happening under the noses of so many who are deceived by the popular jargon being tossed around, such as choice, health care, bodily autonomy, women's rights. 

It just screamed at me, that the little humans being cut up and flushed away, simply ...

don't.

matter.

And THAT is what is being trumpeted and ACCEPTED and emblazoned on t-shirts! ON T-SHIRTS.

Oh America. How low we have sunk. There are women and children being bought and sold into slavery across the ocean. Where are the feminists? Where is NOW? Who is crying out for justice for those women?

*If you are thinking about abortion in any manner, please talk to someone who will not lie to you and tell you it will be quick and easy and you'll be rid of it and good as new. And all empowered-like. There are Pregnancy support centers everywhere. Go to this page for numbers if you need to. You can find help for all stages of pregnancy and even adoption.

Peace, 

Kelly

Gosnell Movie

The closet door is going to be opened folks, allowing light to shine on the most covered up, misrepresented industry the world has known.

No surprise that there will be all kinds of contortions made by those that have a stake in keeping people in the dark.

Please pray, and if you are able, go here to read about the project and help fund it.


If you are interested, the hashtag on Twitter is #gosnellmovie.

I saw the story initially on The Kelly File. I admire Megyn Kelly more and more every day. She also was aghast at how University of Michigan cancelled the showing of a movie about "honor" killings (Honor Diaries) and other atrocities done to Muslim women and little girls, and at the same time calling abortion  "life-giving."

 O-kay?

Good on you, Megyn. And Kirsten Powers, too. God bless you ladies. Megyn's interview with the CAIR rep about Honor Diaries was awesome.

Oh, and I think the Kelly File far outshines ol' Bill. IMHO.

7 quick TV, movie and book recommendation takes

1. As I mentioned in last week's 7-some-kind-of-takes post, I recently watched the movie, The Way.
I so recommend it, in fact, I want to watch it again and see if I can get Bob hooked too. I already snagged Corrie into wanting to go and do it. I hope before we are too decrepit. All are welcome!

2. I also watched the movie Lorenzo's Oil. I think Manny suggested it? Manny, the reader of 1000 books a year, or something. The movie is about a real story of a boy who comes down with a rare disease, adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). His parents research and find a treatment that later becomes an accepted treatment for the disease. Of course I went and read up on the real people. Apparently, the father was not overly thrilled with every choice made by the film maker, such as the choice of actor (Nick Nolte) and his affected Italian accent. I thought he was very good, not having a high standard for Italian accents. His wife is played by Susan Sarandon.
 Some situations in the movie, and in the real lives of this family, were not very storybook. If the quote was correct, the father said he would have opted to abort the boy if he had known how much he would suffer. Given his actions during his son's life, I am not sure if that was a reactionary statement or what. Even knowing that, I believe the film has value. The father was given an honorary medical degree for his research, and his treatment is still used for that disease, and other neurological diseases. I thought it was well done, and life affirming.

3. I am currently semi-addicted to three TV shows. In order of addiction:
---Downton Abbey. Yes, yes, it's all the rage now, but I have been watching it with rabid-fan-hunger, great interest since the first season. The last season and this are supposed to be bringing the story line through the roaring twenties and reflecting the changed in thinking for the British aristocracy. I have no idea how accurate it is, but I read that the costumes are quite on point. They are definitely beautiful to behold. I do have a feeling that they are sneaking in some social issues from the present
day, in order to keep the excitement level high, add some sensationalism, and keep the viewers coming back. For some of us, who were perfectly happy with the acting and nicely flowing British banter, the addition of nonstop social issues is not a nice one. I know I went to this show to get away from that sort of thing. I have already read that some die hard fans have quit watching. I am not quite ready to go there, because, as I said. Addiction. Also, I read a few hints and accidentally, one spoiler, that gives me some hope.
 I remember also liking Call The Midwife, but I found the way they portrayed abortion to be a little too painful. I still think it is probably a good show, but I have been trying to watch TV for relaxation and pleasure, and that was a bit too raw. I am still watching news, but that may go too, at least during Lent.You know, going for some kind of stillness.




--Parenthood. This is not one that I would watch with my kids. What I do like about it is the way the Bravermans (little Willie Loman going on there, whatever that is called) battle through all of life's twists and turns together. This setting, unlike Downton Abbey, is the right vehicle for all manner of family and child raising issues. The realism depicted is not one I would really like to have to constantly explain to kids, especially very suggestionable kids. But I do think it is well written and acted. I am not quite as addicted to this show, but I do somehow get around to watching all the episodes On Demand to find out what happened. And all the characters are so darn attractive. The kids are a-dorable, especially Max, who has Asperger's Syndrome.  Interestingly, Ray Romano also stars, and his character is discovering, in adulthood, that he also has Asperger's.






4. On my new Kindle Fire, given to me by my dear husband who clearly didn't know what he was getting himself into, there are many and sundry ways to read books for free. (h/t to Meghann and Marie). The offerings on these sites is kind of hit and miss, and I have this thing that makes me want to finish a book to see how it ends, even if it's bad. That aside, I came upon an author I really like.

 William Landay is a lawyer, and he depicts the legal process with detail, but not tedious detail. (The whole reason I like to watch the last fifteen minutes of Law and Order). Love those courtroom dramas, but only if they have some realism. The way he paints his characters causes the reader to either like, hate, or suspect them, and then in the end, WHAMMO, we were wrong! If you read very many suspense thrillers, you will know that one can usually work out the ending by the end of the first chapter or two. Not this time! He has another book out, but I am currently reading a couple others and haven't gotten around to it yet.


5. Stay with me now, these next couple are not sort of Universally Appealing. But I have my reasons.

The Incredible Dr. Pol. Initially I started watching this because I thought Malaika would like it, as she has expressed a desire to someday become a veterinarian. Then, I saw that he lives and practices in Michigan, which to me is fascinating. Then, I just liked it myself, even when Malaika wasn't around to watch. Warning: not the greatest show for snacking while watching. Some really real reality.
I love his sense of family and community. The people are the opposite of the Parenthood cast; first of all, real, and secondly, not polished or fixed up for the camera. Dr. Pol, who I believe is about 71, goes about shirtless during some of his farm calls. He's a vigorous, healthy guy and gives us hope for being 71, some very long time from now. Of course, most of us don't work like he does, but still. He has another doctor working with him, Dr. Brenda, who is pretty amazing in her own right. Summary:Wholesome of message, slightly gory of image.

6.     

The Dog Whisperer. Now understand, I don't even have a dog. That alone says something for the show. Yes, I would like to own a dachshund or two someday, when I have that house and land I go on about, but I am not watching solely to become educated on doggy psychology. It's the people psychology that Mr. Cesar Millan teaches I find so interesting.

Also interesting is that both he and Dr, Pol are immigrants. Dr. Pol, from Sweden, and Mr. Millan, from Mexico. (Obv, I know).

And of course I went and read up on Cesar Millan. Turns out he went through a divorce during the course of filming his many seasons of The Dog Whisperer. If you watch certain episodes, he does talk about it, and to his credit, if he is being truthful, he is not flippant or dismissive about it, and reveals that he went through a period of depression and suicidality. I respect him for his candidness, it doesn't appear that he said those things to be sensational, but just to add his humanity to the person we see on the show.

One definitely gets a Zen feeling from him,  and a bit of New agey-ness. But some of the stuff he says is really profound and solid in a universal way. For instance: if the activity happening around dog he is working with distracts, upsets, or causes the dog to display his problem behavior, Cesar always says, "this is good, it is an opportunity to learn." Exposure therapy, more or less. The owners usually have spent considerable time and effort to shield the dog from all it's triggers, and Mr. Millan shows up and takes them through all of them, sometimes multiple times in a row. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the dog responds. The owners often take a little longer. It really makes you think! He also talks about "calm, assertive energy." That dogs pick up on how we feel and react more to that than what we say or do. I think there is wisdom in that, not in a hocus-pocus sort of way, but more for a call-upon-our-inner-Jesus-resource kind of way, that could be helpful in many more ways than relating to the animals in our lives. In a word, trust. That's how I filter it, anyways.

7. Okay. Last up, and either least or most controversial, depending on your perspective.

Fox News. I don't even need to link to it, because you either watch it all the time or have it blocked.

I do watch, and mostly like the channel. There are some loud detractors, but the number of likers far outnumbers the number of haters. The haters are just more vocal. (News coverage of the six protestors at the March for Life, numbering at a quarter million plus, anyone?) (in the bitter cold and snow?)

 I think we get much more of a scope of news. Things that other networks won't touch. Many of the anchors are lawyers. They are all smart. As for likability, I would say I enjoy listening to 95%. A few just aren't my cup of tea. Megyn Kelly is my favorite, followed by Martha McCallum. The qualities that attract me most are fearlessness, intelligence, wit, and politeness in candor. I love The Five. Bill O'Reilly, we tolerate because he does a good show, but he can be a bit much.

Yes, sure, I have been accused of leaning 'too far' to the right. Whatev. My beliefs and perspective don't come from Fox News, but rather, I hear my beliefs and perspective included there, which I can't say for any other news outlet.

I do get a bit news-overloaded and stressed out from news in general, and as I said before, hope to take a bit of a break.


* I apologize to anyone who read this the same day I posted, (Friday). I think when I added in that clever moving picture of Maggie Smith, My paragraphs got all jumbled. 

A Cry for Dignity

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe.”

Elie Wiesel

 

This was one of the quotes referenced last night by Rev. Pat Mahoney,  Director of the Christian Defense Coalition. The event was called, "A Cry for Dignity," formed to hasten the release of the babies killed by now life-imprisoned late term abortionist Kermit Gosnell. 

I wrote about the first gathering on that sweltering day, July 19th. Last night's and today's events went together; a candlelight vigil at Gosnell's former "clinic,"and today, a witness at the Medical Examiner's, in which we held up placards with each baby's name and prayed.

Here are a few of my pictures: 

 Some group left pamphlets under the door

 Here is what they said

And here is one taken by someone else.

It was meant to be a candlelight vigil, but it was too windy. It didn't take away from the powerful prayer and sense of purpose.

And today:

In attendance at both gatherings were several pro life leaders and priests, some driving from as far as Birmingham, Alabama.
Here,  Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life, gives a talk. You can see Malaika and I.



The speakers from both events were wonderfully skilled at articulating the significance of Gosnell. Not that it is a singular situation, as abortion clinics go, but they pointed out that the Gosnell debacle has gotten the attention of the public, and is a window in to the world of the abortion industry.

The "Cry for Dignity" events are to bring awareness to the fact that the victims of Gosnell  deserve the respect due to all humans. The Medical Examiner has stated they DO plan to bury the babies, but may in fact take up to TEN YEARS to do so. There is much legal wrangling going on behind the scenes; the M.E. happens to be violating its own policies.

The powers that be, i.e., Dr. Donald Swartz, Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity (a mouthful),  Mayor Nutter, and Chief M.E., Dr. Sam Gulino, are avoiding entering in to the arena, it seems to me and others, for fear they would be entering in to abortion politics and appearing to side with  pro life.

Here are a few links to some articles:

http://www.lifenews.com/2013/08/26/medical-examiner-may-not-release-bodies-of-babies-gosnell-killed-for-10-years/

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/08/25/3135253/abortion-foes-seek-fetuses-from.html

 

Naming the babies killed by Gosnell

remembering

Today is the 33rd anniversary of the death of my first child. I don't know if he was a he or a she, but I named him John to acknowledge and honor his life.

He died that day because I got an abortion.

I ask for his prayers, for me and our family. And for his father, of whose spiritual condition I have no idea.

On this first Friday, I pray, Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Also, don't forget to watch “See No Evil” The Kermit Gosnell Murders at 9:00pm ET  on FOX tonight.

Archishop Chaput and the Gosnell Trial

An excellent article by our Archbishop -- if you would like to see the comments or add one, you can go to the original article here.

I have not been able to really write about Gosnell, perhaps because I didn't feel I had anything to add to what was already being said, but when I read this piece, it resonated.  Highlights are mine. 

The Gosnell story and its lessons

Some stories, no matter how unsettling, just can’t be ignored — even when some people are determined to look away.
The murder trial of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell will soon go to jury. And like every other criminally accused person under the law, Gosnell is innocent until proven guilty. Whatever the verdict though, there’s no ambiguity about the kind of business he ran at his West Philadelphia “Women’s Medical Center” ­— an abortion clinic that critics have likened to a meatpacking plant or a butcher shop, with unborn children delivered into a toilet, and jars of fetal body parts stored around the facility.
Dr. Gosnell was originally charged with one count of infanticide and five counts of “abuse of corpse” for killing fetuses born alive by plunging scissors into their necks. Without explanation, the judge in the case accepted a motion to acquit Gosnell of these charges earlier this week. Gosnell still faces four counts of first-degree and one count of third-degree murder. Eight of his coworkers have already pleaded guilty in the case, including three to third-degree murder.
Or so said The New York Times in a report dated April 23.  The date is important.  Gosnell’s trial began March 18, more than a month ago.  The Times coverage, while modest, is significant.  Why?  The answer is simple.  The Inquirer – Philadelphia’s hometown paper – has done a good job following the trial.  But most prestige national media have seemed remarkably eager to ignore the story until shamed into covering it.
Gosnell is much more than a “local” story. The continuing debate over legalized abortion is a hot-button national issue that drew half a million pro-life demonstrators to Washington in January. The battle over abortion restrictions continues in every state. Forty years after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, resistance to permissive abortion remains high. And the vivid details of the Gosnell clinic tragedy have the kind of salacious appeal that few national media would normally avoid — if the issue were anything else. But abortion is too often, and in too many news rooms, exactly the kind of topic that brings on a sudden case of snow blindness.
The real story in the Gosnell trial is bigger than the ugly allegations against Gosnell himself; it includes the failure — the allergic disinterest — of some of our most important national media. A headline in The Atlantic magazine, April 12, states the obvious: “Why Dr. Kermit Gosnell’s Trial Should Be a Front-Page Story: The dead babies. The exploited women. The racism. The numerous governmental failures. It is thoroughly newsworthy.”
The Atlantic story by Conor Friedersdorf is worth reading. But don’t stop there.  Read this by Kirsten Powers, columnist for The Daily Beast, in USA Today. And these excellent analyses by journalists Terry Mattingly, Mollie Hemingway and George Conger.
The irony is that much of the media’s lethargy in covering the Gosnell case really doesn’t surprise. It’s part of the fabric of a culture that simply will not see what it doesn’t want to see about the realities of abortion. And it leads to the kind of implausible claim made recently by one local commentator that “no sense of guilt is warranted” by the media because “there is no causal connection between coverage of [the Gosnell] case and bias.” It’s hard to imagine a more untenable alibi.
The brutality in abortion is intimate, personal and permanent. It violates women, and it kills a developing human life every time — whether the venue is a “Women’s Medical Center”-style meat factory or a soothing suburban clinic. What makes the Gosnell story unique is that it should distress anyone with its details, pro-choice or pro-life, regardless of religion or politics.
But of course, people need to know about an evil before they can do anything about it.

________________________________________________________________________________


Well put. The unwillingness to see the realities of abortion, Gosnell-Style or otherwise, has the same overtones as the Holocaust. And there are STILL those that deny that.

I am certain the media and abortion supporters are terrified people will realize that ALL abortion has the same result, no matter how it is carried out. They don't want the collective light bulb to go on. They want it kept in the shadows (to them) where it belongs.

The Gosnell trial is in closing arguments. Apparently he is laughing his way through it. Father Frank Pavone, of  Priests for Life is attempting to talk with Gosnell, once the trial is over. He is also requesting the remains of the babies to give them proper funeral and burial.

Here is a note from Father Frank's newsletter:

please spread the word that this Sunday, May 5, Fox News Channel will air a one-hour documentary about Gosnell at 9pm ET. This is a key opportunity to pull aside the veil from the violence of what goes on in abortion clinics all over the nation.

*FOX has changed the air date to this Friday, May 3 at 9:00pm

We’ve created a Facebook event for this. See Facebook.com/events/564620810244408/.

Lastly, here is a prayer Father Frank is asking us to pray and share:

Prayer in Response to the Gosnell Tragedy

Lord of Life and Mercy, You love all you have created, And call us to protect The lives and rights of our brothers and sisters. You care for the unborn And you forgive the repentant sinner. Lord, we turn to you With astonishment and sorrow As our nation learns the tragic story Of abortionist Kermit Gosnell and those he killed. Have mercy on him And have mercy on all of us. Pour out the spirit of repentance on all people, That we may face the evil that has been done And cry out against it. Bless all involved in our legal system, That they may secure justice under your guidance. Convert all in the abortion industry That they may cease their violence against women and children. Embolden all in public office That they may take the steps necessary To protect the public they have promised to serve. And give us all the grace to proclaim, celebrate and serve The Gospel of Life, Which is your Son, Jesus Christ, Who is Lord forever and ever. Amen

  

go dark 4 life

http://nfpandme.blogspot.com/2013/01/godark4life.html

I just heard about this, so I am going to join in now.

Jesus, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

+JMJ+

January 22 --blog for life

Today I have an oh-so-rare day all alone at home. Of course, I don't mind when everyone is home, but being here alone occasionally gives me a little breathing room to think, (and usually, clean), uninterrupted. This morning, I also went to mass. The Church made it a special day--

In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. - USCC

 It doesn't look like I will be able to attend the March for Life this year, sadly. But I hope to pray and do some small sacrifice.

I am all out of words about abortion right now, so I am going to borrow some.

 Father Kelly gave a wonderful homily today, and since the 1st and 2nd graders were in attendance (and preciously did the readings--oh my goodness, so. cute),  he tailored his explanation of the sanctity of life to be appropriate  for their ears and understanding. It was in some ways, better to hear it framed this way than some of the very graphic and violent descriptions one can sometimes hear. Though  necessary at times as well. 

Here are a few of his points.

1. When you see a pregnant woman, boys and girls, what is she going to have? A zebra? An elephant?

2. Who here started out as a baby? That's right, everybody. When my mother was pregnant with me, what were the two possibilities? Yes, there are only two. Right, a boy or a girl! Never a parakeet, or a lump. Well, I was a lump for a short time as a teenager...

3. Have you ever heard the story, The Emporer's New Clothes? No? Oh, you should get the book and read it. -- (here he tells the story) --so, boys and girls, don't ever do what you know in your heart is wrong, no matter what crazy stuff you may see or hear. You have been taught what the Church, the Bible and the Catechism say, by our great teachers here at St. Monica's. You are not "dumb" if you go against what everybody else is doing because you know right from wrong.*

*Fr. Kelley's words are paraphrased.

How simple, profound, and how full of truth. I have been saying Number One for years, only I like to go further, and say dumptruck.

The Gospel this morning was about having to receive Jesus' teachings like a child. When something is clear and simple, such as a woman bearing a human life, there are those that would like to try to make it into a complicated thing. 

Boys and girls, don't let the world get into your head and remove your common sense, and call it "thinking for yourself, " or, the ubiquitous, "choice." 

Here are a few favorite reasons I am prolife. You know a lot of these, too. They are called people.

~Pray for the unborn~

+JMJ+

Kelly

Jesus probably spit up. And other thoughts on babies this Christmas.

The Bible has several examples of babies that were conceived for a purpose that would shape history. Abraham and Sarah, who were of advanced age; Sarah being barren, conceived Issac. Then Isaac's wife, Rebekah, was barren and was granted the ability to conceive, bore Jacob and Esau. Manoah prayed that his barren wife conceive and she was visited by and angel and bore Samson.  John the Baptist, born to the aged Zachariah and his barren wife Elizabeth. And the most well known conception, the Virgin Mary who bore Jesus. (Both John and Jesus were announced to them by the Archangel Gabriel).  There probably are others, but these are all that come to mind now and are sufficient to bear my point.

All these people were essential in salvation history. All were purposefully conceived and God made sure to point out His role in their conception. All entered the world for a grand purpose.

Now take into account Christ's words in Matthew 11-11.

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Dr.Tim Keller says, In one of the most overlooked passages in the Bible, Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest prophet in history, and then added that every single believer is now greater in position and calling than him. (Matthew 11:9–11) ‘The least in the kingdom of God is greater than he [John the Baptist.]‘ What did Jesus mean? He couldn’t mean that every Christian believer would be more courageous or more godly than John the Baptist. (I know that I’m not!)

 At mass yesterday, Fr. Kelley pointed out that the conception of EVERY baby is willed by God. 
 And how Jesus' own words bear that out.  I can hear the outraged cries now. What about conceptions as a result of rape and incest!!? Well, what about them? Think about this. Is getting pregnant and having a baby a bad thing? Is it, as our president famously stated about his own daughters, a punishment?  Perhaps a woman doesn't feel ready or her conception was a surprise. (Tradition states that Mary was 14).  The thing that stands out most to me is the mindset of all the women given these "special assignments"by God. they were either barren, elderly, or in Mary's case, very young and unmarried. They all saw childbirth as a badge of honor. Mary's response being the crown, the Magnificat:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant From this day all generations shall call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation. He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever. Amen

 Mary lived to please God and her response was full of the grace she received from Him at her conception. All the other women did not have this special grace but were grateful to God for their babies anyway.

So back to the objection. I have a question. Have you ever known a woman that had a baby and it changed her life? I am one, and I know many others. Suddenly, her life had a completely different focus and purpose. Maybe some of her old ways of thinking and doing things faded away in light of this greater thing that happened. Maybe she was able to see beyond herself and her own problems because her baby helped her look to the future. A baby conceived in a negative way can have a positive effect on the mother. If her mindset is one that knows the conceived child's life is willed by God and has a particular purpose in the world, and that she is helping to bring that about. If she can see past the right now and know that a child can help make a mother a better person. That she is, in essence, saving that child, who does not have to grow up with a negative stigma, but seen as a gift that came from a bad act, if that was the case, and who defied that bad act by being something beautiful.

And for mothers -- Mary is often seen with a sword through her heart. We care so much for our children that we often can relate to that. Right now, I think of the poor mothers (and fathers) of the slain children in Connecticut and know that are living that sword most literally. But Mary is, at the very same time, full of grace. We can also experience Extreme Grace because we cooperated with God in bearing and raising our children. With every woman's yes, comes the grace to have and to raise our children. My prayer for the parents of the Sandy Hook tragedy is that they would be flooded with grace. 

I never would have believed that I could raise seven. Never. God has given the grace, and still is, to help me, despite my many sins and failings, to do this. He will do it for you. And every mother that says yes to the life He ordained within her.

If you are pregnant, and need any kind of help. there are pregnancy help centers all over the country. If you cannot find one in your local directory, your local Catholic church may be able to direct you. 

If you say yes to God regarding the baby you are carrying, even if you give him up for adoption and bless a childless couple, God WILL  show you His grace and mercy and do a wonderful work in your life. If your mind and heart are open to Him. If you are only open to the voices that tell you an abortion is just one choice and will be quick and easy, beware that lie. Beware it. Your life will not be the same, no matter how much you will it. 

Here are a few images of the Virgin and Child that I love.

I feature this one, Mother of Good Counsel, on my sidebar.  It is an ancient image, said to have been etched in the wall of a cave somewhere in the 400s, connected with miraculous healings and protection. Now it is in the care of some Augustinian nuns in Italy (I think). I just love the baby Jesus hanging on her neckline. It is just what babies do! And apparently, always have done.

This one is by Donatello. Not the ninja turtle. Again, it shows them in a sweet moment, just like any other mother and baby. I have always believed Jesus was like all babies, needing his mother all hours of the day and night, crying, spitting up on her best clothes, etc.. Not like some tiny adult in a baby costume. (ew).

 And this sketch of DaVinci. Apparently the Joseph and Mary household had a cat. Love it.



Don't forget to thank Mary this Christmas! She had that special grace, it's true. But Joseph didn't (poor guy! the only sinner in the house!) And Jesus still probably had ear infections and runny noses from time to time. And didn't want his mashed peas, or whatever they mashed back then for their babies. But I still like this image, even though it is less the human and more the divine.

 Have a wonderful, blessed, happy and holy Christmas! 

Kelly

 

Belated Halloween, Cats, Cowboys and the election.

This picture is living proof that miracles happen.

Bob has not been the biggest pet lover of all time. Until Mr. Tumnus. They are officially partners now. Bob is as surprised as anyone. God sent us the perfect cat for him, as well as the rest of us, but we needed less convincing.

  I thought the costume we chose for him was quite a coincidence after watching this:

Now, as promised, my thoughts on the election.

I have lived through these presidents: Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, and Obama. I have never seen a president so protected by the media, so immune to consequences (such as, for one, promising "transparency"and cooking up closed door Friday night deals completely disassociated from government process and the will of the American people.) (Obamacare.) (HHS mandate). On and on. He and VP Biden can literally say anything and never have to answer for it. The degree to which the media circles the wagons is astounding. He has behaved in ways I have never seen from a president, even Bill Clinton. 

Mitt Romney. He was not the candidate I wanted to see get the nomination. But now that he is, and I have heard him and learned more about him, here are the things I am encouraged about.

1. He knows what he is doing. 

2. He is a leader.

3. He loves our country and will see to it we are better protected and defended.

4. He has respect for people. Women, the military, people of all creeds. The irony that he is accused of being an out of touch elite while criticized for raising relief for Sandy victims, juxtaposed to the presidents' words and photo op with Gov. Christie that didn't translate to actual relief, are typical. What an infuriating four years it has been.

5. And this is not number five in importance. Life. The chilling coldness regarding human life made cavalier and discussed in a convoluted way during this administration should be waving 60 million red flags in the faces of all that work, pray and fight for the unborn. The most visible leader in the free world being  A-O-Kay with abortion on demand, partial birth abortion and with babies that survive botched abortions being left to die should be a hugely telling sign to Americans that if he is not willing to protect the most fundamental right to those most vulnerable little lives; what other atrocities, pray tell, do you think he will be willing to stand by for? I think what happened in Benghazi is illustrative of one of those things. And the fact that SO many Americans are being bulldozed on this by a few liberal elites (yep, I said it!) on this issue makes it particularly sickening. EVERY year at the March for Life in DC, more and more people show up. Last year, the number topped a quarter of a million. 350, 000. It was a rainy, muddy, cold day and that many people from all over the globe showed up. Do you think the media reported it accurately? Course not. the seven protesters got some coverage though.

6. He is a gentleman. His VP is not a buffoon. He doesn't talk down to or about America. He is not on a power trip. He has humility. He donated a large portion of his income to charity. He never took as salary as Governor of Massachusetts. He can work with both parties. He has experience governing.

7.The biggest reason I am imploring a vote for Romney is this. Our children and their children. I want to see future generations enjoy the greatest parts of living as Americans. The freedoms, the wholesome values, the opportunities. The ability to worship freely and live by our beliefs. The simple right to LIVE and be born. I will likely not be here in 30-40 years, so it is not for myself that I am fighting. I want to see the generations growing up now be able to live in our great country as it was meant to be.

I still ask God to recognize that there are many. many faithful that have not taken this country for granted, or the blessings He has given us here. Not all would spit in His eye and reject the life He gives.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Call the Midwife

I just happened upon this show the other day, and I was very pleasantly surprised. When I saw it was about a young girl just out of midwife- school (or whatever it is called), sent to live in a poor section of London, in a convent and working alongside the nuns, I readied myself for the critical, politically correct tone that I am used to see accompanying such topics.

Well, was I wrong! Yes, the setting is one of poverty and it doesn't look like the general population then (it takes place in the late 50's) is very educated, but what comes through is not what I expected.

Watch Call the Midwife - Episode 1 on PBS. See more from Call the Midwife.

Looking at it as I can't help look at everything, with prolife eyes, I am so touched and truly amazed that a series like this is coming out in the times we now live, from the UK. And thankful. Watch this short piece about how the actors react to working with the babies:

Watch Behind the Scenes - Working with Babies on PBS. See more from Call the Midwife.

God is touching hearts. Once again through the tiniest, most helpless of us.


 You can watch the whole first episode here. The second airs Sunday, October 7 on PBS. Check your local listings for the time.

Be encouraged!

A nice woman approached me at the vigil I posted here last, and gave me a card with this paragraph on it. She had seen me going around snapping pictures, and for whatever reason, felt she needed to share this with me.

It is nice to receive encouragement.

I was watching this video-




--and Mr. D'Souza shared an Indian saying at about 13:25--"After crossing the mountains -- more mountains." He was talking about how it is easy for conservatives to grow weary.

Galatians 6:9 says this-

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

In my very humble opinion, Barack Obama would not be president today if people had not "given up" to the media blitz for Obama, if the faithful Christians of America had done their own homework, rather than letting themselves be led by headlines and weak pastoral statements about "conscience" fromt he American Bishops. (for those of us who are Catholic). There are plenty now who are taking a much clearer stance.

"You need to think and pray very carefully about your vote, because a vote for a candidate who promotes actions or behaviors that are intrinsically evil and gravely sinful makes you morally complicit and places the eternal salvation of your own soul in serious jeopardy."-Bishop Thomas Paprocki

 Now, folks, we have no excuse. Let's not be lazy. Don't simply " hope for the best." Don't be taken in by the Obama-Media. Don't let polls discourage you. Consider that there may be some who would try to dishearten conservative voters with smears against Gov. Romney. I think he will do well in the debates, but even if he doesn't, or (this is likely) that you and I think he does well, but the media proclaims him as losing--don't be swayed. Remember your children and grandchildren, who may have to live under whatever the Unconcerned-about-Reelection-Obama dishes out. (shudder.)

Unborn babies cannot do anything unless we rise up to help them. Re-electing this man is tantamount to a death sentence for untold numbers of the unborn. It is an invitation to an even more rapid decline of the values that helped shape America. Before anyone feels the need to react to these statements, no, I don't expect abortions to stop on a dime on January 22, 2013. Or that Roe v Wade will overturn immediately. But I DO know that Obamacare will go, which will spark businesses and restore religious freedom to those opposed to the mandate. Oh, and relieve many American doctors. Maybe even the March for Life on January 25, 2013, will actually be acknowledged. Maybe even the number topping a quarter of a million marchers will even be reported accurately. Hey, a girl can dream!

"It is imperative that the entire Catholic community in the United States come to realize the grave threats to the Church’s public moral witness presented by a radical secularism which finds increasing expression in the political and cultural spheres. The seriousness of these threats needs to be clearly appreciated at every level of ecclesial life. Of particular concern are certain attempts being made to limit that most cherished of American freedoms, the freedom of religion." -- Pope Benedict XVI



Glenn beck held a telephone conference on Tuesday night (Sept. 25), explicitly for Catholics. He urged us to get on our knees for our country. There is a recording of the half-hour call on the net somewhere, but I couldn't remember where I saw it, and couldn't locate it today. I usually am kind of freaked out by him, but I am glad I tuned in.


So, friends, I encourage you! Do not give up! Let's fight the good fight every day, wherever our footsteps take us. Everything belongs to God. Let's live in the times we are born, as people that recognize that and are willing to live as His children, acknowledging Him in all we do and say.

~God Bless You~

+JMJ+

Kelly

a strong message

 I appreciate his common sense clarity.

yeah, she said it!

And I for one especially appreciate it.

I have been churning away at my schoolwork and other things, and am brimming with things I would like to share with you, but this woman speaks so well on this issue, I just had to share it with you.

Thanks Manny for sharing it with me!

7 quick March for Life-and other pro life- type things- takes

1. We weren't even sure we were going to be able to go to the March this year, until I got an email from a very faithful prolife warrior friend announcing a fully paid for bus that he was trying to fill. So, we helped him out. And this definitely made us feel that God was involved, but...it was rainy~ and cold! So all the way up to getting out of bed that cold, wet Monday at Four-O'clock-ish, I was deliberating. But Malaika was going this year for the first time, and I knew so many others were going to make the sacrifice, so! We went. OF COURSE I forgot the camera! Yes there are multitudes of photos from that day, but none are us. Malaika took some shots with her phone. If we ever get them onto the computer, I may share them with you. I don't think any of them are us, either.

2. ( or, 1, continued) After seeing all the people that traveled to the march from all over the country and the world, of course I felt shamed. There were people from Canada; and my dear friend Beth told me this morning there were some from Russia! Yikes. There were people with their children in plastic covered strollers, people in wheelchairs, people on crutches. There were many elderly and there were high school and college groups, who gave the very dreary day a great shot of enthusiasm, and well, life! Despite the weather, there was a record turnout. Some estimates have said 400,000. The usual media downplay said things like 17,000. Ha! I know for a fact there were at least 17,000 in line for one of the bathrooms in Union Station.

3. (or 1, continued). ( Like how I still call this 7 quick takes?) I feel glad that so many understand that our sacrifices in attending that day WILL count, if to no one else, to God. And Who Else better? So many who couldn't attend held us all in their prayers, many thanks for that!


7.Now a few personal notes. Drum roll please..bbbrrrbrbrbrbr...tsh! (that was the cymbal crash). Remember that contest in which I asked you all to vote for my husband? Well, he won! First prize! So proud of him. And he wins $1000!  Thank you all for your generous support!

 Me. School. Hard. Exhaustion. That's all.

My daughter Corrie is moving back home this weekend. Please pray for her, if you would. Her seizures returned with a scary incident one night (she now has stitches next to her eye), and other things she really needs lots of prayer support for. Another daughter,Melissa, is doing really well, and I thank you for all your prayers for her, please don't stop just yet! I believe she has a special call on her life, and so is opposed very fiercely. Rachael is going through some tough times as well, so...well, you know the drill. All my kids have green scapulars, and I pray for them with the powerful intercession afforded by Our Lady.
Remember the Taking the Christmas Tree down scenario? Well, I am STILL taking down the other decorations. They are staring at me as I write this. I know, I know. I'm getting there!

Blessings and peace to all my dear readers~

+JMJ+

Kelly

7 quick takes Friday, #5

1.  You may have noticed the new playlist. Someone from an airplane may have spotted it too. But I like it. I've included some of my favorite music. It is not meant to make any particular statement, except to showcase what I like, and share it with you, and hope you like it too. As you will see, my taste is rather eclectic. You can listen to whatever selection you like by clicking on it, and skip over ones you don't. I will add to it over time. You can also just click pause to hush it up.


2. Here are a few of the books I am hoping to read over Lent:
The Bible (no not the whole thing)


The Faith of the Early Fathers, William Jurgens


Slouching Towards Gomorrah, Robert Bork

He Leadeth Me, Walter Ciczek


Journey to Easter-Pope Benedict

Finding God's Will for you-Francis De Sales. (also re-read Introduction to the Devout Life)


Something by Ranerio Cantalamessa, preacher to the Papal household, and who I had the blessing of hearing speak live several years ago.


Characters of the Passion-Fulton Sheen

Imitation of Christ-Thomas a Kempis


Confessions--St. Augustine ( I slog my way through this periodically, I find it hard going)


anybody have any suggestions? It doesn't have to be strictly religious...


3.  For those who may not be a facebook "friend" here is my testimony from the March for Life. I will refrain from self commenting, except to say, that was the day I felt myself getting  sick, and today, I am still fighting to get completely better. sheesh.  Remember to pause the exquisite music before watching.








4. Today I went to #7 of my First Fridays. I pray I will be able to attend nine with no interruption, and maybe break that pattern of mine that is the Anti-Novena. Another one starts today, the Novena of Grace, that I mentioned in my previous post. That one is every single day for nine days...

5. By the way, Dear Readers, do you see the hyperlinks I post? Are they a different color text before you hover over them? Or do you only stumble on them? Bob, at his computer at work, can't see them.  I have to tell him to look for them, but they still work. 

6. _Here_was supposed to be a little group of pictures that I  took of some religious art in our house. My camera declined, after taking the pictures , to turn on again. So--look for it in the near, (I hope) future!  Besides this little snafu, I found Malaika's project she needed to turn in to school today. With that, and something Rachael also forgot, I now have to go make the rounds of the kids schools.  And then to my friend, the Acme. My, how the term "friend" has evolved. Between a large building full of groceries and an entity floating around in the air, mysteriously controlled by my keyboard....

7. My Friday prayer:

Lord, thank you for helping me make it to mass this morning. Please help me be able to function past 4:00 this afternoon.

Thanks!

Kelly