Voris and the Bishops

Just for my friend who commented on my last posting of a Voris video.

Voris' focus is on Catholics in the here and now. I don't think he is ignorant nor selective about history. I do think his role is to help us wake up today and be the best Catholics we can, for our own souls and for others. He obviously is not timid in pointing out the failings of some of the people within the Church. Nor is he playing the whining victim. In fact I have heard he comes under attack quite regularly for his outspokenness.

Going Small

I have been ruminating since the election on just how to go forward from here, personally, spiritually.


Without going into what may or may not have happened on election day and then the resignation of General Petraeus and how everything fits together, or doesn't--or if it's all one huge co-inky-dink--I find myself wanting to focus on what I can do now.

 Of course, there has been a lot of God Is In Control messages in the air, and, of course, He is, but if anyone is like me -- wanting to know my next assignment, wanting to DO something to fend off being demoralized, wanting to listen for His voice specifically to me, then you may also be casting about.


The term, "going small," kept coming to mind. While the larger world does it's own thing, my calling to what's put in front of me suddenly kind of came into focus. There are lots of people in my life that could use some love and attention. They could really use His loving touch.

 

Just for starters.

I always knew this and already accepted it as my vocation, but now, somehow, I feel a renewed sense of it's importance in God's larger plan. And yes, I realize that was always true as well. That He has always been in the Renewal of Hearts Business. Not knowing what is happening to our country needn't become Not Living as His child, or Not Believing He will preserve His children no matter what.

This past Sunday, we attended a Communion Breakfast and the Monsignor that spoke shared EXACTLY what I have been feeling and thinking. He conveyed it way better than I.

At the end, he used this illustration-




You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read the article straight through, and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series Winners.

How did you do?

• The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
• These are no second-rate achievers.
• They are the best in their fields.
• But the applause dies.
• Awards tarnish.
• Achievements are forgotten.
• Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Did you find that Easier?

The lesson:

• The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..
• The most money…or the most awards…
• They simply are the ones who care the most

God Bless you

+JMJ+

Kelly

quiz credit:http://www.upgradereality.com/charles-schulz-philosophy/

Catholic Dignity

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.

RIP Barbara Curtis--Update from her husband

 I am just shocked at this!

What an incredible lady. RIP Barbara.



http://mommylife.net/archives/2012/11/barbara_curtisf.html

Sandy

So here we go folks! Hang on to your hats! And pray. Please pray. Ultimately, our God supplies ALL our needs and knows every hair on our heads. He is the One we can trust during all the storms of life. Yes, prepare. Yes, do everything you know how to to help mitigate possibly having to stay inside without power for at least three days. I know the local govt. and power companies are readying for widespread power outages, but they won't be able to get out until the storm has passed.
I have already noticed people being a little kinder to one another, and having to stay in together can be a welcome time away from the fast pace of everyday life.

I know of at least a couple people in harm's way, very close to the NJ coast. For them I especially pray.

For us, so far it has mainly been cleaning up and cooking things, anticipating the loss of power


Psalm 91:14-16

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."


Luke 21:18
But not a hair of your head will perish.. 


I am asking the Lord to have mercy on all in Sandy's path and that all might know that He is their rock and salvation, and it is He that holds our hand.

Prayer of Entrustment to the Divine Mercy

O Lord, our God.
We place our trust in You,
Because you are mercy itself.
We repent of our sins and turn to You for mercy.
We trust You to provide for our every need, according to Your will.
Help us to forgive others as You forgive us.
We promise to be merciful by our deeds, words and prayers.
Though we have fears because of human weakness, we rely on Your infinite goodness and mercy.
We entrust to You the future of our planet, our Church, our nations, our families and all our needs. 
With loud cries we implore your mercy on us and on the whole world.
Look upon us, created in your image and likeness.
Form us in the Heart of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit into the living images of mercy.
May all come to know the depth of Your mercy and sing the praises of Your mercy forever. Amen!

If you wish you can pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet-

Divine Mercy Chaplet

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

My baby is 13

Saying Happy Birthday, big- brother style.

These were at the apple -slingshots.

<<<<   see the yellow apple flying?

 Face painting. Rachael walking by in the background.









some
impressive
face
painters!

 

On a hayride

Melissa :)

Malaika, looking fierce!

Some nice memories of  nice day!