Thursday, December 28, 2006

Feast of the Holy Innocents

Let us remember all those innocent souls who were killed by abortion. Let us pray that they are with God...someone who has loved them from the beginning.

And may we use this day to reflect on the best way to change the laws allowing this barbariac crime to occur.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

DK's Christmas Concert

Last night was the dk's Christmas concert. Afterwards they had a little gathering in the Parish hall. Each family had to bring something in depending on what grade your child was in. I had to bring in a dessert and fruit. I noticed my squares went pretty fast but my fruit didn't. Guess that goes to show you what people like to eat...all the sweet stuff, not the healthy stuff.

That's not the reason of my post. For 9 years I have been going to these concerts every year. I missed one because of work. Not once have they told the Nativity story according to the Bible. Each class gets up and sings a song. Half of them have no Christian meaning. And this is a Catholic school. There was one modern dance show which they looked like those circque de soliel people, and another one where they were up swinging there hips like Elvis...not appropriate for a Catholic school if you ask me.

The closest thing to telling the story was my youngest dd's kindergarden class. They sang a song about it set to the tune of the wheels on the bus.

There were no Bible readings.

Is it too much to ask that during this time of year, especially at a Catholic school you at least do a reading or two on the whole reason for Christmas. I did every year at my school (except the year we did The Best Christmas Pagent...I went to a public school...but that was before the whole backlash where they took the Lord's Prayer out of it).

And the majority of people did not bless themselves with the holy water upon entering and leaving the church. I did not see anyone kneel in front of the crucifix and I was at the front so I could notice that. People in my view didn't kneel and pray either before and after the service...it was in the church. Shouldn't the same rules apply...


I guess bottom line is it doesn't matter. It is not up to me to judge other people, but I sure was proud of youngest dd who did use the holy water, and needed to sit at the end to see baby Jesus (that's what she calls the crucifix) and kneeled before it.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

What Christmas Ornament are you

You Are an Angel

A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.


Posted this only because I'd rather be an angel than anything else!

Lazarus

Today is the feast day of Lazarus.

He is the man Jesus raised from the dead.
OK...there has to be some meaning in that just for me.

I am thinking my life was dead before and Jesus is about to raise me to a different life, if only I'd let him.

It is also my 35 birthday...one I have been dreading.
It is really hard for me but I'm sure I'll get over it.

Two things to share

A resident at work called me. She was worried about me, wanted to make sure I was OK. She had heard the girls talking about me (Grrrr...stupid co-workers) and thought she would call me. I am glad somebody called to see how I am. It's nice to have someone call just to ask how your doing. She told me she says a whole rosary for me everyday...all 3 parts (most of the elderly don't say the luminious ones...). I was so touched by that.

And I have not been going to mass as much. I don't really want to post all the reasons why online in case it's used against me in the future but it's not my idea to stay home. Please say a prayer that I'll be able to go again...and so will my dk's.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Tonitht a friend cam eover

She's been my friend for 34 years. Yes...along time.
She wrote me a wonderful letter I will always cherish

We also talked about how her grandma went to mass everyday, sometimes 2 and was angry at God when she got sick and was dying. really made me think...I mean everyone dies but we dont' expect God to make us suffer.

But we should take the suffering along with the good. i try to look at suffering as a test of faith. It is a type of penance that makes me stronger. And I've become very strong with all the suffering.

It just was a very thought provoking conversation and I wanted to share it.

Ignore my terible spelling...sleepig pills are kicking in an I need to go to bed.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

St. John of the Cross

In honour of his feast day today I will post a few quotes:

The Lord measures our perfection neither by the multitude nor the magnitude of our deeds, but by the manner in which we perform them.

Live in the world as if only God and your soul were in it; then your heart will never be made captive by any earthly thing.

O you souls who wish to go on with so much safety and consolation, if you knew how pleasing to God is suffering, and how much it helps in acquiring other good things, you would never seek consolation in anything; but you would rather look upon it as a great happiness to bear the Cross of the Lord.

In giving us His Son, His only Word, He spoke everything to us at once in this sole Word -- and He has no more to say...because what he spoke before to the prophets in parts, he has now spoken all at once by giving us the All Who is His Son.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Something I realized

I am bipolar.
I have problems with my moods.
I was very stable until recently when dh and I broke up.

Lately I have been feeling down. Worrying that I'd get into a deep, dark pit again. I have been trying really hard, doing everything I can not to go there but I worry about how this will affect my dk's. Reality is I have enough support and such a great handle on my illness I shouldn't worry about my dk's.

I was talking to my neighbour the other day. I told him that at least he still has a relationship. He has the illusion and hope of a good relationship. I don't have that anymore. He said I have the chance at a new and better relationship. That really hit home.

My relationship with dh wasn't good. I had wanted to leave. I had wanted him to leave. I had wanted us to go for counselling but he wouldn't. I felt stuck and trapped. I knew God wouldn't want me to leave the relationship. For me the only valid reason to leave is abuse or adultry. I prayed to God to help, to show me a sign, a way out. He did.

I just didn't understand it until I looked at it in the right way.
I now can see His plan. I can see it.

Funny how things have a way of changing us when we understand.
I feel more at peace now...better about myself.
Hopefully I can avoid the pit now.

Our Lady of Guadalupe




Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mystical Rose, make intercession for holy Church, protect the sovereign Pontiff, help all those who invoke you in their necessities, and since you are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from your most holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, of sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life of burning charity, and the precious gift of final perseverance.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Christmas is hard



The past few days have been very hard for me. Alot of tears shed. Alot of memories...we use to go as a family to a tree farm and he would cut the tree down, this year we went to a store and picked one out. We use to sit together at night after the dk's were in bed and look at the tree. I am glad last year I bought all new ornaments so I don't have to remember the memories associated with each ornament.

This year I am going to concentrate on this Christmas on the true meaning of Christmas. Something I think won't be associated with memories because I am Catholic, he was not.

Christmas Tree

The modern Christmas tree was likely born in the 8th century, when St. Boniface was converting the Germanic tribes. The tribes worshipped oak trees, decorating them for the winter solstice. St. Boniface cut down an enormous oak tree, that was central to the worship of a particular tribe, but a fir tree grew in its place. The evergreen was offered as a symbol of Christianity, which the newly converted Germans began decorating for Christmas. The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind,which is in Christ Jesus. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven


Santa Claus

Patron saint of children and sailors, Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century bishop from Asia Minor. He was famous for giving gifts to children. His feast day, December 6, became a children's holiday in Holland, where he is known as Sint Nikolaas. English colonists in New York (previously the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam) called him "Santa Claus" because they couldn't pronounce the Dutch name. The English began celebrating the feast day on Christmas. Santa Clause symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December. We are Not to worship Santa Clause, but learn of the Giving Nature he represents. Santa Clause gives gifts, just like the greatest gift we have ever received: Jesus Christ. We give gifts to others in thanks for the Greatest Gift God Gave us, "Jesus

In addition to the tradition of Saint Nicholas, the three Wise Men gave gifts to the baby Jesus, starting the Christmas gift tradition.



Holly

One of the most popular Christmastime accoutrements, holly has sharp edges, symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at his crucifixion. The red berries represent blood.



Candy Cane

Some scholars believe a confectioner developed candy canes to represent Jesus. The shape of the "J" was for Jesus, or the shepherd's staff. The white color symbolized purity, while the red stripes indicated blood. Peppermint is similar to hyssop, the Middle Eastern mint mentioned in the Bible.



STAR.

The star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise.



Candle.

It symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness." It use to be that candles were placed on the Christmas tree. I prefer LED lights...safer and use less electricity. I still light candles throughout my house, especially during the Christmas season and during prayers.



ANGEL

The angels heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men." I always had an angel on the top of my tree. This is the first year I have a star.



BELL

As the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.



POINSETTIAS

One legend has it that a young Mexican boy, on his way to visit the village Nativity scene, realized he had no gift for the Christ child. He gathered pretty green branches from along the road and brought them to the church. Though the other children mocked him, when the leaves were laid at the manger, a beautiful star-shaped flower appeared on each branch. The bright red petals, often mistaken for flowers, are actually the upper leaves of the plant


The Twelve Days of Christmas Song

According to Snopes.com this is false...but I still think it is neat and wanted to post it.

~The 'partridge in a pear tree' means there is only one God and is also symbolic of Jesus (see Luke 13:34).

~The 'two turtle doves' are the Old and New Testaments.

~The 'three French hens' are the three Persons of the holy Trinity or the three virtues: faith, hope, and love, though according to Ace Collins' book "Stories of the Best Loved Christmas Songs", they represent the expensive gifts of the Wise Men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

~The 'four calling birds' are the Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; or their Gospels.

~Five gold rings' are the first five books of the Bible, or the Pentateuch.

~Six geese a-laying' refer to the six days of the Creation.

~Seven swans a-swimming' are the seven sacraments and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

~Eight maids a-milking' are the eight Beatitudes.

~Nine ladies dancing' are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

~Ten lords a-leaping' are the Ten Commandments.

~Eleven pipers piping' are the eleven faithful Apostles.

~Twelve drummers drumming' are the twelve doctrines in the Apostles' Creed.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Juan Diego

Let us all remember him today...and what he did for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe is coming up soon and without Juan this would have had a totally different ending. His beliefs and convictions are something we should all inspire too.

Prayer to Juan Diego

Blessed Juan, you faced the skepticism and rejection of a bishop and the crowds to bring Mary's message to Mexico. Pray for us that when we are faced with obstacles to our faith we may show that same courage and commitment. Amen

Isn't it ironic how almost everything is applicable in someway to everyone at the same time. I see this as a beacon for my situation right now...I'm sure someone else who has a totally different problem will get a different message from it. I just needed to point that out.

All I can say is GOOD.

The Vatican is agreeing with excommunicating alot of people who are members of groups associated with women priests,priests marrying, euthenasia, abortion and the way the Church handled the sex abuse scandal. I do believe in free choice and speech but if you don't believe in the core beliefs of the Church why would you want to change it to suit your needs. Just leave the Church. Murder is wrong no matter how you go about doing it.

It's about time the Vatican did this...wish more and more people would be excommunicated.

Read about it here

Friday, December 08, 2006

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary


THE DOCTRINE

In the Constitution Ineffabilis Deus of 8 December, 1854, Pius IX pronounced and defined that the Blessed Virgin Mary "in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin."

Read more about it here.

And for the record: my Parish is called Immaculate Conception.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Since tomorrow is Immaculate Conception

You were not suppose to eat meat today...I got that from moneybags. Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. See I learn something new every day.

And guess what...I didn't eat meat. But that was a coincidence.

So tomorrow I'm going to think of a new penance. I better hurry up...I have 90 minutes until tomorrow.

St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose of Milan

In my city there are 4 Catholic schools...one is French Immersion. The school you go to is by the area you live in. One of them is St. Ambrose. My dk's do not go to this school but I still feel a connection to this saint just because one of the schools is named after him.

Prayer requests

For Fr. Bourque who passed away. And what do I do when I hear the news? Swear. (Just a little one) What kind of person swears when they hear their favourite priest passes away.

I also am requesting prayers for an unnamed friend who is very sick, has lost alot of weight and they don't know what is wrong with her. She has 7 children that really need their Mommy.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

St. Nicholas


Read about him here


How ironic he is the patron saint of lawsuits lost unjustly...right now I feel this whole battle of the criminal charges and future custody case is a losing battle. It is getting nasty.

Also it's ironic how he got thieves and others to repent. I am hoping it is a sign St. Nicholas will intervene for me to help HIM to repent and do the right thing.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Thanks to Angela Messenger

Christmas meme
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate, can't stomach Egg Nog!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? They are all co-ordinated and wrapped. Each dk has their own wrapping paper and Santa's gifts always have Santa paper on them.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Red LED.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, besides it's too pagan.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Advent Sunday. Which was today. And it snowed...perfect.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? All the stuff, piles and piles of it!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Waking up super early and Mom telling us to go back to sleep and trying to sneak down the stairs.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? When I was in gr 6 and found the presents.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Eve. We open one present on Christmas Eve. The rest wait until Christmas.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? It has always been home made ornaments that mostly I made...last year I bought gold balls and red ribbons after Christmas, so that's what my tree will look like this year. I am on the hunt for a gold angel.

11. Snow? Love it or Dread it? HATE IT

12. Can you ice skate? It's OK, too cold to do alot.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No

14. What's the most exciting thing about the Holidays for you? Unfortunately I don't think there will be much excitement this year. I expect it to be hard. :(

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pumpkin Pie and I usually bake a cake for Jesus' birthday.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Nativity scenes! Watching movies...I love to watch A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve...It's a Wonderful Life, and I love to watch the midnight mass by the Pope on tv.

17. What tops your tree? Last year it was a homemade angel, but I am on the lookout for a gold star or angel.

18. Which do you prefer - giving or receiving? Giving, I have everything I need.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I have always loved The First Noel and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...but this year they just bring back too many memories and make me cry. I also like Feliz Navidad from when I was in Texas.

20. Candy Canes? Sure, especially cherry and butterscotch flavoured ones.


Guess I tag Barb...since she did it the last time :)

I need to say it




The Pope was fine...St. Catherine Laboure was with him.
He left on her feast day...she once again came through...thanks to my favourite saint.

Another Novena

Immaculate Conception Novena is linked to there.

I wanted to share this with everyone, in case anyone was interested.

A Lament over Betrayal

1. For the leader, On stringed instruments. A maskil of David

I
2 Listen, God, to my prayer; do not hide from my pleading;
3 hear me and give answer. I rock with grief; I groan
4 at the uproar of the enemy, the clamor of the wicked. They heap trouble upon me, savagely accuse me
5 My heart pounds within me; death's terrors fall upon me.
6 Fear and trembling overwhelm me; shuddering sweeps over me.
7 I say "If only I had wings like a dove that I might fly away and find rest.
8 Far away I would flee; I would stay in the desert.
9 I would soon find a shelter from the raging wind and storm"

II
10 Lord, check and confuse their scheming. I see violence and strife in the city
11 making rounds on its walls day and night. Within are mischief and evil;
12 treachery is there as well; oppression and fraud never leave its streets.
13 If an enemy had reviled me, that I could bear; If my foe had viewed me with contemp, from that I could hide.
14 But it was you, my other self, my comrad and friend,
15 You, whose company I enjoyed, at whose side I walked in procession in the house of God.

III
16 Let death take them by suprise; let them go down alive to SHeol, for evil is in their homes and hearts.
17 But I will call upon God, and the Lord will save me.
18 At dusk, dawn, and noon I will grieve and complain and my prayer will be heard.
19 God will give me freedom and peace from those who war against me, though there are many who oppose me.
20 God, who sits enthroned forever, will her me and humble them. For they will not mend their ways; they have no fear of God.
21 They strike out at friends and go back on their promises.
22 Softer than butter is their speech but war is in their hearts. Smoother than oil are their words but they are unsheathed swords.
23 Cast your care upon the Lord, who will give you support. God will never allow the righteous to stumble.
24 But you, God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction. These blood thirsty liars will not live half their days, but I put my trust in you.


Psalm 55

OK, the only part that doesn't speak to me is the part about wishing them to death. I do not wish HIM to die, I really do want him to be happy and I do forgive him. That doesn't mean I will allow HIM to do it again.

I think I found this chapter on a link that Moneybags sent to me. It was a bishop's conference on domestic violence. It was a great thing to read. Very helpful to me...thanks Moneybags.