"Castitas" Video - College and the Alpha Male: Part One and Part Two

Okay. I'm coming off as a complete goob during Part One when I refer to the online radio show, Catholic 2.0 with its host, Commander Craig. For some reason, I called him "The Captain" instead of "The Commander." Sheesh!

I "met" Brian P. Craig through Facebook and thought his concept intriguing. Since I worked at a radio station eons ago, I can vouch for the fact that producing radio isn't easy, especially when you're trying to do everything yourself. So I definitely am giving him a big "nod of the mantilla" for boldly going where few people would ever go.

In these videos, I talk about the book, Sex & the Soul: Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance, and Religion on America's College Campuses by Donna Freitas. I never heard of Donna Freitas until I heard her interviewed on Catholic 2.0. (Show Date: 8/2/08) I was fascinated because it focused on an area and demographic I wanted to reach. Her book is surprising, bittersweet, and wistful in its description of the "hooking up" culture that exists on college campuses.

Although I wasn't able to go into as much detail as I would have liked, I want to reiterate here that women have the power to change that culture. However, in order for it to change, there must be a large population of women who say, "No more." Those who keep saying "yes" even when they'd rather not, make it difficult for everyone else to say "no." I'm not a feminist per se, but I'm all for sisterhood solidarity when it comes to protecting women's chastity and virtue. Men have had it too easy for far too long and women are now bearing the brunt of the sexual "freedom" from the sixties. In fact, I'd say that women are more oppressed by societal expectations that she is "liberated" than they were in the 1950's.

I don't believe women can date like men or sleep around like men. The sexual experience for women is near to her heart because God has created it so. After watching girlfriend after girlfriend try to play it loose and fancy-free, every one of them ended up broken and empty.

Perhaps this is why I feel so strongly about doing what I am doing. I don't want to see young women get caught in the same trap. Cherish yourself because God cherishes you. He has created you for beauty and love - not to be treated like a cheap pair of shoes worn by every selfish guy on campus. God will give you the strength to say no as long as you are open and willing to hear His voice. When you are at your weakest, He will quickly rush toward you, scooping you up and bringing you close to His breast. You can rejoice in knowing you are not alone and not without resources. God will meet your every need.

So, here is Part One:



And...Part Two: (After much editing, I barely got it in under the 10 minute mark!)

Seven Years Ago Today: Remembrance of 9/11

I am sure like everyone else, you remember where you were when you heard about the terrorist attack on 9/11.

I remember this period of time clearly because it was when I was falling in love with my soon-to-be husband. Mickey had not yet asked me to marry him, but it was clear our relationship was getting serious quickly. We had met online at the end of July 2001 in a Christian chat room - of all places. I certainly wasn't expecting to meet anyone significant in a chat room, but there he was, handsome and full of politeness for everyone. I privately messaged him to ask if he was as serious as his photo seemed to be and he quickly typed, "Some people wonder if I'm ever serious!" It was the start of a beautiful relationship. His personality was revealed to be warm, funny, playful, and as I soon discovered - extremely intelligent. In addition, he had devastatingly gorgeous eyes, lips, and cheekbones. (What can I say? I appreciate good bone structure.) Yes, I was smitten.

So on that sunny Tuesday, I went to work like most people. At the time, I was working part-time at an in-house print shop for an annuity company. We had a company meeting that morning. After it was finished, I saw some of the executives huddle together in the front, one talking animatedly. I figured it was industry talk. Then they announced what had happened in New York City. I remember feeling fuzzy, as though I was having a bad dream. We quickly dispersed to our departments. One woman had a small TV in her work area and we huddled around it. I was stunned to see the footage of not just one, but two planes run straight into the Twin Towers.

My fuzziness evaporated and turned into a mixture of rage, fear, and a deep sorrow for the lives lost. During lunchtime, I dialed Mickey's phone number. I was grateful to reach him. He was the first person I wanted to connect with about the event. We quickly said how we couldn't believe what was happening and just was relieved to have each other. We prayed for the survivors, the families who lost their loved ones, and the first responders.

I then called everyone else I knew throughout the day to tell them I loved them. My parents, brother, friends. I felt alone and in shock that something of this magnitude could happen.

I may add more thoughts throughout the day. For now, I'll say some prayers for those who have lost loved ones and those who are still dealing with what happened on that fateful day.

Here's a video I found. It's long, but it's also very raw in its footage. Videotaped by the NYC Fire Department. Never forget...

Praise Report: New Job!

I am in awe of God. My gratitude toward His infinite mercy and providence truly knows no bounds at this moment. Through a very odd set of circumstances, it looks like I will start a brand new job next week!

What is amazing to me is that I could not have asked for a more perfect job. In fact, I have been searching for this type of a job for quite some time, with no success and today, it literally fell into my lap. So next week, I will be "testing out" my new position as a Graphic Designer/Writer/PR assistant/Web Design Support for a small company. I am beyond thrilled that God has answered my prayer to find a position that would utilize my college degree, and my writing/designing skills.

The company culture is a good fit for me. They're a great group of people who genuinely enjoy working together. It is a casual environment and for the most part, laid-back. I don't sense that the company president is a frantic ball of nerves, demanding everyone to wrap themselves around his personal brand of crazy.

I'll be in a "testing phase" because both of us want this to be a good fit. If I'm not what they need, they'll interview more people and I'll bow out. If they're not what I like, it's understood I'll move along. I have several part-time jobs but quite honestly, I need more income - hence the requests for prayer and petitions.

What is wild is that just this morning during Mass, I asked God to please bring me an opportunity to use my talents, education, and skills. I was getting a little discouraged because I realize I'm not, as they say, "a spring chicken" anymore. As much as some companies would deny any bias against older applicants, I know it exists. One look at my resume and anyone could tell I've been working for quite some time. And some read that as potentially problematic because older employees generally ask for higher pay (and typically deserve it) and are not as "pliable" in attitude.

In other words, older employees often don't mince words and if they have a bad attitude, it will not likely change.

So. This company is willing to give me a chance and I am ready to make the most of it. Now my prayers will be that I'll be on the same page with their vision and able to execute it with precision. I'll still be praying!

Meanwhile, I wanted to thank you if you sent up a prayer or two for me. Job hunting is never fun. Although I've been searching for a part-time position, I'm thinking I'll be able to deal with an office environment full-time if it is a creative position. And this position will definitely be using every creative bone in my body.

Thank you God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, St. Anthony, and all the saints who heard my cry! Amen and amen!

What I Love About Catholicism: Marriage

Some of you may know that I am in the process of going through the annulment process on behalf of my husband's previous marriage. My husband had been married briefly in his twenties and was single for 12 years before marrying me. When we met, I was very far from the Catholic church. I had just ended my time at a major Christian ministry and was attending church services at my hometown non-denominational church. When my husband and I finally married, we did so at that same church. I didn't seek any connection with the Catholic church because as far as I was concerned at that point, I was never going back. It simply didn't matter.

Last year, after my mother passed away, I started to feel this niggling thought of returning to the Catholic church. I fought it for a few reasons. It wasn't until I started to investigate returning that I realized just because I wasn't married before didn't mean the Catholic church could quickly convalidate my marriage. My husband's first marriage needed to be annulled first before that could happen.

When I met with the parish priest who is our advocate, he confirmed that I could not receive the Eucharist until this was done. I thought it was a good way to help me absorb the Real Presence because at that point, I wasn't buying into transubstantiation. In fact, I am aware that many Catholics don't believe in the Real Presence but that communion is simply a symbolic act. I understand well their beliefs. However, I will say that over the past few months, the Lord has been speaking to me about His Presence during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I am understanding Him in a new way and am so very grateful.

This denial of the Eucharist to me is not "cruel" but instead emphasizes the importance the Roman Catholic Church places on marriage. The Catholic church takes marriage seriously because our Lord Jesus Christ took marriage seriously. We know from the Scripture that Jesus spoke against divorce. But yet how often do we see Christians getting married for the second, third, or even fourth time and hardly anyone bats an eye?

When I was involved in the non-denominational churches, I remember meeting some people who were re-married. I remember couples getting divorced and it didn't seem much was done to speak against it, at least from the pulpit. I didn't feel that stern rebuke from heaven, and all seemed well if the two people involved just couldn't get along and decided to part ways.

After visiting another parish (the one I usually attend today), I made an appointment to speak with the senior pastor. I explained to him my situation, just to make certain that I was to refrain from receiving the Eucharist. He confirmed this was true. Then he said something interesting. He leaned toward me and said, "Isn't the Catholic church wonderful to care enough to do this?"

I nodded vigorously. In fact, my beloved priest hit the proverbial nail square on the head. I said, "You know what, Father? I feel loved. Cared for. It's like a child who will constantly push the boundaries with her parents. She feels loved and cared for when they say no, when they set rules and tell her it's because they love her so much that they'll protect her. That's how I feel right now. Protected."

Not condemned, but rather awaiting a possible reprieve. I made a mistake and I pray God will untie the knots that bind me. But to me, the Catholic Church is alone in telling me I screwed up and now I need to rectify the situation. That's what I love about Catholicism. It will tell you the hard things no one else will tell you but quickly add that you are still very much loved and it is because you are loved so much that a chastening must occur.

I want to point out what the Episcopal Bishops are doing in California. They don't seem to be taking marriage seriously at all. In fact, it's downright sinful what they're doing. It doesn't seem to phase them that the purpose of marriage is to raise holy families. In fact, the Episcopal Bishops say they are fighting against Proposition 8 because they are "calling for compassion, love and equal protections" for homosexuals.

The interesting thing is homosexuals already have equal protections. In fact, I'd venture to say they have a preference in the courtroom. As for compassion and love, they also receive this, but "tough love" isn't something they seem to value. Tough love is telling someone they're going down the wrong path. This is what Catholicism is known for and at the same time, reviled for doing so. If it's one thing a sinful world cannot abide, it is pointing out their sin.

The Catholic Church isn't afraid of making waves because she knows her calling. We have a Higher Authority to answer to and it isn't the Supreme Court. No matter how light the world makes of marriage, we know otherwise.

I hope I will be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament soon. Meanwhile, I am so deeply grateful more than I ever thought I'd be for Catholicism and her strong committment to the Sacrament of Marriage. For it is a sacrament, holy, and ordained by God for those called to this vocation. Returning to the Catholic Church has reaped many benefits, and to me, this is one of the greatest - honoring God's plan for love between a man and a woman.

I Don't Care What the World Wants - A Rant

A recent poll shows that 22 countries want Sen. Barack Obama as our President.

You know what? I don't care. When it comes to choosing our next President, I don't care what the world thinks and frankly, I think it is rather rude and presumptuous of them to think they should have any influence at all. During our last election in 2004, I was shocked when I heard stories about people from other countries flying in to help the Democratic campaign. These people did not live in the United States, nor did they pay taxes. But yet they felt they had the right to be a part of our electoral process because as one said, "who America chooses as their president affects my life more than who my country chooses as president."

For the love of pete. I know some may say this statement is true, but I still say - so what? Our country's government entails more than foreign policy and exports. I don't think I'm alone in saying I am weary of the world's judgment of our country but yet has the expectation that we are to be a generous parent, forever supporting financially everyone who needs it.

I know where this bold (some would call arrogant) attitude comes from. My heritage. Back in the early 1900's, my great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Italy. They spoke no English and started their life as field workers, picking vegetables to earn a meager living. Soon, my great-grandfather decided to start his own produce business. Their children learned English and proudly served in the Army during World War II. The produce business flourished and still exists today, operated by the great-great grandchildren.

People like my great-grandparents built this country. They poured their lifeblood into their families and shaped this nation into what it is today. They owned the country for all of their dedication and hard work.

Now fast forward to today and the "globalization" of everything. I can deal with imports and exports from all over the world but don't tell this country how to run itself. Don't try to tell Americans that because our country is successful while other countries have struggled, we are somehow obligated to listen to them and do their bidding. There are few things that enrage me more than seeing my great-grandparents contribution to this great nation minimized because somehow, a bunch of other countries think they're entitled to it. My great-grandparents sacrificed much not only to bring success to their own lives, but to the country and in my eyes - they deserve some respect.

We have urban sprawl, decreasing populations in the cities while surrounding rural areas are growing, the needs of our educational system, health-care system, social security, and the very real threat of a shrinking middle class. Yes, our country is concerned for the world and we can't afford to be isolationists; but the bottom line is that we as a nation have the right to examine our candidates without worrying what the world thinks. If you're from another nation and care so much, then become a citizen here - pay taxes, and then vote. That's the American Way.

I think I'm safe in saying that most Americans are not for Big Government. We don't cotton to the idea of the government deciding every facet of our lives. This is not a socialist country. (At least, not yet.) We try to rein in extreme control at every opportunity, including the checks and balances our democracy provides. I think "The Great Experiment" has done pretty well for all the ups and downs our country has experienced.

We have no idea how our presidential candidates have been presented to the world, but I sense Sen. Obama has been presented in a glowing light. Still, it's not the world's call regarding who will run our country. The decision belongs to the American taxpayer alone.

And those other countries can keep their own money, too. In fact, here's a thought: For all their complaining about the United States, why not instead channel those donations toward their own country?

Now that would be newsworthy.

A Priest's Thoughts on Pope Benedict's "Journey of Hope"

I am thrilled to have read such a well-written and thought-provoking piece from Fr. George Welzbacher (good German name!), which was featured on Fr. Zuhlsdorf's blog. Since my mind is still on the issue of Catholics and social justice, it especially caught my eye.

I agree with Fr. Z that at times, the "Pastor's Page" of the church bulletin doesn't offer much, but this article was pure meat. Wow. All I can say is the Church of St. John at St. Paul is one blessed parish to have such a wise and courageous priest! I may place a link on the side of my blog just to keep up with their pastor's page!

Here is a snippet of what Fr. Welzbacher said:

Paul is telling us that if we fail to shape our behavior in accord with our faith, we will very soon shape our faith to accord with our behavior. That formula fits the so-called "progressive" Catholic quite well. As St. John tells us in his Second Letter: "Anyone who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son" (2 John :9). There is a kind of "progress" that means turning our backs on God.

Pope Benedict has come to our shores to rescue those who have suffered shipwreck in the faith, or at least to rescue those who are willing to accept the terms that will permit such rescue. Such terms of rescue call fundamentally for a return to the "sound doctrines of which St. Paul speaks, the doctrine protected and proclaimed in Christ’s Church ("the pillar and bulwark of the truth"-1 Timothy 3:15) by the Holy Spirit against the devil’s ceaseless attempts to subvert that doctrine. As Pope Benedict announced, "A people of hope is a people willing to make a change," a people willing to make whatever changes in their lives may be needed to bring them into harmony with Christ’s truth. Whatever may have been the previous course of their lives, if they are willing now, under the grace of God, to change course and and to take Christ’s teachings as the only true compass, they can find their way home to safe haven through "all of life’s tempestuous seas." That is his message to us.

Great stuff!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for this idea. I have found myself looking forward to Mondays as never before. (!) It is surprisingly relaxing to read other women's Daybooks. If you'd like to join in on the fun, click here.


For today, September 8, 2008

Outside My Window...the birds are chattering and the sun is starting to peek through the green leaves of the tall trees. I am grateful more than anyone knows that the view of our new townhome is not looking across a parking lot, another building, or a street - but trees. I love trees!

I am thinking...about my busy week. But quickly am thinking of the trees again. Each time I look at my window, it reminds me of God's beautiful creation.

I am thankful for...my job (ha - got you! Thought I'd say "trees", didn't you?!!) and my husband. Also for our new location that allowed us to take a bike ride yesterday without fearing the traffic. We finally are somewhere that has a proper bike path alongside the road.

From the kitchen...will eventually come a green pepper, onion, and cheese omelet, toast with butter and maybe strawberry jam. I'm not sure about tonight since I'll be working. I may make some pasta salad with veggies for my hubby.

I am wearing...light tan shorts, a floral sleeveless pull-over that has these big red flowers all over it. It's worn but loved since it used to belong to my mother.

I am creating...digital layouts and playing with design ideas. I am stretching my photo-editing software programs to the limit and beyond!

I am going...to work late today, early tomorrow morning. I also will be going to Mass again on Wednesday since I missed the TLM yesterday. I am surprised by how much I love the Traditional Latin Mass. Knock me over with a feather, but there it is.

I am reading..."The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. I pulled it out (again!). I have only read half-way through it but want to finish it this time. I used to be so good with doing "The Morning Pages..."

I am hoping...I can finish that book! And that it helps me move forward creatively.

I am hearing...Archbishop Fulton Sheen on the radio. The station is re-broadcasting his old series, "Life is Worth Living." I adore not only his rich voice (they had such excellent diction in those days!) but the content. What a brilliant mind.

Around the house...are still boxes that need to be unpacked but...I just threw out one more! Hopefully in the next few weeks, there will be no more of these types of boxes.

One of my favorite things...is getting up early to write, with my delicious hot cup of coffee with a little milk and sugar and having the window open while listening to the sounds of nature.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Work, still looking for a good part-time job but if Michael's starts to give me more hours, that might be enough. Calling my brother to sing "Happy Birthday" very badly - a family tradition. Thinking it may be time to start making chili again since the temperature is starting to cool. Maybe...

Small addition: I just heard a gaggle of geese fly overhead, honking their way to everyone ahead! I get such a kick out of the sound of geese.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...A photograph of a sunset from Madison Lake

Catholicism and the Trap of Social Justice

But how can a man be just before God?
- Job 9:2

I bet if I gave some of you three chances to guess what the homily today was about at St. My Way, you'd nail it on the first try.

Today, we heard a reading from Ezekiel and how he was appointed a watchman for Israel, alert to any occasion where Israel slipped into sin. Ezekiel was commanded by God to warn them. It is an amazing command in that God always warns His people before judgement comes. He gives man the opportunity to repent, for God's wrath can be turned by a humble and contrite heart.

This portion of the Old Testament is often used to show the role of prophets in society, which is what the priest did today. He said how churches have to be careful with politics because they can lose their non-profit status if they promote one candidate or party over another. However, he quipped, "We can maintain our non-profit status but be non-prophet to our society." That got a round of applause.

I don't want to give the impression that I don't care about social justice. I know we as God's people are called to "defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy." (Ps. 82:3) The Church is to extend herself to a hurt and dying world. However, I do believe there is a proper order to things. I see many Catholics falling into the trap of placing a pursuit of social justice above all else.

There were two other readings today - one from Romans, talking about loving one another and the Gospel from St. Matthew, where Jesus emphasizes how important it is to confront sin in our brother. It would have been great to have heard how we can walk out the truth of those readings in our everyday life. But instead, the emphasis was placed on social justice.

Why is it that some Baby Boomers are so stuck on this concept? I was just talking about this last night with my husband. "Isn't it interesting, " I said, "That those who came of age in the sixties were usually protesting something. It was always a battle for them, whether it was Vietnam, women's rights. or abortion. It's always about the fight. Could it be that they know no other way of existing? That they don't know how to be at peace?"

I know not all Boomers are stuck. But it seems that the more liberal Catholic churches are filled with such people. It's always about changing something, sometimes just for the sake of change. But I think they're missing a very important point.

God did not send Jesus Christ into the world to balance social justice. He sent Him to pay the price for man's sin so that man could enter into relationship with his Creator. Sin is the problem and Jesus Christ the solution. It can't get any more clearer than that. What a poor person needs first is the message of salvation. Sure, give him a bowl of soup, but be sure to tell him God loved him enough to break through this hard shell of a world in order to reach him.

What struck me is that God is just, and demanded justice for the sin of Adam. But within justice is obedience. In the Kingdom of God, justice cannot happen without obedience. Jesus Christ obeyed His heavenly Father, even unto death. So did many saints. Obedience to God was the first priority in their lives - not in leveling the social playing field.

What happens when we obey God? What occurs when we engage society first in their need for a Savior? Radical evangelism. When Christians are not afraid to speak to others about Jesus Christ, then social change will occur naturally. Once a non-believer is persuaded through the power of the Holy Spirit to repent and ask God for forgiveness, do you think he may be prompted to treat his fellow man a little better? A little more kindly? Would he not have more compassion?

One of my pastors from a non-denominational church told our congregation that many people came to him, complaining that they were depressed. His solution: volunteer. Give of yourself to others. As he explained, "It is hard to focus on our own problems when we're focused on someone else's." When we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, we will be given all the tools necessary to serve society. But we must go to Him first, not some political action committee that keeps bringing up water from a dry well.

From all my years involved in ministry, I can vouch for the fact that many of the most successful outreaches are done by Christians who have their houses in order. They seek to share the Good News with everyone they meet. In doing so, they are given many opportunities to serve.

Society needs such committed believers more than ever.

My Surprising Visit to the College Campus Mass

You unlock this door with a key of imagination
Beyond it is another dimension
A dimension of sound
A dimension of sight
A dimension of mind
You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance
Of things and ideas
You've just crossed over into...

...The Twilight Zone!

Hoo, boy. Talk about alternate reality.

I live near one of the Top Ten universities and in a city where everyone is "nuts" about college football. In an O-H area that loves to scream I-O. Okay, I think you've got it.

Since I'm working on reaching Catholic college women, I thought the logical place to meet them would be at the Catholic ministry center's Sunday service. I know. It's a stretch, but I was game for the challenge.

How little I know.

So out the door I went with my favorite aqua, teal, and cobalt blue scarf on my head, wondering what Mass would be like. I had already been forewarned by a friend that I'd probably "hate" it. I knew it would likely be more "progressive." I suspected I'd have to deal with a large worship team and a legion of EMHC's traipsing up to the altar during communion.

Well, I wasn't wrong on those counts. What I was wrong about was the idea I'd meet young Catholic students at the service. You know who was there? Older people. As in "over 60." The majority of the people there were over 55 years old. I'd say they were 80% of the group. The priest looked like he was 70 years old (but probably was more around 62). In the area I was sitting, I could count on both hands the number of typically aged college students (those between 18-25).

The interior was more a rec hall than a church. Plenty of ugly plastic chairs. No kneelers in sight. Everyone stood during the consecration. My friend was right. I didn't like it.

Then there was the issue of "gender-inclusive" language. When we were reciting the Nicene Creed, instead of saying, "By the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man," they said "became flesh." For the love of pete. Then later, during the Consecration, there was a part where "Him" should have been said but they said "Christ" instead. Go figure.

Right now, my husband and I are about to take a bike ride, but I'll blog more later about what was talked about during the homily.

And after all these years, it still feels weird to me when people clap during a Catholic Mass...

Catholicism and Feminism

Since Gov. Sarah Palin has exploded onto the scene, I've been watching with great interest the response by feminists. Not surprisingly, they loathe her. As I've sifted through possible reasons why this is, I've been reminded of how Catholicism has shaped my identity as a woman.

When I was a young girl, one of the first lessons I remember learning at the feet of the good sisters was personal responsibility. I was responsible for my own choices, which led to the state of my mortal soul. No matter how "popular" a certain behavior may have been from other children my age, I had to examine it through the lens of Catholic doctrine - that I was created by God to honor and praise Him, receive His Son and His sacrifice, to honor His mother, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, lead the life of a saint. High goals, indeed.

I learned independence from those years in Catholic schools. There is a toughness about Catholic schools - or at least it existed back then, that reminded me that whining never led to anything good. If I wanted to accomplish something, then by all means get on with it and quit waiting for someone else to do it for you.

This is why I had the reaction I had when I discovered feminism. There was a deep inner core within that balked at the idea of having the government do anything for me. Why would I need them? It was my life and if I couldn't accomplish something on my own, then I had only myself to blame. In my eyes, it was akin to finding love. Who wants someone to love them because the other person felt "obligated" to do so? Where is the joy in that? There is none because we all understand what free will means and to me, feminism was never about freedom but control.

I have a very low threshold for controlling personalities. As soon as some famous feminist steps up to a mic on television and tells me why I "need" the feminist movement, I'm looking for the nearest sneaker to throw at the screen. Any good nun worth her salt in the fifties would have told that woman that we as Catholics don't "need" anyone except God. Those types of nuns taught me the meaning of suffering, self-sacrifice, love, grace, forgiveness, and a rock-solid aversion toward whining. If there is one thing that drives me crazy, it's the constant stream of whining I hear from radical feminism. That's what it sounds like to me. One big "How Dare You!" whinefest.

This is why I feel there has been a visceral response to Gov. Sarah Palin. I could almost hear the chorus of many other independently-thinking women out there shouting, "Finally! A woman like me! A woman who understands she doesn't need some rabble-rousing bitter group of women to make her life easier!" Even though Gov. Sarah Palin left the Catholic church, I suspect the seeds that were planted within her have now borne the audacious fruit we are all witnessing. She didn't need legislation in order for her to walk into that school and take charge of the PTA. She's a natural leader - but a leader with a difference. She's not carrying that huge 5-ton chip on her shoulder that says she lives in an unfair world and needs a pack of barking dogs to keep the mean men at bay.

Most of my girlfriends are Sarah Palin types. They raise their children and brook no arguments from them. The Catholic women are a special breed and I hold our Blessed Virgin Mary responsible. How can a Catholic woman not look to Mary and treat her as the perfect role model? And what did Mary do? She listened. She trusted. She obeyed.

And this is where Catholic women run into trouble with the feminists. Their trust isn't in the government, it's in God. As Christians, we are are exhorted constantly to trust in God. We have the stories of the saints who did trust in God and God accomplished wondrous things through their lives. That's the kind of trust we want to have, not in some shrill harpie demanding that we shelve religion because Government with the Big G is going to save us all.

Gov. Sarah Palin knows this is not true and it is absolutely driving the feminists wild. She isn't playing their game - never has and hopefully never will. They are almost foaming at the mouth over her supposed "betrayal" of them, and make no mistake about it - they are about as livid as a scalded cat that she isn't playing for their team.

One of the more amusing criticisms I've read about Palin is that she was too comfortable with the political speech, that for all her words about not being an "insider," she sure was acting like one. I had to laugh. Gov. Sarah Palin has managed to do something that is extraordinary as it is rare. She gave a speech that was wickedly smart in its political prowess but yet did so in such a real way that everyone could imagine having a beer with her while doing it. She connected with the average person who has felt disconnected from the government for many years and this terrifies her opposition. So of course they have to throw everything at her including the kitchen sink.

I keep coming back to the concept of suffering. Catholicism is the only religion I know that not only makes room to understand suffering in our lives, but seeks to embrace it. This is a quandary for feminism. They see suffering as something to be avoided at all costs and if it can't be bullied into submission, then let the judges change the scenery. Suffering needs to end, in their eyes, because it has no purpose in their self-centered world.

But in a Catholic woman's world, suffering has a far greater purpose. It purifies her. Cleanses her. Strengthens her so in the end, together with God she emerges a more compassionate person because of it. A woman usually has that "giving gene" that opens wide to share herself with her family and the world, but a woman who has submitted to God, including suffering, is indeed a force to be reckoned with. Feminism doesn't know what to do with such women. These steely women infuriate feminists because they see before them what a real woman should look like, and the hard-core feminists aren't anywhere near looking like that.

The feminists see a strong woman, a smart woman, a loving woman who doesn't repel men, a woman who understands what being a woman is all about and doesn't see it as being a handicap; and they simply are stunned. They see all of their goals achieved but not by the path they espouse. Either they can't understand or they refuse to accept that true independence for women isn't something that comes from without, but from within. It isn't a matter of banging on City Hall's door, demanding to be recognized and served. It's a matter of closing the door to the world, surrendering to something bigger than self, and asking for grace.

The feminists will be trying to throw much at Gov. Sarah Palin. In their efforts, they are exposing themselves to be the ugly hateful women that most other women avoid. As I told my father years ago when I woke up from the nightmare of following feminism - I have yet to meet a happy radical feminist.

I still stand by that comment today. And if anything, I think it was easy to see that overall - Gov. Sarah Palin is a happy woman. And I couldn't be more happy myself to see it.

Oprah Couldn't Handle Palin

There's a big dust-up today regarding Oprah Winfrey's decision to not have Gov. Sarah Palin on her show. Supposedly, the reason is a commitment from Oprah to not have any political candidates on her show. Here is her response to The Drudge Report:


OPRAH'S STATEMENT: "The item in today's Drudge Report is categorically untrue. There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show. At the beginning of this Presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates. I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over."

So it didn't matter that she had Sen. Barack Obama on her show in January 2005 and October 2006. That was then and this is now.

Here's my thought: Oprah does not want to be placed in the position of having to defend Sen. Obama and worse - lose. If Oprah is about anything, she's about looking good on her own show. I can't say that I blame her but let's not mince words. Oprah is well aware that this country, and to some extent, the world; has been hit by a "Sarah-nami." Gov. Palin has taken the country by storm and the Republicans are now experiencing their own thrills and swoons with the tough-talking lady from Alaska.

I think Oprah has painted herself into a corner. On one hand, she doesn't want to rock the boat by having a guest who can deftly shoot holes into the legitimacy of Obama's campaign. But on the other hand, her show is about motivating and inspiring women - and what is more inspiring than a "hockey mom" who became the first woman the GOP chose to be the second-in-command of this great nation?

Us Magazine blew it and so has Oprah. I have to admit I'm enjoying this immensely. At every turn, the mainstream media is trying their darnedest to either snub or mock Gov. Sarah Palin. And it's backfiring already. Us Magazine has lost thousands of subscribers for their backstreet tactics. Who knows what will happen with Oprah.

Meanwhile, Gov. Palin sails on, focused on her destination.

Blogger Stuff: New Widget Added - Blogs I'm Following

I have to admit that there are just way too many good blogs out there! Since returning to the Catholic church, I have found some great blogs that have helped me in my journey. Some are just "hi-freaking-larious" (according to the ever-popular 'Carolina Cannonball' and her blog, "The Crescat) and some are very informational (such as Fr. Z's blog, "What Does The Prayer Really Say).

I decided to make use of the new Blogger widget, that updates a blog list with the most recent entries. I think it's cool. My list will most likely change, according to how many other new blogs I discover, but for now, it's fairly lengthy enough. And yes, I know my left hand column is getting busy. There's just so much out there! :-)

I still want a better reading list, though. I think Blogger improved it. I need to find it and test it out.

Back to Catholic Stuff: Praise Report

I simply wanted to publicly thank the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. Anthony for their petitions regarding my work situation. I've been sending out resumes and have not had any success in getting an interview. This gives me a slight surreal feeling since I have a college degree and decades of administrative experience. My desire is to work part-time in an office environment for a company or organization that actually interests me.

So in other words, I don't want to work for real estate, a doctor, or a company that manufacturers the plastic cheese part that goes into the mousetrap.

It's hard, harder than I thought. One part-time job I applied to had 171 responses. 171! For part-time!

I'm also pursuing creative ideas for bringing in an income such as writing and design. I'm moving into the direction of writing but also fiddling around with computer graphics, which I love.

Anyway. My part-time job at Michaels did give me more hours for next week and a few more tomorrow. I am very grateful to God and to the saints who stood in the gap for me. I feel very upbeat about the future. What is tough is to resist applying for just "any job." By the time one hits their forties, they know what they're good at doing and which environments best suits them.

If you're also looking for a job, have you noticed how many "thrives in a fast-paced environment" job ads there are? Ugh. Sounds to me like a company that expects you to pack a 70-hour work week into 40 hours. No thanks.

My Respose to Gloria Steinem's Slam on Sarah

Bear with me while I'm still in the throes of my delight with Sarah Palin. I can hardly think of anything else! I am thrilled and in awe of what she did last night. However, I'm not the only one in awe although Sarah's critics are trying their best to deny what last night meant to the Republicans.

So Gloria Steinem thinks Sarah is "the wrong woman with the wrong message?" She thinks the only thing she shares in common with Hillary Clinton is a chromosome? (News flash to Steinem: This is a good thing.) And then she calls Sarah nothing more than a younger Phyllis Schlafly? (Again: this is a great thing.)

My husband asked me a few years ago if I had always been interested in conservative politics or if it was a recent development. I've never leaned left and as a matter of fact, my husband jokingly says I'm just to the right of Darth Vader. I suppose it's safe to say that like Sarah, I also have a bit of the pit bull in me, too.

The first book that made an impact on me politically was Phyllis Schlafly's The Power of the Positive Woman, which I found in my high school library. When I read about her accomplishments without any help from the government, I was hooked. It resonated in my own independent heart. One of the toughest things I've ever had to do is ask for help. I'd much rather muddle through on my own than ask anyone for help, but sometimes help is needed. Phyllis Schlafly didn't ask for anyone's help to get her into Washington University's Law School, where she earned her J.D. In addition, Phyllis Schlafly went toe-to-toe with the feminists and helped prevent the ERA from being ratified.

So if Steinem thinks she's minimizing Sarah Palin when she compares her to Phyllis Schlafly, she couldn't be more wrong.

Part of the fun of having my own blog is to print my response to liberal pieces, which all to often decide not to print my comments. Here is a portion of what Gloria Steinem said:

Here's the good news: Women have become so politically powerful that even the anti-feminist right wing -- the folks with a headlock on the Republican Party -- are trying to appease the gender gap with a first-ever female vice president. We owe this to women -- and to many men too -- who have picketed, gone on hunger strikes or confronted violence at the polls so women can vote. We owe it to Shirley Chisholm, who first took the "white-male-only" sign off the White House, and to Hillary Rodham Clinton, who hung in there through ridicule and misogyny to win 18 million votes.

But here is even better news: It won't work. This isn't the first time a boss has picked an unqualified woman just because she agrees with him and opposes everything most other women want and need. Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It's about making life more fair for women everywhere. It's not about a piece of the existing pie; there are too many of us for that. It's about baking a new pie.

Selecting Sarah Palin, who was touted all summer by Rush Limbaugh, is no way to attract most women, including die-hard Clinton supporters. Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Clinton. Her down-home, divisive and deceptive speech did nothing to cosmeticize a Republican convention that has more than twice as many male delegates as female, a presidential candidate who is owned and operated by the right wing and a platform that opposes pretty much everything Clinton's candidacy stood for -- and that Barack Obama's still does. To vote in protest for McCain/Palin would be like saying, "Somebody stole my shoes, so I'll amputate my legs."

And here is my response:

Unqualified? What executive decisions has Hillary had to make? Zero. She's never been in charge of a shopping cart, let alone a PTA club. She knows nothing about making the hard decisions that are made daily from the Governor's desk.

I am proud of Palin. She is tough. She knows how to gauge competition. She's smart - able to outwit Big Oil, which is one of the Dem's favorite targets. She exudes such a realness that it makes Hillary look like like a Madame Tussauds' wax figure. Next to her, Hillary has all the intrigue of lint.

I'm thrilled with Palin and not for one New York nano-second do I believe she's not capable. She is.

Gloria Steinem and her ilk seem to be unable to tolerate a strong woman who is pro-life. And they are going to try their dead-level best to destroy her for it.

For Those Who Missed That Too-Cute Moment

Sarah Palin's seven-year old daughter, Piper, decides she has to make sure baby Trig looks good for the cameras. I think Piper is quite enjoying herself with the crowds. Last night, there were several times when she stood up to wave all around, as though she was ruling the house. She is totally adorable!

The Brilliant Ploy of Sarah Palin

Long ago, a visiting pastor to our church shared the story from his previous career as a landscape artist. A client hired him to design their large backyard. However, there was a problem. The client wanted a serene garden in a certain spot, but no matter how much they tried to change it, the earth was always too mushy from water. Nothing could seem to fill it and make the area more stable. This client had run through a list of some of the more successful landscape companies in town before finally calling the landscape artist/pastor.

The landscaper's solution? Create a showpiece from something undesirable by making it the main attraction. He installed a small pond in that exact spot, filled it with koi fish, and surrounded it with a very serene Japanese garden. The client was dutifully wowed and the landscape artist's popularity boomed in his town, quickly earning him the reputation for being able to take a sow's ear and effectively create a silk purse.

This is what Sarah Palin did tonight.

She took all the criticism of her as a "small town girl" and turned it into her greatest strength. Barack Obama is promising change. But here is a woman who gladly embraces the fact she isn't a "Washington insider" and has let everyone know she isn't afraid to take on the status quo - especially when it comes to corrupt officials. Sarah took the mud slung at her and created an earthy, warm, funny, and smart image that was immediately embraced by the Republicans at the convention.

Palin going in for the punch during
the Republican National Convention.
(AP Photo)

Simply brilliant.

She pointed out that those who are often mocked - those in "Middle America" or otherwise known as "fly-over country" - are the very same people working hard to make America both prosperous and safe. It was a very smart speech and gave the country a good look at a woman who wasn't afraid to be called an outsider. In fact, she is counting it as one of her greatest strengths.

Congratulations, Sarah Palin. Tonight, you nailed it.

Sarah Palin Schools the Media - and the Democrats

I just read a very interesting article in the New York Post, written by a woman who gets it.

Andrea Peyser asks, " HOLY hoop skirts: When did the clock tick back to 1958?" You'd think so, Andrea, since the Democrats are getting their knickers in a knot over a wife and mother running for a major political office.

What is so astounding to me is this: Isn't Sarah Palin what feminists have long argued a woman could be? Aren't her accomplishments what the Democrats have long championed? Of course they are. They're just ticked off that the Republicans have her while their choice was kicked to the curb.

There is going to be much said about Sarah Palin from this day until Election Day. What I find so amusing is that many Democrats are now backpedaling from their strong ideal woman who can both flip pancakes and flip a flowchart - and saying wait! A woman should stay at home and take care of her kids! Then on top of it, they are trying to point to evangelical church tradition and claim Sarah Palin violates it.

Since when does pulling in church tradition count in a political race? Oh, that's right. It doesn't. At least if you're a Democrat, it doesn't. If you're a Republican, all bets are off and suddenly the liberal media is acting like a bunch of Canon lawyers.

They are shaking in their boots because they know that as much mud they try to throw at Sarah Palin, most of it is sticking to them. The discussion of whether Sarah Palin can do the job while being a mother is one of the most sexist comments I have heard in a long, long time. The fact that it is coming from the Democrats, home of radical feminism, is all the more outrageous.

If Sarah were a man, this would not be part of the discussion. President John F. Kennedy had two small children. Most elected officials have children, many of them young, when they served in a public office. Even Geraldine Ferraro, when she first entered into politics, had three small children - a 12 year-old, a 10 year-old, and an 8 year-old. Did anyone challenge her on whether she would be able to be an effective Assistant D.A. while being a mother? I doubt it.

I think Sarah Palin is going to knock it out of the park tonight. I can't wait to see how the liberally-biased media tries to minimize her success; which I suspect will be an exercise in futility, if ever there was one.

Internet Catholic TV Launch

How exciting is this?

A group of businessmen from Indiana have launched the first Internet Catholic television station. An exciting proposition, for sure. I've not seen the content yet, but here's the site if you're interested:

Real Catholic TV

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy for this great idea! I hope she's enjoying a great Labor Day. As for me, I'll have to head into work and "labor" for most of the day.



For Today, September 1, 2008

Outside My Window...The sun is barely peeking through the trees. It is cool, with a slight breeze coming through the screened window. I can still hear the soft chatter of the crickets.

I am thinking...that I wish I could stay home today with my husband. He has the day off but I was scheduled for my job at Michael's. I usually enjoy working at Michael's but today, I am scheduled to work more hours than usual. Ah, well.

I am thankful for...my father. We spent the day yesterday at his home in Cincinnati and my husband told me how much he enjoyed the day. (Even though hubby was wrestling with installing my dad's new computer and running into internal software problems. Blasted Vista!) My dad was such a generous host, feeding us all day long! (even dessert...yum!) It is always a blessing to be with him. We had the opportunity to attend Mass together and although he is annoyed with his parish's lack of respect, we still were with Jesus.

From the kitchen...is coffee and later, a quick breakfast of cereal, fruit and bagels. I'm already trying to figure out what to fix for dinner. It needs to be quick and easy since I'll be fixing it as soon as I get home. It may just be a chicken nugget night!

I am wearing...my cotton short nightgown that is very comfy. But in a few minutes, it's off to the shower and dressing in Michael's new dress code of khaki pants and a black shirt.

I am creating...nothing yet, but later tonight I may make a digital scrapbook page. I'm considering applying for another "Creative Team" member slot with an online store. Maybe...

I am going...to be headed out within an hour and a half. I worked on Memorial Day, so I know how busy holidays can be. I always am amazed that more people aren't home enjoying the day with their families instead of shopping!

I am reading...Sex & the Soul by Donna Freitas. It is such a fascinating book! I am saddened though, to learn that the Catholic universities are no different than their secular counterparts when it comes to a lack of moral guidance on campus.

I am hoping...to find more job positions needing someone with my expertise. It will be a week of scouring the internet and sending resumes.

I am hearing...the floor fan in the next bedroom. It was wonderfully cool last night. We had the window open and I just loved it! The last place we lived in had windows, but dear husband wasn't keen on keeping them open during the night since we were on the ground floor. Now our bedroom is on the second floor. We have our windows open quite often!

Around the house...are still boxes that need to be unpacked. At least I finally emptied the useless plastic rolling cart and gave it away to charity!

One of my favorite things...early morning. I love being up before sunrise and silently praising God for another day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Working on getting re-organized in our new home, purging, job-hunting.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... A happy little sunflower taken a few years ago at our local conservatory. I love yellow and blue together! Have a wonderful Labor Day!

What I Love About Catholicism: Organized Religion

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.


There was a time when I would quickly define myself as a "Christian" but not religious. By that, I meant that Christ came not to establish a religion but a relationship. I held anything religious in disdain, believing it Pharisaical or void of meaning - behavior and attitudes propelled more by guilt than anything.

How the years can change one's opinion.

I can relate with many young students aversion toward organized religion. To them it seems oppressive and resistant to honest questions. The "do as you're told just because" argument doesn't fly with them, nor should it. Catholics can be rigorously intellectual and still remain faithful to the Church. In fact, most of the Catholics I've been meeting lately have been exactly that - highly intelligent men and women who take seriously their journey of faith.

I think organized religion has been unfairly judged and found wanting. Certainly there are the overbearing religious leaders who really aren't leaders. There are misguided and selfish people in every area of life - not just religion. But with religion, it would seem that a person applies what I call the "one burnt cookie" approach. If this type of person has "one burnt cookie," they swear off cookies altogether. There is no mercy given, no charity found. They've made a blanket decision that since their personal experience was a negative one, then all organized religion must be negative. And of all places, they refer to televangelism to justify their opinion.

I've been on the other side of what I now refer to as "un-organized religion." (Otherwise known as non-denominational churches.) And you know what? It can have just as many annoyances: a revolving door of pastors and constant chaos masquerading as change per "The Holy Spirit," to name a few. But I can't criticize them too much. For so many years, I thrived on the constant change, wanting the "new" more and more. However, although I did like the change when I was younger, as I began to age, I started to get frustrated.

Was the "change" truly a move of God, or the results of a fickle pastor? How fair was it to fire the youth director because his wife had the nerve to tell one of the pastor's kids she couldn't continually show up late for drama practice and disrupt the group with her chattering? How wise was it to scrap weeks of preparation for a major conference registration process because the associate pastor wanted to do it differently? How considerate was it for the senior pastor to decide he wanted an entire warehouse moved in one weekend and only gave a few days notice to everyone?

And some wonder why I have so much gray hair...

Perhaps organized religion was a natural progression for me. The Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator pegged me as an ENTJ. I actually fell in the middle between being an extrovert and introvert. But I was off the chart as a "J" - which stands for "Judging." The other end of the spectrum was "Perceiving." The "J's" like order. Lists. Closure. The "P's", on the other hand, like to keep their options open. They like change. They're the ones who will hop in a car and say, "Hey, let's just drive around and see where the road takes us!" Meanwhile, the "J" is running around, grabbing maps from Google, lists of possible restaurants within a 50 mile radius and making sure the cell phones are powered up.

I can't explain how good it feels to be back in an "organized religion." I relish it. I think that most people would admit there is value in order. Nature shows us order and ritual within the cycles of the seasons. There is a beginning and an end. I believe God knew we would need security by having these rituals repeat themselves over and over. Order brings with it calm and grounding. Ask any foster child what they want more than anything and you'll hear an answer that runs along the same lines. They want a stable environment.

Catholicism offers one of the most stable environments around. Although there many be those who don't completely agree with the Pope, they still attend Mass. They still receive the sacraments. They still celebrate the holy days.

I'm also wondering if ritual is for older adults. I'll be mulling that one over more, but it would seem that most youth cannot appreciate ritual. It bores them. Perhaps they look at the older people in attendance and think of resignation. I know I didn't feel resigned at all as a youth, but full of bustling energy that I channeled into my spiritual quest.

There is a quiet energy within organized religion, if one pays attention. It requires an intentional concentration on what is happening around you. Only by awareness will ritual avoid becoming rote. And right now, I am noticing that organized religion can be a good thing. A very good thing, indeed.

Mrs. Smith Goes to Washington

I can't help but think of the movie, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" when I think of Governor Sarah Palin as the VP pick and possible future VP of the United States.

She is an outsider. She doesn't cozy up to the political elite but stays close to her base. I've got a very good feeling about this woman and admire her accomplishments. She has a strong sense of ethics and was responsible for creating Alaska's Petroleum Systems Integrity Office. She decided to have a Down's Syndrome baby after learning about his disability while the baby was still in her womb. That says volumes about this woman.

If Washington needs anything, it's a shake-up. Palin may be just the person to do it.

And if you hear a knock on your door, it just might be me, asking for your vote. :-)

The Pro-Death Crowd Goes Nuts Over Palin

The Democrats are livid that John McCain has chosen not just a woman, but a woman who is pro-life.

For what it's worth, I couldn't help but respond to the above Huffington Post entry but I doubt it will see the light of day. Many of the women who commented were bemoaning the fact that Sarah Palin was pro-life and goodness, how on earth could they possibly go forward unless they had a woman who adored abortion?

My comment:

For pete's sake...can some of you women think beyond your own bodies? Dag...there is so much more at stake in this country's future than abortion! Give it a rest, already!

I am appalled by the "one-note symphony" some of the liberal women keep singing. It doesn't seem to faze them that a woman was chosen as the VP nominee. No. They instead whine that it wasn't Kay Bailey Hutchison. They can't rejoice in knowing a woman like Sarah Palin worked her way to the governorship of the state of Alaska, beating the Republican incumbent and then going on to beat the Democratic rival. They can't celebrate the fact that this woman has followed their gameplan of being a working mother who has accomplished much while having a family of five and a husband.

No. They're stuck on the one issue that obsesses them. The one issue that truly is more self-centered than any issue this country has ever had. The one issue that has killed millions of babies, stolen from our society a future generation that could have provided skills and talents to benefit our nation, and has wounded women more deeply in their soul than any sword could.

I continue to be puzzled about why abortion is such an obsession for the Democratic party. Why is it so important? Because it allows a woman to do something that is inherently against her nature? Because when a woman decides to kill her own growing baby, make no mistake - she is killing herself. She is betraying her own instincts as nurturer and choosing a lie.

There is so much more to abortion, more than I can talk about right now. It is a tragedy at best and a barbaric nightmare at worse. It is a grave sin and pure evil. And yet some of these thickheaded women keep yapping about it as though it is the best offering for women.

It angers me. I have known women who aborted their babies and they mourn. They mourn what could have been and mourn the death of their own soul. Only through the power of God's grace can forgiveness be had and healing begin.

Governor Palin thankfully doesn't have to deal with that. I am beyond thrilled we have a strong woman who will stand up for the weaker citizens of our country.

I have to look around at all the other pro-choice women and say: Where is your strength, woman? Where is your wisdom? But yet you expect other women to follow you and complain that the V.P. candidate isn't a serious contender because she doesn't promote your lies?

Shame on you.

The Lady Has It!

John McCain has chosen his V.P. and it's a lady!

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is his choice, a virtual unknown, but yet from the bits and pieces I'm gathering from talk radio, she's is going to be an extremely good thing for the McCain camp, and hopefully, America.

She's pro-life and a spunky lady. An avid hunter, fisherman, and loving the outdoors - she is going to be a great person to connect with middle America. And on Laura Ingraham 's show, Laura shared a conversation she had with a woman who is on the inside of the Democratic track. The anonymous woman said if McCain picks a woman, all bets are off. Hillary's supporters are still angry about the treatment of "their woman." Now they have someone else and I'm wondering how many will jump ship.

Congratulations, Sarah Palin!

I wasn't excited before about the GOP pick, but now I am!

Pelosi's Blunder On Abortion

Much has already been said about the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and her very bad decision to enter into the area of Catholic dogma regarding abortion. Power does not necessarily equal intelligence. On Sunday, during an interview on "Meet the Press," she did something so profoundly stupid that I can't believe she's really all that bright.

No matter what she believes about abortion, it isn't within her circle of power to start telling everyone the Catholic church is still "unsure" about when life begins. First, it has been made abundantly clear that Pelosi's reference to St. Augustine is wrong. Secondly, how much more clearer does God have to be regarding the sanctity of life when He included "Thou Shalt Not Murder" in the Ten Commandments? I don't think Christianity is that fuzzy on the issue.

Fr. Z has a very good collection of links to his entries on Pelosi's blunder, which in turn highlight other commentators' views on the event. I find it amazing that the U.S. Bishops are taking a united stand against Pelosi's presumption. From what I've been learning, it would seem that many U.S. Bishops lean left. But when it comes to Catholic dogma, I suppose they must denounce what Pelosi said.

What is interesting to me is this: Government has enforced a separation between church and state. Nativity scenes have been removed from government property. The Ten Commandments have been removed and prayer is forbidden in schools. (Nothing can set a die-hard ACLU member into a mad frenzy more than hear someone mention the name of Jesus Christ anywhere outside of a church.)

But yet Nancy Pelosi takes the very bold step of discussing her faith and yet isn't slammed for it. Why? Because she is promoting the culture of death, which is a favorite among liberals. I suspect they were rejoicing in the wings because Nancy hurled a two-pronged zinger in the race to the bottom of history. She mocked the Catholic church and upheld a woman's "right" to kill her unborn baby.

I wholeheartedly agree with Fr. Z when he mentioned the comment by the Rev. Thomas Reese, senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University. Rev. Reese said, "It is a big mistake for politicians to talk theology."

Fr. Z opines, "What if they get it right?"

Indeed.

I congratulate the House Republicans who demanded an apology from Pelosi. (Don't hold your breath, GOP...) Pelosi remains unrepentant and is forging ahead with more outrageous opinion.

Meanwhile, I'll be very interested to hear what her Bishop has to say.

More Propaganda From the Siggies

The reason I'm in a groove regarding entries on the gay agenda is because the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association just held its annual conference during this past weekend in Washington, D.C.

Many schemes for pushing pro-homosexual propaganda through the media were hatched. If not for the internet, I would be distraught. Right now, I'm just annoyed. It's no surprise that most journalists are pro-choice, pro-gay, anti-Christian, anti-family, and are usually liberals. But to be so bold as say they will purposefully avoid going to Christian sources for new stories because they won't bow to the SIG (Sexuality Is God) is startling, even by today's low journalistic standards.

Do you know what is so amusing? Their talk about "telling the truth" as journalists. Here is an excerpt from the article, 'Gay’ Journalism Conference Panel Targets Religious Influence on Public Policy (emphasis and comments mine):

Organizer Mitchell Gold claimed the purpose of his session, titled “Oh God! (or Allah…Or Buddha): Reporting on Issues of Faith & Religion,” (The title should have been "Lying About Issues of Faith & Religion) was to discuss how homosexual journalists can report more accurately on religion. (Easy answer: They can't because they loathe religion with every molecule of their being. Religion is Enemy Number One to them.)

If that was really Gold’s purpose, then he recruited a very odd panel of experts. The panel included just one journalist, David Waters of The Washington Post. The other participants were former United Methodist minister Jimmy Creech, Episcopal seminary president Ian Markham, and Ann Craig, Director of Religion, Faith & Values for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

The discussion quickly degenerated into a seminar on how journalists can “conquer” the religion debate to advance the homosexual political agenda. Not surprising, given that Gold, a furniture magnate, is the founder of Faith in America, a homosexual activist organization targeting the religious community. (And if you are a Christian and want to increase your blood pressure, you can check out his site which has an ad for a site, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" It claims the traveling Ethoipian was the 'first gay' converting to the church because...he was a eunuch. Which I suppose to this guy meant he was 'gay.')

According to Gold, “the single biggest [obstacle] to gays having equal rights in the country is religion,” so “I set myself to learn about it.” GLAAD’s Craig said, “We’re not getting anyplace until we begin conquering the debate” in the religious community. (Read: Conquering faithful Christians so they have no choice but to embrace homosexuals and bow to SIG.)

David Waters, editor of the “On Faith” blog, which appears on The Washington Post and Newsweek Web sites, urged reporters “not to go” to established leaders like Robertson and Dobson, contrasting them to “real people”:
I think, as journalists, our No. 1 obligation is obviously to the truth, and if we’re going to be about the truth then we have to fight and we have to fight for space and for time to tell the right story and to tell the real story, (Wait. So the "real story" isn't Americans being rightly concerned about coercion and control within the media?) and I think the best way to go about that, at least I’ve found in my experience with my own reporting and with other reporters, is to take time and not go to the Pat Robertsons and the James Dobsons of the world but to find the real people who are really struggling with this issue. (In other words, change the conversation on same-sex marriage and how most Americans do not agree with it because you don't like the truth. Instead, gin up sympathy by placing gays as victims. Sure, Christians are getting railroaded out of the discussion but the gays are the victims...)

This is what annoys me. These "journalists" are intentionally creating the story. Forget that there are real people who hold opposing views and beliefs. They're not wanted. Instead, the media would much rather paint a rosy little picture of everyone agreeing to all the demands of the gay mafia.

There is no journalism anymore. Only storytelling. Those in the mainstream media are only telling their stories - and trying to pass it off as truth.

The Siggies Are After the Politicians

Tim Gill, a billionaire, addressed the LGBT crowd at the Democratic National Convention on Monday to give them a battle plan for advancing the gay agenda.

In short: Target politicians who are sympathetic to homosexual issues and pour money into their coffers.

As Gill explained:

“Every single advance for gay rights has come at the state level,” Gill said, saying the most important thing the Democratic LGBT delegates could do is “go back and support those pro-gay state legislators, and eliminate the anti-gay state legislators.”

He encouraged the delegates to donate to state candidates out of state, especially in rural areas.

The billionaire homosexual activist also counseled the audience not to donate to unwinnable races, but rather to focus their donations where they will most likely change the outcome of elections.

“Just a little bit of money goes a long way,” he said.

If all the LGBT delegates donated fifty dollars to specially targeted races, which he numbered at no more than ten or twenty per election year, Gill said “we can get rid of them.”

"Them" is us.

As Gill quipped, "The only way bigots are going to learn is if we take their power away from them."

You know what would be fantastic? If someone had a website that listed all the pro-family politicians and their voting record on the issues. I know that would be major. Maybe someone already has one. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your local races and support the politicians who protect the sanctity of marriage and strong pro-family legislation. The Siggies will be working overtime to knock them out of the political arena.

"Spiritual But Not Religious"

I look within myself for my spirituality and to answer the meaning of life. - Amy, college student interviewed for the book, Sex & the Soul by Donna Freitas

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! - David, Psalm 139:23, 24

I am reading the book, Sex & the Soul by Donna Freitas, who is the Assistant Professor of Religion at Boston University. Her book begins with the provocative "hooking up" culture that exists on most college campuses and the surprising development when her students decided to make a difference by taking a stand.

They admitted they didn't really enjoy the non-committal sex they had, but it was part of college life and they weren't sure how to change it. Freitas worked with them as they developed the idea for a one-issue, onetime student newspaper called Dateline SMC, focusing on sexuality on the campus. They began a conversation and finally discovered there were many others who were unhappy with the "hooking up" culture on campus.

What I find fascinating is a belief I've come across before from young people and some adults. Amy's quote is a good example of the type of mindset that often accompanies the description, "spiritual but not religious."

What does this mean? In Amy's world, it means she uses her own perception as a moral compass. There is no adherence to the Bible; instead, the Bible is used to confirm or validate her own feelings. It reminds me of how some people will decide on certain opinions and then scour the Bible for verses to justify them. Forget the fact that as Christians, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, not by our own assessment of our situation but by a humble surrender to God and a conscientious decision to seek His will and not our own.

In fact, I think I'd like to make these verses the "mascot" verses for "Castitas."

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:1,2

What does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice? If you're a Christian, I think I'm safe in saying it doesn't mean deciding to have pre-marital sex because you think it's "your decision" and totally separate from your belief in God. I also think we are challenged to carefully look at the world and its patterns of behavior and compare it to how God wants us to live. And renewing our minds means there must be an opposing spirit that is trying to get us to not renew them - to accept status quos, lazy thought, and "going with the flow" because its easier. Remember - a river takes the path of least resistance and will often twist and turn. It is not the most efficient way for the water to reach its destination.

So it is with faith. Continue to take the path of least resistance and you will have stunted growth. Set your sights upon that which is more challenging or difficult and you will grow in your faith by leaps and bounds.

What was interesting about Amy's story is she admitted she kept a Bible in her room and would turn to it often for inspiration. She admitted to praying to God quite frequently, trusting He was ordering her life. But when it came to sex, suddenly God wasn't in the picture. When it came to allowing God into her house, everything was accessible to Him but the "sexuality room." That room belonged only to Amy and she obviously didn't want God to crash her party.

College students who want to pursue spirituality but not be seen as "religious" are all avoiding the same issue - an honest discussion about sex and how their religious beliefs affect it. Whenever I've come across someone who wanted a spiritual life but didn't want the "religious" label - it is 99.9% certain they want to be able to sleep with whomever they want with no guilt. They balk at the idea of absolute truth for in their mind - there are no absolutes. It is a life filled with the options of a cafeteria-style offering of religions. Like Marianne Williamson, creator of the New Age "A Course In Miracles," they cobble together the most palatable collections of belief and expect it to support them.

It's like taking some old pieces of wood, a little metal, some plastic, and trying to build a piece of scaffolding. It's not going to be strong enough to endure years of outdoor weather and use. Plus, many of the pieces won't even fit well together and end up coming apart after stress is applied. Such is the life of one who insists upon "being spiritual but not religious."

When you follow Jesus Christ, you are called to die to your own will. This means not only embracing beliefs that offend what is called "the flesh," but trusting that God knows what He's doing when He insists upon such obedience. Is it hard? Absolutely. But it is not impossible with the grace of God. I lived 17 years as a celibate before meeting my husband. Did I mope around, depressed that I was missing out on all the "fun" of non-committed sex? No, not by a long shot. I was involved with church activities that included great fellowship, friendship with lively brothers and sisters in Christ, and excellent mental stimulation through personal study.

Some college students make the mistake of enlarging their sexuality so that it orders their entire world. As Christians, we are challenged to live counter to the world, seeking the Kingdom of God and its righteousness first, not our own satisfaction. When we get our priorities straight as believers, it makes all the difference in our lives. Suddenly, we're on the other side of self-serving behaviors. We can see that focusing on self only made us feel emptier and more unsatisfied. When we focus on God, we are given so many blessings that we wonder what took us so long to relinquish control.

The world will always tell us we need to do things ourselves. Trusting in God for His wisdom is never easy, but we can take great comfort in knowing that Jesus Christ went before us, surrendering all to His heavenly Father and asking God to protect us from evil. Jesus prayed one of the most beautiful prayers for us in John 17 and one of the things He stated was we are not of this world.

If we are not of this world, then where should our allegiance be? To God alone. When it comes to following Jesus Christ, there is no way around it. God is to be obeyed even as His Son lived a perfect life in obedience to Him, even to the point of death.

And I think that is at the heart of what is scariest to those who are "spiritual but not religious." If they truly placed their entire trust in God, what would He ask of them? What would He command as "off-limits" in their life? Obedience to God will make the strongest self-willed man either quake in his boots or stand defiantly with an upraised fist, saying "No!"

But with submission comes an amazing peace that passes understanding. This is, sadly, what the "spiritual" are missing out on - and it is the prized quarry they chase. To their own detriment, their attempts to capture this elusive treasure falls short and causes great frustration.

In acceptance, lieth peace. (Amy Carmichael, Scottish Missionary to India)