What Do You Mean By Choice

For the first time ever, I'm going to Washington DC for the annual March for Life! I'm so very excited to join in this heroic event aimed at protecting the most vulnerable of those among us: the unborn! I plan on being bundled up, but still wearing my Catholic Pink ribbon wear. It is disheartening that the scourge of abortion has been promulgated and protected by legislation for 40 years. However, I will be a part of the historic crowd witnessing the ever-present protest of this ghastly "choice". 

Because of the scourge of abortion, for me the word "choice" has become taboo. Every time I hear it as part of an ad on television or radio, I'm cringe. Sometimes I wonder if there's a reason the word "choice" is featured so prominently in the ads I hear--especially those aimed at any healthcare product or service. Obviously, the word choice is not really taboo. However, it is also not a good descriptor for those willing to slaughter innocent babies for any reason. 

Of course, now, even the most pro-choice group of all, Planned Parenthood, is stepping away from their use of the word "choice". Their new ad campaign features cartoonish feet marching hither and yon while asking us (the viewers) to not "box her in" and to "step into her shoes". I wonder if our blog questions of "What do you mean by choice?" Had any effect on the discarding of their oft-used word "choice". Although, I think the real reason probably lies in the fact that the pro-abortion magnates are simply trying to tug our heart-strings by making us walk in their figurative woman's shoes. 

Of course, by doing so, they're ignoring the fact that many many many women (and men) who are adamantly pro-life have been in their poster-woman's shoes and either made the choice for life and realized the merit or had an abortion and now regrets their "choice". I know many women in both situations and even count myself among them. That's why the pro-abortion crowd uses misleading or even down-right untrue propaganda to cloud the true issue. The true issue isn't about informed and empowered "choice"; their goal is to snag vulnerable women with their "support" and "choice" of abortion without presenting all the facts. If presenting true "choices" were the pro-abortion people's intended goal, they would not fight so hard against parental notification, waiting periods, viewing ultrasounds, face-to-face consultations prior to the procedure, and other neutral bills aimed at educating women about their pregnancy. Once again, the rhetoric spouted against these neutral (and often common standard of care protocols: parental notification, ultrasounds, and face-to-face consultations) pluck at naive heartstrings and outright lie about the truth. 

At every turn, the pro-abortion people obfuscate, disassemble, and flagrantly omit women's real "choices" when in a "crisis" pregnancy. Having been pregnant 6 times in 3 years, I know that when that positive indicator appears on that test-stick, thousands of insecurities, fears, and confusions overwhelm the system. Throughout the 9 months, sometimes irrational thoughts and behaviors manifest themselves. Popular culture, particularly from parties involved--even indirectly--with abortion or contraception, encourages these negative aspects of the blessing of new life to make it seem like more of a curse. How can presenting only the negatives of an option be empowering or even fair? In other words, the only "choice" favored by pro-abortion people is abortion. That's why we ask each year, "What do you mean by choice?"

http://www.jillstanek.com/2013/01/tomorrow-ask-them-what-they-mean-by-choice-day/

I Will Always Remember and Pray: 9/11/01

Year after year, on this day, news reports resurface and re-creations fill the television screen. Year after year, on this day, my chest constricts and my eyes water. No, I didn't lose anyone I loved or knew nor did anyone I know lose someone they loved or knew. Even so, the reminder of the terror of that day is enough to cause me to cry. I also cry for those who did lose someone they loved or knew, those who worked in the building, those who put their lives at risk for others, or those who survived. The terror of that day is constantly replayed throughout the country without regard for the sensitivities of these mourning and suffering people. Re-creating the terror will only serve to gouge out the semi-healed hole in their lives. Yet, even knowing this, I can't seem to ignore the coverage any more than I could that fateful day. 

When I remember that day, I am also reminded of my late-fiancé because he sat beside me as we watched the television coverage in horror. He died less than a year later. As a grievance gift, my uncle later gave me the book, Let's Roll. We were high-school sweethearts who had just realized the dream of attending college together as biology majors. That fateful morning we were sitting at our usual table in the upper-classmen cafeteria eating breakfast before our early morning physic class. Our table faced a small television mounted high up on the wall. For whatever reason, our television was already on a news channel, so we got the first round of coverage. As we all sat there in silent disbelief (yes a room full of college students can silent), the horror continued to unfold. If I recall correctly, we watched the second plane hit. The silence was broken soon by cries of disbelief, anxiety, and terror as some of our far-flung schoolmates wracked their brains for the location of loved ones and even acquaintances. Later, the shock continued as we learned of the almost simultaneous attack on the Pentagon and the aborted attack on DC (the theme of the book mentioned previously).

Slowly, we gathered our things and tore our gaze from the news to walk to our class. I think everyone that saw coverage was late for class that day--even the professors. One of our professors came from NY and we were all concerned for him and his family (they weren't in NYC, but at that time no one knew what was going on)--especially since he immediately started the journey from KY to NY upon hearing the news. Classes that day were incredibly subdued and many were cancelled. Although our school was in the wilds of KY, at the time, it was unknown whether there were other targets throughout the country, so classes were cancelled and those capable were sent home for an indefinite time period. I don't think I've ever seen a college campus so quiet nor so unified. Sadly, the unity did not necessarily extend to our foreign schoolmates once news got out that this terror attack was foreign-based. Some were hidden at undisclosed locations for their safety. Yet, even so, churches were filled to the brim as we prayed for the repose of souls, healing for the injured, comfort for the mourning, and strength for the rescuers. 

Today, my prayers, again, are for the repose of souls, healing for the injured, comfort for the mourning, and strength for the rescuers. I pray that the continued coverage does not cause further harm to those who are healing. As I watch television coverage of that day now, I pray with even greater fervency for those who today must suffer terribly with suvivors guilt, PTSD, and grief. The brave and resourceful individuals that were able to create safety, 

order, and healing amid the shock, chaos, and injury of that day also in my prayers. Continued prayers are also necessary for the protection of other innocents in harms way of terror attacks such as this. Even those responsible need our prayers because such horrific actions can't have been actions of those with sane or kindly regard for human life. Human life is so sacred and all too often too brief. Regardless of appearances every life deserves a chance to live fully. Although it is hard to imagine, especially in the face of so much suffering, God has a plan for each and every life He creates. We should all strive to give God's creation the benefit of the doubt and err on the side of caution when the question of life or death arises. God bless America! 

Copy & Paste: Rockin' It Preschool

My mom has answered my prayers by beginning to homeschool my preschooler, Simon. Of course, Rachel is always present too, so she joins in on some of the more simple work. This afternoon, Simon's 'homework' was to practice cutting to hone more fine motor skills. Initially I was going to print some pages from some of the homeschool websites I've found. Alas, my desktop computer, attached to the printer, is non-functional. So I had to rock it old school. After browsing some homeschool websites earlier this afternoon, I had a few ideas to help with fine motor skills in addition to the 'assigned' work. So, out came the construction paper and markers. 

First, I just cut the construction paper pages in half to make them easier to handle for little hands. Then, I started drawing various shapes. Once I got a few pages drawn, I handed the kids child-safety scissors to let them start cutting on their own. My plan, initially, was for Simon to cut out the shapes, but let's just say his cutting skills aren't very good yet -- at least not for me. So I helped him hold his hands properly and learn to cut long lines instead of short choppy strokes.

Second, I began thinking of what sorts of shapes I needed to create the kids favorite things: tractors and horses. For the tractors, I chose green and yellow as a reflection of Simon's favorite brand. For the horse, I chose purple because that is Rachel's favorite color. I simplified the overall shapes of the favorite things, but still let them be recognizable. I cut the requisite shapes out of the appropriate color. 

Third, I took a fresh sheet of paper, or even paper that had scribbles on it, to be the base for our creations. I outlined the component shapes on the paper in the appropriate arrangement. For Simon's first attempt, I also numbered each outlined shape so he knew the order of application. I helped him with the gluing at first, but gradually faded out of the equation. Rachel's attempts did require a more hand-on approach. 

Fourth, I asked Simon to add either backgrounds or faces to his creation. However, he enjoyed the project so much that he insisted on creating two extra pieces. The beauty of this activity is that the kids didn't know they were learning skills like cutting, gluing, puzzle skills, creative art-work, imagination, following directions, and cooperative play. Here are the finished products. 

Copy & Paste: Rockin' It Preschool

My mom has answered my prayers by beginning to homeschool my preschooler, Simon. Of course, Rachel is always present too, so she joins in on some of the more simple work. This afternoon, Simon's 'homework' was to practice cutting to hone more fine motor skills. Initially I was going to print some pages from some of the homeschool websites I've found. Alas, my desktop computer, attached to the printer, is non-functional. So I had to rock it old school. After browsing some homeschool websites earlier this afternoon, I had a few ideas to help with fine motor skills in addition to the 'assigned' work. So, out came the construction paper and markers. 

First, I just cut the construction paper pages in half to make them easier to handle for little hands. Then, I started drawing various shapes. Once I got a few pages drawn, I handed the kids child-safety scissors to let them start cutting on their own. My plan, initially, was for Simon to cut out the shapes, but let's just say his cutting skills aren't very good yet -- at least not for me. So I helped him hold his hands properly and learn to cut long lines instead of short choppy strokes.

Second, I began thinking of what sorts of shapes I needed to create the kids favorite things: tractors and horses. For the tractors, I chose green and yellow as a reflection of Simon's favorite brand. For the horse, I chose purple because that is Rachel's favorite color. I simplified the overall shapes of the favorite things, but still let them be recognizable. I cut the requisite shapes out of the appropriate color. 

Third, I took a fresh sheet of paper, or even paper that had scribbles on it, to be the base for our creations. I outlined the component shapes on the paper in the appropriate arrangement. For Simon's first attempt, I also numbered each outlined shape so he knew the order of application. I helped him with the gluing at first, but gradually faded out of the equation. Rachel's attempts did require a more hand-on approach. 

Fourth, I asked Simon to add either backgrounds or faces to his creation. However, he enjoyed the project so much that he insisted on creating two extra pieces. The beauty of this activity is that the kids didn't know they were learning skills like cutting, gluing, puzzle skills, creative art-work, imagination, following directions, and cooperative play. Here are the finished products. 

A War of Words: Religious Liberty

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've heard about the controversy with the HHS Mandate and the Catholic Church. However, the mainstream media portrays the controversy as the Catholic Church against women. The secularist media declares that the Church refuses to let women use contraceptive drugs period. The errors in these statements is obvious to anyone with a working knowledge of the Catholic Catechism. Sadly, many Catholics and most of the US (world?) population refuses to acknowledge this truth. 

First, start with the teaching of the Catholic Church. Direct from the Catechism: (emphasis mine) 

"2370 ... In contrast, "every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible" is intrinsically evil:¹⁵⁹

Thus the innate language that expresses the total reciprocal self-giving of husband and wife is overlaid, through contraception, by an objectively contradictory language, namely, that of not giving oneself totally to the other. This leads not only to a positive refusal to be open to life but also to a falsification of the inner truth of conjugal love, which is called upon to give itself in personal totality. . . . The difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle . . . involves in the final analysis two irreconcilable concepts of the human person and of human sexuality.¹⁶⁰

The key point in the above passage is that contraception, when used as "family planning", is against the Catholic Church's teaching. Not even just a vaguely, a slap-on-the-wrist offense, but "intrinsically evil". There is some controversy within the Faithful about the use of contraceptive drugs within marriage (or a sexually active relationship, which is a whole other article) as "treatment" for various gynecological ills. However, when the woman using a contraceptive drug is unmarried (and sexually inactive), there is no controversy--the drugs can be used as "treatment". In a perfect world, all Catholics would learn about Fertility Awareness methods (popularly called NFP) that treat the same gynecological ills without contraception, AND with better, healthier results (again, that's a whole 'nother article). Currently, (that is without the HHS Mandate in effect) the Catholic Church likely covers contraceptive drugs for a medical treatment, but not for "family planning", under the protection of a "Conscience clause". 

Next, let me discuss the actual controversy the Church has with the HHS Mandate. The "conscience clause" that allows coverage for medicinal use of contraceptive drugs, but does not allow sterilizations, abortions, or "emergency" contraception, is being disposed of with the HHS Mandate. In other words, the HHS Mandate forces Catholic institutions, charities, etc to fund (through insurance coverage) and provide services that are "intrinsically evil" according to the Catholic Catechism. This would be akin to the government forcing strict vegans to pay for and provide meat products. Unlike the vegans though, religious (moral) ideations are protected by the First Amendment: (emphasis mine)

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

"Free exercise" of Catholic moral code prohibits abortions, sterilizations, and contraception. Therefore, the HHS Mandate violates the Faithful's ability to freely exercise their religious beliefs. In effect, this would be similar to legislation requiring Jehovah's Witness institutions to provide and cover blood transfusions for their members and employees (I have no idea if they do currently or not). The enactment of this law would be tantamount to legislation forcing an orthodox Jewish deli to provide ham and other pork products to their customers. There are probably countless examples a fertile imagination could create, but suffice it to say that Catholics and non-Catholics alike are recognizing that Obama and his administration has overstepped their bounds. At our local "Stand Up for Religious Freedom" rallies on March 23 and June 8, Catholics were well represented, but our Protestant friends were also present and on the program. If you value your constitutional rights, stand up and say "we are all Catholic now". 

Another event begins today, "A Fortnight for Freedom". This is an effort lead by The United State Conrence of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), but like all other religious freedom rallies, is open and welcoming to all denominations. A cyber event, the only request is that for the two weeks, starting with the vigil for Sts. John Fisher and St. Thomas Moore and ending with July 4, our nations Independence day, is that you pray daily for a resolution to this intense threat to religious freedom. More information about the event can be found on the Facebook page and the USCCB website devoted to this event. Here is a summary of what this event entails:

This is a cyber event - held in your own home, church or parish by way of your prayers. It is open and depends on all people of all walks of faith to come together and petition God our Father to save our nation in its struggle for Religious Freedom for all!



The fourteen days from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this “fortnight for freedom”—a great hymn of prayer for our country. Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action will emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. Dioceses and parishes around the country have scheduled special events that support a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty. 



THIS IS NOT JUST FOR CATHOLICS...THIS IS FOR ALL CHRISTIANS AND NON CHRISTIANS UNITED IN PRAYER. That means Jewish, Muslim, atheist. This is about our First Amendment. We may well have non Christians here and we welcome ALL as Christ would. ** THIS IS NOT A FORUM FOR DEBATE. **