tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78872476047883782722024-03-12T22:33:28.684-05:00Simon Says.. Rachel Does.. I FollowI am just your average Catholic gal, but becoming a mother and a cancer patient has changed me beyond belief. I owe it all to my wonderful family: husband, son, and daughter! Here you will read my ravings, rantings, and rationalizations. I am quite wordy and nerdy. Simon and Rachel tell me many things, but most of all they remind me... I need to remember my purpose for life - living, loving, and being as God has planned for me!Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-21828334435799799312022-05-06T18:47:00.001-05:002022-05-06T18:47:54.916-05:00https://www.quikly.com/holiday-world/s/RMbdDrwB?utm_content=bloggerErikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-61606191649418805462015-10-26T07:30:00.000-05:002015-10-26T07:30:01.470-05:00My Little Curly Pregnancy and Infant Loss MonthWhew! Its been a long time since I wrote. Since then I've gotten an 'all clear' from the oncologist for another 6 months and started a whole new endeavor as an illustrator. What initially began as a hobby-turned child entertainment has now become somewhat marketable since I've illustrated a First Holy Communion book with another woman named Erika. As I worked on those illustrations, I doodled for Rachel since she is insatiable about coloring and loves horses as much as I do. Her insatiable appetite for horse coloring pages plus my knack for drawing horses combined with our new adorable American Curly Horse equaled the series I've named 'My Little Curly'. So far I have about 60 illustrations of cute curly horses in various poses and seem to always have an idea for creating new ones. This month, I adapted one to reflect the sad reality of Pregnancy and Infant Loss. The cuteness is still there, but the message remains starkly clear as well. Without further ado, here she is...<br />
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This month I'm offering 4 My Little Curly illustrations free, as I feel out this new endeavor. This one is available here, my <a href="http://www.erikasmiraclejourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miracle Journey blog</a> has a Breast Cancer Awareness one, and my <a href="http://www.benedictcatholic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Benedict Catholic Creations blog</a>, the home of all of these illustrations has 2 Halloween themed Curlys available. So you can visit those blogs to print each Curly for your own enjoyment. Rachel and my nieces have already tested and approved them as great fun to color. I take requests too! Just <a href="mailto:erikav@me.com" target="_blank">contact me</a> and I'll do my best to make your wish a coloring page! </div>
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In addition to the My Little Curly series and the Catholic First Holy Communion book, I've drawn many wheeled vehicles for my son, and just started a series of flowers. I use my creations as a focal point for some of the handwriting pages my children use in their schooling and also plan on authoring a book (or more) featuring the My Little Curly series. I plan on offering all of these illustrations (and even handwriting pages or worksheets based on them) on my Creation blog eventually. I'm hoping to use this to supplement our income since we're still financially strapped since my job loss in 2013. </div>
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If you like this Curly, like the sound of my other creations, or would just like to <a href="mailto:erikav@me.com" target="_blank">contact me</a> for something else, please do so! I love hearing from you!</div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-75244554523014269562015-07-05T00:16:00.001-05:002015-07-05T00:16:58.943-05:00Jesus I Trust In You!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Right now there is so much fear, anger, confusion, and disharmony in the US and world. It is difficult to turn on the TV, scroll through Facebook, or read blogs without bumping into a negative piece of information. To serious Catholics and other Christians, it seems like the world is happily riding to Hell in a hand basket of their very own making and dragging us with them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>As a penance a month or so ago, my confessor asked me to read Michael Gaitley's book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus. However, he told me I was to read only one page or section at a time and really reflect on the spiritual message. I am also writing a reading diary of sorts of the key points in a journal my mother-in-law got me with Biblical quotes and other inspiration quotes on each page facing a ruled page. </div><div><br></div><div>Often, I don't pay attention to the quotations, but my reading in the Gaitley book and the Bible quotations mirrored one another perfectly the other night. The section in the Gaitley book instructed the reader about how to trust Jesus not to overburden us with suffering. It also pointed out that, out of all the sins in the world, rejection and mistrust by those closest to Jesus wound His heart the most. Then the journal's biblical quotations from Hosea 14:8, Luke 12:29-32, Phillipians 4:5-6, 2 Corinthians 9:8 all spoke of The Lord giving us what we need and for us to not be anxious. </div><div><br></div><div>In this time of confusion, people need to know that even though everything seems topsy-turvy and opposite of God's will, He will not leave us orphaned. God loves His own and will be with us to the end of time if we just let Him. When things get too difficult, often we shut God out (sometimes by blaming Him) and try to do things 'ourselves'. It is those times that Jesus bleeds and hurts the worst because we don't trust Him enough to seek His strength. The world isn't about us living for ourselves, it is about us learning to live for God. The first thing we need to do is accept what we have, both the good and bad, as gifts from God that He will help us with if we let Him. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm trying to let Him work in my life. Won't you?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoWlMMWRTo_l8dYLGGJ4bHgvLgzbebZ2YOkfyD6ezj4AZGhY5JxdX4I0hUyXK89LUX1Hbgi2dVpfrJp9VEWjO9mS26eycP7zj3GP_6g9zbV0BAYDg7XDlrbIqb_Dke_qAa-BZEm6TcSmW/s640/blogger-image-1273054107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoWlMMWRTo_l8dYLGGJ4bHgvLgzbebZ2YOkfyD6ezj4AZGhY5JxdX4I0hUyXK89LUX1Hbgi2dVpfrJp9VEWjO9mS26eycP7zj3GP_6g9zbV0BAYDg7XDlrbIqb_Dke_qAa-BZEm6TcSmW/s640/blogger-image-1273054107.jpg"></a></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-23303421795050325132015-02-28T07:30:00.000-06:002015-02-28T02:24:13.336-06:00Seeing the Priesthood in the Loaves and Fishes<div>
I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> just had an "Aha!" moment reading something about the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The book I'm reading (The Greatest Prayer by John Dominic Crossan) is discussing this miracle in detail going over how Jesus ensures the disciples' role in the miracle. Through this miracle, Jesus is basically guiding the disciples in their duties as priests down the road. Jesus is constantly asking the disciples to go to the people and ask them questions or for things. Jesus Himself never just knows as we know He could. Nor does Jesus just go straight to the source and ask Himself. </span></div>
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The authors of the Gospels also repeatedly use the same formula each of the 6 times this miracle is mentioned to describe the multiplication of the food. In all cases, Jesus 'takes' the food, 'blesses' it, 'breaks' it, and 'gives' it. Sound familiar? Yeah, me too! Powerful witness to the Biblical nature of the Consecration of the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass isn't it? Even later at the Last Supper (again, the Consecration of the Eucharist) and after the Resurrection, this same formula of 'take', 'bless', 'break', and 'give' is used. </div>
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In several cases, after the Resurrection, the disciples don't recognize Jesus in speaking with him (road to Emmaus, anyone?), but only in the breaking of the bread. In other words, it's not enough to just hear about Jesus through reading the Bible or listening to preaching, you must experience Jesus through the Breaking of the Bread - the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist. </div>
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Jesus told us He was the Bread of Life. Jesus told us His Flesh was real food and His Blood was real drink - you don't get much more real that bread and wine. Paul exhorts us not to receive the Bread of Life, Jesus, unworthily. The Eucharist is TRULY Jesus present for you and me. Some of the disciples turned away from Jesus when He said this - they understood that He was being literal. The disciples that became priests understood and accepted Jesus at His word and passed their belief down to us.</div>
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At that point, I'd say the disciples were probably deacons well on their way to becoming priests once the Holy Spirit descends upon them at Pentecost. They don't really know it yet, but they're in one heck of a Seminary!</div>
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Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-79682434389822016942014-12-03T21:39:00.001-06:002014-12-03T21:39:58.506-06:00Girls: To Server or Not To Serve...<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In a recent blog, I saw one of the original quotes from the Vatican when the permission for girls to be servers came out. The word "obligation" was used in reference to boys being the preferred altar servers, but girls being allowed according to the bishop's decision. The Vatican clearly sees a connection between being an altar server and recognizing a call to the priesthood. It is clear that a 'behind the scenes' look at the Mass, as witnessed by altar servers, would lead to boys considering the vocation. Therefore, when girls enter the ranks of servers, there may be a similar effect on them - a desire to 'have the power' to consecrate bread and wine into Jesus's Body and Blood. Really, it is only natural. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">However, correct and thorough teaching of the True Faith can overcome this problem. It can also overcome the issues mentioned above such as finding Mass 'boring' if not serving, not knowing Liturgical terms, not understanding what happens during Mass, etc. All it takes is for parents to take their responsibility and obligation to heart and to REALLY teach their children the Faith. Whether your children attend Catholic schools or go to CCD, they still need to be immersed in the Faith at home. Too often parents let teachers (whether at school or CCD) and the single weekly Mass be the only exposition their children have to their Faith. There is no way over 2000 years of Catholicism can be learned in that little bit of exposure - even if all the teachers and priests were top-notch apologists (which sadly they aren't... Please pray for priests and religion teachers!). Even if they were top-notch apologists, 'book-learning' is not even 1/2 of the battle. You must LIVE your Faith in order to succeed in it. In order to live it, you must know it. To know it you must learn about it at a steady rate. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*Study the Catechism with your children. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*Go through the Liturgical items after Mass with them. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*Invite Father over after Mass or on a weeknight to discuss Mass and what happens during Mass. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*Discuss Liturgical seasons and how they differ from the secular seasons we see. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*Read Scripture together to learn where all our wonderful Traditions began. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*Learn about various saints and their lives to see which fits each member of your family best. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*Identify areas of your lives that could be improved by studying the cardinal virtues and vices. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Really LIVE the Faith. Through this more than any amount of altar serving will make our children devout and life-long Catholics - even if they turn away for a while. Once they know the why and how, they will return, even if it takes them the rest of their lives. All things are possible with God.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My daughter is 5 and wants to be an altar server. However, she will be guided into a different area of serving our parish. Her brother is almost 7 and will be an altar server. They both already know the entire Consecration just from attending Sunday Masses with one daily Mass every week or so. They're young, but already know many of the items used during the Liturgy, the Liturgical seasons, many saints, the basics of the Catechism, many Bible stories, countless hymns, sung Mass parts (Gloria, Holy, etc) and songs for Mass. We have been our parish's 'choir' since they were infants in the womb. That is one of our 'services' to the parish. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not everyone needs to serve in the same way - not everyone has to 'serve' in a public or physical way at all. Participation in Mass is not about physically 'doing' something at Mass. Participating in the Mass is simply being there at witnessing The unbloody Sacrifice of Jesus on the altar. That is what Mass is about. Mass is NOT about how we feel about it or what we do. It is about Christ's Sacrifice for us. Too often we get caught up in trying to 'do' something instead of worshiping God in the Mass. We go to Mass for God, not for ourselves. If all we can think of during Mass is ourselves and whether we're doing enough, or entertained enough, or 'participating' enough, then we're not really participating at all. We should go to Mass to be in awe of our Almighty God who created us, forgives our sins, died for us, and nourishes us with His very Own Body and Blood. We should go to Mass knowing that the angels do not even get to be this intimate with God - we consume Him! That is what Mass is about. The Mass is the most perfect prayer we have and just being in the church while Mass is being said - even if you can't understand a word of it - with a reverent and prayerful heart is the best prayer we can offer God. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, don't get caught up in trying to find a 'service' to perform at Mass - your service may simply be to pray the Mass. Outside of Mass just raise your children with knowledge of the Faith - don't expect others or their 'service' do it for you.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A8Y9JuFlKZ4uQJFcNn2yS0eocTKT4AauyKyTJBCDGshmyoXYWzLNPtYWXY74kJU3SVNJeVUw69mpt_skRQNAsz00dP22egamSF26v77rJr7f5k9yHYE7Ant5prSVxH_fiduyYZ6S3RaP/s640/blogger-image-1887095141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A8Y9JuFlKZ4uQJFcNn2yS0eocTKT4AauyKyTJBCDGshmyoXYWzLNPtYWXY74kJU3SVNJeVUw69mpt_skRQNAsz00dP22egamSF26v77rJr7f5k9yHYE7Ant5prSVxH_fiduyYZ6S3RaP/s640/blogger-image-1887095141.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-45069622557597125282014-11-21T03:59:00.001-06:002014-11-29T11:22:16.517-06:0040 Things I've Learned from My Parents' 40 Years of MarriageNovember 29, 1974 was a <i>very</i> special day. My parents were joined in Holy Matrimony that day. In a world where relationships lasting 40 days seem rare (at least if you're talking about celebrities), <i>40 years of marriage is a big deal</i>! Blessedly, I've spent all of my 33 years living with (or near) my parents. Even now, I live "next-door" to them, so that my children and I can visit without ever setting foot on a real road, 1/4 of a mile away. So even my children are benefiting from the witness my parents share just by living out their vocation faithfully. Here are some things I've learned.<div><br></div><div>1. Pray together.</div><div>2. Do little things for one another.</div><div>3. Show affection for one another.</div><div>4. Don't be afraid to fight.</div><div>5. Be willing to forgive.</div><div>6. Give each other space.</div><div>7. Support each other in parenting.</div><div>8. Pray for each other.</div><div>9. Talk to each other not at each other.</div><div>10. Know your priorities: 1-God, 2-spouse, 3-children, 4-etc.</div><div>11. Respect each other's boundaries.</div><div>12. Apologize even if you don't think you were the only one in the wrong.</div><div>13. Attend public functions together.</div><div>14. Spoil one another occasionally.</div><div>15. Go to Mass and Reconcilliation often together and individually.</div><div>16. Be risqué occasionally.</div><div>17. Share inside jokes.</div><div>18. Have your own interests.</div><div>19. Give your relationship 100%.</div><div>20. Respect each other's bodies and feelings-Theology of the Body is great.</div><div>21. Work together on projects.</div><div>22. Challenge each other-spiritually and physically.</div><div>23. Share an interest, hobby, or leisure activity.</div><div>24. Listen to music together (dance sometimes).</div><div>25. Remember what attracted you to each other.</div><div>26. Lend an ear or shoulder to each other for tough times.</div><div>27. Know that your marriage is more than a piece of paper-God is with you.</div><div>28. Have a "date-night" even if it's at home.</div><div>29. Show an interest in each other's passions.</div><div>30. Know you don't have to agree all the time, just agree to disagree.</div><div>31. Go to a neutral party if you're having relationship trouble-priests are great.</div><div>32. Know and avoid each other's hot-buttons.</div><div>33. Support each other's work.</div><div>34. Admit your weaknesses to each other.</div><div>35. Rely on each other for strength during hard times.</div><div>36. Say and do silly things.</div><div>37. Let other people see your love.</div><div>38. Constantly re-evaluate your goals and dreams.</div><div>39. Let go and let God-money, status, things, health, etc are nothing without Him.</div><div>40. Love each other.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza1WQz6r2YsMgI_ZN2VohinzFznULnyJi4bPu4_OPi4GS3y10mbpdLvpHIGVmjzIMg3MvREoWTQN7fYNKgm-4pZdToeVSsKl8c1hIin_IZTSstzIsG6LLWZu0Z0FtgDreeJT4jGLyhd6M/s640/blogger-image--113426866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza1WQz6r2YsMgI_ZN2VohinzFznULnyJi4bPu4_OPi4GS3y10mbpdLvpHIGVmjzIMg3MvREoWTQN7fYNKgm-4pZdToeVSsKl8c1hIin_IZTSstzIsG6LLWZu0Z0FtgDreeJT4jGLyhd6M/s640/blogger-image--113426866.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I don't have much financially right now, but I have a constantly growing appreciation for my parents and their marriage. This is their Ruby Anniversary-40th-and I wish there was more I could do for them. However, I know my love, prayers, and thoughts will suffice. I love you two! Thank you for being a great example!</div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-33427208819309598622014-08-01T09:58:00.000-05:002014-08-01T09:58:00.341-05:00A 'New' Kind of Cafeteria Catholic?<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I read <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/standingonmyhead/2014/07/the-rise-of-conservative-cafeteria-catholicsism.html" target="_blank">this article</a> on Patheos about the 'new' kind of cafeteria Catholics: conservatives. In it, Father indicates that conservatives are picking and choosing the points of Pope Francis's words/actions they like and denigrating him on points they disagree. The former cafeteria Catholics, he says, were liberals who disliked Pope Benedict and love Pope Francis. The switch is one he claims is ironic.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I disagree that conservative Catholics are now guilty of being cafeteria Catholics. I would most likely be considered a Conservative Catholic with leanings towards the Traditional (I veil, but don't attend TLM). I think Pope Francis is a good pope, but I think he has a tendency to speak off the cuff without putting a lot of thought behind how his words will be interpreted. In this age of sound bites, some of those attributed (yes, I know some are wrongly attributed or poorly translated, but not all) to Pope Francis are damaging to how the world, and Catholics even, view our Faith. In context and properly translated his words are not as damaging, but many will never take the time to investigate the truth behind the sound bite. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Additionally, many people wrongly compare and contrast Popes JP II, Benedict, and Francis. In order to build up Pope Francis they denigrate Benedict. The truth of the matter is that these three holy men were, gasp, all Popes of the Catholic Church. The doctrines, dogmas, and Faith Deposit of the Church have remained the same. One telling meme says something to the effect of JP II told us what we believe, Benedict told us why we believe, and Francis is telling us how to put our beliefs in practice. </span>I was in Denver for JP II and shouted "JP II we love you" with fervor. <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have a scholarly mind, so Benedict appealed to me with his explanations (plus I'm German and love my Papa). I was glued to the tv when Pope Francis was elected and enjoy his down-to-earth practice of what he preaches. I think his recent photo in a cafeteria with others working (in the Vatican?) is really the 'new' kind of cafeteria Catholic - those who volunteer in the cafeterias and those who evangelize in the cafeteria. That's one kind of cafeteria Catholic I won't disagree with!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think the problem lies not in 'conservatives' disliking or disparaging Pope Francis, but in liberals and conservatives alike putting Popes JP II, Benedict, and Francis against one another. None of these popes sought competition with one another. They should not be in competition with one another. It should never be an either-or between popes. It should just be the Catholic Church and Her Bishop of Rome. </span>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-21756002106239526932014-07-29T23:40:00.001-05:002014-11-23T16:35:56.846-06:00New Endeavor: It Works Product IntroductionEver since I was terminated from my job, we've been struggling financially. A friend of I mine read of our financial problems and suggested I sell <b><i>It Works</i></b> products like she does. Well, I took the plunge. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.biologybrain.myitworks.com/" target="_blank">I'm hoping perhaps some of my readers will too</a>.</span><br />
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I tried the crazy wrap thing for myself. Literally overnight I noticed improvement of my trouble spots - 'wings' left over from my reconstruction surgery. Amazing! The only way to get rid of these 'wings', I thought, was to have more surgery (revision plastic surgery). For a cosmetic problem, I wasn't willing to spend the money or pain. Now with these crazy wraps, I don't have to worry about further surgery. </div>
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There are many different products - not just wraps. All the products are herbal based without complex named chemicals. Pricing depends on your commitment to purchasing. If you're willing to commit to 3 consecutive months of product (each month can be a different product), then you are a <b>Loyal Customer</b> (LC) and get heavy discounts. Retail customers don't get the same discounts but still get the same products. If you sign up to become a <b>Distributor</b> you get free products that you can use yourself, give away, or sell. Additionally, you make commissions off of the products your LCs and retail customers buy. When you get other Distributors signed up, you earn commissions off of their commissions and some really great monetary rewards. The success stories of this company are phenomenal. I'm hoping to be one of them!</div>
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<b>Body</b></div>
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<i>Ultimate Body Applicator </i>(4 applications LC $59; retail $99)</div>
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<i>Defining Gel Body Contouring Gel </i>(LC $45; retail $75)</div>
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<i>Fab Wrap </i>(82 feet<i> </i>LC/retail $7)</div>
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<b>Greens</b></div>
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I've also been drinking Greens. In each serving is 8 servings of fruits/veggies, the antioxidant effect of 20 cartons of blueberries, probiotics, and pH balancing goodness. Each serving is also an energy boost without any harmful caffeine or other chemical energizers. There are two flavors available: orange and berry. There are several different options for Greens:<i> </i></div>
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<i>30 serving jar</i> (LC $33; retail $55), </div>
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<i>90 serving jar</i> (LC $79; retail $139), </div>
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<i>30 single serving on-the-go packets</i> (LC $35; retail $59), and </div>
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<i>60 Chews</i> (LC $30; retail $50). </div>
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<b>Skin</b></div>
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There are several skincare products as well. The <i>Lip and Eye Moisturizing Cream Gel</i> (LC $29; retail $49) in my next order. This product smooths skin tone and lessens the look of wrinkles, bags, and puffiness. One thing I struggle with is my constant dark circles under my eyes. It's genetics combined with allergies, and not helped my erratic sleep cycles. I have high hopes for this cream.</div>
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There other products I haven't tried or investigated yet, but sound wonderful. </div>
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<i>Facial: Deep Hydration Mask</i> (4 applications LC $59; retail $99)</div>
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<i>Cleanser: Facial Cleanser Gel </i>(LC $33; retail $55)</div>
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<i>Toner: pH Balancing Mist </i>(LC $33; retail $55)</div>
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<i>Stretch Mark: Moisturizing Body Cream</i> (LC $39; retail $65)</div>
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<i>Hair Skin and Nails: Nourishing Complex</i> (60 tablets LC $33; retail $55)</div>
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<i>Preventage: Day Cream Gel </i>(LC $25; retail $45)</div>
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<i>Repairage: Night Cream Gel </i>(LC $29; retail $49)</div>
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<b>Lifestyle</b></div>
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There are many different tablets available for weight loss, colon health, revitalizing, healthy joints, anti stress, multivitamin, bone health, essential fatty acids, nutrition, weight loss energy, and even a menopausal support. </div>
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<i>Advanced Fat Fighter with Carb Inhibitors </i>(60 tablets LC $23; retail $39)</div>
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<i>Ultimate Thermofit: Thermogenic Weight Loss Formula </i>(60 tablets LC $39; retail $65)</div>
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<i>Regular: Support for Colon Health </i>(60 capsules LC $27; retail $45)</div>
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<i>It's Vital Core Nutrition: Cutting Edge Multivitamin</i> (90 tablets LC $29; retail $49)</div>
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<i>New You: Body Revitalizing </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Formula</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> (90 tablets LC $49; retail $89)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Relief: Support for Healthy Joint Function</i> (60 tablets LC $29; retail $49)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Confianza: Anti-Stress Formula</i> (60 tablets LC $25; retail $45)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>It's Vital Minerals: Support for Bone </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Health</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> (60 tablets LC $23; retail $39)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>It's Vital Omega-3: Essential Fatty Acids</i> (30 soft-gel capsules LC $23; retail $39)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Ultimate Profit: Advanced Superfood Nutrition</i> (vanilla or chocolate powder LC $69; retail $115)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>It's Essential: Weight Loss Energy Bar</i> (dark chocolate berry flavor LC $25; retail $45)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Estrorhythm: Support for Menopausal Symptoms </i>(30-day supply LC $79; retail $139)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Packs</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We all know that sometimes things are meant to be used in conjunction with other things. Well, these packs put various products together in a way that maximizes effectiveness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>It's Vital Complete Nutrition Pack: Core Nutrition, Minerals, and Omega-3s </i>(30 packets LC $60; retail $115)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Wrap Pack: 4 Ultimate Body Applicators and mini Defining Gel </i>(LC $69; retail $115)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Skinny Pack: 4 Ultimate Body Applicators, Defining Gel, and Advanced Formula Fat Fighter </i>(LC $112; retail $189)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>It Pack: 4 Ultimate Body Applicators, Defining Gel, Facial, Lip and Eye, and Greens on the Go </i>(LC $179; retail $299)</span></div>
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Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-38297629755094653592014-07-20T14:33:00.001-05:002014-07-20T14:40:20.229-05:00Judgment Police verses Modesty Police<div>Modesty. It is a 'hot-button' topic with both sides claiming moral superiority, but the worldly opinion is securely behind the immodest. Recently, an article titled 'Three Immodestly Dressed Women Walked into a Church' (http://www.kimberleysuchta.com/2014/07/14/three-immodestly-dressed-women-walk-into-a-church/) raised the issue by giving each woman's reasoning for how she was dressed. Each woman's story was suitably heart-wrenching and demonstrated the bravery of these women for coming to church 'as they were'. It continued on the theme that we (the presumably judgmental 'modesty police') should understand where each and every person is coming from and acknowledge that they are 'broken'. In other words, modesty is relative and immodestly dressed people are already morally superior.</div><div><br></div><div>The only thing broken from my point of view is the record of 'immodest' protectors verses the 'modesty police'. What struck me most in this post was that each woman that was dressed immodestly knew and and was already feeling guilty for it. In general, the message we always hear is that we (the 'modesty police') shouldn't judge others. However, it's just as possible for these immodestly dressed ladies to be guilty of harshly judging themselves as well as others they deem 'holier than thou' or 'modesty police'. In modesty article after modesty article it is demanded the we (the presumed 'modesty police') give those dressed immodestly the benefit of the doubt and 'meet them where they are'. We, the presumed 'modesty police', are chastised for covering ourselves modestly. Our thoughts are assumed to be negative towards those dressed unlike ourselves. Author after author jumps to the defense of the immodestly church going while heaping accusations toward the modestly church going. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWyhQJ_KERloYNNPJDz3ljSF5YjpleC1eAxt3LxKF2vvhIcACHH-ItezsLud7ETwjaqdHHhuhgaUqH414WavdLBZb6a-6Zo8-E2uXQs8n1L0ubahC0EpKs_Rt0wyXpFuvH6qH9DvagbA8/s640/blogger-image--2069932853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWyhQJ_KERloYNNPJDz3ljSF5YjpleC1eAxt3LxKF2vvhIcACHH-ItezsLud7ETwjaqdHHhuhgaUqH414WavdLBZb6a-6Zo8-E2uXQs8n1L0ubahC0EpKs_Rt0wyXpFuvH6qH9DvagbA8/s640/blogger-image--2069932853.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Rare (and poorly received) is the article that explains how a modestly dressed woman feels towards her own modesty or someone else's. It is assumed that the modestly dressed woman vilifies the immodest and judges them harshly. Accused members of the modesty police are criticized for looking at as well as for not looking at the immodest among them. A glance at an immodestly dressed woman from a modestly dressed woman is assumed to be condemning, judgmental, and disdainful. Keeping modest eyes focused on Christ on the Cross instead of the immodestly dressed is also assumed to be condemning, judgmental, and disdainful. The rationale behind dressing modestly, how a modest woman feels about herself, and how she sees the world is seldom, if ever, explained.</div><div><br></div><div>As a modest woman I am often immediately labeled as judgmental, holier-than-thou, and 'perfect' (in a sarcastic sort of way). The secular world assumes that since I'm not flaunting my body for all to ogle I am ashamed of my body. Immodestly dressed women assume I think I'm better than them whether I say anything to them or not. Even the clergy sometimes assumes that if a woman dresses modestly (it's even worse if that woman wears a veil) she is holier-than-thou. Heaven forbid I have insecurities about myself, that I worry about how others see me, that I feel as 'broken' as anyone out there, and/or that I feel judged. My modesty has nothing to do with others-modest or immodest. I happen to think that the most flattering way to dress is modest. Wearing modest clothing (and a veil in the True Presence) is not a sign of my superiority, it is my sign of respect to the One superior to us all. Modesty presents an image to the world that is often not appreciated or acknowledged.</div><div><br></div><div>Our insecurities tend to make us defensive where no offense was meant. Maybe the 'disdainful' stare the immodestly dressed woman felt was really another woman thinking (and staring) at something in her memory. Maybe the disdainful look was actual focused on how the modest lady wishes she could fit into something similar. Maybe the 'cold shoulder' was really the 'modesty police' feeling uncomfortable - not because of the immodesty - because she felt her clothes or her body lacked style/flare/fit/etc and she wanted to be considered beautiful like the immodestly dressed woman. Maybe the kindly words of modesty were phrased poorly due to our anxiety stemming from the frequent backlash we receive. Maybe all the assuming has done more to divide us that the truth in our hearts. We ALL have our own hang-ups physically, mentally, and spiritually. Sometimes the ones who look like they have it all together are the ones hurting the most. There are times we all feel judged, but we aren't all justified in blaming others for judging us. We are often our harshest critic.</div><div><br></div><div>So instead of accusing others of being judgmental, perhaps we should all--modest, immodest, church-going, fallen-away, promiscuous, virginal, etc--look only be the best we can be without assuming anything of others. We should all pray for each other to be Holy as God calls us to be.</div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-78379231256581552382014-05-06T23:29:00.001-05:002014-05-06T23:29:30.467-05:00I'm Just Human...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYObDjPtNfjNyCbK-AZJRP8TkGYvJU7ThXO2Lr6kJMCc637icK6eBmXx8MJarlMA504iEFiOkGpR4pKT5o6v50ZXsWo86OK-pGD_OnAAkn587fAIlpambMC8XeANCkOJd-as0QItFI5LNr/s640/blogger-image--465693962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYObDjPtNfjNyCbK-AZJRP8TkGYvJU7ThXO2Lr6kJMCc637icK6eBmXx8MJarlMA504iEFiOkGpR4pKT5o6v50ZXsWo86OK-pGD_OnAAkn587fAIlpambMC8XeANCkOJd-as0QItFI5LNr/s640/blogger-image--465693962.jpg"></a></div>You know how sometimes you read a comment on FaceBook or a blog post (or listen to the homily at Mass) and think whoever is 'speaking' is looking directly at you. Well, I just recently had that feeling reading a blog post. I've spent a large portion of my life being judged by others to be too 'judgemental' or 'holier-than-thou' or a 'goody two shoes'. So when I happen across something that paints my position on a subject as 'judge mental' my first thought is that I'm the one being judged and found wanting. Even people who theoretically 'know' me well see me as fitting the mold of the terms previously mentioned. Even people who know how I agonize over practically every word to avoid insulting or hurting someone think I'm at least a stick-in-the-mud. I have a friend on a social game that thinks I can't or won't curse/cuss because I am too conservative and/or holy to do so. <div><br></div><div><div>It's true that I try to show myself in the best light possible as far as morals go. However, I <b>never</b> think I'm perfect or incapable of wrong. I just try to listen to the soft silent voice of my conscience. I try to look on the bright side of people, their actions, their words, and the world in general. I am passionate about my beliefs and morals, but I don't expect everyone to agree with me. When I say, "I'll pray for you." I really mean it and not in a sarcastic way. To this day I can vividly recall instances where I was maligned and 'judged' but in truth the person that was maligned and 'judged' was not the true me. I still cry at times when I think of the way my work-life was terminated and the lies and exaggerations that are written in black-and-white. I still wonder if there was anything else I could have done to prevent such a sad end to my career. </div><div><br></div><div>I sometimes look back on friendships I had in the past that ended poorly and wonder if things could have turned out differently. I replay conversations in my head constantly trying to figure out the sticking point and point of disagreement that caused the discussion to go awry. I truly strive to present myself in the best light as possible, but also to view others in the best light possible as well. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm sure some people are tired of hearing about how my cancer changed my life (and not necessarily for the better). I'm sure there are people who think that is all I think about and that I just constantly need pity or sympathy in order to function. I'm sure some people think my cries for modesty, conservative values, and traditional mindset stems from my desire to judge, control, and inhibit others. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Some people have painted a very negative picture of me in their mind that nothing I do can erase.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The truth is that I have been irrevocably changed by my cancer experience. I strive to live a Godly life inwardly and outwardly. My concern for others is based on a true desire for them to see Heaven. None of this means I don't fail sometimes. It would be ridiculous to say or think otherwise. I'm human just like everyone else. Sometimes my opinions, like armpits, stink. Often I am insecure enough to need someone to say they understand me or sympathize with me. Occasionally I need to be reminded of the blessings in my life. We all do. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-38659968186463004732014-03-10T13:49:00.001-05:002014-03-10T13:55:11.654-05:00St. Himelin - March 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Today for religion class, the kiddos learned about one of today's saints, St.Himelin. </span></div><div><br></div><div>He was a holy priest on a pilgrimage to Rome in huge year 750. He got to a town in Belgium and fell ill (bubonic plague was widespread in the area). A passing maid was carrying a water pitcher to the local priest's rectory. St. Himelin asked her for a drink, but initially she refused. Finally, she had pity upon him and gave him a drink. After drinking, St. Himelin said the priest would be well-pleased with the water. When the priest sampled the water, he found it had been turned to fine wine. At that point, the maid told the priest about St. Himelin. Immediately they retrieved St. Himelin to care for him in his sickness. However, St. Himelin refused a bed and asked only for a pile of straw. Three days later, at the hour of his death, the bells at the local church rang of their own accord. </div><div><br></div><div>This saint doesn't appear to be very well-known or studied. However, 2 miracles were performed by/for him in the only three days we know of his life. That's pretty amazing! I was unimpressed with the pictures I saw of this saint, so I drew my own. In my drawing I included the bed of straw, the water pitcher, and the church bell tower since those, to me, are important parts of the story. I wasn't sure what he looked like, exactly what attire he'd wear, or how old he was, so I just did a generic man in a robe. Pardon the bad photo, but my scanner doesn't work with my iPad. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS2GdrwXVooVKtQ5SRnJmQOE_hoV8WZ9akc_4vq67R1rjmn-bvg60joM3NMNPPYyHTEaUkAc-qB0QAvtkRWdbAmQmpsqwscDzDmeW9mpWttElj_B-4HQ7RR81SBe0AZsJj6iT9tnoHgBH/s640/blogger-image--1049259546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS2GdrwXVooVKtQ5SRnJmQOE_hoV8WZ9akc_4vq67R1rjmn-bvg60joM3NMNPPYyHTEaUkAc-qB0QAvtkRWdbAmQmpsqwscDzDmeW9mpWttElj_B-4HQ7RR81SBe0AZsJj6iT9tnoHgBH/s640/blogger-image--1049259546.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-77803072540783938262014-01-22T21:56:00.001-06:002014-01-22T21:56:07.133-06:0041st Annual March for Life 2014<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">The sorrowful news about abortion, beyond the death of an unborn child, is the harm it causes women. As many as 45% of some Suicide Hotlines are women in deep grief for the disposal of their babies. Their grief, guilt, and regret can lead to 'less' severe consequences like depression, low self esteem, PTSD, anxiety, and perhaps worst of all, distance from God. God can and will forgive these women of their sin, if they only ask. However, society lies to them - saying there is no need for forgiveness or any negative feelings regarding their abortion. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Abortion advocates do a much deeper damage to women than physically harming them during the actual abortion. The lies promoted by abortion advocates belittle the negative feelings many women have later about their abortions. Without proper support or recognition, these walking wounded women become bitter, disillusioned, and forced to support abortion or else feel they are condemning themselves. Many times these women publicly say they feel no negative feelings about their abortion. Yet, if they were truly to examine their conscience, mind, heart, and soul - the deep wound of their abortion colors their whole lives. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">As pro-lifers we must not only express our concern for the millions of babies destroyed, but also express concern for the mothers (and families) that 'chose' that option. Even if the woman denies any negative feelings, it is quite likely that she just can't or won't acknowledge it. Abortion is murder and baldly stating that truth can be unimaginably painful for post-abortive women (whether they admit it or not). The abortionists are the ones that commit this murder, while the mother is complicit and a co-conspirator. However, once she asks God for His forgiveness (if Catholic in the Sacrament of Reconciliation), in His infinite mercy, He forgives her. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">It is our job as pro-lifers to pray for these women's hearts to change, encourage women to seek this forgiveness, and offer support for their continued healing. On this evening of the 41st March for Life, let us join in prayer for those who marched, those who prayed, those who participated in huge Twitter-fest, and all of those who's hearts and minds were on the subject. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2NkQmTdzMssdWjvGyiyGycv7AdakKsfHDL4byRrhcQyy9pqJoPcyq0daqLNUTSsml8D-RvyvLFEevqP0-fB3dcPMlrSPtqOQTzFWSBD6kHuBmoieF0zDNYSyrAAygOqEEwKQtb05qIV5/s640/blogger-image-1760401459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2NkQmTdzMssdWjvGyiyGycv7AdakKsfHDL4byRrhcQyy9pqJoPcyq0daqLNUTSsml8D-RvyvLFEevqP0-fB3dcPMlrSPtqOQTzFWSBD6kHuBmoieF0zDNYSyrAAygOqEEwKQtb05qIV5/s640/blogger-image-1760401459.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-32669717764116642612013-12-03T21:41:00.001-06:002013-12-14T20:41:38.336-06:00Advent Veiling Project 2013: What I've LearnedTogether with my mother and my young daughter, I have been veiling for over a year and a half. Our debut veil-day was Mother's Day. My daughter was two, but oh, so adorable in her veil attached to a headband. My mother and I were far enough removed from our 'forced' head covering due to chemo that we decided to embrace this lovely tradition. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Over the years, in various bulletin boards and message boards I've argued against veiling and no-pants allowed (skirts only). </span><div><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3GxLO6WcgKCowJWLW9LzXAFRXghoEvS248qSEN-ELZgJlKfaxiYl124c2JGv4WGrg3DzHLNIqw1ejRglrpHLMh-UId7Ax6dsq2HQ4qlR9URAkFceGQccqJnij69kc5OxY20xAThzwpJZ/s640/blogger-image-1606746424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3GxLO6WcgKCowJWLW9LzXAFRXghoEvS248qSEN-ELZgJlKfaxiYl124c2JGv4WGrg3DzHLNIqw1ejRglrpHLMh-UId7Ax6dsq2HQ4qlR9URAkFceGQccqJnij69kc5OxY20xAThzwpJZ/s640/blogger-image-1606746424.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div>One of my objections to veiling was usually along the lines of distraction. Since 99% of people in most parishes don't veil wearing one could likely to draw attention. In addition, trying to keep something else straight - especially as a mother with young children - could distract the wearer from the beauty and sacredness of Holy Sacrament of the Mass. </div><div><br></div><div>Another of my objects was vanity. I mean, veils are so fru-fru, girly, and, well, lacy they obviously became more about matching your outfit than about fitting yourself for the Mass. Even discounting all of the above, veils come in so many colors, weights, sizes, shapes, and styles. How could anyone argue that having a closet full of beautiful church clothing with matching/coordinating veils wouldn't become more of a fashion show than a show of submission?</div><div><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">As someone who has always, even in my college years, had a definite set of clothing for church verses clothing for dates, school, work, lounging, etc, I didn't buy into the premise of dressing nicely (and expecting others to do the same) as being 'holier-than-thou'. So when I saw people who agreed with my objections citing this as a reason, I had to step back. I read stories of women who found their Faith, peace, happiness, and submission to God increase through veiling. I began to read the history and tradition of the practice of veiling. I read about the new law 'getting rid of' the practice, but found that to be false. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I'm a scientist by training, so I looked at the logic and parsimony of veiling. What I found lead me to discuss veiling with my mother. Not uncommonly, she and I were on the same wave-length without effort. We challenged each other and encouraged each other. Since my young daughter is a continuation of my mother and I, it was only natural to have her veil too. Not only was she absolutely adorable in her veil (I'd have to go to Confession if I denied that;-), she was also moved with the simplicity of a child to recognize this as another sign of church being different and more special than other things we did. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Yes, our veils are pretty. Of course, being quite a bit obsessive compulsive, we do have to at least have color coordination with our clothing. Honestly (again, if I deny this I'd have to go to Confession post-haste ;-), the colors, styles, and patterns are beautiful and make me feel beautiful. However, during Mass, my focus isn't on whether my veil compliments my outfit, or if it's making me look more beautiful. During Mass, my veil serves as a reminder to move a little more carefully, focus on the altar, not my pew-mates (well, except the kiddos that belong to me), and overall bring more reverence to my participation in Mass. I do get a little thrill when I see another veiler visiting another parish or having a visiting our parish. My biggest thrills were at the March for Life in January 2013. During the opening Mass at the Bascillica in Washington, DC as well as during the Youth Mass right before the March, I saw others, some younger than me and others older than me, veiling. I just felt an extra unity with these women who covered their heads to show God the attitude from us He so richly deserves. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So I've made a 180 degree switch in position about veiling because God lifted the veil over my eyes to let me see His glory reflected in my submissive action. Even if I do sometimes want a new veil because it's pretty, I know that the beauty of my veil does not negate the submission in my heart that leads me to veil. I can get a thrill seeing others veil without feeling holier than those who don't. Because the veil isn't about *me*; veiling is about God present in the Eucharist!</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">*** I created this post to join in the Advent Veiling Project 2013. Please visit </font><a href="http://lifeofacatholiclibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-veiling-project-2013-linkup.html">http://lifeofacatholiclibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-veiling-project-2013-linkup.html</a> for more information, giveaways, & stories! There are at least 4 veil giveaways -- one is Veils By Lily (<a href="http://www.veilsbylily.com/">http://www.veilsbylily.com/</a>). </div></div></font></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-49453123603236146332013-06-23T07:00:00.000-05:002014-03-10T13:54:59.166-05:00Mislabeling Catholics as Misogynists<span lang=""></span><span style="font-size: small;">Recently, a couple of small blurbs in the <i>Our Sunday Visitor</i> (June 16, 2013 issue) caught my attention. One described the Archdioecese of Cincinnati receiving a verdict awarding money to a fired employee. Another summarized a study released at the World Health Assembly about abortion's negative impact on various women's health issues. Still another was an entire article about modesty using a New Jersey school's contentious method as a lesson. On the surface these stories are very different, however, at their core they reflect a similar theme: the <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misogyny" target="_blank">misogyny</a> of the Catholic Church. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;">An unmarried woman was <a href="http://morningjournal.com/articles/2013/06/04/news/doc51add085d104b406795894.txt?viewmode=fullstory" target="_blank">dismissed from her teaching position</a> in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati after using artificial insemination to get pregnant. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> Opponents decry this termination as yet another sign that the Catholic Church is misogynic. At the root of the court case, the woman in question had signed a contact to comply with the Church's teachings prior to employment. Well catechised and educated individuals know that conception outside of 'normal' intercourse is <a href="http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2377.htm" target="_blank">against the moral norms</a> of the Church. <i>Period</i>. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> However, poorly catechized and anti-Catholic individuals often use the established moral norms of the Church as examples of the archaic and unrealistic attitudes that pit the Church against women. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A study released during the World Health Assemby in Switzerland revealed that <a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/study-documents-abortions-global-health-threat-to-women/" target="_blank">abortion has negative effects</a> on women's health. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> On one level, everyone knows the Church vigorously opposes abortion--even 'Catholics' that defend the "right" to abortion. <a href="http://whateverycatholicshouldknow.com/wecsk/sin_abortion.htm" target="_blank">Abortion is wrong</a>. <i>Period</i>. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> Knowledge of the Church's unwavering teaching on abortion doesn't prevent many from disagreeing and again pointing the finger at the Church's so-called misogynic ways. When the Church's position is backed by numerous scientific studies as well as ancedotal evidence, the Church and Her faithful followers are accused of "exaggerating" and even perpetuating a "war on women".</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In New Jersey, a junior high school implemented a <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/23/strapless-dress-ban-new-jersey/2106263/" target="_blank">ban on strapless dresses</a> for eigth-grade prom.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> Yet again, opponents to this ban paint the administration as misogynists. Regardless of this school's affiliation with Catholicism, it shares a similarity with many Catholic schools that implement a similar ban. Modesty is a hot-button issue even among faithful Catholics. The controversy among Catholics isn't about whether <a href="http://www.catholicmodesty.com/catechismmodesty.html" target="_blank">modesty is a virtue</a>. It is. <i>Period</i>. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">Instead</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> the controversy revolves around the definition and implementation of modesty. Again, opponents of the Church, and even some faithful members, label the Church as misogynic. </span></span><br>
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Supporters of the Church know <strong>Mother</strong> Church is anything <u>but</u> misogynic. While oppenents are accusing the Church of misogyny, they also <a href="http://www.catholicsistas.com/2012/08/13/confessions-of-an-alleged-mary-worshiper/" target="_blank">claim Catholics worship Mary</a>, a woman; both patently false accusations. The Church's position on these controversial issues actually protects women and maintains an inherent God-given dignity and value. Most women strongly desire children at one point in their life. Catholic teaching <i>welcomes </i>that. By establishing laws defining the sacrament of marriage and the marital embrace, the Church ensures women aren't used simply for satisfaction of sexual desire and offspring. Children are highly valued by the Church and are a natural <strike>product </strike><i>blessing </i>upon a marriage. Stripping these children from women's wombs opens these women for countless physical, emotional, and spiritual harms. Banning abortion again <i>protects </i>women from this desecration. Modesty is not about protecting men from women's 'evil' charms. Instead, the Church's position on modesty reflects God's beauty shown through His creation and <i>safeguards </i>against perverting it. Contrary to forcing women to submit to harmful edicts, the Church's laws protect women and recognize God's dignity and beauty in women.<br>
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Mary's role in the Church exemplifies the Church's position on these three divergent, but complementary issues. As a faithful Jew, Mary said "Yes" to God's call and His laws, even when they brought her strife. Pregnancy prior to marriage could have led to death for Mary, yet she never considered her pregnancy anything but God's blessing. Through her adherance to God's laws and discipleship to Jesus, Mary maintained her modesty in appearance and action throughout her life. God so loved the world that He gave us His Son (John 3:16). His Son so loved the world that before He died, He gave us Mary as our Mother (John 19:27) and role-model. Once again, the cacophonus accusations of anti-Catholics and poorly catechized Catholics silence the truth of the Catholic Church's stance on the universal beauty and dignity of mankind. <strong><em>How could a Church with beliefs like this possibly be misogynic?</em></strong></span><br>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-21065881488862763822013-01-22T18:00:00.000-06:002013-01-22T18:00:02.211-06:00What Do You Mean By Choice<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><img id="img5ef5b1ec-3343-4ff5-b8bc-dad5986f9f19" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Dd6b1qOLp0/UP4uDXXr3hI/AAAAAAAAA1U/mJksh7SIB_A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:212px;width:95px;opacity:1;margin:1em;float:left;left:107px;top:166px" class="" mvc="false"><br><div>For the first time ever, I'm going to Washington DC for the annual March for Life! I'm <b><i>so very excited</i></b> 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". <br><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>Of course, by doing so, they're ignoring the fact that many many many women (and men) who are adamantly pro-life <b><i>have</i></b> 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 <b>all</b> the facts. If presenting true "choices" were the pro-abortion people's intended goal, they would not <i>fight</i> so hard <i>against</i> 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. <a id="lnkimg68f56aa8-e510-4643-b440-3125cbb7106a" target="_self" href="http://www.jillstanek.com/2013/01/tomorrow-ask-them-what-they-mean-by-choice-day/"><img id="img68f56aa8-e510-4643-b440-3125cbb7106a" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZlaXv0bbNl0/UP4uE5TAVdI/AAAAAAAAA1c/hgxljFh6QnA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:256px;width:205px;opacity:1;margin:1em;float:right;left:162px;top:188px" class="" mvc="false"></a></div><div><br></div><div>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?"</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.jillstanek.com/2013/01/tomorrow-ask-them-what-they-mean-by-choice-day/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">http://www.jillstanek.com/2013/01/tomorrow-ask-them-what-they-mean-by-choice-day/</a></span></div><br></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-36812526463389272072012-09-11T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-11T12:00:00.752-05:00I Will Always Remember and Pray: 9/11/01<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">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 th<a id="lnkimgcde4d20c-fd04-4f9d-a922-ed8840e4ef53" target="_blank" href=""><img id="imgcde4d20c-fd04-4f9d-a922-ed8840e4ef53" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cRhmC5tbqTc/UE7J09ESc2I/AAAAAAAAAvw/t4r6iJcCySk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="left:220px;top:179px;opacity:1;margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;width:260px;height:194px" class="" mvc="false"></a>e 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. <div><br></div><div>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, <i>Let's Roll</i>. 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. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">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).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">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. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">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, </span></div><br><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "></span></div><br><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">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! </span></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-64985127136752566782012-09-07T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-07T12:00:00.452-05:00Copy & Paste: Rockin' It Preschool<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><img id="img109415f1-94ea-4e7a-9f8b-3acb76365864" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ae823IXIwp0/UEmIFNoBVwI/AAAAAAAAAvI/3EBkEdpr_hY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:147px;top:140px;opacity:1;width:143px;height:132px" class="" mvc="false">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. <div><img id="img4503d601-62ee-401b-92d1-2ba2956df6fb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qy_-NaEk5PA/UEmIGlmzt3I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/WBqmSlEqDO0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);-webkit-composition-fill-color:rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469);-webkit-composition-frame-color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);width:171px;height:119px;left:145px;top:119px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br><div>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.</div><br><div></div><img id="img992bfc69-c038-4c99-94c0-b2633c31e6c5" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ioz0jK-2tDw/UEmIINF6V8I/AAAAAAAAAvY/vBqKc5f8iFI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="width:200px;height:171px;margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:160px;top:145px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br><div>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. </div><br><div></div><br><div>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. </div><img id="imgabeb16cd-06d4-4714-9bd9-75d4009b0eba" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u02Me0bHDvo/UEmIJwZLSAI/AAAAAAAAAvg/i8zlTZP262k/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="width:180px;height:136px;margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;left:150px;top:128px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br><br><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-87593659103891533992012-09-06T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-06T12:00:07.987-05:00Copy & Paste: Rockin' It Preschool<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><img id="img109415f1-94ea-4e7a-9f8b-3acb76365864" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4Uza9iQr9Co/UEf3c8DmFKI/AAAAAAAAAuA/a0YPERGHMUU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:147px;top:140px;opacity:1;width:143px;height:132px" class="" mvc="false">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. <div><img id="img4503d601-62ee-401b-92d1-2ba2956df6fb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k41O1Hhlt18/UEf3e5KYVeI/AAAAAAAAAuI/hppe3P9ypQM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);-webkit-composition-fill-color:rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469);-webkit-composition-frame-color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);width:171px;height:119px;left:145px;top:119px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br><div>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.</div><br><div></div><img id="img992bfc69-c038-4c99-94c0-b2633c31e6c5" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O6kECAQ4oyw/UEf3g_NxLTI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/eZSf1sLiSPQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="width:200px;height:171px;margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:160px;top:145px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br><div>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. </div><br><div></div><br><div>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. </div><img id="imgabeb16cd-06d4-4714-9bd9-75d4009b0eba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJGFyGllVVw/UEf3iuMdGBI/AAAAAAAAAuY/jcL4HECPyak/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="width:180px;height:136px;margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;left:150px;top:128px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br><br><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-64829788120727447052012-06-21T21:20:00.001-05:002012-06-21T21:20:35.672-05:00A War of Words: Religious Liberty<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><a id="lnkimg7e256580-c69c-4da6-8489-41eb65d36991" target="_self" href=""><a id="lnkimg7e256580-c69c-4da6-8489-41eb65d36991" target="_self" href=""><img id="img7e256580-c69c-4da6-8489-41eb65d36991" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YaeZsOxF8yQ/T-PWbWlgNiI/AAAAAAAAAsk/ttzkOufV2w4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:129px;top:121px;opacity:1;width:105px;height:92px" class="" mvc="false"></a></a>Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've heard about the controversy with the HHS Mandate and the Catholic <a id="lnkimg7e256580-c69c-4da6-8489-41eb65d36991" target="_self" href=""></a>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. <br /><div><br /><br></div><br /><div>First, start with the teaching of the Catholic Church. Direct from the <a href="http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm" target="_blank">Catechism</a>: (emphasis mine) </div><br /><div><br /><br></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><b>2370</b> ... 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 <b>intrinsically evil</b>:<sup>159</sup></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><p style="font-size: 13px; "><dl><dd style="font-size: 13px; "><span class="text1" style="font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; "><i>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.<sup>160</sup></i></span></dd></dl></span></span><br /><div><i><br /><br></i></div><br /><div>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 <i>in</i>active), 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 "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscience_clause_(medical)" target="_blank">Conscience clause</a>". </div><br /><div><br /><br></div><br /><div>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 <a href="http://constitutionalamendments.org/bill-of-rights.html" target="_blank">First Amendment</a>: (emphasis mine)</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br /><p><i>"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or <b>prohibiting the free exercise</b> 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."</i></p><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><br /><div>"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 "<a href="http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/2012/state-and-federal-representation-in-owensboro-ky/more-2732" target="_blank">Stand Up for Religious Freedom</a>" 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 "<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/why-we-are-all-catholics-now/2012/02/19/gIQAZFYVOR_blog.html" target="_blank">we are all Catholic now</a>". </div><br /><div><br /><br></div><br /><div>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 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/397379830298659/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and the <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm" target="_blank">USCCB website</a> devoted to this event. Here is a summary of what this event entails:</div><br /><div><br /><br></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><i>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!<br /><br><br /><br>The fourteen <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; ">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. <br /><br><br /><br>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. **</span></i></span><div><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.fortnight4freedom.org"><img src="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/images/fortnight-a-animated-270x200.gif" width="270" height="200" border="0" id="img5f9d5b47-66aa-445d-8bc6-5a629ec9195a" style="opacity:1"></a></span></div><div><i><br /><br></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><dl><dd style="font-size: 13px; "><span class="text1" style="font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; "><i><sup><br /><br></sup></i></span></dd><dd style="text-align: left;font-size: 13px; "><span class="text1" style="font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; "><i><sup><br /><br></sup></i></span></dd><br /><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span class="text1" style="font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; "><sup><br /><br></sup></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span class="text1" style="font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; "><sup><br /><br></sup></span></div></dl></span></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-90431175898632178322012-06-14T11:30:00.001-05:002012-06-14T11:30:02.740-05:00Fun Food: Smokey Critters & Mutant Mac<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><a id="lnkimg59c146b9-9f36-4531-bd89-36f7620e173b" target="_self" href=""><img id="img59c146b9-9f36-4531-bd89-36f7620e173b" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//d2a9cd61-7f30-423f-aae6-1bbde5bb4259.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;left:94px;top:122px;opacity:1;width:101px;height:183px;pointer-events:auto" class="" mvc="false"></a>Without fail, the munchkins get hungry at least three times a day... Sometimes in an effort to make eating more fun, I'll snatch ideas from Pintrest. Of course, I'm very similar to my mom in that I can never seem to leave a recipe alone. So here is an adaptation from a Pintrest fun food that I think tastes much better.<div><a id="lnkimg59c146b9-9f36-4531-bd89-36f7620e173b" target="_self" href=""></a><br></div><div>First, gather the appropriate number of Lil' Smokies (depending on the number of mouths you're feeding), a box of Mac 'n Cheese, a can or bag of peas, some extra cheese (Parmesan, shredded, velveta, etc in appropriate portions), and your children. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); ">First, I set water to boiling (including the liquid from the can of salt-free peas), as per the instructions for the Mac 'n Cheese. While the water heated, I dumped some dry macaroni on the clean counter and handed my children a little smokey. <a id="lnkimg41ee0551-caf0-4341-a5ec-33247c931540" target="_self" href=""><img id="img41ee0551-caf0-4341-a5ec-33247c931540" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//7710d555-9e1c-4e37-8cfc-b392b46bd64d.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:210px;top:158px;opacity:1;width:176px;height:115px;pointer-events:auto" class="" mvc="false"></a>I gathered several in front of me and began pushing pieces of dry macaroni into the smokies. My children and I chose to create bugs with ours. So, three fairly straight pieces on the lower portion either side formed legs, while two others were placed </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">on the arbitrary front for antennae. Simon even requested that at least one be a spider, so I increased the legs to a total of eight for that one. Since we had just found a large stag beetle, we also made one in that design with very curved macaronis being his pinchers. My designs obviously turned out better than the efforts of my 2 and 4 year old, but they were pleased to participate.</span></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a id="lnkimg083e48d9-68d2-42b8-b516-7391e1dde78b" target="_self" href=""><img id="img083e48d9-68d2-42b8-b516-7391e1dde78b" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//8036dbef-e273-4d55-871a-3d38d5615859.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;opacity:1;width:133px;height:109px;pointer-events:auto" class=""></a></span>Once the water began boiling, the remaining dry macaroni were added to the pot and the critters were gently dropped in the water as well. It is necessary to ensure that the boiling nor the stirring involved <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">not be too vigorous. Even with a modicum of care, some of our critters lost appendages during the boiling process. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">A few moments prior to the noodles being well-done and too soft, I fished the critters out with a slotted spoon to set aside. Then I drained the noodles as per box instructions. I then continued making the Mac 'n Cheese according to instructions (ad<a id="lnkimg75683f07-d6b2-44a5-8aed-7fcff15bea8e" target="_self" href=""><img id="img75683f07-d6b2-44a5-8aed-7fcff15bea8e" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//4a727842-5cb2-48e3-bbab-3b316fe7d1c7.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;width:241px;height:117px;left:180px;top:118px;opacity:1;pointer-events:auto" class="" mvc="false"></a>ding the cheese mixture). I then added the drained peas </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">(if using frozen ones, I'd have boiled them with the noodles) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">to the pot as I continued to stir the Mac 'n Cheese. I also added a few handfuls of shredded Colby-Jack and grated Parmesan cheeses to the pot. Once the mixture had attained the proper consistency, I laddled out portions for my children, topping with their critters. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">The beauty of this meal is that there is a decent portion of several food groups present: dairy, meat/protein, starch, and vegetable. It also takes less than twenty minutes if using a box of Mac 'n Cheese. Since the critters are present I was able to get my vegetable-only daughter to eat some meat. Also due to the critters, my carnivorous son ate peas and Mac 'n Cheese. What a wonderful compromise! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="img5ebd6420-e241-4d2d-b525-5259ede078ea" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//271b178b-f934-4a4e-b8c2-72d0f7ee453c.jpg" style="height:400px;width:300px;pointer-events:auto;opacity:1" class=""></span></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-50362937119827098722012-06-14T11:30:00.000-05:002012-06-14T11:30:00.567-05:00Fun Food: Smokey Critters & Mutant Mac<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><a id="lnkimg59c146b9-9f36-4531-bd89-36f7620e173b" target="_self" href=""><img id="img59c146b9-9f36-4531-bd89-36f7620e173b" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//d2a9cd61-7f30-423f-aae6-1bbde5bb4259.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;left:94px;top:122px;opacity:1;width:101px;height:183px;pointer-events:auto" class="" mvc="false"></a>Without fail, the munchkins get hungry at least three times a day... Sometimes in an effort to make eating more fun, I'll snatch ideas from Pintrest. Of course, I'm very similar to my mom in that I can never seem to leave a recipe alone. So here is an adaptation from a Pintrest fun food that I think tastes much better.<div><a id="lnkimg59c146b9-9f36-4531-bd89-36f7620e173b" target="_self" href=""></a><br></div><div>First, gather the appropriate number of Lil' Smokies (depending on the number of mouths you're feeding), a box of Mac 'n Cheese, a can or bag of peas, some extra cheese (Parmesan, shredded, velveta, etc in appropriate portions), and your children. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); ">First, I set water to boiling (including the liquid from the can of salt-free peas), as per the instructions for the Mac 'n Cheese. While the water heated, I dumped some dry macaroni on the clean counter and handed my children a little smokey. <a id="lnkimg41ee0551-caf0-4341-a5ec-33247c931540" target="_self" href=""><img id="img41ee0551-caf0-4341-a5ec-33247c931540" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//7710d555-9e1c-4e37-8cfc-b392b46bd64d.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:210px;top:158px;opacity:1;width:176px;height:115px;pointer-events:auto" class="" mvc="false"></a>I gathered several in front of me and began pushing pieces of dry macaroni into the smokies. My children and I chose to create bugs with ours. So, three fairly straight pieces on the lower portion either side formed legs, while two others were placed </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">on the arbitrary front for antennae. Simon even requested that at least one be a spider, so I increased the legs to a total of eight for that one. Since we had just found a large stag beetle, we also made one in that design with very curved macaronis being his pinchers. My designs obviously turned out better than the efforts of my 2 and 4 year old, but they were pleased to participate.</span></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a id="lnkimg083e48d9-68d2-42b8-b516-7391e1dde78b" target="_self" href=""><img id="img083e48d9-68d2-42b8-b516-7391e1dde78b" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//8036dbef-e273-4d55-871a-3d38d5615859.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;opacity:1;width:133px;height:109px;pointer-events:auto" class=""></a></span>Once the water began boiling, the remaining dry macaroni were added to the pot and the critters were gently dropped in the water as well. It is necessary to ensure that the boiling nor the stirring involved <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">not be too vigorous. Even with a modicum of care, some of our critters lost appendages during the boiling process. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">A few moments prior to the noodles being well-done and too soft, I fished the critters out with a slotted spoon to set aside. Then I drained the noodles as per box instructions. I then continued making the Mac 'n Cheese according to instructions (ad<a id="lnkimg75683f07-d6b2-44a5-8aed-7fcff15bea8e" target="_self" href=""><img id="img75683f07-d6b2-44a5-8aed-7fcff15bea8e" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//4a727842-5cb2-48e3-bbab-3b316fe7d1c7.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;width:241px;height:117px;left:180px;top:118px;opacity:1;pointer-events:auto" class="" mvc="false"></a>ding the cheese mixture). I then added the drained peas </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">(if using frozen ones, I'd have boiled them with the noodles) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">to the pot as I continued to stir the Mac 'n Cheese. I also added a few handfuls of shredded Colby-Jack and grated Parmesan cheeses to the pot. Once the mixture had attained the proper consistency, I laddled out portions for my children, topping with their critters. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">The beauty of this meal is that there is a decent portion of several food groups present: dairy, meat/protein, starch, and vegetable. It also takes less than twenty minutes if using a box of Mac 'n Cheese. Since the critters are present I was able to get my vegetable-only daughter to eat some meat. Also due to the critters, my carnivorous son ate peas and Mac 'n Cheese. What a wonderful compromise! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="img5ebd6420-e241-4d2d-b525-5259ede078ea" src="/private/var/mobile/Applications/4E76F9C5-577D-4645-BACA-FEFAA6D4C70C/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/2099b4f8-8c39-4c89-87f3-bd167d0d83dd//271b178b-f934-4a4e-b8c2-72d0f7ee453c.jpg" style="height:400px;width:300px;pointer-events:auto;opacity:1" class=""></span></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-41728779717616521352012-05-31T17:00:00.000-05:002012-05-31T17:00:07.652-05:00Shades of Grey?<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><img id="img71f9dfdd-1582-4938-b4dd-f91bacf284db" src="file://localhost/private/var/mobile/Applications/D5785A1D-9F2A-4B91-8E62-F0CCF5EED506/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/c8991c46-4038-4bfc-bd77-9e746f32cbda//b6d2b1bb-f2f5-40c0-a5b1-2503e73f835c.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;width:104px;height:157px;left:112px;top:138px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false">Most people know about the newest craze with the trilogy of <u><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifty_Shades_Of_Grey" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey</a></u>. FaceBook and the blogosphere, as well as television are constantly tittering about this "revolutionary" book. I haven't read it (nor do I plan to), but I watched an interview with the author on <a href="http://Http://abcnews.go.com/2020" target="_blank">20/20</a>. The author is a middle aged woman with at least one or two sons. She looked fairly normal, except for her apparent penchant for black leather. During the interview, she was asked if she wanted her boys (now or in the future) to read the book. She laughed nervously and basically said <b><i>no way</i></b>. Her answer lacks common sense. Her boys will likely be mercilessly teased and tormented about the contents by others. Even if I hadn't heard anything about the book, that serves as a <b>warning</b>. If a mother is <i>too embarrassed</i> for her children to read her work, then it apparently lacks merit. <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Reading the books, classified as "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_fiction" target="_blank">erotic fiction</a>", is supposed to titillate and improve sex life. I've also heard it classified as "mommy porn". </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">From what I gathered from her interview and various other commentary, the main theme is that of a man basically keeping a woman hostage and using her in sexually deviant ways. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Bondage, sadism, and masochistic themes prevail throughout this novel. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">According to <a href="http://Dictionary.com" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">Dictionary.com</a>, sadism, masochism, and bondage are all defined by <b><i>degradation</i></b> for sexual gratification. How exactly can degradation of a woman, as in this novel, be <i>good</i> for women? Can degradation of anyone be considered <i>healthy, good, legal, <b>or</b> moral</i>?</span></span></div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">To the liberal crowd, there are many (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i>dare I say 50?</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">) shades of grey between right and wrong, depending on circumstances, especially when sexual intercourse is involved. Few or <i>even no</i> shades of grey exist between right and wrong for the morally conscious. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Morally, the Church condemns pornography of <b><i>all</i></b> sorts -- including written. The Church also condemns sexual deviance. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Yet, in today's world, pornography and sexual deviance are the implied norm since homosexual unions, promiscuity, orgies, prostitution, and even statutory rape are accepted by liberals. They argue they aren't in favor of the latter, but time and time again, <a href="http://liveaction.org/" target="_blank">undercover operations</a> have elucidated complicity with this crime by terminating the after affects (abortions), preventing future after effects (birth control), skirting or even blatantly ignoring legalities, and not reporting instances of abuse. Sadly,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlihVVDc-bQ&sns=em" target="_blank"> the one abortion clinic in my state</a> has even now been identified as promulgating this crime. pro-life advocates are labeled as anti-woman for enlightening the world of the sordid and often illegal events that take place in abortion clinics, while abortion giants like Planned Parenthood tout themselves as pro-woman. This novel also proclaims to be pro-woman, but with my knowledge of it, I <i>cannot fathom</i> how women can triumph when they are essentially being degraded for any reason. </span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="img10f5b973-ec96-4890-b47e-10eb0751600f" src="file://localhost/private/var/mobile/Applications/D5785A1D-9F2A-4B91-8E62-F0CCF5EED506/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/c8991c46-4038-4bfc-bd77-9e746f32cbda//3a07cdc4-e016-4fd2-a65b-cb7bd3ff5bd6.jpg" style="width:100px;height:158px;margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:110px;top:139px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br></span></span></div><div>Lest<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> I come across like a prude, I will admit, with <i>some</i> <i>embarrassment</i>, that I read romance novels, some are even </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://ellengable.com/" target="_blank">Catholic</a> or Christian. I avoid anything labeled erotic fiction, but the novels I read have romance, including intercourse, scattered throughout. <i><b>Never</b></i> have I used a romance novel as a sexual manual, nor have I read them to achieve sexual titillation or gratification. As a matter of fact, when I note that my husband fails to measure up to the chivalry and romance in the novels, I turn to other novels. You see, fictional works are just that -- <b>fiction</b>. Real life seldom measures up to fiction in any realm. Yet, again, today's society blurs the lines between reality and fiction with their numerous shades of grey. <a href="http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2095&fwcc=1&fwcl=1&fwl" target="_blank">True women</a> do not need shades of grey, we need respect, honor, and love.</span></div><div></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-86748626903936929462012-05-31T12:15:00.000-05:002012-05-31T12:15:00.168-05:00Shades of Grey?<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><img id="img71f9dfdd-1582-4938-b4dd-f91bacf284db" src="file://localhost/private/var/mobile/Applications/D5785A1D-9F2A-4B91-8E62-F0CCF5EED506/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/c8991c46-4038-4bfc-bd77-9e746f32cbda//b6d2b1bb-f2f5-40c0-a5b1-2503e73f835c.jpg" style="margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:left;width:104px;height:157px;left:112px;top:138px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false">Most people know about the newest craze with the trilogy of <u><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifty_Shades_Of_Grey" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey</a></u>. FaceBook and the blogosphere, as well as television are constantly tittering about this "revolutionary" book. I haven't read it (nor do I plan to), but I watched an interview with the author on <a href="http://Http://abcnews.go.com/2020" target="_blank">20/20</a>. The author is a middle aged woman with at least one or two sons. She looked fairly normal, except for her apparent penchant for black leather. During the interview, she was asked if she wanted her boys (now or in the future) to read the book. She laughed nervously and basically said <b><i>no way</i></b>. Her answer lacks common sense. Her boys will likely be mercilessly teased and tormented about the contents by others. Even if I hadn't heard anything about the book, that serves as a <b>warning</b>. If a mother is <i>too embarrassed</i> for her children to read her work, then it apparently lacks merit. <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Reading the books, classified as "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_fiction" target="_blank">erotic fiction</a>", is supposed to titillate and improve sex life. I've also heard it classified as "mommy porn". </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">From what I gathered from her interview and various other commentary, the main theme is that of a man basically keeping a woman hostage and using her in sexually deviant ways. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Bondage, sadism, and masochistic themes prevail throughout this novel. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">According to <a href="http://Dictionary.com" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">Dictionary.com</a>, sadism, masochism, and bondage are all defined by <b><i>degradation</i></b> for sexual gratification. How exactly can degradation of a woman, as in this novel, be <i>good</i> for women? Can degradation of anyone be considered <i>healthy, good, legal, <b>or</b> moral</i>?</span></span></div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">To the liberal crowd, there are many (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i>dare I say 50?</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">) shades of grey between right and wrong, depending on circumstances, especially when sexual intercourse is involved. Few or <i>even no</i> shades of grey exist between right and wrong for the morally conscious. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Morally, the Church condemns pornography of <b><i>all</i></b> sorts -- including written. The Church also condemns sexual deviance. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Yet, in today's world, pornography and sexual deviance are the implied norm since homosexual unions, promiscuity, orgies, prostitution, and even statutory rape are accepted by liberals. They argue they aren't in favor of the latter, but time and time again, <a href="http://liveaction.org/" target="_blank">undercover operations</a> have elucidated complicity with this crime by terminating the after affects (abortions), preventing future after effects (birth control), skirting or even blatantly ignoring legalities, and not reporting instances of abuse. Sadly,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlihVVDc-bQ&sns=em" target="_blank"> the one abortion clinic in my state</a> has even now been identified as promulgating this crime. pro-life advocates are labeled as anti-woman for enlightening the world of the sordid and often illegal events that take place in abortion clinics, while abortion giants like Planned Parenthood tout themselves as pro-woman. This novel also proclaims to be pro-woman, but with my knowledge of it, I <i>cannot fathom</i> how women can triumph when they are essentially being degraded for any reason. </span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="img10f5b973-ec96-4890-b47e-10eb0751600f" src="file://localhost/private/var/mobile/Applications/D5785A1D-9F2A-4B91-8E62-F0CCF5EED506/Documents/e3324c3b-c1bd-42fb-9de0-c8a8ab5f31c7/c8991c46-4038-4bfc-bd77-9e746f32cbda//3a07cdc4-e016-4fd2-a65b-cb7bd3ff5bd6.jpg" style="width:100px;height:158px;margin-top:1em;margin-right:1em;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em;float:right;left:110px;top:139px;opacity:1" class="" mvc="false"><br></span></span></div><div>Lest<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> I come across like a prude, I will admit, with <i>some</i> <i>embarrassment</i>, that I read romance novels, some are even </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://ellengable.com/" target="_blank">Catholic</a> or Christian. I avoid anything labeled erotic fiction, but the novels I read have romance, including intercourse, scattered throughout. <i><b>Never</b></i> have I used a romance novel as a sexual manual, nor have I read them to achieve sexual titillation or gratification. As a matter of fact, when I note that my husband fails to measure up to the chivalry and romance in the novels, I turn to other novels. You see, fictional works are just that -- <b>fiction</b>. Real life seldom measures up to fiction in any realm. Yet, again, today's society blurs the lines between reality and fiction with their numerous shades of grey. <a href="http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2095&fwcc=1&fwcl=1&fwl" target="_blank">True women</a> do not need shades of grey, we need respect, honor, and love.</span></div><div></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-60869682927453598122012-05-21T12:30:00.000-05:002012-05-21T12:30:02.227-05:00Veiled Joy<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div><br>T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="imgd9d53f18-ad73-43ec-ab1b-918ed896ea43" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8beCSp-fxGQ/T7nDrLgnHkI/AAAAAAAAAsM/fYQgtdAh2XQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="background-color: transparent; box-shadow: none; opacity: 1; width: 139px; height: 120px; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; float: left; " class=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); ">his morning I woke early to go to 9 am Mass with my parents and the kids. I usually sing upstairs in the choir loft, but speaking loudly is beyond me, much less singing, so I sat with the rest of the congregation. It is really difficult to contain the urge to use my talent to praise God. However, the kids were so excited to see me that I spent most of my time cuddling with them. Initially they fought over sitting by me. They finally settled though. Mom, Rachel, and I sported our hand-made veils. Rachel went so far as getting angry when Mass was over and I removed her veil. </span></span></div><div><br></div><div>During the Consecration, I spoke in Simon's ear about what was happening. When I told him the chalice contained Jesus's blood, he was flabbergasted. Since he has seen two of his cousins receive First Holy Communion, I was able to explain that when he gets bigger he'll be able to receive Jesus in his belly to help him be a good boy. I also told him that Jesus is all<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> around us all the time. I think he finally understood that praying is talking to God, not just randomly talking. hopefully this understanding will keep him</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> from praying for "underpants", beds, tables, etc. Lately, he and Rachel have been obsessed with saying "underpants". In any situations that word is apparently appropriate. That is not only annoying, but also embarrassing!! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "></span></div><div><br></div><div>After Holy Mass, I spent the morning at my parents' house with the kids. We ate "panny-cakes" and then the kids wanted to play. First, tragedy struck. Simon was vaguely playing outside. By vaguely I mean that he was coming in and out constantly. On one such occasion, I opened the door and told him to stop running in and out, then I shut the door. I immediately opened it again amid Rachel's wails of pain. Simon's darting in and out what actually teasing Rachel. So she stuck her finger in the crack of the door away from the knob. I didn't see that, so I shut the door like normal, until she began crying. I flattened her poor finger. It was very dramatic too because she has gotten to the stage where she doesn't want to show you her boo-boos. Thankfully, it may still be sore, but it looks fine.</div><div><br></div><div><a id="lnkimg8485973c-08f0-4298-8172-d20a25773147" target="_self" href=""></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">That's when the first organizational session happened. During brunch, my parents and I had been talking about a missing toy. After brunch, the kids had gotten some toys out to play with, however, they hadn't stuck to the house-rule of putting away the first set of toys before getting out a new set. So toys were strewn in all corners of the living room. I commandeered the kids into picking up toys, while I helped them put them away. Except I got much more involved in it than even I intended. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Mom and I subscribe to the OCD mother's method of toy sorting. Toys that are similar are packed in a bag or box together. Then the boxes and bags are out in the toy box (or closet depending). Then when the kids want to play with something, they know to grab the appropriate container. They also know which container to bring for each set of toys. This keeps the house neat and keeps the kids from getting tired of the same toys (we alternate toys in the closet or toy box for play). I can also keep more toys in a smaller space than if they were just thrown haphazard into the toy box. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!</span></div></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887247604788378272.post-42070824575364781632012-05-06T08:00:00.000-05:002012-05-06T08:00:08.218-05:00NFP =\= Catholic Birth ControlThere is a huge misconception about NFP, that it is merely Catholic “birth control”. While NFP can be used to avoid pregnancy, it is also highly effective at tracking and treating women’s health issues without the use of the ‘band-aid’ of birth control. NFP has proven effective at helping women deal with their gynecological issues (endometriosis, PCOD, PMS, pelvic pain, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, etc), as well as space their pregnancies, accurately date their pregnancies, and effectively determine any problems with pregnancy. Even when NFP is used to avoid pregnancy, to do so requires great sacrifice and daily planning and acceptance. That essentially prevents most casual “birth control mentality” users from abusing the system.<br />
<br />
Not only is NFP a moral alternative to avoiding pregnancy; it is also highly effective at achieving pregnancy. That is yet another reason why NFP is not Catholic birth control -- the exact same system can be used to achieve and maintain pregnancy! No birth control drugs can claim that! Contrary to what many main-stream media outlets (including American Pregnancy, the CDC, WHO, etc) indicate, NFP has been thoroughly reviewed in peer-reviewed journals. Not to mention that NFP has been used with approximately a 100% effectiveness rate for avoiding and a 71% effectiveness rate for achieving pregnancy (the first statistic is true for Third World countries; the second is for couples with primary or secondary infertility in the US). As a matter of fact, NFP is more successful and much less invasive than IVF. <br />
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Another misconception the mainstream touts is that NFP is difficult to learn, practice, and understand. Learning NFP is no more difficult (and far less invasive) than being examined by a doctor to be given a prescription for birth control. Most methods have a manual, online information, and face-to-face instructors (complete with email addresses, phone numbers, etc) to guide you through the learning (and practice) issues you may encounter. As a matter of fact, NFP instructors invariably have actually used the system themselves. While having control over your urges for intimacy can be difficult, the benefits far outweigh the deficits. After all, no other method lets you bond as intimately as NFP. Tracking fertility signs literally takes about 3 extra seconds for each use of the toilet. Actually, evaluating the fertility signs is probably something most women do without realizing it on a daily basis. So, all-in-all, the mainstream (yet again) misinforms the public about the best option for family planning.<br />
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So from a women's health perspective, NFP has many more benefits (and less deficits) than birth control. From a moral perspective, again, NFP has many more benefits than deficits than birth control. From a financial perspective, once again, NFP has more benefits than deficits. It is hard to believe that it is not more widely taught and practiced. There is no risk of personal harm when NFP is practiced, unlike birth control, abortion, and IVF. So why not investigate NFP instead of blindly following the mainstream?<br />
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This is a <a href="http://nfpsite.aldred.org/primer.php">site claiming no ties</a> to any particular NFP method. http://nfpsite.aldred.org/primer.php<br />
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This is a <a href="http://www.naprotechnology.com/ncwh.htm">site that embodies care for women</a> as it's purpose. http://www.naprotechnology.com/ncwh.htm<br />
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This <a href="http://www.naprotechnology.com/references.htm">site has a list of references to NFP</a>, what it does, who it can help, and journal articles about it. http://www.naprotechnology.com/references.htm<br />
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This is a <a href="http://www.unleashingthepower.info/PDFs/IA-SciFoundationCrMS.pdf">page that explains the scientific foundation</a> of the Creighton Model of Fertility Awareness. http://www.unleashingthepower.info/PDFs/IA-SciFoundationCrMS.pdf<br />
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This is a <a href="http://www.physiciansforlife.org/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=2059">page with information on NFP verses IVF</a>. http://www.physiciansforlife.org/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=2059<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ByIjGA_nLhBOp6NJhTmPepgdzM-_0lscK6hFZVxdECe-KJMbTuFdQF8bccv0_6JLN1PW_Z3y9bM4Ov-Pqbwaz6G8qh4xmBLF78ZYmM2WSj1Bk4IR45m5nz0jAdnQCHKTEw79sJZhxkgB/s640/blogger-image--1559552951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ByIjGA_nLhBOp6NJhTmPepgdzM-_0lscK6hFZVxdECe-KJMbTuFdQF8bccv0_6JLN1PW_Z3y9bM4Ov-Pqbwaz6G8qh4xmBLF78ZYmM2WSj1Bk4IR45m5nz0jAdnQCHKTEw79sJZhxkgB/s640/blogger-image--1559552951.jpg" /></a></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08515546833172495309noreply@blogger.com0