Liturgically Correct

So, my man and I have talked about how our life is liturgically correct because we prepared for our marriage during Advent last year, and then we awaited the birth of our daughter this past Advent (Dec. 13th - a little early). But it is now getting out of control.

Ash Wednesday we decided to "look into" a job 3 states away. All lent we prepared and worked toward this possible new life. Good Friday the dh jumped in the car and drove to the new possible job. Easter Monday he got it.

All I can say is that if God wants you to do something, and you listen, you may end up doing some pretty weird things. However, it's kinda nice that He works in themes.

this is a test.

i dont know how to post. so im tryin this out. im new to the computer world...ok i lie.

The Attack has begun...

We've known that our government, particularly our President, has it in for the unborn for a while. But something just happened to make even this blog, according to our leaders, a "threat to this nation." Barack Obama appointed a radical liberal woman as the head of the Dept. of Homeland Security (Yes, the department that is meant to protect us).  She is Janet Napolitano, and she will do everything in her power to make sure we have none.

She sent a 9 page terror alert document out to every law enforcement agency in the country claiming that the biggest threat to this nation is, "right-wing extremism." She specifically named those groups who are "single issue, like those against aboriton," and continued to even say Christians could be dangerous.  If you read the actual document, be warned, it is frightening. It literally sounds like something Satan himself wrote.

Girls, we might get the opportunity to be a real martyr for Christ after all. This letter is giving permission to persecute those with conservative ideals. Let us pray for justice, for peace, and a beacon of hope in this nation and our world. And as the Lord said, let us love those who hate us, for we should want their salvation over our own lives. Let us prepare our minds, hearts and souls for what is to come, and pray that the Lord's will be done.

Mr. President, You've Got Mail!

Here is an article following up on the Red Envelope Project, which was brought up in an earlier post. The White House has confirmed that it got 2 million red envelopes, making it one of the largest mail campaigns in 35 years! Yes, our little voice can be heard! Thank you to those who spoke up for the unborn.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=94142

Pro-Life Message in Breaking Dawn

Caution: Spoiler Alert! Do not read this post if you intend on reading the Twilight book series.

I have to confess that I’ve been caught up in Stephanie Meyers’ Twilight Saga over the past few months. Yes, these books are targeted to teen girls, but I surprisingly found myself swooning over the romantic series and often relating to eighteen-year-old Bella Swan, the story’s main character and narrator. My motivation for this post is to recognize the fourth and last book of the series, Breaking Dawn, and its awesome pro-life theme.

Bella and Edward are taken by surprise upon the conception of a child during their honeymoon—after all, Edward is an immortal vampire and it is difficult to imagine that their love could be life-giving! Of course, as Bella’s pregnancy symptoms quickly turn for the worst, there is no doubt that this child may be something other than human… Worried about his wife’s health, Edward and the majority of his family insist that Bella has an abortion before the baby harms her life. As things worsen, there is very little doubt in anyone's mind that Bella will die from the pregnancy.

Bella’s reaction to this event is somewhat surprising to the reader — we can't ignore that she is simply an ordinary teen, and it is clear that (teen) motherhood was not in her plans. From Bella’s point of view however, we experience her love for her unborn child, stemming from her knowledge that this child is an eternal symbol of her union with her beloved, Edward. For this reason, she strongly believes that destroying their child would be destroying a part of Edward as well.

In order to let the child live, Bella sacrifices her health to the ultimate extreme. In the end, Bella gives up her life during the birth of her vampire child, who is much too strong for her human body. (Thankfully Edward is present to turn her into a vampire at that very moment, so they can live together immortally forever). The baby is a beautiful half-human half-vampire girl, who brings much joy to the Cullen family and all those around her.

I was greatly moved by the heroism of young Bella and the ultimate sacrifice she made for her unborn child. Putting aside the strange vampire-isms, this moment in Bella and Edwards’ love story almost mirrored that of "St. Gianna meets Pop Culture". Although I did find some of Breaking Dawn's content slightly mature for teenagers, I am inspired by the role model that Bella becomes for young women. Through this book the author grasps and communicates one of the most beautiful pillars of true marital love-- that it is life-giving and co-creative! Spouses love each other so much that they long for an eternal union, and God can make this possible through their begetting of children. For the most part, our media culture ignores this awesome gift, and instead promotes the idea that romance and children do not go together. For this reason, Breaking Dawn becomes a refreshing representation of true romantic love. What a blessing it is for Edward and Bella Cullen, that their love will forever be united in the eternal soul of their daughter, Renesmee...

Be Still

Due to the fact that my husband and I are expecting our first baby (any day now), we have kept our schedule for the last couple of weekends as free of commitments as possible. As a result, on Saturday we spent some time at a local shopping center, simply enjoying the beautiful weather, sitting on a bench and "people watching". In observing others going through the hustle and bustle of their weekend, I realized how out of the ordinary it was for me to really stop, step outside of my busy routine, and enjoy a peaceful moment, whether it be alone, with a companion like my husband, or with our Lord.

One of the main things that pregnancy has taught me is that it is acceptable to be Mary, instead of Martha once in awhile. Although there is no doubt that God loves for us to serve Him and His children in every way that we can, it is also important that we take some time to simply sit and listen to Him. This can be most obviously done through prayer and meditation, but it can also be accomplished in small and unusual ways, such as by spending some quiet time alone, sitting with a friend in need, nursing a child, or even humbling ourselves by letting others take care of us.

Even after 9 months, I often feel guilty for all of the extra responsibilities that my pregnancy has forced onto my husband. When I let go of this guilt and give into humility however, I can see God working in our marriage and building it up in new ways. For example, never has my husband resembled St. Joseph more to me, than through this pregnancy. And of course, my efforts to spend more time resting peacefully and spiritually preparing for motherhood is possibly the best gift I can give my growing child. Besides, there is no doubt that in a matter of just a few more days, I will be called to a busy life of service through parenthood, and I will have to be more like Martha in my daily routine.

Let's make an effort to make this Holy Week as peaceful as possible. Let's turn off the TV, spend less time on the internet and rid of unnecessary distractions. Who knows, you too might end up with some extra time to simply sit and spend time with our Lord...

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
-St. Francis de Sales