Our Father's Love

Yesterday, my daughter took her worst fall yet, and survived, but with a big fat blood-blistered lip to show for it. It was a minor spill, as she just head-butted the ground while crawling, but it was one of the most agonizing moments I've experienced. I felt similar pain when she was sick and vomited for the first time a few weeks ago. I felt so impotent, watching her suffer, knowing there was nothing I could do to take it away, and yet I would've done just about anything to make it stop.

This made me think, how much our Blessed Mother suffered! When Simeon said "A sword shall pierce your heart," he wasn't kidding. I can't imagine anything comparing to watching your child suffer the ultimate in suffering. But she accepted it, as the Lord's will, for she knew that He was saving us. How her heart must ache when we reject that salvation.

All the more, how much LOVE does God the Father have for US! Holy Moly! Now, I love you girls, but I don't think I would sacrifice my daughter's life for yours or anyone else's (no offense). God the Father, willingly put his son on Earth to do just that. Even when His Son was pleading with Him to take the cup away, He still allowed Him to suffer and die for us all. THAT IS LOVE!

So I look to Our Lady of Sorrows in awe of her sacrifice and God the Father for His, and I thank them both, along with Our Lord, Jesus Christ who offered himself to save us all. Who'd of thought a little boo-boo would lead to such a meditation!

Unless you live in a bubble, it is likely that you have heard of the Jon & Kate Plus 8 buzz in the media. In the past few weeks, tabloids, magazines and entertainment news shows have been focusing on the couple's struggling marriage. And from the looks of it, Jon and Kate are riding this media wave despite the effects that it has on their family; the show's ratings are higher than ever.

I've been a fan of the show since its beginnings. Like many, I've enjoyed watching the adorable Gosselin children interact, and have been fascinated by the methods Kate uses to run her large household. For most of us longtime fans however, we started noticing changes long before the affair accusations began. In the past few years the Gosselin family home has become a platform for endorsements and product placement, and it has become difficult to ignore Kate's physical "transformation". Even more, in most recent episodes it became clear that Jon and Kate's playful banter during their on-screen interviews was becoming less playful, and much more bitter. I remember feeling a little sad after watching certain episodes, because Jon and Kate seemed so unhappy.

My dilemna is as follows: I have yet to watch this season's premiere. I have seen a few heartbreaking clips from the episode, and I am struggling to decide whether watching a couple's marriage fall apart is an appropriate form of entertainment. Of course with all of the drama surrounding the family, the temptation to watch is stronger than ever. At the same time, I can't help but to be angry at Jon and Kate for continuing to film, despite their broken marriage. They are clearly not putting their children's needs above the show!

Do you think that a boycott of the reality show is needed? It is unlikely that my personal decision not to watch will make a difference to TLC producers, but will it make a difference in my own life?

Full of Love

The past few weeks have been wonderful, chaotic, exhausting, blessed... and there are so many other contradicting words I can think of to describe it. Six weeks ago my husband and I welcomed our first baby into our family. The experience has been unforgettable.

My labor and delivery did not go at all as planned. In fact, it went exactly as I had hoped it wouldn't. Having endured a long and challenging pregnancy, I was convinced that God would "cut me some slack" for my baby boy's birth. After all, he never gives us more than we can handle... and I had had enough! Instead my little one arrived after almost 4 full days of labor, 4 hours of pushing and a c-section delivery. It was the most exhausting experience of my life thus far.

Unexpectedly, the hours and days after D's arrival left me with a surprising reflection. Any event physically, emotionally and psychologically equivalent to D's birth would have put me into a self- pitying recovery hibernation for months. But as I drifted in and out of consciousness (partly due to pain medication, partly due to exhaustion), I still managed to joyfully nurse and attend to our new baby's needs as much as possible. Instead of waking up and feeling tired and in pain, I truthfully felt so full of joy that I thought my heart might burst. I couldn't do enough for D! And as the days continued I was sure that I would eventually run out of adrenaline and have to face reality, but I was wrong-- I never ever ran out of love. Most significantly, there is no doubt that this love was not from me. I was blessed with God's love and grace pouring out of me to take care of His new little soul.

Meanwhile, I had never felt so loved in my life. I was loved by each and every nurse in the hospital, who helped me do simple things we usually take for granted, such as walk or shower. I was loved by my family and friends who were there to support me in their presence and in their prayers. I had never felt more loved by my husband, who stood by my side for the entire experience and was doing all in his power to take care of his newborn baby and his postpartum wife. God's graces were flowing all around me in so many ways. It was amazing!!

From this experience, I have a new understanding of Jesus's love through His cross. Although my suffering is nothing compared to His, I feel that I have had a personal glimpse of His walk on Cavalry. Our Father's love poured through Jesus, to the point of death. We are so blessed to be Christians, because from this cross comes new life, and incredible JOY! This quote by Mother Teresa definitely sums up what I have learned from my experience:

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.
-Mother Teresa

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

On Friday night I went with two friends to see the new movie Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. I thought is was going to be just a cute chick-flick. I didn't know much about it but it was PG-13 so how bad could it really be right? WRONG! I can not believe that they would let 13 year olds see that movie. It had several scenes that I would call soft porn. Throughout the entire movie the male characters objectified women in action and speech. Women ran around in their underwear throwing themselves as men and this was presented as completely acceptable. I have never been as offended as a woman as I was for the hour of the movie I stayed for. We kept hoping it would redeem itself by saying that behavior was all wrong but it just kept getting worse until we finally left. We asked for our money back and the customer service person said that we are not the first people to complain. Do not see that movie, it is horrible.

Props to ArchBishop Burke

I love this man! 

Archbishop Raymond Burke, formerly of St. Louis is so solid and never afraid to speak out about the truth. He has recently been appointed as the prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican's highest court. He is a sweet, gentle man but is also stern when it comes to sin and scandal. He reminds me very much of what I imagine God the Father to be.

Now, he is taking a stance and speaking out about the scandal of Notre Dame giving an honorary degree to President Obama. He ALWAYS stands up for life. He even stepped down from the board of a children's hospital in St. Louis because they asked Sheryl Crow (openly anti-life) to be on the board as well, and he knew it would be scandalous to remain there.

I want Pope Benedict to live a long life because he is so ridiculously awesome, but during the next conclave, I will likely be praying for Archbishop Burke to be the first American pope! (And because he's a friend of the family, we'd have an in with the pope!)

To read more, click here.

Pro-Life Ad to be Aired during American Idol

After being rejected from airing an ad during this past Superbowl, Catholicvote.org has persisted and created a new pro-life ad to be aired during the American Idol season finale. Let's pray that its message has an impact on viewers.

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

Spreading a Good (and Modest) Message

Since modesty has been brought up a few times in the past week, I thought that I would link this great interview of one of our very own bloggers and her mission to spread the message of chastity and modesty to young girls. Go Jes!

The Modest Power Ranger
http://tonyrossi.blogspot.com/2009/03/modest-power-ranger.html

"Who Painted it?"

During her visit to Mexico last week, Sr. Hillary Clinton made an unexpected visit to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, leaving flowers for her "on behalf of" the American people.

After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked “who painted it?” to which Msgr. Monroy responded “God!”

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15511

Brides of Christ

The love song of St. Philomena is a beautiful meditation, and I highly recommend it if you've never heard it. It gave me a lot to think about today as I listened to it. The line, "when will you come to take me home?" holds so much emotion.

If I think of my final hour, it brings me anxiety, and sadness as the thought of leaving my husband and daughter breaks my heart. Yet, for a bride of Christ, what solace must they have in that hour so many dread. My vocation is natural, and holds me to things of this world, which makes it harder to leave, but also harder to remember I am not meant for this world. Theirs is supernatural, and they spend their lives as I pray we will spend eternity.

My husband was talking to a Sister for Life and in the conversation, she humbly said, "When you look at me, you are seeing Heaven," because we will all be spouses of Christ there. How true this is. Death, for these beautiful women will only be the removal of the barrier which separates Lover and the beloved. Let them bring consolation to us all as they allow us a glimpse of eternity with our Divine Spouse.

Thank you Brides of Christ!