Asking for Help - 2

The Holy Spirit is moving people. I have rec'd some help, and have some options now that I didn't have a day or two ago. Not only are people ministering to me with offers of this and that, but in doing so they are ministering to my discouraged heart. The Light of Christ is shining through people.
Yes, Mary & Joseph had lodging issues. They sure didn't plan to relocate to Egypt I bet.

Father's homily yesterday was one I needed to hear. I told him so on the way out.

Asking for Help - Part I

Today I sent out an email to a list of people and friends in my real life asking if they can help me find a place to live. If I were braver, I would ask if I can live with them. I hope they can read between the lines.

Also, I caught up reading Becky's blog at http://homegreathome.blogspot.com. I should have checked it earlier because there is a mom and a family who needs prayers and practical help too.

In response to to my previous post, I rec'd the comment way below (in blue text) from Anonymous about sending money to San Felipe de Neri Parish; 2005 North Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 It's not typical of fund-raising efforts and I doubt it is official church communication, but it came from someone who cares about this church.
Funny, because there are only two or three people who know my real name connected to this blog. None of them are from New Mexico.
I don't think any of them know of my connection to Albuquerque.
I have visited this church below. It has a long great and great history. I've spent several Christmas Eves celebrating in and around this church.
I have taken photographs of this church. It's in the Old Town part of Albuquerque.
In fact I feel a connection to this church and other parishes and places in that city.

So if you feel like helping out some parishes and an abbey, send money to
San Felipe de Neri Parish; 2005 North Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104mailing address: PO Box 7007, Albuquerque, NM 87194

or

San Martin Roman Catholic Church
http://sanmartinchurch.org
8321 Camino San Martin SWAlbuquerque, NM 87121(505) 836-4676
I have attended Mass here. 

or 

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary5415 Fortuna RoadAlbuquerque, NM 87105
Celebrated a number of Christmases at this parish. My parents were very active in this church. My mother's wake and funeral Mass was at this church. The love and PRACTICAL help of the people of his parish when my mother died was so very, very great and beautiful.

or

The Norbertine Community in New Mexico
Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey
http://www.norbertinecommunity.org/our-story.html
The Norbert Community serves the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.
5825 Coors Blvd, SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121-6700
The Abbot of the Abbey is Right Reverend Joel. He was the pastor of Holy Rosary. I remember one of his Christmas day homilies about evil and the name HEROD. I wish I took notes. Fr. Joel also offered a great big hug the Christmas right after my mother died. I cried through the entire Mass that Christmas. As people were leaving Mass and treating Father, I said to him, "It feels more like Good Friday than Christmas"
Fr. Joel said, "It's [grief] just so raw."
That was the right thing to say.

Maybe I'll write more about Holy Rosary parish and its people another time. I'm glad the Norbertines have an Abbey now. I would like to visit it sometime.

Finally,
if you'd like to send me money, um, I guess just email me. lenadpaul@gmail.com




 Anonymous said...

I want MONEY!!!

(and working families are who I want it from!!!)


San Felipe de Neri Parish; 2005 North Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

mailing address: PO Box 7007, Albuquerque, NM 87194

Pastor: Rev. Dennis Garcia

Deacons: Jose Lucero, Maurice Menke, Tom Perez, James Carabajal

Religious education: Melany Gallegos, Director
School: Jennifer Mason, Principal
Museum and Gift Shop: Steve Torres Manager (convent bookstore on-site)


mailing address: PO Box 7007, Albuquerque, NM 87194

Pastor: Rev. Dennis Garcia

Deacons: Jose Lucero, Maurice Menke, Tom Perez, James Carabajal

Religious education: Melany Gallegos, Director
School: Jennifer Mason, Principal
Museum and Gift Shop: Steve Torres Manager (convent bookstore on-site)

Giving with Love

I have received some charity of late.

Some people give to me without conditions, without emotional blackmail, without disgust, without judgement. These are some friends, some charitable organizations, some volunteers, some social workers.

I say thank you a lot.

Those who say they love me (we share genetic material), give with conditions, with emotional and verbal abuse, with judgement if they give at all. They hurt my heart.

I say thank you a lot.

I write thank you notes.

I think the people in the first group are the ones who really love me even if they don't always know me.

I cry a lot. I cry when people are nice and compassionate. I cry when family members are mean.

And some people just don't want to deal with me and my problems. We stopped saying anything to each other.

Not Sure

• Not sure if the election results are a good thing or a bad thing.
• Not sure if I'll find a place to live.
• Kind of feel stupid for getting rid of car, but then again I couldn't afford the repairs.
• Not sure of anything.
• What scares me is that God allows evil to happen and for bad things to happen to good people. 

What's the Message?

I wonder what God is trying to tell me. I know this: I can't be a superwoman. I can't bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan in the career woman way. Was that a Charlie perfume commercial? I can't sustain and support myself by myself. I need to rely on God and others for a little help or big help.

Life is overwhelming. I need some joy and fun. And prayers.

And if God would just write down what I am suppose to do with my limitations and weaknesses and sinus infection, I would appreciate it.

Shivering for Life

On Sunday I joined about 50 other people in a Pro-Life Prayer Chain. For one hour we stood on a busy street in front of and near an abortion clinic and held various pro-life and anti-abortion signs. We were silent, yet I felt we were very powerful and loud. Many drivers toot-tooted their horns in support. There were only two drivers who demonstrated anger at us, but they didn't run us over or even get out of their cars. Some drivers gave no response and that's okay. After all it was a busy street, and people needed to pay attention to the traffic.

Next time I do this, I will wear a hat and add another sweater to my layers of clothing unless it's really hot outside.

Good-bye Car, Big Burdensome Car

Sold broken down car to mechanic who will flip it.
Secretly, I am glad I do not have a car now especially that car.
I will be glad when I get another car, but right now I seem to be coping okay for the short-term.
Secretly, I hated driving that car. I mean it gave me a lot of good years, but I was so uncomfortable driving it, parking it, then I worried about it a lot.

Big old car was a burden. Gone now. Sounds crazy to be happy to be carless now.

Getting Help and Health

a) One friend sent me a $100 gift card, which will come in very, very, handy at big store that sells everything from food to underwear to socks to toilet paper to laundry detergent. It will come in very, very handy. This is not the first time she has given me gift cards.

b) I called my church and then went to the rectory office. My parish gave me a $25 gift card to local grocery store chain. Yes, it will come in handy.

c) I called a Prevent Homelessness hotline that is somehow tied to Catholic Charities and asked for financial aid and case management services. A lady took my name, number, town and said someone will call me back within three business days.

d) I called Catholic Charities inquiring about financial assistance and case management services. They gave me the phone number for the prevent homelessness hotline that I already called.

Since I'm off (unemployed) this week, I decided to take care of a few other matters. 

e) Made dental appointment since check up and cleaning is covered under my insurance. Dentist office is about 1/2 mile away, so I can walk.

f) Made another appointment with another doctor that I have been putting off. That's about two miles away, and I can walk if I need to. 

Yesterday I filed for unemployment benefits AGAIN, which I was able to do online. 

No Car, No Job, No Money

I can't afford to get my old car fixed right now.

Today I found out that my temp-to-hire position is just temp, and my last day is tomorrow.

Stomach pains, chest pains.

I hated telling my dad this news. He's worried and stressed about me. I am worried and stressed about him.

I can't stop crying.

Can't even pray now.

Broken Car

Who is the patron saint of cars?

So on the way to work, my car broke down. Right away I called my manager and told her. After asking if I was okay, she said to take my time getting to work. I called her a few hours later and gave her an update. A called my guy at the temp agency at this point too. I couldn't call him from the side of the road, because I didn't have his phone number. I left him a voice mail. A few hours later I got to work and stayed late.  So when I got home at 9:00 pm, there was a message from Temp Agency Guy to call him back. Wonder what he has to say. I hope it's not bad, and that I'm not getting fired. I'm still in the temp phase of this temp-to-hire job.

Have message from mechanic too. Bet he's going to tell me to repairs cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. I only have $. Well, more like $ 00.27


Dear God, Again, I have a big problem, I can't handle. Please fix.

An Engagement

Yesterday after work, I had a doctor's appointment. The doctor and I had good news to share with each other. I have my temp-to-hire job and she just got engaged and her office was filled with flowers! I'm pretty sure she's in her 40's judging on when she started practicing. (I've been her patient for most of those years.) This just goes to show that being a single woman over 40 does NOT mean you are dead. And the diamonds (yes, plural) on her engagement ring - not too shabby. Okay, not the most important thing, but I'm impressed. I'm pretty sure there are no more diamonds left in the mine. And BIG diamonds too - large enough to serve as spotlights at a movie premiere.

And she's writing off my co-pays too!

Yay Doctor!!!!!

Hope then Discouragement then Hope Because Hope is All I Have.

So,

I've been working the past week in a temp-to-hire position. This means I'm a temp again and maybe they'll hire me.

I was excited at first until people started telling me stories about how temp agencies and companies never really hire temps. They just lie to you. Sigh.

I rather like this job. I hope I can keep it and be a real employee.

If You are Feeling Suicidal

Here's my post in regards to the suicide of Robin Williams.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/



"No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7"

August 1 - Day of Prayer for the Christians in the Middle East

I am joining spiritually Seraphic (a.k.a. author Dorothy Cummings McLean) and others on Friday, August 1, 2014, to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East..  I sure hope you'll join us.

http://seraphicsinglescummings.blogspot.com/2014/07/august-1-day-of-prayer-for-christians.html

Too Much Time Reading

You know you've spent too much time reading blogs when you start dreaming about the people you read about. Last night I dreamt that I was babysitting a certain blogger's child and decided to potty train the child.

God Helps Those Who __________

When I was growing up I saw those t.v. commercials in which a woman brought home the bacon and fried it in a pan. In my early college years I became friends with an angry feminist. I went to college in the years of the Yuppie. I live in the Land of Opportunity where many people pulled themselves up by their bootstraps.

I'm unemployed and feel so powerless.

My best just isn't making it.

I rely more and more on God and miracles and hope.

I feel so weak. I feel so guilty like I'm not pulling my own weight.

I think and then I feel so overwhelmed. So I dump it all on God. Didn't we hear in a recent reading at church that His yoke is lighter? But then I feel so inadequate.

But when I try to do it all myself, I feel like I get nowhere.

But when I give it all to God, I just go on my merry way. Then I think again and know I should be doing more to help myself.  So where's the fine line between taking responsibility and giving it all to God?

I like giving it all to God, but then I feel lazy. I get lazy.

I try to solve my own problems all by myself. After all, I have a brain. Yet there is much out of my control. There is heaviness that I can't carry by myself. So I turn to God and enjoy another day. But then I feel disappointed in myself for not succeeding.

I am so tired of this treadmill. I turn to God then I feel like a wimp.

What am I trying to say?

Hope

I have hope things will work out.

Has Your Credit Card or Debit Card been Rejected at the Grocery Store?

That's what happened to me yesterday. Oh oh. I had some cash and the MAN in line behind me paid the $5.00 difference!

Yep, a COMPLETE STRANGER paid for my food.

I thanked him of course.

Dear God, please bless this kind man. Thank you, God, for this man's generosity. Thank you, God, for this man who let me have nutrition.

Saints Peter and Paul - Feast Day and Text Heavy Post

• I walked into church today to see that new carpeting was installed. It's beautiful. I told the pastor I liked it on the way out of church. The poor guy gets a lot of flack I think. It's got to be tough to be a pastor because you can't please all of the people all of the time. 
• The priest wore a red vestment today. 

• I feel like church-wise, we've been celebrating and rejoicing in something different every Sunday since Easter. 

• Did your church do a procession on Corpus Christi? Local priest did a procession inside the church. It would've been cool to go outside especially since it was a beautiful sunny day.

• There were young adults last Sunday at Local Church to talk about the Totus Tuus program. I am so impressed by these young adults, and I felt compelled to give them a teeny tiny monetary donation. Of course they were appreciative and gracious even though donation was embarrassingly small. Really, the money was just a symbol of support for them and their summer program as they shine the light in this fallen world. Wouldn't it be cool to be wealthy and just give loads of money away to worthwhile causes and people in need? 
• Anyway, in way these young adults/college students are fortunate to have confidence of having a strong faith to keep themselves out of the muck of whatever is mucky in their peer group.
• In college, I was not so strong in my faith. I felt really weird that I wasn't participating in all that unhealthy behavior if you get my drift. I really didn't want to be that way back then, but I wanted to fit in and not feel like a weirdo. And I did want a boyfriend but not one of those drunken guys in my dorm.
• The Totus Tuus program seems or appears to be more serious than vacation Bible School with goofy themes and titles. Maybe because Totus Tuus is a Latin name. Maybe it's because the teachers (young adults) dress in shirts and ties or dresses and skirts when they appear at Church to promote the program. As usual, the person who promotes the vacation Bible school at my parish wears an animal costume. This year it was skunk. I'm sure the VBS people are sincere too despite animal costumes. 

• Actually I am torn between two parishes: the one where I am actually a member and another one that's closer by. I like them both. 

• Two woman I know are having a commitment ceremony. Until a few weeks ago, I thought they were just roommates who became good friends, or good pals who became roommates. I kind of envied them for their close friendship. I had no idea they were a couple.  Thankfully, I was not among those invited to their "marriage" ceremony - Thank God. I do like them as people, and will just try to concentrate of their individual personhood and not on their couplehood. I know they have been victims of abuse. One is divorced from her abusive husband. 

Three Different Friends

• And then I have a friend a loose cannon in the sexual morality department (an agnostic). And when she told me her latest activity, I just wanted to throw up. Also, she seems to have some underlying anger towards Christianity. I don't know all her issues, and she's quite emotional and sensitive and claims to be open-minded. Sometimes I'm surprised we're still friends. 

• Another friend of of mine doesn't believe in God, however, she keeps reading about Christianity and the Bible to understand Christians in society, she says. She actually seems to be open-minded. She is cheerful, highly educated, level-headed and occasionally says something positive or supportive about Christians or the Pope. Of course I don't know what she says when I'm not around, but it's not something I worry about And a few weeks ago she made an amazing theological statement about free-will and sin. I wish I remember exactly what she said. And I am kind of wondering if she is another Jennifer Fulwiler, and that someday . . . 

• Now thinking of another woman I know. She was never baptized, but married her Catholic husband in the Catholic church after going through pre-Cana with his parish priest. True to their marriage vows, they are raising their children in the Catholic faith. Now she sings in the choir at Mass. As far as I know, she's still not baptized.  

Pentecost 2014

In the past I envision that the Holy Spirt has a fiery, bonfire presence - strong and powerful.

This year I envision the Holy Spirit more like a warm, steady candle not too overwhelming.

Isn't it neat that the dove also represents the Holy Spirit?

I like the Holy Spirit. I'm glad Jesus sent it.

I hope God does all the talking, and does it softly and kindly.

Loud voices and lectures and criticism today.

I am just going to my couch and lie in the quiet to quiet the brain.

It's hard to pray, so I'm asking God just to hang out with me in the quiet living room. Since it's Pentacost, the Holy Spirit is welcome too. I am kind of hoping God can carry the relationship for a while or at least this evening because I'm exhausted. I welcome God, I welcome the Holy Spirit to be with me.

Does a Gift of Money Mean You Get to Take Control of Person?

My aunt (godmother) gave me money to bring my rent current, so I didn't get evicted. And she verified that fact with the property manager.

I of course thanked her profusely both in person and in writing.

She said it was a gift.

Then a week later she made an appointment for me with a financial planner. She said she will sit in on the meeting with me and this mysterious financial planner to discuss all my debts. She said she wasn't giving me any more money (nor have I asked for any).

I decided to decline because I see this at a control issue as she planned to sit in on the meeting. And how can I pay off my debts when I am trying to meet my basic needs (food, healthcare, meds, roof over head, gas, taxes, electricity, phone, internet)???? And my cable has been cut off, so I have no t.v. service - not even basic t.v.

In my nicest, friendliest manner ever, I thanked her for her help but now is not the time for a financial planner. (I didn't mention that I already have a financial planner who told me to get a high paying job) I told her I appreciate the effort, but no thank you.

She is angry at me and said she now expects me to pay her back the money. And I'm on her s*** list.

Believe me, I don't spend money on any illicit activities or goods, and am not living a high roller lifestyle.

I would cut out the internet part if I weren't applying for jobs and doing a part-time, temp. contract work.

Sure, I'll put her on my list of debtors, but basically I pay off my debts in the order I incur them. Also, right now the IRS payment plan I am on is a much higher priority.

Hey, I wish I had a high paying steady permanent job. I wish I could give other needy people money. And in the past I have happily donated to worthy causes.

Have you had any experience in lending, gifting, receiving, borrowing money from family?

Icky Website Down & St. Rita Feast Day - I See a Connection, Do You?

1) I am happy to report that the offending website I wrote about yesterday was taken down. There were several women who wrote reasoned comments on why that website was a bad idea. I don't know if the men "got it" or understood the ick factor.

2) It's the Feast Day of St. Rita.

I copied and pasted the picture and information from the Catholic Fire blog.

St. Rita of Cascia

The saint of the day for May 22 is Saint Rita of Cascia, religious.

St. Rita was born at Rocca Porena, Italy, in 1386 to Antonio and Amata Lotti, who were quite advanced in years. Rita’s birth was an answer to their prayers. The family was well-known for their charity, which merited them the surname of "Peacemakers of Jesus Christ."

Rita brought much joy to her parents. She was a cheerful, amiable, pious and devout child who spent much of her time in prayer. At the age of twelve, she desired to consecrate herself to God in the religious state. Pious though her parents were, they refused her pleas, but instead gave her away in marriage, at the age of eighteen, to an ill-tempered young man who was the town watchman. The couple had two sons, who inherited their father's temperament. After 18 years of marriage, Rita’s husband was murdered by an old enemy. Her sons swore vengeance on their father’s killers, but through Rita's intercessory prayers, they forgave the offenders. Both of her sons died shortly afterwards.

Rita's former desire to consecrate herself to God in the religious life returned. On three separate occasions, she asked to be admitted to the Augustinian Nuns, but her request was refused each time, and she returned home to Rocca Porrena.

One night, as Rita was praying, she heard someone call her name and a knock on the door. Miraculously she was instantly transported to the Augustinian monastery. Astonished at the miracle, the Nuns received Rita, and accepted her as one of their own.

St. Rita lived a very austere life and performed many severe penances. After hearing a homily on the Passion of Christ she returned to her cell; kneeling before her crucifix, she prayed: "Let me, my Jesus share in Thy suffering, at least of one of Thy thorns". Her prayer was answered. Suddenly one of the thorns detached itself from Christ’s crown of thorns and fastened itself on her forehead so deeply that she could not remove it. The wound became worse, and gangrene set in. Because of the foul odor emanating from the wound, she was denied the companionship of the other Sisters for fifteen years.

As St. Rita was dying, she requested a relative to bring her a rose from her old home at Rocca Porrena. Although it was not the season for roses, the relative went and found a rose in full bloom. For this reason roses are blessed in the Saint's honor. She died May 22, 1456, and both in life and after death has worked many miracles. After St. Rita's death, her face became beautifully radiant, while the odor from her wound was as fragrant as that of the roses she loved so much. The sweet odor spread through the convent and into the church, where it has continued ever since. Her body has remained incorrupt to this day; the face is beautiful and well preserved.

 When St. Rita died her cell was aglow with heavenly light, while the great bell of the monastery rang of itself. A relative with a paralyzed arm, upon touching her sacred remains, was cured. A carpenter, who had known the Saint, offered to make the coffin. Immediately, he recovered the use of his long stiffened hands.St. Rita of Cascia was the first woman to be canonized in the Great Jubilee at the beginning of the 20th century, on May 24, 1900.

Patronage

 Rita is well-known as a patron of desperate, impossible causes and situations. She is also the patron saint of abuse victims, difficult marriages, infertility, impossible causes, parenthood, sterility, and widows.

 Quote 

The saint of Cascia belongs to the great host of Christian women who "have had a significant impact on the life of the Church as well as of society" (Mulieris dignitatem, 27). Rita well interpreted the "feminine genius" by living it intensely in both physical and spiritual motherhood. ~ Pope John Paul II

 Prayer to Saint Rita

 Holy Patroness of those in need, Saint Rita, you were humble, pure and patient. Your pleadings with your divine Spouse are irresistible, so please obtain for me from our risen Jesus the request I make of you: {mention your petition}. Be kind to me for the greater glory of God, and I shall honor you and sing your praises forever. Glorious Saint Rita, you miraculously participated in the sorrowful passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for me now the grace to suffer with resignation the troubles of this life, and protect me in all my needs. Amen.

I Wanted to Leave a Comment on Simcha's Blog

My post today is about this:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/simchafisher/2014/05/21/a-beautiful-courageous-idea-naming-your-victims/

I wanted to write a comment on Simcha's Fisher blog post, but due to goofy Disquis or whatever that stupid program is called, I couldn't.

I think the project is just another way for men who have used porn to make themselves feel better.  It's like the hot or not site.

Men with this particular sin, how about writing a thoughtful essay on how you came to the conclusion that viewing pornography is objectifying???


 Every cell in my female body says this is a misguided project and wrong. In fact, it seems icky to me. And Darren Cools, is your goal to make a woman icky and uncomfortable? 'Cause that's what you're doing to me. 

Darren Cools wrote this comment in reply to another woman's opposing opinion: 
"It's important to remember that the women in question have already 
publicized their names, faces and much more (or someone else has, 
despite them) across the internet." 

This is what I say: Just because a person has disgraced him or herself or was exploited, doesn't mean you get to perpetuate the bad behavior. 



Ladies, what is your take???

Okay for Now

Thank you for those who prayed for me. I can stay in my apartment until June 30th. I can stay longer if I quickly find a really good job. Tomorrow I have an interview for a real job. I am kind of looking for a roommate.

On Sunday morning I was so overwhelmed. I went to the ladies' room before Mass and an acquaintance who was washing her hands asked how I was, and I broke down sobbing. She was Christ to me because she patiently listened, gave me hugs, and said comforting words. I didn't go into details just that life's challenges are getting the better of me. Who knows what she understood through my sobs. I was just so grateful.

Did Anyone Miss Me? - Financial Crisis - Need Prayers

I deleted my blog, and just undeleted it. I kind of missed it.  Actually, I'm back because I need prayers. I'm unemployed (again) and am behind on my rent. Today I rec'd the dreaded 5-day notice to pay $2,800.00+ in back rent or else.

My dad has already lectured me.* He told me to get a job! Well, duh! That's what I've been looking for.

My dad lives in a one-bedroom senior apartment, so I suppose there's his couch for a while.

I'm calling the township for emergency assistance. I'll call Catholic Charities & the Salvation Army.

I'm going to sell some jewelry and see what I come up with.

I'll have to call my relatives, and just listen to their lectures and cry. Has anyone ever had to do that to get out of a bind? Have you ever lent relatives money? I don't even know when I could pay relatives back.

Help, help, help

If nothing else, could you please pray????????????????

I've been saying a 30-day novena to St. Joseph. The last time (several years ago) I was in dire straights, I prayed that novena and rec'd a surprising solution. I'm hoping God pulls me through once again.

In the meantime, I'm applying for jobs like crazy. Yes, I rec'd unemployment, but it isn't all that much. It never is.

I don't have siblings.

Maybe if I lost everything (stuff, money), I can start over to a better new life.  I can only hope.


*He wasn't exactly an example of financial stability or responsibility either for the 40+ years of his marriage. I know things and my mother told me things (before she died), so he has no room to lecture.

Two Reasons for Joy!

I'm taking the blogger's easy way out and linking to other people's posts because they deserve to be read.

It is  truly awesome that this boy wants to be a priest when he grows up! 

http://choosingtobethelight.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-son-wants-to-be-priest-isnt-that.html

I heard a priest say that there is much joy to be found in serving others. That priest finds joy in his vocation. So why am I sitting here in front of my computer so much?

and

It's still Easter, so let's keep celebrating!

http://www.piercedhands.com/50-ways-celebrate-easter/

Maybe I will send out Easter cards that I meant to send, but didn't.


Grab what joy you can in this life. I just gave you two reasons to life your head out of the ordinary grind and worries (I have plenty) and look up and rejoice that

He is Risen!!!!

Yippee!

Two Books I Read in April

1) Swimming with Scapulars. True Confessions of a Young Catholic by Matthew Lickona.

This is a calm and honest account of the spiritual development and struggles of the author. And by the picture inside the book jacket, a hot looking author. Oh wait, do not judge a book by the hotness of the author.

He attended Thomas Aquinas College in California. I was looking at the college's website and noted that there are separate resident halls for male and female. Not only that, a guy can't be hanging out in a girl's dorm and vice versa (unless it's moving day). I think I would have liked being in an environment where there wasn't all that rampant sex under my nose and feeling odd that I wasn't partaking in such. It seems like a safe and wholesome environment at least according to the website.

I recommend this book if you are a Catholic adult or Catholic young adult and need encouragement. It's nice to know you aren't walking alone on the conservative lifestyle road. Read this book if you're curious what it's like to be Catholic these days. This is one man's experience.

2) Prude. Lessons I Learned when my Fiance Filmed Porn by Emily Southwood.

Well, this author bares all in her writing. Yowza. I would be so embarrassed to write about sexual escapades. She wanted to explain to readers that she wasn't a prude. Nope, not a prude. Not even modest. Sure, this book is honest and frank, but in a different way. I wonder if her parents read this book, but maybe the parents are um . . . loose-minded.

Anyway, this "sexually liberated" author was bothered by the fact that she was bothered by the fact her fiance was taping porn stars doing various sexual activities, which is described in the book. Then the sad part was the author became very insecure about her own body. Anyway, she finally admitted to her fiance that she was bothered by his job, and he quit his job.

Well, my reading material is varied.

March Mix-Up and God's Not Dead

Hi, I resisted the urge to title post this March M ------ because I never went to the big dance.

Anyway, here it goes:

1) Russian Soldiers and Putin, get back into your own country. Russia is big enough! Stop invading other countries and that includes Crimea! Russia, I don't trust you. I never have, and never will. I feel for the people in the Ukraine.

2) I can't even imagine what it's like to lose your beloved on that Malaysian jet. I hope a real person finds the real jet very soon. In the meantime, people, stop throwing trash in the ocean.

3) Went to a memorial service at a Unitarian church. A lady minister said some nice words. I forgot what if anything was said about the afterlife or Heaven as we know it.  Every time I looked at the lady minister I thought of LarryD who stopped blogging.

4) Seraphic Singles blogger AND Meg from the Pierced Hands blog had things to say about leggings.  I think leggings with some skirts especially on little girls are cute and have a purpose. Leggings on grown women without skirts - um - either you're showing up your super skinny body or um grossing some people out. But if it's cold enough for leggings, then why aren't Leggings Wearers wearing socks?

5) Currently unemployed. This time I'm skipping the worry and going straight to God. I feel like praying the rosary a lot. Suddenly it doesn't seem like a chore. Hmm. Go order a beautiful rosary from Becky's Etsy shop Roses for Mary by clicking here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeckyArganbright. Hoping God changes my life in a big wonderful fantastic way like He did for Stacy Trascanos with wonderful husband, cute children and big wonderful home with cool job offers that don't require much of a commute. Her family update post is about the only I understood on the whole blog. Wait, didn't she once write on an old blog how she didn't like to see lesbian couples holding hands in the park or something like that? I understood that post.

6) I once socialized with a cool lesbian couple. Fun, witty, very kind. No, they didn't hold hands. People are people.

7) Somehow I ended belonging to a book discussion group at a Catholic Worship Center. The deacon said it's not a church, but a worship center to be inclusive. A neighboring synagogue uses the space for its High Holy Day services. We're reading a book about Jesus being Jewish written by Amy-Jill Levine, and there are practicing Jewish people in our group. The deacon likes to show off his knowledge of Hebrew.

8) Sometimes I worry that I'll never get to hold a baby again. When I see more gray hairs, I am repulsed. Then I make a phone call to the salon.

9) Last weekend made the bad decision to see the movie About Last Night. Stupid me. I wasn't all that thrilled with that movie back in the 1980s, and not thrilled with the remake. It's based on the play Sexual Perversity in Chicago by David Mamet. I never saw the play, but maybe he would title it Hooking Up in Chicago if he wrote it today. Or maybe not.

10) Today made the much better decision to meet different friends at the movies. We saw God's Not Dead. http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com. Some of it was very simplistic and exaggerated, but it's a movie and needed to make a point. Some of it was meaty, I thought. Anyway, you've seen that kind of ending before, but who cares? It was a Feel Good movie about STANDING UP FOR CHRISTIANITY, and staying true to your beliefs. If you have a precocious jr. high school child, I think he/she would get it. Otherwise, appropriate for teen-agers and above. And guess what??? There is NOTHING embarrassing or shameful about it.

I thought I was going to see Heaven's For Real or something like that. But the teen-age boy in the box office said I meant God's Not Dead. I never heard of that movie! Also, Son of God was playing at the theatre, so I was rather confused about what God movie I was suppose to see. But the teen-age boy was right (hire a teen-ager while they still know everything).

11) I'm not sure I like this trend of putting nail polish on girls. What do you think? It just seems like putting nail polish on girls is part of the whole sexualizing girls while they are still girls. Okay, call me old fashioned. On the other hand (or foot), it's just nail polish. But why do girls feel like they have to embellish their bodies??? I know why I feel that way. But shouldn't girls just live in a world where they are pretty just the way they are? Why don't they feel that way? What am I missing?

12) I have lots of old fashion ideas, but also feel like spray painting my hair pink. Go figure.

I Wrote Seven Quick Takes Without Meaning To - It Just Happened that Way

1) Little nativity set is still in the break room at work. Some people have brought in some nice plants to place on either side of it. It's a nice little display.

2) Co-worker was very appreciative of his care package. I had a fantastic Valentine's Day at work. I walked in, and there was a bacon donut on my desk. THE BEST. I had a very happy mouth. People really out did themselves for the office potluck.

3) I really like being a Communion Minister. Everyone looks so beautiful when they receive. It doesn't matter the age, the sex, the whatever, everyone looks like a beloved child of God when they're in front of me receiving.

4) I remember the days when people would not receive from an extraordinary minister of communion. You know what, I cannot deconsecrate the Host or the blood of Christ. I can't make it unholy.

5) The group of elderly from the assisted living facility haven't been attending Mass. I'm guessing it's because of the bad weather. With the ice and snow and extreme cold, some people may not make it back to the rest home. Maybe they'll come back in the spring. They aren't the sturdiest bunch, and a strong wind could do them in.

6) It stresses me out when my father insists on going out in bad weather. I wish he would wear a helmet just in case he slips on the ice. He's had a few close calls. His house is very messy, and it looks like a frat house. He does have someone who comes in and cleans, but I was scrubbing things in the kitchen. If my mom or my grandmother were around, they would get on his case for sure. He says men don't see the dirt.

7) Anybody out there doing elder care for their parents?????

A Different Kind of Crying

I had to take a break at work today because everything was blurry through my teary eyes.

I found out a co-worker is going on medical leave because he has lung cancer. He doesn't look that old at all. No, I don't know if he is or was a smoker because that's not my business. We're all bringing treats, gift cards, etc. to make a care package for him. I hardly know him, but he seems nice. One woman is bringing in a box of valentines tomorrow, so we can each give him a valentine. We'll be like school children again, but we won't be counting the Valentines we receive, but count the ones we give.

It has been a very long time since I cried at work, and back then I would cry or almost cry because mean bosses would yell at me. I would feel horrible because of the evil of People Abusing Their Managerial Powers. Today's near-cry felt different. It was just sadness that a bad thing has happened to a nice person, but evil people aren't involved. It's about people wanting to do kind things. I wish I could cure him or buy him something big and expensive, but all I can do is buy some little things and add to the package. And I can pray. He will know that the people in the cubicles around him do care.

Church of Bones aka Sediec Ossuary

Here is a link to the Catholic church with lots of bones. I suppose if several hundred years from now, my skeleton was hanging in a holy Catholic church adding decoration to the space, I would be cool with it. I do like to decorate.


Church of Bones in Czech Republic

Bones and the Better Blogger

Today a friend showed me pictures to the Church of Bones in the Czech Republic. A better blogger would link to it, or actually insert pictures into a blog post. I'm not that blogger.

Actually, I'm rather impressed with the decorative use of human bones in that church. I know that sounds kind of weird.

Though the Rock is at Times Slippery, The Church Still Stands

When I was in the drugstore yesterday, I noticed the headline of a local newspaper, so I bought it and read the article. A former pastor at my parish has substantiated allegations of abuse against him per the archdiocese. I am not surprised because there was an allusion of abuse last year in the paper. Years before there were certain type of rumors.  It's been almost a decade since this priest served at my parish. My memories of him are good though his theology was a bit loosey goosey. He was very popular, but I think he wanted to please the people and be liked. He was very, very likable. Unfortunately he had this dark side and did very bad things.

Now almost everything I write and think about him has a double entendre' in my mind. I wish it weren't so.

What to think? What to think? What to think? Why do I have to think? I can just remember what I remember.

Current pastor isn't as popular and runs a much tighter ship, but is busy doing the very tough job of trying to get all of us to squeeze through that narrow gate by being disciples of Christ. Many people in the parish don't like being led towards that gate because it's UNCOMFORTABLE. We people are fat with sin. There is so much in the worldly world to give up and give away to truly be Christ-like. Do you know how many WORRIES I myself would have to dump? And that is just the beginning. Many people have the left parish because they haven't gotten their way. I actually respect this current pastor MORE for having a backbone. Yep, sometimes I'm not thrilled with him either, but pastors come and go.

Current pastor will probably take on the difficult job of addressing the matter of the former pastor. He does that. Current pastor has had to, at different times, stand up and address frankly (yet in very careful language because there are always children present) unpleasant events.

Anyway, despite former pastor now on the bad priest list, I am going to try to remember the good he did too, and not concentrate on the weak, bad parts. The communion he served was still Holy Communion. The absolutions he gave during confession were still absolutions. The babies former pastor baptized are still baptized.

I am still Catholic. I am still a member of my parish because the only truly perfect church community is in Heaven.

Oh-former pastor quit the priesthood since he left my parish, just so you know.

I will leave the judging up to God and the court system.

Our parish has been through A LOT (that I haven't even mentioned here), but I think we're getting healthier in a way even if we're smaller. Just think of it as an ongoing renovation. But hasn't that been the story since the beginning of Christianity? Wasn't St. Francis suppose to fix or build the church? Have you read the Acts of the Apostles? Yep, some tough times there with people not always getting along or playing nice. Okay, I need to re-read that book to come up with specific examples.

But here we are! Two thousand and fourteen years after the Birth of Christ, and the Church is STILL on the Rock!

I think this Catholicism thing is a keeper.

Late January 2014 - Can't even think of an interesting title

I continue to ask myself if I want to continue this blog, so don't be surprised if someday all the posts disappear.

Today I put away my Christmas decorations. I really enjoyed the seeing the bright and shiny Christmas objects displayed, but I knew if I didn't put them away I would get annoyed with them at some point. I enjoyed the loveliness and sentiment of each ornament as I packed my box one last time this season. I can fit everything in one box because that's all I have room for.

So, do I try Catholic Match or not? I mean, I am NOT dead yet.

Speaking of marriage, yesterday at Mass a couple was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Usually, it's really wonderful and inspiring when an old couple celebrates or renews their wedding vows at Mass. People get teary-eyed and such. I've seen the groom of long-ago get all wonderfully emotional. Yesterday's couple didn't look so celebratory. They looked sturdy, I'll give them that. They also looked (I sit in the front, so I see these things) a bit dazed. Maybe they were. Maybe they were worried about something. The priest blessed them and all, so it was a big deal.

I think I've written about how my parents renewed their vows for their 40th anniversary at a Mass and the wonderfulness of that. What a happy day that was.

I think it's great when old married people are celebrating their anniversary at Mass, but I think it's greater when they look happy about it, not exhausted or dazed or confused. Maybe they were dazed wondering how they got it Year 60!

Oh, I recently went to my work Christmas party (yes, during Ordinary time, but the company isn't efficiently run), and remembered how much fun I have dancing. I need to dance more.

And yes, the nativity scene is STILL in the break room at work. I don't know if everyone likes it there, and or those who would be offended just haven't given it a close look. I think if it's not on their screen of their smart phone or if it isn't food, people don't see things in the break room.