Sunday, June 29, 2014

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.  

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

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.



Saturday, June 7, 2014

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.


Friday, June 6, 2014

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?