JPII's beatification

This makes me so happpppyy!!!

JPII'S BEATIFICATION: It has been resported that Pope John Paul II will be beatified on April 2, 2010. This is just five years after his death. I am so excited! Love him! It's amazing how just finding a picture of him moves my heart :-)

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The Truth

I found this quote in a news email I was sent. The editor was responding to the different responses that priests gave regarding the Pope's support of monogamy and abstinence.

Henry Makori, editor of Catholic Information Service for Africa, spoke for many Catholics when he wrote:

" So what? The uneasy relationship between religion and the media will continue. One hopes Pope Benedict does not lose much sleep over this. The church's greatest challenge in this age is not to have secular media on its side, or to get everyone agreeing with its doctrines. Christianity is in town to bear credible witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ."


This brought to mind the Scripture that reads:

"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as it's own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of this world- therefore the world hates you."- John 15:18-19


In light of these two articles of truth I have to laugh. You see I constantly forget that I am going to come up against opposition. Somewhere along the line (probably because of the 1960's or something) I have been inundated with the idea that everyone is just supposed to be 'cool' with everyone beliefs... I get confused because in order to be 'cool' sometimes it means that I am not a bearer of truth (The Truth) but more someone who nods my head and thinks, 'Well, not for me but its okay for you I guess'.


Hearing the Pope speak out against the use of condoms has really been an amazing example for his flock. Of course, we pray and hope the Pope would stand up for Truth, still he surely has received a lot of opposition. Media, other priests, fellow Catholics and the list goes on of those who are really upset by the Pope's seemingly 'unrealistic' stance.

But for those of us who are truly hearing the Message we know that this is a deeper call to holiness.....

"Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)" - Matthew 5:10

Yes Lord!

This is where its at. Standing up for what is truth and proclaiming the Gospel message.


It made me think about an experience I had the other day...

I had the opportunity to pray outside an abortion clinic for an hour. Nothing crazy just rosary time. I went with a good friend and with the help of another lovely women we quietly prayed outside.


So, upon getting there I was in another world... I just had so much going on in my own life that this had become just another thing to do on the list. We get there, break out the rosary, and the multitude of women start pouring into the clinic. They are coming and I am standing on the side of the road praying. Honestly, my emotions were overwhelmed. My heart was breaking knowing that these women were coming to seek an end to their child's life. I was angry because I have been praying for another child for three years and they are willing to just 'get rid' of theirs. All of this while being touched with a moment of embarrassment.... I know! See, we were on this busy street and cars kept screaming by on their way to work or lunch, where ever and I started thinking about what they must think of me. I thought about the impression I was making, how I was probably offending those pro-choicers driving by, how this could potentially 'turn someone off'.


These were just the thoughts going through my mind....so as the rosary went on and the cars kept coming I began to feel the urgency of prayer and how necessary it is to be a catalyst of change in that community. Abortions are wrong. They are a travesty to the human race and I imagine that God cries each time his children are killed. It was at this point that the Holy Spirit moved me into conviction and gratitude that I had been called to pray for his little ones.


This reminds me that I have to have to put on the Whole Armor of God to truly become his warrior. (this is one of my faves):


"Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in the might of his power. 11 Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. High places, or heavenly places... That is to say, in the air, the lowest of the celestial regions; in which God permits these wicked spirits or fallen angels to wander. 13 Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of justice: 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. 16 In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. 17 And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). 18 By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit: and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints". - Ephesians 6:10-17 (taken from www.newadvent.com)


So, I have continued gratitude to the Pope for not only standing up for the Truth but inspiring his flock to follow suit and truly emulate his behavior. We are blessed to have a faithful and brilliant Pope. We must continue to pray for his faithfulness, holiness and servitude.

And as for us, I pray that we become INSPIRED! EXCITED! MOVED by the Spirit and able to always speak and promote the Truth.... With the Armor of God to cover us, the Rosary to guide us and the Eucharist to give us life we move forward in this day and age knowing that our reward lies in Heaven.

Christian Family Organizer Giveaway!

Christian Family Organizer

Life has really been coming at me! I wish I had a little more time to blog... So many great things to share. Please continue to check for new blogs and for now I thought I would give away a few Christian planners.....

My good friend over at http://www.thriftyandchicmom.com/ has generously shared some planners for me to give away to you!

These planners are fantastic. It is called the Christian Family Organizer and I have three to give away. The website can be found here. The planners are created by Amy Knapp. There are three different planners including the regular family planner, the maternity family planner and the ones I have to give away, the Christian Family Planner.

I immediately took to this planner for several reasons.

First, it is spiral bound which I love because it makes it so much easier to keep it open to any page I need.

Second, it offers a nice two page month by month calendar.

Third, it offers a place to list 'things to do', 'prayer and praise', 'menu planning' and 'Grocery'.

Fourth, the Menu and Grocery part are perforated so it can be torn out and taken with you to the grocery store! (Nice touch!)

Fifth, throughout the planner there are great scriptural references. (And who doesn't need a little inspiration!)

Sixth, there is a family budget planner, babysitter information, a place for information about the children for the babysitter, babysitter phone numbers, childrens' play friends section, childrens' organization references, parents' organization references, address and phone number section and even a web address/ login section!

Seventh, there are handy little stickers that can help highlight certain events.

The planner is functional, user friendly, offers enough room for all a mom's needs and can be easily transported.

To enter tell me in a comment why you want this planner.

For more entries do any or all of the following leaving a separate comment for each entry.

* Subscribe by email to Modern Catholic Mom

* Blog abut this giveaway with a link back

* Twitter about this giveaway with a link back

* Email a friend about this giveaway with a link be sure to CC me

Giveaway open to US residents only, ends 4/4 at midnight.

More Notre Dame Controversy

Here is a positive update to the Notre Dame Scandel:

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=2396

I was reading another article that was applauding Notre Dame's efforts to look past 'political disagreements' and honor the President for, well, something.

At first it just enraged me. The author, a 'Catholic', says:

"Our voices must be raised to say that we are thrilled such a distinguished Catholic university is considered such a part of the life of the nation that our President will be coming to address its graduates. We are thrilled that he will be sharing the stage with one of our Church’s and nation’s finest scholars and diplomats. And, we should be thrilled that the right wing commentariat has again adopted its smug "I thank Thee, Lord, that I am not like other men" stance. "

But really an article like this has only encouraged me further to be a defender of life. There will be many who say that those who are against the President speaking at Notre Dame is silly, excessive and even prejudice.

Come on.

Lets get to the bottom of this. THE PRESIDENT IS AN ACTIVE SUPPORTER AND CATALYST FOR CHANGE REGARDING THE PRO-CHOICE MOVEMENT. HE HAS APPOINTED MORE PRO-CHOICE MEMBERS TO OFFICE THAN EVER BEFORE. HE HAS SPOKEN CLEARLY ABOUT HIS BELIEFS AND INTENTIONS FOR AMERICA. HE BELIEVES ABORTION SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL WOMEN IN ALL COUNTRIES. HE IS SUPPORTIVE OF STEM CELL RESEARCH.

And now one of the most well known Catholic universities in the country want to honor him. You better believe we are going to be upset. We are defenders of life! We are the unborns only voice! And it is sad that Notre Dame has decided to look past all that the President stands for regarding major moral issues and honor him anyway. Not okay. Not acceptable.

It is important for us to be prepared to share why it is unacceptable for Notre Dame to be so supportive of the President to our family and friends who don't understand. We know it truly is a matter of life and death.

Prayers for the president

Foremost we need to pray......

Then educate ourselves.....

Sometimes I have conversations with men and women who say, "President Obama really hasn't done anything to hurt the pro-life movement". I don't always know what to say. I know that he is Pro-choice and intent on making abortions, contraceptives and stem cell research available for all. Let there be no question, President Obama supports the culture of death. So in light of these 'conversations' I found some sobering information.

Lifenews.com listed a fascinating article here about what the President has really done. I will give you some highlights:

January 22, 2009 - Releases statement restating support for Roe v. Wade decision that allowed virtually unlimited abortions and has resulted in at least 50 million abortions since 1973.

January 23, 2009 - Forces taxpayers to fund pro-abortion groups that either promote or perform abortions in other nations. Decison to overturn Mexico City Policy sends part of $457 million to pro-abortion organizations.

February 27, 2009 - Starts the process of overturning pro-life conscience protections President Bush put in place to make sure medical staff and centers are not forced to do abortions.

March 5, 2009 - The Obama administration shut out pro-life groups from attending a White House-sponsored health care summit. Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion business, made the invitation list as did other pro-abortion groups.

March 9, 2009 - President Barack Obama signed an executive order forcing taxpayer funding of embryonic stem cell research.

Notre Dame Scandal

If you haven't heard, Notre Dame has decided to have President Obama speak at their commencement ceremony this school year. This poses a multitude of problems when we look at a major Catholic university honoring a man who directly opposes so many of our Catholic beliefs.

I am amazed by the number of men and women who are signing this petition. It is pretty strange to think that such a predominantly Catholic college would seek and support someone who is trying to make abortions easier to obtain. It is contradiction at its finest.

You can sign a petition asking the President of Notre Dame to reconsider this decision here.

You can read the article put out by Notre Dame here.

Holy Baby Giveaway Winners!

Hello all!

The winners of the Holy Baby DVD's are:

#4 Rarely Sarah

#5 Kate W.

# 9 Jennifer H.

Congratulations!!

IF YOU DIDN'T WIN DON"T WORRY! THERE WILL BE A FEW MORE CHANCES TO WIN!

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