Feast Day Coloring Pages

I just love this blog.  Waltzing Matilda provides beautifully drawn coloring pages for your child.  Today being the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, I printed out a coloring sheet found here.  Check out Waltzing Matilda and have a blessed Feast day!

NOW president speaks about Tebow commerical

Really?  Really???!!

In regard to the recent Tebow ad from Focus on the Family:

That was too much for NOW president Terry O'Neill, who told the Los Angeles Times the ad glorified violence against women: "I am blown away at the celebration of the violence against women in it. That's what comes across to me even more strongly than the anti-abortion message. I myself am a survivor of domestic violence, and I don't find it charming. I think CBS should be ashamed of itself." (my emphasis added in bold)

I am in absolute shock that the President of the NOW, the National Organization Against Women, has issued a statement exclaiming that the Tebow ad promotes domestic violence.  

The commercial is awesome.  It is not in your face pro-life... it is a true celebration of life.  It is a beautiful example of trusting in the Lord and letting God do His work.  And the result?  Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy Winner. 

NOW states that they promote equality for women.  If you know me, you know that I LOVE women's rights.  I love equality and a basic understanding that all men and women are created equal.  O'Neill, you have just made a statement that actually challenges the credibility of your organziation.  To make such an off the wall statement about this commerical is like reaching for straws.  That is the only thing you  can think to ctiticize?  Because we know it's not the message of the actual commerical that could be argued against.  Because the commerical is thoughtfully crafted so to speak to all people whether prolife or proabortion about the beauty of life.  It definitely isn't to criticize Focus on the Family for being overly critical of proabortionist because that message does not exist.

No, the only thing that could be criticized is the non-existent domestic violence message.  Yep, I am sure that's what Focus on the Family overlooked when they created a commerical to support life.  Please. 

I have to remember to pray for Ms. O'Neill and the entire NOW organization.  And I also need to pray in thanksgiving that such an amazing message was able to reach so many viewers during the Superbowl.  How amazing that a man (Tebow) in such a high position is able to use that 'power' to glorify God.  Amen!

And for your viewing pleasure I have also included a picture of Tim Tebow and his beautiful mother. 

If you haven't see the Tebow commerical yet check it out here.


Life News writes about the commerical here.

Prayers tomorrow at 9am

Hello everyone- Thanks again for all your prayers.  Tomorrow morning at 9am est my mom is getting an MRI done to look into the mass on her pancreas.  Please pray that this mass is benign.  We are well aware of the severity of pancreatic cancer and I am praying so hard that this is not something that she has.  Please know that I am so grateful for your support.  Thank you!!!

Three year olds and Mass

I took Liv to noon Mass the other day.  Everything went pretty well.  The church is really old and beautiful and of course with that comes amazing acoustics.  It feels like every noise, sound and creak she makes is amplified by 1000.  I mean it's hard enough taking a 3 year old to church when the place is full (like on Sundays) but during the week, daily Mass can be a little stressful.

Now I have to say, she did really well.  For the most part I can get her to sit and kneel.  She will play with her baby doll or sit in my lap.  But truth be told she is three and she squirms. I am working on it.  But let me tell you what doesn't help.  It does not help when there is a lady a few rows in front of you who seems highly annoyed by our presence.  Liv did have a little coat issue, 'Mom take off my coat.' 'Hold on Liv'.  'Moomm, my coat.'  It was at this point that the woman thought it would help the situation by turning around and giving us a look like Liv had just did a flip in the pews.  I couldn't believe it.  Then I realized that not everyone is blessed with the love and patience a mother must have with her three year old.  And I prayed that I could just 'let it go' and God is faithful.  It only got worse when Communion came and the lady moved a few more pews away.  I mean, moved her coat and everything.  

But don't think we won't be back to daily Mass because we will.  And don't think that this is the last of my three year old making noise.  It's bound to happen again. 

Lesson learned:  Sit toward the back?  No, take Liv's coat off right away! :)

Tebow Part II

Found this article on Tim Tebow and wanted to share it with you all. This article is AMAZING! Take a minute to read Sally Jenkin's thought as she writes for the Washington Post. The irony of this article is that the writer is actually pro-abortion ( or choice as she puts it). But her response to Tebow's commercial celebrating FAMILY is beautifully written. Did you know that in the actual ad 'abortion' is never even mentioned? NOW, the National Organization of Women has made many a statement about the inappropriateness of this message. What message? That family should be celebrated? NOW should really stop and look at what they are fighting against. If there is one thing we should all agree on, it's that the family unit is the basis of our society. And it should DEFINITELY be celebrated.



As Jenkins comments, Tebow has every bit of a right to share his point of view. And in a day and age when most celebrities are living lives filled with moral atrocities it is quite refreshing to hear a celebrity speak out positively about something moral. I am so proud that there is an individual out there who is in a position of such power and has chosen to use that power to bring more people to Christ. THAT is what it is all about. I will definitely be praying for Tebow and for the positive effect his commercial may have on our fallen society.

 

Prayers please

Hello MCM's,

I was hoping that you wonderful men and women would keep my mom Nancy in your prayers.  Her doctor found a spot on her pancreas and they are beginning the process to see what is going on.  We lost my dad to lung cancer 4 years ago and my mom had dealt with advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder for quite a few years now.  My sisters and I are praying for a miracle.  Please join our efforts.

Thank you!!!!

Hasbro markets oujia board to children

Come on.  Marketing  oujia boards to young girls?  Can this be more ridiculous?  I first read about this at 'A Blessed Life.'   The full article can be found here at Johnnette Benkovic's Blog.

He found an ad for the toy on the Toys R Us website which proudly proclaimed: “ . . .  (N)ow the OUIJA Board is just for you, girl.” The new flashy pink board comes with 72 questions to ask the board, a carrying case with storage pockets and instructions for how to use it to contact the dead. “Make up your own questions, and let the OUIJA Board satisfy your curiosity in virtually endless ways,” the site says. “OUIJA Board will answer. It’s just a game - or is it?”

If you would like to join the boycott against Hasbro go here.

Jehovah's Witnesses and my broken down car

I was having a particularly difficult day. Late for a meeting, I couldn't find my keys. I spent about 30 minutes trying to find them. The kiddos ran around in the garage while I tore through everything I could think to check. I was actually quite startled when I heard a woman’s voice ask if everything was alright. It was an older woman, dressed quite nice, coming to speak about Our personal Lord and Savior. I politely told her I was searching for my keys and to please say a prayer that I would find them. She left me some literature and continued on her way.  I found the keys shortly thereafter, put both kids in their car seats and learned quickly that the car was not going to start.

As I silently banged my head on the steering wheel I noticed the two nicely dressed people approaching my car. A moment of relief and of annoyance crossed over me. Don't get me wrong, I am one of those people that truly enjoys hearing about other faiths. It helps answer questions that I have and truly it helps to solidify my love for the Catholic faith. But I was just so overwhelmed and tired trying to get to this meeting.

They approached the car and asked if I needed a jump. Why yes, yes I did. So these two very nice people took quite a bit of time to help me jump my car and get on my way. They also provided me with some literature about Jehovah's Witnesses, which I welcomed.

The nice lady has been back quite a few times. I haven’t been here to greet her until this last visit. She asked how I was and if she could give me some more literature. I took the opportunity to share with her that I was a devout Catholic but at her request she was welcome to come back and talk.


I think I get that Jehovah's witnesses are very good about evangelization as the disciples did. I guess I am trying to figure out if she would be open to my questions challenging the validity of her faith. I would love to sit down with her and know what it is that makes her loved her faith so much. People with passion are inspiring! But mostly I feel like I will be wasting her time... knowing that all I really want to do is allow her to see the beauty of Catholicism.
 
I love that they are out in the world truly evangelizing. Isn’t that what we are all called to do? I want to respect her and the Jehovah faith enough to listen to her words. And yet I want to be prepared to share from my heart as well.

Has anyone had any experience with a situation like this one? And courteous advice? I know she will be back soon! :)

Pro-life Ad to be aired during the Superbowl

Tim Tebow has teamed up with Focus on the Family to create an ad that promotes life and family.  How beautiful is that?  With such a war on life in our world today, having a commercial that promotes that dignity of the human person rocks.  Way to go Tebow and Focus on the Family!

Preparing for Lent

Lent is around the corner. Sometimes I feel that the season of Lent arrives before I know it. With this in mind I thought I would provide a few books that can really help to prepare for our Risen Lord.


1. Get the Magnificat Lenten guide. Small enough to fit in your purse or back pocket, this guide provides Scripture and a meditation for each day in Lent. Find yours here.

2. Crossing te Desert- Lent and Conversion by James Keating. I reviewed this book last year here.

'Crossing the Desert' is a easy to read guide that allows the reader an opportunity to really get to the heart of the Lenten season. It is not specific to certain days during Lent so you could pick it up at any point and start to read it. I think I got mine from Amazon.

3. Choose a saint who's life you would like to learn more about. Make a committment to study and reflect on the life of a saint special in your life. Some great choices:

 
              The Diary of St. Faustina
              The Interior Castle- St. Thersa of Avila
              St Augustine- Confessions
              A Simple Path- Mother Teresa
              No Greater Love- Mother Teresa

Columbus Catholic Womens Conference

It's that wonderful time of the year again....

Time to be fed.

Time to be renewed.

Time to do something for you.

Time to be with our Lord!

The annual Columbus Catholic Women's Conference is happening in February. 

Details:

Date:          February 27th, 2010
Location:   Lausche Building
                   Ohio State Expo Center
Time:        7:30a-4p

Guest Speakers:   Colleen Kelly Mast
                            Sr Assumpta Long
                            Terry Polakovic

Check out the website for information about the conference and registration. 

If you have any questions please let me know!

See Kai Run Shoe Donations for Haitians

Hi Modern Catholic Moms,

I received this email.... I think this is a great way to help a little....



Dear Friends of See Kai Run,



By now you have heard about the overwhelming devastation caused by a 7.0 earthquake, which struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday evening, and the desperate need for supplies and donations.



In response to the dire need, See Kai Run has put together an emergency shoe donation of nearly 3,000 pairs to help the children in this ravaged part of the world. The donated shoes will be distributed through Soles4Souls, the international charity dedicated to providing footwear to disadvantaged people around the world. According to Soles4Souls, a sturdy pair of shoes is absolutely necessary in times like these when the amount of broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage is staggering.



What Can You Do to Help?

Soles4Souls accepts ongoing shoe donations from individuals and retailers. You can donate new or gently worn shoes that are just taking up space in your closet -- every little bit counts. Just bind each pair with rubber bands and drop them off at a participating location. Or, send them to a Soles4Souls warehouse facility.



Please visit Soles4Souls to find out other ways you can donate.



Sincerely,



The See Kai Run Team

I am falling in love

I'm falling in love with a young saint named St. Philomena. Scott Hahn recently released a CD on this beautiful saint through Lighthouse Ministries. (Have I mentioned how much I love Lighthouse) I can listen to the CD in pieces and bits in the car while I drive. I am unsure why I was so moved by this particular CD about this particular saint but I am.

St. Philomena died a martyr when she was 13. Not much was known about her when her remains were found. Somewhere around 1805 is when the true devotion to her began.  I am going to write more about her history soon.

Saint Philomena.com  shares that St. Philomena is known to be especially powerful in cases involving conversion of sinners, return to the Sacraments, expectant mothers, destitute mothers, problems with children, unhappiness in the home, sterility, priests and their work, help for the sick, the missions, real estate, money problems, food for the poor and mental illness. But truly, as her devotees discovered, no case, of whatever matter, is too trivial or too unimportant to concern her.

There is something amazing about this saint that is moving myself and many others. Check her official Italian site out here.

Do you have something to share about St. Philomena? 

St. Philomena, pray for us-

Prayers for Haiti

In light of the earthquake in Haiti I thought I would post a website where donations can be made. The organization is called 'Movin' With the Spirit'. I have two friends who are currently doing mission work in Haiti and this is the organization that they are working through. (The two girls have contacted family and are doing well. PRAISE GOD!!)


MWTS is reputable and safe. Their work is truly making a difference in the lives of Haitians. Please visit this website to learn more about how you can help. http://www.mwts.org/

If you have a moment be sure to read about the history of this amazing group.  It will seriously move you.

Article: Shortage of Women in China

Shortage of women in China:



This article is so sad.   Researchers have found that in 10 years there will not be enough women to marry men.   This is due to the abortion of females and the 1 child policy China enforces. 


Truly I cannot believe that either of these practices even exist in the world.  It seriously just blows my mind.  I am also sad to read the article and see in black and white what we knew all along.  Of course there would be a shortage of women for men to marry.  And of course human trafficking and prostitution would be on the rise. 

"Abductions and trafficking of women are "rampant" in areas with excess numbers of men, The Global Times reported, citing findings by China's National Population and Family Planning Commission."


"Illegal marriages and forced prostitution were also problems in those areas, the paper said in a report by Agence France-Presse"


God has made it so clear that abortion is wrong. How can an entire nation ignore the Truth?  Even strictly looking at morality, how can they as a country believe that the removal of women from their society will have any benefit?  Obviously these people had to think about the repercussions of killing off baby girls?  And the one child rule had to have consequences that were taken into consideration. 

Jer 1:5   Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.

CCC 2319  Every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for it's own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God.


In 2010 maybe we could join in praying for the conversion of China, for the babies that have been and will be aborted, and for the women who did have the chance to be born who will face dire conditions as they reach adulthood.