Happy Feastday St. Augustine!

A great "catholic" tune in honor of St.Augie ( Doggie & Doggie Daddy )

A Little Trinket I Picked Up This AM...

Not For Those With a Case of Scruples

C.S. Lewis' devilish tale The Screwtape Letters adapted for stage in U.S. tour

Another Great Movie Line...

I pray "God, please don't take me off this Earth 'til I learn how to forgive..."
I'll be 83 next month

the Parson in Blue Valley Songbird with Dolly Parton

Thank God for COFFEE!

or Why I Drink the Stuff...

Twitchy on Caffeine


from the movie Hoodwinked!

Brad Has Done It Again!

...our look at all things American which we came to realize as we were writing this song are pretty much borrowed from somewhere else. We are a country of mutts.

Brad Paisley - Invitation Only: Brad Paisley - CMT - August 2009

Makes that feldercarb between that Harvard "perfessor" & the police officer look idiotic. This song points out that we're not Italian, African, etc.; we are 100% American Mutts! (Can't wait for the video!)

Just As I Needed a Reason to Take Monday Off...

Please Don't Answer This Question!

Finally! The 100th Post!

Never thought we'd make it! Thanks to all my viewers over the last 2 years.

Happy Feastday!

I consider myself an Ignatian in my spirituality, and I'm sending out a Happy Feastday to all my fellow Ignatius fans out there!

I think the Church has done a great disservice to Iggy by not making him a Doctor of the Church, as his spirituality has, positively and negatively, influenced modern development of Catholic theology and philosophy since the Protestant so-called Reformation. Most of the negative influence was not generated by Iggy himself, but by 1960's & 70's pseudo-intellectuals of his Society who thought psychology and sociology were more important than Orthodox Catholic Teaching. In my not-so-humble opinion, this distortion of Ignatian spirituality (along with the suppression of the Society in the 18th century) have kept Iggy from getting his "Doctorate".

Another Year Down the Tubes...

I'm glad (today at least) that I'm not married. I seem to have this bad habit of missing anniversaries. But Gem is celebrating her's and when I looked I found out I started this blog on 07/15/2007. Sorry dear, I'm bad.

The Obamas Visit the Holy Father...

and as typical Ugly American tourists what did they do
but buy some tacky souvenirs

Heard in Passing...

Another Day, Another Dollar.
So you got a raise?

from In Plain Sight

Mondays. I Hate Mondays

Oh! No! The Media Fell for the Hype (in JibJab Fashion...)

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

A New Twist on an Old Tale..

I love it when an old folktale is told in a 21st Century environment...

A Public Announce Mint...

Happy Dad's Day to all you Fathers, fathers, and father-types (those of ya'll who exert a good male role to those who need a daddy-figure).

Also, today's the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and it only goes downhill from here.

Sounds like 2 good reasons for a drink *Clink!*

I so love county music for this reason. It may may be 10 AM here in CA, but It's 5 O'clock Somewhere...

For Those Crying in Their Beer...

OK, the last of the blog awards has been awarded. Therefore, for those of us who didn't win (or weren't nominated) I offer the Award For Whatever I Want AKA "the Whatever's". The advantage of this award is that

• you nominate yourself
• your vote is the only vote that counts
• you win something shiny
• and this year, if you want, it even rotates

Get yours here: http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn42/mricher999/trophy.gif
and let us know in the combo box for what you won your award!

California Be Forewarned...

This individual is the most unqualified person to declare his candidacy for California governor. I was living in San Francisco when he was first elected as mayor. He immediately was discovered to be having an affair. Like his predecessor and demigod, "Slick" Willie Brown, all part of the Burton machine of San Francisco along with Nancy Pelosi et. al., he is no Liberal but a Libertine who believes he's above the law. He decided California state law could be ignored with regards to Gay unions ( so called "Gay Marriage"). So let's make sure he stays in San Francisco and out of Sacramento or Washington D. C.!

Proposed Bumpersticker...

We Can Only Hope...

A Public Service Announcement 4 Our Clergy...

On a Serious Note (a B flat I think...)

Another AF-1 Sighting...

The Obama-nation, the Chappaquiddick Dodger, the Bumbling Biden, and the Posturing Pelosi decided to take a flight somewhere where they could become acclimated for the After Life.

Photograph courtesy of Dante Alighieri

D*mn if O'Bummer Has Done It Again...

Air Force One was seen flying low over another location, scaring a tourist to take cover in his mobile home. An intrepid photographer caught the incident below...

Another Imponderable

Is a "right wing extremist" a person who eats Buffalo Wings from only 1 side of a chicken????

I Love the Way Steve Puts This Putz in His Place...

and Steve's "theology" as to why the 4 Gospels are different is right on the mark.

Catholicism strikes back!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Bart Ehrman
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

A Unholy Thought...

Am I the only one who thinks that if there were a hymn for the lighting of the Easter Fire it should be "Come-on Baby Light My Fire"?

He's Not The Only One Who's Back...

Yep. I'm back with Mother Church. I made my Confession on Good Friday, and I made the Easter Vigil. Honey, I'm Hooooome!
I think you can tell a lot about a parish by 2 things, how they celebrate the Vigil and the size of their RCIA class who “graduate” at the Vigil. The parish I attended last night got mixed review, but I think they have possibilities. I'll be investigating them over the next few weeks to see if I want to invest with them. (I purposely am not identifying the parish in case they read this blog (like THAT's likely! SNARK!)
First, their RCIA class was impressive, the likes I haven't seen since my days at St. Dominic's in San Francisco. If the number of new Catholics in this class is any indication, there's hope for the future of the Church. (Yeah, I know, Christ is the Hope of the Church so there can be no failure, but you know what I mean).
However, they only get a “C” for the Vigil celebration. Positively this parish did CELEBRATE Easter. On the downside, however, there's room for improvement. When I arrived early, the Jazz choir was practicing so the silence of the empty church was lost (Haven't hey heard of symbolism?). The lectors were testing microphones and in general there was a constant buzz of conversation. The presentation of the ceremony was more of a theatrical presentation than one of worship. The use of their projection system was used effectively to project the lighting of the Easter candle (which most of us miss unless we belong to a small parish). Unfortunately they also used it during the readings (now wonder there's a lack of imagination in our Catholics!_. I am not a traditionalist, but there are some parts of the Mass for which the Classics are the best, notably those related to Mass parts (like the Gloria). These classics were ignored (even to the point of using a Protestant version of the Our Father).
I also should have brought Elmer Fudd from from my side bar. Yup, there were liturgical dancers, during the Gloria, the Procession of the Oils, and the procession of the newly Baptized (they omitted the presentation of the Baptismal Candles for some reason. They entered the Church with lighted candles during the Procession of the Easter Candle into the Church (before they were Baptized), and again after their Baptism.)
I also missed some important classics in terms of music. They didn't intone the 3-Fold (Easter Vigil) Alleluia before the Gospel, and Jesus Christ is Risen Today was sung after the Recessional. (why do choirs sing that hymn at half tempo? Makes it sound like a funeral dirge!).
While I have some complaints, I have seen worse. I hope that I see some improvement. I'll try to keep you apprised of developments. Stay tuned.

So True, So True...

I know I'm Late...

but Ash Wednesday reminded me of an old joke.

A little boy asked, "Daddy, when Father says 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust' is he talking about where people come from and where they're going?"

Daddy, proud that his son had understood the point, "Yes, son, that's what Father was saying".

The little boy then said, "I don't know if they're coming or going, but there's someone under my bed!"

Which means there's a whole army under mine...

Even an Ol' Dog Has His Day..

Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, Stump to his friends, a 10 year old (that's 70 in human years) Sussex Spaniel won the the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, proving that there's hope for us hairy old fogies!

Another Public Service Announcement

Public Service Announcement

Hey!

What's all this dust and cobwebs doing here in the Pulpit?
Who's responsible for keeping this place cleaned up?
Oh, wait. I am. Never mind.

It's not that I have/had nothing to say, on the contrary with the election and all the things going on there was lots to say. Maybe I'll get around to putting it down. It's just that after a day at work punching the keyboard it's difficult to get the energy up. I'm not a touch typist, I type Scripturally ("seek and ye shall find"). I hope to be back in the saddle soon.

As a public service announcement, this item caught my eye over at Ironic Catholic.

Pass this link on!

Got an over serious preacher? Give them this!

Not a Word! NOT A WORD!

Duhhhh!

You're Totally Sarcastic

You, sarcastic? Never! You're as sweet as a baby bunny. Seriously, though, you have a sharp tongue - and you aren't afraid to use it. And if people are too wimpy to deal with your attitude, then too bad. So sad.

How Sarcastic Are You?

There Are 0 Gaps in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge: No Gaps! Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge: Philosophy Religion Economics Literature History Science Art

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

New Resident in the Sidebar

Angela is introducing people to "temporary" patron saints for Liturgical Year 2009, and St. Philip Neri (the Apostle of Rome) has taken up residence in my sidebar. Click on his image for his bio. In his honor I repeat here a great Scripture joke I heard on a comedy special:

The Creationists think Genesis is the greatest thing. Actually, Phil Collins wasn't that good a drummer...

Now That We're in the Home Stretch...

It's less than a month to the election, and with all the muck that's being flung I thought it was time to lighten up...

Time for Some Campaignin'

and I've Bought My Return Ticket

See my destination here

The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test...

The Monk

You scored 8% Cardinal, 82% Monk, 50% Lady, and 27% Knight!

You live a peaceful, quiet life. Very little danger comes your way and you live a long time. You are wise and modest, but also stagnant. You have little comfort, little food and have taken a vow of silence. But who needs chatter when just sitting in the cloister of your abbey with The Good Book makes you perfectly content.

Take The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test at HelloQuizzy

with at H/T to Puff the Magic Dragon

I'm Being Followed by a Moon Shadow...

or is it that I have a stalker? (Check out the left menubar under "Followers). I always suspected that Tara was #1.

Somebody Spiked My Coffee with Caffeine...

I found this neat tool for generating blogs (H/T to the IC who shall not be confused with the OC. This is my 1st attempt:

Crikey! I just got slapped with a wet salmon - really - I have not updated this since people stopped clapping and Tinkerbell died... You would not believe it, but my hands were chopped off and I was waiting for bionic ones. I hope they bring chocolate!. I am hopped up on caffeine while finding Jesus (after someone told me he was lost), selling my soul to Google, generally being an embarrassment to anyone unfortunate to cross my path. My day is filled with fluorescent light from the second I am woken by murderous Teletubbies until I run out of alcohol. I am avoiding recapture. it will be fun fun fun till they take my TBird away. I go, my lords and ladies; but I will make more of an effort to blog more often until the nice men in the white coats come back. I go with God, good friends, unless of course the pool with the cocktail bar is heated!

In Times of Trouble...

even the animals turn to God

The Revenge of the Nerds...

Several commentators have mentioned a certain news reporter's disdain of the RNC. Well, the Republicans have exacted their revenge...

Another Candidate for Prez...

My sis-in-law-yer (The Digital Hairshirt) has thrown her hat into the ring

My Doctor Keeps Nagging Me...

A New Candidate is On the Horizon...

This is the only candidate who has ever kept all his political promises...

Ever Have 1 of THOSE Days?

One $!@@$^!^ Word Meme

My Sis-in-law-yer is trying to get even with me for not knocking off her spouse when we were kids. Here's her revenge...

1. Where is your cell phone? Whazzat?
2. Your significant other? Me, myself, & I
3. Your hair? Thinning
4. Your mother? Oak Hill Cemetery Escondido CA
5. Your father? Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery Plot: CBC 1 428
6. Your favorite things? "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things"
7. Your dream last night? "To dream, the impossible dream..."
8. Your favorite drink? Sherry (Christian Brothers Cream)
9. Your dream/goal? To finish this !&@^ meme
10. The room you’re in? Elbow
11. Your church? 1 Holy, Roman Catholic, Apostolic
12. Your fear? Fear itself (Thanks FDR)
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? 6 years older
14. Where were you last night? Who wants to know
15. What you’re not? Pope
16. Muffins? Banana
17. One of your wish list items? An original autographed copy of the Summa Theologica
18. Where you grew up? Who said I grew up? Vicious liar!
19. The last thing you did? This meme.
20. What are you wearing? Boots
21. Your TV? Luv it!!!
22. Your pets? Ain't married
23. Your computer? Mine! All Mine!!!!!
24. Your life? "Mikey won't like it. He hates everything"
25. Your mood? Zzzzzzzz
26. Missing someone? Why, you find someone?
27. Your car? 1991
28. Something you’re not wearing? Chip-on-shoulder
29. Favorite store? Fry's
30. Your Summer? 2_Hot
31. Like (love) someone? See #2
32. Your favorite color? Blue, either gun-metal or deep royal
33. Last time you laughed? When Obama won the Democratic nomination
34. Last time you cried? See #33
35. Who will re-post this? Dang, ran out of stamps...

Don't Upset Your Local Computer Expert...

Do you think the password might be I_LUV_Playing_God?

No! No! You Can't Take It Away From Me...

Say it ain't so!!!!!

These Nuts Ain't for J. J.

Details

I've Been a Baaaad Boy

I'm glad Confession hasn't come to this:


I know I've got some people curious about my "confession", and why I should make it public. But even AA recognises the need to acknowledge the ramifications of our failings and to make amends if possible. My sin may not be as bad as this, but still might get me here or, maybe the modern equivalent.

This confession may sound "tongue-in-cheek", and may have elements which are such. But the general topic is as serious as it can get. It is more of an examination of conscience.

I'm going to ask my readers not to comment on how wrong my actions are, for you won't say anything I haven't said to myself. I'm not writing this to brag or to be funny, but to get my own thoughts organized and to see what ideas my fellow travelers have to bring me closer to God an His Church.

Enough stalling. Here it goes.

I haven't been to Mass since Easter.

Why is this important? I know that I need to be fed by the Word, and by the Eucharist. I need my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have no problem with the teachings of the Church.

I think my problem is that I don't have a parish that I think of as "home". I used to have a "home" parish 3 years ago, but then the parish staff decided to take over many of the activities done my parishioners. I was involved with RCIA formation for about 10 years, then the pastor hired a "lay formation" educator and he basically put a number of us "out of business". The same thing happened to liturgical ministers, many times resulting in more "performance" services and fewer Liturgies.

As bad as these changes were, at least I was being fed Liturgically. My intellect was being fed as well as the rest of my being. Then I was forced to move (due to employment) and my current local parish is of the Kwik-E-Mart variety. I tried joining the RCIA formation team, but he program had very little in the way of catechetical formation and consisted primarily of "faith sharing" the Sunday readings. Formation of liturgical ministers was of the same caliber. The preaching from the pulpit is of the same level, kind of like eating pure meringue, all sugar and no substance.
I can't blame my problem all on the parish. I suffer from depression, and all I don't have this problem personally alcoholism is prevalent in my family. While I've never been an active person, I also often suffer from a lack of energy. I often spend the weekend in bed and/or watching TV.
So what is my plan of action? First, I need to find a parish where my needs both spiritually and intellectually are met. Second, I need to get to Confession, the Mass, and probably the Anointing of the Sick. Third, find some place where I can participate is spiritual Formation, as this seems to be my Gift from God to the Church.
Finally, let me ask your forgiveness, brothers & sisters. Not only have I been missing you; but you have been missing me from the Body. I think this is the thing I've been missing the most over the weeks I've been "missing in action". God willing, I may soon be worthy of your company again.

More Duh!

Coffee Quiz by QuizRocket.com

So Iz Not a Saint...

You Are Mostly Virtuous

You are a good person, or at least as good as you can be. You try to do the right thing, and you have ended up with many virtues. While you are virtuous, you aren't a saint. There's definitely a bit of devilishness deep in your heart! Where You Are Virtuous You have the virtue of Moderation. You don't do anything at excess, and you avoid extremes You have the virtue of Frugality. You spend your money wisely, and you are not wasteful. You have the virtue of tranquillity. You do your best to keep your life peaceful and calm. Where You Are Not Virtuous You lack the virtue of Cleanliness. You are quite messy... and maybe even a little dirty. You lack the virtue of Order. Many aspects of your life are chaotic and a total mess. You lack the virtue of Sincerity. You don't tell the truth if it doesn't suit you.

Are You Virtuous?

H/T to Ironic Catholic

I'm Not Ready Yet...

for my Chapter of Faults, but I did want to point out that I finally have added my personal Communion of "s"aints (yes the quotes, as is the title, are intentional). They're in alphabetical order as I don't want my favourites to get a swelled head.

I've changed the "linked to" page as the former link was to a site I wasn't comfortable linking to. Besides, the new link is more to my liking.

Wonder Where I Been?

I've been "overworked & underpaid..." I've also been working on a confession to my fellow Catholics, and when I've finished the wording "I'll be back". Until then, I'll be skulking around the blogdom.

Obviously...

Compared to other ice creams, coffee ice cream has a strong flavor, and it's packed with caffeinated sweetness. You're like that, too! You're always busy, and determined to stay focused as you move from one task to the next. You get frustrated when other people slow you down or hold you back, but when you're in control, you can find ways around any obstacle.

H/T Tara @ Loved Sinner

6 Word Epitaphs

I first saw this on The Digital Hairshirt but its been floating around the blogsphere. None of mine will pass the censors (yes, there are rules what can go on your grave marker in a Catholic cemetery) but I kind of like some of them

• I was too young to die
• Who the Hades let me in
• I should have eaten more chocolate
• Do they serve cappachino around here?
• Cathy_of_Alex's in the next plot over? (snark!)

I'll add to the list as I come up with them

I'm worth more dead than alive (sigh!)

$4800.00The Cadaver Calculator - Find out how much your body is worth.

Manic Monday.

I hate Monday mornings. Here are 2 videos which celebrate that attitude:

Or:

Killing 2 Birds With...

1 Stone (14 lbs. for those on the English system, 6.350293 Kg. for those on that funny system the French made up)
Easter must be officially over as the memes have started appearing like rabbits. I've been tagged multiple times for two memes so I'm going to answer both in 1 post (instead of doing that income tax thingy)

First: 5 Critically Named Movies I Detest Meme
Tagged by KitBrookside and Gem of the Ocean

1. 2001: A Space Oddity


2. Last Tango in Paris


3. Clockwork Orange


4. Apocalypse Now


5. Moulin Rogue (Nicole Kidman version, I like the Jose Ferrer version)

Second: Seen under various names, I call it the What Business is It of Yours Meme
Tagged by: Digital Hairshirt & Swiss Miss

Rules:

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.


2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.


3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Then their head explodes.

1. What was I doing ten years ago?
   I can't remember what I was doing 10 minutes ago. 10 years ago I was starting to make programming changes for Y2K (remember that?)



2. Five Things On My To Do List
   Coffee
   Income Tax
   Coffee
   Sleep (yes I can sleep after coffee)
   Coffee (duh!)



3. Favorite Snacks
   Chocolate truffles with (say it with me) COFFEE!



4. Things I Would Do If I Were a Billionaire
   Pay off my debts then go get a Theology degree. Build myself a modest house with Lots & Lots of bookshelves & computer screens that fill a whole wall.



5. Three of My Bad Habits
   TV, TV, TV



6. Five Places I Have Lived
   Albuquerque NM
   Los Alamos, NM
   Idaho Falls, ID
   Escondido, CA
   San Francisco, CA



7. Five Jobs I Have Had
   Shoe Salesman - Kinney Shoes
   Dishwasher - Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor (1 week)
   Salesman - Radio Shack
   Store Manager - Radio Shack
   College bookstore book stacker

As for tagging those 5 additional victims, I ain't gonna as I'm a spoiled brat (& I'm doing this instead of what I'm supposed to be doing!)

A Girl After Me Own Heart....

A Girl After Me Own Heart....

My Guardian Angel Has Loaned Me This...

On a recent post the mention of “a 24 carat Gold Plated cast iron skillet 1st used on a certain apostle on his way to Damascus”, namely my guardian angel's favorite method of gaining my attention. As you can see, it has been used with some frequency. As it can only be used by angels, you may direct your guardian angel to this blog to collect it for use to your benefit

Breaking News: My angel has posted this on PhotoBucket (besides selling them on eBay) so if you want one let me know & I'll post the link!

Do U Have Any Hairy-Ticks 4 My Spider?

The Nominate Yourself Award

This seems to be the season for awards , and I'm not one to buck the trend. There are a number of deserving people out in the blogsphere, and you know who you are. I don't want any one of you to be overlooked, so I created this generic award. You nominate yourself for whatever categories you want, and when you have given yourself enough votes, award yourself this award. You now don't need a reason to get an award! Any reason is valid! Just enter your blog listing in the combo box so we can all come by and congradulate you!

Noticed at Easter Morning Brunch

From the Easter Etc. File

Happy Easter All! Some miscellaneous Easter images/thoughts:

1. Heeee's baaaack! (Think Poltergeist)
2. Why do female cantors always sing at the top of a soprano's range so no average congregant can possibly sing in key?
3. Why do organists play Alleluia hymns like funeral dirges?
4. And (for fun) what does an Internet aficionado do for exercise? He/she takes a walk around the Blog!

The "A" Word is Back!

The "A" Word?

ALLELUIA!!!
of course! Or as Mozart put it :

To All My New Brothers & Sisters in Christ

As you approach the Vigil you are probably asking yourselves, "Am I doing the right thing?" The correct answer is

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rest assured that my prayers and those of a good many saints, living and in Christ, are with you tonight. And,

Welcome to The Family!

The Sounds of Silence

Holy Saturday 2008
Silence.
The theme for Holy Saturday is silence.
There should be no Sacraments today (except in emergency) until the Vigil this evening.
Today we are running around, polishing our shoes, ironing our Sunday best, cooking our Easter dinners. Those entering our Catholic family are worrying "Am I doing the right thing?" (You are.) or "What is that second question and its answer?" (Don't worry, the rest of us don't know either. Your first lesson as a Catholic, if you don't know, act as if you do.)
But consider that first Holy Saturday. Jesus's disciples were Jews. It was the Sabbath, and a particularly solemn one during Passover, so unless they went to the Temple or a synagogue they didn't go anywhere and they didn't do anything. And their Leader was gone.
Our Lady wasn't sure what was going to happen next. She knew Something was coming, and coming soon. The Indwelling Spirit within her was telling her so. So she went around encouraging the others.
Mary Magdalene was sorrowing. She was making lists in her head so that she would be ready to anoint His Body, and she was steeling herself to see her Beloved's body one last time.
Peter was in grief as well. The One who made Peter something was gone, and Peter had betrayed Him. News of Judas's end had come to them, and Peter was wondering whether if Judas had been the braver one for incurring damnation rather than living with the interior shame of betrayal. Would Peter follow Judas's act the next day? Or could the dead Jesus yet forgive him from beyond the grave?
And what of the others? What were they thinking? What was Pilate thinking? And Caiaphas? Were they planning on sending soldiers to arrest the rest of Jesus's band?
And the disciples, were they waiting for arrest the next day? (The soldiers wouldn't come today, would they? After all, it was the Sabbath). Two were planning to leave for Emmaus as soon as they could leave.
What would you be doing? How would you reflect in the long Silence. You know now the Next Scene. But pretend you don't, and ask yourself the question "What would I be thinking?" Take some time today and experience the Silence. Feel the World leaning forward in its seat, like at an Indiana Jones movie, waiting with held breath for the climax approaching. And when the Easter fire is lit tonight....

Images of the Crucifixion

Last week, when we were praying for Tara of Loved Sinner & her daughter Cheryl, a comment by Angela M mentioned a scene from The Passion of the Christ where the Crucifixion is viewed from the Father's perspective. It reminded me of a painting by Salvador Dali I thought was called The Father's View:

The title is actually Christ of St. John of the Cross. It is my favorite Crucifixion painting, and the lesser surrealistic of Dal's two Crucifixion paintings (of which I am aware). I learned it was based upon a sketch made by St. John of the Cross of a vision he had, and I was able to find this picture of the sketch:

I Beg Your Pardon, God Didn't Promise You a Rose Garden

For those of you who don't get the reference:

This time of of the Catholic Calendar, this song comes to mind, especially the week before Holy Week, although I would mention that He did promise a Garden of Gethsemane. I've seen it happen year after year, and judging from the blogs I frequent its happening this year too, that for those who are at least attempting to follow a Christian way of life, the s**t is hitting the fan. I don't know if its God allowing us to participate in His Sufferings to make us become more like Him, or if its that muckraker from the nether regions of existence. I know cow manure does make good fertilizer, but does anyone know if this s**t is good for rose gardens? This inquiring mind wants to know... LOL

Revenge for Friday Fish Frys

Kermit's Big Brother

Details here. I wonder how the French feel about this bruiser!

Middle Name Meme

Karen at Драгоценные об океане tagged me!
Here are "da rules":

1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name or your mother's maiden name).
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged.)

For better or for worse, here's de middl name:

Even: I have an even number of digits (10)
Drunk: I've never been drunk; buzzed-yes, drunk-no
White: My apartment walls are painted white
Airport: I live within 1 mile of LAX airport.
R: my last name begins and ends with the letter 'R'
Do: Do I need to come up with another 'D'?

I tag Angela , Kit , Martha , Kasia , Steph , Puff & Bear

An Ash Wednesday Reflection

This is a reflection I did for an Ash Wednesday service in 2004. Recycling is good for the soul....

When I was in grade school, my Catholic classmates and I would joke that one could round up all the Catholics on Ash Wednesday due to the black spot on their foreheads. Over the years this mark on my brow has been mistaken for a bruise, a birthmark, and in a bow to the computer age, as residue from a toner cartridge from a laser printer. But it begs the question, is there a better way to identify a Christian?
This reminds me of a statement that was popular a few years ago: If it were illegal to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Today’s Gospel reading might suggest that there should NOT be any direct evidence! Rather, one should take great care in not drawing attention to oneself when practicing acts of piety. The lines "When you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing" and "When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting" are but two examples given by Christ which implore us not to draw attention to our acts of piety and thereby deflate their value. I like to call this attitude acting as a secret agent for God.
But does this type of behavior really go unnoticed? I would say "No" for two significant reasons. First, as the Gospel states, God sees all we do and "your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you." This might seem to be advocating an attitude of "buying God’s favor". I would suggest, as a contrasting point of view, that it is rather an act of faith in God’s Providence. For example, the Christian act is not the placing of ashes on one’s head, which we share with other cultures and religions, but when we remove those same ashes remembering God’s mercy as already being realized.
The second reason I do not believe our "hidden" acts go unnoticed is that all our actions ripple throughout Creation. This ripple effect is the basis of the popularity of the Practice Random Acts of Kindness bumper sticker a few years back. My maternal grandfather practiced his Catholicism diligently, but was more popular for his generosity with his time. He was the Pied Piper of his neighborhood, and was known to be attentive to the needs of those around him. But he never tooted his own horn. His clarinet, yes, but never his own horn. When it came time for him to meet his Maker, his funeral Mass was one of the best attended I have ever seen. There was not a seat to be had in the Church. And the effects of his life are still felt in the lives of his friends, children, grand-children and great grand-children to this day. This ripple effect was cited by the Early Church Father Tertullian as the reason for his conversion when he said "see how these Christians love one another".
Is this hidden life of the Christian at odds with the wearing of the ashes then? I will answer "no" for two reasons. First, we experience life through things we sense, especially through the senses of touch and sight. We need a tangible thing to mark the beginning of Lent, a season in which we are called and re-called to a fundamental actualization of what God has done for us in Christ. Second, it is a communal sharing of the realization of where we would be without Christ, and that we are not alone in this Lenten journey of ours. We must not see the ashes as an end in themselves or as a magic talisman. Rather we allow the entire practice of Lent shape us in the light of Easter.
Finally, let us not forget our brothers and sister this Lent. After all, St. Paul in the second reading calls us to be "ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ's name is "be reconciled to God." The ashes remind us where we would be without Christ, and we should remember those who are without the hope Christ brings. Also, pray for those in the RCIA program as they prepare for their joining our Catholic family. Lent was originally celebrated for those converting to Christianity, and sometimes I think we forget the freshness brought into the Church by these newly reborn souls.
May God bless us in this Lent, and may we be together to celebrate a Joyous Easter!

Prayer Desperately Requested

Adrienne at Adrienne's Catholic Corner has continued a prayer tree for
Melissa who needs a bone marrow transplant. Please pass this prayer request along....

I've Been Visited by Bill & Ted

as nominated by SwissMiss. I'm supposed to nominate 10 so concider yourself nominated!

I got tagged by a book meme

Puff & Bear of The Spirit's Sword tagged me with a meme. Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book ( of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

Here's my quote:
Still there was no answer.
"Just like a girl," said Edmund to himself, "sulking somewhere, and won't accept an apology." He looked round him again and decided he did not much like this place, and had alnost made up his mind to go home when he heard, very far off in the wood, the sound of bells.

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
(My other books are in storage)

As for the tags I choose the 1st 5 people who can tell me what Aslan means (yes His Name has a meaning) and what language it is from.

Hymn for Mass on Super Bowl Sunday

For All You Father Types...

responsible for young ladies approaching dating age...

Why Taking Your Child to Work ...

is a BAD IDEA
Click on the link and view the ad "Bank Brat". I busted a gut when I saw this on TV! I tried downloading it to this blog but for some reason it wouldn't save

I guess only Jesus Saves BTW Did anyone else notice the kid sends $50.00 worth of quarters thru the tube?

WARNING! Hazardous Waste

Forwarded to me by my ever observant niece Jen!

The 1st Dance...

I got tired of waiting for the invite to Karen of Gemma del Oceano's wedding, so I built a time machine and went forward in time to the Reception. The moose has been served (the BBQ sauce was a nice touch!) and the cake was cut, and here's the newlywed's 1st dance. (It gets interesting at about 1:25 into the video). It's a long video (6+ minutes) so you might want to download it & keep it in your wedding album!

Weding Party - video powered by Metacafe

Spread the Luuuuuuv Award (I now have 3!)

I've been awarded this by Karen over at Gema del Océano. Now I'm supposed to pass it on to 8 others, but I can see from the list on her site that there is a great deal of overlap in our contacts. So I'm tagging the 1st 8 bloggers who think that Love is a Great Spread with either Peanut Butter or with Baloney. ;-P

What classic sitcom character are you?

Venus Flytrap
Take this quiz!

Charles Schultz Philosophy

My niece forwarded this to me (her email had some of Mr. Shultz's images but I couldn't cut & paste them. Sorry!)

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.

Share this with those who have made a difference in your life. I just did!

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia. (Charles Schultz)

I've been Blessed (in More Ways Than 1!)

I was blessed by SwissMiss over at St. Monica's Kneeler, and as with any blessing its effectiveness is directly proportional to how well it is passed on. (BTW Swiss, I've been told that the Carmelite way to say Thank-you is to say God reward you with the unspoken, facetious, tongue-in cheek extension as only He can! with all the possible meanings of it intended! ;-) )

Her original posting follows:

I hope that it becomes a means of blessing that you will enjoy bestowing upon others. My hope is that this becomes like the traditional tag game we all play on our blogs from time to time, except that the recipient can only tag three people and that the purpose of this exercise is to see how far this can go and how many people we can bless in the blogsphere.In other words, rather than being a me me me meme, it’s actually all about someone else, which I suspect for most of us, will make a refreshing change.It’d be great if we could stretch it all around the world, it would be like joining hands around the earth’s circumference, only electronically!

But hey, that may be a little ambitious!It’s going to be a slow game.And that’s okay. If all it encourages us to do is to spend five minutes in prayer for someone else and to brighten their day by letting them know that they touch our hearts and minds and souls, then isn’t it worth it even if it only reaches the end of the next bus stop? I reckon so.

So how does it work? While it is my wish to bless all who read this blog, for the purposes of starting this little endeavour it is necessary that I ‘bless’ 3 blogfriends, who may in turn ‘bless’ 3 blogfriends.Let’s use a simple format, and let’s make it even simpler by suggesting that the recipient simply copies and pastes the following section when they become the recipient of a bloggin blessing themselves, as
follows…

+++

The idea… it’s a game of tag with a difference, rather than looking inwardly, we look outside ourselves and bless, praise and pray for one blog friend. By participating in this endeavour we not only make the recipient of the blessing feel valued and appreciated, but we are having some fun too. We’re going to see how far the bloggin’ blessings can travel around the world and how many people can be blessed! Recipients of a bloggin’ blessing may upload the above image to their sidebar if they choose to. If you receive a bloggin’ blessin’ please leave a comment on this thread here so that we can rejoice in just how many blessings have been sent around the world!

May God bless:

Puff the Magic Dragon, for being the 1st to put me on a blogroll (thank God she spared me the onions!)

Dawn Eden, for being a blogger who, like me, tries to prove that the pun is mightier than the sword

Stephanie, who is proof positive that God is a dog lover!

A Prayer for Puff, Dawn, & Steph:

May the Blessing of Almighty God;

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;

descend upon you and remain with you forever.

Amen.

+++

and that’s it, nearly…

So, all these three have have to do is to:

• 
  
  Bless 3 blog buddies each.


• 
  
  Include the ‘God Bless you’ image in their post.


• 
  
  Explain briefly why they are blessing the people they are blessing.


• 
  
  Pray/include in the post the prayer for the recipients of the blessing.


• 
  
  The recipient/sender of a blessing should type in the com box of Deb's original post that a blessing has been sent to them so we can keep track of how many blessings are being given. For easy reference a link to her post will make it into Deb's sidebar.

Sounds a bit confusing, I know. But it could be fun, we’ll soon see!Thanks for playing along!

The larger ‘God Bless you’ image can also be sent as an E-Card from Deb's Credo Christian E-Cards website.

God Bless you!

I've Been Meme'd (and It's Giving Me a Case of the Screaming Mimi's)

(For those with inquiring minds, apparently there's quite a history behind the word meme.)

I've been tapped by Puff the Magic Dragon & Bear-i-tone over at The Spirit's Sword. Now, I'm not a big theater visitor when it comes to movies, so I often don't see them until they come on cable. Here's my response to the meme:

100 Film Meme

1. Your favorite five movies that are on the list.
I. Citizen Kane
II. Raiders Of The Lost Ark
III. It’s A Wonderful Life
IV. Dr. Strangelove
V. Blade Runner

Honorable Mentions:
12 Angry Men, Casablanca, The Grapes Of Wrath, High Noon, The Maltese Falcon, Rear Window, Star Wars, To Kill A Mockingbird, Toy Story, The Wizard Of Oz, Yankee Doodle Dandy

2. Five (six) movies on the list you didn’t like at all.
2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Godfather, Rocky, Titanic, Tootsie

3. Five movies on the list you haven’t seen but want to.
Only 2: Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List

4. Five movies on the list you haven’t seen and have no interest in seeing.
Annie Hall, Do The Right Thing, Gone With The Wind, Midnight Cowboy, Pulp Fiction, The Silence Of The Lambs

5. Your favorite five movies that aren’t on the list. (in no particular order. This list could go on much longer than 5)
Scrooged, Harry Potter (all), Casino Royal (with David Niven), Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, A Man for All Seasons, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, The Road Pictures (Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamore), Going My Way & The Bells of St. Mary’s, Lilies of the Fields (the original)…

I think all the bloggers I normally visit have been meme'd with this one. If you haven't been, concider yourself meme'd.

Prayer Request

I was just contacted by an attorney claiming to represent a collection agency about a debt I can't afford to pay. I need some guidance from the Holy Spirit as to what to do next. Maybe St. Matthew (patron of bankers) can intercede too!