Monday, May 30, 2011

Keys of the Kingdom Review

I was given the opportunity to review a Bible Based PC Game produced by Inspired Media & Entertainment Company.   The mission of Inspired Media Games is to spread the Word of God to as many people as possible through various forms of media entertainment.  I was specifically sought out because I am a Catholic Blogger and my faith comments are at the end of this review

The name of the game I chose was Keys of the Kingdom which is rated E for everyone.  This is a 100 level brain teaser logic game for the family to be played at home on their computer.   Yes, it has 100 levels of challenges which increase in difficulty as the levels go up.  My son and I played the game at times separately and other times together.  We did complete the 100 levels of this game.  At first glance, I noticed the appealing computer graphics of the large knight guarding the entrance to each level and the player's little knight on a horse in the corner.  The background music is peaceful that allows for concentration on figuring out the process of moving bricks.


The premise of this game is to help Sir Lancelot, our hero, outsmart the evil king by moving colored bricks from one space to another to open a path which leads the key to the lock.  Once you've manipulated the blocks and brought the key to the lock, the lock is opened and you can move on to the next level.  This brain teaser game uses bombs, scales and pulleys, and floating bricks which can be moved in the direction your key needs to go. 

Children with strong visual spatial intelligence will do well with this game.  For us challenged in that area, the game has a view solution button that you can click on to show you how to work the specific level.  It's great because you can replay it as often as you'd like and slow it down to show you move by move.   If you notice you're moves will not bring the key to the lock, you can click on the undo button to go back one step or press the restart button to try it all over again.  What's also great is that this game is not timed and you can replay each level as often as it takes to get it right.



In between each level, the player is brought to a page with a bible verse with two options.  The player can click on continue and move on to the next level or click on the "Know God" button and go to Don't Be Left Behind Website.   It was developed by All About God Ministries with the intention of leading people to Jesus Christ.  

This game was fun and at times very challenging that led to some degree of frustration.  We enjoyed playing it overall and would recommend the game.  I am not endorsing the All About God Ministries since I disagree with their statement of faith and their view on the Roman Catholic Church.  I applaud Inspired Media & Entertainment for developing a PC Game that seeks to spread the Word of God, but I want to be clear, I do NOT agree with All About God Ministries.

Please note:  this is not a Catholic ministry and in fact, they state on their website "they are not affiliated with any organization or denomination though they work with some."  I wouldn't say they are boldly anti-Catholic, yet, under their world religion page they list Roman Catholicism and state what they feel are the problems with my religion.  This ministry believes they have the truth based on solid, fundamental Christian doctrine and it all must be found in the bible.  Bottom line is that the people behind All About God Ministries do not believe in Sacred Tradition or any organized religion for that matter.

This Bible Based PC Game was provided to me through Inspired Media & Entertainment; I received no monetary compensation for my review.

God's Blessings,
Noreen



Our Actions Matter



St. James was an apostle of Jesus who devoted his life to proclaiming the word of God.  He noticed that Jewish Christians who were scattered amongst the nations were worldly in their habits and he sought to show them that faith without works is dead.  Their habits included favoritism, quarreling and boasting.  He recognized that it was possible to believe all of the right things and still live the wrong way.  James urged the people to put their faith into action through their words and deeds.

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.  But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."   James 2:8-10

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that - and shudder....   James 2:14-19 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone."  James 2:24

This is what I was reading about today in my bible and wanted to share it.  His Feast Day is not until July but while reading the first few chapters of the book of James, the words "Our actions matter" jumped out at me.  We must do more than say we are children of God, we must show it in our daily lives to our families, friends and neighbors.  

Why is it then when we strive to live out the word of God, we can be perceived as "goody two-shoes?"  As if loving your neighbor as yourself is somehow old fashioned... something looked down upon?   If we were to believe the world, we would live as if love was a feeling of self-satisfaction instead of God's way.  Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.   Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.    John 15:12-13

Tough words to live by in our modern age.  It seems as if we are not much different than the people during the time of St. James.  We must strive to live this way if we are to truly be children of God.

God's Blessings,
noreen

Saturday, May 28, 2011

What is Going On??

Everything that I've types is in English.... everything that has been written by Blogger is in some other language.  WHAT IS GOING ON???????   Anyone else having this issue?

Friday, May 27, 2011

Proud to be an American

THANKS AUSTRALIA , THIS IS AWESOME


To Kill an American
You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that somWritten by an Australian Dentist
eone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is. So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)
'An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, Arab, Pakistani or Afghan.
An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans..

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan . The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.
An American is also free to believe in no religion.. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous
land in the history of the world..
The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence , which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.
An American is generous.. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.
When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!
As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan ..
The national symbol of America , The Statue of Liberty , welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America
Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001, earning a better life for their families. It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.
So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world.. But, in doing so, you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

Thanks!

My friend sent this to me and I love what it says so I am posting it.  However, it was not written by an Australian Dentist according to Snopes,  but the meaning of the article resonsates truth to me.

 







Thursday, May 26, 2011

No Commenting For Me :(

For some reason I'm experiencing difficulty with Blogger...

I can type a post yet...

I can leave no one any comments....

Very frustrating....
I've contacted the Google Help Desk and so far....

No response, yet another has chimed in with similar difficulties...

It's odd, because at times, I can leave a comment and other times not...

When I type in the security code it reverts me back to the sign in page...

I go round and round with it....

Not sure what's happening....

I've been told by my good friend Sue, that she's unable to comment on my blog posts as well...

Frustrating.... I'm reading all of your blogs and have tried to comment.... sorry!

I hope it's resolved soon!

Google Help People... Where are you????

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Our Lady of the New Millennium

I've heard about this 33 feet tall stainless steel statue of Mary, Our Lady of the New Millennium, and it's been "church hopping" through Chicago for over 10 years yet I was never able to see it.  Currently, the statue has found it's permanent home at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. John, Indiana.  Luckily for me, that's only 1 1/2  hours drive from where I live so we could easily do that for a day trip!


"The statue, Our Lady of the New Millennium, was commissioned by Chicago resident Carl Demma in 1995 and has visited “pretty close to 300 parishes,” mostly in the Chicago Archdiocese. It was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1999 during his visit to St. Louis."  More information about this article can be found at the National Catholic Register.

The above picture was taken by the National Catholic Register on the day it was dedicated to St. John the Evangelist Church on May 22nd.   The weather was obviously threatening that day but it did not keep the ceremony from being postponed.

Visiting soon will be one of my goals for this summer and perhaps even sooner!  I would love to see it in person and take my own picture of it and post it.  I can't imagine how tall it is and how did they ever transport it from church to church?   Have any of you ever seen this unique and beautiful statue of Mary?

I'm linking up today at:  http://www.angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/ with my friend Trish at L.A.C.E.
Please come and join us for Whatever is Lovely, Admirable, Cheerful and Encouraging!

God's Blessings,
noreen 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Happy Mail!

I received happy mail yesterday!  I am the lucky recipient of this:  C.) Our Lady of Fatima Book Set
This came from Cecilia of Little Saints in the Making Blog.  She has her own shop called Hair Bows 4 Life  that has been open for 3 years now! 

Happy Anniversary Cecilia! 

10% of all her sales is given to the Pro-Life Community.  Cecilia is a blessing to the most vulnerable of our society, the unborn!  She wholeheartedly believes in the sanctity of life!  You can go to her website to get a 35%  off coupon during the Month of May... the Month of Mary.   If I was crafty, I would do what she is doing... I so admire her heart and her answer to God's call.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday Snippets

I am linking up a recent post with  Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival today.  Please come over and visit other Catholic bloggers!  Sunday Snippets is hosted by RAnn from This That and the Other Thing Blog.  Come and join us!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Caught in the Act, A Blasphemous Outrage

Two unrelated topics today:

First, I returned to my son's doctor office with son in tow this morning and we went down the hallway to the abortion clinic and prayed.  This time, we didn't go unnoticed.  The doctor, himself, came out of the locked gate, looked at us praying, said nothing and continued on his way.  I must say, we were relieved that he didn't confront us.  I knew we were doing a good and holy act, however, I didn't want my son in a front row seat of a pro-choice/pro-life debate.  I noticed my son said a quick thankful prayer to God for protecting us in that moment!

Secondly, I came across a blog last night that talked about Our Lady of Guadalupe being blasphemed at the Oakland Museum of California.  Here is how Our Lady of Guadalupe is portrayed.... in a flower bikini with boxing gloves on.  She is called Our Lady of Controversy in this so-called work of art.  I didn't want to put the actual picture on my blog since it's so offensive.  There's nothing beautiful, gracious or endearing about it and that's how I view Our Lady.  Mocking Our Lord's Mother is a travesty and the artist, Alma Lopez is making money off of this front cover picture of her book and DVD.

If you feel so inclined (which I did), you can send an e-protest Here to the Oakland Museum of California.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Suffering and Joy

I was listening to The Comforter today on EWTN and it caught my attention when I heard this, St. Augustine said " There are no burdens too heavy for a loving heart."


How can we be joyful when we are suffering was a question Fr. Andrew asked.  Good question... because I know we're supposed to be joyful even amidst our suffering yet, to be honest it's a burden to do so.  I think back to times in my life when I suffered and a couple of instances come immediately to mind.  First, the illness and death of my mother whom I was very close too.  I did NOT feel joyful during this time and even resented God for taking her from me. 

I know, that's bad to admit here but it's true.

The second time I experienced real suffering was when my RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) was in a horrible flare up, I was pregnant with my son, newly married, in debt, and dependent on my health insurance at work.  I went days where I physically couldn't lay down, get dressed, open the medicine cabinet door, let alone take the cap off the toothpaste, I couldn't get into my car, once I was able to get in, I couldn't reach to close the door...etc.  Every movement was excruciating pain.

Many of my joints flared up at the same time and I was MISERABLE.  No joy here in this suffering.  In fact, I was in despair and at the height of it, knowing I was pregnant, prayed to God to help me or end my life.  I never considered hurting myself or my baby but I wanted God to do SOMETHING! 

My OB doctor didn't want me to take anything and advised me to be on bed rest.  I practically shouted at her "I can't lay down!  My shoulders, neck and back feel like sharp knives are cutting into me."  Trying to sleep while sitting wasn't any better.  The only comfortable position was standing up but by then my knees and ankles hurt.

Finally, my prayer was answered and I was referred to a Rheumatologist who diagnosed me with RA.  She gave me a prescription for Prednisone and after 2 days of a very low dose, I was able to move freely again.

That was pure joy!  Both my RA and OB doctor assured me that the low dose wouldn't affect my baby and it didn't.  Thank God!

So, back to my original question of feeling joy while suffering?  I've done a very poor job at it... I admit it.  When the grief of my mother's illness was new and I when I was in the beginning stages of RA, I was a dutiful Christian and offered up my pain and suffering.  When my mother died and when I was in a full flare up, I failed miserably at offering up this suffering.  I wanted it to stop.  I prayed, begged, pleaded, whined, yelled...etc.  You get the picture.

Fr. Andrew went on to say in order to experience joy while suffering, one could have done so if the motive was love.  If I meant to give glory and praise to God or if I wanted to obtain graces.  Another motive was the reward of eternal life or my own sanctification.  So, did I not love God enough? 

When the going got tough, I failed horribly and my motive was not love, it was desperation.

Here are some verses he offered to reflect on suffering and joy:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refines by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1: 6-9

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.  For what son is not disciplined by his father?  If you are not disciplined then you are illegitimate children and not true sons ... God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."  Hebrews 12: 7-11

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Daily Devotional

My morning devotional was read after I started the day with the fantastic news that the State of Kansas has defunded Planned Parenthood.  See Here for the full story.  That's wonderful news and then I started reading online articles how Planned Parenthood is suing the State of Indiana for this legislation and they claim "only 3% of their services are abortions."  grumble, grumble... we know this is a lie.

Then I watched a bit of EWTN's Women of Grace episode and their guest was a father who has a daughter with Down's Syndrome.  I didn't catch his name but he's devoted his life to spreading the word that a child with Down's Syndrome is not one to be aborted but loved, raised and cherished.  He went on to say that "90% of fetuses diagnosed with Down's Syndrome are aborted."  My heart is breaking with this news...grumble, grumble.

I decided to turn off the tv and walk away from the computer and read my daily devotional for today.  Here is the gist of it:

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.  Hebrews 12:28-29

MY KINGDOM CANNOT BE SHAKEN!  This present world seems to be shaking more and more, leaving you off-balance much of the time.  As you worship Me, however, your perspective changes and you regain your balance. To worship Me acceptably with reverence and awe, thankfulness is essential. I designed you to be thankful on a daily, moment-by-moment basis.  You need to resist the temptation to grumble when things don't go as you would like.  Remember that I, your God, am a consuming fire.  If you saw Me in all My Glory, you would be much too awestruck to venture even the tiniest complaint.

Yes, I was feeling first thrilled and then heart-broken (off-balanced) with the news of abortion I had heard about today. 

Even though I was blind-sided with the rate of abortion for Down's Syndrome babies, I must worship Jesus with reverence and awe and be thankful.  Not stuck in my turbulent thoughts but to offer them up and pray for these unwanted babies!

God Bless,
noreen

I know God is in control and I'm thanking Him for His abundant grace and love.

I'm linking up today at:  http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/abortion/161135-kansas-defunds-planned-parenthood

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Giveaway!!

Wait on the Lord Blessing Bracelet Giveaway!



Isn't this bracelet just beautiful?!  The designer of this gorgeous bracelet is Shannon from It's a Blessing and today I first learned of her Etsy shop through From Snowflakes to Hotcakes.  Shannon is also a blogger at It's a Blessing Blog and she originally opened up her Etsy shop "to help with her family income and to raise the financial means for her husband to return to the missions organization he feels led to serve in." 

This amazing jewelry designer is a mother to 5 children and a foster mom to 2 more.  As a mother of 7 children (I know many of you can relate) she is busy with being a wife, a mommy and the running of her household.  I can't imagine how she finds the time with her creative jewelry business?! 

But that's not all, her jewelry is special because they come with bible verses.  Her love for Jesus is shown through her designs and how wonderful to help support her family by selling her jewelry to bless us all!

Here are my other favorites:

A New Life Blessing Bracelet



Scripture Scarf Flowers Fall

Yes, she also knits scarves and adds beads to the bottom corner and she makes them in several colors.

This Giveaway ends May 31st so you have time to enter HERE .   All of the rules can be found at Snowflakes to Hotcakes blog to win!  Of course feel free to purchase items if you so choose :)

Good luck and God Bless!
noreen


Monday, May 16, 2011

A Call to Prayer

This call to prayer hits close to home and it's about the safety of the children who live on my block.  Last week I was listening to a Jeff Cavins CD about forgiveness and as usual, he is a plethora of information on this subject.  What really hit home was how we walk through life being "jabbed" by offenses and we must be vigilant to offer these feelings to God.  If not, we may be allowing Satan to set up a trap and what was a little  has now become a huge toxic deal. 

And as usual I'm listening and agreeing with everything he says and I go on with my day.  Then WHAM, the offenses start rolling in and not just one or two but many.   I'm telling myself over and over again to walk in forgiveness and offer it up...etc.  Then, the worst jab yet occurred.  I learned that a sex offender has moved onto my block and I'm not sure how long he's been living down the street from me.  Back in the Fall we had a meeting at my son's school with our city police who identified sex offenders living in our neighborhood and this guy was not one of them. 

He is now though.

My neighbor called the mayor and we've been promised increased police patrol on our block but that's all they can do.  She is also calling the State's Attorney's office to see what rights we have as individuals and I'm guessing none unless he does something and then it's too late.

So, I'm placing this in God's hands and asking for fervent prayer to protect the children who live on our block and within our neighborhood.  I'm also asking for prayer for the offender himself that he may be healed from his impulses, forgiven for his transgressions and that he's committed his life to Jesus.  Lastly, please pray for me because I do not want to live in fear in my own home and community.

God Bless,
noreen

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Etsy Rosary Guild Team Giveaway

I came across another fantastic giveaway and wanted to share it with all of you!  Unfortunately, I'm unable to use their picture of the rosary they are giving away so you'll have to go Here to get to their site and view it.  If you'd like to enter their giveaway you still can!  It ends on May 22nd so there is one week left.

They have a monthly giveaway and this month it's from Mary's Faithful Servant Arts   She also has her own blog called Mercy is.  You can check it out Here.  Not only is she a talented artist but her blog shows her love for others and her work.  It doesn't look like she blogs often but I think she definitely should!

Be prepared to spend some time at http://etsyrosaryguildteam.blogspot.com/.  This site is comprised of MANY very talented artists who make rosaries and you'll be continually amazed at their craftmanship.  They're all so beautiful! 

Enjoy and God Bless!
noreen

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

From Snowflakes to Hotcakes, with Bits of Grace Giveaway

I came across From Snowflakes to Hotcakes Blog tonight and saw she has a giveaway from The Dayspring Store who makes these gorgeous tin pressed cross art work.  They're beautiful so I thought I would share this giveaway with my blogging friends.

Go to From Snowflakes to Hotcakes blog for the entry rules for a chance to win a $20 coupon for any item in The Dayspring Store.  Personally, I love them all but I do have my eyes on the pressed tin cross tray!  Love it!


You can also check out this website for additional information.  http://www.incourage.me/category/deals

Pope Benedict XVI's 3 Simple Rules for Holiness

On April 13, 2011 Pope Benedict addressed approximately 12,000 people in St. Peter's Square on how to live a holy life.  I liked them so much that I'm going to post them here:

1.  "Never let a Sunday go by without an encounter with the risen Christ in the Eucharist; this is not an added burden, it is light for the entire week.”

2.  “Never begin or end a day without at least a brief contact with God in prayer."

3.  "And along the pathway of our lives, follow the road signs that God has given us in the Ten Commandments, read in the light of Christ; they are nothing other than explanations of what is love in specific situations.”

He also went on to explain that we can learn a lot from the saints that have gone before us and that we are ALL called to holiness!

I first read this on a blog yesterday and sadly, I can't recall which one!  So, I googled it and found it on
National Catholic Register.

Today also happens to be L.A.C.E. Wednesday with my blogging friend Trish.  I've linked up with her today at http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/  Please come and check out her site and the other lovely ladies who are linking up.

Whatever is..Lovely Admirable Cheerful Encouraging ~ LACE

Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

My First Blog Encounter with Someone Trying to Save My Soul

I had some spare time yesterday and was blog hopping and I came across one blog link and it peaked my curiosity and posted a comment on her blog post.  She responded quickly back with a comment but I'm only sharing this part:

By the way, I love peoples souls and would encourage you to take a look at my church's Catholicism article:  http://atruechurch.info/catholicism.html  -  It goes into the history of Catholicism and why it's false.  Please do check it out...I don't want you to end up in Hell like the rest of the world.  Feel free to ask me any questions about the article.  The website also has a phone number that you can call and ask questions.
Thanks for commenting :)


I realize that she means well and is concerned for my eternal life and to be honest, I was not offended when I read it.  I did go onto her church's website and it SCREAMS anti-Catholicism and that's what this church teaches.  You really can't miss it because the article's title is Roman Catholicism Leads to Hell.  It's written by a man named Darwin Fish who started this church some time ago.  Apparently, he went through a number of different faiths and has come to the conclusion that : masses of people are in the grip of the Roman Catholic Church. This is a death grip.  He feels compelled to expose the false teachers of our world.

This isn't the only religion he's against.  In fact, any Lutheran or Protestant faith is equally guilty of being a false religion.  I must say, Mr. Fish does a good job at using scripture and the Catechism to back up his judgements on the Catholic faith.  In fact, he does an exhaustive list of scripture backing up his opinions.  Plus, he denies that Sacred Tradition and the Early Church Fathers are relevant so I guess it took 2,000 years for this man alone to get it right?  He understands better than the apostles of Jesus?  What the apostles of Jesus passed on to the disciples is somehow erroneous?

This man has created his own church and thinks he alone understands the word of God.  He has a following of 50 people and has them believing they are the only ones who are going to Heaven. 

All I can say is, I will pray for him and his followers.

God Bless,
noreen

Monday, May 9, 2011

A Giveaway at Little Saints in the Making Blog

I came across a new blog today and I believe the Holy Spirit had a hand in this new blog discovery!  Cecilia from Little Saints in the Making is raising awareness and money for the unborn.  She's taken seriously God's call to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."  Proverbs 31:8


 


 Not only is she giving away one of her bows but other gift baskets.  The dead line is tomorrow so you'll have to hurry to enter her Celebration Giveaway and if you miss it, go and check out her blog and see the work she is doing for them most innocent of our society.  She's a blessing for the unborn!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

John 6

Yesterday I went to my niece's First Communion Mass and was delighted with all of the happy girls and boys all dressed up for this big occasion.  Their parents, grandparents and godparents filled the church chairs (no pews in this church) with excited anticipation of this big day for their loved ones.  The priest did a wonderful job at giving a succinct explanation of why Catholics believe the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.


He quoted from John 6:  Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him."  John 6:53-55

It was beautifully done and then the First Communicants went up with their parents to receive Jesus' body and blood.  The majority of the Communicants and their parents only received Jesus' Body.  They didn't take His blood.  I was very surprised at this because it was their very first time and they should have received both Jesus' body and blood.  The bible verse does not say to take only the body... it clearly says, to drink His blood.

Later that day, I asked my sister why the majority of First Communicants and their parents didn't receive the blood of Jesus and she responded that their Religious Education Teacher (who is a nun) advised them not too since it was their first time.  Or something like that.  A sister of the church who advises against it is mind boggling to me.  I am a Eucharistic Minister at my church and maybe 50% of the parishioners will come to receive Jesus' blood.  I'm guessing they do not because a fear of germs?  A sanitary issue?

Whatever the reason is, I feel it's slighting Jesus.  It's obeying only part of his word... picking and choosing what one will follow and what one won't follow.  Do we know better than Jesus?  Of course not.  We must put our faith in him and follow His word.

God Bless,
noreen

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Role Modeling to my Son

Today I had to bring my son in for a doctor appointment and as it so happens, his doctor is in the same building as the abortion clinic.  Now that I know this, I took it as an opportunity.  We arrived about 10 minutes early and I prepped my son with these words "before we go into your doctor's office, we will go to the locked gate of the abortion clinic and pray.  If someone comes out and asks what we are doing, we will respond peacefully that we're praying." 

I brought my holy water and used some of it on the door trim by making the sign of the cross.  We prayed straight from our hearts asking God to touch the hearts of the doctors and staff as well as the young women who enter their doors.  Our Lord's Prayer, a Hail Mary Prayer and then my son suggested The Glory Be Prayer were also done.

We said our prayers and returned to our doctor's office without being approached.  I have to say it was a bit unnerving being outside the locked gate entrance but I knew what we were doing was right.  We couldn't even get down to the actual office door, they have their hallway blocked off by a locked gate. 

That locked gate speaks volumes... I hope that it means prayerful men and women have been praying and gently protesting to stop abortion.  I don't agree with hard tactics or violence.  I believe Jesus calls us to stand for truth and to speak out in love.

I am joining my friend Trish today at L.A.C.E.  You can visit her too at:  http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/

God Bless,
noreen

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

My Letter to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

Dear Senator Schakowsky,

I am writing to respectfully request that you vote yes to H.R.3.  This major piece of legislation would establish a permanent, government-wide prohibition of federal funding for abortions.

As you should know, Planned Parenthood provides the majority of all abortions done here in the United States and throughout the world, and they've proven themselves to be a corrupt organization that is deceiving the public and harming women.  They claim they believe in "a woman's right to choose."  But have you seen the footage from Live Action that clearly shows Planned Parenthood's cover up of racism and sex trafficking of minors?  Over 97% of all women who enter Planned Parenthood pregnant will not leave their appointment still pregnant. Only 2% of pregnant women give their babies up for adoption through Planned Parenthood.

Your comments written on April 14, 2011 regarding your support of Planned Parenthood are disturbing.  Do you know who you are supporting?  You've stated "House Republicans have made their extreme agenda abundantly clear – undermine women’s access to reproductive health care and attack the local women’s health providers they rely on to provide cancer screenings, routine gynecological examinations, contraceptive services, immunizations, and testing and treatment for sexually-transmitted infections.

One in five American women has received care from a Planned Parenthood health center at some point in her life, making it one of the largest women’s health care providers in the country. Planned Parenthood clinics serve over 3 million Americans every year and plays a critical role in our nation’s health care system. The Republican budget would deny them any funding."

The fight is not about women's reproductive health.  It's about abortion.   You don't even mention that in your statement.  Have you even looked at Planned Parenthood's website?  They state boldy "There are two kinds of abortion in the U.S. — in-clinic abortion and the abortion pill.  Abortions are very common. In fact, more than 1 out of 3 women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old."  I'm not making this up, it's taken right from Planned Parenthood's website.  You can not separate the agenda of Planned Parenthood and abortion when they themselves make the above comment.

You're supporting an abortion mill, pure and simple.  Maybe you don't see the killing of the unborn as wrong, I don't know?  But please lets be honest and tell your constituents your view on abortion.  To me, your answer is paramount for this will indicate where you are morally and whether I can place my trust in you to represent me.

Thank you for your time in this matter.  For more information on the corruptions I cited above, please visit:
http://www.liveaction.org/
Sincerely Yours,
Noreen Johnson

Monday, May 2, 2011

Happy Birthday Donny!!


I can hardly believe that my son turned 11 years old this weekend!!  My camera wasn't working so I was unable to take any birthday pictures at our family party but this is a recent one from last month.


When I think of my son on his birthday, there is an overwhelming flood of emotions.  Mostly, I am so grateful to God for entrusting us with our son.  Donny is full of life, silliness, joy and curiosity.  He's a hard working student who gets good grades, is willing to help others and as his teacher calls him "a quiet leader in the classroom." 

There is also a sense of sadness that he is growing up too quickly.  If only I could slow down the process a bit... enjoy each moment more...and keep it in my memory.  It hasn't been that long since he first started school, or learned to ride his bike, or was potty trained but it feels like a lifetime ago. 

Regret is another emotion I feel for my son, only because we were never able to have another baby.  I deeply regret that he has no brothers or sisters.  When we get together with my siblings and their children for family parties, I think... he won't have any siblings to get together with for Christmas, Easter or birthdays.  I've already spoken to my sisters about this issue and this is also why I want my son to grow up close to his cousins so he can join them for the holidays as he grows into adulthood.  That his cousins, will be a part of his life after my husband and I have passed on. 

I really do worry about this because I don't want him feeling lonely in adulthood.  I have my brother and two sisters and we're close.   I want to be involved in my nieces and nephew's lives for my sake as well as my son's.  Family is very important and it's not always easy, but they are your support and gifts from God.  We must treasure them.

OK I'm feeling a bit melancholy here so I must stop... my story of infertility is for another day.  I want to be happy that I have a healthy 11 year old son!

God Bless,
noreen