"Restless"

This song was inspired by St. Augustine's famous quote; it's very beautiful. Enjoy and God bless!

The Doctor of Grace

"If you believe what you like in the Gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself,"

"It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels,"

"The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home,"

"God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination,"

"We makes ourselves a ladder out of our vices if we trample the vices themselves underfoot,"

"Love the sinner and hate the sin,"

"To sing is the work of a lover,"

"Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage: anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are,"

"You have made us for yourself, oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You,"

Picture from: http://theophiliacs.com/2009/08/29/augustine-luther-and-the-development-of-predestinarianism-in-reformation-thought-part-i/



Perseverance

Today is the feast day of St. Monica, the mother of the great St. Augustine of Hippo.

For those of you who are not familiar with St. Augustine's wild past and miraculous conversion, this link provides a very brief summary.

St. Monica watched her son, his sinful lifestyle, and even though it seemed he would never return to the beauty of Christianity, she continued to pray. She never stopped coming to God in prayer, begging Him to save her son's life. Along with praying for her son, she also prayed unceasingly for the conversion of her hot-headed, idol-worshipping husband.

As my mom read her story to us this afternoon, this verse popped into my mind:

"And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him' and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs." (Luke 11:5-8).

The friend in the parable received his wish, not just because of his relationship with his neighbor, but because of his persistence. St. Monica, after years of ceaseless prayer, was rewarded with the conversion of both her son and her husband.

And God did not just give her a converted son, He gave her a Doctor of the Church! One of the most famous and eloquent Saints, quoted by Catholics and non-Catholics everywhere, brought to Christ through the prayers of his mother and the guidance of St. Ambrose, ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. It so amazing, isn't it? We have a God who listens to our prayers, the petty ones and the important ones. And He answers them in the way He sees best. If we do not give up hope in Him, and we endure and do not despair, continuing to call upon Him, He will reward our perseverance.

So, don't lose hope, even when it seems God is ignoring you! Often He works in unexpected ways. St. Monica was distressed because Augustine was going to go overseas on a trip. She was worried that he would be exposed to evil influences and therefore pulled even farther away from Christ. She pleaded with God to prevent his trip. But, it was while he was on that trip that St. Augustine met St. Ambrose, who was a key factor in bringing about the conversion. Augustine would later say, "You did not do what she was at that moment asking, that You might do the thing she was always asking."

Meditate on this beautiful story when your prayers seem to go unheard. And, above everything else, remember Winston Churchill's words, "Never, never, never give up!"

And may God bless you all!


Picture and St. Monica information: http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-monica/
St. Augustine information: http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-augustine-of-hippo/
Bible quote: RSV Bible

"Ignorance of Scripture...

...is ignorance of Christ."

-St. Jerome

How many times have we all heard this quote? And how many times have we, after hearing it, resolved to correct this ignorance and start reading the Bible every day? AND, how many times have we faithfully followed our unrealistic plans of reading so many chapters of the Old and New Testament daily for the first week, then slowly dropped off as we lost time and make-up readings began to overwhelm us?

This is something I have tried and failed at repeatedly. I've told you all in a previous post about how I tend to create huge goals while in an inspired moment, only to realize later how challenging my resolutions truly are as I sadly stop trying to meet them.

Well, right now I'm going through a wonderful phase spiritually. I can feel the Lord really encouraging me to grow closer to Him. And, as I strive to become more united with Him, I keep running into this barrier. Hundreds of years after this scholarly Saint translated Christ's words, his quote has been on the front of my mind. So, finally, I'm going to listen. This time I'm really going to do it. I'm going to read the whole Bible this year. Starting today.

I went online and found a great website with all sorts of suggestions for Bible reading in the light of the Church. After reading the various forms of studying the Bible, I settled upon the Daily Scripture and Catechism Devotional. Not only will I grow in knowledge of Christ through this daily plan, but also in knowledge of His Church! Since this plan has one read about one chapter from the first half of the OT, the second half of the OT, the NT, then the Catechism, I'm hoping the variety of the different sections will help me through the difficult ones.

I would love to hear from you! What tricks help you read Christ's Word? Is there a method or technique you have used that has succeeded, or failed?

May God bless you today!

Picture from http://blog.theologika.net/2008/09/30/saint-of-the-day-st-jerome-september-30/.

Delight in Waiting...

I was listening to "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble on my "Josh Groban" Pandora Radio station the other day for the first time, and it made me think. In the song, he's singing about how he's excited about meeting the woman who is going to be "the one;" he's dated other girls, but he sings, "I still haven't met you yet!" And he's happily anticipating being with his future wife.
Now, not everyone is called to marriage. Some are called to the priesthood, others to be sisters, nuns, friars, monks, or simply single lay people free to give all their time to the Church. But, even they are waiting for something. Whether it's seeing that special someone for the first time, or feeling that tug toward a specific religious order, we should all be awaiting our future with the joyful expectancy because God is the one planning it!
Whatever He has planned for you, it's going to be so amazing! Ladies, it may seem like there's no guy out there who could fill your expectations, treat you respectfully, be everything you need, but if you are called to marriage- "he" is out there! And guess what, you're going to meet him one day; he's going to love you, make you feel special, and draw you closer to Christ through your relationship! Just be patient. Gents, it also may seem to you that your search for a lady among society's children is difficult. But you will find one, THE one, God is getting her ready for you. And one day you will kneel down before her and have the thrill of watching her face light up as she promises to love you forever. Or, for those called to singleness, God will provide you with these lovely experiences as well- just read St. Therese of Little Flower's autobiography!
Any time there's a lull in my day, or while I'm doing things around the house, the happy little song will flow through my head and I'll start singing it, smiling because I truly can't wait to meet my future husband. Smiling because I know that as long as I trust God with my future, the outcome will be even more incredible than I ever dreamed!

And that is something to sing about!

God bless you all!

Picture: A Pensive Moment: Knight

Paschal Mystery

"As if that were not enough, He invented the Eucharist:

a God who makes Himself into bread, a little host, in order to descend onto our lips

and into our hearts, to bridge all distance between Himself and us."

I Believe in Love by Fr. Jean C.J. d'Elbee

p. 9

Post to come tomorrow!

God Bless!

Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeisaprayer/3394376756/sizes/m/in/photostream/



The Assumption of Mary

"Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!...

You are all beautiful, my beloved,

 and there is not blemish in you."

Song of Songs 2:10; 4:7

Pray a Rosary in honor of Our Lady's Assumption today!

Picture from http://www.turnbacktogod.com/

His Gaze

"His gaze of goodness is cast beyond the borders of the paradisiacal scene and into this valley of tears, which will carry on

in travail until the end of time."

The imagery in this is beautiful. Christ is gazing at us, at our fallen world, and sending his goodness into it. Though He is in paradise, He still focuses on Earth. He desires that we join Him, turn to Him, look into those eyes and drink in all that they are pouring out for us. And, as the quote says, He will not stop trying to help us. But, it is our choice to accept, look for, ask for, seek His help.

Do not give up on Christ, because He has not, and will never give up on you. It may seem your prayers aren't being answered, but it doesn't mean they're not being heard. God hears your pleas, and is answering your requests, maybe just not in the way you asked or expected. But God's plan is always infinitely better than ours, so trust Him. He will provide!

May God bless you!

Picture: Madonna of the Blooming Garden by Maurice Denis

Quote: Pierre-Marie Dumont

Both from August 2011 Magnificat

Looking for Kings

The Lamb's Supper

Dr. Scott Hahn

Scott Hahn's The Lamb's Supper describes the Mass using the book of Revelation. Through drawing parallels, he shows that Mass is truly a divine event- an entrance into Heaven while on Earth. After reading this book, the Mass was transformed before my eyes. It truly is a book every Catholic should read. Keep your Bible close by, and let Dr. Hahn lead you through Heaven on Earth as seen in the Church's Most Holy Sacrifice. It will increase your reverence and desire for the Eucharist, along with the many other aspects of a Catholic's weekly (or daily) trip to the House of God. An entertaining and engaging read.

Looking for the King

David C. Downing



Tom McCord is an American graduate trying to write a book about King Arthur- the historical figure. He goes to England to do some hands-on research and becomes involved with Laura, an American seeking an answer to the reoccurring dreams she is having. The two travel all over England, become friends with the Inklings (C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, etc.), and have to dodge stalkers to find their answers. Ultimately, their goals are reached in ways never expected: a truly fascinating book. Tolkien and Lewis are portrayed beautifully; the entire book is extremely exciting. Highly recommended!

Pictures from The Catholic Company and Tolkien Library.

The Shieldmaiden



We've all heard of knights and chivalry. Yet, when it comes to describing the correct place and character of a woman, finding an acceptable definition is slightly more difficult. Within the description of a shieldmaiden I found the answer, and I'm going to break it down as I did the Code of Chivalry. First, here is the definition in full:

"A shield maiden is firstly a woman. As a woman she is the keeper of the hearth flame that provides a safe nurturing environment for her family. She is the teacher of her children and lady for her lord. The shieldmaiden has the courage to do the unglamorous daily tasks and to do them graciously. She is an example to her family and the keeper of the peace. She is generous to others while also being generous to herself. She keeps her word no matter how hard to fulfill and she stands by her beliefs. She selflessly serves."



There are many things within this description that I would like to address. First, the stress put upon the fact that- no matter what she is doing- the shieldmaiden is a woman. She is never going to be a man. This statement may seem pointlessly obvious, yet our modern culture is trying to disprove it. The feminist movement places the woman in the man's position, and tries so hard to prove that the modern woman is independent it loses the true and beautiful essence of womanhood. Chivalrytoday.com goes on to say, "As a woman do not be afraid to show your femininity or to look good, whatever your style. Do not be embarrassed of spending a day shopping or crying over a sappy movie. It is okay to pamper yourself. Try not to get so caught up in being strong you forget to be a woman." This slightly humorous statement is very true. God created women with a different temperament, personality, physical and emotional make-up than men for a reason, do not be afraid to express it! Wear skirts, paint your nails, watch chick flicks, get dressed up, experiment with hair styles, and enjoy all the fun little things that go along with being a woman. As Audrey Hepburn says, "I believe in manicures, I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles." Of course, one does not necessarily need to be a "girly-girl" to embrace her gender. But she shouldn't be embarrassed if she enjoys things that men do not. How boring would the world be if women always acted and tried to be like men!

Along with the pretty and care-free side of womanhood, there is another, more important role a lady plays in this world. From Chivalrytoday.com, "As a warrior a shield maiden must have the strength to make her way in a man’s world. She must be willing to get her hands dirty and make sacrifices. She may have to bide her time in an unsavory position until the time to fight is at hand. When that time comes she must have the courage to stand without blame. She keeps her word and is willing to show mercy. She is willing to help others. She stands by her convictions and her commitments." We are called to be strong, yet lovely. Hard-working and gentle. For those women called to motherhood, they must help uphold their families, keep them together, lead them in the right direction, and be willing to fight at the side of her husband when needed. Yet, in everything, the lady must reach out to others. She must put herself last, always seeking to ease the pain and right the wrong surrounding her.

Now, many (including myself) begin to lose heart upon hearing such high standards. It may seem impossible to become such a perfect figure. But, we have an exulted role model who is always ready and willing to help us in following her. That perfect woman is Mary. Her strength and beauty display perfectly God's plan for femininity. When you become downhearted in your efforts to be a virtuous, true lady, turn to the Mother of Christ and she will guide your way.

Chivalry quotes: Chivalrytoday.com


First picture: Stiching the Standard: Leighton


Audrey Hepburn quote: http://www.brainyquote.com/


Second picture: http://www.catholic.org/clife/mary/maryglry.php?img=10

Taking Time to Smell the Roses

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...

• I see sharp, green palm leaves swaying slightly in the gentle breeze foretelling a coming storm.

I am thankful...

• For my family, home, the pro-life cause, friends, movies, and life!

In the kitchen...

• My grandpa, mom and I discuss the colors of the rainbow while preparing to start dinner.

I am wearing...

• A grey "Christendom College" t-shirt, jean capris, worn brown sandals, and a smile!

I am creating...

• A post that will hopefully remind my readers and me to take time to enjoy the simple things in life.

I am going...

• on the road that God lays before me. I only pray that He makes it clear to me which road that is.

I am wondering...

• what the rest of today, tomorrow, and beyond hold for me.

I am reading...

• Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, St. Austin Review magazine, National Catholic Register, and various Catholic blogs.

I am hoping...

• That God will use me as His instrument in this world, to touch people the way He wants me too. And I hope that I will listen!

I am looking forward to...

• in the near future: going shopping for my upcoming birthday with my grandfather, in a year: going back to Christendom, in the long run: meeting and getting to know my future husband.

I am hearing...

• My mom and sister describe Friday's events to my grandfather.

Around the house...

• My brother rumbles up and down his new half-pipe, my dad naps after staying up all night with my pro-life group for our Rock-a-thon, my mom, sister, grandfather, and I hang out in the kitchen talking, the dogs sleep, and my littlest brother plays in the sandbox.

I am pondering...

• what my future will hold.

One of my favorite things...

• is a day spent reading a good book, doing a fun activity with family, attend Mass and Adoration, and avoiding too much strife and anguish.

A few plans for the rest week:

• to read a couple good books, practice violin, and to continue my posts about correct and honorable behavior in men and women.

Here is a picture for the thought I am sharing:

 

I am waiting patiently, falling in love with Christ and preparing for His chosen companion for me.





 God bless you all!


First picture: Daydreaming: Knight
Second picture: My Fair Lady: Leighton



Chivalry

To start my posts on the role of different genders in society, today's post is about chivalrous behavior in men (ladies, I'll be posting about our roles as well!). This is a Code of Chivalry, something the majority of men used to follow in the Medieval Times:

• To fear God and maintain His Church 
• To serve the liege lord in valour and faith 
• To protect the weak and defenceless 
• To give succour to widows and orphans 
• To refrain from the wanton giving of offence 
• To live by honour and for glory 
• To despise pecuniary reward 
• To fight for the welfare of all 
• To obey those placed in authority 
• To guard the honour of fellow knights 
• To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit 
• To keep faith 
• At all times to speak the truth 
• To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun 
• To respect the honour of women 
• Never to refuse a challenge from an equal 
• Never to turn the back upon a foe

I posted the whole list because all of the points are valuable, but I've highlighted in bold the three I want to talk about in depth.

1. To fear God and maintain His Church
• This is the first in the list because it is the most important. A knight should always, first and foremost, strive to bring honor and glory to his King, and to seek to serve Him in everything. Being faithful is not, as some would say, a girlish virtue. On the contrary, the most faithful person to ever walk the Earth was Christ, the ultimate role-model for everyone, but especially for men. Second to Christ in the male Saints is Joseph, who was so strong and honorable in the Lord's sight that he was chosen as Christ's foster father! A couple more examples, St. George- a literal knight-who in legend killed the dragon, St. Michael the Archangel- the warrior of Heaven- depicted as a strong, manly soldier with wings; the list is endless! These great role models of the faith were anything but feminine! When did young men develop such a dangerous misconception?
2. To refrain from the wanton giving of offence
• I chose this one because it is a problem I have seen in many teen guys. They think that cursing and the telling of crass jokes is cool, and somehow makes them more of a man. But it doesn't take a strong person to follow the crowd. No, displays of honor have always been greatly admired and helped one advance in society, and more importantly in the eyes of God. A man who speaks justly and acts respectfully is a man to be praised.
3. To respect the honor of women
•  Ah, yes! To be a gentleman! Oh, how this modern culture has ruined their young men! The feminist movement is to be blamed, in my opinion. But, for now I only want to address gentlemanly behavior. First of all, to go along with #2, nasty and disrespectful talk should never be used, but especially when in the presence of women! There used to be a law against it! Common courtesies, such as holding the door, the man taking the first steps in a relationship, the guy going out of his way to make the lady feel special, these are all things that women used to take for granted. Now, I'm overjoyed to receive even a hint of this kind of behavior! I must praise the Christendom gentlemen for this- I've never felt so respected and honored than when around the guy counselors at that college. A foul word did not enter my ears, if in need of help I was soon assisted, and I believe the male campers-as they took up the same behavior- became proud of their ability to flatter us by simply showing us consideration!

Guys, do not underestimate the power of chivalry! It is a cultural art that seems to be on the verge of being lost, but it is up to you to revive it! Take up the challenge, be a man and go against the lower standards of today's culture. Put on the armor of a knight, and learn to embrace the code of chivalry. I can guarantee that the ladies, and more importantly the Lord, will be impressed!

And may God bless all of you!

For "Code of Chivalry," click the blue words.

Picture:Chivalry- Frank Dicksee 1885.

 
 
 



 

 

 

Postponed...

The post I hinted at yesterday has been postponed until tomorrow!

This may sound odd, but I got on the computer to type the article- and just couldn't get the words arranged correctly!

Hopefully tomorrow, my mind will be more cooperative!

God bless all of you!

I've Replied!

Good Afternoon!

I have finally responded to all comments from the last two months!

Have a wonderful day!

Sneak peak: Tomorrow's post is going to be about chivalry, so get ready ladies and gentlemen!

St. Peter Julian Eymard, pray for us!