The Holy Seagull

Click picture for larger view

After years of seeing this seagull sitting there, and years of saying I wished I had my camera with me, I finally had a chance to take this picture. (Now I wish I had a zoom lens.)

One day a few years ago, when we were coming into the church/school parking lot for morning drop-off, we happened to look up and notice that there was a seagull sitting on top of the cross on the church. Without fail, each day we would look again and each day there he would be, sitting.

For some reason, this just tickled us to no end. We began to ponder what he might be doing. One theory was that he was beginning his day with prayer and sat there as a reminder for us to do the same. Maybe he was saying a Hail Mary, or the Morning Offering. The kids would come up with a new idea each day as to why the seagull sat there. Of course, it was always something related to God, as we imagined that this seagull was so thankful of God's Providence that he deliberately chose this spot to rest each morning just so that people might notice him, see the Cross and think about God at the start of the day.

Thus began the story of the Holy Seagull. We like to think of this as our little secret, between the bird and us. We don't know if anyone else sees him, because if they do, nobody is saying. This pious seagull has become for us a daily witness of faithfulness, a reminder of the importance of prayer in our day and a fun way to discuss God and the blessings He gives us.

A Dachsba or a Roomschund?

Do you see any resemblance?

Hug a Veteran Today!

Why do we celebrate Veteran's Day on November 11?

Answer:

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. The end of the war happened at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, so that's why November 11 was chosen.
Congress changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954.

A Veteran’s Day Prayer
Dear Lord,

Today we honor our veterans,worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country. We pray that you will bless them, Lord,for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country’s heritage, for all of us. Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression. We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them, and we pray that you will watch over these special people and bless them with peace and happiness.

In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.
By Joanna Fuchs

Please visit Mel's blog and say hi today.

First Friday Devotion

Our Lord appears to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Going to Mass on the first Friday of the month for nine consecutive months is a practice many Catholics participate in. They are known as the Nine First Fridays. This Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus began when Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who was devoted to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, in December 1673. During the visitations, Jesus showed her His Sacred Heart in four visions. The flames that come forth from His Heart remind us of His burning love for us and His desire for us to love him in return. The crown of thorns reminds us of sacrifice to make up for sin. He told St. Margaret Mary Alcoque that He desired souls to make reparation for the many sins committed in the world daily against His Sacred Heart.

The devotion consists of going to Confession and attending Mass on the First Friday of nine consecutive months with the intention of making reparation to His Sacred Heart.

For those who spread this devotion, Jesus attached twelve promises.

The Twelve Promises Of Jesus

regarding Devotion to His Sacred Heart

1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2. "I will establish peace in their homes.

3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions.

4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death.

5. "I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings.

6. "Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.

7. "Tepid souls shall grow fervent.

8. "Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

9. "I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored.

10. "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

11. "Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.

12. "I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."

It's A Matter of Perspective

From the Tammy Bruce website, this cartoon:

30 days for the Holy Souls

This book is a fantastic way to spend a November. There is a devotion for each day of the month, along with interesting stories about Saints and the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

For instance, did you know that one hour is as thirty years in Purgatory? There is a story about a priest who celebrated Mass for the soul of his departed colleague, not even an hour after his death. The departed appeared to the priest and asked him why it took 30 years for him to pray for the repose of his soul. The priest replied that the corpse was still warm and he had not been departed but an hour. If many souls spend up to 65 or more years in Purgatory, imagine how much time it would seem to them if each hour equalled 30 years.

This story underscored to me the need for constant prayer for the Holy Souls. Especially in this month of November, when we celebrate on November 1st All Saints Day, and November 2nd, All Souls Day.

It is a charitable practice to pray for the departed. Let us not assume our loved ones are in Heaven! Even though we hope for that, many will need to be purified in Purgatory prior to entering Heaven. This is a Biblical practice, to pray for the dead. In Maccabees, we see that they are praying for their dead. If they were in Heaven, they wouldn't need prayer, yet if they were in Hell prayers would not help them.

Purgatory is another oft misunderstood belief of the Catholic faith. It is not a second chance place. It is a place where those who have died in the state of grace are purified of all venial sin prior to entering Heaven.

Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

In an earlier post this week, I had mentioned that Adoration was going to be one of my top priorities. I decided to write a series dedicated to the practice of Adoration, as I believe it is one of the most accessible ways a Catholic has to be near to Jesus in prayer.

What is Adoration? It is the practice of spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, which is Jesus. Catholics believe that during the Consecration, the Host becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Host is kept in a Monstrance, which looks like this:

Our parish has Adoration on Thursdays. Some parishes have perpetual Adoration, where the Blessed Sacrament is always kept company by at least two people around the clock.

The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament are a group of religious women who have dedicated their lives to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Katharine Drexel shrine is the first place I encountered Adoration. This is a beautiful place and worthy of a post all of its own. (another installment, tba!)

What do you do during Adoration? You can pray the Rosary, read devotionals, or just talk to Jesus as you would a friend. Or you can just sit silently. Many people do a combination of these. The most important thing to remember is that you are spending time with Jesus and His Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Last week, as I looked around the Church and counted five other souls present, I was thankful that Jesus left us a way to be near to Him. I thought that if Jesus were standing there in the flesh, certainly I would not be able to get within miles of Him. But here, in the Blessed Sacrament, I can approach Him without the throngs of people who need visual evidence. My eyes of faith tell me that He is right here!

(from the Medjugorje website:)

Twelve Biblical Reasons for Spending Time in front of the Blessed Sacrament

1. He is really there!"I myself Am the Living Bread come down from Heaven." (Jn 6:35)

2. Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of his Infinite love for you!"Behold I will be with you always even to the end of the world," because "I have loved you with an everlasting love, and constant is My affection for you." (Mt 28:20; Jer 31:3)

3. The specific way that Jesus asks you to love Him in return is to spend one quiet hour with Him in the Blessed Sacrament."Where your treasure is, there is your heart...." "Could you not watch one hour with Me?" (Mt 6:21; 26:40)

4. When you look upon the Sacred Host, you look upon Jesus, the Son of God."Indeed, this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day." (Jn 6:40)

5. Each moment that you spend in His Eucharistic Presence will increase His Divine Life within you and deepen your personal relationship and friendship with Him."I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly." "I am the Vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me and I in Him shall bear much fruit because without Me, you can do nothing." (Jn 15:5)

6. Each hour you spend with Jesus will deepen His Divine Peace in your heart."Come to Me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you..." "Cast all of you anxieties upon the One who cares for you..." "My Peace is My Gift to you." (Mt 11:28; 5:7; Jn 14:17)

7. Jesus will give you all the Graces you need to be happy!"The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water." (Rev 7:17)

8. Jesus is infinitely deserving of our unceasing thanksgiving and adoration for all He has done for our salvation."Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honor, glory and praise." (Rev. 5:12)

9. For Peace in our country!"When My people humble themselves and seek My Presence... I will revive their land." (2Chr 7:14)

10. Each hour you spend with Jesus on earth will leave your soul everlastingly more beautiful and glorious in heaven!"They who humble themselves shall be exalted...." "All of us, gazing on the Lord’s glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into His very image." (Lk 18:14; 2Cor 3:18)

11. Jesus will bless you, your family and the whole world for this hour of faith you spend with Him in the Blessed Sacrament."Blessed are they who do not see and yet believe..." "Faith can move mountains..." " What is needed is trust... " "Behold I come to make all things new." (Jn 20:29; Mk 11:23; Mk 5:36; Rev 21:5)

12. Each moment you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament brings joy, pleasure, and delight to His Sacred Heart!"My joy, My pleasure, My delight is to be with you." (Prov 8:31)

Eucharistic Adoration By: Pope John Paul II
I encourage Christians regularly to visit Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament, for we are all called to abide in the presence of God. In contemplation, Christians will perceive ever more profoundly the mystery at the heart of Christian life.
Teach young people the value of Eucharistic Adoration.
I urge priests, religious and lay people to continue and redouble their efforts to teach the younger generations the meaning and value of Eucharistic adoration and devotion. How will young people be able to know the Lord if they are not introduced to the mystery of His presence? Like the young Samuel, by learning the words of the prayer of the heart, they will be closer to the Lord, who will accompany them in their spiritual and human growth. The Eucharistic mystery is in fact the "summit of evangelization" (Lumen Gentium) for it is the most eminent testimony to Christ’s resurrection.

Fall in Full Swing

This little pile is from the whole yard.

She's having so much fun! Daddy gathered these in a pile just so she could play in them!

I like the contrast between the background trees and the leaf pile.

Good news and Bad news

As disappointed as I felt last night when Barack Obama won, I know that the bigger picture here is that even though this election didn't turn out the way I wanted (and many others as well)-- I realized that as a pro-life Catholic Christian, there is a lot of work to be done out there. This should be seen as a wake-up call for all of us to pray harder, support pro-life organizations more and gather together for this uphill battle which just got a little more difficult. Honestly, I don't see how a practicing Catholic could in good conscience vote for Obama considering his stance on abortion. I did wonder about that, these past few months, as I would drive into our Catholic school parking lot and see Obama stickers on cars and kids wearing Obama bracelets. I knew then that things were pretty bad.

I am disappointed that Initiative 1000 was passed. I am disappointed that Christine Gregoire was elected instead of Dino Rossi. I am disappointed that John McCain lost. That's the bad news.

The good news? Even though I didn't vote for Obama, I do rejoice that we live in a country that can in just 40 years overcome insurmountable odds to make it possible for an African American to not only run for President, but be elected President. I can appreciate the historical significance of this day for all Americans. I don't dislike Obama for his color, after all. It's his socialistic politics and stance on abortion I don't like.

Another piece of good news is that surprisingly (I am pleasantly surprised) California voted to ban gay marriage. I didn't see that one coming. It gives me hope that things can turn around in our country, baby steps at a time.

In the meanwhile, I think it's important to remember that no matter what race, political party, or religion we are that we are all members of this great nation. We are Americans. That didn't change.

And for the record, my dad who called me last night (gloating?) that I wasted my vote-- (I know you were kidding Dad.) It is a little hard to admit defeat, and I was feeling a little (or a lot) sad that it didn't go my way. So enjoy your victory dance and let's hope that in four years I'll get a chance to return the favor! I didn't waste my vote, I don't regret voting for McCain, and I will always think of him as an American hero.


So, what needs to happen now?

For me it means a stronger commitment to pro-life causes through action and financial support and not just expecting others to do the work. I am going to do my part to help. For another, it means praying the Rosary Every. Single. Day. Going to Adoration. Reconciliation. Putting faith in action by living it authentically and joyously. I try to do these things but I'm going to try harder and know that my contribution is making a difference. One hour in Adoration covers a multitude of badness in this world. One Rosary said devoutly is worth more than any amount of money. One Mass is worth infinitely more than we can fathom. So that's where I'm putting my priorities. Stronger devotion to the Catholic faith and knowing that no matter what happens in the world, there is another reality waiting for us in Eternity.

For a spiritual kick in the behind, go to Spirit Daily.

And pray like crazy for our country, our world, our future.

I'll have a tall one, please!

Today, Starbuck's is giving out a free cup of coffee to everyone who comes in and says they voted. (while supplies last? Is Starbucks going to run out of coffee?) I've been listening to the election coverage on and off through the day, on my XM radio. Here, there are no long lines to wait in. I mailed my ballot a week ago. All of Oregon and most of Washington use a mail in system and I think it's pretty nice. No lines, no fussing with a machine that you can't figure out (that has happened to me, believe it or not!), no hanging chads.

Not to brag or anything.

I'll still have to wait in line for that coffee.

Fall Potpourri

Our trip to the pumpkin farm!

Corn is a nice backdrop for a cute face

Last year's Gymboree outfit still fits!

Before the maze

During the maze... need a GPS!



We did end up making caramel apples

And she didn't get any on her uniform! That's unbelievable.

Top of the pyramid photo op



Pumpkin Launch

Easy pumpkin decoration

The Patriotic Rosary

On the Priests for Life website. Can be downloaded here.

Obama's Speech Writer Quits and Votes for McCain

Keep on praying!! It ain't over till it's over.

Halloween Pictures

The Gang

Jimi Hendrix


Daisy's spooky snack

What Not to Say

You've heard of that show, "What Not to Wear"? How about "What Not to Say"? That's what came to my mind this weekend as we were preparing dinner, my sister was cutting the greens for the salad and guess what she said?

I know, you can't.

She said, "Oh no, I just sliced off my fingernail!"

And then I thought to myself, "There goes my appetite for salad tonight!"

She did assure me that she found the piece but since I just wasn't sure about whether it matched up to the half that was still attached, I decided to stick with the main course. (sorry, K!) .

Other things that you shouldn't say?

"When are you due?"

"Don't take this the wrong way, but....."

"Sure you can have a blank check!"

"Boys will be boys!"