The Important Questions

Remember those wonderful moments when you wanted to shout "eureka! I have it!" and run around rejoicing in your classroom? No? Perhaps you did, or perhaps you just wanted school to end as soon as possible.
I can't honestly remember too many times when I shared in the sentiments of awe and surprise at understanding something that had eluded me for a time, but there was one triumphant moment I recall.

Like all good literary-musical-type people, I can barely add in my head, and anything with the world "algebra" in it is akin to reading Chinese (because, being literary, languages with letters such as German or Spanish are foreign, but not so hard. A language with symbols is just like math! Numbers are supposed to mean things that they don't mean... ah!). Anyway, I was in a "graphing calculator" class in high school, and although I never learned how to program in the formulas to make my life easy (no wonder everyone else got good grades and I was just sitting there stupidly, lol), I DID learn how to make programs :).

So, while (as I said) all the other students were putting their time to good use by programming in the formulas to get through the tests, I was busy creating programs that asked questions about teachers or students we all knew and then gave you a few different answers to choose from, all of which were rather funny.
So we would pass my "calculator quizzes" aroung the room and enjoy giggling while my teacher was trying to be serious (which she was ALWAYS successful at!).

I will openly admit that every time I managed to make something on that calculator I was shocked. I just couldn't understand how it worked! Yet, there I was managing to achieve some small greatness. 

So what is it about a moment of eureka! that makes it so lasting in our memory? I was sixteen when I learned how to program quizzes... seven years later I still remember the excitement and pleasure I had then.
I believe that part of the stunning branding of these experiences is that one of the important questions has been discovered.

Yes, I said that a question had been discovered, not answered.

I believe many of the most important questions do not ever become "answered" in our lives. These are the on-going questions - the ones that need time to grow with us because they are pivotal, if not intrinsic, to our self-discovery.

Now, how does learning how to program a calculator affect my self-discovery? This experience was answering many questions internally, even though objectively that was not my purpose. Questions such as, "am I able?", "where are my boundaries?", "what are my limits?", "am I good enough?", "am I intelligent enough?", in fact, "am I enough?". These small tests of the person throughout life are constantly going back to our deeper consciousness. Although we often do not think of it, even something as simple as writing on a blog and finding that we have accomplished a statement we felt needed to be made... that can lead to a far deeper analysis and awareness of our inner heart and mind.

It is most imporant that we ask these questions. Even if we are not taking the time to integrate the answers and analyze our results in light of our self-discovery, we need to slow down enough to ask the questions.
Why? Who? How? What? These should fit into everything... why are we here? Who are we? What is our purpose? How do our actions affect us? How do we affect others? How does the world affect us? Why do we affect each other? Is there a reason for everything? What is the reason for anything? Is there an ultimate cause? What is our final end? How did we come into existence? Are others necessary? Is it necessary that we experience all of this world? Is it necessary for others that we exist? Is it necessary for us that others exist? Etc...

The list can go on and on, but those are the kind of internal questions that can and should be running along within us when we are doing anything. Even when we aren't doing anything. Even if we are simply being. Perhaps more when we are simply being.

We will find ourselves the subjects of eureka! moments more and more when we realize that they are not only single moments which we recall in fond memory, but on-going processes which we will perhaps never see the end of. Even as we are old and reaching our ends, I am sure we will be shocked to discover things about ourselves and the world that we just "understand" all of a sudden. And we will hopefully always find ourselves wondering how we didn't see that fact before, or know that truth, only to be more aware that there is always more truth to uncover.

USCCB Press Release from Sept. 9, 2009

USCCB News Release
09-178

September 10, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

USCCB Officials Welcome President Obama's Statements On Abortion, Care For The Poor In Response To Health Care Address

WASHINGTON—Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed President Obama's September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured.

"We agree that 'no one should go broke because they get sick,'" said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. "That's why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President's speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task."

"We especially welcome the President's commitment to exclude federal funding of abortion, and to maintain existing federal laws protecting conscience rights in health care," said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. "We believe that incorporating essential and longstanding federal laws on these issues into any new proposal will strengthen support for health care reform. We will work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that these protections are clearly reflected in new legislation, so no one is required to pay for or take part in abortion as a result of health care reform."


"We agree with the President that there are details that need to be ironed out," said Saile. "And with his address last night, we see the opportunity to work towards a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity, access for all with a special concern for the poor, and inclusion of legal immigrants. We also see the possibility of meeting the bishops' goal to pursue the common good and preserve pluralism, including freedom of conscience and a variety of options, and restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers."
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Keywords: health care, health care reform, abortion, conscience protection, immigrants, U.S. bishops, USCCB, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, President Obama, address

Teen Pregnancy (Courtesy of American Papist)

Visit http://americanpapist.com/blog.html:

"Teen Birth Rates Higher in Highly Religious States"


I love science. Especially science about sex. It leads to such interesting conclusions.
U.S. states whose residents have more conservative religious beliefs on average tend to have higher rates of teenagers giving birth, a new study suggests.
The relationship could be due to the fact that communities with such religious beliefs (a literal interpretation of the Bible, for instance) may frown upon contraception, researchers say. If that same culture isn't successfully discouraging teen sex, the pregnancy and birth rates rise. (Live Science)

Now, I have a different interpretation. I would tend to think that religious individuals are less likely to choose abortion once pregnant. And that is why the teen birth rates are higher among religious individuals - because those babies aren't being killed in the womb.
The actual study, of course, "don't say anything about cause and effect", but that doesn't stop the scientists from forming their own conclusions:
"We conjecture that religious communities in the U.S. are more successful in discouraging the use of contraception among their teenagers than they are in discouraging sexual intercourse itself."

How odd because - again - I would conjecture that religious communities in the U.S. are more successful in discouraging the choice to abort a child once he or she has been conceived.
Am I biased? Probably. Are the scientists biased? Probably.
But the difference is that the scientists look at this issue through the lens of contraception, and I look at it through the lens of abortion. Maybe we can find common ground in admitting that both can be a factor.
Oh, and that teens having abortions is far worse than teens becoming pregnant.
And that the Church proposes very effective solutions to both problems. If anyone will listen.

President Obama's Speech on Health Care from Oct. 9, 2009

So I know it's a lot to read, but I always preferred getting the full information to another person's synopsis, so please read and watch this if you missed the President's address yesterday!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/09/obama-health-care-speech_n_281265.html

God bless (and save) America.

St. Francis Xavier

If one were to read the first post of this blog, one would discover that the name and idea for the blog stem first from the Scripture passage of Luke 12:49, in which Christ says, "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing," and second from a book by Louis de Wohl titled Set All Afire.

Set All Afire is a narrative on the life and mission of St. Francis Xavier. I highly recommend reading this book for any age and at any level of interest. De Wohl is a wonderful author and his depiction of St. Francis is so alive and rich that any reader will wonder at how they are not doing crazy and unbelievable things with their lives, if such a man as Francis existed.

Francis' fire to accomplish so much stems from a deep love of the Lord, and it is this same source of strength which we are invited to draw from on a daily basis. That was the hope and focus of this blog - to be a place of encouragement for all of us to continually work for the Kingdom of God, to not grow slack in zeal and to know the support of a community.

So keep up the good work, keep fighting the good fight, and never allow fear, doubt, sloth or malice to keep you from doing the will of the Lord, which will always and forever be to love God first and your neighbor next!!!

N/A but True!

For the purposes of this blog, we can call this post N/A.

Yet, I'm a girl from Ohio getting really excited as the fall weather moves into Virginia, only to be told that it doesn't snow here much!!!

So now all I can think about is getting lost in that cold, fun-filled percipitation.

Judge me if you're from the south, I'll understand.

I Scream

Anyone who knows me knows that one of my weaknesses is Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I have often joked that Ben and Jerry were my dates on countless evenings in. They are sometimes the best of dates at the time, but like so many other men, have a tendency to turn up later in the most unwelcome of places.

I am breaking up with Ben and Jerry.

Ben and Jerry announced yesterday that they will be renaming my favorite flavor, Chubby Hubby, to "Hubby Hubby" in celebration of the legalization of gay marriage in Vermont.

Before I mount my conservative soapbox, allow me to make one thing clear: I do not in any way hate gays. I have some friends who are gay, and I love them just as much as I do anyone else. All people are made in the image and likeness of God, and deserve respect and love.

OK, now onto the soapbox.

Anything that breaks down the family structure mustn't be glamorized. Why am I against gay marriage? Because it is the government telling the people that something unnatural is OK and encouraged. Many people unfortunately use the legal system as a moral code. If the law says that I can abort my child, then it must be OK. If the law says that two men can marry and enjoy the same legal rights as a man and woman, then I see nothing wrong with it. NO! When we allow two people of the same sex to marry, we are teaching our children that there aren't standards. In the end it will create a broken society.

For now, Häagen Dazs will have to do. I will miss you, Ben and Jerry. Perhaps I will see you on Free Ice Cream Day.

Grassroots Films

This may seem like old news to many of you, but if you haven't checked out Grassroots Films, you really need to! Watch the trailer for the Human Experience and go see it sometime soon!!!

http://www.grassrootsfilms.com/

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Video: The most awesome Ordination video you'll ever see

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Video: The most awesome Ordination video you'll ever see

Ah Yes.. and NY Times as Well

The Times publised this article on Friday, misrepresenting the US Catholic Bishop's opinions on Obama's Health Reform Bill. 
There was an amendment published the following day and there has been a letter sent in response from Bishop Murphy and Cardinal Rigali addressing the issues which were not properly presented.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/health/policy/28catholics.html?scp=2&sq=August+28+2009&st=nyt

The comments for this article show the ignorance of so many not only on this issue but more importantly the role of the Bishops and their stance. As Catholics we really must keep ourselves informed so that we can effectively clarify for others the true position of our Church.

Follow Up

Just a quick follow up to the article below: you should read the comments of fellow Americans on this issue.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/14/criminal-prayer-case-stirs-protests/comments/

Really? We need to think about what this means!

This article is found in The Washington Times, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/14/criminal-prayer-case-stirs-protests/?feat=article_top10_read.

Within the article we hear that two teachers from a public school in Florida are going on trial for "their offer of a mealtime prayer."

The attorney, Mathew Staver, is quoted as saying, "I have been defending religious freedom issues for 22 years, and I've never had to defend somebody who has been charged criminally for praying."

The student class president, Mary Allen, was actually kept from speaking at graduation because she was a "known Christian."

This is ridiculous. Perhaps we should expect the ACLU to also sue the state for the county this school is located in being named "Santa Rosa," since that is "Saint Rose" in Spanish and clearly that is infringing on personal rights to not be exposed to Christian anything.

I was living in Long Island for the past year and there is a high volume of Jewish families near my old house. I would run by the Synagogue often and wave "hello" to the Rabbi and the many people going to pray. Was I wrong to respect their religion and religious beliefs? Should I rather have been put out that I couldn't always run on the side walk (public property) because part of their beliefs includes not driving on the Sabbath and therefore walking to Synagogue?! Really?

Read it for yourself and think about it. There is certainly more than one side to this issue, but it really means something. How far has our country come from where we once were? I still think it is somewhat ludicrous that so many of our ancestors migrated to this country specifically for the sake of religious freedom, and now we have "fake" religous freedom... one where everyone is so free that no one is free. We can't express for fear of upsetting or offending the next person over! Maybe I'd like to know more about your religion. Maybe I need some truth and answers to questions. Maybe young children would not grow up with so much pain and confusion if they were given morality, virtue, and standards of what is right and wrong from an early age instead of being told that it's all ambiguous and relative. In case anyone can remember how it feels when you're a teenager, every day is a new experience of highs and lows and stresses and fears. How are you supposed to know what is good when you can't figure out how you feel about yourself or other things? And then we look at the problems that come from such a relativisic (and essentially lazy) attitude and we say "what's wrong?" and "why are they like this?"

Anyway, my rant is over but I think the article earns reflection. One day I may be numbered among the parents sending their little ones off to school. I plan on working for that place of education to be the best that my taxes can pay for, the best that this wealthy and educated nation can offer, and the best that my child deserves.

The Gabriel Project

The Gabriel Project. Check it out. :)

http://www.gabrielproject.com/faq.htm

http://projectgabriel.net/

For Laughs

This may not be as entertaining to everyone else, but I liked it :). This guy was just showing his support for a health care reform that actually serves the people and doesn't kill children. And he's Texan.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/weird/Man-Plows-Say-No-to-Obama-Into-Texas-Field-55044922.html

"Plaintiffs have certain and ascertainable rights under state and federal law." -LifeNews

This article is found at http://www.lifenews.com/state4374.html and discusses the ruling of a judge in favor of two pharmacy owners seeking to preserve their rights in a conscience issue conerning drugs such as the Plan B emergency contraceptive. Check it out!

"Lord, Let You Light Shine Unto Others Through Me"

What a beautiful and meaningful prayer from Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta!

I'll never forget the day when Mother Teresa left this life to transition into Eternal Life. I'm sure those close to her were saddened by her loss, but I, not having known her personally, can remember thinking how amazing it is that I have walked this world at the same time as someone who will be in history and religion books for years to come for one simple reason-her love.

For those of you who are not familiar with Mother Teresa's story, she was the founder of the religious order Missionaries of Charity, who worked to improve life for those in poverty-stricken India. She won a Nobel prize for her work, and her work with the impoverished made her a household name throughout the world.

Mother Teresa essentially became so famous by her love, but Who did this love come from to begin with? Are we even capable of such love? If you felt a call from the Lord to up and leave your family, friends, and job to go serve the poor in some third-world country, could you do it?

Without a thunderous cloud or visit from Gabriel, I know I sure couldn't.

But what does it take to be so loving and become the kind of person who would abandon one's will, as Mother Teresa did?

As cliche as it might sound, I believe it takes true surrender. To truly mean, "Lord, let your Light shine unto others through me," you are giving the Lord permission to use you for His Greater Glory. It is important to note that this is not your glory, but His.

"Lord let your Light shine unto others through me." Pray it. Mean it. Take the plunge.

Maybe some day I will too.

Blood Money, A Documentary on Abortion

You need to watch this trailer, and support such a worthy effort!!

http://bloodmoneyfilm.com/

A Little Biblical Commentary for Your Morning

So upon searching the phrase "He/I will never forsake you or abandon you" in the New American Bible (NAB), I came across a fun coincidence (if those exist). Both Deuteronomy 31 and Hebrews 13 have those words. The verses are as follows:

Deut. 31:6 - "Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you."

Hebrews 13:6- "...for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." Thus we may say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, (and) I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"

These are so beautiful, with a very similar message, and part of me suspects St. Paul (working under the Holy Spirit, of course) wasn't opposed to restating that beautiful part of Deuteronomy with the inverse verse number (I'm still hung up on 31 - 13).

Either way, this is so wonderful. God himself tells us that he is faithful.
Consider the times God has spoken of who he is. He says, "I AM". He claims his all-knowing, all-powerful, all-and-only-good being. And through Christ we hear other names such as "I am the light," "I am the living bread," "I am the way and the truth and the life," etc...
Here we have another beautiful expression of the depth and power of God in his infinite goodness - total fidelity. He is the one who is faithful. He will never abandon us. Rather, he goes before us in all things, making the path before us that we are to tread.

In John 14 he says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going, you know the way."

Truly, he is truth, and the truth is that he is faithful, far beyond our understanding and comprehension. He will never forsake us or abandon us. As it says in Exodus 14:14-
"The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still."

Beautiful Article of Hope from the Dever Post

This article in the Denver Post explains a Catholic crisis-pregnancy ministry called The Gabriel Project. Check it out!

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13011616?source=email

Some "TMI" References, But Great News

The CDC gives a lot of information in this article.. some of which you may not want to read. If you have either studied such things as STD's, contraception, biology or you have a decent awareness of these issues, then feel free to go through all of it.

Either way, look at the beginning of the article, the first paragraph in bold. There is a statement there that seems to FINALLY be making its way from common sense to the scientific world, and it is the "proof" we need to argue a both natural and moral side of saving sex for marriage to those who will only accept something "official" like the CDC.

http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.htm