7 Quick Takes (Volume 1)

I am a frequent reader of the blog ConversionDiary.com and decided to take a crack at Jennifer’s 7 Quick Takes Friday.  I find it sorta like a “brain dump” in a way.  I love to just dump my brain on a piece of paper…Very cathartic!  So, here we go!  A huge welcome to all of my new visitors from ConversionDiary!!  Make yourselves at home!   -Michelle

–1–

I have been reading the most Ahhhhmazing book.  It’s called “Climbing The Mountain Discovering Your Path To Holiness” co-authored by “Anne” a lay apostle and Bill Quinn. My friend Lynn told me about this book a while back and I recently got off my duff and ordered it.  It’s apparently a big deal in the Saint Louis area.  She said that the book is making it’s rounds all over her parish and it is spreading like wildfire to other parishes.  I can see why.  I have not been able to put the book down.  Taken from the back of the book:

In 2003, Jesus revealed a mission of great mercy to Anne, a lay apostle.  The Volumes, which Anne recorded from locutions, came from God the Father, Jesus, Mary, and many saints.  This book contains the story of how this mission began and how it has blossomed into a world-wide apostolate, under the watchful eye and in complete obedience to the Catholic Church.  Also featured is a summary of Anne’s mystical experiences of heaven and her vision of the personal call to holiness that each of us must hear.  This is a book to be treasured, as it reveals the intimate love of the Savior for each soul.  Every reader will be called to great rejoicing, for truly, God’s Kingdom comes.

I recommend this book very highly!  You can learn more here: DIRECTION FOR OUR TIMES

–2–

I have been dreaming about the beach and about summer time.  I am so done with this winter.  This has been a rough one for everyone and I know without a doubt that we are not suffering as bad as most are.  HOWEVER, I am definitely ready to have our moderate/mild weather back.  I know I should not complain…but I am going to.  I can definitely tell a difference in my attitude,  mood, energy level and over all feeling of wellness when it’s cold and dreary outside.  I have been supplementing with Vitamin D – I know I’m low!  I can’t wake up in the morning, I feel sluggish and I AM DONE!  I think I may be a little depressed.  I am ready for January to be done.  This weekend it is supposed to 60 degrees outside.  Thank you God!   I know lack of exercise contributes to this also…but who the heck wants to get out of bed for the gym in this crap?  Not me.  

–3–

I am still really missing Simba but it’s getting more tolerable every single day.  See my blog about my baby boy’s passing here:  A Tribute to a Friend.

I posted on my Facebook status that I was having trouble squelching the “I want a new dog” voice in my head.  Decided not to get a new dog just yet.  Need to wait at least a month and then re-evaluate.  I don’t want to jump the gun.  I still miss my boy though.  We received a sympathy card from the vet today.  The whole staff signed it.  **SNIFF**  He was such a good dog.  He was a great companion for my mom.  He lived a good life.  This is a shot of him taking a nap.  He loved his blue pillow!  Love you Simby!

–4–

My father finally got approved for his Continuous Glucose monitor.  (I won’t go nutty about BCBS or the huge run around by doctors or their incompetance…that’s a different blog for a different day!)  It arrived today!  Check it out! Thank you Lord!  Maybe now I’ll relax and stop worrying!  It seems like an amazing machine.  Low blood sugar episodes are very scary. 

–5–

What in the Hallelujah is going on in Egypt?  All hell is breaking loose!  The headlines are unbelievable.  I am very distressed by this.  We must pray for the peaceful resolution of this situation!  Read John McCain’s statement on these events HERE. Still love him!

–6–

Why in the world have I been craving Taco Salads from Taco Bell?  We all found out this week their “beef” is loaded with crap.  Go figure.  Unreal.  Can’t trust anything anymore.

–7–

Remembering the Challenger anniversary today.  25 years…it does not seem possible.  Please read my “Go Fish” Friday entry today on my Infant of Prague! I set it up to be published it early this morning  and you might have missed it!  Thanks!

Have an awesome weekend everyone!  Your sister on the Journey,  Michelle

“Go Fish” Friday – The Infant of Prague

I spoke briefly about my most cherished possession in my last “Go Fish” Friday Blog.  For as long as I can remember, on a corner shelf in the dining room of my maternal Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Niles, Ohio there was a statue.  He was wearing a jeweled crown and wore a yellow lace and silk gown.  His right hand was giving the peace sign and the other one was holding a round ball.  (Sounds similar to an Alanis Morisette song, right?)  He was always there, for as long as I can remember. I always thought he was a doll to be played with when I was very young.  He was haunting, beautiful and comforting.  I would just stare at him.  He always stared back at me and I knew he really wanted to hop down from that shelf and play with me.  He was my baby.  My Grandpa passed away before my Grandma did and when she was gone we all got to go to her house after her funeral an choose some things to take with us.  I chose some of her handkerchiefs, a nightgown, some scarves, an antique table, her green rosary and the baby boy that was on the shelf…the Infant of Prague.  The Infant came from a raffle at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel festival.  Grandma won him.  I have been trying to do some research on whether or not those Infants were made by the Infant of Prague guild at the church or if they bought them to be raffled off.  I don’t know the answer to that, but I believe that the ladies at the church actually made these Infants or at least their vestments.  There was always a booth at the festival with tons of Infant of Prague’s on display to be raffled.  That booth along with the “pull tab” booth were always very busy.  (Pull tabs is a game you play.  You buy these cards and you peel off the windows to see if you win.  It’s similar to the slot machine concept.  Yep, gambling at a Catholic Church…oh the shame!  LOL!)  Funny how you remember things like that.  I don’t have the best memory, but I do remember vividly the FESTIVAL at Mount Carmel and my love for that baby boy Jesus.

For more information on The Infant of Prague, check out  THIS WEBSITE.

History of the Infant Jesus of Prague

The Infant Jesus of Prague originally came from Spain. The legend tells that the Infant Jesus appeared miraculously to a certain monk, who modeled the statue based on the appearance of the apparition. According to another legend the statue belonged to St. Teresa of Avila, the founder of the Discalced Carmelites, who was aflame with a great love for the Child Jesus. She is said to have given the statue to a friend of hers, whose daughter was setting out to travel to Prague.

When the Duchess Maria Manrique de Lara came to Bohemia to marry a Bohemian nobleman in 1556, she received the statue from her mother as a wedding gift. When her daughter Polyxena of Lobkowicz was widowed, she gave the precious statue to the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites attached to the church of Our Lady of Victory in 1628.

The Carmelites placed the statue in the novitiate chapel, so that the young monks could learn from the virtues of the Child Jesus. At that time the Thirty Years’ War was raging through Europe and even the Infant Jesus was not spared when the Saxon army occupied Prague in 1631. It was only after his return to Prague in 1637 that Father Cyril of the Mother of God, originally from Luxemburg, discovered the statue, abandoned in a corner. To his sorrow, however, he found that the Infant Jesus had had both hands broken off. At this moment it seemed to him that the Infant Jesus was saying to him:

Have mercy on me and I will have mercy on you.
Give me hands and I will give you peace.
The more you honour me, the more I will bless you.

Eventually Father Cyril had new hands made for the Infant Jesus. The gold coin invested in this was returned many times over, as the Child Jesus began to bless the monastery, the local people, and the whole of Prague. Miraculous healings were attributed to him, as was the protection of Prague when it was laid siege to by the Swedes in 1639. In 1651 the statue was carried as a pilgrim round all the churches in Prague and in 1655 it was solemnly crowned by the Bishop of Prague. This event is still remembered today on the anniversary feast-day, falling on the first Sunday in May.

Devotion to the child of Jesus is very popular in Catholicism, just like devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart, devotion to his Holy Face, devotion to Jesus’ Wounds and devotion to the Divine Mercy.

See Wikipedia for information on Roman Catholic devotions to Jesus:

The Roman Catholic tradition includes a number of devotions to Jesus Christ. Like all Catholic devotions, these prayer forms are not part of the official public liturgy of the Church but are based on the popular spiritual practices of Roman Catholics. Many are officially approved by the Holy See as suitable for spiritual growth but not necessary for salvation.

Some devotions arise from private revelations, or personal religious experiences of saints. The Church has a tradition of thorough investigation of such private revelations and the lives of candidates for sainthood to assure that no natural or scientific explanation can, at the time of investigation, account for any miracles involved. Often an approved devotion of the Church has a particular prayer form, an image and sometimes specific promises for those who follow the devotion.

Novena Prayer to the Miraculous Infant of Prague

Dearest Jesus, Little Infant of Prague, how tenderly You love us! Your greatest joy is to dwell among us and to bestow Your blessing upon us. Though I am not worthy that You should help me, I feel drawn to You by love because You are kind and merciful.

So many who turned to You with confidence have received graces and had their petitions granted. Behold me as I come before You to lay open my heart to You with its prayers and hopes. I present to You especially this request, which I enclose in Your loving Heart: (Mention your request).

Rule over me, dear Infant Jesus, and do with me and mine according to Your Holy Will, for I know that in Your Divine Wisdom and Love You will arrange everything for the best. Do not withdraw Your hand from me, but protect and bless me forever.

I pray You, all-powerful and gracious Infant Jesus, for the sake of Your Sacred Infancy, in the Name of Your Blessed Mother Mary who cared for You with such tenderness, and by the greatest reverence with which Saint Joseph carried You in his arms, help me in my needs. Make me truly happy with You, dearest Infant, in time and in eternity, and I shall thank You forever with all my heart. Amen.

YouTube – Rep. James Lankford: “The Right to Life is Self-Evident”

YouTube – Rep. James Lankford: “The Right to Life is Self-Evident”.

A Tribute to a Friend

He wasn’t a great conversationalist and he didn’t give any advice.   He just listened, loved unconditionally and looked at you with those eyes of compassion and understanding.  He was a little different.  Some say he was neurotic.  Some say he needed doggie Prozac.  He did not like change, black clothes, suitcases or people hugging goodbye.  He didn’t like his front paws touched.  He was scared of a lot of things.  He was fiercely loyal and protective of my mother. He drank out of plastic cups instead of a water bowl.  He was a finicky eater and preferred people food.  He liked tea with milk and sugar.  He loved sweets.  He was a bit neurotic at times, maybe because of his breed or maybe he was abused as a puppy, we don’t know.  When he was younger he ran so fast – it was amazing the speed he had.  He had bad breath because of dental problems.  He loved to be rubbed on his ears and on his belly.  He was a constant companion to my mom…he followed her everywhere.  Even to the bathroom.  He would do figure 8′s through her legs as she sat there.  He would escort her where ever she was going following closely behind, herding her to where ever she needed to go and waiting to make sure she sat down and that she was OK.  He was so smart, yet so not.  In the last years of his life, he saw ghosts.  He slept on his rug and used his blue pillow.  He never liked doggie beds.  He preferred the floor or sleeping in the bed with my parents.  He was high maintenance as he got older but we all become needier when we get older.  His hearing was almost gone – I’d have to bend over and talk straight into his ear for him to hear me.  He was 14 years old.  He still looked like he was a puppy.  He died on Monday.  We had made the decision to take him to be put down because he was suffering with his breathing and collapsing – he could not go outside without me carrying him out to do his business.  He’d come back in the house and just collapse.  I believe the ice and snow really took a toll on him.  He was just plain tired.  Simba never made it to the vet to be put to sleep.  He died at home with the 3 of us around him.  At one point he raised his head to make sure we were there.  And then his little paws started running.  Running with St. Francis to the Rainbow Bridge.  We will always love you Simby.  You were such a good dog!  Our hearts are broken.

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

“Go Fish” Friday: My 4-Way and St. Michael Medals

It seems as if everywhere I go, people always compliment me on my necklace. Some know what it is and others don’t. Its always a topic of conversation at the grocery store checkout, at a restaurant, at the hair salon, anywhere I am face to face with someone, they always notice my Medals and either say they are pretty or ask what they are. Maybe its because they’re big (I don’t do dainty! LOL!) and maybe because people are just drawn to them. I wear a 4-Way medal and then a separate Saint Michael Medal on the same chain. Saint Michael is my patron saint. I can’t tell you how long I’ve worn them, but it’s been many, many years. Anytime you see a picture of me, I have them on. I do not take them off. Do I think they are lucky charms? NO. Do I think that if I take them off something bad will happen? NO. You know me better than that by now.

The Four Way Medal is also known as a Cruciform, and also a Scapular Medal.  It takes the latter name from the medal at the top. Traditionally, the Scapular Medal features the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one side and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on the other side.

A 4-Way Medal is a combination of 4 popular Catholic medals – it includes The Scared Heart medal (top), Saint Joseph medal (right), a Miraculous Medal (bottom) and a Saint Christopher medal (left). Mine also includes a dove in the middle signifying the Holy Spirit.

SACRED HEART MEDAL: Also known as “Sacred Heart of Jesus” this medal signifies one of the most popular Catholic devotions to Jesus’ physical heart. His undying love for you and for me, and the suffering heart of Christ. Many people have a devotion to the Sacred Heart. You see a lot of artwork depicting Jesus’ Sacred Heart. You can read more about it here.

Below is a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that I have hanging in my home.  “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in YOU!”

SAINT JOSEPH MEDAL: Of course, everyone knows who Saint Joseph is…he was Our Lady’s husband. He was Jesus’ “foster” father or His “earthly” father. Saint Joseph is the patron saint of workers. Many in my family have been named after Saint Joseph and we have great devotion to him. My paternal Grandfather, Father and one of my brothers were all named after Saint Joseph. I have cousins named after him and also many have Joseph as their middle names in my family. My Grandmother started to paint, cast and teach ceramics after my 50 year old Grandpa died. One of my memories was always seeing a ceramic caroler figurine that she brought out at Christmas time.  She painted this figurine. In the little bitty songbook that the woman was holding, my Gram wrote “Oh Joseph Dear, Oh Joseph Mine” – at that time she was mourning her Joseph, just as Mary mourned for her Joseph way back when.  “Joseph Dear, Oh Joseph Mine” is also called “Song of the Crib” by Josef Lieber. Mannheim Steamroller has popularized this song. Saint Joseph is very special to our family.

You can read more about Saint Joseph here.

THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL: The Miraculous medal is also known as the “Medal of the Immaculate Conception.” It was designed by Our Lady herself.

TAKEN FROM: The Association of the Miraculous Medal

The Meaning of the Front Side of the Miraculous Medal:
Mary is standing upon a globe, crushing the head of a serpent beneath her foot. She stands upon the globe, as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her feet crush the serpent to proclaim Satan and all his followers are helpless before her (Gn 3:15). The year of 1830 on the Miraculous Medal is the year the Blessed Mother gave the design of the Miraculous Medal to Saint Catherine Labouré. The reference to Mary conceived without sin supports the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary—not to be confused with the virgin birth of Jesus, and referring to Mary’s sinlessness, “full of grace” and “blessed among women” (Luke 1:28)—that was proclaimed 24 years later in 1854.

The Meaning of the Back Side of the Miraculous Medal
The twelve stars can refer to the Apostles, who represent the entire Church as it surrounds Mary. They also recall the vision of Saint John, writer of the Book of Revelation (12:1), in which “a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars.” The cross can symbolize Christ and our redemption, with the bar under the cross a sign of the earth. The “M” stands for Mary, and the interleaving of her initial and the cross shows Mary’s close involvement with Jesus and our world. In this we see Mary’s part in our salvation and her role as mother of the Church. The two hearts represent the love of Jesus and Mary for us. (See also Lk 2:35).

SAINT CHRISTOPHER MEDAL: St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers. Not much is known about him. Christopher means “Christ-bearer” – his original name was Offero. He was martyred in c251.
More on St. Christopher can be found here.

One day he carried a small child across the stream; the child’s weight nearly crushed him. When they arrived on the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ, and he was so heavy because he bore the weight of the world on himself. He then baptized Offero with water from the stream. Christopher’s service at the stream led to his patronage of things related to travel and travelers, people who carry things, etc. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

What is on the back of the 4-Way medal?

The back top has the rest of the Sacred Heart Medal which is Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Creating the Scapular part of the medal. Our Lady of Mount Carmel also has huge significance in our family. That was our family’s parish…the parish my father and his brothers and sister were raised in. My Grandpa sang the “Ave Maria” in that church. He was buried from that church. Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Niles, Ohio is also where I was baptized. We have fond memories of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – The “festival” at that church was a weekend of rides, games, sausage and pepper sandwiches, smelts, cheese puffs and french fries with vinegar. It was something we looked forward to every summer. The feast day is the 16th of July. I have an “Infant of Prague” statue in my bedroom that my maternal Grandmother won at that festival. I took that Infant when she passed away. It is one of my most cherished possessions. Look for a blog on “The Infant of Prague” coming soon!

Also on the back of the 4-Way is the back of the Miraculous Medal which I explained above.

In the middle are the words: “I am a Catholic, in case of an accident, please call a priest.” Obviously in case of emergency or accident a Catholic would want their priest. They would administer the Sacrament of the Sick or in case of possible death, Last Rites.

Now on to Saint Michael…Saint Michael is an Archangel.  In Hebrew the name Michael means “He who is like God.” Michael is described as the prince of light, leading forces of God against the darkness of evil. He is described as the “viceroy of heaven”.

Prayer of St. Michael: St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.  Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.  My God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do Thou O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, by the power of GOD cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits that prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.  AMEN!

Until next time, as always…”Go Fish!”

The Baptism of Our Lord

Today at church we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord. I use a Sunday Missal and this Sunday the reflection was such a great reminder and hit me so personally that I wanted to share it with you. I know so many people who need kindness – they are experiencing GREAT struggles and HUGE burdens. You know these people too. The sick, the downtrodden, the hungry, the unemployed, the lonely, the elderly, the despairing, the homeless…I could go on and on. You know as many as I do. And you personally might fall into any one of these categories.

Living With Christ – Sunday Missal – 2010 through 2011
January 9, 2011
Baptism of the Lord

At the end of her email messages, one of my friends includes a quote, ancient wisdom reminding the reader to be kind because everybody has great struggles or burdens. Her note may well have been inspired by today’s beautiful first reading from Isaiah. (Our first reading was Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7)

As we celebrate Jesus’ baptism, Isaiah reminds us that the message Jesus brings to our world is a message of justice and tenderness: God will not crush those who are “bruised,” nor quench the light that is “dimly burning” in anyone. Today, if we are feeling “bruised” by the injustices of life, our hope dimmed, let us take time to listen and allow the comfort and strength of these words to sink deep into our being.

At the same time, let us be mindful of others struggling around us, whether we know their struggles or not – perhaps a confident young person, or a fellow worker, a neighbor, an elderly person, a family member. Let us resolve to crush no one, nor to put out anyone’s light by impatience or dismissal or gossip, or by participating in injustice. Let us reach out with care and stand always for justice. When we do, we join ourselves to Jesus’ ministry. And just as the Father is well pleased with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit comes to strengthen him for the challenges ahead, so too we will receive God’s blessing and strength for our journey. –Beth Porter

As North Georgia braces for a huge winter storm I am reflecting on this tonight. Whether we know their struggles or not…Let us resolve to crush no one, nor to put out anyone’s light!

If you’d like a Missal of your own, I highly recommend the one I use. You can find it here:

Living With Christ

Reflections on Tradition

This Holiday season I have been all about tradition.  I don’t really know what came over me… maybe its my age or the fact that my 88 year old Gram spent Christmas with us this year.  Or, that the people who are normally in charge of these things weren’t able to physically carry them out this year.  All I know is I wanted to make sure our family kept up with the traditions that we all grew up with.  Most of them are food related.  I baked our family’s Hungarian Christmas cookie recipes that everyone loves so much…Nut, poppy seed and apricot roll, snowballs, thumbprints, pecan tassies and the like and I loved every second of it.  New Year’s day our tradition is to eat Hungarian Pork and Sauerkraut (Székely Gulyas.)  We also have a tradition of taking blessed hay from the Nativity Scene at church and putting it in our wallets to assure we will not be broke in the new year!  LOL!  Its become so important to me that our traditions never fade away.

This got me to thinking about the church and tradition.  The three pillars of the Church’s Authority are:  1. Sacred Scripture (The Holy Bible) 2. Sacred Tradition (Our History passed down through out the ages) 3. The Living Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church.)

The word “Tradition” comes from the Latin word ‘trado, tradere’ which means to hand over, to deliver, or to bequeath.

There are “big T” Traditions like in the 3 pillars above and there are “little t” traditions in Catholicism.  Big T Traditions = The early church before the bible, Tradition that is closely connected with doctrine.  Big T Tradition refers to Sacred Tradition. It is the teachings that were handed down by the apostles and are every bit as authoritative, binding, and infallible as Sacred Scripture. Together, they are the Word of God also known as the Deposit of Faith.  Tradition complements rather than contradicts scripture. It is not subject to change, and is part of our deposit of faith.

“Little t” traditions are the ones I like the most. Here are some examples that I personally hold on to:

• Praying the Rosary
• Praying Novenas
• Wearing medals  (I always wear a Saint Michael medal and a 4 Way medal – I NEVER take them off)
• Wearing scapulars (There is a scapular on my 4 way medal)
• Devotion to specific Saints (My faves include:  St. Rita, St. Padre Pio, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Faustina, St. Anthony and of course our Mother Mary)
• Prayers such as “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” or “Daily Offering” that we were taught as kids.
• Keeping Holy Water in the House and using it – Every night we bless ourselves with Holy Water from Lourdes – thanks Lynn!  I have been also known to regularly douse my home when it just feels “wrong” inside.  I also douse my car before a long road trip.
• Making a small cross on our foreheads when we pass a Catholic Church
• Not taking our Christmas stuff down until after Epiphany
• Lighting the Advent Wreath
• Eating Fish on Fridays
• Lighting candles

Keep the traditions alive, they are so important!  Our faith is so much like our family…in fact, we are a family, one family, one body in Christ!  I love it!  Makes me feel secure and loved.