I am finding myself on petfinder.com a lot lately. I even went as far as contacting someone about a dog up for adoption. I have been missing Simba a lot yesterday and today. I am looking for a “lap” dog and I have found a few sweeties. We’ll see…:) I especially am in love with one named Trooper. He’s a 3 year old tiny Chihuahua Mix, white in color and about 4 pounds. Maybe we’ll get to meet him soon! I also printed out a few others to look at, tiny poodles and Yorkies. I am a sucker. I know it. I will ultimately break and we’ll have a new member of the household soon if all who live in this house are in agreement! Its a big responsibility and it will more than likely all fall on me.
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I am really trying hard to “get” Twitter. I just can’t seem to. It is weird for me and I’m feeling too much information overload is setting in. Any Twitter people out there? I do know that I end up having more people visit this blog when I Tweet. I changed my name from my real name to “jstacatholicgrl” and all of a sudden more people are following me. Even a soap star from Days of Our Lives out of the blue decided to follow me. I was not following him. Crazy. I don’t know if I’ll keep my account or not.
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I am so excited about a new company that has just formed! As you know I used to work for Injoy founded by Dr. John C. Maxwell. Well, John sold the company while I worked there and from that sale, it was sold once again. Now, one of my most favorite people is part owner of the new John C. Maxwell Company and I could not be more thrilled! John’s content back where it belongs…with John! Check it out! JohnMaxwell.com
I pray abundant blessings on this new endeavor! Make my heart happy!
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Lent is almost upon us. I love Lent! Ash Wednesday is March 9…I’m trying to decide what my Lenten practices will look like this year. I have been known to give up Facebook for the 40 days. It was very tough. Then last year I gave it up during Holy Week only. I have also been known to give up going out to lunch. That was a very painful sacrifice when I was working in an office. We loved to go out to lunch back in those days. During that same time in my life I worked right by my church. I would go sit in front of the blessed sacrament at lunch time. I miss those days. I’ll share with you what I decide! Any suggestions? What are you going to do? Comment and let me know! Remember, you don’t always have to give something up! You can add something too! It’s all about giving God something from your heart or sacrificing to enter into closer union with Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
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GO FISH FRIDAY – Do Catholics believe we’re saved by works alone? No. Take a look at this video by my favorite Catholic Apologist John Martignoni.
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I just recently started reading Cale Clarke’s blog and following him on Twitter. I loved his post on “Sacramental Healing.” Check it out! Click on his name above.
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Catholic “funny” for today…SLOW DOWN OUT THERE!! Enjoy your weekend!
Be sure to vote for “Integrated Catholic Life” in the two categories they are nominated in – the founders of “ICL” are from St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell, GA. So excited for them! Congratulations Randy Hain, Deacon Mike and all those associated with this great website! I knew ya when you were just a mere thought! The Integrated Catholic Life
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This story brought us to tears and raised the little hairs on our necks and arms…You know that our friend was ordained a deacon last Saturday. Well…we were so blessed to be able to celebrate with him after the mass at the Cathedral was over. They had a great reception at their subdivision clubhouse. When we were about to leave and get a blessing from him, Deacon Bill told us a miraculous story. When my mom was so ill, you already know he came to the hospital to give her communion. Well, before he came to the hospital one time, he went to our church to get the sacred consecrated host from the tabernacle. He said that he put the host in his pyx and came to the hospital. When he opened the pyx to give mom communion, there were two hosts inside instead of one. He only took ONE host. Yep. ONE. Only one host. The hosts are a bit slick, they do not stick together. I promise. I have been an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. They aren’t that thin. So you would know if you took two. You just would. Believe me. He told us the story with tears in his eyes. He said that sometimes people struggle with the teaching of the “REAL PRESENCE of Jesus in the Eucharist.” This incident further helped him believe in that truth! GOD showed him that He is REAL and he is truly present in the Eucharist. The Lord knew that my father had not been to church yet and needed communion. God always provides. ALWAYS. Eucharistic Miracle? Yep. AmAzInG…We received our blessing weeping with joy and awe! And what a privilege it was to have one of his first blessings as a Deacon!
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Laugh for the day…You know I love the Nuns! Thanks Gina!
CATHOLIC SHAMPOO
While shopping in a food store, two nuns happened to pass by the beer cooler. One nun said to the other, “Wouldn’t a nice cold beer or two taste wonderful on a hot summer evening?”
The second nun answered,”Indeed it would sister, but I would not feel comfortable buying beer as I am certain it would cause a scene at the checkout.”
“I can handle that without a problem,” she replied as she picked up a six-pack and headed for the checkout.
The cashier had a surprised look on his face when the two nuns arrived with a six-pack of beer. One of the nuns explained, “We use beer for washing our hair, a shampoo of sort, if you will.”
Without blinking an eye, the cashier reached under the counter, pulled out a package of pretzel sticks and placed them in the bag with the beer. He looked the nun straight in the eye, smiled and said, “The curlers are on the house.”
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Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes! Our Lady gives special favors through Jesus on her Feast Days…just ask! Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us. St. Bernadette, Pray for us!
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Monday is St. Valentine’s Day! I have heard it said that Valentine’s Day is a day that the greeting card industry “made up” to make money. Nonsense! Read the history on St. Valentine’s Day here: NEW ADVENT CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
I hope your day is special, full of love and kisses! If you are single like me, don’t fret. It’s not worth it. Either take the time to thank God you are single (LOL!) or take the time to ask for St. Valentine’s intercession for that special someone. But above all take time to say I love you to those special people in your life!
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After months of having nothing on my calendar, all of a sudden my schedule is starting to blow up! Could this be a sign that winter is almost over? Lots of things to do, events, lunches, dinners and trips to look forward to! It starts tomorrow with lunch! Can’t wait to see Deva, Juli and baby Ella! So excited!
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You can probably tell I’m struggling with my 7 QTs today…that said, I’m done. I’m having a writer’s cramp! Have a great weekend everyone! And, as always, thank you for reading my blog!
First off I want to say that the Sacrament of Confession is a gift. I don’t know personally what I would do without it!
There has been much buzz about the new App for Confession for your I Phone or I Pad. Its called “Confession: A Roman Catholic App.” There has been a lot of news coverage, blogging and I even saw someone post about it on Facebook. An ex-Catholic who obviously has an issue with the Church stating something like “I’m glad I have a direct line to God now and don’t have to go through a priest and buy an APP approved by the Pope…” Oh man… So very silly silly frustrating frustrating misinformed misinformed irritating irritating! Don’t make me have to go to confession people!
There will more than likely be much talk and ridicule about this in the coming days. People will take this opportunity to bash the church. However, I did read one blog that’s headline was “Evangelicals Should Take Cue from Catholic Confession App.” That said I wanted to get what this App is REALLY about out there.
This does not replace the Sacrament (YES, Sacrament instituted by Christ) of Confession people!!! Sorry to tell ya, we still have to go! Basically what this App does is aid people. It will aid us in a thorough examination of conscious and help us not to forget what we need to confess. I don’t know about you, but I forget what I need to confess as soon as I hit the Confessional. I ALWAYS bring in notes with me. It just keeps me focused and on track. This App is just like that. It is designed to be used in the confessional. The customizable program is endorsed by the U.S. Bishops (it even comes with a Nihil Obstat, an official signal of theological endorsement.)
The App will also walk you through the entire process, the prayers, the responses etc. If I had an I-Phone or I-Pad I’d spend $1.99 and definitely use it. Maybe a Blackberry version will be available soon. Check it out at Little iApps, LLC
And once again, I’m posting this video about Confession. It’s short and sweet and to the point.
Let me know what you think about the App when you download it and use it! One of our priests uses his I Pad for his homilies. The sign of the times!
I can’t believe it’s Friday again, this week really went by fast for me! Happy weekend everyone! Enjoy it and have a great Superbowl Sunday…Go…??? Steelers? Packers? I am picking the Pittsburgh Steelers! Update, not rooting for the Steelers. My dad says you can not be a true Cleveland Browns fan and root for Pittsburgh. Guess that settles that. Don’t want to be kicked out of the family! And as always, thanks for reading my blog! -Michelle
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The other night I was getting something for my mom out of her nightstand and saw her stack of holy cards. I pulled them out and saw one I’d never seen before. On the front was a picture of Jesus, His hands raised so you could see his wounds. His Sacred Heart was exposed. On the back was this beautiful prayer and thought I’d share it with you. It has now become part of my nightly prayer routine.
Healing Prayer at Bedtime: “Lord Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, go back into my memory as I sleep. Every hurt that has ever been done to me, heal that hurt. Every hurt that I have ever caused another person, heal that hurt. All the relationships that have been damaged in my whole life that I am not aware of, heal those relationships. But, Lord, if there is anything that I need to do, if I need to go to a person because he or she is still suffering from my hand, bring to my awareness that person. I choose to forgive, and I ask to be forgiven. Remove whatever bitterness may be in my heart, Lord, and fill the empty spaces with your love. AMEN!
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When my mom was so very sick almost 2 years ago Easter time, she was in the hospital for 15 days. During that trying and scary time a very special man came to visit her several times to give her Communion. He prayed with us, comforted us and just listened. On Saturday, he is being ordained to the Deaconate! We are so excited for both Deacon Bill and Meg! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and hear you preach your first sermon! Bill, you are a man after God’s heart!
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68.
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I had pretty much put the Obama speech at the memorial service in Tucson to bed. I really hadn’t thought about it recently – Prior to the speech I decided that I was going to have a spirit of open mindedness about him and not automatically dislike what he says or does based on how I feel about him and the wall I have up with regards to him. I put on my Facebook status that night that I thought he did a good job on that speech. The discussion on my status update was interesting and people had plenty to say…most thought that the speech was decent but the atmosphere was more of a pep rally. People disliked the clapping and hooting and chanting. It was not suitable for a memorial service. I agreed. It is no secret that I’m not an Obama fan. I think he’s the most liberal president we’ve ever had. I know you can tell by my blog that I am definitely not liberal. I found myself being very closed minded about him and I wanted to change that. Give him a chance…but something didn’t sit right with me about the speech, I was left feeling empty even though the words he said were great. When you say things that really don’t match up to your character, it really confuses people. They don’t know whether or not to believe you or just chalk it up to “saying what people want to hear.” I read my daily email from Catholic News Agency last night and one of the articles was entitled: “THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH; WHY I WASN’T IMPRESSED” by Bishop Tobin. I’m linking you to it here. It explains my feelings exactly.
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I am a huge fan of Mother Angelica. I believe that she will be a great Saint one day. I listen to her “Live with Mother Angelica” podcasts a lot and just love her wit, insight and honesty. These podcasts are classics, she doesn’t have her show any longer but it’s so awesome we can listen to them from years ago! I have never been to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament before and now that I have a best friend living in Alabama I’m going to go and drag her to Hanceville with me! Deva, be prepared for a road trip to the convent and shrine soon! Check out their blog entitled Image and Likeness! NUN BLOG
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I’ve always been a lover of funny “NUN” pictures…like the one with the shotguns I used for this blog entry. I’m not sure where this one came from but it is in my “gallery of pictures.” Hope it makes you chuckle and brightens your day! Absolutely cracks me up! *This is a joke people. Please don’t comment that I’m being disrespectful or sacrilegious. Gotta have some fun don’t you?
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My Pastor Rocks. He REALLY does. He’s the most awesome homily preacher I know. Some people give him a bad wrap because he’s so passionate and his homilies don’t last the “acceptable” 10 minutes for our Catholic “old school” brethren. He knows he preaches a long time but he just can’t help himself and he pretty much doesn’t care. He has a lot to say and he lets the Holy Spirit speak through him. I love that he knows he does this, but he doesn’t change what he’s doing. That sounds strange but we need more than just a 10 minute “quickie.” So many churches have boring homilies. People complain about it all the time. Some even leave the church because of it. Ours are never boring. They’re vibrant, emotional, there’s some yelling, some tears and I swear I’ve even seen Father close to levitating! He delivers the goods every single Sunday. Check him out HERE. Last Sunday after he was done, someone stood up and yelled “Thank you for preaching the truth Father Jack!” Then the whole congregation erupted in applause. That does not happen at my church. Unfortunately that sermon has not been uploaded yet to the site. But, be on the look out for Fr. Jack’s homily for Sunday January 30, 2011. I’m sure it will be available soon!
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GO FISH FRIDAY: Why do Catholics go to Confession? Here is a 2 minute apologetics by John Martignoni, president of the Bible Christian Society. www.biblechristiansociety.com
“Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained” (John 20:22-23).
Today we will begin our Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes. (9 Days of petitioning prayer) Mom and I have great devotion to her and to St. Bernadette. My friend Lynn sent me some holy water from Lourdes that we use every night to bless ourselves with. The intentions for this novena are for continued healing and good health for my mom, dad, brothers and some special friends I’ve met online at The Road Back message boards. I invite you to join us!
Our Lady of Lourdes is the name used to refer to the Marian apparition that appeared before various individuals in separate occasions around Lourdes, France. The apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes began on 11 February 1858, when Saint Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl from Lourdes admitted, when questioned by her mother, that she had seen a “lady” in the cave of Massabielle, about a mile from the town, while she was gathering firewood with her sister and a friend.Similar appearances of the “lady” took place on seventeen further occasions that year. Bernadette Soubirous was canonized as a saint, and many Christians believe her apparitions to have been of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Pius IX authorized the local bishop to permit the veneration of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes in 1862.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Novena Dates February 2-10, Feast Day February 11
O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfort to the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the granting of my requests.
Through gratitude for favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues that I may one day share your glory.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)
I am finding myself on petfinder.com a lot lately. I even went as far as contacting someone about a dog up for adoption. I have been missing Simba a lot yesterday and today. I am looking for a “lap” dog and I have found a few sweeties. We’ll see…:) I especially am in love with one named Trooper. He’s a 3 year old tiny Chihuahua Mix, white in color and about 4 pounds. Maybe we’ll get to meet him soon! I also printed out a few others to look at, tiny poodles and Yorkies. I am a sucker. I know it. I will ultimately break and we’ll have a new member of the household soon if all who live in this house are in agreement! Its a big responsibility and it will more than likely all fall on me.
