Prescription for Life

Undermining the churches

2010-02-10T22:49:00.001-05:00

"Birth control appeals to the advanced radical because it is
calculated to undermine the authority of the Christian Churches. I
look forward to seeing humanity free of the tyranny of
Christianity..." - Margaret Sanger

2010 March for Life

2010-01-23T22:26:00.003-05:00

When my brother Andy took an internship in Washington DC, I knew that I had to attend the March for Life. I had no excuse now.

Leading up to the event, I had looked online and really didn't see much of a schedule other than it started at noon. Thanks to Fr. Frank Pavone and Priest's for Life who sent me an email which mentioned a Vigil Mass for Life at the National Basilica on Thursday night at 6:30. So my plan was to go to mass on Thursday and the march on Friday.

So I left upstate NY at 6:30am and for into Washington around 1:00pm on Thursday. Andy took me to Ben's Chili Bowl for lunch (a favorite of Bill Cosby apparently) and we had a great meal. Then we went back to his apartment and I got a little rest and Andy was gracious enough to decide to join me at mass.

I wasn't sure how packed it would be because I knew a lot of buses left early Friday morning for the march. We got the the Basilica at ~5:45 and it was kind of quiet outside and we saw that the bookstore was open, so we went in for a bit. Then we proceeded up into the church and it was PACKED!!! I've put a circle on the pic below. We were standing in the hall behind that pillar. We did have a view of the altar so that was good, but we had to stand the whole time. I had guessed that the mass would be about 2 hours long. Well after a 30 minute procession, I knew it would be a little longer than that.

The mass was wonderful (see previous blog post about how I felt). Great sermon by Cardinal Dinardo, and a wonderful atmosphere.

What I did not realize ahead of time is that there was a Vigil (I thought Vigil meant simply a mass on the night before...) all night long at the Basilica. Next year I will plan on spending a few hours in prayer after the mass.

On Friday I slept in a little and put on my under armour and layers and headed out around 10:30 toward the mall. I passed a church, not one block away from my brother's and was going to see if it were a Catholic church and stop in for a quick prayer. Well turns out it was! And they had just begun mass! There was either one or two big groups there, so I stood in the back and enjoyed mass. Because of the mass I was 30 minutes late in meeting up with a friend who lives close by and was going to attend the march with me. But we made it to the mall around 11:45 and got a good spot to the right of the media tent.

As for the content, it is pretty much expected. I was disappointed that there was so much cheering for Massachusetts, but not one person mentioned that Scott Brown is in fact pro-choice. Granted he was the lesser of two evils and his election did stop the pro-abortion healthcare bill from passing, but I don't think we need to cheer him as much as we did. In Mass he was elected more for his being anti-government and anti-Obama not for his being pro-life. God does work in mysterious ways.
It was nice to see so many people from around the country. I was next to a bunch of people from Kansas and Ohio. It was also nice to see a nice big sign from the Diocese of Buffalo.

After the rally my friend left and I marched along side a religious who was saying a rosary which was nice. There were pro-lifer's along the side of Constitution ave and a huge display from the Genocide Awareness Project with abortion pictures. I think these should be displayed, it's hard to deny that even though the baby is as small as a coin, he is still recognizable as a human being. Seeing these made me very sad that there is really little that I have done for this cause.

Up by the Capitol I met Andy who had gotten out of work and we made our way in front of the Supreme Court. He had gone there earlier and saw some pro-choice folks but by the time we got there there were too many pro-lifers. I saw 4 "Keep Abortion Legal" signs, but could not hear what they were saying if anything. By my estimation the pro-life group outnumbered them 350,000 - 12.

We then walked back toward the mall (as we had tickets to go up the Washington Monument) and there were still people making their was up Constitution Ave.

Now for my thoughts about the experience. I was very encouraged by the number of young people that were there, especially high schoolers. The pro-life movement will be strong in the years to come. I was also moved by the unity. It was clearly a mostly Catholic crowd. There was no doubt about that. Yet there were Anglicans for Life and Jews for Life that were also present (in the crowd and on stage at the rally).

What I took home from this was something unexpected. As I moved through the crown (not being tied to any group) I realized that the whole pro-life movement is about protecting and recognizing the rights and dignity of every human being. From conception to natural death. Yet for me personally, I get so annoyed with people. Stupid drivers on the road, people who throw trash on the ground, and worse yet I can be so judgmental when it comes to someone like a child abuser. Yet what we are called to is to respect EVERYONE's dignity. This event will make me look at everyone differently. I'm convinced a child in the womb needed my love, but I didn't realize that there were others that I wasn't loving.

Overall it was a fast trip for me. I'm tired, but I wanted to write this before I forgot. I hope some of my family and friends will be willing to join me next year. I'll also plan on spending more time after mass at the Basilica for the Vigil for Life.

Small bit of annoyance which I'll mention just to vent. I decided against bringing a camera 1) because I didn't want to lug around an SLR and 2) because I had my phone on me. Well my not-so-trusty old iPhone (2G) kept restarting on me and I couldn't do much. I snuck in a Facebook post and a tweet, and got 2 pictures, but that's it. I had to call my brother from my friend's phone to tell him where I'd meet him. I really hate Apple for making a product that lasted ~2.5 years, forcing me to upgrade.

Vigil Mass for Life

2010-01-22T01:49:00.001-05:00

Tonight I went to the vigil mass for life at the National Basilica of
the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. My brother was kind enough
to tag along.

There is something about a mass with thousands of people that make it
extraordinary. You can almost feel the Holy Spirit.

I admit when I go to church at home I can get annoyed by the slightest
thing out of place. Like someone chatting while I'm praying. However I
don't feel that way during a huge mass like this. All of my prejudices
seem to vanish and I simply fall in love with the Church and it's
universality. It's amazing that thousands show up for mass and receive
Jesus. And even more will be at the March tomorrow and tonight got me
very excited.

Not so much excited that other people who share my pro-life views will
be marching with me. Rather that we can stand together united with God
and his love for us all. From the smallest and most innocent to the
worst sinner imaginable, God loves us all. I'm not here because of
politics. I'm here because of my faith.

Thank you Lord that we live in a country where we can assemble,
thousands strong in the name of Jesus and receive Him in the
Eucharist. I know that I am weak. I hope that if I had lived in time
like that around the time of Christ that I'd be willing to give up my
life for Him. Like we heard about St. Agnes today. How she loved
Christ more than her own life. That's what we are called to. Yet these
freedoms we have we take for granted and get soft. We forget what's
important and Roe v. Wade happens right under our noses.

Tomorrow we'll stand together for what is right. Not because we think
its right but because it is the truth. We will stand up for those who
have no voice.

Two ways are set before you oh man. Life and death. Choose life.

Nick's 2009 Christmas Album

2009-12-05T21:21:00.006-05:00

Andy gave his list of 2009 favorite Christmas songs, so I'll do the same.

1. O Holy Night - Josh Groban
This is my favorite Christmas song and Josh Groban's recording is currently my favorite. I wish I could sing this like he does.

2. Go Tell It On The Mountain - James Taylor
His style really shines through in this great song.

3. The Christmas Can-Can - Straight No Chaser
I, like most people, fell in love with SNC after their 12 Days Of Christmas video that went viral a few years ago. This song of their 2009 album Christmas Cheers is very funny and pokes fun at everything that Christmas shouldn't be about.

4. The Prince of Peace - Trans Siberian Orchestra
Not the kind of song you expect of when you think of TSO. The album version of this song is good. But when I heard it live by a man (very likely the one in the video below) it blew me away.

6. Jesus, Light of the World - Third Day
Christmas Offerings is my current favorite Christmas album and has been for a few years now. Every song is great, and the originals are as well. I also love their version of O Come All Ye Faithful.

7. Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
I love this s-o-n-g. I don't know why, but sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. Sinatra's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is an all time favorite as well, but my girls love this one.

8. Linus and Lucy - Vince Guaraldi
It would not be the Christmas season without this classic TV show. Though the whole album is fantastic.

9. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! - Dean Martin
I remember starting to listen to Dean Martin in college and didn't associate this song with him until Andy took be to a Bills game against Miami in December and it did what it was supposed to and started snowing and they played this song. I'll never forget that game. Ricky Williams ran for 200 yards, but the Bills won led by their then hero Drew Bledsoe.

10. Jesus Child - Denver and the Mile High Orchestra
Sing Alleluia! Praise the Lord! Jesus Child is born today! Can't get out of my head. Timeless Christmas is a decent album if you like the big band-swing style.

11. Winter Wonderland - Harry Connick Jr.
An awesome solo piano instrumental from the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack.

12. The Spirit of Christmas - Ray Charles
It's probably best known for it's appearance in Christmas Vacation, when Clark is locked in the attic watching old movies. One line though baffles me: "I was sitting by the fireside, taking a walk through the snow."

13. Silent Night - Josh Groban
Nice and simple. Simply beautiful.

If you read this, post your favorite songs for this Christmas Season!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T21:29:00.001-05:00

After recounting the many blessings of the previous year, President Lincoln petitioned his countrymen: "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Planned Parenthood Director Quits and Joins Pro Life movement

2009-11-03T10:59:00.001-05:00

Abby left after watching a fetus "crumble" while being sucked out of
his mother's uterus.

Leading up to this was the increased pressure not to 'plan' families,
rather to make more money by performing more abortions.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html

Boo-urns Simpsons

2009-10-11T21:23:00.002-05:00

So I heard that Marge Simpson will be 'posing' for an upcoming issue of Playboy. That sucks because I like the Simpsons, but this is not a good decision. Admittedly Playboy says they are trying to lure in younger readers; and the Simpsons claim it's to promote their 20th anniversary. Young men (and women) do not need to begin to look at porn which is addictive and usually demeans women. This gives them an opportunity to be reeled in. It's a shame.

Logos Bible Software Givaway Continues

2009-10-11T21:05:00.001-05:00

Check it out and enter for October!

http://bible.logos.com/content/giveaway#content=giveaway

Logos Bible Software Givaway

2009-09-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

Logos Bible Software is giving away a ton of great items! ($11,000 worth!)
Check it out:
http://bible.logos.com/content/giveaway#content=giveaway

They've also added some Catholic material recently (though I'd love Ignatius titles to port over... Think Scott Hahn):
Logos Bible Software for Catholics

Back at it... again

2009-09-15T21:05:00.004-05:00

Ok, I'm PO'd because of the Bills last night, so that gave me the motivation to work out tonight. I'm back using My Fitness Coach for Wii. I really like it. I'm not thrilled that it thinks I only burned 125 calories, as I was working my butt off for 30 minutes, but what are you going to do? Something is better than nothing.

I haven't decided if I'll run tomorrow or not. It depends on if I can go up to bed NOW! My biggest challenge with running is getting to bed early enough the night before. My wife hasn't been able to run because our 7 week old doesn't let her sleep through the night, and I admit, I'm not really being a big help when he gets cranky overnight.

But we have our challenge, to run a 5K. To get into shape and live healthier. Wish us luck, and pray for me, that I am selfless enough give her every opportunity I think I deserve to find the time to exercise. I can be extremely selfish that way.

I'll keep you posted.

Don't Drink the Kool Aide

2009-08-17T20:47:00.004-05:00

Funny video/song found at 4marks.com

I tried to embed but couldn't stop it from autoplaying, so here's the link:

http://www.4marks.com/VID0001547YPSY

Cardinal Arinze cautions Asian bishops against false inculturation, liturgical dance

2009-08-17T11:29:00.001-05:00

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3793

From today's Mass...

2009-08-16T19:10:00.001-05:00

Watch carefully how you live,
not as foolish persons but as wise,
making the most of the opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is
the will of the Lord. Eph 5:15-17 from today's second reading.

Couch to 5K Week 3 Complete

2009-07-25T21:43:00.002-05:00

Some of you may know that I have been starting to run a little every
week. It started as a friendly bet with my wife one afternoon when she
mentioned wanting granite countertops. I said "If you can beat me in a
5K then I'll buy you granite countertops."

Me and my big mouth.

So I started www.coolrunnings.com Couch to 5K program. I had been
doing some exercise recently in the form of Wii's My Fitness Coach
which is a great 'game'. So when I started running it was easier than
last summer.

Well now I've completed 3 weeks and tomorrow or Monday (depending on
if the baby decides to be born or not) I take a stab at week 4. Which
to me looks daunting. I have to jog 3 minutes then 5 minutes and
repeat. Up until now I've only had to jog 3 minutes max. I'm a little
nervous. It also probably doesn't help that I've been eating like crap
lately either.

Oh, what's that? Yes. I did start while my wife was pregnant. Is it
fair? No probably not, but I have my excuses. Maybe I'll share them
later. Until then we're still waiting on baby #3. That's more
important than anything else right now.

4-1=

2009-07-21T06:57:00.001-05:00

Africa! Or so my 2 year old says. Quite cute. If I have time later
I'll write about the "chip".

Help Priests for Life

2009-07-19T20:06:00.000-05:00

Read and act to keep abortion out of any health care reform bill.

http://www.priestsforlife.org/blog/?p=716

Building Better Families by Matthew Kelly

2009-07-18T21:12:00.002-05:00

I recently finished Matthew Kelly's book Building Better Families. Matthew is not yet married (though engaged last I read in a newletter; sorry ladies) so his view of family function or dysfunction in today's world is different than the view that a seasoned parent's view might be.

The message in Building Better Families really is no different from any other Matthew Kelly book. If you've not read Matthew Kelly, then I encourage you to pick up The Rhythm of Life. His main message is that we need to become the best-version-of-ourself. In Building Better Families, Kelly applies this principle to our children. Do we as parents try and better ourselves? If not, our children will see that and do the same. Do we want the best for our children? Sure, what parent does not? Yet time and time again, as Kelly points out, that is not how we raise our children.

Raising children is hard enough. Doing it in this culture of consumerism and immorality is even harder. Kelly challenged me by bringing up the issues we face in this culture. More specifically the barage of filth that is flung at our children. I hope to be a better dad because of what has been shown to me. I recommend you read Building Better Families and become a better parent.

Quotable

2009-06-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

"Parenting is not for wimps" - Erma Bombeck

Pope Benedict XVI on Corpus Christi

2009-06-12T18:08:00.002-05:00

With commentary from Father Z.

Show a Podcaster Some Love Thursday!

2009-06-10T21:52:00.004-05:00

On Podcast Answer Man episode 114, Cliff Ravenscraft of GSPN.tv was speaking with Wayne Henderson about "Showing a Podcaster Some Love".
Basically podcasters promoting podcasters.

I'm not yet a podcaster, though I hope to be one someday, but I thought I'd share a couple of my favorite podcasts.

Check them out and give them great reviews on iTunes.

The Daily Breakfast with Father Roderick.
If you don't listen to this Podcast, what rock do you live under? Father Roderick answers questions about the Catholic faith and discussed food, TV, movies, video games and just about anything else. Check out www.sqpn.com

The Podcast Answer Man with Cliff Ravenscraft.
Fr. Roderick mentioned this Podcast one day and I've been hooked ever since. Cliff podcasts for a living and is always ready to help out anyone with questions on how to Podcast. Check out www.podcastanswerman.com

Would I be a martyr?

2009-06-04T21:22:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I take things for granted. A lot of the time actually. But this week we had the feast days of some martyrs, Justin and Charles Lwanga, and a quick homily by the Chaplain where I work gave me something to think about.

He was talking about how Justin simply said no to burning an offering to an idol. He stood his ground and it appeared to be so easy for him to simply be martyred than to betray God. Wow! Stop and think about that.

Then the priest mentioned Dr. Tiller and asked the question, "Where was his pastor?" How come no one at his church questioned his being an usher? The man who personally killed babies for a living was allowed to be an usher in his parish? Why? Why did no one question him? Look how easy it was for St Justin to stand up for his faith, why didn't anyone in his parish?

Yes we need to set a good example, but we are in times were something needs to be said. We cannot be silent anymore.

So then I thought about myself. It's not easy being a Catholic and a pharmacist. I rationalize things all the time. I have stood up more and more for my faith, but if push comes to shove would I allow myself to be fired? Is my job more important than my faith? Is my life? Didn't Jesus die for me?

How about you? Would you die for Christ?

He died for you.

Happy and Blessed Easter

2009-04-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

Christ is risen! Christos Voskres!

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!

Obama Administration to Rescind Conscious Rule

2009-04-05T20:41:00.003-05:00

Visit Freedom2care.org and respond to the Department of Health and Human Services (proposedrescission@hhs.gov) by April 9th.

CatholicVote.com video

2009-02-09T07:40:00.000-05:00

99 Balloons [A video about life]

2009-01-18T21:00:00.001-05:00

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

Have a box of tissues handy. But this is a great video for Sanctity of life.

Abortionist Pleads for Money

2009-01-16T22:32:00.001-05:00

From Dawn Eden.

http://dawneden.blogspot.com/2009/01/abortionist-seeks-donors-to-fund.html

Why the country is in financial distress...

2008-11-28T15:41:00.001-05:00

<quote>"I have never slept here before to save a few bucks, but with the economy so bad I thought that even a few dollars helps," said Analita Garcia of Falls Church, Va., who arrived at a local Best Buy store at 7 a.m. Thursday with 10 family members. She bought a 32-inch LCD TV for $400, slashed from $500, along with an iPod and several DVDs.</quote>

Hmm, so you need to save money, yet you need an LCD TV and and iPod and DVDs.... Even if you were getting them for your children, how does this show them any sort of fiscal responsibility?

Maybe I'm just mad because I paid $999 for my 32 inch TV 2 summers ago...

Father Corapi on the election

2008-11-10T16:57:00.002-05:00

The American people have now made it abundantly clear who they want to lead them, and the policies and practices that this president- elect has represented for some time, they can now claim as their own. Actions have consequences, and I am sure God has duly noted what our priorities are in the US of A. Economic matters would seem to take precedence over moral matters; money more important than life itself to most people (I guess they don't consider almost 50,000,000 innocent children murdered by abortion part of life). Now we shall see what the fruit of such a tree will be. I predict that we won't have to wait long. In recent months we have seen "corrections" in the stock market, housing market, and banking industries. Now we'll see if God orchestrates a "correction" in a country and a world that has demonstrated quite clearly that it prefers convenience and wealth to life itself. Regardless of whatever happens next, remember there is still a God in Heaven and He loves you. He is infinitely merciful—and He is infinitely just as well.

God Bless You
Fr. John Corapi

The Passing of a Young Knight

2008-07-23T10:44:00.000-05:00

A must read.

http://houseartjournal.blogspot.com/2008/07/passing-of-young-knight.html

Quote from St. Augustine

2008-07-02T22:25:00.000-05:00

You were within, I was without; and I sought you out there.

From Confessions 10-27.

Quote of the Day

2008-06-11T08:38:00.001-05:00

I've been reading "Take Five" by Mike Aquilina and Fr. Kris d. Stubna.
It has nice little 5 minute reflections from St. Ignatius. It is all
based around the work day.

Today's quote hit me pretty hard. "Do not permit the children of this
world to show greater care for the things of time than you show for
eternity."

How many times do we focus long and hard and strive for goals which
are only temporal? If I truly loved Christ like I love and study my
iPhone I'd be a saint. Pray for me.

Pope in the Bronx!

2008-02-04T21:45:00.000-05:00

What a blessing! Pope Benedict XVI is coming to the US in April. When I heard he would be saying 2 public masses I was excited. One would be in Washington and one at Yankee Stadium. I knew Yankee stadium would be awesome! My 2 great loves converging! Most of the tickets go to local parishes so I didn't think I had a chance. I asked my buddy Nathan who lives near Washington to see if he could get tickets for the Washington mass.

On a whim I called the Diocese of Rochester to see if they had any tickets. They didn't and I signed up for the waiting list. Then I asked my mom to check with SS Peter and Paul which is a Byzantine Catholic church. She forgot on a Friday but Saturday in the bulletin Father Mike was looking to see if anyone wanted to go to Yankee Stadium to see the Pope say mass! Heck yeah!!! So I called and along with Sarah and her parents are going in April. I am soo excited.

More updates to follow!

Weekly wisdom

2008-01-13T22:37:00.001-05:00

I have been enjoying Father Corapi's weekly wisdom. If you haven't heard, Fr Corapi is doing a weekly show on his web site for about $10 bucks a month you get the weekly broadcasts. This week Fr spoke about the truth. And at the end he mentioned a doctor who asked him if he could prescribe birth control. Fr. said no. Then he told the story of a couple who were both pharmacists who owened their own pharmacy and after listening to Fr. Corapi realized they could no longer sell OCs. Well there was outrage and protests. But then some of the local Protestant churches started preaching that these people were doing what they thought was right and finally the Carholic churches got behind them as well. Well, they ended up having to open 2 more stores because of the response. God blessed them for their faith. I have heard this story before and have often felt god wanting me to open my own pharmacy. I've been afraid because I know nothing of owning my own store and to be honest I am afraid as well. I have had a friend who recently opened a store but I also recently took a job at the VA pharmacy. This job has minimal exposure to dispensing OCs and the other people I work with know where I stand and take care of those orders for me.

A quote from St Francis and a new job

2007-09-15T22:11:00.000-05:00

"Remember, you are what you are in the eyes of God, and nothing else."

Pray for me as I begin a new job at the VA hospital on Monday. One of my hopes is that with at least 4 pharmacists there at all times I won't have to dispense any birth control. I also hope the regular business hours allows me more time with my family. We'll see.

Offering it up

2007-08-04T18:43:00.000-05:00

I had an opportunity this evening to offer up a little suffering to God. It's something I've been working on to become holier. It's not easy, though it sounds easy, to say "I forgive you/them". But in practice, at least for me tonight, it wasn't easy.

It's times like these you really see how
much God loved us when you look at a crucifix and see Jesus dying (literally) to forgive us.

Two glipmpses of the Real Presence

2007-08-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

Two of the past weekends I have had a great and powerful love for the Eucharist made present to me in the two parishes I've attended mass. I'd like to share them with you.

The first was 2 weekends ago at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Auburn, NY. This is where I grew up and attended Catholic school and mass all during my childhood. I was home two weekends ago and went to Church with my mom and Grandma on Saturday evening. After I received communion I noticed as I was walking back to my pew, about 25% of the people behind me weren't going up for communion. Now while this may not necessarily be a good thing, what I took from this moment was that people still believe in the real presence and know that they shouldn't receive if in a state of mortal sin. It showed me that reverence is still strong in my home community.

This past weekend I went to Church at St. Mary's in Alexandria VA. As I entered there were signs on all the doors calling to attention the real presence in the tabernacle and to be quiet and turn off your cell phone. Then the priest explained in his homily why he doesn't use Eucharistic ministers (because his Church isn't big enough to require them) and it was the first mass I went to where the priest did not allow a sign of peace. Now I know a lot of people who would be offended by the removal of the sign of peace, but it was easier to contemplate the Eucharistic Jesus at that point in the mass. I think a sign of peace should be offered at the beginning of mass or at some point just after the homily. The Liturgy of the Eucharist needs to be focused on the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is a gift we take so much for granted these days. It no wonder people leave the Church when there is so little attention paid to the Eucharist. It is Jesus! Really and physically present like no other way. If we as Catholics don't live our lives desiring Jesus in the Eucharist every day, how can we expect to bring others to Christ?

I think I'm going to read ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA and put up some commentary in the next few days.

Today is the first Friday of August. Why not find a Church offering adoration and spend some time with the Lord.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Fathers Day dads!

Wait a minute... Doesn't the Bible say Call no man Father? (Matt 23:9)

This verse is taken way out of context by anti-Catholics. It's also very easy to debunk. St. Paul even calls himself a father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (1 Cor 4:15)

More.

God and Survivor

2007-05-14T14:57:00.000-05:00

Watching the finale of Survivor last night 2 things stood out to me.

First of all, Boo in his questioning of the final 3 addressed Dreamz and his Christianity. After Dreamz had accepted the truck from Yau-man Dreamz "promised to God" that he would give immunity to Yau. Wether or not Boo remembered that I don't know, but at the final tribal council he asked Dreamz 'as a Christian' wether or not he was playing Yau from the outset. Dreamz said he was. Boo said, “I still believe in you, but I still believe you’re an immature Christian, and I hope that one day, you will be a strong Christian man and be able to tell the devil, ‘Dangle all the money you want in front of me; this Christian is not for sale.’”

Props to Boo for bringing up his faith!

Secondly after Earl had won, and they were re-hashing the Dreamz betrayal, I noticed quite the groan and gasp from the audience when Dreamz said, I swear to God."

I can understand why people would gasp at such a comment, but I can harldy imagine that everyone who has gasped has never sworn to God and broken that promise. I wish Dreamz would have apologized for breaking a promise to God. However he didn't and like so many of us we make false promises and use God's name in vain all too often, wether we think we're good people of faith or not. We live in such a backward country. We have abortion on demand, pronography, povery all around us and yet we have the nerve to be 'shocked' when someone else breaks a promise to God. We need less pride in this world and more humility.

In the end Earl won and I was happy beacuse I liked Earl. We won without any backstabbing or trickery. Just one strategic move after another. I wish Yau would have won, but maybe on a all stars we'll get another opportunity.

Great News

2007-05-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

500 priests will be ordained this year.

Article

The Beatitudes

2007-04-30T20:24:00.000-05:00

My next series of posts are going to deal with the beatitudes.

Marcus Grodi's weekly bible study Deep In Scripture did a great 5 episodes on the beatitudes. I encourage you to listen to them. They are free and you can find them in the archives.

For the time being just meditate on them.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.

2007-04-14T22:30:00.000-05:00

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. It is very fitting we celebrate it on the Second Sunday of Easter. We need God's mercy. We thank him for it. We say Lord have mercy so much however we forget that we truly do need it.

We are sinners. Without God's grace and mercy we would be dead. It has been said, that if all the sin in the world were added together, it would be but a drop in the ocean of God's mercy. How lovely and infinite God's mercy is.

Thank you Lord for your infinite mercy. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Pray for God's mercy not only for yourself, but for all those who need it most.

More on Divine Mercy Sunday

One Solitary Life

2007-04-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

A child is born in an obscure village.
He is brought up in another obscure village.
He works in a carpenter shop until he is thirty, and then for three brief years is an itinerant preacher, proclaiming a message and living a life.
He never writes a book.
He never holds an office.
He never raises an army.
He never has a family of his own.
He never owns a home.
He never goes to college.
He never travels two hundred miles from the place where he was born.
He gathers a little group of friends about him and teaches them his way of life. While still a young man, the tide of popular feeling turns against him.
One denies him; another betrays him.
He is turned over to his enemies.
He goes through the mockery of a trial; he is nailed to a cross between two thieves, and when dead is laid in a borrowed grave by the kindness of a friend.
Those are the facts of his human life.
He rises from the dead.

Today we look back across nineteen hundred years and ask, What kind of trail has he left across the centuries? When we try to sum up his influence, all the armies that ever marched, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned are absolutely picayune in their influence on mankind compared with that of this one solitary life…

This is the original essay by Dr James Allan Francis in “The Real Jesus and Other Sermons” © 1926 by the Judson Press of Philadelphia (pp 123-124 titled “Arise Sir Knight!”).

Christ is Risen!

2007-04-07T06:57:00.000-05:00

Xristoc Voscres!!!

Where I am you will also be.

2007-04-07T06:43:00.000-05:00

Look where Jesus is. That is where you will be too. Jesus told us to pick up our cross daily!

Suffering is a key element in Christianity. When you are anxious, or tired, or physically sick or injured and you wonder why... Look at a crucifix.

For the crucifix is the greatest evil and the greatest good all at the same time. It is a paradox. The evil, diecide. The good, Redemption.

Sit at the tomb of Jesus today. Pray.

The Prodigal's Father

2007-03-12T20:12:00.000-05:00

One thing that struck me when I heard the story of the prodigal son this week, was the forgiveness of the father. The absolute and complete forgiveness.

While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’

His father seemed to ignore what he had said. He just said "bring a robe". He could have cared less what the son did. His forgiveness was total and complete.

"Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

God forgives us too. All we have to do is ask.

The Prodigal Son

2007-03-10T15:28:00.000-05:00

Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them Jesus addressed this parable.
“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,
‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’
So the father divided the property between them.
After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings
and set off to a distant country
where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
When he had freely spent everything,
a severe famine struck that country,
and he found himself in dire need.
So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens
who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,
but nobody gave him any.
Coming to his senses he thought,
‘How many of my father’s hired workers
have more than enough food to eat,
but here am I, dying from hunger.
I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I no longer deserve to be called your son;
treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’
So he got up and went back to his father.
While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’
Then the celebration began.
Now the older son had been out in the field
and, on his way back, as he neared the house,
he heard the sound of music and dancing.
He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
The servant said to him,
‘Your brother has returned
and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf
because he has him back safe and sound.’
He became angry,
and when he refused to enter the house,
his father came out and pleaded with him.
He said to his father in reply,
‘Look, all these years I served you
and not once did I disobey your orders;
yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
But when your son returns
who swallowed up your property with prostitutes,
for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’
He said to him,
‘My son, you are here with me always;
everything I have is yours.
But now we must celebrate and rejoice,
because your brother was dead and has come to life again;
he was lost and has been found.’”

Commentary to follow...

J + M + J

Repent and Believe

2007-03-08T19:47:00.000-05:00

J + M + J

Lent is here. We are in the middle of the second week.

How are you doing?

I'm doing ok. Trying to make Mass daily. I'm not fasting as much as I should, and I'm going to try and begin to do better tomorrow. I gave up chocolate, but that just means more sugar cookies.

I've been watching a series by Fr. Corapi; A Lenten Retreat.

In the second hour, he talks about the immorality of America. God will not tolerate our immorality. 9/11 will look like a walk in the park compared to what's coming. We need to wake up as a nation. Allowing abortion on demand will not be tolerated.

We have to have faith. What's faith? Think about that for a second. What is faith? Is faith believing in God? Well, that's a start. But the devil believes in God. So there must be more. The Catechism says, "In faith, the human intellect and will cooperate with divine grace: "Believing is an act of the intellect assenting to the divine truth by command of the will moved by God through grace."" (155).

Faith is assenting to the will of God. Believing is cooperating with the truth that is Jesus Christ.

Repent. Believe. That is the teaching of Christ. (Matt 3:2, 4:17)

Smokes and Soda

2006-06-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Archbishop Sambi highlighted the global role of the United States and the U.S. church with an anecdote about when he was the Vatican representative to Indonesia several years ago.

One Christmas, he said, he decided to celebrate the feast with a visit to a small, remote, primitive village where "I could not drink the water" because he was not immune to local bacteria or viruses. Then a smoker, he also forgot to bring enough cigarettes with him.

When he arrived in the remote village, he said, in its street shops "I found Coca-Cola and Marlboros."

"I think the United States and the church of the United States has something more to bring to the world than Marlboros and Coca-Cola," he said.

Get the whole article from CNS.

Trinity Sunday

2006-06-10T22:14:00.000-05:00

We had a great homily tonight from Deacon Bill. He spoke of the Trinity. How it is how God chose to reveal Himself to us.

The best part came when he spoke of the sign of the cross. When we make the sign of the cross we begin:

"In the name of the Father..." and we touch our heads to ask for wisdom and understanding, and to acknowledge God as Our Father.

"In the name of the Son..." and we touch our heart, the symbol of love. And God is love. Jesus is the great lover of the whole world.

In the name of the Holy Spirit..." and we touch each shoulder, asking that our arms and hands to the works of the Lord.

We finish with an, "AMEN". Ans we hold our 3 fingers together, another sign of the trinity.

It in itself is a prayer as we acknowledge the One God in Three persons.

The Trinity is a mystery. We can't explain it, however, it is our faith and we believe in the Trinity God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN!

The Coverup

2006-06-01T08:08:00.000-05:00

Fr. Stephanos has uncovered a conspiracy!!! Well Jimmy Akin showed me, so I'm showing you.

GET THE STORY!!!

Revelation 3:20

2006-05-04T22:27:00.000-05:00

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

"I will come into him" and eat with him and he with me.

Give me something... Anything

2006-04-29T09:15:00.000-05:00

In yesterday's gospel reading the story of the feeding of the 5000 was told. Yet it was like hearing it for the first time.

Jesus asks, "Jesus said to Philip, “How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?”

How foolish must Andrew have felt? To give Jesus 5 loaves and 2 fish for over 10,000 people? But this is what Jesus wants. It is what Jesus asks of you and me. "Give me something. Anything! No matter how big or small." And look what Jesus did with only a few loaves. Jesus will do that for you and me if only we give something to Him first.

Jesus doesn't ask much of us, but with a little faith and love even the smallest of offerings to our Lord can be made into something we could not even imagine.

Right after this passage in John, Jesus teaches that He is the Bread of Life. And that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood. He's speaking of course about the Eucharist. And he just showed us that he could feed the multitudes from one offering. He does the same for you and me at every Mass.

In Mark and Luke, Jesus commands that he multitudes sit in hundreds and fifties. Little communites representing the future Churches that would all be fed by the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Believe in the Eucharist. Jesus said, This is my Body, This is my Blood. It's so easy to see what Jesus the Lamb of God is doing by giving us himself as the Passover sacrifice.

Man fell because he ate bad food. Jesus is the good food, the Bread of Life.

My Wiki

2006-04-28T20:48:00.000-05:00

For those of you who frequent the site. (All 2 of you) ;) I have created a wiki site on piscotikus.com.

Goto www.piscotikus.com/wiki to check it out and feel free to put anything you want on there. The mainpurpose of the wiki is for personal commentary and reflections and even essays if you want. Anyone is free to post and you don't have to sign up for anything. Instructions forhow to usethe site are on the main page.

For Thine is the Kingdom

2006-04-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

I was listening to a Scott Hahn talk, and he mentioned, "For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory" part of the Our Father. Something which outside of Mass, Catholics usually don't pray. However mnay protestants do.

The epilogue is actually not scriptural. It is not found in any early copy of Matthew or Luke. It was added to later versions.

I just thought it was an interesting example of Catholics relying on Scripture and prtestants relying on tradition.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion...

2006-04-23T20:59:00.000-05:00

Have Mercy on us and on the whole world.

"Jesus, I trust in You."

Happy Birthday Mother Angelica

2006-04-20T20:06:00.000-05:00

EWTN has touched my life so much.

She had $200. Look at it now! And who says you can't move mountains?

Divine Mercy

2006-04-20T12:12:00.000-05:00

This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday

Know your ABCs:
A — Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach
Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and
asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon
the whole world.

B — Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy
and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to
extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does
to us.

C — Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know
that the graces of His mercy are dependent upon our
trust. The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will
receive.

MORE ABOUT THE DIVINE MERCY

Christos voskrese!!!

2006-04-16T08:11:00.000-05:00

Christos voskrese iz mertvych, smertiju smert poprav, I suscym vo hrob'ich zivot daravav.

Christ is risen from the dead, conquering death by death and to those in the grave bestowing life. And He gave us eternal life, let us bow before His third day resurection!

Catholic baseball star credits God, church for not striking out in life

2006-04-11T00:09:00.000-05:00

From Catholic.org

I am Peter!

2006-04-10T23:47:00.000-05:00

You are...Peter. Strong, intelligent, and ready for adventure, you are secure enough to admit when you need help or advice. You lead by example, not command.

Which Narnia character are you?

Palm Sunday

2006-04-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

Check out the Curt Jester's Palm Sunday Post!

San Xavier del Bac Mission

2006-04-08T21:25:00.000-05:00

Some pictures I took of the San Xavier del Bac Mission outside of Tuscon, Arizona.

Check out the website!

The Gospel of Judas

2006-04-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

You may begin seeing "The Gospel of Judas" programs begin to pop up. It's validity has yet to be determined but it is a Gnostic Gospel.

The Gnostics believed that the world is evil and they seek the pursuit of mysticism or "special knowledge" (gnosis) as the central goal of life. They feel they are the only ones who know the "truth". The Gospel of Judas supposedly shows that Judas knew this truth and thus knew he had to have Jesus killed.

Zenit has put up an interview with a theologan about it.

Get the Interview Here!

Ride Captain Ride!

2006-04-04T21:37:00.000-05:00

Updated Link, Sorry!!

Check this out and Ride Captain Ride!

Opening Day

2006-04-03T22:29:00.000-05:00

Something always gets me emotional and super excited about opening day. I don't know what it is exactly, but I always look forward to this day every year. It truly is one of the best days of the year.

I got to thinking a little bit though on the way home from work, "What role do sports play in life"? After 9/11 it was pretty clear that sports aren't important. Baseball took a few weeks off and it was somber for the remainder of the season. But it is such a big part of not only the US, but around the world.

I recall Spring Training 2 years ago. I went to a game and remember getting someone's autograph (I have the autograph, but couldn't tell you who it is. Someone who played for the Devil Rays). Anyway he was trying to tell these 12 and 14 year old brothers who were Jewish, about Jesus. You could tell he loved the Lord. And I think that that's where sports and religion can cross and mix. Sports stars are role models. They need to set an example for all of their fans. This particular played spoke about his gifts from God, and how God has given us all gifts, some big, some small. Now maybe talking about Jesus to Jewish children went a little too far, but the fact that I remember it makes be believ that others who were with me do too. This was before my reversion so I didn't really speak with him about religion at all, I just wished him a good season.

As I got closer to home the lineups were read from the radio announcer, and I just got giddy for a few minutes. I can't really tell you why. I just love this time of year. It's a time when we can forget about the past and look to the future. Kind of like this Lenten season. We can forget our sins of the past, and look to the cross, where Jesus died for them. Don't ever forget that. That is why we have so much hope. Jesus hanging on the cross.

I'm sure God likes sport. He has given these gifts to His people, and this is their stage to use their talents. Pray for athletes. Pray that they will be good role models for our cihldren. Pray that they will not be greedy with the money they make and that they may give to those less fortunate.

As I get ready for bed, my Yankees are up 12-1. Hopefully a sign of things to come. Let us remember Jesus however is undefeated. And we know who will win this game of good vs. evil.

RSV-2CE

2006-03-30T09:53:00.000-05:00

I just got my RSV-2CE in the mail yesterday!!! Only $25 from Amazon. Not a bad deal. It's leather bound, but best of all it's the latest version of the Bible from Ignatius press!

RSV-2CE is The Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition. The Catholic edition simply contains the 7 books omitted by most Protestant Bibles. The 2nd edition "revises archaic language of the first edition, but avoids dumbing-down the text." Surely to be a good read!

I've already moved my bookmarks! But the only problem with a new Bible is the fact that all of your markings are in the old one... so I may have to do some searching in the future.

My only problem with this version is that there is still very little margin room for notes. This is something that I hoped they would address. But with my Logos software, I may begin using that to study and keep notes. I just need them to release RSV2CE for Libronix!

What are you doing May 19?

2006-03-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

Why not go to the movies? From Quoth the Maven:

May 19th is the date the Da Vinci Code movie opens. A movie based on a book that wears its heresy and blasphemy as a badge of honor.

What can we as Christians do in response to the release of this movie? I'm going to offer you the usual choices -- and a new one.

Here are the usual suspects:

A) We can ignore the movie. ........The problem with this option: The box office is a ballot box. The only people whose votes are counted are those who buy tickets. If you stay home, you have lost your chance to make your vote heard. You do nothing to shape the decision-making process regarding what movies will make it to the big screen.

B) We can protest. ........The problem with this option: It doesn't work. Any publicity is good publicity, after all. Protests not only fuel the box office, they make all Christians look like idiots. And again, protests and boycotts do nothing to help shape the decisions being made right now about what movies Hollywood should make (or shape the decisions away from what we might prefer).

C) We can discuss the movie. We can be rational and be ready with study guides and workshops and point-by-point refutations of the lies promulgated by the movie. ........The problem with this option: No one's listening. They think they know what we're going to say already. And once again, nothing changes if this is the response we opt for.

But there's a fourth choice.

On May 19th, you should go to the movies.

Just go to another movie.

Save the date now. May 19th, or May 20th. No later than Sunday, May 21st -- that's the day the ballot box closes. You'll get a vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box office window on opening weekend.

Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice. They won't have a choice.

Right now there's only one other studio movie scheduled for release, the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. Based on the early trailers, my kids already want to see it. Let's all go see it. (Or another just-opened movie of your choice, pending the final release schedules.)

Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects -- without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too.

May 19th. Spread the word. Post this on your own blog, send it to friends on your e-mail lists. And let's all go to the movies.

Piscotikus.com gone?

2006-03-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

My year on the domain name piscotikus.com has come and gone... but no one bothered to tell me about it. I'm working on getting it restored. Please reply and let me know if you even look at the site so I know wether or not to keep it.

Remember Terri Schiavo

2006-03-18T22:37:00.000-05:00

An email I received today... I didn't realize it's been a year already.

Pray for things like this to end. Pray for life.

I was listening to Father Corapi on the way home tonight and he said, "Talk is Cheap. There comes a point when they don't listen. Prayer is not. God always hears."

Dear Friends,

One year ago we fought together on behalf of Terri Schiavo at BlogsforTerri as a loose coalition of independent bloggers, commenters and readers. Despite our protests, we watched with sadness and alarm as Terri's food and water were withheld and her life was ended in a cruel exercise of power.

Through it all, the Schindler family's strength and resolve helped us remember the God given intrinsic dignity of human life and the value of each individual regardless of their capabilities.

March 18, 2006, marks the one-year anniversary of the day Terri's feeding tube was removed. We hope you will participate with us at BlogsforTerri.com (stop by and leave a comment) and around the Blogosphere as we contemplate the value of human life, pray for the weak and helpless and speak out against their oppressors.
[Bloggers, please join with us over the next 13-days and write about Terri's life and death, honoring her memory by making the argument for why lives like hers should be protected, respected, and loved ( more here).]

We also hope that you will Take Action by supporting the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation. Terri's brother, Bobby Schindler, recently wrote to us:
We thank you and your readers for your prayers, compassion and support of our family during what was the most difficult of times. Knowing we were not alone in the battle for Terri made all the difference in the world.

As we move forward to confront the culture of death movement in this nation we hope that you will stay with us. We need you now, more than ever, in the battle to aid and defend the needy and advance a Culture of Life through loving action, education and advocacy .

The Schindler's have written a new book called "A Life that Matters", which is unlikely to receive the positive review it deserves in the mainstream media. Purchase a copy and one for a friend, spread the word and remember.

Please, visit TerrisFight.org and get involved in the Foundation's work. Participate in the Will to Live Project and donate generously to the Foundation's current fundraising efforts. It is your support and involvement that will bring about success in the fight for the disabled and the battle against care rationing, euthanasia and medical killing.
Thank you for speaking out on behalf of the weak and defenseless and changing our nation by promoting a Culture of Life.

--The BlogsforTerri Team

Could this be AJ?

2006-03-15T10:33:00.000-05:00

What did you give up for lent?

2006-03-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

Marchelino D'Ambrisio has a nice little article about Abraham willing to offer his son Isaac to God. It makes candy and video games seem like nothing.

He goes on to say that God gave up His Son for us. We should keep that in mind this lenten season.

Get the story.

On another note, I've been praying the Stations of the Cross this lent. It's sometihng I haven't done since grade school, but it's something that really moves me. To walk with Jesus along the road toward Calvary is truly amazing. He knew, just as we do, where he was going and what was happening. To contemplate and pray about His sentencing, His falls, His help along the way kind of reflects our own lives. It really gave me perspective this evening as to what 'carrying my cross' means. It means little things. All too often I wondered what crosses I should bear. But it really is little things that are the crosses God gives us day in and day out. Today for me it was the little boy 2 pews in front of me running back and forth. It was cooking dinner for my wife. It was filing my taxes. Everything we do we should offer to God as a cross we bear for Him. Especially our sufferings, which we unite with the crucified Jesus.

Pray the Stations, at least once this lent. Concentrate on each step of Jesus's path. It will open your eyes.

In Christ...

J Mac

2006-03-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

For those of you who haven't heard about Jason McElwain, I encourage you to view the video in THIS LINK.

Athena's run ended last night, and we probably won't hear about J Mac for a while. But his story teaches us about the value of life, and how no matter how different you may be, if you have your chance you have to take it. J Mac had one chance and made the best of it, and one could wonder why the coach didn't put him on the team.

Basically, God created us all differently. We each have our talents and have to make the best of them. We may only get one chance to do something. We need to make the most of it when that chance comes along, because it may never come along again.

Ahh South Dakota!

2006-03-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Today's reading is from the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus tells us, "Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find." How often do we ask and God seems not to listen?

Consider Roe V. Wade. I can't imagine the number of people who continually pray that abortion be banned. I myself pray daily for the end of abortion. Yet it would seem that God isn't listening. I can assure you he is. Thanks to all of our prayers, South Dakota has put into law a ban on all abortions.

It's difficult for me to understand any reason for abortion save that of saving the mother's life. However, wouldn't a mother put her own life asid efor that of her child? An article from CNN (which I won't publish the link for because it's garbage) says that now that abortion is gone, the rest of women's right's will go to.

What does abortion have to do with women's rights? The mother isn't dying. She's just carrying a child for 9 months. ('just' may be an understatement I know). But this is what our society does. They twist things around so that they seem more appealing, and easier to get behind.

We need to make very clear, that it is the CHILD's rights that we are praying for and defending. The unborn child has every right that you or I do. Including a chance at life.

The woman's 'choice' was made when she had sex. Wether protected or not, only abstinence is 100% effective. Therefore every act should be done with the knowledge and inderstanding that there is a chance (though contraceptives lower that chance) of conceiving.

We live in a world of double standards. Abortion isn't legal, yet Scott Peterson gets 2 counts of murder. How does this make any kind of sense at all?

We need to keep praying, not just for an end of abortion, but for healing of those who have committed abortions. God's mercy is so infinite that he would forgive anyone no matter what they have done. We can't imagine his love and mercy. As Jesus taught us, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."

Pray, please.

Baby Pool

2006-03-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

Click Here to enter my baby pool. Game name is R1stBaby (case sensitive). Good luck.

I'm trying to decide what if anything I should give to the winner...

Obi Wan Canoli, Dark Tater

2006-03-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

Store Wars

Learn the ways of the Farm.

A Masterpice I found. Thanks to Mark Shea for the link.

To Organic food everywhere!!!!

Rack Shack and Benny

2006-03-08T00:02:00.000-05:00

On February 24th, Andy had his debut concert playing lead guitar and vocal for Rack Shack and Benny. The first ever Cafe Yahweh coffee hour was definitely a hit for all who attended. The crowd of roughly 40 people were in a state of schock and laughter as 3 Elvis masked band members took the stage and played a spoof of Heartbreak Hotel to begin the night. When unmasked, drummer Mark told the audience that sometimes we all wear masks and we need not hide behind a mask, and that Jesus was our true king.

The band then played many Christian renditions of songs from the Beatles, George Harrison, Johnny Rivers and more.

All in all it was a great night of fellowship and good music by 3 bad musicians. Just kidding. Luis was awesome on the bass, Andy was great on guitar and Mark was a good drummer. We shall see who Cafe Yahweh brings in this month and if they can't find anyone, maybe Rack Shack and Benny will have to make a second appearance.

New again?!?!?!

2006-03-07T23:47:00.000-05:00

Haha, yes. As usual I've decided to start anew. Lent is the season for new beginnings and a deeper faith. I've decided to begin (or try again) blogger.com for my blog hosting. We'll see how it pans out. Let me know what you think.