An Easter Treat that Lasts Forever . . .

This song is from the perspective of St. Peter after the Crucifixion. Amazing video and song that really brings home the feast day's meaning today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyPBVwOCYmM

Let There Be Peace on Earth - A Prayer for our Easter Season and Beyond . . .

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

A Blessed Easter 2013!

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
 Latin carol, 14th cent.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
Praise him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

Good Friday and a Prayer Petition for the World!

Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray a
Rosary on the same day! We have an example in October of 1573, when
Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet, by the
praying of the Rosary by all Christians!

So, on Good Friday March 29,2013, let us all pray a Rosary for peace
in the world and the return of moral values into our communities.
Please pray for a great and Holy Pope. If possible, please pray your
Rosary between Noon and 3:00 PM.

Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address
list, and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their lists.
Let's unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in existence,
for these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our Church year.



God bless us all!

Comtemplating an Aspect of Good Friday . . .

As with everything in God's world, there is always a symbol and reason. Why was Jesus crucified on a wooden cross?

 

First, Augustine observed that crucifixion is not only painful, it is painful and public. The public nature of Christ's death inspires us to face death heroically.

Second, Augustine observed that since Adam brought death through a tree, it was fitting that the New Adam destroy death by hanging on a tree.

Third, John Chrysostom and Theophylact observed that by being lifted up on the cross, Christ sanctified the air.

Fourth, Athanasius observed that by being lifted up on the cross, Christ shows that He has prepared the ascent into Heaven.

Fifth, Gregory of Nyssa observed that the shape of the cross was fitting for because it extends in the four directions and is therefore universal. Also, Athanasius wrote that the one outstretched arm sanctified the those in the past and the other arm as outstretched to the future. So we have both a spacial and temporal universality signified in the crucifixion.

Sixth, Augustine says the parts of the cross signifies the following:

Breadth – This pertains to Christ’s hands and thus "good works"

Length – This pertains to the upright nature of a tree and thus "longanimity".

Height – This pertains to the top and Christ’s head and “the good hope” of the faithful.

Base – The base is the root and it is hidden, thus it signifies “grace”.

 

Seventh, Augustine observes that wood is salutary in the Old Covenant. Wood saved Noah in the Flood. Moses divided the sea with a wooden rod; purified water with wood, and brought forth water with his wooden rod. Also, the Ark of the Covenant was made of wood.

from Saint Thomas Aquinas Summa theologiae III q. 46, a. 4.

How low can we go?

If you can get arrested for hunting or fishing without a license, but not for being in the country illegally ...you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If you have to get your parents permission to go on a field trip or take an aspirin in school, but not to get an abortion ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If the only school curriculum allowed to explain how we got here is evolution, but the government stops a $15 million constructi on project to keep a rare spider from evolving to extinction ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If you have to show identification to board an airplane, cash a check, buy liquor or check out a library book, but not to vote who runs the government ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If the government wants to ban stable, law-abiding citizens from owning gun magazines with more than ten rounds, but gives 20 F-16 fighter jets to the crazy new leaders in Egypt ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If, in the largest city, you can buy two 16-ounce sodas, but not a 24-ounce soda because 24-ounces of a sugary drink might make you fat ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If an 80-year-old woman can be stripped searched by the TSA but a woman in a hijab is only subject to having her neck and head searched ... you might l ive in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If your government believes that the best way to eradicate trillions of dollars of debt is to spend trillions more ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If a seven year old boy can be thrown out of school for saying his teacher "cute," but hosting a sexual exploration or diversity class in grade school is perfectly acceptable ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If children are forcibly removed from parents who discipline them with spankings while children of addicts are left in filth and drug infested homes ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If hard work and success are met with higher taxes and more government intrusion, while not working is rewarded with EBT cards, WIC checks, Medicaid, subsidized housing and free cell phones ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If the government's plan for getting people back to work is to incentivize NOT working with 99 weeks of unemployment checks and no requirement to prove they applied but can t find work ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

If being stripped of the ability to defend yourself makes you more "safe" according to the government ... you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots.

Limited Diversity . . .

According to the dictionary, diversity means:

the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness: diversity of opinion. 2. variety; multiformity. 3. a point of difference.

According to the Starbucks coffee company, they honor and respect diversity . . .  except when one's diversity from their norm goes against what they might disagree with these days. The following link to a recent declaration by Starbucks sure says a lot what they will 'allow' as diversity.

http://joemiller.us/2013/03/starbucks-ceo-no-tolerance-for-traditional-marriage-supporters/#ixzz2OdKs3Ijz

Our world is comprised of millions and millions of people and not any two people think entirely alike. Given the differences, we are allowed to disagree but should not be allowed to physically, mentally, financially, or socially hurt another simply because they hold values that do not coincide with our own. We all have our reasons for the way we believe which can be social, ethnic, religious, etc. The beauty of America, as founded, was that we could all be one country and allowed the freedom of being ourselves.

The most recent 'discussion' on the American table is whether same-sex marriage should be legal. There are hardly any people taking a middle of the road stance on this. The arguments continue and will do so until the Supreme Court makes the final determination. Although, I, like many others, have my own view on the matter, it seems sad that a business that should be open to the public (It's called making a profit!), would challenge people that oppose their view to don't bother coming into their place of business.

Now, I know that I may be shopping at places that aren't in line with my moral standards in life but a company is allowed to donate where they will. My husband's boss doesn't tell him what organizations or charities he should be allowed to support with his salary. I feel the same way about businesses that provide the groceries, necessities of life, recreation, etc. They use their profits for their personal agendas. That is their right, it is the American way of life.

However, after reading about the attitude of the Starbucks Company, I have to wonder how they can claim diversity yet with the same breath tell the opposition that they are not welcome to invest or even patronize their establishment. What dictionary did they extract the meaning for diversity.

We like Starbuck's coffee and often, in the past, treated ourselves and friends to one of their offerings. The menu is varied and the coffee drinks are usually pretty good. Now that the CEO of Starbucks has strongly stated his no tolerance policy for anyone against his concept of tolerance, I think it is time for our family to start checking out the smaller coffee establishments. If I had stock in the company, it would have been sold the day the Starbuck CEO made his statement. If I want coffee, there are other places. Not doing this for vindictiveness but rather to honor the CEO's wishes. One doesn't go where one isn't wanted and the CEO has made it pretty clear that he'd rather lose stockholders and business than actually celebrate the diversity of this country.

Disturbing Nap Time . . .

 Marcella tends to sleep the day away but just try and motivate her to wake up or play and we get the 'look'!

Experiments . . .

 While I was doing other chores, I set the sewing machine to trying some new designs today. The pink heart is very small but took 38 minutes because of all the overlay work on it. The bookmarks are going to my daughter and her friends who reside with six in-house felines. I really should be finishing up quilts but the lure of new design patterns tempted me from the straight and narrow today.

I have also discovered that patience is an ongoing virtue when you want to add embroidery patterns to your computer but don't want to go into debt doing so. I browse through the patterns on three sites and put the ones I really would like into the 'wish-list' section. Then I wait . . . Eventually, all sites have some kind of sale and the one today offered patterns for a dollar apiece if you purchased ten. Since most of them usually run six dollars and up, that was quite a savings.

I'm still amazed about sewing these designs onto 'plastic' and then removing the 'plastic' and having only the thread work left.

Sign of Peace or Mere Greeting . . .

In many Catholic Churches, today, the Sign or Kiss of Peace has gotten way out of hand. Instead of a devout, dignified part of the liturgy, it has turned into a mad scramble to grab as many hands as possible before the priest reaches the Lamb of God and, even then, people are still racing around the church looking for unshaken hands. To me, it is a major distraction to what we have gathered at Mass to celebrate. It is not a time to renew friendships or grab in bear hugs people we just talked to coming into Mass. A missionary priest once explained the right and wrong way to approach this part of the Mass and a parishioner came out exclaiming, "If I want to extend the Sign of Peace and Christ's Love, I'm going to spread the Peace of Christ to as many people as possible!" This was even after it was explained that this was symbolic and if you run  around the pews in a handshaking frenzy, you are just greeting people . . . and greeting people belongs outside of the church.

A friend passed the following on to me from her church bulletin. It is nice to see a pastor giving such good instruction and I hope he has better luck with it than I've seen at our parish!

The Kiss of Peace has two directives from Scripture; to greet each other with a holy kiss, and, to leave your gift at the Altar and be reconciled with each other. Neither directive is to be taken literally. It is symbolic of the Peace of Christ flowing from the priest who is Christ to the people gathered in thanksgiving and then to all we meet beyond the Assembly. IT IS NOT A FREE-FOR-ALL. The Kiss of Peace should be characterized by dignity, not frenzy. So here goes:

1) The priest says: "The peace of the Lord be with you always".

2) We respond: "And with your spirit".

3) He says: "Let us offer each other the sign of peace".

4) We turn to the persons on our right and on our left and offer our hand (or if it is someone we are morefamiliar with, our cheek) and say "Peace be with you".

5) They respond: "And with your spirit".

We have to remember that the Eucharistic Liturgy/Mass is the Prayer of Christ to His Father. It’s NOT ours. We are privileged guests and we should behave with dignity and decorum, with respect. It’s not a rave or a tailgate party. So let’s take the instruction from our Bishop seriously and respect WHAT we do, and DO it with reverence.

God Bless Our New Pope!

“In the Gospel we heard that “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife” (Mt 1:24). These words already point to the mission which God entrusts to Joseph: he is to be the custos, the protector... How does Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand... How does Joseph respond to his calling to be the protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By being constantly attentive to God, open to the signs of God’s presence and receptive to God’s plans, and not simply to his own... God does not want a house built by men, but faithfulness to his word, to his plan. It is God himself who builds the house, but from living stones sealed by his Spirit. Joseph is a “protector” because he is able to hear God’s voice and be guided by his will; and for this reason he is all the more sensitive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping. He can look at things realistically, he is in touch with his surroundings, he can make truly wise decisions. In him, dear friends, we learn how to respond to God’s call, readily and willingly, but we also see the core of the Christian vocation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation!” ~Pope Francis

Full text of Inaugural Mass homily: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-homily-for-inaugural-mass-of-petrine-ministry

Pope Francis - A Quote!

“When one does not profess Jesus Christ, one professes the worldliness of the devil…When we walk without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, and when we profess Christ without the Cross, we are not disciples of the Lord… I would like that all of us, after these days of grace, might have the courage – the courage – to walk in the presence of the Lord, with the Cross of the Lord: to build the Church on the Blood of the Lord, which is shed on the Cross, and to profess the one glory, Christ Crucified. In this way, the Church will go forward. My hope for all of us is that the Holy Spirit, that the prayer of Our Lady, our Mother, might grant us this grace: to walk, to build, to profess Jesus Christ Crucified. So be it.” ~Pope Francis

Being Kind to the Welfare Recipients . . .

I always thought it might cause problems to just give money to people in need without some monitoring of whether they used it for the purpose intended - to help them through a rough patch in life. Since the onset of cash cards for welfare recipient use, guess what?? Are you surprised that it has fostered a lot of abuse? Interesting video clip revealing just how much of the money given to 'needy' people is not being used for real needs.

Granted, government help is useful to people who are Earnest in  trying to get back on their feet but just handing dollars to people without any feedback or monitoring of how it is spent, is asking for disaster. After listening to this video, I have to wonder 1.) Did these people really require welfare assistance and 2.) If it was spent on vacations and gambling, did they have to apply for more to actually get through the mundane expenses of life like food, rent, etc.?

This addresses only California. Think of what goes on in other states like
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. This is insanity!
http://videos2view.net/welfare-vacations.htm_

 

 

Sewing Machine Surprises!

  When I purchased my sewing machine, I made sure the machine could do everything I might want to do and a bit more. Three or more weeks later, I discover yet another facet to my sewing machine's deep nature . . . it makes lace!

When I was browsing for embroidery patterns to download, I kept running across some that were prefaced with FSL and wondered what that meant but put it to the back of my mind as I was on a quest for a particular design and all the ones shown with FSL didn't appeal to me. The reason they didn't appeal to me is that they were too delicate and didn't seem to be workable for my needs and, besides, I still didn't know what FSL meant.

I finally discovered what FSL meant and you can see the results in the picture - Free Standing Lace. You can actually make lace on the sewing machine. I'm practicing on something doable like bookmarks. The way it works, is that you purchase something that pretty much looks and feels like heavy plastic wrap. Instead of putting fabric in your embroidery hoop for the sewing machine, you use this stuff. Then, with ordinary embroidery thread, you make the FSL pattern of your choice. When it is completed, cut away the excess 'plastic wrap' and then rinse off the newly-made bookmark with warm water to dissolve the product between the smaller holes and designs of the project.

It wasn't an easy start as it took some time finding the sewing machine needle that would cope with this without breaking the thread. I tried eight bookmarks and ended up with the ones shown - not too bad an average! I'm still amazed to hold a piece of lacework in my hands and know it is nothing but thread!

Catholics that don't represent real Catholics . . .

Although I'm looking forward to Pope Francis officially becoming Pope next week, there is one or two major flies in the proverbial ointment. The president is sending representatives from the United States to attend this historical event. He is not, however, in any sense of the word sending real Catholics representing the Catholics in the United States. It was with some horror that I heard that Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden were part of the group attending.

Now, I know that we must not judge the hearts of other people but their outward words and actions more than bring into play what is actually in their hearts and it is not Catholic in the sense of the Commandments or rules of the Church. In fact, both of them have been quite open on their views on abortion and contraception which is totally against Catholic teaching.

http://www.lifenews.com/2013/03/15/pro-abortion-catholic-nancy-pelosi-to-attend-pope-francis-inaugural/

I will still be watching the televised event from Rome but can only imagine the saints and relics housed in and around Rome wondering what the world has come  to since they suffered and died to protect what these two tear apart so easily.

The 'eyes' have it!

While I was going about my chores, this morning, I noticed I was being supervised by our cat, Marcella.

She has developed a new trick. Whenever she can't find us or wants to play, you can hear hear meowing as she wanders around the house. When she finds one of us, she always has a toy in her mouth which she drops at our feet and then look expectant. Today, I realized how much she relies on us. I had gone to pick up my son from college. When we opened the backdoor, the toy was resting on the doormat. Marcella had obviously either gotten bored or lonely while we were gone.

An Afternoon of Work?

 My husband said that unless I work on my sewing machine every day and not with just straight sewing, I'm not getting my money's worth. Oh, darn, I had to spend the time trying out new embroidery patterns I downloaded this morning. The suffering I'm going through!

I enjoyed the 'practice' as they were small patterns and only took about 30 minutes each depending on how many thread changes I had to make for the colors. I've found the main thing is to be very, VERY careful when threading the machine and always start with a new needle.

I do have plans for the completed ones with visions of new and improved tote bags and quilts dancing through my head. I also learned to multitask today . . . While the machine was doing it's work, I did necessary hand sewing on projects that were neglected with the invasion of the new machine.

We have a Pope!

So, I was sitting down to watch some stupid show on television while I ate my lunch today. I happened to turn the television on to Fox News and they were watching the chimney over the Sistine Chapel, again, waiting to 'see' the latest vote. I decided to stay on and watch, too. Suddenly, GRAY smoke started out, not black so there was a momentary pause when it rapidly turned puffy and WHITE - we have a Pope!

Naturally, these final announcements take time so it was almost another hour before we found out WHO was our new Pope. At that point, we only knew the vote had been taken and approved. This was the first time I was in on the process from the announcement until the new Pope actually appeared. I have to say that from what I saw, heard, and have read about our new Pope Francis I, it seems we have gotten ourselves a strong, conservative Pontiff in Rome. Already, there are murmurs about his stance on certain controversial topics but it only shows he is making people who would harm the Church a bit nervous.

His first words were to pray for Pope Benedict and before his blessing to the world, he asked for our prayers for him. I'm praying he is a 'young' 76 year old and has the time to make a real difference in our Church and the world. I can only imagine the celebrations going on in Argentina at the news.

Cookie Break! Lemon-Apricot Pecan Bars!

Too many serious topics to think about so I'm thinking about cookies this morning. I like the combination of a short crust with lemony apricot topping . . . these cookies fit the bill quite nicely. I also like a one-pan baking especially when I have more than baking chores to do.

Lemon-Apricot Pecan Bars

1/3 cup brown sugar (dark or light is fine)
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter, diced and cold
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and either cut the butter in with two knives, a pastry cutter, or use your fingers to reduce the mixture to the size of coarse breadcrumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a vegetable oil sprayed 8x8" baking pan. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Leave the oven on for the next step.

3/4 cup dried and chopped apricots
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
grated zest of one lemon
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Place the apricots, water, and juice in a pot and simmer for about 10 minutes or until fruit is soft. Strain the liquid but save the liquid.

Return the apricots to the pot and add the lemon zest, sugar, cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the saved cooking liquid. Cook for about a minute. Remove from heat and let mixture cool for about 15 minutes before spreading the topping over the crust. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. Cool thoroughly before cutting into bars.

A nice touch is to melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the cookies before they are completely cool. Another method is to melt enough to glaze the whole top of the bars. Again, it must be cooled before cutting especially with the addition of the chocolate.

Three Votes and No Pope . . . Yet!

Like the majority of the world, I was glued to the television yesterday awaiting the first sign that the cardinals had cast their votes. As is general news now, the first vote earned black smoke meaning no new pope elected - yet! This morning, two more rounds of black smoke so the suspense is still in place.

Yes, I have my favorites for the new pope but know that the final result will be God's Will not mine although I'm prone to sending up suggestions! It has been fun, amusing, and interesting to read the secular reports on the process and the wishes for people in what they look for in a new pope. Noticed a lot of modern nuns saying they wanted a pope who gave them a bigger voice in the church. Makes you wonder how the Bible would have been written if the Blessed Mother made such demands of her Son?

Read an article that said that unless the Church 'changes its ways', meaning go with the sinful flow of the world, it will gradually lose it's membership and authority. Uh, it's been over 2,000 years and we continue to grow. I think a lot of people like the idea of a religion but not the rules that prohibit them from the sins of the world like abortion, contraceptives, etc. If you want to be in the 'club', follow the guidelines of the 'club' or find/found your own religion. The Ten Commandments aren't all that controversial!

Meanwhile, we wait and you can be sure my radio will be tuned in all day in hopes of being there when the awaited announcement is made.

No Excuse for Not Cooking . . .

After watching an episode of America's Worst Cook, I had to wonder about the mental capacity of these self-professed horrible keepers of the kitchen. I've always felt that if you can read, you can cook. Following basic recipes with a minimum of ingredients will usually provide one with an edible meal. Practice will eventually provide one with a better meal. When someone claims they can't even boil water, you have to wonder exactly how unmotivated they are that they find excuses to not provide nutritious food for themselves and their family.

My mother came from a culture when education came first so she got very little training or insight into the workings of a kitchen. She got married, she and my dad got hungry, they were living on an airman's salary . . . she had to learn to cook. The go-to cookbook for her was a big, fat one she found in some thrift shop. It was worn when she bought it and the pages, over the years, took on the fragile transparency of a well-used prayerbook or Bible. In some ways, it was right up there with those books as it what how she learned to sustain her family at the dinner table.

Naturally, she was not without mishaps and mistakes but, after the tears, they became the cooking legends of the family. My mother ended up being a great cook and it was because she wanted to provide and she bothered to take the time to read.

I got some training in the kitchen to a small extent but I found I liked to cook and bake and read my way to a certain competence in the culinary scope of the kitchen. Before I could rest on my accomplishments, I got married and my husband had certain allergies to some of the spice packets and such I used to cook meals. I started reading both the labels on the 'helping' stuff but researched how to make the items from scratch. You won't find a lot of canned or prepackaged items in my kitchen these days and it actually saves on the grocery budget.

Like just about anything in life, if you want to do it, you can do it . . . if you bother to work at it. I have had so many weird remarks made to me over the years because I enjoy being in the kitchen. "Your mother could cook so it's easy for you!" "You like being in the kitchen so it comes naturally to you." Uh, I could stand in the kitchen all day and unless I actually made an effort, nothing would happen. "You are a health nut and like to cook healthy." If you have a family, shouldn't YOU like to cook healthy, too? "My mother didn't teach me to cook so I'm hopeless in the kitchen." My mother became a working mother when I was seven so I learned a lot on my own if I was hungry enough. "Even if you didn't actually cook with your mother, you got your aptitude through osmosis." Okay, if one can absorb such knowledge through just being around cooks, a few trips to a gourmet restaurant and you'd be set for life, right?

I have to admit that having a husband and children was an extra push to cooking to the best of my ability. But, the fact that I was responsible for keeping people other than myself healthy, played a huge role in my desire to improve over the years. I figured that besides pleasing my family, I'd eventually have to report in to God about how I took care of the blessings He sent me.

Prelude to the Beginning . . .

The cardinals have gathered in Rome and the conclave to elect the new pope begins today. I imagine Emeritus Pope Benedict is most prayerful today as he remembers his time during the last papal election. I read the various articles and columns about all this and am glad the world doesn't get to vote on this important election. It is now a wait and see process. One wonders where they will be and what they will be doing when the white smoke plumes in the sky and we know the announcement is close at hand. There are many cardinals that would make a good successor to Pope Benedict but God's plans will make the final decision. We hope and pray.

I'm also feeling a bit old today as I count back on all the popes that I've 'lived' through to date. I remember listening to the radio and hearing the somber tone of the reporter saying, "Pope Pius XII is dead." I guess maturity and age played into my thoughts as I found the election of Pope Benedict the most exciting. I remember heading down the road for shopping and the announcer saying, "We have white smoke!" I made the fastest U-turn in history and headed back home to get my children gathered around to hear. With amazement, we heard that Cardinal Ratzinger had been elected and knew for sure that God is in charge because he was the most conservative in a world of liberalism.

So, this week is going to be interesting and anxious as we wait and pray for the cardinals who have the future of the church in their hands. They are locked away from the world with only their prayers and the Holy Spirit to keep them company.

How the Apostles Died

How The Apostles Died

1. Matthew

Suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, Killed by a sword wound

2. Mark

Died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by Horses through the streets until he was dead

3. Luke

Was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous Preaching to the lost

4 John

Faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge Basin of boiling oil during a wave

of persecution In Rome . However, he was miraculously delivered from death.

John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos.

He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed

and returned to serve As Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey . He died as an old man, the

only apostle to die peacefully.

5. Peter

He was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross.

According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy

to die In the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

6 James

The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast

pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he

survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.

* This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.

7. James the Great

Son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus Called him to a lifetime of ministry.

As a strong leader of the church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem.

The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial.

Later, the officer Walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he

declared his new faith to the judge and Knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

8. Bartholomew

Also known as Nathaniel Was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed for our Lord in present day Turkey.

Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.

9. Andrew

He was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers

they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was

led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: 'I have long desired and expected this happy hour.

The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it.' He continued to preach to his

tormentors For two days until he expired.

10. Thomas

Was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the Sub-continent

11. Jude

Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

12. Matthias

The apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

13. Paul

Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. Paul endured

a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had

formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational

Doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

Perhaps this is a reminder to us

That our sufferings here Are indeed minor compared To the intense persecution And cold cruelty

faced by the apostles And disciples during their times For the sake of the Faith. And ye shall be

hated Of all men for my name's sake: But he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew

Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God WILL!

Novena For the Election of the Pope

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come.
From thy bright heavenly throne!
Come, take possession of our souls,
And make them all Thine Own!

Thou who art called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The Living Spring, The Living Fire,
Sweet Unction, and True Love!

Thou who are sevenfold in Thy grace,
Finger of God's right hand,
His Promise, teaching little ones
To speak and understand!

O guide our minds with thy blest light,
With love our hearts inflame,
And with thy strength, which ne'er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.

Far from us drive our hellish foe,
True peace unto us bring,
And through all perils guide us safe
Beneath thy sacred wing.

Through Thee may we the Father know,
Through Thee the Eternal Son,
And Thee the Spirit of them both
Thrice blessed Three in One.

Now to the Father, and the Son
Who rose from death, be glory given,
With Thee, O holy Comforter,
Henceforth by all in earth and heaven.

Amen.

Prayer

O Lord, with suppliant humility, we entreat Thee,
that in Thy boundless mercy
Thou wouldst grant the most holy Roman Church a pontiff,
who by his zeal for us,
may be pleasing to Thee,
and by his good government may ever be honoured
by Thy people for the glory of Thy name.
Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
who with Thee livest and reignest world without end.

Amen.

Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
pray for us who have recourse to Thee!

Papal Trivia . . .

There is, of course, nothing trivial about a papal election but throughout the Church's history, there have been some interesting bits of trivia pertaining to the papal lineage.

The longest the Church has ever been without a pope was 1268-1271 when Gregory X was finally elected. This election was taking so long that the faithful finally put the cardinals on a diet of bread and water which seems to get the voting back on track!

The first Roman to be elected pope was St. Anacletus in 76.

The last Roman elected to be pope was Pius XII in 1939.

The first Italian pope was St. Linus in 67.

The last conclave held outside Rome was in Venice in 1800. At that conclave, Pius VII was elected. The reason the conclave was held in Venice was because that period of time was marked by uncertainty for the Pope and Roman Catholic Church following the invasion of the Papal States and abduction of Pius VI under the French Directory.

The Catholic Church Chooses a Pope!

Like most Catholics, I'm excited about the conclave being convened this week for the purpose of voting for our next Pope. Since we aren't also mourning the recent death of the previous Pope, there is a different feeling about this election. There is a lot of conjecture about who will actually be elected. I know from other papal elections that the ones we are sure will be in the running are not always the ones that are given the title. Naturally, I have favorite cardinals but await the white smoke the the final decision.

The Conclave starts this Tuesday. Before the voting even begins, some cardinals are selected by lot to gather the ballots of the sick who cannot attend the regular voting sessions. In fact, these cardinals will be sequestered at St. Martha's House. Some other cardinals are given the task of counting the ballots. Voting begins with only one ballot on the first day. In the following days, if necessary, two ballots will be taken in the morning and two in the afternoon. You have to wonder who has the most anxiety - we the people of the Church awaiting the announcement or the cardinals prayerfully voting and asking for God's Will to be done through them.

The ballot paper is rectangular with the words Elligo in Summum Pontificem in Latin which translates to "I Elect as Supreme Pontiff" written at the top with room for the cardinal to write in the name. The ballots are then folded twice and carried to the altar. As each cardinal casts his vote, he says aloud, "I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected". The ballot is then placed into a receptacle, they bow, and return to their place.

When all the ballots have been cast, they are immediately counted. Each ballot is pierced with a needle through the work Eligo and place on a thread. After the names have been read out loud, the ends of the thread area tied into a knot. If someone has obtained two-thirds of the votes, the canonically valid election of the Roman Pontiff has taken place and we have a pope!

Once a pope has been elected and before the cardinals leave the Sistine Chapel, all the ballots are to be burned along with any notes written by the cardinals.

Until a pope is elected, the ballots are burned and the black smoke indicates to the world that they are still at work on this. Once a pope is elected, the burned ballots are done so as to emit white smoke and the cheering and anticipation begins until the actually announcement is made public.

After three days and no two-thirds vote for anyone, voting is suspended for a day of prayer, discussion, and spiritual exhortation. After a series of seven further ballots, the process may again be halted for discernment until, finally, only the two cardinals who received the most votes in the last ballot are eligible for a runoff election. The two candidates cannot themselves vote.

You are what you eat . . .?

We live in a world where everyone has an opinion on what works or doesn't work for them nutritionally. Many people start a 'health' diet without enough personal research into long-term effects, possible side effects, inadequate nutrition, and the effect it might have on children. This article shows up a concern that has actually cost children their lives.

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/12-year-old-vegan-has-the-degenerating-bones-of-80-year-old/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29

Yes, we need to eat better in order to live better. Most healthy eating is thoughtful and fine for most everyone but, like anything in life, going to far in one direction can be hazardous for your health.

When we decided to try going gluten-free, I did some research and the one 'problem' could be a lack of the B vitamins given the lack of wheat products. We added a multiple B vitamin to the diet and have not experienced any problems. We are, however, vigilant and keep possibilities in mind. Actually, omitting wheat isn't taking away a really main component in the diet as all the meats, fruits, starches, and vegetables are still in play. Going totally vegan without any milk protein, however, could have it's problems as the article indicated.

I think that adults are free to eat whatever diet they want to but need to take more consideration into the possible effect on babies and children. Going gluten-free has been very helpful to my husband. We have not, however, limited wheat products for our children.

The world is a fantastic place to live in when it comes to what we eat and what is available to eat. We just need to do our homework and make proven, sensible choices.

The new pope has a wife? :-)

According to the news, the conclave for electing the new pope begins this coming Tuesday and the world will anxiously await the signal of the white smoke and the announcement of who the new head of the Catholic Church on earth will be. Meanwhile, some people recently interviewed are making uninformed voters look brilliant as they answer questions about the 'new pope'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iz-LxZnPjJA

The Papal Conclave . . .

The cardinals are gathering in Rome. There are meetings going on and they are talking among themselves to get a feel for who would/should be a contender to head the Catholic Church. The secular media keeps talking about voting in a cardinal that will bring the Catholic Church into the current century . . . in other words, allow birth control, abortion, and married priests. Interesting how they think that is what the Church needs to survive. Have any of these media hounds stopped to consider that many things have come and gone in the world but the only mainstay in over 2,000 years has been the Catholic Church? Seems to me that kind of records might indicate that we are doing the right thing.

Today, I read that reports are about who would be a 'safe' vote which sort of indicates to me that until the more liberal faction can get liberal change they don't want anyone stepping up the discipline too much. I remember, years ago, when the Vatican was sending out some enforcement of rules (which escapes me right now) and when I mentioned this to some people from our parish who were active in the parish, they said, "Well, if we can implement the changes into our routine, we will do it, otherwise, it won't apply to us."

I have a feeling that whatever comes our way, the Church will withstand if even if we go through more turbulent times. We, as Catholics, can't vote for the next pope but we can pray and prayer often surpasses human efforts.

Getty Villa - Outside views . . .

 As amazing as the artifacts housed at the Getty Villa are, the villa, itself, is also fantastic. It is modeled after an ancient Roman villa. You walk through the covered pathways, view the pools, fountains and start to wonder about the people of that time and how they actually lived.

Gluten-Free Bake Day at My House . . .

 Someone's friend was just diagnosed with celiac and is a bit down about not being able to grab a cookie or treat without thinking about whether or not it has gluten. Frankly, I've looked at a lot of commercial gluten-free products and the cookies and crackers don't look all that great. If I'm going to add calories to my day, I'd prefer they be on the slightly decadent side. So, to help out the friend, I spent the day baking some gluten-free crackers and cookies. Considering my first efforts at the beginning of the year, I'm doing pretty well. I've mastered chocolate chip cookies and brownies! My saltines and common crackers are tasty for snacking, too. Anyway, I have a couple of tins filled with treats for the 'new celiac'. Not really a chore and a good excuse to bake during Lent!

A Reason to Visit the Getty Villa!

 Just about thirty years ago, my husband and I first met at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles County. Today, we went back with our nineteen year old son. He had a school project to work on and we enjoyed seeing all the changes that come about in the space of 30 years. There was quite a lot as the Getty Villa was actually closed for almost ten years for renovations. Basically, we couldn't find too much that we recalled but thoroughly enjoyed viewing the ancient artifacts in the actual replica of an ancient Roma Villa.

Walnut Cookies

Although this recipe is not gluten-free, my brain is already thinking about how to turn it into a gluten-free recipe one of these days. Fortunately, we aren't celiac and don't have to worry unduly over wheat but a recipe challenge remains a part of my future!

Walnut Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped walnuts.

If you have time and are thinking ahead, before you chop the walnuts, toast them in a 350 degree oven until just fragrant, cool, and then chop. It really add a nice dimension to the cookie.

Preheat over to 300 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream the butter until it is light and fluffy. Add 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Stir in the flour, vanilla, zest, cinnamon, and walnuts.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets about an inch apart to allow for spreading. Flatten slightly and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden. Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack set over another baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining sugar and let cool.

Adding poison to our milk?

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/aspartame-with-milk-may-trigger-brain-seizures/

This was a scary article and from all the remarks and other mentioned articles, something to be aware of these days. I mean, what next? How many times as parents have we chided our children with, "Finish you milk, it is good for you!" Seems from this article that it might not be so true. And you have to wonder why the milk companies are allowed to dictate laws to the FDA.

One reason for the extra sweetening is that children aren't drinking enough milk. The thought is to make it sweeter and entice more children into consuming it thus raising the revenue of the dairy companies. Think about it . . . It doesn't end if you merely stop serving milk to your children. The aspartame is showing up in ice cream (made from dairy), milk drinks at our favorite coffee haunts, shakes when we grab a hamburger, even the cheese on our hamburger.

We were roundly chastised by both sides of the family when our children were small because we never put out glasses of milk at dinner time. Our thinking was that milk has a lot of fat and calories and we would rather the children fill up on protein and vegetable items, first. We considered milk a treat. We did get a pat on the back from the pediatrician when she found out our 'rule' as she did not advocate too much consumption of milk.

Another consideration regarding this addition of aspartame to the milk supply . . . many people have mild to severe allergies to aspartame. My husband found this out when he got a massive vertigo attack and had to be taken by ambulance to emergency. After we figured out the problem, we religiously avoided anything that showed any kind of artificial sweeteners in the ingredients. It wasn't enough. We were out and about, one day, and treated ourselves to an ice cream cone at a popular ice cream place. Won't mention names here! My husband got chocolate and within an hour, he got a bad vertigo attack. He had asked if there were artificial sweeteners in the ice cream and the clerk assured him they were only in the diet blends. A little research revealed that aspartame and such are often added to non-diet foods to enhance the sweet taste and, as in this case, not part of the labeling.

You have to wonder what the milk board and companies that knowingly use daily products containing aspartame are thinking? Even with the bad effects, my husband's allergy to aspartame is minor compared to other people. Don't they worry about lawsuits if someone gets sick because the information wasn't forthcoming? What about small children? Will the future bring about severe problems because they got a sweet treat as toddlers?

My family used to laugh at me because I didn't care for potlucks as I didn't know under what circumstances the food was prepared. The FDA seems to be turning our country into a potluck nightmare.

Hope this ruling doesn't pass or that the information is exaggerated but how much or how little aspartame is really okay?

The Year of the Snake . . .

I heard it was the Year of the Snake and it did not have anything to do with our politicians currently in power! Since my son lives overseas, we tend to think more along the lines of anything Asian. I put my embroidery machine to work but only had a pattern for a Chinese dragon - a snake with legs, perhaps?

My son is all-American but currently became a co-host on a couple of radio programs in Taiwan. It was fun to find his first hosting performance on-line and listening to how he did. From a mother's point of view, he was perfect. Although he is fluent in Chinese, the station deals with an international audience and it is in English. It was amazing to hear the call-in audience and learning they were from all over the world including several state in the US. You never know where the baby they put into your arms ends up in the world!

Wheat Flour Need Not Apply . . .

The first thing that comes into mind when you think 'gluten-free' is how will I ever bake, again? The next thing, if you adventurous, is to heat up the keyboard as you search for ways and means to get around the one missing ingredient. There are many versions of what to use to replace wheat and everyone has success with one or the other. Making dough without wheat is a different process and texture change. It is not, however, impossible. Right now, my favorite blend is pretty simple to make and the ingredients are easy to come by without breaking the bank.

Simple Gluten-Free Baking Mix
2 1/4 cups white rice flour
1/4 cup potato starch
2/3 cup tapioca flour
3/4 cup glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour)
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons xanthan gum

Mix the ingredients and store until you use it. The 'sweet' rice flour isn't really sweet, just has a slightly different effect on the overall mixture. You will find that a pound of xanthan gum will run around $11 but don't succumb to sticker shock. It lasts a long time as you only need two teaspoons for this mixture. If you are making a recipe using brown rice flour, alone, you will add about the same amount, too. One pound goes a long way . . . and if the recipe calls for it, you need it!

Compared to about five years ago, a google search will turn up a multitude of recipes for baking cookies and cakes. My best advice when deciding on a recipe is to read all the remarks in the comment section following most recipes. That way, you get input from people who have actually made the recipes and get insights into what really worked in the long run, possible changes, or suggestions.

Vanilla Buttermilk Cookies

These are great for snacking or slipping into the school/work lunchbox. They are
simple yet tasty and mix up quickly. An easy recipe for a new baker in the
kitchen!

Vanilla Buttermilk Cookies
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 tablespoons very cold butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix together the dry ingredients. If you are using a mixer, combine the flour
and butter until the mixture is grainy not smooth. Combine the vanilla and
buttermilk. Add the buttermilk mixture gradually, stirring it until it comes
together into a soft dough.

Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into round circles with your
choice of a cookie cutter size. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets about an
inch apart. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes depending on the size of your
cookie and the oven. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

A drizzle of lemon icing wouldn't go amiss if you are feeling extra festive!

More Gluten-Free Crackers

Although we don't need to go gluten-free, the diet has greatly improved my
husband's digestive health which makes us wonder if his might be slightly
celiac. Anyway, I enjoy a challenge in the kitchen and am always looking for new
and unusual ways to incorporate new recipes into our menu.

Just tried this very simple, basic cracker. It is plain but addicting and goes
well with dips, salsa, or just snacking alone.

Gluten-Free Crackers
2 cups white rice flour
1 cup sweet rice flour (also known as glutinous rice flour
1 cup tapioca starch
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
Approximately 1 - 1 1/2 cups very cold water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine rice flours, tapioca starch, sugar, baking powder, and
salt. Mix a few seconds to incorporate the ingredients.

Add the shortening and mix until mixture resembles coarse meal. While running
the mixer, add bit of water until a workable dough forms. Go slowly on the water
because it is easier to add more water than take it away, again!

Between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out half the dough to very thin. Cut
out circles (or whatever shape you like!) of dough and place on prepared baking
sheets. They can be placed rather close as they don't spread during baking. With
a fork, prick tops of each cracker.

Bake until the crackers start to turn pale golden brown. Depending on the
thickness of your crackers and the oven, this could take 15 to 20 minutes. Keep
an eye on your first batch to gauge the time.

Cool on a wire rack and store in a sealed container. They should last about four
days but only if your family doesn't know where you hide them.

Aftermath of sewing . . .

 Although I'm enjoying the challenges of learning how to embroider on my sewing machine, I only have eight sewing bobbins and end up having to waste thread here and there when I need one color and all the bobbins are filled with every color but that color. Most of the designs I've tried have  eight to ten thread changes. My end of the day clean up around my sewing table looks just like this picture. Times like this when I'm glad my husband talked me into buying a portable dust buster!

Satire for the Day . . .

I didn't check Snopes on this but I'm sure it's true.


WASHINGTON, DC - Sources close to the White House have learned that Barack Obama is planning to run for the office of Pope when the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a successor to ailing Benedict XVI at the end of this month. Calling on the promise of Equality for All, Obama is said to firmly believe that the time has come for a non-Catholic to occupy the Vatican's highest office.

Foreseeing a looming citizenship issue he states that he has discovered an Italian birth certificate that proves he was born in Rome before he was born in Kenya. "That Hawaiian birth certificate never has been worth what I paid for it anyway", he noted.

Continuing, he concluded, "And there's no way that a handful of cardinals could be more expensive to buy than 10 million voters in Michigan." Further questions should be directed to Obama's Papal Campaign Manager, Abdul Azheem Khan.