Prayer Request!

 A friend at morning Mass asked if I could send on a prayer request for her very ill niece, Ophelia.

So much that needs prayer in our world, today, but if you could send a prayer heavenward for the intentions of Ophelia and her family, I know you will be likewise blessed.

Another important prayer request that deals with basic freedoms could be taken away as soon as tomorrow.

Tomorrow, August 1, 2013, the Health and Human Services contraception mandate goes into effect.

In other words, tonight at midnight we'll lose a key part of our religious liberty.

This is more than unacceptable; it's un-American. But Congress failed to act when we lobbied them to institute conscience protections legislation and only President Obama can prevent this destructive mandate from going into effect...but we  know that will never happen.

So, is God sending a busy signal?

From the stupidities that continually come out of Washington, I can only assume the powers that be here on earth seem to think God is too busy to continue His care of the US and the world. When obamacare was first put forth, many feared and said that a health care system that featured a 'death panel' wasn't in line with the freedoms we, as citizens, should enjoy. A system that makes the life/death decision for a stranger based on the system's view of the situation in regards to cost, age, viability, etc., is an Act of God that has been usurped by mere men. I'm sure our elected officials have very good reasons for this as they seem to live in an environment not shared by us common folk.

Since the inception of the obamacare mandate, there have been rumors and downright accusations about there being a death panel involved in the socialized medical law to which Washington constantly denied. Guess evil and the truth eventually find their way into the open, however.

http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/29/howard-dean-admits-obamacare-includes-death-panels-wants-them-repealed/

What is interesting to contemplate is that the writers of this distasteful medical insurance disaster don't seem to think past the end of their noses.  What if they are the ones being judged worthy to live or die based on a medical condition? If they aren't worried then they are getting specialized treatment so if obamacare is good enough as a whole for the masses, why won't it apply to the self-appointed elite?

The Blame Game Fails . . .

Now, Consider This: There are more people on Welfare in Illinois than there  are people working.
Chicago pays the highest wages to  teachers than anywhere else in the U.S. averaging $110,000/year. 
Their pensions average 80-90% of their income. You can't  blame that on republicans because there aren't any.
Wow, are  Illinois and Chicago great or what?
Be sure to read till the end. I've never heard it explained better.
Perhaps the U.S.  should pull out of Chicago ?
Body count: In the last six  months 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago .
221 killed in Iraq  AND Chicago has one of the strictest gun laws in the entire US.
 
. Here's the Chicago chain of command:

. President: Barack  Hussein Obama
. Senator: Dick Durbin
. House  Representative: Jesse Jackson Jr.
. Governor: Pat Quinn 
. House leader: Mike Madigan
. Atty. Gen.: Lisa Madigan  (daughter of Mike)
. Mayor: Rohm Emanuel
. The  leadership in Illinois - all Democrats.
. Thank you for the combat zone in Chicago .. Of course, they're all  blaming each other.
. Can't blame Republicans; there aren't  any!
. Chicago school system rated one of the worst in the  country. Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!
. State  pension fund $78 Billion in debt, worst in country. Can't blame  Republicans; there aren't any!
. Cook County ( Chicago ) sales  tax 10.25% highest in country. Can't blame Republicans; there  aren't any!
. This is the political culture that Obama comes  from in Illinois . And he is going to 'fix' Washington politics  for us???
. George Ryan is no longer Governor, he is in the  big house.
. Of course he was replaced by Rob Blajegovitch  who is...that's right, also in the big house.
. And  Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned a couple of weeks ago.  That is because he is fighting being sent to...that's right, the  big house.
. The Land of Lincoln , where our governors make our license plates.
But you know what? As long as they  keep providing entitlements to the population of Chicago ,  nothing is going to change, except the state will go broke  before the country does.

"Any man who thinks he can be happy  and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him;  better take a closer look at the American Indian."

 

 

 

 

 

Definitely a Summer Cookie!

http://www.cookieclubrecipes.com/cookies/nobake/no-bake-cookies1.htm

No oven. Not too much fuss. Tastes good! My kind of cookie on a hot day when you need to provide a treat for family/friends.

The Bounty of Summer . . .

 Although we are not always happy with the hot temperatures during the summer, the very sun that makes us miserable aids in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden.

Between the dogs and the gophers, my husband has had a battle this year so didn't have the time or energy to plant quite as much as other years. What we do have growing is, however, coming along well.

We just enjoyed a whole three cherry tomatoes last week. And, no, I didn't share! I made eggplant chips from several Japanese eggplant raised in our garden. Both orange trees have a lot of little green oranges we hope will ripen in time for holiday meals in the Fall. The lemon tree is overproducing, as usual. The peach tree didn't work out as well but we got enough peaches to blanch, slice and freeze. I have three bags of them in the freezer to enjoy when peaches are no longer in season. My best surprise is our three-year old pomegranate tree has finally produced fruit and several of the pomegranates are as big as my fist. They are one of my favorite things to eat. I'm hoping that this year, I won't have to brave the cost of them at the store but just reach out to our garden and grab one.

Playing in the Middle of the Street?

 We've all grown up with our parents telling us, "Don't play in the street!" so how much fun would it be to bring home a picture seeming to go against these parental wishes?

A visit to Universal Studies in Hollywood provided just such a moment for us. Although it looks like our group is standing in the way of traffic, if you look closely, you can see a line behind them indicating the traffic is a very realistic wall picture. Being good actors, this bunch managed to portray some tourists more interested in the view than the oncoming traffic.

Unlikely Good Samaritans . . .

We all know the Bible story of the Good Samaritan who stopped and tended to the needs of the hapless traveler he found injured by the side of the road. By the time he got there, other people had gone by who should have helped but decided for one reason or the other that it wasn't their business. Their concept of human kindness did not extend to strangers that would upset the ordered balance of their day.

We ran into such a situation one time, years ago. My husband was on his way to pick up our son from work. A huge pickup truck decided that merging onto the freeway didn't have to take into consideration cars already in the lane he wanted to be. The self-centered, lawless driver of the truck decided that bashing into my husband's much smaller car suited his purposes . . . and he did so. The impact sent my husband's car into the middle of the busy freeway, careened it off the middle divider and spiraled it back to the side of the road. Fortunately, the airbag bore the brunt and my husband escaped with a burned arm and the scare of his life.

Immediately, he got out of the car in case it caught fire and an ambulance that happened by, stopped and put a temporary dressing on his burn before they went on their appointed rounds. They also notified the police to come and take the report. The truck driver? He didn't even stop to see if he'd hurt/killed my husband! It was a very hot day so my husband was surprised when a woman stopped and had him sit in her air conditioned car until the police arrived. The police arrived, assessed the situation, made a report, and called a towing service. The towing service not only towed the car but dropped my husband off at our home which was very much out of their way . . . at no extra charge.

We didn't realize how much of a Good Samaritan story we had about strangers being kind and the people who were supposed to be Christian, ignoring the situation until the following Sunday. We were talking to fellow parishioners after Mass and relating the car accident and showing a picture of our totaled car. One woman said, when I showed her the pictures, "Oh, I know about your husband's accident. My daughter and her family (whom we know) saw him standing in the heat by the side of the freeway on our way home." I was shocked as this woman was the one who would pray the loudest at church, was super modest and always talking Faith to our pastor. Not only does it seem she hadn't taught her daughter the basic precepts of consideration, she, herself, couldn't be bothered to call me during the week to see if my husband was okay.

To this day, it has taught me that Christian behavior isn't how long and loudly you might pray or how often the pastor tells people how wonderful you are. True kindness is found in the trenches of life where it might be inconvenient but necessary to put our a helping hand.

St. Augustine always knows . . .

"Trust the PAST to the Mercy of God, the PRESENT to His Love, and the future to His Providence." -St. Augustine

Dinner of Choice - Fast & Easy!

So many times, we come home from a hectic day and think we do not have a single thing in the cupboard/refrigerator for dinner. Actually, for a simple, quick dinner, you'd be surprised to find out that you do have the means for fixing a good meal and your family just might eat it, too.

Any Way You Want It Frittata
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour*
1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables, defrosted
1/2 cup cooked, diced meat - your choice!
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 cloves peeled garlic, crushed and diced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 tablespoon cooked and crumbled bacon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large frying pan with a lid, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until tender. Set aside for the moment.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and flour. Mix in the defrosted vegetables, meat, rice spices, onion, garlic, bacon and cheese.

Heat the frying pan until hot but not smoking. Pour in the egg mixture and turn down to low. Cover with the lid and cook on low for about 20 to 25 minutes or until set and cooked through. It is low and slow on this to prevent burning.

Remove from oven and let set for a few minutes and then either remove from pan or just cut wedges straight from the pan to serve. Goes well with a green salad with a light dressing.

*Substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if you are on a wheat-free diet.

Time is Running Out . . .

 Life can be frustrating. So many 'nibbles' about adopting these sweet kittens and none of the offers pan out and the babies get older and we are being forced to make decisions!

Two families 'wanted' the kittens and then changed their minds without telling us until we followed up on it. I wonder what God has planned for the people who dumped the kittens in another neighborhood for someone else to contend with and to free up their own, selfish lives?

We figure we have to do something soon as the kittens are getting attached to us (and we to them!), but we can't keep them. We already have a cat and two dogs and a house that we prefer to keep in order for humans. We kind of already know what we have to do but dread taking the kittens to the vet to be put down. Yes, we know it is a more humane way than taking them to the less than desirable animal shelter but knowing that we are signing them off is heartbreaking.

We are giving them another couple of weeks but their prospects seem bleak and we are very sad about this.

There is always hope . . .

In a world where life has been cheapened to the point that 'Christians' will vote for politicians who promote abortion, it is so overwhelmingly wonderful to see what a tiny, unborn baby can unleash in the hearts of caring people.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/hundreds-of-families-offer-to-adopt-baby-with-down-syndrome-slated-for-abor

Take a moment and consider this: From the priest who first approached the couple with a plea for the life of their unborn baby to each and every person who passed on the message and prayed, we were a united front for good and each had a part in saving an actual life. I can only think that dealing with God's Time in all this, that this baby is a wonderful lesson to us all in regards to the sanctity of life.

Do you have real friends . . .?

http://taylormarshall.com/2013/07/do-you-have-real-friends/

This is a great eye-opener about who you keep in your life and their actual relationship to you.

Something to think about . . .

We used to have a wonderful, practical, spiritual pastor who often reminded us that we have to protect and love our children. He said that a woman who abuses a child can never be considered a mother in the true sense of the word.

Today, I open up my e-mail and there are women protesting the 20-week limitation on abortions in Texas. They claim we have to preserve 'women's health' yet even as they sport their bright pink signs, women are dying from botched abortions and this is happening more in the post Roe v. Wade days since abortion at most any point in the pregnancy is allowable somewhere. Often, you hear about doctors who stretch the truth and go past allowable dates in order to 'preserve' a woman's right.

Abortion is a selfish solution to a problem most woman bring on themselves. Women's 'freedom' has evolved into sexual freedom and the results of sexual freedom can result in a pregnancy. People today want what they want when they want it so the decision to abort the 'problem' is easy . . . and selfish. They do not take into consideration the life they are erasing in order to pursue their life of immoral abandon.

Naturally, many men buy into this because they are having short-term relationships with all the benefits and often none of the responsibility. In order to stop the teen pregnancies, we give them contraception rather than education and a moral upbringing.

It is a sad world where a young girl who prefers to remain chaste until marriage is laughed at and ridiculed because she isn't like everyone else and 'enjoying' the freedoms of today. If they start having abortions when they are in their teens, what does that do to their attitude as they grow older? How will they  feel about motherhood when they so easily destroyed babies in the past?

Like our beloved pastor said, to be a mother, you have to act like a mother and a mother doesn't ever hurt her children in anger, fear, or selfishness.

The complexity of the situation for the liberal faction is interesting. A friend has a colleague who is adamantly in favor of abortion at any time as he supports a woman's right to choose. His wife is currently pregnant yet he resents my friend  referring to the expected baby as a fetus. Kind of heartbreaking and amusing at the same time as the colleague knows his wife is expecting a baby but any woman who doesn't want to expect a baby is only carrying a fetus. Where has the moral fiber of the country gone when the status of a baby depends on if anyone wants him/her or not?

Tote Bags with Attitude!

 Found this fun fabric when out shopping over the weekend and the best thing is that is comes in a variety of colors. Instantly, I knew it would be great for making 'tote bags with attitude'. You admire the sweet floral fabric and suddenly realize the message in the middle.

A Tangle of Kittens!

We still have the stray kittens but their time is running out. In spite of efforts, we still haven't found a home for them. People are picky and either want white paws, deep black, orange striped, etc. They fail to observe the feisty cuteness of this duet. The animal control shelter for our area doesn't have a good vibe. One week, they put down something like 50 cats without giving them a chance to be seen. From what I've been told, they aren't gentle about it, either. If a home doesn't turn up, we may take them to our vet and have the matter dealt with in a humane matter . . . but I hope it doesn't come to that as they are darling, intelligent little beings that would make wonderful house cats and friends.

Almost St. John Paul II!

In the spirit of the good news, I took time to work on various sewing projects including a tote bag with machine embroidered pictures of Pope John Paul II. I discovered the ornate fabric on a jaunt to the fabric warehouse, yesterday, and realized it would be a good background for the embroidery. My trick to matching the colors of the bag so well to the frames on the pictures of the Pope? I just used the backside of the tote bag fabric and it was a perfect blend.

I also have an embroidery design for an older picture of the Pope and am thinking about using this one and his final one for another tote bag. Sigh . . . too much fabric, too little time . . .

Exciting News!

According to the late, breaking news, the Catholic Church will be officially welcoming two, new saints soon! According to Vatican reports, Pope John Paul II will be declared a saint. My mother was very partial to Pope John Paul II (he came in a close second to Pope Pius XII for her!). The thrill of her life was when she and a friend managed to merge into a public audience with the Pope and she actually got to shake Pope John Paul II's hand. Pope John Paul II died in 2005, was made 'blessed' only six years later, making this the fastest beatification in centuries. My older son was blessed to have been able to attend Pope John Paul II's New Year's Day Mass in Rome in 2003.

Also, Pope John XXIII, who convened the Second Vatican Council in the 1960's, is also being declared a saint. Since the local bishop changed the name of our parish to Blessed John XXIII about eight years ago, it looks like we will be changing it a bit, again!

Cat, Cats, and More Cats . . .

 Our stray kittens are still with us as we hope and pray we can find a home for them. We are thinking mysterious packages sent to friends might be the answer but . . . I think they would know who was gifting them with an unwanted cat.

I have to admit that these two kittens are a feisty, cute pair of cats. I contrived a couple of hammocks to hang along the top of their kennel to give them more play area at the bottom of the kennel. They are like monkeys as they jump, climb, and slam around the cage. They are very alert . . . just leave the door ajar and you are soon hunting down shadow cats - now you see them, now you don't!

Escaped kittens have met their match, however, as our resident house cat, Marcella, only puts up with them in the corner of the kitchen. They step outside that limit and she chases them back into their assigned space. She is serious. They think she is great fun.

We hope to find homes for them soon. We would hate to have to take them to the animal shelter as cats are mostly put down due to overcrowding. It would be nice if more people would take responsibility for their pets and not abandon them in other people's neighborhoods.

Those who are not free in America . . .

Those of us who are raised Christian know who is behind the sins of the world and would like nothing more than to drag our souls down into Hell. We all sin because we are human but the majority of us try to be worthy of a spiritual hereafter in the Presence of our Lord. When we deliberately sin, we are, in essence, calling on Satan because by our actions we are letting him know that we are moving away from the Grace of God.

A priest said once that when we use God's name in vain, we do get His attention because we have called out his name even if disrespectfully. In this short video clip, it is scary to see people publically calling out to Satan to defend their selfish choices.

http://conservativebyte.com/2013/07/satan-liberal-hero-for-abortionists/

We all enjoy many freedoms  in this country but ignore the smallest of our citizens. The video clip kind of puts the mind set of the anti-life faction into perspective. I used to wonder how people could take such a stand but their exultation of evil at this event reveals it all.

The administration's take on the Fourth of July . . .

http://cnsnews.com/blog/l-brent-bozell-iii/sequestration-cancels-july-4th

Happy Fourth of July!

Our country has taken a battering over the last few weeks and from those who should be representing us and guarding our freedoms. Today is a good day to remember that we have to include our country's freedom in our prayer petitions to God every day . . . before we lose it.

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home!

God, help America,
To be her best,
To reap justice and compassion,
And to stride strongly through every test!
From the Great Lakes to the bayous
To the canyons to snowy Nome,
God, bless America, My home, sweet home!