This letter was written by a senior boy at a Catholic school in Ontario, Canada. Initially, he was to read it at a school assembly until the powers that be vetted the letter and said he had to be more general about who he was addressing in this missive. Huh? If females are the subject, wouldn't it make the letter a little odd to not address it as stated below? You will probably not be surprised to learn he was suspended from school for two days for passing out copies of this letter at lunch time when he was forbidden to read it. Interesting how our youth is more informed than the adults or, at least, willing to act upon their knowledge and observations.
A Letter to Young Women, by Paul Gomille
February 14, 2012
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/catholic-student-suspended-for-distributing-letter-supporting-modesty
Could I please have your attention for a few moments? I guarantee you won’t regret listening to what I have to say. You definitely won’t regret hearing this in your life time, especially from a man of dignity. It’s an idea that I have held close to my heart even before the kilt controversy arose in the media. This message is not meant to address the kilt controversy directly by any means, but rather, this message is a general and all-encompassing statement. It is a message about the qualities that really matter in a woman, and what really makes a woman attractive. Although this speech has some relevance to the way women dress and present themselves nowadays, the message in this speech goes far beyond one’s preferences, or feelings of pressure, as it relates to the way they dress, and it goes far beyond any concept of modernity. It strikes at the very core of humanity itself, in an attempt to make a revelation of truth apparent to all of you, with awe inspiring certainty. If you read this, and receive anything less than a feeling of absolution from it, then I have committed a grave sin, a sin against myself and a sin against all of you.
The people this message concerns are the young women of this school, and of the world. In particular, it concerns the silent ones, the intelligent ones, the ones that don’t talk about people behind their backs, the ones that guys don’t flock to in droves, the ones that don’t dress in revealing clothing, the ones who would love to be in love, and the ones that are continually disappointed in their appearance because the only thing they have to compare themselves to are the women that have been put on pedestals by our society. This message also concerns those of you who may consider yourselves the so called “opposite” to the demographic I just described. The ones who do dress in revealing clothing, and the ones who try to fit in with the crowd.
You don’t need to dress or act a certain way to fit in, to feel attractive, or to BE attractive. You’re all far more attractive than you realize. All of you. But that’s not to say that you should all dress in revealing clothing. No, not at all. Sure, a girl who dresses that way might turn a few heads, and get some compliments. But real attractiveness doesn’t come from wearing the latest fashion, and it doesn’t come from being scantily clad in public, or putting on make-up, or having a pretty face, or a nice body. No. Real attractiveness comes from having a certain dignity. It comes from having class. It comes from being true to yourself, being yourself, and being comfortable in your own skin. This message is for all young women within the sound of my voice and beyond. You’re all beautiful. You all have inner beauty AND outer beauty.
Monday, March 5, 2012
ProLife Teens Uniting . . .
LifeSiteNews.com, which I highly recommend, provided this article/information through their daily e-mail report today. I just had to pass it on to anyone with teens who are looking for a way to make a difference even in a small way. You can also subscribe to LifeSiteNews on their webpage.
Teenagers launch campaign to send one million pro-life letters to the White House
by Christine Dhanagom
Mon Mar 05, 2012 09:33 EST
March 5, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) - 15-year-old Angela Kim and the five other members of the Teenage Life Club are sending letters to the White House and the Supreme Court this month calling for an end to abortion. And they are looking for a few hundred thousand people to join them.
The goal of the group’s 2012 Pro-Life Letter Writing Campaign is to flood the White House and the Supreme Court with one million pro-life letters during the month of March.
Angela Kim "We know that abortion is not going to end just because a million letters are sent, but we also know that the letters will represent pro-life people in our nation as well as the million babies aborted every year in the United States alone," Angela told LifeSiteNews. "We are hoping that it will remind people of the need to elect an actively pro-life president and other governmental officials."
It’s an ambitious project for a small, newly-formed group of teenage girls, whose involvement in pro-life work has so far been confined to the local level. The six members, who live in five different states, have taken advantage of their geographical distance to get the word out across the country.
"Many pastors have been very supportive," says Angela. "Eight churches support our cause now in six different states, and more are constantly joining the campaign."
Add to that Bound4Life chapters in seven different states, the North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats, Texas Right to Life, Pennsylvanians for Human Life, National Pro-Life Radio, a FaceBook page, an e-mail chain, and several blogs, and word is spreading like wildfire.
Angela, who lives in Detroit, says that she had already personally contacted 700 individuals, groups and churches by the first day of the campaign.
"Why not think/dream/plan/pray BIG?!" wrote one enthusiastic pastor, in response to her e-mail. "Oh me of little faith."
The group has already seen many fruits come from the effort, including an increased interest in pro-life work in general.
"I know a lot of adults, teens, and young children who want to take part and help out in the pro-life movement but do not know where to start. A part of this campaign is to open the opportunity for people to start," she relates. "Many Christians around me are becoming actively pro-life because of this campaign, and God has really blessed us."
The girls are directing everyone to their website, TheTeenageLifeClub.blogspot.com, where they have posted the addresses for the Supreme Court and the White House, as well as a list of suggested talking points. There is also an online survey, which they ask those who write letter to fill out, in order to keep an accurate tally.
Enthusiastic participants do not need to limit themselves to one letter, since the goal is not one million different writers, but one million letters. The survey asks that you check a box to indicate how many you sent, with options ranging from one to 30.
The girls are not certain if they will reach their goal by the end of the month, says Angela, but they are putting the outcome of the campaign in God’s hands.
"I believe that even though the goal of one million letters will be very difficult to reach, it is possible through God. Through God, all things are possible. We believe that with all our hearts," she says.
Teenagers launch campaign to send one million pro-life letters to the White House
by Christine Dhanagom
Mon Mar 05, 2012 09:33 EST
March 5, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) - 15-year-old Angela Kim and the five other members of the Teenage Life Club are sending letters to the White House and the Supreme Court this month calling for an end to abortion. And they are looking for a few hundred thousand people to join them.
The goal of the group’s 2012 Pro-Life Letter Writing Campaign is to flood the White House and the Supreme Court with one million pro-life letters during the month of March.
Angela Kim "We know that abortion is not going to end just because a million letters are sent, but we also know that the letters will represent pro-life people in our nation as well as the million babies aborted every year in the United States alone," Angela told LifeSiteNews. "We are hoping that it will remind people of the need to elect an actively pro-life president and other governmental officials."
It’s an ambitious project for a small, newly-formed group of teenage girls, whose involvement in pro-life work has so far been confined to the local level. The six members, who live in five different states, have taken advantage of their geographical distance to get the word out across the country.
"Many pastors have been very supportive," says Angela. "Eight churches support our cause now in six different states, and more are constantly joining the campaign."
Add to that Bound4Life chapters in seven different states, the North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats, Texas Right to Life, Pennsylvanians for Human Life, National Pro-Life Radio, a FaceBook page, an e-mail chain, and several blogs, and word is spreading like wildfire.
Angela, who lives in Detroit, says that she had already personally contacted 700 individuals, groups and churches by the first day of the campaign.
"Why not think/dream/plan/pray BIG?!" wrote one enthusiastic pastor, in response to her e-mail. "Oh me of little faith."
The group has already seen many fruits come from the effort, including an increased interest in pro-life work in general.
"I know a lot of adults, teens, and young children who want to take part and help out in the pro-life movement but do not know where to start. A part of this campaign is to open the opportunity for people to start," she relates. "Many Christians around me are becoming actively pro-life because of this campaign, and God has really blessed us."
The girls are directing everyone to their website, TheTeenageLifeClub.blogspot.com, where they have posted the addresses for the Supreme Court and the White House, as well as a list of suggested talking points. There is also an online survey, which they ask those who write letter to fill out, in order to keep an accurate tally.
Enthusiastic participants do not need to limit themselves to one letter, since the goal is not one million different writers, but one million letters. The survey asks that you check a box to indicate how many you sent, with options ranging from one to 30.
The girls are not certain if they will reach their goal by the end of the month, says Angela, but they are putting the outcome of the campaign in God’s hands.
"I believe that even though the goal of one million letters will be very difficult to reach, it is possible through God. Through God, all things are possible. We believe that with all our hearts," she says.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
How dinner evolves . . .
I like to fuss with dinner on Sunday to celeberate the new week and reward my hardworking husband. This weekend, however, he decided to strip the kitchen floor so we could put down a new coat of wax and revive the look of the kitchen. He didn't finish until three in the afternoon. What to do? We couldn't go out for dinner because we gave that up for Lent . . . although there was a good deal of temptations on that subject!
The end result was a trip to the nearby market where they not only had sales but I had a coupon! Ground beef was on sale. Tacos! Great idea except they only had soft corn tortillas but I said I would go ahead and fry them for the tacos. Then we noticed the flour tortillas were on sale and we switched to burritos. I could fry up and spice the ground beef and we could each make ourselves a hot, tasty meal with as much meat and cheese as we liked. By the time I got home to the kitchen, I remembered a favorite - baked burritos - less fuss and much liked and we hadn't had them in awhile. They are now residing in the oven, meat bubbling and cheese melting nicely. Naturally, this turned out to be the hottest day of the week at 80 degrees but we won't discuss that and try and forget the oven is on right now.
Baked burritos evolved when the children were small and I had only a certain amount of time between chores and homeschooling to get a meal ready for dinner. It's simple but tastes like you fussed a lot. You just prepare your favorite burrito filling and fold it into a tortilla like you were making a regular burrito. You squeeze them together in a greased baking pan, top with shredded cheese, salsa, and bake. Of course, you can be creative with adding sour cream, different cheeses, other meat fillings, just a bean filling, etc. Anyway, remembering it save the day and dinner is almost done.
The end result was a trip to the nearby market where they not only had sales but I had a coupon! Ground beef was on sale. Tacos! Great idea except they only had soft corn tortillas but I said I would go ahead and fry them for the tacos. Then we noticed the flour tortillas were on sale and we switched to burritos. I could fry up and spice the ground beef and we could each make ourselves a hot, tasty meal with as much meat and cheese as we liked. By the time I got home to the kitchen, I remembered a favorite - baked burritos - less fuss and much liked and we hadn't had them in awhile. They are now residing in the oven, meat bubbling and cheese melting nicely. Naturally, this turned out to be the hottest day of the week at 80 degrees but we won't discuss that and try and forget the oven is on right now.
Baked burritos evolved when the children were small and I had only a certain amount of time between chores and homeschooling to get a meal ready for dinner. It's simple but tastes like you fussed a lot. You just prepare your favorite burrito filling and fold it into a tortilla like you were making a regular burrito. You squeeze them together in a greased baking pan, top with shredded cheese, salsa, and bake. Of course, you can be creative with adding sour cream, different cheeses, other meat fillings, just a bean filling, etc. Anyway, remembering it save the day and dinner is almost done.
Love the Attitude in this Quote . . .
A
pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the
opportunity in every difficulty.
- Sir Winston
Churchill
My Version of Cranberry Jam . . .
I don't have a set recipe for Cranberry Jam. I basically follow the cranberry sauce recipe usually found on the bag of cranberries and then put it through the blender to even it out. My usual recipe goes something like this!
Cranberry Jam
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 cup water
1 cup fresh orange juice
I mix all the ingredients in a large pot and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. I turn it down to a low simmer but keep an eye on it. When the mixture thickens, I take it off the heat and let it set. When it is cooled off a bit, I put it through the blender and then pour it into canning jars. It isn't usually as thick as jam but it works well on Irish Soda Bread. Keep the jam refrigerated.
Cranberry Jam
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 cup water
1 cup fresh orange juice
I mix all the ingredients in a large pot and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. I turn it down to a low simmer but keep an eye on it. When the mixture thickens, I take it off the heat and let it set. When it is cooled off a bit, I put it through the blender and then pour it into canning jars. It isn't usually as thick as jam but it works well on Irish Soda Bread. Keep the jam refrigerated.
St. Patrick's Day Irish Soda Bread
I may have posted this recipe once upon a time but thought I'd refresh the idea in everyone's mind as St. Patrick's Day is approaching and it is a great, easy bread to enjoy for breakfast on that morning or any other morning. Our favorite way is with cranberry jam.
Irish Soda Bread
4 cups all purpose flour
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
Topping
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk
Preheat over to 375 degrees. Use vegetable oil spray to grease a large baking sheet.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and butter. STir in the 1 cup of buttermilk and the egg. Turn the dough out on a lightly-floured surface and knead just to smooth out a bit. Fort dough into a round loaf and place on prepared baking sheet.
In a smaller bowl, combine the melted butter and 1/4 cup buttermilk. use this to brush the loaf. With a shart knife, cut an 'X' in the top of the loaf.
Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. You can add to the crust by brushing the loaf with more of the topping as it bakes.
I always double the recipe because it goes that fast around here. Some people like to add a tablespoon of caraway seeds for a more savory taste.
Irish Soda Bread
4 cups all purpose flour
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
Topping
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk
Preheat over to 375 degrees. Use vegetable oil spray to grease a large baking sheet.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and butter. STir in the 1 cup of buttermilk and the egg. Turn the dough out on a lightly-floured surface and knead just to smooth out a bit. Fort dough into a round loaf and place on prepared baking sheet.
In a smaller bowl, combine the melted butter and 1/4 cup buttermilk. use this to brush the loaf. With a shart knife, cut an 'X' in the top of the loaf.
Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. You can add to the crust by brushing the loaf with more of the topping as it bakes.
I always double the recipe because it goes that fast around here. Some people like to add a tablespoon of caraway seeds for a more savory taste.
Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish
Thinking and planning the garden has me looking out for recipes to use the surplus produce. I found this recipe in my bits and pieces of saved papers and immediately wanted to try it. Sigh . . . The cucumbers aren't even planted, yet, and bell peppers are still too expensive! Gotta wait but it is definitely on my 'want to do' list this year.
Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish
6 cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick (If you use pickling cucumbers, you'd probably need 12 as they are much smaller.)
2 red onions, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced.
1/4 cup coarse salt
1 cukp cider vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon celery seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
Mix the vegetables with the salt. Place in a plastic colander over a bowl to catch the juices and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, thorougly rinse the vegetables under cold water and place in a pot. Add the rest of the ingredients to the vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 20 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse to desired consistency. You may have to do this in batches so as not to overload the machine. You can spoon this into canning jars but it will have to be refrigerated.
Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish
6 cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick (If you use pickling cucumbers, you'd probably need 12 as they are much smaller.)
2 red onions, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced.
1/4 cup coarse salt
1 cukp cider vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon celery seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
Mix the vegetables with the salt. Place in a plastic colander over a bowl to catch the juices and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, thorougly rinse the vegetables under cold water and place in a pot. Add the rest of the ingredients to the vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 20 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse to desired consistency. You may have to do this in batches so as not to overload the machine. You can spoon this into canning jars but it will have to be refrigerated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)