Thoughts Along the Journey

This Josh Wilson song is really speaking to me today.  He has experienced the battle of panic attacks, too.  Thanks, Josh, for putting to music the words my desperate heart has cried so many times. Check out the story behind this song on Jo sh's website .

One of the biggest hurdles I had to "jump" when we were considering becoming Catholic was the issue of Mary.  I had always been told Catholics worshiped Mary.  I knew that wasn't right.  The Scriptures are very clear that only God is to be worshiped.  The night we studied Marian devotion in our RCIA class, I was so determined that this was wrong, wrong, wrong.  I sat back with my arms crossed (and probably a scowl on my face!).  However, as the night progressed, we were told that some things about Mary are "dogma" (simply put, things you must believe to be true to the faith), and some are not.  That set my mind at ease. Over the past year or so, I have spent a lot of time reading about apparitions of Mary, visions, and saints who were devoted to her.  I have talked to many people, asked a lot of questions, studied a lot, and have prayed even more. First, let me state clearly that the Catholic Church does NOT teach worship of Mary.  If ...

In memory of Dr. King, and in prayer for an end to abortion, on this 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

I recently read an article, written for a "progressive" (read "liberal") website.  The author was very antagonistic against the pro-life movement.  She referred to the upcoming March for Life as the "Fetuspalooza", and spoke of the attendees as “terrorists dressed up like sweet little grandmothers”.  In her eyes, all pro-life people are terrorists, just waiting to shoot an abortion clinic doctor in his church (Dr. Tiller), or bomb a clinic, or attack some defenseless young woman entering a clinic. First, let me say, this woman has obviously never met a pro-life person. Second, let me say, she has a right to her opinion, however misguided that may be. Third, I have a right to my opinion.  My blog.  My say.  :o) Growing up, I wouldn't say I was pro-life.  I wasn't pro-abortion, either.  Honestly, if someone had told me about abortion, I would have been appalled.  I knew NOTHING about it.  Roe v. Wade was a decision made while I was...

I love to read the stories of saints' lives.  They inspire me so much.  The situations and circumstances they faced often seemed insurmountable.  Yet they didn't let those things pull them away from Christ.  In fact, they allowed Christ to use their hard times to mold them more into His image.  Many of them died horrible deaths, but still held fast to their faith.  And often, others were converted by witnessing their martyrdom.  I am so amazed, and yet... When I read of the holiness of those who lived in biblical times, or the incredible holiness of the martyrs and saints who have lived since then, I am scared!  I mean, who can live up to that standard?  The Bible tells us to be "holy as He [God] is holy" and they did that.  But me?  Are you kidding?  I find myself confessing the same sins over and over.  I continually say and do things I know are displeasing to God.  I pray prayers that seem to bounce back to me fr...

As I reach another milestone, I like to reminisce.  I enjoy pondering the ghosts of "birthdays past".  I need to take stock of life.  Having a birthday this close to Jan. 1st can be tricky! A lot has happened in the past year.  One of the most life-changing events was my husband's acceptance into the aspirancy program of the diaconate . Things in our household have remained pretty much the same.  I mean, the kids still go to school.  I still teach piano lessons.  My husband still goes to work every day.  We're still very involved in our church. Things in our household have changed a lot, though.  My husband and I spend 4 hours every week on the drive to/from the seminary, and an additional 2 1/2 or more hours in classes.  Of course, he has studying to do, papers to write, books to read...you get the picture. Nietzsche has been quoted as saying, "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger."  I'm no Nietzsche fan, but it i...

One day when a certain man who wavered often and anxiously between hope and fear was struck with sadness, he knelt in humble prayer before the altar of a church. While meditating on these things, he said: “Oh if I but knew whether I should persevere to the end!” Instantly he heard within the divine answer: “If you knew this, what would you do? Do now what you would do then and you will be quite secure.” Immediately consoled and comforted, he resigned himself to the divine will and the anxious uncertainty ceased. His curiosity no longer sought to know what the future held for him, and he tried instead to find the perfect, the acceptable will of God in the beginning and end of every good work.  “Trust thou in the Lord and do good,” says the Prophet; “dwell in the land and thou shalt feed on its riches."

You've probably heard the word "epiphany".  We use that word when we're referring to someone suddenly having great insight--that "light bulb" or "Aha!" moment when the light comes on, and they suddenly "get it".  As Catholics, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.  This day is a day to celebrate when God revealed Himself, through Jesus, to the Magi.  Led by a bright star, they made their way from the East to Bethlehem, a very small, unknown town in Israel.  What did they find under that shining star?  A baby.  And yet, somehow, they knew this was no average baby.  This baby was "God-with-us".  They were having an "aha" moment.  They were becoming aware of who this little One truly was. We celebrate today this "WOW!" moment and long for such moments ourselves, when God reveals Himself to us, and we respond by going where He leads.  Those moments when we come face-to-face with God.  Jesus rev...