Smile Every Day :-)

A Word of Wisdom from Hillary Clinton

2009-04-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

"A society that denies and demeans women's rights and roles is a society that is more likely to engage in behavior that is negative, anti-democratic, and leads to violence and extremism."
~Hillary Clinton speaking to PPFA

Finally! Something said by Clinton that I can actually agree with!

Our society has denied and demeaned a woman's right and role as mother in many negative, anti-democratic, violent, and extreme ways! By trying to claim "equality" with men, women have denied themselves one of their most beautiful and unique aspects of life.

Look at Mary, the Mother of God and greatest of all creatures. Why was she the greatest of all creations? Because she was given the honor of Mother of God. The greatest creature is a mother and because she is a mother! How much better can you get???

We now live in a society where women are told that being a mother isn't good enough. They need careers and "choice." This has resulted in the extremely negative and violent destruction of over 50 million human beings in America. This attitude has taken away the "unalienable right to life", which is explicitly stated in our Declaration of Independence. Democratic? I think not. This extremist attitude of women's rights has replaced one extreme (that women could be nothing but mothers) with another (that women should be anything but mothers).

However, when you look at the many different aspects of a stay-at-home mom, I must wonder how that is not a career by anyone's standards. A mother is a caregiver, a cook, a housekeeper, a chauffeur, an educator, and a nurse, amongst many, many other things. How can it be that being a mother is not good enough? If being a mother is not good enough for women, what is?

Thank you, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for pointing this out to us.

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 41

2009-04-06T09:44:00.002-05:00

Is this over? No way! We will continue to fight as long as there is destruction of innocent human life! Keep going! Next 40 Days for Life campaign begins on September 23!

God Bless you for your efforts during the Spring 09 40 Days for Life!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 40

2009-04-05T07:46:00.002-05:00

On this final day of the 40 Days for Life, I would like to extend a thank you to all those who participated in the 40 Days. Even a short "Hail Mary" joins you to the rest of us praying and sacrificing for an end to abortion! Thank you so much for the love you have displayed for your fellow human beings!!!

368 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day40

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 39

2009-04-04T07:36:00.002-05:00

Life...is such a beautiful thing. Really, I cannot begin to fathom how someone can destroy or throw away life. What makes a person act in such a way? I believe it is a lack of the presence of love. Love conquers all, and as we have seen with Christ dying for us, love conquers death. Therefore, in order to win this battle for life, we must conquer death...through love. Always, always through love!

355 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day39

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 38

2009-04-03T07:39:00.002-05:00

The devotional touches on the topic of those people who refuse to acknowledge that the unborn are persons who belong to God. In our extremely selfish and liberal society, many people are fighting for abortion in the name of choice. "It's her body," "It's her choice," etc. What they ignore is the beauty and uniqueness of that infant. That infant is not the mother, that infant is its own being. Also, many women do not have abortions so that they can exercise choice...they have abortions because they feel that they have NO CHOICE. Please pray for all those who do not believe the unborn to be people!

325 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day38

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 37

2009-04-02T08:26:00.001-05:00

Because of your prayers and sacrifices, 314 babies now have a shot at life. 314 individuals will enter this world and grow up to (hopefully) help others and spread the pro-life message.

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day37

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 36

2009-04-02T08:20:00.002-05:00

For those involved in the prolife ministry, that they may recognize WHY they fight for life. May they truly see the dignity of every human person and the love written on the hearts of all mankind.

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day36

PS...sorry for not posting this yesterday...our computer was down.

Spring 09 40 days for Life: Day 35

2009-03-31T10:51:00.002-05:00

It is so inspiring to read stories of how babies have been saved! I encourage you to check out today's 40 Days for Life blog post to read the stories of two beautiful babies!

297 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day35

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 days for Life: Day 34

2009-03-30T13:13:00.001-05:00

God is just. Despite the many injustices that occur throughout the world, ultimate justice will prevail. Thus, we pray for the abortionists and supports of abortion that they may recognize God's justice and repent in this life, so that they may not spend eternity suffering for their sins.
295 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day34

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 33

2009-03-29T07:30:00.003-05:00

Please pray for those in my town. Last night, we had a tornado go through and it even devastated some homes. Our house and property are ok (we even have our power back already!), but I am unsure of how our neighbors are. This is a great reminder of how we never know when our time has come, and thus we must always be prepared for death. Let us always have love in our hearts!

292 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day33

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 32

2009-03-28T06:46:00.001-05:00

My youngest sister is receiving her First Holy Communion this morning. This is such an exciting time for her! She has had a countdown going for the past month. "This many more days until I get to receive Jesus!" she cries. May we all always have that same joy when we are with Christ and when we have Christ within us. May we bring that joy to others, so that, through God's grace, we may lead them to Christ.

283 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day32

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 31

2009-03-27T07:17:00.003-05:00

Love, love, love! That is the message we are spreading. Remember it always!

Also, please sign this petition on the "conscience clause." It is vitally important that our medical professionals are able to refuse an abortion, prescribing birth control, or referring someone for either. To deny this denies our freedom of religion, explicitly stated in the Constitution!

271 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day31

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 30

2009-03-26T07:34:00.002-05:00

Even those who should be leading us are not always leading us. With all due respect for authority, many Americans (even priests and bishops!) have become complacent to this war for life. Many view it as a lost cause, and thus, not worth the effort. I respond that EVERY life is worth the effort, and as long as we are effecting at least one life, we should give this everything we have!
256 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day30

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 days for Life: Day 29

2009-03-25T10:16:00.000-05:00

Keep strong and keep going, no matter what anyone says! Happy Feast of the Annunciation! As Mary so beautifully said yes over two thousand years ago, let us intercede through her that women today will have the courage to say "yes" to God and love themselves and their children.
237 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day29

God Bless!
Sara

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 28

2009-03-24T07:38:00.002-05:00

How can a person look at another and say "You are inconvenient" and then kill them? Just as that excuse would not hold up in the courts of law, neither should abortion, which is often done for the same reason.
211 babies!!!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day28

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 27

2009-03-23T08:04:00.001-05:00

Today's devotional discusses the myth of overpopulation. Recently, I came across a scholarship that has the kids write a letter to their Congressman discussing the "problem" of overpopulation and provide some solutions to it. I intend to enter, but I think my essay will differ from the majority in that I will discuss the ridiculousness of the overpopulation myth and show how those who advocate it are not truly dedicated to this cause. It should be fun. :)
191 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day27

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 26

2009-03-22T07:09:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed reading Fr. Pavone's devotional for today. He discusses how our current battle is similar to that of Cain and Abel...and on our judgment day, we too, will be asked: "Where is your brother?"
186 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day26

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 25

2009-03-21T08:05:00.001-05:00

Never give up! Anything you do, you do through God and BECAUSE of God. He is the source for all strength and wisdom. In the pro-life movement, He is calling you to reach out to those around you and show how much He loves them!
183 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day25

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 24

2009-03-20T07:18:00.001-05:00

God. Is. So. Awesome. AMEN!

174 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day24

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 23

2009-03-19T10:18:00.002-05:00

My (extended) family is visiting and it is so wonderful to be with them again! I haven't seen them in years. Their visit helps me to recognize the gift of family...something I have never been without. It saddens me to think of those who come from broken homes and torn families. I keep them especially in my prayers during this visit.
157 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day23

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 22

2009-03-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

Love and selflessness are what it takes to overcome this abortion war. Love for others and the selflessness to put them and their needs before ourselves.
155 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day22

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 21

2009-03-17T07:49:00.002-05:00

Let us pray today especially for the pregnant mothers...that they have the courage and the grace to lead a life of God.
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day21
To include a mom and her unborn child in ALL's Feast of the Annunciation Mass on March 25, please check out this link.
144 babies!!!!!!!

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 20

2009-03-16T10:56:00.003-05:00

As Ernest Ohlhoff reminds us in his note for the 40 Days for Life devotional, we must be humble in our efforts because "There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we don't care who gets the credit."
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day20
God has already used the thousands of people involved with the 40 Days for Life to save the lives of at least 133 babies! Life is the most wonderful gift! There is no stopping Him!

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 19

2009-03-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

We have been called to such a beautiful mission. Christ said that "no greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for a friend." When we sacrifice and pray and put our lives on the line for those unknown children in their mother's wombs, we take part in that great love.
131 babies!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day19

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 18

2009-03-14T15:27:00.001-05:00

Always remember that God is in control, and He is always taking care of things, whether we feel it or not!
126 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day18

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 17

2009-03-13T07:48:00.002-05:00

Pray, hope, and don't worry. ~St. Padre Pio

Pray for an end to abortion, trust in God, and let Him take care of the rest!

121 babies! God is SO good!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day17

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 16

2009-03-12T10:06:00.003-05:00

So I'm sure everyone's pretty bummed about Obama funding the embryonic stem cell research again. He's working pretty hard to turn America into as anti-life as possible. But guess what? We're on God's side. Obama and his minions may be Goliath-sized, but like David, we're small and we're on the side of God, the side of truth. And because of that, if we have courage, pray, and work hard, we WILL NOT fail!
109 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day16

P.S. Please sign this petition asking YouTube to remove a video that desecrates the Eucharist!

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 15

2009-03-11T07:48:00.002-05:00

Carmen Pate, in the following devotion, discusses keeping up our strength in this battle against the enemy. Remember that it is important not only to keep up in the battle, but to nourish ourselves spiritually so that we have the strength. How do we nourish ourselves? Prayer and sacrifice. We must make ourselves fit for the battle. In order to be fit, we must ask God for the graces and we must place our wills above our desires.
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day15

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 14

2009-03-10T12:21:00.002-05:00

Even in the valley of darkness, it is always important to recognize that God is by our side. He is always leading us and helping us and supporting us. How beautiful! As we continue the 40 Days for Life, let us remember how much God loves us and pray for the grace to endure!
99 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day14

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 13

2009-03-09T07:33:00.003-05:00

It is a beautiful morning (even if it is slightly early for my taste, especially since it feels like an hour earlier thanks to the Daylight Savings Time)!

Today in their daily email, the 40 Days for Life blog quoted some emails about different people saving the lives of the unborn. It's so inspiring to read these stories, because it gives me great hope! The number of saved babies has climbed to 92! and YOUR prayers and YOUR sacrifices have a great deal to do with that number! God does not judge us so much by how much we can accomplish...with Him, it really is the thought that counts. Thus, keep a pure mind and a clean heart, and work for Him every day!

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day13

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 12

2009-03-08T09:47:00.003-05:00

It is so important to remember as we go out, preach the truth, live the faith, and help others that it is ALWAYS through the grace of God. This is a humbling revelation, but it is also an encouraging revelation. "I'm one person. What can I do?" is a common question facing many people in these times. The answer is "with God, all things are possible." (Mt. 19:26) Remember that you are on God's side when you are fighting for the truth. Remember that God has made the heavens and the earths. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Have faith, have courage, be open to what God has in store for you!
77 babies!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day12

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 11

2009-03-07T10:04:00.003-06:00

Day 11! We are over a quarter through with this 40 Days for Life! With people going out in all kinds of weather to pray and 72 babies saved, thus far, I can only imagine what God can do if more people got involved!!! So keep the faith for, as Fr. Pavone so beautifully states in his reflection today, "Christ's victory over death came in the morning, and therefore each day we can renew our confidence that life has the final victory."
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day11

In addition, I ask that all Catholics take a stand on the matter of pro-abortion "Catholic" politicians. Please check out the petition below and consider signing it!
http://www.pewsitter.com/petition/

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 10

2009-03-06T09:56:00.002-06:00

Day 10! And what a beautiful day it is! 72 babies saved, people working hard, Planned Parenthood steaming mad...could life get any better?
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day14

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 9

2009-03-05T09:21:00.003-06:00

As we pray for the unborn, let us also pray for the men and women who have been hurt by an abortion. The mothers, the fathers, the grandparents, the siblings, and all others involved.
We've saved 56 babies, so KEEP IT UP!!!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day09

In addition to praying for the unborn, I ask specifically that you pray today for California. The Court in California is meeting today to re-examine Proposition 8. Proposition 8 was a voter-approved bill stating that marriage in California was between a man and a woman. Homosexual marriage promoters state that right to homosexual marriage is part of the "inalienable" right to liberty.
However, before we look at specific "rights" to liberty, we need to examine a few things first. One, what's the point of being able to vote on something if the government can just take it away? Shouldn't the PEOPLE have a right in the way they live and the way they are governed? If we give government this power, they will take advantage of it and soon micro manage our entire lives. Secondly, and most importantly, just because a government can do something does not mean that they should. Marriage has always been a religious act and thus should remain that way. The government really shouldn't have any part in dictating that.
Homosexual marriage defies all reason and tradition and should not be approved by the American people, some who support it simply because they are afraid of being viewed as intolerant. Speak out and oppose homosexual marriage everywhere, but specifically in California where the people have already said that they don't want it!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 8

2009-03-04T13:15:00.004-06:00

Here's the prayer for Day 8:
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day08
Keep up the prayers! 51 babies have been saved!

As we pray and hope, let us remember that we must also take action. This includes political action. Obama has nominated pro-abortion governor of Kansas Kathleen Sebelius as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

As ALL's Judie Brown stated:
"What kind of health care is it that provides for murdering an innocent preborn child as a solution to a perceived problem? And what kind of human service is it to discard, on the garbage piles of America, the bodies, bones and blood of little babies who never had a chance to live?"

Thus, it is really important for us to speak out. Please sign the following petition (click the banner).

In addition to that, please contact your state senators PERSONALLY and inform them that you oppose Sebelius as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. This duty falls especially to those who live in Kansas, as it is their governor elected. So if you live in Kansas, or know anyone who does live in Kansas, please spread the word.

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 7

2009-03-03T10:41:00.002-06:00

It is important to remember that although the murdered unborn are victims, they only die to their physical bodies. However, the mother, abortion doctor, and facility workers lose their connection with God through their sin. God loves them just as much as He loves the unborn. Remember that GOD loves them and is always open to forgiving them and thus WE should always keep our hearts open to forgiveness.

39 babies!!! :D

http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day07

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 6

2009-03-02T16:48:00.003-06:00

It is so important to remember that the unborn child is a PERSON. The child is a human being who can feel pain and understand things. When a baby is born, he or she knows who his/her mother is. That is because he/she has been listening to their mother's voice for months. It is NOT because the child automatically has sudden knowledge once his/her umbilical cord is cut.
We're at 33 babies! Keep up the great work!!!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day06

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 5

2009-03-01T19:08:00.001-06:00

Day 5 and we've already saved 31 babies!!! Never give up hope, never give up. These children NEED YOU to be their voice and their defense!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day05

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 4

2009-02-27T14:11:00.002-06:00

Be prepared to fight the battle, but always remember why!!!
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day04

I had to post Day 4 a day early because I will be on retreat all weekend.

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 3

2009-02-27T08:27:00.002-06:00

Day 3 and our first Friday of Lent! As we abstain today, let us remember to offer up the pains for the unborn. Fr. Pavone says in his reflection that "God does not only prohibit aborting the unborn; he prohibits ignoring them." Never, never ignore them. Offer up for them, pray for them, speak out for them. Never be silent. We are the ones left to speak out for those whose voices were silenced far too early in life. We were left, so we have the obligation to speak. Here's Day 3's Devotional:
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day03

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 2

2009-02-26T08:47:00.002-06:00

Day 2! Kevin Burke talks about humility in his reflection. Let us, too, remember that we must do all things with total humility. WE are not the ones working miracles and saving lives. It is ONLY through God that we are given the graces to go out and work. With that in mind, let us always pray that when people look at us, they do not see US, rather, they see Christ.
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day02

In addition, please pray for North Dakota! They are trying to get a law passed that will state that a fertilized human egg is a person! This bill may pass within the next few weeks! Let us pray that it does, for it would be an awesome step in the right direction for the pro-life movement!
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/24/bill-calls-human-embryo-person/

God Bless!

Spring 09 40 Days for Life: Day 1

2009-02-25T20:06:00.000-06:00

Today begins the Spring 2009 40 Days for Life! Now is a time for prayer and sacrifice (especially as it is also Lent!) as we remember the oppression of the unborn and pray that God will touch the minds and hearts of all pregnant mothers, abortionists, abortion mill workers, and politicians of the world. The 40 Days for Life website has daily devotionals. Here's the devotional for Day 1:
http://40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm?selected=spring2009day01

God Bless!

40 Days for Life (Spring 2009 Campaign)

2009-02-17T07:39:00.002-06:00

The Spring 2009 40 Days for Life begins in 7 days, 15 hours, 45 minutes, and 45 seconds! (in other words, Wednesday, February 25)

This 40 Days will occur during the 40 Days of Lent and will end on April 5. There are more than 130 communities in the United States, Canada, Australia and Northern Ireland that are participating!

The Spring 2009 Campaign will follow the previous campaigns in that the main points will be prayer and fasting, constant vigil, and community outreach.

In light of our current pro-death administration, I strongly recommend taking the Spring 2009 40 Days for Life with the utmost gravity and pouring your whole heart into it. As it occurs during Lent, a normally penitential season, I believe that we are called to be the voice for those who cannot speak. We are the ones death left behind and thus we are called to live our lives to the fullest until death comes for us.

Here are some easy ways to get involved:

Prayer
The 40 Days for Life website has some devotionals you can either read on the site or download and bring it with you anywhere. In addition, you can pray anywhere. You can pray the rosary in the car, a Hail Mary between classes, and a Divine Mercy chaplet while doing the dishes. Even if you promised simply to pray three Hail Marys a day, those can quickly add up.

Fasting
Fasting doesn't have to be like Christ in the desert. Nor does fasting have to be from food. Fasting can be something as simple as not having seconds, abstaining from faults (such as bad language and negative comments), not buying three coffees a day, and not watching the same television show for the billionth time. If you are fasting from something that takes up your time (such as TV), then make a conscious effort to spend that time in prayer or in another positive, productive activity. If you are fasting from something that uses money (such as coffee, soda, candy, or other types of "small" things), maybe you can put the money aside and donate it to the 40 Days for Life campaign or another pro-life organization of your choice. Finally, always remember to offer up your pains for the unborn, pregnant mothers, and politicians around the world.

Vigil
If you have a Planned Parenthood or other abortion facility in your area, make a commitment to go there at least once during the 40 Days to peacefully pray in front of it. Ultimately remember that you are there because there are at least two people who suffer from abortion: the child and the mother. Therefore, be peaceful and loving in your demeanor and remember that everyone is a child of God that deserves love and respect. If you do not have an abortion facility in your town, you can try a 40 Days in front of your courthouse or city hall.

Community Outreach
One aspect of community outreach is going door-to-door in your community with informative fliers and petitions for people to sign on the sanctity of life. You can organize a prayer meeting at your church, write to your local newspaper, and promote 40 Days for Life merchandise.

Ultimately, get involved in whatever you can and remember that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." First comes LIFE!

NO, Nancy Pelosi!

2009-02-11T11:22:00.002-06:00

Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Heath Schuler are collecting signatures to tell Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi that they want to keep pro-life bills. Please sign the petition to your Congressman TODAY, as the deadline is Friday, February 13. It takes two seconds. Sign today!!!

Prevention First Act

2009-02-11T11:16:00.001-06:00

The Prevention First Act...better titled "The-government-is-going-to-make-sure-everyone-else-pays-for-your-lack-of-self-control" Act. On second thought, that's a bit of a doozy, so I'll stick to its formal name for this blog entry.

This bill (S. 21, H.R. 398) has been introduced and referred to a committee in both houses of Congress.

The Senate version (which has a great deal more detail than the version in the House) states that because so many women have abortions, the government should make sure it provides abortions for women. It also indicates that because so many people use contraception to plan and/or avoid pregnancies, the government should provide contraception in government insurance. Because the government isn’t in everyone else’s business enough, the government is going to tell private health providers that they need to provide contraception to their customers. In addition, the government will have the right to take money away from hospitals if they refuse to administer emergency contraception (um, excuse me, whatever happened to freedom of religion???). Finally, because parents aren’t responsible enough, the government is going to pay to have contraception and abortion information plastered everywhere they can think of, so that young people “know their options.”

Where in the world did Sen. Henry Reid and Rep. Joseph Crowley get off thinking that my tax money should be spent fixing everyone else’s self control issues? Hello, there’s this little pregnancy prevention called abstinence, if you really don’t want to have kids. Why should the rest of the country spend their hard earned money making sure that everyone has access to/information on contraception?

If people want to have sex, FINE. If they want to be “protected,” FINE. I disagree with their methods, but maybe it’s none of my business. However, I should not have to pay my money so that they can enjoy their sex and not have to “deal with the consequences.” And if I do, then I sure as heck have every right to tell women what to do with their bodies.

Voice your opinions and send a clear message to Congress that they need to STOP supporting bills like the Prevention First Act! Sign the petition today!

In addition, write to your congressmen! Google them and email them. Tell them that you don’t support the Prevention First Act, the Freedom of Choice Act, and similar bills that oppose life and force you to spend your tax dollars on other people’s self-control issues. Remind them that it is their duty to adhere to your desires because you are the constituency. It’s easy as 1-2-3!

Obama overturns the Mexico City Policy

2009-01-27T08:17:00.003-06:00

Well, how shocking...last Friday, Obama overturned the Mexico City Policy implanted by Reagan. This policy basically stated that any government funded organization could not preform or actively support abortions in other countries.

This policy had prevented the government from funding organizations such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation, which lost over 20% of its funding through this policy.

So we're in an economic disaster where people cannot afford to feed their families, much less pay their taxes, and we're going to give our grocery money to organizations such as IPPF so that they can inform all the other countries of the world that people don't have to be responsible and have self control. How generous of us.

Rightfully so, the Vatican responded quickly to this ridiculous decision. Cardinal Rigali, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said that "An administration that wants to reduce abortions should not divert U.S. funds to groups that promote abortions."

I strongly agree with Cardinal Rigali and believe that adding taxes at this time is an unwise decision period.

We are at a time when our president claims to be the voice of the people and promotes individuality. I strongly believe that we should use this to the max and let our voices be heard. Therefore, I ask you to write Obama HERE and tell him that you oppose his decision to overturn the Mexico City Policy.

I wrote (and would have written more if there wasn't a stupid 500 character max):

Dear President Obama,

I write to inform you that I strongly oppose your decision to overturn the Mexico City Policy.

One reason I supported the policy is that I am adamantly pro-life and believe that everyone has the "inalienable right" to life.

The second reason is that we are in an economic disaster and I do not support spending more tax money to promote and provide abortions in other countries. This indicates a lack of need for self-control and responsibility.

God guide and bless you.

Sources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/MexicoCityPolicy-VoluntaryPopulationPlanning/
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/International/story?id=6716958&page=1
http://www.religioustolerance.org/abo_wrld.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City_Policy
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0900350.htm

"Freedom of Choice" doughnuts

2009-01-25T15:31:00.004-06:00

On January 20, Krispy Kreme gave out free doughnuts to honor "American’s sense of pride and freedom of choice on Inauguration Day."
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200901141022PR_NEWS_USPR_____AQW524.htm

http://www.all.org/article.php?id=11754

I, for one, am not going to put up with that sort of thing and I wrote Krispy Kreme to tell them that. Feel free to copy and edit as desired and let your voice be heard!

To whom it may concern:

As a pro-life citizen and doughnut lover, I write to inform relevant parties that I will no longer support Krispy Kreme doughnuts due to the blatant disregard for women and vulnerable children through the "Freedom of Choice" doughnuts that Krispy Kreme advertised on January 20.

Sincerely,

{Name}

http://www.krispykreme.com/contact.asp

Their response:
http://www.krispykreme.com/inauguration.htm
Yeah, whatever...

March for Life 2009

2009-01-25T15:10:00.002-06:00

The March for Life was, yet again, an incredible trip! This was the 36th annual march and my third. It was a different experience, because I went with a Kentucky group instead of a northeastern group and we stayed a bit longer in Washington. I left my house on Monday and stayed overnight with a friend. The next morning, we got up and went to Mass. I offered up my Mass for the new president. Then my friend’s mom drove us to Lexington and we went with the diocese of Lexington crew. We left Lexington on Tuesday night at about 11 P.M. We turned on the movie “Bella,” which was an awesome summary of why we were making this trip. I slept most of the way after that.

On Wednesday morning, we stopped for breakfast at MacDonald’s (I did a lot of MacDonald’s eating on this trip…). Then we loaded up and drove to D.C. We passed a Front Royal exit on the way and I flipped! I spent the rest of the trip looking at signs in the opposite direction and counting how far we were from Front Royal. (I’m obsessed, ok? Not my fault!)

We got into D.C. and went sightseeing, even though it was freezing cold (really, I think my nose froze…). We hopped on the metro and walked past the Washington Monument, through the WW2 Memorial, and then to the Lincoln Memorial. I loved standing on the steps in front of the Lincoln Memorial and gazing at the frozen Reflection Pool with the Washington Monument in the background. Then we walked back, through the Vietnam Memorial. The number of names was overwhelming and it made me really sad. It also reminded me of the number of children that die daily to abortion without even having names to place on a memorial.

After getting back on the metro, we went to lunch in Chinatown. My feet were killing me by this time, so the break was greatly appreciated. We went to “Chinatown Garden” and the food wasn’t that great…it was definitely expensive, though. Just a head’s up! Then we went to our hotel and got ready for the Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

At the Basilica, there were approximately 16,000 people. We got there pretty early, though, and got awesome seats! I walked around and looked at the different things. I’d been to the Basilica the year before, but it’s a gorgeous church. The art in it is incredible! The Mass was great! We were behind the priests, so we couldn’t see them, but it was incredible. The procession took a half hour because there were so many seminarians, deacons, priests, and bishops. After the Mass was over, we left and made our way through the thousands of people in order to get back to our bus. Once back at the hotel, we ordered some pizza for a late dinner, ate it, and went to sleep.

I woke up a little after five on Thursday morning in order to get ready. We left the hotel at 6:45 and walked over to the Verizon Center. After standing in the cold for a half hour, we finally got into the Verizon Center. We got crummy seats, but oh well. The youth rally was great and the Mass was awesome, as usual. The Verizon Center holds 20,000 people, I think, and it was totally full. After the Mass, we made our way out through everyone and walked across the street to make a head count.

After getting our group together, we walked to the rally on the Mall. We were in the way back, so I couldn’t hear the rally speakers. That was a bummer. Then we started marching. The crowd was SO congested! No one could move without touching another person. Around me, some people were praying rosaries and Divine Mercy chaplets, others were chanting things such as “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Roe v. Wade has got to go!” Gazing at the crowds, it was so encouraging to know that all these people, these hundreds of thousands of people, were out there because they believed in something. They believed that every human being has the inalienable right to life and that no other human being has the authority to destroy innocent human life.

We marched all the way past the Supreme Court building. I was standing between the Supreme Court building and the Capitol and I was overwhelmed by their significance. These two buildings were some of the most important buildings in the entire country and here was little me standing between them and letting my voice be heard. I felt so important and so insignificant at the same time. As much as my feet were killing me, despite how hungry I was, and no matter how much I wanted to drop, I had marched and prayed to save the lives of babies, help poor and ignorant women, and be a part of the majesty of this country.

After the march, we walked to Union Station and met our bus. I sat down and said a prayer of thanksgiving for being able to sit down. Then I had an incredible discussion with Katie about the beginnings of our country and what it’s turned into and how much we want to make a difference. Then we stopped (guess where?) and ate dinner at 8 P.M. I got French fries because I can’t make myself eat anything else from MacDonald’s. After getting back on the bus, I varied between sleep and talking to friends. We finally got back into Lexington at 5 in the morning (only 24 hours before I was getting up to get ready for the big day!). We went to Katie’s and slept for a while.

On Friday, we hung out in Lexington for the day. It was awesome and would have been even more awesome if I wasn’t sleep deprived! I tend to zone out when I don’t get enough sleep…we left Lexington and Mom met us at my other friend Katie’s house. I got home shortly before midnight, made my bed, and then slept till 11 Saturday morning.

And that was my trip! It is always an incredible experience and even more so this year, because I feel so strongly about the pro-life movement. I pray that next year, America will be so pro-life, that we will not need a March for Life to protest the injustice of killing innocent human life. However, nothing short of a miracle will allow that progress to be made. Despite my belief that anything can happen with God, I also believe that He allows us to make our own choices and recognize the consequences. The past few days of our new administration have demonstrated for me that it is highly unlikely that we will experience that miracle.

Therefore, I continue to pray and continue to hope. I continue to strive for a better future for all and I continue to count on the virtue in human nature. I’m not alone. Not only do I have the hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers that came all the way to our nation’s beautiful capitol to demonstrate their beliefs, but I can also count on the hundreds of thousands more that were not able to attend.

Off!

2009-01-19T14:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm off for the March!

God Bless!
Sara

National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009

2009-01-18T08:49:00.002-06:00

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us.

The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent. My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs. In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America. Also, I was proud to sign the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which allows authorities to charge a person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb with a separate offense in addition to any charges relating to the mother.

America is a caring Nation, and our values should guide us as we harness the gifts of science. In our zeal for new treatments and cures, we must never abandon our fundamental morals. We can achieve the great breakthroughs we all seek with reverence for the gift of life.

The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and women. On this day and throughout the year, we aspire to build a society in which every child is welcome in life and protected in law. We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause. History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens, we will prevail.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2009, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-1.html

Everyone, please be sure to participate in this national recognition of the sanctity of every human life. Pray and spread the word!

The Burning Babe

2009-01-15T09:34:00.005-06:00

"As I in hoary winter's night stood shivering in the snow,
Surprised I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow ;
And lifting up a fearful eye to view what fire was near,
A pretty babe all burning bright did in the air appear ;
Who, scorchëd with excessive heat, such floods of tears did shed
As though his floods should quench his flames which with his tears were fed.
Alas, quoth he, but newly born in fiery heats I fry,
Yet none approach to warm their hearts or feel my fire but I !
My faultless breast the furnace is, the fuel wounding thorns,
Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke, the ashes shame and scorns ;
The fuel justice layeth on, and mercy blows the coals,
The metal in this furnace wrought are men's defilëd souls,
For which, as now on fire I am to work them to their good,
So will I melt into a bath to wash them in my blood.
With this he vanished out of sight and swiftly shrunk away,
And straight I callëd unto mind that it was Christmas day."

~ by Robert Southwell

I believe this to be a beautiful description of Christ as a baby. Even in infancy, Christ, as God, knew of his future passions. Although "in fiery heats" He fries, "none approach to warm their hands or feel [His] fire." This is a sad recognition of the many people who refuse to accept the graces abundantly poured upon them. I love the parallels to the Sacred Heart Devotion. This poem gave me a deeper appreciation for the Sacred Heart Devotion and I thought I'd share.

In addition, Robert Southwell was a Jesuit priest who was martyred under Queen Elizabeth of England's reign for administering to the needs of the Catholic subjects. One of my favorite quotes of his is:
"Not where I breath, but where I love, I live"

Have I Ever Told You...How Much I Love You?

2009-01-12T17:22:00.000-06:00

To all my family, all of my friends, all of my role models, all of the world...have I ever told you how much I love you?

Time is an interesting phenomenon. Every second...every nanosecond...is unique and will never occur again. People are faced with decisions every moment of every day and their decisions result in positive or negative effects for themselves, those they love, and ultimately, the world. The question is, however, do we take advantage of every second?

If you knew I was going to die tomorrow, would spending time with me be more important to you than the football game or game show you said you had to watch instead? Why should knowing how much time we have left make a difference? I believe that the knowing brings forth the realization of the preciousness of every moment. But shouldn't we be living our lives as if every moment together was our last?

If you knew that you were going to die tomorrow, where would your priorities lie? Would you watch the same shows, play the same computer games, waste the same amount of time...as you would otherwise? Or suddenly, do you find yourself having better things to do?

By these questions, I do not mean never being responsible and enjoying life (such as working, planning for the future, relaxing, etc). I mean we should take full advantage of every moment of every day and never wait til later. Sometimes, there never is a later.

Emotions are hard for me to express. I have a difficult time showing those I love and care about how much they mean to me. But what if I am never faced with another opportunity to tell or show those I love how much I love them?

So to all my family, all of my friends, all of my role models, all of the world...have I ever told you how much I love you? Have I ever told you how much you mean to me? Have I ever told you how much I love your smile and how your presence brings joy to my every day? Have I ever told you how much I love the little things you do for me? Have I ever told you of the great impact you have made in my life? Have I ever told you that the random comment you made changed my life forever? Have I ever told you how much I care? Have I ever told you?

Well...I do.

Silence is Priceless

2009-01-07T08:58:00.002-06:00

When you say my name, I am no longer there. What am I?

Answer? Silence. (riddle from La Vita e Bella)

Silence can be exterior, when the machines are off and no one else is home. You look around and wonder what's missing. You realize that you need some kind of sound or you're going to go crazy. In a calm panic, you turn on the radio or television and give a small sigh of relief. One more problem fixed. Then you go about your merry way and forget that there ever was such a thing as silence. Another exterior silence is when you're in the car. More likely than not, music or talk radio is on and even blasting.

Silence can be awkward. After someone says something they think is funny and you don't, you don't respond. Someone could say something serious that you disagree with and then there's silence. Silence can be talking to someone that makes you feel uncomfortable and with whom you have little in common. At all times, though, you look to break the awkward silence.

Silence can be those precious few moments when a parent appreciates the "blissful silence" for all of two moments before the baby starts wailing. Silence can be the moments after receiving terrible news, when the person is in a stunned silence, trying to comprehend what they were told.

Silence can be a state of mind. The calm peacefulness that drowns out noise and leaves you rejuvenated. However, this silence is rarely experienced.

Too often in our modern world, we have the radio, the television, the iPod, the video games, the music, the machines...the noise...silence has no place in our times and is too rarely sought after. Why? Because of what silence causes.

When there is nothing else to distract us, we are forced to think. Often times, thinking leads to personal reflections. Sometimes, we don't like ourselves and would just rather not think about life, ourselves, our situations, and our shortcomings. We figure that if we refuse to recognize them, maybe, just maybe, they'll go away.

In reality, though, silence can be a great blessing as it calms us and helps us to find solutions to our troubles in life. When I sit in my room working on school, I sometimes space out and meditate. Sometimes I think of something I did, sometimes I think about my next blog, sometimes I think about someone in my life, sometimes I pray. Sometimes, I just enjoy the interior silence that rids me of my agitation.

Silence can be a beautiful way of talking to God. When you sit in silence, you can think of all the wonderful things He has done for you. You can talk to Him and ask Him to help you with things that are troubling you. You can ask Him to strengthen you in your shortcomings. "Ask and ye shall receive." Ask for it and it shall be given to you.

There are so many great things about silence, but these benefits are too rarely thought of. Spend five minutes of your day in silence and maybe you'll find yourself, if nothing else, having a better outlook on life.

The Heavens are Shining Down Upon Us!

2008-12-31T20:05:00.000-06:00

Last night, we arrived home at 11 PM. As we were walking to my house from the car, my friend Theresa exclaimed, “Look at the stars! The heavens are shining down upon us!”

“The heavens always shine down upon us. It’s just sometimes we don’t see them,” I replied. The words were scarcely out of my mouth when I realized their impact.

No matter what, the stars are always there. Sometimes we don’t see them because it’s cloudy or we are in a city and there are too many lights to be able to look up at the sky and see the stars. However, they are always there! Sometimes they are as clear and bountiful as they can be and we are then overwhelmed by their majesty.

Similarly, sometimes God shows Himself in our lives and sometimes He does not. Sometimes, it is our position in life that keeps us from seeing Him (just as sometimes being in the city keeps us from seeing the stars). Other times, we are forced to believe that He is there, even though His existence seems cloudy. Finally, sometimes He shows Himself in the most unexpected ways and at the most unexpected times and we are then swept up in His majesty and love.

No matter how many times I glance at the nocturnal sky, I am always overcome by them. They make me feel so small, but so special at the same time. There’s really no way of describing it exactly. However, whether I’m lying in bed with my eyes shut or staring at the stars, they are always there. No matter if I am thinking about them or couldn’t care less, they are always there. They do not change and they continue to be a beacon of light in the midst of darkness. How much greater, then, is God who created the heavens and the earth?

Holy Innocents/Holy Family

2008-12-28T22:22:00.001-06:00

Today (Dec 28) is the feast of the Holy Innocents and of the Holy Family. I feel as if these two closely tie together, especially in today’s society.

To summarize, we celebrate all the baby boys who died at Herod’s word in Matthew 2:16-18. Herod was scared of the infant Jesus after hearing the Wise Men talk about how He was to be King. As all others, they assumed Christ’s reign would be an earthly one. Hence, out of greed and convenience, Herod had all baby boys two and under murdered, in an attempt to kill Jesus. Luckily, an angel had appeared to St. Joseph in a dream and told him to take Jesus and Mary away from Bethlehem.

The Holy Family is Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Jesus was the perfect child. God made man, He obeyed His parents at all times, even in the smallest and most insignificant of things. Mary was the perfect mother and a role model for all women. Joseph was an incredible foster father and obviously loved Mary and Jesus very much. He was not God and he did not have the privilege of being immaculately conceived. However, he allowed God to work in his life to bring for the salvation of humanity.

In today’s time, we have the “Holy Innocents” because we lack the “Holy Family.” Family values are overlooked and discarded in an attempt to be modern and in the name of human rights. Because women refuse to take Mary as a role model (seriously…who’s going to believe that she’s pregnant and still a virgin? Penalty for such disregard for morality was death back then, so her undertaking was no easy task), we face the deaths of millions of innocent voices lost to earth for eternity. Because men refuse to be responsible fathers, millions of babies die. Because families do not strive for unity, we are losing the definition of marriage and family. We are having a modern “Holy Innocents” where thousands are lost daily to the horrors of abortion.

Thus, to fight for OUR rights and for the rights of those who have no choice, we must ultimately be an example. We must strive to imitate the Holy Family in all aspects of our lives so that we can influence others and try to prevent the continuation of the Holy Innocents. In the end, people don’t want cheap talk. They want you to SHOW them. So SHOW them and love all with every fiber of your being.