tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290413862024-03-07T01:29:56.375-06:00RECONnecting to the TRUTH"Well, if it’s a symbol, to hell with it." - Flannery O'ConnorJoyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.comBlogger1996125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-38983162833218209792013-03-04T07:27:00.002-06:002013-03-04T08:15:26.114-06:00My Thoughts on a "Trendy *ALLEGED* Apparition"...Hi everyone. I don't blog much anymore, as you can obviously see, and so I'm sorry for not getting to comments very quickly. I have been much more active on Facebook, than on blogger, so if you'd like to read what I've been up to on fb, then look me up there. Susan J. Melkus. <br /><br />Now for my thoughts on Medjugorje. For those who've gone and have been blessed and graced, good. But there are also those who have gone, and it's not been good. They don't talk about it, much, due to the quite robust and sadly, very UNMarian rebukes they receive from many who have gone and now are 'caught up in it' way too heavily! It's become a 'fad' and a 'trend' for many, not all, but what is so sad is that it is now only dividing the Body of Christ even further, causing division among otherwise good and faithful Catholics. I am not judging ANYONE'S soul, but for me? I do NOT believe the apparitions and messages are definitively Mary. And I have discerned that by much reading, prayer, research. If you don't agree, then don't agree. We can agree to disagree. Back in 2007 I believed in it, since 2005 actually ... but in 2009 I started seeing little 'red flags' and began doing my research and have come to believe it is not Mary and that's my opinion. NO apparition, approved or unapproved, is NECESSARY for my growth in the Faith and it is not necessary as a Catholic to 'follow' any of them! Got it? I hope so!<br />
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Kindly, however, refrain from calling me 'worse than Stalin' for my skepticism. That isn't becoming of a daughter of Mary to lash out at others, calling them worse than a murderous thug and communist dictator ... I mean, STOP IT! You won't win me or anyone over to your "lady of Medj" that way! You simply CANNOT go beyond and above the Church and definitively say that IT IS MARY doing the talking! I can't say it is not her, definitively either, but I CAN say, "I do NOT believe it is her." Big difference. Learn the difference before calling another sister in Christ 'worse than Stalin' because MARY, my BLESSED MOTHER, would never do such a thing, and SHE never yammers on and on! She is a Woman Wrapped in Silence (Great book by John Lynch) which seems very opposite of what "your" Lady of Medjgorje is. Word will come down from the Magisterium one day, as a decision IS forthcoming, probably even this year, when we have a new Papa/Pope. So until then, I am a firm *non* believer' in Medj. If you are a firm believer in the ALLEGED apparitions and the messages, ok. But then please, BE MARIAN and BE QUIET about it, and grow in humility and grace as you 'keep it to yourself' because SHE NEVER PUSHES herself on anyone, and SHE NEVER would become so outraged as to call a daughter of hers 'worse than Stalin' for not believing in her ALLEGED apparition/messages. Good day, and God bless.Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-90326500562400507972012-07-23T06:59:00.000-05:002012-07-23T07:03:04.644-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>'My Morning Prayer'</b></div>
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Early morning </div>
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Sun on the rise</div>
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Mercies so tender</div>
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And ever new</div>
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Your grace still </div>
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Amazes me</div>
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Your love overwhelms</div>
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This poor sin-stained </div>
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Heart of mine</div>
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Fill me with Your love</div>
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Transform me by Your</div>
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Body and Blood</div>
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Make me an instrument</div>
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Of Your peace...</div>
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And when I fall short</div>
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Failing to love like You</div>
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May I find Your Hand</div>
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And Your Sacred Heart</div>
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My refuge and my shelter</div>
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And forgiveness </div>
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Through penance and </div>
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Rise again like the</div>
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Morning sun ... just a little</div>
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Closer to You</div>
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Than I was the day before</div>
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Amen.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt;">© Susie Melkus</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt;">07.23.12</span></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-37710422957204547712012-03-02T06:33:00.004-06:002012-03-02T06:39:03.118-06:00In 5 Hours I Will See Jesus!<span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://theonetruefaith-faith.blogspot.com/2011/03/redemption.html">Jacques Fesh</a></span> - at 27 years old, he was condemned to be guillotined in 1957. While in prison he had a most miraculous and profound conversion to the Catholic faith, and his "controversial" cause for Sainthood has begun. This is one "must read" if there ever was one!Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-23479386677176235132012-01-20T15:56:00.002-06:002012-01-20T16:01:21.177-06:00The SOURCE ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKX-eC_oeIIkaZJk8Qw4c-2dQKIU32-4I_VWv-fu9Yg2FxfZbi9Pv2mKQz5DtkuF24wv1SQ_qUbOY5gkj5Fqzx7JZb0tTmmJtqP3nWV_gN_2jErysFdXHS679GDUbUQhXKebc/s1600/st_peters_basilica-rome.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKX-eC_oeIIkaZJk8Qw4c-2dQKIU32-4I_VWv-fu9Yg2FxfZbi9Pv2mKQz5DtkuF24wv1SQ_qUbOY5gkj5Fqzx7JZb0tTmmJtqP3nWV_gN_2jErysFdXHS679GDUbUQhXKebc/s320/st_peters_basilica-rome.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699836939531888978" border="0" /></a><br />"If there were no God, there would be no atheists." GKC<br /><br />The same goes for Protestants.<br /><br /><span> If there were no Catholic Church, there would be no Protestants - and the myriad denominations/sects/</span><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}"><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>fellowships popping up and just popping (like bubbles in the air.) Most don't even remember or really know what all the protesting was about anyway, so why not find out the *truth* (which we're supposed to love) and come back to the 'Source?'<br /><br />Isn't it best to learn all you can about something or someone from the closest source(s) possible before making a decision to leave or stay, abide or protest? Why 'trust' anyone other than the most reliable to inform you? You probably put more trust in an issue of *Consumer Reports* regarding whether to purchase a certain make or model of car, computer, tv, etc. and the word of trusted family or friends about the quality of food at any particular restaurant than you do about 'choosing a church' - which is odd, isn't it?<br /><br />We take the word of a disgruntled priest or nun who's left the Church, (because we too have an 'anti-Catholic' agenda) or an ex-Catholic lay person, or perhaps another well-meaning, but yet ignorant Protestant over that of commited, faithful, loyal practicing Catholics, who have the knowledge and have studied to 'show themselves approved.' Again, that's odd.<br /><br />I was surely one ODD DUCK for many years, because that's what I did. I took the word of a few ignorant but well-meaning souls who were also pretty much less than 'fair' about their suppositions and assumptions regarding the RCC. Guess what. I was vewy, vewy wong to do dat. It made the trip "Home" that much more crazy, but God of course still 'worked it all out' because He is so good writing at 'straight with crooked pencils' (or is it lines?) :)<br /><br />One Church still ministers ALL the grace via ALL the sacraments Jesus instituted. What's keeping you from putting aside your bias...at least to honestly pursue the Truth? Is it fear? Perfect Love casts out fear. Jesus is Perfect Love. Is it pride? There's only one way to kill that "many-headed beast" - by humility - by a docile, teachable heart/spirit. Remember; God rejects the proud, but He exalts the humble.</span>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-88490453001772733362011-09-19T10:48:00.002-05:002011-09-19T10:51:23.889-05:00The Bee Is A Symbol of Our Lady ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-1HBidwCI3oEi7hGJK2AEm__IujmQRiIA4znLtBJ3l6T4xbzu3f_nHGn-HZMwgyJ-IbMGvdi0BfqxUoa0m8qh_mzBBxaCT8vKJoDHliH1YLm8KccDKSzvgNAQtc7O0eV_FYk/s1600/P1010091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-1HBidwCI3oEi7hGJK2AEm__IujmQRiIA4znLtBJ3l6T4xbzu3f_nHGn-HZMwgyJ-IbMGvdi0BfqxUoa0m8qh_mzBBxaCT8vKJoDHliH1YLm8KccDKSzvgNAQtc7O0eV_FYk/s400/P1010091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654098849684989602" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://catholicism.org/the-bee-is-a-symbol-of-our-lady.html">The Bee</a></span><br /><br /><br /></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-5502129437775840932011-06-24T12:35:00.002-05:002011-06-24T12:40:02.332-05:00Lady & the Lab ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAHpJqjri0Jcp3gbg4I1RmaNfbvnpJtzEyb5iGNlNMUGPbMvdLpJBbk8PkQNhpfJPBIvBVp7eZakGj35-XAw_M7_8gfBelCVnWThkSN2-rnElN0p9mH61hPq-D00rzCsmLOpu/s1600/lucky5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAHpJqjri0Jcp3gbg4I1RmaNfbvnpJtzEyb5iGNlNMUGPbMvdLpJBbk8PkQNhpfJPBIvBVp7eZakGj35-XAw_M7_8gfBelCVnWThkSN2-rnElN0p9mH61hPq-D00rzCsmLOpu/s400/lucky5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621841663429484802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwLHmisQNcx3eAWjk_uAxCyGEOMKRXvsKUzkoUdk1kaSgvCpwqYOJawMN_18ZbWZz4ydj_99z1UqdBiMQloai6IpMlq5k-dKEIskEy2JN9xIxFky_XuNnQlu5YTtXgQ-8FNgh/s1600/lucky5.jpg"><br /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;">What a difference Our Lady makes in a 'dog' and in us! Since the eye is the 'window to the soul' may we always gaze on Our Lady's loveliness. May our eyes always reflect her face, her love and her presence to others. Hers is the face of our life, our sweetness and our hope. Amen.</span>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-63698211144271598882011-06-24T07:53:00.004-05:002011-06-24T08:06:32.460-05:00BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1tBdeAsSeBB07BSjsFFd-iwa7ufPApPJPVm_zspj-_wkEppIG9CTk6KwgYoco9TCoblgjJrjGv38NItY3-RZJvooXSwFdu5-1zJ-ZM_xgtAcJMgD_awE11_nBOQnXlBIluCo/s1600/blackdogeyes2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1tBdeAsSeBB07BSjsFFd-iwa7ufPApPJPVm_zspj-_wkEppIG9CTk6KwgYoco9TCoblgjJrjGv38NItY3-RZJvooXSwFdu5-1zJ-ZM_xgtAcJMgD_awE11_nBOQnXlBIluCo/s320/blackdogeyes2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621769032248765490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FLm4TkRLrLmXROzYJRaFAvalsBHIe5RX1Fgab5vyUHm7AXoWvdhcbiv_Z3veaIEZb98z7Cu8UealWMuAmJKZeqgsapedT9rYP7cslaJZUZhuZx-7HbjWoVKeB86ZC-iz8ew_/s1600/blackdogeyes2.jpg"><br /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">let Mary's reflection fill your eyes, and though they might still look angry for a while, only your MOTHER can heal the "wounded dog" and calm his soul. Yes, Fr. Corapi, now to be known only as, "John," remember Mary, behold her, and find peace, contentment and joy IN your trials, (legal) and spiritual. May God help you. May Mary, Mother of all priests, console you as only She can. Amen.</span>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-42725497604069677502011-06-23T09:18:00.004-05:002011-06-23T09:37:02.199-05:00Regarding the man *formerly known as* Father Corapi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://stlouisreview.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article-body/sites/default/files/article-images/7/corapi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 245px;" src="http://stlouisreview.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article-body/sites/default/files/article-images/7/corapi.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>If you will not do violence to yourself and will not be indifferent as far as your own interests are concerned, as to who is your Superior, do not flatter yourself that you will ever become a spiritual man and a faithful observer of your vows.<br /><br />----St. John of the Cross<br /><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">St. Francis Borgia showed the greatest veneration for all Superiors, not only while in office, but after they had retired from it. And when St. Ignatius appointed a lay-brother to take charge of his health, he yielded the same obedience to him that he would have to the Saint himself.</span><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;">'One who is repentant cannot be haughty, just as one who sins deliberately cannot be humble-minded.'</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">St. Mark the Ascetic</p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>'One ought to obey a superior, not on account of his wisdom, goodness, or other qualities which God has given him, but only because he is God's representative and acts by His authority, who has said: " He that heareth you heareth Me; he that despiseth you despiseth Me."'</strong></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>St. Ignatius of Loyola</strong></p><p style="font-weight: bold;">'Any tempest which assails us and which we did not bring on ourselves through any fault of ours, foretells a consolation soon to follow it.'</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">St. Ignatius of Loyola</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">'Unlimited self-denial. Love for and fidelity to Jesus, my Spouse, until death.'</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">St. Bernadette Soubirous</p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Had there been some trace of humility as in St. Bernadette's words above, just something close to it in your Friday night nuclear bomb you dropped via your "global announcement" to us all, then all this nasty 'fall-out' would be much less disheartening. Get SOME HELP A.S.A.P. -- but stop the blame game. It's not becoming and it's not a good example and no priest who became a Saint EVER did it, or they'd not be Saints.</span><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm praying for you and all priests, seminarians and religious to DO THE RIGHT THING, stay courageous and 'suck it up' when the assaults come, don't 'jump ship' and go off on some rogue new venture ... remember you are 'alter Christus' and I'll follow NO SHEPHERD that rants against the Church or his superiors. That dog's bite my be as bad as his bark!</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >God bless you and PLEASE, "RUN TO YOUR MOTHER, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and don't ignore her pleas!!!</span><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br /></p>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-32058237866161371422011-06-22T10:37:00.001-05:002011-06-22T10:38:57.693-05:00Woof! Arf! Arf!<a href="http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2011/06/major-announcement-we-are-gods.html"><span style="font-size:180%;">GOD'S CHIHUAHUAS</span></a>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-54091476142805362202011-02-28T09:48:00.001-06:002011-02-28T09:50:02.660-06:00There's Something Fishy Goin On ...<div style="font-style: italic;" class="uiHeader uiHeaderBottomBorder mbm"><div class="clearfix uiHeaderTop"><div><h2 class="uiHeaderTitle"><span style="font-size:78%;">Christianity and the gospel cannot be reduced to a 'sound bite' or a 'bumper sticker' theology. Jesus is infinite. Truth is eternal. His religion is vast and deep. Jesus says to us, "go out to the deep and cast your nets." You can wade in the shallows if you want, but the *fish* Jesus wants us to catch aren't there. The fish that "feed" you and the ones you're to catch for the Kingdom are in the deep, so I'm rowing out there! Wanna come along?</span></h2></div></div></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-17612292966824728222011-02-26T13:48:00.001-06:002011-02-26T13:49:42.366-06:00What's Lent All About Anyway? ...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">click to learn more about what</span><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qlhW5gTkQE">Lent means...</a></span><br /></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-85810367182407907992011-02-19T13:00:00.003-06:002011-02-19T13:04:01.456-06:00"Jesus yes. Church no." What's Wrong With That?<span style="font-size:180%;">A</span> slogan that was popular some years back: <span style="font-style: italic;">“Jesus yes, Church no”</span> is totally inconceivable with the intention of Christ! This individualistically "chosen Jesus" is an *imaginary* Jesus. We cannot have Jesus without the reality He created and in which He communicates Himself! (Not 'fully' anyway.) Between the Son of God-made-flesh and His Church there is a profound, unbreakable and mysterious continuity by which Christ is present today in His people. He is always contemporary - with us, He is always contemporary with the Church, built on the foundation of the Apostles, and alive in the succession of the Apostles. And His very presence in the community, in which He Himself is always with us, is the reason for <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">our</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> joy</span></span>.Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-46821750194199355532011-02-06T11:21:00.001-06:002011-02-06T11:23:09.027-06:00Imagine ...<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5fB26ogF3I">Finding Jesus </a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">IN the ... Catholic Church. ? What?</span></span>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-90527414016453447622011-01-04T08:28:00.014-06:002011-01-04T09:37:09.790-06:00The Crucifix...<div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZO77wbyIWMWVvJDuAMyebNEuuS5aoSeV65Y1MsE0wk9olRqdWMg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 210px; text-align: center; display: block;" alt="" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZO77wbyIWMWVvJDuAMyebNEuuS5aoSeV65Y1MsE0wk9olRqdWMg" border="0" /></a><br />This image at <a href="http://richardserrinart.com/religious2.htm">Richard Serrin Art</a><br /></div><br />Should Christians use (i.e. wear or have artwork of) or have a crucifix in their churches or house? <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/%7Emysticalrose/crucifix.html">Read this </a>and perhaps gain more appreciation for Christ and His Saving Work. What does it really say about us when we no longer 'want' to see Jesus on the Cross? He commanded us, if we want to be His disciples, if we want to follow Him, we're to 'take up our cross and follow Him.' When we can't even look at Him on the Cross or prefer a 'dressed and glorified Jesus' we must remember this: No Cross, No Crown! No Cross, No Resurrection! You can say, "But we're 'Easter People'" and I would say, "Yes, we are." However, HOW did we become Easter people? Was there a 'short cut' that didn't require a 'death' on the Cross?<br /><div class="UIIntentionalStory_Header"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="UIStory_Message">Lest I forget Gethsemane,<br />Lest I forget thine agony,<br />Lest I forget thy love for me,<br />Lead me to Calvary.</span></span></h3></div><div class="UIIntentionalStory_Header"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="UIStory_Message">“Keep your eyes on the crucifix, for Jesus without the Cross is a man without a mission, and the Cross without Jesus is a burden without the reliever.” -- Archbiship Fulton Sheen</span></span></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://richardserrinart.com/religious2.htm">More religious images </a>by this master artist.</span><br /></div></div><br /></div></div></div><br /></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-49335605890269187752011-01-03T07:28:00.000-06:002011-01-03T07:30:55.737-06:00Distractions A Problem?<div align="center"><a href="http://www.sophiainstitute.com/client/email_ads/081030_saintly_hl.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saintly Solutions</span></a></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-29122347018482703222010-12-15T16:40:00.000-06:002010-12-15T16:41:55.336-06:00So You Want To Become Catholic?<div align="center"><a href="http://www.ancient-future.net/conversionfaq.html"><span style="font-size:180%;">What, where, when?</span></a></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-27878645078618295422010-12-09T19:32:00.002-06:002010-12-09T19:34:44.498-06:00Married, Former Protestant Minister...<a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/images/ppcantonobispo190510.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/images/ppcantonobispo190510.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/married-former-protestant-minister-preparing-for-catholic-priesthood/"><span style="font-size:130%;">becomes Catholic priest</span></a></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-51216079950544449342010-12-09T18:03:00.000-06:002010-12-09T18:03:24.870-06:00Journey Home - Open-Line First Monday - Marcus Grodi with David Anders -...<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/whhQZldd1Gc?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-23168644447597236342010-12-09T17:48:00.004-06:002010-12-09T17:58:12.743-06:00Former Calvinist/Presbyterian Now Catholic...<div align="left"><a href="http://www.calledtocommunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DavidAnders.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.calledtocommunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DavidAnders.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://calvin2catholic.com/Home.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">Calvin 2 Catholic</span></a><br /><div align="center">&<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://wn.com/David_Anders">David Anders on EWTN Live</a></div></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-57842803659313912752010-12-08T08:45:00.001-06:002010-12-08T08:45:49.780-06:00Immaculate Mary<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G-9XYrAm-7s?fs=1" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe><br />Thank you Jesus, for creating Mary, Immaculate. Thank you, Blessed Mother for Jesus.Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-89887379786473652022010-12-08T08:31:00.010-06:002010-12-08T08:43:13.306-06:006th Year Anniversary ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLU_JFJQSk_f0Wp0AMjBEr-kThQyd71VDjunT6kR-gidgpYX0Eo1kOfGtNC8Mz8dTzQolfLzexprOidwrreQLKrYAkY-mDwLcCfBjD6lPXtx_XoC-kt5MFfKUT6rTxv_sucJM/s1600/stellamariaebabyjesusred.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLU_JFJQSk_f0Wp0AMjBEr-kThQyd71VDjunT6kR-gidgpYX0Eo1kOfGtNC8Mz8dTzQolfLzexprOidwrreQLKrYAkY-mDwLcCfBjD6lPXtx_XoC-kt5MFfKUT6rTxv_sucJM/s320/stellamariaebabyjesusred.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548321077541136610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe1yImMtdn0lipkYRyMRRjkGRyIaRevIzohqIFAhuhMfcgLA5g8GLvOfw_BdifsCThG89CVZCPFfM5wwv0WdAiNT3L0uJVuqsyCC-rqg5vW8ka0oHgeLQYSe2LW4a8ZRbGp3n/s1600/stellamariaebabyjesusred.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNt9r7X91_4">Immaculate Mary</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Today Rich and I have been back in full communion with the Church for 6 years having been away from Her for 26 years. It is the Church Jesus established, built on Peter, our first Pope. We are JOYFUL, and PROUD to be CATHOLIC.<br />Please come Home if you've been away or want to be Catholic.<br />There's no time is like "NOW."<br />'Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.'<br />COME HOME to<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rome-Sweet-Home-Journey-Catholicism/dp/0898704782"> ROME SWEET HOME</a>.</span><br /></span></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-43818058967642527762010-12-04T18:58:00.003-06:002010-12-04T19:00:59.319-06:00St. Nicholas Day...December 6<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wf-f.org/WFFResource/StNicholas-Seafarers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 288px; height: 362px; text-align: center; display: block;" alt="" src="http://www.wf-f.org/WFFResource/StNicholas-Seafarers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.wf-f.org/st.nicholas.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saint Nicholas, Bishop</span></a></div></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-43144205489565010572010-12-04T18:38:00.003-06:002010-12-04T18:43:19.201-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBFQn2jahqQefUZq0HFV8S_oJgw3KWCcLV9TNx8_dJidyBTHORTCMqxOsuovxgqqMccWwGlNKSz42RFMa9UjtBUUSFan7g-YgcpmbmGfIxthInHCyx-yB9wVfj_N9zJ4zgBp7/s1600/StNickolasRound.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBFQn2jahqQefUZq0HFV8S_oJgw3KWCcLV9TNx8_dJidyBTHORTCMqxOsuovxgqqMccWwGlNKSz42RFMa9UjtBUUSFan7g-YgcpmbmGfIxthInHCyx-yB9wVfj_N9zJ4zgBp7/s320/StNickolasRound.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546992274059601026" border="0" /></a><br /><i>Everybody loves Santa Claus. He embodies holiday cheer, happiness, fun, and gifts—warm happy aspects of the Christmas season. How do <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=36">Santa Claus and St. Nicholas differ?</a></i> <p>Santa Claus belongs to childhood;<br />St. Nicholas models for all of life.</p> <p>Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;<br />St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.</p> <p>Santa Claus encourages consumption;<br />St. Nicholas encourages compassion.</p> <p>Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;<br />St. Nicholas is part of the communion of <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=205#saints" class="brown-text">saints</a>, surrounding us always with prayer and example.</p> <p>Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;<br />St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.</p> <p>Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;<br />St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.</p> <p>Santa Claus isn't bad;<br />St. Nicholas is just better.</p> <p><br />—<i>J. Rosenthal & C. Myers</i></p><p><br /></p><p><i>Interesting: The<a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=743"> REAL FACE</a> of St. Nicholas<br /></i> </p>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-22499339100113016262010-12-04T18:23:00.007-06:002010-12-04T18:37:25.452-06:00Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN90sOTBBspnmWUlSq0StNQN18EZcSgdJnezgGg3jjTU7NhM5XZMnuvMn9EAbiQGc8tNmMhhbAZn3DHPDDzHMdQ0qO7txFjBw2J3-Jl8ifCW8EqV2TDcqwmXb-bfEreMbw4pyi/s1600/StNicholas.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN90sOTBBspnmWUlSq0StNQN18EZcSgdJnezgGg3jjTU7NhM5XZMnuvMn9EAbiQGc8tNmMhhbAZn3DHPDDzHMdQ0qO7txFjBw2J3-Jl8ifCW8EqV2TDcqwmXb-bfEreMbw4pyi/s200/StNicholas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546989927063348002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl27AXw9gZaYcWhTRcx0jAX9FDrmERCsz-yNvdlhNzVc7zwHLpZivNuSn0DqFcmhumj7d87Xi6mcwyJ_ax62kawtEX7rtMP_t2D16oIZfPcEIhCU5f5KfS881GoXYPtwGtsY0/s1600/StNickolasgifts.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl27AXw9gZaYcWhTRcx0jAX9FDrmERCsz-yNvdlhNzVc7zwHLpZivNuSn0DqFcmhumj7d87Xi6mcwyJ_ax62kawtEX7rtMP_t2D16oIZfPcEIhCU5f5KfS881GoXYPtwGtsY0/s200/StNickolasgifts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546989547371450338" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/stnic/images/hc-ukraine-05-sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 192px; height: 262px; text-align: center; display: block;" alt="" src="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/stnic/images/hc-ukraine-05-sm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=23"><br /></a><div align="center"><a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=23"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >Saint Nicholas Center</span></a><br />St. Nicholas had a difficult time during the 16th century Protestant <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=205#Reformation" class="brown-text">Reformation</a> which took a dim view of <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=205#saints" class="brown-text">saints</a>. Even though both reformers and counter-reformers tried to stamp out St. Nicholas-related customs, they had very little long-term success except in England where the religious folk traditions were permanently altered. (It is ironic that fervent <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=205#Puritan" class="brown-text">Puritan</a> Christians began what turned into a trend to a more secular Christmas observance.) Because the common people so loved<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=35"> St. Nicholas,</a> he survived on the European continent as people continued to place nuts, apples, and sweets in shoes left beside beds, on windowsills, or before the hearth.<br /></div></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29041386.post-4876806306161936842010-12-03T18:54:00.007-06:002010-12-03T19:25:50.216-06:00Just What Is Advent?<a href="http://i3.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens7021622module69008781photo_1258402119Advent_Wreath_Candles.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 561px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 630px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i3.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens7021622module69008781photo_1258402119Advent_Wreath_Candles.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/Advent/2008/f_advent_cal_08.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Find out </span><a href="http://vivificat1.blogspot.com/2010/12/history-of-advent.html"><span style="font-size:180%;">here.</span></a></div></div>Joyful Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763631591924925063noreply@blogger.com0