Jump to content

marthaj

Forum eLite
  • Posts

    4,316
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    13

Everything posted by marthaj

  1. This just in from Yahoo! Entertainment News Elton John will not be able to adopt a 14 month old Ukranian boy because he is too old and not traditionally married, says a source quoting the Ukranian Minister of Family Affairs.
  2. Although childless couples may be "preferred," there are always unique situations that arise. When we were PIW, we spoke with a couple who were expecting their 4th child. Due to a disabling injury the birthfather had suffered, they were not able to care for another child. While they "liked" us, they wanted to place their baby in a family who already had children at home, because they didn't want him/her to miss out on the sibling experience. So, in this particular case, our being childless did not meet this couple's needs. It really all depends how "open" you are. If you are open to children of color, children older than a year or toddler age, children with disabilities, or sibling groups, Abrazo may be able to hold your paperwork "in reserve" for just such an opportunity.
  3. Yesterday when I was getting my daily dose of "what's new today" on the forum, Catherine was looking over my shoulder as she noticed some of the new avatars. She remarked, "I can't believe that all these kids are adopted!" I said, "Yes, and aren't they beautiful? I think these are the most beautiful kids in the whole world!" Catherine thought about that for a moment, then replied "That's because we are all a GIFT FROM GOD!" As I reflected upon her insight, I thought about the various ways in which gifts are received. Some gifts come at expected times, such as Christmas or birthdays or Valentine's Day. Sometimes gifts come at unexpected times, and we are not as prepared to receive those gifts. And sometimes when we are expecting to receive a gift, it doesn't arrive at all, to great disappointment and sadness. I am so thankful for the gift our family received!
  4. Andrea, Do you remember posting this?? From your lips to God's ear!!!!!!!!
  5. I just wanted to share another story of a quilt and a friendship, and a recently received gift that touched my heart. I have another friend, Patti, who quilts. We met in 1980 when we were going thru Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) together. After OTS, we both went to technical training at Keesler AFB MS. After technical school we "went our separate ways," but have maintained a written correspondence that has spanned almost 30 years! The last time we saw each other was in 1988 when she was coming thru San Antonio between assignments. One of Patti's hobbies is sewing. She often writes to me about her projects. Patti made a baby quilt for Catherine after she was born. It was just the right size to place on the floor for our "baby Catherine" to sit and play on. That quilt has now been cleaned and lovingly packed away as a keepsake. Well, quite out of the blue a package arrived a couple of weeks ago from Patti, and it was a twin-bed sized quilt! She has a new quilting machine and was trying some different patterns. The amazing thing is, the quilt pieces have all the colors of Catherine's bedroom. The quilt is so pretty with the pink butterflies and purple floral patterns! Catherine loves it and has been wrapping herself up in it ever since it arrived! In the thank you card I sent, I asked Patti for her e-mail address so I could e-mail her digital pictures of the quilt on Catherine's bed. When she wrote a letter back with her e-mail address...she told me she was sending it reluctantly. She so enjoys receiving letters...pouring herself a glass of wine and finding a cozy spot to read her correspondence and then compose her letters back. It too makes me sad to accept the reality that the fine art of letter writing may eventually disappear, as technology continues to make communication more instantaneous (with e-mail on portable laptops and "video chat" cell phones and "text message" and "twitter"), but Patti and I will continue to experience the joys of a written correspondence that has withstood the test of time!
  6. When this thread was begun, I was under the impression that it was a thread to be "by Catholics, for Catholics" and was intended to be a way that we could express how we practice our faith and share milestones (our children's baptism and First Communion, for example) and what that means to us. Whenever a "controversial" item appears in the press that is related to Catholic church teaching, and it is posted on this topic, there is a danger that it will become a means to stir up controversary and division, and to put Catholics on the defensive. As far as the issue of condom use to halt the spread of AIDS... I totally understand the need to practice abstinence and not rely on the use of condoms as a way to prevent the spread of AIDS. It's almost too simple....if everyone who has contracted the HIV/AIDS virus, not only in Africa but throughout the world, would live a life of abstinence the disease could be reduced significantly within one generation (I will not go so far as to say "wiped out" because there is still the danger of transmission thru the infusion of infected blood or shared needles by drug adicts. Yes, I know there is now blood screening but is it 100% effective? Even one drop of tainted blood that the screening missed is one drop too many.) Condoms are not a fool proof method. Condoms can break, condoms can be used improperly, condoms can provide a false sense of security. So, there's my 2 cents on that subject. Now, I would like to switch gears. What I would like to see this thread become is more of an exchange of ideas among Catholics as to how we approach our faith. For example, I am currently enrolled in an ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity Of Women) class. I am taking the beginning class, Pope John Paul II's Letter to Women. ENDOW is a Catholic educational program that brings women together to discover their God-given dignity and to understand their role in humanizing and transforming society. ENDOW utilizes small study groups, conferences, and retreats to cultivate faith, fellowship and formation. ENDOW study groups meet weekly or be-weekly over an 8 to 10 week period. For example, thoughout this course I have learned that the feminism practiced in the United States during the past 40 years has nothing at all to do with advancing the dignity of women! I look forward to sharing more of the insights I have gained through this study. To learn more about the ENDOW course and to see if it's being offered in an area near you, click here www.EndowOnline.com/endow-classes
  7. I did a Google search, and there is a Bunde Christian Reformed Church in Clara City, MN. Not sure if this is the same church, but this is a pretty unique name.
  8. Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten Season. May we all use this time to "step back" from our busy schedules and take some time daily to meditate, reflect and reconnect with our spiritual side. To begin my Lenten journey, I would like to share this prayer I found: Lenten Prayer for Spiritual Renewal God, heavenly Father look upon me and my prayer during his Holy Season of Lent. By the good works you inspire help me to discipline my body and be renewed in Spirit. Father, our source of life I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand Let me walk more readily in Your ways Guide me in Your gentle mercy for left to myself I cannot do Your will. God of love, bring me back to You. Send your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works. Lord, during this Lenten season nourish me with your Word of Life and make me one with You in love and prayer. Amen
  9. This coming Wednesday, February 25 is Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40 day Lenten observance. In the Catholic tradition, Ash Wednesday and Good Fridays are both days to fast. Each Friday during Lent is a day to abstain from eating meat. I wondered if anyone has some good Lenten recipes or a favorite Lenten dish they'd like to share?
  10. Texas is a very "adoption friendly" state. The earliest the birthmother/father may sign the relinquishment papers is 48 hours after birth. Once the relinquishment papers are signed, the decision is irrevocable (which means there is no legal option for the birth mom to "change her mind". ) When you attend Orientation, all of your questions will be answered at that time. Abrazo is very thorough about "dotting the i's and crossing the t's" concerning the legal paperwork.
  11. This is the ethical quandry that has accompanied IVF and the "harvesting" of embryos. What becomes of the frozen embryos that are not implanted? From a Catholic perspective...life begins at conception. Those embryos are already "babies in waiting." (This is one of the reasons the Catholic Church is opposed to IVF). I have read all the newspaper articles and understand the fertility doctor/clinic is going to be investigated. But from a pro-life perspective.....I am relieved she allowed all 14 of her babies to be given life. Was it totally unnecessary to create all those embryos in the first place...probably..but once they were created, it was a life begun. I pray the Lord's blessings upon her and her family, and that people will pray for her and not be so critical of her decisions. Perhaps there is a lesson here for anyone about to embark on the IVF journey.
  12. Congratulations! Love the picture in the gallery. Guy's smile says it all! He is just gushing with joy and excitement! And, Linda's expression is just one of being blissfully in love! Congrats again!
  13. Many beautiful songs and carols are sung during the Christmas season which were originally written for church worship. One such carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, has an even deeper meaning. From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. So, what do Leaping Lords, French Hens, Swimming Swans, and especially that Partridge who won't come out of the Pear Tree have to do with Christmas? The song has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning, plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could memorize. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first Five Books of the Old Testament. The six geese a-laying stood for the Six Days of Creation. Seven swans a-swimming represented the Sevenfold Gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophesy, service, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership and mercy. The eight maids a-milking were the Eight Beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing were the Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments. Eleven pipers piping stood for the Eleven Faithful Disciples. Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the Twelve Points of Belief in the Apostle's Creed. Now, the next time you sing this song, see how many of the "lessons" you can recall!
  14. Thank you to all those who participated in these past nine days of prayer for special intention.
  15. Today is Day 9 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Ninth Day Read Matthew 5: 13-16 Reflection Upon the Reading How am I salt for my community? How do I shine your light for all the community to see? What deeds am I performing in order to glorify God? Prayer Lord Jesus, you give us your love and your grace to do great things. Give us the faith to shine our light by walking humbly and acting justly before our God. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
  16. I just discovered this resource, that is very timely with tomorrow being Election Day. It is an article on "How to Vote Catholic," which highlights the teachings of our Catholic faith and how we can most effectively practice faithful citizenship by understanding the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church. HOW TO VOTE CATHOLIC
  17. Today is Day 8 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Eighth Day Read Isaiah 32:15-18 Reflection Upon the Reading How do I recognize the Holy Spirit's involvement in my life in the community? Prayer Spirit of God, fill our hearts with peace so that we may bring peace to our communities. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
  18. Today is Day 7 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Seventh Day Read Ephesians 4:1-6 Reflection Upon the Reading What divisions exist in my community? What structures in society seem unjust? How am I striving to achieve justice and peace in my neighborhood, church, and nation? Prayer God of justice, we are created in your image. May we glorify you in all of our actions. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
  19. Today is Day 6 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Sixth Day Read Matthew 5:43-46 Reflection Upon the Reading Who are my enemies? how do I love them? How do I live up to the definition Jesus provides for living a Christian lifestyle, a life of Christian love? Prayer God of peace, Give us the courage to be reconciled with our neighbors, our enemies. Give us the vision to truly see what it means to be a Christian so that peace and justice may rule in our world. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
  20. Today is Day 5 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Fifth Day Read I Corinthians 11:26-29 Reflection Upon the Reading How is the Eucharist central in my life? My community? Where do I reach out to the body of Christ in my community? Prayer Lord, we come together at the Eucharist to celebrate your death and resurrection. Help us experience authentic worship. Help us grow in awareness of each person's dignity, and increase our sensitivity to injustices. Guide us to seek ways to redress them. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
  21. Today is Day 4 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Fourth Day Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Reflection Upon the Reading How do I defend the right to life, especially of the unborn and those near death? How am I tempted to turn away from the commandments and not support the right to life of all people? How can I overcome that temptation? Prayer God of life, may we protect and defend the inviolable sanctity of human life from the moment to conception until natural death, with strong voices, gentle hands, and loving hearts. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
  22. Today is Day 3 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Third Day Read Isaiah 58:2-3, 6-8 Reflection Upon the Reading What actions do I perform to please God? How am I healing the wounds of my community? Prayer God of light, give us the freedom to walk in the footprints of your Son, Jesus. Let our light shine out for all to see by turning to those who call for our help. Heal our wounds, heal our community. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
  23. Today is Day 2 of our Novena Prayer for Faithful Citizenship. Second Day Read Psalm 146:1-8 Reflection Upon the Reading Who are the oppressed in your community? How am I helping them secure justice? How am I helping to feed and give sight to those most in need? Prayer God of love, may we grow in our love for you by respecting the dignity of all people we encounter. Amen Novena Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. From famine and war, deliver us. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations. Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love. May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen
×
×
  • Create New...