Please Continue Prayers for My Brother Randy

About 2 weeks ago, I wrote a post here, asking for your prayers for my youngest brother Randy.

He is still unable to use his left arm after the neck fusion surgery to repair damage from a 20 year old car wreck.

Here is what he posted yesterday on Facebook:

Went to Dr today for 1st post-surgery check. I still can't raise my left arm, and losing strength in bicep. They are ordering an MRI to make sure fusion is ok, and to see what might be causing the problem. I'm worried to the extent that for what I do as a lab tech, I have to have 2 working limbs with dexterity and strength, and right now my left arm is practically useless. I LOVE my job, my department, and the people I work with, and I would HATE not being able to do what I love. I'd appreciate it if you'd include me in your prayers. I don't care if my left arm is restored 100%, or if I can't make chords on a guitar. If it's skinny as a stick, that's OK as long as it can hold a tube, twist a lid, etc. Just hoping for any improvement at this point just for encouragement. Thanks all!

So, please keep Randy in your prayers, especially that he gains use of his arm again and is able to return to his job,

Thank you, and God Bless you all!

O merciful Father in heaven, thank You for being with Randy while he was in surgery. Thank You for blessing the surgeon with the skill and knowledge needed to do his and safely bringing Randy through this operation. O gracious Father, bring healing to Randy and bless him with the best care possible as he recovers. Continue to bless him with your tender care. Grant him patience during his recuperation, help him grow in strength each day, and bring him to full recovery quickly, without any setbacks.

Amen.

I'm Tired

I'm tired.

Tired of all the hate. Tired of all the encouragement of division from the media, the President, and the race baiters.

I am tired of special treatment of some, and a lack of mercy for others.
I am tired of being labeled a racist and a hater for the sole reason of being a white, southern male, and Catholic Christian.

I am tired of spoiled  politicians and "celebrities" whose only concern is for themselves and their careers.

I am tired of those who belittle  us for our faith, our love for country, and our moral integrity.

I am tired of those who want to tell us about their worries and concerns, but demand we keep quiet about ours.

I am mostly tired of those who do not value life from the cradle to the grave, and are so willing and able to take it.

I am tired that we all ask why, yet we fail to turn to God for the answers and the direction we need.

Aren't you tired, too?

From The Dignitatis Humanae Institute: Irish 'Yes' Vote on Same-Sex 'Marriage' Poses Significant Threat to Religious Freedom

Note: The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute

Rome, 21 May 2015

Ireland will tomorrow become the first country to use a national referendum to allow same-sex “marriage”, posing a probable threat to religious freedom in the country if the electorate vote “Yes.”

Although the government plans to protect the right of churches not to celebrate same-sex “marriage”, this will appear only in legislation and not in the Constitution.

This leaves open the possibility of a same-sex couple taking the matter to court and winning the case, as the Constitution will have no protections for the Church if it refuses to officiate the ceremony.

In addition to this, and the obvious threat to the traditional family a “Yes” vote would present, European Dignity Watch has pointed out that the debate leading up to tomorrow’s referendum has been anything but fair.

All of Ireland’s publicly-funded political parties have actively campaigned for a “Yes” vote and used heavy handed tactics to ensure their members tow the party line, threatening them with expulsion if they don’t.

The country’s media has been overwhelmingly in favor of the “Yes” campaign, and ignored a Supreme Court ruling that both sides of the debate be given equal coverage.

Large multinationals employing many people in Ireland, such as Facebook and eBay, have told their employees to vote “Yes” and campaign for such a result on social media.

Wealthy donors have helped fund the "Yes" campaign, including a foreign billionaire - despite such funding being illegal under Irish electoral law. The Irish government has so far not reacted to this breach.

Ireland’s police are also actively supporting the "Yes" campaign, allowing police stations to be used for photo opportunities.

The Dignitatis Humanae Institute is greatly concerned by the threat a "Yes" vote presents.

"We call on all people who believe man is created in the image and likeness of God to do whatever they can to ensure a "No" vote succeeds," said DHI Chairman Luca Volontè. "As this is a referendum, the result will carry more weight than parliamentary legislation. The consequences of a "Yes" vote would therefore be disastrous for Ireland."

He added: "Given the limited time and the huge financial resources behind the "Yes" campaign, the best courses of action at this stage are fervent prayer, and the intercession of St. Patrick."

The Dignitatis Humanae Instituteaims to uphold human dignity based on the anthropological truth that man is born in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an innate human dignity of infinite worth to be upheld. The Institute promotes this understanding by supporting Christians in public life, assisting them to present effective and coherent responses to increasing efforts to silence the Christian voice in the public square.

Urgent Prayer Request -- Please Read -- UPDATED

UPDATE 12/15/2014

Just got very good news from my "daughter" Jackie. Everything is fine and she says that the "baby is perfect and moving around like crazy ". Thanks to all for your prayers! God is good!

END UPDATE

*       *       *       *       *       *       *       

Jackie R., a young lady I work with, has essentially "adopted" me as her dad, and really thinks of me in that way.

Jackie is about 3 months pregnant. Well, this evening, she called me at work from the hospital. She was bleeding and was taken to the emergency room.

The good news is, that the baby seems to be OK at this point. They were able to detect it's heartbeat. However, Jackie has to really take it easy until she can see her doctor on Monday, so that they can try to determine what is taking place.

I was the first person she called to tell what was going on, and she asked me to pray for her and the baby, and she asked me to ask my friends and family to also pray for them. Please also pray for her husband, as I know he is also worried. Jackie tries to play "cool and tough" but I could hear the fear in her voice.

So, I am asking all of you. Family...friends...acquaintances... both near and far... to please pray for Jackie, her husband and their little one.

Dear President Obama, please leave Africa out of your intolerant world of redefined marriage | LifeSiteNews.com

The following excerpts are from LifeSiteNews.com:

• I believe that every design, good or bad, starts in the heart of the designer; every building plan arises in the imagination of the architect and every sculpture is conceived in the creative thoughts of the sculptor. 
• It is becoming increasingly evident that a new design has been conceived in the imagination of the wealthiest class of social engineers and cultural architects in the Western world.  
• The most terrifying and disconcerting thing about this reality is that when all is said and done and the new design is unveiled for all to see, it will many times demand the deconstruction of what has always been.  
• It was with great shock that many people across the developing world received the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) that reflected a tectonic shift in the perception and reception of marriage in America. This happened at the same time as the victory cries of LGBT rights advocates are resounding over France, UK, Australia and even parts of Latin America where the new world order is being established. In these parts of the world, the rulers and leaders are declaring, in an almost dictatorial manner, their unshakeable stance on the redefinition of marriage and reconfiguration of family structure through new legal mandates, new parliamentary moves and new executive manoeuvres.

Read more by clicking below:
Dear President Obama, please leave Africa out of your intolerant world of redefined marriage | LifeSiteNews.com

North Carolina House passes milder pro-life bill after governor’s veto threat | LifeSiteNews.com

The following excerpts are from LifeSiteNews.com:

• The North Carolina House of Representatives has passed a new bill with greater safety regulations for abortion facilities by a vote of 74-41.
• The House measure waters down a bill that passed the Senate yesterday, following a veto threat from the governor.
• The original Senate bill, which passed 29-12, required offices that perform abortions to meet health regulations “similar to those for the licensure of ambulatory surgical centers.” It also mandated that doctors be “physically present” and "in the same room as the patient" throughout any surgical or chemical abortion. In effect, that would have ended the process of telemed abortions statewide.
• It also included conscience protections and demands that the mother provide informed consent after receiving medically accurate information about abortion.
• However, the proposed measures hit a brick wall when Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, threatened to veto it unless “significant changes” were made.
• In his 2012 campaign McCrory vowed not to sign any additional abortion restrictions into law, but said he may make an exception for this bill, which is a safety measure.
• In response to the veto threat, House Republicans amended the bill and attached its provisions to a bill on motorcycle safety. The new bill asks state health officials to write rules "not unduly restricting access" to abortion.

[Call, email, or fax the Governor to sign SB353 into law.  His contact information can be found by clicking here.]

Read more by clicking below:

North Carolina House passes milder pro-life bill after governor’s veto threat | LifeSiteNews.com

North Carolina Governor Threatens to Veto Pro-Life Bill, GOP Responds | LifeNews.com

The following excerpts are from LifeNews.com:

• North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory said today he will veto a bill that would hold abortion facilities to stricter limits if the state legislature approves it and sends it to his desk.
• Abortion backers oppose the bill because they say other abortion clinics may not be able to comply and could be forced to close down. Planned Parenthood said its four centers may be forced to close. The bill passed the Senate, 27-14.
• The Family, Faith and Freedom Protection Act would place limits on the funding of abortions by any health plan that received public money, would require clinics to meet more stringent physical standards, would require doctors performing abortions to be physically present during the entire procedure, would ban the possibility of sex-selective abortion and fine abortion practitioners for doing such abortions. It would also allow any health care provider to not participate in abortion-related procedures.
• McCrory’s office said the Republican governor would block the measure from taking effect “unless changes and clarifications are made addressing our concerns.”

Read more by clicking below:
North Carolina Governor Threatens to Veto Pro-Life Bill, GOP Responds | LifeNews.com

Federal judge blocks implementation of new Wisconsin abortion law : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

• A federal judge has blocked implementation of a new Wisconsin law that requires abortionists to have admitting privileges at a hospital.
• Judge William Conley granted a 10-day stay on the new law, allowing time for abortion supporters to challenge the hospital-admitting requirement. The judge’s decision did not block a separate provision of the law that requires an ultrasound examination prior to abortions.

Read more by clicking below:

Federal judge blocks implementation of new Wisconsin abortion law : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Video: Kenyan deputy president strongly rebuffs Obama on gay ‘marriage’: ‘We believe in God’ | LifeSiteNews.com

The following excerpts are from LifeSiteNews.com:

• A second African president has rebuffed President Barack Obama's promotion of homosexuality in foreign relations during his $100 million tour of the continent.
• Obama said he respects “people's personal views and their religious faith, et cetera,” but “when it comes to how the state treats people, how the law treats people,” he believes the equality of homosexuality and the traditional family is“a principle that I think applies universally.”
• Deputy President of Kenya William Ruto responded during Sunday Mass that Kenya is committed to the nuclear family as taught by the Scriptures.
• “Those who believe in other things, that is their business,” Ruto said at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Maili Kumi. “We believe in God.”

Read more by clicking below:

Video: Kenyan deputy president strongly rebuffs Obama on gay ‘marriage’: ‘We believe in God’ | LifeSiteNews.com

Catholic Charities USA invites pro-gay ‘marriage’ priest to keynote annual gathering | LifeSiteNews.com

The following excerpts are from LifeSiteNews.com:

• Already embroiled in controversy in recent months over issues related to abortion and contraception, Catholic Charities USA has courted new scandal with the announcement of the featured speaker at their 2013 annual gathering on September 15.  In a May 17 press release Catholic Charities announced that Father Greg Boyle would keynote the event.
• Father Boyle, a very popular figure for his work with the poor, is nonetheless a dissident priest who ridicules Catholic Church teaching on issues touching same-sex ‘marriage’ and women priests.
• Catholic Charities Communications Director Patricia Cole told LifeSiteNews she had never heard about Fr. Boyle’s stances against Church teaching on the matter and would inform diocesan officials and respond later.
• However, no response was received by press time.
• Hichborn added: "The important question now that they know that Fr. Boyle is a dissenting priest,” said Hichborn, “is will they rescind the invitation?"

Read more by clicking below:

Catholic Charities USA invites pro-gay ‘marriage’ priest to keynote annual gathering | LifeSiteNews.com

From The Dignitatis Humanae Institute: Luca Volontè rallies millions of supporters to defence of the traditional family

Note: The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute

Rome, 26 May 2013

In a letter to the millions of French citizens who comprise 'Manif pour Tous' (March for All), the Hon. Luca Volontè, president of EPP-ED group in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, lauded this momentous breakout of grassroots support for the traditional family and their willingness to stand up and be recognised. While admitting of the great hardships to come in this "battle for civilisation", Mr Volontè reminded his French audience of the words of Paul Claudel, "Pour se poser, il faut s'opposer!" - "If you want to count for something, stand up and be counted!"

In describing the upsurge of grassroots campaigners as "the most beautiful surprise of Europe this year" Mr Volontè painted a stark picture of the generational struggle underway: "In recent months, from the UK to Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, many believers and non-believers, Christians and Muslims alike, have descended to the streets with the courage to protest against the laws and policies of governments that seek to change society and our very human nature. In recent months, it seems to be politically incorrect to affirm the simple truth of the facts, the truth of human life, the truth of all ages, the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, truth of the family founded on the love of a father and mother, truth of the freedom to express their own religious beliefs in public."

As opposed to the authoritarian nature of their detractors, Mr Volontè praised the restrained, peaceful courage of March for All, "Your daily presence in public places with candles, your silence for reflection and prayer are the most resonant sound you could give the French government. A silence that can move mountains and ideological preconceptions throughout France and across Europe."

Striking back at the violence brought to bear upon such protesters, the Italian politician decried the creeping censorship being embedded throughout European nations, and highlighted the police repression witnessed so recently in France against large-scale, peaceful demonstrations: "Many of us are still horrified by the violence of the police in different countries of the world...so today, in this civilized Europe, images of unprecedented violence against children, parents, young people and priests in France are not provided by the public and private television."

Yet in spite of these struggles, the letter was filled with hope and encouraged the many millions, hailed by one commentator as a "formidable and diverse mass of people" to draw strength from their unity, and evoke the memory a France's former heroes: "From Scandinavia to Hungary, Poland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands to Bulgaria, a secular and Christian people, Jewish and Muslim rises to defend his convictions and affirm their dignity. You are not alone, I tell you with strength! You have shining examples before you, who defended the unity and sanctity of the French nation, from St. Joan of Arc to Jacques Maritain, Charles Peguy and today many other brave promoters of the truth of man."

Luca Volontè concluded with G.K. Chesterton's prophetic words of a hundred years ago: "Fires will be kindled to testify that two and two make four. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer. We shall be left defending, not only the incredible virtues and sanities of human life, but something more incredible still, this huge impossible universe which stares us in the face. We shall fight for visible prodigies as if they were invisible. We shall look on the impossible grass and the skies with a strange courage."

Speaking during his visit to France, Luca added "I would like to thank the leaders of Mainf pour Tous for inviting me to their manifestation, it is a great honour and a great sign of our close friendship."

[Letter translated from original French, which can be read here]

The Dignitatis Humanae Institute aims to uphold human dignity based on the anthropological truth that man is born in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an innate human dignity of infinite worth to be upheld. The Institute promotes this understanding by supporting Christians in public life, assisting them to present effective and coherent responses to increasing efforts to silence the Christian voice in the public square.

Just Say 'No' To Starbucks

So, now the CEO of Starbucks, has told a shareholder who supports traditional marriage that he should sell his shares and invest in another company. You can read about it here and get the full report from Forbes here.

The shareholder had complained to CEO Howard Schultz that the company had lost customers because of it's support for gay “marriage”. Last year, Starbucks announced it's support for the Washington State referendum backing gay “marriage”, and declared same sex “marriage” one of Starbucks' core values. As such, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) launched a boycott of Starbucks, and you can go sign their petition here at Dump Starbucks.

Depending on which poll you read, the claim is made that anywhere from 54% to 58% of Americans now support same sex “marriage”. According to another poll that I read today, 56% of Catholics now support same sex “marriage”.

Well, this is one Catholic who does not support same sex “marriage”, and who still believes that God's Law and the teachings of the Church are still just as relative and applicable to today as they have always been. No matter how many laws or referendums are held that declare same sex “marriage” as valid, it will never, ever be valid in God's truth and Church teaching.

Now that all being said, you can still get good coffee....excellent coffee...the best coffee in fact...by buying your coffee from Mystic Monk Coffee as blended and sold by the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming. That way, you can have the satisfaction of not supporting a company that endorses unnatural “marriage”, while knowing that steaming hot cup of Mystic Monk Coffee you are enjoying supports the good Carmelite Monks of Wyoming and their monastery.

While you are at the Mystic Monk Coffee website, be sure to check out their religious gifts, drink-ware, and equipment, too.

Urgent Help Needed For A Catholic Blogger And Friend

One of my good blogging friends, Lisa Graas, is in great need of your prayers and a financial boost if you will.

Lisa is the author of  the blog "Catholic Bandita", and is on twitter as @CatholicLisa. She always reminds us in her blog posts that our identity as Christians is, and should be in Christ, and nothing else.

Lisa and her children have been going through some difficult times...physically, financially... and I am sure the emotional strain is not easy either. I have been there myself. 

Some other blogging pals, including Sofia Guerra of the blog "Always Catholic", George Vogt of the blog "A Talking Donkey", and Father Z of "Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?" have all posted about Lisa's situation here... here... and here.

You can go to Lisa's blog here, and scrolling down, look on the left side for a PayPal Donate button similar to mine. It will say "Hit The Tip Jar".

We all are asking you to give of both your prayers and money to help out Lisa and her family at this time. Please.

May God Bless you and Our Lady keep you in her care!

Diocese of Charlotte religious freedom banner

Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte had a large sign posted on the property of St. Peter Catholic Church During the Democratic National Convention, Sept. 4- 6, 2012

Belmont Abbey College opens home for pregnant students :: EWTN News

The following excerpt is from EWTN News:

North Carolina's Belmont Abbey College has opened a residence to help pregnant, college-age women continue their education before and after they give birth.

The residence is run by Room at the Inn, a Catholic non-profit that serves pregnant mothers and their children.

“Many young women in college facing unexpected pregnancies believe they have to give up everything to keep their babies - but they don't,” Jeanine Wray, Room At The Inn’s executive director, said July 16.

“Room At The Inn can give these young women the opportunity to continue their educations, have their babies, make a positive impact on society and fulfill their hopes and dreams.”

Read more by clicking below:  

Belmont Abbey College opens home for pregnant students :: EWTN News

Pro-life, pro-family Canadians having a particularly tough time right now | LifeSiteNews.com

The following excerpts are from LifeSiteNews.com:

• Pro-life, pro-family Canadians are having a particularly tough time right now. At the federal government level they have a “Conservative” Prime Minister who continues to be unreasonably determined to shut down all debate in Parliament that might in any way bring up the abortion or other similarly contentious social issues.
• Harper’s support is starting to decline as even his die-hard social conservative supporters are losing hope that this PM will drop his intransigence and his suppression of caucus members who dare to be true to their consciences and to God. The nation could be in danger of a deadly political swing to the hard left in reaction to growing distaste for Harper’s autocratic governing style.

Click the link below to read more:

Pro-life, pro-family Canadians having a particularly tough time right now | LifeSiteNews.com

Thankful To Be Here

Today, is my 57th birthday...or as I like to say...it's the 18th anniversary of my 39th birthday. 

I thought I should be clear about being 57 from the start, because there are some people who would find adding 39 plus 18 too much of a challenge. After all, in todays world, there are too many who seem to think that adding 2 plus 2 equals 9...or 11...or 42.

The last year has been a rough one for many of us, but I know that once again, God will see all of us through. He always does, if we just trust in Him and follow what He wants for us, all will be well.

I know that this is true, because six years ago, just about 3 weeks or so before my 51st birthday, I received an early birthday present in the form of a "light" heart attack.

I don't know about that "light" stuff. I think they call it "light" because they weren't the ones who had the heart attack in the first place. "Light" indeed.

Anyway, I survived thanks to paying attention to my symptoms from the beginning, and by God blessing me with great doctors from Asheville Cardiology.

All the prayers and well wishes at the time helped, too. As did my having faith that God would see me through all of that. He did, and four days later I returned home with a stent in my chest, and with a greater appreciation of life.

Not that I didn't appreciate life before, but now with a greater understanding of how precious life is, and how precious the people in my life are, and how wonderful having God in my life is.

Anyway, I just wanted to say how grateful I am to still be here six years later, and to be able to share my insignificant little thoughts with you.

May God Bless you and Our Lady keep you in her care!

Catholic Bishops of North Carolina: Vote FOR Marriage Part 3

Third in a series of videos by the Bishops of North Carolina explaining the position of the Catholic Church in support FOR the marriage amendment. Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC explains additional Church Teaching about the institution of marriage. Both Bishop Jugis and Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh urge all North Carolina residents to vote FOR marriage on May 8, 2012.

Vote FOR Marriage - 2 - Bishop Burbidge

Second in a series of videos by the Bishops of North Carolina explaining the position of the Catholic Church in support FOR the marriage amendment. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh explains four important points of Church Teaching about marriage. He also urges all North Carolinians to vote FOR Marriage on May 8, 2012.

FOR Marriage 1 - (Video from the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte)

First in a series of videos by the Bishops of North Carolina explaining the position of the Catholic Church in support FOR the marriage amendment. Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte presents this video.