A Life-Size Catholic Blog

Pope Tweets About Inequality

2014-05-12T09:39:00.002-06:00

The Pope's recent tweet about inequality being "the root of all evil" caught my attention. I just finished a huge end-of-semester project on inequality for my political ideologies class and spent hours poring over scholarly research on this very subject.

Inequality is the root of social evil.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 28, 2014

The poor and marginalized are often the subject of comments made by Pope Francis. Kudos to him for making his highly publicized media encounters count. Aside from the Pope's inadvertent dropping of the F-bomb at St Peters Square, when this Pope speaks we should stop everything we’re doing and listen. (And even the F-bomb incidence just seems to make Pope Francis more loveable—more like a mere mortal.) Anyway, enough about the Pope cursing during a blessing and on to inequality of wealth. Most of us have no idea the extent to which inequality of wealth exists in our society. Watch this short video and you’ll understand what the big deal—the unbelievably big deal—is all about.

When the Pope calls for redistribution of wealth to the poor, he’s totally dissing America's beloved trickle-down economics. Ever since the Regan years, the wealth gap in the United States has widened. It seemed like good policy at the time; even I was a Regan supporter. In hindsight however, it hasn’t played out well for the poor, or the middle class for that matter. Putting this policy debate aside for the moment, let’s chat about my recent college project. I was required to read The Spirit Level by Wilkinson and Pickett and among other things determine if their theory is correct. Now, I’m going to tell you up front that in my opinion the authors political ideology borders on socialism (an accusation our Pope has squelched about himself actually), but that’s rather here nor there. The part of the book that I’d like to focus on are the correlative studies linking happiness and health to income equality in our societies.

Is inequality so bad? If you believe the information put forth by the authors of The Spirit Level, the answer to that question is emphatically YES—and Pope Francis agrees wholeheartedly. Latin America's first pope has frequently lashed out at the injustices of capitalism and the global economic system that excludes so much of humanity. What The Spirit Level authors, and our Pope it seems, set out to make known is that greater equality is the material foundation on which better social relations are built.

Wilkinson and Pickett claim that societies that are more equal do better on many measures of health and many social problems. If you’re a stickler for detail you can view my persuasive website about all that via my school ePortfolio. For the rest of us, the important thing to note is that there is significant research pointing in the direction that almost every modern social problem-poor health, violence, lack of community life, teen pregnancy, mental illness-is more likely to occur in a less—equal society. The studies are not definitive, but correlative studies suggest we ought to be paying close attention to the Pope's call to redistribute wealth to the poor. And when the research backs up Jesus' teachings, well, maybe it’s something we should all be tweeting about.

Pope Francis~Person of the Year 2013

2013-12-17T09:02:00.004-07:00

I don’t know about you, but I have always been caught up in the “…buts” of life. I guess that’s why I love this pope so much. He’s not oblivious to the church teachings (which some have suggested), however, he focuses us on the buts…

The place where a lot of us live and where there’s a lot of work that could be done.

“The teaching of the church … is clear,” he has said, “and I am a son of the church, but”—and here he adds his prayer for himself—“it is not necessary to talk about those issues all the time.”

If that prayer should be answered, if somehow by his own vivid example Francis could bring the church into a new relationship with its critics and dissidents—agreeing to disagree about issues that divide them while cooperating in the urgent mission of spreading mercy—he might unleash untold good. “Argue less, accomplish more” could be a healing motto for our times. We have a glut of problems to tackle. Francis says by example, Stop bickering and roll up your sleeves. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good—an important thing for the world to hear, especially from a man who holds an office deemed infallible.

This is a great article and I encourage you to read more: TIME's Person of the Year 2013 Pope Francis, The People's Pope | TIME.com http://poy.time.com/2013/12/11/person-of-the-year-pope-francis-the-peoples-pope/#ixzz2nkHKXJU4

The latest from Pope Francis @Pontifex

2013-07-21T15:59:00.000-06:00

Pope Francis seems to be the real deal. I can’t imagine any future Pope will easily justify the perks of the papacy, which Pope Francis has now cast off and dubbed as unnecessary. Repeatedly he shows his humility. And ... he seems determined to avoid becoming a celebrity.

The latest example of this was when the 76-year-old Argentine Pontiff ordered church bosses to remove a life-size statue of him from the garden of his former cathedral in Buenos Aires.

Apparently, he was "horrified" on finding out about the tribute, which has become a popular tourist attraction in the weeks since it was installed.

"Get that thing down immediately," he reportedly told the priest responsible in an angry telephone call.

This particular instance of humility took me a while to come around to accepting. My initial reaction was that people love and admire him; and a statue is a fitting tribute. The more I thought about it, however, the more I realized that his reaction is justified. The best way we can show our appreciation of him is by following his example. Granted, this approach to life is not always easy in a world that values superstars, victories and wealth. It's much easier to erect a statue and call it good!

While the fate of the statue, (which, was created by sculptor Fernando Pugliese, who has also produced casts of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa) is now not known, I think the destiny of this Pope is. It's apparent in the long line of incidents that show Pope Francis, the head of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, as a loving,humble man and one heck of a great pope.

What is the Bank of Happiness?

2013-07-18T12:17:00.000-06:00

This morning, at the crack of dawn, I was driving my son to a sports camp (where I’m sitting now and for several more hours trying to find things to do). Fortunately, as I drove this morning, I heard a totally awesome radio show dedicated to The Bank of Happiness. While dealing with the freeway commuting traffic violators (for the 4th day in a row) any reminder of happiness was not only welcome, but also vastly needed.

I'm not unhappy about providing this shuttle service, but truthfully, my happiness comes from making my son happy. That seems to be the way happiness usually works? Doesn't it? I've come to understand, however, that happiness is relative term after several hours of athleticism, in the 100 degree heat, with a hundred other overheated, overtired and under hydrated teens …

Under my current circumstances, the idea of thinking with and acting with my heart—The Bank’s aspiration—hasn’t been in the forefront of my thought processes. I value good deeds and normally have the will to do good, but this morning’s National Public Radio show (listen to NPR's Bank of Happiness show here - 4 min 34 sec) has given me much to think about as I sit around today awaiting the trek back home.

The Bank of Happiness promotes a gratitude economy—where the impossible prevails. By sharing something that you obtain, you can multiply the benefit received.

The Bank of Happiness was created from the ideas of ordinary people, and it isn't anyone's personal ambition or business plan. The purpose of the Bank is to promote non-monetary services that help people. To accomplish this, they need real people in need and real helpers.

The purpose of the initiative is sincere and direct, led by the wish to do good for the entire society. Participation in the activities of The Bank of Happiness is easy. In the Bank of Happiness, you will feel needed and experience joy from giving and receiving. The Bank of Happiness is the only bank where EVERYTHING is free of charge!

The website includes over 500 ads in English, German and Estonian from people who are providing services or need services. Including this ad to help distribute food to Catholic charities. The website is also translated into French and Spanish.

I’m thinking about what I might offer the Bank— what about you? What could you deposit in The Bank of Happiness?

Sources: NPR's At Estonia's Bank Of Happiness, Kindness Is The Currency
and The Bank of Happiness

World War Z: The Movie

2013-07-07T17:35:00.001-06:00

Having recently watched World War Z, I found the commentary on the movie by Father Barron very interesting. The movie is about United Nations employee Gerry Lane (played by Brad Pitt) who traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself. Father Barron speaks very highly of this movie and in a nutshell here's why ...

He sees the show as a template for understanding what sin is, what it does to us and how we're saved from it. He editorializes about how the Christian churches themselves have gotten rather inept at telling the story of sin and salvation and how the movies sometimes do it much more effectively.

I heard that the movie was quite different from the book. I decided to read the book to see for myself what all the hoopla about the adaptation was. Pitt's production company, Plan B, waded through a bidding war with Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way in 2006, eventually winning the movie rights to Brooks's "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War" for $1 million.

Max Brooks's book is actually an oral history of the Zombie War, a story told with multiple narrators and storylines. The "present day" of the book is significantly after the war, with several survivors telling their harrowing tales and creating a global perspective on the epidemic. Admittedly, I've barely started the book, but the only similarity thus far is the title.

Have you seen the movie, or read the book? What did you think?

Father Barron's Commentary on World War Z

The Garden Gnome ~ Persona Non Grata

2013-05-18T15:06:00.000-06:00

Some of you may not be familiar with my other blog. Yes, like a lot of you one blog just didn't seem like enough. This is probably one of the 10 signs you are addicted to blogging. Right up there with how you scribble down blog ideas when you're in a conversation and you sleep with a notebook a foot away from your head, just in case. Anyway, I wanted you to get a taste of what happens over on Define Inspiration; exploits in cooking, exercise, gardening and various other rants.

The Garden Gnome ~ Persona Non Grata

Perhaps, you are as behind the times as I am and are just now asking the question, “What is the deal with garden gnomes?” Let me say up front that I am solidly against too much yard art. An occasional tasteful piece is acceptable, but peppering the yard with tchotchke yard trinkets is just plain tacky.

Now that I’ve offended you, let me say that I am having a hard time adhering to my own stand on this issue. The problem manifested itself after I did some research on the “life and times” of the garden gnome and because recently, I have come across a plethora of hilarious pieces of yard art that I haven't been able to resist. Yes, I too am a tacky yard art owner.

As such, I thought I should become more knowledgeable about these decorative fine artworks. I visited the website Mental Floss to become educated on the history of the garden gnome and came across the following report.

At the risk of accidentally sounding biblical, we regret to report that gnomes have been banished from the garden. To be a bit more specific, gnome figurines, those whimsical, pointy-hatted denizens of home gardens and front lawns, have been banished from gardens entering England's famed Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show.

No!?

You won't believe the rest of this story. It has the makings of a good mystery novel with villains, victims, theft, kidnappings, death and more!

Read more>>>

Turn a Quote into a Masterpiece

2013-05-13T09:32:00.001-06:00

Boy, have I missed having the time to play on the Internet! As many of you know, my school schedule is the major interrupter of my blogging schedule. Honestly, it interrupts everything and I recommend you avoid this subject with my husband, my friends and my family! But school break = blogging, and you're reading this post, so now you all know I'm taking the summer off. Yippee!

After catching up on 10 loads (I'm not kidding about that quantity) of laundry, I rewarded myself with some Internet surfing time. In my ventures, I came across a quote generator and after frittering away more time playing with this amazing creation than the 10 loads took to wash, dry, fold and put away,(this is only a slight exaggeration) I decided to share it with all of you. Why should I be the only one to waste time I could be mopping, dusting and pulling weeds, with an activity that I can only categorize as bringing unexplained joy.

If you've got a favorite quote, you can visit recitethis.com and turn it into a graphic for display on websites and blogs. If you don't have a favorite quote, you can pick from a big library of phrases. Generated images are low resolution (about 2" wide at 300 dpi, standard print res) but they're amply sized for the web.

Here's what a quote generator can do:

Have fun creating and sharing!

Grace Breaks into our Lives

2013-05-12T08:22:00.003-06:00

On this stupendous Mother's Day morning, before taking off to teach my wonderful little 1st graders and attend Mass, I popped onto Father Barron's website to see what was new and I found this amazing video.

The video tells the story of Pier Giorgio Frassati, but really, it's a video about the choices we face and whether we allow grace into our lives, or shut it out.

Pier Giorgio Frassati: A commentary by Fr. Barron

Happy Mother's Day!

The Grace Prayer

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us all,
now and evermore.

Amen.

Benedict XVI~Wouldn't Know Gucci from Smoochi

2013-03-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know … everyone is thinking about, talking about and writing about Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement, now, even me. I think much of the hoopla surrounding his departure has been hashed and rehashed at this point, but there’s one thing I must add—maybe two.

I have to say that I reported correctly in January of 2011 information about Pope Benedict XVI’s red shoes. Okay, it wasn’t exactly cutting edge information at the time, but in my defense, I only began writing this blog then, and of course, I eventually got around to the Pope’s red shoes.

Anyone who knows anything from following the Pope since the day the conclave elected him in 2005 knows he began wearing red shoes shortly afterward. Esquire magazine described Pope Benedict XVI as “The Accessorizer of the Year,” a label suggesting that he was the best dressed man of the year because of his unique accessorizing—his red shoes in particular. Amid the recent reports about Pope Benedict XVI, rumor of the origin of these red shoes is being speculated AGAIN, and the idea that his shoes were Prada or Gucci have most likely hit the news waves for the last time. Years ago Marjorie Weeke, a former official at the Vatican's Social Communications office put this idea to rest, "He wouldn't know Gucci from Smoochi," she said.

With Pope Benedict's recent departure, many of these globally important (wink, wink) details are resurfacing. I’ve read more articles rehashing his attire than social media posts about celebrities at the Grammys. Everything from the length of his cassock (too short for some and too long for others), to how a black sweater was inappropriately seen poking out from under his robe when he came out on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to give his first blessing minutes after his election on April 19. (What? Popes can’t get cold?)

But getting back to Pope Benedict’s red shoes, which receive more attention than any of these other fancy papal attire issues. We all know from thousands of articles, tweets, blog posts, etc. that life for the first pope to retire in several hundred years is changing. And among those highly reported changes is the casting off of his red shoes. Kinda sad if you ask me. But then again, we all know how particular Vatican tradition is regarding who wears what and why!

I wonder if we’ll have this much discussion about the new pope's dressing habits? We all know that the chance for an American pope is pretty slim. But could you imagine if it were Cardinal Dolan? He compares himself to batman because of his fashion choices. Wouldn’t that be fun?

Father Barron's Hobbit Review

2013-01-12T11:59:00.002-07:00

I always find Father Barron’s book and movie commentary fascinating as well as thought provoking, and his comments on The Hobbit are no exception. He points out that J.R.R. Tolkien was Catholic (something I never knew) and the story is full of religious themes. (Something I feel like I should have noticed, but didn’t). One of those themes is how we win the fight against evil with simple acts of kindness. (Something I believe wholeheartedly!) He tells us that simple acts of kindness are a key component in God’s divine plan.

A few days ago—as some readers may remember—I encountered evil right here in the form of blog comments. I’m not talking about spam or negative and controversial comments, but truly evil commentary that has no place on my blog or anywhere else for that matter. My first reaction was to fight back with kindness.

Father Barron explains that the character Gollum in both The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings is an example of this kindness theme. In his review, he talks about how the nasty little wicked figure, Gollum, could have been killed a number of times if it weren’t for the kindness of the other characters—an important fact at the climax of Lord of the Rings just as they are about to destroy the ring. (Now, granted, in my book, killing or not killing—even a nasty wicked little someone—is a bit more complicated than a simple act of kindness.) Nevertheless, the point is that Frodo gives in to the evil and ultimately the malicious Gollum’s appearance results in evil being defeated. If Gollum were killed earlier, good wouldn’t have triumphed in the end.

Anyway, Father Barron’s commentary on The Hobbit is full of interesting ideas and concepts to contemplate. See for yourself in this short video, but I warn you, you might just become a Father Barron junkie—I am!

Meeting Father Barron

2013-01-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day, an exciting day, and if you’re familiar with Rev. Robert Barron, the Catholic priest and theologian, you’ll understand my enthusiasm. I was lucky enough to meet Father Barron while he was here in Salt Lake City speaking at a convention of cathedral people. I’m not sure exactly who cathedral people are or what they do, but I was thrilled they decided to meet here in Salt Lake City, and that they invited Father Barron to attend their convention as a keynote speaker.

I’ve be a Father Barron fan for years, I came across one of his YouTube videos while surfing the Internet looking for information on science and religion (needed to convince my 15 year-old that you can believe in both). One thing led to another, which led me to his website, which led me to his 10 part Catholicism series and now my parish is planning to present his magnificent series to our parishioner’s in the upcoming Year of Faith. Today, I was able to see and hear him in person at the Cathedral Ministry Conference.

He was as remarkable in person as I had hoped he would be.

I admire his vast knowledge, his infectious enthusiasm, his commitment to the church and to evangelization, but mostly I admire his speaking skills. Why? Because you can have all of the earlier mentioned qualities, but if you aren’t a great speaker the message gets lost in translation. Father Barron is a great speaker and his message comes across loud and clear.

Catholicism: It's Your Story

Visit Father Barron's website. You might be surprised by what you find there, but you won't be disappointed!

Bad Apples

2013-01-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Bad apples and their destructive behaviors can distract and drag down everyone.

Life can be so disappointing at times and today is one of those times. The other morning when checking in on my blog, I found some inappropriate comments on one of my older posts. I can’t tell you how unhappy this made me feel. Seriously, folks, don’t people have anything better to do?

I hate that I feel I must react to this intrusion, because this gives more power to these rotten apples than they deserve. But the comments were so egregious that I fear if it happens again I may not catch it in a timely manner and consequently I’m moderating my blogs comments for the first time ever—it makes me want to cry!

But just so these rotten apples don’t get all the attention today (my way of striking back), I’m posting this wonderful list of ways we can show kindness, and today I’m paying particular attention to #4 on the list. (Unfortunately, it’s taking a lot more prayer and energy than I’d like to admit!)

16 Ways to Show Kindness

1. Speak gently, always being positive and lifting others.
2. Help people, with no thought of reward.
3. Overlook others' mistakes; have great patience with imperfections.
4. Forgive easily and quickly.
5. Put the needs and desires of others before your own.
6. Share the good things in your life freely.
7. Be genuinely interested in the welfare of others.
8. Give of yourself--especially your time.
9. Be polite and courteous.
10. Share another's burden.
11. Listen patiently.
12. Set a good example.
13. Resist the urge to talk about others unkindly.
14. Treat others the way you'd like to be treated.
15. Be fair and honest at all times.
16. Try to love people unconditionally.

I found this list at a wonderful little blog—Be Kind. I love the tag line Milissa and Libby have written on their blog banner, “Kindness Begins With Me” and I thank them for restoring a little of my faith in the human race and our society. I need to remember that there are many more good apples out there than bad!

People of Good Will

2012-12-29T11:48:00.001-07:00

click to enlarge

To the Bishops, Priests Religious Families, sons and daughters of the Church and all people of good will …

This is how Pope John Paul II addressed his Encyclical letter, Solicitudo Rei Socialis, no. 39 (1987).

I’d like to think this means pretty much all of us—don't we all fall into that last category?

In his letter, Pope John Paul II discusses the responsibilities of both the advantaged and disadvantaged:

“Those who are more influential, because they have a greater share of goods and common services, should feel responsible for the weaker and be ready to share with them all they possess. Those who are weaker, for their part, in the same spirit of solidarity should not adopt a purely passive attitude, or one that is destructive of the social fabric, but, while claiming their legitimate rights, should do what they can for the good of all.” John Paul II, Encyclical letter, Solicitudo Rei Socialis, no. 39 (1987).

It’s interesting to ponder the notion of our responsibilities in the social sphere. Pope John Paul II tells us that on the one hand duties remain constant, because the central inspiration is always the same, the same in its "principles of reflection," in its "criteria of judgment," in its basic "directives for action,"⁶ and most importantly “in its vital link with the Gospel of the Lord.” On the other hand, it is ever new, because times change making it necessary that we adapt.

Unfortunately, instead of becoming fewer the poor are becoming more numerous, not just in less developed countries but—amazingly—in the more developed ones too.

So what are we to do about this and I really do mean us. It’s easy to sit at a computer reading documents on the Vatican website, grabbing another cup of hot steaming coffee from the Keurig and pondering these vast moral and ethical concepts.

The more difficult task, and my New Year's project, is to put down my fine-bone-china coffee cup, change out of my cozy Sorel down-booties and put some action to these reflections.

After all, am I a responsible builder of our earthly society—or not?

The Real Santa Claus

2012-12-18T09:47:00.001-07:00

I recently received an email from my son’s school asking for donations and they wanted bags of candy. Now, under normal circumstances I would frown upon such an unhealthy request. Okay, that’s an understatement, because in reality I’d more likely storm the principal’s office insisting our school is responsible for providing healthier options for our children. This time however, I happily trotted down to the local market to stock up on sugary confections to contribute.

Why? Well, the Student Body Officers (SBO’s) planned an event with their sister school (Public middle schools here lend support to their sister elementary schools throughout the year and provide our older students with an opportunity for community service.) and I was thrilled to support them—gooey, chocolaty, sweets and all!

You see, our SBO’s are traveling to the elementary school to fill shoes with candy—a tradition I can support! This event provides an opportunity to tell the story of St. Nicholas, a man of faith whose goodness and generosity grew out of his love for God, and thus, enriching our understanding of Santa Claus by showing the real historical person who inspired the familiar legend and traditions.

St. Nicholas, lover of the poor and patron saintof children, is a model of how Christians are meant to live. As priest and bishop, Nicholas put Jesus Christ at the center of his life and ministry. His concern for children and others in need or danger expressed a love for God which points toward Jesus, the source of true caring and compassion. Embracing St. Nicholas customs, like the one our SBO's are organizing, helps recover the true center of Christmas—the birth of Jesus.

Understanding St. Nicholas as the original and true holiday gift-giver also helps shift focus to giving rather than getting, compassion rather than consumption, need rather than greed. This can help restore balance to an increasingly materialistic and stress-filled Advent and Christmas season.

St. Nicholas is beloved throughout the world and continues to be revered in Christian tradition, especially as protector and patron of children in the West and as Wonderworkerin the East. The information in this post came from The St. Nicholas Center, which aims to bring Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians together in common purpose, to help people understand and appreciate the original St. Nicholas—the only real Santa Claus.

Who is St. Nicholas?
Ways to celebrate St. Nicholas Day

Photo: Illustration from envelope, Bar-le-Duc, France St. Nicholas Center Collection

A Gift For Me, A Gift For You

2012-12-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. My academic schedule has wound down and my holiday schedule is winding up. I’ve definitely been on a do it “as needed’’ timetable, and today, I’m sitting down to organize my upcoming week—which will most definitely need to include sugar and caffeine! (How else does one accomplish the impossible?)

There is one thing that I must do first: I'd like to give you your gift. This gift is a reminder of what Christmas really means. It will only take you 2 minutes to open it and obtain the benefits. (I’m actually re-gifting, because I was given this gift by the religious education students at St. Ambrose.) But I warn you, you will be so filled with the true spirit of Christmas I can’t predict your reaction. I expect that your heart will swell beyond its current size and under those conditions, well … the Holy Spirit has its way.

Enjoy!

Cantankerous Conduct

2012-11-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

I’m tired. Sick and tired actually. The rhetoric surrounding this election has worn me out. I’ve tried to block out the political negativity, but the destructive influences are determined to infiltrate in any way they can. Why is it that the bad is so much more determined to get through than the good? Have you ever been so inundated by positive influences that you couldn’t take it anymore? We should be so lucky, right.

Last Sunday, Deacon George’s homily at Mass included a quote from Mother Teresa, “Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need every family to have joy.” Oh, that Mother Teresa, what a wise woman she was. I kept wondering if those destructively pursuing their political agendas had ever heard Mother Teresa when she said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

I know that everyone remarking on their perceived consequences of – insert whatever political issue here – are all well-intentioned. If only we could put as much time and energy into actual solutions. “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa reminds us of an important fact. We belong to each other. Hum… what does that mean?

I feel that each one of us as individuals has a responsibility to one another. None of us would be here without the help of someone else. We're all connected in so many different ways and it’s up to us to make those connections count.

When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. (Col. 4:5-6) Courteous conduct honors Christ.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

~Mother Teresa (who else, right?)

Pay It Forward ~ August 2012

2012-08-01T08:37:00.001-06:00

Additional "Pay It Forward" button sizes are available here.

“Pay It Forward”— encourage good information, good writing, good reporting, good humor, good books, good scripture, goodwill, good news, or any other good you can think of.

Remember that you can link up your own posts or highlight another blogger or website in a post of your own. When you have the time, pop over and check out some of the other bloggers and see what great articles their sharing. Leave a message and follow new friends—it's great to connect!

My "Pay It Forward" blogger this this month is my friend both on and offline. She is brilliant and hilarious! Her writings always make me laugh, but they also get me thinking, too. She writes for our parish blog @St.Ambrose. She's written some of my all-time favorite posts about life and in a way that pushes me to explore, develop and deepen my faith. When I saw her post "God sent me a Trailer," I admit to thinking she may just have lost her mind. After reading her post, she won me over, yet again. Then she wrote "You Don't get to Pick Your Miracle" and she moved me in ways I didn't think possible before my morning coffee. But when she wrote about a bar of soap in "Life is Like a Bowl of ... Soap?" and had me laughing at her antics and thinking about my own mistakes, I was hooked for life!

At our parish blog, we’re gathering Parish information, stories, reflections, and more. My friend Carolyn is the "more". And if you've "Ever Hugged a Porcupine", you know we need all the Carolyn's in this world we can get!

*On a side note ...
I've posted a slew of recipes on my new blog "Define Inspiration ~ Mind ~ Body ~Soul. I've started using Pinterest (I didn't know I was missing out on so much fun!) I'm tweeting about food and fitness, and you can follow my health and foodstuff updates on Facebook. Oh, and please "like" my Facebook page.

That's all for now ... enjoy!

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

2012-07-24T15:35:00.000-06:00

Recently I had a conversation with my daughter about whether it’s ever okay to lie. We probably all agree that “real” lies (hurtful intentions to deceive) are not okay under any circumstance. But what about when lying is done to spare someone embarrassment or having their feelings hurt, or when it really isn’t causing anyone harm. Can dodging a question you don't want to answer truthfully be considered a lie? This is a grey area for many of us. Do you think it’s ever okay to tell a lie?

Several years ago, I was vacationing with my family in sunny California and we were spending the day at Lego Land. My son was 6ish at the time and Legos were a big deal at our house. At that time, life for him revolved around things with engines: Matchbox cars and trucks; Richard Scarry’s book, Cars and Trucks and Things That Go; and an old carburetor procured from a Pick’n Pull with which my little guy played mechanic. We were having the time of our lives, enjoying the thrill of the rides, the hot summer sunny day and the pure delight on our son’s face as he experienced his first amusement park.

We were in line for a ride that allowed the children to drive a kid-size electric car around a track all by themselves and my son was more excited than I had ever seen him. He was going to drive a car, by himself. He was exploding with eagerness. Independence is a wonderful feeling, isn’t it? While we were in line, I listened to him chat excitedly, but I noticed that the ticket taker was asking the kids their age and turning away kids that were not yet seven years old. I knew my son would say he was six years old when we reached the front of the line—because he was six—and he would therefore be turned away at the gate. I contemplated our options. I knew that this was a rule to keep the kids safe by weeding out the ones too young to competently handle the car—not a problem for my overly coordinated six-year-old, I rationalized. I imagined his disappointed face, and the tears that would follow. I remember the internal struggle I went through right before I told my son to tell the ticket taker that he was seven years old and not six if he were asked. Yes, at that moment, I taught my son if you want to get your way, sometimes a little white lie is acceptable. What was I thinking? I plead temporary insanity!

This experience has haunted me. I’ve had many discussions with my son and others about how awful this experience left me feeling. I learned a valuable lesson in honesty that day, a lesson heightened by the involvement of my impressionable young son. It has caused me to reconsider any deceitfulness that might be making its way to my lips. How often do we let a falsehood sneak through and rationalize away its significance? How often do we excuse, explain or justify an incident we’re involved in? Is that justification ever okay?

As a family, we’re reading the book Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. The section on honesty had some good thoughts on the topic. “I looked up the word honest in my synonym finder the other day and these are a few of the synonyms I found: upstanding; incorruptible; moral; principled; truth-loving; steadfast; true; real; right; good; straight-shooting; genuine. Not a bad set of words to be associated with, don’t you think?”

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. ~Hebrews 13:18

Linking with:

Women, Religion and the Blogosphere

2012-07-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

My friend recently emailed me the link to an article on a topic that I have been tossing about in various offline conversations for a while. The name of the article is Mormon Mommy Blogs and the Quest for Peace; the topic I’ve been bantering about is two-fold: showing faith through actions (aka: life); and how we bond with each other online.

Part of the article discusses how inspiring Mormon women’s blogs are, and how they are motivating Catholics to live their own faith more authentically. The other part deals with how even “childless overeducated atheist feminist” women are reading Mormon Mommy bloggers, too, and why.

“In the 2000s, [Mormon] church elders began officially promoting new media technologies like blogs as a way of spreading the gospel, and the Mormon blogging community soon became so large it earned itself a punny nickname: the Bloggernacle[,]” says Emily Matcher, author of Why I can’t Stop Reading Mormon Housewife Blogs.

I completely agree with Emily about the basic messages communicated in these blogs and their effects—“family is wonderful, life is meant to be enjoyed, celebrate the small things[.]” Virtual high-fives, Emily! My own Mormon friends have motivated me to be a better person, and therefore, a better Catholic, too, both online and off.

As a Catholic mom (and a blogger) living in Utah—the most heavily Mormon-populated area in the United States—I’m in a unique position to comment.

My own Mormon girlfriends are highly educated women, extremely well-read, inexhaustible advocates of children and family, perpetual volunteers and political activists. One is actually running for political office, and most, if not all the rest, are delegates to their political parties—which vary. On top of all that, they are very involved with their church and their faith. Not to burst the "perfect" bubble I just painted, but snarky banter between us is not only highly valued in this little group, but broadly encouraged. They're pretty much an older, wiser version of the Mommy Blogger stereotype.

These same friends, in general, embrace technology at a rate comparable to my teenage son. Not only do they blog, but my six closest Mormon friends have twenty-some blogs between them; yes, I said twenty-some! Granted, each of them is only one among a number of contributors on a few of those blogs—but they are also prolific users of Facebook, twitter, Google+, Pinterest and Goodreads. I’m sure they are LinkedIn, Instagram-ers and more, but I’m only their minion and can’t be expected to keep up with these techie-gadget-girls completely. I owe much of the start of my online life to these gals; it’s because of them that I started blogging, tweeting, and using Facebook in the first place, which is something they may be kicking themselves for now!

Being "online" hasn’t rubbed off on my Catholic friends. Although they indulge me by reading my blog, they send their occasional comments to me directly via email, which tells me they’re more interested in supporting me than simply “being online.” They dabble in social media a little less than my seventy-year-old mother. (I'm going to hear it for that comment, from both my mom and my friends. I may not check my inbox today!) That being said, I’ve found an entire world of mommy bloggers out there: Mormon; Catholic; Evangelical; Protestant; Buddhist; agnostic and atheist. Many of them are spreading love, joy … and, yes, side-splitting-droll about the many topics in which they are interested.

I love ALL my online friends, but I personally feel called to emphasize the lighthearted and optimism of life. In today’s world, if you’re after the alternative, then just turn on your TV, scan your newspaper, or tune in to the news on your local radio station. For that reason, I must end by extending kudos to the online Mormon culture for not being too bogged down in the negatives.

In my experience, I get what I focus on. So you know what you’ll encounter here!

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

I'm sure Mother Teresa would have wanted us to spread love through our blogging, too!

Pay It Forward ~ July 2012

2012-07-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Share a post of your own or highlight another blogger on the “Pay It Forward” link up.

I believe that God puts people in our path. These people enrich our lives, touch us in special ways and enlighten our spirits. My “Pay It Forward” this month is devoted to just that kind of person and blogger, for me, and for many others, her words influence us and we are altered. Some people have a way of connecting the language they use to what’s essential, resulting in moving readers forward. The creator of two blogs (The Breadbox Letters and The Cloistered Heart) and author of the book The Cloistered Heart, Nancy Shuman is just that kind of person—and she is my “Pay It Forward” award recipient this month.

Nancy has touched many people through her writing and here are some of the comments on her posts that express our feelings.

I have enjoyed all of her posts, but her recent post The Gift Of Right Now is one of my favorites... and one where I left a comment.

Please visit Nancy at either of her blogs and enjoy her delightful stories, thoughts, artwork and writing. She is a blessing and I am thankful to count her as a friend.

Alzheimer’s Mystery

2012-06-30T10:44:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading the book Turn of Mind. And you wouldn’tthink Alzheimer's disease would be a great subject for a page-turner. The illness affects 10% of us over 65 and 50% older than 85; and it inspires dread in 100% the rest of us. Yet, a page-turner is exactly what this novel is. It's a story told from the point of view of a woman with dementia, and you won’t believe how it unfolds. The narrator, Jennifer White, is a retired orthopedic surgeon who might have murdered her best friend, but she doesn't remember. Jennifer suffers from an advanced case of Alzheimer’s.

Reading this book has increased my anxiety and unease about aging healthily. I’m in the second half of my life and find myself misplacing items, being forgetful and wondering what the impending fate of my mind may ultimately be. Will I live out my life able to manage my emotions and cognitive powers—or not? I believe the Lord helps us by giving us the means to help ourselves. And He expects us to do just that. He gave us gifts so that we may use them; we should not simply pray and then refuse to use the gifts that He has given to us.

And so, when I came across an article on Preventing Dementia by Walking, I paid attention. The article points out that multiple clinical studies have shown that using a pedometer tends to increase physical activity and leads to improved circulation, better heart health—and best of all—it releases hormone-like anti-inflammatory agents that ward off brain damage. In fact, there’s overwhelming evidence that walking about six miles a week—or 20 minutes a day—helps to increase brain size (this I could use even on my best days), improve memory function, and reduce your chances for developing Alzheimer’s by over 50%.

"Work as though everything depends on you, Pray as though everything depends on God."~ Ignatius of Loyola

Dig those pedometers out of your sock drawers, ladies ... we're going walking!

You too, guys...

And don't forget July's "Pay It Forward" link up opens tomorrow. I'm highlighting someone you probably know ... or should know. Remember to check out my new blog, too, Define Inspiration~Mind~Body~Soul. It's really coming along. I just got the social media accounts set up, Facebook, twitter and Google+ are all linked to their buttons and sparsely posted upon. Why don't you enjoy your Saturday by cooking up some of my favorite cheesy sweet corn and plank-grilled salmon, yummy! (recipes on Define Inspiration)

Source: Well Being Journal July /August 2012 Preventing Dementia by Walking by Jill H. Andrews

I have a secret

2012-06-23T12:58:00.001-06:00

… and I’m sharing it with you.

I’ve been struggling with my content here at A life-Size Catholic Blog. It seems that certain topics have been dominating my posts. My yard. (birds, ants, bees) My fitness. (running, biking, hiking). Not only that, but I want to share ALL my favorite recipes (which you would love) and some nonreligious books I've read; all which would muddy up the reason for this blog. I don’t want this space, which I started to develop my faith, to turn into a mishmash of everything and anything ... and it’s heading in that direction.

Which brings me to my secret …

I thought I might start another blog to house these other interests. Not that any of my interests are anything at all without God, but tying my beloved fitness stretching video to my faith "IS" a stretch! I believe blogs are more successful when they stick to a niche. Which is why I decided to start a second blog, and went blog shopping. I can’t believe how many choices have become available since I started A Life-Size Catholic Blog, it’s amazing. I’ve also ~~mastered~~, ~~become somewhat skilled at~~, figured out a thing-or-two about html, which really increased the pool of choices. I found a custom template that’s really cool, but would challenge my html editing skills to the breaking point! (I’m sure Tyler, my computer guru—and friend—is wincing right now, wondering when he’s going to get the call for HELP!) Here’s the template I chose.

And that’s how I got started on a second blog.

I’ve been over there for the past few days editing html and getting things up and running, and I’m getting r-e-a-l-l-y lonely there. So, I’m giving you a sneak preview of Define Inspiration ~ Mind~ Body ~Soul and am asking that you follow me there too. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I promise it will be worth it, if only for the recipes—which you can easily print via my nifty PrintFriendly button.

*Note— for those of you who are email subscribers.

I have purposely not added the email subscription link yet. I’m planning on adding a slew of recipes (and a few other posts) in the next week or two and I don’t want email subscribers to be overwhelmed by the number of posts showing up in their emails. I suggest you bookmark me for a few weeks, just to keep up on the progress and so you have access to the recipes. Subscribe mid-July when posting settles into a normal schedule. (Not that I have had any sort of normal blogging schedule here, but I’m sure you know what I mean.) You’ll know it’s time to subscribe via email because the email subscription widget will show up on the sidebar.

For the rest of you, I'm looking forward to seeing your little blog icons show up on my Google Friend Connect widget. It's in great need of some friends!

Oh ... and pleeeese leave me a comment!

Linked with: Tell Me A Story

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

2012-06-17T11:17:00.000-06:00

When I was young, I fantasized about living on a farm. I thought about the homegrown produce, country fairs, fresh eggs and fresher air. Of course, I imagined the romanticversion of farming, not the real one. Me, the inadvertent gardener, whose interest fades as the season progresses, the gal who couldn’t conceive of the actual work involved in farming, let alone do it. I don’t imagine I’m alone in my youthful notion of farming, as being some sort of “pure” labor of love, ignoring the backbreaking and exhausting manual labor that it is.

Today, the Holy Father highlighted the Lord’s parable of the mustard seed: “In today’s Gospel,” he said, “the Lord teaches us that God’s kingdom is like a tiny mustard seed which becomes the largest of shrubs. Let us fervently pray that God may take our weak but sincere desires and transform them into great works of love for him and our neighbor.” ~ 2012-06-17 Vatican Radio

In Jesus’ time, parables were images that the men and women listening to Jesus could relate to, since most of them spent their days in the fields planting, watering and harvesting. Jesus told these parables using something they knew —agricultural work— in order to teach them something they did not know about: the Kingdom of God!

As a grown-up, I know I’m not cut out for farming, not the real version. But how many of us read (and loved) Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods? In the story, each season has its work, which the author makes attractive by the good things that result. For me, the story of the mustard seed carries the same message.

Today, I pray, that God may take my weak but sincere desires and transform them into great works of love for him and my neighbor.

Additional sources: Vatican Radio, Evangeli.net, Wikipedia

Who’s raiding the hummingbird feeder?

2012-06-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hummingbirds are delightful and exquisite birds that go flirting around so fast you really have to be paying attention to glimpse their glory and magnificence. I could never keep up with that fast pace of lifestyle because the energy that the bird uses is remarkable—and the necessary amount of caffeine required to do the trick for me would definitely be unhealthy. Think about how fast the wings have to beat and how quick they dart from flower to flower or feeder to feeder without ever landing, it’s just amazing. I can barely make it from my bed to the kitchen in those early hours, even knowing that’s where a caffeineaholic gets her fix.

I’ve had a couple of hummingbird feeders in the yard for the past few years, and each day, when I’m paying attention, I see a few hummingbirds. These hummingbirds and the quail are the only birds those nastyblue jays haven’t run off. I’m so grateful because, like the quail, hummingbirds eat ants too, and anything that eats ants is welcome here! Yes, hummingbirds do eat bugs and hummingbirds do eat ants and they also eat other small insects such as mosquitoes, aphids, gnats, midges, caterpillars, flying ants, weevils, small beetles and whiteflies, as well as insect eggs.

As you can imagine, because this is my yard we’re talking about, feeding the hummingbirds has had its fair share of drama. I originally decided to stop feeding the birds altogether because of the birdfeeder incident. You can’t live on the edge of a forest without encountering a small rodent population; it’s when the small rodents in the population aren’t small—but, have the physiques of weightlifters-on-steroids—and they’re using your birdfeeder as a trapeze, that level heads prevail … and the feeder has remained empty ever since. Instead, I feed the hummingbirds.

The first feeder I hung attracted hundreds of hungry mouths. Unfortunately, not hummingbird mouths, but ant, wasp and bee mouths. After a quick Internet search (what on Earth did we do before home networks and Wi-Fi?), I found I could install a feeder ant guard and certain feeders are designed so the wasps and bees can’t reach the nectar, but hummers can. Problem solved. Even with bee-proof feeders—as hummingbirds are messy eaters —a small amount of nectar might end up on the surface of the feeder near the feeder ports, which the bees will quickly find. When you see bees on a bee-proof feeder, simply wipe the surface with a wet cloth or sponge and your bees will leave.

I set up my camera to snap a few shots, but the hummingbirds are much too fast for me so far. I finally set up the camera on a tripod, sighted in and focused and here I sit. I wrote. I daydreamed. I prayed. If I’d had this bright idea earlier, and got my shot, I might not have prayed the Rosary while I sat and waited. So, even though you have a hummingbird photo taken from someone else’s camera, I’m content … actually, more than content! Blessed.

Drat~another raider!

I haven’t seen any of the other critters known to raid hummingbird feeders, such as raccoons, bats and bears. With my luck, you can guess which one would show up here!

*Update: I've been camped out, waiting to snap a photo of my hummingbirds and finally a bird visited my feeder. Ready to snap the shot, it dawned on me why I was going through so much nectar. Not only are the rodents on steroids, so, apparently, are the hummingbirds. I can't seem to identify this species. Any ideas? (Darn Orioles!)

Photo sources: Bats, Raccoon, Bear, Hummingbird

Sluggish Metabolisim~How 'bout a Silver Bullet?

2012-06-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

Can workouts be this easy?

Lately, I’ve been doing a little—well, I hesitate to call it research—let’s call it, exploration … into getting fit. Forty may be the new thirty, but no one has clued in my saggy derriere or my chicken-skin triceps to this modernized timeline. Not only am I gaining weight in this phase of life, but also each new pound is squishier than the last. I want to be fit and healthy, not just to get back into my skinny jeans, but so I have the get-up-and-go to care for my family physically and spiritually. That’s why I’m clicking around the Internet, looking for ~~the silver bullet~~ some insight and motivation to raising my sluggish metabolism and shedding these extra pounds..

Raw Juice Recipes

First things first, track down some low-calorie, high-vitamin smoothies and juicesI can make in my Blendtec. This is the appliance I persuaded my husband to purchase at Costco months ago, which has been sitting idle—after a couple of trial runs—ever since. This kills two birds (unfortunately, not blue jays—just kidding) with one stone. Number one, my husband will stop pointing out that I strong-armed him (chicken-skin triceps notwithstanding) into believing the Blendtec was an essential kitchen appliance when it hasn't been, and second, I can boost my metabolism by power-walking the Costco aisles procuring all the necessary ingredients for the raw fresh veggie and fruit juices.

Next, and this I came across accidentally while exploring Blendtec recipes, I’m going to increase my water intake by 1.5 liters a day. Drinking that much more water, I have come to find out, will increase the number of calories I burn by more than 17,000 over the next year and I’ll lose 5lbs. (Who said there’s no silver bullet?) It’s my understanding that in order to heat the water I’m drinking, my body expends energy and burns calories—aka a workout!

My husband came home from a hard day at the office last night and found me sitting on the front patio reading the New York Times magazine and greeted me, “What are you doing?” he said, “I’m working out,” I answered, as I lifted my glass and sipped my ice-cold glass of water. “Why don’t you grab a bottle of water and join me?"

This is one workout I'm confident I can give him a run for his money...

More attention-grabbing fitness information I found while clicking around the Internet.

Zero Calorie Foods

Green Smoothie Detox Recipe

Fitness Tips: Sneaking Exercise Into Your Day

Lists of Metabolism Boosting Foods
Tending the Temple: Rosary Workout

*Note: I started reading The Rosary Workout book yesterday. "It's a goal-centered program focused on the integration of exercise, prayer, and meditation to work the 'muscles of the spirit' in harmony with the muscles of the body."

Linking with: Pennywise Platter

Photo Source: Living a Whole Life