Truer words were never spoken!!! I do think his point about curiosity espeically poignant, because it is certainly through such a sentiment that many a good hearted Catholic has fallen into the clutches of the evil one. It is a struggle, and has always been for Christians from the earliest times. Dear GK observed in an essay entitled The Patriotic Idea (which can be found in his Collected Works from Ignatius Press) "There is, moreover, another broad distinction, which inclines us to side with those who support the abstract idea of patriotism against those who oppose it. There are two methods by which intelligent men may approach the problem of that temperance which is the object of morality in all matters—in wine, in war, in sex, in patriotism; that temperance which desires, if possible, to have wine without drunkenness, war without massacre, love without profligacy, and patriotism without Sir Alfred Harmsworth. One method, advocated by many earnest people from the beginning of history, is what may roughly be called the teetotal method; that is, that it is better, because of their obvious danger, to do without these great and historic passions altogether. The upholders of the other method (of whom I am one) maintain, on the contrary, that the only ultimate and victorious method of getting rid of the danger is thoroughly to understand and experience the passions. We maintain that with every one of the great emotions of life there goes a certain terror, which, when taken with imaginative reality, is the strongest possible opponent of excess; we maintain, that is to say, that the way to be afraid of war is to know something about war; that the way to be afraid of love is to know something about it; that the way to avoid excess in wine is to feel it as a perilous benefit, and that patriotism goes along with these. The other party maintains that the best guarantee of temperance is to wear a blue ribbon; we maintain that the best guarantee is to be born in a wine-growing country. They maintain that the best guarantee of purity is to take a celibate vow; we maintain that the best guarantee of purity is to fall in love. They maintain that the best guarantee of avoiding a reckless pugnacity is to forswear fighting; we maintain that the best guarantee is to have once experienced it. They maintain that we should care for our country too little to resent trifling impertinences; we maintain that we should care too much about our country to do so. It is like the Mohammedan and Christian sentiment of temperance. Mohammedanism makes wine a poison; Christianity makes it a sacrament." To fall in love with God is to be totally consumed in love, and if one is totally consumed in Love, which we know to be a person, then one loves truly every one of those God places in his path. Consider St. Francis and his love of nature and of the animals, of his brothers, and of St. Clare: he love Our Blessed Lord with everything he had, and he loved each of these unconditionally. If I truly loved ever person in this world, I would never objectify them by impurity. I do not think there is any evil in temptation, for even Christ was tempted by the devil (having not Original Sin, he did not have concupiscence and was not tempted by the flesh as we are). The greatness comes in conquering temptations. The best defences against impurity, on a pratical note, are to say three Hail Marys daily for purity, and to pray to St. Mary of Egypt. Look her up! She's fantastic!!! http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2012/07/g-k-chesterton-on-the-patriotic-idea.html

INFP

Just another look at my myers brigs type. Excerpt from http://psychology.about.com/od/trait-theories-personality/a/infp.htm INFP (introversion, intuition, feeling, perception) is a four-letter abbreviation for one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The INFP personality type is often described as an "idealist" personality. People with this kind of personality tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative and driven by high values. Tfour-letter code for this personality type stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling and Perceiving. •Introversion (I): How do you relate to the world and focus your energy? •Intuition (N): How do you perceive information? •Feeling (F): How do you make decisions? •Perceiving (P): How to you orient yourself to the outside world? Some of the main characteristics of the INFP personality include: •Loyal and devoted •Sensitive to feelings •Warm, caring and interested in other people •Strong written communication skills •Prefers to work alone •Values close relationships •Focuses on the "big picture" rather than the details INFPs tend to be introverted, quiet and reserved. Being in social situations tends to drain their energy and they prefer interacting with a select group of close friends. While they like to be alone, this should not necessarily be confused with shyness. Instead, it simply means that INFPs gain energy from spending time alone. On the other hand, they have to expend energy in social situations. INFPS typically rely on intuition and are more focused on the big picture rather than the nitty-gritty details. They can be quite meticulous about things they really care about or projects they are working on, but tend to ignore mundane or boring details. INFPs place an emphasis on personal feelings and their decisions are more influenced by these concerns rather than by objective information. They also dislike conflict and try to avoid it. When conflicts or arguments do arise, they usually focus more on how the conflict makes them feel rather than the actual details of the argument. During arguments, they might seem overly emotional or even irrational. However, they can also be good mediators by helping the people involved in a conflict identify and express their feelings. When it comes to making decisions, INFPs like to keep their options open. They often delay making important decisions just in case something about the situation changes. When decisions are made, they are usually based on personal values rather than logic. Because they are so reserved and private, it can be difficult for other people to get to know INFPs. They tend to be quite devoted to their circle of close friends and family and place a high importance on the feelings and emotions of their loved ones. Much of their energy is focused inward and characterized by intense feelings and strong values. They tend to be very loyal to the people they love and to beliefs and causes that are important to them. INFPs tend to be very creative, artistic and spiritual. They are often skilled with language, but may prefer to express their thoughts and feelings through writing. Because they have strong ethics and values, they also become passionate about advocating or defending their beliefs. While they feel strongly about their own values, INFPs are also interested in learning more about others and are willing to listen and consider many sides of an issue. INFPs also have strong interests in making the world a better place. In addition to wanting to gain a greater understanding of themselves and how they fit into the world, they are also interested in how they can best help others. People with this personality type spend a lot of time exploring their own purpose in life and thinking about how they can use their skills and talents to best serve humanity. Best Career Choices for INFPs INFPs typically do well in careers where they can express their creativity and vision. While they work well with others, they generally prefer to work alone. Some possible careers that might be a good match for an INFP include: •Artist •Counselor •Graphic Designer •Librarian •Psychologist •Physical Therapist •Social Worker •Writer

Favorite Band

One of my favorite bands ever! Civil Wars has a totally beautiful way of harmonizing that is not common in current music. I'm partial to folk because it is old fashioned and yet always applicable and fresh. These two voices are simply perfection. I also love the fact that the lady, Joy is her name I think, always wears the nicest dresses and very ladylike outfits...it's so nice to see a girl looking like a lady in popular circles. Many folks seem to think that to be country requires a girl to be rather boyish...of course, this could be just another instance of folk music going against the grain.

Prayer for the Holy Father's election

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, is retiring in 2 days, and I found a few prayers to pray for the election of a new pontiff. Any big change in the heirarchy of the church is an oppurtunity for the devil to play mischeif. Prayer for the Election of a New PopeLord Jesus Christ, You are the Good Shepherd, And you never leave your flock untended. You gave your life that we may live, And you appoint shepherds after your own heart To lead your people by word and example To likewise give themselves away in love. We thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI, And for his service to the Church and the world. We ask that you now give him a fruitful period Of rest and prayer, of gratitude and praise. We ask you, Lord Jesus, with the Father, To send the Holy Spirit on the Church once again. In particular, guide the Cardinals who will shortly exercise The obligation and privilege of electing a new Pope. Guide their deliberations and decisions With divine wisdom and insight. Even now, Lord Jesus, give to the new Pope, Whom you have already chosen, An abundance of holiness and strength, To carry out the mission you have entrusted to him. May your Word reign supreme in his life, And may his every word and action point the Church to You, The supreme and eternal Shepherd, And the only mediator between God and humanity, For you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

My favorite quotes ever!

"Men invent new ideals because they dare not attempt old ideals. They look forward with enthusiasm, because they are afraid to look back." GK Satan was the most celebrated of Alpine guides, when he took Jesus to the top of an exceeding high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the earth. But the joy of Satan in standing on a peak is not a joy of largeness, but a joy in beholding smallness, in the fact that all men look like insects at his feet. It is from the valley that things look large; it is from the level that things look high; I am a child of the level and have no need of that celebrated Alpine guide. I will life up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help; but I will not life up my carcass to the hills, unless it is absolutely necessary. Everything is in an attitude of mind; and at this moment I am in a comfortable attitude. I will sit still and let the marvels and the adventures settle on my like flies. There are plenty of them, I assure you. The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder. ~Tremendous Trifles, G.K. NO TRESPASSING! Violators will be shot. Survivors will be shot again. ~a sign. O thus be it ever when free men shall stand between their loved homes and the war's desolation. Blessed with victory and peace may the heaven rescued land praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation. And then conquer we must when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: in God is Our trust! And the flag of the free, forever may it wave, or the land of the free and the home of the brave. "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." ~Mother Theresa You and all the kind of Christ Are ignorant and brave, And you have wars you hardly win And souls you hardly save. I tell you naught for your comfort, Yea, not for your desire Save that the sky grows darker yet And the sea rises higher. Night shall be thrice night over you, And heaven an iron cope. Do you have joy without a cause, Yea, faith without a hope? ~Ballad of the White Horse Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions. G.K. Chesterton "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire!" -St. Catherine of Siena "I think the world today is upside-down, and is suffering so much, because there is so very little love in the homes and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other; there is no time to enjoy each other. If we could only bring back into our lives the life that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived in Nazareth, if we could make our homes another Nazareth, I think that peace and joy would reign in the world." -Mother Teresa I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. Love means loving the unlovable, or it is no virtue at all. Oh thus be it ever when free men shall stand, between their loved home and the war's desolation. Blessed with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation. And then conquer we must when our cause it is just And this be our motto: "in God is our trust." And the flag of the free forever shall wave ore the land of the the free and the home of the brave. ~Star Spangled Banner

Temperament of a Phlegmatic/sanguine

Quoted from the temperament section of the Catholic Match web page. If you are a phlegmatic-sanguine, your phlegmatic side will dominate. This will result in a greater tendency to introversion (though still less than a melancholics or pure phlegmatics). You are congenial and cooperative and get along well with most everyone. Because of your emphasis on harmony in relationships, you are peace-loving, conservative, well-balanced, easy-going, with a dry wit and a talent for bringing people together. As an employee, you are compliant, dutiful, orderly, and subdued (and probably were as a child too). Others may not realize that you have a sanguine side -- at first. It may take a little longer for you to make close friends (because you do not reveal your feelings or thoughts as readily as the more extraverted sanguine-phlegmatic), but once you do, your sanguine nature can assert itself. It will also show up when, for example, you have been so dutiful and compliant about work or school that finally you need to relax and unwind and now the sanguine, fun-loving side comes out. Or, when you are hanging out with your closest friends. You are very thoughtful of others, with a knack for empathically putting yourself in other peoples shoes, and value peace and harmony at all times. You also have a great sense of humor and an easy-going manner that makes you a valued friend. You are discouraged by criticism or negativity and need acceptance, support and cooperation in your personal life. You can be deeply wounded by sarcasm, harsh criticism, and anger when it is directed at you. You will not, however, directly fight back but prefer to turn the other cheek or redouble your efforts to please. Phlegmatic-sanguines tend to prefer movies, concerts, or other forms of relaxation that are a bit more spectator-oriented. When they attend parties, they tend to prefer smaller groups, rather than the large social gatherings a pure sanguine enjoys. Like sanguine-phlegmatics, they are very attentive to relationships, to harmony among people. They have deep feelings, hate negative criticism, and become discouraged by negativity in those around them. They are strongly tempted to repress their own wishes in order to preserve peace in a relationship. A stressful situation (especially one that is interpersonally demanding) may cause the peaceful phlegmatic-sanguine to withdraw into solitary television watching, playing computer games, eating or sleeping, instead of directly expressing their negative feelings. A danger for the phlegmatic-sanguine is to be satisfied with achieving less than what he is capable of -- whether because he tends not to plan for the future or because the more challenging goals seem to be too much trouble. A phlegmatic-sanguine will be strongly tempted to quit if he doesnt think the end product is worth the effort or if he fears he wont succeed. Perhaps the most besetting difficulties for this temperament mixture are the natural inclination to peace and quiet (tempting one to laziness), a preference to live within the moment (superficiality), and a tendency to make decisions based first on the desire to please someone else or to restore harmony. In a relationship, the phlegmatic-sanguine is true-blue. He is likely to be a great listener, is willing to put others first, and has excellent mediatory skills. You are a supportive friend and a cooperative employee; however, this can cause you to say yes to demands of friends or colleagues, without first analyzing whether this choice is actually the best choice to make. At times, wanting to either please your good friends or avoid conflict either at home or at work, you may go with the flow when in fact a strong stance is necessary. Or, you may avoid a more demanding task or career move in order to maintain harmony and stability. If you find yourself stuck in a rut or avoiding making the extra effort required to make an important change, take time out to analyze your goals for the future, realign your priorities to reflect your values and, if necessary, seek spiritual direction to ensure that your values are aligned with Gods will for you.

Irish furniture in story.

Sure this impressed me when I watched it randomly this night, and it's a fine tale. Many times we think "if walls could talk, oh the stories they could tell." Walls are limited to the space they are in. I'll bet furniture has even better stories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrfDAIqn6KE

My dad is an amazing man. I know that tons of folks would say that, but that is good! they should say it! Dads are amazing. My father is a fairly quiet individual. Oh, he isn't shy or anything, he just doesn't talk for no reason. I don't think I've ever had a phone conversation with the man that lasted more than 5 minutes (unless I was lost). Until I was in college I had no idea what kind of music my dad liked. As a small child (back when gas was like 0.73/gal) whenever my sister and I rode in dad's car we'd yell out "Daddy! Daddy! play ballerina music please!" and he'd flip around to different channels until he found the classical station. My father knew nothing about little girls before we came along, and somehow, he managed to put pony tails in our hair, clip in ribbon, tie bows in our dresses, and make sure the wrinkles were out of our socks and ruffle folded just right.

Daily Prayer

If you are anything like me, you have great intentions to pray each day and keep things together. However, if you are also like me, you hop out of bed at the last minute and start doing a ton of things right away. =)

This afternoon I received an email from our parish preist urging the parish not to forget to pray during this busy time. He sent a little meditation from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom for our inspiration. "May our mouths be full of Thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing Thy glory, for Thou didst render us worthy to partake of Thy holy, immortal, and pure mysteries.  Confirm us in thy holiness that we may meditate upon Thy justice all the day long."

God thought so well of me that He desired to allow me to partake of that most wonderful mysetery, the Eucharist. He truly is awesome. How wondeful is that!

Oh Lord, I dedicate this day and all that happens to you. please don't leave me alone, or I will mess things up royally.I love you.
Amen.

Recently went to visit my friend in South Carolina, and had a marvelous time! The climate in November is much like Virginia's it would seem, except that there is a definite flare for the tropical, with palm trees around. We went to visit one of the historical sites down there, Middleton Plantation, and we realized on our way out that there was so much that we hadn't seen! I mean, sure it was huge, but I guess it didn't dawn on me that there would such extensive grounds there. The gardens were of course the main attraction, and one could have easily gotten lost in there. Anyhow, I wanted to post a couple of pictures just because it is was so lovely.

Driver Days 2012

In the past few months, my sister and I have been wonderfully blessed to be able to live in North Suffolk half a mile from the town of Driver...which I guess is more of borough than anything since it is part of the city of Suffolk. Yesterday, my sister and I took our three young charges down to see the sites. It was quaint and fun, with all of the usual festival/fair type crafty things, several produce stands with pumpkins, good food, and a ton of bounce houses for the kids. Since it's in Suffolk, Virginia, there were Civil War reenactors of both varieties, a blacksmith tent, and a show of antique tractors. It's nice to get out at events like that and just talk to people. I met a Mr. Bailey who refinished the 1941 Farmall tractor, and learned that it had been a retirement present from a friend. Who gives their friend a tractor? The small town was bursting at the seems with literally thousands of participants, while a country band rocked out on the stage. In any case, it's a fun way to pass the time of a weekend.

Pony rides! and Polkadot boots for the occasion!

The moon walk...complete with random kid flying across  screen. 

racing through the obstacle course!

Charge #2 climbing through the race course!

And who said you had to stay on the beaten path, or the red stripe, for that matter?

Charge number three loved looking at everything! He really is happy, just squinting in the sun.

Coolest banjo ever! Owned by one of the Mechanized Sons of the Confederacy.

Charge #1 with 24 pound field howitzer.

1941 Farmall H beautifully refinished.

These musicians wandered up and down the road. The man on the right is wearing a washboard!

The Teddy Bear Express!

Charge #1 talking to a wrought iron butterfly on one the displays.

Homebrewed root beer!

Parenthood: Day One

Yes, folks, I've finally taken the plunge and gone out and gotten myself a few kids. Mind you, I got the cream of the crop, the top of the shelf, etc. No buy-one-get-one-kind-of-sale for me!

Now lest you think that I've stolen someone's kids, rest assured that this is hardly, as in totally and completely not, the case. A very dear and wonderful friend of mine, a Mrs. K, has a husband who is out on a vessel serving our country and doing heaven knows what because not even Mrs. K has been able to communicate with him. This has been very hard for her and for her children since they cannot even talk to him and they know that he will most probably not even receive their letters while he is out. So, in view of the fact that the children are 1, 3, and 5 and the youngest is not dependent on nursing any longer, I encouraged her to please go out and meet up with him since the opportunity presented itself.

So...this first day can be summed up in one word: poop. Yes. that's right. poo...slimy smelly foul and putrid.It began shortly after breakfast when the three year old (boy2) called from the bathroom "There's  poop on my shirt!" I came in to find not only that it was on his shirt but also all over the outside of the toilet, on his pants, down his legs, on the floor,  and on the wall. oh dear. so I put him in the tub. what else was I going to do? And thus began my stay in the K household. stay tuned for more updates!

poetical snippet

Once upon a start crossed night there was a maid, and she was right to think that this could not be so, that all the world's madness would up and go far, far away from her and her brood...but she knew, yes she knew, this could not be true.

In deleteing all of my old facebook posts, I came across many little sayings that I've really loved. They are these that follow:


I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

blazing heat.

Someday soon, the evil heat spirit will give way to the breezes of the north, and I'll finally be able to wear sweaters and make apple cider and sleep through the night and go to fall festivals and drive through the cold rain (ugh) and wear clogs and wish that I had nice lady boots. But for now I roast and toast throughout the night...wishing, how I wish, that it would be cool and I could have covers on my bed again. don't melt. dear friends.