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| TELLING YOUR KIDS THE BRUTAL TRUTHS OF SEX IN 2010 [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/28/2010 |
I recently heard from someone who worries about giving their older teenagers too much information about sex.
I can appreciate that concern, I really can as I have young adult children, teens and toddlers. I worry about their innocence and their modesty as I am striving to raise up a few more saints for God. However, I also know that many parents don't have those same concerns or prayers.
In that regard, I have had to tell my older children some things I didn't have to. BUT - I have to. It can be embarrassing, it can be difficult but in today's world it is also necessary.
Why?
"On June 6, the producer of the reality show “Jersey Shore” admitted that she fed her promiscuous cast a steady diet of Valtrex in order to manage herpes outbreaks. In a roundtable discussion for The Hollywood Reporter, producer SallyAnn Salsano remarked, “We hand it out like M&Ms! ‘Hey kids, it’s time for Valtrex!’ It’s like a herpes nest. They’re all in there mixing it up.”
Now, my kids have never seen this show but in that they will meet some, if not many, teens and young adults who have. These same young people are likely to live this lifestyle and I must ensure that they hear from Matt and me about the pitfalls of such choices and the freedom that comes from living a clean and holy life.
This shocking quote comes from the story over at the Register,
http://www.ncregister.com/register_exclusives/preaching_purity_on_the_jersey_shore/
Amazing isn't it? The Catholic Church gets bashed for all the restrictions we place on ourselves and our children. That's right all the those awful "do not" commandments really restrict our kids freedom - freedom from what??
With this story as support we are keeping our kids free of disease and free from a life of chemicals to try to keep them from infecting others.
Be bold, be courageous, do not be afraid to tell your kids the real truths of our Church and our faith. You will not only be saving their souls but also their fertility and their health. |
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| IT IS WEDDING SEASON - WHAT IS YOUR BRIDE WEARING? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/28/2010 |
http://www.altmuslimah.com/a/b/a/3801/
This post by Ashley Samelson is about the dearth of modest wedding dresses and it is wonderful. I will rush to the end to read words that made my heart sing, and they come from Vera Wang no less:
"Ivanka Trump asked Vera Wang to design her wedding gown with Grace Kelly as the inspiration. Wang welcomed the opportunity to design a dress that wasn't what she termed, "naked and very Hollywood," rather than taking offense that Trump did not ask for a traditional Vera Wang style. "Nothing would make me happier," said Wang. "I've been doing strapless dresses for 15 years. It's tiring."
Strapless dresses - oh, so very tiring!!! I am long past my wedding day and with my oldest daughters in religious life I am not going to be a mother of the bride any time soon but I am still so very tired of strapless dresses.
As a modest seamtress I can understand Ms. Wang, designer to the stars, frustrations. Without the elegance of a wonderful neckline or being refused the creativity of a myriad of sleeve options, I would get tired as well.
Strapless dresses are just so 80's and 90's. Modesty aside, they are boring, and despite the brides' best efforts look all the same.
My brother, the priest, has spoken of his own discomfort with bride's who come down the aisle looking more ready for their honeymoon than their wedding. He instituted guidelines as mentioned in the article and received mixed responses. From those who were using the church rather than receiving a sacrament there came complaints and whines. He did not budge.
From those who were parishioners he received concern that such dresses would be hard to find but they would try. He allowed for that reality and knew that these brides would find short bolero jackets or beautiful shawls.
He knew reception attire could be different from wedding attire. But, in a house of God, he would not do as Ms. Wang said, "naked and very Hollywood."
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| THE SHERWOOD FILMS [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/29/2010 |
I have posted before about the films out of Sherwood Baptist Church - Fireproof, Facing the Giants and others.
Our family has had a very good time watching them over the past few weeks on movie night. We've made some apologetic comments about small details but overall have been very grateful to have movies everyone can watch without concerns for language and violence.
Are they perfect? No, but they are much better than most everything else we've come across. We do like saint's stories and such like but we also like stories that highlight families much like our own - trying to do God's will even when it is hard.
Over at www.mercatornet.com there is an article about movies that should be made or not :-)
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/rewriting_the_script/
I like the premise but would really like some good Catholic to do what Sherwood is doing - making good family films that highlight the struggles of modern life, modern families and our lives. You need to have the families have more than a few kids (at least one or two) and show them going to the sacraments and Mass.
I have some great ideas for plots but without some $$$$, they remain in my writing journal. |
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| MY WIFE, GOD BLESS HER [Matt Watkins] |
| 6/29/2010 |
I cannot believe Rachel took the time to blog today. You see she unexpectedly had to have a tooth pulled yesterday. She is in a lot of pain. This is why she hates going to the dentist, the unknown.
That said, last evening she told me about the whole endeavor and how she had the entire office laughing by her comments and rebuttals to the dentist and the hygenists. Even in circumstances like having a tooth pulled my lovely bride can find and exude the joys in life.
While some might not understand, this is part of being open to life. It's not just the opening our lives to children but opening our lives to Christ and whatever He brings our way. And in all these things resolving to remain at peace and filled with joy because Christ came to give us life and give it abundantly. |
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| I HOPE YOU'VE EATEN BEFORE YOU READ THIS ARTICLE - [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/29/2010 |
Places you might not want to visit:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-06-29-fattyfoodinUSA29_ST_N.htm
I'm a big fan of small town delis, diners and Mom and Pop joints. I have great memories of spending time with my Dad at my small town's local joint called "The Coffee Cup".
My Dad would go over there at least once a day from his job as manager of our town's clothing store and more. It was a picture book town, storybook store and the diner completed the picture.
He would get a cup of coffee, talk politics, hunting and life. He was well-known and respected in our town and many people went to him for both advice and shared experiences.
Some days I would be lucky enough to be downtown when he was there. I would be sent to see my Dad to deliver a message from my Mom (usually buy milk and bread). This was before cell phones and when my Mom would call the store and be told he's not here, she knew where he was.
I would head downtown on my bike and hope he was in the Coffee Cup. If he was, and the day was good, I would get a fountain soda.
We never had soda at home and I didn't even know you could buy it at the store. But, there at the counter, with the small red spinning stools I would have a glass of soda with cracked ice.
Heaven!
I am sure these places still exist in many small towns (and some big ones) but this article made me laugh (and gag) at what some places serve as food! |
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| SEVERE PREGNANCY-RELATED NAUSEA, OR HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/29/2010 |
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/mom_so_sick_she_chooses_abortion
Danielle Bean is talking about this over at the Register. Like her, I have had morning sickness but never HG sickness.
And like her, I think we are dropping the ball in regard for truly caring for pregnant moms. While we may be active in our local crisis pregnancy centers, are we looking around our parish, our schools and neighborhoods to see how we can help pregnant moms?
I know that I appreciated the meals I got during my pregnancy even more than those I got after. Once I've delivered it was easier to get dinner pulled together than when I was 7 mos. pregnant, waddling and exhausted.
Consider reaching out to a pregnant mom today - buy a gift certificate to a pizza place, offer to come get the kids for a day at the park or deliver dinner. You may not even want to ask permission as most moms will say 'No, really, I'm doing fine'. Who cares if they're doing fine, you can help them do great!
And if you are that pregnant mom, don't be afraid to ask for some help - we will not think you are incapable or incompetent. We do not think that your pregnancy is your 'problem' so asking for help is not an irresponsible thing to do.
Choosing life is hard these days - made harder by HG, stress, and solitude. We need to do more to help. |
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| C.S. LEWIS "GREAT DIVORCE" BECOMING A MOVIE [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/30/2010 |
Over at Variety.com:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118020900.html?categoryid=2431&cs=1
I have just found my first book of summer as I have not read this one yet. And maybe a book for my kids "100 Cupboards" by N.D. Wilson who is being tapped to write the screenplay.
Looking forward to it!
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| THE END OF THE "TWILIGHT" SERIES ON THE BIG SCREEN [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/30/2010 |
Disclaimer - I have not read any of the books and won't. I have not seen any of the movies and won't. I don't like vampires or werewolves and have issues with those who feel they are worthy of admiration.
I have been a part of several discussions with parents who have some concerns about wether they should let their children read the books. I could offer no advice beyond, "I'm concerned about my daughters reading books wherein giving up your immortal soul for the love of any boy is seen as a good thing."
I read the following article and felt a bit 'justified'. I am not the only one with concerns:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37515217/
"It might behoove the current generation of shrinks to cast an eye on the exceedingly popular “Twilight” series of films and books, since they’re being read by a generation of impressionable young people."
The article lays out concerns that author. If you and/or your kids have read the book you might want to give it a read. |
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| BAD WRITING WINS AGAIN! [Rachel Watkins] |
| 6/30/2010 |
Now, while my critics may say I am the worst writer they've read, I am not Edward George Earl Bulwer-Lytton.
He, of the "It was dark and stormy night fame", is remembered in a contest each year that celebrates truly bad writing. Bad writing on purpose.
The winners this year are wonderful. Check it out:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38001506/ns/today-books |
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| HOW DO WE GIVE IT ALL TO JESUS?? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 7/1/2010 |
A reader sent me this message. I hope my reaching out to her (and all of you who may be thinking this same thing) this way is a support:
"I wish I could give all over to Him. Don't know how or where to begin. The last 3 yrs. since I had my son I have....been angry? Afraid? Resigned? Pouting? Distant? Closed? Sullen? Guilty? Unworthy? Certainly not as faithful as I thought I was or could be.
I do pray that despite me and my lack of faith, my boy will get to heaven and God will reach him."
How to give it all to Jesus? It is both so easy and so hard. We must first, as we are told by other Christians, say the words.
You need to take a moment to stand before Jesus and tell Him He has full reign in your life, your family and all you do. Say it out loud. Stand before a Tabernacle or during Eucharistic Adoration if you can as being truly in His presence is powerful. But if you can't your bedroom or car or walk in the woods will work. Tell Him how much you love and need Him. Ask for His forgiveness for all of your sins and tell Him you have faith in His ability to do all in your life.
Get to confession as soon as you can. Make sure to take time to sacramentally gain His grace and His strength to live the life you know you can and should have. This sacrament will also help with the guilt we all are susceptible to and which Satan loves to throw at us. Our sins fall away from us and our souls are returned to their original glow and purpose.
The guilt is where we sometimes think we are not worthy. Are we? Absolutely and of course, but with some struggles. We are worthy because we are God's creation, we are made in His image and likeness. But our sins make us waver from our purpose and origin so we stray off His path and try to make our way in the wilderness.
This wandering then leads to the complexities of the emotions of life - those don't go away and shouldn't. But what to do with them is the 'problem'. Angry - why and at whom? Angry at God - let Him know but then pause and see what your part may be. If there are situations in your life that need attention taking care of them one at a time is the only way to do it. Ask for His help with each one and get to work.
Is it a lack of faith? We all have it from time to time and the only way to combat it is to go to Jesus just as the centurion did. "Lord, increase my faith!" Every morning begin your day in prayer asking God to help you see Him, follow Him and work for Him.
Every lunch time reorient yourself back to Jesus as your true north. Remember the Angelus? It is said 3x a day just for that purpose. Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the midday, Jesus as I go to bed.
You and your child/your family? - Hand yourself every day over to Jesus, Mary and Joseph for their care, guidance and protection. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph - make us a Holy Family" A simple prayer you can repeat throughout the day! And believe me - they will honor that request and are waiting - eagerly - to help you in all of your needs, all of your emotions and all of your worries and concerns.
Finally - are you reading the Bible at all? Just a bit a day, a psalm a day, a chapter a day fills your head with the good stuff and shoves out the bad.
Today's gospel is a perfect lesson with this:
Matt 9:1-8 includes this line: "Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? "
Keep the evil thoughts at bay by replacing them with Jesus' words and the words of Scripture.
This is a small blueprint for helping you out to get started living for Jesus and not for the world. Of course, there is more - centuries and centuries of more - the saints, the books, the teachings and so much more.
BUT - don't let the amount of stuff we have available to us keep you away from the wonderful simplicity of finding Jesus. All you need do is ask, follow through on the ask and know it has been answered.
Jesus wants a great life for you - not just a good one and certainly not one full of struggles. Will it be perfect? Will you have riches, perfect health and never a problem? Of course not. He does not promise us perfection here BUT that is waiting for us in heaven. But, living with Him makes getting through this life much easier and more joyful!
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| ARE YOUR KIDS GOING TO CAMP THIS SUMMER? [Rachel Watkins] |
| 7/1/2010 |
Probably not these camps -
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-06-30-no-religion-camp_N.htm
I am not surprised that they see themselves as so open-minded and tolerant but in the end are neither - here's the proof from the article:
"The team names included the Flaming Messiahs, a nod to the incinerated "Touchdown Jesus" sculpture north of Cincinnati struck by lightning last week, and the Dinosaur Jesus Riders, whose cheer goes like this: "Yeehaw, ride that Jesus!"
and
"Campers and staff "do talk sometimes about how silly ... different religions are and what they have to do," Juliana said.
But the main message at camp is "you can believe what you want."
True tolerance and acceptance would not allow for the mocking of other religions and certainly not of Jesus who is the 'founder' of all Christian religions. The fact that that is 'tolerated' (probably encouraged) by the counselors of the camp is proof they are not as open-minded as they seem.
I was a camp counselor in the 4-H system for years and was taught never to allow anyone to ridicule or belittle anyone's faith system. It was not a 'Christian' camp, it was just a camp but we knew that everyone deserved a good summer without being made fun of - for their size, their color, their religion or anything. Apparently these camp counselors haven't learned that lesson! |
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