tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52925592011-12-06T15:42:02.624-06:00''A small spring of faith'' tracking the journey of Sparki, an atheist-turned evangelical-turned liturgical Christian-turned Catholic discovering the joys and mysteries of the Faith.Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.comBlogger6561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-11572694467141427942009-12-25T19:04:00.002-06:002009-12-25T19:12:01.933-06:00

My dad's elder brother John used to enthrall me with this story when I was a kid. At family gatherings, I used to sit on the floor by his chair (on the beer can side, not the cigarette side – he always had both going) and listen to him tell stories until I was told to go play with the other children. Anyway, this is the story he told every Christmas when I was a little girl. I can’t attest to how

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-41995227488768799642008-11-19T18:19:00.005-06:002008-11-19T18:42:25.601-06:00

I was downtown with the kids today around 5:30 p.m. and was politely stopped by Dan from Channel 8 news. He wanted a comment about our mayor's plan to purchase cameras to mount over street lights for snapping photos of people who run red lights. I believe the idea is to catch more people when a police officer doesn't happen to be handy.I hadn't looked into the cost and effectiveness of these

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-11518268036373068292008-11-07T12:53:00.002-06:002008-11-07T13:01:02.360-06:00

If you are interested in joining the fight against the Freedom of Choice Act, you might want to visit this site, which includes a petition to sign and other information. Personally, I'm hoping that President-Elect Obama will be too busy futzing with the economy and dealing with foreign affairs to keep his promise to Planned Parenthood. In the meantime, let us all pray that our "unalienable right

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-25356638457735265022008-11-06T22:42:00.002-06:002008-11-06T22:50:03.974-06:00

My friend Mrs. B-B and I have been trading darling stories about our children today. Here's one for the ages.Zooey, age 9, has been begging me to set up a Yahoo e-mail account for him. I've been trying to put it off in the hopes that it's not that important to him yet, but no luck. Finally, he asked if he should discuss it with his dad, and I said sure. So he went off to plan his attack.After

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-20643969544031233702008-10-20T16:41:00.002-05:002008-10-20T16:49:55.837-05:00

Pope John XXIII was a Jesus guy on abortion.Pope John Paul II was a Jesus guy on abortion.If you try to say that you're a John XXIII guy, not a John Paul II guy, you're very, very, very confused. The Church is not divided on the issue of abortion, much as you, Nancy Pelosi and other politicians would like to think otherwise.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-66699585587018110232008-09-23T15:32:00.000-05:002008-09-23T15:34:49.337-05:00

My husband, upon entering the kitchen:"Wow, look at you, putting up food for the winter just like the pioneers!"(I was microwaving corn, cutting it off the cob and freezing it in Zip-loc bags because I had too much for us to consume that night. Yeah, just like the pioneers!)--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-67793380517745027282008-09-10T10:58:00.003-05:002008-09-23T15:35:44.908-05:00

As this interesting piece in the Washington Post points out, there is a huge, huge difference between the way pro-choice people and the way pro-life people look at babies with disabilities.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-10570554627045153782008-09-03T13:00:00.001-05:002008-09-03T13:02:51.138-05:00

In preparation for today's feast of Saint Gregory the Great, our parish's own Sister Mary has been teaching the upper grades some Gregorian chant. Zooey, being a 4th grader, is now in the "upper grades." He was really excited to be part of the chant at this morning's Mass...which, alas, I had to miss because of work obligations, and, alack, my husband had to miss because of an emergency dental

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-2451675952006070292008-08-28T10:55:00.004-05:002008-08-28T11:33:33.159-05:00

My husband works a later shift, so the kids and I usually have dinner without Daddy. Since school started last week, I've been trying to make it a point to ask the kids what they learned each day. With three kids -- a 4th-grader, a 1st-grader and a preschooler -- that can take a very long time, so I'm sort of limiting it to one or two subjects a day. Monday was spelling and reading. Tuesday was

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-57234928507734122612008-05-27T11:47:00.002-05:002008-05-27T11:48:23.724-05:00

Apparently, growing up "empowered" by your feminist mother isn't all it's cracked up to be. Read the tragic tale of Rebecca Walker for the sad details. I hope this mother and daughter reconcile soon.

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-31504020262149533392008-04-28T09:01:00.003-05:002008-04-28T09:23:54.573-05:00

If your 15-year-old daughter was posing for photographs, and the photographer talked her into taking off her shirt (which your daughter had no intention of doing upon arrival) and if those photographs were published in a national magazine, would you or would you not be calling the cops and reporting said photographer?But hey, apparently if you are Billy Ray Cyrus and if your daughter is Miley

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-58339996818745419812008-04-21T14:09:00.006-05:002008-04-21T14:40:37.868-05:00

My husband's cousin was married Saturday at this spectacular church in downtown Omaha. I do wish there was better photograph of it, because it's stunningly beautiful. And so was the bride. Exceptionally radiant! A most happy occasion for all.My son was happiest about getting out of his suit afterwards. My daughters liked dancing at the reception and downing bowls of white chocolate and chocolate

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-75098165640171838212008-04-18T14:39:00.004-05:002008-04-18T14:49:46.290-05:00

Chip Hackley was one of the best writers I knew, and also a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. At his funeral today, his pastor spoke about how Chip treated every person with dignity, and that is very, very true. May God rest his soul.Read a little bit more about Chip here -- and really, it is just a little. He did so much more in his life!Chip was an avid outdoorsman. He loved canoeing

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1038309024423330042008-04-15T17:04:00.002-05:002008-04-15T17:07:42.247-05:00

Please pray for 8-year-old Megan M., who was recently diagnosed and underwent brain surgery for a brain tumor. It's medulloblastoma, a rather hostile cancer. She's a real sweetheart with a ton of faith, but she and her family (dad, grandma, sister, aunts) need to be upheld in prayer.Also, if you could please pray for the repose of the soul of my coworker Chip and for the peace and support of his

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-23174474659981135582008-04-08T13:55:00.002-05:002008-04-08T13:57:45.034-05:00

Okay, these dark chocolate truffles are really, really, REALLY good!(Sorry, Mrs. B-B, but the package says they may contain traces of tree nuts. I'll have to eat your share...and I can't tell you how sorry I am about that!)--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-91668771934787319442008-03-28T18:23:00.004-05:002008-03-31T12:37:38.832-05:00

Please, if you are reading this, pray for the soul of Father Zygmund Rydz, who died this past Monday.Born in Poland, he entered seminary but his country's capitualtion to the Nazis forced him to leave. At one point, he dove into a ditch to avoid being shot by a German fighter plane. As bullets pocked the ground all around him, he implored the Virgin Mary for protect and indeed, all his companions

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-60201395727415550572008-03-28T18:14:00.003-05:002008-03-28T18:22:14.935-05:00

We found it necessary -- and I hope this is common to all families -- to spend some minutes with our children instructing them as to acceptable euphamisms for their bottoms. The perils of the youngest one learning to use the toilet resulted in far too many conversations about bottoms and potties and, well, an unfortunate increase in some rather vulgar terms...not vulgar on an adult level, but

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-37756784206791153012008-03-24T08:59:00.001-05:002008-03-24T09:00:41.030-05:00

He is risen, indeed!I hope you all are having a blessed Easter. Remember, the feasting lasts 8 days! --Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-57974398406672270822008-03-14T09:17:00.000-05:002008-03-14T09:19:07.609-05:00

This article over at Inside Catholic is an interesting look at the recent Pew Study that found one in ten Americans are ex-Catholics. They asked quite a few Catholic priests, bishops, writers and teachers what their assessment is. Interesting reading, if you'll take ten minutes or so.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-38288528691477314662008-03-11T15:28:00.002-05:002008-03-11T15:33:35.880-05:00

A U.S. report finds that China abuses human rights. But we knew that.Why are we trading with this country?Look, folks, I know it's hard. Practically every item you need to buy, from juice glasses to shoes to bedsheets to tuna fish is made in China. It's really, really hard to avoid it, but we all need to try. If our government won't stop supporting this nation that tortures its citizens, forces

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-57366517700507285932008-03-07T08:33:00.002-06:002008-03-07T08:35:40.110-06:00

Great column in the Long Island Catholic about teaching kids to pray the Rosary...which the writer acknowledges is "more athletic than contemplative"!--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-88251839849194189742008-03-03T08:25:00.003-06:002008-03-03T08:33:03.058-06:00

My husband was talking to our five-year-old about her God-given artistic gifts last night. She already excels in things like dance, singing and visual arts. In fact, we made a volcano together out of Sculpy clay last week for "Letter V Week" at school, and she was very descriptive about how she wanted the lava to look like "flowers" shooting out of the little brown mountain...and once she got to

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-65246040600850325832008-02-05T08:39:00.000-06:002008-02-05T09:00:36.047-06:00

So it seems like we finally do have a clue about what truly happened to the young, beautiful, overly privileged Natalee Holloway. As a mother, I understand Beth Twitty's relief that there are finally some answers about what happened to her daughter. I think my relief would be complicated by the desire to search the ocean for her remains so she could have a proper burial, which, of course, is so

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-67970178301971489922008-02-01T16:43:00.001-06:002008-02-01T16:45:44.430-06:00

He had his surgery Monday. His lymph nodes all looked clean, so we're thinking it's just Stage 2 (and since we were expecting Stage 3, that's good). He meets with the oncologist soon to find out if he'll have chemo only or chemo plus radiation.The surgery turned out to be more dangerous than the tumor. A few hours after they sent Dad home, Mom was hurrying him back to the emergency room (Dad even

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-54174597103676982082008-01-18T10:31:00.000-06:002008-01-18T10:32:32.381-06:00

Pam over at HMS blog just posted yesterday that her youngest, Jonathan, may have leukemia. Please pray for him, and for his parents and brothers.

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-82749896387909128422008-01-16T09:44:00.000-06:002008-01-16T10:11:23.820-06:00

So, my dad called last night around 9:30 p.m., which is late for my parents. I knew something was wrong the second the phone rang. You know how that goes.My dad’s an engineer, so it always takes him a long time to get to the point. I’ll spare you the gory details and the tangent on Katie Couric and how she got millions of people to get colonoscopies: my dad has been diagnosed with two kinds of

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-10668472866785741672007-12-14T16:23:00.000-06:002007-12-14T16:29:41.093-06:00

Well, it took 37 years to figure it out, but we finally know what my husband's superhero power is. I don't know exactly what to call it, but yesterday, he took the full force of being hit by an armored truck while he was crossing the street (on foot) and he was able to walk away from it! Not unlike the way Thing from the Fantastic Four stood up to a semi-truck in the first movie. If you haven't

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-65431170232369313382007-12-12T11:40:00.000-06:002007-12-12T11:44:42.073-06:00

Mrs. L was about halfway through this pregnancy with the couple's fourth child. He was a "surprise" baby -- they weren't expecting to get pregnant when they did, I mean. But he was dearly loved and much welcomed.Please pray for all of them -- the parents are stricken. The older kids (ages 11, 8 and almost 5) will all have to be told, and of course Mrs. L's health is of great concern. They are a

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-65533479835765355612007-12-04T13:44:00.000-06:002007-12-04T14:01:12.116-06:00

Yesterday, the kids asked me what "Noel" meant. I knew it was synonymous with Christmas, but I had some inkling that there was some literal translation that I'd forgotten, like "God is here" or "God is born" or something. (I was wrong, btw.)Anyway, I was trying to work out what it might be, and I said, "Well, I think the 'el' means 'God' because it usually means 'God' in words like El-shaddai,

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-86411753398741565672007-11-20T08:35:00.000-06:002007-11-20T08:52:19.065-06:00

I read in a recent AP story that women under 45 are seeing an increase in their rate of heart disease . "Heart experts aren't sure what went wrong," the article says.What idiots! Heart disease is listed as a side effect of hormonal birth control. Many, many women in this age group are taking prescribed birth control pills, or wearing the patch or getting injections. Read the insert that comes

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-77605743728483046622007-10-02T09:15:00.000-05:002007-10-03T10:26:27.687-05:00

Born at 11:05 central time on October 1, 2007, Dominic is a strong, healthy boy with lots of dark hair. He weighs 5 lbs, 8 oz. and the OB/GYN ordered him into NICU as a precaution for up to two weeks, but perhaps the family doctor will see things differently and spring him loose earlier than that. Daddy's thrilled, Mommy's doing great. Godmother (that's me!) is exceptionally pleased.Thanks be to

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-17765702695700676462007-10-01T16:01:00.000-05:002007-10-01T16:05:20.660-05:00

My newest godchild, Dominic, is about to be born after a rather harrowing pregnancy.His mom's water broke at 31+ weeks, and though she has a history of going early, that's a little too early for comfort. She'd lost her first baby at 32 weeks, actually. Anyway, after a week on bedrest in the hospital and then nearly 2 weeks of bedrest at home (with a 3-year-old!), she went in today for a check-up

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-36230944011367496662007-09-24T13:16:00.001-05:002007-09-24T13:23:53.074-05:00

If your young daughter happens to receive a hardly-worn pair of church shoes from a friend, and if these shoes feature your daughter's favorite character and some translucent doodads, you are hereby warned.The reason those church shoes are hardly worn is because the translucent doodads light up! This is completely enchanting to any child under the age of, I don't know, 12 or so. A preschooler

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-21110901221214442062007-08-10T14:59:00.000-05:002007-08-10T15:02:21.210-05:00

I've been able to interview two sisters recently who made their Final Professions in recent weeks. Here's one of the stories...I'll post the other shortly.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -On Wednesday, August 15, Sister M. Margaretta of the Diocese of Lincoln will make her final profession of vows as one of the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George. The order is based in Alton, Ill., in

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-85105858760328808252007-08-03T17:31:00.000-05:002007-08-03T17:33:37.370-05:00

...who lost their lives or their loved ones in the tragic bridge collapse. I couldn't call my younger sister fast enough to make sure she was okay. She lives in Minneapolis and works in St. Paul, so I imagined that she drove that bridge daily. However, she told me she's been avoiding it because of construction and she and everyone she knows up there is safe.Terribly frightening, though, isn't it?

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-25206004299527503702007-08-03T17:29:00.000-05:002007-08-03T17:31:29.031-05:00

...as well as any other pharmacists who object to dispensing Plan B. The local courts there have upheld a pharmacist's right to refuse to fill such a prescription based on moral grounds.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-11299368264102165462007-07-27T14:04:00.001-05:002007-07-27T14:43:11.847-05:00

Okay, since I spoke with you last...My husband's cousin moved in with us for the summer...now until October.My brother-in-law got married. They eloped on July 3 because he got a job in Kentucky and they wanted to sign a lease as husband and wife. They're having a wedding in late August.My brother-in-law, his new wife, his daughter and step-daughter all moved to Kentucky...with his ex-wife and her

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-6290260344155590742007-07-27T14:04:00.000-05:002007-07-27T14:31:01.055-05:00

When my husband and I were dating and later engaged, we were attending an evangelical church and volunteering as youth workers. We’d each had to sign a paper stating that we’d uphold strict morals, which included no drinking, no tobacco, no “recreational” drugs and no sex before marriage.As we fell in love and marriage was imminent, it became more and more difficult for us to refrain from sex. On

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-10075369229572979712007-04-26T23:44:00.000-05:002007-04-27T00:36:49.208-05:00

Zooey's First Holy Communion was last Saturday and I've only just now collected my thoughts enough to write about it.I was so excited for him. I mean, really. The month or so of preparation following First Penance found me more and more anxious for the day to arrive. We spent some time talking about the spiritual aspect of it, especially as we prepared his banner for the parish hall.The banner,

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-8228422301946887472007-04-20T10:55:00.000-05:002007-04-20T11:08:52.327-05:00

I just ache for the parents of the shooting victims at Va.Tech, and also for the injured and the witnesses who had to see such a horrible, horrible situation. I am also remembering the Columbine families today... I was noticeably pregnant with Zooey back when that happened and it was the first time that I realized what a parent must go through at such a loss.Speaking of loss, my friend's father,

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-27531902655170811432007-04-06T12:35:00.000-05:002007-04-06T12:42:13.999-05:00

As you keep in mind the suffering of Christ on this Good Friday, please also find a moment to say a prayer for Paul Lovell, founder of the Museum of Religous Arts." Mr. Lovell is in the final stages of cancer, and he is a wonderful Catholic man who is full of faith.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-54852342487422590732007-03-28T17:02:00.000-05:002007-03-29T08:33:50.487-05:00

Zooey was very relieved to make it to his First Penance last Saturday.Okay, backing up. We've been helping him prepare to receive this Sacrament with a packet of information provided by his religion teacher, who has also been helping him prepare. For weeks, we'd been talking through the whole "examine your conscience" part.Hmmm....that sounds like we were aMAZing parents. Truth was, we got the

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-52500951482374021882007-03-16T16:57:00.000-05:002007-03-16T17:15:59.773-05:00

Here's the story I wrote about our new candidates and catechumens following the Rite of Election a few weeks ago.Rite of Election welcomes 120 to CatholicismLast Sunday, February 25, those preparing to enter the Catholic Church this Easter were welcomed by Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz during the annual Rite of Election. The Rite was held at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln and attended

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-24250185627672126152007-03-16T16:49:00.001-05:002007-03-16T16:56:48.971-05:00

Your Leprechaun Name Is:Sniffles O'TatersWhat's Your Leprechaun Name?This isn't because I'm crying all the time, or because of allergies, or illness....Hmmm, maybe it's because I plan to chop some onion later?Anyway, things are going all right for us. We said good-bye to the old house on Monday for the last time...signed the papers Tuesday and were very happy to find the new owners are so

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-73262192363429582232007-03-12T08:12:00.000-05:002007-03-12T08:19:02.091-05:00

Seems that I know a lot of people who have lost their dads very recently. The B family's father/grandfather died rather suddenly two weeks ago...The M family's dad/grandpa was diagnosed with stomach cancer the first week of January and died the last Sunday of February, surrounded by his family as they prayed a Rosary (his son the priest later said it was "the perfect death")...and just yesterday,

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-21576305148179073062007-02-21T17:30:00.000-06:002007-02-21T17:32:51.871-06:00

My apologies for being away for so long. We've been moving...I've been writing a bit of extra stuff for the paper to help tied us over the two-house thing for a few more weeks.And we just had something awful happen. My husband lost his job. No real reason was given (probably economical, but the boss is too proud to admit it). We have no recourse against the dismissal because it's a small business

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1170257494840406472007-01-31T09:30:00.000-06:002007-02-01T17:01:22.910-06:00

Thanks be to God, and thanks to St. Joseph for his intercession. We got almost exactly what we are asking for & a March closing date (although we were hoping for February). Mutually acceptable terms in all other areas. What a relief!--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1168614698979809172007-01-12T08:32:00.000-06:002007-01-29T10:34:33.713-06:00

It's old news now, but I finally have my stomach settled enough to speak about the so-called Ashley Treatment. If you've been completely out of the loop, you might not have heard about a disabled girl who, at the age of six, underwent intensive hormonal therapy and major surgery at her parents' request in order to keep her "small." CNN this morning reported that disabled persons and their

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1168385626491330582007-01-09T17:32:00.000-06:002007-01-09T17:33:46.493-06:00

She's not a baby any more, though. Three years old and looking, acting and speaking so "grown up!" May God bless you, my darling.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1168385549600907602007-01-09T17:20:00.000-06:002007-01-25T14:30:59.350-06:00

...and Merry Christmas and a Blessed Epiphany and all the other stuff I haven't been around to say. Sorry -- we dropped internet service at home to save some $$ until we figure out where we're going to live.Based on the market right now, it actually looks like it might be harder to sell the new house over the old. And my husband, that wheeler-dealer, scored us a bunch of free and cheap furniture,

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1166642145121930842006-12-20T13:10:00.000-06:002006-12-29T13:36:22.136-06:00

Baby E (and yes indeed, she most certainly is Baby E) arrived yesterday evening, perfectly healthy. Early photos show Mrs. R looking very relieved and shockingly beautiful. I mean it. Not like she just went through 12 hours of labor (or whatever it was), but more like this-spa-is-awesome or my-boyfriend-just-proposed beautiful.No word yet on whether or not Baby E and Mrs. R will be asked to

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1166050167084798822006-12-13T16:39:00.000-06:002006-12-13T16:49:27.120-06:00

So, like many other parents, I'm frequently telling my kids that it's important to eat healthy food, drink clean water and get plenty of rest because it helps children grow up big and strong. And I've had the occasional conversations about why we shouldn't do things like smoke cigarettes, take pills we don't need, drink caffeine or alcohol*, eat too many sweets and languish in front of the TV

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1165869527195897182006-12-11T14:33:00.000-06:002006-12-28T00:32:47.790-06:00

My friend Mrs. H and her husband had their first baby yesterday morning, a little boy, 7 lbs. 14 oz. and the picture of health. No name yet -- which is a bit odd since they were pretty darn confident of a name last Friday! But he must have come out looking not quite like the name they were about to bestow on him. Not a bad idea to take their time...I've more than once regretted our youngest

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1165855592707602632006-12-11T10:44:00.000-06:002006-12-11T10:46:32.736-06:00

It's been edited at various news sources, but here is what ran in the Lincoln Catholic paper. I do hope that there won't be any more publicity about it -- seems to have died down already, praise be to God. Bishop Bruskewitz really didn't want this to be a media thing again.Holy See Upholds Excommunication Decree for Call to ActionLINCOLN (SNR) - In early 1996, Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz received

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1165596244648437132006-12-08T10:40:00.000-06:002006-12-09T11:01:17.623-06:00

Sorry, the few times I've had a chance to blog, Blogger was down.Here's what's been happening for us:We haven't sold the house, and basically what we are hearing is "The house is great, but the neighborhood..." Our neighborhood is slated for community redevelopment, but that's going to take a while. We have more than one non-resident landlord who haven't taken care of their properties, and in a

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1163613892559466102006-11-15T12:02:00.000-06:002006-11-17T16:36:28.320-06:00

My in-laws were in the car, driving to the appointment to receive their first rabies shots this morning, when they got a long-distance call on their cell phone: the bat tested negative for rabies! So, no shots, and they are very grateful. Hurray!--SparkiP.S. to the Lord God Almighty: Ummmm...we still need somebody to buy our old house. In case there's another prayer from us You want to answer

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1163535471869130222006-11-14T13:58:00.000-06:002006-11-14T16:24:33.336-06:00

Okay, I really shouldn't joke about this. My in-laws, whom I love dearly, awoke to a bat in their room the other night. Groggy with sleep, my father-in-law made the heroic but poor choice to save his wife by waving his t-shirt at the air to scare the bat out of the room. This made the bat fly lower and lower (to get away from the t-shirt), and my father-in-law ended up battling it and killing it,

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1163533308987461882006-11-14T13:39:00.000-06:002006-11-14T13:41:49.013-06:00

Amy Welborn has the latest on claims that the birth control patch harms women. I knew this was going to happen. Please spread the word to your female friends & relatives. Women need to know the risk, and they're not getting straight information from the manufacturer. Even my own doctor's partner wears a patch (at least she used to). It's DANGEROUS, ladies...--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1163198495864568702006-11-10T16:37:00.000-06:002006-11-10T16:41:35.903-06:00

Well, last Friday, my husband pulled down the living room ceiling on the new house. It was a nasty dropped ceiling and part of it was droopy, so I don't mind much. The drywaller was in today putting up a new one. Zooey had a stomach ailment yesterday. Tonight it Edyn's preschool "family potluck" and I still have no idea what veggies I am going to be bringing.There's a lot of painting and moving

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1162855358173737622006-11-06T17:14:00.000-06:002006-11-09T17:19:34.013-06:00

Cousin M, the babysitter, tried to treat the kids to Burger King for lunch last week. My oldest and youngest succumbed to temptation, but Edyn (age 4) steadfastly refused and held out for a late lunch at home. An indignant Cousin M told me that Edyn had claimed Burger King was made out of camels! So we had to get that worked out. Mom: Who told you that Burger King had camels in it?Edyn:

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1162507337047176962006-11-02T16:27:00.000-06:002006-11-02T16:42:17.073-06:00

Remember to pray for any of your deceased relatives today, and also for all the poor souls in purgatory who have been forgotten and have nobody to aid them with prayer on their journeys toward heaven.There is a quaint tradition of preparing a fine meal for supper, setting an extra place setting in remembrance of loved ones passed on, and lighting a candle for each deceased relative you are

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1162318534947352592006-10-31T12:13:00.000-06:002006-10-31T12:15:34.986-06:00

...instead, a little Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde action from Edyn.EDYN: (mumbling)MOM: I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. What did you say?EDYN: Oh, I was just having an argument with myself.MOM: Ah. Who's winning?EDYN: I don't know yet.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1162226144228641952006-10-30T10:31:00.000-06:002006-10-30T10:35:44.296-06:00

Excellent words from His Excellency, Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln. Please go read it. He speaks about the misunderstandings that arose after Vatican II and other pertinent issues.HT to Jeff Miller at The Curt Jester.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1161801459059400232006-10-25T12:50:00.000-05:002006-10-25T13:37:39.090-05:00

...and thanks to Saint Anthony for the prayers! In our continuous "hurry up, there's a showing in half an hour" cleaning frenzies, we misplaced a Very Important Receipt. Immediately upon seeking the intercession of Saint Anthony, I had a feeling where the receipt might be. I didn't look there straight away, feeling rather foolish, but after a few peeks in "the usual places," I did. It wasn't

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1161722187742200822006-10-24T15:35:00.000-05:002006-10-24T15:36:27.780-05:00

Alicia at Fructus Ventris has lost her father after many years of illness. Please pray for his soul, and also for Alicia and the rest of her family.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1161609683218644742006-10-23T08:20:00.000-05:002006-10-23T08:21:23.246-05:00

...on protecting marriages by avoiding artificial contraception.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1161180145375821872006-10-18T09:00:00.000-05:002006-10-19T20:08:47.590-05:00

Apparently, Rose Rock, mother of comedian Chris Rock, believe she was the victim of racial discrimination when she was seated at a Cracker Barrel restaurant and then ignored for half an hour.Sorry, Mrs. Rock -- really, I am. But that's normal service at a Cracker Barrel. At least, it has been every time I've been to one, and I'm caucasion.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1161014053243288572006-10-16T10:50:00.000-05:002006-10-16T12:14:24.090-05:00

Conversation heard at our house in between the cleaning, laundry, painting, catastrophic basement floor job, six house showings (and one to go), crying because it's raining AGAIN so we STILL can't finish painting the garage, etc., etc., etc....Mom: (makes a seemingly non-controversial statement)Edyn: No, it's not.Mom: Yes, Edyn. That's just the way it is. Edyn: No, it's not!Mom: Yes, Edyn --

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1160427224115421082006-10-09T15:49:00.000-05:002006-10-09T15:54:22.656-05:00

A belated welcome to Benjamin Paul E____, the eleventh child of one of my high school pals and third son. He was actually born July 1, ten weeks premature, and as we live very far away from one another, I didn't know of his early arrival until I got the birth announcement over the weekend. Ben is now home from NICU and doing very well, with plenty of older siblings to dote on him and two

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1160422769717775612006-10-09T14:36:00.000-05:002006-10-09T14:39:29.743-05:00

The Amish are a private group, to be sure, but there is word that one of the youngest victims of the Nickel Mines School shooting, who was previously taken off life support and brought home to die, is showing signs of improvement, for which the family is thanking God and asking for more prayers. The article goes on to say at least two of the other girls are communicating with their families and

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1160409324669320752006-10-09T10:50:00.000-05:002006-10-09T14:42:39.790-05:00

Day Seven since we listed. We've had five different people/families in to see the house. The first loved everything about the upper part but felt the basement could not be finished. (We think it can be -- heck, my husband ran a recording studio down there -- but differing opinions sometimes prevail.) The other four were in Saturday & Sunday, and I think it would be later in the week before we

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1160000130366848532006-10-04T17:14:00.000-05:002006-10-04T17:15:30.396-05:00

Monday’s Mass for the Feast of Guardian Angels is always the second-grade Mass at our school. Each child has a role. Zooey was chosen to give the welcoming message and announce the opening hymn, and the other two kids in his class in the “Challenge Reading Group” did the other readings. I was very proud of Zooey. He walked out of the sacristry (and was thrilled to be allowed there), strode up to

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1159898681174993192006-10-03T13:03:00.000-05:002006-10-03T13:04:41.203-05:00

Sorry, I know I need to update, but with the Amish school shooting on top of everything else last week, I just don't have any words.Except: Pray, pray for the children, please.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1159071263139831252006-09-23T22:49:00.000-05:002006-09-30T00:18:36.280-05:00

Thanks a million, all ye faithful readers (whose numbers I apparently grossly underestimated), for the prayers!We are moving to a new house!!!!!Well, newer, anyway. The one we have was built in 1900 and the one we're getting was built in 1925.It's a long crazy story, but basically, an acquaintence of mine was selling her house, to no avail. It happens to be a craftsman-style home, the type of

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1158699172417580712006-09-19T15:47:00.000-05:002006-09-22T20:32:51.686-05:00

For the record, I did respond to your comment, almost immediately, and defended my position in the comments box. I left the post up 48 hours, giving you ample time to check back and see whether or not I had responded, and then I deleted both yours and my comments because I don't enjoy publishing inaccurate statements about Catholicism on my blog. Your last comment on another thread was rejected

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1158673755026936232006-09-19T08:36:00.000-05:002006-09-20T23:11:13.046-05:00

Every single day, teenage women who are unmarried and pregnant are forced into abortions by their parents. This is a true fact, and if you were just to take yourself to an abortion clinic and sit in the waiting room all day, you would see what I am talking about.A lot of parents simply don't give their daughters the choice. They say, "You're fourteen (or sixteen or seventeen or whatever). You

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1157981625612627672006-09-11T08:32:00.000-05:002006-09-11T10:55:09.333-05:00

Martha Jane Stevens — Marti to her family and friends — perished in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, at the age 55.I didn’t know Ms. Stevens personally, and from what little information I gathered from the Internet, I determined she was a rather private person. Or maybe just modest. After the tragedy of 9/11, there was a sprinkling of comments of her on Internet guest books. Reading

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1157662264701900862006-09-07T15:48:00.000-05:002006-09-18T18:19:32.843-05:00

Contrary to popular opinion, abortion doesn't help rape/incest victims. And actually, abortion can make them feel violated all over again. Particularly the incest victims who have abortion chosen for them by their attackers and then return home to suffer even more abuse.Speak up for these women, please. Most of them don't have the strength to speak for themselves.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1156976610869418702006-08-30T17:17:00.000-05:002006-08-30T17:23:32.000-05:00

We've been presented with an opportunity that is alternately exciting and (for me especially) terrifying. Choices must be made quickly, and there will be a considerable investment in time and money if we go one way, and a considerable...well, disappointment if we don't.But what I need from you, please, is prayer, much prayer. Especially because while I think we can conjure up the time, the money

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1156774611124324102006-08-28T09:12:00.000-05:002006-08-28T09:16:51.136-05:00

Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you. – St. AugustineAmy Welborn reminds us why we all should read read St. Augustine's Confessions and also waxes eloquent on how his relationship with his mother, St. Monica, is significant even to this day.The Holy Father likewise commends us all to observe this relationship and seek the prayers of both as we

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1156516741644250772006-08-25T09:32:00.000-05:002006-09-18T13:03:00.033-05:00

I was pretty sure that Plan B would be available over-the-counter and now it is.But I do find it rather preposterous that proponents are out there saying "It prevents fertilization, it doesn't cause abortion!"Idiots. Sperm reaches an egg usually in 2-6 hours, depending on the egg's location. How many women are going to take this pill IMMEDIATELY after sex? Indeed, the moniker "Morning-After Pill"

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1156364227471322862006-08-23T14:41:00.001-05:002006-08-23T15:17:07.610-05:00

It was Edyn’s first day of preschool at our parish school. She took such care in picking out her clothes – khaki capris, a light blue t-shirt with an appliquéd butterfly, and a butterfly pony-tail holder (butterflies to match her “new” butterfly shoes that light up when she walks). Edyn has the same teacher Zooey had when the preschool program was launched three years ago – a grandmotherly type

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1156362285953398392006-08-23T14:41:00.000-05:002006-08-23T14:44:46.003-05:00

It was Edyn’s first day of preschool at our parish school. She took such care in picking out her clothes – khaki capris, a light blue t-shirt with an appliquéd butterfly, and a butterfly pony-tail holder (butterflies to match her “new” butterfly shoes that light up when she walks). Edyn has the same teacher Zooey had when the preschool program was launched three years ago – a grandmotherly type

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1156279960638454402006-08-22T15:50:00.000-05:002006-08-22T15:52:40.653-05:00

Hooray! The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is finally on-line in English! This is a very good resource, so if you haven't already, do check it out. It's very good for answering questions about the faith posed by your kids, your non-Catholic relatives and friends, the skeptic in the next cubicle, whomever.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1155744424852949932006-08-16T11:05:00.000-05:002006-08-16T11:08:03.563-05:00

One of our very recently retired priests, Fr. Sheehy, died last night. The Feast of the Assumption -- can't miss the significance there. He was a great priest and the folks of his last parish just threw a big retirement bash for him. Please say a prayer for his soul.Thanks.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1155680283226471882006-08-15T17:15:00.000-05:002006-08-15T17:18:03.246-05:00

Interesting article from CNS about the Catholic priest who ministered to Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh to his last moments. Other clergymen had tried and failed, and McVeigh reacted violently to Father Smith when first approached, but this dear priest, who had suffered ethnic discrimination as a child, simply loved and kept loving. One must hope that Timothy McVeigh, guilty as he was, was

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1155671535681921772006-08-15T14:42:00.000-05:002006-08-15T14:52:40.263-05:00

I don't think I've ever been memed before, so this was new to me. And I'm late doing it, as I missed it over Quo Vadem Ed Ad Quid?. Thanks, Jeff -- this was fun!1. One book that changed your life:Whew...at which point in my life? I’ve had several turning points in my life. Hinds Feet on High Places and Mere Christianity were crucial to my early days as a Christian. On Being Catholic and

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1155658241330799422006-08-15T11:09:00.000-05:002006-08-15T11:10:41.346-05:00

As any Catholic knows, Sunday the 6th was the Feast of the Transfiguration. So the “regular” Gospel reading got bumped, and it was the first part of John 6. John 6 usually takes three Sundays to cover, and well it should because it establishes the Sacrament of the Eucharist.We have a new priest residing in our parish – he’s not our pastor, but a hospital chaplain, and he is sharing the rectory

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1155573487702871952006-08-14T11:35:00.000-05:002006-08-14T11:38:07.716-05:00

...who today laid to rest their two sons. The 17-year-old died after a long bought with cancer. The elder brother, age 26, died in a motorcycle accident on his way home to see the younger. Sometime recently, in his nervousness of approaching death, the younger boy had been asking for somebody to go with him on his journey. His big brother had said he would, but wasn't expecting to fulfill such a

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1155240775408300942006-08-10T15:12:00.000-05:002006-08-10T15:22:26.523-05:00

So, amidst all the horrible wars and other problems in the world, we managed to celebrate two birthdays in July. Edyn turned 4 on the first and we celebrated with family on the 9th. Zooey’s seventh birthday was on the 30th, and since he’s gone to every-other-year parties now, it was just a quiet day at home with a close friend over to play and eat cake.Edyn had insisted on a Princess party, and

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1154100348303813972006-07-28T10:17:00.000-05:002006-07-28T10:25:48.316-05:00

I haven't been ignoring the Israeli-Lebanon conflict -- I've just been trying to sort through what few facts I have available to me. While the loss of human life, especially that of innocent civilians, is very, very troubling and should be brought to a speedy end, I do think the Israelis have a right to defend their nation. Their attitude, I think is more noble. They are saying, "For our own

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1153948225660843102006-07-26T16:03:00.000-05:002006-07-26T16:10:25.686-05:00

Not really illegal altogether -- if a woman has a baby at home, she won't be prosecuted. However, if she is attended by a midwife or a doctor or a nurse, the medical professional will be prosecuted. Here's the latest story (and do scroll down to read the comments if this subject interests you at all). Makes so much sense, doesn't it -- forcing people who choose home births to go without trained

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1153933555665484282006-07-26T11:58:00.000-05:002006-07-26T12:06:13.486-05:00

This is way cool! An ancient book containing at least some Psalms was unearthed from a bog in Ireland. Kind of amazing that it didn't completely disintegrate over the years...or that the backhoe didn't destroy it before anybody noticed it. It was open to Psalm 83 when discovered. Text follows:A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. 1 O God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1153859610819290862006-07-25T15:28:00.000-05:002006-07-25T15:34:06.710-05:00

Huh, I had no idea there was such a thing as NFP Awarenenss Week. And today is the anniversary of Human Vitae. Have you ever read it? I've muddled through it -- it's the kind of document that takes concentration, and as a busy mom, I rarely have that privilege. But there are many wonderful bits in it, and I do think it's a valuable document for any married couple and any Catholic, married or

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1153614835677240052006-07-22T19:31:00.000-05:002006-07-22T19:33:55.690-05:00

Mrs R, the godmother to all my children and my own sponsor into the Church, called me this morning to report that her father has been diagnosed with a very grave form of lung cancer, fast-moving and difficult to put into remission. It is beyond operable and he is not a candidate for radiation. He was told if he does nothing, he will only have about three weeks to live. He elected to try

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1153321456613871112006-07-19T09:55:00.002-05:002006-07-19T10:04:16.626-05:00

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Jack C. Jack is the father of one of my dearest friends (we gave her name to Lola as a middle name). Jack is a great guy and even helped us name Zooey years ago when I was very pregnant and he was visiting town for one of his granddaughter's confirmation ceremony.He died yesterday of a sudden heart attack while vacationing with his children and

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1153251812551156522006-07-18T14:38:00.000-05:002006-07-18T14:43:59.390-05:00

I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had time to get all this into writing, but I don’t want to delay it any longer.As I blogged previously, I had been praying to the Miraculous Infant of Prague for help with our financial needs. As the Lord is apt to do, He answered my prayers in a big way.The financial need has been weighing heavily on us for some time. Sales are down at the store where my husband

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1153147399648875872006-07-17T09:41:00.000-05:002006-07-17T09:43:19.660-05:00

This interesting article is about some research done on the depression and other emotional side effects caused by contraception and sterilization. HMS blog pointed me there, and I think it's a good read.--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1152896070435596902006-07-14T11:50:00.000-05:002006-07-14T11:54:30.456-05:00

This is a piece I wrote a couple months ago, which was just published in today's paper here in the diocese.When a Catholic person becomes a pharmacist – or when a pharmacist becomes Catholic – he or she must eventually grapple with the disparity between Catholic teaching and legally available prescriptions: namely, artificial birth control and abortion-inducing drugs like RU-487 or “Plan B.” Like

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292559.post-1152557161432990612006-07-10T13:44:00.000-05:002006-07-10T13:46:01.446-05:00

Does anybody know if the name of the Woman with the Issue of Blood is known? I have a suffering friend for whom I am enlisting the prayers of this faith-filled woman, and I feel like I should know her name, but I don't.THANKS!--Sparki

Sparkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17030775118609358427noreply@blogger.com2