Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2007 8:37 PM
Subject: 4-0 with a 20-17 win this evening.
I guess better the commissioner doesnt bother keeping us up to date with standings since probably didnt need to know the team we defeated tonight was also undefeated coming into this game.
I did like that we scored a season high 20 points over some 5 scorers so good distribution.
Still a lot of unforced errors/ throwing the ball usually from rushing with the ball? maybe the age group?
Also pics this sat at CES at 1245p so that is a pain with practice at 2p
Anyway we will have practice Sat at 2p CES // Game Sunday Noon CMS
Thanks
Gerry
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
AI Soccer Winter 1st division
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:15 AM
Subject: League/Tournament Page
Looks like we will finish 2nd to last after starting off so well and top portion of the table for much of the season.
Sure, if you would have said we'd make a run and get 3 wins before the season I would have said that would be great and it was--but losing like we did down the stretch is disappointing.
They way we looked yesterday was deserving of being back in div 2.
I recall before when they had 3 divisions on Monday we had gotten promoted to div 2 from 3 and played well for a season or two and we were disappointed to be relegated back to div 3. I think we thought after playing in div 2 we would easily defeat the div 3 teams and be back in div 2 the following season. And as I recall the opposite happened and we ended up near the bottom of div 3.
So, anyway--last night brings to an end of this winter season and we are off next Monday and looks like Winter II starts that first Monday in Feb.
Gerry
http://ezleagues.ezfacility.com/league.aspx?league_id=9043
Subject: League/Tournament Page
Looks like we will finish 2nd to last after starting off so well and top portion of the table for much of the season.
Sure, if you would have said we'd make a run and get 3 wins before the season I would have said that would be great and it was--but losing like we did down the stretch is disappointing.
They way we looked yesterday was deserving of being back in div 2.
I recall before when they had 3 divisions on Monday we had gotten promoted to div 2 from 3 and played well for a season or two and we were disappointed to be relegated back to div 3. I think we thought after playing in div 2 we would easily defeat the div 3 teams and be back in div 2 the following season. And as I recall the opposite happened and we ended up near the bottom of div 3.
So, anyway--last night brings to an end of this winter season and we are off next Monday and looks like Winter II starts that first Monday in Feb.
Gerry
http://ezleagues.ezfacility.com/league.aspx?league_id=9043
Monday, January 22, 2007
Letter to Catholic Review
The greek Chi explanation is ridiculous. Are we speaking greek here in the US?
Keep the Christ in Christmas! No need to abbreviate/ speak in tongues while speaking or writing his name. It is Christ not X or Chi. Anything other than that is at the least laziness.
As Christians, saying or writing x-mas sends a message to the anti-Christ crowd that it doesnt matter to us as well.
Gerry
Keep the Christ in Christmas! No need to abbreviate/ speak in tongues while speaking or writing his name. It is Christ not X or Chi. Anything other than that is at the least laziness.
As Christians, saying or writing x-mas sends a message to the anti-Christ crowd that it doesnt matter to us as well.
Gerry
3-0 with a 17-16 win on Sunday
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 10:30 PM
Subject: Another great come from behind win
Wasn't sure if we were going to pull off another win when we were down 4 or 5 depending on the scorer's error with a couple minutes to go. They wanted to run out the clock but different ball game when we get to press the last two minutes.
It could have easily ended with a tie but we sneaked out a 1 pt win.
I asked the commissioner tonight an idea of standings so we'll see if he replies.
Next week we will practice at 2p at CES and game on Sunday is at 5p
Looks like next week we will be without Jacob and Lucas.
See you at practice on Saturday
Gerry
Subject: Another great come from behind win
Wasn't sure if we were going to pull off another win when we were down 4 or 5 depending on the scorer's error with a couple minutes to go. They wanted to run out the clock but different ball game when we get to press the last two minutes.
It could have easily ended with a tie but we sneaked out a 1 pt win.
I asked the commissioner tonight an idea of standings so we'll see if he replies.
Next week we will practice at 2p at CES and game on Sunday is at 5p
Looks like next week we will be without Jacob and Lucas.
See you at practice on Saturday
Gerry
Saint Expedito
Today in many parts of the world, especially South America, the church celebrates the feast of Saint Expedito. A martyr of the early church, he is known as the patron saint of those seeking rapid answers to prayer. He is often depicted as a Roman soldier who is gazing at a cross while trampling a black crow underfoot. We know little else about his life, but as the story goes, Expedito had heard about Jesus and was thinking of being baptized and becoming a Christian. A crow crossed his path, saying to him tomorrow—implying that he could put off until tomorrow his decision to convert. But Expedito decisively crushed the crow underfoot and embraced Christianity that very day.
What about us? Today, Jesus will call us. Today, the Holy Spirit will prompt us in one way or another. What will we choose to do? Will we hesitate to speak about our faith to a struggling neighbor or co-worker? Will we wait another day before we seek reconciliation with someone we have wronged, or before we go to Confession? Will we put off joining that Bible study or ministry we feel called to, or hit the snooze button and sleep through our prayer time again?
Let’s be like the apostles who went to Jesus as soon as he called them. Let’s be like Saint Expedito, refusing to wait another day to follow Christ. Let’s not miss any opportunity to choose Jesus today, in ordinary or in extraordinary ways. When others see our example, they too will want to run to Jesus; they’ll see that now is the acceptable time . . . now is the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Heavenly Father, let me not waste one moment in following you! So many times, I hesitate. I don’t want to miss even one chance for your grace to flow into me and through me to your beloved people!
Hebrews 8:6-13; Psalm 85:8,10-14
What about us? Today, Jesus will call us. Today, the Holy Spirit will prompt us in one way or another. What will we choose to do? Will we hesitate to speak about our faith to a struggling neighbor or co-worker? Will we wait another day before we seek reconciliation with someone we have wronged, or before we go to Confession? Will we put off joining that Bible study or ministry we feel called to, or hit the snooze button and sleep through our prayer time again?
Let’s be like the apostles who went to Jesus as soon as he called them. Let’s be like Saint Expedito, refusing to wait another day to follow Christ. Let’s not miss any opportunity to choose Jesus today, in ordinary or in extraordinary ways. When others see our example, they too will want to run to Jesus; they’ll see that now is the acceptable time . . . now is the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Heavenly Father, let me not waste one moment in following you! So many times, I hesitate. I don’t want to miss even one chance for your grace to flow into me and through me to your beloved people!
Hebrews 8:6-13; Psalm 85:8,10-14
Ernst Stavro Blofeld
Ernst Stavro Blofeld
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
James Bond character
Blofeld played by Donald Pleasence
Ernst Stavro Blofeld
Gender Male
Role Villain
Affiliation SPECTRE
Current status Unknown
Portrayed by Multiple (See Below)
"Blofeld" redirects here. For other uses, see Blofeld (disambiguation).
Ernst Stavro Blofeld is a fictional character from the James Bond universe. He is the archenemy of the British Secret Service agent James Bond and head of the evil terrorist organization SPECTRE.
Blofeld usually appears accompanied by a white Persian cat in the films (but not in the novels). It was also briefly a trademark of the Bond films not to show Blofeld's face, only a closeup of Blofeld stroking his cat. This "trademark" was later broken in the film You Only Live Twice and subsequent films. It was also mimicked in the animated series Inspector Gadget, and spoofed in Austin Powers.
Blofeld appears in six official James Bond movies as well as Never Say Never Again, the 1983 remake of Thunderball, which makes him the most persistent and arguably greatest of James Bond's enemies.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Biography
o 1.1 Novels
o 1.2 Films
* 2 Blofeld portrayals
* 3 Trivia
* 4 Imitation and parody
Cobra brings $5.5M at Barrett-Jackson
Unique Cobra brings $5.5M at car auction
Sun Jan 21, 2:23 PM ET
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - An 800-horsepower Shelby Cobra, once the personal car of the racing veteran who developed the iconic sports car, has sold for $5.5 million at auction, a record for an American car.
The sale of the 1966 Shelby Cobra "Super Snake" brought a packed house to its feet Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction after a pair of bidders drove the price up.
Carroll Shelby, 84, who created the Cobra in the '60s using Ford engines and a British sport car chassis, said he built the Super Snake — with twin superchargers on a 427 cubic inch V-8 — and drove it for years.
"It's a special car. It would do just over three seconds to 60 (mph), 40 years ago," Shelby told the crowd before the sale.
"I killed a buzzard with it," he said. "Nasty, nasty."
The car had a twin, built for comedian Bill Cosby, but that car was destroyed in an accident while being driven by another owner, according to the Barrett-Jackson Web site.
Barrett-Jackson said the $5.5 million price tag for the Cobra was not an overall world record car price, since others have sold at auction for more than $11 million. However, it is a world record for American cars, said Steve Davis, Barrett-Jackson president.
The winning bidder was car collector Ron Pratt of suburban Chandler. Last year, he paid $4.32 million for the Futureliner, one of 12 futuristic buses used for shows in the 1940s and '50s by General Motors.
___
Sun Jan 21, 2:23 PM ET
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - An 800-horsepower Shelby Cobra, once the personal car of the racing veteran who developed the iconic sports car, has sold for $5.5 million at auction, a record for an American car.
The sale of the 1966 Shelby Cobra "Super Snake" brought a packed house to its feet Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction after a pair of bidders drove the price up.
Carroll Shelby, 84, who created the Cobra in the '60s using Ford engines and a British sport car chassis, said he built the Super Snake — with twin superchargers on a 427 cubic inch V-8 — and drove it for years.
"It's a special car. It would do just over three seconds to 60 (mph), 40 years ago," Shelby told the crowd before the sale.
"I killed a buzzard with it," he said. "Nasty, nasty."
The car had a twin, built for comedian Bill Cosby, but that car was destroyed in an accident while being driven by another owner, according to the Barrett-Jackson Web site.
Barrett-Jackson said the $5.5 million price tag for the Cobra was not an overall world record car price, since others have sold at auction for more than $11 million. However, it is a world record for American cars, said Steve Davis, Barrett-Jackson president.
The winning bidder was car collector Ron Pratt of suburban Chandler. Last year, he paid $4.32 million for the Futureliner, one of 12 futuristic buses used for shows in the 1940s and '50s by General Motors.
___
Sunday, January 21, 2007
That’s what Christians do
That’s what Christians do
By Don WILDMON | AFA founder/chairman • Originally published August, 1999
In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court said it was OK to kill unborn babies. Since then, we have killed more than the entire population of Canada. And it continues. A woman’s choice? Half of those who have died in their mothers’ wombs have been women. They didn’t have a choice. It is called abortion.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
First it was in dingy, dirty theaters. Then, convenience stores. Then, grocery stores. Then on television. Now it is in the homes of millions via the Internet. It is called pornography.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
They called it no-fault. Why should we blame anyone when something so tragic happens? Haven’t they already suffered enough? Half of the marriages in America end this way. The children suffer. The family breaks down. It is called divorce.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
At one time it was a perversion. We kept it secret. We offered help and hope for those who practised it. Now it is praised. We have parades celebrating it, and elected officials give it their blessings. Now it is endowed with special privileges and protected by special laws. Even some Christian leaders and denominations praise it. It is called homosexuality.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
It used to be an embarrassment. A shame. Now a third of all births are to mothers who aren’t married. Two-thirds of all African-American children are born into a home without a father. The state usually pays the tab. That is why we pay our taxes, so that the government can take the place of parents. After all, government bureaucrats know how to raise children much better than parents do. It is called illegitimacy.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
At one time it was wrong. But then the state decided to legalize it, promote it and tax it. It has ripped apart families and destroyed lives. But just look at all the money the state has raised. No longer do we have to teach our children to study and work hard. Now we teach them they can get something for nothing. We spend millions encouraging people to join the fun and excitement. Just look at the big sums that people are winning. They will never have to work again! It is called gambling.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
Not long ago, Christians were the good guys. We are now depicted as the bad guys – greedy, narrow-minded hypocrites. The teacher can’t have a Bible on her desk but can have Playboy. We don’t have Christmas and Easter holidays – just winter and spring break. We can’t pray in school but can use foul language. It’s called being tolerant.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
Yes, all these things came to pass within 30 years. Where were the Christians? Why, they were in church. All these things are for someone else to deal with. Times have changed. Involvement has been replaced with apathy.
But don’t blame me. I didn’t do anything. I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
By Don WILDMON | AFA founder/chairman • Originally published August, 1999
In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court said it was OK to kill unborn babies. Since then, we have killed more than the entire population of Canada. And it continues. A woman’s choice? Half of those who have died in their mothers’ wombs have been women. They didn’t have a choice. It is called abortion.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
First it was in dingy, dirty theaters. Then, convenience stores. Then, grocery stores. Then on television. Now it is in the homes of millions via the Internet. It is called pornography.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
They called it no-fault. Why should we blame anyone when something so tragic happens? Haven’t they already suffered enough? Half of the marriages in America end this way. The children suffer. The family breaks down. It is called divorce.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
At one time it was a perversion. We kept it secret. We offered help and hope for those who practised it. Now it is praised. We have parades celebrating it, and elected officials give it their blessings. Now it is endowed with special privileges and protected by special laws. Even some Christian leaders and denominations praise it. It is called homosexuality.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
It used to be an embarrassment. A shame. Now a third of all births are to mothers who aren’t married. Two-thirds of all African-American children are born into a home without a father. The state usually pays the tab. That is why we pay our taxes, so that the government can take the place of parents. After all, government bureaucrats know how to raise children much better than parents do. It is called illegitimacy.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
At one time it was wrong. But then the state decided to legalize it, promote it and tax it. It has ripped apart families and destroyed lives. But just look at all the money the state has raised. No longer do we have to teach our children to study and work hard. Now we teach them they can get something for nothing. We spend millions encouraging people to join the fun and excitement. Just look at the big sums that people are winning. They will never have to work again! It is called gambling.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
Not long ago, Christians were the good guys. We are now depicted as the bad guys – greedy, narrow-minded hypocrites. The teacher can’t have a Bible on her desk but can have Playboy. We don’t have Christmas and Easter holidays – just winter and spring break. We can’t pray in school but can use foul language. It’s called being tolerant.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
Yes, all these things came to pass within 30 years. Where were the Christians? Why, they were in church. All these things are for someone else to deal with. Times have changed. Involvement has been replaced with apathy.
But don’t blame me. I didn’t do anything. I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Africa Safari 2007 ???
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 3:42 PM
Subject: Re: Hunting in August
Id think Doug and his son, Logan and at least Max and myself.
Not sure what Id want to hunt:
maybe Hippo
Hyena
Zebra
warthog
fallow deer?
Serval
Caracal
white or black springbok
ostrich
steenbok
baboon
something like that
of course not all
Subject: Re: Hunting in August
Id think Doug and his son, Logan and at least Max and myself.
Not sure what Id want to hunt:
maybe Hippo
Hyena
Zebra
warthog
fallow deer?
Serval
Caracal
white or black springbok
ostrich
steenbok
baboon
something like that
of course not all
Boys Basketball Season 18-17 win
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 12:29 PM
Subject: Big win 18-17 on Sunday
2-0 early on this basketball season. Surely an improvement in performance from week prior.
We missed Sebastian and Brian--but very good team effort in another come from behind victory--without some assistance on some calls down the stretch from the refs.
A win is a win.
Saturday practice again at noon at CES and game on Sunday at 2p at CMS
I know we will be missing daniel this Sunday.
See you this weekend
Gerry
Subject: Big win 18-17 on Sunday
2-0 early on this basketball season. Surely an improvement in performance from week prior.
We missed Sebastian and Brian--but very good team effort in another come from behind victory--without some assistance on some calls down the stretch from the refs.
A win is a win.
Saturday practice again at noon at CES and game on Sunday at 2p at CMS
I know we will be missing daniel this Sunday.
See you this weekend
Gerry
Animal Interiors Indoor Soccer
We have a bye game the last week in January
So most of these teams have 2 games left.
The Next Week team is for sure being relegated and it is close to see whom else.
A win next week will most likely get us out of being relegated.
Also, seems from last night and previous emails all are expected back next season which begins the first week in Feb
Next week at 9p--I know bill is out--anyone else?
http://ezleagues.ezfacility.com/league.aspx?league_id=9043
So most of these teams have 2 games left.
The Next Week team is for sure being relegated and it is close to see whom else.
A win next week will most likely get us out of being relegated.
Also, seems from last night and previous emails all are expected back next season which begins the first week in Feb
Next week at 9p--I know bill is out--anyone else?
http://ezleagues.ezfacility.com/league.aspx?league_id=9043
Dead Pool 2007
Gerry's DeadHeads
Dead Pool 2007
Politicians: yr born
1 Jerry Lewis Comedian 1926
2 Dick Cheney VP 1941
3 Boris Yeltsin SSR 1931
4 Lady Bird Johnson Former 1st Lady 1912
5 Osama Bin Laden Terrorist 1957
6 Noriega Panama 1938
7 Mother Angelica EWTN nun 1923
8 Fidel Castro Cuba 1926
9 Mandela South Africa 1918
10 Billy Graham Minister 1918
11 Margeret Thatcher PM: Eng 1925
12 Omar Abdel-Rahman Blind Sheik 1938
Sports:
13 Muhammed Ali Boxer 1942
14 Terell Owens NFL football
Entertainment:
15 Betelgeuse Howard Stern
16 Keith Richards Stones 1943
17 Dick Clark TV 1929
18 Abe Vigoda Fish 1921
19 Harry Morgan Mash 1915
20 Nicole Richie 1981
Dead Pool 2007
Politicians: yr born
1 Jerry Lewis Comedian 1926
2 Dick Cheney VP 1941
3 Boris Yeltsin SSR 1931
4 Lady Bird Johnson Former 1st Lady 1912
5 Osama Bin Laden Terrorist 1957
6 Noriega Panama 1938
7 Mother Angelica EWTN nun 1923
8 Fidel Castro Cuba 1926
9 Mandela South Africa 1918
10 Billy Graham Minister 1918
11 Margeret Thatcher PM: Eng 1925
12 Omar Abdel-Rahman Blind Sheik 1938
Sports:
13 Muhammed Ali Boxer 1942
14 Terell Owens NFL football
Entertainment:
15 Betelgeuse Howard Stern
16 Keith Richards Stones 1943
17 Dick Clark TV 1929
18 Abe Vigoda Fish 1921
19 Harry Morgan Mash 1915
20 Nicole Richie 1981
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
OBX Summer Vacation June
Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 3.5
Sleeps: 10
Weekly Start Day: Sat
Beds: 2 Kings, 2 Singles, 2 Bunk Sets
Available Sat 6/9/2007 for 7 nights
Get a little "Crazy" while vacationing on the Outer Banks! This villa is just across the street from the Ocean, pool, tennis courts, playground and Village Shops. Enjoy the glimpse views of the ocean and Currituck Lighthouse from this professionally decorated "home". After a wonderful day on the beach, end the day in your own spacious hot tub or relax on either of two decks in the glider or swing.
Ground Level: Bedroom with 2 Singles with TV/VCR/DVD and patio access that shares a full bath with a Bedroom with 2 Bunk Sets with a TV/VCR. Hot Tub on the patio and grill area. Mid Level: Features 2 King Master Bedrooms both with TV/VCR/DVD and whirlpool tubs, one that opens onto spacious Deck with swing. Laundry closet. Top Level: Great Room with 36" TV/VCR/DVD, Stereo, gas fireplace and deck access, well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar seating 2 with a separate dining area seating 8 and a half bath. Extras: Hot Tub (6), 5 TVs, 5 VCRs, 4 DVDs, gas fireplace (available off season), Stereo/CD/Tape, bikes, 2 Whirlpool tubs, books, games, port-a-crib, high chair, baby gates, PlayStation, video library, games, deck swing, outside shower, beach umbrella and chairs, unlimited DVD/VHS/game rentals from Ocean Atlantic Rentals, linens and towels provided and Corolla Light Community Amenities. Dogs Welcome. No Smoking. Mini Vacations Available.
Sleeps: 10
Weekly Start Day: Sat
Beds: 2 Kings, 2 Singles, 2 Bunk Sets
Available Sat 6/9/2007 for 7 nights
Get a little "Crazy" while vacationing on the Outer Banks! This villa is just across the street from the Ocean, pool, tennis courts, playground and Village Shops. Enjoy the glimpse views of the ocean and Currituck Lighthouse from this professionally decorated "home". After a wonderful day on the beach, end the day in your own spacious hot tub or relax on either of two decks in the glider or swing.
Ground Level: Bedroom with 2 Singles with TV/VCR/DVD and patio access that shares a full bath with a Bedroom with 2 Bunk Sets with a TV/VCR. Hot Tub on the patio and grill area. Mid Level: Features 2 King Master Bedrooms both with TV/VCR/DVD and whirlpool tubs, one that opens onto spacious Deck with swing. Laundry closet. Top Level: Great Room with 36" TV/VCR/DVD, Stereo, gas fireplace and deck access, well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar seating 2 with a separate dining area seating 8 and a half bath. Extras: Hot Tub (6), 5 TVs, 5 VCRs, 4 DVDs, gas fireplace (available off season), Stereo/CD/Tape, bikes, 2 Whirlpool tubs, books, games, port-a-crib, high chair, baby gates, PlayStation, video library, games, deck swing, outside shower, beach umbrella and chairs, unlimited DVD/VHS/game rentals from Ocean Atlantic Rentals, linens and towels provided and Corolla Light Community Amenities. Dogs Welcome. No Smoking. Mini Vacations Available.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Virtual Physical
What is a Virtual Physical?
As the name implies, Virtual Physical is a comprehensive diagnostic screening procedure that uses state of the art technology to take a global look at your body and identify a variety of conditions at early stages where intervention can be most helpful. A Virtual Physical may also be viewed as an integral component of a holistic, behavioral medicine program, where the body, and one's diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits are viewed as a whole, determining where problems may exist and where changes may be required. Our Board-certified Radiologists will help you understand the results of your Virtual Physical, and direct you to the appropriate healthcare professional should follow-up action be required.
As the name implies, Virtual Physical is a comprehensive diagnostic screening procedure that uses state of the art technology to take a global look at your body and identify a variety of conditions at early stages where intervention can be most helpful. A Virtual Physical may also be viewed as an integral component of a holistic, behavioral medicine program, where the body, and one's diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits are viewed as a whole, determining where problems may exist and where changes may be required. Our Board-certified Radiologists will help you understand the results of your Virtual Physical, and direct you to the appropriate healthcare professional should follow-up action be required.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Monday, January 8, 2007
Recent Deaths/ people dying?
Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 8:53 PM
Subject: Fw:
Lots of sudden deaths/ deaths before there time recently? And for at least greg and myself more talk about the dead pool and the many people dying just during the last month. Even my 'dead' animal mounts arriving just in time for the new year. Especially this weekend with Andrea's dad, Sam's dad, Erik's 42 yr old neighbor diagnosed with colon cancer and he died quickly. He it at least makes you think/ appreciate what you have in the now. Keeping them all in my prayers!
Anybody have an opposite story--new life (has been springish in weather lately), baby?
Gerry
Subject: Fw:
Lots of sudden deaths/ deaths before there time recently? And for at least greg and myself more talk about the dead pool and the many people dying just during the last month. Even my 'dead' animal mounts arriving just in time for the new year. Especially this weekend with Andrea's dad, Sam's dad, Erik's 42 yr old neighbor diagnosed with colon cancer and he died quickly. He it at least makes you think/ appreciate what you have in the now. Keeping them all in my prayers!
Anybody have an opposite story--new life (has been springish in weather lately), baby?
Gerry
Angelina Jolie as the Virgin Mary
RALEIGH, N.C. - A North Carolina artist intrigued by the public obsession with celebrity has found herself feeding that obsession with a painting of actress
Angelina Jolie as the Virgin Mary hovering over a Wal-Mart check-out line.
Kate Kretz has painted for 20 years but none of her previous work has garnered the attention given "Blessed Art Thou," showing this weekend at Art Miami, an annual exposition of modern and contemporary art.
The painting has gotten much attention from celebrity web sites and blogs. Since the buzz started, the number of daily unique visitors to Kretz's own blog has jumped from an average of 30 to 15,000 on Wednesday.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
W 12-10 first basketball game of season
Next week Saturday practice at noon CES// Game on Sunday 11a CMS
Sebastian said he would be out next week.
Great victory for first game of the season.
Will try to work on some in and around the basket play/ shooting during next week's practice. We had a bunch of shots but think our field goal percentage was low. Bottom line eked out the win at the end.
Thanks
Gerry
Sebastian said he would be out next week.
Great victory for first game of the season.
Will try to work on some in and around the basket play/ shooting during next week's practice. We had a bunch of shots but think our field goal percentage was low. Bottom line eked out the win at the end.
Thanks
Gerry
Saturday, January 6, 2007
African Safari Food and Wine Party
Saturday night hosted a safari food and wine party for neighbors/ friends/ sharon's work mates, etc. Couple no shows and miss a few invitees but overall very pleased with turn out of about 30 people. Plenty/ tons of food sharon cooked up--I also bbq'd a bunch as well. Tons of South African wine and South African Brewing Miller beer products.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Family Eating Meals Together
Eating Together: Mealtimes for Your Family
From Wayne Parker,
Why Family Meals?
If you ever have time to watch some of the old family sitcoms like the Brady Bunch, My Three Sons or others, you will often see families eating together. But if your family is more like mine, there are way too many things to do outside the home to connect often at mealtime.
But mealtimes are an important part of building family ties. And in addition, there are some big health benefits to taking time to eat together.
Kids Eat Better. With the alarming rate of childhood obesity and lack of fitness, the experts in the field of children's health warn us to avoid a steady diet of fast food. Too often, when we are running to soccer games, dance recitals, or piano lessons, dinner is secured in the drive through lane and eaten in the car. Taking time to prepare and serve a nutritious meal at home can help kids eat better food-lower fat, lower sodium and higher nutritional values.
Parents Eat Better. If it is good for the kids, it is good for us. Try an experiment: commit to eating a prepared meal at home at least once a day for a week, and see if you don't feel better and if you have been able to keep your weight down. Eating at home instead of in the car on the way to or from an event will help you, too.
Doing Double Duty: Spending Time and Eating. One of the challenges parents often have (and especially fathers) is balancing the demands on their time. Eating a meal at home with the family is one of those high leverage activities-you can spend time with your family and eat a meal at the same time. These are both high priorities and you get to do them at the same time!
Daily Check-Ins. Among the many difficulties of moving into the teenage years is that our kids are more mobile and tend to spend less time at home. Having the family together for at least one mealtime each day (usually breakfast or dinner) gives parents and teens a chance to connect they might not otherwise have. No matter what the age of your children, mealtime is a good time to check in with each other.
Learning Good Manners. Anyone else noticed that good table manners are missing from some of our children today. This is probably a result of the more casual atmosphere of today's busy lifestyle, but good manners are essential to success. At the family table, you can practice setting a table properly; you can teach good manners and proper etiquette. And you can see how well your teaching is taking.
From Wayne Parker,
Why Family Meals?
If you ever have time to watch some of the old family sitcoms like the Brady Bunch, My Three Sons or others, you will often see families eating together. But if your family is more like mine, there are way too many things to do outside the home to connect often at mealtime.
But mealtimes are an important part of building family ties. And in addition, there are some big health benefits to taking time to eat together.
Kids Eat Better. With the alarming rate of childhood obesity and lack of fitness, the experts in the field of children's health warn us to avoid a steady diet of fast food. Too often, when we are running to soccer games, dance recitals, or piano lessons, dinner is secured in the drive through lane and eaten in the car. Taking time to prepare and serve a nutritious meal at home can help kids eat better food-lower fat, lower sodium and higher nutritional values.
Parents Eat Better. If it is good for the kids, it is good for us. Try an experiment: commit to eating a prepared meal at home at least once a day for a week, and see if you don't feel better and if you have been able to keep your weight down. Eating at home instead of in the car on the way to or from an event will help you, too.
Doing Double Duty: Spending Time and Eating. One of the challenges parents often have (and especially fathers) is balancing the demands on their time. Eating a meal at home with the family is one of those high leverage activities-you can spend time with your family and eat a meal at the same time. These are both high priorities and you get to do them at the same time!
Daily Check-Ins. Among the many difficulties of moving into the teenage years is that our kids are more mobile and tend to spend less time at home. Having the family together for at least one mealtime each day (usually breakfast or dinner) gives parents and teens a chance to connect they might not otherwise have. No matter what the age of your children, mealtime is a good time to check in with each other.
Learning Good Manners. Anyone else noticed that good table manners are missing from some of our children today. This is probably a result of the more casual atmosphere of today's busy lifestyle, but good manners are essential to success. At the family table, you can practice setting a table properly; you can teach good manners and proper etiquette. And you can see how well your teaching is taking.
God Isnt Dead
By Victoria A. Brownworth
Special to The Sun
Originally published December 31, 2006
Nietzsche first proclaimed it in 1881: "God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him." Time magazine agreed in 1966, with its infamous black death-notice cover. Yet although 2006 was marked by many cataclysmic events - social, political, military, ecological - nothing on Earth had as much impact as God. Or rather, the belief in God.
According to a recent NBC poll, 80 percent of Americans identify as Christian, 26 percent of whom are evangelicals. Throughout the world, 2.5 billion people call themselves Christian. Another 1.7 billion are Muslims. There are 900 million Hindus, 400 million Buddhists, 15 million Jews. Hundreds of thousands worship other religions from traditional African and Chinese religions to neo-paganism and Scientology.
There are, of course, secularists and outright atheists in the world. But for the majority, theism is a focal point of life, something not only worth fighting for, but, increasingly, worth killing for. Which puts the lie to Nietzsche's statement. God is alive and well in the hearts and minds of three-quarters of the people of the world. For good or ill.
This hasn't stopped adamant atheists from making the case against God, however. If anything, it has bolstered the rationale for atheism. Marx has nothing on 21st-century atheists and their claims of religion being not just an opiate of the masses, but a soporific that allows acceptance of the worst intolerance.
Sam Harris has been on God's case for several years now, first with his best-selling The End of Faith, and now with Letter to a Christian Nation. Richard Dawkins also makes the case against God with his best-seller, The God Delusion. Both writers are succinct in their declarations that religion and belief in God are dangerous if not outright terroristic forces. Both cite Christian evangelicalism and Islamic fundamentalism as the prime sources of intolerance, global war and terrorism. Dawkins stipulates that religion is bad for everyone, that it oppresses women, represses children and suppresses science; Harris agrees. Were it not for religion, each claims, the world would be a more peaceful place, because religion generates hostility and plays into nationalism in the most brutal ways (witness the Holocaust and Darfur). Without religion, rational thought would supersede all else; social unrest would diminish immeasurably.
With so many believers, however, numerous voices are raised contravening Harris and Dawkins. Antidotes to (or at least would-be attempts at) what the Gospel of Luke calls "irreligion," are much in demand. Fox News pundit Bill O'Reilly's Culture Warrior and Ann Coulter's Godless: The Church of Liberalism don't so much assert the importance of God as declaim that if one is politically liberal/progressive, one is, ipso facto, anti-God.
O'Reilly insists that there are two camps in America today that are divided by religion: "culture warriors" who are Christian traditionalists and "secular progressives," who are pretty much, as O'Reilly delineates them, Satan's helpers. Coulter agrees with O'Reilly in sum, yet, rabid ideologue that she is, goes a step further, affirming that liberals have made godlessness into their own religion.
Alleged liberal rejection of religion isn't the only problem some conservatives are having in the quest to keep God in the forefront. Expatriate gay conservative Bruce Bawer argues in While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West from Within that liberals in Europe (he now lives in Oslo, Norway) are responsible for the rise in radical Islam in the European Union. This is, according to Bawer, a Christian, incalculably dangerous. Bawer states that political correctness and multiculturalism are "a habit of thought that in America is an annoyance, but in Europe is a veritable religion." Bawer complains that in Europe, godlessness is the foe of containing radical Islam, and if Europeans don't watch out, unassimilated Muslims like those who perpetrated the terrorist attacks on July 7, 2005, in London will be the norm in little more than a generation.
But wait-isn't radical Islam a religion? So does God need to be contained? Or only their God?
Where is the true God in all of this cant?
God, it seems, is being held hostage. From President Bush to Muqtada al-Sadr, God is used as the excuse for starting and perpetuating wars, not ending them. (Bob Woodward's State of Denial corroborates Bush's claim that God led him to war. However, in his new book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, former President Jimmy Carter remembers telling Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir that "Israel was punished whenever its leaders turned away from devout worship of God." Depending on which president you believe, God wants incompatible religious answers in the Middle East. So much for presidential omniscience.)
When God isn't being used to invade countries or foment insurgencies, God is being manipulated mercilessly for political ends. In Tempting Faith, David Kuo, former special assistant to Bush and deputy director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, asserts that Bush and his cohort were using people of faith like himself to further their own agenda with a predominantly evangelical political base. Kuo claims that Bush's famous compassionate conservatism was a ruse - that the promises he made to his evangelical constituency were not only never kept, but were made solely for political purposes. What's more, writes Kuo, the Bush team wooed Christian voters, but never took them seriously, making jokes about them and their leaders.
Throughout the globe God has become a rationale for violence at the expense of peace. Christ's Sermon on the Mount, the keystone of Christianity and the New Testament, is virtually unread and declaratively unremarked by evangelical Christians in the United States. Kuo suggests in Tempting Faith that evangelicals take a respite from politics, that they have lost sight of God in their quest to unite church and state.
There is no Muslim leader to make a similar suggestion to the Muslim world: that theocracy might be the wrong road for nations to take, that God and state should remain separate entities and worship a private matter. However, Jon Meacham, aNewsweek editor, lays out a compelling argument for the separation in his new book, American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers and the Making of a Nation.
Democracy and religion need not be antithetical, Meacham explains, because they can impel each other. It was, for example, the deism of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson that led to their beliefs in the fundamentals of democracy. Freedom of religion as much as freedom from religion drove the fledgling democracy, which had its share of religious persecution. Religious belief is, according to Meacham, distinct from morality, yet forms the underpinning which makes democracy work.
As this year ends and a new one begins, the role of God among all nations must be acknowledged if there is to be any comprehension of why the world is in such foment and chaos. God didn't put us there, but the manipulation of religious fervor has. Meacham implores that our and other nations look more closely at the role of religion in politics as a means toward ending and resolving conflict, rather than instigating new ones. An idea of which God would no doubt approve.
Victoria A. Brownworth, a practicing Catholic, has written extensively about religion and politics for numerous publications, most recently in the anthology "Sodom and Me: Queers and Fundamentalism." She teaches writing and film at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her latest book is "The Golden Age of Lesbian Erotica: 1920s - 1940s."
Copyright © 2006, The Baltimore Sun | Get Sun home delivery
Talk about it E-mail it Print it Contact us
Special to The Sun
Originally published December 31, 2006
Nietzsche first proclaimed it in 1881: "God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him." Time magazine agreed in 1966, with its infamous black death-notice cover. Yet although 2006 was marked by many cataclysmic events - social, political, military, ecological - nothing on Earth had as much impact as God. Or rather, the belief in God.
According to a recent NBC poll, 80 percent of Americans identify as Christian, 26 percent of whom are evangelicals. Throughout the world, 2.5 billion people call themselves Christian. Another 1.7 billion are Muslims. There are 900 million Hindus, 400 million Buddhists, 15 million Jews. Hundreds of thousands worship other religions from traditional African and Chinese religions to neo-paganism and Scientology.
There are, of course, secularists and outright atheists in the world. But for the majority, theism is a focal point of life, something not only worth fighting for, but, increasingly, worth killing for. Which puts the lie to Nietzsche's statement. God is alive and well in the hearts and minds of three-quarters of the people of the world. For good or ill.
This hasn't stopped adamant atheists from making the case against God, however. If anything, it has bolstered the rationale for atheism. Marx has nothing on 21st-century atheists and their claims of religion being not just an opiate of the masses, but a soporific that allows acceptance of the worst intolerance.
Sam Harris has been on God's case for several years now, first with his best-selling The End of Faith, and now with Letter to a Christian Nation. Richard Dawkins also makes the case against God with his best-seller, The God Delusion. Both writers are succinct in their declarations that religion and belief in God are dangerous if not outright terroristic forces. Both cite Christian evangelicalism and Islamic fundamentalism as the prime sources of intolerance, global war and terrorism. Dawkins stipulates that religion is bad for everyone, that it oppresses women, represses children and suppresses science; Harris agrees. Were it not for religion, each claims, the world would be a more peaceful place, because religion generates hostility and plays into nationalism in the most brutal ways (witness the Holocaust and Darfur). Without religion, rational thought would supersede all else; social unrest would diminish immeasurably.
With so many believers, however, numerous voices are raised contravening Harris and Dawkins. Antidotes to (or at least would-be attempts at) what the Gospel of Luke calls "irreligion," are much in demand. Fox News pundit Bill O'Reilly's Culture Warrior and Ann Coulter's Godless: The Church of Liberalism don't so much assert the importance of God as declaim that if one is politically liberal/progressive, one is, ipso facto, anti-God.
O'Reilly insists that there are two camps in America today that are divided by religion: "culture warriors" who are Christian traditionalists and "secular progressives," who are pretty much, as O'Reilly delineates them, Satan's helpers. Coulter agrees with O'Reilly in sum, yet, rabid ideologue that she is, goes a step further, affirming that liberals have made godlessness into their own religion.
Alleged liberal rejection of religion isn't the only problem some conservatives are having in the quest to keep God in the forefront. Expatriate gay conservative Bruce Bawer argues in While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West from Within that liberals in Europe (he now lives in Oslo, Norway) are responsible for the rise in radical Islam in the European Union. This is, according to Bawer, a Christian, incalculably dangerous. Bawer states that political correctness and multiculturalism are "a habit of thought that in America is an annoyance, but in Europe is a veritable religion." Bawer complains that in Europe, godlessness is the foe of containing radical Islam, and if Europeans don't watch out, unassimilated Muslims like those who perpetrated the terrorist attacks on July 7, 2005, in London will be the norm in little more than a generation.
But wait-isn't radical Islam a religion? So does God need to be contained? Or only their God?
Where is the true God in all of this cant?
God, it seems, is being held hostage. From President Bush to Muqtada al-Sadr, God is used as the excuse for starting and perpetuating wars, not ending them. (Bob Woodward's State of Denial corroborates Bush's claim that God led him to war. However, in his new book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, former President Jimmy Carter remembers telling Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir that "Israel was punished whenever its leaders turned away from devout worship of God." Depending on which president you believe, God wants incompatible religious answers in the Middle East. So much for presidential omniscience.)
When God isn't being used to invade countries or foment insurgencies, God is being manipulated mercilessly for political ends. In Tempting Faith, David Kuo, former special assistant to Bush and deputy director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, asserts that Bush and his cohort were using people of faith like himself to further their own agenda with a predominantly evangelical political base. Kuo claims that Bush's famous compassionate conservatism was a ruse - that the promises he made to his evangelical constituency were not only never kept, but were made solely for political purposes. What's more, writes Kuo, the Bush team wooed Christian voters, but never took them seriously, making jokes about them and their leaders.
Throughout the globe God has become a rationale for violence at the expense of peace. Christ's Sermon on the Mount, the keystone of Christianity and the New Testament, is virtually unread and declaratively unremarked by evangelical Christians in the United States. Kuo suggests in Tempting Faith that evangelicals take a respite from politics, that they have lost sight of God in their quest to unite church and state.
There is no Muslim leader to make a similar suggestion to the Muslim world: that theocracy might be the wrong road for nations to take, that God and state should remain separate entities and worship a private matter. However, Jon Meacham, aNewsweek editor, lays out a compelling argument for the separation in his new book, American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers and the Making of a Nation.
Democracy and religion need not be antithetical, Meacham explains, because they can impel each other. It was, for example, the deism of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson that led to their beliefs in the fundamentals of democracy. Freedom of religion as much as freedom from religion drove the fledgling democracy, which had its share of religious persecution. Religious belief is, according to Meacham, distinct from morality, yet forms the underpinning which makes democracy work.
As this year ends and a new one begins, the role of God among all nations must be acknowledged if there is to be any comprehension of why the world is in such foment and chaos. God didn't put us there, but the manipulation of religious fervor has. Meacham implores that our and other nations look more closely at the role of religion in politics as a means toward ending and resolving conflict, rather than instigating new ones. An idea of which God would no doubt approve.
Victoria A. Brownworth, a practicing Catholic, has written extensively about religion and politics for numerous publications, most recently in the anthology "Sodom and Me: Queers and Fundamentalism." She teaches writing and film at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her latest book is "The Golden Age of Lesbian Erotica: 1920s - 1940s."
Copyright © 2006, The Baltimore Sun | Get Sun home delivery
Talk about it E-mail it Print it Contact us
Current EPL Table
2006/07 Premiership Standings
OVERALL HOME AWAY
GP W D L GS GA W D L GS GA W D L GS GA GD P
1 Man Utd 22 17 3 2 49 15 9 1 1 26 7 8 2 1 23 8 34 54
2 Chelsea 22 14 6 2 37 17 7 4 0 20 8 7 2 2 17 9 20 48
3 Liverpool 22 12 4 6 32 16 9 2 0 23 3 3 2 6 9 13 16 40
4 Arsenal 22 11 6 5 41 19 6 5 0 28 8 5 1 5 13 11 22 39
5 Bolton 22 12 3 7 27 21 7 1 3 17 10 5 2 4 10 11 6 39
6 Portsmouth 22 10 6 6 33 22 7 3 1 20 8 3 3 5 13 14 11 36
7 Tottenham 22 9 5 8 26 28 8 1 2 19 9 1 4 6 7 19 -2 32
8 Everton 22 8 7 7 28 22 6 3 2 18 8 2 4 5 10 14 6 31
9 Reading 22 9 3 10 30 30 6 1 4 18 13 3 2 6 12 17 0 30
10 Man City 22 8 5 9 19 25 5 4 2 10 6 3 1 7 9 19 -6 29
11 Blackburn 21 8 4 9 24 29 5 2 4 14 13 3 2 5 10 16 -5 28
12 Fulham 22 6 9 7 22 32 5 3 3 9 8 1 6 4 13 24 -10 27
13 Aston Villa 22 5 11 6 23 25 4 4 3 12 11 1 7 3 11 14 -2 26
14 Newcastle 22 7 5 10 23 28 5 3 3 16 13 2 2 7 7 15 -5 26
15 Middlesbrough 22 6 6 10 21 27 6 2 3 13 11 0 4 7 8 16 -6 24
16 Sheff Utd 22 6 5 11 17 29 3 4 4 12 14 3 1 7 5 15 -12 23
17 Wigan 21 6 4 11 23 32 3 2 6 12 18 3 2 5 11 14 -9 22
18 West Ham 22 5 3 14 12 33 5 1 5 10 11 0 2 9 2 22 -21 18
19 Charlton 22 4 4 14 17 40 4 3 4 10 13 0 1 10 7 27 -23 16
20 Watford 20 1 9 10 12 26 1 5 3 8 9 0 4 7 4 17 -14 12
OVERALL HOME AWAY
GP W D L GS GA W D L GS GA W D L GS GA GD P
1 Man Utd 22 17 3 2 49 15 9 1 1 26 7 8 2 1 23 8 34 54
2 Chelsea 22 14 6 2 37 17 7 4 0 20 8 7 2 2 17 9 20 48
3 Liverpool 22 12 4 6 32 16 9 2 0 23 3 3 2 6 9 13 16 40
4 Arsenal 22 11 6 5 41 19 6 5 0 28 8 5 1 5 13 11 22 39
5 Bolton 22 12 3 7 27 21 7 1 3 17 10 5 2 4 10 11 6 39
6 Portsmouth 22 10 6 6 33 22 7 3 1 20 8 3 3 5 13 14 11 36
7 Tottenham 22 9 5 8 26 28 8 1 2 19 9 1 4 6 7 19 -2 32
8 Everton 22 8 7 7 28 22 6 3 2 18 8 2 4 5 10 14 6 31
9 Reading 22 9 3 10 30 30 6 1 4 18 13 3 2 6 12 17 0 30
10 Man City 22 8 5 9 19 25 5 4 2 10 6 3 1 7 9 19 -6 29
11 Blackburn 21 8 4 9 24 29 5 2 4 14 13 3 2 5 10 16 -5 28
12 Fulham 22 6 9 7 22 32 5 3 3 9 8 1 6 4 13 24 -10 27
13 Aston Villa 22 5 11 6 23 25 4 4 3 12 11 1 7 3 11 14 -2 26
14 Newcastle 22 7 5 10 23 28 5 3 3 16 13 2 2 7 7 15 -5 26
15 Middlesbrough 22 6 6 10 21 27 6 2 3 13 11 0 4 7 8 16 -6 24
16 Sheff Utd 22 6 5 11 17 29 3 4 4 12 14 3 1 7 5 15 -12 23
17 Wigan 21 6 4 11 23 32 3 2 6 12 18 3 2 5 11 14 -9 22
18 West Ham 22 5 3 14 12 33 5 1 5 10 11 0 2 9 2 22 -21 18
19 Charlton 22 4 4 14 17 40 4 3 4 10 13 0 1 10 7 27 -23 16
20 Watford 20 1 9 10 12 26 1 5 3 8 9 0 4 7 4 17 -14 12
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Recovering Stray Catholics
Recovering Stray Catholics
by Fr John McCloskey
One of the monumental missions of the Catholic Church in the next millennium will be to recover our lost sheep and help them to "revert." Recovering Catholics are those who have returned after having fallen away. There are many millions of these prodigal sons. We have to be the merciful father who rushes out to meet them half way and then escorts them back home to the sacramental feast. We are the Emergency Medical Technicians of the faith, called to perform cardiac resuscitation. We must also prepare to be care givers of long-term rehabilitation. Providentially, our fallen-away Catholic relatives, friends, or colleagues are normally only one good confession away from reconciliation with Christ here on earth: one heartbeat away from entrance into the Father's loving embrace. We have to stay with them till the end with our prayer, sacrifice, and friendship. We can worry about Purgatory afterwards. The Church provides the means to help souls even after the particular judgment.
The Lord tells us that "For the Son of Man came to save what was lost. What do you think? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them stray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the mountains, and go in search of the one that has strayed? And if he happens to find it... he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that a single one of these little ones should perish" (Matthew 18:11-14). The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not address the loss of these Catholics or give any advice as how to win them back. Perhaps it is because the Church must trust in the apostolic spirit of her sons and daughters to catch them again them in our nets before they slip away forever.
We have every confidence that at some point in the next millennium, we will enter into what our Holy Father John Paul II calls a "new springtime." We anticipate a re-evangelization in our country; in fact, this movement is already underway . One need only look at the multiplicity of faithful Catholic initiatives in education, journalism, and family life to be convinced of this. Hundreds of thousands are joyfully entering into the barque of Peter (see Scepter booklets #197 & 209) as is evidenced by the great growth in recent years in convert Catholics who have been prepared through the diocesan RCIA programs. In addition there are more and more well-known persons from every profession who are embracing the Faith publicly. In the next several decades we will see a large increase of priestly vocations of select young men, reversing thirty-five years of decline in the U.S. The Church in America will belatedly join the rest of the Church which has enjoyed surging vocations during the pontificate of John Paul II. For example, vocations are up 300% in Africa and S.E. Asia. These priests will possess a deep piety, sound doctrine, and zeal for souls and will be imbued with the vision of the Second Vatican Council as implemented by John Paul II (see Scepter booklet #211). However, as our Lord implies, this future "civilization of love" will not begin to come to fulfillment until the Heavenly Father has received back many, if not the great majority, of the sheep who have strayed. The Father loves them, the Good Shepherd tells us, even more than those of us who have been faithful. How merciful is our God with his children! He is counting on us to be His instruments in this great task and He wants them all back.
by Fr John McCloskey
One of the monumental missions of the Catholic Church in the next millennium will be to recover our lost sheep and help them to "revert." Recovering Catholics are those who have returned after having fallen away. There are many millions of these prodigal sons. We have to be the merciful father who rushes out to meet them half way and then escorts them back home to the sacramental feast. We are the Emergency Medical Technicians of the faith, called to perform cardiac resuscitation. We must also prepare to be care givers of long-term rehabilitation. Providentially, our fallen-away Catholic relatives, friends, or colleagues are normally only one good confession away from reconciliation with Christ here on earth: one heartbeat away from entrance into the Father's loving embrace. We have to stay with them till the end with our prayer, sacrifice, and friendship. We can worry about Purgatory afterwards. The Church provides the means to help souls even after the particular judgment.
The Lord tells us that "For the Son of Man came to save what was lost. What do you think? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them stray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the mountains, and go in search of the one that has strayed? And if he happens to find it... he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that a single one of these little ones should perish" (Matthew 18:11-14). The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not address the loss of these Catholics or give any advice as how to win them back. Perhaps it is because the Church must trust in the apostolic spirit of her sons and daughters to catch them again them in our nets before they slip away forever.
We have every confidence that at some point in the next millennium, we will enter into what our Holy Father John Paul II calls a "new springtime." We anticipate a re-evangelization in our country; in fact, this movement is already underway . One need only look at the multiplicity of faithful Catholic initiatives in education, journalism, and family life to be convinced of this. Hundreds of thousands are joyfully entering into the barque of Peter (see Scepter booklets #197 & 209) as is evidenced by the great growth in recent years in convert Catholics who have been prepared through the diocesan RCIA programs. In addition there are more and more well-known persons from every profession who are embracing the Faith publicly. In the next several decades we will see a large increase of priestly vocations of select young men, reversing thirty-five years of decline in the U.S. The Church in America will belatedly join the rest of the Church which has enjoyed surging vocations during the pontificate of John Paul II. For example, vocations are up 300% in Africa and S.E. Asia. These priests will possess a deep piety, sound doctrine, and zeal for souls and will be imbued with the vision of the Second Vatican Council as implemented by John Paul II (see Scepter booklet #211). However, as our Lord implies, this future "civilization of love" will not begin to come to fulfillment until the Heavenly Father has received back many, if not the great majority, of the sheep who have strayed. The Father loves them, the Good Shepherd tells us, even more than those of us who have been faithful. How merciful is our God with his children! He is counting on us to be His instruments in this great task and He wants them all back.
Word Among Us
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 3:10 PM
Subject: Online Christian Daily Devotion - The Word Among Us Magazine Mediations
Sometimes when we feel the Spirit prompting us to step out in faith and share the good news, we fear the risk involved. It’s at these times that we should trust that no one is alone in the work of evangelization. We are supported by all those who have gone before us and have stepped out of their comfort zones for the sake of telling other people about new life in Jesus.
As you encounter situations today that call for God’s presence, remember that God has sent you there and is calling you to sow seeds of encouragement, consolation, or peace. Don’t worry about making mistakes. God can take care of that. He has shown on many occasions that he can bless our imperfect efforts and produce wonderful results. We may not always gather the harvest of the seeds that we plant. Someone else may do that. But as members of the body of Christ, we can do our part to change the world.
What do you have to lose as a worker in the Lord’s field? He has already given you both the field and the seed. With just a little effort you will be able to share in the wonder of seeing the harvest of redeemed brothers and sisters growing in the love God has for them. All you really need is a humble and sincere heart. So what do you think? Can we all make a difference today?
http://www.wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=12&day=9&year=2006
Subject: Online Christian Daily Devotion - The Word Among Us Magazine Mediations
Sometimes when we feel the Spirit prompting us to step out in faith and share the good news, we fear the risk involved. It’s at these times that we should trust that no one is alone in the work of evangelization. We are supported by all those who have gone before us and have stepped out of their comfort zones for the sake of telling other people about new life in Jesus.
As you encounter situations today that call for God’s presence, remember that God has sent you there and is calling you to sow seeds of encouragement, consolation, or peace. Don’t worry about making mistakes. God can take care of that. He has shown on many occasions that he can bless our imperfect efforts and produce wonderful results. We may not always gather the harvest of the seeds that we plant. Someone else may do that. But as members of the body of Christ, we can do our part to change the world.
What do you have to lose as a worker in the Lord’s field? He has already given you both the field and the seed. With just a little effort you will be able to share in the wonder of seeing the harvest of redeemed brothers and sisters growing in the love God has for them. All you really need is a humble and sincere heart. So what do you think? Can we all make a difference today?
http://www.wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=12&day=9&year=2006
Catholics Cant Be PRO-Choice
SAVE BABIES. SUPPORT THIS WORK. SEND YOUR DONATION TODAY.
CALL 1-888-546-2580 OR CONTRIBUTE ONLINE AT WWW.ALL.ORG.
CATHOLICS CAN’T BE PRO-CHOICE.
CANON LAW ISN’T MULTIPLE-CHOICE.
P.O. Box 1350, Stafford, VA 22555 • 540-659-4171 • www.ALL.org • JBrown@ALL.org
America’s Catholic bishops are in Baltimore to decide if it’s okay
for pro-abortion politicians to receive Communion. As a time-saving
service, this ad provides the only answer allowed by canon law.
“Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted
after the imposition or the declaration of a penalty as
well as others who obstinately persist in manifest grave
sin are not to be admitted to communion.”
—Canon 915
NO
Please call your bishop’s office NOW! It’s urgent. Go to www.ALL.org and follow the links.
CALL 1-888-546-2580 OR CONTRIBUTE ONLINE AT WWW.ALL.ORG.
CATHOLICS CAN’T BE PRO-CHOICE.
CANON LAW ISN’T MULTIPLE-CHOICE.
P.O. Box 1350, Stafford, VA 22555 • 540-659-4171 • www.ALL.org • JBrown@ALL.org
America’s Catholic bishops are in Baltimore to decide if it’s okay
for pro-abortion politicians to receive Communion. As a time-saving
service, this ad provides the only answer allowed by canon law.
“Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted
after the imposition or the declaration of a penalty as
well as others who obstinately persist in manifest grave
sin are not to be admitted to communion.”
—Canon 915
NO
Please call your bishop’s office NOW! It’s urgent. Go to www.ALL.org and follow the links.
Fantasy Football 2006 FINAL
draft order TEAMS: Entrance Fee PAID: method Debt: Winnings: TOTAL: Season Pay-Outs:
1 Seanie Boy $100.00 $100.00 cash $600.00 $600.00 * $25.00 weekly high point getter x 17
PAID Gerry & Max $100.00 $100.00 cash $100.00 $100.00 *High point getter Season First: $300 Seanie
PAID Dan/ Angry Pirates $100.00 $100.00 $350.00 $250.00 2nd place: $200 Angry P
4 Tracy & Tedd $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00 3rd place: $150 Ridin
5 JD $100.00 $100.00 cash $0.00 $0.00 4th place: $100 Max
PAID Barry $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00
7 Justin $100.00 $100.00 paypal $0.00 $0.00 Head to Head based on record:
8 Jeff $100.00 $100.00 cash $25.00 $25.00 mid season (after 8th week): $50 Seanie
9 Wayne $100.00 $100.00 Ck $0.00 $0.00 Season (after 17th) First Place: $100 Seanie
10 Jim Sr $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00 Season Second Place: $50 Angry P
11 Nick B $100.00 $100.00 cash $175.00 $175.00 Season 14th Place: $25 Swamp
12 Rob & Matt $100.00 $100.00 cash $0.00 $0.00
13 Fitz $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00
14 Erik $100.00 $100.00 cash $50.00 $50.00
TOTAL: $1,400.00 $1,300.00 $100.00 $1,400.00 $1,300.00
WINNINGS:
draft order TEAMS: Weeks 1&2 Wks 3&4 Wks 5&6 Wks 7&8 Wks 9&10 Wks 11&12 Wks 13&14 Wks 15-17 End of Year TOTAL
1 Seanie Boy $50.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $450.00 $600.00
2 Gerry & Max $100.00 $100.00
3 Dan/ Angry Pirates $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $250.00 $350.00
4 Tracy & Tedd $25.00 $25.00
5 JD $0.00
6 Barry $25.00 $25.00
7 Justin $0.00
8 Jeff $25.00 $25.00
9 Wayne $0.00
10 Jim Sr $25.00 $25.00
11 Nick B $25.00 $150.00 $175.00
12 Rob & Matt $0.00
13 Fitz $25.00 $25.00
14 Erik $25.00 $25.00 $50.00
TOTAL: $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $75.00 $975.00 $1,400.00
1 Seanie Boy $100.00 $100.00 cash $600.00 $600.00 * $25.00 weekly high point getter x 17
PAID Gerry & Max $100.00 $100.00 cash $100.00 $100.00 *High point getter Season First: $300 Seanie
PAID Dan/ Angry Pirates $100.00 $100.00 $350.00 $250.00 2nd place: $200 Angry P
4 Tracy & Tedd $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00 3rd place: $150 Ridin
5 JD $100.00 $100.00 cash $0.00 $0.00 4th place: $100 Max
PAID Barry $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00
7 Justin $100.00 $100.00 paypal $0.00 $0.00 Head to Head based on record:
8 Jeff $100.00 $100.00 cash $25.00 $25.00 mid season (after 8th week): $50 Seanie
9 Wayne $100.00 $100.00 Ck $0.00 $0.00 Season (after 17th) First Place: $100 Seanie
10 Jim Sr $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00 Season Second Place: $50 Angry P
11 Nick B $100.00 $100.00 cash $175.00 $175.00 Season 14th Place: $25 Swamp
12 Rob & Matt $100.00 $100.00 cash $0.00 $0.00
13 Fitz $100.00 $100.00 Ck $25.00 $25.00
14 Erik $100.00 $100.00 cash $50.00 $50.00
TOTAL: $1,400.00 $1,300.00 $100.00 $1,400.00 $1,300.00
WINNINGS:
draft order TEAMS: Weeks 1&2 Wks 3&4 Wks 5&6 Wks 7&8 Wks 9&10 Wks 11&12 Wks 13&14 Wks 15-17 End of Year TOTAL
1 Seanie Boy $50.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $450.00 $600.00
2 Gerry & Max $100.00 $100.00
3 Dan/ Angry Pirates $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $250.00 $350.00
4 Tracy & Tedd $25.00 $25.00
5 JD $0.00
6 Barry $25.00 $25.00
7 Justin $0.00
8 Jeff $25.00 $25.00
9 Wayne $0.00
10 Jim Sr $25.00 $25.00
11 Nick B $25.00 $150.00 $175.00
12 Rob & Matt $0.00
13 Fitz $25.00 $25.00
14 Erik $25.00 $25.00 $50.00
TOTAL: $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $75.00 $975.00 $1,400.00
Priest in my Life: past and present
The Great John Paul II
Pope Benedict XVI
Fr John Corapi
Fr Groeschel
Bishop Fulton Sheen
Fr McCloskey
Fr Euteneur
Fr Fessio
Fr Jon Kightlinger
Fr Gene Nickol
Msgr Andrew Cassin
Msgr Gatto
Fr Rob Walsh
Fr Joe
Fr Jim Tucker
Pope Benedict XVI
Fr John Corapi
Fr Groeschel
Bishop Fulton Sheen
Fr McCloskey
Fr Euteneur
Fr Fessio
Fr Jon Kightlinger
Fr Gene Nickol
Msgr Andrew Cassin
Msgr Gatto
Fr Rob Walsh
Fr Joe
Fr Jim Tucker
Monday, January 1, 2007
Paying your Proper Respects at State Funeral
While flipping channels the other evening I peeked in at Pres. Gerald Ford's coffin lying in state in the US Capitol. Some of the mourners just continued to walk by the coffin, while some in uniform stopped and some saluted, and others made a sign of the cross or some resemblenance of it (do some need a refresher course in such basic teachings?).
I was wondering what is the proper etiquette in an event like this? I am not sure if i strolled through the line would I think about making a sign of the cross in this case. Perhaps there was a cross? And speaking in general terms regarding a political funeral and not specific to President Ford, whom also was our last Masonic Presidents in a long line of US Presidents.
Gerry
KEEP CHRIST IN the CHRISTMAS Season
I was wondering what is the proper etiquette in an event like this? I am not sure if i strolled through the line would I think about making a sign of the cross in this case. Perhaps there was a cross? And speaking in general terms regarding a political funeral and not specific to President Ford, whom also was our last Masonic Presidents in a long line of US Presidents.
Gerry
KEEP CHRIST IN the CHRISTMAS Season
Christian Revolutionaries
n contrast, however, to this apparent spiritual decline, the researcher also found that there is a group he calls "Christian Revolutionaries" who are growing in number. He says they are the type who show a great interest in things such as personal Bible study and spiritual mentoring. Also, he notes, individual Christians' involvement in house churches is rapidly growing.
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