Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Me. Thank you Carolina from The Crescat who graciously awarded me the Ugly Vestment picture award for the category of "Mitres, Stole and More". Posted below is the picture that voters voted the ugliest! I like the caption:
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Among "the bitter fruits of this relativistic logic," the Pope mentioned "the attempt to consider as human rights the consequences of certain self-centered lifestyles; a lack of concern for the economic and social needs of the poorer nations; contempt for humanitarian law, and a selective defense of human rights."
The Holy Father expressed the hope that the Church's social doctrine may become "better known and accepted on the international level" and encouraged his listeners "to counter relativism creatively by presenting the great truths about man's innate dignity and the rights which are derived from that dignity." This, he said, "will help to advance specific initiatives marked by a spirit of solidarity and freedom.
"What is needed," Pope Benedict added, "is a spirit of solidarity conducive for promoting as a body those ethical principles which, by their very nature and their role as the basis of social life, remain non-negotiable. A spirit of solidarity imbued with a strong sense of fraternal love leads to a better appreciation of the initiatives of others and a deeper desire to cooperate with them."
"An authentic spirit of freedom, lived in solidarity, will help the initiative of the members of non-governmental organization to create a broad gamut of new approaches and solutions with regard to those temporal affairs which God has left to the free and responsible judgement of every individual. When experienced in solidarity, legitimate pluralism and diversity will lead not to division and competition, but to ever greater effectiveness."
AC/CATHOLIC NGOS/... VIS 071203 (500)
VATICAN CITY, DEC 6, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience members of the joint international commission sponsored by the Baptist World Alliance and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, who are currently meeting in Rome to ponder the theme: "The Word of God in the Life of the Church: Scripture, Tradition and Koinonia."
That theme, said the Pope in his English-language address to the delegates, "offers a promising context for the examination of such historically controverted issues as the relationship between Scripture and Tradition, the understanding of Baptism and the Sacraments, the place of Mary in the communion of the Church, and the nature of ... primacy in the Church's ministerial structure.
"If our hope for reconciliation and greater fellowship between Baptists and Catholics is to be realized," he added, "issues such as these need to be faced together, in a spirit of openness, mutual respect and fidelity to the liberating truth and saving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
"Today, as ever, the world needs our common witness to Christ and to the hope brought by the Gospel," Pope Benedict concluded. "Obedience to the Lord's will should constantly spur us, then, to strive for that unity so movingly expressed in His priestly prayer: 'that they may all be one... so that the world may believe.' For the lack of unity between Christians 'openly contradicts the will of Christ, provides a stumbling block to the world, and harms the most holy cause of proclaiming the good news to every creature'."
AC/UNITY/CATHOLICS:BAPTISTS VIS 071206 (270)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Hey thanks for the note! I'll try to answer your question of why I believe in God when, as you said, "all evidence points to the contrary".
First I must ask what "evidence" are you talking about? If you are talking about scientific evidence then I must say it is impossible scientifically to disprove the existence of God. Why? Well, first of all, if God is the Creator of the entire universe and all that exists then He has the power to reveal Himself as much or as little as He chooses. We can't expect to examine God under a microscope. Now, of course that is assuming He exists. But how would you go about scientifically to DISproving God? It is impossible. Science cannot disprove the Loch Ness monster for example (I'm not saying I believe in this creature). Let's take that example. If scientists wanted for all time to disprove the existence of this creature then they of course would have to search the waters. However if they made a search of the whole lake and found nothing, that would NOT disprove the existence of Nessy. Why? Unless they were able to search the entire area of water ALL AT ONCE and at THE SAME TIME then they could not even come close to saying that the creature doesn't exists, as the monster can move around and go to an area already searched before. Additionally they would have to take into account that this monster could be hiding in an underwater cave that is unknown to man or is somehow greatly camouflaged etc..
Anyways, why am I talking about the Loch Ness monster? I mean, our discussion is about GOD'S existence. Well, the reason I bring this up is that I am saying there is absolutely no way for science to disprove God's existence. It is extremely difficult and nigh impossible for scientists to disproof the Loch Ness monster, so do you think that it would be possible to DISprove God? It is not. So please tell what "evidence" you are talking about, as I firmly believe that there is no "EVIDENCE" to disprove God.
Anyway, so why do I believe in God? Well, first of all, my belief in God is based off of reason. Personally, I don't understand how it is possible that anything could exist without a being that created everything. There would be only two logical positions. Either A.) Everything always existed (which is beyond our comprehension as everything we know of in the scientific world has NOT always existed). Or B.) Something came from Nothing (which is just plain stupid).
I believe that if something always existed it had to be something greater than what we could ever possibly understand. I don't believe it is "something" though but SomeBODY----God. Only something greater than we have ever discovered or "known" scientifically could've existed forever (try thinking about that for a sec---something ALWAYS having been in existence).
Also, God has revealed Himself in so many different ways it would be impossible to count them all. He has worked so many spectacular miracles (if you like I'll give you some examples) and I have found fulfillment in my life through coming know of God and Who He is.
My belief in God is not something that is tested scientifically through trying to find "god particles" or something ridiculous like that, but it does require a certain amount of faith (belief in something that you cannot totally see or comprehend). Yet, if you think about it, no matter what position you take (whether you believe in God or not) it requires FAITH. If you do not believe in God, it takes FAITH that He doesn't exists as I just stated above it is impossible to disproof God. Likewise, it takes faith to believe in God, but my faith is based on reason and I cannot imagine that there could exist a world without God.
My faith in God, I believe, is not insignificant. In other words, we might be tempted to think that whether or not God exists doesn't really matter. One might think that it doesn't effect them. However, that is not the case. If God created everything and left it at that and never revealed Himself or interacted with man then sure--I would think that God doesn't care and we have no responsibility to follow Him. However, that is NOT the case. The point is is that God has revealed Himself to man (e.g. read the Bible to see what I mean) and has laid down laws for him to obey (e.g. Ten Commandments) and also has established the Church (Matthew 16) in which to guide those who wish to follow Him. He died for us to make reparation for the punishment earned for our sins and so that we may have eternal life IF we choose to follow this God Who is Love. This God has given us His very self in His Infinite Love and demands that we respond--either to except this relationship with Him, or to reject it. The choice is ours, but it is a decision that we all must make. To reject it is to reject true Love, happiness, and peace.
I understand that from your perspective this all may be difficult to comprehend, but I ask that you at least take some time to meditate on what I've said and think about it before you respond. I hope this response has helped you to understand better!
God Bless!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
The "God With Us" Award. I was nominated with this award by Kaila from Ego me bene habeo. A big thanks to Kaila who is so good at giving me awards!! You're really cool! Here is the discription of the award:
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Acting: 4 1/2 stars. It seemed realistic without overly dramatized. Very moving.
Sexual content: 4 1/2 stars. Slight immodesty in a couple guys (very little), and a man and woman seen kissing.
Other immoral content: 4 stars. Obviously terrorism is a topic, though in no way shown in a positive light. It would be disturbing (perhaps inappropriate) to younger audiences.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Rome Pilgrimage October 2007
Hey everybody, sorry I haven't been keeping up with the blog! I thank everyone who has been commenting (and for the emails which I have been slow to respond to--I'll catch up soon). In reparation I am posting this video of some photos from my pilgrimage to Italy.
No number of photos can compare to actually going to these holy places, seeing them, and praying there. If God ever gives you the opportunity to make a pilgrimage there (not just a vacation), you must go! I'll give you some stories later.
LONG LIVE POPE BENEDICT XVI
God Bless!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
On average, how often do you visit this blog?
Votes
Every day 32% 6
1-5 times per week26% 5
1-5 times per month 11% 2
Whenever I think of it5% 1
This is my first time 26% 5
This is my last time 0% 0
What do you hate most about this blog?
Votes
Not enough posting! 18% 2
Too much posting 0% 0
Too conservative 0% 0
Too liberal 9% 1
There's nothing I dislike about this blog! 73% 8
11 votes total
THE FAMILY, EDUCATOR IN HUMAN AND CHRISTIAN VALUES
VATICAN CITY, OCT 12, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father has written a Letter to Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, for the occasion of the designation of the archdiocese of Mexico as the location of the 6th World Meeting of Families, which is due to take place from January 16 to 18, 2009. The theme of the gathering will be: "The family, educator in human and Christian values."
"As the first school of life and of faith, and as a 'domestic church'," writes the Pope in his Letter, "the family is called to educate new generations in human and Christian values so as to forge in them - guiding their lives according to the model of Christ - a well-balanced personality. In such a vital task ... it is important to have the support of the school, of the parish and of the various ecclesial groups that favor the integral education of human beings."
"At a time in which there is often an apparent disassociation between what people claim to believe and the way they live and behave, this forthcoming World Meeting of Families aims to encourage Christian homes in the formation of an upright moral conscience."
"I ask the Lord that the period of preparation and the celebration of this event ... may be for families ... a special occasion joyfully to experience their vocation and mission."
BXVI-LETTER/MEETING FAMILIES/LOPEZ VIS 071012 (250)
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Saturday, October 06, 2007
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Joseph Honda
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Strawberry Peanut butter
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME:(first letter of first name, first three letters of last name) P-Gor
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Red Polar Bear
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Jonathan Atlanta
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Gorpa
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Green Tea
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Arthur Peter(s)
[I don't know what happened to number nine.]
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Gene Kay
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Frank Francisco
2. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Fall Rose
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)Grape Shirty
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Nada Oak
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The Music Rain Tour
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
A brand new award being is being passed out. It is the Mathetes Award, created by Dan King of Management by God to recognize those who take to heart the Great Commission and further God’s Kingdom by creating more disciples for Him. According to Dan mathetes is the Greek word for disciple.The rules for the award, as posted by it’s creator are as follows: In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple.Winners of this award must pick five other “disciples” to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1)this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Acting: 3 stars. Like I said, there was little "acting" in this film as it is mostly fighting.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Acting: 4.5 stars
Entertainment: 4 stars (Although not exactly "entertaining", it was certainly captivating)
Sexual content: Some immodest dress and exposure though not focused on.
Language content: 1 "F" word, about 6 "S" words and God's name is abused a couple of times. 2.5 stars
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
I was tagged by Esther for this one....