Guess who found a new Christian artist to follow?  THIS GIRL!  

I happened across her page while scrolling through a Catholic blogging network I'm part of.  I'm so happy I did, because you folks know how much I love me some Marian art.  What's so interesting about Zainal's work, however, is the effort she makes to approach Our Lady with the eyes of various cultures throughout the world.  

We've all seen European versions of Our Lady, but how many of us have appreciated the Blessed Mother through the lens of the Japanese, the Nigerians or the Taiwanese?  Thus far, Zainal's influence is Asian in nature, but her work points to the universal beauty of our Heavenly Mother. I love this idea!  I especially love how simple her pieces are.  I almost want to purchase a bunch of them and turn them into a coloring book for my son because the open space begs for splashes of color. 

Fun fact:  Our Lady of La Vang (left) is one of my favorite "versions" of Our Lady.  I think she's beautiful, regal and incredibly loving, but as Zainal points out in this description, she is also fiercely maternal.  I fell in love with this image so quickly that I ended up purchasing it as a set of note cards through Zainal's Society 6 page.  

In truth, I like Zainal's style (and we all know I love her choice of subject immensely).  I wanted to take a moment to share her with you folks.  Do yourselves a favor and check her out!  You'll be so glad you did.  

I got a shower the other day, and after hopping out of the tub, I wrapped myself in the towel that had fallen on the floor.  No big deal, I thought, it probably slipped off the hook.

I walked into the bedroom to put some clothes on, and when I took off the stupid towel, I realized I was covered - COVERED - in cat hair.

Awww, c'mon now!  I had JUST finished getting a shower.  Why the heck did I have to instantly cover myself in a layer of dander and fur?

Frustrated, I hopped back into the shower to rinse off.  I grabbed a NEW towel from the closet and went along my way.

However, while I was showering for the second time, I realized that I do the same thing after Confession.  How many times have I come out of Confession with a sparkly white soul only to go home, pick up a bad habit, and get it dirty all over again?

A lot.  In fact, I'm pretty sure my priest should have a rotating door on the confessional precisely because I'm so incredibly good at repeatedly screwing up.

*Sigh*

I guess it's good Christ never tires of forgiving us, but I really wish I didn't keep falling into the same habits over and over again.  I always think of St. Paul and that thorn in his side.  It's good he never specifies what that thorn is, because we can all relate to a particular sin that tends to pulls us down over and over, but I can't help but try to picture him struggling with the sins that I'm so good at failing with.

I seriously imagine him on camel back fantasizing of dinosaurs trampling the slower camels in front of him (or who don't signal they're trying to turn).  I imagine him gorging himself on desserts or opting to spread the word that Peter's preaching isn't as good as his.  

Heh.  Terrible, right?  

Maybe instead of trying to pull St. Paul down to my level, I should try to raise myself up to his and steer clear of cat towels.  *Grin*

Recently, an older entry of mine was picked up and shared by Leila of Little Catholic Bubble courtesy of the incomparable JoAnna who writes at A Star of Hope.  

I received a few new comments as a result and two really interesting e-mails.  The entry shared was Advice to a Catholic Woman Dating an Agnostic Man.  In it, I attempted to explain to a reader the personal struggle she might be in for should she choose to pursue marriage with a man who shares a similar paradigm on Catholicism as my own husband.  I never heard back from Anne (unless it was through a pseudonym), but I appreciate hearing back from those of you who were touched by her plight and moved to leave your own advice / experience.  

Anyway, since this has been on my mind recently, I had to share a special story about my husband.  I know some of you were originally really upset with him, but I promise this will make you happy.  I was really moved and appreciated the strength of character and love it took for him to support me.

His mother had asked us all to come over for a last-minute dinner since she and my FIL. 
Normally I happily jump at the chance to have the family together for a nice dinner.  However, this dinner happened to fall on Ash Wednesday.  My MIL, being ever thoughtful, even offered to make something meatless.  Unfortunately,  I already had plans (as I do every year) to take Vince with me to the 7:00 PM Mass.  

Now while I realize that Ash Wednesday isn't a Holy Day of Obligation, I feel that Mass is an important way to start the season off right.  I also work really hard to utilize the liturgical calendar as on-going learning opportunities for Vincent.  

John and I reached a workable solution.  He offered to pick up Vincent early and go to the dinner. This way, John's parents would get to see Vince, Vince would get to see the rest of the family, and I wouldn't have to leave work early.  The plan was for him to then take Vincent back home in time for us to go to Mass since John had to be back for a meeting, himself.  Everyone wins (except me who doesn't get dinner - ha).  

Anyway, on my way home, I got a call from John.  He said his parents wanted to keep Vincent longer so he could play with his cousin.  My FIL offered to drive him home in time for bed so I could "go to Mass myself."

I told John the whole point of me going to a 7PM Mass was so I could take Vince with me.  So while I understood that his parents missed Vince and wanted him to stay longer, I again had to be the bad guy and say "No."

John huffed in frustration at me (probably because he knew he'd get an earful from his parents), but he grunted acceptance and said he was leaving soon.  And true to his word, he made it home in time for us to make Mass.  

Later on, I explained how difficult it is for me to reinforce the importance of faith if other people are always trying to make excuses for him not to attend Mass.  This happens a lot during the summer when we're down the shore as a family.  My in-laws, meaning well, always offer to watch Vincent while I go off to Mass.  Vince, hearing that, then gets frustrated that he can't stay and play with his cousin which makes taking him to Mass all the more difficult.

It also reinforces that Mass is not important.  *sigh*

So I was trying to explain this to John and he felt I was being too sensitive.  I know his parents mean well, but it actually makes my job harder as a parent trying to instill the importance of Catholicism.  

Poor John got frustrated with me because he'd apparently had this conversation with his parents on Ash Wednesday.  They got annoyed with me for saying "No" to their plan to keep Vincent, but John explained that Mass is important to me, it's always been something I've done, and it's something I've made very clear needs to be important for Vincent.  So while John doesn't agree with my stance, he did support me because that's what husbands do.  So he put the kabosh on their complaints and took Vincent home as we'd originally agreed.  

I was really appreciative that he did that.  He didn't have to, but he did because he loves me and understands that faith is something very important to me.  I'm sure he wishes it wasn't, but since it is, he's chosen to actively support me in the best way he knows how.  

As I said, he's my knight in agnostic (but-still-shining) armor.  :)

So last week, John called me to let me know that there had been an incident in school.  Vince's regular teacher was out for a week, so he was in a substitute's class.  He'd been with her for about three days, and all three days, he'd come home with notes like "Not doing work" or "Being defiant."

Now I know Vince has trouble when his routine is messed up, but that's no excuse to not do work or be defiant.  John and I spoke to Vince and punished him accordingly, but nothing seemed to help.  Day four rolled around and the substitute pulled John aside to explain that not only had Vincent been defiant, he'd kicked her chair and called her "fat."

*Shame-induced heart attack*

My son was aggressive with both his words and actions?!  NOOOOOO... it has been so long since he's acted out in this way.  I felt awful for the sub who was obviously having a tough time controlling him, and I felt doubly awful that my son was responsible for saying something that was potentially hurtful to her.

I was angry with Vince - angrier than I think I've ever been.  John was upset, too, and neither of us knew what to do to punish him properly.  We'd never had him do something so offensive.  So the entire way home, I was trying to come up with a punishment that fit the crime.  I settled on a good old-fashioned written apology letter.

Not an easy task for a 5 year old who barely spells colors let alone full sentences expressing remorse.  

Anyway, when I got home, I had a conversation with him about how disappointed I was and how hurtful what he did was to his teacher.  I kept having him respond to me so I knew he understood just how serious the situation was.  John had already spoken to him and punished him by taking away two of his favorite toys, but he knew I was going to go a step further so he left the rest to me.  

After I felt he understood why he was in trouble, I explained how he could help fix things.  I sat him down and had him tell me - in his own words - why he was sorry and how he felt about his substitute teacher.  I wrote out his words on a separate piece of paper.  When he was finished, I had him copy my transcription, himself, into a card he'd decorate for her as an apology.

Yeah.  Believe it or not, it took him what seemed to be forever to write five sentences.  This was mostly because he tried to rush through his words and I'd erase them until he was neater.  If he was going to write her a letter, he was going to write her one she could actually read.

I then put his letter and my transcription (and a note explaining it) together into a packet for the substitute so she understood where the words came from and what John and I had done to punish him for how he acted.  I wanted her to know that we took his actions seriously and appreciated her efforts with him.

Hey all,

The above fella goes by the name of Brett.  He's a pretty cool dude who just happens to be enrolled in RCIA.  That's right!  We're welcoming a brother back into the fold.  How exciting is that???

I'm the lucky duck who gets to be his sponsor, and I'm so freakin' proud of him!  He's the best candidate the Church could ever hope for because he's ridiculously smart, incredibly well-versed in our theology, and has a willingness to expand that knowledge and share it with others.  Heck, he's even been able to teach me a few new things!  

So I'd appreciate it if you kept this one in your prayers as he continues his Catholic development. Leave a few high-fives and words of encouragement if you're so moved.  He pokes his nose around here every now and again.  *Grin*

Many of you have heard of the Drive-By-Ashes or Ashes To Go programs that have popped up in the last two years or so.  I was always a bit put-off by the idea, because I felt that the ashes were somehow given priority over the Eucharist.  The meaning behind the ashes, in my mind, became lost to the popularity of "proving your faith" once a year.  

Now that I've given it more thought this year, I've come to a slightly different conclusion.  

A coworker asked me why there were ash crosses on everyone's forehead.  I explained that they were a sacramental, and it suddenly hit me as to why I shouldn't be so upset about priests doling out ashes to folks in planes, on train platforms, or in a sort of drive-by service.  

Ashes are a sacramental the same as a rosary or scapular.  What makes handing out ashes any different from handing out rosaries or scapulars? Heck, even small pocket Bibles have been known to be passed around during rush hour, so why should ashes be looked on as anything different?

I still prefer ashes to be utilized during (or immediately following) Mass, because the focus is on the Eucharist and not the ashes, but I can understand why some clerics have chosen to go this route to help with evangelization.  Ashes unite Christians in a way that the Eucharist currently cannot.  The simple existence of these marks on our foreheads each year inevitably spark conversation that, hopefully, leads to conversion.  

So hopefully these "drive-through" programs will serve to reach out to bring others back to the Church more than they enable the faithful to become lazy in their practice.  After all, just because I'm handed a rosary on a train platform doesn't mean I figure Mass is no longer necessary.  I wouldn't assume that the rosary is somehow more important than the Eucharist.  

These clerics give what they can to those who are open to receive.  I can't fault them for that. 
So while I'm still not in love with the idea, I can at least appreciate it for what it is.  

Any of you come across this?  The photo above was taken by my coworker who saw this priest at a train station in Philly.  I'd love to know if any of you have seen it firsthand and what your thoughts are on it.

Also, here is our obligatory #ShowYourAsh photo.  Vince was bummed his cross wasn't darker.  I think it's because he kept wiping at it throughout Mass.  *Grin*    

I admit, I tend to wear mine like a badge of honor.  I love feeling connected to random people all day when I see the cross of ashes and they notice mine.  It's like a hug.

"Oh, you're partaking of the Lenten journey?  We're together in this, you and I!"

Plus, I feel like if I were to wipe them off, the ghost of Sr. M would come back to haunt me.  Ha ha ha ha.  But I digress. 

What are your thoughts on the Ash Crosses?

This is a repost from 3/6/2014.  I thought it was a good refresher, though, since folks are already starting to warn others about the "sinfulness" of showin' ash.  ;)

Yesterday found Twitter aflutter with some of the most amusing Catholic hashtags I'd ever seen.  Things like #Ashtag and #ShowYourAsh.  It was so much fun seeing these #CatholicSelfies, because each ashen forehead was a reminder that we are ALL united in our humanity.  More than that, however, we all belong to Christ, and as such, are marked by the sign of His ransom.

Thus, I LOVED seeing these!

However, alongside this bubbling evangelism, a parallel sentiment was trying to stifle the conversation.

Folks were commenting on these posts in condemnation, suggesting that those who were posting them were doing so for arrogant purposes.

C'mon now.  Seems a little bit arrogant to take the time to make a post implying the original posters were too stupid, lazy or prideful to understand the "meaning behind the Lenten readings."

To me, that screamed "Look at me and my super-humble-but-not-overly-super-because-I'm-still-humble humilty!"

Annoying.  Very, very annoying.

The Ash Wednesday marking is a communal prayer - an outward expression of an inward faith.  Much like saying Grace at meals in public.  Much like making the Sign of the Cross as a pitcher when you take the mound at a baseball game.

We NEED more public witness, and I'm glad folks found unity - and joy -  in sharing these photos.  After all, Lent isn't just about sadness, misery and self-flagellation.  It's about the joy of knowing we have been called by Christ to join Him in Eternity.

After all, this is the same mark used by the unnamed prophet in Ezekiel who runs through Jerusalem putting the "tau" on the foreheads of the righteous.  "Tau" is the Hebrew letter "T."  Anyone not marked with this letter was slaughered while those with the mark (much like during Passover) were extended mercy by God.

That's right, folks.  The forehead mark in Ezekiel 9 was a cross, and it marked them as belonging to the Most High God.  Sound familiar?

So I applaud those joyously wore their ashen crosses.  We SHOULD be joyful.  This mark is the mark of salvation... the mark of mercy.

For, indeed, ours is a Merciful God.

<3

I'll be honest - this entry took a really, really long time for me to work through.  My wonderful friend, Catherine, sent me a booklet from her office down at the Diocese of Wichita, several months after I miscarried Myla.  Seeing that there was some sort of liturgical celebration that could mark Myla's brief life was... honestly, I'm still at a loss as to how awed I was that something like this existed.  What a comfort this can be to parents!  What a blessed tool to be utilized by priests/deacons who want to reach out to grieving families!  My heart came close to exploding with gratitude and joy at the possibilities.  

I wanted to blog about this Order right away.  After all, EVERYONE should know all about it!  This was developed by the Respect Life and Social Justice Office of the Diocese of Wichita, and I still believe it needs to be spread far and wide to all ends of the Church.  So to Bonnie Toombs (who obviously dedicated so much time and research into getting this Order so perfect) and to Kellee Kruse (who worked on making this booklet something beautiful for parents to physically hold on to), I extend my deepest appreciation.  I do not know either of you personally, but I can see the light of Christ shine through your work, and I am humbled and deeply affected by it.  Bless you.

So why did it take me so long to post praise on a booklet I obviously have such respect and appreciation for?

Because I didn't know where to start.  In truth, I was afraid to open the booklet when I first got it because I wasn't sure how I'd handle my grief (ever creeping just below the surface).  I'm glad I finally peered inside, though, because the very first page is something akin to a Baptismal Certificate.  You can't tell from the PDF below, but there is a perforated "certificate" called a Remembrance of Commendation.  There is a place to write your child's name, the parents' name, and a date of Commendation.  Beautifully, there is also a line for a witness (likely the minister) who can again validate the life of that child.  

Also, feel free to pin this to Pinterest.  I knew how to do that at one point, but it's been a while, so I've forgotten.  But if you remember, by all means, pin away!

I have a Protestant friend who routinely tries to poke holes into my Catholic ideology.  He is very good-natured about the whole thing.  Though we both joke about converting each other, it's obvious that we're both passionate about our faith.  

He asked me (challenged me, really) why Catholics believe that faith in Christ alone is not enough to assure Heaven.  After all, John 3:16 clearly states as much, right?

This is apparently a huge sticking point for many Protestants.  They think that Catholics don't understand Christ's power as "good/strong enough."  
Unsure of how to best respond, the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor came to mind (thanks, Holy Spirit!).  In this parable, a servant is brought before the king to pay his giant debt.  The servant cannot pay the debt, so the king demands justice through the sale of the servant and the servant's family. Dropping to his knees in humility, the servant begs for mercy and the gracious king forgives the debt.

Two seconds later, the recently forgiven servant demands recompense for a paltry sum and, when his fellow servant is unable to pay, has that man thrown into jail.  When the king hears of this hypocrisy, he has the first servant (whom he had freely shown mercy to) thrown into jail to be tortured as punishment.

Why would this parable come to mind as a response?

Well, the Christian (represented by the servant) had faith in God (represented by the king).  That faith most certainly saved him, and it was a gift given not because the servant was worthy of it, but because God was/is merciful.  However, the Christian failed to follow through with good works and, as a result, felt the justice of God.  Mercy and justice go hand-in-hand.  One cannot exist without the other.  

So of course faith can do a great many things, but from that faith must also come works that are the FRUIT of that faith.  God gives us mercy so that we have mercy to extend to others.  God loves us so that we might love others.  God gifts us joy and peace so that we can spread those gifts to others.

Hence why us Catholics believe that a faith without works is dead (James 2:17).  

Works must prove faith.  Faith comes first (which extends God's mercy), but that faith in Christ means nothing if one does not conform to the teachings of Christ.

He's still chewing on that.  *Grin*  In truth, I guess I am, too, as I hadn't thought of this parable much at all in the past.