share our JOY

JOY{filled}family

striving to radiate Him always

Catholic Action {Marching Orders}

by Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

There is much talk about our role as Christians in the current times. Whatever one wants to call it, one thing is certain — a defense of the Faith is absolutely necessary AT ALL TIMES!

We must pray for fortitude and a courageous spirit to carry out this defense.  The following comes from the 1890 Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, Sapientiae Christianae (CHRISTIANS AS CITIZENS):

“St. Thomas maintains: “Each one is under obligation to show forth his faith, either to instruct and encourage others of the faithful, or to repel the attacks of unbelievers.”

To recoil before an enemy, or to keep silence when from all sides such clamors are raised against truth, is the part of a man either devoid of character or who entertains doubt as to the truth of what he professes to believe. 

In both cases such mode of behaving is base and is insulting to God, and both are incompatible with the salvation of mankind. 

This kind of conduct is profitable only to the enemies of the faith, for nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good. Moreover, want of vigor on the part of Christians is so much the more blameworthy, as not seldom little would be needed on their part to bring to naught false charges and refute erroneous opinions, and by always exerting themselves more strenuously they might reckon upon being successful. After all, no one can be prevented from putting forth that strength of soul which is the characteristic of true Christians, and very frequently by such display of courage our enemies lose heart and their designs are thwarted. 

Christians are, moreover, born for combat, whereof the greater the vehemence, the more assured, God aiding, the triumph: “Have confidence; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33)”

Are you ready for combat? I’d love to hear how you’re preparing for this call or have answered it thus far.

Let us pray for one another & let us work to RESTORE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST!

CHISTUS VINCIT!
CHRISTUS REGNAT!
CHRISTUS IMPERAT!

St. Patrick’s Good News Popcorn

by Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

This is a blast from the past. Note, this is not a healthy treat but something that we allowed for a bit of nostalgia on a first-class feast day for us during Lent, St. Patrick is the patron saint of our diocese.

Patrick suffered much in Ireland and there was always the danger that he would be killed, yet the saint kept on preaching about Jesus.….How happy he was to bring the Good News of the true God to the people who once held him a slave. ~Holy Spirit Interactive

My parents used to treat my sis and me to flavored popcorn. There was a small snack shop in the mall that had a variety of flavored popcorn. My favorite was bubblegum. It has been a long time since I’ve enjoyed that yummy treat.

I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to treat my GFG to a childhood novelty of mine.
I made green lemon-lime flavored popcorn, AKA Good News Popcorn, in honor of St. Patrick. The children loved the Good News.

St. Patrick’s – Good News PopcornPrep Time: 15 Minutes | Cook Time: 30 | Difficulty: EASY | Servings: 10
INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 1 cup Light Corn Syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ⅔ cups Butter
  • 6 quarts Plain Popped Popcorn
  • 1.5-2 packages Kool-Aid (without the sugar)

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Pre-heat the oven to 225 degrees.
  • Boil sugar, syrup, and butter together for 3 min.
  • On a large, ungreased, baking pan, spread out popped popcorn.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the Kool-Aid with baking soda.
  • Remove the syrup from the stove. Slowly and carefully stir in the Kool-Aid mixture — the mixture may ooze.
  • Pour sugar mixture over the popped popcorn. Carefully mix all until combined.
  • Place the coated popcorn into the oven for 30 min. Stir every 10 minutes.
  • Take popcorn out of the oven. Break it apart once it starts to cool.

Enjoy the GOOD NEWS!

Hence, then, I give unwearied thanks to God, who kept me faithful in the day of my temptation, so that today I can confidently offer Him my soul as a living sacrifice–to Christ my Lord, who saved me out of all my troubles. Thus I can say: `Who am I, O Lord, and to what have Thou called me, Thou who did assist me with such divine power that to-day I constantly exalt and magnify Thy name among the heathens wherever I may be, and not only in good days but also in tribulations?’ So indeed I must accept with equanimity whatever befalls me, be it good or evil, and always give thanks to God, who taught me to trust in Him always without hesitation, and who must have heard my prayer so that I, however ignorant I was, in the last days dared to undertake such a holy and wonderful work–thus imitating somehow those who, as the Lord once foretold, would preach His Gospel for a testimony to all nations before the end of the world. So we have seen it, and so it has been fulfilled: indeed, we are witnesses that the Gospel has been preached unto those parts beyond which there lives nobody. ~ The Confession of St. Patrick, St. Patrick

Catholic Cuisine Posts written by Lena

2021 Word of the Year

by Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Selecting a Word of the year is a practice that I adopted years ago along with the Saint of the Year. 

I select a word of the year for assistance with my spiritual growth. The saint selection is random but choosing my word of the year has always been a process — an examination of the past year. I take time for spiritual re ading for this purpose and pray over it with my husband. 

I encourage you to choose a word for the year to remind you of what God is asking of you during this season in your life. 

Unbeknownst to me, my word of the year was placed on my heart upon entering my annual spiritual retreat this Advent. I entered into retreat with a complete assessment of my life —  no attachments but only the desire to see myself with His eyes.  As the week unfolded, I was led down a path to address one of my root sins.  It all seemed so evident to me as it has often been included in the confessional.   I even wrote it down as my number one point to address after my first visit before Our Lord while on retreat.  

Through daily spiritual direction following pertinent meditations, the good Lord revealed that what was perceived to be at the root of my faults was not the case.  Instead, it was the less obvious issue. So, as the retreat came to a close, I firmed up my resolution and plan, all with the guidance of my spiritual directors.  

Now that I have returned to regular daily life for a month, the evil one has wasted no time and has begun to set his traps to have me doubt what it is that God is asking of me.  “It’s not enough?   You should be doing more? It’s not really the root of your sin! Focus on something else.  It’s too much, you should just focus on one small thing…”

It’s that crazy and pathetic — all efforts to thwart what God has moved me to are exhausted.  I made no movement from what had already been properly discerned and carried on us planned, very imperfectly.  

As I read one of my first reflections on New Year’s Day, I received a small consolation.  It was from one of my previous Saints of the Year, no less.  

Thou givest me already Thy blood, O Word,  whereas Thy holy humanity is only eight days old. What does Thy blood teach me?… Obedience.

St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

The small resolution that I took into my retreat  turned out to be my primary resolution (not the type that one makes at the start of the New Year, but the type that one makes upon reflecting on the last four things while in a complete state of grace and removed completely from the distractions of the world),  the ultimate root of my sins as He revealed to me (not acedia which I had thought was the case for many for years) — my word for 2021. 

I trust that God’s grace will be sufficient for me to move forward.  I am completely nothing without Him and I desire to be nothing else but that which He has ordained me to be.  I want only to love Him as He deserves.  

There are few persons who realize what God would make of them if they abandoned themselves entirely to His hands, and let themselves be formed by His grace.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

I am not moving in fear.  My resolutions (made after a spiritual retreat and direction) are made out of LOVE for the One who so dearly loves me despite all my failings. 

I’m not abandoning any of my previous words.  In fact, through this practice, they have been imprinted on my heart.  Perfection is not sought.  My goal is only to move closer to Him and do His will.

Sts. Teresa of Avila,  St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Ignatius of Loyola, and Aloysius — orate pro nobis.   

Sermons & Other Resources on Obedience:*


*this list will be added to throughout the year

Silence In & Out Of Season

by Filed Under: Advent, Ignatian Silent Retreat, Retreat, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Last week, in the spirit of peace, I entered into a deeper silence. It was glorious and challenging in the right ways. I give thanks for God’s grace and the dedication of my husband to sacrifice for my own salvation. This coming week will be his turn. Deo gratias!

He did an amazing job taking over all the duties — even if he missed the Jesse Tree readings which I spent hours making assessable for him, skipping the ornaments which were already catalogued by date, or forgoing our Advent Mediations which I sent to him and all the big children before going away and being completely off the grid.

All those things may have been sidelined last week but I trust that it was God’s will for my family to be drawn deeper into a silence of their own — silence which helps cultivates a peace, true peace that only Christ can bring.

He did work from home while tending to their schooling, helped our oldest daughter with her home, kept all the meals going (with some help form Papa & Nana and our resident chef), Holy Day obligation was met, our traditional Marian feastday breakfast (even if it was for dinner), took the girls gift shopping for an impromptu surprise party, prayed our regular daily family devotions and a few Advent staples, washed clothes, cleaned the house, prepped for feast days, and so much more.

I give thanks for his steadfast love which counts no cost and does what is necessary — all for the love of God.

Today, Gaudete Sunday, we are filled with Joy, knowing that the Christ Child is so near. As #domprospergueranger reminds us, “Tomorrow we will resume our attitude of servants mourning for the absence of their Lord and waiting for Him; for every delay, however short, is painful and makes love sad.”

Today, Gaudete Sunday, we are filled with Joy, knowing that the Christ Child is so near. As #domprospergueranger reminds us, “Tomorrow we will resume our attitude of servants mourning for the absence of their Lord and waiting for Him; for every delay, however short, is painful and makes love sad.”

We will go deeper into silence for further preparation of the Chirist-child, to more fully prepare our hearts as a gift to Him.

Next week will be his turn for a silent retreat and I will continue where he left off for the children. Then we will make the last week of Advent a family retreat of our own.

Just wear the….

by Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

I was recently sent a private message questioning a stance that I shared in my IG stories.

I presumed the messenger was sincere in asking her question and I desired to offer her a response. Although, I generally do not feel that I owe anyone an explanation, online or in person, regarding my decisions.

But I took it to my husband for further discernment since I’m well aware that such online convos may open my family up to spiritual attacks.

With his approval and the encouragement of a dear friend in a short text chat on Sat., I’ve opted to share my response publicly.

My husband and I fully acknowledge that things will be escalating as the election continues to be drawn out and regardless of who will officially be selected as POTUS.

IT IS NOT A TIME FOR US TO BE SILENT!

Below is my fairly short response that may disappoint some. I will not do the homework for strangers that inquire and I am not compelled to offer them a thorough explanation. I respond with charity and firmness. I’m sure some take offense by my approach but I’m more concerned with offending God than being liked by others.

Here is my response:

You can refer to my other shares from Archbishop Vigano & Bishop Schneider — or go look up their recent writings that sum up the crux of the issue as far as I’m concerned.

It’s not about safety or health. It is NOT a pro-life matter.

Being pro-life doesn’t involve imagining that one can eliminate every risk!

Furthermore, we are not required to follow any of the current suggestions/mandates (or laws even if one existed) that prohibit our God given freedoms or diminish our dignity as a person, made in the image and likeness of God.

This does not mean that I’m not respectful of someone’s needs or health.

I’m a healthy child of God who takes my health very seriously and I do my part to support the health of my family and others — including not going out places if I’m under the weather.

But I will not wear a face covering (when I’m completely healthy) which conceals my identity and impedes my oxygen intake. The UNIMPEDED flow of oxygen is essential to my health and immune system.

Taking a vaccine is also not required to be pro-life. I’m sure that’s going to be the next line that’s thrown out there by some.

If you or anyone else has discerned otherwise for yourself, I respect your decision. I trust that you are a responsible individual who can make up your own mind about how best to keep yourself and your family safe, healthy, and happy.

CHRIST IS KING!

Below is a the dialogue of fellow California Patriots regarding masks for shopping.

11.16.20

Just got Mask Nazied at BofA. .

Me: “Well, I have a condition, I can’t wear a mask, but thank you.” The “security” clerk at the door was sweet and patient but kept repeating, “I’m sorry ma’am, I’m just enforcing policy.”

I asked, “So, BofA discriminates? Because, as you probably know, if the bank still serves the public, they must make accommodations for everyone.” She said,,”Well, we do have accommodations, I can’t let you inside, but you can use the ATM.”

ME: [emphasis only, the words are important] **So, IS EVERYONE LIMITED TO THE ATM OR JUST SOME?” She said, “EVERYONE WITH A MASK IS ALLOWED INSIDE.” I said, “I see…by what authority?” She replied, “…the bank.”

ME: “Well, if you allow some people in, then you must allow all people in or is isn’t equal, it’s discrimination, isn’t it?”

SHE: “Ma’am, I’m just enforcing the rules.

ME, “I know you are…and what is your name, please?” With a very subtle sign of exasperation, she groaned, “Kelleeeeeey,” and I followed up, “…and your last name…”

Kelly “Smith”.”

“Okay, Kelly “Smith,” employed by the bank, my name is Katherine “Doe,” bank customer for 40 years. Please advise management that I am invoking ALL LAWS and statutes that guarantee protection of my rights and supersede discriminatory policies.”

She said, “If you can wait right here for ‘social distancing,’ I can let you in.”

“Okay, Kelly, I’ll wait.” And I did. For about 6 seconds and then she let me in. I went inside to withdraw the cash I could have much easier saved the hassle and gotten at the one ATM they haven’t disabled, but it’s important to assert rights, or why have them, right? As I punched in my pin the teller asked, “Was the ATM down?” I said, “No, not at all, I just wanted to see your happy face, be near people, have some human interaction, y’know.”

Teller: “Uh…hmmm…oh.”

Yes, strangely, she was annoyed. On the way out I smiled and said, “Thank you very much, Kelly Smith.”

She said, “I’m sorry, I’m just doing my job.”

ME: “Miss Kelly, my new friend, I’m going to refer you to the website so that you understand what “I’m just doing my job” actually means. I want you to be prepared because it isn’t the bank, the bank president or manager who must be held accountable first under Title 18 United States Code 241 Conspiracy Against Rights, and 18 USC 242 Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, and CA Civil Rights Code 51b and 52, it’s going to be you, personally, and the bank, bank president and manager will not able to protect you.

I know it’s harsh, Kelly, but I’m defending your rights, too. Just as I am, all Americans are DUTY-BOUND to hold the “enforcers” at the door accountable, because if we don’t *defend* our rights, then we don’t have any, isn’t that right? And I’m going to be very blunt… the Nazis were just doing their jobs, “just following orders,” and that was no defense for them at trial.

There is no law that compels anyone to wear masks or for businesses to impose them on customers, but please do read the laws they’re paying you to violate. The truth is, if “we the people” of America were morally enlightened and had the knowledge to even define a right, there wouldn’t be such a job because no one would ever do it.”

www.constitutionallawgroup.us

Subscribe to our Newsletter