James' Journal

Goodbye

2010-08-30T10:02:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

As I will be very busy over the course of the next week preparing for my entrance into the Fathers of Mercy postulancy on September 5th, 2010, this will be my last post, for the foreseeable future. May God bless you and may Mary be your Queen.

Yours in Christ Jesus,
James Walther

Priestly and deaconate Ordination

2010-06-15T21:53:00.002-05:00

I recently attended the Ordinations of two Fathers of Mercy brothers to the Deaconate, Ken and Jeul, and the ordination of the Fathers of Mercy Deacon to the Priesthood, Joseph. I was book bearer, which was interesting since His Excellency, Bishop Choby of Nashivlle, celebrated from the throne. I didn't know I could kneel on marble holding out a book for that long. It was a great blessing to be right there, to see and hear everything. One of the new Deacons, Juel, and the new Priest, Joseph, are blood brothers. I forgot to get a copy of the brochure, so I wont even try to guess Ordinandi's full names. It was a wonderful day, made better by being introduced to the bishop as a future member of the order.

Wierd

2010-06-10T00:09:00.005-05:00

I just downloaded Fedora, which is a Linux distribution. People say that I am a licensed Exrta Class geek, nerd, dork, weird, etc. and now I have to agree. I can now say that I: have written or at least edited all the code for my own site, have edited Wikipedia, type the right way, have hacked and altered programs, permanently modified my station hardware, use the geek's OS, built my own antennas, know how to drive a stick, am a homeschooler, have a telegraph key and know how to use it, can read schematics, have the highest Amateur radio license, am an Eagle scout with a full set of palms, am in an honor camper society (the Order of the Arrow), received recognition for my score on the National Financial Literacy Challenge, kicked butt in 4-H, am a NRA Light Rifle Expert Marksman, throw knives and tomahawks, have this thing about hats and liturgical attire, play guitar, like speaking in Latin, finger spelling, and basic ASL, enjoy and have written music and poetry, have read most of the Bible, can trim a horse's hooves, work on a Holstein heifer farm, can do 15 pull-ups, like the Red Green Show and Star Trek, am originally from Nashville, Tennessee, am an alter sever, and am going to become a priest. Yeah, I am weird and I am proud of it! After all normalcy and mediocrity are quite often synonymous. God bless the guys like me. :)

Dork

2010-05-26T22:29:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to go to something, but the person who was putting it on had know idea that you wanted to go; & your not sure if they would want you to go if they did; & for once you don't feel like being so rude as to tell them that you would like to go or just invite yourself; & it is starting to sink in that the time for such things is running out because your life as you know it is about to end forever? If you do then I guess I'm not the only dork who is about to go to seminary.

My Beloved

2010-05-04T00:42:00.003-05:00

I was wanting to spend the next few Saturday nights with one or another of my favorite female friends, before my official dating cutoff, May 29, 2010, the Fathers of Mercy ordination. Now I realize that to do so would be like trying to have my cake and eat it, wanting to be single and mingle up till the last minute while the one I claim to love is waiting on me. It seams that yet again I have shown that I am not the Catholic Southern Gentleman that I should be, if not in action then in words and thought, which are no better.

Yet another time when I wish that I could turn over my free will to another who will take control and lead me aright; yet, I know full well that the one who will walk arm in arm with me along the road to perfection, both spiritual and temporal, will never take control. The one I speak of is my true beloved who I so carelessly neglect. She does not force, she guides; allowing me to go astray if I so chose without ever loosing her own way. Sometimes she allows me to get tangled in the briers by the ways side, but even then as she helps me to my feet she plucks a rose, with a drop of my own blood staining a white petal as a reminder to watch both just in front of my feet and off in the distance, all the while keeping my fingers locked with hers.

As each mile, hill, and vlel passes we will grow closer together till at long last she gives herself completely to me, as undeserving as I am or will be, for though I reach the sanctity if John the Baptist it will never be enough. I cannot love her as I ought, but with God's grace I can do all things. The terrible splendor of the thought of becoming one flesh with her is beyond my comprehension, much more my pen. By the grace of God we will bear many children and they shall be of good stock (on their mother's side) and if I care for them and teach them well they may too in turn bear much fruit, generation after generation.

The knowledge of my incapacity of fulfilling my task of loving my dear as I ought should not discourage me. On the contrary it should motivate me to press on, and on, and on, for I know her Master's word to be good and he has assured me that I will be rewarded a hundred fold! With that in mind what is one more step? So I think that I shall be spending the next few Saturday nights dating after-all. I will be meeting my date at the Chapel of Divine Mercy, where we will converse, I telling my faults and she her virtues; we will smile at each other; sing to and with each other. I will fall more madly in love with her, as she reveals to me her already perfect love and I will find such happiness in her as cannot be found elsewhere this side of the Eternal Paradise, where I will be raised to perfection with her.

New Website

2010-04-12T20:56:00.002-05:00

Announcing the release of my new website: http://www.qsl.net/w4cpm/. This site automatically displays the last twelve pictures that I have received via ham radio. I get many new one daily so check back often.

God bless.
James W4CPM

Warning: FCC regulations forbids Sexually Explicit content to be transmitted over the ham bands; however, this does not effect non-American Amateurs, the rules are vague so some hams push the limit, and of course there are a few who just ignore the rules all together. If I notice impure content I will try to intercept it before it is posted and will delete it if I notice it after the fact, as I am not always at my rig when it is on. For the most part the pictures I get are clean; but, just FYI.

Easter Update

2010-04-09T20:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter, all. I expect that henceforth blogging will be light at best, as I am now in the second phase of application to the Fathers of Mercy and have a lot to do before it is time to go. God bless.

Ordination of His Excellency William Medley

2010-02-11T11:48:00.000-06:00

Deo gratias! His Excellency William Francis Medley has been consecrated and installed as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky. I was in attendance at his ordination. First off, I was greatly relived in many ways, because, to be brutally honest, I have been very skeptical about our new bishop and afraid that he would turn out to be just as liberal and spineless as so many of the bishops these days. Allot of the less important facets of the ordination grated on my nerves, specifically the guitars, the female altar servers, that none of the severs used a vimpa, and that the masters of ceremonies concelebrated instead of being in choro. Now that I got those things I don't like out let me say what I did like. I like and respect our new bishop. He is obviously zealous about his new life as our shepherd. I like that he wore an episcopal choir cassock for the mass under his vestments and that as far as I could see he wore all of the appropriate vestments in the proper way. I like his crosier, which is of a simple gold design that looked pretty solid, not one of these cheap wooden screw apart ones. I liked that he comes from a good sized family of five kids and that (as far as I could tell) all of his immediate family are in full communion with the church and that a good portion of his extended family are as well. I liked that the only ones to distribute communion were ordained clerics. I liked that at the reception my bishop wore a very nice (and by my guess roman-made) house cassock. I like that he walks with confidence, has a good hand shake, and a beaming smile. This is a good enough time to mention that I unintentionally met him at the door of the ballroom at the reception hall and he stepped right up to me smiling as big as could be and gave me a big firm handshake. I've been kicking myself for not remembering to bow and kiss his ring, but I did remember to address him as "Your Excellency", so I'm getting at least a little bit better with my hierarchical manners. I liked that he asked a bishop, who I understand to be a very holy man, to ordain him and that the bishops who were there, who I recognized at least, are strong defenders of the faith. I thought it was cool seeing to abbots from nearby abbeys wearing their miters, one of them also wore pectoral cross on a black and gold chord and a black zuchetto. I liked seeing all of the diocesan seminarians. I liked seeing over a dozen permanent deacons and a good handful of transitional deacons. I liked seeing over a hundred priest concelebrate. I liked seeing several of the Fathers of Mercy, including the Superior General concelebrate. I liked hearing the words of Our Holy Father to Bishop Medley proclaimed. I know I already said so but it bears repeating, I like my new bishop. He was so obviously excited that he almost seamed to radiate. I honestly don't think he stopped smiling the whole time. I like that he celebrated the mass reverently, with love. I like how at the end of his comments he said how much he loves us. I pray that he will become one of the next American bishop-saints. God bless Bishop Medley!

Goodbye American Idol

2010-02-04T11:24:00.000-06:00

Dear American Idol,

For years now you have entertained me and my family with your outstanding mix of talent and lack thereof. I have enjoyed the chance to vote on real artist and the suspense of waiting for the results. In the few years that I have been really paying attention to the show, the only blot on you was that revolting excuse of a human, much less a man, Adam Lambert. Dropping Paula from the cast was a let down, but you made up for it with the celebrity guest judges. I would be more than happy to keep watching you; however, I cannot in good conscience do so. What is the cause of this sudden abandonment? Ellen DeGeneres, is the simple answer. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have a qualm about watching. She is homosexual, liberal, and socialistic. She is in favor of the legalized murder of the unborn and against the right to bear arms. She has no respect for the Christian religion, least of all Catholicism. It seams that all the things for which I stand, I fight, and am ready to die for she would destroy. You might call me a homophobe or bigot and to be honest I don't mind. I am not afraid of her or any other gay person, on account of their disordered lifestyle, therefore homophobe doesn't apply to me. As for bigot, well yes I am intolerant of grave and public sin, so if that's what you mean then you are correct. The battle lines in America have been drawn and no more then I would sit down to eat with a Muslim Terrorist, will I sit down to be entertained by an Atheist Terrorist. Is terrorist a word that can be applied to Miss DeGeneres and others like her? Yes it is! In the French Reign of Terror about 40,000 people were murdered by one of the most blatantly tyrannical governments in history. Blood is said to have flowed through the streets of Paris. Since 1973, over 50 million Americans have been murdered in the womb. That figures up to, about 131 thousand more babies die per year in America than all the people who died in the 13 month long Reign of Terror. So Yes, those who support abortion and euthanasia are terrorist and I will not support them in any way shape or form, outside of that which is required in Christian charity. It saddens me that you, American Idol, the show that would show the best that America has to offer would have your best talent judged by a woman who is a traitor. You should drop America from your name OR, even better, drop Ellen DeGeneres. Goodbye, American Idol, may I be able to watch you again one day soon. God Bless America!

James

Journal Entry: 1/29/2010

2010-01-29T22:11:00.000-06:00

Was rather sick Thursday night. .... I had to skip work. Stayed in bed most of the day. Today I went back to work, but didn't stay for breakfast. .... ARES [Amateur Radio Emergency Service] is on statewide stand-by. I tried to check in, but Echolink [a program that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to link Amateur Radio stations] wasn't working on the repeater end, again. I tried to make some QSO's [Ham radio contacts], but propagation wasn't in my favor.

Journal Entry: 1/27/2010

2010-01-29T21:55:00.000-06:00

I feel bad, yet so far no other symptoms. I'll probably feel better by morning. At times I have a bit of holy envy of those who get sick and die young. What a grace it must be to suffer and die after such a short earthly exile, especially if one received last rights.

2010 March for Life

2010-01-27T10:01:00.001-06:00

Click on the photo to go to Renata Photography to see all the photos of the March for Life

God bless all those who marched and who participated spiritually and most of all may He bless America.

Journal Entry: 1/26/10

2010-01-26T22:20:00.000-06:00

Up late last night and again tonight. Filled out my tax forms. Took a bale of hay to the Fathers. Almost the whole family is sick. [A friend] is pumped about improving himself and fulfilling his potential greatness. God help him to become a saint.

Journal Entry: 1/25/2010

2010-01-25T21:44:00.000-06:00

Friday was the March for Life in Washington, DC. Since I couldn't be there I participated spiritually by [a list of spiritual exercises] offered for reparation for sins against the sanctity and dignity of human life and for it's protection from conception to natural death. I loaded the truck with wood and delivered both truck and trailer to the Fathers. Fr. [so-and-so] paid me [wouldn't you like to know] cash for the wood. Spent Saturday with [my best friend]. .... We played guitar and did [his] chores. [Another good friend] told me that she broke up with [her boyfriend]. L.T. served at Mass at the Fathers and I served for the just started monthly Sunday Holy Half-Hour for vocations. I got a Daily Roman Missal from the book give-a-way. Took Mary to 4-H Horsebowl. .... Wrapped up the first budget cycle of 2010. Today it snowed heavily several times then melted off each time. Took J.P. to Cub Scouts. Added CW and 4-H practice and daily Mass readings to daily todo list.

Journal Entry: 1/21/2010

2010-01-21T22:28:00.000-06:00

Last night and today I got to talk to [someone I haven't talked to in awhile] on Facebook and text. Worked on blog today.

Please Excuse the Mess

2010-01-21T22:25:00.002-06:00

I'm trying to remodel this blog and my coding skills are not the best and therefore not the fastest, so it may take awhile to get this thing looking professional.

Journal Entry: 1/20/2010

2010-01-20T20:10:00.000-06:00

Had a long day at Chiles. Finished filling the little trailer with wood for the Fathers. @ 5:50 pm Central time conditions are: 29.15 inHg, 52.7 degrees F, Overcast/raining, 0 Sun Spots (SS), Solar Flux Index (SFI) 84, S7 [a measurement of signal strength, with 9 being highest] QRN [non-man made interference]. American Idol was entertaining.

Journal Entry: 1/19/2010

2010-01-19T22:52:00.000-06:00

Not a super productive day, but enjoyable none the less. Pounded on the heavy bag a bit before cutting more wood for the Fathers and pistol drills. Mary and Luke bought some iTunes music on my Dell. They have good taste. I told [a friend] that $5 says that [something] doesn't last three weeks. Scott Brown won the MA special election to fill Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, killing the Dems super majority, with 59-41.

Journal Entry: 1/18/2010

2010-01-18T19:33:00.000-06:00

FYI: All post titled "Journal Entry:..." are actual entries from my journal, minus things that I do not deem appropriate to share.

Well this weekend was interesting. ...... Just knowing that that happened makes me sick with sorrow. How much it must make Christ suffer to see [the girl he loves] fall into sins of passion? May He shower His graces upon her and may she become a great saint! I had a great chat with Novice Adrian after Mass. The family went to the K of C right to life chicken dinner in Bowling Green, KY. Had a good time at YAK. Today I had an enjoyable QSO with N8GEY.

Journal Entry: 1/15/2010

2010-01-15T20:58:00.000-06:00

Today has been quite productive. My revolver shooting skills have greatly improved. i worked at Chiles Heifer Farm and cut wood for the Fathers of Mercy. I have done some of everything on my daily todo list, things ranging from radio to Latin, shooting drills to guitar scales, poetry to PT, and a bunch of other stuff. I read a Father Clare Hendrix letter and started my sixty days of rosaries like Father Tony Stephens suggested. Had a QSO with KC2DIX and got a QSL card from ND8F. Bought some music with the iTunes gift card I got for Christmas.

A Selection of Poetry: Father John Bannister Tabb

2010-01-14T14:51:00.001-06:00

Poetry

A gleam of heaven; the passion of a star
Held captive in the clasp of harmony;
A silence, shell-like, breathing from afar
The rapture of the deep—eternity.

July-August 1892 (p. 359, Quatrains: Miscellaneous)

Christ and the Pagan

I had no God but these,
The sacerdotal Trees,
And they uplifted me.
“I hung upon a Tree.”

The sun and moon I saw,
And reverential awe
Subdued me day and night.
“I am the perfect Light.”

Within a lifeless stone—
All other gods unknown—
I sought Divinity.
“The Corner-Stone am I.”

For sacrificial feast
I slaughtered man and beast,
Red recompense to gain.
“So I, a Lamb, was slain.

“Yea; such My hungering Grace
That wheresoe’er My face
Is hidden, none may grope
Beyond eternal Hope.”

1910 (p. 193, Religion: Christ)

The Peak

As on some silitary height
Abides, in summer's fierce despite,
Snow-blossom that no sun can blight,
No frost can kill;
So, in my soul—all else below
To change succumbing—stands aglow
One wreath of immemorial snow,
Unscattered still.

(Jan. 1892)

The Purification

Where, woman, is thine offering,
The debt of law and love?
“My Babe a tender nestling is,
And I, the mother-dove.”

(p. 213, Religion: An Octave to Mary)

Card. Daly - 92 - RIP

2010-01-02T17:56:00.000-06:00

Requiescat in pace.

"The Conquered Banner " and "A Reply to the Conquered Banner"

2009-11-23T21:29:00.002-06:00

Written about the Confederate flag by a Catholic priest and Confederate chaplain, this poem tugged at this Tennessee boy's heartstrings.

THE CONQUERED BANNER by Father Abram Joseph Ryan (1838-1886)

Furl that Banner, for 'tis weary;
Round its staff 'tis drooping dreary;
Furl it, fold it, it is best;
For there's not a man to wave it,
And there's not a sword to save it,
And there's no one left to lave it
In the blood that heroes gave it;
And its foes now scorn and brave it;
Furl it, hide it--let it rest!

Take that banner down! 'tis tattered;
Broken is its shaft and shattered;
And the valiant hosts are scattered
Over whom it floated high.
Oh! 'tis hard for us to fold it;
Hard to think there's none to hold it;
Hard that those who once unrolled it
Now must furl it with a sigh.

Furl that banner! furl it sadly!
Once ten thousands hailed it gladly.
And ten thousands wildly, madly,
Swore it should forever wave;
Swore that foeman's sword should never
Hearts like theirs entwined dissever,
Till that flag should float forever
O'er their freedom or their grave!

Furl it! for the hands that grasped it,
And the hearts that fondly clasped it,
Cold and dead are lying low;
And that Banner--it is trailing!
While around it sounds the wailing
Of its people in their woe.

For, though conquered, they adore it!
Love the cold, dead hands that bore it!
Weep for those who fell before it!
Pardon those who trailed and tore it!
But, oh! wildly they deplored it!
Now who furl and fold it so.

Furl that Banner! True, 'tis gory,
Yet 'tis wreathed around with glory,
And 'twill live in song and story,
Though its folds are in the dust;
For its fame on brightest pages,
Penned by poets and by sages,
Shall go sounding down the ages--
Furl its folds though now we must.

Furl that banner, softly, slowly!
Treat it gently--it is holy--
For it droops above the dead.
Touch it not--unfold it never,
Let it droop there, furled forever,
For its people's hopes are dead!

In reply to Father's poem is this:

A REPLY TO THE CONQUERED BANNER by Sir Henry Houghton, Bart. (1809-1885)

Gallant nation, foiled by numbers!
Say not that your hopes are fled;
Keep that glorious flag which slumbers,
One day to avenge your dead.
Keep it, widowed, sonless mothers!
Keep it, sisters, mourning brothers!
Furl it now, but keep it still--
Think not that its work is done.
Keep it till your children take it,
Once again to hall and make it,
All their sires have bled and fought for;
All their noble hearts have sought for--
Bled and fought for all alone!
All alone! ay, shame the story!
Millions here deplore the stain;
Shame, alas! for England's glory,
Freedom called, and called in vain!
Furl that banner, sadly, slowly,
Treat it gently, for 'tis holy;
Till that day--yes, furl it sadly;
Then once more unfurl it gladly--
Conquered banner! keep it still!

The Manhattan Declaration

2009-11-23T21:13:00.002-06:00

How many times do we think of what we would do if we were present at any number of the great moments in history? Don't we sometimes wonder how those who were there didn't seam to think of whatever was happening to be historic? This is easy to understand however when we realize that the historicity of something is its long term effects which can rarely be gaged at time of occurrence. Nowadays our mainstream media likes to tell us what is historic and what isn't, often before it even happens. No century passes without leaving its mark on history and I believe that on November 20, 2009 a document was signed that will prove to be of the same historical merit as the Declaration of Independence, the Manhattan Declaration. This document is the fruit of the collaboration of Christian leaders, from across these United States of America, seecking to make a stand against tyranny. I signed it, your turn.

http://manhattandeclaration.org/

D.C. Council vs. the Catholic Church

2009-11-16T16:39:00.002-06:00

Fools! When will people learn that persecuting the Church only makes it stronger and merits for themselves eternal damnation. What is is and what is not is not. Man cannot change truth because God is truth, itself, and man cannot change him. Hence making something immoral legal doesn't make it moral.

http://views.washingtonpost.com/post-user-polls/2009/11/dc-council-vs-the-catholic-church.html

Please, don't forget to pray and do penance for the reparation for the sins of our nation. All things are the result of virtue or vice, including our screwed up government.

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T23:27:00.001-06:00

Happy Veterans Day! God bless all of our vets and God bless our nation!

HF QSO's

2009-11-07T20:59:00.004-06:00

Well as usual the past week has been plenty busy. One cool thing about it is that I have finally started making QSO's with my new operating privileges and rig. For the time I am restricted to a little bit of 40 meters. I usually monitor 7.195 MHz. I have talked to hams in New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvanian, Alabama, and Georgia. I got my first QSL card and I plan to order a batch for myself in the next week or so. I got my G5RV and LMR400 so once I get them hung I will be ready work Sweepstakes next weekend. God bless and 73's. W4CPM

Reformation Party

2009-10-23T15:53:00.005-05:00

My cousin posted this blog post today:

http://daybygrace.blogspot.com/2009/10/why-our-new-church-is-awesome.html

Sorry I can't put the image on here for some reason.

Anyways here is my comment:

Hey Cuz, I wanted to let you know that I usually really enjoy reading your blog especially your cartoons. But today I was disappointed with you and I can't let the Reformation party cartoon go unanswered.

First of all, that is not a classy way to make a religious statement. Even if you do think my religion to be wrong, you make no converts by mocking the Catholic Church. Would Christ approve of you mocking another church?

Secondly you should rename it to "The Protestant Revolt Party." Martin Luther, himself, reformed nothing. To his credit he did help to get the ball rolling to get the Church to correct her abuses as she has done time and time again. However what may have in all honesty started out as his effort to reform the Church turned into a revolt. If he wanted to reform then why didn't he accept the invitation extended to him to present his positions at the Council of Trent. But no by that time he had received such strong backing by the German nobles who were envious of the Church's property and the ignorant peasants, who were suppressed by the same nobles, that he felt that he was powerfully enough to entirely leave the Church Christ founded. Even though he didn't represent himself at the Council his teachings were discussed in 25 sessions over a period of 18 YEARS. The Church took him seriously. The abuse of indulgences was stopped, his heresies were refuted, and the Cannon of Scripture was yet again defined as containing the same 72 books that had been in the Canon since the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD). Want to argue that? Check out a copy of the Latin Vulgate translated by St. Jerome in the 5th Century AD.

As for the quip about the Spanish Inquisition, well first off the Church tried the people it was the state that punished them, as needed. And the people who were condemned we people who were a threat to the foundations of a just society and traitors. Not to mention from what I understand Henry VIII killed far more Catholics, who usually had only mock trials if that at all, during his reign than Spain did in the whole 365 years (1478-1843) the Inquisition was in use.

And if you think Calvin's desecration of Catholic Churches was something to celebrate then ask yourself: "Was it the will of Almighty God, which one would assume he was doing if he was truly sent by God to save man from the "evils" of the Catholic Church?"

Lastly I beg you, if you have any decency do not in any way mock or allow others to mock Mary the Mother of God or the Holy Eucharist. Because if Jesus is anything like a good Tennessee boy he wont take kindly any offense given to his mother and whether you believe it or not Jesus Christ is wholly and physically present in Holy Communion: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity!

So while I and my Catholic friends are celebrating the blessed Vigil of All Saint's Day, we will stop and remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who have not yet come into the fold. May God bless you always.

Your loving cousin,
James

http://www.staycatholic.com/the_canon_of_scripture.htm

Comeback

2009-10-20T20:10:00.001-05:00

"Comeback"
James B. M. Walther
Last Revised: 6/22/09

C
Sorry about that little smack
C
But I couldn't resist a comeback
D
I guess it serves you right you know
G
For stooping down oh so low.

C
I fell for you, you fell for me
C
Should've got my heart a warranty
D
But just you wait and you will see
G
The kind of man that I will be.

Chorus:

G C
Guess what! I'm gonna be somebody.
G C D
Someday soon I'm gonna break these chains.
E
Somehow I'm gonna fly away
A E
Then you're gonna wish you'd stayed.

C
You're gonna want me then,
C
When my boat comes crashing in
D
On the winds of a hurricane
G
Whole world's gonna know my name.

C
Could've been the girl with me
C
I'm sure one day you will agree
D
By my side's the place to be.
G
I sure hope he keeps you happy.

Chorus

C
As for me I will be strong
C
I'll move on before too long
D
Wont take long when I recall
G
You weren't in for the long haul

C
Don't you worry 'bout your name
C
'cause it's not my style to defame
D
I'm not gonna take revenge
G
But if you start missin' this....

[music fades]

[spoken] Well...sounds like a personal problem.

Chorus

G C D G C D

C
I love you and wish you the best.
C
Hold those good times close to your breast.
D
Just think of me now and then
G
And what we could have been.

Chorus

PNN: Pope Benedict's Big Net

2009-10-20T13:42:00.005-05:00

Pope Benedict the XVI, an exceptional Fisher of Men, hauled in a nice sized load of Anglicans officially this week. Something interesting about this is that they will have their own prelates not under the Authority of the local ordinary, if I understand correctly. I think it will be something like how the diocese of different Rites of Catholics overlap and have different bishops. Like how there is one Byzantine Rite bishop over all of the western U.S.A.'s Byzantine Catholics but not Roman Catholics who are under their own individual bishops.

American Papist - Breaking: Vatican welcomes Anglicans into Catholic Church with Apostolic Constitution

In the Light of the Law - First thoughts on an Anglican ordinariate

What Does The Prayer Really Say? - Anglicans desiring unity will have “ordinariates”

PNN: B16 is on a bishop-making roll

2009-10-20T13:29:00.004-05:00

On Monday our Gracious Pontiff surprised the world with yet another Episcopal announcement for the diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Traditionally bishops in America are announced on Tuesdays. Father Paul D. Etienne, 50, pastor of St. Paul Church in Tell City, Indiana is the Bishop-Elect. He has two brother's who are also priest.

For more:

American Papis- Monday surprise: New bishop appointed to Cheyenne, Wyoming

Whispers in the Loggia - A-Train's Next Stop: Cheyenne

PNN: Three New Bishops

2009-10-16T23:04:00.003-05:00

From American Papist

Text:
Bishop Tri-Appointment Thursday!

Three new bishops appointed for the United States today!

Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Paul Sirba of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, as bishop of Duluth, Minnesota; Father Fernando Isern of the Archdiocese of Miami, 51, as Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado; and Msgr. Robert C. Evans, 62, of the [diocese] of Providence, Rhode Island, as Auxiliary Bishop of Providence. The pope also accepted the resignation of Bishop Arthur Tafoya, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Pueblo Diocese.

The Duluth Diocese includes 22,354 square miles. The total population of the diocese is estimated at 439,172 people, with 66,007, or 15 percent, of them Catholic.

The Pueblo Diocese includes 48,155 square miles. The total population of the diocese is estimated at 621,000 people, with 96,904, or 16 percent, of them Catholic

The Providence [diocese] includes 1,085 square miles. The total population of the diocese is estimated at 1,057,832 people, with 624,120, or 59 percent, of them Catholic

Whispers has details.

***

This is awesome! B XVI has realy been on the ball with filling the vacant dioceses. I am anxiously awaiting to get a new Shepard myself (Owensboro, KY).

Jamboree on the Air/ Internet (JOTA/ JOTI)

2009-10-16T20:36:00.005-05:00

I will be operating a JOTA station today through Sunday night. I am an Eagle Scout. My call sign is W4CPM. In order of best chance to get me:

JOTI Email: jamesw4cpm@2009.jotajoti.org
EchoLink Node Number: 470588
mIRC: ScoutLink Channel: #english Nick: JamesW4CPM
VHF Repeater: W4WSM 146.655
40 M 7.0190

JOTA/JOTI Profile: https://www.jotajoti.org/community/search.html?u=jamesw4cpm
My QTH is EM66OL, Russellville, KY

God bless. 73 WWW

Eagle Scout Unjustly Suspended

2009-10-16T14:34:00.002-05:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,567700,00.html
Support this Eagle scout, who was unjustly suspended by making the District Superintendent's phone ring off the hook!(518) 233-6850

So Sad

2009-10-14T21:42:00.001-05:00

http://www.americanpapist.com/2009/10/mature-audience-woman-describes.html

PNN: Possible Eucharistic miracle in Poland

2009-10-14T13:13:00.005-05:00

From: http://wdtprs.com/blog/2009/10/possible-eucharistic-miracle-in-poland/

Text:
From a Polish reader, comes a translation of a piece on Kronika Novus Ordo about a Eucharistic miracle:

?roda, 14 pa?dziernik 2009
Eucharist Miracle in Sokolka – Curia speaks
For our English speaking readers we have:

Communication from the Metropolitan Curia of Bialystok on the case of Eucharistic phenomena in Sokó?ka

Metropolitan Curia of Bialystok announces that the Ecclesial Commission appointed by Archbishop Edward Ozorowski (on 30 March 2009) to investigate the phenomena of the Eucharist in Sokó?ka has just completed its work. It examined and interrogated the witnesses and the patomorphology experts. Here follow conclusions.

1. On 12 October 2008 a consecrated Host fell out of hands of priest distributing Holy Communion. He has picked It up and placed in the vasculum in tabernacle. After the Mass, vasculum with contents has been transferred to the safe in sacristy.

2. On 19 October 2008 after opening the safe one could see a red stain on the Host, giving the impression of being the blood stain.

3. On 29 October 2008 the vessel with Host was transferred to the tabernacle in the chapel of the rectory. Next day The Host has been removed from the water and placed on the corporal in the tabernacle.

4. On 7 January 2009 the sample from the Host has been taken and examined independently by two professionals in patomorfology of Medical University in Bialystok. They have issued a common statement as follows: "the sample sent to assess (...) in our opinion (PhD. Maria Sobaniec-?otowska and Prof. PhD. Stanislaw Sulkowski) looks like the myocardial tissue, at least of all the tissues of living organisms it most resembles."

5. The Commission found that the Host, which was sampled for the assessment is the same that has been moved from the sacristy to the tabernacle in the chapel of the rectory. Third party intervention was not found.

Files of this case has been submitted to the Apostolic Nunciature in Warsaw.

The Case of Sokolka does not oppose to the faith of the Church, rather confirms it. Church believes that the words of consecration, by the power of the Holy Spirit, transform a bread into the Body of Christ and wine into His Blood. It also provides a call to ministers of the Holy Communion to distribute the Body of Christ with faith and attention and to faithful – to receive It with reverence.

Fr. Andrew Kakareko
Chancellor

Sort of like the miracle of Lanciano, no?

We will need to follow this.

*************************

This is awesome! It reminds me of a story of Padre Pio and another priest who was distributing communion. When the other priest ran out of host he returned to the alter with the ceborium and to his surprise there was another host inside. H asked the saint about it after the Mass and he replied, saying that the other priest's guardian angle had gathered up the fragments he dropped and returned them to the ceborium.

HF Ham Radio Rig

2009-10-13T10:44:00.002-05:00

My the main parts of my rig (minus the antenna) was just arriving via UPS when I got home from work. I got a RS-35M Power Supply, Icom 718 HF Radio, and LDG AT100PRO Automatic Tuner. Now to finish some school and assemble the buster. I'll post pictures as soon as I get some.

PNN: Priest Wins $25,000 on Poker Game Show

2009-10-13T10:34:00.003-05:00

I know it isn't the best thing ever but it isn't this.
From: GNN (Good News Now)

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Oct. 11) - A South Carolina priest has won at least $25,000 on a new poker game show airing this weekend.
The Rev. Andrew Trapp says he'll donate the money he wins on the show to his church's building fund. He's an assistant pastor at St. Michael Catholic Church.
The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that Trapp earned a spot on the show by finishing in the top 10 in an online poker tournament that began with 10,000 contestants. Show executives also liked his YouTube video audition.
Trapp has a chance to win up to $1 million in the show's December finale. The show this weekend airs Sunday.

Originally from the AP.
Dated: 2009-10-11 14:27:50

PNN: First Post

2009-10-11T22:00:00.002-05:00

For my first positive post what could be better then something to do with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Catholic Church? From: What Does The Prayer Really Say

Brick by Brick with the US Marine Corps

Text:

A note from a reader about a friend of mine, Fr. Aidan Logan, chaplain for the Marine Corps Camp Lejeune, NC:

Great news in the Wilmington, NC area – another Mass in the Extraordinary Form! Fr. Aidan Logan (a Trappist monk/Navy chaplain) is a very holy priest, and was the Catholic chaplain at the Naval Academy during my last two years there (2005-2006). He and I became good friends, and I ran into him in the Charlotte, NC airport before my pilgrimage to Lourdes last Summer. He is one of the very patient priests (along with Fr. Parkerson) who "set me straight" towards the seminary while I was in college.

Here is Fr. Aidan in action. I hope many Catholics in that area of NC can take advantage of this weekly Mass:

Here is the notice from the Diocese of Raleigh’s website:

The Forma Extraordinaria of the Mass will be celebrated every Sunday at the Catholic Chapel at Camp Lejeune beginning October 4. Father Aidan Logan, one of the Catholic Chaplains on the Marine Base will be the celebrant. At this time the Mass will be at 12:30 PM.

The Catholic Chapel is located in the St. Francis Xavier Building 17. To get on the base, a temporary pass is needed and can be obtained by stopping at the Visitor’s Center. A valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance are needed to receive a pass.

At present, five churches in the Diocese of Raleigh have scheduled regular celebrations of the Forma Extraordinaria:

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh at 4:30 PM, fourth Sunday of every month.

Sacred Heart Church in Dunn at 12:00 PM every Sunday.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rocky Mount at 6:00 PM every Sunday.

Saint Mary Church in Wilmington at 7:00 PM, the last Sunday of every month.

There is a picture with the post that you can view at the original link. God bless.

James' Journal and the Positive News Network

2009-10-11T21:20:00.002-05:00

As you know if you read this this with any regularity, this blog has no real defined purpose. I post things ranging from my most recent brain fart to news, religion, politics, essays, songs, journal entries, etc. Lately I haven't posted (but I am Tweeting fairly regularly) much because I am extremely busy. I am still working at Chiles Heifer Farm and as it gets colder and the corn and beans are getting harvested I am working allot more hours. On top of that I am super fired up about getting my high school work done soon, since my trip to Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut to hang out the the Fathers of Mercy brothers. If it is God's will then soon after I finish school I will join their order, next spring or the following winter. That plus I promised myself that I wont buy my HF ham radio rig until I get done with first quarter and JOTA (Jamboree on the Air) is next weekend! Long story short I'm busy. Oh and if your wondering the reason why I'm not doing school right now is because I don't work, shop or do school on Sundays if I can avoid it.

Anyways soon after I post this you will see some changes to this blog. It will have a purpose! It will be an outlet for my thoughts and interest as usual but I will be adding PNN, the Positive News Network. I have gotten so sick and tired of reading nothing but bad news that I had decided that for my own good I need to read at least one positive or funny new article a day and since I have this blog I may as well share. So I hope you enjoy the changes and keep reading. God bless.

James

The Real Definition of Love

2009-10-11T21:10:00.002-05:00

I recently realized how silly and un-Catholic I have been all this time trying to figure out the authentic meaning of the word love. It was one of those, "Oh...no duh," moments. I should have checked the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The CCC defines love (i.e. charity): The theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. (CCC Paragraph #1822). "Roma locuta est, causa finita est" ("Rome has spoken, the case is closed")

iPod Touch

2009-10-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

This is my first post from my new iPod Touch. This thing is pretty sweet!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch

Twitter

2009-09-29T22:27:00.002-05:00

Hey my Twitter gadget on the side bar isn't seaming to work right at the moment but if you head on over to www.twitter.com/jameswalther you will still get to read about my rip up here to Holy Apostles Seminary. I would update it even more then I have been but I can only do it when I'm at my PC because Twitter doesn't work with my cell. While you are there feel free to follow me. God bless.

One Year Latter

2009-09-29T19:29:00.002-05:00

I didn't have Internet for a few days so I couldn't post this earlier. On as of September 27, 09 one year after I started using Google Analytics, and not counting however many visitors this blog has had during two cases when analytics stopped working, this blog has had 378 visitors. I know, I know American Papist gets that many in a day, but for me that is pretty cool. So Thanks for reading and God bless.

Makes You Stop and Think

2009-09-29T19:24:00.003-05:00

Question 1: If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion? Read the next question before looking at the response for this one. Question 2: It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts. Here are the facts about the three candidates. Candidate A: Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with astrologists. He's had two mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 Martinis a day. Candidate B: He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening. Candidate C: He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never committed adultery. Which of these candidates would be our choice? Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt. Candidate B is Winston Churchill. Candidate C is Adolf Hitler. And, by the way, on your answer to the abortion question: If you said YES, you just killed Beethoven. Pretty interesting isn't it? Makes a person think before judging someone. Remember: Amateurs ... Built the ark. Professionals ... Built the Titanic

The Lost Symbol and The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown's 20 worst sentences

2009-09-25T12:45:00.003-05:00

The Lost Symbol, the latest novel by The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown, has gone on sale. We pick 20 of the clumsiest phrases from it and from his earlier works.

From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/6194031/The-Lost-Symbol-and-The-Da-Vinci-Code-author-Dan-Browns-20-worst-sentences.html

Here is my favorite:

16. The Da Vinci Code, chapter 4: A voice spoke, chillingly close. "Do not move." On his hands and knees, the curator froze, turning his head slowly. Only fifteen feet away, outside the sealed gate, the mountainous silhouette of his attacker stared through the iron bars. He was broad and tall, with ghost-pale skin and thinning white hair. His irises were pink with dark red pupils.

A silhouette with white hair and pink irises stood chillingly close but 15 feet away. What’s wrong with this picture?

This dude is pathetic. Some of the things in the list are worse than what I wrote when I tried to write a book at the age of eight!

100th Post

2009-09-25T12:43:00.002-05:00

This has been fun so far! God bless and thanks for reading.

A Prayer

2009-09-25T11:25:00.004-05:00

Dearest Guardian Angel, please carry this petition to the throne of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, my beloved Mother, by and with John Paul the Great, Abp. Fulton Sheen, and Fr. Rauzan intercede for me to your divine Son that I may clearly know His Will for me, that I have the strength and grace to fulfill it perfectly, for my studies, and for the grace to become a saint.

Please bless these three holy men with canonization, soon.

St. Joseph -Pray for us.
St. Martin de Porres
Sts. Peter and Paul
St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Terese of Lisieux
St. John Vianney

Sacred Heart of Jesus -Have mercy on us.

Geek

2009-09-23T22:04:00.003-05:00

Yes, I have completed my meltdown, by getting a twitter. I am now officially a technology geek. I now have: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blog, YouTube, Texting, and a General Class Amateur Radio License (W4CPM).

Holy Apostles College and Seminary

2009-09-23T21:57:00.002-05:00

Next week promises to be exciting for me, as I plan to visit Holy Apostles College and Seminary. It is the school that the Fathers of Mercy send their students. I hope that this experience will help me in my discernment process, so all the prayers that you can provide will be appreciated. Thanks and God bless in advance.

Girls are like alcohol.

2009-09-23T21:48:00.002-05:00

Girls are like alcohol.
They are better left entirely alone.
They both make you warm inside.
They have a tendency to make you talk funny.
They both mess with your sleep schedule.
They both give you headaches and stomachaches.
When it is all over everything that happened is a blur.
When it is all over you wonder why the heck you did that.
Girls are like alcohol.
Stay Sober!

MODERN DAY THREATS

2009-09-08T21:30:00.002-05:00

Got this in an email forward today.

MODERN DAY THREATS

THE POLITICIANS ARE COMING
THE POLITICIANS ARE COMING

Listen my children and you shall hear

of the midnight raid we all must fear.

In the halls of Congress, they will gather

and they'll speak a bunch of blather.

Deep within this mindless gab,

you'll find a massive POWER GRAB.

In the halls of Congress they'll decide,

to take their country for a ride.

With sweetheart deals and dirty tricks,

they'll do what they call politics.

While the nation is asleep,

they'll vote just like a flock of sheep.

Their love of country is not deep.

Most of them are chicken bleep.

They think we don't know how to figure,

for us they plan to use a " TRIGGER ".

There'll come a day, we'll wish we hung 'em.

There's not a patriot Among 'em.

So, do whatever that you can,

to stop this " SCREW AMERICA " plan.

Warn your neighbors, but do not cuss,

just show it's bad for all of us.

It doesn't do much good to shout,

but we MUST hold on till we VOTE THEM OUT.

PADDY O ----------- Cadiz , Kentucky ------------9-8-09

Congratulations to Me

2009-09-04T14:15:00.005-05:00

I haven't had much time to blog recently, which is a good thing because it means I have more productive things to do, but I would like catch up sorta. A few weeks back I passed the General Class Amateur License Exam. The weekend of the Assumption picnic at the Fathers was fun and busy. Had a great time at Order of the Arrow Ordeal. This past week I turned 17 woot woot! And then, last night I earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palm. August went by fast but as they say, "time flies when you are having fun." God bless and have a great September.

New Superior General

2009-09-04T14:03:00.005-05:00

Officially as of Tuesday morning the Fathers of Mercy have a new Superior General: the great, the corny, the shy, the green thumbed, the wise, the kind, my confessor, possibly my future Superior, Very Reverend David Wilton! The Fathers once every 6 years meet for the General Chapter of the Order and at that time select from among themselves a holy priest to lead them until then next chapter. The last Superior General was Father Billy Casey. I am sure that Fr. David will do a great job and I pray that God will guide him as he guides the course of his great society. Father David, may God bless you always.

Two Thousand Words

2009-08-08T20:34:00.005-05:00

What Doe the Prayer Really Say

Mass for Clunkers

2009-08-08T20:25:00.003-05:00

Creative Minority

July 2009

2009-07-31T21:11:00.019-05:00

Well this has been yet another good month. I'd like to start off by saying good luck and God bless to the former Brother Tony S. of the Fathers of Mercy. I hope that you find and follow God's path to sainthood for you.

For a little while there I was trying to blog once a week or more but that fell through because there are so many more important things for me to do with my time so for the most part I am back to a few big ones per month.

In the scouting department I have made some progress as expected toward my silver palm. Over summer camp I all but completed 5 merit badges: Fish and Wildlife Management, Nature, Fishing, Music, and Motor Boating. I had a blast. My tent buddy was the infamous Mr. Alex H. That boy is one to hit the beach with and a strong Catholic to boot.

Tuesday was the weekly Scout Master Steak Dinner when the campers are left in the care of the staff and this year there was a anything that floats race. So with that in mind during my free time the day of I and a few other scouts lashed together the "Redneck Yacht" out of 8 sticks, 2 water coolers, 3 water jugs, a spare tire, and a whole lot of cord and string. THAT is what I call a boat catch was that it was in the cove of our campsite and the race was upriver, against the wind, tide, and ever other sort of resistance available at the Camp Craig Boat Harbor. Plus all I had to paddle was a 5 foot pole and it didn't make a good paddle at all. So about 100 yards from where I started I hailed a guy and his hot daughter who were on boat heading in my direction and asked for a tow. No I didn't get her number. Needless to say I was a instant celebrity when I finally got to the harbor after the race was already over. Several of the directors were on site when I arrived and they laughed and took pictures....while the boaters were around.....when they left I really wanted to be invisible. lol Na it wasn't that bad; but, when I asked for a staff app the camp director told me not to request to work at the water front.

The O.A. cracker barrel was a ton of fun. I traded for a ton of patched. My favorite of which is:
To see my collection follow this link.

I participated in the Boxwell Triathlon, coming in 11th place up from like 17th last year. In general summer camp at Boxwell Camp Craig is like it always is a BLAST!

I just recently was appointed to the troop position of responsibility of Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and am looking forward to that getting to put my experience to more use in my troop.

In the Amateur Radio side of my life I have been active as well. I recently purchased a "MFJ Featherweight Boom Microphone" (MFJ-293R) and a "MFJ 5/8 Wave 2/6 Meter Magnet Mount Mobile" (MFJ-1728B), plus a SMO-283 to SMA female and a SMA male-male coupler. All those combined with my Yaesu VX-7R have greatly improved my radio experience. The antenna especially has made a drastic improvement in my RST reports. Now I can finally participate in my local net while operating mobile! To really improve my collection I plan on going to a hamfest in the near future to upgrade my license and purchase a Yaesu FT-857D, a "Mighty Mite" (MFJ-925), and a "MFJ All Band Doublet" (MFJ-1777).

Work is going well at the Chiles Heifer Farm. I enjoy farm work and getting paid makes it all the better. The My Dreams Come True Miniature Horse Farm is one of the places where I regularly trim and I just want to say it is my favorite. Minis are fun little animals. Anyways I still trim from time to time and really enjoy the supplemental income.

School is also going well. School....in July? Yes, I do school year round. It is one of the effects of homeschooling and not conforming to the standards in education of the day....and getting off schedule. In Latin I am coming along slowly but surely and about the same in everything else.

Church life is, as it should be, the most peaceful part of my life. The Fathers of Mercy recently got 2 new postulates and I will say I expect this to be a interesting year. Please pray for the Father's upcoming General Chapter. This is their order's every seven year official get together when they will elect a new Superior General among other things. Last week I got to help the Fathers of Mercy work on their new cattle handling facilities. That was fun and while I was there I got to eat a Philly cheese steak sandwich for the first time. My complements to the chef, Fr. Tom Sullivan. I also have recently got to go to a Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball game, also a first, the Sacred Heart Alter Severs sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The game itself sucked, home team losing 8-0. But it was worth it because the Fathers of Mercy had been invited also as guest of the Bowling Green Knights chapter. They came for the most part all in one group and when they were on their way in they were asked if they wanted to do the various sponsored activities between innings and they agreed. I screamed my head off for them, while I hardly payed any attention to the rest of the game.

My social life has been interesting to say the least. I am probably the only guy to go to summer camp and come home with 5 new girls texting him. One of them, from Murfreessboro, TN, I particularity came to like so I met her and her family at a Theater about halfway between us and we watched the new transformers movie. It was rele good. It kinda threw me off when I and my brother stepped up to buy the tickets we each bought two, 1 for us and 1 for our date (he was her sister's date), and the girls were surprised. They said that most other guys would have made them buy their own. To which I pointed out that we two are not like other guys. But seriously come on guys what ever happened to you buying the tickets and food, getting the door.....wait a minute I forgot to get her car door, dang, better remember that next time I go out. I had a great time and I hope y next date is as good as my first! Sad part of the story is that when I got home she text me to say that she just went out with me to be nice and that she liked some other dude. THAT SUCKS! Needless to say I was slightly mopey about it the next day, but that is where my mom and friends come in and now I am back to my normal self...but still, dang, that sucks. She is one heck of a girl.

This month I have also got to spend some time with two of my best friends one of whom I don't get to see very often. While I was spending the night at my best friend's house we watched "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and I highly suggest it. I got to spend time with the other friend at a livestock expo. One evening I got to spend with my family's house keeper, Mrs. Cynthia, and watch "Doubt". That is a sad movie and sadly it is based on true stories.

My guitar playing is improving slowly but surely. I am getting much better with barr chords. The four songs that I play the most are "Rocky Top" by the Osborne Brothers, "If Today was Your Last Day" by Nickelback, "The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key, and "Comeback" which I wrote.

Well that is all the things that come to my mind about the past month. So if they aren't on here then they didn't need to be in writing or then they weren't that important. May God bless you and keep you in his care. - James, W4CPM

Brilliant Video - Overpopulation: The Making of a Myth

2009-07-31T17:25:00.002-05:00

Saw this on American Papist

From PRI:
Founded in 1989, the Population Research Institute is a non-profit research and educational organization dedicated to objectively presenting the truth about population-related issues, and to reversing the trends brought about by the myth of overpopulation. Our growing, global network of pro-life groups spans over 30 countries.

Rights for distribution are granted so long as proper attribution is given. All articles are under copyright by PRI unless otherwise noted.

When insults were an art form

2009-07-22T10:58:00.000-05:00

There was a time when words were used beautifully. These glorious insults are from an era when cleverness with words was still valued, before a great portion of the English language was boiled down to four-letter words!

The exchange between Churchill and Lady Astor: She said, "If you were my husband, I'd give you poison," and he said, "If you were my wife, I'd take it."

Gladstone, a member of Parliament, to Benjamin Disraeli: "Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease."
"That depends, sir," said Disraeli, "On whether I embrace your policies or your mistress."

"He had delusions of adequacy." - Walter Kerr

"She has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire." - Winston Churchill

"A modest little person, with much to be modest about." - Winston Churchill

"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure." -Clarence Darrow

"He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary." - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway).

"Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words?" - Ernest Hemingway (about William Faulkner)

"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it." - Moses Hadas

"He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know." - Abraham Lincoln

"I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." - Mark Twain

"He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." - Oscar Wilde

"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend.... if you have one." - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill

"Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second... if there is one!" - Winston Churchill, in response.

"I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here." - Stephen Bishop

He is a self-made man and worships his creator." - John Bright

"I've just learned about his illness. Let's hope it's nothing trivial." - Irvin S.. Cobb

"He is not only dull himself, he is the cause of dullness in others." - Samuel Johnson

"There's nothing wrong with you that reincarnation won't cure." -Jack E Leonard

"He has the attention span of a lightning bolt." - Robert Redford

"They never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge." - Thomas Brackett Reed

"In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always yielded easily." - Charles, Count Talleyrand

"He loves nature in spite of what it did to him." - Forrest Tucker

"Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?" - Mark Twain

"His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork." - Mae West

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."- Oscar Wilde

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support, rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

"He has Van Gogh's ear for music." - Billy Wilder

"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it." - Groucho Marx

Morning Offering

2009-07-21T12:51:00.003-05:00

This is the morning offering that I pray and I couldn't find a copy of it online so I thought I would post it since I needed to type it up anyways.

Morning Offering
by Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Oh my God, I offer Thee all my prayers, works, and sufferings of this day in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for which He pleads and offers Himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in thanksgiving for Thy favors, in reparations for my offenses, and in humble supplication for my temporal and eternal welfare, for the needs of our holy Mother the Church, the conversion of sinners, and the relief of the poor souls in Purgatory. I wish to gain all the indulgences attached to the prayers I shall say and to the good works I shall perform this day.

Pope Breaks Wrist

2009-07-17T21:46:00.002-05:00

B-16 broke his right wrist sometime last night and the tough old man had breakfast, said mass, and when he got to the hospital insisted that he wait in line like everyone else.

http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2009/07/patient-released.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/world/europe/18pope.html

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia

2009-07-04T16:27:00.002-05:00

This is pretty cool. The only sister from this video that I am sure that I know is Mother Maria, who I et when she was the principle of St. Rose's Catholic School in Murfreesboro, TN. I think that if I was a girl I would be first in their vocations line. Talk about a Catholic, fun, hard working group of gals.

July 4th, 2009

2009-07-04T16:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Independence Day #233!

AARL Field Day

2009-06-25T15:59:00.002-05:00

Quotes of Interest: Confucius

2009-06-17T14:01:00.004-05:00

I am not bothered by the fact that I am unknown. I am bothered when I do not know others.

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. Then no friends would not be like yourself (all friends would be as loyal as yourself). If you make a mistake, do not be afraid to correct it.

If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots (a small-to-middle-size state), you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your word, be economical in expenditure and love the people. You should use them according to the seasons(i.e. You should not enlist farmers during seeding or harvest time).

When the Superior Man eats he does not try to stuff himself; at rest he does not seek perfect comfort; he is diligent in his work and careful in speech. He avails himself to people of the Tao and thereby corrects himself. This is the kind of person of whom you can say, 'he loves learning.'

Reviewing what you have learned and learning anew, you are fit to be a teacher.

The Superior Man is all-embracing and not partial. The inferior man is partial and not all-embracing.

To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous.

To throw oneself into strange teachings is quite dangerous.

Yu [a disciple], shall I teach you about knowledge? What you know, you know, what you don't know, you don't know. This is true wisdom.

See a person's means (of getting things). Observe his motives. Examine that in which he rests. How can a person conceal his character?

Listen widely to remove your doubts and be careful when speaking about the rest and your mistakes will be few. See much and get rid of what is dangerous and be careful in acting on the rest and your causes for regret will be few. Speaking without fault, acting without causing regret: 'upgrading' consists in this.

If I hear the Way [of truth] in the morning, I am content even to die in that evening.

When your father is alive, observe his will. When your father is dead observe his former actions. If, for three years [after the death of your father] you do not change from the ways of your father, you can be called a 'real son (xiào/hsiao)'.

The cautious seldom err.

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

Virtue (or the man of virtue) is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

The Superior Man is aware of Righteousness, the inferior man is aware of advantage.

They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.

To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.

To give one's self earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

The superior man, extensively studying all learning, and keeping himself under the restraint of the rules of propriety, may thus likewise not overstep what is right.

The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration: this may be called perfect virtue.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place when all the stars are rotating about it.

The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.

When you serve your mother and father it is okay to try to correct them once in a while. But if you see that they are not going to listen to you, keep your respect for them and don't distance yourself from them. Work without complaining.

When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers. I will select their good qualities and follow them, their bad qualities and avoid them.

If the Superior Man is not serious, then he will not inspire awe in others. If he is not learned, then he will not be on firm ground. He takes loyalty and good faith to be of primary importance, and has no friends who are not of equal (moral) caliber.
When he makes a mistake, he doesn't hesitate to correct it.

When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.

The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
As always these quotes are taken from en.wikiquote.com.

Fathers of Mercy Deaconate Ordination

2009-06-15T15:03:00.007-05:00

Well this weekend was pretty exciting at the Fathers of Mercy in South Union, KY and I was right in the middle of it.

Saturday I was up bright eyed and bushy tailed. Almost a month prior to, Fr. Lou and Fr. David had asked me to serve as crosier barer for the Deaconate Ordination Mass of Brother Joseph Aytona. That was really cool for a variety of reasons. First of all I had never severed a ordination of any type. Second it was the first ordination in the new Chapel of Divine Mercy. Third Br. Joseph was about 4 months away from finishing up his novitiate year, so he is the first one my family has seen from novitiate to ordination, six years. Fifth it is always cool to serve a bishop.

I got the Padre's plenty early and got myself vested. I got to meet the celebrant, Ronald Gainer, D.D., Bishop of Lexington. I was so proud of myself because I remembered to use the proper address, "Your Excellency." Then I prayed my morning prayers in the choir stalls, which at the new chapel they aren't the traditional stalls the are just regular pews flanking the altar in the sanctuary, so I was right up close to the tabernacle. I grabbed a After that I got my marching orders from the two M.C.s of the day Frs. Lou and Tony. Then I odds and ends until it was time to rock and roll. One of the first things I noticed about the Bishop when he came out of the Priest's sacristy (there are 3 of them: Altar Boy, Priest, and Working) was that he was wearing a choir cassock under his sacred vestments. Now the cool thing about these cassocks is that for bishops the color is purple with amaranth red piping, plus I had never actually seen a bishop wear one in person. So it was pretty cool not to mention a pretty sound testament of the good Bishop's orthodoxy.

Andrew, the miter bearer, and I were at the very back of the procession apparently so we would be convenient to attend to the Bishop. We didn't get that memo so we were not at all ready when Fr. Lou took the miter and crosier and tried to hand them to us. As non-bishops we are not supposed to touch them because they are sacred vestments particular to a bishop, which is why we wear vimpa veils (Fr. Lou can because he was M.C.). So we had to find the hand holes in the vimpas as fast as we could and grab our respective stuff. We also didn't get the memo that we were to wait until after he genuflected to do our head bow and go to our seats, so I almost tripped over a kneeling bishop. The rest of Mass was spent staying in the same spot, which is odd for a sever, or giving the bishop his crosier at the appropriate times.

It was really cool to get to see a guy go from a seminarian in perpetual vows to the rank and order of deacon like 10 feet away from me. When we processed in he was dressed in his habit covered by amice, alb, and cincture. After the readings, responsorial psalm, and the gospel. Br. Joseph was called to the altar where he was presented to the bishop. Then the Bishop gave his homily. The audio of which can be found here. Then he called Brother back to the alter where he was questioned and reaffirmed his vow of celibacy. Next was the Litany of Supplication during which all the gathered faithful prayed that God will pour out his grace on the Deacon-Elect, who lays prostrate before the altar of sacrifice. Then Brother knelt before the seated bishop who then laid hands on him and prayed over him and he became a transitional deacon. He is a transitional deacon because he is on the road to the priesthood versus a permanent deacon. Fr. Bill Casey, CPM assisted the new Deacon to vest in the deacon stole, and dalmatic.

The new Deacon again knelt before the bishop who at that point was holding the Book of Gospels in his lap. He took hold of the book and while both of them were holding it the bishop said to him, "Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach." Next with obvious joy they exchanged the sign of peace. Fr. Wade M., CPM, who had been sitting in the first concelebrant's seat, moved and the new deacon took his place at the bishop's right hand. Deacon Joseph's first task as a deacon was to prepare the gifts at the altar, which he was obviously out of place doing.

After that Mass went on as usual. It was neat to see him venerate (kiss) he altar for the first time with the bishop at the end of Mass. I mean that is like kissing the bride at a wedding. He has bee married to the Church for about 9 months now but now he is in Holy Orders so it is a bit different.

Andrew and I again followed the bishop out but this time we didn't step on him. As usual we recessed with the priest and prayed the "Deo Gratias" (I have no idea if that is the way to spell it or not). Of course there was a reception with food to spare. In all it was an awesome occasion. God bless Deacon Joseph and all the Fathers of Mercy!

Monday Catholic Joke

2009-06-15T14:13:00.000-05:00

This is from American Papist and it bears reposting.

Forwarded by a friend, made me smile on a Monday:

A guy goes into the confessional box. He notices on one side a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On the other wall is a dazzling array of the finest Cuban cigars. Then the priest comes in.

"Father, forgive me, for it's been a very long time since I've been to confession, but I must first admit that the confessional box is much more inviting these days."

The priest replies "Get out. You're on my side."

Kentucky State 4-H Horse Contest

2009-06-14T20:56:00.004-05:00

Monday the 7th, was a good day. I started off by working till noon. Then I headed home, threw my stuff together, and rode with my mom and my sister to Lexington for the Kentucky State 4-H Horse Contest. When I got to the Holiday Inn where we stay and the contest is held at two of my three teammates (all of them are girls) were already in the pool so I pitched my stuff in the room, changed, and joined them. I had a good time wasting time. I found out that the two of the girls from my team that were there are single and well I've had a crush on one of them so I tried to flirt and all that but I butted a brick wall. It was pretty funny because the rest of the team picked up on it right away and teased the rest of the event. We pretty much piddle farted all afternoon. Our primary source of entertainment after we got out of the pool was chasing each other from one end of the hotel to the other. We stayed up until about midnight.

Tuesday we were up bright and yearly for Kelsey and Chelsea's team demonstration. I thought it was pretty rough but they tried. Our Junior Horse Bowl teams were knocked out before two long. In the mean time we played around at nothing and I found a basket of carrots in the lobby, next to the peppermints. I have no idea why they were there but I do know they tasted pretty good and the basket never ran out. I got to see a bunch of my old friends from Christian County the Bell and Holmes families. Those two families have their own junior team which my mom calls the Mr. Smithson team because of their mutual Grandfather. We went to lunch and Subway and then did just about nothing until it was our turn. We made it through only 3 rounds of double elimination, losing our 1st and 3rd rounds. We piddled around a bunch more. Then we went to supper at Golden Coral and I ate good.

When we got back we all jumped in the pool and I quickly became bored with the girls conversation. So since part of my propose in going to the thing was to socialize and have a blast with all my 4-H buds, including flirting with every hot, cute, country, or otherwise attractive teen female present, I headed over to the hot tub. I did what I came to do. lol I had fun. I talked mostly to a bunch of girls who I've been competing with for years. Then when I had been sitting there for awhile a girl came up who I don't think I'd had the pleasure of meeting before. That girl is Katelyn and Katelyn is, as far as I can tell, a pretty cute country girl. My team came by for a sec then they left for ice cream and didn't tell me. Apparently they wanted to have girl time and thought I would has plenty well occupied with talking to Katelyn. Well good thing I was. We talked till it was time for both of us to go to our rooms.

Thursday I was again up at 6 am and got ready for the Hippology, which means the study of the horse, competition. I was planing on giving Katelyn a business card so she could find this wonderful blog among various ways of contacting me. Well it was a great idea catch was it turned out to be a bit comical to pull off. You see the night before at the pool she had her hair up, she is blond, and fairly short, and I thought I knew her name but I am bad with names, so I wasn't sure. Well this other girl had her hair the same way and the same color and abut the same hight and even though she didn't have the right name I wasn't sure I had the right name. I gave the card to the wrong girl. It wasn't until I saw them sit down in the same room that I realized my mistake and got the card to the right girl. It was too late the wrong girl's team had already found out my name. I have never been called after so many times in my life. What made it worse is that I am pretty sure they were all juniors.

The Hippology contest was the fastest anyone can remember; we were done at 10:30am. It usually doesn't end until 4pm! I thought it was pretty easy but it seams that everyone else thought so too. It is a fun competition and kudos to all the 4-H volunteers and the UK people who put it on each year. I had a good time.

After the contest my mom, my sister, and I went shopping. We went to a music store and I got to try out a Peavey Vyper 30W and let me tell you what they are good amps. I plan on ordering one as soon as I get the money. I need some parts for my camelbak so we went to Dick's and found...the packages we needed some ding dongs stole the valves out of the packages so I couldn't buy any. I followed my mom around the Lexington Mall for awhile before heading out to find another sporting goods store. I fell asleep during that mission and didn't wake up till we got back to the hotel. Where I proceeded to piddle some more.

I saw a bunch of 4-Her's getting their group pictures who I seamed to recognized so I said hey. Was I quickly reminded of why I thought I remembered them or what. It was tonsil county. Actually it was Hardin County, a great bunch of girls a guys who I have been competing against for years. Last year in one of the breaks between competitions I was on a couch reading a book when one one the Hardin County girls who was sitting on the couch next to me say something about some couple they both knew making out and when they got done the girl said "You touched my tonsils." Ever since the Hardin county 4-H Horse club has been known to me as Tonsil County. We had a blast chit chatting about just about everything under the sun. And before I left we all exchanged contact info so we can chat throughout the year instead of just two days a year.

I didn't get called at all during the awards dinner. *sigh* Oh well I knew I was going for the socializing not the competing without having practiced at all beforehand. The one thing I' really disappointed about is that if I had placed in the top few I would have gotten to go to Southern Regionals and the Quarter Horse Congress and have that many more chances to goof off with my 4-H friends. After the awards I rode home and texted pretty much the whole way.

Thursday I took Luke and Chris to Scouts Joe rode with his parents. Chris is still in Troop 303 but I doubt he will be much longer. He was really impressed with the way 123 runs.

Friday, I got unlimited texting and a paycheck.

God bless. Soon I'll write about the Fathers of Mercy Ordination and Corpus Christi celebration.

June 12th, 2009

2009-06-12T21:36:00.010-05:00

Well I meant to start writing at lease once every week but, I guess I have been so busy the last two weeks I just haven't gotten the chance.

The First of the Month, Monday, I didn't go to the Troop 303 meeting for the first time in awhile. It was odd but it isn't my troop anymore so there is no reason for me to go and at the moment there are reasons for me to not go.

Tuesday, I skiped my O.A. meeting. I wanted to go but because I moved to 123 I moved districts from Lost River to Alottawatta (yes that is actually the name) so instead of having to go to Bowling Green I am supposed to go to Princeton, KY. As much as I hate driving, not gonna happen. So instead I went to the S.K.A.T.S. meeting. The club members voted to have it in Franklin, KY at Mamma Gentry's Restaurant for a change from the usual Logan County Hospital cafeteria. I learned some new stuff and enjoyed getting to meet some of the people I have been listening to and talking to over the airwaves.

Wednesday the 3rd, I went looking for one of my dad's heifers. I didn't find the cow but I did get a job offer. Chiles Heifer Farm was in need of a hand 6 days a week 7am to noon and the pay was a pretty good rate. I was all over that. The job would be to feed four bathes of the 400 total heifers on his farm, plus any and all other farm chores that he needed doing.

Thursday I showed up for my first day of work just before 7am. I got a few hours in before I had to run to a dentist appointment. I was supposed to get a few fillings which I got. Just after I got my numbing shot I asked the hygienist to please turn on the radio. Well she didn't get to it until after I was already numb and she had no idea how to work the radio. It was pretty funny. She tried, then she got another hygienist to try to get it to work then they got the dentist to get it to work. Even then the reception wasn't great and the station was obviously not what the Dentist expected me to like, a local pop/rap station. Fortunately I like a broad variety of music. The funniest part was that I am a licensed Amateur Radio Operator and I knew exactly what they needed to do but, my mouth wasn't working where I could tell them logically and I wasn't getting up and fixing it. As soon as she let me up I did fix the problem and was able to get a country radio station about 25 miles away. Then on the way back to the waiting room the hygienist noted that I would have to comeback to get the filling on the other side done. I quickly asked if I could get it finished right then so she asked Dr. Kerr who agreed. Apparently they don't like numbing both sides of someone's mouth because both of them asked me if I was sure I wanted to be numb on both sides and then he would only numb me a little. They got that done pretty quick and I got to go home but let me tell you I walked around with about the dumbest expression on my face the rest of the day. I couldn't close my mouth without effort for several hours and I even drooled without knowing it at first. That night I took my usual load of scouts to Hoptown for our 123 meeting.

I spent most of Friday in Hopkinsville getting a new bottom retainer made because I broke the bottom half of the first set. I spent most of my wait time piddling at the music store, playing various guitars and stuff. Then I remembered that I had something sooooo much better I could be doing with my time so I went over to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church which has perpetual adoration and spent the next 45 in praying that a friend of mine converts and finds true happiness in Christ and his Church. Then I babysat while my parents got to goof off in Nashville all afternoon.

Saturday I got to go to work bright and yearly and had a big enjoyable breakfast. Got my work done and got my first paycheck. When I got home I found out that I was getting the day off because the hay that I was supposed to be picking up right then wasn't going to get baled until Sunday. I tried to go out but that failed so I just spent the rest of the day piddling at home doing this, that, and the other.

Sunday, I severed Mass and as soon as I was out I was on the run and didn't stop until I hit the sack at about 11 pm. I drove about 4 hours total. I was all over the place. Allison helped a ton with the hay, even after jamming her thumb pretty bad, and so did Fr. Tony Stephens, CPM. The brothers were itching to work but Fr. Bill, the Superior General, said that since it was a Sunday and because they had a busy week ahead they were to rest. Dear Br. Ken did come out and take pictures and helped shove the last bale to the top of the loft, though. I think the final count was 440 square bales. YAK was fun. The topic in JP II's Theology of the Body was celibacy. I know I was beaming when one of the host, Jason Evert came close to comparing the priesthood with Navy SEALS. I will say looking up there at that them at the consecration they do always strike me as looking like soldiers. Now that I have been around the Fathers of Mercy about 6 years I also see that they are bridegrooms. The Mass is to them the battlefield between heaven and hell and their bedchamber. It was from Fr. Louis C., CPM that I learned that when the priest kisses the altar he kisses his bride, the Church. After YAK I drove Allison home.

God bless. I'll try to not be so tardy with the next installment.

Mary's May 2009 #2

2009-06-03T13:44:00.008-05:00

Well as I said in y lost post about the month May was good and productive.

I got to go work for some friends from co-op to haul hay and made enough to buy my Mini-Marshall half stack. It sounds great. Now I am working on saving up for a Peavey Viper 30 W. I've been learning to play "Dueling Banjos" by the CDB on "Katie". I yesterday I got another sticker for her in the mail from the ARRL.

I've been reading Mr. Bruce Sullivan's book Christ in His Fullness. I had heard it was good but I hadn't taken the time to read it. I gave it to a friend of mine who seams pretty lost and so I had to read it so when I was quizzed on it I would know what she was talking about. It is really good! In it Mr. Sullivan tells his conversion story which keeps it interesting and the why of his conversion which makes it deep. He does a great job of presenting the faith in a way that would be difficult to not understand if you are a devout Christian of any flavor. Catholics especially are able to gain insight into what the average protestant thinks of us and his understanding of the Scriptures.

I got to go to a fellow 303 Eagle, Brett Cropper's, Court of Honor. I had a good time. It was enjoyable. It is always good to see someone climb to the peak and in so doing earn their wings. I wish Brett a happy and prosperous life.

I am in the middle of transferring from Troop 303 Russellville to Troop 123 Hopkinsville. I am rather excited though to get the opportunity to go to Boxwell Scout Reservation for one last summer camp. This year will be my 7th time there for summer camp. Troop 123 is an excellent unit with a group of active scoutmasters and committee members who are devoted to the ideals of Scouting and the boys under their care.

At the end of the month I got to take my little brother, Luke, to his Order of the Arrow Ordeal. The Order of the Arrow, or O.A. for short, is scoutings national camper honor society. It's propose is to: recognize Scouts who exemplify the ideals of scouting, develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit, promote scout camping, and deepen the scout's habit of helpfulness in cheerful service to others. Anyways I took to Camp Roy C. Manchester for the Spring Ordeal and he earned his sash. While we were there I was able to complete my Brotherhood Ordeal and earn my bars. Any scouts who are reading this, let me be clear, if you aren't in O.A. meet the requirements and get yourself voted in, pass your Ordeal, and have a good time as a member and if you are already a Arrowman go for your Brotherhood.

Oh and on my way to Ordeal I got a pair of Aviators:

And if you think that that is hot you should have seen me in full Class A with those on.

Luke and I were able to go to Mass on Sunday morning by driving like crazy from RCM. I was, of course, still in my BSA uniform, so a friend of mine, Hailey, invited to her graduation party and told me to come as I was. I told her I would and I did. I usually don't mind wearing my uniform in public, but it was kinda odd that this one girl kept staring at me. I'll blame it on my sexiness. lol Afterwards a bunch of the high schoolers went to see Disney and Pixar's "Up". Yes, I did change before going. It is a great movie. I had a ton of fun. I have good friends. Unfortunately I am now sick and it is probably because of going to a theater.

Have a good June. WWW (traditional O.A. fairwell) 73 (traditional "Ham" sign off) Semper Fi! Benedicamus Deus te!

ARRL Field Day

2009-06-03T11:19:00.005-05:00

Each year the American Radio Relay League promotes "Hams" to get out in the field and practice their skills. They call it "Field Day" and it is on the last full weekend in June annually. Across the U.S. clubs and individuals get out and set up their rigs everywhere but "the shack." Last night at the Southern Kentucky Amateur Transmitting Society's (S.K.A.T.S.) meeting it was confirmed that our club will be at the Russellville City Park from 8:30 Saturday morning strait though to sometime Sunday night. The event is open to the public and the media is especially welcome. You don't need to have your Amateur License to participate. Per third party rules a non-Ham can transmit on the ham bands as long as a Licensed Amateur is the control operator and FCC rules are followed. If nothing else you might get to hear one of us make a QSO with someone on the other side of the world. So please, if you at all interested in this feel free to drop by; we'll be ore then happy to have you. If you don't already know where the park is you can find it by going to the ARRL Field Day Station Locater and searching for KY4AR (our club's callsign). Our contact person's info is also on that page. We plan on using our local repeater, W4WSM, 146.655 (no PL tone) and HF, most likely 40 and 80 meters. I plan on being there at some point during the weekend. My call is W4CPM.

2009-06-02T12:27:00.002-05:00

Here are some more pictures of "Katie" and her sticker collection.

There is a pic of the stickers on the back at James' Journal: April 2009, plus a pic of my Epiphone Les Paul.

American Papist

2009-06-02T12:16:00.003-05:00

Hey, I want to welcome visitors from American Papist. For those who don't know what I a talking about, I sent Thomas Peters a pic of my guitar which has an AmP sticker on it.

YouTube.com

2009-06-02T12:07:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody, I recently signed up for a YouTube.com account and though I don't think I will be uploading stuff frequently feel free to add my channel to your favorites list so when I do you can check it out right away. The web address is: http://www.youtube.com/JamesW4CPM

Quotes of Interest: Various

2009-06-02T11:59:00.003-05:00

"Semper Fi, Do or Die"

"Sex before marriage is like opening your Christmas presents on thanksgiving: great at the time, but it kinda ruins when its supposed to happen"- A Friend of Mine

"Retreat, Hell! We just got here." -Capitan Llyod Williams, USMC

"Retreat HELL! We're just attacking in another direction!"-Major General Oliver P. Smith, USMC

"I'm your man."
"Come on, you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?"-Gunnery Sergent Dan Daly, USMC

"Pain is weakness leaving the body" -Probably a USMC DI

"The deadliest weapon in the world is a marine and his rifle"-General Pershing, U.S Army

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem"-President Ronald Reagan

"Warriors by day, lovers by night, professionals by choice, and Marines by the Grace of God"-Unknown

"Life's tough.....it's even tougher if you're stupid."-John Wayne

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!" -Eleanor Roosevelt

"That which we do often brings about that which we would have avoided" - Chinese Proverb

"I'm not out of lives yet!" - me

A Song: Comeback

2009-05-27T23:34:00.004-05:00

I was sitting in Mass this morning when the beginnings of this song popped in my head. I was going to develop what i had into a poem but then I decided to take a stab at making it into a song so I focused more on rhythm then on rhyme. I'm trying to figure out the accompaniment which I plan on being my acoustic guitar so any comments, suggestions (e.g. riffs, chord and strum patterns), or questions will be appreciated. Benedicamus Deus te!

"Comeback"
James B. M. Walther
5/25/09

Sorry about that little smack
But I couldn't resist a comeback
I guess it serves you right you know
For stooping down oh so low.

I fell for you, you fell for me
Wish I got my heart a warranty
But just you wait and you will see
The kind of man that I will be.

Chorus:
Because guess what! I'm gonna be somebody.
Someday soon I'm gonna break these chains.
Somehow I'm gonna fly away
Then you're gonna wish you'd stayed.

You're gonna want me then,
When my boat comes crashing in
On the winds of a hurricane
Whole world's gonna know my name.

Could've been the girl with me
I'm sure one day you will agree
By my side's the place to be.
I sure hope he keeps you happy.

Chorus

As for me I'll be strong
I'll move on before too long
Wont take long when I recall
You weren't in for the long haul

Don't you worry 'bout your name
'cause it's not my style to defame
I not gonna take revenge
But if you get jealous of her....

[music stops]

[spoken] Well...sounds like a personal problem.

Chorus

I love you and wish you the best.
Hold those good times close to your breast.
Just think of me now and then
And what we could have been.

Chorus

A Song Dedication

2009-05-23T22:41:00.001-05:00

This one is dedicated to Rachel B.

Little Big Town More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Mary's May 2009

2009-05-18T13:30:00.002-05:00

Well so far May 2009 has been a great month.

I got my vanity callsign, W4CPM. The W is for my last name Walther and 4 is region number for Dixie. CPM is the suffix for the members of the Fathers of Mercy, of which the official title is Congregatio Presbyterorum a Misericordia or Congregation of the Priest Mercy, which I plan on joining.

On the 16 I got the privilege of attending the Fathers of Mercy Men's retreat. It was given only for men and young men with a accompanying male adult 16 and up. It was wonderful. I would like to publicly thank Father Bill Casey, Superior General of the Fathers of Mercy for giving running the retreat and Father Tom Sullivan because it was his idea. I know Fr. Bill spent a lot of time and effort in preparing his homily and the two other talks he gave. I am also thankful for the efforts of all the kitchen women who kept us well fed. I'm sure that the Fathers will have the talks available soon so I wont try to describe them. People came from all over for the event and by my guess there were probably 150 or so participants.

On the 17 I and some of my friends were up bright and early so we could join the group of students from ND Response at the Noter Dame campus. Fr Jim C. (have no idea how to spell his last name), C.P.M offered Mass in one of the Fathers of Mercy's chapels since three of my friends who were going hadn't been able to get to a vigil Mass. Interestingly there wasn't a Mass guide anywhere around and the four of us teenagers were slightly slaphappy since it was just before 5 am when the Mass started. Now as confirmed Catholic who have been assisting at Mass all of our lives and who should know the Mass by heart you would think that we would at least be able to get remember the posture change cues and the responses, but no. We were so out of it that we all forgot the "For thine is the Kingdom..." and Father turned around (he was celebrating ad orientem)saying, "You all are Catholic, right?" It was a short, simple, but reverent and beautiful meeting between heaven and earth.

After Mass we loaded up and rode about 7 and a half hours. There were eight of us in all, four adults and four kids, interestingly none of the kids and adults were related. The one dad's kids couldn't be there and all the kids who were going's parents couldn't make the trip. I guess that is what happens when you have a group like what is at the Fathers. It was a good trip. I think it is the only day I have eaten at McDonalds for all my meals. I took my ham radio along and tried to make some QSOs, but I couldn't get through the repeaters I was able to find. It was cool thought that when we got to South Bend I was able to listen in on the unencrypted broadcast about what was going on with the protest. Someone was transmitting the commencement ceremony on FM just outside the 2 meter band. All I have to say about that is that we all need to pray for Fr. Jenkins and that Obama is full of crap. Interesting that he quoted Lenin, who ordered mass murder, in almost the same breath with abortion.

The Rally on the Quad was great, the speakers were strong, and the students and faculty were there. In spite of everything there were a bunch of faculty present. I didn't see him but from what I understand Bishop D'Arcy was there. After the the Rally we went over for the Rosary at the Grotto which was inspiring. I thought it was pretty cool that at least two of the grads brought their kids, one in the womb and one on the hip. The graduation class and their families placed white roses in the grotto in remembrance of the would be members of the 2009 class, who were missing because of abortion. There was a mini graduation ceremony for those brave students who stand for life. May God bless them in all that they do.

It was kinda funny because a bunch of us younger protesters were almost disappointed that there weren't arrest out of the ND student's group (I don't know about the groups off campus), but we were detained for about a hour so we wouldn't get in the way of the presidents motorcade. The cop who was assigned to watch us was an agreeable elderly man, who as it turned out is a ham, himself. Sir, I forget you call but if you ever read this let me know. When he let us go we headed home and got in at almost midnight. I had a good time chatting with my buddies. We were so tired we were ridiculous.

Hope your life is going as well as mine. There'll be more soon. God bless.

April 2009

2009-05-06T22:40:00.004-05:00

April was a good, productive month.

The Lost River District Order of the Arrow chapter adviser, Sid Baker, figured out a patch set for us and supplied the patches at cost to him. The design is the big jacket O.A. patch and underneath that is an cow skull with a feather and Indian markings on it. The idea is that we "lost the river."

I served as MC/ Thurifer/ lecter for the Easter Tritium. It was an enjoyable experience. I wasn't really excited about reading, but I got through it okay. It is always intimidating knowing that your future bosses who are expert public speakers are watching you stumble through some scripture passages during the highest Mass of the year, Easter vigil. One of my friend's mom came into the Church with one other Cathechumen.

I purchased a new Yaesu VX-7R handheld 6m/2m/1.25m/70cm radio, plus a AA adapter, a MFJ tri-band antenna, and a MFJ speaker/mic. I got my call sign, KJ4LJZ, and requested a vanity the same day. I have made some contacts on the Russellville (W4WSM) and Bowling Green (W4WSM & KY4BG) repeaters. If you want to hit me up on 2 meters try me on the R-vile repeater at 146.655 MHz in the afternoons.

I as my troops Senior Patrol Leader went on our monthly campout, to Wild Cat Hollow, which just outside of Russellville. The weather was not expected to be the best and since that was all the excuse I needed I brought my new radio. So for our five mile hike it I had it strapped to my Camelback with the 17.25 in antenna sticking up next to my ear. That and a few random CQ's, practicing Morse blinker with my flashlight, and announcing my callsign on the local repeater got me the new nickname, "Radar," which to be honest I am quite proud of. We had a long overdue flag retirement ceremony, in which I think we retired over 75 U.S. and 2 Kentucky flags. As is tradition we played capture the flag both nights and on Saturday night we got to enjoy playing against a troop from Springfield, TN.

I Divine Mercy Sunday I served for the DM celebration at the Fathers of Mercy chapel, The Community Chapel of Divine Mercy, with this year's one and only Novice Ricardo. Fr. Ben Cameron, C.P.M. was the celebrant and went well. I am ever more grateful that I didn't fall asleep AND out of my chair (I did fall asleep), during on of the points where I was expected to sit bolt upright for 20 minutes at a time.

We had our troop Court of Honor/Troop Birthday party. It was pretty good I got a few merit badges, several of our boys advanced and got merit badges. The food was pretty good. The crowning point of the night, to the disgust of some it seamed, was that my former scout master from Troop 123 and his SPL and troop guide, my friends, came and presented me with a trophy for helping them take second place at Roy C. Manchester, spring camporee. I was so proud I could have popped.

I attended both YAK (Youthful Ardent Katholic [greek spelling]) meetings this month. YAK is a youth group for Catholics high school and up, where we talk about the faith, especially JP II's Theology of the Body, and have a good time.

I worked my butt of as long as I could get work to do. I trimmed a bunch of horses and a mule. I sold my horse and pony, Rocket and Bill, respectively. Dad got the cash off them. I will say I like horse sales except for the pen hookers. I mean if that is how you want to make money more power to you, but don't run down my horse in front of the customers, trying to get me to come of my price. I worked for the Fathers of Mercy turning over, tilling, and starting their garden. Fr. David Wilton, my confessor, asked me to do it and it just so happened that I had been looking for work, so I was the man for the job. Those priest are going to be eating more green beans, peas and melons then they ever have. Now they have an orchard, a steer and a garden, what's next? Oh yea, I forgot....the compost bin.

I and my best friend, John Bedard, researched and shopped and compared for the whole month, until we finally had the money and the right deal. He bought a Epiphone SG 400, with the original case and a strap, used. I bought a floor model/ good as new Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top Cherry Sunburst, with the original case. We are both flat broke, but satisfied. Now we are each saving for a Marshall Micro Half-Stack and a Peavey Vyper 30 W 12 in cone guitar amps. Then I am wanting an pedal to make mine sound like and acoustic and one to make my guitar drop an octave. I have had an acoustic for a year now, which is continually getting more and more stickers on it.

Father Jim C., C.P.M. preached a knock out homily. He left no room for argument about abortion, the Obomination, Noter Dame, and the way our country is heading. It was so powerful that some people couldn't take it and left during Mass. He preached (as he says) "The Inconvenient Gospel." It was so good that I actually rushed to light the seconded coal for the incense so I wouldn't miss any more then I had to.

I'm learning Latin in school now so, Benedicamus Deus! 73

Update: I forgot some stuff, plus the pictures.

March 2009

2009-05-06T22:09:00.007-05:00

Well it have been awhile since I last posted on here. I gave up the web in general for Lent so I got out of the habit of getting on here. I also got out of the habit of writing in my journal, so I decided I would combine the two. Here we go:

In March I got my intermediate drivers license. I failed my first try but passed pretty easily on my second go around.

I went you Youth 2000 in Ownesboro, KY. It is a retreat based upon the 40 hours devotion hosted by the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Renewal. It was a great experience as usual. I got to enjoy the company of many of my Catholic friends. I prayed the Liturgy of the Hours with the religious present and fasted most of the retreat. One of the talks was was by a Carmalite sister, who's subject was her vocation. She talked about he early enthusiasm for her call, then her denial and final embracing her spouse. I laughed though her whole talk because I knew it was true for just about everyone who has a vocation. At the Eucharistic Prayer Service last year I felt Christ speaking to me saying, "You are all mine. There isn't a girl for you, so stop looking for her." At the time I wasn't happy about that because I didn't really want to be a priest. This year Christ pointed out to me that just as much as a married couple rejoice in each other all the more a priest should rejoice because his bride is the Bride of Christ, the Church, the Perfect Bride. On Sunday I stood up for during the vocation call and received the blessing of all the religious present. Afterwards I gave my testimony which was supposed to be short and sweet, but when I got the mic my friends laughed because they knew it wasn't going to be short. They were right; I took about 4 minutes while most were less then a minute. I talked about my vocation, about the encouragement of the Fathers of Mercy, about my conversations with Christ. I got laughs when I talked about there not being a girl for me and an applause started by a Dominican sister when I ended by saying why a priest should rejoice in his bride, the Church. Afterwards our Group from Sacred Heart when to lunch. My brother took the opportunity to tease me by acting like he was dating Jessica B., who is one of the best looking girls I know and he knows I think highly of. What made it even better is that she and all the girls with us were quite willing to get in on it.

Soon after getting my license I started going to the local gym 3 or 4 days a week and Mass at Sacred Heart or the Fathers of Mercy, which ever is earliest, on a daily basis. Father Peter Stryker, C.P.M. decided that since I am planing on being a Father of Mercy I need to do my best to prepare for novitiate. Hence he has had me wearing a priest's alb, serving whenever I am there, and now serving as lectern and acolyte.

In the home school band Luke and I have been moved up to the advanced band from beginner band.

I went to spring camporee with my old troop from Hopkinsville, KY, 123. We took seconded place overall. I had a great time! I and some of my old buddies when fly fishing (no luck). Then we decided that we would try to salvage a sailboat that had run aground in the middle of Camp Roy C. Manchester's cove (one of the LBL lakes). That didn't work out. The events were at night and we did really good. We got a perfect score on First Aid. I got up at zero-dark-thirty and drove home so I could serve at the Fathers of Mercy.

I took the Amateur Radio Technician license exam. I was told that I missed only 2 out of 35 and had the option of taking the General Class exam, which I did. That one I only got 15 out of 35, so I didn't pass.

I can't think of anything else that happened in March, everything else must not have been that important. If so then I'll just update this thing. God bless.

Update: I did forget something.

A Poem - "All That is Gold Does Not Glitter"

2009-03-05T10:40:00.001-06:00

All That is Gold Does Not Glitter
by JRR Tolkien

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

A Poem- "Buttprints in the Sand

2009-03-03T16:39:00.000-06:00

"Buttprints in the Sand"
-- author unknown

One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some strange prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you along.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."

Quotes of Interest: George Herman "Babe" Ruth

2009-03-03T16:29:00.002-06:00

It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.

Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.

A man who knows he's making money for other people ought to get some of the profits he brings in. Don't make any difference if it's baseball or a bank or a vaudeville show. Its business, I tell you. There ain't no sentiment to it. Forget that stuff.

If I'd just tried for them dinky singles I could've batted around six hundred!

I swing as hard as I can, and I try to swing right through the ball. In boxing, your fist usually stops when you hit a man, but its possible to hit so hard that your fist doesn't stop. I try to follow through in the same way. The harder you grip the bat, the more you can swing it through the ball, and the farther the ball will go. I swing big, with everything I've got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can.

The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime.

Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.

Bible Bit: Sirach Chapters 8 & 9

2009-02-21T16:17:00.003-06:00

Chapter 8

1 Contend not with an influential man, lest you fall into his power.

2 Quarrel not with a rich man, lest he pay out the price of your downfall; For gold has dazzled many, and perverts the character of princes.

3 Dispute not with a man of railing speech, heap no wood upon his fire.

4 Be not too familiar with an unruly man, lest he speak ill of your forebears.

5 Shame not a repentant sinner; remember, we all are guilty.

6 Insult no man when he is old, for some of us, too, will grow old.

7 Rejoice not when a man dies; remember, we are all to die.

8 Spurn not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint yourself with their proverbs; From them you will acquire the training to serve in the presence of princes.

9 Reject not the tradition of old men which they have learned from their fathers; From it you will obtain the knowledge how to answer in time of need.

10 Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest you be consumed in his flaming fire.

11 Let not the impious man intimidate you; it will set him in ambush against you.

12 Lend not to one more powerful than yourself; and whatever you lend, count it as lost.

13 Go not surety beyond your means; think any pledge a debt you must pay.

14 Contend not at law with a judge, for he will settle it according to his whim.

15 Travel not with a ruthless man, lest he weigh you down with calamity; For he will go his own way straight, and through his folly you will perish with him.

16 Provoke no quarrel with a quick-tempered man, nor ride with him through the desert, For bloodshed is nothing to him; when there is no one to help you, he will destroy you.

17 Take no counsel with a fool, for he can keep nothing to himself.

18 Before a stranger do nothing that should be kept secret, for you know not what it will engender.

19 Open your heart to no man, and banish not your happiness.

Chapter 9

1 Be not jealous of the wife of your bosom, lest you teach her to do evil against you.

2 Give no woman power over you to trample upon your dignity.

3 Be not intimate with a strange woman, lest you fall into her snares.

4 With a singing girl be not familiar, lest you be caught in her wiles.

5 Entertain no thoughts against a virgin, lest you be enmeshed in damages for her.

6 Give not yourself to harlots, lest you surrender your inheritance.

7 Gaze not about the lanes of the city and wander not through its squares;

8 Avert your eyes from a comely woman; gaze not upon the beauty of another's wife - Through woman's beauty many perish, for lust for it burns like fire.

9 With a married woman dine not, recline not at table to drink by her side, Lest your heart be drawn to her and you go down in blood to the grave.

10 Discard not an old friend, for the new one cannot equal him. A new friend is like new wine which you drink with pleasure only when it has aged.

11 Envy not a sinner's fame, for you know not what disaster awaits him.

12 Rejoice not at a proud man's success; remember he will not reach death unpunished.

13 Keep far from the man who has power to kill, and you will not be filled with the dread of death. But if you approach him, offend him not, lest he take away your life; Know that you are stepping among snares and walking over a net.

14 As best you can, take your neighbors' measure, and associate with the wise.

15 With the learned be intimate; let all your conversation be about the law of the LORD.

16 Have just men for your table companions; in the fear of God be your glory.

17 Skilled artisans are esteemed for their deftness; but the ruler of his people is the skilled sage.

18 Feared in the city is the man of railing speech, and he who talks rashly is hated.

A Poem-"My Old Friend"

2009-02-18T23:02:00.001-06:00

"My Old Friend"
by James Walther

I feel alone
My heart like stone.
The weight on my chest
I cannot best.

I need some rest.
This is no jest.
Help me, God,
To do my best.

My old friend
I find in thee
The strength I need.
Grant me peace and serenity.

"Oh sacrament most holy
Oh sacrament divine
All praise and all thanksgiving
Be every moment thine"

Ask and you shall receive
"Jesus, I trust in thee."
I rest in thee
Full of Peace and serenity.

Quotes of Interest: Greek Proverbs (A)

2009-02-18T22:39:00.003-06:00

I meant to publish this on Monday but have been super busy.

"Αγάλι-αγάλι γίνεται η αγουρίδα μέλι."
o 'A green fruit gets ripe slowly.
o Patience.

"Αδερφός, κι ας ειν' κι οχτρός." (Κεφαλονίτικη παροιμία)
o "Brother, even though he is your enemy."
o Blood is thicker than water.

"Ακαμάτης νέος, γέρος διακονιάρης."
o Lazy youth, begging old age.
o Laziness.

"Άλλα λέει η γιαγιά μου, άλλα ακούνε τα αυτιά μου."
o "My grandmother says something, my ears hear something else."
o The real meaning is deeper. It means that the young do not listen to the old.

"Αν δεν παινέσεις το σπίτι σου, θα πέσει να σε πλακώσει"
o "If you do not praise your own home, it will fall on you and squash you."'
o You do not speak badly about your own family.

"Αλλοι τα γένια πεθυμούν, κι άλλοι που τα 'χουνε τα φτυούν."
o "Some wish they had a beard and the ones that do, are spitting on it."
o The young wish to be old, and the old wish to be young again.

"Άλλος σπέρνει και τρυγάει, κι άλλος πίνει και μεθάει."
o "One seeds and harvests and another drinks and gets drunk."

"Αμαρτία 'ξομολογημένη, η μισή συγχωρεμένη."
o "A confessed sin is half a sin."
o A confessed sin is half-forgiven.

"Aν πιαστείς στο χορό θα χορέψεις."
o "If you join the dance-circle, you must dance."
o On getting swept along by events.

"Άνθρωπος αγράμματος, ξύλο απελέκητο."
o "The illiterate person is like an uncarved piece of wood."
o Literacy.

"Απ' αγκάθι βγαίνει ρόδο κι από ρόδο βγαίνει αγκάθι."
o "From a thorn a rose emerges and from a rose a thorn."
o Atavism, or one doesn't know what their offspring will become in life. Example: An honest, respected man's son may turn out to be a criminal and vice versa.

"Απ' έξω κούκλα κι από μέσα πανούκλα."
o "Outside a doll, inside the plague."
o Duality. Used to describe a beautiful woman with a terrible character.

"Απο μακρυά και αγαπημένοι παρά απο κοντά και μαλωμένοι."
o "From far away and beloved rather than close by and arguing."
o Better to live apart and get along than to live together and argue.

"Απο μικρό και απο κουζουλό μαθαίνεις την αλήθεια."
o "From a child and a crazy person you learn the truth."

"Από την πόλη έρχομαι, και στην κορφή κανέλα."
o "I'm coming from town, and on the mountain-top cinnamon."
o A surrealist turn of phrase used to describe lack of communication.

"Αργία μήτηρ πάσης κακίας." (αρχαιοελληνικό ρητό)
o "Laziness, mother of all evil." (ancient Greek saying)
o Laziness.

"Αυτά που θες ξενέρωτος, τα κάνεις μεθυσμένος."

o "What you wish for when you're sober, you act-out when drunk."
o Drunkenness and loss of inhibitions.

As almost always these quotes are from Wikiquote.

A Poem- "Dreams"

2009-02-11T15:15:00.000-06:00

Dreams
by Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Quotes of Interest: St. Francis of Assisi

2009-02-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.

If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man.

Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.

Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation. Where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.

A Poem- "NAM"

2009-02-04T16:56:00.001-06:00

"NAM"
Author Unknown

Yes, we of NAM
That fought the fight,
Ask just respect
For what was right.

Our orders said
You face this foe.
Yet no one knew
What face he's show.

He's in the old,
The young and frail.
His eyes were cold,
His face was pale.

We never knew
Who'd kill us all.
Seemed everyone
Was Charlie's call.

We fought each day.
No matter where,
For Charlie's friends
Were always there.

They'd set their traps
So some might die
That terrible scream
That chilling cry

The friends you made
Died in your hands
To save this NA,
These foreign lands.

God, how could we
Who lived this fear
Be called disgraced
And face your jeer.

You stayed behind
To judge us all.
You hid behind
Your coward's call.

For we're the ones
Who fought and died
To save you fools
To save your pride.

So let no man
Who never knew
The fear of NAM
Pre-judge the true.

So, if you're true
As you now say,
Please bring us home,
You show the way.

Our welcome home
Came from each other
Our NAM greeting,
"Welcome home, brother."

Quotes of Interest: Pope John Paul II

2009-02-02T20:50:00.003-06:00

Do not be afraid to open your heart to Jesus... I'm begging you, please do not be afraid.

The truth is not always the same as the majority decision.

The Catholic Church cannot be an association of free-thinkers.

We do not live, love, or die for practice.

The future starts today, not tomorrow.

Darkness can only be scattered by light, hatred can only be conquered by love.

Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn't misuse it.

Do not lose heart! The steeper the road the faster it rises toward ever wider horizons.

Anything done for another is done for oneself.

Never again war. Never again hatred and intolerance.

Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.

From now on it is only through a conscious choice and through a deliberate policy that humanity can survive.

As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.

Marriage is an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them to their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family - a domestic church.

To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others.

The fear of making permanent commitments can change the mutual love of husband and wife into two loves of self-two loves existing side by side, until they end in separation.

The great danger for family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are pleasure, comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish.

The cemetery of the victims of human cruelty in our century is extended to include yet another vast cemetery, that of the unborn.

Social justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create.

Violence and war can never resolve the problems of men.

War is a defeat for humanity.

Wars generally do not resolve the problems for which they are fought and therefore... prove ultimately futile.

War should belong to the tragic past, to history: it should find no place on humanity's agenda for the future.

The vow of celibacy is a matter of keeping one's word to Christ and the Church. a duty and a proof of the priest's inner maturity; it is the expression of his personal dignity.

You are priests, not social or political leaders. Let us not be under the illusion that we are serving the Gospel through an exaggerated interest in the wide field of temporal problems.

I declare and ordain, by virtue of my apostolic authority, that the Church has no authority whatsoever to ordain women to the sacred orders and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful.

As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.

Modern Society will find no solution to the ecological problem unless it takes a serious look at its lifestyles.

Man matures through work. Which inspires him to difficult good.

Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.

"You applaud, even though you don't understand me." - Quipped by the pope during a mass in Central Park, New York City after he recited a prayer in Polish to the applauding English-speaking crowd (October, 1995)

Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece.

The exploration of both the micro and the macro cosmos, is a song to God’s glory, which is reflected in everything in the universe.

Science shines forth in all its value as a good capable of motivating our existence, as a great experience of freedom for truth, as a fundamental work of service. Through research each scientist grows as a human being and helps others to do likewise.

Faced with today's problems and disappointments, many people will try to escape from their responsibility. Escape in selfishness, escape in sexual pleasure, escape in drugs, escape in violence, escape in indifference and cynical attitudes. I propose to you the option of love, which is the opposite of escape.

A Poem-"Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue"

2009-01-28T16:50:00.002-06:00

Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue
by Mary Dixon Thayer

Lovely Lady dressed in blue -------
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little boy,
Tell me what to say!

Did you lift Him up, sometimes,
Gently on your knee?
Did you sing to Him the way
Mother does to me?

Did you hold His hand at night?
Did you ever try
Telling stories of the world?
O! And did He cry?

Do you really think He cares
If I tell Him things -------
Little things that happen? And
Do the Angels' wings

Make a noise? And can He hear
Me if I speak low?
Does He understand me now?
Tell me -------for you know.

Lovely Lady dressed in blue -------
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little boy,
And you know the way.

Can't you just picture it?

2009-01-27T15:15:00.001-06:00

This is a note one of my friends posted and I thought I would share.

This was found on Craigslist.com... I edited out some possibly offensive content. This really happened in Savannah, Georgia.

"To the Guy Who Mugged Me Downtown (Downtown, Savannah )

I was the white guy with the black Burrberry jacket that you
demanded I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and
my girlfriend. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and
earrings. I hope you somehow come across this message here on Craigslist. I'd also like to offer an apology.

I didn't expect you to crap-your-pants when I drew my pistol after
you took my jacket. Truth is, I was wearing the jacket for a
reason that evening, and it wasn't that cold outside. You see, my
girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber 1911 .45 ACP pistol for
Christmas, and we had just picked up a shoulder holster for it
that evening. It's a very beautiful pistol, eh? It's a very intimidating
weapon when pointed at your head, isn't it ?

I know it probably wasn't a great deal of fun walking back to
wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge flopping about in
your pants. I'm sure it was even worse since you also ended up
leaving your shoes, cellphone, and wallet with me.... I couldn't have
you calling up any of your buddies to come help you try to mug us
again. I took the liberty of calling your mother, or "MOMMA" as
you had her listed in your cell, and explaining to her your
situation. I also purchased some gasoline on your card. I gave your
shoes to one of the homeless guys over by Vinnie Van Go Go's,
along with all of the cash in your wallet, then I threw the wallet
itself in a dumpster.

I called a bunch of [telephone] numbers from your cell. They'll be
on your bill in case you'd like to know which ones. Alltel
recently shut down the line, and I've only had the phone for a
little over a day now, so I don't know what's going on with that.
I hope they haven't permanently cut off your service. I was about
to make some threatening phone calls to [a phone number].
Oh well....

So, about your pants; I know that I was a little rough on you when
you did this whole attempted mugging thing, so I'd like to make it
up to you. I'm sure you've already washed your pants, so I'd like
to help you out. I'd like to reimburse you for the detergent you
used on the pants. What brand did you use ?? and was it a liquid or
powder ? I'd also like to apologize for not killing you and instead
making you walk back home, humiliated. I'm hoping that you'll
reconsider your choice of path in life. Next time you might not be
so lucky. If you read this message, email me and we'll do lunch
and laundry.

Peace! - Alex"

Please feel free to re-post.

Quotes of Interest: Abraham Lincoln

2009-01-26T15:15:00.000-06:00

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.

Will springs from the two elements of moral sense and self-interest.

The way for a young man to rise, is to improve himself every way he can, never suspecting that any body wishes to hinder him.

The better part of one's life consists of his friendships.

Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it.

Understanding the spirit of our institutions to aim at the elevation of men, I am opposed to whatever tends to degrade them.

We live in the midst of alarms; anxiety beclouds the future; we expect some new disaster with each newspaper we read.

Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction to the Government nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.

Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. Capital has its rights, which are as worthy of protection as any other rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and probably always will be, a relation between labor and capital producing mutual benefits.

With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed. Consequently he who moulds public sentiment, goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions. He makes statutes and decisions possible or impossible to be executed.

Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.

Allow the President to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such purpose, and you allow him to make war at pleasure.

It is the eternal struggle between these two principles — right and wrong — throughout the world. They are the two principles that have stood face to face from the beginning of time; and will ever continue to struggle. The one is the common right of humanity, and the other the divine right of kings. It is the same principle in whatever shape it develops itself. It is the same spirit that says, "You toil and work and earn bread, and I'll eat it." No matter in what shape it comes, whether from the mouth of a king who seeks to bestride the people of his own nation and live by the fruit of their labor, or from one race of men as an apology for enslaving another race, it is the same tyrannical principle.

As a nation, we began by declaring that "all men are created equal." We now practically read it "all men are created equal, except negroes." When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read "all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and catholics." When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty — to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be take pure, and without the base alloy of hypocracy [sic].

If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already. It is but a small matter whether you read with anyone or not. I did not read with anyone. Get the books, and read and study them till you understand them in their principal features; and that is the main thing. It is of no consequence to be in a large town while you are reading. I read at New Salem, which never had three hundred people living in it. The books, and your capacity for understanding them, are just the same in all places.... Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important than any other one thing.

A Poem- "The Sign Of The Cross"

2009-01-21T16:35:00.001-06:00

The Sign Of The Cross
by John Henry Cardinal Newman

WHENE’ER across this sinful flesh of mine
I draw the Holy Sign,
All good thoughts stir within me, and renew
Their slumbering strength divine;
Till there springs up a courage high and true
To suffer and to do.

And who shall say, but hateful spirits around,
For their brief hour unbound,
Shudder to see, and wail their overthrow?
While on far heathen ground
Some lonely Saint hails the fresh odor, though
Its source he cannot know.

Inaguration Day

2009-01-20T20:18:00.002-06:00

Well today Barrack Hussein Obama was inaugurated the president of the United States of America. He is probably the most liberal people to ever hold the office and one of the least qualified. He has promised to sign FOCA into law as soon as possible after today and to withdraw the troops from Iraq. In other words he has promised to legalize the mass murder of innocent human beings and to retreat on the eve of victory. His past is a blur, with more then a few stories about his ancestry and life story running around. His election is the crowning glory of the liberal main stream media. Concerning all of the people that he associates himself with I am truly suspicious of his intentions. I give him credit he seams to be a very intelligent man. Which means that he must be doing all that he does out of malice instead of ignorance. Anyways I hope that everyone reading this will join me and thousands of others in praying and doing penance for his conversion. God bless.

Quotes of Interest: Theodore Roosevelt

2009-01-19T22:58:00.002-06:00

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

"I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life."

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in that grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."

"I have always been fond of the West African proverb 'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.'"

"We draw the line against misconduct, not against wealth."

"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."

"We stand equally against government by a plutocracy and government by a mob."

"If I must choose between righteousness and peace I choose righteousness."

"In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."

"No man is justified in doing evil on the grounds of expediency."

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

"Gentlemen: you have now reached the last point. If anyone of you doesn’t mean business let him say so now. An hour from now will be too late to back out. Once in, you’ve got to see it through. You’ve got to perform without flinching whatever duty is assigned you, regardless of the difficulty or the danger attending it. If it is garrison duty, you must attend to it. If it is meeting fever, you must be willing. If it is the closest kind of fighting, anxious for it. You must know how to ride, how to shoot, how to live in the open. Absolute obedience to every command is your first lesson. No matter what comes you mustn’t squeal. Think it over — all of you. If any man wishes to withdraw he will be gladly excused, for others are ready to take his place." - Address to U.S. Army recruits (1898), as quoted in U.S. Army Field Manual 22-5 (1986)

A Poem-"To Lucasta, Going To The Wars"

2009-01-15T17:00:00.001-06:00

To Lucasta, Going To The Wars
by Richard Lovelace

Tell me not (Sweet) I am unkind,
That from the nunnery
Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind
To war and arms I fly.

True, a new mistress now I chase,
The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.

Yet this inconstancy is such
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee (Dear) so much,
Lov'd I not Honour more.

Fwd: STOP - FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act)

2009-01-13T15:10:00.000-06:00

Better late then never:

For those of you who do not know, the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is set to be signed, if congress passes it on January 21-22, 2009. The FOCA is the next sad chapter in the book of abortion. If made a law, virtually all limitations on abortion will be lifted, which will result in the following:

1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals (all Christian hospitals), would be required to perform abortions upon request. If this were to happen, some U.S. Bishops have indicated they would consider closing down Catholic hospitals - more than 30% of all hospitals in the United States are Catholic - rather than perform abortions.

2) Partial birth abortion would be legal and have no limitations.

3) All U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.

4) Parental notification will no longer be required (your teenage daughter, niece, cousin, etc. could have an abortion, which could result in physical and/or mental damage for the rest of their lives).

5) The number of abortions could increase by as much as 100,000 annually.
Perhaps most importantly, the government will now have control in the issue of abortion. This could result in future legislation to force women by law to have abortions in certain situations (rape, Downs Syndrome babies, etc) and could even regulate how many childrean a worman is allowed to have. Needless to say, this information is disturbing, but sadly true. As Catholics, Christians (even athiests), as anyone who is against the unjust killing of innocent children, we must stand as one. We must stop this horrific act before it becomes law.

The Plan:

To say a novena (nine days of prayer) along with some type of fasting, starting on January 11th. For Catholics, the prayer of choice is the Rosary with intentions to stop FOCA. For non Cathollic Christians, we ask that you pray your strongest prayers with the same intentions, also, for nine (9) consecutive days. For my athiest friends, surely you will stand with us in this in fasting (from food, TV, internet, sports, etc.) or a choice of your own. The hope is that this will branch and blossom as to become a global effort with maximum impact. We have very little time, so we all must act NOW.

1) Please forward this letter NOW to as many people as you can.

2) The novena starts tomorrow, January 11th! ! !

Remember that with God, all this are possible and the power of prayer is undeniable. If you are against the senseless killing of defenseless children, please help NOW.

REMEMBER, WE WERE ALL DEFENSELESS CHILDREN AT ONE TIME. LOOK AROUND AT YOUR BROTHERS, SISTERS, COUSINS, AUNTS, UNCLES, GRANDPARENTS - SO MANY PEOPLE THAT LOVE YOU AND ARE GLAD YOU WERE BORN! ! !

Parmenides

2009-01-05T22:16:00.004-06:00

"What is, is, and What is not, is not"- Parmenides

This statement was the foundation of Parmenides' of Elea (515-445 B.C.) philosophy. Parmenides came to basically the same conclusion that St. Thomas Aquinas came to: there can only be one truth. St. Thomas was able to reason in the light of divine revelation that there can be only one truth because there is only one God who made everything. God cannot contradict himself. This totally lays to waste the old appeasement: "What is true for you may not be true for me." It is one or the other. I am right and you are wrong or you are right and I am wrong. This comes in most handy when debating the the truths of th Catholic faith and my opponent decides that we are both right. "What is, is and What is not, is not." is applicable to everything in existence: God, sin, judgment, heaven, hell. That reminds me of something that Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen said, "I may not believe in taxation, but taxation is inescapable. I may not believe that one day God will judge me, but the judgment is inescapable." It would seam to me that everything is truly black and white. There is no gray, and the only reason that we see gray is because we have poor vision.

More Quotes

2009-01-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - M.K. Gandhi

Most things which are urgent are not important, and most things which are important are not urgent." - Dwight Eisenhower

"I would rather an imperfect friend then a perfect enemy." - Me

"All you need in life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure." - Mark Twain

"Believe you can you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt