ROSETHOUGHTS.COM

Organized Religion

2010-02-09T20:47:00Z

Oh dear, I have a bee in my bonnet today.

I listened to The World Over and Raymond Arroyo showed a clip of Hillary Clinton saying that faith has nothing to do with organized religion. Of course there is no doubt in anyone's mind that the Catholic Church epitomizes the concept of organized religion so I can only assumed that when Hillary Clinton says organized religion she is focusing on the Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church and other well organized protestant churches.

So here is the bee in my bonnet:

From ancient times of human history there has always been a tension between the State and Religion. You can see that played out between King Saul and the Prophet Samuel.

So when a leader of a government stands before the nation and openly declares that religion should not be organized, she is in fact attempting to increase the power of the government over the beliefs of the people.

My answer to this is: Okay, if religion is not to be organized then political parties should not be organized either.

Thinking about "Doubt"

2010-01-28T23:17:00Z

The fundamental doubt for me, and perhaps for many people, has been the existence of God.

For myself, I formed that question like this.

We exist - we are created - there is a creator.

Does that creator have intellect and will (desire)?
In another words: Are we dealing the laws of physics without will (desire) and without intellect? To pretend that this question does not lie at the heart of doubt would be a mistake.

It is not possible the argue this question. We can not prove nor disprove that a great intellect desired, planned and set forth the universe. That a great intellect with the desire to see the explosion of the Big Bang and the formation of stars and galaxies.

So where did that lead me?

I have reasoned that it takes intellect and the desire to learn and understand the universe, therefore it must have taken intellect and desire to create the universe.

I have also reasoned that I may be wrong but I have chosen my path leading to faith that affirms a purpose and a joy for life.

My Name is Elliott

2009-12-12T04:47:00Z

My name is Elliott.

When I was born, my mama and my daddy were soft and nice and I loved to be held by them. But there was someone else too, and I loved her the most. Her name was Danielle.

Danielle was my “sissy.” Sissy smiled at me and sang to me, and read me stories. Sissy loved to make me laugh. Sissy played with me when I took my bath. Sissy gave me things to play with when I was in the car, so I wouldn’t be bored.

As I grew up and became mama’s “little man”, Sissy would take me by the hand and play with me in her bedroom. She would let me play with her toys and get on her bed. Daddy would sometimes throw us up high in the air and we would scream and laugh. Sissy would sometimes chase me in the yard. I loved it when she caught me and hugged me tight.

I thought Sissy was the most beautiful girl in the world. Mama would say, “Elliott’s eyes twinkle more for Danielle than anyone else!” I didn’t know how to talk yet, but I knew that Sissy was very special. I was happiest when she was playing with me.

Sissy would read books to me. Her voice was soft and she would sometimes sing to me too. I loved sitting in mama’s big chair with her while she read me books and pointed at the pictures.

One day I woke up and went to look for Sissy. She wasn’t home, but I knew she would be soon. I would wait until she got home. Until she did, I knew Mama or Daddy would play with me.

I kept waiting, but Sissy didn’t come home. Mama and Daddy were crying, and no one wanted to play with me. Mama hugged me tight, but she smelled like tears. I touched her face, and it was wet. Daddy’s face was wet too. And Sissy still wasn’t home.

Mama showed me pictures of Sissy. I was so excited! Sissy was finally home! I turned the picture over in my hand, but Sissy wasn’t there. I went to look for her in her bedroom, but she wasn’t there either. Mama said to me, “Sissy is in Heaven, my darling. We miss her very much.” I didn’t know what this meant, but I knew that it was sad that Sissy was in Heaven. And she still had not come home.

After many days of waiting for Sissy, I started to feel mad. I started hitting things and throwing things. I even hit Mama in the face, because I was so mad that I couldn’t find Sissy. Mama hugged me tight and said, “yes honey, I know. I miss her too.”

Sometimes I was scared because, if Sissy left and never came home, maybe Mama and Daddy will leave too. I cried when I couldn’t find them, or when they left me with other people that I didn’t love as much as I loved them. After a while, I stopped being scared of losing Mama or Daddy, because they always came back to me.

Sometimes I was scared to go to sleep by myself. Mama would rock me and sing until I was too sleepy to cry anymore.

Sometimes I woke up in the dark and cried because I was lonely. Mama or Daddy would come to my bed and hold me until I wasn’t lonely anymore.

One day, I saw Mama crying. I went to the piano and took Sissy’s picture off of it, and brought it to Mama. She smiled at me and said, “Look how smart my little man is! He knows that we miss Sissy!” I felt better because she smiled. We looked at Sissy’s picture together and she hugged me tight.

I go into Sissy’s room sometimes and play with her toys. Mama and Daddy say it is okay to do this. Sissy would have wanted that, they say. Sissy is watching me from Heaven, they say. I feel better when I hold her stuffed animals.

I also feel better when I look at her pictures. Mama looks at them with me, and talks about Sissy. She holds me close and tells me how much she loves me. This makes me feel better. I kiss Sissy’s picture, and then I am ready to go play.

Mama and Daddy started to laugh and sing again. They still sometimes cry, but not all the time. And Mama smiles at me all the time, and calls me her “little man.” Daddy bounces me on his knee and tosses me high in the air. It is starting to feel good in our house again.

Maybe someday I will see Sissy again, when I go to Heaven. But for now, I’ll stay with my Mama and Daddy. And I’ll play with my toys, and my friends at preschool. And I will feel better each day as I get used to Sissy being in Heaven, watching over me. I know she loves me still, because Mama and Daddy say so.

Alice Brocheid

Little Dorritt - Charles Dickens

2009-12-11T21:37:00Z

Your daughter,’ said Clenam, when they had taken another silent turn to and fro, and, after standing for a moment at the wall glancing down at the sea, had resumed their walk, ‘is your only child, I know, Mr Meagles. May I ask you—in no impertinent curiosity, but because I have had so much pleasure in your society, may never in this labyrinth of a world exchange a quiet word with you again, and wish to preserve an accurate remembrance of you and yours—may I ask you, if I have not gathered from your good wife that you have had other children?’

‘No. No,’ said Mr Meagles. ‘Not exactly other children. One other child.’

‘I am afraid I have inadvertently touched upon a tender theme.’

Never mind,’ said Mr Meagles. ‘If I am grave about it, I am not at all sorrowful. It quiets me for a moment, but does not make me unhappy. Pet had a twin sister who died when we could just see her eyes—exactly like Pet’s—above the table, as she stood on tiptoe holding by it.’

‘Ah! indeed, indeed!’

‘Yes, and being practical people, a result has gradually sprung up in the minds of Mrs Meagles and myself which perhaps you may—or perhaps you may not—understand. Pet and her baby sister were so exactly alike, and so completely one, that in our thoughts we have never been able to separate them since. It would be of no use to tell us that our dead child was a mere infant. We have changed that child according to the changes in the child spared to us and always with us. As Pet has grown, that child has grown; as Pet has become more sensible and womanly, her sister has become more sensible and womanly by just the same degrees. It would be as hard to convince me that if I was to pass into the other world to- morrow, I should not, through the mercy of God, be received there by a daughter, just like Pet, as to persuade me that Pet herself is not a reality at my side.’

‘I understand you,’ said Clenam, gently.

‘As to her,’ pursued her father, ‘the sudden loss of her little picture and playfellow, and her early association with that mystery in which we all have our equal share, but which is not often so forcibly presented to a child, has necessarily had some influence on her character. ...

‘I thank you,’ said Clenam, ‘very heartily for your confidence.’

The Beauty of Violence

2009-09-15T16:36:00Z

When God said “Let there be Light” the universe was created with a violent explosion of light. There has been beauty in the violent creation of stars and beauty in their violent destruction.

There is dark beauty in the violence of black holes. God created a frail and flawed creature, placed him within this violent beauty. God loved His creation and gave him the “Word.” The word was God.

For some unfathomable reason, this was not enough for God. God choose to not to only “talk the talk” but to “walk the walk” so He came to mankind and walked among us. He suffered with mankind and for mankind, to show each one of us that He did indeed love His strange, frail and flawed creature. God’s universe is violent but in spite of the violence we are shown how we can love and be loved.

God could have created a beautiful universe where there is no violence and no death. We could be like beautiful silk flowers that never wilt, never suffer and never die but like the silk flowers, we would not be alive. For me it is enough to know that I am alive and that, in spite of pain, I am able to behold the wonderful beautiful violent beauty of God’s creation

TWO WOLVES

2009-08-19T18:29:00Z

"One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee Indian simply replied, 'The one you feed'."

(Taken from "Indian Wisdom.")

This story has such a good lesson. We do have a choice which wolf we feed. It is our decision to make.

Have a wonderful, peace-filled day!

Second Luminous Mystery – Marriage At Cana

2009-08-16T04:14:00Z

The Wedding at Cana John 2:1-11

A Rosary Meditation with Mary

Mary, the fact that the bride and groom had run out of wine at their wedding feast may not be a serious problem in the eyes of the world. It was an embarrassing and serious problem for the young couple. You were aware of this and went to your Son for help.

Mary, please pray with me for all the young couples who are getting married today. Pray that their lives will be filled with peace and joy.

Mary, please pray for me that my eyes will be open to the problems of young people who face enormous problems in their desire to be loved. Pray for me that I will reach out to help and not criticize

First Luminous Mystery - Baptism of our Lord

2009-08-14T15:56:00Z

A Rosary Meditation with Mary

Mary,

John was surprised when Jesus came to the Jordon to be baptized by him. I have often thought that this was an act of humility for both men: Jesus, who humbled himself to do the will of the Father: John, who knew that his mission had come to an end.

Pray for me, that when it is time for me to step back to let another take the limelight, I will do so gracefully and with great love.

Pray for me, so I can learn that this world is not all about me. Pray for me that can learn to see your Son in the heart of each person I meet.

Grief is a Tiger

2009-08-13T21:50:37Z

I have found much comfort in the cards and well wishes of my friends and every one I have talked to about Danielle and I know that Alice has also found a great deal of support, in fact, without this support her despair would be complete..

There is still a cry from the depths of the heart that no gentle words can soothe. I don't know the writing of other religions and cultures, so I must look toward the passages in the Holy Bible that can speak to my heart and understanding.

The pain I am feeling is one of deep sorrow and sadness but it does not contain the ferocious roar - the grief of a mother at the death of her child. This grief demands more than gentle kind words. It demands recognition.

These words: "Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns her children, she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more." Jeremiah 31:15

These words: "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why so far from my call for help, from my cries of anguish? My God, I call by day, but you do not answer: by night, but I have no relief?" Psalm 22:1-3

Words of anger at known or unknown enemies -" anger at God Himself - anger because what has happen should not have happened: "Oppose, Lord, those who oppose me; war upon those who make war upon me. Take up the shield and buckler; rise up in my defense. Brandish lance and battle-ax against my pursuers. Say to my heart, 'I am your salvation'. Let those who seek my life be put to same and disgrace. Let those who plot evil against me be turned back and confounded. Make them like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them on. May their way slippery and dark, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them." Psalm 35:1-6

We stand on the edge of that great abyss of despair and scream our despair until our voice gives out - until the roar of the tiger is quiet and peace makes her way back into our heart.

“Lord, your love reaches to heaven; your fidelity, to the clouds. Your justice is like the highest mountains; your judgments, like the mighty deep; all living creatures you sustain, Lord.

How precious is your love, O God? We take refuge in the shadow of your wings. We feast on the rich food of your house; from your delightful stream you give us drink. For with you is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light. Continue your kindness toward your friends, your just defense of the honest hearts” Psalm 36:6-12

Danielle and Grandma Dorcas

2009-08-10T01:04:00Z

Danielle and Grandma Dorcas in the house on

20th Place, Phoenix

A Letter to a Friend

2009-08-09T23:09:15Z

Thank you Jane for your kind words.

My daughter is receiving excellent grief counseling. She is a
psychologist herself and has friends in the field who have pointed her
to excellent therapists.

I am relying on some very dear friends (some of them here) and my faith
in God.

Yesterday I took communion to two Catholic residents who reside in the
the nursing home where my Mother stayed. The nurses and the residents
whom I have come to love and know received me with such love and
compassion that I found a great deal of healing there.

I know that all little girls are beautiful and wonderful so I realize
that I am bias when I make the claim that Danielle is special. I have
taken a great deal of comfort realizing that my mother somehow knew that
she was needed somewhere else and that she and Danielle are together.
This is more than wishful thinking on my part. My mother lived with my
daughter and Danielle for five years before coming to Colorado to be
near me. They were very close.

I don't know what the connection is between life here on Earth and the
soul's journey when leaving this Earth. A niece of mine believes, and I
think she may be right, that for God there is no time or space. That our
perception of time and space does not allow us the ability to recognize
and know the presence of those whom we have loved and have died but in
some mysterious way the physical and spiritual are tied together.

This to me is the Mystery of Christ being True Man and True God. I find
comfort in that belief. For believing that, frees me to know that all of
creation is one and that there is a purpose for each and everyone of us.
Danielle's life was all to brief but she had a mission and a purpose and
when that purpose was completed her guardian angel protected her from
great suffering and pain as she made her way back to Mary's arms.

This is how I deal with grief. I talk and talk and talk. Thanks for
listening.

Our Angel

2009-08-06T19:47:00Z

Those of Us Who Know

Those of us who are Buddhists know that Danielle was an ancient soul who chose to come back to Earth to be where she was needed. To love Alice and to save Jay.

Those of us who are Protestants know that Danielle was a gift from God and has returned to God to be in the loving arms of Christ.

Those of us who are Catholics know that the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Saints and Angels of Heaven are wrapping their loving arms around our precious Danielle.

Those of us who know: know that Danielle and Grandma Dorcas are on an adventure of their own. They both will be with us even as they explore the realms of the Universe together.

May the wings of your guardian angel

Surround and comfort you.

More thoughts on blogging

2009-05-21T19:40:00Z

I have not taken this blog seriously. In theory, I was going to use it to wax eloquent on a variety of subject. But when faced with the blank screen I am at a lost as to what I should say.

I think I will use this blog as I first intended. It will be primarily discussions on Religion and my trying to come to an understanding as to what it means to me to be a Catholic.

Friday Sorrowful Mystery - The Agony in the Garden

2008-11-14T22:10:00Z

Jesus comes with his disciples to Gethsemani: "Stay here, while I go yonder and pray."

Meditation with Mary:

Dear Mother Mary,

So often I come to you because I do not wish to be alone before God. Is that not a strange concept?
I love God with all my heart. I trust Him. Yet, I need the warmth of your heart and your loving arms around me. I know that God understands, because you held Christ near your heart and held him in your arms.

To Begin

2008-11-12T04:01:00Z

Where to begin? This seemed like a simple enough thing to do. I am full of opinions and ideas about how the world should be run but here I am - at a loss as how to start my blog.

I will talk about the faith that I love, the belief in the dignity of the human-being from conception until natural death.

Because I believe in the dignity of each and every human being this can be a time and place for me to write about the beauty of life in all of God's majestic glory.

I guess I will jump in and ask. What is a person and why are unborn Children not considered a "persons" under the law.

From BBC News:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/medical_notes/3256615.stm

Are premature babies likely to survive?

Yes. The outlook for premature infants has improved dramatically in recent years.

Even babies born as early as 25 weeks now have a good chance of surviving.

More than 90% of premature babies who weigh 800 grams (a little less than two pounds) or more survive.

Those who weigh more than 500 grams (a little more than 1 pound) have a 40% to 50% chance of survival.

How are premature babies treated?

Extremely premature babies are likely to be on a ventilator to aid their breathing artificially - sometimes for months.

Most premature babies will be placed in an incubator on a special neo-natal unit.

Incubators are made of transparent plastic, and they completely surround an infant to keep him warm, decrease the chance of infection, and limit water loss.

Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition, but premature infants are too immature to feed directly from the breast or bottle until at least 32 weeks after conception.

Most premature infants have to be fed slowly because of the risk of developing an intestinal infection called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Breast milk can be pumped by the mother and fed to the premature baby through a tube that goes from the baby's nose or mouth into the stomach.

Special fortifiers may be added to the milk that a premature baby receives, because they often have higher vitamin needs than full-term infants.

My Question of the day is:

Are these tiny infants "persons"?

If so, what is the difference between a baby in an incubator and a baby in the womb?