Texas Rally for Life January 23, 2010

Last year I went to the prayer vigil outside of an abortion clinic on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. I went with some friends and it was very very cold that morning. We then went to a pro-life Mass said by Bishop Aymond. I did not go to the March or the Rally last year.

This year I had obligations in the morning so Matthew and I went to the Rally to hear the speeches. It was a beautiful day and we saw many friends there. The prayer vigil last year was hard and there were many abortion supporters there to harass those in prayer. Next year I will make the effort to go again as we all need to suffer for Christ.

Here are some pictures:

Matthew , Adam, Sharon and some of their clan

Planned Parenthood: A Deadly Choice!

Heather, Allison, Kristi and me

Joe Pojman the Director of Texas Alliance for Life

The happy engaged couple!

At no point in time is abortion a happy time. But being amongst loving people who understand and appreciate life certainly brings joy to any occasion.

Team Rubicon

I have been aware of this group of Marines, doctors and other volunteers who went to Haiti to give aid, food and help in any way to those in need. The name of this group? Team Rubicon. The things they have done for our brothers and sisters in Christ in denied areas due to risk is wonderful.

It is good to know that there are people out there who care so much to drop everything to give aid because they are equipped with the guts and the know-how.

I noticed they pray every morning and evening together and here is their prayer, from Saint Ignatius:

Lord, teach me to be generous.

Teach me to serve you as you deserve;

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labor and not to ask for reward,

save that of knowing that I do your will.

God Bless these people for their dedication, intelligence and most importantly for their love.

Happy New Year! (Belated)

Just spent three weeks in Kentucky for wedding planning, Christmas, and Rachel's wedding. When I am at my parents home, I tend to not want to get on the internet or respond to emails nor answer the phone. It is strange because in my other life that is not like me at all.

My 2009 Year in Review:

I started dating Matthew!

Mom and Dad came to Austin for a visit.

Lost a roommate and moved into a one-bedroom.

My first catechumens went through Easter Vigil and received the sacraments of initiation.

Went to D. C. and to Colonial Williamsburg.

My cousin was married and Matthew met my family.

I got engaged to Matthew!

I dedicated time to meaningful friendships and maintained the past ones from grade school.

I deepened my faith and educated myself on what it is to be truly Catholic. (that will be a never ending process)

I started seeing strands of gray hair appear in my hair. *sigh*

We start our marriage prep tomorrow and I am looking forward to that. I don't think every time will be fun but it will help us relate better. I'm not always easy to get along with.

I have a wedding dress, cakes are picked out, music is selected for ceremony, we think we have our readings decided on. We met with the photographer, caterer, DJ and make some preliminary decisions. So far so good.

Happenings

So what has been going on lately:

1. Matthew and I looked at wedding bands and have narrowed down to two choices for each of us. Mine is going to be simple (yay!) and his is more ornate. We are thinking of getting him a tungsten carbide band that has a Catholic cross design on it. I think it is exquisite!

2. We bought his suit for the wedding, it is very stylish!

3. Greg has a girlfriend.

4. School has been frustrating.

5. Church has had loads of activities going on.

6. We switched our Adoration day and time to Friday at 7pm. I was struggling so much with the Tuesday 11pm time. If anyone is interested... I'm sure that spot will be hard to fill. We gave it our best shot.

7. We've had some fiascos that we can only thank God for His humor.

8. I finished Life of Christ and now I am reading The World's First Love. I can't get enough of Bishop Sheen's writings!

9. The economy is in bad shape.

10. America is trying to institute health care reform. But the USCCB is not endorsing anything that would imply funding abortions.

11. The Church is opening Its doors to conservative Anglicans.

Too Far Behind

I am so far behind on posting and I have had so many things happen that I don't even know where to begin!

I am engaged! Hooray! I am determined that despite the best efforts of my mother that I am going to have a happy engagement and wedding. We are getting married at St. Mary's Cathedral in Covington, KY on August 7th, 2010. It isn't that far away! Father Ed Brodnick is going to marry us and I have known him since I was nine. I have always dreamed of him being the celebrant at my wedding. Most girls dream about what dress they will wear and who they will have as bridesmaids but me? I dream about who's going to be the priest! Hahaha.

I am really happy with the ring that Matthew gave to me. I have always wanted something different and a sapphire really does it for me. Even the cut is spectacular. A fun part has been in having the stones shipped from around the world for us to look at and decide which color blue we liked the best and which had the best brilliance. It is exciting to have it on my finger and probably and hour doesn't go by that I don't stop to look at it and smile.

Anyway, now that I have that posted I will get more on here ASAP with pictures and videos. We took Makayla to the circus and I have some great footage which I'd like to post.

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Thank you, Lord, for this day and for the blessings you have bestowed upon us. Please continue to help us get through each day with praise and honor to You. Please help us keep Your love in the center of our hearts when we are facing difficult interactions with our friends and family. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Good News

Father Z puts up a post asking people to post their good news for that day.  It is really nice to read what other people are celebrating whether it be an engagement, a pregnancy, a call to the priesthood or something simple like their child told them, "I love you" this morning.  It is very endearing.  It is something that I'd like to put up every now and then as well.  Just something for me to look back on and smile.

Matthew and I were asked to bring up the gifts on Saturday and Sunday morning and we've never been asked before.  

May 25 was the ordination anniversary for both Father Zuhlsdorf and Father Corapi.

Going to see Sharon, Adam, Therese, Fulton and Gianna today!

Gales of laughter during the scriptural rosary with Matthew was special.  Jesus has a sense of humor, right?

I sent presents to my nieces and nephews just for fun.

My sister, Melissa, and I discussed her single young adult life (I was very young at that time) and I got to know her even better because of it.