Health, Happiness, and Holiness

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The Contraception Deception

There has been a well orchestrated deception about life, love, and commitment. This deception has so permeated our culture that everyone has been affected by it. Click on the link to hear the truth about "The Contraception Deception."



Life

After So Many Years - My Prayers Have Been Answered

 

What does an Irish Deacon Pray For? 

Good Beer and close to home.

Our local Trappist Monastery is teaming up with a local brewery to produce that heavenly brew.

Here are the headlines:

New Clairvaux and Sierra Nevada to produce Belgian-style Ales

 

  In a recent press release, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. announced its joint venture with the Abbey of New Clairvaux to begin production of Belgian-style abbey ales in the U.S. next year.  The ales will go by the name of "Ovila" after the 12th century Cistercian monastery, Santa Maria de Ovila.

Click here for the link

For nearly 1000 years, monks have been brewing ales behind monastery walls. Their closely guarded traditions and techniques produced styles of beer unlike anything else in the world. These unique Trappist-style Abbey ales are known for their uncompromising quality and compelling flavor. In 2011, Sierra Nevada and the Trappist-Cistercian Abbey of New Clairvaux are working to bring this centuries-old tradition to America with Ovila—the nation’s only authentic Trappist-style Abbey Ale.

This series of three Belgian -style Abbey ales is made in accordance with the centuries-old tradition of the monks. Each beer will only be available for a limited time and will rotate through the seasons. The first beer in the series, scheduled for release in March, will be a Belgian-style Dubbel brewed with authentic Trappist yeast. The second beer in the series, scheduled for release in July, will be a Saison, the traditional Belgian-style farmhouse ale made in honor of the Monk’s dedication to labor in the fields surrounding their abbey. The third will be released in time for the holidays. It will be a Trappist-style Quadrupel rich with dark fruit flavors and the unique wine-like characters of these strong Abbey ales.

Proceeds from this project will benefit the monks of the Abbey of New Clairvaux in their efforts to rebuild an architectural marvel—a 12th century, early-gothic Cistercian chapter house—on their grounds in Vina, California a few miles north of Sierra Nevada’s home in Chico. The medieval chapterhouse—Santa Maria de Ovila—was begun in 1190, near the village of Trillo, Spain.

Cistercian monks lived, prayed, and worked there for nearly 800 years. In 1931, California newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased the chapterhouse stones and shipped it to Northern California. Hearst’s plans were never realized, and the stones fell into disrepair. In 1994, the Trappist-Cistercian monks of the Abbey of New Clairvaux, gained possession of the ruins, and began the painstaking stone-by-stone reconstruction of the historic abbey.

Located in Vina, California, the Abbey of New Clairvaux is a Cistercian Abbey of Strict Observance (Trappist). The abbey was founded in 1955 on 590 acres of Leland Stanford’s famed Vina Ranch. The monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict—Ora est Labora (Prayer and Work) and spend their days in prayer, meditation, and tending to the labor of the working farm located at the abbey.

Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of America’s first microbreweries and remains highly regarded for using only whole-cone hops and ingredients of the finest quality. Sierra Nevada has set the standard for artisan brewers worldwide as a winner of numerous awards for their line of beers and ales including the flagship Pale Ale, Torpedo, Porter, Stout, Kellerweis, four seasonal beers, Estate Ale, Harvest Ale series and a host of draft-only specialties.

Wives - Be Submissive To Your Husbands

I like the old translation of Ephesians 5:22-24 better than the new one. What is the difference? Instead of “subordinate,” the old translation says “wives should be submissive to their husbands…”

Now before anyone starts readying an angry response to me, please read through what I am thinking, OK?

A few years ago I sent out a Christmas card I made that had the following in it:

Christmas

Christ’s Mass

Mass = Mission

Christ’s Mission: The Incarnation (John 3:16)

Let me expand that one more time:

Submissive

Sub-mission

Under-the-mission

What this is saying is that wives need to be “under the mission” of their husbands. What is the mission of the husband according to Paul? Two parts:

1. to die to himself for his wife as Christ died for the Church;

2. so that she can be holy and immaculate — truly beautiful before him and God.

Notice that both the wife and husband are called to give up themselves — in some senses — for the sake of the other. It is how wives and husbands become holy. To give up part of yourself and never take it back is a challenge that all Christians are called to accept. Wives and husbands are called to do that in a most visible way. A way that the world does not understand. Self-sacrifice is not something that comes to the front of our society’s collective consciousness. Yet married couples have the ability to witness to Christ — to both be submissive to Christ — through their marital giving of themselves to each other.

Is it any wonder that marriage is under such an attack? I know this is a hard reading for many. But the beauty of a life lived in submission to Christ is a wonder to behold. And when two people choose to do that together in marriage, all the world can do is stand back and “scratch its head” in amazement that Christ’s life can be lived out in today’s settings.

Article by: Father Frank E. Jindra

Me, Me, Me, It's All About Me!

I often think about our American culture and our view of security and being self-sufficient. I hear over and over that we need to start saving for retirement at a young age and sock away as much as we can because before you know it, we will be retired and the government wont be able to take care of us.

So what does this really mean? Does this mean that we are to put everything extra away for that day in the future?

I often think  that if everyone instead of socking their money and resources away, used them to take care of their own families, brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, then there would be less struggle in life for so many.

In fact, if we would care for each other, there would be a huge shift in our culture and thoughts about retirement.

Think about it. If we lived in a world where we helped each other out day to day, shared what God has given to us with all the members our our families, this concept and behavior would apply to retirement as well.

If our families chose to freely care for each other, what need would there be for huge retirement savings. Aging parents would always be cared for by their children. If fact, the norm would be that once a person could not work anymore to provide for themselves, automatically family would take them in and care for their needs. I have seen this in Guatemala. I have seen this with some of my friends as well. (And their families are the better for it).

What family wouldn't be blessed to have the wisdom, love and support of a Grandfather or Grandmother in their homes.

Why would anyone choose to reject the needs of others? I can only think that by refusing to care for a family member in need is only due to self-centerdness and selfishness. One who plans for the future while neglecting the current needs of family lives in a world that is only focused on themselves. One who chooses to give a blind eye to the needs of family has made idolatry a greater importance than love.

If being honest, they would truthfully say about life, "It really is all about me."

However, It really is very simple.

When we are young we are cared for by our parents. They feed, love us, care for our needs, ensure that we can obtain a trade, and support us. Then we venture out into the world to find our God-given vocation, and serve others while meeting our own basic needs. Our life isn't to be a life primarily focused on meeting our own wants and desires, yes some of that is fine, but the primary focus should be that of service and love. And when the time comes, and we have a family member, or a parent(s) finding themselves in a place where they need help, we graciously bring them close to us, we bring them right into our homes.

What does a person actually need in life? Actually, only food, water, shelter, some clothing, and love. This really isn't a complicated issue. It only becomes complex when the "Me, Me, Me, It's all about Me" complex becomes a factor. Because this complex is the exact opposite of Love and Charity, our real calling in life.

Yes, one can bring all kinds of factors into the mix, health care needs, etc., but the focus isn't about extending our life here on earth forever, it's about preparing for eternal life.

So as you are socking away your money for retirement, take a minute and honestly look at those in your family, extended Family.

Is there anyone in need?

Is your planning for the future really more important than their current need?

Who's money is it anyway? Did God provide?

Look at your parents, could they actually come live with you? Would their lives be helped by loving them in your home?

What have you made the priorities in your lives?

Would God feel that you have chosen wisely.

Our Goal for January 2011

Liz and I have been trying to make a lifestyle change that will not only allow us to continue to lose weight, but more importantly, to feel good, have energy, and be healthy.

Here is a "Goal Picture" for Liz and me.

I used my daughter's Photo editor (Picnic) to make some enhancements adn to actually see what we can look like in a few months if we keep up with our plan and discipline.

Life is Good!

What We Need Is Love!

Can You See The Grace? Can You See The Love?

Amanda and Sean

The young adults and youth of today have a great opportunity to live lives full of joy and happiness. God has bestowed His grace upon them (us as well), grace that will allow us to transcend our weaknesses and live in His world of abundant joy and peace.

Love is a beautiful thing to experience and witness, and there is no other emotion that can better emulate God's feelings for us. 

What I am describing is "True Love," not what many youth and young adults have come to know as love, because their love could better be described as:

self-fulfilling, selfish pleasure seeking, unrestrained desire seeking, the taking of another without regard to the concept of complete surrender and giving of oneself. 

These are relationships of "Taking" not "Giving."

Love, True-Love, one that is grounded in respect, in the giving of oneself for the sake of building up the other person should be encouraged in our society today. This type of Love, a love that would never ask of another something that is improper, immoral, indecent, or disrespectful should be encouraged and nourished.

Most youth of today are in search for Love and the Truth, but are bombarded each day with lies, mis-truths, deceptions, and are left searching without finding a sense of fulfillment that lasts. The love they are looking for comes from God and Godly relationships, and can only be obtained when filled with His grace.

To live a life of such peace, joy, and sustained happiness is to live a life with another that is surrounded and immersed in God's ways, His beauty, and His Commandments, and nourished by living in a community that rejects the ways of the world and embraces the ways of His Kingdom.

There is such hope for the youth and young adults of today. They have the opportunity to live lives as fruitful as any time in history, and to possess more joy than we can imagine, if only they can see the grace that surrounds them and reach out for, and grab the grace being offered to them. 

This grace will not only sustain them in rejecting worldly ways, but will allow them to see the world and their relationships through Godly eyes. This grace that I speak of transforms us into children of God, allows us to act and to live more like the persons we were created to be, not just like what is often accepted and promoted by many around us.

We have been created in His likeness and in His image. Through baptism we have died to our broken and stained selves, and have been reborn, reborn and accepted into a kingdom of everlasting life. We are His and everything He has to offer has been given to us, all we need to do is accept it.

True and Holy Friendship

It had been sometime since I had visited the Monastery at Vina, and who do I see working in the vineyards? Brother Raphael.

When he caught a glimpse of me, he dropped everything and ran toward me a gave me the biggest heart warming smile and hug.

While I was still in formation, for a few years I attended a Men's Spirituality group at the monastery under the direction of my Spiritual Director. Along with a few men from surrounding communities, two young Trappist Brothers also attended, Brother's Raphael and Placid. Although we didn't often have extended conversations outside of the group, nor see each other often, there was a deep bond established between Brother Raphael and myself.

I am not sure what he sees in me, but what I see in him is a man more joyful than I have ever seen. He works, talks, and lives in such a peaceful state of being it is as if the Holy Spirit has consumed his existence and radiates through him. With just a brief encounter, his love overtakes you and leaves you with such a tranquil feeling it is indescribable.

He is a holy man living a simple life of work and prayer. He lives in a community separate from the world, but constantly praying for the world.

I don't exactly know why God allowed me to meet such a man, and why he established this blessed friendship, but just knowing that this Holy Monk loves us, prays for us, and is always excited to see us, can only be explained as a special gift from God, and a small example of God's love for each of us.

The Perfect Mother's Day / Anniversary

Today was not only Mother's Day, but our 18th Wedding Anniversary. So we gathered the family....

put on some nice clothes....

Hopped in the Cars, Mom and Dad in the Truck, Kids behind us in the car....

Hey.... Too Close Kids!

Are we drove to Nello's Place.

 Lets go in girls.

Nello's is a nice Italian Restaurant.

It was so much fun, having mother's day with the kids.

Reminding them that we were also celebrating our Wedding Anniversary 

that enabled Liz to be a Mother, bringing them into existence. 

 Italian appetizers.

My beautiful wife. Our first date was 20 years ago tomorrow.

Sean's first taste of steamed clams...He loved them!

Zucchini 

Shrimp Salad

The Salad was delicious.

Mackenzie loved it also.... But "NO SHRIMP!"

I really enjoyed the great conversation.

Mackenzie is quickly growing into a lady right before our eyes.

I received my dinner, Spaghetti and Meatball....

Mac and Sean both ordered the homemade Lasagna (They said it melt in their mouths).

Liz ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo.

That isn't my wine is it? Just kidding!

The waiter and owner, finding out that it was our anniversary, 

brought us a special drink that was a longtime family tradition for anniversaries, it was delicious.

No special night is complete without a family sharing a dessert.

What a great meal and special afternoon, celebrating together as a family, 

but did you really get enough to eat?

Ok, Ok, I get the point!

We thanked God for the blessings in our lives, said good bye to the kids 

(they were now off to youth group) and then we went to have a drink.

We arrived at Guadalajara where our friends, Elsa and Armando own the restaurant.

We really only wanted an after dinner drink since we were stuffed, but....

since our friends are so hospitable, they would have nothing to do with just that, and soon more food arrived.

So Liz enjoyed a blended margarita,

I had mine on the rocks,

and we enjoyed each other's company with yet again delicious food.

Then we completed the night with a nice walk on the sundial bridge. What a perfect day and evening. Life just doesn't get any better than spending time with those that you love and realizing that family and relationships are Everything!

Our Kids

It seems like it was just yesterday that our kids were toddlers. They grow up so quickly.

We Love You!

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Catholic Privilege

As many of you already know, I often speak of us Christians needing to take the harder road, picking up our crosses, and enduring trial after trial until we receive our heavenly reward.

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This is true, that suffering is a part of being a Christian, and it includes making the decision to turn away from the secular world to live a life of holiness.

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But we often forget that being a Christian also comes with numerous privileges as well. These so called privileges are exclusive to those who believe.

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Privilege # 1 = Hope

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I first think of the ability to have hope. Not hope in ourselves as much as the knowledge that God is the one in control of our lives and He has this plan that is uniquely ours. Yes we have free will to make decisions, but God has this master plan for us and even though at times we don't understand why certain things are happening in our lives, it has a purpose to help us grow and prepare for eternal life in heaven.

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Privilege # 2 = Trust

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As a child has total trust in their parents that they will be cared for, protected, and loved, we as Christians also posses this trust in our Lord and Savior.

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Privilege # 3 = Love

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Many in this world feel alone and isolated, yet as a Christian we know that we belong to a family that was established over 2000 years ago by Christ himself. This is a family that exists for the purpose of love. It is said that you will know that they are Christians by the way that they love and care for each other. We are a part of that family.

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Privilege # 4 = The Sacraments

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This Privilege is not only uniquely Christian but uniquely Catholic. What is a Sacrament? It is an external sign of an inward grace that was instituted by Christ himself and that makes Christ present to us. We experience and interact with Christ, in the real person, in such an intimate way, that we are made holy by this encounter.

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In Baptism we are made children of God, welcomed into the Christian family, and cleansed from the original sin (Adam and Eve) that separated us from heaven.

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In The Holy Eucharist we are able to receive Christ: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. He who is everything becomes part of us, we not only consume him as he directed us to do on Holy Thursday, but we are consumed by him during the Holy Eucharist. Wherever Christ is, so is the Father and the Holy Spirit. And wherever the resurrected Christ is, so is the whole Heavenly Kingdom, including the Saints, the Angles, and all who have received their heavenly reward. When we received Holy Communion, we receive all of heaven into our being, we are made holy and experience heaven...... WOW!

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In Confirmation we are sealed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit and strengthened to live a life with the power of the gifts of the spirit. We confess our desire to be a catholic and to live a life that is pleasing to our Father and Lord. We set out to not only to fight against the evils of the world but to bring Christ's love into the darkness.

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In Holy Confession we are allowed to confessed our failings, those behaviors, or lack of actions, in which we willfully chose to turn away from God and separate ourselves from heaven. With the power that Jesus gave to Saint Peter and the Holy Priesthood, our sins are exposed from the darkness and brought out into the light of Christ, our contrite heart is revealed, and those healing words of absolution are showered upon us. We are healed and restored back into communion with our Church, our Faith, and Our Lord and Savior.

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In Sacramental Marriage two people of opposite genders and bonded together in much more that a agreement, a covenant is made that brings the two together for a life to be lived as one. What God has brought together no man shall separate. This is a bond that is life itself, grounded in Love, Charity, service, and faith. A Sacramental Marriage is the closest thing on earth that represents God's relationship and love with us. It is Holy, Pure, Sacred, and life giving and life sustaining.

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The Anointing of The Sick is the Sacrament that is healing itself. It not only washes away any sin that has encroached upon the soul, but prepares the soul for entrance into heaven. Yes it can produce physical healing if it is the will of God, but most importantly it heals the spirit and soul on the person.

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In Holy Orders one transcends his own limitation and represents Christ to the world. Inadequate as he might be in is own qualities, he is given the grace to minister in the name of Christ. He becomes that instrument of grace to the world. Not by any doing of his own, he still remains limited in his humanity, yet when called upon by others in faith, he is that presence of the love and power of Christ. In The Sacrament of Holy Orders, internally the man is literally changed. His soul has been transformed and he can present Christ to the world through his life.

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As Christians we are a privileged group of people that are so very blessed,

blessed and Privileged beyond our own understanding.

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My Beautiful Daughter - Mackenzie Clare

In this world that wrongly attributes some much of who we are by what we have, what we possess, what we can do, where we live, and popularity..... I often think people need to be reminded that they are unique, that they are special, that they are loved for just who they are.... nothing more!

Mackenzie is such a Special Soul, there really is no one like her in the entire world. She has something about her that just radiates, there is a pureness and an innate joy to her.

Not unlike most teens, she wants to feel loved, she wants to feel special, she wants to feel unique.

She might just not realize that she is all of those things.

As Dads, we should never tire of telling our kids just how much we love them. Can a son or daughter ever hear too much that they are loved, not for what they do, but for who they are?

We love you Mackenzie.

Mom and Mackenzie (AKA Koots) off to Dance rehearsal.