Two Devotions to Mary

Mary, Untier of Knots

  In honor of the month of May, here are two beautiful devotions to Mary.  I’d love to hear the results if you participate in either of these.

Pope Francis’s Devotion

      The first one,  “Mary Undoer of Knots” also known as “Our Lady Untier of Knots,"  I came across in Dr. Matthew Bunson’s new book, Pope Francis.  Bunson, one of America’s leading authorities on the papacy and the Church, gives a personal glimpse into the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio from his early days as a “street priest” to his work as a Cardinal, and finally his appointment as Pope Francis.

Family Inspiration x 2

     Happy Spring! I am writing to share my exciting  news that  I have 2 books released this spring.  Both were written to entertain readers with engaging stories that inspire.       

     When I just wrote for secular publications, I thought religion was boring, My goal now, whether writing fiction or non-fiction, is to present faith in a real and an exciting way. Both books can be enjoyed by all denominations. 

Take the Joyful Challenge

      Lately, when I check the next-day weather report, I half-expect fire and brimstone to be in the forecast.  It seems that it should be “time’s up” for the world’s silliness aka spiritual degradation to the nth degree.

     I cannot help but wonder why God is holding back.  He is so very patient with us. It would seem that we have more than earned some chastisements.

The Holiest Form of Flattery: Imitating Mary

     There’s an old saying:  Imitation is the sincerest form of Flattery.  It shows that you like and admire that person and want to be like him or her. In the case of the Blessed Mother, imitating her is our highest calling.  We can do no better than to be like Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the holiest person that ever lived.

     As a matter of fact, the very worst thing about Mary is that so many of our Christian brethren do not appreciate her.  They love Jesus but ignore his mother. That is so sad because Mary has so much to offer us.

Big Hearted - Grow Your Heart.

      Big Hearted is best.  No one wants to be the opposite; small or cold hearted.  Jesus Christ has the biggest heart of all--the Sacred Heart.  

     So how does one become bigger hearted?  The heart is a muscle and like all muscles the more we use it, the stronger and bigger it gets.   And every parent knows that the easiest way to use your heart is to welcome a child into your life. From that point on, love is not even an option.

The Pro-choice Revenge

Snow covered early in week

     Abortion supporters have vowed revenge against North Dakota legislators for making it the most pro-life state in the nation.  They have promised a legal battle against the new laws and are threatening lawmakers with voting them out of office. 

     To be sure legislators get the message loud and clear, more than 1,000 little flags were placed on the front lawn of the state capitol this week. 

Outrageous Mainstream Media Blackout on Dr. Gosnell’s House of Horrors.

Women's Medical Society dubbed "House of Horrors"

(Pro-choice groups are now using this story to promote abortion. Read under subtitle "Spin Doctors" of this article.)

     The Media has a penchant for murder, to the point of obsession, often saturating coverage with every little detail.  Curiosity mixed with horror draws large audiences.   Yet there was only localized or pro-life reporting on one of the most horrifying cases in history, which involves body parts, killing of screaming babies, decapitation, and even involving a 15-year old in the killing.   
      After pro-life and conservative groups led a groundswell of protests against the blackout, there has been some response.  LifeNews.com, which has reported extensively on Gosnell, announced that last Friday, pro-life activists posted on Twitter with the hashtag #Gosnell. In a 12-hour period over 166,000 tweets flooded Twitter forcing the media to cover his trial. This Wednesday will be round 2 exposing the horrors and answering the question Who is #gosnell to the world. Join us for Tweetfest round 2 - Who is #Gosnell?

Growing Love

How can you bring love to others?

     How about puppies?  My kids and I bring puppies to a nursing home every week.  A local pet store lets us pick out two to bring around. It's a day brightener for everyone: staff, residents and us too!
     I used to bring our two larger breed dogs--a big golden retriever and a collie mix-- to the Baptist Home nursing home for 7 years.  When our golden retriever died, we added a very affectionate Newfoundland mix named Sophie from an animal shelter.  One man, Arvid, especially loved our dogs. He came alive, excited to hug and pet them.

The F-Choice: Freedom or Fool

(Divine Mercy Sunday is April 7, Come to the Feast of Mercy!)

   Anyone who is holding a grudge and not forgiving someone is a fool.  What is the biggest difference between Christians and non-Christians?  And what is the one thing you can do that God promises will come back to you? Answer: Forgiveness, aka mercy.

Crashing an Abortion Rally: A Small Prayer Group Ventures into Enemy Territory

     The day before ND's historical victory for life, our little prayer group ventured into an emotional pro-abortion rally.

      “Let’s get together today at 2:00 PM  to pray and balance the offensive that will occur  at 2:30 at the capitol.” my friend Isabel texted me.  I decided that praying for the unborn was more important than anything else I had to do that afternoon so I joined her.

     The media across the country and even around the world had been watching—wondering if North Dakota would become the most pro-life state in the country.  Three of the four bills passed by the North Dakota Legislature to limit abortions were sent to Gov. Jack Dalrymple that day, Monday, 2/25.  On Tuesday morning, he signed them all. (See details at bottom of this article.)