New Year’s Resolution: Get Out of the Boat!

Is your New Year’s Resolution ready to employ?  If not, I have one for you: Get out of the boat this year. 
  Start each day reporting for duty, offering to do whatever God has in mind and asking for the grace to be like St. Peter and get out of the boat. Only then, was he able to walk on water. 
Under the scenario of desiring to do whatever God wills, there can be no failure.  We control our effort and God controls the outcome. 

The Secret of Christmas

Christmas is about Jesus born in a manager. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to,” (Philippians 2:6).

Christmas is about Mary. “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,’” (Luke 1:38). 

The Science Behind the Recent Sex Abuse Scandals

There is a reason behind the recent breakout of reported sex abuse. Deranged thinking has been with us for antiquity, but we have entered a new high on the sexual offender scale. 
                And in case you haven't notice, fatigue is setting in on this once-sensational headline. The problem isn't going to go away, so as a society, we should seek to understand where it's coming from.

 The offender is always 100% wrong; but like any crime, people should stay clear of becoming potential victims. You don’t leave your keys in the car, walk down dark alleys, or leave your valuables unguarded in plain view. 

The Sex Abuse Victims Who Went Along

There are some missing persons among victims of the star-studded sex abusers—the ones that went along. I began noticing that with Harvey Weinstein. Women spoke of being pressured and humiliated by perverse demands, but those who came forward had rejected his advances. Where were the women that did not fight him off?

Liberal Media Hazardous to the Truth

A whole lot of brainwashing is going on unless it’s just a colossal coincidence that suddenly massive numbers of people stopped thinking true marriage is only between one man and one woman. Now the gathering masses demand the head (or at least the job) of anyone sticking with the definition of marriage which has existed throughout all of human history. 

Our Lady of Joy, of the Smile, and of Surprises

 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Our Blessed Mother has much to be concerned about with all of God’s children, but she also makes time for joy. Mary can enter into any situation in our lives and make things better. What better time to go to her than during the Advent season as we prepare for the joy of Christmas?

Does Committing the Unforgivable Sin Doom Someone?

An atheist once told me that he had blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. He said it was the unforgivable sin so conversion would never be an option for him.  "'And whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:22-32).

Exorcist and Padre Pio on Angels

While many of us have felt our angel’s presence at times or at least trust that he’s there, what do all the guardian angels do when people turn from God? Are they still on guard? During an interview with Father Patrick, (not his real name) an exorcist for seven years who is also a parish priest, he explained that people often ask him where is God or why aren’t the angels protecting us and stopping all this insanity?

Beach Blanket Apologetics

Several years ago, at a beach outing, I was riddled with questions about Catholics by several non-Catholic moms. 

It was a get-together with homeschoolers and I was the lone Catholic that day.  I no longer homeschool, but I had learned early on that there were some who did not mind Catholics and some who believed we were going to hell— I was told as much—nicely, of course. One time I was asked if Catholics considered themselves Christian. Funny.  But it was no joke. 

Black Elk Cause for Canonization Opened

Nicholas Black Elk, a former Lakota medicine man from South Dakota, is on the path of sainthood.  The Mass, which opened his cause for canonization, was celebrated by Bishop Robert Gruss on October 21 at Holy Rosary Church near Pine Ridge, S.D.  During his homily, Bishop Gruss said that Black Elk was open to the Spirit of God in his life from a very young age. “God used a personal invitation from a Jesuit priest to lead this child of God, Black Elk, down a new path to becoming this great disciple in the Catholic faith for the Lakota people,” he said.

An Exorcist's Perspective on Las Vegas Shooting

What level of evil possessed Stephen Paddock to open fire from the 32^nd floor of a Las Vegas hotel onto a crowd of concertgoers, killing 59 and injuring over 500?  In a place nicknamed “sin city” is Las Vegas in need of spiritual healing?

This Week in Scary News

“Your articles are so negative,” I was recently told. “You go after people and act like you are better than them.”

I considered my articles—miracles, inspiration, the Blessed Mother, exorcists, news…and yes, occasional commentary on things like female pastors blessing abortion clinics and the ugliness of witchcraft. If I’m going to comment, it doubles as therapy because Dorothy, we aren’t in Kansas anymore, and sometimes I get a bit homesick.

Ask for Holy Desire

I don’t desire death.  I’m not talking about the kind that comes from depression but the sort written about in the personal diary of St. Jean de Brebeuf, (1593 – 1649). “For the last two days I’ve experience the desire to be a martyr.” Days later it came to pass.

Inspirational Words from Mother Angelica

Has the world got you down?  Forget about that for a while and reflect on the life of Mother Angelica.  She was the most unlikely of candidates in the world’s eyes to become the most successful woman in the history of broadcasting.

“But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong,” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

The Christian Response to Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein is getting his due.  The fat cat movie mogul immersed in money, power, and degradation of his self and others is facing the ugly consequences of his ugly life.   A just ending to the story of a villain.  Rejoice!  But most rejoice for the wrong reasons–comeuppance.

Thank God for Christopher Columbus!

Here is a guest post from my husband Mark Armstrong in honor of Christopher Columbus Day.

I just want to shout out to Christopher Columbus today, on this day commemorating his discovery 525 years ago. Thanks for bringing the truth to a culture that thought slicing hearts out of bodies atop a pyramid was the way to God's heart.   In light of the recent solar eclipse, be glad you did not live in Mexico in the Americas BC—Before Columbus—during an eclipse.

Miraculous Rose Petals from St. Therese

While Rhoda Wise of Canton, OH was alive, that humble, God-loving woman was surrounded by miracles.  There were so many signs and miracles that people flocked from all over to meet Rhoda and ask for her prayers.  

Third Royal Baby Won’t Need “Rape Clause” for Support

Two things that I admire about the Duchess of Cambridge are her beautiful lace wedding dress and for having a third child. 

The Power of Gratitude to Transform Suffering

I don't love my suffering. Saints embraced theirs. They even asked for it. It won them halos, while here I am, avoiding pain whenever possible but still offering it all up, because, well, it is heavenly collateral after all.

But I think I found an avenue suggested by saints and a priest that still leads to sainthood minus the direct love affair with suffering. 

Humor Over KLM's Seatbelt Irony

            “In an age of spiritual turbulence it's important to remember that seat belts, like human beings, are created for a purpose.” That is my favorite quote of the week from Matt Archbold's blog with the National Catholic Register,

He took on the irony of the pro-gay pride ad from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that inadvertently made the point that only complimentary parts can work together for your well-being.

Eradicating Love in Iceland

Iceland is a cold place. And I’m not talking about the climate. It is government policy to encourage the eradication of the happiest, most loving people on earth from their population. 

Why Would a Nun Preside Over Catholic Wedding?

With liberals relentlessly and delusionally pushing for women priests, hearing that a nun officiated at a Catholic wedding set off alarms in my head. That can’t be right, I thought.

Witchcraft is Not Pretty

Witchcraft is trending in plague-like fashion, spreading a deadly contaminant to the soul. At least with small pox or the Ebola virus, people have the sense to cordon it off and seek annihilation.
              “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell,” (Matt 10:28). 
              “Be not afraid," is good advice when you give God control. Otherwise be afraid. 

Must You Love Mom Shorts to be Virtuous?

Summer is here and the modesty articles are upon us. I’m all for modesty, but there are debates within the debate on how women should dress that complicates the matter.

Our Lady of Fatima is often invoked from one of her messages to the 3 shepherd children: “The sins which bring most souls to hell are the sins of the flesh.  Certain fashions are going to be introduced which will offend Our Lord very much... the Church has no fashions; Our Lord is always the same..."

Is the New Testament Too Controversial for Christian Schools?

As the culture moves left of left, there’s nary room for Christianity even in Christian schools these days. Seriously, would Jesus even be able to get a visitor's pass in school?

A Whodunit Series by a Lady Who Would Know

 I don’t read fiction. Usually. Getting wrapped up in a gripping novel that I can’t put down is time away from my life as a Catholic writer and from the stacks of non-fiction books I have yet to read. 

St. Joseph: The Holiest Man on Earth

I was just contemplating that St. Joseph had to be the holiest man that ever walked the earth. He lived under the same roof with God and the Mother of God.  Imagine that!

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” James 5:16. So prayers to St. Joseph must be very powerful and effective. 

12 Christian Suggestions for Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin’s ISIS-styled photo holding a mock decapitated head of the President of the United States met with repulsion and outrage. When she was chastised from all sides, she apologized, but 3 days later took the offensive at a press conference claiming she’s the victim of bullying from the Trump family.

Rather than leave the wound alone, Griffin  is picking at it before it even has a chance to scab over so it’s only getting worse. In the event she might be searching for suggestions on healing, I’m offering some Christian advice.

Some Notre Dame Graduates Flee Their Ceremony

Nothing says higher learning these days like plugging your ears and running away. This past weekend around 150 graduating seniors from the University of Notre Dame ran—well, walked at a serious clip—from their own graduation ceremony as commencement speaker Vice-President Mike Pence took the stage.

The 21-year Wait for Mother's Day

Carrie Olson originally told this story about her renewed marriage and then a 21-year wait for motherhood in Amazing Grace for Mothers. Here is an adaptation of it.

When Carrie Olson played baby dolls as a little girl, she never doubted that one day it would be for real. But shortly after her marriage to Bob, she stopped thinking about having children. Instead, she wondered, “What have I done?”

Married at eighteen to a 23-year-old alcoholic, her life became a nightmare. Many nights were spent home alone since she was not old enough to accompany him to the bar. After four years, she finally left him.

10 Ways to Reduce Distractions During Prayer

“A hungry man does not have to be reminded to eat.”  Those were the words of my pastor after I confessed that I often allow myself to be distracted.  “If you hunger for God more, you will be distracted less,” he said.

Weapons for Our Time: Divine Mercy and The Blessed Mother

For such a time as this, we have all we need. God has actually increased our spiritual riches during the last century through the messages of Fatima and the Divine Mercy devotion.

Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, and Tony Mullen, founder of MyConsecration.org, will explain how we can tap into the gifts that God showers upon us and how to be a part of the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary this Divine Mercy Sunday, at 7-8:45 PM Eastern. The live broadcast of “Divine Mercy and the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” in Stockbridge, MA, can be watched by going here.

MOTHER TERESA'S HUMILTIY LIST

 

1. Speak as little as possible about yourself.

2. Keep busy with your own affairs.

3. Do not interfere in the affairs of others.

4. Accept small irritations with good humor.

5. Do not dwell on the faults of others.

6. Accept censures even if unmerited.

Do You Let Jesus be God?

“The Pharisees would not let Jesus be God,” the priest said during a homily this morning referring to the Gospel of John 8: 51-59

“Jesus said: "Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”

“You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” the Pharisees responded. Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

Servant of God, Father Dolindo Ruotolo,

 "It is the duty of every Catholic to contribute to the salvation of souls," -Fr. Ruotolo.

St. Francis and St. Padre Pio are two much loved saints that bore the wounds of Christ.  But how many know about Father Don Dolindo Ruotolo, a contemporary of Padre Pio?

How to Make Fasting Not a Diet

What did Jesus do prepare for his public ministry? He went into the wilderness to fast for forty days.  It was not a diet.  That might sound crass but it’s tempting to look at spiritual fasting as a convenient opportunity to also go on a diet.

Confession: I Never Liked the St. Monica Story

“I should have been a better mother,” St. Monica said to Bishop Ambrose about her son Augustine. 

“If Augustine had been an easier child, God would not have given him a mother like you,” he responded. –Dialogue from the movie Restless Heart: The Confessions of St. Augustine.

16 Ways to Counteract "A Day Without a Woman"

         

   “A Day Without A Woman” is planned for Wednesday, March 8. The organizers behind the January march in DC have now hijacked International Women’s Day calling for women to walk out on jobs and family and not to shop or basically do anything that contributes to society that day.
Women are ironically being told to do nothing for anyone on a day which traditionally  honors and respects women for their achievements.  

“Finding Jesus” Examines Historical Evidence

How ironic that Pontius Pilate who sentenced Jesus Christ to death, should give testimony to the existence of Jesus 2000 years later through a stone bearing Pilate’s name.   The decision of the prefect of Judea to crucify Jesus, clinched salvation history and was both the greatest good and the greatest evil—sentencing Jesus to death and saving mankind.  That decision rested on Pilate’s shoulders—a man Scripture shows was conflicted.  His questions to Jesus seemed sincere: “Are you the King of the Jews?” and “What is truth?”

Prayers Answered for a Deathbed Conversion

 I believe my prayers contributed to a deathbed conversion. There were surely other prayers at work, but mine were in the mix. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working, (James 5:16).

Skip the Glitter and Take Ashes As Mother Teresa Would

If you notice any glittery crosses on foreheads this Ash Wednesday, March 1, it’s a sham. Offering glitz in place of the cross is a counterfeit of what it means to follow Jesus.   

What’s with the glitter?  In the article "'Glitter Ash Wednesday' sparkles for LGBT Christians and others, it was reported that Parity, a New York-based advocacy group, wants Christians promoting LGBT equality to mark Ash Wednesday with "glitter ash" on their foreheads.

Dear Bill Nye: Stop Promoting Abortion with Fake Science!

Dear Bill, I watched your YouTube video Bill Nye: Can We Stop Telling Women What to Do With Their Bodies?  I see the bow tie is still there and noticed that your human cells, begun at conception, have advanced into old age. Retirement is not serving you well, however. Rather than bowing out as the energizer bunny of science-made-easy, you’ve decided to promote abortion.

A Sign from Above During Adoration

I had already turned in my article to the National Catholic Register on “Our Blessed Mother, the Stress Expert.”  (To be published soon.) I was onto other things by that time. Then, during adoration, God let me know I had completely overlooked something very important.

Pro-Life Troops Advance into Enemy Territory

The dueling Marches are over. Opposition was an underlying theme based on the organizers insistence: No Pro-lifers Welcome vs. All Life is Welcome.  Now is the next phase of engagement—advancing directly into pro-abortion territory.  Put on your spiritual armor and be not afraid as we seek to regain the Constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that begins with the right to life in the womb. 

Bishop Paprocki: Protect Yourself in Enemy Territory

 “This universe is at war,” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

 During an interview with Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the diocese of Springfield, Illinois for an upcoming article with the National Catholic Register about exorcism in the US, he referred to Christian author C.S. Lewis as calling the Earth enemy-occupied territory. Thus, he said, we must access Divine protection so we do not fall to the enemy, 

Questions for the Women of the March

We’ve seen the numbers and heard the roars. Now, I have a question for the women of the March on DC. Why are you making abortion the defining issue of womanhood? Fracturing between women who defend abortion and those who defend life is a big fault line indeed.

Women’s March: Many Running From the Truth

The organizers of the Women’s March on Washington on January 21 are dictating who are not welcome to participate.  Prolife women, including a pregnancy center and an organization called New Wave Feminists, have been officially told not to come.

Armageddon? Exorcist Advises: Don’t Even Think About It

Are the End Times upon us?  You could make a case for it. But don’t. That’s the advice of Father Vincent Lampert, the designated exorcist for the archdiocese of Indianapolis, who trained at the North American College in Rome and assisted with over 40 exorcisms with longtime Italian exorcist Father Carmine De Filippis. 

Making Peace with the Weatherman

            My father once said, while we were talking about the weather: “Don’t forget who the weatherman is.”   It’s God of course. I knew that but I didn’t always think about it. Now that I do, complaining about the weather no longer feels as benign as it once did.  God sends us our weather, so I try to embrace it these days. This year has been especially challenging in North Dakota with 3 winter storms already—2 of them blizzards—and temperatures that will freeze your face in less time than it takes to scrape ice off a windshield.