Everyone Suffers

     Everyone suffers not just you.   Suffering is a part of life that we inherited from Adam and Eve.  One may suffer physically or one may suffer mentally.  God does not cause our suffering, we cause our suffering.   In order to overcome suffering we can offer our petitions to God in prayer.  If you are Catholic you can offer your sufferings up for the poor souls in purgatory.  God gives us the grace if we are living according to His will to overcome and deal with our sufferings.   If we lack faith then our suffering will be greater because a person can not deal with suffering alone.  God is love but  a just God.   All sins committed come with suffering because when we sin we get out of the realm of grace and this is when suffering comes about.  If you are dealing with suffering, pray often and without ceasing.  A short prayer that works for me is, “Jesus I Trust in You”. God Bless.

Lose Weight At Work

Try incorporating these simple tricks into your day, and you’ll be saying goodbye to those extra pounds in no time. You’ll be healthier too.

1. Protein it Up in the Morning

Eating a protein and mineral rich breakfast at home will start your work day off right. According to a University study, having a high-energy breakfast helps lose the weight.

Make sure you have easy-to-make breakfast options in your fridge or pantry, so that you’re not tempted to grab a bite from McDonalds on the way in when you’re in a hurry.

Here are a few options: Eggs. Turkey Sausage or Bacon. Yogurt (low sugar). Oatmeal (low sugar). Fresh Fruit.

2. Take the Stairs and Walk the Block

When you get to work in the morning, opt for the stairs instead of riding the elevator up. This little bit of exercise will get the heart a pumpin’ and energized for the day. It could even save your life.

At lunch, take half an hour to walk the company lot or around the city blocks. Not only will you feel more energy afterwards, but you’ll also be getting your recommended 30-minute workout in before it’s quitting time.

3. Bag Your Lunch

After your walk, sit back, relax and enjoy your bag lunch. Your body and bank account will thank you if you take lunch to work. If you plan ahead, you’re more likely to pick healthier choices than if you’re at a restaurant looking at a menu full of delicious temptations.

 

4. Quit Drinking Soda and Energy Drinks

Here’s why: Sodas and energy drinks (for the most part) are chalk full of sugar. The carbonation in sodas expand your stomach, opening it up even more so at the next meal you eat a lot. Energy drinks may give you the kick you need, but it’s temporary. The calorie and sugar intake far out way the benefits of “energy” drinks.

The answer: Drink water!

5. Load Your Office with Snacks

Everyone gets that mid-afternoon craving for a vending machine snack. When you find yourself staring into the glass at a Snickers bar or Doritos bag, shout at the top of your lungs: “Step Away from the Vending Machine!” If you’re not comfortable yelling it out loud, try blarring it in your mind until you walk away.

One way to beat the crave: Keep healthy snacks close at hand. You could have some trail mix or pretzels tucked away in your desk drawer. If you want to be a little adventurous, get a small cooler for under your desk and pile in healthy snacks.

Pope To Meet OBAMA

By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI will welcome U.S. President Barack Obama to the Vatican July 10 for an audience scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

Obama will visit Italy July 8-10 to participate in the Group of Eight summit, a meeting of leaders of the world’s wealthiest nations. The meeting will be held in L’Aquila, site of a devastating earthquake in April.

After the G-8 summit, the president and his wife, Michelle, are scheduled to fly to Ghana, arriving late July 10.

Although Pope Benedict usually meets heads of state and government in the morning, the Vatican agreed to host Obama’s first visit to the papal palace the evening before he flies to Africa.

It is not clear whether Miguel Diaz, a theology professor tapped by Obama to be the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, will be present for the meeting. As of June 23, the Senate hearing for the new ambassador’s confirmation was not on the public schedule of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Discussions between popes and U.S. presidents usually focus on common concerns regarding world events and the church’s concerns over issues or policies with special moral relevance. So in addition to discussing ongoing tensions in the Middle East, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Iraq, Pope Benedict likely will bring up his concerns regarding abortion policy in the United States and renewed government permission for embryonic stem-cell research.

THE TEST

Unknown

assumed public domain

Six minutes to six, said the clock over the information booth in New York’s Grand Central Station. The tall young Army officer lifted his sunburned face and narrowed his eyes to note the exact time. His heart was pounding with a beat that choked him. In six minutes he would see the woman who had filled such a special place in his life for the past 18 months, the woman he had never seen yet whose words had sustained him unfailingly. Lt. Blandford remembered one day in particular, the worst of the fighting, when his plane had been caught in the midst of a pack of enemy planes. In one of those letters, he had confessed to her that often he felt fear, and only a few days before this battle, he had received her answer:”Of course you fear…all brave men do.” Next time you doubt yourself, I want you to hear my voice reciting to you: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of Death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me.’….He had remembered that and it renewed his strength. He was going to hear her voice now. Four minutes to six.

A girl passed closer to him, and Lt. Blandford started. she was wearing a flower, but it was not the little red rose they had agreed upon. Besides, this girl was only about eighteen, and Hollis Maynel had told him she was 30. What of it? he had answered, I’m 32. He was 29. His mind went back to that book he had read in the training camp. Of Human Bondage it was; and throughout the book were notes in a woman’s handwriting. He had never believed that a woman could see into a man’s heart so tenderly, so understandingly. Her name was on the bookplate: Hollis Maynell. He got a hold of a New York City telephone book and found her address. He had written , she had answered. Next day he had been shipped out, but they had gone on writing. For thirteen months she had faithfully replied. When his letters did not arrive, she wrote anyway, and now he believed he loved her, and she loved him. But she had refused all his pleas to send him her photograph. She had explained: If your feeling for me had no reality, what I look like won’t matter. Suppose I am beautiful. I’d always be haunted that you had been taking a chance on just that, and that kind of love would disgust me.

Suppose that I’m plain, (and you must admit that this is more likely), then I’d always fear that you were only going on writing because you were lonely and had no one else. No, don’t ask for my picture. When you come to New York, you shall see me and then you shall make your own decision.

One minute to six…he flipped the pages of the book he held. Then Lt. Blandford’s heart leapt. A young woman was coming toward him.

Her figure was long and slim; her blond hair lay back in curls from delicate ears. Her eyes were blue as flowers, her lips and chin had a gentle firmness. In her pale-green suit, she was like springtime come alive. He started toward her, forgetting to notice that she was wearing no rose, and as he moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. Going my way, soldier? she murmured.

He made one step closer to her. Then he saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl, a woman well past 40, her graying hair tucked under a worn hat. She was more than plump.

Her thick-ankled feet were thrust into low-heeled shoes. But she wore a red rose on her rumpled coat. The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away.

Blandford felt as though he were being split in two, so keen was his desire to follow the girl, yet so deep was his longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned and upheld his own, and there she stood. He could see her pale face was gentle and sensible; her gray eyes had a warm twinkle.

Lt. Blandford did not hesitate. His fingers gripped the worn copy of Of Human Bondage which was to identify him to her. This would not be love, but it would be something special, a friendship for which he had been and must be ever grateful…

He squared his shoulders, saluted, and held the book out toward the woman, although even while he spoke he felt the bitterness of his disappointment.

“I’m Lt. Blandford, and you’re Miss Maynell. I’m so glad you could meet me. May–may I take you to dinner?”

The woman’s face broadened in a tolerant smile. “I don’t know what this is all about, son,” she answered. “That young lady in the green suit, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said that if you asked me to go out with you, I should tell you she’s waiting for you in that restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test.”

Start Your Apostolate

    

Above:  Father Robert J. Fox- Founder of the Fatima Family Apostolate International and John C Preiss-President of the Fatima Family Apostolate International at the new Headquarters in Hanceville AL. on Father Fox’s 55 Anniversary of ordination as a Priest.

 

Lay people are encouraged to become soldiers for Christ.  How are you personally going to help with this mission.  The society is getting unpredictable and the devil has affected many families and individuals.  In order to promote Christianity and the True Church(Catholicism) we need leaders.  A leader can accomplish way more than a follower.  Men need to stand up and find the leader within and promote the faith and be a salesman for Christ.  One should volunteer or start there own apostolate to bring people back to true Christian principles, to promote Church teachings and to evangelize.  Start by brainstorming your ideas and thoughts.  One person may be out going and be able to confront and share with people.  Another person may be timid but just because you are timid or shy, this does not mean you can not evangelize.  You can pass out a audio or pamphlet or stuff Catholic literature in your bill payments.  Put out information at your Parish Church.  Be creative and get to work, dedicate yourself to saving souls and educating those who need it the most.  Kindness speaks louder than words. God Bless

The New Evangelization

The monasteries of old evangelized the faith they brought renewal to the Church.     Today in our society the renewal will have to come from lay people or lay apostolates.   One person can make a difference in life.   If you feel this is untrue than look at the lives of the saints.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta what an amazing story and life, the many starving souls she touched.   I think about Mother Angelica and the present day evangelizing through EWTN.  A crippled nun with no business knowledge or money.  So many amazing stories and examples of individuals that went beyond being Catholic, they lived it daily.  We are all called to live the faith daily and to trust in the Lord to guide us in our journey.  We are all called to be Holy and to live in the fullness of faith.  Pray, persevere and act out the road of evangelizing. God is calling you, will you answer His call?

Christ in Our Daily Life

It is often said, “Our example speaks louder than words”.   This is so true, it seems it is elevated when we have children of our own.  Are you a different person at work ?    Are you afraid to be proud of your faith in public?  Do you pray in public before you eat a meal at a restaurant?   If not then one must examine his or her thoughts and really dig deep into their heart and find Christ in their daily life.   Many people today only believe in God on Sunday and this is so detrimental to growth as a Christian.  With this mentality one could easily loose their faith.  We are all called to evangelize the faith.   This evangelization should be seen by others in our daily lives.  Christ should be the focus of our daily lives.  When we wake up in the morning we should call upon God in prayer, and when we retire to sleep at night we should call upon God in prayer.   If one does not become an example of Christ in there daily lives can they be called a Christian?   God is love, Christianity is love, yet love is more than saying I love you it is radiating Christ in our daily life.  “Examples Speak Louder Than Words”.

The Man in the Home

The man in the home is not only the physical head of the home he is the spiritual head of the home.  Many men have relinquished this role and leave the pressures of finances and faith to the wife.  A wife may think that there husband is not capable of being the leader in the home even though this is biblically correct.  The wife should try and let him lead and be this masculine leader in the home.  So many couples look back in wonder why marriages are not lasting and the divorce rate has doubled.  It is because of the confusion of roles in the home.  This confusion also leads to homosexual children and unhappy marriages by these children.  A husband and wife are to work together, no one said marriage is easy especially with the devil prowling around like a roaring lion waiting for the opportunity to grasp your souls and infiltrate your thoughts.   Pray often, pray often.  Marriage is between Man, Woman and God.

Son in Foster Care of Homosexual Couple

THIS IS DISTURBING!!

London, England.- A Catholic mother in Britain who is unable to care for her son has objected to him being placed in the foster care of a homosexual couple. She has expressed concern the couple could encourage him into a way of life she does not agree with, amid reports the boy is already asking about homosexuality.

The ten-year-old child was scheduled to arrive Monday at his permanent new foster home, a hotel in Brighton run by two homosexual men, the Daily Mail reports. Social workers at Brighton and Hove Council, who have full custody of the child, decided on his long-term placement last month. His mother reportedly suffered a mental breakdown after an abusive marriage and cannot care for her son.

The mother has told friends she is concerned about the environment in which her son will be placed. She has said she wants him fostered by a traditional family in line with Catholic belief.

The boy is described as “bright and lively” and attends a faith school. He is due to receive his First Communion soon. According to the Daily Mail, he loves tennis and singing and he text messages his mother some nights to tell her he has brushed his teeth and has said his prayers.

The Thomas More Legal Centre, a Catholic legal charity, was instructed last week to represent the boy’s mother.

“We are advising her on her legal options and seeking to resolve the matter with the council by agreement,” said Neil Addison, director of the center.

The mother’s parish priest and the son’s head teacher are also said to be deeply concerned, the Daily Mail reports.

“This isn’t about a gay couple in a private home, this is about a gay couple running a hotel where they also live, where they cannot restrict who the child is going to meet. That’s my anxiety,” the priest said.

A fellow parishioner of the mother described her as a “committed Catholic” and reported that her son was baptized and brought up a Catholic.

“She knows she is unwell and cannot cope with looking after him. All she wants is for him to be raised in a regular family atmosphere, by a man and a woman.

“She would prefer a Catholic couple, but if that is not possible, at least a heterosexual one. But social services have given her no choice. She cannot understand how he can be looked after by two men she’s never met.

“Her belief is that they could encourage him into a lifestyle that is against her religious beliefs,” the parishioner explained.

“The other day he asked her, ‘Mummy, are you lesbian or gay?’ She had to tell him she was neither.”

The local council reportedly has one of the highest rates of homosexual fostering and adoption in Britain. It told the mother that the homosexual men who will foster her son are experienced and fully qualified and will care for the boy well.

It did not answer questions about its choice to place the child with homosexual foster parents against the mother’s wishes. A spokesman told the Daily Mail the council would not comment on any issue relating to the welfare of a child in the council’s care.

Homeschool Numbers are They Accurate

by Tim Drake

Levels of State Homeschooling Regulation

Much media coverage was given to the U.S. Department of Education’s recent numbers (provided by the National Center for Education Statistics) showing that 1.5 million students are homeschooled in the U.S.

However, many are wondering just how accurate those numbers really are. Homeschool advocates believe that number is too low. Here’s why.

“We have an ongoing dispute with the Department of Education over the numbers,” said Ian Slatter, director of media relations for the Purcellville, Va.-based Home School Legal Defense Association, an 85,000-member organization that supports the legal rights of homeschooling families.

According to Slatter, states such as California, Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, and others, are “private school states,” meaning that if a parent home-educates, they’re technically considered a private school.

“When the government surveys the population via telephone, there are some parents who will give the technically correct answer that they use a “private school,” rather than telling the government that they homeschool,” described Slatter. Slatter believes that the actual total number of families homeschooling full-time is 2 million.

Mark Hegener, publisher of Home Education magazine, also disagrees with the overall numbers.

“Are people answering the survey questions technically correct, or in such a way because they don’t trust data-takers?” asked Hegener. “More people are taking diverse public school options, such as virtual schools, than homeschooling,” he said, wondering how it’s possible for the Department of Education to obtain accurate information.

“The questionnaire would not have made sense to homeschooling parents who reported that their child was in a private school,” responded Jo Ann Webb, spokeswoman with the Department of Education. “They would have been asked a long series of questions about the characteristics of the private school and finally the name and location of that school. Operationally, we linked the school reported during the interview with our census of private school data set.”

Government numbers do, however, support a larger number when considering students who are homeschooled even part-time. Taking into consideration children whose parents choose homeschooling for at least part of their education, the number of students homeschooled at least part-time is 1.5 million, making the total number of students who are homeschooled in the U.S., either full- or part-time more than 3 million.