Jacqueline's Blog

Jesus lives in me...

2009-03-03T13:59:00.002-06:00

One of my biggest fears lately is that I forget how to engage in conversations with people. I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could talk to strangers. (I was in Colorado, so in the back of my mind, I knew I most likely would never see these people again, so my confidence was very high). I saw a guy and he was sitting at the bar making eye contact with me since the very moment I sat down. Finally after five minutes after awkward eye contacts and smiles, I asked him to join my table. (Mind you, there were men in a table behind me that if something went awkward, I knew had my back). He continued to talk for the next two hours or so. I came to find out he was Jewish and he asked, "Are you still willing to talk to me?" I said, "Of course, we were all Jewish at one point." He just smiled and we talked about baseball and skiing. But that is not all, we talked about sins, gluttony, heaven, and having meaning in life. I most likely will never see Aaron in my life again, but it will be one night I will never forget.

On the airplane Sunday night, I was reading a book entitled, "The Thrill of the Chaste: finding fulfillment while keeping your clothes on." I was sitting next to a man who were very pleasant the whole trip. Close to the end of the flight, he asked, "So what are you reading there?" He read it, and only kept saying the word, "Yeah..." I think he was a little shocked that a young women was reading and making comments about how our society has forgotten about chastity and purity and how I am more than willing to start changing the culture. I challenged him at the end to give it a try to. Yes, the conversation was only three minutes, but it was three minutes.

So why I am telling you these stories... not for glory, but rather showing you that Jesus lives in me and that's how I can be bold. Is Jesus living in you?

48 hours straight..

2009-02-20T11:01:00.001-06:00

I received this e-mail from a fellow missionary and thought I should pass it on. For two days straight, individuals of all faiths and backgrounds will be reading the Bible. Now that is spreading the word of God.

"Brothers and Sisters!

Right now, at this very moment, an amazing event is happening at the University of St. Thomas! We are well into a continuous reading of the Bible, out loud, stopping only for masses! Check it out and spread the word!"

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/livenow?id=6660281

WOW, what a weekend!

2009-02-18T13:43:00.001-06:00

That is all I have say about the weekend. "WOW, what a weekend!" This year at UMKC we hosted a local retreat for out student leaders. I am going to honest with you and let you know that we are not in any means expert at hosting retreats. Each of my teammates has something special to offer the students. If it's in their ability to get people excited or in a prayerful mood. We have been praying to Our Lady of Perpetual Help to protect us.

My two favorite highlights of the weekend were Ready, Set, Go and Outreach. Ready, Set, Go, was a talk assigned to an employee of the diocese. She is a dynamic individual and more than willing to preach the truth to anyone she meets. She was doing just that this Saturday morning at Planned Parenthood that she was not able to make it on time for her talk. So the Holy Spirit guided me to lead the talk about the Go Gospel. One of my favorite subjects to talk about. We cannot give what we don't have. I lived a life of mortal sin and I was personally attempting to evangelize my peers, but nothing was working. It's because I was not providing Jesus to them, I was providing my sinful self. If we want to evangelize other souls, we need a clean soul. We need to be cleansed. It's only through the sacrament of confession and true repentance can we bring souls to Christ.

But guess what, even with a clean soul we will not necessarily bring others to Christ. We need to know how to influence others. One of the biggest mistakes we make is being rude without even knowing it. Such as: timeliness, not giving them our full attention, distractions, not listening, making side track remarks, ect. We need to talk to others like we are talking to Jesus. Yes, that is right, talk to everyone you encounter as Jesus. The lady in the elevator this morning to the man ahead of you in line for lunch, treat them as Jesus. Now that is something to pray about for Lent.

The outreach was amazing... here is an excerpt from my newsletter.

"We split the student leaders up in groups with a missionary and told them go have fun! My group tried to have conversations, but it’s hard trying to make small talk and plug in our Savior in the conversation. We met a couple who had promise rings and I talked to them about the importance of chastity and keeping God always number one in their relationship (plus words of encouragement and thanks for their witness). We also ran into some girls that were just at the mall to meet some boys, we tried to convince them that Jesus is the best boy to meet; I know the Lord will bring fruit through that conversation.

Here is excerpt from a student I have been discipling for quite a while now named Tiffany Bell and what the weekend meant to her!

“FOCUS student leaders had the opportunity to spend the entire weekend away from campus growing in relationship with one another and our Lord. We were able receive the Sacraments and spend time in prayer as well as hear talks by our missionaries as well as other FOCUS staff members. The retreat fueled me for the semester, reminding me of what is truly important as I live my life as a college student.

By attending and leading a FOCUS Bible Study, I am able to spend time in fellowship with other Catholic students learning about God's plan for our lives. Events hosted by FOCUS have given me the friends that I need to support me in my struggle to live a holy life as a college student. Discipleship with Jacqueline as helped me to grow deeper in my spiritual life, giving me the tools to strengthen my prayer life as well as help others along their journey. The work that FOCUS has done here at UMKC has truly changed the way I live my life.

Who says you cannot spread the gospel anymore?

2009-01-27T13:22:00.003-06:00

Tim Tebow at the BCS championship game, wrote “John 3:16” on his eye black.

If you are curious follow the links below...

http://www.collegeotr.com/college_otr/tim_tebows_john_316_eye_black_causes_an_unholy_controversy_17875

http://www.nowpublic.com/sports/john-3-16-tim-tebow-switches-phil-4-13-eye-black-message

Blessed Andre Bessette, Pray for us

2009-01-06T12:57:00.000-06:00

Many of you are wondering who is Blessed Andre Bessette, and to be honest I had not either until today. It's the final week of break before students start arriving back on campus and I have never felt this ready and nervous at the same time for the semester to arrive.

Blessed Andre was a man whose parents were ill at a young age and by the time he was twelve he was a adopted by a farmer (his uncle). Throughout the ages of 12-25 he had to work to keep his stay at the farm. By the age of twenty-five he applied to the seminary, but refused because he himself had poor health. Finally an order called the Congregation of the Holy Cross took and made him the doorkeeper. He was faithful to this job to the end, but not just faithful, he treated each individual that came to the door as Christ.

"On his windowsill, facing Mount Royal, was a small statue of Saint Joseph, to whom Andre was especially devoted. "Some day," he believed, "Saint Joseph will be honored on Mount Royal." Andre had a special ministry to the sick. He would rub the sick person with oil from a lamp in the college chapel, and many were healed. Word of his power spread, and when an epidemic broke out at a nearby college, Andre volunteered to help; no one died. The trickle of sick people to his door became a flood. His superiors were uneasy; diocesan authorities were suspicious; doctors called him a quack. "I do not cure," he always said. "Saint Joseph cures." By his death, he was receiving 80,000 letters each year from the sick who sought his prayers and healing. For many years the Holy Cross authorities had tried to buy land on Mount Royal. Brother Andre and others climbed the steep hill and planted medals of Saint Joseph on it, and soon after, the owners yielded, which incident helped the current devotion to Saint Joseph by those looking to buy or sell a home. Andre collected money to build a small chapel and received visitors there, listening to their problems, praying, rubbing them with Saint Joseph's oil, and curing many. The chapel is still in use." (http://saints.sqpn.com/sainta65.htm)

So basically, what I am trying to say, if we are doing our work for Jesus that it should be extraordinally. It should turn a few heads and make people wonder. So if you think your work is not making a difference in the world. As yourself if you are working as if Jesus is your client?

Finding Joy in Jesus.

2008-12-22T13:24:00.000-06:00

Each year we have this great opportunity to sing to Jesus for his birth. I know this year is very troubled because troubled economic times, but there is great joy in Jesus. Most of us have family and friends who love us and to be honest that is the greatest gift God could ever give to us.

So find joy in Jesus through you family and friends. Tell them Thank you and humor the Lord with a little joy this Christmas. You never know the joy but spread to others.

Pray, Pray, and Pray

2008-12-15T11:43:00.001-06:00

Please click on the following two links and pray. Some fellow missionaries with FOCUS need YOUR PRAYERS.

http://www.ketv.com/news/18266526/detail.html

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ashleyhaas

What's for dinner, good looking?

2008-12-04T23:09:00.000-06:00

Here at UMKC, we host Women's Night once a month. It is very important to gather as women and just be. We are constantly doing this and that, but are we truly just at a state of being. This month we hosted a cooking night. We cook and than sit around the kitchen table and be. We talk about whatever comes to mind and laugh a whole lot. We thought, hey in college you learn a variety of skills, but you don't learn how to cook. So in FOCUS we teach them about living good moral lives, we might as well team how to live good healthy physical lives too. We are started to get women to work out with us and teach them a few great recipes.

You don't really have to be in FOCUS to gather women together and challenge each other to cook healthy and exercise. That is one of the reasons I love FOCUS, it is truly a vision for life.

I am attaching the link of the recipes we cooked tonight. (http://umkc.focus.googlepages.com)

Please continue to pray for the women here that we foster a great community of sisterhood. I will be praying for yourself and you start realizing the importance of a sisterhood.

Kansas City is where it's at.

2008-11-17T20:42:00.000-06:00

I had the great opportunity this past weekend to share my life with others. One of my favorite aspects of FOCUS is Discipleship. We take two or three individuals and pour of our lives into them. 1 Thes. 2:8 - "So being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves because you had become very dear to us." It's scary and it's takes vulnerability into to share lives with other people. There is doubt and questions that arise, "Well they still respect me if they knew this about me?" One of the things I have realized in my time with FOCUS, people will still like you. They might even respect you because you were able to conquer sin and say Yes to our Lord.

This past weekend I invited "my disciples" on staff to Kansas City for a weekend of fellowship. We started Friday night by enjoying each other's company and getting to know each other. Than mass, prayer, and rosary outside of Planned Parenthood. There is nothing like praying outside in 40 degree weather. We later experienced BBQ by eating at Oklahoma Joe's and after that just fellowship. Sharing life is not doing anything so extravagant, but rather living your life. Noise of the world and media distracts us to getting to know each other as individuals. God is so Good.

Fill me Up.

2008-11-13T14:16:00.000-06:00

Okay, so you might be wondering what is all that about? So yesterday during the rosary I was meditating on the 2nd Mystery, Wedding Feast of Cana. The servants filled them to the brim. Ever stopped and thought about this passage. If that is the case, Fill me up Lord. But what a second, if I ask you to fill me up, I must have a lot of faith in Your will in my life. Do I? I am not really sure. I want to have that trust and confidence in our Lord, but do I?

This is a rather short entry, I apologize just something been praying about lately.

Just text me...

2008-11-02T23:06:00.000-06:00

So this is one phrase I hear over and over again from college students. "Just text me." At first two years ago, I was like sure, sounds easy. But to be honest it's one of my biggest annoyances now. It seems that talking to individuals one-on-one is becoming rare. The way to communicate is through cell phones, texting, e-mailing, and facebooking. Don't get me wrong these ways of communication are fabulous and they get the job done when used correctly. It's when people are solely in front of their computers and cell phones nearby them 24/7 and when it comes to social skills and having a face-to-face conversation that don't know how.

I now understand why people don't know how to talk to each other anymore. Conversations are short, simple, and not personal. I heard once that weak people talk about people, good people talk about events, and great people talk about dreams.

Ponder this quote. Are we talking to our friends and close ones about the past and future events, always gossiping about the man/woman next door or they talking about dreams, aspirations, and goals. My favorite question to ask lately is, "What are you going to do for yourself next year?" Challenge the people around to think deeply.

Zaccheus and I could be friends.

2008-10-05T14:38:00.001-05:00

One my favorite people in the Bible. Okay, Jesus, Mary and Joseph are pretty good too, but Zaccheus is my friend. A short tax collector who after eating with Jesus converts.

Okay, so here is a man who was in the crowds with thousands of others to see this man called Jesus who is the Savior of the world. She is the chief tax collector which means he is the mob leader. This man is short and a man well respected and feared by many, is climbing up a tree to see someone. Can you imagine the man in charge of the mob climbing a tree. I think not. He does so because I know is looking for greatness. That is where the story changes. As Jesus is passing by, he says, "Zaccheus, come down from that tree and I am going to your house for dinner." Jesus was searching for HIM!!

Zaccheus is the only other person other than the apostles that Jesus calls out by name in the Bible. Which means you know he was being called out. As good Christians we are constantly wanting God to desire us. But guess what. He does desire us and wants he us to desire him.

So I pray for you as you pray for me to start desiring to love Jesus as he is always desiring you.
Luke 9:1-10

How to Accompany Jesus

2008-10-03T22:32:00.000-05:00

When you do not think of yourself, my grace visits you, and I provide what is necessary for you. When you try to do it yourself, I leave you to your own care...

In the same way, the more simple you are, the more you will avoid great temptations, which are used to destroy in you that which is an obstacle between you and me. I am simple and near you. To come to me, your work is to remove obstacles; to eliminate, to choose, to remove all that you accumulate in your mind and in your heart apart from me. If you become simple as a child, where are the obstacles? You say that little children having no great struggles, have no great merits: the purpose of your life does not lie in the personal merit due to your generosity; your merit will lie in using all your generosity to allow me to live in you...

Remember this: the value of your existence is not in what you have done or said, or suffered: it is the part of your being that you have given to your Savior, in what you have allowed me to do with you. Give me your heart - and your heart is your whole life! See: what you wish to take by your own power you cannot grasp - what you give to me, I give back to you ....

It is my love which prevents you from understanding my passion - you understood how much I suffered you would be crushed...

Do no tire of asking for love: it transforms everything. Even time: thus when one loves much, one has plenty of time, time in which to do many things.
- Sister Mary of the Holy Trinity [Sister Mary of the Holy Trinity (1942) was a Poor Clare of Jerusalem.]

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

2008-09-27T01:22:00.000-05:00

Tonight we headed to a Royals game. Yes, they lost, but guess who was on the big screen?!?! Yes that is right, you one and only. Many of you know my thoughts on baseball and I will truly be sad when the season is over, but there is always April!

But for the real reason to the post, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. We wanted to do something after the game, so we decided to have people come over and watch a movie. Let's me honest, you have seen the movie. There is a this young women who does not care much about her looks and works for her father day in and day out. Until she decides she wants to do something with her life. She goes back to school and ends up falling in love, getting married and moves right next to her parents with her new family.

However have you really ever stopped to think about the messages in the middle of the movie. She only starts caring about her personal appearance because of a man. And the reason she went to college is because she deceives her father into thinking it was his idea. Is the message we are teaching people, find a man so you can find fulfillment and if along the way you need to deceive people to get there, that is okay.

No, my friend. I know this might be the extreme, but think about it. I strive to find my fulfillment in Christ and I pray you will do the same. Don't fall into what the media is telling you. Next time you want to make a change in your life, ask God. Don't trust your own instincts unless you have taken them to prayer. Trust me on that!!

Our Moral Responsibility... Joint Pastoral Letter

2008-09-21T22:10:00.003-05:00

Our Moral Responsibility as Catholic Citizens
Joint Pastoral Letter – September 8, 2008
Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas
Most Reverend Robert W. Finn, Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Dear Friends in Christ,

With the approaching general election this November, we believe this to be an important moment for us to address together the responsibility of Catholics to be well informed and well formed voters.

Except for the election of our next President, the people of Northwestern Missouri and Northeastern Kansas will be choosing different candidates for different offices in our two dioceses. Yet the fundamental moral principles that should guide our choices as Catholic voters are the same.

For generations it has been the determination of Catholic Bishops not to endorse political candidates or parties. This approach was initiated by Archbishop John Carroll – the very first Catholic Bishop serving in the United States. It was long before there was an Internal Revenue Service Code, and had nothing to do with a desire to preserve tax-exempt status. Rather the Church in the United States realized early on that it must not tether the credibility of the Church to the uncertain future actions or statements of a particular politician or party. This understanding of the Church’s proper role in society was affirmed in the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern Word: “The Church, by reason of her role and competence, is not identified with any political community nor bound by its ties to any political system. It is at once the sign and the safeguard of the transcendental dimension of the human person.”(Gaudium et Spes n.76)

A Right to Speak Out on Issues

At the same time, it is important to note that the Catholic Church in the United States has always cherished its right to speak to the moral issues confronting our nation. The Church has understood its responsibility in a democratic society to do its best to form properly the consciences of her members. In continuity with the long history of the efforts of American Bishops to assist Catholics with the proper formation of their consciences, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) this past November issued a statement: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. In that document our brother bishops took care to note: “This statement is intended to reflect and complement, not substitute for, the ongoing teachings of bishops in our own dioceses and states.”

It is in this context that we offer the following reflections to assist the Catholic people of Northwestern Missouri and Northeastern Kansas in forming their consciences in preparation for casting their votes this November.

Many Issues: Prudential Judgments

Every Catholic should be concerned about a wide range of issues. We believe in a consistent ethic that evaluates every issue through the prism of its impact on the life and dignity of the human person. Catholics should care about public policies that:
a) promote a just and lasting peace in the world,
b) protect our nation from terrorism and other security threats,
c) welcome and uphold the rights of immigrants,
d) enable health care to be accessible and affordable,
e) manifest a special concern for the poor by attending to their immediate needs and assisting them to gain economic independence,
f) protect the rights of parents to be the primary educators of their children,
g) create business and employment opportunities making it possible for individuals to be able to provide for their own material needs and the needs of their families,
h) reform the criminal justice system by providing better for the needs of the victims of crimes, protecting the innocent, administering justice fairly, striving to rehabilitate inmates, and eliminating the death penalty,
i) foster a proper stewardship of the earth that God has entrusted to our care.

This is by no means an exhaustive list.

While the above issues, as well as many others, have important moral dimensions, Catholics may and do disagree about the most effective public policies for responding to them. How these issues are best addressed and what particular candidates are best equipped to address them requires prudential judgments – defined as circumstances in which people can ethically reach different conclusions. Catholics have an obligation to study, reflect and pray over the relative merits of the different policy approaches proposed by candidates. Catholics have a special responsibility to be well informed regarding the guidance given by the Church pertaining to the moral dimensions of these matters. In the end, Catholics in good conscience can disagree in their judgments about many aspects of the best policies and the most effective candidates.

The Priority of Rejecting Intrinsic Evil

There are, however, some issues that always involve doing evil, such as legalized abortion, the promotion of same-sex unions and ‘marriages,’ repression of religious liberty, as well as public policies permitting euthanasia, racial discrimination or destructive human embryonic stem cell research. A properly formed conscience must give such issues priority even over other matters with important moral dimensions. To vote for a candidate who supports these intrinsic evils because he or she supports these evils is to participate in a grave moral evil. It can never be justified.

Even if we understand the moral dimensions of the full array of social issues and have correctly prioritized those involving intrinsic evils, we still must make prudential judgments in the selection of candidates. In an ideal situation, we may have a choice between two candidates who both oppose public policies that involve intrinsic evils. In such a case, we need to study their approach on all the other issues that involve the promotion of the dignity of the human person and prayerfully choose the best individual.

Limiting Grave Evil

In another circumstance, we may be confronted with a voting choice between two candidates who support abortion, though one may favor some limitations on it, or he or she may oppose public funding for abortion. In such cases, the appropriate judgment would be to select the candidate whose policies regarding this grave evil will do less harm. We have a responsibility to limit evil if it is not possible at the moment to eradicate it completely.

The same principle would be compelling to a conscientious voter who was confronted with two candidates who both supported same-sex unions, but one opposed abortion and destructive embryonic research while the other was permissive in these regards. The voter, who himself or herself opposed these policies, would have insufficient moral justification voting for the more permissive candidate. However, he or she might justify resorting to a write-in vote or abstaining from voting at all in this case, because of a conscientious objection.

In 2004 a group of United States Bishops, acting on behalf of the USCCB and requesting counsel about the responsibilities of Catholic politicians and voters, received a memo from the office of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, which stated: “A Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for Holy Communion, if he were to deliberately vote for a candidate precisely because of the candidate’s permissive stand on abortion and/or euthanasia. When a Catholic does not share a candidate’s stand in favor of abortion and/or euthanasia, but votes for that candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation, which can be permitted in the presence of proportionate reasons.”

Could a Catholic in good conscience vote for a candidate who supports legalized abortion when there is a choice of another candidate who does not support abortion or any other intrinsically evil policy? Could a voter’s preference for the candidate’s positions on the pursuit of peace, economic policies benefiting the poor, support for universal health care, a more just immigration policy, etc. overcome a candidate’s support for legalized abortion? In such a case, the Catholic voter must ask and answer the question: What could possibly be a proportionate reason for the more than 45 million children killed by abortion in the past 35 years? Personally, we cannot conceive of such a proportionate reason.

Time for Catholics to Exercise Moral Leadership

The number of Catholics and the percentage of Catholics in the United States have never been greater. There has never been a moment in our nation’s history when more Catholics served in elective office, presided in our courts or held other positions of power and authority. It would be wrong for us to use our numbers and influence to try to compel others to accept our religious and theological beliefs. However, it would be equally wrong for us to fail to be engaged in the greatest human rights struggle of our time, namely the need to protect the right to life of the weakest and most vulnerable.

We need committed Catholics in both major political parties to insist upon respect for the values they share with so many other people of faith and good will regarding the protection of the sanctity of human life, the upholding of the institution of marriage between a man and a woman as the foundation of family life, as well as the protection of religious liberty and conscience rights. It is particularly disturbing to witness the spectacle of Catholics in public life vocally upset with the Church for teaching what it has always taught on these moral issues for 2,000 years, but silent in objecting to the embrace, by either political party, of the cultural trends of the past few decades that are totally inconsistent with our nation’s history of defending the weakest and most vulnerable.

Thank you for taking time to consider these reflections on applying the moral principles that must guide our choices as voters. We are called to be faithful Catholics and loyal Americans. In fact, we can only be good citizens if we allow ourselves to be informed by the unchanging moral principles of our Catholic faith.

No Show

2008-09-18T09:06:00.002-05:00

I have had one of those weeks, where I wake up and I have an agenda and feel capable to accomplish all on my sticky note, but the Lord throws me a curve ball.

Last night, I had my second Bible study of the year. I co-lead one earlier in the evening with a student leader until she feels confident to go ahead and begin as a facilitator and I am starting up a new cross-country/volleyball team Bible study. We had made our rounds made phone calls two days beforehand, and day off, written on girls facebook walls and even done some e-mailing, but no one showed up. We even saw three of the girls walking by saying they had homework to go do and one who was going on a walk with a boy. These four girls will come soon, I have the faith.

However the Lord blesses those that are patient. We sat and exchanges authentic stories of our lives and were witnesses to many students walking by who saw us praying for the girls that did not attend study.

I decided to start a second study an hour and half after the first one. Coming into the night, I was certain that no one would attend, but the Lord truly blesses those that are patient. I was stood up by a sophomore at a coffee shop on Friday, but I still had high hopes that she will come around. I decided to text message this student to see if she was coming because if not it would be another no show Bible study on the same night. She texted back very quickly and within five minutes she was down in the lobby with her New American Bible on hand and ready to go. So for the next 45 minutes we talked about Matthew 7 and the foundation of rock and sand. She openned up that night and admitted so many things she wanted to do better at with her Catholic faith. She promised to bring more friends next week and think of a "sand" item in her life that she is placing as a foundation in her life instea of God and making steps to make it disappear.

The Lords blesses those that are patient! It is you, not I.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for us.

2008-09-15T23:11:00.003-05:00

"I sit here in silence on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows wondering how fast the time always flies. I remember three years ago I felt complete guilt for being alive... My friends who had the gifts to inspire were taken by our Mother. Such a depressing story, I know, but that's life." The Gospel of Matthew chapter 7 says it's so beautifully, storms will come.

"It came to be today in prayer that we all have special graces and gifts allotted to us by our Lord. It is by these gifts we are able to build up the Church." We each, yes you, has a gift to do something beautiful today. God has given you the opportunity and unique opportunity for only you to do today. Only you.

So let's LIVE. Live like you don't know what will happen next. Storms will come by friend. Big or small, storms will come. But it's the foundation that will matter when they do.

JFA: Yes, I participated.

2008-09-04T21:06:00.000-05:00

During my first FOCUS Staff Training, an organization came to teach the FOCUS staff members on how to have healthy conversations about abortion. They are called Justice for All, in short, JFA. I didn't feel called to go around the streets of Madison, WI to ask citizens their thoughts on abortion, so took the afternoon for prayer and personal reflection.

However, it was brought to my attention two weeks ago that they will be showing their exhibit at KU (University of Kansas) and we will be attending the training session once more, but this time I will participate. I was a little hesitate at first. Thinking to myself, who am I to go out and talk to my peers about abortion. But again lives are being lost each and every day.

Needless to say ther was a young man there from the early beginning who had a sign. He was actively protesting against the exhibit and screaming things here and there. As trained individuals, some would try to have some sort of conversation, but it was useless. I myself, tried to prove a point to this young women on the issue of dependency of the child to the mother.

I began a conversation with a young women, "Let's say you are the only one near the swimming pool and a three-year jumps, but cannot swim and needs you to save him/her. Wouldn't you say that this three-year old is dependent on solely you to save his/her life?" "Yes, but I would let the child die," said this young women. I was in shock and couldn't believe this women wouldn't save a child. Just to prove her point that a baby is dependent on a mother. The conversation ended and I said a prayer for this women.

As the hours passed and had tried to have conversations will students passing by, it was time to start again. I knew it coudldn't be any worse than the lady who would let a child die, so I asked the young man who had been protesting all day. "I said, hey why did you write that on the board." He continued on and I listened. I listen for the next 30 to 40 minutes talk about his life. At the end, I am certain I didn't change his view point on anything, but he did say something to me that I will always remember, "Thank you for listening, you are the best pro-lifer, I have ever met."

I have never considered myself so one of many words or huge advocate of this or that, I just live my self in the way I see the Lord finds fit. My advice, don't try to do change people, but try to listen and be the sincere heart they have been waiting for. I pray this young man daily, I ask you to do the same as well.

Use your ability...

2007-12-05T21:33:00.000-06:00

M. Kathleen Casey - "You are the only person on earth who can use your ability."

Ladybug Extravaganza

2007-10-30T17:51:00.001-05:00

LADYBUG DAY

10.30.07 - Between 3:30 and 5:30 there was a plethora of "Beetles of Our Lady" in my apartment. (true story that is the official name, google that)

Jacqueline: "It is bad luck to kill a ladybug because it represents the Virgin Mary. I just killed like 50 of them. Oh my God I am going to hell."
Marley: HAHAHA "Maybe you could go to confession."
Jacqueline: "c _ _ _ "
Marley: "Wait, isn't that a superstition?"
Jacqueline: "Yes, let's google that."
Marley: "Google solves every problem."
Jacqueline: "The Roman Catholic Church considers superstition to be sinful in the sense that it denotes a lack of trust in the divine providence of God and, as such, is a violation of the first of the Ten Commandments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states superstition "in some sense represents a perverse excess of religion" (para. #2110). SWEET, I guess I didn't kill the Virgin Mary."

58 days later and I am back...

2007-09-25T23:02:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while I think about this blog I used to own.

I truly apologize for not updating this blog in such a long time. It has been truly busy here at the University Missouri Kansas City.

I have been truly humbled and blest to fulfill this calling in my life. There are many mornings when I wake up and think... "Wow, God has called me today to communicate the fullness of life to others." But you know, you don't have to be a missionary to communicate the fullness of life. I just happen to believe that the best way for me to do so is by being a missionary.

In these past 58 days I have been blest to surround myself with two friends who communicate the fullness of life in such a radical way. One is in the convent and the other is joining at the beginning of the month. There are many times where I just sit and think, "Wow, how lucky am I to have been blest with their guidance, presence, and wisdom in my life." They aren't extraordinary individuals, but they are truly thoughtful. They are always thinking 5 minutes ahead and anticipating your wants.

In the simple ways, they show you kindness. You rarely hear them grumbling, but rather giving thanks for everything.

Yes, tonight, I declare to you that this year will be my year of kindness through simplicity. Why make things complicated? When all people really want in this world is to feel loved and needed.

Lord I ask you to give me the strength to do your will, not just the right thing. If this is what you want of me, please guide me and I will try not to grumble.

Uniformity with God's Will

2007-07-27T14:23:00.000-05:00

"Who knows? Perhaps if God had given us greater talent, better health, a more personable appearance, we might have lost our souls! Great talent and knowledge have cause many to be puffed up with the idea of their own importance and, in their pride, they have despised others. How easily those who have these gifts fall into grave danger to their salvation! How many on account of physical beauty or robust health have plunged headlong into a life of debauchery! How many, on the contrary, who, by reason of poverty, infirmity or physical deformity, have become saints and have saved their souls, who, given health, wealth, or physical attractiveness had else lost their souls! Let us then be content with what God has given us. But one this is necessary, and it is not beauty, not health, not talent. It is the salvation of immortal souls." (Page 18)

This past week I was recommended this short book by St. Alphonsus de Liguori. I couldn't be more happy with the words from this book. It truly is only 30 pages and I know it's one book that you can manage to finish. He writes in a way that speaks to your heart and convicts all your previous thoughts and prayers. Instead of accepting God wills in our lives, are we asking to uniform our lives with Christ. Are you happy even with the suffering to say, that if this will of the Father, Lord give me more pain?

I know I am not in the state of mind to pray in such a fashion. I am caught up in the comfort of this world that I am truly afraid to ask what His will is. Because we can be doing all the good in the world, but if its not the will of the Father, than we are not pleasing Him. Now that is something to think about. "Reflect that all the sins of your past wicked life happened because you wandered from the path of God's will." (Page 16) "A single venial sin is more displeasing to God than all the good works we can perform." (Page 28).

I could go on and on quoting more from this book, but you MUST read it yourself. The best $2.50 in a book you will ever invest in. The will of our Father and ours should go together like a wink and smile. [what can I say, I have been listening to lots of jazz lately]

Definition of Love

2007-07-26T16:21:00.000-05:00

So I was driving around the city like I usual do going from place to place when at a Lutheran Church I read this...

"Love is forgetting about oneself in service of another."

In a world where the world love is used to frequent and lost it's meaning, here's a great definition for you to ponder. I know for a fact that I use it myself quite often [but I mean it when I say it]/ My friends know that I usually end with a "I love you" in every phone conversation. Hey I say, if we are made in the image and likeness of God shouldn't we also love with the likeness of God. I say Yes, so go ponder a little.

I am totally Martha & not proud of it

2007-07-22T21:38:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday and I headed to mass with my mother. I heard the Gospel reading and I cannot help, but smile. How many times have we heard the story of Martha and Mary? To be honest I have lost track. Here it is one more time...

Gospel - Lk 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me.”
The Lord said to her in reply,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.”

This Sunday however the visiting priest said something very direct. "If you feel sorry for Martha, you don't have a good spiritual life." Wow, it hit home for me this week. I thought I was enjoying my routine at home, I go to mass, holy hour, sometimes go to Panera with some ladies from Church, make a little phone calls, drive around from appointment to appointment and prepare dinner for my parents from their long hours from work. Yes, I will admit it, I do feel sorry for Martha, she gets stuck "doing" all the work. I am jealous of Mary sometimes even because that would be the life to sit and listen to our Lord. Mary is "being."

Comes back to the point that I will always struggle with. We are not human "doings" we are human "beings." I don't know if I will ever come to learn this concept. If we are not making ever aspect of our life a prayer than we will always feel like Martha. Even the simple tasks like water the plants or taking out the trash should be a form a prayer. Thanking God we have things to throw away and fragrance and beauty of flowers to water. Or are you thinking like me and saying that it's too hot to step outside and I don't want to carry around smelly bags. So thank you for the prayers because I can always use more graces.

St. Martha's feast day is July 29th, next sunday, so this week ask for her intercession to learn to be.

Lord, help me to be in your presence in all that do and listen to what you are asking me to do.

Luke 2:19

2007-07-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

Don't you hate it when Catholics start quoting Bible verses? Seriously you are like, man I don't know what Luke 2:19 can't you just tell me.... well it's a good one and you will soon have it memorized by the end of the post. "Mary kept all things, pondering them in her heart."

Last week on Thursday I had the great privilege of going to breakfast with a few women from my parish. It was wonderful to sit there and watch them. What can I say I am people watcher. Ever once in a while I would put my two cents in. The conversation somehow turned to prayer. One lady said, you know I don't pray to change the result, I pray so I can have a peace of mind. It's so true, God knows, we pray for His will, so why pray for a change, pray to able to accept God's will, pray to have a peace in knowing we are His children and He loves us.

I said, "the bad thing about prayer, is you have to keep at it because if you take a break and start praying again you soon realize you aren't praying anymore you are rather day dreaming." The all agreed. How can you not. It happens to all of us. I know for a fact it has been a real struggle to get my prayer in. I am present, but my mind and heart are not in there for some reason. Mary had it down. She kept all things in her heart, you know she was really good at pray. She had to be. For goodness sakes she bore the Son of God, our Savior.

After breakfast I got in the car and a song from this new cd I was given started. Mother Mary by The Remnant Band. They are a Catholic band from Texas and its refreshing to hear songs about our rich faith. The lyrics just blew me away..

I know it's hard sometimes to pray
Just can't think of the words you want to say
You're down on your knees; there aint't no doubt
But I know a girl who can help me out....

I ask my Mother Mary / to help me out

The song continued...I knew at that very instant, our Mother Mary wanted me to come close to her, so I can learn how to pray to her son again. She has her arms open, and I cannot say it enough, she is the first follower of Christ, how can we not follow her. Luke 2:19. How many times we do ponder things, but do we ponder them in our heart or do we ponder them out of selfishness, envy, greed, jealous? I know I am guilty of them all. We need to do more of this, to be honest, I have the sudden huge to stop typing and go pray from my heart.

So today is the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. For all those brown scapular lovers out there, it's your day. It's a perfect day for you to ask the intercession of Mary. Ponder from the heart.

Birth-control pills poison everyone?

2007-07-13T14:08:00.000-05:00

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56623

I am not sure what your personally thoughts are on this subject, but everything we do truly affects everything around us.

Don't be a Crtiic, but read

2007-07-08T18:18:00.000-05:00

I cannot but help and laugh that yesterday 07.07.07, our Father Pope Benedict XVI published a letter to all bishops proclaiming the renewal of the Tridentine Mass. If you have not read the letter I recommend you do so, its entitled "Summorum Pontificum"

Go to the source instead of trying to figure the Pope out. Don't be afraid of change, it actually won't affect the individual parish as much as you think.

Know you are in my prayers and please pray for me as well.
-----
07/10/07 - Pope makes headlines again --> Pope: Jesus formed 'only one church'

Week Six: Fragrance in Song

2007-07-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, you didn't misread the title, fragrance. I have a few comfort smells of my own that remind me a good memory. It might be the smell of Cuban food that reminds me a my grandmother, the smell of roses that reminds me to slow down in life, or even the smell of fresh cut grass that comes to mind the baseball park and a hot dog. We each have our own memories when it comes to fragrances. There is this one in particular that truly reminds me of hope. Not just any hope, but in the true sense that when we with an immeasurable desire, trust and believe in our Lord there is where hope lies. Our Lord will truly never forsake us.

Throughout summer training I was capivated by this fragrance here and there and I wanted to stand still so the moment wouldn't pass. But like all things in life we are called for greatness not comfort.

There are two songs that we sang during training the last two days at our daily mass. The Summons and Our Hearts will Rise.

In the second verse of "The Summons" -

Will you leave yourself behind

If I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind
And never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare
Should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer
In you and you in me?

In the first verse of "Our Hearts will Rise" -
Eye has not seen no ear has heard
no heart conceived the hope prepared for us
Now we see dimly, but one day clearly
face to face we shall behold our God.

It might not seem like anything when you read the words, but the fragrance of our Lord was there and I know I will risk all for Him knowing that one day clearly I shall behold our God. Are you willing to do the same daily?

Fireworks fail to Spiritual Multiply

2007-07-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

[I know this entry doesn't follow the pattern, but you have to trust me its a good one.]

At FOCUS staff training you live in community. We are priviledged to get to know and live with a group of 7-8 of young men or women. Each group is celebrated in a college named by a patron saint. This year I was in the college of St. Catherine of Siena. But this is beside the point. Each week you gather together as men and women and discuss a topic of choice. This week we gathered as FOCUS women to discuss honor.

Yes that is right, honor. In a society today where honor is seen as a weakness. The word honor comes from the root honesty. It was a beautiful presentation on how we need to have honor in our lives not just with the women around us, but with ourselves as well. If we do not honor ourselves we cannot honor someone else. Honor comes from within like so many other virtues. We need to listen to and be attentive to the needs and anticipate these needs before the other even though they need it. [does that makes sense]

After this wonderful evening, the men of FOCUS had driven their cars to the top of the Abbey and were ready to honor us as women and escort us to the firework show. It was a simple yet beautiful gesture.

During the firework show another missionary and I were joking around how fireworks failed to spiritual multiply. How? Ever seen those fireworks that are so brought and they disperse a few sparks like 4 or 5. But that spark vanishes in the darkness. That spark does not ignite another soul. We are called to be more than fireworks. We are called to be inextinguishable matches. Like fireworks we are called to disperse make more sparks, but we are called to teach those sparks to ignite other sparks and make inextinguishable lights to all the nations. If only life could be that simple.

Honor each other so we can learn and teach to be inextinguishable matches to all the nations.

Week Three: Forgiveness

2007-06-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

During FOCUS Staff Training your life is planned out for you. Even our R and R time is layed out for us, every Wednesday from 1:30-3:30. It's hard to get some time in the schedule to stop and think of what has been going on.

We have one amazing priest that has given the homily the past few days and its all about forgiveness lately. Not solely forgiveness of our fellow man, but also within ourselves.

When we look deep in the root of things usually when its hard for us to forgive it is because of pride. No one likes to admit their weaknesses. But let me tell you a little secret; it is the weak that will be strengthen by our Lord. So embrace your weakness. Hold on tight because God will overcome that weakness and show you strength that is beyond our own comprehension.

Overcome your pride, and forgive.

Week Two: Bella Trailer

2007-06-09T14:11:00.000-05:00

Each week I have decided to write a little, so you can read the high of my week. This week we had the great privilege of watching this movie, "Bella"

Watch the trailer and there is just one phrase to describe this movie.

"When love is in our midst, God is present because He is love."

Week One: Back in Atchison

2007-05-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted, but FOCUS Staff Training the last few days have pre-occupied my time. For the mean time...check out this video.

You will all remain in my prayers. I will try to give a weekly update of what has been going on here at Staff Training. For now its been Team Director Training during Week Zero, but the gang arrived Saturday so its been great time of fellowship and growth. I cannot wait for the weeks to come.

Everyone's Hero

2007-05-25T00:56:00.000-05:00

You know you are baseball's fan, when you come home from a baseball game and you sit down and watch a baseball movie. Tonight my mother took to the Royals game. Sadly enough even though they had won 8 of their last 10 games, they lost big tonight. 10-3. Yeah it wasn't the most of exciting game to watch, but I spent some good time with my mother.

Two days before I leave for FOCUS training I am in a daze of the new journey God has asked me to do. To be completely honest, I am afraid. But I think about this movie we watched tonight. This little boy doesn't have the best of skills. He is rather horrible at what he loves doing actually. But he has the passion and love of the game. With a little help and teachers here and there through his journey, he's skills improve. He develops confidence that at the beginning was non-existence. Its what in your heart that reflects who you are.

"It just goes to show you, you can be the smallest, you can be the weakest, and you can be the worst player on the field. But when people tell you are no good, and say you should give it up. You know what you should do? You should just keep on swinging."

I have a feeling that sometimes our Lord in heaven tells us this all the time, but we are too busy with our lives that we forget to listen. We feel so weak that no matter what do or say will make a difference. Well, our Lord is definately telling us to keep on swinging. Lord help me. Let me learn how to keep on swinging.

Mimosa...the coolest plant you will ever see

2007-05-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what missionaries do during their time off??...

Obviously they go plant shopping.

So this past week my father went to to the nursery next to us to look at some plants. While we were looking at some herbs, we came across this plant I have never heard of.

My father knew about it and they grow wild in Cuba.

Nonetheless I now own a small mimosa of my own [also known as the sensitive plant]

I think the reason I love this plant is because I can relate to it so well. As humans when we start to become vulnerable in our relationships with people, we let go. But every once in a while we close up when people get a little too close to us. We are afraid to show our true self. We are afraid when people truly discover who we are from the good and ugly, we will no longer have anyone in our lives.

This plant teaches me that yes it's okay to tighten up, but after a while we need to open back up and let people in. We will never be able to grow unless we are true to ourselves.

I know deep, but its been one of those days.

If you want to learn more go here. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensitive_plant]

MTV and the Catholic Church

2007-05-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?name=news&id=1559081&vid=147851

I personally never thought those two words could be the same sentence. Well, they can. Today I received an e-mail from our President in FOCUS regarding this video.

MTV features the Sister of Life in NY and growth with the women's call to the religious life. Yes, that is right, it is not a misprint and I am not making this up. I was blown away and to be honest lost of words.

Prayers in changing our media little by little is working....

Christ is calling you to be Saints

2007-05-10T23:17:00.000-05:00

Pope's Message to the Youth - May 10th 2007

My reflections coming soon...

Good Foundation = Good Day

2007-05-06T22:59:00.000-05:00

So its the end of the year and I wanted to leave something behind for my disciples. I thought I could buy them a good book, but let's be honest...how many books do we own that we have gotten through the first 50 pages and never actually finished? I thought I would make them something.

Every since I have lived alone, I have it that arts and crafts are a good way to make the time go by fast. I went to the dollar store and bought, a glue gun, glue sticks, three frames, and a bag of small rocks. For under eight dollars I created myself a little project.

How many of us have heard the story in the seventh chapter of the Gospel of Matthew on rock and sand. We have heard it a million times, in order to have a good foundation we need a foundation of rock. Storms will come it is not avoidable, but you can withstand them with a foundation of rock instead of sand. Yes or yes?

Well, why don't we actually practice what we know. This is common sense to us. This shouldn't be new news. I thought hey I would put it all together and print off a nice morning offering. Our first thoughts of the day are our foundation. The saying, "Wow, she must have woken up from the wrong side of the bed," is true. So I made them this little frame with rocks around it and a prayer in the middle. Prayer should be the start of our day. Prayer should be part of every minute of our lives.

It's not a book, nor a nice rosary, but its a tool to start out the day with a GREAT foundation.

O Jesus,
through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer You my prayers, works,
joys and sufferings
of this day for all the intentions
of Your Sacred Heart,
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
throughout the world,
in reparation for my sins,
for the intentions of all my relatives and friends,
and in particular
for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.

7 Goals of the Summer

2007-05-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

So the ladies here at UNO made up a list of goals they wish to accomplish this summer. I thought I would share it as well with the rest of you. If they can model after the first disciple, we should be able to do the same.

What is wrong with this picture?

2007-05-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

Do see what is going on here? I know illegal immigrants, I get the point, but spray painting the Mexican flag. Sometimes people go a little far when they are trying to make a point. It took everything in me to not pull over and have a little conversation with this group of individuals.

Let's pray for those that don't see that America is a free country, a country where freedom is the key of everything we stand for. Where is the golden rule here? Are we truly loving our neighbors in the best fashion? What if that was an American flag?

Just one word, pray.

"Do whatever He tells you."

2007-04-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

So for the past seven days I have seen this quote at least once a day. Since last Tuesday. I have read some book, opened the Bible, prepared for a Bible study and there it is, John 2:5

"Do whatever He tells you."

The first few days, I just thought, "Okay, God I will put my complete trust in you." I am not sure where FOCUS is going to place me, but you have never failed me my first year. Actually it has been a true blessing in disguise many times.

Day 3, and I found out my placement and my thoughts were, "Okay, God I will put my complete trust in you." It's funny how I received the answer I was searching for, but my thoughts didn't change one bit. I have been called to be a Campus Director for the University Missouri Kansas City. Yes, that means more responsibility and closer to home. Am I prepared to take on such a glorious challenge?

This is what our faith has called us to do each morning when we rise in morning from our cozy bed, "Do whatever He tells you." There are times where I wish I could stay in bed all day and be content with life. But we are called for greatness not for comfort. [quote from St. Benedict] There is no doubt that Mary was the first disciple. She said YES, ran to assist to others, and commanded us the greatest gift we could ever hear...."Do whatever He tells you." Yes, this is a gift because God knows us before the foundations of the world [Ephesians 1:3-6], He knows all the hairs on our head [Matthew 10:29-31 ], He knows the plan of our future full of hope [Jeremiah 29:11-12]. He loves us with an intimate love.

So could I not be excited for next year. GOD I WILL DO WHATEVER YOU TELL ME. What is stopping you for making that big step for our Lord?

A little FOCUS UNO Goodbye

2007-04-29T21:57:00.000-05:00

So it's end of the year and we have had a great time in Omaha. Here is a little video showing some of our rock star students.

I am going to miss this place, but it has been a true blessing the past 9 months.

Tennis is like life

2007-04-23T13:14:00.001-05:00

the explaination coming later

Why colleges need FOCUS

2007-04-19T16:37:00.000-05:00

When a local tragedy becomes national news, as in the Virginia Tech massacre, America responds first with compassion and then with courage. It's the way we work. News teams descend upon ground zero and begin to narrate the story. We pry them for every detail. Who did it? How? Where? Why?

Our obsession with the latest bit of news is not morbid curiosity, like useless rubbernecking at the site of a highway crash. No. It's our way of tapping into and sharing someone else's misfortune. From our couches and our cars, we mourn for others who are mourning.

That's compassion, and it's a good thing.

(Story continues below)

to never, ever allow anything like this to happen again, we set our attention upon fixing the problem once and for all. We review structures and revamp laws.

We could call this American hands-on courage, and it too, I think, is a good thing.

At least it's well-intentioned.

In the upcoming weeks, when the shock waves emanating from the rolling hills of Virginia begin to taper off, we will see a national conversation about school security, gun laws, psychiatric medicine and immigration policy unfold around us. Politicians at every level will propose bills that promise to keep our children safe or safer. Universities will roll out their revised programs for freshman orientation weekend. Police forces will outline new and improved first-response strategies.

But will it make any difference? Will any of these practical solutions get to the heart of the problem? I don't think so, because in this case, the heart of the problem is the human heart itself.

The Virginia Tech gunman, Cho Seung-Hui, was a man whose heart and mind had rotted from within.

We can be sure it didn't happen overnight. For whatever set of complicated reasons, life — his own and everyone else's — lost all meaning. It had no sense. It had no value. In fact, for Cho, life became an anti-value; it got in the way of relief.

Raised in America since he was eight-years-old, Cho Seung-Hui was almost as American as the next guy. His parents owned a home and a business. His sister went to Princeton. He would soon be a college grad.

For now, we can only speculate about what may have been the cause of a life gone wrong. Cho Seung-Hui's writings reveal a heart full of hate, anger and violence. The characters in his plays were victims of abuse. They hated authority and they wanted revenge. So did Cho.

Unfortunately, while Cho Seung-Hui may have been a loner, I don't think he was alone in his loneliness.

I've worked in a university campus ministry. I know there are a countless number of young men and women whose hearts and minds — at least bits and pieces of them — are rotting from within, just like Cho's. They look desperately and silently for love, to love and to be loved. Carrying emotional baggage from home and with no compelling guides in their newfound world of absolute freedom, they end up looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

The prevailing culture on most college campuses looks a bit like MTV. It's the world of hooking up, one-night stands, beer funnels and the search for the perfect group of friends. For some, and for a time, this satisfies. And when it doesn't…? Well, most bounce back. They grow and mature.

But as we've seen, some don't. For whatever reason, there are an increasing number of young people who are missing the internal mechanisms to deal rationally with life's pains. Of these sad cases we usually don't hear much at all. Even in their pain, they manage to hold things together. They keep up appearances. They struggle on. And all the time they wonder why they are so different. They wonder why life is losing meaning. Eventually, they look for an out.

Of course, this bleak scenario of meaninglessness isn't just a college thing; it's a human thing. What's gone wrong and what's the answer?

This I know for sure: better security, more laws and revamped structures are not going to get to the heart of the problem.

The only way to deal with the heart is on a one-to-one basis. The work begins in the home and it continues in every human contact that follows — at work, school and the local gym.

The good news is all of us can make a difference. Are we aware of the suffering around us? Are we willing to reach beyond our comfort level and be love for the loveless? If we have found why life is worth living, are we willing to share that good news with others?

That sounds like a national conversation worth having.

God Bless, Father Jonathan

P.S. On Friday I will post some of your responses to this article. I look forward to hearing from you.

This article is part of a regular blog hosted by Father Jonathan Morris on FOXNews.com . You can invite new readers by forwarding this URL:www.foxnews.com/fatherjonathan.

River of Glory

2007-04-10T21:18:00.000-05:00

30 Degrees; Feels like 16

2007-04-03T22:44:00.000-05:00

So when its 30 degrees and it feels like 16, what better way than to watch some baseball. I wanted to watch some baseball tonight; Lincoln vs. Creighton. I found some girls to go with me and yeah ummm way too cold. What kind of genius decides to do this? That would be me.

A lot ask why do you love baseball so much. It's because when I am sitting there at the game, I feel like baseball is the story of my life and the way I choose to pursue my relationship with our Lord. These are just some questions I ponder and there are so much more. I wish at times that my energy and zeal of baseball would translate into my relationship and commitment to our Lord.

Why is it I leave home early to be at the game on time? But when it comes to attending mass, I leave home right in time in the morning for the first reading?
Why is it in baseball, when the score is 1-9, and its the top of the second, you wait til the end because you still have hope. But when it comes to life, and we are thrown some fastballs and curves, we automatically quit.
Why is it when we are planning on buying tickets you try to get the best seat you can afford? But when it comes to mass, we sit in the back and watch the greatest show on earth from a distance.
Why is it we are willing to buy the 3.00 hot dogs and the 4.00 drinks? But when it comes to tithing we cannot bare to give a little extra that week?

Anne is a little cold.

Irene and Beth are trying to warm themselves up.

Lord, I ask for faith like baseball.

Spring is in the air

2007-04-02T18:50:00.000-05:00

How do I know this? Because since Friday, I have been surrounded with the beautiful game of baseball. I am spell it already, fresh cut grass, peanuts, hot dogs...seriously I cannot stop but smile.

Friday afternoon, I went to my first ever Creighton game. To tell you the truth, it was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but it was perfect weather. I was a UNO student leader and friend, Josie, watching some baseball, talking about God, and eating some sunflower seeds. Now that is a perfect Friday afternoon. Some of the best conversations are those that are one-on-one and when they include baseball, they are that much sweeter.

Not sure if you can tell but that is me hitting the ball on a Sunday afternoon intramural softball game. My first time on bat since 5th grade and I hit the ball and made it to first safe. Yeah, I love my God. You know I am a theory, God loves the underdogs and well He must have a special place in His heart for me, because I am just that.

Here is TEAM FOCUSS [Fellowship of Catholic University Softball Students]. They might not all be involved with FOCUS, but I am sure they all love God and this is a good start.

LASTLY...I am not sure you are ready for this....THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS WON. Yes, that is right, the Home Opener against Boston and THEY WON! The score 1-7. This is going to be a good year, I can just feel it.

Life on the Rock #488-11/12

2007-04-01T23:30:00.001-05:00

Great video of a MLB player talk about Catholicism. How could you not fall in love with baseball and Catholicism.

I am tired of saying that phrase!

2007-04-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

You might be wondering, "What phrase is she talking about?"

So it's Palm Sunday which only means one thing; its the long mass reading day. Let's face it, that is first thing that crosses your mind when you get to mass. You see those palms and you are thinking, "Schucks, I am not in the mood to stand for that long today."

Well, it's the least you could do. I am not sure if you were paying attention when the long Gospel reading was going on, but Jesus died for you. Yup, not just me, He died for you as well.

Ever wonder why the crowd is the one year after year saying, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him." Isn't it funny that we are the ones chosen to speak that phrase because we are the ones that "Crucify Him" day after day when we sin. His death on the cross was a free selfless gift He made of us. Grace was out poured when he was crucified. He gave us all He had at the cross, even His mother, Mary.

But we are so selfish and cannot take the time to even thank him for his gift for our salvation. When we sin, we say, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him." To be honest I am tired of saying that phrase! Think about next time....

Your grace is more than enough for me Lord.

Crush me more and more...

2007-03-26T23:25:00.000-05:00

I often wonder while in prayer...What the heck I got myself into? The more and more I sit in the silence of our Lord, I pray if my daily life is even His will or am I just living a life of mediocrity and not willing to step it up a little.

During lent, I went a little crazy and decided to go on a media fast, I have had a lot more time to figure out who the real me is and be able to do a lot more arts and crafts things. One being this project that took me a few days because I rarely have time to just sit and be. I hand wrote quotes and decided to burn holes and edges here and there. It truly reflects my pray life. Sometimes its on fire and the union with our Lord is so strong, but other times the fire diminishes and I am left with burnt edges of holes depending how strong that fire was. It is so funny how quickly the fire fades and we are left with ashes in our lives.

Anyway, there is a book I started reading, but haven't finished called "The Soul of the Apostolate." [Hence the title on the artwork.] There is a reason I haven't finished, you cannot read it all in one sitting. In just a few paragraphs you are left in awe about our responsibility as apostles to fulfill God's desire to aid the entrance of more of His children into His kingdom. The book truly allows you to humble yourself and know that all should be done in the glory of God.

There is a quote that says, "...crush me more and more...let me be a dust from the sand on the road...." I don't many people that pray in this manner, but I have found myself doing so lately. I need to humble myself more and let the Lord take control over my life. It is truly when I am doing the work of our Lord that I am most at peace in this world. When I am doing the things "I think need to get done" throughout the day, I am running around from one task to the next.

Lord, I ask you to crush me more and more, let this vanity in my life be taken away and let your glory shine.

Free JPII Relic

2007-03-18T23:31:00.000-05:00

This is not a joke. I have heard it several times on a podcast I am subscribed to [Saintcast on SQPN] and from the CNS [Catholic News Service]. By sending a letter for a request of his relic, you will receive a prayer card that contains a second class relic which is part of a small piece of one white cassock worn by Pope John Paul II. I think I am going to be sending a letter and a donation, and maybe I might get it. It's worth a chance.

http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=23178

The reason for all this is the cause of his beatification. Let's honor him in a more intimate way. [www.JohnPaulIIBeatification.org]

The most effective weapon and St. Patrick

2007-03-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter."- Mark Twain

I have been into quotes the past few days it seems. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with a friend and we walked around shopping and window shopping and enjoying the great temperature that God had to offer.

We went to a bookstore to just look around and I saw quote on a journal. I couldn't help but laugh a little and smile. My dad always tells me that laughter is contagious. Just try to laugh out loud, even fake it and soon a smile will develop.

If only enough of us would laugh more, we would have the most effective weapon in the world. If only life could be that simple.

Going to enjoy the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade which is in KC. [little fact you didn't know about] Learn more about St. Patrick's Day.

Do you wish to rise?

2007-03-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." - St. Augustine.

For some reason every time I get a break from my daily routine in Omaha, I seem to take a few steps back. I descend greatly. While I am descending humility strikes in and I realize I am not that perfect. Rather, it's true I am human like everyone else. As soon as people find out you are a Catholic missionary, they think you have a direct connection to God. Even some of my family members think that my prayers get to God quicker than theirs. But that is not the case I am human like everyone else.

I want the fame and glory. I want the acknowledgment of existence. But like St. Augustine said, I cannot get there unless I have the foundation of humility. It will be a long time til that develops. My tower might never get up to two stories.

Why do I write this? Because I am pretty sure I am not the only one who thinks like this. Let's be humble, so we can rise. Believe no one likes to descend, but let's face it its a necessity in life.

Give me back my boyfriend? What?

2007-03-14T23:11:00.000-05:00

Last night I had the great opportunity to spend some quality time with the female missionaries at UMKC. Spending a little less than 24 hours with these young ladies, I realized how different each FOCUS team functions. I am grateful and yet at the same time truly sad. We had a relaxing evening with some dinner, movie and board game. What 23 year old doesn't think this is would be fun?

The favorite part of the evening is when one of the missionaries wanted to play a 1988 board game, Sweet Valley High. I remember a friend used to own this and we would play once in a while, but while we were playing last night it was a little scary. I googled the game and found this description: "Players move around the game board trying to find their boyfriends and the items they need for their date. Various spaces on the board and card draws cause random effects to shake things up." [http://www.boardgamegeek.com]

The funniest part of the game is you can switch boyfriends. So the whole night consisted of who's boyfriends was the cutest and stealing each other's boyfriends. You can only win if you had all your items for your perfect date and your correct boyfriend. I personally just wanted to get my bicycle, it took such a long time to find it. Finally in the middle of the game, one of the missionaries said, "This is why our culture is so messed up." I kept thinking to myself someone should make a Catholic version of this game, it would so funny.

I wonder if back in 1988 when they were coming back with the concept of this game, that this game would soon turn into a reality. Even a simple board game made humans look like objects. I am not saying we should not play this game because I had a blast especially when we all did side pony tails, but just something to think about.

Family Fun.

2007-03-11T23:50:00.000-05:00

Happy 23rd Birthday!! Okay well, I didn't get a new car for my birthday, but I definately got lots of family time a few days later.

How bad do you want it?

2007-03-01T23:12:00.000-06:00

"If you want something that you've never had before, you must do something that you've never done."

Adam, my campus director, teammate, and friend wrote this quote at the end of an e-mail he sent to all the student leaders here on campus. He was extending the invitation to come to the "Upper room" to have fellowship, prayer, and break some bread. Always in the Gospel when our Lord talked to chosen few, it was in a setting of an upper room. It truly grasped my attention. We all have dreams and aspirations for our lives, but are we truly able to do all we can to make the effort to allow our dreams to come true.

I hope to one day be a better Catholic so my calling for discipleship with our Lord can be one hundred and ten percent fulfilled. However, am I doing everything in my daily life to make this possible. Am I am showing by my actions and words that I love our Lord to the fulfillest? Am I bringing my family and friends closer to Him? Am I even taking the time in my day to talk to our Lord daily, not just during my Holy Hour?

Sadly and thankfully my hope and dream to be a better disciple will be a life-long journey. So my friends let's do all we can do to make our dreams and hopes become reality.

When our Lord came back to his disciples in the upper room after the resurrection His first words were "Go and Make." Let's go and make, but make sure we have a intimate relationship with Him before we work for Him.

FOCUS at UNO just blows me away

2007-02-26T23:28:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I had a great opportunity to witness the works of the Lord in a front view seat. We brought 23 students with us to Lincoln. Only one hour away, but it made all the difference to "get away." We heard talks from speakers who took the time to invest in what God wanted them to say. Our main speaker for the event was Dr. Tim Gray. Down to earth, but full of wisdom at the same time.

Here are some of pictures from this past weekend. Thank you for all the support , but it bedtime. It's my goal this Lent to make sure I am keeping this updated. Sorry for all those that read this...my apologies. Group Picture. We have school pride. We have some amazing T-shirts and Maverick Horns.

These are most of the girls from UNO minus two of them. Its was a long, but as you can tell even thought it was 2 hours til the end we were still having fun.

These are my two disciples. Pray for them to allow the our Lord to continue working through them. We are so cute!!!

40 Ways to Celebrate Lent

2007-02-21T07:52:00.000-06:00

I recieved this list from this site: (http://catholicism.about.com/od/lent/a/40wayslent06.htm) I thought it had a wide range of things we can do to spiritually revive our souls during lent.

1. Spend at least 30 minutes talking to your family about Jesus Christ.

2. Be active in Operation Rice Bowl.

3. Pray on a daily basis to deepen your connection to Jesus.

4. Shut off the computer or TV and read the Bible.

5. Attend Mass during the week and not just Sunday.

6. Plan a big Easter celebration.

7. Attend the Stations of the Cross on a weekly basis.

8. Spend time sitting quietly and praying.

9. Try out some new recipes during Lent.

10. Educate others about your faith and Jesus Christ.

11. Listen to your children and tell them how special they are.

12. Pray the Rosary together.

13. Say grace before eating meals.

14. Take the time to talk to your family about Lent.

15. Prepare meals for a shelter.

16. Donate clothes and toys to charity.

17. Pray for someone you do not know.

18. Smile more often.

19. Try to stop complaining and being critical of others.

20. Plan a garden to learn how to nourish living things.

21. Call a friend or relative you lost touch with.

22. Take someone to Mass with you.

23. Go to confession.

24. Be a happy and positive person.

25. Do some art projects related to Lent especially with children.

26. Pray every morning and night giving thanks to God.

27. Help someone with their projects or tasks.

28. Volunteer your time.

29. Have fun with your family and don't forget to play with them.

30. Send thank you notes to those that helped you.

31. Give some time helping at your Church.

32. Visit a nursing home and talk to people.

33. Research a charity you're interested in and help them out.

34. Pray as a family on a daily basis.

35. Create a journal on how Jesus helped your life.

36. Invite someone that might be alone over for dinner.

37. Try to let go of anger, hate, greed, and jealousy as fast as you can.

38. Try to look at the positive side of life.

39. Rid yourself of negative behavior and attitude.

40. Make some friends and share happiness.

Media Fast for Lent

2007-02-20T10:55:00.000-06:00

I love being the RED CAR

2007-02-19T17:56:00.000-06:00

Retro Tuesday

2007-02-06T22:53:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't written in a while...this put in a great mood and thought I would share.

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One of the best days of the week with the exception of Sunday is Retro Tuesday. Here at the University of Nebraska Omaha the radio station plays music that moves you. With a little hand movement and hip action, the mood in the student center is about dancing.

♪♪♪ “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:4 ♪♪♪

If there is one thing that I have learned thus far in a secular college campus, it is very hard to find time for yourself. We need to find time to enjoy the life that our loving Father has given us.

Many students are consumed in getting their tasks done throughout the day; going from meeting to meeting, class to class. On Tuesdays we have a group of students that come and sit. They come and relax for once. They lower their backpacks, take off their jackets, have a smile on their face and become real. They share their stories from laughter to tears.

The have a smile because they know they are not alone here at UNO. Even sometimes they leave with the urge to dance.

Brownback for President

2007-01-25T22:58:00.000-06:00

I am not promoting any party here, but promoting a fellow Catholic. This is great news for the Catholic world. It might be old news for some of you, but new for others.

A quote to ponder

2007-01-23T21:06:00.000-06:00

I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out there is.

Fun is my middle name...

2007-01-21T18:05:00.000-06:00

I know its not a very humble statement, but at times we have to boost out self-esteem. This weekend was GREAT. Started off with FOCUS Ladies Night and than a weekend of fun with some visiting missionaries. I don't have too much time to write because my friend Beth is coming to make a snowman...so here are some pictures to describe the past few days...

Smile! It truly does make you feel better.

Voicemails...

2007-01-18T23:42:00.000-06:00

I realize that I haven't truly sat down and taken the time to write anything on here for a while. It could be for several reasons.

Super busy.
New semester bring lots of change
Nothing exciting has happenned
or just plan lazy.

My vote is for number one. Life has been busy since I have come back to Omaha. It has been almost two weeks and ask me what I have been up to and I really cannot remember. I just know I love going to campus. I love going to campus and now I know people. I can sit there and someone comes and places their backpack and starts conversation with me. Life is good.

The only thing that comes to mind lately is my voicemail. I decided to change it two weeks ago and everyone that called me made some sort of comment. This what it said before at the end, "Do me a favor say Hi to God, He likes it when you talk to him." I guess friends and people here in Omaha used to love it because it would remind them to pray after they called me. I didn't even realize it. Plus I guess when I said, "Hello" it sounded like I picked up the phone. Now its back to old voicemail and people like it. Never thought voicemails could make such a difference.

There is my thought, the simpliest things in life matter.

How to celebrate a Birthday!

2007-01-17T13:41:00.000-06:00

So I have a good friend who had a Birthday recently and I kept thinking to myself what can I give her. I live roughly 8 hours away so I cannot see her and I am kind of poor and thought perfect I will draw her a picture.

It was something I used to do a lot three years. I would sit and draw and be the stillness of life. In this crazy world where noise is wherever it has hard to find such silence. In Bible study last week we talked about how people long for silence in their life they just don't know it. At home you have the TV the background or your computer playing a song, in the car you have the radio on, and even in the stores there is music from the speakers. Noise is everywhere.

The perfect gift was the silence she gave me while giving her a Birthday gift. I drew a simple picture of the Virgin Mary. It said, "Whoever does not wish to have Mary Immaculate as his Mother will not have Christ as his Brother... - St Maximillian Kolbe

We need our Mother to get close to Jesus. Just think, from her womb came our Savior. How can we not love her?!?! So give thanks on your Birthday for the silence and the hidden treasures you receive by giving.

Isaiah 62:1-5

2007-01-16T14:24:00.000-06:00

Reading 1
Is 62:1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
and her victory like a burning torch.

Nations shall behold your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
you shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.
You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more shall people call you “Forsaken, “
or your land “Desolate, “
but you shall be called “My Delight,”
and your land “Espoused.”
For the LORD delights in you
and makes your land his spouse.
As a young man marries a virgin,
your Builder shall marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
so shall your God rejoice in you.

What to do on a Friday night?

2007-01-06T01:28:00.000-06:00

So tonight I was invited to go to St. James Academy. It is a school here in Kansas that openned up in August 2006. That had some sort of lock in after their home basketball games. I was asked to be a small ground leader. Which basically meant I sat in a group with 8-10 freshman and sophomores and answered any questions they had about life. From high school dating relationships to gossips from daily mass to respecting parents. These students had questions.

But the most rewarding part was the last portion of the night. Eucharistic Adoration. These students are so lucky to have a school which provides such needs to them. But I was even more blest to be present of such an event. More to come, but its definately bedtime.

The phrase "I love you."

2007-01-03T20:56:00.000-06:00

So there is this joke that many family, friends, and fellow missionaries have with me saying, "I love you." If I tell you "I love you," it means I mean it. Well, to say the least I said it once in a awkward situation, so for the past few months when I say it, it always brings a smile to my face.

The past few days I have been growing through things in the attic and throwing somethings away. It's mostly material items and every once in a while I will find a treasure. Today I found this scrapbook that my mother made me for my First Communion.

Our teacher had us write a letter to Jesus and this is how it went....

Dear God,
I love you. Thanks for making the body of Christ. Thanks for making the blood. I am proud to making my Communion. It's wonderful to go to Communion. Thanks for all the things you have given me.
Love,

Tonight as lay here and think about the upcoming year, let's me recognize that I shall be thankful just as I was when I was in second grade. Lord, "I love you."

A little bit of love...

2007-01-01T22:48:00.000-06:00

So being Cuban, well not really just growing up in my household we have lots of customs in ringing in the new year. I decided this year I would try a few of them out and see what happens. But in everything you do in life, its the effort you put into it. If you put a lot of effort, you will get more out of it. To say the least, I woke up in a great mood. I haven't woken up like that for a long time, and slept so well.

I knew the first thing I wanted to do was go to Church. Yeah that's right Church. It's tradition that the first of the year is the feast of the Mother of God, Mary.

As the last two Gospel readings have addressed, Mary saw and kept everything in her heart. She knew what was happening, but kept things in her heart. The heart we cry out as immaculate and sorrowful. The same heart that felt the beauty of the birth of the world's saviour and the agony of His death.

Our Mother, the Mother of God, is constantly asking us for a little Peace in this world and I wouldn't agree more. But not in the way we always think of peace, as in world peace, but also in our very homes. The family is the domestic church. The family is the place where peace should begin. Like the song goes, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

Our family began the year in such that fashion. We enjoyed the day with each other. We didn't go out, but rather ate a few left-overs from the week before, had a good laugh, enjoyed time with my grandmothers, and played a fun and intense game of dominoes.

So next time you feel you need to create world peace, look at your homes and create some peace there. Remember you can always ask Mary for a little help.

Don't click away the New Year

2007-01-01T02:47:00.000-06:00

So tonight, its official . It is now 2007. Does anyone else find that weird out there?? The past five years it has been a wide range of places I have been. This year decided to stay home. The funny thing is though, my family were all gone at different parties. So I had a friend come and ring in the new year with me. You can't alone, that is just sad.

We decided to go to a get together and than come back and ring in the new year in a more mellow environment. Which pretty much consisted of red wine, pretzels, cheese, and chocolate. Sound good? It was.

We wanted to watch a funny movie, one we hadn't seen, and one that wouldn't make us depressed because we are not in a relationship. Click with Adam Sandler was our option.

For those that haven't seen it? It wasn't the best option because there are a few scenes were tears just kept on coming. I joked around..."What kind of new year is this where we start the year crying, seriously." All in all it has a great message.

SLOW DOWN, SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH GREAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND ENJOY LIFE. Yeah it should be the motto of next year and I think it might just be.

I cannot believe we live in this society...

2006-12-29T23:20:00.000-06:00

Christmas just happenned and the New Year is approaching, so many of us are still in the holiday mood.

Not sure how up to date this world around us, but today, Saddam was hung tonight. Here are some comments for you to ponder a little. I hate to end the year with such a note, I will write something uplifting the next few days.

Comments on the death penalty for Saddam

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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"Our respect for human rights requires us to execute him, and there will be no review or delay in carrying out the sentence." - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
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Saddam's execution punishes "a crime with another crime. ... The death penalty is not a natural death. And no one can give death, not even the state." - Cardinal Renato Martino, Pope Benedict XVI's top prelate for justice issues.
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"Today marks an important milestone in the Iraqi people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law." - deputy White House press secretary Scott Stanzel, on day appeals court upheld death penalty.
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"Imposing the death penalty, which is indefensible in any case, is especially wrong after the unfair proceedings of the Dujail trial." - Richard Dicker, director of the International Justice Program for Human Rights Watch.
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"Saddam is paying the price for murdering tens of thousands of Iraqis. This is an unprecedented feeling of happiness. ... Nothing matches it, no festival or marriage or birth." - Abu Sinan, a resident of Sadr City, Baghdad's impoverished Shiite slum.
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"This is an unfair verdict and if Saddam is executed or not ... he will remain a symbol and no one can delete it, neither the Iraqi government nor the Americans." - Muhssin Ali Mohammed of Tikrit, Saddam's hometown.
---
"As long as he's alive, there's still some power and people still rise up. Once the execution goes through, I think it will be a relief for a lot of Iraqis." - Sgt. Stuart Fowler, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment.
---
"I think personally that things might get heated up around here then. There's still a lot of people who support him." - Pfc. Michael Petersen, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment.
---
"We are against the death penalty. However, what I think is important about this is to recognize that this trial of Saddam has been handled by the Iraqis themselves. ... It does give us a very clear reminder of the total and barbaric brutality of that regime." - British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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"All sections of Iraqi society, as well as the wider international community, have an interest in ensuring that a death sentence provided for in Iraqi law is only imposed following a trial and appeal process that is, and is legitimately seen as, fair, credible and impartial." - Louise Arbour, U.N. high commissioner for human rights.
---
"It will not increase our moral authority in the world. ... Saddam's heinous crimes against humanity can never be diminished, but he was our ally while he was doing it. ... Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth will make us blind and disfigured. ... Saddam as a war trophy only deepens the catastrophe to which we are indelibly linked." - the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
---
"Putting into action such an inhumane sentence casts aside the aspirations of the Iraqi people for the transformation of their country." - Ravil Gainutdin, head of the Russian Council of Muftis, to the RIA-Novosti news agency.

Christmas thought...

2006-12-25T08:40:00.000-06:00

So I wrote this e-mail to a few close friends last year and I thought I would share it here...

Ever wonder how much Jesus truly suffered?

Think about it. When one thinks of Jesus suffering, the agony of the garden comes to mind, but more prevalent, the crucifix. But has the birth ever come to mind? Yes, its a beautiful event where the Virgin Mary, Our Mother, gives birth to the Savior of the World. Our brother, the man who takes away our sins, allows us to unite ourselves in the Holy Eucharist, endured sufferring that day as well. His bed was a crib of hay and his home a manger. Just think the night, the breeze the coldness. Babies especially young need heat. How truly comfortable can a crib full of hay be, the same bed where animals sleep? He came to this world as a poor human, not with the extravagant gifts that Kings are accustomed to have. He came to this world as you and I.

There are several times when we feel like we are in hay like the animals. Poor as can be spiritually, and physically. So look at those cribs and see our Savior. He will save us. Unite yourself. This morning you have received the best gift of all.

Not sure how I came up with this theory, but sometimes we get caught up in the wrong meaning of Christmas. Its not about how many gifts we receive or who sent the coolest Christmas card, but rather the preparation of our Lord on His birth. Now that is a gift.

Merry Christmas. There is a reason why Christ is in that word.

You will be in my prayers and enjoy this time we have with friends and family.

The mistakes we make...

2006-12-24T21:33:00.000-06:00

Laying here in bed a few hours before midnight to celebrate one of the greatest days ever, the birth of our Lord, I am contemplating on the mistakes we make in life.

Some are stupid, others we cannot remember, and others we didn't even know were mistakes. Our whole life is....we can do the right or the wrong. The worst part of it all is the consequence and the guilt we feel.

But the great thing is we get each morning to make up for the stupid things we do in life. The more exciting part is being Catholic and knowing Confession is there waiting for me.

I ask you, Lord, tonight to give me the strength to love you more and seek your help as we approach your Birthday. Yeah if only more people truly grasp its YOUR day tomorrow Lord.

As a billboard I read in Omaha, a night before I left, "We need to talk." - God. I need to keep that at heart.

Catholics will rule the world!!

2006-12-21T14:15:00.000-06:00

Media; Missed Church? No Worries. Download It to Your IPod.
August 29, 2005, Monday

By TANIA RALLI (NYT); Business/Financial Desk

DISPLAYING ABSTRACT - Podcasting is catching on with religious groups, which use them to send out sermons and other material; evangelical Christian groups, which have long used radio and television to get their message out, are in forefront, but one of most popular Christian podcasts is Catholic Insider, which was founded by Rev Roderick Vonhogen of Netherlands...

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Yeah it costs money to read the rest of the article, but it drew me to the Catholic Insider [http://www.sqpn.com] Right now I am listening a priest describing St. Peters in Rome, his voice shows me the love and beauty of our Church. Yeah you should check this out.

I want an IPod so bad. Thought you would enjoy it.

We are SUSHI MASTERS!

2006-12-10T22:15:00.000-06:00

Beth's Sushi Making

So my friend, Beth Carlson and I love sushi! We decided to google, "how to make sushi" and guess what we learned. Than we had to google "asian market omaha, nebraska." Because there are just somethings you cannot get at a regular market. I am such a nerd and you will agree. My life is good.

With a Catholic Feast there is a Par-ty!

2006-12-09T23:17:00.000-06:00

Just STOP and Pray

2006-12-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

So in the middle of the week, is usually when my heart rate increases because I realize all the things I need to get done. But in all reality I am solely just stressing myself out. Last night, I decided to put on my cell phone alarm for noon and 3:00 for hours of prayer. Now at 3:10, I am typing to testify that I just prayed a chaplet at UNO's campus in the cafeteria. Yes, that is right and you what, the things I thought I needed to get done just suddenly didn't seem as important.

Pray for me still though. Even though I am a college graduate, I have a final at 6:00 pm in Yoga. It's the real deal like fill in the blanks and matching. Yeah I should have paid more attention.

The perfect way to start Advent

2006-12-03T22:58:00.000-06:00

Ever wonder exactly what is Advent? Well, you clicked on the right site if you have. In Latin, the word Advent means "to come to." Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. As a Catholic I am encouraged to prepare myself for the Lord. One of the best ways to do so is especially strive to add some holiness in my everyday living. Through prayer, reading the Bible, daily mass, a little mental prayer this could be achieved, but most importantly there is the sacrament of Penance. Such a scary thought, but what better way can I "come to" the Lord than freeing myself from all past sin. Yeah let's all try "to come to."
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Today we had a core group of students over for brunch after the first Sunday in Advent for the first time. God could not have planned it any better. Pray for these students and their willing to come closer to Christ especially now when God is tugging on their hearts.
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A student invited me to go caroling with some high schoolers from a local parish. I said sure why not, what else do I have going on. It's Sunday it's the day of rest, I might as well do a little act of kindness. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. We went to a center not too far from town where young adults who have some sort of brain injury or spinal cord injury are being taken care of. Most are wheelchair bond and their physical ability is limited, but their smiles and laughter was not limited. The kids and myself included were complaining, "I cannot sing." But you know what their are lots of thing these young adults cannot do and wish they could. I have the ability to sing, might not have the skill, but the ability, I might as well use it.

These young adults are my age. We are so different, but yet so very similar. My life could change in the blink of an eye.

Their were some requests, but the one I enjoyed the most is this young gentleman around my age who requested Joy to the World. It our first request after being in three other buildings. It was his smile, pure joy, and attempt to say "thank you."

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

May the Lord, guide us all to recognize the gifts we have that we didn't even realize were gifts.

One of those nights

2006-12-02T23:59:00.000-06:00

Ever have those nights where you know you should be sleeping, but the world and just your mind is preventing you to do so. Lately the Gospel reading has been hitting the nerve, in a good way. It's like the Lord knows exactly what I should be hearing.

For instance Thursday's reading on the 30th of November. Matthew 4:18-22.

He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

We have heard the saying a million times. Come, after me, and I will make you fishers of men. But often times we forget about the line the comes directly after. "At once they left their nets and followed him." They didn't have to get a few belongings, or say goodbye. They just left and followed.

I know first hand when God is calling me to make a decision in my life, I have never right than and there left and followed. Hesitation and resistance allows comes first. I am too afraid because I am afraid of the person God is calling me to be. We all know that the more God calls us closer to Him the more we learn about ourselves. And usually these characteristics or ourselves are not the most faltering.

Lord, give me the strength to leave and follow. Let me not resist my own selfishness, but at the same time be mindful that it is your will I follow not mine.

My very own Christmas tree

2006-12-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

So I few days ago, I put up my Christmas tree. Can't say I have ever put one up because I have lived in the dorms til now, so it was kinda of a big kid thing to do. The students think I am funny, but shoot I even made myself my own advent wreath. Yeah it's good being me.

Dessert to Die for...

2006-11-30T22:25:00.000-06:00

I made this for the Archbishop when he came over for dinner. Yeah Team UNO is kinda of a big deal.

Novena to Immaculate Conception.

2006-11-29T22:39:00.000-06:00

So tonight or tomorrow you may start a novena here is the link...

http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/immaculate.htm#1

I am too tired to say anything wise maybe next time....just pray.

Just Beautiful!!

2006-11-28T10:37:00.000-06:00

"Love does not measure; it just gives." - Blessed Mother Theresa. It took 1886.2 miles....but so worth it. Even though love is not measured, it surely took a long time to see it.

In my short life thus far, I have experienced a variety of things. But one thing will always stand out, the Staples wedding. The more and more this couple gave to each other, the more love was out poured. As a friend watching from the distant, I can say, that these two had to give a lot in order to see beauty.

To the Staples, thank you for being such a wonderful example of what true love is. In this world where love is so distorted, I have been able to experience what love is supposed to look like for a couple of years now. People say my standards are high, but they don't know the couple I have been living up to.

I see the way they look at each other and the Holy Spirit couldn't be more present in their lives. If I find half a man like him, than my world would be complete. Just Beautiful!!

May the Holy Family be a shining example of true love's glow. May we continue to give in order to see the beautiful glow.

I just love my job

2006-11-27T11:30:00.000-06:00

So not even five minutes on being in Omaha, I receive a phone call from a student and friend. She sounded very upset, so I became worried. "Hey, can you do me a favor." "Sure." "I lost my student ID and I kind of need it, can you say a prayer to St. Anthony."

In the back of my mind, I just kept thinking. WoW, I love my job, how special do I feel. Yeah two minutes later, I receive another call, "Yeah I found it." I don't think it was my prayers, but we can pretend can't we...

So the moral of the story, say a prayer.

Nebraska's Real Treasure...

2006-11-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

The Holy Family Shrine. The most beautiful church I have attended. Okay, maybe not the most beautiful, but maybe the most beautiful in Nebraska. http://www.holyfamilyshrine.com

From now on, anyone who visits me will attend mass with me on Saturday's at 10:00 am. They have mass every Saturday morning. I will be attending there more often.

"Never leave that which you could do today." - Benjamin Franklin. Why do people procrastinate. Fear in failure even in the big and bad things I guess. Let's see what tomorrow will hold for me.

A quote to ponder

2006-11-19T22:08:00.001-06:00

Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away. - Hitch

I know it's a movie quote, but a good one. Just ponder and you will believe.

Digo Si, Senor.

2006-11-14T10:58:00.000-06:00

Priest: "So if we do everything God tells us to do and we do it 100% What does He promise to give us?"
First 2nd Grader: "His Love."
Priest: "No, we receive that even if we just do minimal work. What does He promise us?"
Second 2nd Grader: "Heaven."

This was part of the homily today at mass. I LOVE IT. Because no matter what we do or say or even if we mess up. Guess what? God loves us!!! Yeah its a good morning to be alive!!

Later on, they sang a song that had such lyrics...Digo, Si Senor. Digo, Si Senor por el malo y el bueno. I am not sure if those are exact lyrics, but basically...I say Yes, Lord for the good and the bad.

There has been a lot more silence

2006-11-13T10:59:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe sometimes that this my job. I am sitting here in the student center like I do most days just waiting for people to come visit me. Sometimes they are late, sometimes I am late, but it never fails I usually sit here in silenced for a little bit. I look up now and everyone is in their own different world. UNO campus reminds me a lot of the movie Mean Girls and the scene in the mall where the people turn into animals. Not saying that everyone is an animal, but definitely in their own worlds.

How can we break this and make conversations. I am not too sure but once you figure that out, let me know. I try and try, but the devil and fear gets the best of me.

I started playing the guitar yesterday. I have had this guitar for over three years and yesterday I installed the program.."Teach Yourself to Play The Guitar." We will see what happens. I know the E string pretty well now, well sort of. It's all about patience, something that has been challenging me greatly lately.

I ask you for the prayers to shine the Light of our Lord to others, as I do pray for you.

Enjoy the silence in our lives because more than likely that is God trying to finally get His voice out there to you when you are so distracted with all the noise that this world has to offer.

Guitar, Prayer, and Sushi

2006-11-12T22:54:00.000-06:00

This is how I spent my Sunday. More to say a little later, now its bedtime.

A new start...

2006-11-11T08:50:00.000-06:00

Not many missionaries can say they get to start new as a missionary. Here at UNO we have that opportunity. We have now become a team of three.

Lord, give me and others the strength to preserve and keep in mind the vision and passion to bring our peers closer to know YOU more.

So Sorry

2006-11-08T17:48:00.000-06:00

Gospel
Lk 14:25-33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus,
and he turned and addressed them,
“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother,
wife and children, brothers and sisters,
and even his own life,
he cannot be my disciple.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower
does not first sit down and calculate the cost
to see if there is enough for its completion?
Otherwise, after laying the foundation
and finding himself unable to finish the work
the onlookers should laugh at him and say,
‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down
and decide whether with ten thousand troops
he can successfully oppose another king
advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?
But if not, while he is still far away,
he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
In the same way,
everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions
cannot be my disciple.”
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So Sorry again, but I just wanted to check base and let you know that I am alive and well. God has just put the test in the campus life and we have survived. Let's just remember that our joy would be rejoiced daily with the storms and all. God never said there wouldn't be storms, He just said that our foundation of life should be made of rock not of sand. WE MUST CARRY THE CROSS HE HAS GIVEN US. We are His followers not just fans in the sideline.

Let's rejoice my brothers and sister that God is in our midst. He loves us and as much as we beg to differ knows the plans He has set before us.

Lost for words

2006-10-31T11:39:00.000-06:00

For those that read this, things are going, but I cannot explain in words what has been new...just keep me your prayers as I have been keeping you in mine.

Thank you Lord for the gift

2006-10-29T21:03:00.000-06:00

of FRIENDSHIP. Even though its a little after 9. It's bedtime.

Day of Silence

2006-10-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

I am not someone who usually takes part of national day of ..... But today it struck my attention. To the best of my ability, I will be silence in my words. I thought I would enter a quick blog and stop my communication for the day.

Why silence you ask? Silentday.org Since January 22 1973 over 48,000,000 babies have had their voice silenced. "Over 4,000 children have their lives taken each day in the name of choice. Over 4,000 woman are emotionally damaged ever day." On this day students will give their voices to these children and woman.

I have been in the student center for 22 minutes and I have had two students yell, "Jacqueline!" But yeah I waved and smiled and walked up to them and gave them a flyer. They read it and they were on their way to give a little silence in this world.

Spread the news and see what you can do.

The "spiritual father of Cuba"

2006-10-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

Being Cuban and Catholic and I am in love with tomorrow. It will be in my day.

"The "spiritual father of Cuba" was a missionary, religious founder, social reformer, queens chaplain, writer and publisher, archbishop and refugee. He was a Spaniard whose work took him to the Canary Islands, Cuba, Madrid, Paris and to the First Vatican Council.

He spent 10 years giving popular missions and retreats, always placing great emphasis on the Eucharist and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her rosary, it was said, was never out of his hand. At 42, beginning with five young priests, he founded a religious institute of missionaries, known today as the Claretians.

He was appointed to head the much-neglected archdiocese of Santiago in Cuba. He began its reform by almost ceaseless preaching and hearing of confessions, and suffered bitter opposition mainly for stamping out concubinage and giving instruction to black slaves. A hired assassin (whose release from prison Anthony had obtained) slashed open his face and wrist. Anthony succeeded in getting the would-be assassins death sentence commuted to a prison term. His solution for the misery of Cubans was family-owned farms producing a variety of foods for the familys own needs and for the market. This invited the enmity of the vested interests who wanted everyone to work on a single cash cropsugar. Besides all his religious writings are two books he wrote in Cuba: Reflections on Agriculture and Country Delights." - AmericanCatholic.org

St. Anthony Claret, Pray for us.

Red Car

2006-10-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

Everytime I see that red car
I cannot help but thank of you
Yet I know you are so far

The terror of the unknown
I solely long to be with You
My Lord, upon Your Holy Throne

"Keep smiling."

It takes only $2.65 to warm up my heart

2006-10-19T21:44:00.000-05:00

Today has been a blest day overall. Just taking each minute as it comes. Nothing to planned for my day. Tonight after a good evening with my roommate and a friend, we saw a man in the corner of the street. Standing there with a sign. We made U-turn went to the gas station, bought crackers with peanut butter, a bottle water, and 20 oz of hot chocolate. Another U-turn and my roommate rolled down her window and said, "Excuse me Sir, we bought you this at the gas station." Yeah you never know what will happen with the money you give, but with food and drink you always know it will be in good hands. Try it out next time, carry some food with you for cases such as these.

We can all offer up $2.65 every once in a while.

Now its a weekend of relaxation. Pray for those traveling and their journeys. May God truly bless their time at their destinations.

The smallest things make the biggest difference

2006-10-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

"The only thing I ask of you is to allow me to offer the libation of my blood to God. I am the wheat of the Lord; may I be ground by the teeth of the beasts to become the immaculate bread of Christ." - Ignatius, -- who also called himself Theophorus ("bearer of God"), was most likely a disciple of the Apostle John.

I just love stories of Saints. By tradition, he was the same little child whom Jesus placed in the midst of the disciples when He said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." [Matthew 18:2-4]
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Today I was off to early start and the Saint of the day kept me motivated as you can tell. I was in the laundry mat when an older couple started making small talk with me. It was a great way to enjoy the time spend while your clothes gets washed. I sat there at the end a little sad they were leaving when the gentleman came up to me an said, "You know what you are a very pretty young lady, you look just like Rachael Ray, that cook on TV." The only thing I could think to say was "Thank you." But of course for those that know me, I wanted to say, "Are you kidding me, I love that girl, I like to pretend I am just like her." Yeah I was honored and still am. The smallest things and kind gestures can change someone's life. Granted the compliment had nothing to do with my character, we all like compliments here and there.

We should go back and be like children in our faith so small and innocent and be willing to always remember God is in our midst. The smallest gestures and conversations with genuine attitude is how we should return to be.

Fishers of Men

2006-10-16T18:32:00.000-05:00

Fishers of Men

I had heard about this video from a few of my friends and it is fantastic. I thought I would add it to my blog. It's Semester Break here at Team UNO, so we have been able to lay back and enjoy the simple blessings God has given us.

I pray that you have been able to do the same.

"I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus."

2006-10-13T14:36:00.000-05:00

It truly has been an amazing and busy week. I haven't even had time to update the blog. God has truly given me the patience and perservance. Now on this Friday afternoon, I am at lost of words, but I will end with a quote from St. Margaret Mary.

Christ speaks to St. Margaret Mary: "Behold this Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming itself, in order to testify its love. In return, I receive from the greater part only ingratitude, by their irreverence and sacrileges, and by the coldness and contempt they have for me in this sacrament of love.... I come into the heart I have given you in order that through your fervor you may atone for the offenses which I have received from lukewarm and slothful hearts that dishonor me in the Blessed Sacrament" (Third apparition).