My DH loves the Chase Manhattan Credit Card Commercial with the couple who go from dating to old age. So last night I found the name of the song and this morning I have loaded the new video at the bottom just for him!
Now he can enjoy it everytime he visits, and not just when we watch CSI!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Should there be a dress code for Mass?
Should there be a dress code for Mass? I believe so. It is a testament to faith and to obedience when one bends towards God and away from society and culture.
In 1921, Pope Benedict XV said this about the indecent dress of women at Holy mass:
“...one cannot sufficiently deplore the blindness of so many women of every age and condition; made foolish by a desire to please, they do not see to what degree the indecency of the clothing shocks every honest man, and offends God. Most of them would formerly have blushed for those toiletries as for a grave fault against Christian modesty; now it does not suffice for them to exhibit them on public thoroughfares; they do not fear to cross the threshold of the churches, to assist at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and even to bear the seductive food of shameful passions to the Eucharistic Table where one receives the heavenly author of purity.”
But to what extent is apparel considered modest? Even among ourselves we can disagree. Some women believe that pants are sufficient covering, others believe that necks, wrists, and ankles should be covered. We do, however, have an excellent interpretation of modest by a member of the hierarchy. On Sept. 24, 1956, the Cardinal Vicar of Pius XII standardized modesty in dress for women,
“A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers breadth under the pit of the throat; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent materials are improper.”
Some may argue that this is pretty radical dress. While modest dress according to this may be difficult to find, I believe we should look to our motives. If they are pure and are to lead us to holiness, then we will find apparel which will be pleasing to God and we will not sin against modesty. We should remember that even though it is man’s responsibility for his own actions and desires, it is equally our responsibility to remember that the nature of a man is to be visually based and therefore visually stimulated. We should remember in choosing appropriate apparel that we do not sin against our fellow parishioners and be the stumbling block in their faith and distract their attention to the Holy Sacrifice.
Women are not the only ones who should be held to a high standard. Men are held to a higher standard. After every Scripture passage regarding how women should be is followed immediately by how the man should be.
Appropriate dress for men should be a coat and tie; or, at least, a collared shirt and nice slacks. Too many young men today wear pants with their underwear hanging out and tee-shirts which have inappropriate slogans.
Priests should be more forthcoming regarding speaking out about modesty. I have visited parishes in which there are signs which state that “Women wearing pants should not enter the Church,” as I have been to parishes where they have boxes of chapel veils that they pass out to the visitors on their way in to help “cover” the women.
In both parishes I have belonged to, the Pastor’s have spoken out against immodesty. They have done this both within their homilies and also within the parish bulletin. Recently, my current Pastor posted this in his weekly bulletin:
“APPROPRIATE DRESS IN CHURCH: The dress code is slipping somewhat and I would just like to call everyone’s attention to appropriate clothing for wear in church. Please remember that we are in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament, when we come into a Catholic Church. Here at the Cathedral, this should especially be true. Please use common sense in dress. “T”-shirts, especially those with messages in poor taste, are not what one would call dignified dress for the Eucharistic Presence. I am not asking for everyone to wear a very formal dress or a formal suit to Holy Mass but please let respect and reason prevail. Let us not be a source of distraction for others but rather a means of promoting prayer and respect for Our Lord. We are all called by God and our manner of dress should show our respect for the Presence of Christ in our midst. I thank you for your cooperation. God bless you for your respect for Our Lord.”
It is not exactly what the Cardinal Vicar pointed out, but this message is a start. Hopefully more priests will speak out and the women of the parishes will start to heed the message and turn away from sin. Matthew 5:27& 28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” As women and brides of Christ, we should not continue to encourage men to break the seventh commandment. For in our dress we are as guilty of sin as the man who looks upon us.
In 1921, Pope Benedict XV said this about the indecent dress of women at Holy mass:
“...one cannot sufficiently deplore the blindness of so many women of every age and condition; made foolish by a desire to please, they do not see to what degree the indecency of the clothing shocks every honest man, and offends God. Most of them would formerly have blushed for those toiletries as for a grave fault against Christian modesty; now it does not suffice for them to exhibit them on public thoroughfares; they do not fear to cross the threshold of the churches, to assist at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and even to bear the seductive food of shameful passions to the Eucharistic Table where one receives the heavenly author of purity.”
But to what extent is apparel considered modest? Even among ourselves we can disagree. Some women believe that pants are sufficient covering, others believe that necks, wrists, and ankles should be covered. We do, however, have an excellent interpretation of modest by a member of the hierarchy. On Sept. 24, 1956, the Cardinal Vicar of Pius XII standardized modesty in dress for women,
“A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers breadth under the pit of the throat; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent materials are improper.”
Some may argue that this is pretty radical dress. While modest dress according to this may be difficult to find, I believe we should look to our motives. If they are pure and are to lead us to holiness, then we will find apparel which will be pleasing to God and we will not sin against modesty. We should remember that even though it is man’s responsibility for his own actions and desires, it is equally our responsibility to remember that the nature of a man is to be visually based and therefore visually stimulated. We should remember in choosing appropriate apparel that we do not sin against our fellow parishioners and be the stumbling block in their faith and distract their attention to the Holy Sacrifice.
Women are not the only ones who should be held to a high standard. Men are held to a higher standard. After every Scripture passage regarding how women should be is followed immediately by how the man should be.
Appropriate dress for men should be a coat and tie; or, at least, a collared shirt and nice slacks. Too many young men today wear pants with their underwear hanging out and tee-shirts which have inappropriate slogans.
Priests should be more forthcoming regarding speaking out about modesty. I have visited parishes in which there are signs which state that “Women wearing pants should not enter the Church,” as I have been to parishes where they have boxes of chapel veils that they pass out to the visitors on their way in to help “cover” the women.
In both parishes I have belonged to, the Pastor’s have spoken out against immodesty. They have done this both within their homilies and also within the parish bulletin. Recently, my current Pastor posted this in his weekly bulletin:
“APPROPRIATE DRESS IN CHURCH: The dress code is slipping somewhat and I would just like to call everyone’s attention to appropriate clothing for wear in church. Please remember that we are in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament, when we come into a Catholic Church. Here at the Cathedral, this should especially be true. Please use common sense in dress. “T”-shirts, especially those with messages in poor taste, are not what one would call dignified dress for the Eucharistic Presence. I am not asking for everyone to wear a very formal dress or a formal suit to Holy Mass but please let respect and reason prevail. Let us not be a source of distraction for others but rather a means of promoting prayer and respect for Our Lord. We are all called by God and our manner of dress should show our respect for the Presence of Christ in our midst. I thank you for your cooperation. God bless you for your respect for Our Lord.”
It is not exactly what the Cardinal Vicar pointed out, but this message is a start. Hopefully more priests will speak out and the women of the parishes will start to heed the message and turn away from sin. Matthew 5:27& 28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” As women and brides of Christ, we should not continue to encourage men to break the seventh commandment. For in our dress we are as guilty of sin as the man who looks upon us.
Storms and Blessings
Last night, we recieved horrible storms here in Charleston, from hail and severe rain here at my office to 70 mph gusts of winds at our house. Last night at around 7:15, the power went out. It was not restored until about 6:30 this morning. I was in teh middle of nightly duties (including tryign to feed my husband) when the power went off. We had thought to try and wait it out and finally ended up having to go out to eat. It is amazing that two of hte seven neighborhoods in our "conglomerate" had power as did the stip center near our house. But as we travelled to Summerville, it was dark!! So we turned around and ate at Zaxby's. We did have cnadles and one of my husband's toys: a two million candle watt flashlight. But we survived and just showed to us that we have preparations to make for the upcomming 2006 Hurricane Season.
Blessings...
Today I found out two wonderful blessings. One is that a dear friend, MN is engaged and is marrying this September. It is so wonderful to hear of couples going to be united in the Sacrament of Matrimony. MN is such a sweet person and I can't wait to meet her fiance. We will pray for the permanence, faithfulness and fruitfulness of their very blessed marriage.
The second blessing of the day (and by no means lesser) is the veiling of a dear friend N. The Holy Spirit has touched her heart and she has begun veiling while praying. We shall pray for the continuation of God's blessing upon her, the faithfullness to continue veiling, her obedience to Christ, and the courage to continue against the constant stream of modern cutlure.
May God continue his blessings!
Blessings...
Today I found out two wonderful blessings. One is that a dear friend, MN is engaged and is marrying this September. It is so wonderful to hear of couples going to be united in the Sacrament of Matrimony. MN is such a sweet person and I can't wait to meet her fiance. We will pray for the permanence, faithfulness and fruitfulness of their very blessed marriage.
The second blessing of the day (and by no means lesser) is the veiling of a dear friend N. The Holy Spirit has touched her heart and she has begun veiling while praying. We shall pray for the continuation of God's blessing upon her, the faithfullness to continue veiling, her obedience to Christ, and the courage to continue against the constant stream of modern cutlure.
May God continue his blessings!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Recently..
Recently a book has been brought to my attention. The title is: The Biblical Truth About America's Death Penalty By Dale S. Recinella. See it here on Amazon.com.
This is an intersting book and I do say that I wish to read it and see what Racinella has to say.
One of the most interesting points I saw in the book was the correlation between the Bible Belt and executions. Almost 90% of executions from 1999 through 2003 have taken place in the Bible Belt. And ALL of the 2 juvenile executions since 1976 have taken place in the Bible Belt as well.
**Spoiler Alert** - Here is the last paragraph of the book:
"People of biblical faith must abolish the American death penalty, and we must do so in our time. Moratorium is a way of stopping the practcie while others of biblical faith become more educated to the biblical truth, a truth that demands nothing less than abolition." Dale Recinella
Hmm... makes me want to read the book. He does a lot of quoting Scripture and from different translations.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“If bloodless means are sufficient to defend human lives against an aggressor and to protect public order and the safety of persons, public authority should limit itself to such means, because they better correspond to concrete conditions of the common good and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person.” (CCC 2267)
Here is a letter the Bishop of Charleston wrote last year regarding an execution. Click Here for letter
Blessings!
This is an intersting book and I do say that I wish to read it and see what Racinella has to say.
One of the most interesting points I saw in the book was the correlation between the Bible Belt and executions. Almost 90% of executions from 1999 through 2003 have taken place in the Bible Belt. And ALL of the 2 juvenile executions since 1976 have taken place in the Bible Belt as well.
**Spoiler Alert** - Here is the last paragraph of the book:
"People of biblical faith must abolish the American death penalty, and we must do so in our time. Moratorium is a way of stopping the practcie while others of biblical faith become more educated to the biblical truth, a truth that demands nothing less than abolition." Dale Recinella
Hmm... makes me want to read the book. He does a lot of quoting Scripture and from different translations.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“If bloodless means are sufficient to defend human lives against an aggressor and to protect public order and the safety of persons, public authority should limit itself to such means, because they better correspond to concrete conditions of the common good and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person.” (CCC 2267)
Here is a letter the Bishop of Charleston wrote last year regarding an execution. Click Here for letter
Blessings!
All Decked out and can't wait to go.....
I am SO looking forward to tonight! Tonight is the Cathedral Women's Club Annual Benefit. If I wasn't so scatter-brained yesterday I would have remembered to turn in my raffle tickets. One of the Raffles is for a Moo Roo hangbag. Would LOVE to add that to my collection. Click Here to see more about Moo Roo.
So for tonight I chose a neutral beige August Silk top with a full, flouncy, Studio by Liz Claiborne skirt. The skirt has large tan, black and grey flowers. I love the way the skirt moves when I walk, makes it very dressy. I added my Wedding Pearls (yes, the ones Joe drove to Savannah to purchase the day before our wedding to say that I was a Proverb's 31 wife), and my new Tiffany & Co. sterling braclet.
Throw in my black semi-flats, white snood and my Burberry check handbag, and I am all set!!!
Since I've been tapped to be the next Secretary, I thought it would be nice to jazz things up a little. So yes, I am wearing a "little" bit of makeup.
So I can't wait!!!!!! Why, oh why, isn't it 5:00 yet?????
Blessings!!
So for tonight I chose a neutral beige August Silk top with a full, flouncy, Studio by Liz Claiborne skirt. The skirt has large tan, black and grey flowers. I love the way the skirt moves when I walk, makes it very dressy. I added my Wedding Pearls (yes, the ones Joe drove to Savannah to purchase the day before our wedding to say that I was a Proverb's 31 wife), and my new Tiffany & Co. sterling braclet.
Throw in my black semi-flats, white snood and my Burberry check handbag, and I am all set!!!
Since I've been tapped to be the next Secretary, I thought it would be nice to jazz things up a little. So yes, I am wearing a "little" bit of makeup.
So I can't wait!!!!!! Why, oh why, isn't it 5:00 yet?????
Blessings!!
Southern Cuisine
So this little Southern girl LOVES to cook. Albeit when I have time. Usually by the time I get home it's whatever I can make quickly. So for the CWC Benefit tonight, I said I would bring Potato Salad or my Cabernet Sauvignon Chocolate Cake. So when I got home last night, with no wine I decided to make Potato salad. Now, I do not eat Potato Salad because most people put nasty things in it like raw onions (yuck!). But a couple of months ago, Joe had to bring some for work, so I whipped up a batch from scratch using a recipe I created on my own. It was good and even I ate it (no onions). So last night I started making it and wouldn't you know that I got wrapped up in a show and over boiled the potatos. So when Life gives you Lemons, you make Lemonade. Well, I had boiled potatos- you guessed it - Mashed Potatos. So I poured in the Mayo, Milk, and Butter and whippped them right up. I even added a little French's Fried Onions and some crumbled bacon. MMMMmmmm.... Even Joe couldn't stay away from them.
So I am definetly looking forward to tonight!!!
So I am definetly looking forward to tonight!!!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Modest Swimwear
So I was googling around and came across THIS blog and post. It is amazing how culture is trying to dictate how women should dress. We should all look to Christ and Not Culture to get our influences. Look at what Mary said at Fatima! She said there would be "Certain fashions will be introduced that will offend Our Lord very much."
Hello People! Wake up and smell the incense!!!I see the girls strumping in to Mass. You almost want to take a sheet and cover them up they are SO immodest. You are Catholic Because you Believe in the Real Body and Blood of Christ (which NO other church on Earth has, BTW) and yet, you go to him practically naked? For Shame!!!!!
Do you NOT think that HE sees you in your day-to-day activities??? Yes, that does mean He sees you while you are frolicking on the beach! Why do you feel the need to lay around the beach with little more than 12 inches (sometimes less) of material? Why do you want men to gawk at you? Yes, I KNOW men are the ones CHOOSING to look, but WHY give them something to look at??
Hello People! Wake up and smell the incense!!!I see the girls strumping in to Mass. You almost want to take a sheet and cover them up they are SO immodest. You are Catholic Because you Believe in the Real Body and Blood of Christ (which NO other church on Earth has, BTW) and yet, you go to him practically naked? For Shame!!!!!
Do you NOT think that HE sees you in your day-to-day activities??? Yes, that does mean He sees you while you are frolicking on the beach! Why do you feel the need to lay around the beach with little more than 12 inches (sometimes less) of material? Why do you want men to gawk at you? Yes, I KNOW men are the ones CHOOSING to look, but WHY give them something to look at??
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Hinder Not the Little Ones......
Tom: 'We're Just Scientologists'
Source Article
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Well what can you expect from Non-Christians? I would hope that Mr. and Mrs. Holmes will step in along with every priest from her home parish and remind Katie that the soul of the child is a stake!!!
Of course, fundamentalists will argue that who cares? It's just a baby. You have to be an adult to be "born again." First and foremost, in the Gospel of Mark 10:14-15 we read "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child 2 will not enter it." In John 14:15, 21 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
Now we also read about Lydia and how "She was baptized, with her household" (Acts 16:15), the Phillipian Jailer whom Paul and Silas had converted to the faith was baptized that night along with his household. We are told that "the same hour of the night . . . he was baptized, with all his family" (Acts 16:33). And in his greetings to the Corinthians, Paul recalled that, "I did baptize also the household of Stephanas" (1 Cor. 1:16).
No where does it say in Scripture that the Husband and Wife only were baptized. NO! The ENTIRE household was baptized - moms, dads, slaves, servants, children of all ages - EVERYONE in the household was baptized. As babies, all the Jews were circumcized as part of the covenant with God. Why would God now NOT want the babies to be within his covenant? It doesn't make sense.
As Catholics who do not hold strictly to Sola Scriptura as Protestants do, we can also look to what the Church Fathers wrote about. Origen, for instance, wrote in the third century that "according to the usage of the Church, baptism is given even to infants" (Holilies on Leviticus, 8:3:11 [A.D. 244]). The Council of Carthage, in 253, condemned the opinion that baptism should be withheld from infants until the eighth day after birth. Later, Augustine taught, "The custom of Mother Church in baptizing infants is certainly not to be scorned . . . nor is it to be believed that its tradition is anything except apostolic" (Literal Interpretation of Genesis 10:23:39 [A.D. 408]).
None of the Church fathers were outraged at infant baptism - they PROMOTED it!!! The Bible NEVER says "Faith in Christ is necessary for salvation except for infants"; it simply says, "Faith in Christ is necessary for salvation."
So, to put it plainly: the Catholic Church is merely continuing the tradition established by the first Christians, who heeded the words of Christ: "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:16).
Blessings!
Source Article
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Well what can you expect from Non-Christians? I would hope that Mr. and Mrs. Holmes will step in along with every priest from her home parish and remind Katie that the soul of the child is a stake!!!
Of course, fundamentalists will argue that who cares? It's just a baby. You have to be an adult to be "born again." First and foremost, in the Gospel of Mark 10:14-15 we read "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child 2 will not enter it." In John 14:15, 21 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
Now we also read about Lydia and how "She was baptized, with her household" (Acts 16:15), the Phillipian Jailer whom Paul and Silas had converted to the faith was baptized that night along with his household. We are told that "the same hour of the night . . . he was baptized, with all his family" (Acts 16:33). And in his greetings to the Corinthians, Paul recalled that, "I did baptize also the household of Stephanas" (1 Cor. 1:16).
No where does it say in Scripture that the Husband and Wife only were baptized. NO! The ENTIRE household was baptized - moms, dads, slaves, servants, children of all ages - EVERYONE in the household was baptized. As babies, all the Jews were circumcized as part of the covenant with God. Why would God now NOT want the babies to be within his covenant? It doesn't make sense.
As Catholics who do not hold strictly to Sola Scriptura as Protestants do, we can also look to what the Church Fathers wrote about. Origen, for instance, wrote in the third century that "according to the usage of the Church, baptism is given even to infants" (Holilies on Leviticus, 8:3:11 [A.D. 244]). The Council of Carthage, in 253, condemned the opinion that baptism should be withheld from infants until the eighth day after birth. Later, Augustine taught, "The custom of Mother Church in baptizing infants is certainly not to be scorned . . . nor is it to be believed that its tradition is anything except apostolic" (Literal Interpretation of Genesis 10:23:39 [A.D. 408]).
None of the Church fathers were outraged at infant baptism - they PROMOTED it!!! The Bible NEVER says "Faith in Christ is necessary for salvation except for infants"; it simply says, "Faith in Christ is necessary for salvation."
So, to put it plainly: the Catholic Church is merely continuing the tradition established by the first Christians, who heeded the words of Christ: "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:16).
Blessings!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
New Scipture to Ponder
So I am constantly looking for new Scipture to ponder. Today has brought me to a new verses to reiterate my new "liefstyle" and also help reaffirm my faith and beliefs.
The first is Deuteronomy 22:5 "A woman shall not wear an article proper to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's dress; for anyone who does such things is an abomination to the LORD, your God."
Wow, I have never seen this before! I have known (recently) of Our Lady's message at Fatima that "Certain Fashions will be introduced that will offend Our Lord very much." My dear friend "C" and I were talking the other day about what brought her to wearing skirts and dresses was the fact she was in a store and she could not tell the gender of the people in front of her. I myself am quite shocked at young ladies who I see walking around. Do young women have such low self esteem that they feel they must show off every part of their body? I wish some priests would turn women away from communion which dress inappropriately.
It has been nearly a week since I wore pants (and months since I have worn them to work). I have only been wearing them at home and mostly when I've been working in the yard or on the dining room. But this weekend I bought a long jean skirt by Covington which is SO comfortable. I have noticed how feminine I feel in skirts and dresses. Not scanky, skimpy things, but nice, modest dresses and skirts. Men are more apt to smile and open doors for me. I actually feel respected more than if I am wearing pants.
Let us remember all the immodest in our prayers, that they will become like Mary.
Blessings!
The first is Deuteronomy 22:5 "A woman shall not wear an article proper to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's dress; for anyone who does such things is an abomination to the LORD, your God."
Wow, I have never seen this before! I have known (recently) of Our Lady's message at Fatima that "Certain Fashions will be introduced that will offend Our Lord very much." My dear friend "C" and I were talking the other day about what brought her to wearing skirts and dresses was the fact she was in a store and she could not tell the gender of the people in front of her. I myself am quite shocked at young ladies who I see walking around. Do young women have such low self esteem that they feel they must show off every part of their body? I wish some priests would turn women away from communion which dress inappropriately.
It has been nearly a week since I wore pants (and months since I have worn them to work). I have only been wearing them at home and mostly when I've been working in the yard or on the dining room. But this weekend I bought a long jean skirt by Covington which is SO comfortable. I have noticed how feminine I feel in skirts and dresses. Not scanky, skimpy things, but nice, modest dresses and skirts. Men are more apt to smile and open doors for me. I actually feel respected more than if I am wearing pants.
Let us remember all the immodest in our prayers, that they will become like Mary.
Blessings!
Shout Out!
Here's a little shout out to my dear friend "Anastasia". Click to check out her blog at Southern Catholic Convert.
I did notice that on the right hand side she posted "Appearing At" and she forgot to mention weekly (and sometimes nightly)for dinner at the home of your's truly.
Her story of her conversion from the Jehovah's Witness cult is inspiring. I am hoping that the more people who "nag" her about completing Part II, the sooner she will get it done!
LOL!
We love you "A"!!!!!!!!!!
I did notice that on the right hand side she posted "Appearing At" and she forgot to mention weekly (and sometimes nightly)for dinner at the home of your's truly.
Her story of her conversion from the Jehovah's Witness cult is inspiring. I am hoping that the more people who "nag" her about completing Part II, the sooner she will get it done!
LOL!
We love you "A"!!!!!!!!!!
Gotta LOVE this town!
So this morning I ended up with nothing for lunch, so I was able to walk down to Burbage’s to grab something. For those not “in the know”, Burbage’s is a wonderful little “Mom & Pop” grocery store here in downtown Charleston. It is on the corner of Broad and Savage. I love walking down there. They have fresh sandwiches from their deli, cookies and fresh fruit. Now, I would LOVE to walk over to Poogan’s Porch, I know it’s touristy but I love their Shrimp & Grits or I could walk to 82 Queen (where we had our wedding reception) and have a bowl of She Crab Soup. But I think either option might get me skinned alive before I get home. (sweetheart I PROMISE I won’t go there without you!) ;)
I also love walking down there (to Burbage’s) because this IS the heart of Charleston. Broad Street is the line in Charleston. If you live “South of Broad” you are living quite well.
Joe and I would love to live here in downtown, but unfortunately we do not have the means to pay for a million dollar mortgage. Make that 2.4 Million to be exact for the homes that are right around here.
I love walking around this city. I love looking at my beautiful parish, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the homes and definitely the architecture. Charleston is so much more than Meeting, East Bay and Market streets. Since tourism has picked up dramatically over the past several weeks, Joe and I have discovered new routes in and out of downtown. This is to avoid all the tourists and carriages that are everywhere.
It’s a little chilly today, so I am not enjoying my lunch in the gardens. I am actually eating while I type. There is quite a bit of cloud cover and hopefully that will go away.
Blessings from the heart of Charleston!
I also love walking down there (to Burbage’s) because this IS the heart of Charleston. Broad Street is the line in Charleston. If you live “South of Broad” you are living quite well.
Joe and I would love to live here in downtown, but unfortunately we do not have the means to pay for a million dollar mortgage. Make that 2.4 Million to be exact for the homes that are right around here.
I love walking around this city. I love looking at my beautiful parish, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the homes and definitely the architecture. Charleston is so much more than Meeting, East Bay and Market streets. Since tourism has picked up dramatically over the past several weeks, Joe and I have discovered new routes in and out of downtown. This is to avoid all the tourists and carriages that are everywhere.
It’s a little chilly today, so I am not enjoying my lunch in the gardens. I am actually eating while I type. There is quite a bit of cloud cover and hopefully that will go away.
Blessings from the heart of Charleston!
Easter Break
After having a ½ day on Holy Thursday, all of Good Friday and Easter Monday off, I am now back at work. This time was a great time of relaxation, prayer, and spiritual and emotional bonding for my husband and I. The early part of our break was like a mini honeymoon which was wonderful; I think it has really renewed our relationship. Joe got sick Saturday around mid-afternoon and continued until yesterday evening. We went shopping for some new clothes for me Friday evening and Saturday around lunch. I am SO excited!!! I have some beautiful new skirts and dresses. I went through my closet and took out all my winter clothes and am in the process of boxing them up. And I have made one of several trips to Good Will to donate all my “unsuitable” clothing.
Last week I ordered a dozen new crocheted snoods. They came in on Saturday and I am SO excited!!!!!! I now have 4 black (5 counting my old one), 1 white, 2 blue, 1 yellow, 2 red, 1 hot pink, and 1 purple. Sometime in the near future, I will be ordering a couple of different types of veils. I think something similar to the Charity Veil on prayercoverings.com website or a couple of others that Joe had picked out.
Joe has been absolutely wonderful during this whole process. He is so supportive of me and is really my backbone. I feel like everyone is staring at me when we are in public and I’m starting to let go of that anxiety. I have found that it is a great way to witness to people regarding my faith.
Many Blessings to you all!!!!
Last week I ordered a dozen new crocheted snoods. They came in on Saturday and I am SO excited!!!!!! I now have 4 black (5 counting my old one), 1 white, 2 blue, 1 yellow, 2 red, 1 hot pink, and 1 purple. Sometime in the near future, I will be ordering a couple of different types of veils. I think something similar to the Charity Veil on prayercoverings.com website or a couple of others that Joe had picked out.
Joe has been absolutely wonderful during this whole process. He is so supportive of me and is really my backbone. I feel like everyone is staring at me when we are in public and I’m starting to let go of that anxiety. I have found that it is a great way to witness to people regarding my faith.
Many Blessings to you all!!!!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
The Controversy over "Washing of the Feet"
From the Charlotte Observer March 31, 2006
Bishop: Foot-washing for men only
Some parishioners, priests question why women being left out
KEN GARFIELD
Religion Editor
The head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is reminding priests that only men's feet are to be washed at Holy Thursday services, a move creating a buzz among many N.C. Catholics this Lenten season.
"I have vowed respect and obedience to my bishop. With sadness, I will obey Bishop (Peter) Jugis, with apologies to the women of St. Ann's parish," the Rev. Conrad Hoover of St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte said Thursday.
"I think it's ridiculous," said Jenifer Register, a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, who describes herself as "fired up" over the issue. "I feel that women are a huge part of the church. The church would not survive without women."
Jugis on Thursday designated diocesan spokesman David Hains to explain his position.
Hains said Jugis is following Vatican guidelines in reminding priests that foot-washing is for men only on Holy Thursday, this year on April 13. Holy Thursday, he added, reflects what happened at the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of the 12 disciples, all men, as a symbol of servanthood.
Hains said Jugis issued the policy to the 46-county diocese for the first time under his leadership last year. This Lenten season, though, the reaction among many Catholics has been more pronounced with many priests and parishioners questioning the policy.
Asked if there is a mechanism in place for priests who choose not to follow the reminder, Hains said, "There is an assumption that the priests will follow the norms."
The norms vary from one diocese to another.
Bill Ryan, a spokesman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, said bishops in each of the nation's 195 dioceses can set their own foot-washing guidelines. The choices involve not just gender, but number. Some, like Jugis, remind priests that the ritual is to be limited to 12 men, while others welcome all who want to participate.
Ryan said his office doesn't keep track of how many dioceses restrict the practice to men.
It's men only in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, which covers all of South Carolina. "The universal norm for the Church is that when a priest opts to perform the ritual of washing of feet, he is to wash the feet of men in imitation of Jesus' washing the feet of the Apostles," diocesan media relations director Stephen Gajdosik wrote in an e-mail to the Observer.
The Raleigh diocese allows each priest to decide whether to wash the feet of men only, or extend an invitation to women. Bishop Joseph Gossman washes the feet of men and women at the Holy Thursday Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh.
In Atlanta, Archbishop Wilton Gregory extends an invitation to women -- reversing the men-only practice presided over by now-retired Atlanta Archbishop John Donoghue.
Donoghue, when he was bishop in Charlotte, created a furor in 1989 when his order to exclude women from foot-washing ceremonies led to protests outside St. Patrick Cathedral and a small alternative service in a home, where women's feet were washed.
James Patout Burns Jr., who teaches at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tenn., said the debate over foot-washing reflects a deeper rift in the U.S. Catholic church between conservatives and liberals. Beyond foot-washing, he said, the issue is the role of women in the church.
Charlotte, he said, may be welcoming a growing number of Catholics from other areas with less traditional views. But that likely wouldn't make a bishop budge.
"He doesn't work for them," Burns said. "He works for the guy in Rome."
Jugis' reminder is leading priests and parishes to embrace different strategies for what is considered an optional rite.
The Rev. Ed Sheridan of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte said his Providence Road parish will drop foot-washing from Holy Thursday Mass.
David Pitt, who teaches theology at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, said he hopes the controversy doesn't push Catholics in the 300,000-member Charlotte diocese to use public worship as a political tool one way or the other. Whether a parish washes the feet of men or women, whether they wash 12 men's feet or anyone who wants to participate, Pitt believes the deeper meaning is the same: "The intent really is to express continuing love and service."
Teresa Berger, who teaches theology at Duke Divinity School in Durham, questioned whether the rite should be restricted to men.
"If we are trying to duplicate what Jesus did," Berger said, "then we should find not only 12 men, but 12 Jewish men, preferably 12 first-century Jewish men."
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is marked by observances in Catholic and Protestant churches. Though foot-washing is done in both, it generally is more prevalent among Catholics.
As described in the 13th chapter of John in the New Testament, Jesus washes the disciples' feet and says to them: "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think this is getting way out of hand in the Church here in America. The Liberal Feminist Agenda needs to stay out of the Church. But, on the other hand, we are their largest target. Jesus washed 12 MALE disciples. Now, we can't go around digging up "first century Jewish men" now can we? And didn't Jesus say "Do this in Remembrance of Me" during the last supper? And doesn't he say "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you?" So is the Church to "pick and chose" which acts of Jesus to adhere to?
The Bishop's Liturgy Committee issued the following statement on February 16, 1987:
...it has become customary in many places [in the United States] to invite both men and women to be participants in this rite in recognition of the service that should be given by all the faithful to the church and to the world. ...in the United States, a variation in the rite developed in which not only charity is signified but also humble service.
Why, Oh Why must women feel that they need to carve themselves a place out of the church? Women should not be priests, deacons nor have their feet washed. St. Paul actually tells us to be quiet in Church. I really don't like Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, but I know that it would take forever and a day to distribute it if the priest was the only one doing it (unless we went back to communion rails - which I would LOVE!). Now this is my opinion and probably that of my husband. I'm sure that many people disagree with this issue. If Jesus had wanted women - he would have chosen women! It was more acceptable in that time period to have women priests!!!
Laying down our beliefs to the culture and liberal movements is only going to destroy the Church.
Blessings!
Bishop: Foot-washing for men only
Some parishioners, priests question why women being left out
KEN GARFIELD
Religion Editor
The head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is reminding priests that only men's feet are to be washed at Holy Thursday services, a move creating a buzz among many N.C. Catholics this Lenten season.
"I have vowed respect and obedience to my bishop. With sadness, I will obey Bishop (Peter) Jugis, with apologies to the women of St. Ann's parish," the Rev. Conrad Hoover of St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte said Thursday.
"I think it's ridiculous," said Jenifer Register, a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, who describes herself as "fired up" over the issue. "I feel that women are a huge part of the church. The church would not survive without women."
Jugis on Thursday designated diocesan spokesman David Hains to explain his position.
Hains said Jugis is following Vatican guidelines in reminding priests that foot-washing is for men only on Holy Thursday, this year on April 13. Holy Thursday, he added, reflects what happened at the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of the 12 disciples, all men, as a symbol of servanthood.
Hains said Jugis issued the policy to the 46-county diocese for the first time under his leadership last year. This Lenten season, though, the reaction among many Catholics has been more pronounced with many priests and parishioners questioning the policy.
Asked if there is a mechanism in place for priests who choose not to follow the reminder, Hains said, "There is an assumption that the priests will follow the norms."
The norms vary from one diocese to another.
Bill Ryan, a spokesman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, said bishops in each of the nation's 195 dioceses can set their own foot-washing guidelines. The choices involve not just gender, but number. Some, like Jugis, remind priests that the ritual is to be limited to 12 men, while others welcome all who want to participate.
Ryan said his office doesn't keep track of how many dioceses restrict the practice to men.
It's men only in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, which covers all of South Carolina. "The universal norm for the Church is that when a priest opts to perform the ritual of washing of feet, he is to wash the feet of men in imitation of Jesus' washing the feet of the Apostles," diocesan media relations director Stephen Gajdosik wrote in an e-mail to the Observer.
The Raleigh diocese allows each priest to decide whether to wash the feet of men only, or extend an invitation to women. Bishop Joseph Gossman washes the feet of men and women at the Holy Thursday Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh.
In Atlanta, Archbishop Wilton Gregory extends an invitation to women -- reversing the men-only practice presided over by now-retired Atlanta Archbishop John Donoghue.
Donoghue, when he was bishop in Charlotte, created a furor in 1989 when his order to exclude women from foot-washing ceremonies led to protests outside St. Patrick Cathedral and a small alternative service in a home, where women's feet were washed.
James Patout Burns Jr., who teaches at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tenn., said the debate over foot-washing reflects a deeper rift in the U.S. Catholic church between conservatives and liberals. Beyond foot-washing, he said, the issue is the role of women in the church.
Charlotte, he said, may be welcoming a growing number of Catholics from other areas with less traditional views. But that likely wouldn't make a bishop budge.
"He doesn't work for them," Burns said. "He works for the guy in Rome."
Jugis' reminder is leading priests and parishes to embrace different strategies for what is considered an optional rite.
The Rev. Ed Sheridan of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte said his Providence Road parish will drop foot-washing from Holy Thursday Mass.
David Pitt, who teaches theology at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, said he hopes the controversy doesn't push Catholics in the 300,000-member Charlotte diocese to use public worship as a political tool one way or the other. Whether a parish washes the feet of men or women, whether they wash 12 men's feet or anyone who wants to participate, Pitt believes the deeper meaning is the same: "The intent really is to express continuing love and service."
Teresa Berger, who teaches theology at Duke Divinity School in Durham, questioned whether the rite should be restricted to men.
"If we are trying to duplicate what Jesus did," Berger said, "then we should find not only 12 men, but 12 Jewish men, preferably 12 first-century Jewish men."
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is marked by observances in Catholic and Protestant churches. Though foot-washing is done in both, it generally is more prevalent among Catholics.
As described in the 13th chapter of John in the New Testament, Jesus washes the disciples' feet and says to them: "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think this is getting way out of hand in the Church here in America. The Liberal Feminist Agenda needs to stay out of the Church. But, on the other hand, we are their largest target. Jesus washed 12 MALE disciples. Now, we can't go around digging up "first century Jewish men" now can we? And didn't Jesus say "Do this in Remembrance of Me" during the last supper? And doesn't he say "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you?" So is the Church to "pick and chose" which acts of Jesus to adhere to?
The Bishop's Liturgy Committee issued the following statement on February 16, 1987:
...it has become customary in many places [in the United States] to invite both men and women to be participants in this rite in recognition of the service that should be given by all the faithful to the church and to the world. ...in the United States, a variation in the rite developed in which not only charity is signified but also humble service.
Why, Oh Why must women feel that they need to carve themselves a place out of the church? Women should not be priests, deacons nor have their feet washed. St. Paul actually tells us to be quiet in Church. I really don't like Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, but I know that it would take forever and a day to distribute it if the priest was the only one doing it (unless we went back to communion rails - which I would LOVE!). Now this is my opinion and probably that of my husband. I'm sure that many people disagree with this issue. If Jesus had wanted women - he would have chosen women! It was more acceptable in that time period to have women priests!!!
Laying down our beliefs to the culture and liberal movements is only going to destroy the Church.
Blessings!
Chrism Mass
On Tuesday, I was invited to attend the Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Charleston. I had never been to a Chrism Mass before and I was looking forward to it. It was truly a beautiful mass.
At first, since my husband was not there, I was nervous about where to sit. Some people have called me an extrovert, but at times like these, I am the biggest introvert there is. I hopscotched my way from pew to pew. The first one being directly behind a pillar (not good). I settled myself one pew in front of a Sister from the Daughters of Paul. Then I looked over and one pew in front of me was my dear friend "C". So I got up and switched again. It was like Musical Pews. But, I felt comfortable with her. She veils like I do. I loved looking around at all the veils. Mostly the Hispanic or Oriental women were wearing veils but there were quite a few white women wearing them.
While the Mass was beautiful my experience began while getting in line for Communion. At the present time, I am not allowed to receive communion. This is due to my marrying outside the church due to my own personal reasons which I will not get into on this board. So for the mean time, my DH and I must wait until October before our marriage can be convalidated and we can receive the body and blood of Christ again. So anyways, I decided to go up for a blessing. I went in line with everyone else, while the man before me was receiving, I genuflected (like Always) and stood before our Bishop (one of my bosses by-the-way) and immediately crossed my arms. He said "oh, okay" and proceeded to lay his hand upon my head and give me a blessing. I returned quickly to my pew. Why? Because I was shaking. I knelt and my arms and legs were shaking and were so weak. I can not describe it. I started crying, I could not control it. Over and over in my head I kept thinking (involuntarily)"Thank You!", "Thank You!", "Thank You!" Over and over this went through my head. I turned and quietly asked "C" for a tissue. She looked at me and she had been crying!
Later that afternoon, we stopped after work and chatted. "C" and I had the exact same experience! She was crying and couldn't stop and the "Thank Yous" were going through her head as well.
God really touched us through Bishop Baker. It was a most humbling and jubilant experience. I have been for blessing s before (while I was in the RCIA program- and a few since getting married) but this one surpasses them all!
God bless Bishop Baker and the priests of our beautiful Diocese of Charleston.
At first, since my husband was not there, I was nervous about where to sit. Some people have called me an extrovert, but at times like these, I am the biggest introvert there is. I hopscotched my way from pew to pew. The first one being directly behind a pillar (not good). I settled myself one pew in front of a Sister from the Daughters of Paul. Then I looked over and one pew in front of me was my dear friend "C". So I got up and switched again. It was like Musical Pews. But, I felt comfortable with her. She veils like I do. I loved looking around at all the veils. Mostly the Hispanic or Oriental women were wearing veils but there were quite a few white women wearing them.
While the Mass was beautiful my experience began while getting in line for Communion. At the present time, I am not allowed to receive communion. This is due to my marrying outside the church due to my own personal reasons which I will not get into on this board. So for the mean time, my DH and I must wait until October before our marriage can be convalidated and we can receive the body and blood of Christ again. So anyways, I decided to go up for a blessing. I went in line with everyone else, while the man before me was receiving, I genuflected (like Always) and stood before our Bishop (one of my bosses by-the-way) and immediately crossed my arms. He said "oh, okay" and proceeded to lay his hand upon my head and give me a blessing. I returned quickly to my pew. Why? Because I was shaking. I knelt and my arms and legs were shaking and were so weak. I can not describe it. I started crying, I could not control it. Over and over in my head I kept thinking (involuntarily)"Thank You!", "Thank You!", "Thank You!" Over and over this went through my head. I turned and quietly asked "C" for a tissue. She looked at me and she had been crying!
Later that afternoon, we stopped after work and chatted. "C" and I had the exact same experience! She was crying and couldn't stop and the "Thank Yous" were going through her head as well.
God really touched us through Bishop Baker. It was a most humbling and jubilant experience. I have been for blessing s before (while I was in the RCIA program- and a few since getting married) but this one surpasses them all!
God bless Bishop Baker and the priests of our beautiful Diocese of Charleston.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
"Because of the Angels..."
I have SO many thoughts I want to share and SO little time. So please bear with me as I try to bring out all of my thoughts! Especially on yesterday's Chrism Mass.
So I have been doing more and more research on headcovering and have been increasingly obedient to it. I have worn my snood to work every single day since Joe and I had a conversation regarding it. I have taken it off occasionally at home - but only when I am not likely to pray. I have tried wearing a kerchief to bed, but that usually comes off.
So I found some interesting information on the "Because of the Angels" statement in 1 Corinthians Chapter 11. Here is some info I found:
St. John Chrysostom (d. A.D. 407), in a sermon at the Feast of the Ascension, spoke both of angels and the veiling of women: "The angels are present here…Open the eyes of faith and look upon this sight. For if the very air is filled with angels, how much more so the Church! ...Hear the Apostle teaching this, when he bids the women to cover their heads with a veil because of the presence of the angels." Origen, another early Church Father, said, "There are angels in the midst of our assembly…we have here a twofold Church, one of men, the other of angels…And since there are angels present…women, when they pray, are ordered to have a covering upon their heads because of those angels. They assist the saints and rejoice in the Church." Instructions for catechumens in The Apostolic Tradition, probably written in the second century by St. Hippolytus of Rome, include this: "Moreover, let all the women have their heads veiled with a scarf…" And St. Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on I Corinthians, wrote: "The angels find it extremely hard to bear if this law [that women cover their heads] is disregarded."
Click Here For further information from that article.
Many women in the Catholic Church are coming back to wearing a veil. At yesterday's Chrism mass for the Diocese of Charleston, I was so happy to see so many women veiling.
For me, there is no longer a need to find out why to veil, but why veil "all the time. “My reason comes down to two things: 1. is Obedience. I am obedient to God and my headcovering is an outward full-time sign of that obedience, 2. is 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
If St. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that "any woman who prays or prophesizes with her head unveiled disgraces her head" and in 1 Thessalonians that we should "pray without ceasing", why would we not wear a covering all the time? The first Christian women did veil all the time and for many centuries. There are carvings in the catacombs of Rome depicting these women. So why not veil fulltime? It is so much easier to have my covering on when I want to pray and not have to run and put one on. Yes, God answers prayers to women who are unveiled, but I think it gladdens His heart to see women who show their obedience to Him. Usually it comes down to pride and culturalization, but mostly to obedience when discerning on when to wear a covering full time. I have submitted myself to the Lord fully and completely and I rejoice in other women who do so.
A dear friend told me last week that I was “a head of her" on the path of veiling. She has been veiling for a year now and has been fighting the conviction to veil fulltime. But, dear Sisters in Christ, we are all on the path together and it is not a race. There are no winners or losers, only women who want to please their Lord and Savior. So "therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing."1 Thessalonians 5:11
Blessings!
So I have been doing more and more research on headcovering and have been increasingly obedient to it. I have worn my snood to work every single day since Joe and I had a conversation regarding it. I have taken it off occasionally at home - but only when I am not likely to pray. I have tried wearing a kerchief to bed, but that usually comes off.
So I found some interesting information on the "Because of the Angels" statement in 1 Corinthians Chapter 11. Here is some info I found:
St. John Chrysostom (d. A.D. 407), in a sermon at the Feast of the Ascension, spoke both of angels and the veiling of women: "The angels are present here…Open the eyes of faith and look upon this sight. For if the very air is filled with angels, how much more so the Church! ...Hear the Apostle teaching this, when he bids the women to cover their heads with a veil because of the presence of the angels." Origen, another early Church Father, said, "There are angels in the midst of our assembly…we have here a twofold Church, one of men, the other of angels…And since there are angels present…women, when they pray, are ordered to have a covering upon their heads because of those angels. They assist the saints and rejoice in the Church." Instructions for catechumens in The Apostolic Tradition, probably written in the second century by St. Hippolytus of Rome, include this: "Moreover, let all the women have their heads veiled with a scarf…" And St. Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on I Corinthians, wrote: "The angels find it extremely hard to bear if this law [that women cover their heads] is disregarded."
Click Here For further information from that article.
Many women in the Catholic Church are coming back to wearing a veil. At yesterday's Chrism mass for the Diocese of Charleston, I was so happy to see so many women veiling.
For me, there is no longer a need to find out why to veil, but why veil "all the time. “My reason comes down to two things: 1. is Obedience. I am obedient to God and my headcovering is an outward full-time sign of that obedience, 2. is 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
If St. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that "any woman who prays or prophesizes with her head unveiled disgraces her head" and in 1 Thessalonians that we should "pray without ceasing", why would we not wear a covering all the time? The first Christian women did veil all the time and for many centuries. There are carvings in the catacombs of Rome depicting these women. So why not veil fulltime? It is so much easier to have my covering on when I want to pray and not have to run and put one on. Yes, God answers prayers to women who are unveiled, but I think it gladdens His heart to see women who show their obedience to Him. Usually it comes down to pride and culturalization, but mostly to obedience when discerning on when to wear a covering full time. I have submitted myself to the Lord fully and completely and I rejoice in other women who do so.
A dear friend told me last week that I was “a head of her" on the path of veiling. She has been veiling for a year now and has been fighting the conviction to veil fulltime. But, dear Sisters in Christ, we are all on the path together and it is not a race. There are no winners or losers, only women who want to please their Lord and Savior. So "therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing."1 Thessalonians 5:11
Blessings!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
To Cover or Not to Cover.....That is the Question
Which has been plaguing me for some time. Actually - pretty close to two years. I began veiling for mass two years ago this coming Holy Week. Since then, I veil at every mass and every time I enter the Church. I also do not wear pants to mass - instead I wear dresses or long skirts.
For the past several months, I have been plagued with the desire to cover full time. Why cover? You ask? I'll get to that in a moment. This desire has been hampered by my own collateralization. Part of me wanted to veil and the other part said "Are you kidding?" So, I did what any good wife should do. I prayed about it, offered it up to God and my husband to decide.
Yes, that's right. I LEFT IT UP TO MY HUSBAND TO DECIDE. If you don't agree, pick up your Bible and go to Ephesians 5:22-24. "Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything." My husband and I actually wrote this into our marriage ceremony. We both believe that this is ESSENTIAL to a good marriage. Here is more scripture on the matter: Titus 2:3-5 "Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children,to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. " 1 Peter 3:1-6 "Likewise, you wives should be subordinate to your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives' conduct when they observe your reverent and chaste behavior. Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him "lord." You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.1 Timothy 3:11Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. 1 Timothy 2:9-15 "Similarly, (too,) women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds. A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Further, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control." Colossians 3:18 "Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. " 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 " women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. But if they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church. "1 Corinthians 7:4 " A wife does not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but rather his wife. "
Several months ago I began praying and I told God that I would leave it up to him to decide my fate. Last night, we got home and went upstairs to begin our Evening Prayers (Vespers). I asked him what he wanted from me as a wife. Now, if you know Joe, then you know I got an entire sermon when all I wanted was a sentence. Going around and around - we finally got down to what had been lying in his heart - but he had been too afraid to ask/tell.
The same scripture that had been in my heart had been in his. 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 "But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and a husband the head of his wife, and God the head of Christ. Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. Woman is not independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. For just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given (her) for a covering? But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God."
Wow. Pretty powerful stuff. Joe and I sat down and he laid out how I should dress. Long skirts or dresses. I can have three pairs of pants which are to only be worn at home and only in front of family and very close friends. These can be used to work in the yard with - and the occasional trip to Lowe's. Skirts can not come above the knee while sitting. I have two outfits where exception has been made and these are to be worn only around family. My hair is to be worn up under a prayer covering of some type. We are deciding now what those will be. It was going to be only while I was out, but upon further reflection, it will be when I am at home as well. I may uncover at home, but to pray, I must cover again. For formal occasions or special occasions, he may ask that I wear my hair down and style it. I may wear sleeveless dresses only while in the presence of my husband and only ones that he has approved of. As for makeup - I am not to look like a "painted lady" and may use some to look "natural" and enhance certain features.
We went through my dresses last night and I have gotten rid of four or five as they did not meet his expectations. I have ordered a dozen snoods in different colors. I can't wait to get these. I began wearing a veil last night to bed. I wore a kerchief that I tied up. Today I am wearing a black snood that I sometimes have worn to mass. We decided that my Chapel Veils are not suitable to be worn everyday but I will continue to wear them at mass.
Here are some interesting websites to view more information on covering and the different types of covering available.
Blessings.
Expage - HeadcoveringThis site has lots of links to various covering webpages
Let Her be Veiled - An in-depth study of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 A great book which has now been published on the web!
More will be published later but a Google search on Prayer Coverings, Christian Coverings, etc.. Will result in a wealth of knowledge.
For the past several months, I have been plagued with the desire to cover full time. Why cover? You ask? I'll get to that in a moment. This desire has been hampered by my own collateralization. Part of me wanted to veil and the other part said "Are you kidding?" So, I did what any good wife should do. I prayed about it, offered it up to God and my husband to decide.
Yes, that's right. I LEFT IT UP TO MY HUSBAND TO DECIDE. If you don't agree, pick up your Bible and go to Ephesians 5:22-24. "Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything." My husband and I actually wrote this into our marriage ceremony. We both believe that this is ESSENTIAL to a good marriage. Here is more scripture on the matter: Titus 2:3-5 "Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children,to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. " 1 Peter 3:1-6 "Likewise, you wives should be subordinate to your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives' conduct when they observe your reverent and chaste behavior. Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him "lord." You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.1 Timothy 3:11Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. 1 Timothy 2:9-15 "Similarly, (too,) women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds. A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Further, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control." Colossians 3:18 "Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. " 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 " women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. But if they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church. "1 Corinthians 7:4 " A wife does not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but rather his wife. "
Several months ago I began praying and I told God that I would leave it up to him to decide my fate. Last night, we got home and went upstairs to begin our Evening Prayers (Vespers). I asked him what he wanted from me as a wife. Now, if you know Joe, then you know I got an entire sermon when all I wanted was a sentence. Going around and around - we finally got down to what had been lying in his heart - but he had been too afraid to ask/tell.
The same scripture that had been in my heart had been in his. 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 "But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and a husband the head of his wife, and God the head of Christ. Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. Woman is not independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. For just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given (her) for a covering? But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God."
Wow. Pretty powerful stuff. Joe and I sat down and he laid out how I should dress. Long skirts or dresses. I can have three pairs of pants which are to only be worn at home and only in front of family and very close friends. These can be used to work in the yard with - and the occasional trip to Lowe's. Skirts can not come above the knee while sitting. I have two outfits where exception has been made and these are to be worn only around family. My hair is to be worn up under a prayer covering of some type. We are deciding now what those will be. It was going to be only while I was out, but upon further reflection, it will be when I am at home as well. I may uncover at home, but to pray, I must cover again. For formal occasions or special occasions, he may ask that I wear my hair down and style it. I may wear sleeveless dresses only while in the presence of my husband and only ones that he has approved of. As for makeup - I am not to look like a "painted lady" and may use some to look "natural" and enhance certain features.
We went through my dresses last night and I have gotten rid of four or five as they did not meet his expectations. I have ordered a dozen snoods in different colors. I can't wait to get these. I began wearing a veil last night to bed. I wore a kerchief that I tied up. Today I am wearing a black snood that I sometimes have worn to mass. We decided that my Chapel Veils are not suitable to be worn everyday but I will continue to wear them at mass.
Here are some interesting websites to view more information on covering and the different types of covering available.
Blessings.
Expage - HeadcoveringThis site has lots of links to various covering webpages
Let Her be Veiled - An in-depth study of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 A great book which has now been published on the web!
More will be published later but a Google search on Prayer Coverings, Christian Coverings, etc.. Will result in a wealth of knowledge.
Will Kidman wed Urban in Catholic church?
By Jeannette Walls
MSNBC
Updated: 2:43 a.m. ET April 4, 2006
Will Nicole Kidman get a church wedding?
The actress, a devout Catholic, has had her marriage to Tom Cruise annulled so she can marry her sweetie Keith Urban in a religious ceremony, according to reports coming from her homeland of Australia.
“It is believed Kidman has been told she would be granted an annulment of her marriage to Cruise because that marriage did not conform to the requirements of the church,” according to Australia’s Sunday Mail. Kidman was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001.
As far as a future wedding to Urban, “the date hasn’t been set although June or July have been mentioned as possibilities,” a source told the Mail.
“I’ve never been told by Nicole that she is actually engaged,” Kidman’s Aussie spokeswoman told the Mail in dismissing the story. “If and when she marries again, I’m sure she will make some sort of announcement.” Kidman’s U.S. rep told The Scoop she has “no idea” if the story is true, adding, “I’m afraid [I've] never heard this before!”
**Okay, so here are my thoughts on this. GO GIRL! Tom Cruise is history and SO yesterday's news. He is only around because of his whole "relationship" with Katie Holmes. Who we all know comes from a devout Catholic family, who has in the last year fired her manager, publicists, family and friends AND has now conceived a child out of wedlock. All for the mind games of Tom Cruise.
If Nicole wasn't such a Lady, I would probably have to wander the streets of Nashville and beg to know what Tom is "really like".
Anyways, I am SO glad she is moving on with her life. I'm glad she went ahead and got her annulment based upon Lack of Form. This is the easiest form of Annulment you can receive from the Catholic Church. Once the paper work is filed the judgement can come in one to two weeks.
I do hope wedding bells will be ringing in Nashville this summer for Nicole. Good luck to them both!
MSNBC
Updated: 2:43 a.m. ET April 4, 2006
Will Nicole Kidman get a church wedding?
The actress, a devout Catholic, has had her marriage to Tom Cruise annulled so she can marry her sweetie Keith Urban in a religious ceremony, according to reports coming from her homeland of Australia.
“It is believed Kidman has been told she would be granted an annulment of her marriage to Cruise because that marriage did not conform to the requirements of the church,” according to Australia’s Sunday Mail. Kidman was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001.
As far as a future wedding to Urban, “the date hasn’t been set although June or July have been mentioned as possibilities,” a source told the Mail.
“I’ve never been told by Nicole that she is actually engaged,” Kidman’s Aussie spokeswoman told the Mail in dismissing the story. “If and when she marries again, I’m sure she will make some sort of announcement.” Kidman’s U.S. rep told The Scoop she has “no idea” if the story is true, adding, “I’m afraid [I've] never heard this before!”
**Okay, so here are my thoughts on this. GO GIRL! Tom Cruise is history and SO yesterday's news. He is only around because of his whole "relationship" with Katie Holmes. Who we all know comes from a devout Catholic family, who has in the last year fired her manager, publicists, family and friends AND has now conceived a child out of wedlock. All for the mind games of Tom Cruise.
If Nicole wasn't such a Lady, I would probably have to wander the streets of Nashville and beg to know what Tom is "really like".
Anyways, I am SO glad she is moving on with her life. I'm glad she went ahead and got her annulment based upon Lack of Form. This is the easiest form of Annulment you can receive from the Catholic Church. Once the paper work is filed the judgement can come in one to two weeks.
I do hope wedding bells will be ringing in Nashville this summer for Nicole. Good luck to them both!
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