Opening Skirmishes

Posted on by charliej373
Raphael_-_Saint_George_Fighting_the_Dragon
St. George Fighting the Dragon – Raphael

By Charlie Johnston

Appeasement is provocative to dictators. It merely encourages them to push harder and intimidate more. Ronald Reagan insisted that we would attain “peace through strength.” When he did so, the left and the media all accused him of being a warmonger – and shrieked that we were “all going to die.”

Any adult who has paid any attention whatsoever since the lead-up to World War II should know that appeasement only inflames and encourages tyrants. The leadership of Vladimir Lenin in the old Soviet Union made it formal internal policy. They would intentionally push further and further until they felt steel resistance, then take what they already had and push in another direction.

It used to be that the media and the left would start shrieking “we’re all gonna die” whenever a conservative took forceful, decisive action against an opponent or terrorist. With Donald Trump, the shrieking goes on whatever he does. If he is restrained, they cry we are all going to die because he is not forceful enough. If he gives tough talk – or tough action – it is that we are all going to die because he provoked the people that were threatening or killing our people in the first place.

Tough action took a hit when former President George W. Bush expanded it to nation-building. In the Middle East, at least, that got us into some ugly quagmires. Most everyone now treats it as an article of faith that nation-building is an exercise doomed to failure and pretends that they have always believed this. I supported the nation-building efforts of Bush. I thought the effort to bring liberty to a nation was a noble effort, and a universal good. Had it worked, it would have given real stability to the region and gained some valuable allies. It had worked spectacularly with Japan and Germany after World War II. My first real misgivings about it came when there was such crowing about successfully holding elections in these nations. Elections are the residue of liberty, not the substance. A commitment to a bill of rights and the rule of law is the substance. In 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany after his party won huge gains in the elections of 1932. By emphasizing elections without first securing a commitment to basic human rights under the rule of law, we put the cart way before the horse. In the fanatical cauldron that is the Middle East, I suspect we would have failed even had we put the horse before the cart, as whoever has power tends to use it to oppress opponents rather than on behalf of the whole nation. Nonetheless, it is irritating to see people who were far more hawkish than I ever was now pretend that they opposed it from the start.

Some of the more moderate Never-Trumpers are wise enough to acknowledge Trump’s good results. They insist, however, that he is doing it all by the seat of his pants with no over-arching strategy. They are a bunch of arrogant know-nothings. At this point, it is pretty clear what Trump’s policy is. He will talk tough and is glad to match a tyrant’s bluster with his own. If you hurt or kill American citizens, he will strike hard, fast and in a way that draws real blood. Then he will give you an off-ramp, if you will take it. It is both elegant and effective. So far, he has done it consistently and with surgical precision. Opponents now know pretty well what his red lines are, that he will hurt them badly if they cross them, that he is not impressed with their tough talk – which he will match with his own, and that if they stay away from his red lines, he is willing to negotiate and work with them. Frankly, that promotes a predictability and stability in world affairs that makes America safer.

We have had a lifetime to learn and see that tyrants are encouraged by appeasement to mount new provocations. Trump has developed a disciplined policy that kicks back without drawing us into quagmires. Let’s leave the shrieking about how we’re all going to die if we defend ourselves to the left, the media, and feckless religious conferences. (Christian organizations were not always feckless: we once had a muscular Christianity that would instigate nothing but robustly finish any fight that others started. We will have that Christianity again within my lifetime.)

*********

I am flabbergasted that, in the last few weeks, officials on the left and in the establishment media have been all but openly siding with the terrorists against America. How anyone can consider this a good look for them is beyond me. I think this year will very much be the beginning of the ballad of the ordinary man in our politics and culture. It is one thing to argue that victims should not be able to defend themselves – but to apply this philosophy to the entire nation and the west in general is culturally suicidal. To then lionize and celebrate the very people that kill and plot the killing of fellow Americans is to beg to be shown the exit by ordinary Americans who are tired of seeing their sons and daughters killed – and the media lionizing their killers.

The elite anti-American classes got a warning shot across their bow with Ricky Gervais’ opening monologue, torching Hollywood pretensions, at the Golden Globe awards. It follows J.K. Rowlings’ refusal to bend the knee to transgender lobbyists. Neither of these folks are conservative by a long shot. This should tell the insane left that not only ordinary people, but some of their own fellow travelers are getting fed up with the nonsense. Self-awareness, though, is not a trait among shrieking leftists. Their bill will come due this year.

*********

You probably know that on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, a Ft. Worth judge ruled that Cook Hospital could pull the plug on baby Tinslee Lewis. Within an hour of the ruling, I received an email from Jim Graham, president of Texas Right to Life (TRTL), that the Lewis family would appeal the decision and that TRTL would be right beside them. The very next day, the 2nd Court of Appeals agreed to hear the case and ordered Cook Hospital to continue treatment until the appeal has been heard and decided on.

Tinslee’s mother, Trinity, has been through an exhausting and challenging roller-coaster through these battles, but is determined to fight for her daughter’s life. Trinity maintains that the hospital has exaggerated the downsides of Tinslee’s condition, has refused procedures that would make it safer to transfer Tinslee elsewhere, and intimates that the hospital has made up some things out of whole cloth. Having been intimately involved in three such battles previously, that is behavior that I have seen consistently before. Once a hospital committee decides you should die, they are as creative as Adam Schiff in making up reasons why, regardless of whether those reasons have any relation to the truth.

Both the Texas Atty. Gen. and the Gov. have sought to bring the 10-day law back to the drawing board, to protect patient’s rights or to get the current oddity that is Texas law declared unconstitutional. More than a few media outlets have started to notice that something strange is going on in Texas. As vigorously as it protects new life, it reserves to itself (or to its hospitals) the right to impose death sentences on the innocent later in life. The questions here are not over a particular case, but who should decide; the patient and his family or a bureaucratic board that has no familial connection to the patient – and how long should a hospital give a family to find alternate care if it decides it will no longer provide care.

One unintentionally comical upshot since this story has gone national is that Ft. Worth Bishop Michael Olson offered last week to help the Lewis family, “in seeking compassionate and appropriate care for her in a Catholic health care facility.” It is ironic because Olson was the driving force in getting the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB) to support the law taking such decisions out of the hands of family in the first place. Bishop Olson is also feeling the heat of an effort to canonically remove him by people in the Diocese. Almost 2,000 people have given individual mandates seeking his removal. I hope the Bishop has, um, gotten religion, as it were. We’ll see. Meantime, it is thanks to TRTL that Tinslee and her family have a fighting chance.

*********

Every day, I hear from people complaining of some offense to the faith that Pope Francis has given. In all candor, I don’t pay a lot of attention anymore. I have come to accept that the question, “Is the Pope Catholic?” is no longer rhetorical – and that, for good or ill, this thing is going to play out until all God intends from it is accomplished.

I do find it deeply offensive that the Pope cannot seem to disagree with other Catholics without mocking them in an ugly fashion. On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe last month, the Pope called efforts to get Mary declared Co-Redemptrix “foolishness.” The late Anthony Mullen, founding head of the Flame of Love Movement in the United States, painstakingly explained to me the rationale behind this proposal, which he firmly advocated. Despite this, I am unsold on this proposition, while respectful of those who advocate for it. (I may very well be wrong. St. Thomas Aquinas was not sold on the concept of the Immaculate Conception. So better men than me have been wrong before). For the life of me, though, I cannot figure out why the Pope would be dismissive and insulting to some of the most committed, faithful Catholics in the Church.

On the other hand, I do not think the Pope deserved the opprobrium he got for slapping the hand of a woman who grabbed his arm on New Year’s Eve. The video shows she nearly jerked his arm out of its socket. That would make anyone a bit cranky, I think.

As you all know, I am not sympathetic to the view that Pope Emeritus Benedict’s resignation was invalid. As I have said before, public actions that were accepted by those responsible at the time are not made invalid by technical deficiencies. It happens all the time – and the proper time to litigate such perceived deficiencies is at the time the action is being approved or rejected. The main caveat on this is that it does not apply when evidence is later uncovered that fraud was involved. If those who wanted to declare the conclave invalid focused on the actions of the St. Gallen Mafia, I think they would be onto something serious. Cardinals are forbidden from scheming before a conclave to get a pre-determined outcome. Once a conclave begins they, of course, engage in politicking, for that is how all public decisions are ultimately made. But forbidding factions before a conclave is an important way to leave room for the Holy Spirit in their deliberations. Scheming beforehand IS the sort of scandalous fraud that could invalidate a conclave.

This jumped to mind as I read one of the most incredibly absurd arguments I have ever seen on the subject. Br. Alexis Bugnolo, a leading advocate of the idea that Francis is not legitimately elected, actually argues that, “Anyone who appeals to anything which Pope Benedict said before or after Feb. 28, 2013, to explain that the Renunciation means the renunciation of the papacy, or of the petrine munus, or of the power of governance IS IMPLICITLY AFFIRMING THAT POPE BENEDICT IS STILL THE POPE AND THAT THE RENUNCIATION WAS INVALID.”

This crosses the line from tendentiousness into sheer moon-bat stuff. By this logic, Richard Nixon is still President of the United States because he said he was resigning on Aug. 9, 1974. That is proof positive that he never resigned. (Sarcasm alert). I have deep sympathy for all who are trying to navigate the deep offenses this Pope often makes against the faithful – but I sure wish all those who are trying to find their way would endeavor NOT to sound like Adam Schiff assuring us he has absolute proof that Donald Trump colluded with the Russians. A little temperance and prudence go a long way to making a case – and the lack of it discredits the case you are trying to make.

*********

My boycott of the National Football League is over. Colin Kaepernick and his ilk have been completely discredited, even if they do get off a yelp every now and again. I reckon I will never watch it as frequently as once I did, but I am enjoying the playoffs this year.

Thing is, though, I have key friends and organizers in all but five NFL cities, so no matter who plays who, some of my friends are going to be happy and some are going to be disappointed. So I keep my preferences in each game to myself – except for my loyalty to the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos. And also, as I have an enthusiast in the front office of the Kansas City Chiefs, I can publicly root for them – which comes in right handy this year.

*********

A dear friend wryly asked me what the favorite Christmas Carol is in mental institutions. Grinning broadly, he said, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

I laughed – but it did hit close to home 😉

 

 

243 thoughts on “Opening Skirmishes”

  1. Thank you, Charlie. I think we’re off to a wildly active start of this new year and I always appreciate your analyses.

    It’s been obvious here that I’m ALL IN with supporting the declaration of the proposed fifth Marian Dogma. Our Lady got my attention both when she promised she would open floodgates of peace when the dogma is declared and when she described the details of why she appeared as she did to Ida Peerdeman in the 40’s and 50’s. Too, Pope St. John Paul II referred to her as the Co-Redemptrix on several occasions.

    I think one of the best of the most current pieces written on the topic of this new dogma is found here:
    Mary as Co-Redemptrix: God’s Foolishness. https://www.crisismagazine.com/2019/mary-as-co-redemptrix-gods-foolishness

    And whew! Even for those who may not see eye to eye with the need for this new dogma, surely the prayer Our Lady gave is apropos for these times.

    Liked by 17 people

    1. What, you and I might actually disagree on something?! How could that be? 😉

      My not being sold is not a hard opposition. Tony actually did explain it in a way that makes it much easier. a “Co” is always subordinate. What he did not do was inform me that St. John Paul had supported it. When you get a chance, send me the citations on that. It would make a difference to me.

      Liked by 11 people

      1. Hahaha! Charlie, I whipped this reply up in a few minutes and laughed as Fr. Wang and I had to scoot out the door for our Thursday Evening Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. I said to him: “Just one of the many things I love about Charlie is that I can speak my mind even when it’s different from his take on things and our friendship flourishes.” I’ll do a little searching for those citations.

        Liked by 7 people

        1. Didn’t take too long, Charlie. There’s a piece by Dr. Mark Miravalle which was published at the MMP website. https://mmp-usa.net/our-mother-co-redemptrix-mediatrix-advocate/

          If you scroll down to the section entitled: “Marian Co-redemption and the Papal Magisterium” he notes quotes from successive papacies. As Mark begins this segment he writes:

          “Regarding the present pontificate of John Paul II, truly this Vicar of Christ merits the title beyond all his generous papal predecessors, of being the “Pope of Marian Co-redemption”. Not only has our Holy Father used the explicit term “Co-redemptrix” more than any other pontiff (clearly on six occasions), but he has also elucidated the dignity and efficacy of our Lady’s coredemptive role beyond any other successor of Peter. Let us glimpse at just a few examples by our Holy Father:”

          Early on when I was reading and studying about these apparitions, the point was made that the prefix “co” is derived from the Latin “cum” which means “with.” We are co-redeemers too and Our Lady is surely the protoco-redeemer. There are Mariology authors who write that, in a mystical way, she suffered what Christ suffered. It makes sense to me when I consider their Hearts are inseparable. And this brings to mind the seeming scandal of Colossians 1:24 if its not unpacked in light of the value of co-redemption.

          Liked by 14 people

          1. Thanks B. The Latin cum aka with makes the most sense. There is no doubt in my mind that She, his mother suffered every second of her son’s agony on the cross at the foot of the cross.

            Liked by 4 people

      2. From a less theological/intellectual perspective…as a convert to Catholicism, I had to wrestle deeply with Mariology. My squeamishness on the subject dissolved gradually over time — mostly post conversion. I’m nearly positive I couldn’t have overcome a defined doctrine of Co-Redemptrix at the time. The push for this among the faithful is also a major obstacle to my husband’s conversion. Some of the nebulousness surrounding how /if Catholics have to approach her assuaged my conscience enough for my initial commitment to the C Church with the breathing room to figure out my approach/relationship with her over time. Of course if it’s Gods will for it to be defined doctrine then He will see to conversions.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. I did not have a problem with them. I had a much higher estimation of her merit than my Protestant brethren. Even so, I know what you mean. The phrase in the Hail Mary that says, “Holy Mary, Mother of God,” filled me with dread and fears of blasphemy. So much so that I quietly resolved not to say the “Hail Mary,” even though I knew the line was written to underscore Christ’s Divinity in opposition to the Nestorian heresy (Christ was not actually God) rather than the motherhood of Mary. Then, after the Vigil when I was received at the Church, someone gave me a beautiful Rosary. So I solemnly prayed that, “Lord, I am going to pray this for two weeks. You know I love you. If it is wrong, please show me and, if it is right, please show me that, too.” It was two weeks of improbable and abundant joyful blessing – so I never stopped praying it.

          Liked by 6 people

            1. I’m not sure I understand the question, Judith. Of course I acknowledge Christ as fully God and fully man. The eternal son took on our humanity in full at the Incarnation. I have always been clear about that. What prompted the question?

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              1. I read this and re-read this: I did not see that you were referring to heresy…..
                “The phrase in the Hail Mary that says, “Holy Mary, Mother of God,” filled me with dread and fears of blasphemy. So much so that I quietly resolved not to say the “Hail Mary,” even though I knew the line was written to underscore Christ’s Divinity in opposition to the Nestorian heresy (Christ was not actually God) rather than the motherhood of Mary. ” So sorry. I guess I am a bit muddled today. In any case, I was certain that is not what you meant 🙂

                Liked by 1 person

      3. Thank you for this writing, Charlie! As I understand the Dogma, that in this instance, co means with, that Mary’s role in Redemption was accomplished with Our Lord. Not above Our Lord, not equal
        to but with Our Lord, for from the first moment after her yes at the Annunciation, all her sufferings combined with all of Jesus’s sufferings from the crib to the cross, helped to accomplish our Redemption.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. CJ “This jumped to mind as I read one of the most incredibly absurd arguments I have ever seen on the subject. Br. Alexis Bugnolo, a leading advocate of the idea that Francis is not legitimately elected, actually argues that, “Anyone who appeals to anything which Pope Benedict said before or after Feb. 28, 2013, to explain that the Renunciation means the renunciation of the papacy, or of the petrine munus, or of the power of governance IS IMPLICITLY AFFIRMING THAT POPE BENEDICT IS STILL THE POPE AND THAT THE RENUNCIATION WAS INVALID.”

      This crosses the line from tendentiousness into sheer moon-bat stuff. By this logic, Richard Nixon is still President of the United States because he said he was resigning on Aug. 9, 1974. That is proof positive that he never resigned….”

      JT As one who is of the strong opinion – based on the available data – that Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation was invalid, I hope you’ll try to understand Br Bungnolo’s reasoning behind his argument that if one must use statements by Pope Benedict made outside his LETTER of Resignation in order to INTERPRET his letter then such is proof positive that the letter of resignation is not clear in and of itself which per Canon Law the one resigning must “properly manifest” their intention by the act of resignation. Appeals to clarifying statements outside the actual act are not admissible.

      I may not be explaining this well but if President Nixon “says he’s going to resign The Office of Presidency” but then in his letter of resignation stated “I’m forever President and I only resign the ministry of The Presidency” (we could reasonably ask “which ministry”? duties as Commander-in-Chief? Lead foreign policy maker?

      See the problem? Pope Benedict in his official Latin version of his resignation resigns the ministry of the Papacy when per Canon Law
      It is the “Munus”, the Office, which must be resigned.

      I think you misjudge Br Bungolo’s arguments.

      I’m the fellow you answered a question for me (Cookeville, TN) on our 2nd Amendment Rights after your talk there this past summer.

      I hope I don’t come off offensive

      Keep the Faith
      John Taylor
      Cleveland, TN
      St Therese of Lisieux

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      1. You don’t come off at all offensive, John. I enjoyed your question then and enjoy this one now.

        I was not really disagreeing on the substance of Br. Bugnolo’s argument. Rather, I was commenting as an old and current public relations professional who has professionally advised some pretty substantial public figures on this one.

        In considering the merit of a public advocacy argument, the main elements I look for are: 1) Is it accurate and precise? This fails that test, because it posits that once a Pope says something publicly, it is not subject to interpretation – and even the Pope, himself, may not clarify his intentions. By this logic, if a Pope misspoke and said, “You shall commit adultery,” his clarification that he meant to say “must not” is irrelevant. The author tries to anticipate this by saying that any statement that needs clarification is doubtful. Nice try – but doubtful does NOT mean “means the exact opposite of what he said.” Meantime his argument that what Pope Emeritus Benedict, one of the greatest theologians of the last century, has to say about it is irrelevant, while Br. Bagnolo’s opinion is binding is, again, nonsense on stilts. This argument is tendentious and incoherent on its face, but with a superficial cleverness. Like a sophomore proving conclusively that a horse chestnut is actually a chestnut horse, it is obviously absurd. You may admire the rhetorical gymnastics involved, but you are not going to ride this argument anywhere, much less to victory.

        Second, such an argument must be crafted in a way to gain adherents rather than drive them away. If there were Cardinals who were seriously considering the invalidity of the conclave on these technical grounds, this argument is calculated to drive them away so as not to be counted with the fanatics.

        Certainly, over the last few decades, I have had press secretaries and researchers subordinate to me who tried to make such absurd arguments. I sent them back to the drawing board. One press secretary actually publicly promulgated a similar argument without clearing it with me first. I fired him on the spot.

        This argument does NOT hold up to examination AND damages the cause he seeks to advocate for. A disaster on all counts – though it constitutes red meat for his base, even as he causes that base to dwindle.

        Liked by 5 people

        1. Mr Johnston, thank you so much for addressing my reply. If I may give just one last push. As I understand Br Bugnolo’s argument he is saying that it is the actual official act of resignation (Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation letter “Non Solum Propter” Feb 11, 2013 in the Latin) – which PBXVI resigned the “ministerium” (not the “munus” as required by Canon 332.2) – that cannot be open to interpretion based on any outside clarifying statements either before or after the actual act. The actual act of resignation must be “properly manifested” in and of itself – and if it isn’t then it’s invalid per Canon 332.2.

          So, yes, a Pope who misspoke most certainly can clarify a misunderstanding but if he has to clarify an official letter of resignation then he must redo the resignation – make it “properly manifested” before he is actually resigned.

          this is how I understand the argument. It doesn’t seem sophomoric to me. It’s holding the Pope accountable to the Church’s Canon Laws which – as Catholics, if I understand The Faith correctly – is ratified by Our Lord in Heaven “whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven”

          I deeply respect your ministry and everyone here is in my prayers as I hope I am in yours and theirs whenever we recommend “us sinners” to Our Lady with every Hail Mary offered.

          God bless you

          Sincerely
          John Taylor

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Thank you, John. Though we disagree on what is important her, I deeply respect your patriotism, your faith, your dignity in disagreement, and your clarity in presenting your case. May God bless and guide you throughout the troubles our world has entered.

            Liked by 2 people

    3. I pray this everyday with my husband and have the daily mass goers saying it after the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. They’ve been very devoted for close to 2 yrs now. I believe that this powerful prayer is so needed during our day and time. Thank you for posting it again, Beckita.

      Liked by 6 people

  3. You don’t understand Bugnolo’s argument. Nixon actually resigned the office of the presidency and not just the administration of it, whereas Benedict XVI did the opposite. Bugnolo’s words that you quoted allude to Canon 332 which requires that a resignation must be made in a way that is absolutely clear, e.g., “I resign the office.” If one has to ask whether by “I will resign the Ministry” Benedict meant to resign the office, then it was not clear and thus invalid.
    You don’t need to agree with Bugnolo before commenting about him, obviously, but you should try to understand what he says.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I read it thoroughly – and it sounds like an overly clever argument a high school sophomore would make. I am not impressed – and think he discredits the very thing he is advocating for.

      Liked by 4 people

  4. Pope Francis caused bishop to rise against bishop and cardinal against cardinal like Our Lady of Akita predicted. In a way it’s good thing as it separated the lukewarm state of the church, we’re starting to see the rise people boldly championing Christ instead of the Liberal doctrine.

    Liked by 9 people

  5. Great rally in Ohio. It’s like a growing stampede with the support he’s getting. And, GO-LLY! He’s a funny man.

    The reason I firmly believed Trump would win in 2016 was not because of any fancy analysis but because his rallies were packed and Hillary’s were empty. That was it. Beginners luck? I don’t know, but the ever-lying polls never swayed me….they just confused me because they didn’t seem to reflect reality.

    AND NOW TRUMP IS IN FULL STRIDE! His rallies are even more energized, unified, and on fire! They are brilliantly scripted and embellished. He’s like a tenor in his early 40s whose voice has reached its most beautiful timbre. The rallies are getting better and better and BETTER — love to watch them, can’t miss them. They are so uplifting to me, as they should be to any sensible American. I believe each passing day that the Dems are gonna get STEAMROLLED this November! They (antiquated, deceitful, desperate, whimpy, whining, Leftist weird-o’s) cannot stop US, the Patriots, We the People. NOT A CHANCE, not even a small one.

    And Trump’s foreign policy is a force to be reckoned with! THAT is how it’s done — kill an American? Ka-Boom! (Love the off-ramp analogy, Charlie).

    ++++++++++++

    Pope Francis’ reaction to that odd woman was precisely the way I would have reacted. Though I do know a simple tai chi move with the wrist that would have broken free from her claws without having to strike her. But, no, his was an appropriate, human reaction. His bodyguards actually messed up there.

    =============

    By “chance”, I went to a Jimmy Johns BEFORE going to Walmart (which was atypical for me). I got a Lulu with extra mayo and a water. The place was crowded and there weren’t many seats available, so I asked if I could sit at some tables with a family. They said sure, then the wife said, “Do I know you? You look so familiar to me.” Once I realized who it was, I said, “Anne! You bought me a membership to the YMCA so I could take a shower! That really helped me out so much at a time I needed it most.” This was when I was homeless and living in a wall tent. They attend a lovely parish in Custer and are very devout.

    Eventually, the Pope came up in conversation and at one point I said, “I pray for the Pope’s conversion every day…” then added wryly, “…ooops, did I say that out loud?” They said, “Do we seem shocked?” Nice conversation continued, but then I sensed the husband was heading into the “illegitimately elected” stuff, so I gently headed him off, stating that the Pope’s election was valid, he’s definitely our Pope. Despite his pronounced faults God wants him there, that God will work his Will with or through him either way. I pointed out that Francis’ polarizing and radical nature has served to embolden many unsavory men within the Vatican to reveal themselves, to step into the light where we can see them. The husband was glad to hear someone speak optimistically about the Holy Father despite all the negative (and worse) things with his papacy. I let him know it was more than OK to disagree with him about national borders, the environment, economics, governance, fashion, movies, space travel, etc., etc. He was relieved.

    I was grateful to be able to say “thank you” to them one more time and to let them hear first-hand that I had reached my professional goals and was now embarking on a new career. The Holy Spirit brought us together in that restaurant on that day at that time, and we all knew it.

    ❤️Praise God!
    🙏 Pray for Pope Francis every day!
    🇺🇸 God bless Donald Trump!
    And God bless America! 🇺🇸

    (Sorry for yelling).

    Liked by 19 people

    1. Wow, what an uplifting set of reflections and anecdotes, Patrick! Thank you and good fortune out there. (It is nice to unexpectedly meet someone who helped us through a very difficult time and visit with them, isn’t it?)

      Liked by 9 people

          1. I know this song well!

            The trip was beautiful. I saw 3 bald eagles 🦅 heading to Broadus. One rose up directly overhead about 50 feet, banking beautifully for me like he was showing off, cocking his head to the left as I drove under him.

            Well, got one job offer today, not bad….it’d be my very own clinic, but the organization as a whole is shaky. The other clinic that is up north is the one I want, but got a call from the CEO today (4 days earlier than he said he’d call) that somehow, subconsciously rubbed me the wrong way, as if he was playing the negotiating game, hmmmm. I’m playing the patient game.

            I’m a bit out of my league because I’ve never had a salary and I suck at negotiating (though I’m learning very quickly)….car salesmen drool when the see me coming: “We’ve got a live one, boys!”

            God help me please.

            Liked by 6 people

              1. Hmmmm….2 nurse practitioners, one working for only 9 months and the other for only 15 months are breaking a 3-year contract?! At the same time?!

                My friend suggested there may be a problem with the “corporate culture” as he put it, namely with the CEO. A few red flags went up. Hmmmm…..

                The rest of the hospital employees seemed genuinely happy and friendly and enjoyed each other’s company — that can’t be faked too easily. But the CEO introduced me to one of the NPs who is leaving next week and she did not look happy at all…..she forced a smile, but then it was gone. I have to take in every bit of data I can find, and this bit stuck with me. Was she communicating to me? So now my gut is stepping up and saying: hmmmmmm……

                And the other clinic has absolutely NO provider whatsoever, so no patients are currently receiving medical care, what I would call a dire situation. A clinic and separate nursing home managed by county commissioners comprised of ranchers with no medical experience who were elected into office. Staff at the nursing home looked fairly miserable too. Hmmmm…….

                Sigh. I’m going to have to really take my time…this is too important, and I don’t want to be miserable.

                Liked by 5 people

                    1. My thought is to spend some time with Eucharistic Jesus, allowing Him to soak you in peace, and to consult with people you trust who know the ins and outs of what you’re navigating.

                      Liked by 4 people

                    1. You should know, Patrick, that Eastern Oregon is the same. When I was completing the BSN program there were nurses suggesting I go on to the NP program and I could have my own clinic in EO to take care of all the rural folks out there who have No One. I explained that I could not leave my husband and children to take up a clinic, but I did – and do! – wish them well.
                      Praying for you! Whatever you chose will be a handful, for sure. Praying you have good coworkers, too.
                      God bless!
                      katey in OR

                      Liked by 4 people

                    2. Hi Katey. I wish I had the skills to start my own clinic, but the business end of it would be annoying to me (I think), though maybe someday soon. At least if I take the job in Broadus, I’d get my own clinic. I’d be the only provider in the entire county (no pressure! 😬). I’ve already got a worthwhile offer from that clinic. Negotiations still in the early phase. (And there’s still the issue of contraception looming) We’ll see how this week plays out…….

                      Liked by 3 people

                    1. As in “hi”-line.
                      For those of you not familiar with Montana the high line refers to highway 2 that runs all along the northern section of Montana from east to west about 550 miles long.

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                    2. Curious miss cuz one interview was in Malta which is off highway 2!

                      I was actually referring to Broadus, whose motto is: “The Wavingest Town in the West!” 👋

                      I also saw a lot of that “Montana Wave” while on the road. Drivers use one finger pointing up to the sky. Kinda neat, and very different from the one finger salute I saw a lot in New York! 😀

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                    3. I taught for years with a woman who was raised in Broadus, Patrick, and every time we drove the distance to visit family in Iowa, we passed through this small town. Praying…

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                    4. I’m going to hopefully return this week for a longer visit, to look more thoroughly at the facilities, talk with staff, get a better feel for the place, get some more specifics. I’m getting bad vibes about the Malta leadership despite the beautiful facilities and the “cons” are starting to outweigh the “pros.”

                      Praying for humility and a child-like faith….

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                    6. So…when I told you about how everyone knows everyone else…my college RA partner is from Malta and still lives there. I think they still have a Catholic grade school there too.

                      Yep and you can move the finger to the side as well as you are driving by. I still do that! What a hoot.

                      Liked by 3 people

                    7. Jeep Wrangler drivers (like me) encountering other Jeep Wranglers use two fingers: the Jeep wave:

                      _\/m
                      •IIIIIII•

                      _\/m
                      •IIIIIII•

                      Where I live, if we encounter non-Jeeps, we do the Montana nice one-finger wave. 🙂

                      _\m

                      Liked by 3 people

                    8. I would love to see a picture of you in a habit driving a Jeep Wrangler. But then, I know you don’t where a habit, but it would be cool though.  I can imagine the grizzly Adams of nuns. 😎—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

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                    10. When I was traveling through Texas Hill country many a year ago (1984) there was a long stretch of cattle ranch land where when the infrequent vehicle passed us the driver would wave.
                      Picked up the habit then and have used it in my rural neighborhood ever since. I can always tell when someone doesn’t live in my neighborhood if they do not wave back!

                      Liked by 2 people

                    11. When you’re on that gravel road driving through the woods and you’re the only two souls for miles passing each other, it’s awkward NOT to acknowledge the other with a wave! Plus it always feels good to receive a wave, so I dish them out liberally and ask the Blessed Mother to bless everyone I wave to.

                      How about those folks who do the old sudden head turn to the right like they didn’t notice you: *Cough* “Oh, look at that bush over there.” Ha! Always makes me laugh. Now that’s awkward!!

                      Liked by 2 people

              1. I can honestly say they pour a tall one at the Stockman’s Club. Dinner was included with the interview, and I ordered a double Tito’s on the rocks to imbibe with my hosts, and the CEO said “They pour a double anyway.” 🙂

                (I know, I know, “Loose lips sink ships” but I sipped slowly and kept my guard up, ready for the only question that mattered to them, “So, what are you thinking of for a salary?” I practiced my response that my cousin taught me: “I want to be competitive with the market.”)

                Liked by 3 people

                2. Patrick,
                  I can always tell which bartender likes our band by the strength of the drinks they give us!
                  If they really hate us they don’t bring us drinks at all!

                  Liked by 1 person

        3. I am an eastern Montanan having lived in several eastern MT communities and still do. Ok, southeast now, considering the eastern boundary is 4 hours away and western is around 7 hours away. Yes, MT is a BIG state. I love this great state of ours(Beckita’s and mine). Although it is becoming more populated, there was(is) a time when you could talk to someone from the other side of the state and they too would know, so and so, and you were instant friends. It truly had a small community feel to it. If you attend the various ball games you will get to know most of Montana. One word of caution, always have survival gear in your vehicle. There are more cows in the state and although they make great watching audience members they make terrible tire changers. Good Luck.

          Liked by 3 people

    5. Just a comment, Patrick Daniel, on the Trump rallies and the November elections. Yes, the frequency and the enthusiastic overflowing crowds are great, but in the end it boils down to who votes. Illegal voting is not cleaned up; dirty tricks are planned. 2018 caught us by surprise [it did me]. Stay vigilant and stay strong in prayer. This is going to be one messy time.
      [God Wins!]

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Trey Gowdy on Hannity Thursday said the whole point of the impeachment is to neuter Trump during the next 4 years. The dims want to flip the senate so Trump can’t get in judges, foreign policy, etc. The senators in danger are the ones we need to support.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. We shall see Judith! 😀
        Big data from the people who stood outside in Toledo just for the chance to see the President:

        ✅ 22,927 Voters Identified

        ✅ 18,210 Voters From Ohio

        ✅ 5,216 Registrants Didn’t Vote in 2016

        ✅ 21.9% Democrats

        ✅ 20.9% Independents

        GONNA. BE. A. LANDSLIDE.

        Liked by 4 people

    1. Okay, I will confess…overall I’m rooting for the Chiefs in the AFC and the Packers in the NFC. If they both make it to the Superbowl, I will be agnostic (although, as a Bears fan, the Packers ARE the equivalent of our cousins. Hard to rrot against your cousin – unless it is for your dear friend…which the Chiefs are to me. Decisions, decisions!)

      Liked by 3 people

  7. Co-redemptrix. I don’t know the theology behind this assertion, but always found it more true than not. Are not all believers co-redeemers to a point? As St Paul said, “we make up what lacks in the suffering of Christ”. Isn’t this what he meant that as the body of Christ, Christ’s suffering is made whole and complete in his body as the work of salvation continues to this day in his suffering body the Church? Is this not the idea of living in the Divine Will? So much more Mary could be called Co-Redemptrix as she first can say of Christ “flesh of my flesh”.

    How can we enter the wounds of Christ without first entering her wound? It was through her Fiat that we are able to approach the redeemer. It was through her fiat that the body was given that it may be laid back down for our salvation. So from the perspective of God’s own order of salvation, the yes of a Virgin required for the gift of the Christ to be given; a gift from God, yes, but dependent on a perfect, unblemished Yes. Her role as an essential element in our salvation, how can she not be viewed as co-redemptrix? The whole of her life was considered in the giving of the God/Man. Now she offers Christ completely to us.

    I find the title of Co-redemptrix to be a most fitting title from this perspective. I’m not a theologian, let them debate; but in the end Mary will be honored with the titles most appropriate and fitting her most perfect life and relationship with God. As i have come to believe Theology without spirituality (intimate relationship with God) is dead! To much dead theology these days in my opinion.

    Side note: not arguing so much about the semantics of the title but rather how much of the expression and beauty of our faith can be lost behind a ridged understanding of an idea. Thats kind of why I like Pope Francis. He is two sides of the coin. In one instance he appears to speak against being ridged and desires to seek the deeper meaning and greater expression of love and then in the other he seems ridged himself cutting off what should be beautifying. He is all of us!

    Liked by 16 people

    1. Lovely interpretation in plain language, Joe. It is persuasive.

      The title, Mediatrix of All Graces makes perfect sense to me…and I think the Wedding at Cana story gives profound Scriptural emphasis to Mary’s unique role in that regard.

      I suspect that all of us, if we live our faith properly, are called to be co-redemptors with Christ. Of course, if that is true, then Mary is uniquely worthy of the title. I completely agree with G.K. Chesterton and William Wordsworth that Mary is the “sole boast of our poor race.” Perhaps it is the old Protestant in me, but I am very cautious about any title that hints at equality with Christ, though.

      Yet I must re-iterate where I began. This simple argument you made is the best I have ever seen in advocacy of the matter. Thank you.

      Liked by 14 people

      1. The titles to me seem to be just honours given to Our Lady for her major & special roles in service to God (Trinity). Mary’s role has always been to bring people closer to her son Jesus. I don’t know why people get hung up on titles, but it’s a good bet that Mary was Jesus’ first & greatest disciple, Mary probably contributed to a portion of the knowledge written in the Gospels. Our Lady’s appearances throughout ages appearing to the saints and warning the Church of chastisements has no doubt played a major role in inspiring the titles.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Charlie, you remind me of President Trump; brilliant chess player to strategically get to the bottom line! 😆

        Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now your spirit over the whole earth. Let the Holy Spirit live in the hearts of all Nations, that they may be preserved from degeneration, disaster and war. May the Lady of all nations, who once was Mary, be our advocate. Amen🤗😇😘

        Liked by 2 people

  8. You comment Joe was exactly what I was discussing today with my brother Joe about us all being co-redemers as the Body of Christ. I think the Spirit enlightens us in a similar way sometimes and a unity starts to form if we are open to His impulse. Mary, being created sinless and no doubt perfect, makes her a perfect co-remetrix part of the Body of Christ.
    Of course Mary, also as the New Eve, has an extra special role to play and more of this is spelled out in Her litany. Charlie’s residual protestations (hee hee) about being careful not to equate her to her Son has some merit as it has been said that further knowledge about her role in the church was to be revealed later on in order to avoid a “deification” of her because of a over zealous desire to acknowledge her beatitudes.
    This was another reason Moses “bones” were removed from the Isrealites because they would have kept them and “worshiped” them, making a kind of idol out of Moses!
    Not surprisingly though today there is more of a propensity to NOT give her her due than to overindulge in it.

    Liked by 3 people

  10. Serious question: Is the title “Holy Father” still appropriate? I don’t know the origin of that title but have begun only to refer to him as “Pope Francis.”

    May Jesus save us. Every time Pope Francis does something cringe-worthy, I have to pray the Litany of Humility because I want to be spared the humiliation of having him represent all good Catholics. I have far to go.

    Like

    1. The office is always holy, whether exercised worthily or unworthily. Even so, as long as you refer to him respectfully, even when criticizing him, you do no harm. I get angry at those who merely call him, “Bergoglio.”

      Liked by 3 people

  11. I stopped watching the NFL about 10 years ago, because I was in an unhealthy relationship with the Minnesota Vikings. I broke it off.

    Liked by 4 people

      1. I grew up in Minnesota and watched the Vikes lose four Super Bowls. About age 30, my husband and I moved to Wisconsin and, subsequently, became Packer fans! Much more fun! My parents were such good sports, they then cheered for the Vikings AND the Packers….except when they played each other! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  13. Charlie good to hear your take on Tinslee case. After I Read NCR article on it, if this was truly an accurate description of her health issues, I would have thought that maybe it is her time to die soon, while opposing any time limited rule on a life. So maybe the public isn’t getting the whole story on her case and her issues as the Register is usually a good reporting source.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Bob, I’m sorry I went on a rant and took it out on you. I knew that NCR article was almost like a hook to get people to come that conclusion–it did not tell all the truth. I am sorry. I need to wait longer before I respond. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. As for appeasement of tyrants I listened to another discussion last night of how the Chinese are decimating Christianity in China, and this after the sad attempt to appease the Chinese regime by allowing them some power to be involved in Choosing Bishops. Imagine of Trump asked for permission to approve bishops in our own country, and I support Trump but that is way too far!!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Bob, as a teacher, I sure can tell which parents appease their children and which don’t. Appeasers produce little tyrants. Trump is being a good parent. The majority of the left needs a good spanking.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. As a teacher, I will tell you that even parents that want to guide their children are having a hard time these days. However, you are mostly correct on this. It is sad to see. Even a few of those bad apples can control the class without the proper assistance of the administration of the school. If the administration does not hold children accountable for their actions, then they empower them to keep crossing red lines for bigger thrills at the expense of education and at the expense of the
        teacher’s spirit. These days almost everything is becoming the teacher’s fault.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Remember reading about a unique method for dealing with disruptive classroom/workplace. (I know it’s easy for civilians to be tossing suggestions around so here’s from someone on the battlefield.)

          “…kindergarten teacher noticed that teachers kept quitting because the children behaved so badly. He explains that not only did his wife experience breakthrough when she prayed against the demonic spirits behind the rowdy children’s behavior, but Reyes also successfully cast demons out of his workplace:

          “After rebuking spirits of chaos and rebellion and anointing every area of the classroom and inviting the Holy Spirit to reside and take dominion in the spirit realm, the students calmed down, and the atmosphere in the classroom changed and remained different for the rest of the year. …
          “When I took authority over my old workplace, a demon actually manifested in front of another manager, and was furious that it had to leave and it cussed me out as it left.”

          (and as Catholics, holy water and blessed salt also prayerfully sprinkled throughout the areas; Pope JohnXXIII advised sending your g.angel to co-operate with the g.angel of the others involved whether in mtgs. etc. My daughter has experienced unexpected positive outcomes in challenging business conferences utilizing same.)

          https://www.charismanews.com/culture/78655-what-happened-when-a-teacher-rebuked-demons-in-her-rowdy-classroom

          Liked by 1 person

    2. This pope betrayed Chinese Catholics. I cannot believe that any pope would allow a nation state to appoint clergy….especially an avowed atheist state. I do not understand the logic behind this. It is madness. I do not believe that Francis was blessed with much intellect and he appears to have very little knowledge of history.

      Like

  15. I’ve been rereading some of the messages given in Amsterdam to Ida Peerdeman as they are posted at the official site:https://www.de-vrouwe.info/ where Fr. Paul Maria Sigl’s writes about the new titles for Our Lady.

    Our Lady, herself, said she wished to be called “The Lady of All Nations” and she references the Lord as the One Who desires the title for her. She introduced this title just 15 days after Pope Pius XII had declared the fourth Marian dogma, the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. (Interestingly, the very first apparition to Ida – who lived in Amsterdam – occurred when she was a little girl and it was a silent vision revealed on October 13th, 2017, the day of the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima! Thus, I agree that The Lady of All Nations’ messages are an extension of the Fatima messages.)

    In succeeding communication, Our Lady said: “How is it that this is entering the world only now: ‘The Lady of All Nations’? Because the Lord has awaited this time. The other dogmas had to precede, just as her life first had to precede the Lady of All Nations. All the dogmas that preceded comprise the life and the departure of the Lady. For the theologians this simple explanation will be sufficient” (Oct. 5, 1952).

    Mary clarifies her new title in a previous sentence with the words of her son, “At the departure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He gave … Mary, to the nations … For He spoke the words, ‘Woman, behold your son; son, behold your mother.’ One act, and by this Miriam, or Mary, received this new title” (Oct. 5, 1952).

    While I know so well that mystical language can have meaning beyond the literal as well as holding layers of interpretation, I am of the belief that the words from our Mother clearly instruct us that it is the Holy Trinity Who wants the title of Co-Redemptrix to be known. From Fr. Paul again: “Mary uses her title, her new name THE LADY OF ALL NATIONS often in direct connection with Coredemptrix, Mediatrix and Advocate. ‘The Lady of All Nations stands in the middle of the world before the Cross. She comes under this name as the Coredemptrix, Mediatrix and Advocate, in this time’ (Dec. 31, 1951). ‘I have firmly placed my feet upon the globe, for in this time the Father and the Son want to bring me into this world as Coredemptrix, Mediatrix and Advocate.’ (May 31, 1951).

    Further on in the same message she states, “The Father and the Son wish to send Mary, the Lady of All Nations, in this time as Coredemptrix, Mediatrix and Advocate.”

    Lastly, I’m not sure everyone remembers that in Our Lady’s apparitions in Akita, Japan, she spoke, in 1973, in the convent chapel from a statue carved in wood which is a replica of the image of the Lady of All Nations. Pretty cool huh? From Fatima, to Amsterdam to Akita… Blessed Mother never gives up on her children. And oooo what a Triumph/Rescue it shall be!

    The images of The Lady of All Nations and Our Lady of Akita

    Liked by 11 people

        1. Our Lady’s Messenger is an appropriate moniker for Beckita. As a walking encyclopedia, she gives us timely and holy reminders of the BVM’s warnings etc. to keep us all on the straight and narrow. 😇

          Liked by 3 people

          1. Ha, Maggie. I’m forever grateful to have found Charlie and TNRS-ASOH. The gifts which Charlie brings to bear on his work for these times and the ways he has prepared people while offering a forum for discussion as we make our way in this transition have been life-changing, inspiring and heartening. Most of what I discovered in Our Lady’s messages, I continue to hold lightly in my hands, ready to receive God’s Plan as He ordains it to unfold.

            Liked by 4 people

    2. Bravo, Beckita! Good citations. Years ago on EWTN, Mother Angelica had a lady on as a guest, who spoke about this devotion. I ordered some prayer cards to give out and have said the prayer ever since. One good time to say it is after each decade of the rosary.

      Mother Mary told Ida that this dogma WILL be approved, but it will be a battle. I am convinced that the dogma is absolutely connected to the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is the dogma that will cause untold graces to be poured out upon the world. Maybe it is even part of living in the Divine Will that will come. Oh, how we need all of this!

      Liked by 4 people

    3. “Miriam” is such a beautiful name for Our Lady. Oh, how I love to hear it!

      I’ve been revisiting the Amsterdam apparitions too. I love what you’ve compiled here and connected to Our Lady of Akita and Fatima. Pretty cool indeed, B!

      Liked by 2 people

  16. Good to hear you refer to Akita again Beckita! As you know the angel explained to Sr. Sasagawa why the statue shed tears 101 times. The first “1” represents Eve through whom sin came into the world. The second “1” represents Mary through Whom redemption came. The “0” between them represents God from all eternity.

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  17. It could be my fevered old imagination or post Christmas doldrums but it seems that the World is holding it’s collective breath?

    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-religion-philippines-black-nazarene/philippines-catholics-parade-black-nazarene-in-celebration-of-christ-idUSKBN1Z80EM

    https://www.foxnews.com/media/the-five-cnn-covington-settlement-nick-sandmann

    https://stream.org/the-anti-trump-video-backfire/

    https://www.catholicleague.org/george-conway-wants-to-divide-christians/

    https://www.catholicleague.org/bloomberg-media-target-catholic-church/

    https://stream.org/internet-atheism-shield-kids/

    https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-carolina-church-members-tackle-man-trying-to-force-his-way-inside

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/01/pro-life-amicus-brief-reveals-the-mendacity-of-the-pro-choice-movement/

    https://townhall.com/columnists/johndempsey/2020/01/10/america-is-great-again-and-much-more-respected-n2559302

    Rip van Kerry
    https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2020/01/10/john-kerry-there-was-not-a-whiff-of-scandal-during-entire-8-years-of-obama/

    https://townhall.com/columnists/sheriffdavidclarkeret/2020/01/09/the-democrats-hatred-of-president-trump-and-america-itself-is-appalling-n2559280

    https://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2020/01/09/none-dare-call-it-patriotism-n2559210

    https://townhall.com/columnists/patbuchanan/2020/01/10/the-culture-war-comes-to-the-old-dominion-n2559260

    https://townhall.com/columnists/victordavishanson/2020/01/09/irans-options-in-showdown-with-america-are-all-bad-n2559165

    https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2020/01/shoving_transgender_regret_back_in_the_closet.html

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!

    Liked by 4 people

  18. When I was first confronted with just what does Mary as Mother of God really mean, I was given the insight that just as my own mother provided me with my own physical body, God provided me with a soul that made me a complete human person. In like manner, Mary provided Jesus with a human physical body while God provided Him with a human and Devine Spirit and soul. She gave birth to His human nature not His Devine nature because Jesus as God existed from all eternity with no beginning and no end.. She was also truly mother to Him in her bonding, nurturing, teaching, guiding and raising Him. She was more closely bonded, united and dedicated to Him than was possible for any other human being. I hope this is of help.
    May God continue to lead, guide, inspire and bless all here. jas

    Liked by 6 people

  19. HullyGee!! I wonder why the Stench of DC Cover-Up & Corruption still assails my nostrils!??
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/fisa-court-appoints-obama-era-national-security-leader-at-doj-to-review-fbi-reforms/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/01/10/fbi-director-chris-wray-responds-to-fisa-court-more-training-more-promises-no-mention-of-accountability/

    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/really-thats-your-reaction-sean-hannity-goes-off-on-chris-wray-after-fbis-weak-and-insulting-response-to-fisa-abuse-and-spying-on-trump-video/

    Lou Dobbs & John Solomon
    https://video.foxbusiness.com/v/6121582122001/#sp=show-clips

    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/all-those-poor-fools-trump-rips-jew-hater-ilhan-omar-and-know-nothing-aoc-video/

    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/sickening-obama-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-knew-u-s-dollars-from-the-iran-nuclear-deal-would-end-up-in-the-hands-of-terrorists-video/

    http://www.floppingaces.net/2020/01/10/iran-has-a-new-political-party-democrats/

    https://thefederalist.com/2020/01/10/not-one-senate-democrat-joins-resolution-commending-u-s-military-for-soleimanis-death/

    We will know by the end of this year if The Republic will survive as envisioned by Our Founders. There are probably several indicators, Social/Civic/Moral/Electoral, that will become evident but if the Deep State Traitors, Seditionists and DC Criminal Grifters are Not brought to Justice ….. It’s FINIS …. ;-(

    I’ll also venture that the advent of The Remnant Church will be apparent very soon?
    https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/bishop-cancels-creed-on-epiphany-to-avoid-offending-non-catholics

    YUP!!
    Psalm 118:5-9
    “In my trouble I called upon the Lord: and the Lord heard me, and enlarged me.
    The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man can do unto me. The Lord is my helper: and I will look over my enemies. It is good to confide in the Lord, rather than to have confidence in man. It is good to trust in the Lord, rather than to trust in princes.”

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!

    Liked by 4 people

  20. Charlie, the Drs. have been telling her family nearly 1 year old Tinsley Lewis’s condition was dire for months now. Severe pulmonary hypertension in itself causes damage to the brain and other body organs to fail; she also has other diseases and looks very swollen. I will disagree with T.R.T.L. and you; they should use another case to represent. Others who are very pro-life in the Dallas area agree with the 2nd judge’s decision to go with Cook Children’s Hospital as the first judge was handpicked by T.R.T.L.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mary Anne, I appreciate your passion and position on this particular matter. Still, you have not yet been willing to state plainly what protections you would offer a patient or their family and who ultimately has the power to decide. You do not have to agree with me. If you want, you are free to say that you believe the state – or the experts – should have absolute power whatever the patient or family thinks. But until you will tell us candidly what principles you stand behind, I am going to put a moratorium on you commenting further on this particular topic.

      Liked by 2 people

  21. A great post from These Stone Walls
    https://thesestonewalls.com/gordon-macrae/a-year-in-hindsight-fast-times-at-dantes-purgatorio/
    “The most painful event of 2019 for me was not what has happened to me, but what has happened to Cardinal George Pell. The deprivation of my freedom was an attack on justice, but the case against Cardinal Pell was an attack on the entire Catholic Church. Nothing else can explain the fact that he remains in prison after being convicted in an “historic” abuse case with zero evidence to support it.”
    also https://www.facebook.com/TheseStoneWalls/

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Its a continuing pattern, the inversion of justice under color of moral authority.

      We see it with the framing of Gen. Flynn, Paul Ryan’s false charge against David Nunes, Rod Rosenstein targetting Sharyll Atkinson , Christopher Wray promoting and transferring Pientka to San Fran to keep him away from questioning.

      Count the willful sins of these wannabe tyrants: Thou shalt not lie, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not murder….

      It is utterly evil. The sanctimony!!! of these demented sinners dligs a gulf beyween Christendom, and them.

      I now suspect that the Lord is giving we Americans the choice of Him or our institutions.

      Perhaps I am wrong and this government will be restored .

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Protections have been and are being offered to Tinsley’s family as this case is being appealed by them. The Texas Governor and L. Governor have approved the appeal and the hospital said it would await this case to be tried in court. In most cases hopefully the family and the hospital can come to a decision together after the Drs. who have cared so well for the patient have given their expert medical knowledge. Some families may fight especially when they have T.R.T.L helping them. I don’t think absolute power should be given to either the state or the family because each case is different as I said before. This case is extreme in that since early July the baby hasn’t been able to be alive without such extraordinary care and no improvement seems possible. A woman who goes and prays at abortion centers and who almost became a nun even says T.R.T.L. can be too extreme in some cases.

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    1. With all due respect, Mary Anne, how is some random woman’s opinion about Texas Right to Life relevant? And how is her opinion bolstered by the fact that she prays at abortion centers and almost became a nun?

      Regarding her (and, it would appear, your) opinion that “T.R.T.L. can be too extreme in some cases,” here’s the opinion of another random woman who prays at abortion centers and who almost became a really really good athlete (but who did become a math nerd, attorney, housewife, gardener/farmer, and mother of a ton of kids): As long as the means used are both legal and moral, it is impossible to be “too extreme” in the battle to protect innocent human life. And I daresay that the likes of David Daleiden, Sandra Merritt, Lila Rose, the good folks at TRTL, and other might-be-“extremists” would agree.

      Liked by 6 people

        1. Actually, she’s a klutzy, overly talkative airhead who could get lost in a paper bag (ask Charlie about her driving fiascoes during his Michigan trips). She means well, though. 🙂

          Liked by 8 people

          2. Oh, she is a lot of fun and a hoot – who loses her sense of direction when she is excited and chatty. But no harm…after a few trips, I got to know the area enough to where I could say, “Shouldn’t you turn here?” And she always charmingly said, “Oh, I should. Thanks!” I love that gal!

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                1. Ha, Sheralyn! My husband calls me the”Navigatrix of All Roadways.” I don’t drive and navigate well simultaneously; but if my husband is driving, I’m quite good a reading a map (a real one, not that GPS thingie). So, where are we going? I’m game for anything except driving through mountains… I really don’t like heights (although if you’re driving, I’ll just close my eyes until we get to level ground). 🙂

                  Liked by 2 people

    2. Mary Anne, I’ve always most appreciated that facet here that involves being a sign of hope… building up each other in hope. Also acknowledging that it’s not simply an instance –– dealing with a topic –– and moving on. It’s a process here, and an often messy one. I appreciate your perspective, and attempts to articulate your thoughts as we slog on in circumstances that are not wholly (and holy) just.

      Holy and just people are patient. Heck, it’s easy to step in the box to take a softball here, or engage in a little mutual flattery. All good fun, but frankly I don’t really appreciate an increasing reluctance here to respect the process –– with patience.

      You make a couple of good points. Every instance is unique to some degree. And neither an institution or a family should have the absolute and final word. These facilities are businesses after all, and can’t be expected to be wholly just. And families, even if they may be just, have to grapple with the issue of what it truly means to respect the sacredness of human life. Frankly, I look to God’s absolute and final word on the matter, struggling right along with everyone else to hear and discern His will.

      I think we all agree that life is sacred. So what does God think in this particular matter? Well, I don’t know entirely but have endeavored to apply myself to listening along with the rest.

      Found and older quarter at my feet in the dust this morning. A 1984 quarter. Not sure how it got there at my feet, but it had me thinking about this: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matt 22:21). So how does that apply? Well, I don’t entirely know, other than to note that Jesus often gave unexpected answers in different situations.

      Should I take this job, Lord? Should I marry this woman, Lord? Should I move to the other side of town, Lord? How often do we get a simple, straightforward “Yes” or “No” in response?

      How ’bout this one: Should I be just, Lord? Oh, I think we all agree that all of Heaven gives us a resounding “YES!” to that one every time we ask.

      Until very recently (as far as human history goes), this wasn’t so much of an issue because medical science lacked the means to sustain life at the current level. I think we all agree that it’s good to try. To pray. To hope… hope for a miracle that God is certainly capable of answering if it is His will. That being said, at what point does it start to seem Frankensteinian (i.e. – at what point is it unjust)?

      Also, are we really being attentive to the answer? The miracle when it’s granted… the answer when it’s given, albeit in an entirely unexpected way?

      Just some thoughts I was having.

      Lord, help us to be a truly just people and to respect the sacredness of life as You do.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. BTW – Here’s a picture of the quarter I found this morning. I felt like I should share it (so you don’t think I ever make this stuff up)… but mostly because I just couldn’t shake the inclination to share it. When I reached in my pocket to retrieve it, the Miraculous Medal came out with it. I keep it there, because the loop that kept it on the chain broke. Funny thing, no matter how many different angles I tried, the quarter always came out blurry, and the Miraculous Medal always came out as you see it here.

        Liked by 6 people

  23. 😡 Why on God’s green earth did “conservative” FOX NEWS replace a lead story just today about an Iranian athlete who defected from Iran with a big picture of Nancy Pelosi and the title:
    “Nancy Declares Victory: Pelosi insists clinging to impeachment articles worked, says McConnell ‘cover-up’ exposed.” ???!!!!!

    LEAD STORY?????

    She is a partisan hack whose mind is literally collapsing with dementia, and the impeachment farce is of little to no concern for America or Americans. Not only is she grossly UN-American, she’s undermining the foreign policy efforts of the president and the struggles of the Iranian people.

    I and most Americans don’t care what she has to declare about anything. She is so painfully irrelevant, and again, her mind is slipping from dementia….she can barely TALK let along THINK (other than of herself). The evidence is embarrassingly plain.

    So you tell me FOX NEWS is conservative?
    No…..online Fox certainly is not. It’s just not as bad as the others because they at least have some solid conservative voices.

    But LEAD STORY????????

    Hmmmm…..perhaps someone should buy a media corporation to compete with Fox….there’s certainly a market! 😉

    Liked by 5 people

          1. Good, Patrick, but I have a hard time watching any news. I’ve become so jaded and skeptical about what is reported. My spiritual advisor suggested I read catholicculture.org for balanced reporting. Most of it regards our Church. I get a kick out of Babylon Bee and I read Catholic vote.

            Liked by 2 people

    2. PD, in their defense: they change that lineup of headlines all day, moving them around. We keep Fox on and it prevents the computer from going to sleep 🙂 because it changes all day. If someone else comes up with something better, that would be great.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. They do like to mix up the headlines. But the Iranian athlete story vanished entirely as far as I can see, and the Pelosi story wasn’t worth the powder to blow it up and would have been a typical headline for CNN. Sigh…..Sorry Annie, I’m still sleep-deprived from my trip. Can’t seem to catch up. 🥱

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Yeah, the dementia with Pelosi is bad and seems to be accelerating.

      The darned thing about dementia is that it occurs on a spectrum. It progresses. It starts mild then gets worse over time. It’s hard to mark a point where you say “Ok, that’s it. Give me the car keys.” Or in Pelosi’s case “Ok, that’s it. Give me the Speaker’s gavel.”

      What you find is that nobody will diagnose dementia. It’s hard to find help. And even if it is diagnosed what are you going to do about it? In families its hard to find somebody able or prepared to take on the fight to deal with the problem. In politics? Fuggetaboutit.

      Nobody, but nobody, will give up their independence without a fight. Those afflicted with dementia develop amazing coping skills. They can rally. They can be loopy one moment and rational the next.
      But they can’t stay rational. They slip. Under pressure they rally. This is Pelosi today.

      Eventually dementia descends to paranoia and acting out in strange ways. Add in alcohol and it gets even worse. Pinching, slapping, hitting. Hateful words. writing $1,000 checks to the ASPCA. Exploited by hired caregivers. Can be very costly for the family.

      This is truly a dangerous situation for somebody in power like Pelosi. A disaster waiting to happen.

      Only those who have had to deal with dementia can truly understand this disease and what it does not only to the sufferer but everybody around that person.

      Oh, yeah. One other thing about those who have been exposed to the descent into full blown dementia over time by a loved one:

      We know it when we see it.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Dementia is a tough disease to witness, Ed, and even harder for a loved one to go through.

        It is sad….the people in the room that see poor Nancy’s press conferences politely wait for her to struggle to finish a thought, if ever, and probably just shrug their shoulders when nonsense comes out. Politicians are getting so old — mid seventies — and so many refuse to let go of that gavel of power when it’s time to retire and enjoy family and what little of their life remains.

        Joe Biden is clearly slipping as well. Bernie may be nuts, but he still has a fairly sharp mind. Joe, however, is also on a gradual decline. Way passed his prime.

        My sweet Dad died of dementia (same day that Robin Williams died, as a matter of fact). He would struggle to tell stories, short phrases interspersed with mumbles and nods and “you know”’s. And we would listen patiently, very patiently, at stories that made no sense, but we all nodded politely or laughed at what we guessed was the appropriate time.

        But before Big Joe reached that stage, when he could still somewhat form sentences and independently walk to the local gym and back home, he initially did notice the subtle forgetfulness of the disease. He knew something was wrong, although the disease didn’t exactly allow him to understand how or in what way. And that’s when he went through the angry phase. He even lashed out physically against his wife, something he’d never done. He was growing frustrated because he could sense the problem and knew that something was definitely not right, but he couldn’t stop it or fix it: he knew he was losing control, and that must have been very unsettling, perhaps a bit terrifying.

        Once the dementia was severe enough and he could virtually no longer speak at all, he was unaware of any problems and became child-like. He would make his goofy sound effects like he always had (because those weren’t nearly as complex as words). He loved to be around people and the little grandkids and would make them laugh, and his Irish face would beam when they giggled. He was quite happy toward the end of his life. Though he had moments of what looked like extreme pain when we tried to move him (after a fall), the dementia made it so he would not anticipate the pain beforehand and he’d immediately forget about it afterward. Kind of a blessing.

        I suppose this is a bit like Heaven: When we get there, our tears and memories of the pain we experienced on earth will be wiped away, as if they never were. 🙂

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Yep, Ed, it’s terrible to go through with a parent. They don’t give up without a fight, even when it endangers their lives! It was a nightmare. Oh yeah, scams and checks written. I guess I still need some healing from the whole ordeal, when anger is taken out on those of us watching the loved one. So thankful for Mother Mary’s comfort! Blessings to you and all those here!

        Like

      3. There is a state of denial too.  My mom is at that stage.  Another symptom is confabulation which not a lie, but you believe some event is true when it never occurred.  Hmmm.  I guess you can say the whole left is confabulated.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

        Like

  24. i say yes we will all die and life is sacred. How long should a hospital keep a person on heart and lung support if it hasn’t helped after 6 and a half months, she has dying events 2-3 times a day requiring immediate aggressive medical intervention which is painful, the person is being paralyzed and sedated which have caused severe sepsis which can be transmitted to others. This baby has never been out of the I.C.U. unit a day of her 11 months. What toll has all this extraordinary intervention had on other children’s care? I worked in a pediatric hospital and it is time consuming work to give ordinary care because children need so much extra time just to get them to take meds and shots; they don’t understand and we don’t want them to become so afraid. I can not imagine how much time and money has been directed to a person who is in such a severe condition. Maybe this case will go to the Supreme Court?

    Before we had Medicaid or Medicare my Aunt cared for a severely handicapped person who lived at least 23 years at home; she was never able to even show any emotion, could not talk, sit, walk, or feed herself. She was able to breath on her own and lived for almost 3 years after my Aunt died at 50. My Aunt and Uncle had no help in her care but she was sent to a nursing home after my Aunt died. Tinsley is even more handicapped. My Aunt is a Saint today I am sure.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The real question is when is our supposedly Christian society going to get serious about giving to God what is God’s. There are many angles here, but consider that today’s hospitals have their origin in Christ’s directive to go heal the sick. In that spirit of compassion his followers went and did just that. Hospitals exist today because of Christ and his followers.

      If there are so many distressing aspects to this case, is that Christ’s failure? Certainly these institutions have lost much of their Christian identity and spirit.

      I think of the resources St. Theresa had available to her on the impoverished streets of Calcutta and the ‘medicine she was able to provide nonetheless. In truth, are many of our modern facilities even providing a sliver of that in real healing terms?

      I think it’s just one more example of how we’ve lost our way in these times.

      We slog on, but with hope. Just imagine how much gratitude St. Theresa must have in heaven for those folks that the rest of society saw as castoffs and burdensome.

      I don’t know if I agree with the lengths we go to substitute modern medicine for Christ’s original intention for compassionate healing. Maybe this is just His way of telling us how far we’ve gone astray through the suffering of another little Saint in the making.

      Liked by 4 people

    2. My nasty cold revved up for a final wave as we went into the weekend. Thus, I failed to let each of those who clear comments know that I had put a moratorium on you commenting on this subject until you stated some coherent principle on what rules you would adopt that would offer patient protection and guidelines for when a decision can be taken out of a patient’s hands – and how long that patient should be given to find an alternative provider. The moratorium now stands as I have let all know about it.

      In fairness, I will clarify my own. The ultimate decision should be the patient’s, though doctors and hospitals should not be forced to provide unending care when they have concluded it is hopeless. When they make such a decision and life CAN be prolonged, the patient should be given 60 days to find a new facility with the original hospital having NO say on whether or not the patient can leave their facility – and NO patient denied transfer to a willing alternate facility because of the cost involved.

      Liked by 7 people

  25. With all due respect Mary Anne, I wonder if you would be able to look Tinsley’s mother in the eye and tell her all this — tell her that her child “is too much” effort to save/keep alive?

    When TRTL was defending another child in a similar situation three years ago, I asked a high ranking nursing official (in another state) what could be done to stop the hospital from “pulling the plug.” Their response was … (paraphrasing) that is was not financially feasible to keep someone alive like that because they end up dying anyway after all of that time and money spent on them.

    It seems this is the attitude of some (many??) health professionals and medical institutions today … life is not worth anything. They determine the value of your life depending on how much it will take to save you/ treat you. There can be no “price” put on someone … Human life is priceless.

    Personally, my “beef” with all of this is that it is taken completely out of the parents hands.

    A person’s perspective really changes when it is your own child in this dilemma.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. I thank God for this kind of health professional: https://www.ketv.com/article/hospital-worker-reads-to-sick-children-in-pediatric-unit/30444862
      Our love for these little ones should not be conditional. A mother’s love for her daughter should not be met with such hostility and the utilitarianism that has infected health care. God help us, please. You have put a challenge before us that requires our surrender to You if we but discard our pride. You are waiting for us to make you a partner in the business of healing. Let it be so.
      Come Holy Spirit.

      Liked by 6 people

    2. Parents need to be considered certainly and yet there is a time to live and a time to die as the Bible reminds us. Having dealt with a family member’s dying, as some of us have, the reality is that some are more ready to stop extraordinary medical means when it appears it is time to allow dealth to happen and some family members will hold onto hope even when there seems little or no objective hope. Some in a spiritual sense even hold onto hope for a miracle when it seems God is not responding with His grace that way. Difficult cases and life sadly presents these issues to some more than others. So let’s pray for Tinslee and for her mom that grace will be given to know when it is time to let death come if God doesn’t grant a miracle either through medical help or through Divine intervention, and that our imperfect medicine will know when to help and when to stop helping when help is no longer needed or helpful.

      Liked by 5 people

  26. When I think of Tinslee, all I can think about is all the pain that she must be in. And saying she is sedated doesn’t cut it. No one really knows what you can feel when your sedated, sometimes it works, and sometimes it puts your mind in a deep dark place. Thinking of all the things done to her makes it feel like torture rather then lifesaving. I am an R.N. also, worked in pediatrics, OR and ER. Finding a vein might be a painful procedure, and being recusitated depending on the procedure used can leave her with broken bones, or violent shocks. And all those needles, and tubes. And then after all of this being paralyzed and ending up with sepsis. I’ve seen many pts with seplsis, it’s not pretty its pathetic. And can you imagine the hundreds of different care givers. Some may be gentle and kind, and others that aren’t too happy with the situation might be a little rougher.

    Just think of your own bodies. I don’t think I would like mine subjected to ICU lifesaving care for eleven months. I’m not saying one way is right, or one way is wrong. I just try to feel what she might be feeling, and my heart breaks, because it seems as if she is just living a life of pure pain, and can’t say a thing about it.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. How much of the suffering is not endured by her because of God’s grace? How much virtue has been garnered with the challenge to those who have been entrusted to her care?

      I’ve listened to testimony of trafficked children, now adults. In the most horrific and evil practices, they felt God’s saving grace, which they credit to their survival and recovery. I on the other hand can speak to one who is grateful for the ability to grow spiritually as a caregiver to one who was chronically and terminally ill.

      God will not give us more than we can bear. Do we trust that? I’ve been on the brink many times, being pushed to bear and in fully trusting. I believe we all have, and yet today is a new day. 😉

      Liked by 8 people

      2. Thanks Jen, that helps.. Just was thinking of all the iv’s ,shots, horrible reaction to meds that I’ve had, and my mind didn’t go in that direction. And you’re right, it wasn’t more then I could bear. Thanks for reminding me.We can just continue to pray for her.

        Liked by 5 people

        1. My daughter’s second child was born with a liver condition which gave him a sever case of jaundice.
          He was hospitalised for several weeks after he was born and had return trips throughout his first year for set-back reasons. It was agony to watch him undergo shots and IV’s, he becoming more and more traumatised by each consecutive shot and IV. This has caused him to be over sensitive to pain and stress when he was younger because of the PTS from the experience.
          Today, at six years old, he is a well adjusted child of exceptional kindness and spirituality. His Catholic schoolteacher tells his mother that she just wants to hug him all the time because He is so sweet and lovable. He can pray the rosary by himself and has had many angelic visions-one in the middle of my youngest sons wedding when he yelled out in front of two hundred people that angels were decending down from the ceiling while father was blessing the newlyweds!
          We can never be sure why God allows suffering in anyone- especially children. But some great saints who experienced this (like St Theresa), considered their suffering as preparatory to a holy life. If my grandson is any indication of this reality, I agree with this message!

          Liked by 5 people

          2. Phillip,Good reminder for me and my Lambzie.  Sometimes her suffering gets the best of her humanity.  I am grateful.Doug—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

            Liked by 2 people

            1. Doug,
              Your wife is in good company. When the Shepard was struck, the sheep scattered. It was a time of confusion and real suffering is identified by this difficulty.
              Jesus too entered a time of a pure sence of loss (His humanity anyway) during His passion but especially during the agony in the garden. I’ve come to realize that when we suffer, it is only efficacious if it is real. The only way to truly suffer is for the right and not out of some self-centered reason. God allows good people to suffer BECAUSE they suffer in righteousness but this is effected through our fallen nature since we are fallen creatures. Jesus took on the “form of a slave” and this effect gave His flesh the ability to suffer. (We discussed this mystery on a previous post.) His ability to suffer thus sanctified suffering and made it holy when we endure it in righteousness and this then can have a direct effect for our soul or a loved ones soul or the whole Church (if carried out by a victim soul like a stigmatist or martyre). We are allowed to help the church through our “prayers, works, joys and sufferings”, but the greatest of these is love so if we are suffering from our great love for God and our fellow men than this becomes the greatest form of suffering …”no greater love than this: that a man lay down his life for His friends”. This can include a “bloodless martyrdom too- as in a saints annihilation of self in their “totus tuus” fealty to God.

              Liked by 3 people

    1. Well, sorrowful, I think it’s a mighty stretch for Adrienne to say, “Christians believe…” I have never heard of such a legend as this. That said, those cats and kittens are adorable. 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Ha, I have always been deeply dubious of such legends when applied to a particular language. Now if cats faces resembled the first letter of Mary’s name in the Cyrillic, Arabic, and Hebrew alphabets, I would be impressed. It is a charming thought, but not a reasonable one.

        In English, we make happy use of the accident that the words ‘sun’ and ‘son’ sound identical to make some marvelously lyrical and vivid comments about Christ. It is beautifully poetic, but should not be confused with some theological insight. The same words in French, for example, are “soleil” and “fils” – so the lyricism that works so nicely in English cannot be used in that language (or, I am guessing, most languages other than English).

        Liked by 6 people

  28. The Good News Today is Jesus Christ 😉

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/the-politics-of-sorrow

    https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/standing-for-the-unborn-state-by-state

    https://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/vortex-deja-vu-all-over-again?mc_cid=9c5429ad92&mc_eid=2a0b6c7ef6

    https://stream.org/the-vaticans-alliance-with-china-more-evil-than-we-thought/

    https://stream.org/aaron-melissa-klein-oregon-court-of-appeals/

    https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/01/11/report-record-3000-christian-sites-europe-vandalized-2019/

    https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/epidemic-of-crib-vandalism-hits-italy

    https://stream.org/chick-fil-as-betrayal-cannot-be-swept-under-the-rug/

    Yep! Time to dig-up poor Ol’ Sir John again:
    “Treason doth not prosper. What is the Reason? For if it doth, none dare call it treason”

    https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2020/01/13/democrats-always-choose-americas-enemies-over-america-n2559371

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/01/12/fbi-protecting-and-hiding-sketchy-fbi-agent-joseph-pientka/

    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/01/10/shadowy-liberal-group-began-investigating-trump-ukraine-months-before-the-whistleblower-complaint/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/01/13/fisa-court-selecting-surveillance-state-advocate-david-kris-shouldnt-be-a-surprise/#more-180700

    https://www.independentsentinel.com/gov-cuomos-new-no-bail-law-freed-61-gang-members-on-long-island/

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!

    Liked by 5 people

  29. I finished sending angels for Archbishop Vigneron last week. This week I amd sending angels for Chuck Schumer. May God continue to inspire , bless and guide all here and throughout the world. May the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart occur soon. jas

    Liked by 6 people

    2. just a sojourner. You are such a kind soul.✝

      I’m sure the moderators would never permit me to post what I would like to send to chuck schumer. Hint: It’s not an Angel… 😉

      Liked by 2 people

  30. Yes, I told patients the truth; I told a woman once she needed to lose weight since she had a very fatty liver; several years later she came up to me in the store and said you probably don’t remember but I now appreciate what you said.

    The extremes on both sides in this country will never be able to unite us!

    Bectika, we are planning a trip to Glacial National Park this summer and will see God’s handiwork in your state.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Going to see “Unplanned” in a few minutes at the little downtown theatre.

    Abby is my favorite superhero.

    “Abortion is not normal. Taking the life of an innocent human being that is your own flesh and blood and your own DNA…it’s not normal, and there are healing resources available.”

    “….and to the ACLU, I can say affirmatively, we look forward to your lawsuit.”

    Liked by 9 people

    2. URGENT REQUEST.

      2 years ago, my friend Stephanie gave one of the most amazing speeches I’d ever heard in my entire life. She’s a beautiful, tall young lady in her early 30s, with no college education or experience in public speaking, who told of her struggles with sex, pot, and alcohol after she had an abortion.

      I quietly wept during her talk, which was nothing less than the words of the Holy Spirit speaking directly to my heart through her witness. Afterward, having suffered the loss of a child from abortion myself, I signed up for a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat.

      At the retreat, I saw a nurse I worked with named Jessie. I would soon learn that Jess herself had 2 abortions In close succession, the last one chemical. I happened to be having dinner with her before our night shift at the hospital, when she excused herself and…this is difficult to say….passed her child. Oh, she looked terrible. Though she was silent about it, I knew something was terribly wrong — she was depressed, had lost weight, her hair was brittle — but it wasn’t until a couple years later at the Rachel’s Vineyard retreat that I learned that she lost a baby during our dinner. And I just “happened” to be present with her when it occurred.

      Jess and I are dear friends today, we spoke for 4 hours yesterday.

      But back to Stephanie.

      Stephanie was one of the volunteers who helped at the retreat, telling her own story and helping us walk through the painful path of healing. Afterward, however, something changed dramatically with Steph. She complained to me that the retreat organizers didn’t have enough “spiritual protection.” She was angry about something. Then she told me she decided to stop going to daily mass. Then she avoided me altogether as if I brought her bad memories or something.

      I now learned that Steph has left the church, the church she had been so on fire for. She has evidently “hooked up” with an older man and drove with him to Florida. I suspect the very worst, a return to the old ways (which has happened to me many times), though I don’t know the details.

      She infuriated the demons by undoing their evil work. Her witness was so incredibly powerful that she undoubtedly did them some real damage. They must have sent a legion to attack her. She used excuses about the scandals in the church to explain her reason for leaving, but you and I know she was likely overwhelmed by dark forces.

      ✝️ PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. We need Stephanie back. I believe she will come back, although it may be a long while.

      Thank you.
      Patrick

      Liked by 9 people

        2. And pray for ourselves too here. This is a cautionary tale of what can happen to any of us if we lose our focus on God and allow ourselves to get distracted.

          Liked by 4 people

          1. Yes.  In that vein, I pray for courage if and when persecution comes.  I think we will be tested soon.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

            Liked by 1 person

    1. Abby’s life reminds me of Saint Paul.

      She, at first, believed passionately in her work, that it was good and just.

      It also involved much killing.

      Then she was knocked off her horse by seeing the struggling baby on the ultrasound. The scales fell off her eyes.

      Now, she is one of the most powerful pro-life advocates alive today, traveling the country speaking out for the dignity of human life, helping people heal their wounds and come back to God.

      God bless Abby!
      St Paul, pray for us!

      Liked by 4 people

  33. Man oh man..how confusing can things beget?!?!?!

    WORLD NEWS

    JANUARY 14, 2020 / 7:26 AM / UPDATED 18 MINUTES AGO

    Ex-pope Benedict wants name removed from controversial book: aide (reuters)

    Like

    1. Some calling cards of the enemy are chaos, division and confusion. I sense he knows his time is short and he’s raging in all his wicked ways to do as much damage as possible, for the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is well underway and, even now, she graces us to continue as her Dawn rising in the Darkness. We must be patient while choosing peace and calm as more understanding about these developments come to light. Another report is here.

      Liked by 8 people

      1. Bypass the murky controversy and focus on Fr. Joseph Ratzinger’s own words when in 1969 he gave a series of interviews on the future of the Church (apologies if this has been posted before)
        . Excerpt:
        “The future of the Church can and will issue from those whose roots are deep and who live from the pure fullness of their faith. It will not issue from those who accommodate themselves merely to the passing moment or from those who merely criticize others and assume that they themselves are infallible measuring rods; nor will it issue from those who take the easier road, who sidestep the passion of faith, declaring false and obsolete, tyrannous and legalistic, all that makes demands upon men, that hurts them and compels them to sacrifice themselves.”
        remainder:
        https://vultuschristi.org/index.php/2015/01/the-real-crisis-has-scarcely-begun/

        Liked by 6 people

      2. Thanks Beckita that all makes sense to me. I have to tell you, I too am seeing signs of the graces being given through the Triumph…they seem like little sparks here and there. In just simply mentioning the Holy name of the Lord in general or a Saints name, fellows eyes light up and they hearten just a bit…it is beautiful to notice. I do also agree with you that they are looking for a calm face among the chaos; a joyful face among the sadness and a firm faith among the doubt…Anne, the lay apostle, speaks of this often…🤗😇😘 Yeah. ..The Triumph is in process.

        Liked by 3 people

  35. In the St Michael prayer, why is an angel addressed as ‘saint’ ?

    I have decided to memorize the prayer and recite it whenever I recognize that I am getting angry when considering politics/war. The anger is getting old and I prefer to do productive things.

    Three things stunp me in the prayer.

    1. The question posed above.
    2. How to pronounce ‘arch’* is it ‘arc’ ot arch’ ?’
    3 The commas **

    Thanks in advance.

    * it is ‘arch’ , so now the problem becomes Dear St,
    . Michael, Arch-as in arch-Angel. Thankfully he is patient.
    Also, the UK pronounciation sounds smoother than the u.s one.
    https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/pronunciation/english/archangel

    **I tnink I have the commas figured out.

    Liked by 2 people

      2. From the link: “For example, St. Gabriel was declared in 1921 as patron saint of telecommunications.”

        Well this is great news! TNRS blog has a patron saint!

        Wow! we can expect telecommunications to undergo ‘sanctification’ (?) I really love this.

        Saint Gabriel, bless this blog. amen.

        Liked by 5 people

    2. Timothy, the St. Michael Prayer is one of my favorites (given that St. Michael is my patron saint). I pray the prayer every morning, asking that God protect all seven members of my family that day.

      What do you mean about the commas?

      Also, I don’t know how they pronounce it in other places; but in Michigan, we say “ark-angel.” 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  36. I thought you folks interested in Latin Mass would find this useful

    https://www.duolingo.com

    The casual learner level is an easy 5 minutes a day during evening cocktails.

    I have a goal to read/hear/understand the Latin Mass. Also, with Latin as the root of so many words, its secular use is self evident.

    grace and peace

    Liked by 7 people

  37. My apologizes for going way off point but this came up and wonder if any of you know.

    So, I attempted to catch up on earthquake news by watching Dutchsinse on YouTube. He has been scrubbed from the sight and well as Twitter and Facebook. Anyone know what has happened to him?

    Like

  38. A dearth of Good News as usual …. These Days ;-(

    https://www.catholicleague.org/celebrating-religious-freedom-day-obama-vs-trump/

    https://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/vortex-vengeful-bishop

    https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/01/roe-v-wade-workability-argument-fourth-best-reason-to-overturn/

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/natures-witness-to-intelligent-design

    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/theres-nothing-compassionate-about-open-borders

    https://stream.org/socialism-is-a-false-religion-thats-why-it-kills-the-true-one-every-time/

    https://cnsnews.com/blog/michael-w-chapman/cdl-burke-denying-communion-joe-biden-was-right-and-just

    Mikey Weinstein & his “Merry” Band of Christian Haters never sleep.
    https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/13/group-fight-space-forces-use-bible-swearing-ceremonies.html

    https://stream.org/why-progressives-have-an-edge-over-conservatives-and-how-to-change-it/

    https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/rich-noyes/2020/01/13/tvs-trump-news-three-fourths-impeachment-and-93-negative

    https://galganov.com/2020/01/13/its-freedom-of-expression-stupid/

    https://patriotpost.us/articles/67917-demo-debate-things-left-unsaid-were-loud-and-clear

    https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/these-two-stars-might-merge-in-an-explosion-visible-from-earth-this-century

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!

    Like

  39. (A comment from our friend, Desmond)

    OPENING SKIRMISHES?

    The following may reference more than an opening ‘skirmish’. This afternoon I watched the tragic spectacle of Nancy Pelosi [just prior to carrying the Articles of Impeachment over to the Senate side] declaring that;

    1) She and her colleagues previously knew, and know today, that the Senate will find Trump innocent and
    2) she doesn’t care because
    3) the whole purpose of this charade is to leave that stain of having been impeached on the political escutcheon of President Trump. [Is it possible this is at least partially an attempt at payback for the impeachment trial & mark on Pres. Bill Clinton’s political escutcheon???]

    Her unmistakable sheer venom and virulent hatred of her political adversaries bespoke much of what has become wrong within America during the last few decades; The sheer drive of the Radical Left for power – the raw power to enforce their will upon others – that has quite literally turned a previously polite demeanor between members of the two major political parties into something more like a street fight or bar room brawl. That, in turn, has led Washington, D.C. to become a caricature of a previous home for a resident majority of decent Christian human beings.

    To my eyes, Pelosi and that crowd around her appeared more like a wolf pack seeking prey for its blood lust for power, than it did a group of righteous men and women seeking justice.

    I am not exaggerating here in the slightest. It was chilling to see the cold hatred of Pelosi and the small crowd around her. Should I be surprised? NO. I’ve been watching her since she first hit the House of Representatives in 1987 as the result of a special election to replace the incumbent Congressman who was dying of cancer.

    It gives me no joy to make the following observation: over the ensuing decades, I have watched the appearance of Pelosi’s eyes become more and more … darkened, even dead looking. It is the kind of eyes you see in men and women who no longer have [as Lady Macbeth put it] ‘a drop of the milk of human kindness’ in them.

    Once you see that look, serious Christians are, or should be, moved to pray deeply for such a person – because they realize that person ‘doesn’t have a prayer’ for a peaceful life now or in the future – unless others who still have some serious amount of human kindness in their veins will voluntarily pray and do penance for them.

    God loves Nancy – and he expects me to do so also. So, I have seen that this coming Lent I must pray and do penance for all of the pro-aborts out there and, especially, for their leaders. Please pray for me that I follow through on that resolution. And, please, don’t hesitate to ask me during Lent if I have remembered to do so.

    All my love in Christ

    Desmond

    Liked by 1 person

  40. I just keep praying for President Trump. I believe he has been annointed by God to lead this nation, and God’s will will not be stopped. It doesn’t matter what evil ploys the leftists use to bring Trump, down, none of it will succeed. And when Trump wins a second term, and those who have attacked him must face the victory of his inauguration, then true justice will be seen- God’s justice will be seen. God cannot be stopped. His will cannot be stopped. Praise be to, you, Lord Jesus Christ!

    Liked by 1 person

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Published by charliej373

Charlie Johnston is a former newspaper editor, radio talk show host and political consultant. From Feb. 11, 2011 to Aug. 21, 2012, he walked 3,200 miles across the country, sleeping in the woods, meeting people and praying as he went. He writes on cultural, global and political issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. He emphasizes that we find God most surely through the ordinary, doing the little things we should with faith and fidelity. His constant refrain is that, to live real joy, we must acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us. He lives in the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States.