Inspiring Mom

No this post isn't about my own mother...that one comes later. This post, or rather homage, is to another mother, a very amazing one in fact. For so many reasons, especially this one:

Amazing right? You see, there are a lot of really ugly things in the world. Not to judge, but the girl who told her that she "was horrible for not aborting" her baby boy, was probably one of them. If you go on YouTube, and watch this video, you would be shocked by some people, few that they were, and the horribly ugly things they say. Some have used the video as a platform to spew their pro-abortion and atheistic bile. Some have said things similar to that girl that was referred to in the video. But for all the ugliness, no matter how much or how great, it can be tempered by one, even minute, beautiful thing or person. This little baby boy...he's one of those beautiful things. His mother...another one. For every single ugly comment on this video, there were hundreds of people to rebuke them.

I do want to say one thing. As much as we are tempted to use this video in our pro-life campaigns, because it is an appropriate and great one, let's not. Let's appreciate it for what it is without ulterior (albeit good) motive: a loving mother and a beautiful boy. You see friends, in our world today, the story of life and family does not alwats have a happy ending. I thank God that we are so amazingly blessed that, at least, this story does.

Happy Mother's Day. Peace and blessings.

Homeward Bound

As soon as I'm done cleaning, I'll be hittin' the road on my way back home. I miss it so much. Not really lookin' forward to a 2.5 hour drive, but it'll be worth it.

Motorist's Prayer

Grant me, O Lord, a steady hand and watchful eye, that no one shall be hurt as I pass by. 

Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of Thine.
Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company from the evils of fire and all calamity.

Teach me to use my car for others need; 

Nor miss through love of undue speed, the beauty of the world; t

hat thus I may with joy and courtesy go on my way.
St. Christopher, holy patron of travelers, protect me, and lead me safely to my destiny.

Stressed

Just a little bit stressed, so I thought I would post the Serenity Prayer. It's not exactly a Catholic prayer, but beautiful nonetheless.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change; 

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

Enjoying one moment at a time; 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it; 

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life 

and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Amen.

Finals Finally Done

Finals are finally done. Couple of grades are already in and they are fantastic! Praise God. Still waiting to hear from a few more, but all in all, I've come out of this no worse for the wear.

Looking back on this particular Finals season, I had a few moments of...utter despair. A breakdown, if you will. There was some crying involved, some freaking out, some anger. But mostly, a whole lot of prayer. My studying was dedicated to the Holy Mother, along with the intercessions of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Joseph of Cupertino. As is fitting, it is my duty and privilege to let others know of this intercession on my behalf to the Father and His Son. So with joy and thanksgiving, thank you St. Thomas and St. Joseph (along with Blessed Pope John Paul II and my patron, St. Lorenzo) for your prayers. But most of all, thank you Mama Mary. May those who read this post know of the power of the intercession of these saints.

In honor of St. Joseph, St. Thomas, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, I offer these things for your enjoyment:

A trailer of The Reluctant Saint, a movie about the life of St. Joseph of Cupertino. I really want to watch this:

A Gregorian rendition of Adoro Te Devote, the eucharistic hymn written by St. Thomas Aquinas, typically sung during Eucharistic Adoration (click here for the Latin and English verses):

And lastly, in honor of Mama Mary, probably without a doubt, my favorite version of Salve Regina (some of you may cringe, but I still like it nonetheless. Rest assured, I intend no disrespect, it's just fun):

All praise, honor, and thanksgiving is due to the Holy and Immortal One, our Heavenly Father, for the sacrifice of His Son, for granting the intercession of his holy saints on my behalf, and for the abundance of blessings He has poured out for you and for me.

Pax vobiscum.

This Song Always Makes Me Feel Better

As a counter to my earlier depressing rant, I offer this song: All Creatures of Our God and King. This is without a doubt one of my favorite hymns to listen to and to sing to. I love it anytime it's sung, but I think it is most appropriate when used as an entrance hymn. I remember during one Easter Mass last year, I was a thurifer and this hymn was the entrance hymn. I'll tell you, hearing it on the organ with a full choir, I felt high...spiritually high, like I was so amazingly and ridiculously excited for the Mass. Whenever I hear it, it brings a smile to my heart and helps me to ready it, especially for the Mass. I think this is how the Almighty One should always be praised and glorified and adored. It's just...awesome.

This version, the traditional version, is amazing. This YouTube video, even with the corny slideshow, is an amazing rendition.

What most people don't know is that "All Creatures of Our God and King" was actually translated from St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Sun. So for all our Protestant brothers and sisters...you're welcome...another gift of the Catholic Church. Lol.

Now to be fair, David Crowder has his own rendition of this song as well. From the amount of originally Catholic hymns that David Crowder uses, he should convert to Catholicism. Of course, this version has a bit of a more modern feel to it, but I think it goes to show, that Christian music, no matter what its form, can be beautiful. But being the traddie that I am, I still love the first one more. Here's David Crowder's version:

Either way, this song always makes me feel better, as most hymns do. I hope it does the same for you!

Pax vobiscum.