Pro-Life Science: The Path of Greatest Resistance

Debi Vinnedge, of Children of God for Life, answers my question, "What fuels your Pro-LIFE drive?"

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Fifteen years ago, whenever I would attempt to discuss embryonic stem cells, I would get that "deer in the headlights" look. Huh? What's a stem cell, people would ask?  The Clinton administration had recently put this issue in the limelight by proposing federal funding that would involve the deliberate destruction of human embryos for research purposes.  And yet the enormity of this depravity was just not sinking in with the prolife movement.    

I knew my work was cut out for me and I didn't like it one bit, but I also knew it was what God was calling me to do:  "You don't have to change the world Debi, just tell them the truth."

Who, me?  I don't even like science, I whined in reply.  I remember mumbling something about how this was really going to mess up my perfectly well-ordered life but I humbly complied.  And so, Children of God for Life was born as a prolife organization that would educate the public on these issues that no one else seemed to want to touch at the time. 

Now, ignorance breeds fear and so I began giving talks on the differences between adult and embryonic stem cells.   I ran full page ads in secular newspapers, encouraging people to write and voice their concerns during the time period for public response.

So when the Clinton administration tabled the issue, I thought it was over and I happily settled back into my normal routine. But less than two weeks later I would read an article that was about to change my life forever: "Vaccines from abortion judged morally acceptable".  I was shocked, stunned and horrified on many levels, particularly by the nonchalant acceptance of a Catholic bioethicist quoted in the article.

Now in fairness, this bioethicist knew nothing about the history of the abortions or the ensuing research. What we did know is that these tiny martyrs had been reduced to nothing more than biological numbers, patents and product ingredients.  I was nauseated to realize that my own children had received some of these vaccines.  I felt deceived, angry, violated.  How many other moms felt the same, I wondered?  And while I knew something had to be done,  I also knew that I didn't want to be the one to do it.   

Now, I like to think of myself as a faithful willing servant if God calls upon me, but I am also not stupid.  The pharmaceutical industry is huge, powerful, rich.  Talk about David and Goliath!

So I chalked it up as yet one more nasty attack on the culture of life, sighed and tried to move on with my life. But there was this constant tugging at my heart that wouldn’t go away. And I knew that once again, God was leading me somewhere I didn't want to go.

That place would begin with exhaustive research into the past and what I would uncover aged me beyond my years, broke my heart, and shattered my soul.  There were science reports and patents dating into the early 1900's, detailing forced abortions, sterilizations, intact babies removed from their mothers, hearts still beating, live dissections, experiments with various fetal organs - all in the name of science and the almighty dollar.

Somehow we have been lulled into believing that this barbaric, utilitarian practice is the right thing to do – alas, we have no choice – we must protect society from infectious disease at all costs – unfortunate, but so very necessary.

I can only respond in a word that would not be permissible in this writing, so suffice it to say that  using aborted babies as products to help those children fortunate enough to be born is akin to the most vile form of cannibalism imaginable.  Yet we are asked to accept it for every polite reason except one that begs the question:

What kind of a civilization have we really progressed to when we can find no better way to protect ourselves than by using the remains of murdered children?

Despite the seemingly insurmountable barriers,  Children of God for Life has made progress. We expanded our education efforts to over two dozen foreign countries; we launched a successful campaign to ensure moral vaccine options in the event of a bio-terrorist attack; we exposed the use of aborted fetal cells in cosmetics and as testing material for the food and beverage industry; we mounted a victorious boycott of Pepsi which convinced them to change their research and development and last but not least, we have partnered with a prolife biotech firm that is working to provide moral alternatives for all vaccines and medicines that utilize aborted fetal material. 

There is great hope as we move forward.  And I have no doubt we will win this battle with God on our side, just as He gave David the strength to defeat Goliath.  For with Him, all things are possible.

Debi Vinnedge is the founder and Executive Director of Children of God for Life.  For more information on their work visit www.cogforlife.org
     

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This is the third installment of a series where pro-LIFE leaders are asked to share their journey with us. See the first two posts here and here.

What Stirs Your Pro-Life Heart? Béatrice Comes Full Circle

It all started twenty years ago with a broken condom. My boyfriend, whom I barely knew, acted “professionally” and instructed me to take the morning after pill. I hesitated: what if I didn’t take it? I realized that I liked the idea of being pregnant but I did as I was told.

The pill didn’t work... I was pregnant! My heart was filled with joy. Like most pregnant women I suppose, I fell in love with my baby. I discovered that day that I was Pro-Life.

My boyfriend didn’t share my happiness and told me to “get rid of that”. Like most men in uncommitted relationships, I suppose, he was Pro-Choice. I didn’t want an abortion but I took the RU486 pill as I was told. I rationalized the decision: poor baby was rejected by her dad but we would have other babies later to replace this one.

The abortion was traumatic and left me with depression and self-hatred and the relationship didn’t last. One day, my ex-boyfriend saw my little sister holding my hand. To my surprise, he said that he regretted the abortion, that we should have a daughter just like her but we had killed her.

That was too much for me to take. I loved our child, yet I ended her fragile, precious life to please the one who got me pregnant. Now he was saying that WE made a mistake? I was overwhelmed with contradictory emotions. I had to do something to block them… so I became Pro-Choice.

For the next thirteen years, I lived the Pro-Choice lie. I repeated to myself that abortion was a necessary evil, that the unborn is just a clump of cells. Those lies were in contradiction with my instincts and I swore to myself that, while it was OK to support it for others, I would never have an abortion again.

I found myself in an abusive relationship and pregnant. I didn’t want an abortion, I just wanted the man out of my life. But I was scared for the child, and the devil whispered in my ear that abortion was the only solution to protect my son from his abusive father. So I stained my soul again and I continued to lie to myself to be able to survive. Who was I kidding? I gave death to my children instead of life and I didn’t want to live anymore.

When I met my future husband (the first Pro-Lifer I have ever encountered), I was broken and fierce, anti-God and anti-life but he loved me anyways. With his support, I found the courage to face the truth: two children had died by my “choice” and I needed to grieve and deal with my emotions.

I have learned to forgive myself, those involved and to love again. I was restored and I came full circle. I gave birth to four children. I know that I’m where I’m supposed to be, the woman God intended me to be.

Behind a prickly post-choice woman, there is often a wound that needs to be healed, there is a lie that cries for truth, there is darkness that craves light. Being Pro-Life means not only supporting pregnant women but also listening to women who had an abortion and point to that healing, to that truth, to that light.

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This guest post was written by Béatrice Fedor who blogs at www.400wordsforwomen.com and speaks up for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. It is one of a series of guest posts, written by women who answered my question: What stirs your pro-LIFE heart?

I am One of the Faces of Abortion - My Face Looks Just Like Yours

The face of the pro-life movement is as varied as the stories of the people who advocate for life. Many of us have been personally touched with a story that shaped our lives - and our drive. The reason for my involvement and fervor is relatively easy to surmise. Having lived through being 14 and Pregnant, the issue was with me from my early teen years, throughout adulthood and into present time. Lately, I've been curious to find out what drives others. Through the blessing of electronic media, I've made so many pro-life friends and they all have amazing stories to tell. Below you will find one such story. Don't be surprised if this doesn't become a series of posts!

Emily's Story 

Hi there, my name is Emily. If you saw me, you’d never know. I look like anyone else.

That’s the thing about Abortion. It’s silent. It’s deadly. It’s a lie that preys on women. Women are told , "Your life will be better". "You are “getting rid of your problem”. “ But the problem is just beginning for them. And these women, they are your neighbors. They are in your churches. You just never know who has been hurt by this.

When Birgit asked me to participate I said yes. But I hate this topic. It is embarrassing and degrading and so sad for me. It is my cross to bear, this mistake I made 31 years ago (32 this November 10th)…. it forever changed me and made me who I am in many ways.

I am staunchly Pro-Life and against abortion because I lived it. I lived with the damage to my mind, body and soul. I live with the knowledge that what I did makes me a murderer. I know that I am forgiven. I know God forgave me long before I forgave myself. And so I speak out on this today because I AM ONE OF THE FACES OF ABORTION. My face looks just like yours.

I was 19. Roe Vs. Wade was only 9 years past. I can still tell you almost 32 years later everything that happened on November 10th, 1982. I’ll never forget it. I’ll never forget the smells and the people I met. The girl who was having her 5th abortion. The doctor who didn’t want to perform it on me because I was so hysterical. The people yelling murderer, instead of “can I help you change your mind?” The boyfriend who thought putting a stereo in my car would somehow make up for what I’d done (never mind that he was abusive). The fact that my dad said if I ever got pregnant he’d keep the baby and throw me out. He didn’t mean it, but I didn’t know that then. And the fact that I had to spend a week in the hospital fighting the infection from this choice I made.

I can’t forget it. I have to find a way to help others not make the same decision I did.

Last Summer, I went to Austin to testify in the ProLife fight against Wendy Williams and her ProAbortion stance. We were really fighting to pass prolife bills. But she made it all about her. She stated that she was representing Texas Women. But she would not let any of us ProLife women post on her FaceBook page. Um – we are Texans. Many are her constituents. Sigh.

Here is a blog post where I tell my story. I hope you will read it.

Blessings,
Emily

"I Love You Anyway" - When a Gay Friend Expects Approval

I have a friend. She struggles with same sex attraction (SSA). Today, she wrote another excellent post; this time addressing those who 'come out' and expect across the board approval. Take a look and you'll realize that it's acceptable, even demanded, to love our homosexual brethren - but not their actions toward these tendencies. Drawing the line at an active homosexual lifestyle is the proper Catholic Christian response. "I love you anyway"

"No, today Christians are expected to actively celebrate homosexuality or we’re branded a “hater” or “bigot.”" ~author

This excellent and Catholic approach to an SSA friend can be found here: An Open Letter to My Gay Sister

Leading by Example - Pope Francis Goes to Confession

In an amazing of act of leading by action, Pope Francis recently stunned parishioners and clergy by an unexpected act. After giving a sermon about the vital importance of the sacrament of confession, the Holy Father deviated from protocol and went to confession to an ordinary priest before taking his post as confessor. I can only imagine how the humble priest-confessor must have felt to come face to face with the Vicar of Christ at such an unexpected time. From the photos published about the event, we can see the confession was public and not the private confession customary for popes.  In his sermon before this act of humility, Pope Francis had said,

"Who can say he is not a sinner? Nobody. We all are.” 

His action showed that he is more than willing to lead by word and example. Now, who among us should not run, not walk, to the confessional? Lent is the perfect time to take on new, positive habits. Wouldn't we all be better off if we habitually examined our consciences and frequently confessed our sins? That is what I took away from this action on the part of our Holy Father. He is saying, by his actions, that we should do as he says and as he does.

For more on the story click here. To share the meme below on Facebook, click here.

Lifting the Veil...

onto my head

Note: I'm sharing this post of veiling discernment for Wear the Veil Day 2014 - in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. 

I have been contemplating wearing a chapel veil to Mass for a while now. At 54, I am just old enough to remember going to Catholic school and being instructed to cover my head by the religious sisters who taught us. My mother, sister and I also wore veils on Sundays. As with other traditions of our beautiful Catholic faith, this sign of reverence and humility was cast aside, however, when Vatican II was introduced to the people in the pew. While there were quite a number of good things that came from properly implementing this Church council, there were also some abuses from those who were attracted to the novelty of making changes for the sake of change. Some practices were mistakenly altered or eliminated while others were mistakenly (or blatantly) introduced. Examples of the former: some religious sisters stopped wearing their habits (and women their chapel veils) although there had been no official instruction to do so. Another was the total abandonment of abstaining from meat, without the substitution of another act of piety, on Fridays outside of the Lenten Season. The latter could be illustrated by 'feel good' homilies instead of firmly instructional ones and the introduction of holding hands during the Our Father - which is not in the Rubrics...ah, a topic for another time!

Similar to the calling I received from God before making the decision to homeschool, this latest whisper has been persistent even as it has been subtle. Little nudges in the form of blog posts, such as this one over at Catholic Sistas, brought that little niggling thought back to my consciousness time and time again. My adult daughter and I had casual conversations about veiling but still, I never felt strongly enough to commit. The final pull came from a very dear friend of mine with whom I had lost touch. We spent years together in the pro-life trenches. Poor health on her part forced a sort of 'retirement' from active duty. Her carefully researched and thought-out articles for newspapers and pro-life publications were treasure troves of information. Before Mary Lou says anything, she studiously pauses and makes sure only well thought out words come from her lips. I have tremendous respect for both her opinion and her research. When we ran into her at the 65th anniversary Mass of one of our priests, I commented about the chapel veil she was wearing. Her reply, simply stated, gave me the courage to strengthen my resolve.

Mary, the mother of God, covered her head as did many pious women throughout history. We are warned time and again by scripture about 1) prideful actions 2) blurring of lines between the genders 3) immodest attire and actions 4) submission to the Will of God. Armed with this re-enlightenment and after careful consideration, I gratefully accepted her offer of borrowing a veil from her and giving it a try. She told me that, once I began to veil, I would feel bare without it. My creative side won out, though, and so I found myself at the fabric store one day, purchasing lace and thread to make my own. On the ride home, my husband and I discussed the idea and challenged my reasoning. In the end, the decision was made. Along with my daughter and her two year old, I would begin to explore this tradition on Mother's Day.

Although I am still getting used to the practice, I find it unexpectedly calming. I feel more 'in tune' with what is happening at Mass. His presence is more vivid with this outward demonstration of my intent to 'let go and let God'. It will take a few more weeks for veiling to become a deeply entrenched habit but I am seeing the benefits. As for my little two-year old granddaughter, she is a natural. Quite an energetic and precocious little girl, it is surprising how she eagerly keeps her little veil in place. One Sunday, she actually resisted removing it after we left church. All in all, I am confident that the correct decision (for me) was made. I find veiling both humbling and comforting, each of which are welcome feelings. So from now on, I will lift the veil onto my head before I enter His house!

Scripture, a Priest, and Rush Limbaugh

Something a guest on the Rush Limbaugh program said yesterday resonated with me. To paraphrase, he opined that schools today seem to teach history in an emotional context rather than based on solid facts. Our children are fed the politically correct narrative of the day by appealing to their emotions rather than giving them the basic facts of what really happened. Of course, this is yet another effort at indoctrination and the reason more and more parents are taking the home education route.

I can see a correlation between this exchange and what often happens in our faith life. We, as humans, tend to be emotional creatures. Our feelings rank significantly in our decision making process and resulting actions. A wise priest once told me, ‘love is an act of Will, not a feeling’, and his simple, yet profound wisdom has stuck with me during times of confusion.

When I have trouble relating to the saints or our Blessed Mother, because they are out of sight in their heavenly glory, I remember those words. I turn my thoughts to the tangible example they have given us instead of waiting for an emotional rush of feelings. In my human weakness, it’s sometimes easier to smile at and hug every nun I run across, rather than love those who have gone before us – because in the nun’s appearance (habit) I see visual evidence of her spiritual path, while the saints are physically removed from this world.

If love is an act of Will, then it follows that faith can be as well. Turning to the Gospel of Mark, we see the story of the father of an afflicted son. He addresses, not a lack of faith, but a weakness of faith in his exchange with Jesus.

“And immediately the father of the boy crying out, with tears said: I do believe, Lord: help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24

Again and again we find those following Jesus asking for a tangible increase in faith.

“And the apostles said to the Lord: Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

We find then, that there are substantial benefits to looking to those who came before us and sacred scripture gives us steadfast guidance as well. If we are to follow the example of the saints and strengthen our faith (and love), we must make an act of Will. Relying on emotion when pursuing our eternal destination would only serve to belittle both the goal and the journey.

5 Fabulous Meatless Meals for Lent

As Lent begins, I'm reaching back into past Meatless Friday Posts, to share 5 of the my popular recipes. Follow the links below to get the details. Happy Lent, happy eating!

Garlic Alfredo Shrimp - An easy, creamy Alfredo sauce creates a tasty addition to seafood and broccoli. Bonus - this dish is also low carb!

Hearty Crock Pot Potato Soup - This crock pot recipe can be prepared ahead of time, yet accommodate busy families with varied schedules and eating times. Comfort food at its finest!

Quick 3 Ingredient Pasta Meal - Hmmmm...it's Friday and the troops are hungry, but I've simply been too busy to worry about cooking...that is until the rumbling bellies begin to sound! Here's a quick solution, using only have three ingredients.

Tantalizingly Tasty Tuna Salad - an easy, rich tuna salad that lends itself well to sandwiches or scooped onto a bed of lettuce. Packed full of veggies and other good things, this is kid friendly and healthy. It's also low carb, if served without bread.

Meatless Pierogies Stroganoff -  This recipe can be served over pasta, potatoes, or rice as well. Another tasty comfort food recipe sure to be a family favorite!

Check out another post about Lenten Devotion Projects for you and your kids.

Lent: Word of the Day - Distance

Our Ash Wednesday Mass and distribution of ashes was presided over by our bishop. Standing room only, it was a strong statement of commitment made by the people of our town. The customarily 30 minute noon/lunch Mass took almost an hour and a half, yet I didn't notice.

The beginning of Lent is usually like that for me - I get lost in the moment, inspired to take up this span of time in better service of Our Lord and His people. Some years, however, it begins to wear thin - sometimes quickly, sometimes half way in or toward the end. I pray for the grace to complete the race this year - it's a marathon, not a sprint. In realizing this, I hope to have the endurance to finish well.

During his homily, Bishop Medley reflected on two prominent words our Holy Father, Pope Francis seems to be bringing up most often. One of them is poverty. It's not just the material poverty of others, to whom we owe alms, it's the poverty we must take up when following Christ. Putting distance between ourselves and things of the world can be a very difficult thing to do. It may even seem impossible. Yet to strive for this distance, this poverty, is to live according to the teaching of Holy Mother Church.

We are often reminded we are in this world, not of this world. In order to find the motivation and longevity to endure through the Lenten Season, this will be a valuable theme. If we are able to distance ourselves from our wants, needs, temptations - we will find the poverty needed to die to self. This will be highly instrumental in our efforts to serve Our Lord and others on His behalf. In keeping with this purpose then, our ability to go the distance in our Lenten efforts relies on the distance we are able to put between ourselves and things of this world.

Happy 2nd day of Lent! May our journeys be fruitful!






Here are some useful links for your Lent:

Study the Gospel of Mark with Fr. Longnecker

Why I'm Not Leaving Facebook for Lent

Meatless Friday - 3 Ingredient Meal Your Family Will Love






I'd also like to share these Lenten devotional crafts for you and your family:


Stations of the Cross Craft

Easter Egg Rosary

My Lenten Journey

Stations of the Cross Craft and Devotional Tools for Kids

With Lent fast approaching, I've resurrected a couple of past Lenten crafts for kids from previous years. The EGG-straordinary Rosary Craft and Lenten Journey for Kids can be found in my most recent posts. This year I decided to create an easy to do (and use) Stations of the Cross craft for kids. There are several different ways you can use this craft, once it's completed. It could even be taken to church as a devotional tool for littles.

Stations of the Cross Craft Materials

• Stations of the Cross Stickers (mine came from Autum and were purchased from my local Catholic Goods Store). If you can't find them, you can print out the prayer sheet and cut from there.

• Mod Podge or other adhesive

• Rounded, flat bottomed glass 'jewels'

• Pen or pencil 

• Scissors

• Paint brush

• Prayer sheet - can be downloaded here.

Stations of the Cross Construction

• Trace outline of glass jewel onto each sticker and cut out.

• Using Mod Podge or spray adhesive and stick picture for each station onto bottom of a jewel.

• After they are dry, coat the bottom of each jewel with Mod Podge for a protective coating.

• Optional: use a hot glue gun to affix a magnet to the bottom of each Station.

• Print out the prayer sheet.

Using the Stations of the Cross Craft

• Give a brief explanation of the Stations of the Cross to your child(ren). 

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. 

• As each Station is announced, say "Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee. All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world". Genuflect when saying this prayer, if possible.

• Read the description next to each station as you come to it. 

• Instruct your child to place the corresponding jewel onto the appropriate square. In this way, the child will have a way to participate in 'traveling' the Way of the Cross with Jesus. 

• You might want to add a personalized comment to help your child(ren) understand how the trials of Jesus are relevant to your family and all people. You could come up with dialog for each one or some general ideas. E.g. See how mean they were to Jesus? How do you think He felt? How do you think we should treat others? If someone is mean to us, what should we do?

• Optional - laminate the prayer sheet.

• Optional - using Mod Podge or other adhesive, stick prayer sheet onto a metal cookie sheet and add magnets to the underside of the Stations of the Cross jewels. This would  allow this prayer tool to be a travel activity.

• Optional - adhere magnets to the underside of the jewels and place the prayer sheet on the refrigerator for an alternate magnetic version.

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Useful Links:


Some interesting history about the Stations of the Cross can be found here: http://credidimus.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/stations-of-the-cross/

A devotional aid for praying the Rosary with young children: http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2014/02/egg-straordinary-rosary-project-for-lent.html

A booklet for your child - to encourage good Lenten practices: http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-lenten-journey-for-kids.html

Print out the Stations of the Cross Craft Prayer Sheet 
http://tiny.cc/t9hybx

Designs by Birgit is a proud participant in the Keep Love in Lent linkup hosted by the following blogs. Please visit them for some awesome posts and an opportunity to link your own blog post.

Monica at Equipping Catholic Families

Equipping Catholic Families on Facebook

Chris at Campfires and Cleats

Campfires and Cleats on Facebook

Tina at Truly Rich Mom

Truly Rich Mom on Facebook

Tracy at A Slice of Smith Life  

A Slice of Smith Life on Facebook

Lisa at Home to 4 Kiddos

Home to 4 Kiddos on Facebook

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project for Lent

It's that time again - with Lent on the horizon - to reflect on how to observe this time of penance, alms giving, and prayer. As parents, grandparents, or godparents the little souls with whom we are entrusted come to mind. When I created this idea (a couple years ago), my babies were young (2 – 6). Now they are older but the ‘doing’ and ‘praying’ categories are still very relevant.

The resulting EGG-straordinary Rosary Project reinforces/teaches all of the prayers of the Rosary. Since most will know the basics (Sign of the Cross, Our Father and Hail Mary), even the very young will have a way to participate. Yet older children will be able to relate as well. Using the EGG-straordinary Rosary can be a transitional addition to their customary nighttime prayers – reciting a decade of the Rosary, while concentrating on a particular mystery each night.

This simple, inexpensive and effective craft combines reciting a nightly decade of the Rosary with some good actions and creativity thrown in for good measure:

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project Materials

• 
  
• 
  
• Colorful curling ribbon or pipe cleaners

• Paper and markers/crayons

• Tongue depressors or Popsicle sticks

• Glitter glue, puff paint, stickers or other embellishments

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project  Construction

• Plastic Easter Eggs (1 larger egg for the Our Father and 10 smaller eggs for the Hail Mary) 

• Thread pre-cut sections of pipe cleaner or small strips of ribbon through the holes on both ends of the small plastic Easter eggs, until you have a chain of 10. Tie a knot in the ribbon or bend a ‘knot’ into the pipe cleaner and hot glue inside each egg to secure.

• Add one larger Easter egg to your chain for the Our Father to complete the decade.

• For the cross, shorten one of the tongue depressors and then form into a cross shape. Secure with hot glue and embellish with a sticker, if desired.

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project Use

Say one decade of the Rosary each evening using your Easter Egg Rosary and add your offerings (good deeds, petitions, or coins) for that day. This is a good time to discuss behavior, sharing and giving.

• Chose a petition, good dead, or prayer for each member of the family and write/draw on a piece of paper.

• You could also have your little ones earn pennies to share with the poor.

• Place these papers or coins inside a plastic Easter egg.

• On the weekend you may choose to draw or color pictures depicting the mysteries you have prayed during the week and make a booklet to go along with your newly completed Rosary.

At the end of a 5 day week you will have said all five of the respective mysteries and by the end of 4 full weeks you will have said all 4 sets of mysteries…and the COMPLETE Rosary. You should now have corresponding booklets with pictures of the all 20 mysteries.

You may now move on to coloring pages of the Stations of the Cross as your activity. Continue to use the Rosary you have made for praying a decade every evening as a family, as is now your practice. Last year, 3-year old Simon and 1-year old Rachel learned all of their rosary prayers this way. The family developed a nightly rosary ‘habit’.

On the evening before Easter Sunday, parents may wish to fill each egg with a treat or surprise and then hide the eggs for the traditional Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Or you could keep them intact and still fill with treats. Your kids will have had a chance to count down the 40 days and reap a reward for their patience and efforts, seeing a tangible result! Hopefully you will also have enhanced your family prayer habits. God bless you…and may we all have a fruitful Lent.

Let us all pray for one another!

Here are some links to coloring pages for use with your EGG-straordinary Rosary Project for Lent:


Stations of the Cross coloring pages for all of the stations.


Catholic Rosary coloring pages to print. Includes Luminous Mysteries and much more!

Catholic Rosary Diagram page to color.
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Sign of the Cross diagram and coloring page.
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Our Father – prayer coloring sheet.
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Hail Mary – prayer coloring page.

You may also like My Lenten Journey project pictured here -->.

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*Note: you could also do the above project using a paper chain much like those that are made during Advent to adorn your Christmas tree. Each ‘link’ in the chain could be a Hail Mary and a larger ‘link’ could be added for the Our Father. You could write on the slips of paper before creating the links.

5 Reasons I'm Not Leaving Facebook

There's much justified outrage about Facebook's new gender definitions - all 56 of them. For this social network to consult the LBGT community to help create these imaginary, sordid compartments for people - and to pretend it's all normal - is a disgusting new facet of an already far left (to the point of falling over the proverbial cliff) leaning company. The reactions have been swift and decisive. Many good, Christian people are once again discerning whether or not to stay with Facebook.

On the surface, the  decision seems rather obvious. After all, Facebook is not a necessity. Unlike utilities, corporations, food suppliers, and a myriad of other necessary businesses, Facebook is optional entertainment. Right? It may be an entertaining method of networking and socializing, but it's not vital to our lives. I find myself in a quandary, however, about leaving. After much discussion - on Facebook, of course - I've come to conclusion that I will remain. Here's why:

1). The way I see it, sometimes when on Facebook or in the comboxes, we're in the gutter with the poor, hopeless sinners. We minister to them by sharing the Gospel. If we don't go where they are, how would we ever encounter them IRL (in real life)? I see Facebook, if used properly, as a powerful tool for evangelization.

2). I won't leave, because by remaining I may have the opportunity to sustain others, who have similar missions. The Gospel message is validated, in the minds of others, the more it is shared. The Word of God becomes more widespread the more of us who continue to share it. There's too much work to be done and electronic media has been encouraged by the Holy Father. 

3.) I've personally seen much good come out of dabbling in Facebook ministry - both in strengthening faith and in promoting a Culture of Life. With our help, people are getting braver about posting things they were formerly unwilling to share. I've seen the fruit of this with people I know in real life, just this week. We are the tide and it's turning.

4.) Sometimes it's difficult to be out in the evangelizing trenches - even in cyberspace. Sharing the burden with like-minded souls, eases the strain a bit. When I begin to feel alone in a world run amok, I find my compatriots to be a soothing balm of faith. It helps me to realize that I am a part of the Church Militant, battling for the glory of God.

5.) We have the option of using Facebook to our own purposes. With a fully formed conscience and purity of objective, we are able to discard the objectionable and use the good to the advantage of Faith. One thing I plan to do is to cut down on the entertainment aspect of Facebook - especially for Lent. 

I realize this is a very personal decision and certainly don't begrudge those who have come to a different conclusion. These five points simply represent my own decision-making process - discerning and praying to make the right decision for me. We all have different callings and differing talents to share. If some of my friends make a different decision, I will wish them well, pray for them, and miss our collaboration. Onward Christian Soldiers, whatever path you choose!

Case in point regarding #4. Just as some discussions over this post were heating up, one of my friends posted this: 

"I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him."-- St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Sanctity of Life Sunday - 2 Sides of the Abortion Coin

In keeping with Sanctity of Life Sunday I have two stories to share. One will make you weep and the other will melt your heart. They are the opposite sides to the abortion coin.

Horrifying Pro-Abortion Expose'

Provided by LiveActionFilms comes this horrifying expose of the inner workings of an abortion mill and their warped sense of life in the womb. While we don't hear anything we didn't already know, it's still chilling to hear the extent to which the Culture of Death crowd will go to fool a woman into having her child killed.

I Literally Couldn’t Believe What I Was Hearing. No Woman Should Have This Conversation with a Doctor. This Hidden Camera Proves it.

Heartwarming Pro-Life Story

On the other side of the coin, we see how a Teen Who Survived (a) Botched Abortion (is) Now a Successful Wrestler. In this heart warming story we see a child, equally unwanted in the beginning, beat the odds by surviving abortion and living a fulfilling an inspirational life. All this, despite his lack of complete limbs!

As much as the pro-abortion movement wants to dispel it, the truth is that life is the only choice. No human has the right to end the life of another - and no baby should die at the altar of convenience, fear, and coercion.

This St. Valentine's Day, Accept God's Gift of Life

We've come to expect a brazen attitude when it comes to Planned Parenthood and the Culture of Death. Not one to disappoint, PP CEO Cecile Richards is touting 'safe and legal abortion' this St. Valentine's Day - as what women want and need. Of course we know, the St. Valentines' (all three of them) tale - after which this day is modeled - is about love.

As the Bible tells us in St. Matthew's Gospel, second only to our love of God, is His command that we love of others as we love ourselves. So if love is a sacrificial giving of self, how can abortion possibly figure in? Abortion is not about love, it's about selfishness - a selfishness so great that one would kill another for their own convenience. Granted, there are also women who feel abortion is their only option and we owe them love as well. Yet, wouldn't it be much more fitting to give these abandoned, desperate women a loving hand?

As the flowers, candies, and dinners abundantly flow on this day dedicated to the love of another, let's remember those who are in dire straits. As an act of love, let's resolve to make life better for someone whose life is not so rosy. Let's pray for babies and mothers and fathers, who need our love and assistance. We can give of ourselves and demonstrate that we, the Faithful, understand the true meaning of love.

"You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." —1 Cor 6:19-20

14 and Pregnant - Is My Life Ruined?

It never occurred to me that the cute 16 year old guy down the street had a violent side. At 14, my string bean figure had become a bit curvier, yet my biggest passion was riding my pony (bareback) through our little town. We lived a lifestyle typical to those days in the early 70’s: get up, do chores, and then run with friends until the porch lights came on. It was an idyllic, carefree time – safe to ride bikes, do flips in the front yard, and wander from one neighbor’s house to the other.

Then something happened that would shatter the innocence of my girlhood. That cute guy became aggressive, sexually, and my world turned upside-down. It would be a few weeks later that my mother, alerted by gossip, verbalized her inconceivable fear.

“People are saying you’re pregnant”, she murmured.

For weeks she’d worried about my stomach ‘flu’. Nothing would stay down and my adolescent form became skinnier.

“Well, maybe I am”, I mumbled quickly.

Verbalizing my fear at that moment made the situation all too real. My mother, stunned, fell to the floor in front of her bubbling pot of soup. We cried, hugged, and tried to make sense of the unthinkable. The unreciprocated advances of the neighborhood boy had resulted in a baby.

A B O R T I O N:

All this transpired during the days of the infamous Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton cases. The topic of abortion was being discussed and the laws were on the cusp of being handed down. The common rationalizations in support of abortion were many. They still are. We'd heard them all, but there was one that was even more unthinkable:

  “What about the rape/incest exception?”

And now it had hit home. Should a girl really carry her attacker’s child? For this irrevocably Catholic family there was only one answer, ‘yes’! After all, why punish the child for his father’s crime? Wouldn't that just create another victim? That child had committed no crime, had been convicted by no jury. To give him a death sentence would be the height of injustice. But, but, but…

“Wouldn’t the girl’s life come to a screeching halt, with no chance of a future?”

In a nutshell, the answer was no! The ensuing months became a blur, yet time stood still.  Although my early high school life changed, it continued. Now there was a ‘homebound’ teacher and an algebra tutor. Time, however, marched on and adjustments were made. This wasn't an era of ‘baby mommas’ and ‘baby daddies’, this was a more sheltered time and after a while we began to attend Mass in a neighboring town.

‘The time’ came in early summer and a kind-faced nurse kept me somewhat calm by talking about mundane things – like my nice tan. Then there he was – a blue eyed bundle of around 7 pounds. They laid him in my lap and I timidly poked at him – counted the fingers and toes, because that’s what was expected, and then quickly rebundled him.

At home again, life continued with my sisters and a little wooden cradle holding ‘him’. My parents had stepped up in and chosen the loving option of adopting this child of mine.  He was lovingly added to our brood even though my mother was 4 months pregnant at the time of his birth. This was our Catholic faith in action!

The blue-eyed angel grew up knowing I was ‘special’ and about his adoption, even before he knew what that meant, because my parents wanted him to know the truth from the beginning. ‘The Boys’, as we called them, grew up together as brothers with a bond that grew stronger and matured with adulthood. Our little family of 7 resumed our idyllic life in our small town and acceptance was regained from most. The whispers would always be there but we all grew accustomed to them. We circled the wagons around our family and our Catholic faith.

Life Resumes

That next fall, I returned to high school. Then, during the summer of my sixteenth year, I met a young man whom my mother trusted. He was the first one I was allowed to date. We became quite the pair and were soon ‘going steady'. Another reminder of 'that time' would come when we parked in a quiet meadow and I told him my story. He had heard the murmurs but I needed to tell him myself – that it wasn't quite the way it was portrayed in some circles. To my surprise and joy he accepted my tale with a loving calm! He was not in tune with the naysayers, his heart was his own – and mine!

We married Thanksgiving weekend of my senior year, with the blessing of our parish priest. Our high school courtship had remained a chaste one – by our mutual agreement. After our wedding we approached my parents and asked if we could adopt the little one – now three years old. My mother’s answer was an unequivocal ‘NO’! She explained that he was now her baby and she simply could not give him up. We did, however, have ‘The Boys’ over quite a bit. They became our ‘practice kids’ in those early years.

That fall, after having graduated from high school, I began my college life and remained on track to graduate on time. In what seemed like no time at all I found myself in my senior year of college – I was also pregnant with our first child! Our son was born before I walked the stage to receive my diploma.

Life and Love Marches On!

Since that time many things have happened. After graduation with a BA in Art my various jobs have included Art Teacher, Office Manager and Catholic Book Store Manager as well as a Field Representative for a pro-life US Congressman. In the pro-life realm I have been an Executive Director of Right to Life of Owensboro (twice), served as Newsletter Editor and Board Member of several pro-life groups,. My life has been full and fulfilling. I tell you these things, not to brag about my credentials, but to enforce the point that your life is never over – no matter what cards you are dealt.

During our 39 years of marriage, my husband and I have had three children and married off two of them. We have welcomed 5 grandchildren – gifts from their happy marriages. The two children born to my ‘special brother’ and his wife, round out our total of seven grandchildren. They are all 9 years old and younger. I am Godmother to all seven of these angels and we are quite the tight-knit bunch. Life (and Love) prevailed and has come full circle. Contrary to being ‘ruined’, I can honestly say that my 56 years on this earth have truly been blessed!

Note: the fruit of all of my pro-LIFE fervor manifests itself in the pro-LIFE memes I create. Check out my album and fan page at Designs by Birgit on Facebook. 

The Grammys, Sex, and Satan - For God's Sake, Just Buy a CD!

Watching an Amish documentary last Sunday, I heard the following exchange:

One individual of a busload of visitors to Amish Country addressed an Amish gentleman, "So what's the difference between you Amish and us 'English'?"

The Amish gentleman replied, "How many of you own televisions?" The hands of all tourists went up.

He then added, "How many of you are distressed with what is often seen on television?" Again all hands up.

Next he asked, "How many of you will go home and get rid of your televisions?" No hands went up.

His final comment was, "That's the difference between the Amish and the English!"

This simple, painful observation was made even more relevant when reports of the 2014 Grammys surfaced. Apparently this year's Grammys featured 1) a mass wedding ceremony performed - including both gay and straight couples - by Queen Latifah, a performer.  2) a risque duet by Beyonce and Jay-Z and 3) a Satanic performance by Katy Perry. Remind me again why anyone watches an orgy of perversion such as this? An answer might be revealed in Matthew Kelly's, Rediscover Catholicism, “Our culture places a very high premium on self-expression, but is relatively disinterested in producing "selves" that are worth expressing.” 

So, many do watch - repeatedly - even as the performances sink to ever lower levels. Sadly, members of these faithful audiences are enablers. Because these train wrecks (disguised as entertainment) continue to be watched, they will persist in their downward spiral. For God's sake, buy a CD or something! Why continue to expose ourselves to filth, in an effort to see a small bit of entertainment?

My late mother used to tell a story about a mom, worried about her older children's movie viewing habits. Each time she voiced her objections to some of the vile content in their movie selections, the kids would say, "There's only a little bit of (language, sex, or gratuitous violence) in them; the rest of the movie is really good. Undaunted, she made brownies for the next movie night. After everyone had heartily eaten the delicious confection, the mother announced that one of the ingredients was dog poo. Outraged, the children exclaimed, 'how could you feed us such a thing?' to which she replied, 'but there was only a little bit of dog poo in them, the rest of the ingredients were top quality and delicious".  Point made! No?

In a recent Tweet, Pope Francis shared some thoughts as well, "Young people, let us not be satisfied w/mediocre life. Be amazed by what is true, beautiful, what is of God". 

pic.twitter.com/uLCi9XJRtX

A part of the problem seems to lie with each individual's mistaken impression that personal actions have no impact on the larger picture. There is a deficit of those willing to hold out for the exceptional – of not settling for the mediocre or worse. In truth, each of us makes a huge difference - one person at a time. And what we do has a ripple effect - for good or for evil. There are consequences in either case. Support these intrinsic evil acts by visual support and others follow. The titillation of shock and outraged discussions will fuel the curious and innocent alike – resulting in patronage of these lowest of entertaining elements. 

On the other hand, those who resist the temptation will have a positive impact. One of my friends had set her DVR for later viewing of the Grammys – planning to fast-forward to only those artists of whom she was a fan. After some discussion, she honored her husband's request, erasing the entire recording. As a couple, they came to the realization that most of the content was an open attack on conservative and Christian values. Allowing even a portion of The Grammys was not a compromise they were willing to make on their deeply held beliefs. Here was an example of one couple, sharing their discernment on Facebook and having a positive impact. 

Realizations such as this may be coming to more and more people (we pray). In reference to the Grammys, former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron Tweeted to his followers, “Is it just me or are some of the Grammy performances so far…really demonic?? Looks like there is a lot of evil in the world…” Yes, indeed, and isn't it time we all took notice?

The Grammys, Sex, and Satan - For God's Sake, Just Buy a CD! was first published at Catholic Stand.

Sanctity of Life Sunday - Leaving the Results to God

As passionate pro-life people, we often find ourselves frustrated when our efforts don't reap measurable results. It's understandable, yet misguided, to weight our pro-life work in this way. The truth is, it's our responsibility to give our best effort to sharing the Gospel of Life, but the results belong to God. Not only do the results belong to God, they belong to Him in His time. As workers in his vineyard, we owe our best toil on behalf of our unborn brethren - informing, praying, loving - with that, our responsibility is to hand the matter over to God. To do otherwise would be to suffer from the sin of pride.