Two Veterans Riveting True Stories

Kevin and I both have a number of family members and friends who have served in the armed forces over the years. We would like to thank all of them for their dedication to serving and protecting our country.

FEARLESS

This past summer I read a very powerful book I believe all military personnel and their families and friends will want to put towards the top of their readings lists.  Fearless is a full-throttle, no holding back, breakneck-paced true story of Navy SEAL Adam Brown. Ever since his childhood, Adam Brown was a risk taker who loved pushing the limits. This engaging account of his life is nothing short of breathtaking, earth-changing, and absolutely miraculous.

     
Eric Blehm, New York Times Best-selling Author of The Only Thing Worth Dying For, has masterfully illustrated and expressed the fascinating trials, triumphs, tribulations, and turmoil that defined a man hardwired with a mission to give everything he had and was in mind, body, and spirit in service to his country, his family, and his comrades.  To read my full book review, click here.

    
To listen to the song Fearless by Mark Dowdy, click here.   

The Shadow of His Wings

     
I read The Shadow of His Wings after hearing a friend sing its praises time and again. Though I’m not one to read many tomes that are predominantly about war, I took exception to this story and am grateful I did. Never before have I read about such profound faith being lived out in such unbelievable ways in the midst of a soldier in the midst of battle…

     
There were times when reading that I laughed aloud at the complete and utter audacity of this priest/soldier/nurse. Though steadfast in faith, boldly outspoken, and extremely courageous, even this man was amazed by how prayer and intercession made the impossible possible when it came to a number of circumstances. His journey to priesthood is not by any stretch of the imagination normal, nor are the ways he lives out his call to be a man of the cloth once he does finally get ordained.
     
Among my favorite examples of his unorthodox approach has to be when he held a bishop at gunpoint who failed to believe he was a priest and honestly wanted to be let into the church to obtain Communion, so he could bring it to his comrades on the battlefield. The minute the bishop concedes, the first thing Fr. Gereon Goldmann wants to do is have the bishop hear his Confession.    
     
Not only did this man dodge bullets to save soldiers physically and/or spiritually, but he also reserved using his weapon in order to gain access to the sacraments. He is a remarkable role model of faith fine-tuned in some of the most horrible circumstances. His missionary work after the war proves God had miracles upon miracles to bring about through this man dedicated to doing God’s will at all costs. I hope Fr. Gereon Goldmann’s life and service to God will be studied and that he will be considered for sainthood.

On Our Minds, In Our Prayers

     
The following is an excerpt from a letter I wrote to a dear family friend before he left for Afghanistan:  “Many times it is much easier for me to see Christ in others than it is to see and accept that He dwells within me, too.  There is a quote by Henri Nouwen that perfectly sums this up: “You are here for just a short time...to discover and believe that you are a beloved child of God."

As I’ve been praying for you this week, it’s come to me to remind you that first and foremost you are a beloved son of God.  Your service and submission to the Lord will always be most important in life wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.  God the Father, the Blessed Mother, and Jesus Christ are the only ones who will be with you wherever you go, who will never leave you, never give up on you, and never stop loving you. 

     
My guess is that some of the hardest battles you’ve fought and things you’ve been through have come from your own thoughts and feelings, most often, the lies you’ve believed about God, yourself, and others.  I know I’ve often been my own worst enemy.  Stay close to the Lord.  He will guide you even in what seems to be your darkest hour.  Don’t forget that even more important than your fidelity and service to the US Military is your role as a child of God put on this Earth to be and do things no one else can. 
     
God can take any situation, any place, any group of people, and any circumstances and use them to help you become the best version of yourself.  You never have been and never will be the “property” of the US government.  They have you on loan from the Lord.  Keep God at the center, and everything will come together.  That’s not to say there won’t be suffering, pain, and struggles, but it is to say that God’s Love, mercy, forgiveness, Truth, and peace will prevail.”

Follow-up note: We are very grateful that this friend has since returned safe and sound to the United States from his deployment.   

My Prayer for Veterans and Their Families: May God bless all those who are mourning the loss of loved ones and may He protect all of those who are in harm's way, and give their families courage to continue on.
     
Lord, guide us closer to You in all areas of our lives. Help us not lose hope no matter what situation we find ourselves in or how severely we are tested in mind, body, and/or spirit. Jesus, we trust in You. Amen. 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 59)

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What do you want of me? This past Monday, amazing playwright, actress, director Michele Morris performed her own original play about Saint Teresa of Avila called "Teresita."  It was a rip-roaring success on all accounts!  I will be writing a review and posting it soon and very soon.  In the meantime, for more information, to book a performance at your church, school, or community center, click here.

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Out of Africa, Burkina Faso My youngest sister Theresa is currently in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa for a dance festival.  Here’s the awesome promo video for the Ouagadougou Dance and Drum study abroad program to Burkina Faso, West Africa through The Department of Dance at The Ohio State University and the Baker and Tarpaga Dance Project:

     This video was made before Theresa went, but I really hope I’ll get to see some of what she learned when she gets back whether it's in person or over Youtube.  I would absolutely love to have such an amazing opportunity as to travel to Africa to learn from them about their music and dance.  What passion and power! 

     Please join me in praying that Theresa and her friends will remain healthy and draw closer to the Lord of all Dance during their time in Africa.

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Beatles’ Musical Review This week I’ve been the assistant for Freestyle Dance and Performance Camp.  I’ve had seven certain Beatles’ songs stuck in my head that we’ve listened to over and over.  We’ve had fun singing, dancing, working on choreography, play acting with props, and preparing for our show for the school Friday morning.  We had a terrific dress rehearsal Thursday, so I just know it’s going to be a memorable performance!

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Back to the office This past Thursday was the last day of Jess’s maternity leave.  Today she goes back to the office.  Please pray for Jess and their family as she makes this transition back into the business world while continuing her fulltime/lifelong vocations as wife and mother.       

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Kevin’s birthday We celebrated by incorporating some of my husband’s favorite things into the evening.  I went and got the motorcycle pants he’d ordered from the Honda House, then I picked him up from work since his car’s AC doesn’t work well, and there was a heat index of 110.  We went to Mass, had a yummy dinner at Famous Dave’s, and got to sing Happy Birthday three times.  The third time was for Kevin.  Apparently it’s a popular place to celebrate.  Later we played some dominoes and Kevin looked at the many Facebook messages left by family and friends. (This is noteworthy since my hubby signs onto FB about once a year.) 

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Pimp My Ride Back in September 2006, Kevin made his Cursillo weekend with a gentleman named Ed Lambert who was in his 80s at the time.  Everyone went into hysterics when Ed was overheard telling a story he’d watched on the popular TV show Pimp My Ride.  At the age of 91, Ed went home to the Lord this week.  Pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for the many loved ones he left behind, especially Brady and Clay.  

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I just called to say… I’m thinking of you.  I love you.  I miss you.  These are all nice things to hear.  This week John, our beloved brother in Christ, called from Europe to see how we are doing and give us an update on his travels.  Kevin and I both mentioned how great it was to hear his voice and touch base even if only for a little while.  One afternoon this week, my dear friend/sister in Christ Laura called just to see how things were going.  It made such a difference in my day that she took the time to reach out and cared enough to call.  Lord, please help us be open to the seemingly little ways that we can show others love, compassion, and affection, because through them we do, indeed, glorify You.

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Into the Habit, Out of the Convent, Back on the Stage: Danielle Rose

     
I honestly never thought I would get the opportunity to meet Danielle Rose or see her perform live.  She’s been around the world performing, and had already produced three truly inspirational CDs when a Cursillo friend got me hooked on her music. 

     
A couple years ago, not long after I’d become a fan of Danielle Rose, she discerned God was calling her to enter a cloistered convent.  Her last album before entering the convent to continue discerning her vocation titled Pursue Me is heavily inspired by her ongoing desire to do God’s Will in her life.  A number of songs on the album express her openness to becoming a consecrated religious if that’s where the Lord wanted her.

     
So how is it that Kevin and I picked her up from Richmond airport and spent a lovely evening with her tonight?  Our God is an awesome God whose thoughts and plans are so far above ours…

As Danielle shared in her interview Wednesday evening, September 7, 2011, on EWTN’s Faith and Culture Episode 2: “Music and the New Evangelization,” in her ongoing discernment of the Lord’s Will for her life, she and the religious community she had entered were both led to the answer that Danielle was to return to her vocation as a music missionary. 
  
Her story and faith journey are quite beautiful displays of the Lord’s love, His perfect timing, and the grace with which He fills those who submit entirely to His Will.  Through prayerful discernment, she’s gotten into the habit of seeking the Lord’s Will first, and submitting to it completely, though He continues to challenge her day-by-day.
     
Having finally met her in person, I can best describe her as a joy-filled sweetheart.  Danielle has an amazing ability not many possess to listen carefully and attentively to others and truly be enthusiastic about the ways the Lord has worked and is working in the lives of other people. 
     
I wasn’t sure I could possibly be any more excited about her coming to our very own parish to do two free concerts this weekend, but apparently I can.  I am beyond thrilled that the Lord has seen fit to bless us with her presence.  I hope you’ll join us if you’re in the area!  

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 14)

 

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Havoc wreaked by Hurricane Irene is still blatantly obvious all over the city.  Enormous trees with roots the length of an SUV have fallen, pulling up sidewalks, destroying cars, damaging houses, and taking down power lines nearby.  Driving has been more dangerous than usual, not only because there are fallen trees, huge branches, sticks everywhere, but also because a very high number of traffic signals aren’t working.  Some have handled the four-way stop when the lights are working procedure better than others.  Many have been without power for days.  Kevin and I were very fortunate in that we lost power for only 12 hours or so from Saturday night to Sunday morning.

Here's a picture of one of the six trees down across from where my grandma lives.  She's in the forefront out examining the damage with my mom.

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Everybody cut footloose! After having to wear a large soft boot for numerous weeks this summer so the micro-fractures in my husband’s feet would be given a better chance to feel, the doctor told him Monday that he no longer needs to wear the big black boot.  This is, of course, good news, but while Kevin learns to walk normally on both of his feet again, it may seem rather odd to passersby.  If not purposeful in the steps he takes, Kevin is liable to end up walking around in circles.  My husband doesn’t drink, but at this point in his reclamation, he’d have a hard time walking a straight line as part of a field sobriety test.  Let’s just hope he doesn’t get caught by some security guard watching him weave in and out of cars in the parking lot at work.   

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Lose the attitude.  I made the following comment after reading Matthew Archbold’s recent blog post “You Can Never Afford Them” about children, sarcasm, and God’s grace:  “As another person who has quite a bit of experience being a smart aleck, I commend you for accepting God's grace to hold your tongue when Mr. Collar was so clearly asking for a fight or intellectual discourse with a rather sarcastic tone.  It's so true that we don't know what people are thinking and going through beneath the surface, especially if we are so quick with the quips that we never give them a chance to open up and speak what's really on their hearts and minds.”

 

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What songs are stuck in your head?  I like to listen to a variety of different music.  A question my husband posed to me the other day got me thinking about some of what I listen to these days and in years past.  He asked, “Would God approve of all of the music you dance to?”  My honest answer would have to be no.  Some of it, I’m fairly certain He’s not happy with.  I don’t think God approves of any music that is degrading to women, advocates using drugs, extreme violence, promotes a culture of death, is self-centered and sin-based, so some of the popular songs that have a good dance beat would not be God-sanctioned.  

Sometimes I’m really horrified by the lyrics that pop into my head from songs I’ve heard recently or those that I listened to over and over again in my youth.  Embarrassing as it is, I can still recite lyrics from a whole lot of songs that are devoted to nothing other than the seductive qualities of a woman’s backside.  What does this mean?  I’ve still got a long ways to go when it comes to sanctification and holiness.  There are more and more ways that I am being called to select music, TV shows, movies, books, etc. which glorify God and/or at the very least don’t undermine human dignity.  Whomp, there it is!

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Walk it out.  A friend of mine from Cursillo, Lynn DiChristina has set a goal of getting ten people to walk with her to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  As the NAMI Walks website explains: “In 2011, thousands of concerned citizens in over 80 communities across the nation will walk together to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness.”  To find a NAMI Walk in your area, click here. 

If you live in the Virginia area, please click this link and prayerfully consider signing up to walk with the Helpful Hearts team led by Lynn and her family on Saturday, October 8, 2011.  

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Gimme a break!  I’m very grateful that the Lord is gentle, patient, and kind to all of us.  Goodness knows, I need a break from me, at times, but I’m glad He doesn’t take one.  I can be so flipping self-centered.  I argue with Him about things that He’d prefer I just accept with gratitude rather than tell Him what He already knows, that I don’t deserve the blessings, love, and mercy extended to me.  I get more worked up over things that in the big picture, and definitely in the realm of eternity, are really quite insignificant than I do some aspects of life and examples of injustice that should make my blood boil.  I poke, prod, beg, plead, complain, and whine about suffering, much of which is caused by my own pride and sinfulness.  Lord, thanks for loving me unconditionally especially when everyone around, including me, can see all the reasons why your limitless love and boundless mercy shouldn’t apply to me.       

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Rummage Sale: All proceeds benefit parish in Haiti!   Clean out your closets and unclutter your living space.  Donations are needed of gently used items to sell: toys, housewares, vases, knickknacks, books, clothing, linens, sporting goods, baby items…etc. 

Please drop off donated items at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on Thursday September 8 from noon-8:00pm and Friday September 9 from 9:00am-3:00pm.

Saturday, September 10 come back from 7:00am-12:00pm noon to get great buys on a wide variety of items!

    

Check out Jennifer Fulwiler’s 7 Quick Takes Friday series and her award-winning blog Conversion Diary.

Danielle Rose LIVE IN CONCERT

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SINGERS/ SONGWRITERS IS COMING TO DO A CONCERT THIS SEPTEMBER!!  Danielle Rose is coming to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church to do two concerts: one on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, at 7:30 pm and the other Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at 7:30 pm.  Once you listen to her music you will undoubtedly agree that Danielle Rose has been open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit working in and through her in many ways.  

One of her greatest gifts has been that of her complete devotion to carrying out God’s will for her life.  She has produced beautiful music, songs to inspire the hearts and minds of us all so that we know that we are wonderfully and fearfully made by the Lord.  She rejoices in the Lord’s abundant blessings of compassion, joy, peace, forgiveness, mercy, love, guidance, wisdom, and Truth. 

     
Few modern singers/songwriters have expressed the Truth of the Gospel and the beauty of Catholic beliefs in a manner so inviting as this amazing performer has.  Her lyrics are thoughtful, divinely inspired reflections on Christ’s life, love, and legacy.  She masters varying styles of music and tailor fits each one perfectly to the tone and spiritual subjects of each one of her songs.

     
For many years, I have found that Christian music has been one of the essential elements in carrying me through the tough times and celebrating the joyful ones.  I’ve found that some of what is experienced in Christ’s suffering, Passion, Resurrection, and Glory is best expressed through soulful music with carefully written lyrics that are a jubilee of Scripture and powerful illustrations of human emotions.

     
Danielle Rose is certainly glorifying the Lord and has submitted to serving Him through music.  I’ve been able to identify with these songs on a deep level.  I have found that I have often come to contemplate the words during and as part of my quiet prayer time, and as a way of offering encouragement, hope, and compassion to others.

     
In a culture concentrated on pleasure, sin, pride, self-centeredness, and death, Danielle Rose is a model of how self-sacrifice, pleasing the Lord, humility, and unwavering devotion to God’s Will are the keys to present peace and Eternal happiness.
     
Read Danielle's Bio, listen to some of her music. You won't want to miss this; trust me!

Dion The Wanderer Talks Truth

Dion -- The Wanderer Talks Truth is a great read I heard about through a God-incident.  When we took our best friend/brother John to the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart a couple weeks ago, he got some books at the gift shop.  He picked up a copy of this one for his sister, who is really into music and loves Dion.  None of us had realized Dion is Catholic. 

     
I selected Dion -- The Wanderer Talks Truth to review so I could talk about it with John’s sister, who also loves to read, and because it’s sort of off-the-beaten-path from what I usually select.    

     
Dion’s amazing journey to stardom includes the blues, those in his own life and those that inspired his music.  He got caught up for a number of years in the pop music artists’ traditional mélange of: alcohol, drugs, and Rock and Roll.  Throughout his life, Dion had some very strong influences on his music, many people who stood up and out with him from his Bronx neighborhood and the international music scene, and the support of someone I can only assume from his description of her is a remarkable woman, his teenage sweetheart/wife, Susan.  It’s always encouraging to hear of a couple who’s remained together through some tough times and come out stronger on the other side.  It’s nothing short of inspiring to learn of a Rock and Roll legend who’s realized God needs to be at the center of his life, someone who is still very much in love with his wife and proud of his three daughters.   

Two interesting facts I learned from the book that I bet many would get wrong if playing Rock and Roll trivia are: 1. “The Wanderer” is not a song written about Dion himself, and 2. “Runaround Sue” wasn’t written about his lovely wife.  The musicians did have a female from their town in mind when they wrote the song, but they changed the name of the girl to protect the guilty and provide them with a name which was easy to fit into many rhymes.      

    
In a thoroughly fascinating, often humorous way, Dion describes his roundabout adventure back to the Catholic Church.  From the priest in his neighborhood who would shout out questions to him about virtue and morality from across the street to his discovery of the Bible and subsequent interest in St. Augustine, the Holy Spirit kept bringing him closer to the heart and soul of all creation, the God who is Love and Truth.  

     
My husband’s more of the music historian of the two of us, so I was pleasantly surprised to find out what Kevin would probably have already known: a number of Dion’s songs have been extremely popular and are easily identifiable to people from many different generations, including mine. 

     
The only thing I could think of that would have made reading this book even more enjoyable would be if I’d had some of Dion’s greatest hits on-hand to play.  Of course, he mentions a number of his songs and even includes some of the lyrics in the book.  Okay, so maybe there’s one more thing that would enhance the experience: I’d love to meet his wife Susan.  She sounds like a very strong, faithful wife the caliber of which not many Rock and Roll stars have had by their side, ever and/or certainly not since their youth. 

     
I highly recommend this read for music buffs, those who have fallen away from the Church, and anyone who enjoys a good story told with humor and honesty.         

     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Dion -- The Wanderer Talks Truth. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Wegmans Concerts By the Shore

       For the past twenty-seven years, they’ve held Wednesday evening Wegmans Concerts By the Shore at Charlotte (pronounced without the “r” because they have some strange ways of saying things up here) Beach.  A while back when Kevin and I were dating, we rode bikes down there on a Wednesday night to hear the free concert.  I remember we slow-danced to “Unforgettable.”

The House You're Building

 

     I’ve been playing and singing along with The House You’re Building by Audrey Assad practically non-stop when I've been in the car since our favorite brother in Christ introduced me to the album and artist a couple weeks ago.  For a number of years, I’ve found that I’m deeply moved by music that is well-written, contains a Christian message, and is beautifully performed.  Assad’s first album which debuted last summer fits all three of those qualities which describe most of my favorite music. 

    This singer/songwriter combines contemplative lyrics with magnificent melodies to produce songs that will make you think, sing aloud, and thereby pray twice to the Lord.  Assad’s Pop/Contemporary style and voice are appealing to me because both seem to carry with them a depth reminiscent of

Already There - Letting God Find You

Sometimes it’s wonderfully satisfying to be proven wrong. This was one of those times. To be honest, when I chose Already There - Letting God Find You based on the title and brief summary listed on the website, I assumed the “weird” connections the author makes between spiritual/religious things and pop culture might be corny and rather loose, but still moderately effective in getting the attention of young adults more steeped in modern culture than the Catholic faith tradition.
    
My assumption was completely wrong. Not only are the connections between pop culture and spirituality/fundamentals of the human condition
well thought out and thoroughly explained, but they also serve as profound models of basic human truths, needs, and longings evident throughout the Bible.    
    
It is truly a God-incident that I chose this book and began reading it when I did, as I’ve spent quite a bit of time recently looking at how my past experiences have in many ways created and/or contributed to my current fears when it comes to being vulnerable before God and others. So many of the thoughts and questions that have come to my mind regarding God’s love and mercy, especially as they relate to my past, present, and future, are found in this book.
    
Fr. Mark Mossa invites the reader to recognize God in everyday living and more importantly, in who we are and who He calls us to be. The portrait of a spiritual life isn’t painted with profane or shocking, yet irrelevant associations to pop culture. If anything this book provides more of an inspiration and some wisdom to paint or envision then live out a spiritually enriching life, one in which we glorify God by using the unique palette of talents He’s given us in order to draw others closer to Him.
    
Instead of prescribing each person follow an elementary paint-by-number approach to finding God within and building that relationship, the author as artist shows us the complex canvas on which he depicts his own story, blends in popular movies, TV shows, music, etc. with in-depth Scripture reflections, and very moving insights from well-known saints. Regardless of what genre of art typically resonates with you, you’re likely to see in this work the unmistakable beginnings of a masterpiece: a life lived for God.
    
I appreciated the personal stories, deep insights about what it means to be human, and the acknowledgments time and again that we are each special and irreplaceable. God has given us different gifts and our spiritual journey to Him might vary considerably from another’s though the motivation to love and be loved by God and others flows from the same source.
    
I only have two qualms about this great read. The first is that it’s marketed mostly for a young adult audience when people of all ages will be able to relate to the fundamental truths contained in this treasure of a book. The second is that there are numerous typos and missed copy edits bound to bother the average English major, journalist, and/or editor at least a little.
   
I highly recommend reading this book to discover or rediscover how God is already there...in your heart, in the people around you, in your past, in your present, and in your future.
    
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company for more information on Already There - Letting God Find You and be sure to check out their great selection of Mary statues while you are there. I receive free product samples in exchange for an honest review.

I Am a Voice: Chaplet of Divine Mercy

I can still remember the very clearly the first time I heard this beautiful song version of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. A friend invited me to come to her Cursillo group reunion. That particular Saturday morning, this group of women joined in the chapel at our home parish and were going to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I had never heard the sung version of this prayer before and was so moved by the CD music and the beautiful voices of the women around me that I was brought to tears.
 
 I had been praying the Rosary for years, but singing this prayer said on Rosary beads and contemplating Christ’s passion moved me very deeply. I love to sing and have often found music resonates with me. Sometimes I find myself praying the lyrics to songs that have touched me. Recently I’ve begun saying the words from the Chaplet: “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and the Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Your dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world” each time while the priest is doing the Consecration at Mass.
   
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is such a powerful prayer, and singing it gives the meditation a whole other dimension. The second time I sang and prayed this version of the Chaplet in a group was with a first year Confirmation class. One of the catechists put together an amazing PowerPoint presentation to help us meditate on Christ’s passion while listening and singing to the CD. The reaction of a roomful of teenagers was remarkable. They were very moved and kept talking about what an impression it made on them for weeks after that session.
   
I can’t think of a more perfect gift than this CD to give someone to celebrate the little-known Divine Mercy Sunday which in 2010 falls on April 11.
You can purchase this CD here.
 
I wrote this review of I Am A Voice: Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the Tiber River Blogger Review program.  Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.  I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.