More Than 45 Million Americans Died in This Catastrophic Humanitarian Disaster

Do you know when it happened?

Forty five million American casualties so far.
America, vote pro-life and save the lives of American citizens!
Every other issue pales by comparison.

Vote from the heart ~ from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Jesus is pro-life.

Abortion is the deadliest assault against humanity
the world has ever known.

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3680423515866684679&postID=120206561567388894

Are other issues more important when deciding who to vote for?

Click on the link to see what legalized abortion does to human life:

http://www.priestsforlife.org/images/index.aspx#galleries

Abortion is
an extremely violent assault
on the individual
and also
on the entire human family.

All other issues pale in comparison.

If we do not elect pro-life officials,
then we are responsible
for putting our nation's greatest threat to national security
in office.

Do not elect officials who agree with the killing American citizens,
no matter what they call it
no matter how they rationalize it.

True love leads to life.

The headline of our time. Can you spot it in the picture?

It's genius!!

(Say Yes to Life!)

True love places itself at the service of others.

True love leads to life.

God has commanded each one of us,
without exception,
"Thou shalt not kill."


Beloved Jesus,
how much You love every single person.

You gave up Your life for us.

What are we doing??

America, vote with your conscience
and stop thinking about your wallet.

Prayer To End Abortion

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,
And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.
I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,
Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death
by the Resurrection of Your Son.
I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.
Today I commit myself
Never to be silent,
Never to be passive,
Never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,
And never to stop defending life
Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,
And our nation once again becomes
A nation with liberty and justice
Not just for some, but for all,
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen!

Source:
http://www.priestsforlife.org

We will be held accountable for the decisions that we make.

Life: it's the right choice.

Our Blessed Mother is pro-life.

Save the lives of Americans and vote pro-life!

It's the right thing to do.

God wants to work in each one of us.

We must let Him.

If you or someone you know
is in need of a place to
renew, rebuild, and redeem
a heart that has been broken by abortion,
in an environment of emotional and spiritual safety,
please visit:

http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/


If you or someone you know
is in need of pregnancy assistance,
please contact:

http://heartbeatinternational.org.


"Place your talents and enthusiasm
at the service of life."

Pope John Paul II

Take Your Place

Discover or rediscover the wonders of Holy Mass.

Know Him, love Him, serve Him,
moment by moment,
all the days of your life.

There is a place reserved just for you at His table.

Accept His infinite love for you,
a love so great,
it defies all human understanding.

Share His love with others.

God is at work in you!

JKP Launches Its Communications Department

"Why Not?"

What's in your wallet?

Yesterday morning my children and I traveled to my mother's home to visit with her and my sister Belinda following Holy Mass. It was a beautiful fall day in Michigan, sunny and warm. The fall colors are absolutely breathtaking. On the way, my 11 year old daughter Alyssa and I sang "You Raise Me Up," and she also sang "Danny Boy" by herself.

We were greeted with a warm reception, and enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared so lovingly by my mother, a fantastic cook. We had stuffed chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes, salad, and various fruits.

Throughout the afternoon we shared stories and current events. We Skyped relatives in Germany. Nick carved a pumpkin.

Aunt Belinda has been teaching Alyssa how to crochet, and showed us some new books that had such lovely patterns in them. She also helped Alyssa along on a red scarf they began two weeks ago. My sister gave Alyssa a brand new metal crochet needle, because the week before, Alyssa broke the wooden one she had been given by her aunt.

My sister has also been giving Alyssa voice lessons. She copied some songs and put them in a brand new folder that has horses on it. Belinda played the piano as Alyssa sang "Amazing Grace" and other sweet songs.


Oma also accompanied Alyssa on the piano. My 13 year old son Nick picked a green pepper from his Oma's garden and helped prepare dinner. Later, we had homemade gourmet pizza.


Andre, my high schooler, alternated relaxing in the living room and wandering in and out of the kitchen, sometimes giving out hugs and sometimes joining in the discussion.

Before dinner, Oma made tea. She got out the tea set from her hometown of Bavaria. Her parents had brought it to America and gave it to her when they visited from Germany in the early 1970's.
We all sat in the kitchen and enjoyed good conversation, each others' company, and sipped tea from the beautiful gold tea cups. Oma began telling us a story, and she had something very special for show and tell.

One day during the previous week, she was going through a drawer when she came upon the wallet of her husband, my father, who died suddenly from a massive heart attack on October 16, 1982 at the age of 46.

He had his first massive heart attack in 1975 in church, on his way up for Holy Communion, and almost died then. He was 39 years old at the time, and learned that he did not have much longer to live.

http://godisatworkinyou.blogspot.com/2010/01/deceased-loved-ones-and-beatific-vision.html

My mother remarked to her grandchildren that there are no pictures of my father on display in the house. For the first time, I realized that there aren't, nor have there been, visible pictures of my dad around the house. Their separation still hurts her that much.

http://godisatworkinyou.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-matters-most.html

Mom had not seen his wallet in many, many years. As she began opening it up, she said that she had found something noteworthy inside it.

As she opened it up, many questions ran through my mind. I just knew that she had found something interesting in that wallet, and wondered what it could be. Did she find pictures of us in it? I greatly hoped that she found something in his wallet that had to do with us, and that all these years later, her discovery would lead to a message of love for us from the past.

Holding my father's wallet.

My mother explained that she had gone through the contents of his wallet and found a piece of paper among his ID and various cards. She held his wallet in her hand as she spoke, and removed a small faded, folded green piece of paper.

She unfolded it.

Then she read it to us.

Some men see things as they are
and say, "Why?"

I dream things that never were
and say, "Why not?"

Alyssa looks at her grandfather's wallet.

What would someone find in your wallet,
and what would it say about you?

God is at work in you.

__________________
Sources:

"Some men see things as they are and say, 'Why'? I dream of things that never were and say, 'Why not'?" Robert Kennedy made this quotation famous during his 1968 Presidential campaign. Although he apparently used it on several occasions as a kind of slogan, the only occasion for which we have been able to find documentation is his speech at the University of Kansas on March 18, 1968. In its original form, the quotation was said by the serpent in George Bernard Shaw's play Back to Methuselah , and was used by President Kennedy in his Speech to the Irish Parliament on June 28, 1963: "Speaking as an Irishman [Shaw] summed up an approach to life: 'Other people,' he said, 'see things and say: why - but I dream things that never were and say: why not.'"-http://www.jfklibrary.org

Pictures copyright 2010 JKP.

Indie Publishers are Rocking the Book Publishing World

Writers like what they see happening in the film and music industries, and also claim their independence.

Click on the following link to read Keith Ogorek's remarks about the fastest-growing option for authors to get their books to market.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/13423099/The-Indie-Book-Publishing-Revolution'''

Both new and veteran authors are utilizing this option to market their work.

Independent publishing is rocking the book-publishing industry, giving more authors the opportunity to publish their work.

Joseph Karl Publishing is proud to be an indie publisher.

Our mission is to encourage,
inspire,
and continue the faith formation
of the more than one billion Catholics
around the world,
and to lead souls to Christ.

Looking for life-changing reading?


Find it here!


http://www.godisatworkinyou.com
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JosephKarlPublishing

Pray for the Safe Rescue of the Chilean Miners

Almighty God, we ask You to protect the 33 miners, and also their rescuers, and pray that they be reunited with their families and friends.

Blessed Mother, keep them in your care.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee,
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

PRAYER TO
SAINT LORENZO RUIZ

O most merciful and almighty God,
You bestowed as gift to Lorenzo Ruiz
The strength to withstand
The overpowering forces of death
For the sake of his faith in You.

Through his prayers,
Help us to follow his example
By overcoming all life’s trials
And eventually, increase
Our hope and love in You.

O St. Lorenzo Ruiz,
You brought honor to your country,
Having been a level-headed
And prudent father of the family,
A witness of Christ in your life
Until your death.

We present all our petitions
To God through your help
So that by our actions,
We may know more and love more
Jesus our Lord and Savior.

We humbly implore
Your intercession O dear St. Lorenzo,
For the infinite glory of God
And in honor of your triumph
As a martyr of Christ
And defender of Christianity.

Amen.


Prayer to St. Anthony of Padua, the Wonder-Worker

Saint Anthony,
you are glorious for your miracles
and for the condescension of Jesus
who came as a little child to lie in your arms.
Obtain for me from His bounty
the grace which I ardently desire.
You were so compassionate toward sinners,
do not regard my unworthiness.
Let the glory of God be magnified by you
in connection with the particular request
that I earnestly present to you.
{mention your petition}
As a pledge of my gratitude,
I promise to live more faithfully
in accordance with the teachings of the church,
and to be devoted to the service of the poor
whom you loved and still love so greatly.
Bless this resolution of mine
that I may be faithful to it until death.
Saint Anthony,
consoler of all the afflicted,
pray for me.
Saint Anthony,
helper of all who invoke you,
pray for me.
Saint Anthony,
whom the Infant Jesus loved and honored so much,
pray for me.
Amen.

Today's News:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/10/09/chile.miners.rescue.nears/index.html?hpt=C1

God is at work, in each one of us.

Ask Him What HE Wants

God is at work in you!

Looking For Quality, Award-Winning Reading For Children? Find it Here!

"A beautiful book -- something very positive for our young people. Thanks for offering a very positive, healthy, and beautiful Catholic alternative ... which is so badly needed right now."

--Teresa Tomeo, host of Catholic Connection (EWTN Radio)

“Nancy Carabio Belanger has created a contemporary example of how to live like a saint — the most worthwhile goal for every child! In a culture that portrays 'tweens as miniature adults consumed by our grow-up-too-fast world, Nancy’s Olivia will inspire and encourage young readers toward a more wholesome childhood marked by a generous and vibrant faith. A delightful 'tween novel!”

-- Marybeth Hicks, Author, "Bringing Up Geeks: How to Protect Your Kid’s Childhood in a Grow-Up-Too-Fast World" www.marybethhicks.com

"...most definitely a gem worth owning, is Olivia and the Little Way, by Nancy Carabio Belanger. Belanger makes the message of St. Therese of Lisieux relevant to children today through the plight of Olivia Thomas, recent transplant from Texas to Michigan. Eager to make new friends, Olivia falls in with the popular crowd, excluding some of the kinder people in her class.

She learns the error of her ways, but rather than turn her back on the snobby girls, she strives to teach them about the Little Way as well! Olivia is a wonderful character, sinful, yet repentant.... Truly, this is one of the best saint stories for children that I have ever read. My daughters loved this book, and I even caught my 13 year old son reading it. Highly recommended!"

-- From catholicbookreview.blogspot.com

"This is a really lovely book, beautifully crafted with gorgeous illustrations. It's a book that children and adults will enjoy, maybe even together."

-- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, Author, "The Domestic Church: Room by Room"

It has been awhile since all three of my girls, ages 8 – 14, clamored to get their hands on a book before I could finish reading it aloud. I'm so glad it was this particular book....

It’s not hard to find a book that deals with problems like: moving to a new place, trying to fit in, or fear of being shunned by popular kids. But few pop books get straight to the heart of the matter: it’s spiritual warfare. ... 

Because Olivia is Catholic, she is not alone in her struggle. She has God and His friends rooting for her. Her grandmother has introduced her to one of God’s dear saints: Therese of Lisieux. Olivia has begun to learn and listen to the life and voice of this humble saint. It is with the added prayers of Therese before the throne of God that Olivia overcomes her own weaknesses and learns to exercise true charity.

In the end, there is no good guys vs. bad guys, but instead a growth in understanding and grace for all. Of course, no saint would pray for less. Thoroughly enjoy…."

-- from the Treasure Chest for Teens book review blog, www.booksnblather.blogspot.com (January 11, 2010)

"I found myself cheering for Olivia as she struggles with new friends and a new school. I enjoyed the marvelous weaving of St. Thérèse's life and quotes into Olivia's own life. It is a delight to read such a Catholic book that is uplifting and entertaining without being too preachy. Olivia could be you (or me) with messy room and all. Throughout the story I was wondering how would it all end. Would Olivia's own rose arrive?"

-- Rachel Watkins, Developer/Creator of the Little Flowers Girls' Club, www.eccehomopress.com

For more information on this exceptional book, visit: http://www.littleflowerbook.com

Olivia and the Little Way makes a great gift for birthdays, special occasions, Christmas, and Easter.

The book also makes a great gift for teachers and religious educators, who are quickly recognizing the tremendous value of integrating it into their curriculum.

Coming soon: The sequel to Olivia and the Little Way!

Olivia's Gift will be available from Harvey House Publishing November, 2010.

Discover, or Rediscover, the Mystery of Holy Mass

After Mass,
my daughter looked up at me and said,
"Mom, why aren't we leaving?"

I responded,
"I like it here."

Check Out This Website With Your Family ~

Family Catechism.com

http://www.familycatechism.com/#0010100060101_+Fr._Lawrence_Lovasik



My thanks to Tom Mulcahy for passing this along!

God is at work in you.

"There Is Something I Want You To Finish"

Now it has been accomplished, and I am welcome to return home any time I want.

And so it happened last week on day six of another Novena to the Holy Spirit that I finally received the answer to a question which had gone unanswered for so long. I was in the chapel of my former parish.

I had planned on attending daily Mass there earlier in the week, and then take my car nearby for a much needed oil change, but did not make it there until Thursday morning.

My dear friends greeted me warmly. Carole hugged me before Mass, and during Mass Lynn held my hand and would not let go. I still terribly miss these lovely people of great faith. I miss the intimate setting of the small chapel, being so close to the life-sized crucifix, the camaraderie of the wonderful people. For so many years we have braved the elements, road construction, traffic, and life circumstances to come together and "have breakfast with the King."

I was charmed all over again by the Mass in the place I held so dear. Mass was almost over when God told me that I had His permission to come back and visit any time I wanted. What a sweet moment that was when God informed me that our transition to our new parish was complete, and that was what He had wanted me to finish.

There is more to this story. Ten years ago during a time of great trial, I asked the good Lord to send me a sign to let me know that a new era was beginning in my life. I never got the sign. Every once in a while as the years went by, I thought about my request and wondered why I never heard back about that particular issue. Then one day earlier this year, all these years later, I was at daily Mass in the chapel of our former parish. The Mass was almost over and I felt that someone was trying to get me to look up at the altar. Was it my guardian angel? I had not noticed and it had to be pointed out to me: there on both sides of the altar was my sign, and in duplicate!! I was stunned, for not only was the sign I requested unusual, I had never seen it in the chapel before, there it was on both sides of the altar, and I hadn't even noticed it. I knew without a doubt that this new era in my life had finally begun.

It was soon after that I was driving through downtown Rochester on my way to daily Mass when God told me to get going on publishing the book of a dear friend I met at daily Mass nine years ago. Exactly one week after that, I was driving to daily Mass through the same area when the good Lord told me to take my two youngest children out of their Catholic school and take them to Holy Mass on weekends at what is now our new parish.

My sons Andre and Nick, altar boys at our new home.

That was quite a surprise, as was God's invitation nine years before to attend daily Mass, as was His request that I also receive His Precious Blood during Holy Communion, as was His instruction while I was dating that there was something He wanted me to finish first, as was His sweet, loving notification that we are now at the parish where He wants us. He knows of my difficulties with the transition and gave me permission to return to our former parish for Mass any time I wanted. Not only that, He so kindly referred to it as my "home."

Oh what a kind and concerned God we have. He looks out for us, and guides us towards our greater good. He knows what we need before we do. Not only does He want us with Him, He wants us unified with Him.

Once during daily Mass, I was listening to the homily when I felt Him leave the altar and come toward me, and as He did so, He drew me toward Himself. We sort of met in the middle. It was all I could do to not cry, for it was so beautiful, this uniting of the soul with its Creator, to become part of this great love that defies our understanding.

I used to wait in car line to pick my children up from school, and one day years ago God invited me to come sit with Him in the chapel instead of waiting in the line. For years my routine included daily Mass in the morning, and then sitting with Jesus in the chapel before picking up my children. The peace and calm was so very nice. During one of my final days in the chapel before removing my last child from her Catholic school, I knelt in the pew and said goodbye to this special part of my life in that place. The circumstances of our transition were very painful, and on that day, Jesus left the tabernacle, came to me where I was kneeling, and gave me a hug.

Even though HE knew that great things were ahead for me, I didn't, and He comforted me with His tremendous love and mercy.

If you ever doubt that God cares about you, or wonder if He hears your prayers, or think that they don't matter or or that what you do is irrelevant, I can assure you that your life matters to God down to the smallest detail. I can assure you that He not only wants you to know, love, and serve Him, He wants your soul UNITED with Him, forever. United. Imagine that!

The first day I took my children to catechism at our new parish, there was Eucharistic Adoration in the church. Jesus was there to welcome me, and I have never experienced anything like it, ever. His goodbye hug in the chapel led to His astounding and immensely loving welcome to our new church.

I could go on much longer but will save other details for another time. It is clear that God had something for me to finish, and now I know that it has been accomplished. I must admit that the transition has been difficult for me and I still feel displaced, and don't quite know why that is. Perhaps that is because we live so far from the church. Nevertheless, my children and I absolutely love our new parish and I never knew there was a place on this planet like it. The Masses there are extraordinarily beautiful. It seems that everything there is extraordinarily beautiful, except for the woman who yells at me in the chapel.

There are no words to describe the beauty and holiness of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Corpus Christi, Pentecost, and the Tridentine Masses, except to say that they were heavenly. Eucharistic Adoration is so powerful. And always Jesus is there, waiting for us to accept His love so that we may exist in union with Him.

Being at our new parish has been of incalculable spiritual benefit to us, and is of vital importance to the mission that God has for us to accomplish. The fact that God led us there makes us feel very loved, valued, and well cared for.

Adoration on Corpus Christi.

Love much, live obediently, work on humility,
trust, and do what He tells you.


You are loved so very much.
Live in union with Him.

God is at work in you!