Chimps or Bonobos?

Chad the Elder quotes so splendidly the op ed Pam Anderson wrote for the Wall Street Journal.

My dad, however, correctly points out that we are probably more closely related to bonobos. Bonobos probably have more fun than Pamela Anderson.

Old?

You Are an Old Soul

You are an experienced soul who appreciates tradition.Mellow and wise, you like to be with others but also to be alone.Down to earth, you are sensible and impatient.A creature of habit, it takes you a while to warm up to new people. You hate injustice, and you're very protective of family and friendsA bit demanding, you expect proper behavior from others.Extremely independent you don't mind living or being alone.But when you find love, you tend to want marriage right away. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

If Jonah Goldberg was in charge…

I generally don’t like reading commentary on the war in Iraq. Few of the conservative commentators are paying the price for their rhetoric, especially the under thirty crowd. And I have little patience for the “Bush lied people died” argument.

Jonah Goldberg, in my opinion, ceases rational arguements. Yes, Goldberg, let’s let the Iraqis vote whether or not to keep us! This is just bad foreign policy all around. First off, if Iraq decides, by democratic vote, to use American troops as continued security, they should also pay a portion of the cost of their pay and benefits. But besides the financial costs, taking things to their logical conclusion, why not let every country with US military bases decide whether or not we should still be there? Germany? Japan? South Korea? I wager that perhaps a lot of countries with existing US military bases would elect to keep US forces present for the relatively inexpensive security.

And while we are at it, why don’t we sponsor referendums in other countries offering our military services? Heck, Taiwan wants security, we’ve got it! Cheap. Just let us build a base on your ground and we’ll staff it!

The United States Military mission statement is not so much to provide security for warring factions, it is to provide security for the United States. There are many ways a country could provide for its security apart from the United States, mercenaries, for example. The reason why some countries use the US Military for security instead of mercenaries is they don’t have to pay the salaries of US service members. And they would have to pay for mercenaries, and dearly because mercenaries are just that, soldiers for hire, who go to the highest bidder.

We did not ask the Iraqis to vote for us to come. We did so because the powers that be deemed it beneficial for us. We did not ask the Germans if we could come. We did so because the powers that be deemed it beneficial for us. Same with Japan. We will leave the above countries when it is beneficial for us. I certainly wish we were isolationists, but since we are not, we should not prostitute our military to become soldiers for hire like Goldberg proposes. The troops are in Iraq at the pleasure of the President of the United States. And when the President of the United States, their Commander in Chief, wills them elsewhere, they will go. Not because it benefits our hosts so much as it benefits us.

Oh, and by the way, if our troops are the only thing holding the country together, perhaps we should let it fall apart. Just a thought. No reason why we have to have a unity government.

Day Six and Seven

Day six, meek and humble souls and little children:

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
And I add intentions for unborn children and their mothers. I also add intentions for my grandmother, Betty, who is ill.

Day seven: the souls who venerate and glorify the mercy of God.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God:
Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
And I add intentions for my parents, Jeff and Deana, and the persecuted church.

For more information on the Divine Mercy Novena and the Divine Mercy Chaplet , visit The Marians .

Eloquent explanation of immigration

I like Fred . I read him on occasion, thanks to a link on Vox’s blog . Fred has some very interesting views on immigration, from the point of view of an American living in Mexico.

It is food for thought.

An Era is Ending

Yes, even Becky used to watch prime time soaps. And the era I’m referring to is shows that my mom, sisters and I enjoyed together. “7th Heaven” is almost done. Three episodes left. I decided that I would see the show off just like I faithfully watched the last several episodes of “90210.” And as I had hoped, it is the return to the “7th Heaven” I knew and loved.

The youngest three kids are keeping secrets from everyone. Ruthie FINALLY confessed what she knew about Matt and Sarah. Lucy is still neurotic as is Annie. And the Bank of Simon finally went bust. Happy is still there. And life is good.

I quit watching sometime early last season. I wasn’t so big on how Simon’s character developed and I am not thrilled about how the character of Mary changed through the gossip that the Camdons all told. But tonight’s episode brought back memories of a good show.

Are Matt and Sarah pregnant? Will Mary show up for the last episode? Will Simon and Ruth REALLY get married? Will Lucy ever grow up? And will the Rev. confess his secret about the wedding ring? I hope for closure. No spin off, just closure.

Thanks for the memories, folks! Good luck!

For the souls who have separated from the church

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Jesus

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages.
Amen.

For more information about the Novena of Divine Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy , visit the Marians.

He is Risen!

He is risen indeed! Happy Easter!

The second and third days of Divine Mercy

On Saturday, bring before God the Preists, Pastors, and Religious:

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

On Sunday, bring before God all devout and faithful souls:

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

For more information on the Novena of Divine Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy visit the Marians .

Keeping Things Honest

I am not a huge fan of war protestors. Mostly, they don’t make much sense and do not think of the consequences of their proposed solutions. I also do not have much patience for them. They are useful for something, however. No, not just water target practice (yeah, you know who you are, and if you wouldn’t stand near the puddle after it rains, I wouldn’t splash you). They attempt to keep things honest. Now, what they succeed in doing is making the dishonest people who agree with them sound good.

I am not really a huge fan of yes men either. You can train a bird to repeat talking points. The Bush administration is really good at stay the course lines that are repeated over and over by conservative columnists and media.

Why can’t we have an honest critique of what the current situation in Iraq is without being accused of treason, stupidity, or not supporting the troops? I have been reassessing my views on the War(?) in Iraq since Josh left. And I have a gut feeling that *something* is not right over there. I’ve blamed it on Ben Shapiro and the like not standing up for what he believes in and joining the armed services. I’ve blamed it on having to buy Josh gear that the Army says he has to have but won’t pay for. I’ve blamed it on other emotional outbursts that I am more prone to now that Josh is gone.

So, here it is, what I have been waiting for, an honest critique of the situation in Iraq and of the way the Bush administration is handling things. Thanks to Dr. Banaian for keeping it honest!

All Mankind and All Sinners

The Novena of Divine Mercy starts Good Friday, so we pray for all mankind and all sinners:

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

And I add intentions for my grandmother, Betty, who is very ill, my husband, Josh, and the members of the armed forces deployed around the world.

And the Chaplet of Divine Mercy:

How to Pray the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy (On ordinary rosary beads) (Diary, 476)

The Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed(Text from official approved translation. See Holy Saturday Liturgy in the Roman Missal.)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

On the Large Bead before Each Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the 10 Small Beads of Each Decade:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Concluding Doxology: (after five decades)
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (Three times)

For more information on Divine Mercy and the Chaplet visit The Marians .

Don’t you feel safe now?

Thanks to TSA for protecting us from our men in uniform. Idiots.

Wouldn’t it be great if we were this vigilant about our southern boarder?

A neat way of sharing your faith

I don’t know why, but I like Hollywood gossip. Maybe it’s because I grew up with “The Cannon Mess” and the visits from James St. James. After James St. James quit doing the KS95 morning show, I have been reading Roger Friedman’s column, “The Fox 411,” fairly regularly. Today’s column is an example of a neat way to share ones faith:

“Katie Holmes has Jessica Rodriguez making sure she's in step with her religion. I have my father, who is hiding the matzoh for our Seder even as we speak. We're off tomorrow for Passover, which begins tonight and doesn't cost a thing.
“No one at our table will even be wearing red string bracelets, although some of the women may be discreetly sporting items from Tiffany while we ponder why this night is different from all others (the answer has nothing to do with a new episode of "Lost," however).
“See you Friday.”

And even Christians should ponder why Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are different from all others. Praise be to God who has won the victory for His people time and time again! And truly the victory is won.

Living with guilt

I have a guilty conscious. I don’t know if it’s some sort of oldest child thing or whatever. But, there you go.

So, this morning, I get up, do the good wife thing and make sure my husband has spending money, checked my e-mail, and left for my morning activities. And, I forgot to log out of MS Messenger.

I come home, and Josh had tried to Message me. (Random, how come it’s messenger, and message?) And I wasn’t there.

So, here I am, living with extreme guilt. And because Josh said that he is going to try to call tonight, I left the Michael Card concert early. Well, that and I’m really really tired.

What makes the guilt even worse is Josh sent me flowers. Tulips and irises from proflowers.com.

Update from Josh

Josh has updated his blog recently. I'll post when he makes changes, as they seem to be infrequent.