Jesus in Public ... Come, Kneel before HIM!

Some folks that left comments were actually at this marvelous event. How inspirational and moving it is to see folks actually kneeling before the Lord in public ... would that it occur all over with strong FAITH-FILLED priests not afraid of public opinion or losing collection plate offerings. Lord, help us to "know You better, love You more and trust and serve You always". And give all those who truly love You, "the grace required to be the servant You desire!"



Jesus Christ is in every book of the Bible.
In Genesis, Jesus is the Seed of the woman.
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus, He is the Priest, the Altar and the Lamb of sacrifice.
In Numbers, He is the Pillar of cloud by day and the Pillar of fire by night.
In Deuteronomy, Jesus is the Prophet like Moses.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Joshua, Jesus is the Captain of our salvation.
In Judges, He is our Judge and Lawgiver.
In Ruth, He is our Kinsman Redeemer.
In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He is our trusted Prophet.
In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning King.
In Ezra,He is the Rebuilder of the broken down walls of human life.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Nehemiah, Jesus is our Restorer.
In Tobit, He’s the Messenger of new life.
In Judith, He is Weakness turned into Victory.
In Esther, He is our Advocate.
In 1 and 2 Maccabees, He’s the Leader Who dies for God’s law.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Job, Jesus is our ever-living Redeemer.
In Psalms, He is our Shepherd.
In Proverbs, He is our Wisdom.
In Ecclesiastes, He is our Hope for resurrection.
In The Song of Songs, He is our loving Bridegroom.
In Wisdom, He is the Emanation of God’s Thought.
In Ecclesiasticus, Jesus is our Security.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Isaiah, Jesus is the suffering Servant
In Jeremiah, He is the righteous Branch.
In Lamentations, He is our weeping Prophet.
In Baruch, He is Mercy from the Eternal One.
In Ezekiel, He is the One with the right to rule.
In Daniel, Jesus is the fourth Man in life’s “fiery furnace.”
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Hosea, Jesus is the faithful Husband, forever married to the sinner.
In Joel, He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and Fire.
In Amos, He is the Restorer of justice.
In Obadiah, He is Mighty to save.
In Jonah, He is our great foreign Missionary.
In Micah, Jesus is the Feet of One who brings Good News.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Nahum, Jesus is our Stronghold in the day of trouble.
In Habakkuk, He is God, my Savior.
In Zephaniah, He is the King of Israel.
In Haggai, He’s the Signet Ring.
In Zechariah, He is our humble King riding on a colt.
In Malachi, Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Matthew, Jesus is God with us.
In Mark, He is the Son of God
In Luke, He is the Son of Mary, feeling what you feel.
In John, He is the Bread of life.
In Acts, Jesus is the Savior of the world.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Romans, Jesus is the Righteousness of God.
In I Corinthians, He is the Resurrection
In II Corinthians, He’s the God of all comfort
In Galatians, He is your Liberty; He sets you free.
In Ephesians, He is Head of the Church.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Philippians, Jesus is your Joy.
In Colossians, He is your Completeness.
In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, He is your hope.
In I Timothy, He is your Faith.
In II Timothy, Jesus is your Stability.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In Titus, Jesus is Truth.
In Philemon, He is your Benefactor.
In Hebrews, He is your Perfection.
In James, He is the Power behind your Faith.
In I Peter, He is your Example.
In II Peter, Jesus is your Purity.
Come and kneel before Him now.

In I John, Jesus is your Life.
In II John, He is your Pattern.
In III John, He is your Motivation.
In Jude, He is the foundation of your Faith.
In Revelation, Jesus is your coming King.

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is,and He always will be…
Unmoved, Unchanged,Undefeated,and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can’t understand Him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
Schools can’t explain Him.
The leaders can’t ignore Him.
Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him,
The people couldn’t hold Him!
Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him,
and Oprah can’t explain Him away!

He is Light, Love, Longevity and Lord!
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, Pure.
His Ways are right, His Word is eternal,
His Rule is unchanging and His Mind is on me!
He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my Guide and He is my Peace!
He is my Joy, He is my Comfort,

He is my Lord and He rules my life!

here's the link to the youtube channel if you'd like to read some comments from folks who were there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ5aYoSr3Hg&feature=player_embedded

Sad But Unfortunately True ... & NOT just Ireland!

Sunday June 26th, 2011 - Please offer Reparation to the Sacred Heart

Michael has put together some very interesting correlations regarding the month of June. Is all this just coincidence, or could it be satan's finger in it all? Don't believe satan exists? You will one day ... and soon too. Pretending satan doesn't exist, gives him more power for the moment .. is that really what you want to take a chance on doing?

Let's all join tomorrow and at the very least offer a decade of the rosary AND this pray in reparation to all the offenses and indifference shown to the Sacred Heart Who burns with love for us no matter HOW we treat Him :-( Let us also give thanks that He knows our hearts, intentions, motivations and His Mercy endures forever and is inexhaustible!

PRAYER OF REPARATION TO THE SACRED HEART

O sweet Jesus, Whose overflowing charity for me is requited by so much
forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Your
altar (in Your Presence) eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel
indifference and injuries, to which Your loving Heart is everywhere subject.
Mindful alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities,
which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Your
pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation not only
for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those, who, straying
for from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow
You, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the vows of their baptism,
have cast off the sweet yoke of Your Law.

We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage
committed against You; we are determined to make amends for the
manifold offenses against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and
behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent,
for the frequent violations of Sundays and Holy days, and the shocking
blasphemies uttered against You and Your Saints.
We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Your Vicar on earth
and Your priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or
terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of Your Divine Love; and
lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching
authority of the Church which You have founded.

Would, O Divine Jesus, we were able to wash away such abominations with
our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Your Divine
Honor, the satisfaction You once made to Your Eternal Father on the Cross
and which You continue to renew daily on our altars; we offer it in union
with the acts of atonement of Your Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of
the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense,
as far as we can with the help of Your grace, for all neglect of Your great
Love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past.

Henceforth, we will live a life of unwavering faith, of purity of conduct, of
perfect observance of the precepts of the gospel and especially that of
charity. We promise to the best of our power to prevent others from
offending You and to bring as many as possible to follow You.

O Loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our
model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this
act of expiation; and by the crowing gift of perseverance keep us faithful
unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to You, so that we may
one day come to that happy home, where You with the Father and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, God, world without end. Amen.

Open Note to Father Corapi

Just in case he missed it in the gazillion comments on his website: 

Dear Father,

First of all I'm certain that you must feel all the prayers for you around the world from lives you've already touched. I know this will help sustain you. I among others, am extremely perplexed with your recent turmoil and know that we'll never understand all the intrinsic twists and turns of this fiasco, but we need to support you in prayer and with additional penance.

I just would like to see if I have the right take on this.
I'm hearing you say that:
1. You are NOT leaving the priesthood.
2. You will continue preaching and thensome on broader topics to larger audiences, but without your collar.
Am I correct in assuming (yes I KNOW the adage) .....
....that rather than lying dormant till and IF this thing is resolved, you choose to continue working and teaching the IN YOUR FACE TRUTH that you're so well known for?
....that the only reason you choose not to physically return to your community is you of course, would not want to give up your other dog(s) and prefer to stay in the surroundings you're used to?
....that if and WHEN this IS finalized, you would happily put your collar back on and preach as you did?

Is this an option with your order to have your faculties restored when your name is cleared but until then you can continue as a 'lay' speaker?

Father ... and you'll always BE "FATHER" to most of us .... I know you realize you are well followed, but if we foot soldiers lose your strength and strategy on the battlefield, we will certainly be at a MAJOR disadvantage, not to mention loss of moral and ultimately troops resulting from your decisions and actions. You have said that you realize you hold souls in the balance by virtue of your priesthood and you're not willing to go to hell for anyone. Please consider this well; you have done SO MUCH GOOD.

I don't even care if you're guilty or innocent. The way I feel, You're HUMAN and God's treasury of Compassion is ENDLESS ... so IF you fell, you can choose to be Peter instead of Judas always. But I can well understand not wanting to stop preaching in SOME capacity to just lay down till it's over because satan has such a strong foothold in the world today. It's just the obedience thing that I'm struggling with, so perhaps your order will give its blessing on you doing lay preaching till such time as things are resolved and you can wear your collar again.

Bottom line is WE NEED YOU FATHER ... we really need you and so do Jesus and Mary need you to keep that stark Truth in our faces! We really care Father and you will always remain in our prayers! God bless and may you follow the leanings of the Holy Spirit and always receive the grace required to be the servant God desires!

*HUGS*
~Mary ... and the Church Militant

St. Teresa of Avila - Prayer of the Heart

A wonderful guide on bringing our hearts to Jesus.

Get OFF the Soap Boxes and Get ON YOUR KNEES!!!

From the get go, I've said PRAYER AND PENANCE.... PRAYER AND PENANCE! This is how we, a third of the communion of saints, should handle problems in and outside of the Church. Either way, Father Corapi can continue on after this. My hope is that his faculties will be restored, but God's Ways are not our ways ... so we pray and wait. There's no need for any bashing and frankly, I'm glad Michael spoke out to keep us in check ... it needed to be done. Just as we find ways to JUSTIFY our sins to make us more comfortable, it's all too easy to find others flaws and ways to pick someone apart and point fingers.  
If we have to make someone else look worse than us to make us feel a little better about the lives WE OURSELVES LEAD .. HOW VERY SAD FOR US!!!!!!!!!

Pray for the Bishops & ALL clergy!

I've been begging for a while now to pray for all clergy, even those in formation and yes, even us lay faithful. The times in which we live are precarious to say the least. Satan knows his time is getting shorter and shorter and the vile anger from him and his demons spills over onto humanity in various forms from illnesses to murder all over the globe. The Church is the only thing holding the world together. Jesus promised the gates of hell would not prevail, but He never said it wouldn't be dragged through the mud. I believe that the Church is going through its passion and perhaps soon to be crucified. She will follow her Bridegroom. And as we all take up our crosses, we are sure to also share in His glorious Resurrection.
MEANWHILE: We need to pray like there's no tomorrow. Pray like it's going out of style. Pray like our lives depend on it ... cuz THEY DO. Our eternal souls hang in the balance. You can't see the air, but you need it to breathe. You can't see the electricity that powers your appliances, but you need it to function. Know full well that the supernatural graces that come from the Sacraments and devout prayer are ESSENTIAL to our spiritual lives HERE AND NOW ... as we travail this valley of tears on our way HOME.
The Priests, Bishops and Religious have a hard row to hoe these days, they need all our prayers and support. They need the RESPECT they once had returned to them. But they need to follow Rome and the Pope with more than empty words, and sometimes not even those. Please pray that all faithful, but mostly the CLERGY "receive the grace required to be the servants God desires!"


PPP

An update from Fr. Corapi & Official SOLT Statement

Please click the link below to hear Fr. Corapi explain things in a little more detail:
http://theblacksheepdog.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/unleashed_ep106-20-11.mp3

Or, if you prefer the video version:


(I must say I'm perplexed as to why the mystery with just his voice and not a regular video.)

UPDATES: I'm not going to make new posts for this unless warranted ... but this is just getting odder and odder :-( Now, selling his rosary on EBAY :-( goodness gracious!!!!!!!!
the "Ministry", Online Catholic Network,  in question is listed as the seller on EBAY and has a domain name that was obtained last fall, September, if I remember correctly. Yes, I looked it up! The "flatmat" character who made the offering on ebay for this Ministry has domains as well; most of which have been online for several years and one of which is a media company called Flathead or something similar .... this is just getting weirder and weirder .. much prayer required folks ... please. :-(

However, glad to report that there was not one bid on the rosary.

Apparently not the first time this person has sold one of Fr.'s items:

Jul-23-10 13:17
	Father John Corapi's Sweet 16 Volume One (#160453968616)	US $38.00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Official SOLT Statement Regarding Fr John Corapi

As the Regional Priest Servant of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), I issue the following statement on behalf of the Society.

On 16 March 2011, the Bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas, and the SOLT received a complaint against Fr. John Corapi, SOLT. As is normal procedure and due to the gravity of the accusation alleging conduct not in concert with the priestly state or his promises as a member of a society of apostolic life of diocesan right, Fr. Corapi was suspended from active ministry (put on administrative leave) until such a time that the complaint could be fully investigated and due process given to Fr. Corapi. In the midst of the investigation, the SOLT received a letter from Fr. Corapi, dated June 3, 2011, indicating that, because of the physical, emotional and spiritual distress he has endured over the past few years, he could no longer continue to function as a priest or a member of the SOLT. Although the investigation was in progress, the SOLT had not arrived at any conclusion as to the credibility of the allegations under investigation.

At the onset, the Bishop of Corpus Christi advised the SOLT to not only proceed with the policies outlined in their own constitutions, but also with the proper canonical procedures to determine the credibility of the allegations against Fr. Corapi. We reiterate that Fr. Corapi had not been determined guilty of any canonical or civil crimes. If the allegations had been found to be credible, the proper canonical due process would have been offered to Fr. Corapi, including his right to defense, to know his accuser and the complaint lodged, and a fair canonical trial with the right of recourse to the Holy See. On June 17, 2011, Fr. John Corapi issued a public statement indicating that he has chosen to cease functioning as a priest and a member of the SOLT.

The SOLT is deeply saddened that Fr. Corapi is suffering distress. The SOLT is further saddened by Fr. Corapi’s response to these allegations. The SOLT will do all within its power to assist Fr. Corapi if he desires to seek a dispensation from his rights and obligations as a priest and as a professed member of the SOLT. We request your prayers and the intercession of the Blessed Mother for the healing of Fr. Corapi and for any who have been negatively affected by Fr. Corapi’s decision to end his ministry as a priest and a member of the SOLT.

Fr Gerrard Sheehan, SOLT

Regional Priest Servant

Fr. Corapi

I would imagine most have already heard the news on Father John Corapi. I am still digesting what has been presented as facts.
For my part, I'm not leaning one way or the other. I am going to trust and pray while leaving it totally up to God.

I will say that both myself and @alwayscatholic (and I'm sure many others) felt uneasy with the change of his physical appearance and mention of his female trainer even though her husband was also mentioned in the video. We couldn't figure why it was pertinent to mention anything more than 'working out' or 'trainers' at all. However, it was more specifically mentioned and that with the facial hair dye left us both feeling uneasy. From that video on, we began praying for him. When on Ash Wednesday, we heard the news of the accusations we were extremely saddened although not totally shocked. This in NO WAY means either of us believe the accusations. From what I understand, it appears a most disgruntled female employee who was fired, vowed to make his life miserable and destroy him and it seems that she is making good on that vow.  As he asks, prayers for ALL concerned are paramount. It is MOST unfortunate that matters such as this are handled in such a way that makes it seem like guilt has already been presumed. Hopefully, if nothing else, the light shed on this particular incident might assist in changing procedures to help the accused be viewed in a more innocent light unless positive proof accompanies the accusation.

Words and hearsay should not be able to kill a ministry that has produced good fruit.

There is no question that Fr. Corapi has done much over the years to spread the TRUTH in a way like no other. Perhaps after the order of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in a manner of speaking. He has touched souls and changed lives. Nothing can take that away. I'm sure his tapes and merchandise will continue to reach souls for decades to come. And I'm glad. No one can say he didn't have a gift for preaching and hitting the nail on the head with his IN YOUR FACE TRUTH that he was so well known for. I'm not sure how I feel about his decision to come out as the "BlackSheepDog". Perhaps a little more prayer and consternation may have been a better choice rather than feeling compelled to say 'something' on the anniversary of his ordination. Regardless, now, it's done.

The Church, especially the Western Church here in the USA, has been needing prayer for decades now and is undergoing severe trials both from within and without. I've been begging for prayers for priests and all clergy for a long time now and the Public Penance Program that never got off the ground seems more important now than ever. We need to SERIOUSLY pray for the Church and keep our priests, bishops, religious and ALL clergy in prayer DAILY without fail!

Satan's time is shorter than before and he's none too happy about it ... it seems attacks have been stepped up on all levels from the Vatican down to us common lay folks. Don't let anyone kid you ..... the hardships, turmoil, illnesses and (emotional, financial and physical) stresses we are all experiencing now are no illusion and not by accident.

I believe either way, Fr. Corapi could come back strong. He's HUMAN .. IF he fell ... like the rest of us, he repents and continues on.  Is not God's Treasury of Compassion inexhaustible? If he's totally innocent, he picks up the pieces and continues on. He preaches WELL and we need that in today's world. I for one believe that if we lose his voice on the battlefield of souls, we will have a great loss indeed. Pray hard that we keep him on our side!

I don't want to get into a 'whole 'nuther topic' here, so suffice it to say we NEED to pray DAILY ... for MANY things, but mostly for the Church and our clergy. It's THEIR strength that WE need .. if they fall, who do we have to strengthen us here? We are ALL called to give a reason for our Faith and strengthen one another in that Faith. How many are truly prepared to do this? How CAN it be done without constant daily prayer? Please pray for the Church, our priests, bishops, religious, deacons and all clergy. 
And as it says in the USA Chaplet: "..... to strengthen the faithful, renew the lukewarm, restore the fallen away and convert the proud."
Hold FATHER Corapi (once a priest ALWAYS a priest) in prayer, that he is guided by the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit in all he does from this point onward. 

Lex orandi

Lex credendi

Lex vivendi !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

A Mother's Love and the REAL Objective of the Clergy

No matter what today's world says or offers or seemingly bestows for FREE on we Church militant, we need to look to the TRUTH for the real answers. This TRUTH must come from the ONE SOURCE, the REAL AUTHORITY passed down through Apostolic succession throughout the ages, even to us here today.
That which demands that the initial objective is still the same as it was 2K yrs ago:
LEAD SOULS TO HEAVEN.
Too many fully professed have become 'professional catholics' relaxing in the worlds pomp and praise ... bowing before the public that acclaims them for giving them what their itching ears long to hear. The only objective is to get souls to heaven. This is done by giving the TRUTH, in it's ENTIRETY ... in season and out of season ... whether convenient or inconvenient. Each day brings us nearer to the time of judgement, whether our own personal judgements or the final judgement for all, it matters not. We will all answer for our sins ... yes, even the sins of OMISSION. We are all called to give testimony for our Faith, a reason why we believe. Our actions need to speak more loudly than our words ... this even more so for the clergy. Please pray that all clergy receive the grace required to be the servants God desires and preach the FULL TRUTH regardless of public opinion. To him that has been given much, much will be expected. And for those with anointed hands ... I think very much will be expected ... I beg all priests, tell the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH and nothing BUT THE TRUTH ... so HELP YOU GOD! 

We're ALL Commissioned to Build Up the Church!

MORE *Change* You Can "BELIEVE" (?!) In?

Obama Deregulates GMO Crops Despite Supreme Court Injunction

Early this spring, while the world was distracted by Egypt’s uprising, President Barack Obama pushed the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deregulate genetically engineered alfalfa and sugar beets in the United States. The USDA came through as he directed, totally deregulating these Monsanto-patented genes in early February.

In so doing, Obama and the USDA have chosen to override and ignore decisions and injunctions made by the U.S. Supreme Court that banned planting of genetically engineered alfalfa and sugar beets without consideration of the Environmental Impact Assessments, which showed high risks to organic and conventional (chemical) farmers.

So how does this affect you and me? Neither of us remembers seeing alfalfa or sugar beets on our breakfast table or even on our Seder table. Or do we?

Sugar beets provide over 50 percent of the sugar Americans use in their coffee, cereals, and desserts. For the moment, let’s not focus on the fact that sugar beets can cross-pollinate with red beets and make our borscht genetically modified.

Alfalfa reaches our tables within milk, cream, butter, and meat, as it is used as a major animal feed in the dairy industry. It is also used to enrich soils in organic farming.

At this time, no genetically engineered crops are permitted for sale in the European Union (though WikiLeaks has revealed that the U.S. government is exerting strong pressure on the EU to allow them). Thus this new deregulation will potentially close off present markets for organic farmers’ crops.

Obama’s push for deregulation potentially also means the end of the organic meat and organic dairy industries as we presently know them. Essentially, he is choosing to favor the profits of big agribusiness over the survival of America’s family farmers, and especially America’s organic farmers.

Our democracy has to work for farmers and consumers and not just for multinational biotech corporations. It makes absolutely no sense that the economic risks to farmers are not considered before genetically engineered crops are put on the market. It is farmers who pay the costs of genetic contamination, not the biotech companies.

How else does this affect you and me? I’ll defer to Canadian geneticist David Suzuki on this.

In an interview with the True Food Foundation, Suzuki said anyone who claims genetically engineered food is perfectly safe is “either unbelievably stupid, or deliberately lying,” adding: “The reality is, we don’t know. The experiments simply haven’t been done, and now we have become the guinea pigs…. I am most definitely not in favor of release of GMOs in the food stream and given that it’s too late, I favor complete labeling of GMO products.”

In “More Science Needed on Effects of Genetically Modifying Food Crops,” a September 2009 article for the Vancouver news site Straight.com, Suzuki wrote:

Some have argued that we’ve been eating GM foods for years with few observable negative consequences but as we’ve seen with things like trans fats, it often takes a while for us to recognize the health impacts. With GM foods, concerns have been raised about possible effects on stomach bacteria and resistance to antibiotics, as well as their role in allergic reactions. We also need to understand more about their impact on other plants and animals.

And in “Experimenting With Life,” an article in Yes! magazine, he wrote:

We have learned from painful experience that anyone entering an experiment should give informed consent. That means at the very least food should be labeled if it contains GMOs so we each can make that choice.

Like Dr. Suzuki, I think it’s worthwhile to acknowledge that we are also guinea pigs in another big experiment. Ours is the first generation to ever eat food that has been intentionally sprayed with poison before being eaten. While it may be argued that we need greater quantities to “feed the world,” the truth is that we’ve lost quality, we’ve lost fertility in humans and in the soil, and our health care budgets are indicative of the effects of this path.

Maria Rodale’s book Organic Manifesto cites shocking studies that make a strong case against chemical farming, while at the same time highlighting the positive nutritional and environmental benefits of organic farming. And according to a 2009 report from the UN Environmental Program, organic farming may be the only way we can solve the growing problem of hunger in the developing countries. Yes, organic farms can feed the world, and do it sustainably.

So why is Obama favoring Monsanto? This is the company responsible for more than fifty uncontrolled or abandoned places where hazardous waste is located (“Superfund sites” according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites). We also have Monsanto to thank for Agent Orange, PCBs, DDT, and more.

Monsanto’s genetically modified seeds already dominate the entire U.S. corn, soy, canola, and cotton crops. About 93 percent of soy, 86 percent of corn, 93 percent of cotton, and 93 percent of canola seed planted in the United States in 2010 were genetically engineered. Phil Angell, Monsanto’s director of corporate communications, explained the company’s regulatory philosophy thus: “Monsanto should not have to vouchsafe the safety of biotech food. Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible. Assuring its safety is FDA’s job.”

To assure the Food and Drug Administration and USDA do not regulate genetically engineered crops, biotech has spent more than half a billion dollars lobbying Congress since 1999.

If we follow the “historical” pattern of genetically engineered corn, soy, cotton, and canola, we will likely soon see engineered alfalfa and sugar beets, with their wind- and bee-carried pollen, completely taking over the entire seed industry for those crops. This contamination would disallow farmers’ ancient practice of keeping and breeding seeds from year to year, and drive up expenses for all farmers. This is nothing new from the American government, which has historically supported policies favoring the consolidation of U.S. seed ownership in the hands of a few major corporations.

So let us remind our children that we were “slaves unto Pharaoh in Egypt.” For surely having one corporation control the seeds gives it unprecedented control. The state of affairs reminds me of how Pharaoh, at Joseph’s urging, took control of the grain supplies of Egypt, causing Jacob’s family to go down into Egypt and eventually become enslaved. Not worried yet? Chew on this: it’s been said that most U.S. cities do not have three days of food supplies on their shelves.

Extremes of weather in recent years have shown us how vulnerable this situation is. Meanwhile, the National Farmers Unions in the United States and Canada have advocated support for local family farmers and the implementation of local and national programs to ensure food security and food sovereignty — programs that fail to interest corporate-controlled politicians.

The fact that the executive wing of government has chosen to override a recent major decision by the Supreme Court to stop all dissemination of genetically engineered alfalfa until the completion on an environmental assessment of its danger is certainly cause for questioning.

What’s going on here? Did Obama betray us? Did Obama, a man, a charismatic politician, betray the people who voted for him, whose spirits were raised high with the slogan “Yes, we can”?

Perhaps. Yet I am reminded that to run a presidential campaign requires a great deal of money. And since the Supreme Court Citizens United decision — supported by Clarence Thomas, a former attorney for Monsanto — to allow corporations the unlimited ability to anonymously fund political campaigns, it is becoming obvious that Obama owes something to many rich people.

U.S. corporations have gained inordinate power over all our politicians by manipulating the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. The amendment was adopted in 1868 to protect the rights of newly freed Blacks, yet by 1886 the Supreme Court had begun recognizing it as a protection of the rights of the “persons” called corporations — persons which do not breath, do not have consciences, and are mandated to make a profit for their shareholders.

Which group would you betray? Your funders or your fans?

When Obama cried, “Yes, we can!” he obviously was speaking for a different “we” than those who voted for him imagined.

Monsanto’s seeds are genetically engineered for use with the company’s chemical herbicide RoundUp. Last year we learned that weeds are growing resistant to RoundUp. Monsanto’s profits and stock prices began dropping.

A failed technology is now getting another chance to dance and prop up a failing corporation. Oddly, alfalfa (Arabic for “king of herbs”) does not need herbicides for more than 93 percent of its common applications. Farmers have been growing it for many centuries and know how to do so without herbicides. The push for genetically engineered alfafa is just a game move toward controlling the food supply.

After all, what will we eat when America’s family farmers are all driven off their farms and into our cities? We would then be dependent on corporate factory farms, whose managers are far from the soil and lack experience in dealing with the whims of nature and weather. We would also be dependent on oil and the prices of oil to supply us with imported food. WikiLeaks has just revealed dispatches from Saudi Arabia to the United States from 2007–9 stating that Peak Oil is happening now: reports of oil in the ground were exaggerated by 40 percent. Thus shipping prices, and agrichemical prices are soon to rise even further.

In the 1970s, the richest 1 percent of American families took in 9 percent of the nation’s total income. Today, the top 1 percent take in 23.5 percent of total income. With median workers earning less than they did thirty years ago, who will be able to afford food, let alone nourishing food?

Even in the face of these dire circumstances, however, the consciousness of humans is rising. People are increasingly demanding to know where their food comes from. People are supporting organic production even in the face of recession. People are taking up gardening and shopping at farmers markets.

Obama taught us not to look for a charismatic messiah, while also teaching us those magic words, “yes, we can!” The coalitions that came together to elect Obama can be revived, as can the networks, and the social media to keep alive the connections.

The Center for Food Safety has already filed a legal brief to halt the actual dissemination of these genetically engineered seeds, and Canadian Organic Growers and several other organizations have joined in on the lawsuit. This struggle needs our support. We all eat; it goes beyond all differences. In addition to supporting the legal struggle for food safety, we can also make our voices heard by refusing to invest in big genetic engineering companies such as Monsanto and Bayer.

We can do it. We can craft food security and food sovereignty for the people of America and beyond.

By: Robbie Hanna Anderman, Tikkun

HELP! The beads are TAKING OVER!

Now that I have your attention, it's been suggested to me on more than one occasion that besides posting articles, info and devotions on this blog, being it's for BATTLEBEADS, I should also post about stock and what's new. I had intended to do this, but somehow, all the other stuff just seemed more important. So, I'll try harder to incorporate sales and stock stuff in here as well!

A reminder that all rosaries and chaplets that leave my hands are first touched to a 1st class Relic of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, making your items a 3rd class Relic (documentation on site). This is done automatically and you receive a little insert about it. Additionally, it's not up on the site, but I ALSO have 3rd class Relics of all the Apostles, the manger, our Lady's veil, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, the True Cross and a few others that I will gladly touch your items to if requested. I do have available a few pieces of lace that were touched directly to the above items that I will inclose in your order upon request WHILE SUPPLY LASTS! It will be about an inch and come in a resealable baggie with documentation. But you must ask for this! 

Just a little update on what's going on with wires, stones, new stuff and old stock :) We're approaching Graduation and Father's Day, Weddings and many other commemorative times during the summer months. I wanted to let you all know I have a LOT of stock that's waiting to jump onto wire and be a treasure for you or a loved one and lots too that is already up on the site and waiting to find a new home! Please note that the website's navagation is the blue vertical bar on the left which opens to expand for links in and outside of BattleBeads. There's almost 4 pages of rosaries and a fairly good selection of chaplets. If you know of a devotion or chaplet that's not listed, just let me know and I'll add it along with the instructions. There's also a section for Adornment which includes religious and secular items such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings and finger/toe rings. Many things available on the site, if it can be made with beads, wire or cord, I'm your gal! ;)

Also a section for a bit out of the unusual. I've designed some unusual rosaries which incorporate all the 59 beads, yet have a different look and style than what you might be used to seeing. You'll either love 'em or hate 'em! There are 'Peace Wheels', Rosary Tree's and more that are decorative as well as functional! This is the home of the "Papa's Prayers®" rosary addition! How often do we forget the Pater, Ave and Glory for the intentions of the Pope after the rosary? Well just clip this little addition on your rosary and never forget again! LOL I also take special orders and have been known to work with folks to literally make their dreams come true! More than one person has approached me after having a dream about an item and we worked together until the design came out just right! I really enjoy the challenge of that particular aspect of designing and welcome any suggestions, ideas or dreams you may want to share and have brought to life!

For those that might not realize, I do also offer copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, nickel siver, sterling silver and gold filled items. I'm excited because they're now offering a new sterling filled wire that wears just like the gold filled and is considered a lifetime product. This is a good thing now with silver (as of this writing) nearing $40/oz! I have absolutely no qualms about the gold/silver filled wire and findings. From jewelers I've spoken with and all that I've read, it absolutely is considered fine jewelry and will wear and last a LIFETIME, as well as regular 14K or sterling. I should mention that I only buy the 14KGF wire. Not that there's anything wrong with the 12K or 10K, I just like the 14K better ... personal preference. So I'm excited to start making things with this. I'm also getting more familiar with wire wrapping now, which is going to help make the rosaries a bit more decorative when it comes to Pater's and perhaps designs in general.

  I also have some nice shell rectangles and 6mm India glass beads in purple, aqua, green and white which would make very nice pieces. Actually, I have enough beads here in my little leaky roofed home to keep several small armies in rosaries and chaplets for eons ... well at least a decade at any rate! Semi-precious stones as well as Swarovski Crystals, Czech druks and crystals, Hematite, Lapis Lazuli, Denim Lapis, Quartz, Aventurine, Jade, Onyx and on and on ... oh just too much to mention. And if I don't have what you want, I'll special order it. "I always do my best to accommodate requests!"  Just ask my customers :)

Gift boxes and rosary containers are available on the Other Religious Items page along with other artisan products and perhaps some resale items as I come across them. If I see something that I know I can pass along for a good price, it will be on this page with the rest. There seems to be so much more to say, but I don't want this to turn into a book, so, I'll just keep you updated here as thoughts or stock changes! If you got this far, thanks for your time and may God bless you and yours!

Oh I couldn't close without mentioning the USA Chaplet. This is a fairly newly Church approved devotion that may now be freely disseminated among the faithful all over the world. There is a long version and a short version. It receive the Nihil Obstat in April 2010 and I think it's very important for the times in which we live. The nice thing about it is that it can be for ANY COUNTRY, by simply changing USA to whatever country you wish to pray for. The prayers also begs mercy for the faithful, lukewarm, fallen away, those that don't know God and those that can't speak for themselves. Please take a moment to review the new prayers which I believe are sorely needed today. There is no need to buy beads for this devotion. I've had beautiful 4x6 laminated cards printed up with instructions and even provided a file on the site where you can copy and print your own up for free! The main objective here is to get the prayers said, not sell beads!
Thanks again and God bless!

We are ALL called to be Laborers .... ready?

Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

The novena in honor of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

Each day the meditation and prayer for the particular day is said, followed by one (1) Our Father, one (1) Hail Mary and seven (7) Glory be to the Fathers, the Act of Consecration and the Prayer for the Seven Gifts.

 ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

© 1912 Holy Spirit Fathers