This makes me think... about marriage and life-long love...

Is it possible that entering into a once-and-for all, no-possibility-of-changing our minds, I-will-love-you-forever-and-you'll-do-the-same, promise to a person of the opposite sex can be an opportunity to see God face to face? Is it possible that eschewing temporary experiences of sex in favor of a lifelong promise to be faithful and loving to the other is fraught with meaning and a doorstep to eternity?

Let's be very clear about what's on the table: nothing less than an act of faith. Here's God's proposal: "if you choose to enter into a lifelong relationship with a person of the opposite sex, and choose to love that person in every moment of every day for the rest of your life, you'll come to know who I am and how I love the people I've created. It will demand all of you; it will demand sacrifice and conversion and transformation. It will demand forfeiting all your selfish desires but discovering beautiful shared desires. It will be a vocational call, summoning from you the difficult process of discerning when and how you will invite children into your world, care for aging parents, contribute to a community, reach out to others in need, build a future. Through it all, I will be with you to guide you, and you will find joy.

--Timothy Muldoon, "The McDonaldization of Sex 5: Sacred Sex", part of a series.

Among Women ReadHER 7.7.12

Among Women ReadHER 7.7.12

Roberts' Rules
By Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review Online
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision upholding "Obamacare", some commentary on the Chief Justice's reasoning.

A Soldier's Wife
By Calah Alexander at Barefoot and Pregnant
Maybe you've come across this "cause" (Battling Bare) on Facebook... military wives writing their spousal messages of love on their bodies in an attempt to shock and raise awareness that not all military husbands' get the help they need for post-traumatic stress disorder. It's powerful, novel, but is it too edgy in terms of propriety? It's a tough call for me. BUT, in my mind, vets not getting the help they need after they serve their country remains a greater sin.


The Dilemma of Worthiness
By Sarah Vabulas at Integrated Catholic Life
You've heard the phrase "YOLO" -- you only live once? More on that.


Optimistic Antidotes for Mom
By Patti Armstrong at CatholicMom.com
I always love Patti's in-the-trenches honesty -- one part giggle and one part common sense that I need! Hear more from her on AW 117 and a ways back on AW 39. 

Group Challenges Downs Syndrome Testing
Posted at Downs Syndrome Daily
H/T goes to my pal, blogger/author and pro-life activist Leticia Velasquez, who is an expert in the family, social, and political aspects of Down Syndrome... Here about her new book on the subject, on AW 121, and her conversion story and pro-life mission on AW 30.

Things You Should Know About Pinterest
By Fr Roderick VonHogen at his blog
Fr. Roderick, the CEO of SQPN, has been blogging more of late at this site, with tips concerning new media and evangelization. This post talks about Pinterest, which is very popular with so many women I know online. I'm on Pinterest... but not everyday. Would love your thoughts about it. In a related note, come see Fr Roderick speak, plus a great line-up at the Catholic New Media Conference this August... or get a virtual ticket if you can't come!


The Pill and Female Sex Drive
Posted at 1Flesh.org
Here's a group of young adults with a new website using blogging and video testimonies to bring about awareness and are launching a rebellion, in their own words, "that sex should be awesome and saved until marriage, that pregnancy can be justly avoided without harmful chemicals, and that love is worth fighting for." See what you think. 

The Saint and the Scapular: St. Simon Stock and Our Lady of Mount Carmel
By Kathy Schiffer at Seasons of Grace
Kathy recalls her journey through France and recalls this Marian title and saint held dear by Carmelites the world over. The Feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel comes up on July 16th.  For more on Carmelite spirituality, you may enjoy AW 109 with Erin Miller who talks about her faith journey and entry as a Third Order Carmelite. And if you want a podcast about my recent trip to France and pilgrimage to Lourdes, you can find the podcast here, and a photo-journal blog post here. 

Have you checked out the new Among Women website... now the entire podcast archives are fully downloadable, and you can listen on your smart phone!  (coming soon to iPad and other tablet formats.)

Among Women ReadHER 6.16.12... the Lourdes edition

Among Women ReadHER 

6.16.12

"O my mother, in your heart I placed all my anguish of my heart 

and it is there that I gain strength and courage."
Sainte Bernadette Personal Notebook p.28 

As you are reading this today, I am in Lourdes, praying for YOU. I'm praying for all the Among Women listeners and readers. See the Lourdes Grotto on a live TV link. There are not too many links below since I departed the States a few days ago. So, enjoy reading, and let us pray for one another. Thanks for coming by.

Called to Hope

By Emily Stimpson at her new column at National Catholic Register

A chunk of wisdom from a great writer for the single women who feel called to marriage, but still hoping. Don't miss this one, and share it around to those needing a loving reminder.

Don't Be Worry, Be Happy, Sing the Ave Maria
By Kathy Schiffer at her blog Seasons of Grace
What I love about Kathy's blog is her sweet news with a quirky twist. Don't miss the fun video at the end that includes Bobby Ferrin and a cast of thousands singing the Ave Maria.


The McDonaldization of Sex - Part 2
By Timothy Muldoon at his column at Patheos
A Catholic theologian, Tim always has compelling commentary on relationships between men and women, the family, and the ways of love. This is a series that we should pay attention to. Here's part 1.


Catholic Weekend podcast: The Pick of our Life
An SQPN podcast hosted by Captain Jeff Nielsen, Maria Johnson, with guests  Sarah Vabulas and Sarah Boyle.
On this episode, the crew is recording a show at the Eucharistic Congress in Atlanta (last weekend). Normally, at the end of program, they do a segment called "the pick of the week" in which the guest leave a link or a suggestion of something cool or Catholic that they like..... in the midst of this segment, something unexpectedly beautiful happens and derails it... but in a good way. The show is an hour long, but if you only have a few minutes to give to it, move the scrubber on the player and drop in at about 55:00 into the show... and listen.


If you dig the window seat... 50 of the Best Shots taken from an airplane... enjoy! 

Among Women ReadHER 5.12.12... the Mother's Day edition & more

Among Women ReadHER 5.12.12

Happy Mother's Day!

For the Moms out there...

A Mother's Day Challenge
By Meg Meeker, MD from her website
This is your conscience speaking... read this... and DO THIS. You'll love yourself for it.

What Moms Really Want... an annual reminder
By Lisa Hendey at Faith and Family Live
Happy Mother's Day to all!


Mother's Day History
FWIW


My favorite song by Jim Brickman... A Mother's Day
This video quality is so-so, but it's a really great tribute song for mothers!


The Right Choice Video Makes Waves on Facebook
By Rebecca Downs at Live Action News
Here is a short post and 7 minute video about an amazing young mother, and her heartbreakingly beautiful love for her disabled son. 


In other news...

Statement of the USCCB regarding President Obama's Remarks on Marriage
By Cardinal Timothy Dolan, President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, on his blog at the Archdiocese of New York
A short reminder about an important topic.

Nobody Has Ever Died From Not Having Sex
By Katrina Fernandez at The Crescat
Forthright and direct.

Reflecting on Last Week
By Mark Shea at Catholic and Enjoying It
Don't let the title of this post fool you. Mark talks about his thoughts and reasons behind his compassionate stance toward gays and lesbians in light of church teaching, after considerable fuss was made over his previous post memorializing a very accomplished Catholic Christian man who happened to be gay.


The Heartburn of Sex
By Joanne McPortland at egregious twaddle
While Mark and Katrina are on the subject... yet another thought-provoking missive...

4 Reasons to Keep Bikini Pictures Off Facebook
By Mary Lane at Catholic Lane
Just in time for summer...

South Korea: Confiscated "Health Pills" filled with Human Remains

Reported by the LA Times

Warning: This from the sad-but-true department. The epitome of evil, human remains in pill form, likely from aborted babies. Sorry to link to something so chilling, but Catholics who respect life need to know the depths of these depravities so we can argue for true human dignity.

From Olympic Skater to Religious Sister

Posted by Vatican Radio at New.va

The path to religious life for a former Olympian... 

Don't miss this...

Among Women ReadHER 3.31.12... Papa Benny, Cuba, confession, sex, weirdness...

Photo credit: Maria Johnson, as we shared margaritas with the Holy Father

Among Women ReadHER

3.31.12

First, a few posts about Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Visits to Mexico and Cuba...

You can read his addresses and homilies on these trips here. There were lots of my favorite quotes, but here's one to give you a taste:

Dear friends, do not hesitate to follow Jesus Christ. In him we find the truth about God and about mankind. He helps us to overcome our selfishness, to rise above our vain struggles and to conquer all that oppresses us. The one who does evil, who sins, becomes its slave and will never attain freedom (cf. Jn 8:34). Only by renouncing hatred and our hard and blind hearts will we be free and a new life will well up in us. 

Convinced that it is Christ who is the true measure of man, and knowing that in him we find the strength needed to face every trial, I wish to proclaim openly that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. In him everyone will find complete freedom, the light to understand reality most deeply and to transform it by the renewing power of love. 

The Church lives to make others sharers in the one thing she possesses, which is none other than Christ, our hope of glory (cf. Col 1:27). To carry out this duty, she must count on basic religious freedom, which consists in her being able to proclaim and to celebrate her faith also in public, bringing to others the message of love, reconciliation and peace which Jesus brought to the world. 

If you only have time for one, read the rest of this one... pretty powerful words about religious freedom spoken aloud in Mass setting within a country with a communistic regime.

The Pope blesses image of Our Lady of Guadalupe...

He picked up a few new hats along the way...

Entrusting Cuba to Caridad

By Maria Morera Johnson, a guest at my column at Patheos this week

I recommend this piece by my friend, blogger and co-host of SQPN's Catholic Weekend Show, Maria Morera Johnson, a Cuban-American, writing about subjects close to her heart.

Other goodies....

Vatican Approves a Blessing of the Womb
Posted at Zenit
Well, here's a powerful pro-life move! Yay! Will watch for more details in the days ahead.

Confessing Who We Really Are

By Lori Miller at Catholic Mom

A good one. If you still haven't gone to confession this Lent, let this be a loving nudge.

When Shall We Begin to Do Good?

By Elizabeth Scalia at The Anchoress

When Elizabeth raves about something, I always pay attention. 

Looking Closer at the Hail Mary: "Blessed"

By Maria Morera Johnson at Snoring Scholar

Yes, it just worked out that way, here's another one from Maria, this time in a continuing series on the words of the Hail Mary, hosted by the delightful Sarah Reinhard at Snoring Scholar.


The Glories of Being Weird
By Emily Stimpson at CatholicVote.org
Another great take on life and love and simply being "counter-cultural" simply by living this awesome cannot-be-denied faith.


The Dark Night of the Soul: Or Why a Failing Lent Isn't
By Chris Capolino at Catholic Mom
Ok, might be the best piece from Chris ever. 


How to Pray with Your Spouse: 4 steps
Posted at the USCCB's "For Your Marriage" page
Some good advice.


Nothing Subtle About this Photo
By Mountain Butorac at Catholic Traveler
Just click on the link for a moment. Beautiful. 


Christopher Hitchins and Groaning During Sex
By Marc Barnes at Bad Catholic
If you've never read Marc Barnes, you might find that he is somewhat irreverently reverent... but he's young and he is on to a great career as a writer and apologist. 


Important Safety Information: Girls Around Me APP will make you tighten up your online privacy.

This song has a beautiful prayer within it: "Lord, break my heart with what breaks yours...."

10:50am: Here's a late update from today's Wall Street Journal:


When the Archbishop Met the President
By James Taranto at the WSJ
The continuing HHS Mandate saga...

Among Women ReadHer...5.28.11

Among Women ReadHer

5.28.11

Desparately Seeking Pregnancy - Ellen Gable Hrkach at CatholicMom.com
Support for infertility sufferers. 
Related: Among Women Podcast 89 features a talk about miscarriage and family life with Ellen Gable Hrkach.

Video: The second episode for "The Catholic View for Women" is posted at EWTN.
This time the panel talks about Catholic identity. Episode 3 recently aired, but is not on-demand yet.

News from the Vatican for a meeting for Families in 2012

The Church's Divorce Dilemma - Emily Stimpson at OSV
Related: Among Women Podcast 98 features a talk with Lisa Duffy of DivorcedCatholic.org.

Clothing for Girls Sends Wrong Message - Mary Beth Hicks at Family Events
Much needed commentary, plus interesting supplemental articles at the bottom of the page, especially the Sexualization of Girls report by the APA.


New Catechism for Youth:

Among Women Podcast #98: Women, Sex & the Church

Among Women 98 is now posted and our "Blessed are They" segment takes a look at the life of St. Joan of Arc, the patroness of France, whose photo is at left. (I took that picture on my recent trip to Paris.)

Our "Among Women" guest segment welcomes author and editor Erika Bachiochi with a look at her important new book, Women, Sex and the Church.  (Put this book on your summer reading list!) This is an important dialogue we women need to have with each other and the culture at large.

Don't forget, we're getting ready for Episode 100 of AW, and we want your feedback. Send your comments and thoughts about the first two years of Among Women by phoning 206-203-2024, or email me at amongwomenpodcast@me.com.

Among Women Podcast #47

In this expanded episode of Among Women, Pat explores themes of reconciliation and healing, both in our Lenten journey and as it pertains to recovery from sexual abuse.

Two unnamed women give us insight into this subject matter.

In "Blessed Are They", the nameless Samaritan Woman, (aka the Woman at the Well) gives us an example of personal transformation in Christ.

In "Among Women", "Margaret"  (a pseudonym) describes her life story and her recovery from sexual abuse as a child and a young adult. "Margaret's" story is one of faith, grit, painful honesty, truth-seeking, and, finally, hope.  Episode 47's show notes lists retreats and resources for women who have been sexually abused.  (Note: this show contains content unsuitable for children.)

Among Women Podcast #42

This week on Among Women, we look back at the life of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursaline sisters. We also talk to Kristine Dionne, a certified fertility care specialist, and learn about the benefits of the Creighton Model system of natural family planning.  Join us for a mature discussion of sexuality in marriage, and ways a couple can plan for or postpose a pregnancy.