Nice? Me?

I have received the most unexpected compliment. Christina at Confessions of a Hot Carmel Sundae nominated me for the Nice Matters award. I have not thought of myself as nice - in fact, I struggle with what I think about other people. Maybe that struggle comes out in a postive way in some of my posts. I must say that Christina is one of the people I would nominate if she had not done so to me first. Well, here are the rules as posted at Confessions... "This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass on to seven others whom you feel are deserving of this award." I do appreciate the honor of being able to compliment seven blogs that have inspired me (I have latched onto the inspiration and positive influence aspects). I have no idea if you have been nominated before. If you have, I second it: Deb at Ukok's Place. It is so clear that people and relationships are important to Deb. She has a powerful story, but instead of letting it make her bitter she has let it turn her into the caring person she is. Barb at SFO Mom. Barb is an inspiration. Her blog focuses on the important things - family and faith. And her good natured attitude comes through. I think she embodies the Franciscan principles quite clearly. Jerry at My Autistic Boy And Other Adventures In Fatherhood. I don't think Jerry will pass this one on, and I bet he doesn't see himself as nice. But when you read his blog, you can see a man who cares deeply for his family, who would do anything for those he loves. I think it is well worth the award. Amber at This Catholic Journey. Amber's journey into the Church and her struggle with her family have been inspirational to me. I remember as Holy Saturday approached in April, keeping her at the front of our intentions during our family's rosary. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of her circle. Jay at Pro Ecclesia*Pro Familia*Pro Civitate. Jay typically is a great source for political, legal, historical, and commentary from a perspective I enjoy reading. Why he gets this nomination, though, is his respect for the Church and his rule about not criticizing the hierarchy. I know it is hard to not follow that rule (I have regretfully participated), his example inspired me to adopt that rule and you won't be seeing hierarchy criticism on my blog. Though, like Jay, I will still point out those I think outstanding. Fr. Powell at Domine, da mihi hanc aquam! Have you read his homilies? If you have, then you know why he is inspirational. If you haven't, you need to. Dadwithnoisykids at Scorpion Stalking Duck. Dadwithnoisykids has 12 children, and another on the way. I remember when Catholic Dads started he commented on being sorry that he and his wife were nearing the end of child bearing years. I find that inspiring, not to mention with 12 (13) kids, I suspect patience, humility and opportunities to offer up suffering are easier to come by. All that and still have a sense of humor...?

Blogger Quiz

Che over at Secrets of the Spirit of Vatican 2 tagged me with this blogger quiz. 1. Do you attend the Traditional Latin Mass or the Novus Ordo? Novus Ordo. I would like to go to the Extraordinary Form sometime, and hope that it becomes wide spread, but alas, I have not. 2. If you attend the TLM, how far do you drive to get there? There is one about 30 minutes away, but we have not made it. Getting there with three kids at the time it is offered would be difficult. 3. If you had to apply a Catholic label to yourself, what would it be? I prefer just "Catholic." If an adjective were required, I would go with faithful or orthodox. I wish adjectives weren't required, but it seems like they are - which is a sad statement. 4. Are you a comment junkie? Not really. Only when something really strikes me. 5. Do you go back to read the comments on the blogs you’ve commented on? Sometimes. It depends on the kind of comment I have had. I try to avoid comment arguments. 6. Have you ever left an anonymous comment on another blog? No. If I am not willing to leave my name, then I should not comment. That is my thinking, anyways. 7. Which blogroll would you most like to be on? I am happy to be on the SOV2 banned list. For the most part, I like to see when my blog is listed on particular people's websites. Being on compiled lists is nice, but it really feels good to know that Blogger X or Blogger Y thinks enough of your site to add it to their personal list. 8. Which blog is the first one you check? That is a hard question. I would say Catholic Dads as I am administrating it. Other than that, I use Google Reader to show me who has something new (the list is the one I have as my "favorites" - I check those every day). Which do I check first if there are lots of new items? It is close, but I would go with the folks at Creative Minority Report, though Pro Ecclesia*Pro Familia*Pro Civitate is pretty close. There are others that I love too (and for different reasons) - it really is hard to say which is first. 9. Have you met any other bloggers in person? Yes. Fr Stephanos from Me monk. Me meander. I have also met Jerry at My Autistic Boy And Other Adventures In Fatherhood and Dan at Fearless Prognostications. 10. What are you reading? I am making my way through The Navarre Bible: Major Prophets. I also am reading The Crusades: The World's Debate by Hilaire Belloc, and Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI. On my docket is a bit of fiction My Visit To Hell by Paul Thigpen. Bonus Question! Has your site been banned by Spirit of Vatican II? Yes it has - thank goodness! I tag: Jay at Pro Ecclesia*Pro Familia*Pro Patrick at Creative Minority Report Deb at Ukok's Place Jackie at Catholic mom of 10 Dom at Bettnet

Mathetes Award

Deb at UKOK's Place (one of those blogs that made it into my Google reader) nominated me for the Mathetes Award. Here’s a quote from the orignal blog post explaining the award…. "Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. I'd like to take the opportunity to award five other bloggers with this award and badge for acting in the role of a disciple of Christ. These five all share the message in their own creative ways, and I admire them all for what they do. In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other "disciples" to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1)this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ" Deb, thank you very much for the nomination. I very much appreciate it (and your blog). I'd like to think I am a good disciple, but I think I have a long way to go - but I guess we all would say that. Regardless, thanks. Now for the nomination. Of course, Deb, you have made it hard because you would have been one of the five I would have nominate. But I think there are few out there that I would mention. So here are my five: Fr. Stephanos at Me Monk, Me Meander whose insight and guidance I find profound, though I wish he would be able to get high speed access again . :-) Amber at This Catholic Journey who has inspired and challenged us with her ongoing journey into the Catholic Church in spite of all the obstacles. Barb at SFO Mom who shows us how to live our faith simply in our daily lives. Sister Mary Martha at Ask Sister Mary Martha for reminding us why we miss the straightforward "between the eyes" nuns that used to be more common when we were younger. The entire crew at Mount Carmel Bloggers who show us what it is to be faithful Catholics - not liberals, not conservatives - just faithful Catholics. Well, that's my list.

OneYear of Blogging!

I started this blog a year ago with a post about St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius is one of my favorite saints. His desire to do God's will, and how he continuously sought God's will, moved forward with what he thought was best, but he was open to changes in direction. He shows us how all of life is a process of discerning God's will. St. Ignatius, pray for us on our journeys. That we may faithfully discern our paths in following our Lord Jesus Christ. Since it is this blog's anniversary, I thought I would gather my favorites from the past year in a single list. Thanks to those who shared the past year, I look forward to the next. I am sure there will be plenty to share. Well, here are my favorites from oldest to most recent: “Thy Will Be Done” or “My Will Be Done” – Part I and Part II Grattitude & Responsiblity - Laying Foundations Forgive me Father for I have sinned... What color hat do you wear? Heroes Superordinate Goals El Camino Real Metal as in a Forge Miracles (Part 1 of 3), (Part 2 of 3), and (Part 3 of 3) Ears of the Deaf & Tongue of the Mute Advice For Couples Starting Out On Christian Pride - Part I and Part II Pride and the Poor

On The Clergy

I read a post on Stephen Bainbridge's site about Cardinal Mahoney and a report by the LA Times. This article is about how Cardinal Mahoney should resign because, according to an LA Times article, Cardinal Mahoney had allegedly said two different things in regards to an abuse case. As one of the commenters pointed out, the issue may not be as straightforward as reported. This is only one example of the priest/bishop bashing that goes on in the allegedly Catholic Blogosphere. Now in terms of how we see the Church, Cardinal Mahoney is nowhere near where I stand on a lot of issues. There are many things Cardinal Mahoney has done that I am not pleased with - handling of the abuse cases, closing the minor and college seminaries, a reduction in support for Catholic education, tolerance of liturgical abuses, the albatross of a Cathedral we are stuck with, and the list can go on. I do miss Cardinal Manning who was the previous shepherd for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. All of that is insufficient for public displays of division. Publicly calling for the resignation of a bishop smacks of protestantism. We do not hire and fire our pastors - they are appointed to us. In the end, Cardinal Mahoney is the properly appointed head of the Church in Los Angeles. I do wish some of his fellow Cardinals would correct him as a brother, but it is not the place of the laity or even priests to publicly call for the ouster of a Cardinal of the Church. I am a relatively new Knight of Columbus , but one of the things that I like about the Knights is our loyalty to the Pope, our priests and the hierarchy of the Church. In fact, I have a button right next to my computer screen that says "In Solidarity With Our Priests." I agree wholeheartedly, EVEN WHEN IT IS HARD (especially when it is hard). I wish more of those who see themselves as faithful would hold their tongues in public instead of joining the mainstream media in publicly attacking our Church.

What is in a name - more for Catholic Dads

OK, there are eight of us so far and eight is enough. Enough for charter membership. Here are the dads that have stepped up: Paul at Thoughts of a Regular Guy Tim at The Lapped Catholic (Tim has also volunteered his graphic talents for a logo or badge) Joel at On the Other Foot William at Full Circle Rich at EyeHackerBlog Darren at My Catholic Reflections (let me know if you want to point to one of your other blogs) Jay at Pro Ecclesia * Pro Familia * Pro Civitate Rob at Kyrie Eleison On the agenda: We need a name. Post some suggestions. I'll start with Catholic Dads or St. Joe's Place We need a graphic. Tim, you volunteered - want to take a stab at it? I am thinking something that we can use for our side bars. We need a home. I'll set-up a blog site (with the eight of us as owners/moderators). This spot can be used for dad related posts, but also a spot for Dad's to sign-up. I'll also get a blogroll started for folks to post on their blogs. Am I missing anything? If anyone else is interested - step right up and let us know. If anyone wants to contact me directly, i am at robk at kaiserfam dot com

Any Other Catholic Dads Out There?

Some of the guys online were duking it out about masculinity in the Catholic blogosphere - I am not so interested in that debate, but I have noticed that while there is a substantial community of Catholic Mom blogs (many are quite good), there isn't really any cohesion for us dads. So I wanted to kick out an idea and see what you think. Is there any interest in creating a new listing of Catholic Dads? We would reference and visit each other's sites, have some sort of icon to post, you get the idea. It would be a great way to identify and support those of us who occupy a pretty important role in the life of our families, the Church, and society at large. To tell you the truth, I'd like to read more Catholic dad related stuff. What do you think? Any interest? Any ideas for a name? Maybe something with St. Joe. Shoot me a comment.

Updating Blog Look & Feel

Hi Folks! I am updating the look and feel of the blog. Please excuse any dust. Let me know what you think.

Standing on My Head: The Tightrope of Tolerance and Tyranny

Standing on My Head: The Tightrope of Tolerance and Tyranny Father Dwight Longenecker has an outstanding blog. He is a Catholic priest, converted to Catholicism when he was an Anglican priest. His blog is fabulous. Check this post out. Definitely worth adding to your blog list.

Blogging With Love

Click on picture to see a larger image. Last night I was reading my Bible. I was looking for a little peace because this week has been pretty tough, and next week looks to be the same. I have been reading 1 Corinthians, and came to chapter 13. This is the beautiful passage describing what love is and what it isn't. Last night the very first line of Chapter 13 struck me. I am quoting here from the New Jerusalem version - “Though I command languages both human and angelic – If I speak without love, I am no more than a gong booming or a cymbal crashing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) When I read the verse above, I decided to post some thoughts I have had on blogs I recently visited. I have been reading different Catholic blogs lately, and have had two distinct types of experiences. I don’t want to call out specific blogs of one or the other type, but I did want to discuss the experiences. The first experience is on sites where the writer speaks with love. The voice I hear in these is one of humility and compassion. Even when there are strong opinions, there is respect for the reader. There is a clear sense of Christian love – even in firmness. When I don't agree, I listen - perhaps I am wrong and should reconsider my position. There is a sense of community here. In others (read many), I hear condescension, condemnation, and disrespect . For example, there was a blog spot (and I don’t want to mention the name) where they were discussing homosexuality and homosexual marriage. The point of view was conservative (which I actually agree with), but the tone was utter disdain and condemnation. On another, they were preaching war and hate right after discussing pro-life and saving the unborn (even though the Pope has come out against the wars and aggression being discussed). In comments on some of the sites as well, I see a lack of Christian love for others within and outside the Church. With the first set, I feel a sense of community – even when I don’t completely agree. With the latter, I am left empty even when I am in complete agreement with the issues. Have others noticed the difference? I have included a picture of a schooner with this blog. I think we are all on the same ship (the Church). We are all in this together – but it seems like some want to either throw othersout, jump ship, or take control. All of which make for an unhappy situation. Have you seen what I mean? What do you think? Is this latter set, the noise of gongs and the sound of cymbals? Does not the noise make the message of love harder to hear? Share your thoughts. Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Love, Community, Blogging

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work the parish festival I go

Please pray that our parish festival is a success this weekend. Successful in building community and in providing the parish with the needed resources. Look for a few photos - but I may not post tomorrow with all of the excitement.