Revolution of Love.com Blog

I don't watch Oprah but I may tune in to see the Sisters. Thanks to CatholicVoteAction.org for the heads up.

The Dominican Sisters Appearing on Oprah Tomorrow (2/9/10)

Lately, it seems like everyone has been complaining to me about the Duggar family - from my hairdresser to my mother in law. This article from Lifenews.com came just in time.

Hey People: Is the Duggar Family Too Big or Are Our Hearts Too Small?

I had a few minutes of computer time this morning so I went over to The Domestic Church Blog to catch up. I enjoyed her post Queenship of the Home Part 1 about getting one's house in order. She also pointed me to this post from Evlogia Blog. It is just what I needed to hear so I am requoting the full piece.

The Treasure Hunt

As a mother of many children, attending the divine services is a matter of constant movement. My arms are rarely empty and, as far as I can recollect, I have never ended a service standing in the same spot in which I began. Long ago I let go of the naive notion that the distraction of caring for young children amounted to missing the spiritual benefit of attending the services. Quite the contrary. The situation of having my will repeatedly cut off has proven far more profitable than the peace and quiet that I desire.

Women shall be saved in childbearing (1 Timothy 2:15).

Yes, she will be given the opportunity to learn to live for another person besides herself.

My spiritual father often reminds me that mothers must learn to be creative in prayer. It's a matter of taking utter chaos and, by God's grace, using it to affect the ordering one's heart. This is the creativity of motherhood. Nursing a sick child in the middle of the night becomes an opportunity to keep vigil. The repeated interruption of a meal in order to serve a hungry child becomes an opportunity to fast. An overflowing basket of laundry becomes a reminder to pray for each member of the family as each piece of clothing is folded and put away. Little ways to capture grace in the smallest of moments.

I spent the first decade of motherhood waiting for a moment of quiet. As soon as the children are older, I can pray. As soon as the house is clean and organized, I can be at peace. As soon as we get through this trying time, then I can be the kind of wife and mother that I truly want to be.

Always missing the opportunity to engage the present moment and instead, living for an imaginary one.

The older I get, the more the present moment becomes a treasure hunt. Where is it? Where is the grace of this moment? God is here. Where is He in this moment? While I used to hunt for quiet, I now spend my time as a mother learning to listen amid the noise and have made it a practice to creatively search for any opportunity to catch a brief spiritual word of encouragement.

It's amazing how much better you can hear the quiet of God's voice when the noise of one's complaining ceases.

For instance, if I had to guess, I would say that on average I typically hear about five minutes of a 20 minute homily on any given Sunday. Yet God is infinitely creative and somehow that brief word proves to be the one that I most needed.

My five minutes today were probably more like two. Nevertheless, having no idea of the context in which they were posed, I found something to ponder in these questions:

When my children are disobedient do I first stop and pray for them? Does my pain of heart lie in that they are doing something that might cause them to loose the grace of God? Or does my irritation rest in that they have not done my will?

I wonder how a family would be blessed if a mother were to keep a watch over her heart, constantly asking these three questions of herself.

I think I'll test it and see. With God as my helper.

And the treasure hunt continues.

Thanks, Evlogia!

The winners of the CatholicMom.com's Fairy Tale Novel Giveaway were announced. If you haven't heard of Sarah Reinhard's novels check out this post for a rundown. I finished reading The Shadow of the Bear and I am now on Black as Night. Check it out!

In response to NOW's attack against the pro-life ad to be aired during the Super Bowl, the SBA List has set up a site for people to show support to Tebow and his mom. Show you support too.

Also be sure to sign the petition to support CBS and its decision to air the Tim Tebow ad. Learn more about it at Life Site News.com.

Courtesy of The Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY...January 27, 2010

Outside my window... the sun is finally shining! Yay!

I am thinking... it's been a really long time since I've posted anything on the blog!

I am thankful ... that Brian is feeling a lot better and is able to return to work.

I am wearing... my cozies.

I am remembering... that I need to call my mom before she flies out to VA to help out my about-to-give-birth sis.

I am going... to burn my mouth on this soup if I don't let it cool down more.

I am reading...Black as Night: A Fairy Tale Retold by Regina Doman and Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge.

I am hoping... to get some serious spring cleaning done.

I am hearing... John-Paul's breathing coming from the baby monitor.

On my mind... the upcoming construction to convert the garage into another bedroom.

Noticing that... I forgot to recharge my iphone.

From the kitchen... I see a big bag of tomatoes that doesn't know if it wants to be a batch of marinara sauce or salsa.

Around the house... are Thomas the Train engines.

One of my favorite things... an email from an old friend that you were just thinking about.

Pondering these words... A tweet I read this morning: "You can't EXPECT to get a woman like Mary if you're not willing to step up and be a man like Joseph."

From my picture journal... John-Paul turned 5 months old this week. Here he is having his first baby cereal.

Our continued prayers go out to the people of Haiti, especially members of our Catholic family.

There are a number of charitable organizations accepting donations for the people of Haiti. It seems the most common and easiest way to donate is to text "Haiti" to 90999 which will send $10 to the Red Cross. 100% of your donation passes through to the Red Cross for Haiti relief. Your cell carrier keeps nothing.

There are also a number of Catholic organizations giving aid. You can find a list of them here - CNS: Catholic Aid Agencies Accept Donations for Haitian Quake Relief.

We pray that you all have a happy and holy Christmas! Thanks for being a part of the RoL family! :-)

Here is a Christmas reflection from Brian's blog.

A Christmas Reflection

Eternal Word of the Father
Heavenly Light dispelling all darkness and gloom
Come, Come and enter our hearts

Holy baby of Bethlehem
God with us!
Pure and undefiled
Love Incarnate

We worship You!
We praise You!
We adore You!

Little One, lying in a manger
Poor and humble
Have mercy on us!

Baby Jesus, Son of Mary
Conquer our richness with Your Holy Poverty
Conquer our pride with Your Holy Humility

Light of the world
On Christmas Day
clothe us with peace, joy and hope!

Amen.

Hey guys, I received this info from Carmen, an RoL reader. Sounds like a great opportunity! I am especially excited that it is being put together by Ave Maria Singles. That's were Brian and I met! (Here's our story.) May you be just as deeply blessed! Check it out.

Hi Bobbi,

Any way to get this information out there? This singles group is recommended by Fr. Benedict Groeschel. People are signed on from Australia, Germany, Ireland, and the USA. Half the group registered are men so far!!!

Feel free to call me for more info! God bless! Thank you and best wishes for Blessed Christmas!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Catholic Singles' Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes March 10-20, 2010

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Join Anthony Buono, Fr. Peter Stravinskas & Ave Maria Singles, March 10-20, 2010, on an 11-day Marian pilgrimage to the shrines of Fatima & Lourdes. Pray at the Grotto of Lourdes and bath in the healing waters; celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions in Fatima; visit the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola; walk in the footsteps of pilgrims to the Cathedral of St James de Compostela; visit the stunning cathedrals of Leon, Burgos, Fatima, Lourdes, and Santiago de Compostela. Sample the extraordinary cuisine of France, Spain and Portugal!

Don't miss this fabulous opportunity to meet other Catholic Singles and to experience the spiritual wonders and graces of Fatima & Lourdes! Only $1,999 per person (air not included)! Call Corporate Travel, (800) 727-1999, extension 121, for more information.

Here it is, Carmen! I'll also post it on Twitter!

One of our fave Catholic speakers Fr. Corapi has many of this talks on DVD for sale. Only $10 each. Buy a couple for yourself or as gifts for friends! Check it out here.

Congrats to my sis-in-law Maria Rangel for the beautiful Madonna and Child she finished painting! This painting is now available as a high quality printed card. They make great Christmas cards and since they are blank inside they can be used year round. They also make a great gift. Wrap a bundle of cards in a pretty ribbon and add a nice pen to the bow and you have a great unique gift for a hostess, teacher, or Catholic friend.

The "Madonna and Child" cards are blank on the inside and approx 5"x7" folded with envelopes. The cost is $2.50 each or bulk rate of $1.50 each for 10 or more. Shipping is $3 for orders below 10 cards and $5 for orders of 10 cards or more. Make checks payable to Maria Rangel. Orders can be mailed to 310 S. Jefferson St. #49A, Placentia, CA 92870.

I just placed my Christmas order for Mystic Monk coffee. It's a perfect gift! (Make sure to try their Christmas specialties: Christmas Blend and Jingle Bell Java!)

Mystic Monk Coffee

Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks' great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

The new line up for Masterpiece Classic 2010 is now online. There are some great shows coming up. I think I am most looking forward to Emma and The 39 Steps. Can't wait!

Courtesy of The Simple Womans Daybook.

FOR TODAY...December 2

Outside my window... cold and gray - finally. It's hard to get in the Christmas spirit when it is hot outside.

I am thinking... is it REALLY December already?

I am thankful for... our fun time at Disneyland and for the great Thanksgiving with my family.

I am wearing... the usual cozies - black knit pants, white tank, gray sweatshirt jacket.

I am remembering... that I need to update my costco shopping list.

I am going... to take Andrew to the speech therapist this morning.

I am (still) reading...The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold by Regina Doman ( I haven't had much reading time lately.)

I am hoping... to finally get all the suitcases unpacked.

I am hearing... John-Paul drink his milk on my lap.

On my mind... why am I on the computer when I have so much to do?

Noticing that... my hair looks so much better after getting it professionally cut. (It's only been five years!)

From the kitchen... breakfast is calling.

Around the house... it's a mess.

One of my favorite things... when Brian watches the kids and I am able to get the house in order and my chores caught up without interruption.

Pondering these words... "Get off your butt and get to work." (Ok. I'm going.)

From my picture journal... You get two pics - my little ones and me & JP.

We're leaving tomorrow to spend a week in Southern California so you won't hear from me for awhile. In the meantime I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!!

As a followup on the previous post Planned Parenthood to Pro-Life, here is another video in which Abby Johnson describes watching the abortion ultrasound.

In related news, Judge prevents Planned Parenthood from keeping Abby Johnson quiet.

Matt over at Fallible Blogma.com (love the name!) has a great project in the works called Support A Catholic Speaker Month. Bloggers participate by being assigned a speaker then making a post about them. My speaker is Mr. Jim Sedlak, vice president of American Life League.

Jim Sedlak is a Catholic, Pro-Life, inspirational speaker who has given hundreds of talks on three continents. A leader in the pro-life movement, he currently serves as vice president of American Life League and concentrates his efforts on fighting Planned Parenthood - the nation's largest abortion chain. A former Senior Engineer with the IBM Corporation, Jim has spent over 15 years working full time in the pro-life movement. His expertise comes from being in the streets in front of Planned Parenthood; addressing school boards, city councils, state legislators and members of Congress. He serves as an advisor to many local efforts against Planned Parenthood and belongs to Knights of Columbus Council 4034.

He will bring to your event a mixture of fact and wit, with a captivating speaking style that leaves audiences informed and motivated. His talks can best be summed up by the remark of a woman who heard Jim talk in Belfast, Northern Ireland: "This was the most inspirational talk I have heard in my life ."

Jim's talks include:

Planned Parenthood - the Problem, Not the Solution
Planned Parenthood's Health Care Hoax
The Dangers of Sex Education
Planned Parenthood Steals Souls
Parent Power - How parents can regain control of school systems
Taxpayer Funding of Planned Parenthood and How to Stop It
Planned Parenthood vs. John Paul II - a collision of cultures
Planned Parenthood vs. Pregnancy Care Centers
Matthew 10 - the Secret Weapon Against Planned Parenthood
Pro-Life and Personhood

Click here for Jim's contact info.

I love fall! It is my favorite season. Although here on the central coast of Cali, it feels more like summer. We get lots of fog and cool weather in July and August then it warms up in September and October. But now that November is here the chill is slowly moving in and anticipation for the holidays gets stronger. I am especially excited because we always spend a week in So Cal during Thanksgiving and I am sooo ready to see my family again - some of who have yet to meet John-Paul! Only 17 more days! WooHoo!

I tried that recipe for minestrone soup that my sis EL recommended. It was so tasty! Lots of veggies and flavor. Here's the link: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jamies-Minestrone/Detail.aspx

Brian and I recently saw two movies with a Catholic theme. The first was Ostrov (Sold at http://www.notofthisworldicons.com). "The story begins in northern Russia during World War II. A Russian coal barge with a two-man crew is captured by a Nazi patrol boat. The Nazis force the young cowardly Russian furnace stoker, Anatolii, to shoot his captain. The Nazis blow up the barge but Anatolii is rescued by monks from a nearby monastery. Anatolii spends the rest of his life repenting in sorrow, and through this repentance becomes a God-bearing Fool-for-Christ who, with his God-inspired insights into human hearts, gives miraculous help to suffering people who come to him for aid. Nearing death Anatolii's own suffering is resolved through a miraculous manifestation of forgiveness."

It is a beautiful story and heartbreaking to watch Anatolii's sorrow over killing his captain, but he never gave up hope on God's mercy. In his humility and wretchedness, Anatolii became completely dependent on God and grew in holiness. God was then able to do marvelous wonders with the "little fool." (ie. He could read souls or knew when something bad was going to happen.) The story is in Russian but with subtitles.

Speaking of where we bought the movie, if you are looking for icons, check out Not of This World Icons.com. It is our favorite place to shop. So beautiful!

The second movie we saw was 2008's Henry Poole Is Here with Luke Wilson. It is not a religious movie but it had a surprisingly positive portrayal of the Catholic Church. Wilson plays Henry, a stand-offish loner (with a bit of mystery about him) that buys a house in his old neighborhood. His desire to be alone is thwarted by a friendly (and persistent) Catholic Hispanic woman who believes that a water stain on the side of Henry's house is actually a miraculous imprint of Jesus' face. During the course of the movie Henry must deal with his neighbors' faith, his own disbelief and anger, and his growing friendship with a single mom and her mute daughter. The movie is low-key and never preachy but there is a definite underlying message of faith and (physical/spiritual) healing. (Note: The movie is rated PG, mostly for language. Watch it when the kids are asleep.)

I also really enjoyed the soundtrack on the Henry Poole movie. There were some cool songs; however, there are two from the movie that are missing from the official soundtrack. If you get it from iTunes you'll have to download the Bob Dylan song (I didn't mind skipping that one) and the Blur (Song 2) separately. (I did download the Bur song - I hadn't heard them in years!)

Okay, Andrew is up and ready for breakfast so I need to get off the computer. I'll end with a pic of the kids from Halloween. Have a blessed weekend!

Is there such a thing as too many Jane Austen adaptations?? Of course not! So bring it on, baby! Premiering January 24-February 7, 2010 on Masterpiece Classic is Emma. Check out the trailer.

Wait, wait..there's one more blog you need to check out - Catholic-Chicks.com. Monique wants it to be "a social network where Catholic women of any age, race, ethnicity, and background can come together to celebrate God's love and build a support group for each other." Cool.

Came across this blog the other day and really enjoying it. Check it out. Fallible Blogma | A Catholic blog on Catholic issues

I know this story has been all over the Catholic blogs but in case you haven't heard, here's a great pro-life story about former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson.

(Note: It isn't mentioned in this news segment but Abby's turning point came when she saw an ultrasound of an abortion. There was no denying what was happening to the baby.)

I was reading through my twitter feed and saw a post about Duff Goldman (from one of my fave Food Network shows Ace of Cakes) being on a Catholic radio show to talk about his baking, his book and his charity work. Then I found out that the "The Catholics Next Door" radio show is put together by Greg and Jennifer Willits from the Rosary Army. (I interviewed Rosary Army years ago at RoL - back when I was friends with a crazy thing called "spare time.") I am so happy to see what they are doing! If you don't have Sirius Radio, you can download their podcast from itunes or listen here.