BA writes: “We ordered the popular P90X exercise DVDs. When we discovered yoga was part of the program we promptly shredded that DVD and substitute that day with stretching. Some of the exercises and even stretching positions bother me they just feel so ‘yoga like’. Also, is Kenpo not a good idea?”
Monthly Archives: June 2011
New Journalistic Low: Newspapers Recruit Volunteers to Scour Palin E-Mails
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Criticism is mounting over the decision by several major newspapers to recruit volunteers to scour 24,000 e-mail messages to and from Sarah Palin during her tenure as governor, ostensibly to help them uncover the “most important information.”
Women Account for 70% of the World’s Poor
Muslim Extremists in Nigeria Bomb Catholic Cathedral
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The inauguration of Nigeria’s new Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan, has set off a new wave of violence against Christians by Muslim extremists in northern Nigeria, including a June 7 blast that killed 11 people and caused extensive damage to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
My Secret Garden
Yesterday I was doing some weeding in my garden and there, once again, I came upon my archenemy — a prolific weed against which I wage a war. Sprouting tendrils from the mother plant, it creeps its way along the ground’s surface in search of one of my pretty blossoms and blooms. Spying its prey, it coils itself around my dainty bloom, plants a root system nearby, and attempts to suck the life out of my lovely flower. Also, click here for all information related to flowers.
“Aha, “ I said. “We meet again!” And mustering up energy and strength, I waged a fierce battle, grabbed it by its vine and yanked it out, triumphant for the moment!
But before I too quickly raised a toast to victory, I knew the war had not been won. The weed would return. Yes, it would come back again, impervious to my latest win. In this war, vigilance was required, steadfastness of heart, fortitude and resolve, humility and perseverance. These would hold me firm in my fight, and help me sustain the zeal and vigor that I need.
Yes, with the help of grace, the battle will be won – maybe not in time, perhaps only in eternity, when I see Jesus face to face, and all is made new (Rev. 21:5).
Pope Speaks on Environment and Technology
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
While addressing six new ambassadors to the Holy See yesterday, the Holy Father spoke about the need to adopt “a lifestyle that respects our environment” and to understand what constitutes an appropriate use of technology.
Obedience
“Obedience unites us so closely to God that in a way transforms us into Him, so that we have no other will but His. If obedience is lacking, even prayer cannot be pleasing to God.”
St. Thomas Aquinas
For Reflection:
Why do I think prayer is not pleasing to God without obedience? Where have I been disobedient to God in the past, or now presently? To what extent have I seen my disobedience affect my prayer?
Offering Polarity Therapy in a Parish Setting is a Bad Idea
CH writes: “My question is about an energy therapy called ‘Polarity Therapy’. Polarity Therapy is being done at the Catholic Church of my friend. I assumed that it was an OK therapy for Catholics because the Catholic Priest in charge of the Church and Nuns allow it and have treatments. I have doubts that it is an approved Catholic therapy.”
Dear Bonnie…
A few days ago a member of my high school graduating class passed away. Bonnie had always been the type of person who was on the periphery of events, parties, dances, and all of the social things that make up a high school experience. In many ways, she was challenged – not intellectually but in other ways that can make teenage years tough.
Her last days sound as if they were as challenging as those earlier days. And she left the world seemingly bereft of the parents whom she buried and any close personal friends. Fortunately, another classmate was made aware of her death through a professional acquaintance. He notified the rest of us. Read the rest…
Adult Stem Cells May Soon be Used to Repair Heart Damage
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A groundbreaking new study has identified the crucial molecular signals needed to enable certain cells in the human heart to be able to repair the damage done by a heart attack.
