Faith and Works

I am a Catholic, born and bred. Also known as a "Cradle Catholic." I am in love with my Church. Seriously. Unfortunately, just like with any kind of love, I can take it for granted from time to time.

Today, the hubs and I went to mass just like any other Sunday morning. I was hungry and in my head wishing I could have grabbed a granola bar on my way out the door. I know fasting isn't supposed to be fun but today I was particularly not a fan of it. I sat in the pew, knelt down for a few mediocre prayers (the ones I always say before mass), and then sat back down ready to get the show on the road. I realize this sounds incredibly disrespectful. I am not perfect and will never claim to be. This morning is was in a particularly sour mood.

Then... I heard the Second Reading.

How beautiful! We are called to be a people of action! What good am I doing if I am not doing good WORKS for others? How many times do I say I will pray for someone and fall short? How often am I serving the people of God?

So after my initial feelings of failure I decided I am going to take action. I don't have any clue what kind of action I am going to take and I will certainly take suggestions but if it's true that faith is dead without works then I better get my act together!


Just FYI the United States Council of Catholic Bishops site is a great reference if you ever need one!

American Heroes

Tuesday was the 11th anniversary of the day America was attacked by terrorists. If you were old enough to remember that day at all chances are you were reflecting on where you were when you found out, how you felt, who you lost. I did.

Firefighters raise the American Flag at ground zero.

But I'm not that 7th grade little girl anymore. Now I almost feel a sense of pride. Of course I still tear up when I see the images of the towers falling and hear the stories of how a little girl grew up not knowing her dad. But that event didn't break us. We are still the United States of America.

I will not go into politics because I hate talking about it anyway, but look at where we are. Unfortunately there were also some riots in the middle east at American Embassies. While I still don't believe these riots came out JUST because of a video on youtube it makes you think. I was watching on Fox News and I honestly can't remember who was talking but they were talking about how to the Muslims that were rioting blamed the US government for the video. Looking at things from their angle, I in a weird twisted way see their point... hang on cuz I really do have a point here. All they know is a government that dictates aspects of their lives that we don't experience here. We have free speech. That is something they don't fully understand. They expect out government to jump in and do something about the video. We, on the other hand, and these wonderful liberties that were set in stone many moons ago. We love our freedom, we expect to keep our freedoms. We do not expect the government to jump in and intervene.

Essentially what we have here is a misunderstanding of our freedoms. Do I think it was ok for whoever made this video to make it? Well, I most certainly wouldn't do it but he has free speech. Do I think it was ok for them to riot in the streets and kill innocent Americans? Absolutely not. My heart goes out to all the families and friends of those that lost their lives serving our county this week. My heart also goes out to all the military men and women that fight tirelessly for my freedoms everyday. They are our heroes. Do you have a hero?

Soldiers from the US Army 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan have a moment of silence in honor of the 9/11 victims on the 5th anniversary of the event. Photo by Flickr user Morgan-Family, via CC.

Apartment Living

I am in my second year of living in an apartment and let me tell you... it is far from glamorous. I think the best word to describe it is "interesting."

Today, my DH and I walked out the front door of our second story apartment into the beautiful fall weather. It was the first day we were BOTH free since I don't know when. As we walked towards the car to run a few errands the DH spotted my front bumper of my little Honda. It was pretty clear that someone hit me. It took the paint off. Awesome.

Also, what's with people not taking out the trash? Setting it outside your door is not the same as walking it to the dumpster. And if you walk passed it for 4 days and STILL don't walk it to the dumpster then you are just freaking lazy. Speaking of lazy... pick up your dog's poop, please.

I will say that we are thrilled that our new neighbor is quiet. We definitely couldn't say that about our previous neighbors that played techno club music so loud that it rattled the pictures on our walls and screamed at each other at 3 am.

On a much happier note we DID enjoy the lovely fall weather and got SO in the mood for fall that I made pumpkin muffins for breakfast with our coffee, bought some fall decorations and mulled cider scented candles :)

Much Love Ya'll.

I'm just writing

Blogging.... it's not something I ever thought I would do. Yet here I am.

My name is Hilary and I am a young Catholic wife. My husband, Patrick, and I got married in July 2011 and are enjoying the adventures of married life. It is seriously never a dull moment with him! We have a sweet and spirited pup named Rosalyn and she is always entertaining.

I am what most people today would call old fashion. I believe in strong family values, working hard and speaking up for what you believe in. I like to cook, bake, read, write and spent time with family. One of the most valuable pieces of advice anyone ever gave me was to "talk about things you can't see." I think that is how you can really get to know people.

I am a nurse and I LOVE my job. It's sick how much I love it. Seriously, no one should love their job this much. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 5 and it's crazy that I finally am. Only problem is that now I sometimes miss learning. I'm kinda nerdy that way.

I have been writing my thoughts and reflections in black and white composition books for years. Really that is all I'm doing. I don't have any profound purpose for starting a blog. I don't have a theme. I'm not trying to persuade anyone to think like me or gather followers. I'm just writing...