Preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Photo Credit: www.stockvault.net

Thanksgiving is this week. Christmas is a month away from tomorrow. Time has been passing so quickly. With Black Friday and all of the other holiday sales coming up, the season doesn't feel as personal as it used to be. When we could be celebrating one another's company, people are out buying things on Thanksgiving night and weekend. 

Identity, Inter-Religious Dialogue, and Hope

This podcast is an exploration of a few different themes from some of my posts as well as a few new ideas. The podcast explores the importance of knowing oneself before a relationship. It also points out that inter-religious dialogue is possible between people who hold different beliefs. Lastly, it talks about the necessity of hope in life and for the future. I hope you enjoy it!
Here is the link if you would like to download it:
Download this episode (right click and save)

Local Places for Students to Take Theology Classes

These are a few places where classes or studies are offered about different aspects of theology. Most Pure Heart of Mary offers a variety of different classes that pertain to the Bible, amongst other topics. They also offers retreats for adults as well. 

The Washburn University Catholic Campus Center also offers opportunities for students to learn more about theology and the Church. I have been told that, next semester, they are going to do a book study on How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul. I used this book as a major reference throughout the content of this blog. 

These are both two valuable resources that college students at Washburn could take advantage of. Both locations are close to campus, and I know the Catholic Campus Center is involved in everyday campus life. This map shows the locations of the Church and The Campus Center in relation to Washburn University.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc is my favorite saint. I spoke about her briefly in one of my past posts. She is a big role model for me and my life. She has many profound quotes attributed to her, and I wanted to share a few of them.

"Rather now than tomorrow, and tomorrow than the day after!"

"I am not afraid. I was born for this."

"I fear nothing for God is with me."

"One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice who you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."

Looking for Answers and Finding More Questions

Photo Credit: Antoine Beauvillain

Who are you?

Go ahead. Pause and think about it.

What makes you who you are? What is your purpose in life? Do you know, or are you still on a path to discover it?

Inner Beauty

Photo Credit: statelinesptgds.com

Today, it seems to be harder than ever to find a person who will take the time to get to know someone simply for their personality. Appearances are valued far more than personal qualities are. I could go on and on about how this is so prominent in society, but I think most readers know this, and could relate firsthand to this issue. Instead, I am going to focus on how this issue affects many of us.

The Emotocoaster and Emotional Chastity

I would like to share an article that describes perfectly what emotional chastity is and what it is not. The author of this article actually lives in Atchison, KS! Her husband teaches at Benedictine College. This article is written in a perspective for girls, but guys can also read it and understand some of the same types of concepts. 

Sarah Swafford describes emotional virtue (or chastity) in this way, "Emotional virtue is all about realigning our own hearts in hopes of realigning our relationships with one another. Emotions are not bad and shouldn’t be suppressed. Emotions and passions are good and give us zeal and “fire” for life! But if we aren’t in control of our emotions (harnessing them and training them) then they will control us; and when they control us, we are no longer free to love. Emotional virtue, therefore, frees us to truly love with an undivided heart." The following article discusses a lot of modern concepts and puts them into perspective. It is an entertaining and cute article, but it also discusses a lot of important issues in today's social climate.

Here is the link to The Emotocoaster! Enjoy!

Nude Art versus Pornography

Photo Credit: Patrick Landy

I have heard many questions inquiring about the Church's views on nude art. The Church actually has a very simple answer for this inquiry: the ethos of the image and the ethos of seeing. St. Pope John Paul II said, "[There is] a reciprocal circuit which takes place between the image and the seeing, between the ethos of the image and the ethos of seeing. The creation of the image, in the broad and differentiated sense of the term, imposes on the author, artist, or reproducer, obligations not only of an aesthetic, but also of an ethical nature. In the same way, 'looking,' is understood according to the same broad analogy, imposes obligations on the one who is the recipient of the work."

Being Single: Not a Curse, Rather an Opportunity

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A few weeks ago, I went to my cousin's wedding in Houston, Texas. It was so much fun! My cousin's bride was breathtaking; her dress was beautiful and she looked stunning. For most of the night, I was with my other cousin, whose boyfriend was with her at the reception. As with most weddings, a question was asked of me, "Are you single?" (This question actually means, "Do you have a special person in your life right now?") I replied, smiling guiltily, "Yup, I'm single."

Theology of the Body on YouTube

I was first introduced to this video via chastityproject.com and I thought it was very funny. A lot of the ideas of the Theology of the Body are reflected in this video. There is also a video for guys, too.