Don't be Tolerant

Don't simply tolerate others.

Love them.

The argument between Christians and the rest of the modern world is not one of "tolerance vs. intolerance," but one of "tolerance vs. love." Perhaps this is because walking the road of 'tolerance' is much easier than traveling the way of love. To tolerate the behavior of others is fairly manageable, but cannot but fall very short of the Christian ideal of love.

Too often today, doing what is best for the good of another's soul is characterized as 'hate,' when in fact it is the definition of true love. A parent might easily tolerate the violent tantrums of a child, but is this love? I wager one would be hard pressed to find many bystanders who would commend said parent for their tolerance. Not to (charitably) attempt to guide the child in the manner of proper decorum is not love; it is negligence. For if that poor child is not taught self- control, how can he ever be happy, in this life or the next?

How can it be then, that Christians who wish to live as God intended (which, I might add, is the way to pure happiness in this life and the next) are accused of hatred toward homosexuals? Tolerance becomes the antithesis of love - tolerance become hate - when it commands us to value anything over the salvation of souls. What loving Christian could have peace within himself if he affirms his brother in lifestyle which is self-degrading, self- seeking, and inherently disordered? Even if one cannot agree that the homosexual lifestyle reflects any of those characteristics, at the very least have pity on the homosexual and urge him to abandon his ways to protect him from almost certainly contracting a hideous and loathesome disease! No, I say, truly the ones who love homosexuals want what is best for them,  and aim to help them bear the burden of their disordered desires. Tolerating and affirming them is the real hate - crime.

I Woke Up This Morning!

 Oh, happy thought! I woke up this morning! This enables me to deduce that I indeed have a purpose here on earth this day. God has granted me another day to live, and therefore He must have a plan for me. What a perspective of life this gives me: a mixture of joy, hope, adventure, discovery, and challenge.

So, I will fulfill my purpose to the best of my ability today, for there will be a day that I will not wake to see.  That day, when His will for my life has been accomplished (for better or worse, as it may be). That day will be the one God has ordained that my presence is no longer needed on earth. And may I take leave of this life in peace, knowing that I have not wasted it!

I shall pass this way but once;
Therefore any Good that I can do,
Or any Kindness I can show,
Let me do it now, 
For I shall not pass this way again.
--Anonymous

Keep It Secret!

Whenever you are about to complain about or criticize another, do not simply bite your tongue and suffer the annoyance in silence. All too often this can become another way of expressing discontent. Instead, keep the fact that you are annoyed a secret - think quickly of some good thing about the person or situation and give voice to it, kindly and without guile. Perhaps it will be how much you appreciate this or that little thing, how kind this person is to have taken the trouble of doing such and such, or if this hadn't happened, you wouldn't ever have had the experience of __(fill in the blank)__. Doing so, if it becomes a habit, cannot help but make you a kinder, more thoughtful person!

Godly Desires

There are many things in this life that can make a person miserable; so many, in fact, that it would be impossible to enumerate them.  No matter what annoyances and hardships we may have to endure however, one thing is certain: if our desires are not in union with God's will, we have already made it impossible for ourselves to be happy. On the other hand, if our desires are completely in accord with God's, is there anything that can steal our joy?

From a practical standpoint, how does one keep one's desires holy? I propose that every desire throughout the day be subjected to right reason. Meaning, that when one must make a decision, one should carefully and consciously stop the appetite first (perhaps by asking the question "What do I want, and why am I wanting this?). Secondly, one should reason with oneself to discern the course of action that is best in keeping the salvation of one's soul.

Death

Why should I fear death? I will not suffer it alone, for God will be with me. If I always keep the moment of my death in mind, I will be sure to live every moment in the fullest possible service of God. And why is it that to die young is looked upon as an evil, as something 'untimely' and an even more sorrowful event than the death of one who is elderly? I will not die a moment sooner than God wills, therefore I need not be overly anxious about it. And why should I fear entering into eternity sooner rather than later?

Oh, the Things Patients Say...

Patient after patient comes in, and everyone talks about the same thing. The weather. How the day has been (which, of course, has usually been just fine). But every once in a while, people abandon the typical pleasantries and hold unique (and oftentimes amusing) conversations. As a sort of comedic tribute to my fifth year in the dental field, I post the following comments that patients have made through the years:

"I just got out of jail a year ago, you know, and I'm starting over-- getting healthy, taking classes over at the community college, stuff like that. By the way, do you know of any tattoo removal places around here?"

"I (expletive omitted) HATE flossing."

From a junior high student: "I've got a stupid science project to do. I'm supposed to write a Valentine to a vertebrate. And it has to rhyme."

[Emergency patient arrives. She had fallen and bitten completely through her lower lip, but also knocked her two front teeth in] "I'm ok-- I don't care about my lip, that's not bothering me. It's my teeth I'm worried about. Hey, are you nervous? You look nervous."

"I can work hanging outside an 18 story building, no problem. But whenever it comes to getting in to the dentist, I'm a big baby- I just can't take it."

"Dr. Oz said all dentists should have thyroid collars for x-rays." [Oh, Dr. Oz...]

"Oh, we named our baby 'Ace' because he was conceived in Vegas."

When asked if he had any plans for the weekend: "Well, if it doesn't rain, I might take my horse and buggy out for a drive." [He really does own a horse and buggy!]

Receptionist to an elderly patient: "How's your husband Bill? We haven't seen him in a while." 
Patient: "Dead."

Patient to the dentist, who recently had her second child: "When are you due?"
Dentist: "Um.... three weeks ago...."

Elderly patient to hygienist: "Be careful when you're in there, now- I don't want my fillings to come out."

"Do you have beer-flavored toothpaste?"

Hygienist to a four year old boy: "Do you know what a cavity is? Yes? What is it?"
Boy: "When you don't put on your coat and it's cold, you get a cavity."

An 80-something man to the hygienist: "Black is a good color on you. It hides a lot. I always tell the ladies that black is a good color to wear." [How does one respond to that one?!]

10 year old boy: "Umm, just to let you know, I just had Cheetoes..." [Just what a hygienist loves to hear... ;) ]

Elderly patient undergoing sonic scaling: "You have a career of waterboarding ahead of you."

More to come, I'm sure, as the years go by...

A Day in Chicago

A few weeks ago, I ventured into the city by train to meet a friend from out of town. This particular trip downtown was remarkably eventful - though, perhaps not by the generally accepted view of things. First off, I met a lovely lady at the train station who was traveling to San Antonio and we had a delightful conversation about Texas until the train arrived.

The train ride was over an hour long, so of course I brought along a good book: Chesterton's 'ManAlive,' which kept me in good spirits. A few sights along the way, however, made me smile. Once, I happened to look up to see the most beautiful woods outside the train window, and another time we passed by a chocolate factory, too!

Once the train arrived in Union station, I decided immediately to go up the 'down' escalators (which is more difficult than it seems) which made a short Hispanic man laugh.

As my friend hadn't arrived yet, I watched, fascinated, as two cranes were being maneuvered into place below a bridge on the Chicago River. I contemplated jumping in...  But instead, I went back into the station and bought the absolute worst cup of coffee I have ever tasted (besides day old 7-Eleven coffee).

I then ventured into the old part of the station and sat there gazing at how beautiful it was. I also happened to notice a little old lady checking for chin hairs in her compact.

Tired of sitting still, I walked to Old St. Pat's all by myself, without getting lost. And -- it was open! So I went in to pray.

After I came out, I donated to two little girls who were collecting money for Misericordia. They gave me two little bags of Jelly Bellys and ran back to their teacher shouting "We did it! We did it!" which made me smile.

I waited in a park across from Old St. Pat's and continued reading 'ManAlive,' perfectly content. It occurred to me then that more credence should be given to the song 'If You're Happy and You Know It.' It really is quite profound.

All this happened before noon, so you can imagine what the rest of the day was like. In short, I met Ryan on a street corner, and sang the 'Regina Caeli' right there, as it was time. We took a bus south to get to the Rockefeller Center Chapel on the U of Chicago campus, explored it all around and inside, took a look at the organ, climbed into the choir loft and sang the Solemn Salve Regina.

We took a tour in the Robie house, which had been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and then stalked a man we both recognized but didn't know as he came out of the Lumen Christi Institute house next door.

We wandered the campus for a while, and then toured the south side unintentionally while trying to find a good place to eat. Upon being disappointed in our search, we walked several blocks, and I went for my very first ride on the El!

Once back in town, we went to 'The Elephant and Castle' and had fish n' chips, a right proper British supper. Then we went to a little cafe for dessert: chocolate raspberry mousse cake!

Then, the time came for the crowning event of the day- the opera 'Teseo' being performed at the Harris Theatre by the Chicago Opera Theatre group. It was indescribably lovely, and I'm going to ask my voice teacher to allow me to sing Agilea's aria begging that her eyes be opened.

All too soon, it was over, and we discovered that it was too late to catch the last train back to the station where my car was, and that there was an hour before the next train that would bring me somewhat close to my house. So, after a subway surfing ride, Ryan and I sat on the floor in Union Station and watched amusing videos on YouTube until the train was to leave.

I slept a little on the ride home, and then had a good conversation with the conductor, even though we were interrupted at every stop when he had to go and open the doors.

My loving sister had the kindness to get up at 2:00 AM to come and pick me up, and even went so far as to drive me to pick up my car so that I could have it ready in the morning.

All in all, it was an fantastic day, I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and will have many fun and amusing memories to look back on!

Children Are...

Children are...
    
     the teachers of patience
     the measure of love
     the evidence of sacrifice
     the embodiment of hope
     an endless fount of joy
     full of enthusiasm
     spontaneous
     reminders of the wonderful the little things in life
     
                     ....blessings.

The Past, the Present, and the Future

The past affects the future inasmuch as it dwells in our memory; that is, thinking on the past changes the way one lives in the present. One remembers good experiences, and tries to relive them; the evil and unpleasant things one seeks to avoid in the future. One reads history and forms opinions on the government, economy, and social issues of the present based on what has transpired in the past. If we study history to learn from man's previous mistakes (which we ought), so much the more should we take care to make time and meditate on Christ's life, that it might sanctify our lives in the present and bring us to happiness hereafter.

Pange Lingua!

Pange lingua mea! Thou member of mine upon which Christ Himself has deigned to rest! Pange lingua gloriosi Corporis mysterium! As long as I am able, I shall sing to thee, My God!

Satisfaction

Can a human being ever be satisfied on this earth? Even if all one's material dreams were fulfilled (however limited or expansive), one couldn't help but wish and seek for more. More, more, more! What is it that drives man this way? He seeks happiness, and will be fulfilled - satisfied - only in Heaven in the Love of Christ.

My heart is restless, O Lord, until it rests in Thee! 
~St. Augustine

To Be Ruled by Love

Fill your mind with all that is good
That your soul may be ordered as it should.
Open your heart to God above
And let your desires be ruled by Love.


"Would that I could keep Thee always in mine inmost heart to be,
Thou, and Thou alone suggesting every thought and wish in me;
All my soul with singing offered for a sacrifice to Thee!"

~Eia, Jesu adorande by John Maubern, 1494

Of Human Beings

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
A person is a terrible thing to use.
A heart is a terrible thing to break.
A soul is a terrible thing to lose.

The Motive Behind Christian Action

Days are filled with action. Prayers to say, work to do, errands to run, chores to be done. In what manner do I perform these actions? Can I truly say that I do everything as a Christian would? What really is the motivation behind everything I do? I spend my days in pursuit of happiness and beauty. What animates this desire for good? It could very well be selfishness, arrogance, or self-aggrandizement at any moment. But no. Let my motive no longer be sinful. Let it be charity! Without love, one cannot attempt to serve God and please Him. Let me cultivate a love for God and neighbor that is both the ultimate inspiration of my actions and the purpose of my life.

Maneant in vobis fides, spes, et caritas; maior autem horum est caritas.  1 Cor 13:13



"Ah, Lord Jesus go not from me! Stay, ah, stay with me my Lord!
Make me shrink from whatsoever will not with Thy name accord.
Act through me in every action, speak through me in every word."

~ Eia, Jesu adorande  by John Maubern, 1494

Peace and Justice

Peace and justice oftentimes, I have found, do not go together. In terms of a dispute with someone, especially a relative or close friend, many times it is better to take the short end of the stick oneself in the effort to preserve the peace in the house (or circle of friends). One could insist that justice be done to uphold what is good and right, but if enforcing justice in a situation causes more strife and hurt than before, the value of peace and goodwill must be weighed against the value of justice. Of course, in opting for peace rather than justice when the two are juxtaposed, one must be careful not to become a doormat or play the "martyr." It must be done solely out of love for the other, and love for God. The "short end" must be grasped willingly, joyfully, and without complaint. Besides, God deals with us mercifully and indulgently here on earth- should we not do the same for our brethren?

Garden Song

(Sung to the tune of Polly Wolly Doodle)

We are breaking out the barrows
And we're singin' with the sparrows
Singing "polly wolly doodle" all the day
We're clearing out tomatoes and digging up potatoes
Singing "polly wolly doodle" all the day!

With a rake
And a hoe
And a lot of old weeds to go
We'll be cleaning out the garden
Til dinnertime for certain
Singing polly wolly doodle all the day!

Someone Loves Me

Whenever I am tempted to feel lonely or unwanted, I must remember: Someone loves me. The very fact that I exist proves it. Someone loved me into existence. And my parents welcomed me with open arms and hearts in an echo of that Love.

URL change

For those that are interested, the URL for my blog will be changing to "littlenothings-nataliann.blogspot.com" as of Friday, March 23 2012.

Beauty

Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder. Beauty resides in the beautiful thing itself. It will either have proportion, wholeness, integrity, and clarity in itself and be from God, or it will not have those qualities and will be displeasing to the discerning soul and will therefore be ugly.
--Fr. Anthony J. Brankin

"Preach Always- When Necessary, Use Words"

As for those virtues that you most desire another to exhibit, do not preach to him in an attempt to open his eyes. Rather, acquire those virtues yourself, and practice them daily, so as to be an example for him.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not simply the recitation of the words "that's all right," "I forgive you," or "don't worry about it." Even should these words be spoken from the heart and in all sincerity, this is not the whole of what forgiveness requires. True forgiveness of another is to resist recalling to mind the hurt that was suffered, to nevermore hold the sin against the offender. One hurt suffered years ago, though forgiven in word only once, may require one to forgive it mentally seventy times seven times, over and over, each time it is remembered. If this is not carefully attended to, one may run the risk of holding grudges interiorly (however slight) against those who have offended him, while outwardly professing to have forgiven them.

A Country Peasant Girl

I'm just a little peasant girl
As simple as can be
I'm poorer than the rest of them;
What can you want with me?

No virtues have I to speak of
I'm terribly proud and cross;
My Lord, you wish to marry me?
Oh, Sir, I'm at a loss!

Indeed sir, yes I love you,
More than anyone can tell;
But our lives are very different
A union won't fare well.

You're a great and mighty lord
With wealth beyond compare;
Dances, parties, dinners, balls,
All these are your fare.

I'm just a country peasant girl
I don't know very much
Of society or fashion,
Or theatres and such.

I'm just a simple peasant girl
think what your friends will say
If you bring me home as bride-
They'll not approve, not they!

If our situation was
Of a different kind--
Oh sir, it seems what's said is true
Your love is simply blind.

And the Lord Said to Moses

"And the Lord said to Moses..."

What terrifying words! The Lord spoke to Moses. What awe Moses must have felt at these times. To be sure, he must have listened intently to every instruction, felt the weight of each word, and held His statutes ever in the forefront of his mind. Would I have done and felt the same? I need not ask this question rhetorically, for God Himself speaks to me daily in the readings at Mass! Rather, I ask myself, do I listen to my Lord as I should? Do I listen at all?

How many times I have sat in church allowing my mind to wander off as if nothing important were happening. How often I have ignored the Word of God and let my fancy take me where it will! And yet what is happening during the readings is very important-- of the utmost importance. For the Word of God comes to us, as it did to the prophets to prepare humanity for the Savior's entrance into the world. In a similar way, but greater by far, the Word of God prepares us to receive the Word Incarnate,  into our very selves! With what gravity, awe, and attention should we regard the readings at Holy Mass!

The Choral Conductor

The choral conductor is a master musician who plays the most difficult, varied, and sensitive instruments: human beings. And the members of the choir have the noble task of using their own bodies, created by God, as instruments for His greater glory.  In the earthly choir, each member has his own will, and must control himself according to the wishes of the conductor, who labors to bring forth from the choir the most perfect sound of which it is capable. In the same way Our Lord, the Master Conductor, teaches, leads, admonishes, and encourages His Choir in order to bring forth evermore the beautiful Music of His Goodness. May the Choir always endeavor to conform to its Conductor's will in all things!