Crazy Cat Lady Mews

“The only differences between the Herod of old and the Herods of today are in the weapons used and the number of victims. Herod used swords and spears to kill the Holy Innocents. Today’s Herods use abortion, “The Pill” and other chemical weapons. And whereas Herod killed a relatively small number of babies, today’s Herods have butchered literally hundreds of millions … with no end in sight!”

January 22, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of the legislation that legalized abortion: Roe v. Wade. The organization called NARAL marks the anniversary with a campaign called “Blog For Choice.” NARAL is an acronym whose meaning has evolved over the years from “National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws” to “National Abortion Rights Action League” and finally, “National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League.” Apparently they have had identity issues over the years, similar to Planned Parenthood and their very recent change from use the term “pro-choice” to catchy little phrases such as “Reproductive Justice,” “Only you know what it’s like to walk in your shoes’ and “Decisions about reproductive health are personal. You can help keep them that way.” 

Back on December 19, 2012, I put an image on my FB that read “It’s weird to see a president who has no problem with abortions in the third trimester stand against violence towards children.” This was in response to the shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary school, in Connecticut.

Since that time, I have had several discussions with various people about abortion. I have asked people who identify themselves with the “pro-choice” moniker to explain what that means. Unanimously, everyone I have spoken to has said that if a woman should be able to “choose” to “terminate” a pregnancy.  A consistent comment among many was,  ”I wouldn’t do it, but I don’t think I should take away the “right” of a woman to “control” her body.”  

Some people undoubtedly ask, “Well, what if  it is from rape or incest? Should a woman have to have it around as a constant reminder of that act of violence?”

I countered with since when is a baby an “it”? How does one justify an act of murder to counter an act of violence? Does the unborn ever have a “choice” in how they are conceived?  

 I still cannot come to grips with the fact that so many think it is okay to murder a baby nor how this murder is a somehow seen as “choice” or “reproductive justice.”

In office as the President of the United States of America is the single most pro-abortion president that this country has ever had. For those who question this, I will remind them that Barack Obama has consistently opposed bans on late term abortions, partial birth abortions and has voted against providing care to babies born alive after botched abortions. That last one is particularly disturbing to me. How could a man, who professes to be a good father, no less, vote against giving care to a baby who survived an attempt to murder him or her through a botched abortion. It smacks of evil.

 I will never think of the “pro-choice” supporters as anything other than “pro-abortion.” I do not even have to ask them what they mean when they say “choice” because it is very clear that they mean women should have the opportunity to take the life of the unborn at will, whenever they “choose.” 

To join other pro-life folks in this movement, check out the Facebook Page called Ask Them What They Mean By “Choice” Day 2013.

For more on Barack Obama’s record and views on abortion, this page gives a pretty good summary of his pro-abortion stance: http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/Profiles/President/US/Barack_Obama/Views/Abortion/

January 6 marks The Epiphany, also known as the “Holy Light of the Manifestations.

The Epiphany recalls the visit of the Magi, the three wise men, to the Christ Child in Bethlehem. It is also about the revelation of the Jesus Christ to everyone who is in darkness. This day is a reminder that anyone can choose to follow the light of Christ, to follow in his ways and share His love with those around them.

The Epiphany celebration was originally observed in the Eastern Church in 361 AD. It began as a commemoration of the birth of Christ with other events added later. These include the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana (transubstantiation of water into wine). 

As we close this Christmas season, I consider that the meanings of Epiphany include the baptism and the first miracle of Christ,. As I pack away the ornaments, the nativity, the snowmen and Santa’s, I am reminded that we can relive this every time we attend Mass because it affords us the opportunity to renew our baptismal vows and receive the body and blood of Christ. And doing so keeps Christmas spirit going throughout the year.

Until next time,
Karen 

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, 
Following yonder star.

Why 12 Drummers Drumming on the Twelfth Day of Christmas?

The 12 drummers represent the twelve articles of the Apostles’ Creed.

Apostles’ Creed

(New translation for Catholic Church, effective Nov. 2011)

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
2. and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
3. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died and was buried;
5. he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;
6. he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; 
7. from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. 
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. and life everlasting. Amen.

Why Eleven Pipers Piping on the Eleventh Day of Christmas?

The eleven pipers represent the eleven faithful apostles: Simon Peter, James the Great, John, Simon (the Zealot), Jude (a.k.a. Thaddeus), Andrew, James the Less, Matthew, Phillip, Bartholomew, and Thomas.

Why Ten Lords a leaping on the Tenth Day of Christmas?

The ten lords represent the Ten Commandments. It is always a good time to have a refresher on that list, so here it is:

1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

3. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

4. Honor thy father and mother.

5. Thou shalt not kill.

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

7. Thou shalt not steal.

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.

Cats clearly rule in our house….or rather, nap on our bed.

I saw this come across my Facebook, from a page called “Cats by the Crazy Cat Lady”.
Check out her Facebook page here.

• If you have to throw up, get into a chair quickly. If you cannot manage this in time, get to an Oriental rug. Shag is good.
• Determine which guest hates cats. Sit on that lap during the evening. They won’t dare push you off and will even call you “nice kitty.” If you can arrange to have cat food on your breath, so much the better.
• For sitting on laps or rubbing against trouser legs, select colours which contrast with your own.
• Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything. Just sit and stare.
• For guests who say, “I love kitties,” be ready with aloof disdain, claws applied to stockings or a quick nip on the ankles.
• Do not allow closed doors in any room. To get one open, stand on hind legs and hammer with forepaws. Once the door is opened for you, it is not necessary to use it. You can change your mind. When you have ordered an outside door opened, stand half in and half out and think about several things. This is particularly important during very cold weather or mosquito season.
• If one person is busy and the other is idle, sit with the busy one. For book readers, get in close under the chin, unless you can lie across the book itself.
• For ladies knitting, curl quietly into lap and pretend to doze. Then reach out and slap knitting needles sharply. This is what she calls a dropped stitch. She will try to distract you. Ignore it.
• For people doing homework, sit on the paper being worked on. After being removed for the second time, push anything movable off the table — pens, pencils, stamps — one at a time.
• When it becomes time to dislodge a fur ball, choose the dining room at dinner time.
• When your owner returns home laden with packages, fall down in front of them — this works best on steps, all the better if the individual is proceeding downward. There is always the chance you may get stepped on, but this usually guarantees a fall and it you milk their guilt that follows it is usually worth it.
• Should you run into a closed sliding glass door or do anything stupid, never let on as much and go about your business as if “I meant to do that.”
• If you allow a dog to share your domain you are in luck. Should you tatter the drapes or destroy anything for which you fear retribution, wait until your owner (misnomer if there ever was one) is nearby, slap the dog and run for it. Dogs are stupid and will accept blame for anything. If this ruse should fail simply run and hide. No one really expects to catch a cat.
• Chase, frolic, and run from invisible entities. The why doesn’t matter, it is just expected.
• Get enough sleep during the daytime so that you are fresh for playing at night between 2 and 4 a.m.
• Final Note: ALWAYS walk ON the keyboard!

Why ladies dancing on the Ninth Day of Christmas?

The nine ladies dancing represent the nine choirs of angels. Here they are in ascending order:

1. Angels
2. Archangels
3. Principalities
4. Powers
5. Virtues
6. Dominations
7. Thrones
8. Cherubim
9. Seraphim

Why maids a-milking on the Eighth Day of Christmas?

This is to recall the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
• Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas?

Seven Swans a-Swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:

• Wisdom
• Understanding
• Counsel
• Fortitude
• Knowledge
• Piety
• Fear of the Lord

Why Six Geese a-laying on the Sixth Day of Christmas?

Six Geese a-Laying represent the six days of creation:

1st Day: Creation of light and its separation from darkness

2nd Day: Creation of the firmament and division of the waters

3rd Day: Collection of waters (sea) and formation of dry land (earth); creation of plants according to their own likeness