The Virgin od Guadalupe

[Dick]

Tonight, at midnight, begins the Homage to the virgin, in Mexico. It ranks as high, or possibly even higher than the Independance day celebrations. To those who are Catholic, Viva La Virgin! I miss those celebrations!
Dick

[fiddle-fart]

yes our church don't celebrate half as much feast that they use to

[Dick]

Mike, it is true, they don't celebrate the thngs that we used to enjoy, as youngsters. Times change. You can look at the TV, and see things that would have shocked everyone, fut the first amendment give them the "right" to be vulgar, filthy, and dis-graceful! It reminds me of the scene when Moses follers were GOD-fearing, and orderly. when he came back with the 10 cmmandments, and found they had lost all thoughts of GOD! It makes one wonder when we will have a visit fro the SON of GOD! It can't be that far away!
Dickl

[fiddle-fart]

I here ya.

Depending on what you believe in what you here, this present pope is the last pope before the end of times.

but like the Bible says, Noone knows when the second coming will be just like a thief in the night.

I myself collect religious medals and holy cards.

My cherished ones are the older ones that have pieces or relics in them.

my favorite is Padre Pio.

My wife and I travel around to see the "older Churches" in the area.
and of course to light a candle for the loved ones that have past

well its good to know I have a catholic friend

God bless
and take care

Mike

[Teryble]

Thanks Dick, Catholic school girl here. The only thing I don't miss is wearing a doiley (spelling?) on my head to church!!! Sorry been slacking on sending you the quarters, been asked to help w/ toys for tots. But will get them out soon

[Dick]

Mike, thanks for your kind thoughts. i am not an "overly-religious" man. I think When one talks religion, then one is in "church". I don't go to church to see what the neighbor is wearing, and then go out to the nearest bar, or worse ""nudie-bar". to make it all a lie. I believe, and that is all that concerns my "future welfare". I am not afraid to die. I look forward to the next material world tour. Sound contradictory? some will think so,,but I have my Religion, that precedes the Catholic, and is not contradictory, in that we all, or most of us belirve there is "something better, out there". I know that the spirit lives on , after the "Carnal carriage is worn out, and discarded, and the spirit will rest until needed. Enough trips to this "mortal wWorld", will , eventually take us to the Hand of GOD.
Tery, Not to worry! Those little "tots are the most important thing these days, and, of course, every day of our lives"!

May GOD Bless!
Dick

[fiddle-fart]

I agree with going with the hippocrites(?)
thats why the church I go to is all farmers and working class people. blue jeans and sweat shirts are the fanciest it gets here.

but as a enjoyier of out door life the world is also my church.

which brings me to a story.

the other day I had a delivery to a very rich house. the lady of the house asked if I would move something for her and that she would pay me. I told her that I would move it but she would have to pass the favor on to someone else. ( pay it forward )

she then informed me that never mind, she would pay someone else to do it.

money has became the almighty in some peoples life.
but the love that you put into something goes on forever.

Teryble, that is what helps in this world. someone giving.
I belong to the Knights of Columbus and we do what we can do for the unfortunate.

the movie "Pay it forward" says it all

if only more would do just a little

If I forget to say it

Merry Christmas to all

MIke

[CoinboyJay]

This thread reminds me of somthing a friend of mines grandpa used to say:

I'd rather be on my tractor wishing I was in church, than sitting in church wishing I was on my tractor!!

[Teryble]

Thanks for the understanding Dick & the support from others as well. We do 3 or 4 toy runs a year.
The most gratifying is my old Abate chapter (Peace River). They pick up motorcyclists from like 4 & 5 counties on the way to All Childrens Hospital in St. Pete. Most of the children there are very ill and cannot come outside, but they have a glass enclosed walkway above the street. If you could see the joy and wonder in their eyes when they see all those motorcycles, it's brings tears to your eyes (even the big burley guys). I don't know if they like the toys or the motorcycles better! No matter how cold or rainy it might be, we all walk away feeling warm and fuzzy inside. But besides feeling good about yourself, it's the feeling you made those kids forget about the pain, needles, medicine etc. even if just for a moment.
Merry Christmas to you all as well
Tery

[fiddle-fart]

Maybe I'm off base here but something that is very dear to my heart is
http://www.kindermourn.org/emptyarmsprogram.html

the death of a child during pregnancy, especially the first one, is very hard and can be devestating to both parents and family.
I know, We lost our first grandson.
So this is just information to those that may want to give

Thank You
Mike

[fiddle-fart]

Teryble

We, sometimes go to an old latin mass.( we take kids from church)just to show them what it was like back in my day.

then I whip out my old Baltimore Catichism to show how easy they have it today in religious education.

then comes the stories of the nuns.

MIke

[Teryble]

I will definetly check out the website Mike. Yes I had mean nuns 2 out of 3 anyways and they lived 3 houses away! Back then they wore full Habits & I was a bad girl & pulled off the the mean redhead "Sister Monica's" head dress. Needless to say I became close friends with the ruler! Believe it or not I am named after St. Theresa of the little flower, Patron saint of children. Nun's suggestion, I was born after my older sis (2 y.o.) died. I'm still around (4 of 5 gone) so it must have worked! I'm afraid if I went to church now the roof would fall in! I can pray anytime, anywhere! But far from saintly, just do unto others!
That is why I like Ken's old medal...hint, hint. Check it out!
http://www.coppercoins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4144

T

[Dick]

I get very upset when some young girl seeks to abort! Those who have the gift of parenting, should be very glad they do. They also should use it wisely! There are those of us who, for no fault of our own, lost that rght, from whatever reason. In my case, it was from beatings received as a child. But God has given me a Good woman, Divorced, with three young children, who needed a father. The only one whose father was available didn't want to be bothered. His son now calls me "Pops". Hsi son called me dad all his life, as fo the other three. The third was "given to us, before she was born. All we had to do was take care of the hospital bills. She has been a child that thinks her parents are to be looked after, daily. The oldest decided he didn't need a step-father, and has "strayed" He doesn't know, or realize, that
"What goes around, Comes around"! He is about to become a great grand-fatrer, while I will be the first living, Great-Great-Grand father in the historybof our family. I plan on having a picture made, with all five generations alive, and well!
When I became a Chatolic, I told the Priest, that I don't agree 100% with all the the tachings, and therefor accept, with my reservations. And if he can accept that, then I will be babtized. He did, and I received all my Sacrements except Confirmation, that same day, when We were married in the Church. It was our 32nd anniversary. The only reason I wasn't confirmed the same day was because the Bishop was sick, and couldn't make the Mass.
May GOD Bless the children!
Dick

[fiddle-fart]

yes, unfortunatly, there are people that don't want to except resposibilities for thier actions. just in it for a good time. my father was one of those. my stepfather raised 4+2 kids and I call him dad,

when my brother died, he took it real hard.

like I told my son

anyone can be a father
but its someone special that can be called Dad
Mike

[Teryble]

My father died when I was 3, but get this, he was born in 1894. He was 68 when I was born, 70 when my sis was born. So my mother took on the bread winner responsibilties and my dear Aunt was my mom since I was about 9 months old. So I grew up with strong women as role models. Everyone is gone now though. I have 1 aunt left 84 years old, she was born in Ybor City and rode Harleys in the 40's...I have a pic somewhere. She still mows her own lawn!
Fighting as siblings do, I was told you only have 1 sister, didn't know the true meaning till I was 24 & lost her! Very good advice to heed! Also I would have really like to have heard stories of my fathers era growing up in NYC. He was an identical twin, he died 12/23/1965, his brother 12/23/1967....Wierd Huh!