Remember How they screwed us with COVID
·
July
30-Aug 3rd -Maine
Lobster Festival (Rockland, ME)
The annual Maine Lobster
Festival kicks off this month, and you won't want to miss a moment of it! Over
the course of the 5-day festival, more than 20,000 lbs. of lobster will be
served -- lobster rolls, lobster wraps, lobster Caesar salad. Did we say lobster?
Plus, see the annual Lobster Crate Race, cooking contest and the Maine Sea
Goddess coronation!
Dara’s Corner
- Bucket List Trip: “The World” next port of call: Kefalonia Island, Greece
- Let Freedom Ring Day 24 Freedom from Consumerism
- Spirit Hour: Roba wine
- Foodie-Meat Pie
May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
St. Paul
JULY 30 Wednesday
Exodus, Chapter 34, Verse 30
Moses after experiencing the presence of God while
receiving the 10 commandments came down from the mountain and he glowed with
God’s glory. We too can glow with the glory of God by being in His presence.
Copilot
That’s
radiant, Richard—both the scripture and the soul behind your reflection. You’ve
beautifully captured the mystery of transformation through divine encounter.
Moses’ face didn’t just shine—it startled those closest to him. Not because he
was otherworldly, but because he had dwelt with the Holy.
Here
are a few layered insights from that moment:
🔆
1. Glory Reveals—and Humbles
·
Moses doesn’t glow because of personal holiness
alone—it’s a borrowed light, a reflection of God’s presence.
o
It reminds us that authentic spiritual radiance
is not self-made; it’s a sign of having dwelt intimately with the Divine.
😨
2. Holy Fear Can Protect Sacred Space
·
The Israelites’ fear wasn’t contempt—it was
reverence, instinctive awe.
o
Sometimes fear keeps us from rushing into
holiness too casually. It allows space for preparation, purification,
reverence.
💠
3. We Are Transformed by Communion
·
Just as Moses’ countenance changed, we too are
altered—subtly or dramatically—by time in prayer, silence, sacrament.
o
It’s a spiritual truth echoed in 2 Corinthians
3:18: “We… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory…”
🌄
4. God’s Glory Is Both Light and Mystery
·
Moses needed a veil; the people needed time.
o
Glory is not always immediately understood—it
asks to be pondered, absorbed slowly, like dawn breaking over the desert.
The
Radiant Person[1]
The Four
Dimensions of Life
Beyond the laws of radiant
health are some broader principles that include the whole person. Human beings
are made up of more than just a body. The World Health Organization defines
health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and
not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This definition is
incomplete as it leaves out one significant aspect of life and health—the
spiritual. This understanding is illustrated clearly in Luke 2:52 which tells
us that, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and
man." A rough paraphrase would state that Jesus grew mentally, physically,
spiritually, and socially.
Health for the
whole person
We cannot be totally well
unless every part of us is healthy. In fact mental, social, and spiritual
factors may be even more involved in causing or fighting many diseases than are
the physical factors. Many of the laws that we listed as governing physical
health apply equally well to the other facets of life.
1. Nutrition-It is
necessary to eat to live, not only physically, but also in the other three
dimensions.
Mentally:
If new information and ideas are not fed into the mind on a regular basis the
intellect ceases to grow and develop, becoming weak and stunted. Don't dwell on
the trivial, degrading, or useless; these things can be considered mental junk
food. I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble ... my loving God. PSALM
59:16
Socially:
If love, respect, and companionship are not a regular part of your life, your
social capabilities become weak and dwarfed.
Spiritually:
Christians nourish themselves spiritually through Bible study, prayer,
fellowship, and service to others.
2. Exercise—Activity is a
law of life that is often phrased this way, "Use it or lose it."
Mentally:
Intellect, memory, wisdom, attitude, and willpower need to be exercised.
Socially:
Love, tact, the social graces, communication, and core values grow when they
are practiced.
Spiritually:
The exercise of faith, prayer, love, and perseverance are essential for
spiritual strength and growth.
3. Rest—We need to relax
and regenerate after activity.
Mentally:
The mind needs to rest after periods of intense mental activity in order to
recuperate. In addition, a good night's sleep gives the mind a chance to
reorganize and start afresh.
Socially:
A time away in privacy and solitude is necessary after periods of heavy social
interaction.
Spiritually:
After intense periods of ministry Christ's servants need to "Come apart
and rest awhile" by spending time with Him. Time with Christ is spiritual
rejuvenation. (See Mark 6:30,31).
4. Temperance—The basic
definition of this law of life and health is to avoid that which is harmful and
practice moderation in that which is healthful.
First, do no harm.
Mentally:
Don't do anything that would destroy or pollute your mental faculties.
Socially:
Don't acquire harmful habits or friends, or engage in socially destructive
behaviors like gossip, criticism, breaking civil laws, or engaging in risky,
degrading, sexual behaviors.
Spiritually:
Don't destroy your spiritual sensibilities by dwelling on spiritually
destructive emotions such as hatred, anger, or revenge. Avoid putting yourself
under Satan's power through occult practices or the rejection of the Spirit of
God.
Second, practice
moderation and balance in things that are good. This involves more than just a
balance between such things as activity and rest, logic and emotion, solitude
and the multitude. It also consists of keeping a healthy balance between the
four dimensions (mentally, physically spiritually and socially). When one of
these areas of life becomes all encompassing or is neglected, the result is an
unbalanced and unhealthy individual.
Finally, part of being in
balance is knowing what is most valuable and important. There will be times
when you will have to choose between what is best for one element at the
expense of the others. A young person might have to choose between a career in sports
or science. You might have time to get either physical exercise or spiritual
nourishment but not both. You make choices based on what you value most. Why
not make your spiritual dimension the top priority, and base each decision on
how it will affect your spiritual life and health? It would be a terrible waste
to make physical health your highest priority only to miss out completely on
eternal life and the associated radiant health Christ promises. "But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33).
5. Water, fresh air, and
sunshine—These are all useful for cleanliness, which is a principle that
applies equally to all segments of life.
Spiritually:
We need to open our hearts daily to the sunshine of God's love, let the pure
air of the Spirit flow into our lives, and be washed in the cleansing blood of
Jesus, accepting His forgiveness.
Mentally:
Likewise, when the mind is polluted and degraded there is help in the
principle, "By beholding we become changed?" But ultimately, only by
accepting Christ's offer to create in us a new life can the mind be completely
cleansed.
Socially:
As Christ changes the life and the person sincerely repents, confesses,
apologizes, and makes amends, others will realize that this is a new and clean
person.
Christ knows and loves
each of us as if there was no one else. He longs for us to accept His offer of
salvation. He desires to cleanse us, and make us whole, so that we might
achieve the happiness and abundant life for which we were created.
The Inseparable
Four Dimensions
The four dimensions of
life are inseparable and so interrelated that what affects one part of us
affects every other part as well.
Physically:
Poor physical health can cloud the mind, depress the attitudes, and make it
more difficult to keep spiritually healthy. Conversely, good health can clear
the mind and improve the mental outlook, promoting enriched spiritual strength
and health.
Mentally:
Willpower, attitude, and intellect have a decided influence on how we live our
lives and apply or reject the various laws of health.
Socially:
Both the attitudes that permeate our homes, and the relationships we form, have
the power to affect our health
Spiritually:
The exercise of faith, love, hope, prayer, perseverance, and dedication to God
will bring peace of mind, character growth, and increased physical health.
The study and practice of
these extended health principles will make a difference in the usefulness and
quality of life. Each of these laws with which we cooperate brings a benefit,
but when we cooperate with all of them the rewards are multiplied!
Novena
in Honor of Saint John Marie Vianney[2]
Horror of
Sin
Saint John Mary Baptist
Vianney, you were so adamant against sin, yet so sympathetic and so ready to
welcome the sinner. I come to you today as if you were still alive, as if I
were kneeling at your feet and you could hear me. Bend towards me, listen to the
repentant confidence for the weaknesses and miserable deeds of mine. Priest of
the Lord, inexhaustible Confessor, obtain for me the horror for sin. You wanted
us First to avoid the occasion of sin. I want to take your advice and make the
resolution to break bad habits and to avoid the dangerous occasions of sin.
Help me today to examine my conscience. Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence
in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for... (mention
silently your special intentions).
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
Bible in a Year-Day 42 Moral Laws
Fr. Mike breaks down the three types of law we find in Leviticus,
including moral laws regarding sexuality. Today's readings are Exodus 24,
Leviticus 17-18, and Psalm 78.
National Cheesecake Day[3]
National Cheesecake Day is
a day of appreciation for the cheesecake dessert. Based on the discovery
of cheese molds, it is believed that cheesecake originated in ancient Greece.
Athenaeus, a Greek writer, is credited with the first cheesecake recipe, which
only used basic ingredients such as cheese, flour and honey. After the
Romans conquered Greece, cheesecake recipes began to include eggs and baking
time. With the passing of time, cheesecake ingredients were modified to
resemble the finished product we know today. However, the use of cream cheese
is an entirely American version of the cheesecake, one that has evolved to
consist of an uncooked cream cheese filling on top of cookie or graham
crackers, while English cheesecakes are cooked to completion and have a dry
texture. This scrumptious national holiday occurs every year on July 30th.
National Cheesecake Day Facts &
Quotes
·
According to Guinness World Records, the largest
cheesecake ever made weighed 6,900 pounds and was created by Philadelphia Cream
Cheese in Lowville, New York, USA.
·
Arnold Reuben, owner of the Turf Restaurant in
NYC, created the New York Style cheesecake in 1929. This cheesecake is
not served with any fruit or sauce but has a smooth taste from the extra number
of egg yolks that are added in the cream cheese mixture.
·
Pretty in Pink Cheesecake by Elegant
Cheesecakes of Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most expensive American
cheesecakes. The cheesecake weighs 8 pounds and is shaped as a stack of gift
boxes, each made of edible chocolate wrapping, while the cheesecake is made of
chocolate decadence layered with health crunch in vanilla and chocolate butter
cream. The price tag for this cheesecake is $325.
·
In 1972, Evelyn and Oscar Overton moved to Los
Angeles and opened The Cheesecake Factory Bakery to sell Evelyn's cheesecakes.
Today, The Cheesecake Factory has become a $2 billion global company with
restaurants all across the States and in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Mexico.
·
Because you don't live near a bakery doesn't
mean you have to go without cheesecake - Hedy Lamarr - Golden Age Actress
National
Cheesecake Day Top Events and Things to Do
·
Try baking a Japanese or English cheesecake.
Japanese cheesecakes have a soft, light and cottony texture, while
English cheesecakes are cooked and served with a fruit compote.
·
Enjoy a discounted or free cheesecake from your
favorite cheesecake restaurant. Many restaurants offer discounts and
samples of cheesecake on National Cheesecake Day.
·
Host a cheesecake potluck. Each guest must
bring one cheesecake of his/her own creation. All guests may then indulge in
each other's delicious creations and try a wide new variety of cheesecake
flavors.
·
According to the USDA, every 100g of cheesecake
contains 321 calories with a total fat content of 23g. To try a healthier
alternative, bake a cheesecake using Greek yogurt instead of cheese.
·
Participate in the Kona Cheesecake Run, held on
April 17, 2016, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Cheesecake samples at the run
are provided by The Cheesecake Factory Novi.
Jameson Cheesecake
Baileys Cheesecake tends to be an ubiquitous - but very popular - feature of many pubs and restaurant menus in Ireland. Much more unusual, and dare we say, probably even nicer is a cheesecake make with Irish whiskey. Try this foolproof Jameson version at home.
Jameson Cheesecake
- Ingredients
- Base
-
165g
/ 5.5oz butter
- 15 digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- Topping
-
225g
/ 8oz icing sugar
-
275ml
/10 fl oz (½ pint) fresh whipping cream
-
450g
/ 1lb Philadelphia cheese
- 4 caps (bottle caps) of Jameson Whiskey
· White and dark chocolate for decoration
· Preparation method
- Place digestive biscuits in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Melt the butter and add the biscuits.
· Put into a 23cm (9 inch) loose bottom cake tin (do not press the mixture into the tin too much or your base will be too hard). Leave it in the fridge to set.
· Beat the Philadelphia and add the icing sugar.
· Lightly whip the cream and mix into the cheese mixture.
·
Add
the Jameson whiskey to the cheese and cream mixture and mix well. Pour over the biscuit base. Leave at least a few hours in the fridge and
decorate with grated dark and white chocolate.
Every Wednesday is
Dedicated to St. Joseph
The Italian culture has
always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make
Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or
spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass.
You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you
could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family
night perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do make the day special.
·
Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St.
Joseph
·
Do the St.
Joseph Universal Man Plan.
·
Total Consecration
to St. Joseph Day 7
A Prayer Before Mass (Wednesday) (by Saint Ambrose)
Catholic
Online Prayers
Mindful then, O Lord, of Thy worshipful Passion, I
approach Thine Altar, sinner though I am, to join in the offering unto Thee
that Sacrifice which Thou hast instituted and commanded to be offered in
remembrance of Thee for our well-being. Receive it, I beseech Thee, O God most
High, for Thy holy Church, and for the people whom Thou hast purchased with
Thine own Blood. Let not, through my unworthiness, the price of their salvation
be wasted, whose saving Victim and Redemption Thou didst Thyself vouchsafe to
be. Also behold in pity, O Lord, the sorrows of Thy people, which I bring
before Thee; the perils of Thy servants; the sorrowful sighing of prisoners;
the miseries of widows and orphans, and all that are desolate and bereaved; the
necessities of strangers and travellers; the helplessness and sadness of the
weak and sickly; the depressions of the languishing; the weakness of the aged
and of children; the trials and aspirations of young men; and the vows of
virgins.
Amen
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: The
lonely and destitute
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: July
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
Today is
my Grandson Joshua’s birthday,
Please
pray for his intentions.
