Today is Thursday in Lexington, soon the world equestrian games will begin. The trees and grass are totally stressed by the drought. I doubt there will be spring flowers on the trees next year as the next two months are Lex's driest in a good year.
I am grateful for:
1. My Godmother Aunt Therese who called to see how I was doing with second opinions etc. I told her that I was thinking of moving to be near Lisa as my 70's are looking to be filled with surgeries, some less major some more. Plus who knows what health care issues will arise.
2. For my first water aerobics class at the YMCA. I think I must be very diligent about not bending at the waist. So I could not do all the exercises but I got out of the water and my legs were like jelly! So I had a good work out.
3. For Peace vigilers all over the world who since 9/11 have come together week after week to say "no to war."
I have periods when my lower right side and leg really are filled with discomfort. Some shooting pains but I can't predict when that will happen, that is what move causes them. I have trouble falling asleep because I can't get comfortable at night. I take and Advil and natural muscle relaxers which help eventually. I think of my mother frequently as she suffered from arthritis and Paget's bone disease. I feel exactly like her when I am so stiff and can't move. It was genetics that got me here but I know I am more like mother emotionally and physically than I ever thought for all the years I said, "I don't want to be like her" I know I am very much like her. So I seek healing and peace for both of us.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
And this is Why Rome Ordered the Investigation of the Nuns.
The good Sisters of many orders taught us the vision of Vatican II for the People of God with their lives. Many Orders only in the USA are under official investigation by Rome. An opinion of one of them is this commentary on Rome equating women's ordination with pedophilia. I have removed her name from the article.
New list of 'grave crimes' belies intent
It is regrettable that the crime of clergy sexual abuse of minors was linked with the issue of women’s ordination in the Vatican’s recent revised list of “more grave crimes.” No matter how much Msgr. Charles Scicluna, the promoter of justice at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, claims that these revised norms “send a clear signal that the church is serious about protecting children and punishing abusive priests,” the linking of these two unrelated issues seriously undermines the intended strong stance on clerical sexual abuse on at least three counts.
First, it appears to be a diversionary tactic, deflecting attention away from the seriousness of the crime of clerical sexual abuse of minors. To many, it will once again seem to be an attempt at cover-up on the part of the hierarchy.
Second, the fact that punishment is more severe for priests who support women’s ordination (excommunication) than it is for priests who rape children (no excommunication) again appears to mask the seriousness of sexual abuse. What moral grounds can possibly justify milder punishment for committing sexual sins against children than for believing that women, created in the image and likeness of God, can validly represent the risen Lord in the faith community?
(Furthermore, the timing of this extremely negative decree on the ordination question reflects a rather callous insensitivity to the feelings of Catholic women, already in deep pain over the official ban placed on discussion of the topic. Are we to believe that all this is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit?)
Third, this soft-pedaling of the sexual abuse issue will seriously weaken the teaching voice of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. As our official teachers and guides, they are to adhere to the centuries old principle of sensus fidelium and listen to the people they are called to serve. If they were doing so, they would hear the pain of the victims of clerical sexual abuse without obfuscating the issue by linking it with the topic of women’s ordination.
For those of us who love our church, it hurts to see the already eroded credibility of church leaders become even more eroded by this apparent glossing over of the heinous crime of sexual abuse of children.
Furthermore, it is disheartening to see the teaching authority of our leaders undermined by their own actions which seemingly distort the Gospel message of Jesus.
May I point out respectfully that the treatment recommended by Jesus for those who scandalize little ones was fastening a great millstone around their neck and having them drowned in the depth of the sea (Mt. 18:6; Mk 9:42; Lk. 17:2), while in selecting proclaimers of the all-important good news of the resurrection, Jesus chose women.
This is more evidence for me that substantiates the rightness of our becoming ordained at this time. We must speak truth to power.
New list of 'grave crimes' belies intent
It is regrettable that the crime of clergy sexual abuse of minors was linked with the issue of women’s ordination in the Vatican’s recent revised list of “more grave crimes.” No matter how much Msgr. Charles Scicluna, the promoter of justice at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, claims that these revised norms “send a clear signal that the church is serious about protecting children and punishing abusive priests,” the linking of these two unrelated issues seriously undermines the intended strong stance on clerical sexual abuse on at least three counts.
First, it appears to be a diversionary tactic, deflecting attention away from the seriousness of the crime of clerical sexual abuse of minors. To many, it will once again seem to be an attempt at cover-up on the part of the hierarchy.
Second, the fact that punishment is more severe for priests who support women’s ordination (excommunication) than it is for priests who rape children (no excommunication) again appears to mask the seriousness of sexual abuse. What moral grounds can possibly justify milder punishment for committing sexual sins against children than for believing that women, created in the image and likeness of God, can validly represent the risen Lord in the faith community?
(Furthermore, the timing of this extremely negative decree on the ordination question reflects a rather callous insensitivity to the feelings of Catholic women, already in deep pain over the official ban placed on discussion of the topic. Are we to believe that all this is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit?)
Third, this soft-pedaling of the sexual abuse issue will seriously weaken the teaching voice of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. As our official teachers and guides, they are to adhere to the centuries old principle of sensus fidelium and listen to the people they are called to serve. If they were doing so, they would hear the pain of the victims of clerical sexual abuse without obfuscating the issue by linking it with the topic of women’s ordination.
For those of us who love our church, it hurts to see the already eroded credibility of church leaders become even more eroded by this apparent glossing over of the heinous crime of sexual abuse of children.
Furthermore, it is disheartening to see the teaching authority of our leaders undermined by their own actions which seemingly distort the Gospel message of Jesus.
May I point out respectfully that the treatment recommended by Jesus for those who scandalize little ones was fastening a great millstone around their neck and having them drowned in the depth of the sea (Mt. 18:6; Mk 9:42; Lk. 17:2), while in selecting proclaimers of the all-important good news of the resurrection, Jesus chose women.
This is more evidence for me that substantiates the rightness of our becoming ordained at this time. We must speak truth to power.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Three Things to be Grateful For
Today was the perfect late summer day in Lexington. Sunshine, in the 70's nary a cloud in the sky.
I continue to get feedback from folks for/against fusion surgery. I have my appointments so I will go through the process of collecting information and following what my body says. I appreciate that everyone is saying, "It is your body; you have to do what works for you." Right now if I sit for any length of time I am totally stiff when I try to get up. My right leg feels weak oftentimes. I am hoping PT can help with that.
1. I am grateful for beautiful sunshine days.
2. I am grateful for friends who share their experiences with back surgery.
3. I am grateful for bouquets of flowers that grace my table with the bright beauty.
At the Spiritual Group Network tonight I told my story and everyone had something to say, a paradox as Ray said, "Listening to the troubles, makes me feel better." I told him that it was helping him relativize or put into context what he was feeling. I think he struggles with regret over what he had done earlier in life. Don't we all have things we judge, "I wish I hadn't done that, I would change it if I could."
I am happy for each day, I have times in the day when my body is comfortable. It is enough. I enjoy immersing myself in the beauty of creation and that means I am one with the Creator who made it all, humans, flowers, sun, moon, stars and universes without end. The First Day of Creation is happening throughout the universes.
I continue to get feedback from folks for/against fusion surgery. I have my appointments so I will go through the process of collecting information and following what my body says. I appreciate that everyone is saying, "It is your body; you have to do what works for you." Right now if I sit for any length of time I am totally stiff when I try to get up. My right leg feels weak oftentimes. I am hoping PT can help with that.
1. I am grateful for beautiful sunshine days.
2. I am grateful for friends who share their experiences with back surgery.
3. I am grateful for bouquets of flowers that grace my table with the bright beauty.
At the Spiritual Group Network tonight I told my story and everyone had something to say, a paradox as Ray said, "Listening to the troubles, makes me feel better." I told him that it was helping him relativize or put into context what he was feeling. I think he struggles with regret over what he had done earlier in life. Don't we all have things we judge, "I wish I hadn't done that, I would change it if I could."
I am happy for each day, I have times in the day when my body is comfortable. It is enough. I enjoy immersing myself in the beauty of creation and that means I am one with the Creator who made it all, humans, flowers, sun, moon, stars and universes without end. The First Day of Creation is happening throughout the universes.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Three Things to be Grateful For
I am grateful for:
1. Friends who walk the spiritual journey with me.
2. AlAnon and the good the meetings do in supporting emotional and spiritual growth.
3. Beautiful fall-ish days in September. A visit to the Farmer's Market brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers to grace my table this week.
1. Friends who walk the spiritual journey with me.
2. AlAnon and the good the meetings do in supporting emotional and spiritual growth.
3. Beautiful fall-ish days in September. A visit to the Farmer's Market brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers to grace my table this week.
Attended an Inspiring AlAnon Meeting This Morning.
I attend a meeting/called "room" for Al Anon each Sat morning here in Lexington.
Today was exceptional.
The format is the reading of the 12 steps, a short reading or presentation by a facilitator and opening the floor for sharing amongst the 30 members present. This morning was intense for the first person who shared spoke of her children, her ex spouse and the lies he is telling. Her child is struggling in school. She wept so hard that I could not hear all her words. We knew she was in great pain and suffering from his attacks. I was not the only person crying in the room by the time she completed her sharing.
Some of the sharing:
1. The need to detach in love to protect oneself.
2. What the alcoholic does is on "his side of the street."
3. Codependency may continue after divorce.
4. A sharing that made us laugh "I am so in need of helping the other. One day I found an 80 year old man and gave him an enema" Our faces I am sure expressed our "What??" She responded with "I am a RN" We laughed with a whole lot of relief!
5. Children are resilient if given the chance, support and information.
6. One mother shared how she helped her six year old express and discuss her anger.
7. Miracles occur: one woman's ex is now sober 21 months and good father to his 3 daughters.
8. Over and over sharing included the need for trust in our God/higher power, not only our higher power, but that of each of our family members. God has a plan for each person's life and we must not get in the way.
9. Over and over the role of a sponsor working with the AlAnon member was affirmed and thanks were shared.
God is present in each of our lives. For me it is the God of Evolution, calling us forth to create a more human life and species. AlAnon is a very supportive process for finding our true selves in the midst of chaos and living our very best selves. Thanks to Bob and Bill the founders of AlAnon and to his wife who founded AlAnon.
Today was exceptional.
The format is the reading of the 12 steps, a short reading or presentation by a facilitator and opening the floor for sharing amongst the 30 members present. This morning was intense for the first person who shared spoke of her children, her ex spouse and the lies he is telling. Her child is struggling in school. She wept so hard that I could not hear all her words. We knew she was in great pain and suffering from his attacks. I was not the only person crying in the room by the time she completed her sharing.
Some of the sharing:
1. The need to detach in love to protect oneself.
2. What the alcoholic does is on "his side of the street."
3. Codependency may continue after divorce.
4. A sharing that made us laugh "I am so in need of helping the other. One day I found an 80 year old man and gave him an enema" Our faces I am sure expressed our "What??" She responded with "I am a RN" We laughed with a whole lot of relief!
5. Children are resilient if given the chance, support and information.
6. One mother shared how she helped her six year old express and discuss her anger.
7. Miracles occur: one woman's ex is now sober 21 months and good father to his 3 daughters.
8. Over and over sharing included the need for trust in our God/higher power, not only our higher power, but that of each of our family members. God has a plan for each person's life and we must not get in the way.
9. Over and over the role of a sponsor working with the AlAnon member was affirmed and thanks were shared.
God is present in each of our lives. For me it is the God of Evolution, calling us forth to create a more human life and species. AlAnon is a very supportive process for finding our true selves in the midst of chaos and living our very best selves. Thanks to Bob and Bill the founders of AlAnon and to his wife who founded AlAnon.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
My health care needs: Three Surgeries in my Future II
I have begun to do research about the condition of my back and hip.
I believe that as this back problem is not life threatening I want to explore all options, timing, effects on myself.
I am looking into the possibility of moving to Tampa to be near my daughter not only for this surgery after care but because I can see two more surgeries: hip replacement and cataract surgery probably within the next 5 years. I want to get into the medical system that I will be busy using it looks like in my 70's.
Get to know the services available, find decent housing, build a support network via CTA and RCWP. I love the green of KY but I need to know Lisa would be able to oversee my care if needed.
I have appointments with my internist,integrative medicine MD to ask him, "What do I need to know/find out? What would he recommend to his mother?"
I have an appointment with the surgeon for CT results and more questions.
I have an appointment with a Rehab MD to see what I should be doing now to maintain health and what should I do after surgery to maintain health.
Where is God?
God is with me and in me and all the medical professionals whom I will meet.
God is with me in the caring office staff, the medical technicians and all others who are kind to this Senior.
I am grateful to God for my life till now and for the blessings of each day!
It sounds like the surface but I ask you to do a Fourth Step exercise:
For each letter of the alphabet, name something your are grateful for.
I think the exercise will take you deeper into thankfulness for many things that we take for granted.
I believe that as this back problem is not life threatening I want to explore all options, timing, effects on myself.
I am looking into the possibility of moving to Tampa to be near my daughter not only for this surgery after care but because I can see two more surgeries: hip replacement and cataract surgery probably within the next 5 years. I want to get into the medical system that I will be busy using it looks like in my 70's.
Get to know the services available, find decent housing, build a support network via CTA and RCWP. I love the green of KY but I need to know Lisa would be able to oversee my care if needed.
I have appointments with my internist,integrative medicine MD to ask him, "What do I need to know/find out? What would he recommend to his mother?"
I have an appointment with the surgeon for CT results and more questions.
I have an appointment with a Rehab MD to see what I should be doing now to maintain health and what should I do after surgery to maintain health.
Where is God?
God is with me and in me and all the medical professionals whom I will meet.
God is with me in the caring office staff, the medical technicians and all others who are kind to this Senior.
I am grateful to God for my life till now and for the blessings of each day!
It sounds like the surface but I ask you to do a Fourth Step exercise:
For each letter of the alphabet, name something your are grateful for.
I think the exercise will take you deeper into thankfulness for many things that we take for granted.
Three Things to be Grateful For
I spent time on the Fourth Step out in the beautiful woods and hills of East Central Ky this morning. I am grateful for:
1. A flock of wild turkeys that was in the gravel road back to my friends' home in the woods.
2. For ironweed, a beautiful royal purple prairie flower that can grow up to 10 feet tall. And butterflies love it. I took photos today to remember its beauty as I had never seen it in MI, IL or VA or on any travels across America.
3. For Kroger and its baked whole chicken, so easy to pick up and eat!
1. A flock of wild turkeys that was in the gravel road back to my friends' home in the woods.
2. For ironweed, a beautiful royal purple prairie flower that can grow up to 10 feet tall. And butterflies love it. I took photos today to remember its beauty as I had never seen it in MI, IL or VA or on any travels across America.
3. For Kroger and its baked whole chicken, so easy to pick up and eat!
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