Lets Talk About Lent

“This is what I want you to do. I want you to go out and buy the largest box of Esther Price Chocolates. And every day during Lent I want you to eat one piece; because giving up chocolate is for babies”. These are paraphrased words from a homily given by one of my parish’s priests. A stern looking elderly man who doesn’t mince words.

Lent is just right around the corner and I thought I would delve into what Lent is all about and the Biblical aspects behind it. Shout out to my awesome friend Angie who helped point me in the right direction! The following comes from Dr. Brant Pitre.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and runs through Easter Sunday, and it emulates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.  As paragraph 540 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: 
Jesus' temptation reveals the way in which the Son of God is Messiah, contrary to the way Satan proposes to him and the way men wish to attribute to him. This is why Christ vanquished the Tempter for us: "For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sinning." By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert. (http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/540.htm).

Joel 2: 12-18: Here God is calling for a removal from a life of sin to repentance and to return to Him. And it calls the whole community together for a public display of penance. 

On Ash Wednesday we receive ashes on our foreheads which acts as a reminder of our mortality; "Until you return to the ground, from which you were taken; For you are dirt, and to dirt you shall return." (Genesis 3:19). It also calls to repentance and to return to God; as above referenced in Joel. Ashes are also seen being used in Job 42:6: "Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes". Daniel 9:3, "I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes".

From then on we proceed through Lent focusing on prayer, fasting and giving alms, which draws reference to Matthew 6:1-6 & 16-18. Here Jesus tells us to perform these acts in private; as opposed to doing them to be noticed by others. The Catechism further affirms in paragraph 1438: "The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works)". (http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1438.htm).

I am bad in 2 of these areas during Lent. I got the fasting part down since we are only required to fast with one big meal and 2 smaller meals, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; while abstaining from meat on Fridays. It is prayer and almsgiving where I struggle. I don't pray as much as I should any time of the year; but during Lent it is only at meals, bedtime, Mass, Easter Triduum, and Stations of the Cross. Perhaps this Lent I can pray more, and daily. I also struggle with almsgiving as of lately, perhaps this Lent, I can give a little something.

Lent is also a time where we are encourage to give something up, or add something else to our daily routine. Going back to the quote opening this post, it has stuck with me because it is true. When I was younger, I gave up candy, soda, sweets, all the stuff that is important to a young child. Now, as an adult, I need to give up something important to adults. For the past few years I have given up Facebook. I first heard of this idea years ago and I scoffed at it. However, after realizing how much time I do spend on Facebook, it was not such a bad idea. I also try to read something to help me focus on Good Friday, then to Easter Sunday.

I hope this was as informative to you as it was me; whereas when I was growing up I just participated in Lent because it was that time of year. Now, I actively participate in it and now have a little knowledge as to why we do this as Catholics. Please pray for me that I may put this new information and self-realization to great use this Lent; which by the way, starts March 6.

Click the link to see the video which gave me this wonderful insight and more. https://catholicproductions.com/blogs/blog/the-biblical-roots-of-ash-wednesday?fbclid=IwAR2oBGciyKUma9ZJNx6aLYGE9SjEgmiUafDA_AZEcl9oyFrY9QNTcXp_Qmo

My Reading List (part 1)

Isn't it funny how you finally enjoy doing things as an adult that you hated growing up? For me, this was reading. In 12 years of school and 4 years of college, always being told what to read, when to resd it by, and even the dreaded book report (shudder). It wasn't all bad though, through school I was introduced to the Magic Tree House series and I began collecting that series.

However, this blog isn't about that; it is about reading though. Ever since I started getting more serious about my faith, I have been reading more than I ever have, and enjoying it. Its the freedom of reading whatever I find interesting and I can read it at my pace. I do take notes, so I guess school taught me something.  Anyway, here are the books I have read so far this year and what I plan to read next!

The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity by Matthew Kelly. No lie, I was so looking forward to this book; it had me at the title. I was wanting to know what the biggest lie was. It started out good by addressing other lies in regards to Christianity and other stuff. Then, finally, I arrived at the biggest lie; it was a big letdown. I’m not going to tell you the biggest lie, I’ll leave it up to you to read for yourself. It was a letdown because I was expecting this big “smack in the face” lie, but it wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it is true. I can see how it is a lie, I was just expecting something grander. The rest of the book outlines how to make this lie into a great truth. If you need some uplifting content, this book is for you.

Survivor The Unofficial Bible of the Greatest Reality Show Ever Made by Michael E. Keneski: Survivor is my guilty pleasure. I still watch the show, and I have seen all but one season in its entirety. I came across this book on a Survivor Facebook group, saw it cheap on Amazon and bought it. The title says “Bible” but it doesn’t deserve that designation. It is all the author’s opinions, yet he writes nice recaps of the feature castaway’s gameplay. He includes a few more aspects of the game, yet leaves a ton out. If you want to call it a Bible, include everything! Also, don’t get me started on the all the spelling and factual errors it contains. How did this book ever get published?! 

Timeless: A History of the Catholic Church by Steve Weidenkopf: I must confess, I am almost done with this book, but it is too good to leave out. 

Ever since my faith was challenged, I took to studying up on Catholic apologetics. However, I was still ignorant in Church history and unsure of how to respond to accusations that relate to it.  This   book is awesome! It simplifies Church history from when Jesus changes Simon’s name to Peter to the present day. I learned so much from this book. However, it is not a complete history so there is room for additional independent research.

As stated before I was never much of a reader in school, but now with this book, I hope to read more into the Church during the Roman Empire. I don’t know why but I could see the scenes play out in my mind as I read this section.

20 Answers: The Early Church by Jim Blackburn: This is a book I read in eBook form, both provided by Catholic Answers Press. This book gives 20 questions about the Early Church and an answer for each, Again, I have only read bits and pieces of this book, but I recommend any book in this series to anyone who wants to know more about the Catholic faith.

Here are the books I plan to read next:

Signs of Life by Scott Hahn- This book was given to me by my Father-in-Law and it looks like it is another basic apologetics book. I will know more once I dig into it, but it looks like it differs in getting into the Biblical roots of what Catholics do.

The Adventures of Nick & Sam: Perfect Gifts: Also given to us by my Father-in-Law. It appears to be short stories about two little kids. We’ll see about this one.

Made This Way by Trent Horn: This book deals with explaining to your children the current issues of today. The more I become aware of the culture around me, the more I want to prepare to discuss it with my children because its anybody’s guess what the culture will be like when they go out into it on their own. It would also be good for us as well.

Let me know what you think! Do you have any recommendations?

Breastfeeding and Dads (Jordan)

I went to a program last night about fathers and their role in breastfeeding. To be honest, I was excited about this because, to my knowledge, their aren't many programs around geared towards men and the fatherhood they are called to. At the same time, I was disappointed that of all the topics that could be covered, it was breastfeeding. I am a father of two beautiful daughters, and both were and are exclusively breastfed. What could there be that I haven't seen, heard or experienced? My excitement won out as I did attend this program to see what it was all about.

There was a small number of men there, amongst a group of women; and we were all diverse amongst ourselves. We were married with children, one in need of a refresher, a couple expecting there first child, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding. In hindsight, as I was writing this, I was alerted to my bias to my own experiences as we all don't have the same experiences.

The program focused not so much on the ins & outs of breastfeeding, but calling our attention to what we think about breastfeeding; the social stigma & misperceptions regarding it. What we know about it; facts, self-explanatory. Finally, what we may not have known about it.

The core message of the evening was how important the role of the father is to breastfeeding. Despite being unable to actually do it, we as fathers are the supporter; the "cheerleader" so to say. We are the one who gets food & drink if needed. We are the ones who stand up and defend against the nay-sayers, against anyone shaming should she be feeding in public. We are the reinforcers if our wives are emotional during such a confrontation. 

Next we were put in groups and had to produce a 30 second skit highlighting the values of fathers. It was during this skit that my eyes were opened to an uncomfortable truth. I played a person who was shaming a mother in public as she attempted to feed her child. Her husband's reaction was so passionate, so perfect, it hit me between the eyes. He first consoled her and when she was reaffirmed, he when on the defensive against me. Then my epiphany was cemented by the presenter's closing comments.

What is this uncomfortable truth? I publicly shame women? No. I am not that husband in my role play group. My wife has shared her feelings with me in regards to breastfeeding around some family. I selfishly tried to convince her it wouldn't be fair to deal with it the way she wishes. Luckily, while my youngest is still being breastfed, I still have time to nip this in the bud. It will be hard, but I need to realize my wife comes first and her comfort needs to be satisfied. 

If I may add on a separate note, the public image of breastfeeding needs to change. This should be nothing new, but breasts are overly sexualized in today's society. We enjoy the near sight of them on Hollywood red carpets and in magazines, yet are repulsed when they are used the way they were created to be used. A woman has every right to see to her child's feeding; just as you see to yours. no woman is trying to make you look, so give some consideration. Thank you.

All in all, in was a great evening and I enjoyed the program. I hope they develop more programs for fathers in the future.

P.S. Tomorrow (Feb 14th ) is the unofficial feast of St. Valentine. St. Valentine, pray for us.

Everything Happens For A Reason (Katie)

They say everything happens for a reason, and I believe that is true, it does. For every baby that is born, God has a plan for their life. Whether that is for marriage, for the religious life, or just a call to be single. Unfortunately, not every baby born survives to old age, but Jordan told me that he heard in God's eyes, every life is fulfilled no matter how long,

When Jordan was born, I truly believe that God was planning for him to marry me. This is why. I was born into a Catholic family, and Jordan was born into a half-Catholic family, yet he was not baptized when he was born. Then one day he told his mom he wanted to be baptized in the Catholic Church. Then it all started on Myspace, remember this old thing? lol

At the time, I felt like nobody would go out with me because I had a learning disability and I have trouble understanding some things; and I was made fun of in high school. Also, I thought I was ugly. I was 21 and never had a serious long-term relationship. Jordan was, at the time, in the same boat and was randomly scrolling through Myspace. He got the idea somewhere to talk to a friend of his friend, Nika, that friend was me. We really hit it off. He later attributed that to God.

Fast forward to today, we are happily married. God's plan was for Jordan to become Catholic and through events in his life, become the wonderful Catholic man he is today; which relates to his being a great husband and father. Now for me, I am glad I have someone to love me unconditionally and who will, and has, been there with me through thick and thin. He has his flaws, but I couldn't ask for a better father for my children. In believe in the long run, God was setting us up for each other!

A Silent Confession (Jordan)

I must confess to you all that writing this blog is very awkward for me. Anybody who personally knows me know I am very introverted. In pretty much very social gathering, you can not get another word in around me as I just sit there "like a bump on a log"; per my wife. My wife often tells me to get involved with the conversations around me; even just by listening. That is no problem, but the problem is I often can't relate to what is being discussed. I either have no experience with the topic or it centers around people I don't even know, or heard of. It is also because I feel as though I won't have anything of value to say; like I will get an eyeroll or an "Ok, that was weird".

With that all being said, with this blog, it is very awkward because, those who know me will finally see what I have to say, and what will they think? Perhaps, maybe this blog will help me. Here I can say what's om my mind and not have this mental stigma that inhibits me in face-to-face conversations. As for the reactions to my thoughts, it is easier for me because the only people who have anything to say to me are on Facebook and I have never met them and probably never will. (Although some of you, I wouldn't mind meeting you at some point).

It has been noted by a few people how I always appear to be on my phone; yes that is true. I have a problem with that. I have a Facebook problem too. I am always on one or both, and even now I wonder why. Do I feel more comfortable there? I don't know. I do know over the years my posts and activities have changed and have been matching my opinions on things and not just nonsense. I hardly get any response on them except for a few likes, so it's not like I'm the most popular person on it. And at times I try to be funny but that's not how I am in real life.

What would Jesus say to me if He were to reply to this?


Do you struggle with this like me? Drop your comments below and let me know your thoughts.

Mustard Seeds (Jordan)

"He proposed another parable to them. 'The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches'". (Matthew 13:31-32 NAB)

During our two successful pregnancies, my wife was all about those sites that compared the baby to the size of an orange, a banana, or other kind of food item. One night, Katie had a gem of a comparison before this whole pre-natal fruit salad begins. She pointed out that at some point after conception we are the size of a mustard seed.

The more I thought about it, the more I saw the genius in what she said. In one parable Jesus tells how the Kingdom of Heaven compares to a mustard seed. It is the smallest seed and ends up being a large tree. Just as the Kingdom of Heaven started out with Jesus teaching the Disciples and how it has large it has grown to be in this present day.

I saw how each one of us are mustard seeds as well. in a way. We start small, very small, then we grow into a normal sized human being; size may vary. From there we don't stop growing in the influence we can have on others.

I can see how this has played out in my life. As I noted in my faith story, after I got to know Katie's family, I noticed my faith increasing. It lead me to get more involved in our parish through teaching PREP, a short stint with Youth Group, attended a "Christ Renews His Parish" retreat and joined our Men's Prayer Group. Now I hope to help others grow in their faith. So keep being nourished by the Word and Jesus' Body & Blood and set your growth to its unlimited potentiality.

Katie's Pregnancy Story

I always wanted to write down my testimony about my miscarriages and the troubles I had getting pregnant in hopes that it will give hope and faith to someone else out there who is struggling. I am not, by all means, a great writer but I always wanted to write this.

Ever since I was young I always wanted to work with children because I love kids. Even when my siblings got married and had kids of their own, I felt a sense of emptiness in my life. I knew I wanted to be a mother, God willling.

My journey started in late 2014, when it was my time for my annual checkup at the OB. My dad went with me since I couldn’t drive that far. My doctor came in to the examination room and told me I was pregnant. I was so happy that I cried and I remember repeating myself, looking up to the sky saying “thank you, thank you!” I was just so full of joy! I called Jordan at work and told him the news, he was so excited. However, when I was 6 weeks along, I miscarried. I started questioning God, asking “Why me? I love kids so much. Why?” I wanted answers and was wanting to be a mom so bad, but I was hopeful that I would get pregnant again and carry full term.

I was so overjoyed when I became pregnant again, but unfortunately, miscarried again between 7-8 weeks. I was devastated again. I felt so low, I just didn’t know what was wrong with me. I thought God got me. I thought we had a bond together.

Again, I wanted answers, so my journey took me to Dr. Schieber at the Institute for Reproductive Health in Cincinnati, Ohio. I had a big cyst on one of my ovaries that was leaning toward my uterus, so we suspected that was the problem. Dr. Schieber recommended for me to have surgery to remove what he could; or as I say “start new”. Now I was trying to decide if I wanted this surgery or not so I lifted up all my heartache, tears, anger and my desire to have a child to God. For the first time I heard God talking to me, and he was always saying for me to go ahead with the surgery and then you will have a successful pregnancy. I remember him repeating it over and over to me. I couldn’t believe that I was going through all this heartache and trouble to just have a child! I had overcome a lot in my life and now I was going through this. My only question was “why?”

I underwent the surgery on the morning on Dec. 1^st 2015 at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. I remember laying in the hospital bed that morning, before I went into surgery thinking “Ok God, you got me to this point. I trust in you, please please just let me be a mom”. When I was wheeled back to the OR, I was very scared and nervous. I second guessed having this done, but again I was calm and said “Ok God, just take care of me”. I prayed for my doctor doing the surgery, I didn’t know what else to do but pray.  But again I just had a sense of calmness come over me while I was laying there in the OR. The surgery took 3 hrs. After the surgery the doctor went to talk to Jordan and my dad in the waiting room, saying the surgery went well. He diagnosed me with mild endometriosis and said that he got what he could out. He also said, he realigned my uterus, and I was ready to go. I was so very happy it wasn’t anything serious like cancer or worse.

From Dec. to April I had to recover and let my body heal. When April rolled around we started trying again, a month and a half later, in late May of 2016, I got pregnant again! But this time it was different, I was excited but I had a calmness come over me when I took that home pregnancy test. A calmness of joy, a calmness of saying ok let’s start new, I CAN DO THIS!!!

 We have a picture at church where Jesus is holding up his one hand, and with the other he is pulling back his tunic, exposing his Sacred Heart and his blood and water are gushing forth towards you like rays of light. At the bottom is the saying “Jesus, I trust in you”. Every time I looked at that picture I felt a sense of calmness that drove me all the way through my pregnancy.  9 months later I delivered a healthy wonderful daughter, my miracle, that I could finally call my own! Fast forward to March 2018, when I discovered I was pregnant yet again! I also carried this sweet blessing full term and now we have two wonderful, beautiful daughters!

Now that I look back to all the troubles I had, I still think about my miscarriages and grieve what could have been. God took me to the right doctors that I needed in order to have that surgery. I still have some endometriosis inside of me that he didn’t want to get because it was too close to some of my organs. I still would love nothing more but to have more children. We will see what the future holds for me, BUT I AM A MOTHER AND THAT IS THE GREATEST FEELING EVER!!

Jordan's Faith Story

I always went to Mass with my mom and grandma at the Catholic Church where my grandma attended. I was not baptized during most of this time, and outside of my grandma, I had minimal religious influence.  My parents are good people, but weren’t strong on a religious upbringing. I am not sure of what was happening to me internally, but one day I announced to my mom that I wished to be baptized. After some introductory classes, I was baptized, confirmed and first received the Holy Eucharist in February 2001. Although now a Catholic, I proceeded to just go through the motions and not be the best person I could’ve been; I was not a troublesome child mind you.

It was 2008 when I met my to-be wife, whom herself came from a very devout Catholic family; we married a few years later. Through my interactions with her and her family over the years, I saw my views on topics change and I became more involved with our parish; I taught Sunday school for 4 years.

Then, fast forward to my friend John. He was a Baptist at the time and he invited my wife and I to “Reformers Unanimous” at his church. We went and had a nice first visit and returned the following week. It was then God made His next big move. We were split in to Bible study groups and I was placed in a group led by Gordon. After introducing myself and telling them I was Catholic, I was unprepared for what happened next.

Gordon asked me what, as a Catholic, gave us salvation. I responded about keeping the commandments, good works and being as Christ to others. Gordon then proceeded to ask “If you were to die tonight, would you go to Heaven?” I answered that I had gone to Confession earlier that week so my chances were probably good. Following that in what seemed like a whirlwind of questions and comments, my faith was tested and I gave very poor answers. As the Bible study drew to a close, we prayed. Gordon put forward the intention that I actually read the Bible and find Jesus in it. Little did he know, his prayer would be answered.

After that night, I took to studying my faith. I took to the Bible, Catholic books, CDs, radio, anything I could get my hands on. Here I am, years later, a more faithful and involved Catholic than I ever was before! God had set me up with those who would make me who I am today; it just took me sometime to embrace it. I have no hard feelings towards Gordon, in fact I thank him and the group!

About this blog

Hello everyone!

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

My name is Jordan, and my wife, Katie are new to the blogging world, so please bear with us. This blog will cover a wide range of things relating to our lives as Catholics. Topics will range from daily life, Catholicism, book reviews, and others. If we can further figure this thing out then we may open up to suggestions from you all to write about!

Thank you!