Cradle Catholic, now Christmas Catholic here
Posted By: AnnuderMT on 2009-06-17
In Reply to: I apologize. I was generalizing and I don't mean to insult Catholics as a whole. - SM -- I am steamed!
I believe the bit about not being able to get married in the Catholic church after being married in another church may be church (or that particular sect) specific. If a couple is not married in a Catholic church and gets married, they are viewed as "living in sin". To my knowledge, it doesn't marry who married them (outside the church), they were still living in sin. And the Catholic church is more than happy to rectify that by performing their own ceremony (for a fee, of course).
On the plus side, if they get married in a church outside the Catholic one, the Catholic church does not recognize it as a true marriage, thereby freeing up both parties to ultimately get married at some time in the future in the Catholic church, after being properly repentant for their unsanctioned fornication.
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From a cradle, practicing Catholic.
I've been a Catholic all my life, received the sacraments, married in the Church to a fellow cradle Catholic, sent our children to Catholic school, and attend Mass every week.
I'm steamed at your DD's situation, too!
My guess is that this is an older priest, and he has issues. Contact his bishop in his diocese and get the REAL information about Catholic marriage.
Yes, when a non-Catholic marries a Catholic, the non-Catholic must agree that children will be raised in the Church. As part of the rite of matrimony, on the day of the wedding, they will be asked three things before they say their vows. They will be asked if they have come freely without reservation to be joined in marriage. Will they love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of their lives? And finally, they will be asked if they will accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church.
That pretty much covers the bases. Remembering that the Catholic Church does not allow divorce, the first two points cover that. Neither party to the marriage must have been married previously. Annulments versus divorce are another topic, and that does not apply to your DD, so I'll skip that discussion. But the couple to be married must understand fully that they are entering into a sacramental marriage for the rest of their lives until parted by death.
Accepting children from God and raising them in the Church is the last part. We could discuss the topic of birth control, but on that point, I'm not the one to argue. I'm a good Catholic except on that point, and one day I suppose I'll learn if I really was a sinner for using b.c. or not. Anyway, that's another topic.
Regarding the wedding dress, it is true that good taste requires that shoulders be covered in a Catholic church. It's not a hard and fast rule, and it's almost impossible these days to find a dress with sleeves anyway. Twenty-five years ago when I was married, we all had big, puffy sleeves and big hair. Strapless is today's fashion, and those come and go. I would probably deal with that by adding a shrug to wear in church and then remove for the reception. Still, it's not a hard and fast rule, and the priest is just being a stickler about tradition. I've been to many Catholic weddings recently where the brides wore strapless dresses. The old people in the church murmur and disapprove over it, but it doesn't affect the marriage.
To summarize my long response, please have your DD and son-in-law consult with the diocese. Don't just shop for another priest. Go right to the priest's boss, the bishop. Your DD should not have to jump through hoops. In fact, these silly hoops are the sorts of things that push people away from not only the Catholic faith, but from all churches. I'm sure we've all heard people tell stories about how some priest, minister, nun, or church lady did something to upset someone, and so now so-and-so won't step foot in a church again. That's the real sin!
But also remember, that for Catholics, marriage is a sacrament. It's not just a ceremony. We believe in 7 sacraments, all instituted by Christ. It's a serious matter. Because the Church and the community of the faithful see it that way and believe marriage to be a lifetime commitment, there is a definite way for the sacrament to be received. Encourage your DD and future son-in-law to learn more about it, but to learn from good sources, including diocesan officials. I would also suggest they get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or the more simply written book, This Is Our Faith by Michael Francis Pennock. If they arm themselves with true facts, then perhaps this resistant priest will be made to do the right thing.
I am not Catholic and maybe this is how it is in all Catholic churches, but I have to ask!
My daughter is engaged to a very nice young man who is Catholic or should I say his family is Catholic and he refuses to break ranks. He has insisted they get married in his grandmother's (and his) church. Okay, fine. I'm fine with that. My daughter is fine with that. She started taking the conversion classes, but really isn't that interested in converting. She was making the gesture for her fiance. Fiance' says she doesn't have to convert and that she doesn't have to convert in order for them to be married in the church.
After they had been engaged for four months (they dated for a year before they got engaged), they called the priest at the grandmother's church to meet with him about setting a date and getting married. First meeting, they drive into the city to meet the priest at the time he told them and the priest never shows up! He later apologizes, but never offers an explanation for standing them up. The second time they set up a meeting, the priest shows up. He proceeds to tell them that before he can "allow" them to be married, he must first talk to family and friends to be sure they are not living together and also he has to give serious thought because my daughter is not Catholic and he has worries that the children they will not be raised in the church. He then proceeds to tell my daughter that she needs to wear a skirt or dress the next time she meets with him (she had on dress slacks and a blouse)! He also wants to look at the wedding dress and the bride's maid dresses to be sure they are appropriate and that women should not show bare shoulders in the church, which basically means we have to have little covers/jackets made for each bride's made and now for the bride.
So my daughter tells me all of this and I'm irritated. I decide that if this priest calls me, I'm going to give him what for. In my mind, this is all a bit ridiculous. Even if my daughter and fiance are living together (which they are) they are trying to rectify that by getting married. My daughter begs me not to be rude and yet asks me to lie to the priest about them living together. My daughter tells me that my son-in-law to be was raised to believe it is a sin to get married outside the Catholic church. I wasn't aware that the Catholics still believed this. But my daughter is adamant that she wants to do this one thing for her groom because the rest of the wedding is about her. So okay, I stifle it. I used to be young and in love and ready to do anything for my betrothed.
Next meeting with the priest, the priest is satisfied that they do not live together. Thank goodness he never called me, so I was not forced to lie or be polite. At the next meeting, however, he decides he's not going to give them an answer on whether or not they can be married unless my daughter memorizes the 10 commandments in order and also some sort of freaking prayer. So my daughter calls me, clearly upset, but willing to do this one last thing. I am outside my mind with outrage! Still, it's my daughter's decision to participate in this dog and pony show.
Tonight, my daughter has a meeting with the priest, performs her little assignment, and presents her wedding dress for inspection. The priest then says he's not going to marry them and wants them to wait a year, wants my daughter to officially convert, and then meet with him for pre-marriage counseling and start the whole show over again.
Now I'm furious and I am about ready to call this priest up and tell him what I think of him, his church, and all this crap he is espousing. Who does he think he is?!?!?!?! I am a Christian. I attend an Assembly of God church and I do not believe for one minute that someone should perform tricks and jump through hoops just to get freaking married. Yes, pre-marital counseling is probably a good thing, but other than that.
In my opinion, this priest is on some sort of power trip and is extremely self-righteous and pompous! I also did my own investigating on this guy and found out that this same priest was asked to come to the hospital to give last rites to a dying Catholic woman whose own priest was out of town. This priest said he would only come and administer the last rites if the daughter making the request would make a substantial donation to his parrish! What kind of crap is that!!!?!?!!?
What kind of man is the priest? Is this indicative of the entire religion of catholicism? I hate to be rude, but they have priests molesting children and dabbling in homosexuality and yet this pompous ass of a priest treats my daughter as if she is not good enough to get married in his church!
Sorry this is so long, but I am just so mad!
I am lapsed Catholic married to another lapsed Catholic.....sm
DH and I were cradle Catholics and were lapsed Catholics when we got married 15 years ago. We got married by a Presbyterian minister in a non-denominational chapel during a civil war re-enactment. When I got pregnant, I got to wondering about the whole baby and baptism thing. You Catholics will know what I mean...original sin, purgatory, limbo, etc.
Long story short...We got our son baptized at 3 months of age by our regular parish priest. We had to go through a class (maybe 4 weeks long or so) and agree to bring him up as a Catholic. While we were getting him baptized, we also had the priest bless our marriage. We are still pretty lax about attending church, but our son has gone through his First Communion, is working towards his Confirmation, and the church now recognizes our civil ceremony.
I agree with the other posters....go over his head if you have to. I doubt all those hoops are necessary.
There many Catholic options
If you want something prepackaged:
www.setonhome.org (regionally accredited.)
www.kolbe.org
www.chcweb.com
www.olvs.org (They are traditional.)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cathswap/
Cathswap is a yahoo group for buying used Catholic curriculum.
Are you Catholic, by chance? :)
nm
Question from a non-Catholic
I heard someone say recently that when she goes to confession, she has to face the priest directly, as opposed to talking through a screen and not seeing him face-to-face. She said it's much harder doing it that way, so she began going to confession in a non-local church. I didn't get a chance to ask why it's done that way now.
Anyone know?
Catholic traditions
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/oraltrad.htm
What does it being a Catholic hospital have to
everywhere. The place I used to work for, they were atheists and it was like working in hel* every day.
Since the Catholic Church
is still firmly entrenched in the Dark Ages, it is no surprise. That poor child, but BRAVO to her parents.
As a catholic, they did not "Get rid" of that option.
There are 2 seperate ways you can "enter" a confessional - 1 is behind screen, the other is face to face.
Granted some churches don't give you the choice anymore, why I don't know, but they are not supposed to do that.
Not just Catholic, protestants have confession
When Luther broke away from the Catholic church in the Reformation (the beginning of now-known "protestant or noncatholic" denominations), he did not do away at all with the confessional. Churches, even other than Catholic, and especially Lutheran still have the confessional. Most modern-day Lutheran churches, however have counseling with the Pastor. Same thing as confessional. Counseling or confession are both private and under the same guidelines as confidentiality except where crimes are admitted. The modern day confessional for nonreligious people would be the therapist's office.
From a practicine and devout Catholic...
The sacrament of confession may take place either face-to-face with a priest confessor or through the more traditional screen in a confessional. The face-to-face method is considered more modern, but in ancient times this was the practice. In fact, public confessions in front of the entire church community were done. Today, both are acceptable ways. Some people prefer to sit and talk to their confessors, others like the anonymity of the screen. It's a preference. Catholic churches built more recently, say from the late 1970s on sometimes do not have confessionals. That was part of the post-Vatican II construction, and a lot of the traditional architectural structures were abandoned. Within the past 10, maybe even 5 years, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has spoken on this topic, and is encouraging newly constructed Catholic churches to include some of the more traditional architectural features to be included, such as kneeling rails before the altar, side altars, confessionals, etc.
So the answer to your question is that confession can be done either face-to-face or behind a screen. It's a matter of personal preference, and is sometimes influenced by the availability of confessionals in recently constructed churches. In any case, Catholics are not required to go to confession in their home parishes. They may take part in the sacrament of reconciliation with any Catholic priest and at other Catholic churches. Your friend is doing nothing wrong, and no matter where she goes to confession she is receiving God's grace and spiritual direction.
I know this topic comes up from time to time, and debate about whether or not confession "to a man" is necessary for salvation. I will not join in that debate. Arguments about the Catholic Church arise because of a lack of understanding about what the Church actually believes. Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, "Few hate the Catholic Church, but millions hate what they mistakenly think is the Catholic Church."
There is a wonderful website which includes a podcast network of great programming on what the Catholic Church believes. One in particular, "The Daily Breakfast", usually includes a segment called "The Peculiar Bunch", which answers all sorts of questions that non-Catholics have about the things that Catholics do. If anyone is interested, they can visit SQPN.com
It's true, a lot of what we Catholics do seems very peculiar! I admit it! But there are reasons why we do these things. Whether or not other people agree with those reasons is another matter altogether. We are all brothers and sisters created by God. Our human dignity is paramount, and stems from being God's very own creations. Therefore, even through disagreements, we should be respectful. I personally think that learning about why different faiths believe what they do is one way that we can show respect for each other and for the human dignity imbued in us by God.
I know the catholic religion has guidelines
that my religion, Methodist, don't have as I have relatives that have converted so they can get married. I think in my cousin's case, he did not want to jump through all those hoops and was thinking about getting married by a methodist preacher. That priest told them that if they do that, but then his wife-to-be would loose her place in the church, meaning she could still go but she could not, participate in ceremonies, make decisions for the church etc., because she would not be considered married and living in sin.
Anyway, I think your dd and future SIL should get a 2nd opinion from another priest. But, you should remember too that this is their battle. If they are big enough to get married, they are big enough to fight their own battles. If they truly want to be married than they will and this is pretty much small potatoes.
Transgender Boy Barred From Catholic School
Transgender Boy Barred From Catholic School
Parents Of 8-Year-Old Allow 'Him' To Live As 'Her'
Posted: 10:58 am EDT May 18, 2009
Updated: 11:50 am EDT May 18, 2009
OMAHA, Neb. -- An Omaha couple is allowing their 8-year-old son to openly live life as a girl. It’s a decision that means the child is no longer able to attend Catholic school.
Therapists and the child’s parents say the second grade student is transgender, a medical condition where a person’s inner sense of identity doesn’t match their biological gender. Some gender experts say as many as one in 500 people may be transgender or carry significant traits of the opposite sex.
"It’s kind of like you’re trapped somewhere and you can’t get out," said the boy, whose name and face are not being made public to protect the family from potential harm.
"She’s been a girl since the beginning, everything about her, the way she dances and skips around and the things she’s attracted to. It’s more than toys and clothes," said the child’s mother.
The mother said the child has consistently asked to be called a girl since she was 4 years old.
"One night, she said, 'Every night when I go to bed, I pray my inside will match my outside. But it never happens,'" the mother said, recalling the words of her middle child.
The child’s artwork is filled with crayon-colored images of princesses and mermaids. Her family has allowed the child to wear dresses and female clothing in their west Omaha home, but until recently, she had to change into boy clothes for her brother’s baseball games, church or any outing outside the house.
"Now I can wear nail polish, get rid of all my boy clothes and not worry about that name," the child said.
The child’s case recently came to light when her parents met with a leader of the Omaha Catholic Archdiocese to talk about transitioning the student into third grade at her school, St. Wenceslaus.
The family wanted the child to use a new female name, be able to wear a girl’s uniform and be included in girl’s activities.
The mother, a life-long Catholic, thought making the transition in their parish would be the best place for their child to continue friendships, with a support system that included other parents and children.
"The child is welcomed to come, but it would not be acceptable to change the child’s gender and present as a girl," said Omaha Archdiocese's Chancellor, the Rev. Joseph Taphorn.
Taphorn said having the child attend the school for three years as a boy, and then presenting as a girl would not be a good learning environment for the child or other students. He said school has to be a peaceful, positive environment for everyone.
The child will attend a public school in the fall, using her chosen name and wearing a ponytail in her hair.
"It was not a decision that was made rashly at all. It was a decision to protect her psyche and her self-esteem," the mother said.
Therapists agree that forcing a person to live in a social role outside their perceived gender is damaging.
Omaha mental health therapist Ellie Hites said she’s worked with more than 200 transgendered clients in Omaha over the past 35 years.
Hites said she does psychological evaluations on all of her clients.
"One hundred percent of the time, I’ve never had anybody show up anything other than healthiest in the chosen gender role, as opposed to biological," Hites said.
She said her adult transgender clients have lived through nervous breakdowns, suicide attempts and deep depression because they could never truly be themselves. She has four transgendered clients right now.
"The story that I get is that 'I've known since I was real little, but everybody laughed or nobody paid any attention,'" Hites said.
The therapist said transgendered children insist they are the opposite sex, consistently.
"It’s like they arrive here with one biology but the mental set is counter to that," Hites said.
The 8-year-old’s favorite color is aqua. Her favorite toy: American Girl Dolls. And right now she’s reading a Junie B. Jones book that made her giggle when she talked about the plot.
Pink and aqua barrettes held her shoulder-length layered hair out of her face, while she drew chalk pictures of clouds on the pavement.
When her mother announced that the child would be allowed to pierce her ears next week, the girl screeched and had a huge smile on her face.
"You’ve waited long enough to live as a girl," the mother said.
The mother is on a mission to educate the community and encourage churches to open a dialog about diversity and acceptance of all people.
She recently waged an e-mail campaign to urge her church members to place an empty envelope in the collection basket on Mother’s Day weekend. She said she wanted to send a message to the church that church members can have a voice and that they shouldn’t just blindly follow the flock.
"Just take the time to listen. It is different. It’s something most people have never heard of, but it doesn’t make it scary or pathological," she said.
hold up...are you sure this is a Roman Catholic Church?...
First, let me state I have utmost respect for my faith and priests but they cannot force your daughter to convert...it is against the Roman Catholic faith to do so (prosyletizing). Also, in regard to all the other issues that you mentioned, any so-called "sinful activities" that may or may not have gone prior to marriage, these are reserved only for the confessional and not for the premarital screening process. The priest has no right to ask for "penitence" or to know their secrets. I think you may be onto something; my suggestion is to contact the archdiocese this priest lives in and calmly state your case without passion; he may have had other complaints against him. A wedding day should be a sacred occasion filled with joy and i hope you can resolve this issue.
I always thought it was. I'm Jewish and ex-husband Catholic. I've even
xx
I used to love spelling bees too. However, I went to a Catholic school and......
they were required, just like learning the catechism. LOL. I have a TON of holy cards from my grade school years. But I'll be darned if I can remember the word I won my last bee with in 8th grade.
I told my son's 6th grade teacher that I was concerned about the fact that they didn't study spelling, or grammar, the old fashioned kind of subject, verb, and object grammer. Those of you who are in your 50's and plus will know EXACTLY what I am talking about. But that is a subject for a whole other discussion.
My sister (lapsed Catholic) and brother-in-law (Jewish)
don't seem to have had any problems -- they celebrate Xmas/Hannukah and Easter/Passover with the kids; if anything, it's my sister who's the more proactive one in making sure they celebrate Jewish holidays. This has led to such amusing moments as the one at their seder earlier this year, in which sis asked BIL a question about something in the Haggadah, and he said, "honey, how would I know? You're the good Jew in the family."
No problems with parents on either side -- heck, I think I always disappointed my parents by failing to marry a nice Jewish boy like my sister did, and my BIL's parents are actually an interfaith couple themselves.
What are people supposed to call Christmas Eve and Christmas Day now?? (nm)
x
Home Alone 1, A Christmas Story, Home for the Holidays, Chevy Chase's Christmas, sm
There "The Gift of the Magi," He sells his gold watch to buy her a comb for her hair and she sells her beautiful long hair to buy him a chain for his gold watch. It used to be on "Short Stories by O'Henry" but that's long gone, long ago. Good moral to the story. I can't stand "It's a Wonderful Life" -- too depressing, especially with banks closing, too intimidating right now!!!
Christmas
 We are doing Chistmas a little different this year and I don't know if I like it. We are each taking $300 and buying stuff for ourselves and boxing it up. No one knows what the others bought themselves. Then the rest of us will all pitch in $50 and buy a gift to the others. Kinda confusing if you ask me! But it will be fun! Think it might be even less expensive than usual. Happy weekend~!
christmas
I like to start the first time it turns nice and cold - which in Texas is not usually too early! But my lists are always made and ready to go!
Christmas
I agree it is dumb not to let the employs say merry Christmas or any other greeting they choose. just my two cents.
Christmas
MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!!!
Christmas
I did mean to capitalize Christmas! Again, Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone!
Christmas
I truly want to wish every single poster a Merry Christmas.
My want list for Christmas:
I want to recognize the Christ in Christmas as well as the fun of holiday celebration and cheer through many venues.
I want to be mindful of every human being that has less than I do, for there are many. I am the most blessed person I know:
I want to be thankful that my family is all with me, intact, in communication (hahaha), not estranged, and loving/enjoying being together.
I want to be grateful that I am gainfully employed and have other options if I so choose.
I want to celebrate that I have my health intact.
I want to live respectfully toward others because I live in a country that provides protection and security for me and others, God bless and save them, are willing to make the sacrifice to provide it for me.
Most of all, I want every person who feels lost, isolated, alone, left out that you are not alone. Just know that He is mindful of you. I know - not believe, but know - that God knows exactly who I am and where I am going and He will take care of me. I want you to know that, too.
Merry Christmas to each one of you and yours ...
Busy MT'ing
This is one sad Christmas.
One relative dying, another quite ill, but hanging in there, and now we have run very low on less scary diagnoses for my dog, and we suspect she has a brain tumor. Vet school is working her up, which I appreciate, and thank goodness I have another dog so the house isn't too quiet. But this rainy weather should quit so I could at least walk my healthy dog and feel a little better, not to mention what it's doing to anybody who needs to make Christmas travel plans, or in our case, probable funeral travel plans.
Sigh.
Sad Christmas
I'm sorry you are feeling sad, I can sympathize. This is the first year in a LONG time I will be alone on Christmas morning, between having my own children with me and then my grandchildren - oops, just got reminded I won't be totally alone - I have a little kitten, and she just jumped on my back! I'm sorry your pet is ill, they can certainly be a great comfort to us - I've only had this kitten two weeks, but already very attached to her. Also, I realize none of us who are believers are ever really alone.
All I want for Christmas is
Some good dictators this morning. Gosh, told them I would give a few hours this morning but why 1 bad dictator after another? Please, just this wish??? Don’t really want that much.
all I want for Christmas is to have the day off--sm
I did not *volunteer* to work, nor was I asked to work. I was just *given* work and *expected* that it would be done. I had to rearrange my whole planned holiday events schedule to get this done. I am REALLY upset. Thanks for letting me vent. oh, I am IC, not employee.
So Sad this Christmas
Oh please, don't anyone flame me. I honestly can't take it right now. I am so depressed, I can't believe I'm depressed enough to write here. I am not a depressed person - ever. I don't know if its my age (50) or something else. My job? I don't know, but this Christmas just did me in........Every year I do the same thing - I really like giving things and am just boringly nice - a good old egg type. Laid back. Usually give stuff anonymously, so nobody knows. But at Christmas, I like to give little things. For instance, I will go up and down my street and put cards in mailboxes, signed your neighbor. I know some animal rescuers in my area, and will leave them a card, thanking them for their work, and stick little cat toys on it, if they are cat rescuers, or dog toys if dog rescuers - I just take a simple card and put cute stuff on it. No big deal, really, but something to try and be nice. I have a few elderly shut-in neighbors. I give them cards with little boxed cakes or stuff, potpourri - little things. I send cards to all my church members, my coworkers and yet....not a mention of it from anyone. I also will stick a card unsigned in a house who has really cute Christmas lights up or something, just saying how great their house looked this year, or whatever. My kids and I like picking a different house each year and doing that. But the bummer thing is - nobody cares. Nobody even smiles at me, nobody even acknowledges anything. I don't expect huge praises or calls or people stopping by, or announcements in the local paper, but a smile? I have passed some of these people on the street and they just grunt at me. They USED to be friendly, but now the attitude is just no big deal. I'm not even worthy of a small smile. My husband thinks that these people just take me for granted by now - that they just are not really nice enough to smile back. Or that I make them feel bad by being nice. I really used to enjoy doing this, but now am just so despondent about it. I have decided next year, no cards, no nothing, no reaching out to neighbors - just let them all alone. Is it me? Am I a jerk for giving out little cards and stuff? I am not bothersome. I'm really shy actually, and never impose, other than these Christmas cards, or if I know its their birthday or something. In this day and age, am I just a pain? The rest of the year, again, I give things anonymously, or practical things like dog food donations, etc. I won't stop that, but I just have given up on trying to be personable at Christmas. But I don't understand what I have done wrong... If I were a nosey neighbor type, always intruding or asking for something, I would understand. But I'm the exact opposite - never ask for anything from anyone. Is it just our times? Should I just go stick my head in a hole? 
sad Christmas
I wouldn't be surprised if you touch someone in a special way or bring a smile to someone's face out of all those people you give things to, even if you don't see that person (or animal ina shelter). When we do something kind like that, you never know how you may have affected a lonely person or needy animal and made their day a little brighter. Please don't stop being a "giver"! :)
Christmas? What's that?
Sad to say, about the only thing we really do for Christmas is I actually cook a traditional Christmas dinner. We haven't decorated the house or given gifts for years. Our son (now 20 years old) prefers money so he can buy what he wants, and my husband and I set an amount based on what our budget can handle and we each buy what we want.
Pathetic, huh?
Christmas is for everybody
Sorry I think that Christmas is for everyone. Yes the kids love it but sometimes the kids get sooooooooooooooo much that the adults are forgotten. When you give with resentment it is better not to give. I love shopping for everyone and put a lot of thought and time into it but not much money. I have two nephews and a niece that are grown and married who have children of their own that I am very close to. I buy for them because their kids get so much from Santa, grandparents, parents, etc. and I think of them as "my kids" and so I buy for them and not the little ones. I spend time with the younger ones (great nephews and nieces) doing Christmas decorations/cookies etc. And some of them are now 19 to 20 and they still remember those "special times." As for my stepdaughters, even though their Dad and I are divorced, I still remember them with something that I know that they like, special perfume, lotion, little things that they don't buy for themselves. They are now 27 and 25 and I still send them things which is more than their Dad does. Anyway, I admit it, I love to get things at Christmas if it is given with love and if someone can't buy me something, again spending time with me is nice and also appreciated. I just get tired of hearing "Christmas is for kids" as I think Christmas is for all -- and to all a good night. But I did hear some resentment in your note which is too bad.
Ahh.... since this will be my 2nd Christmas
I miss her telling me what, when, how, and why and my husband does, and so do my kids. Believe me, try to make it work - the real dilemma is once your mother is gone, you can do whatever you want! I'm not saying this to be brash, but really, I only wish one more time, I'd get that phone call saying what was going down, when, how, and what I was cooking all pretty much directed by my mother. Now, all I have is memories, and to stare a picture and wonder.................
Regarding Christmas
A letter from God to His children ...
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival, although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now having said that, let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish; I actually spoke of that one in a teaching that explains who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks are. If you have forgotten that one, look at John 15:1-8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. It could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
7. Instead of nit-picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.
Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army, or some other charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.
P.S. Don't forget: I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love and remember I LOVE YOU.
~ God |
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Christmas
"We plunged into the cornucopia, quivering with delight and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice."
My best one was the Christmas I
After everything was open and my brothers and I were so excited to be playing, my Mom asked me to get something from the kitchen. Of course it was dark because we'd get up so early. There it was my Barbie Dreamhouse in the kitchen! I loved that Christmas and it got lots of play...
 Fav foods are cookies, cookies, and more cookies that my sister-in-law makes. I have an aunt that makes Walnut cookies to die for! Every year she'd bring a tin, but we don't see her much at Christmas now that my parents are gone.
On a lighter note, I love seeing our kids opening their stuff! It brings back great memories! 
christmas
I like the idea of celebrating the birth of a new family when a child is born.
Christmas
I celebrate Christmas because to recognize the birth of Jesus...and I love decorating. I love to give presents, but do not really care if I receive any. Too many people have forgotten what this holiday is all about. I do not say Happy Holidays to people...I say Merry Christmas. If they don't like it, I don't really care. I'm tired of the liberals trying to take God out of everything. That's one of the reasons this country has gone to Hell and will continue to do so. This country was founded on Christian values, but most have forgotten that. A friend of mine is Jewish, so I do say Happy Channukah to her, but that's the only exception.
So, Merry Christmas everybody!
christmas
Put on some Christmas music, dance around and decorate your tree. You are not late! Make some sugar cookies, they are cheap. Donate a can of food, that is enough. Stick a bow on your head and you have got the boyfriend covered...
Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas eve....
What are you doing today to get ready for "the big day" tomorrow?
Any special activities or traditions you and yours engage in on Christmas eve?
Anyone have lots of cooking/baking in front of them today and tonight in preparation for tomorrow?
Any last minute shoppers or some with just a last-minute gift to pick up?
I'm curious...What's everyone doing today and tonight?
***MERRY CHRISTMAS, FELLOW MTs***
My Christmas........ sm
Tonight, we will have our annual Christmas tree with my mom and brother, who is still unmarried at the ripe old age of 45. I made a cheese log,2 dips, a jalapeno tuna tray thing, chocolate covered pretzels, and sugar plums for that. We stuff ourselves silly and exchange gifts.
On Christmas day, we have our Christmas dinner. This year it is ham and I am making "pink stuff" and green bean bundles to go with it and will do most of that tonight. Again, we will stuff ourselves beyond the bounds of human decency.
I'm done with my shopping, thank goodness. I went last night to finish up and the stores were absolute chaos!
Merry Christmas to all!!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
We actually celebrated Christmas with my husband's side of the family last Saturday. This is the first year that almost everyone is going to be away (new baby coming, working, visiting out of town family). Tonight we're spending the evening with my best friends and their kids who happen to be my kids' best friends. They're like our family. Lots of food and opening some presents. Tomorrow morning the kids will open up their presents from "Santa" and then in the afternoon our friends are coming over to our house for Christmas dinner with lasagna and lots of other food and drink.
Walmart/Christmas
Okay, so Walmart has brought Christmas back. That will make some customers happy, but on another note, they've ticked a lot of customers off by doing away with layaway.
walmart/christmas
I don't think I've ever used it. I'm with you, I don't like standing in line! lol Anyway, I don't remember why they are closing it. It was in the paper here a while back. I just feel bad for those that rely on it for Christmas. One thing I thought was cool, from a friend, every time she goes to Walmart she puts $5-$20 on a gift card (same card every time)and uses that at Christmas. Unfortunately, I think I would use it up and not save it for Christmas! lol
Will work on Christmas.....
Monday is my regular day to work so I will. My regular days off just happen to be at the end of the week so no Thanksgiving work for me. IMHO you should work in another field if you expect to be a insistent about when you will or will not work. Hospitals are open 24/7, do you think docs and nurses like being away from their families on those days? When I worked in-house we rotated holidays, usually only had 1 person working on the holiday to cover STATs, etc. Woked out great. BTW, why do you say we "deserve" those days off? You sound a bit bitter, did you have a bad experience?
work on Christmas
I agree. When I worked in house, we did get holidays off but at home we do not. Honestly, I don't mind to work it, but as I posted I'm on 3rd shift.
I get bluesy mostly AFTER Christmas, cuz it's all over.
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Christmas questions
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? - Hot Chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Mom wraps, Santa stuffs stockings.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored inside, white outside
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? When I have time. Usually get the tree the first weekend in December.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Turkey
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Spending Christmas with my mom's parents who lived 2 hours away and then coming home and seeing my dad's parents who lived right down the street.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? My cousin informed me in elementary school and took great pleasure in crushing me. 
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I always wanted to, but wasn't allowed, so now my kids each get to open one on Christmas Eve, and my oldest is in college and still likes to do this.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? colored lights, all the oraments I have gotten my kids over the years plus the ones they have made in school since they were little, star on the top. Probably nothing Martha Stewart would approve of - LOL.
11. Snow: Love it or Dread it? Used to love it, now dread it, but don't know why exactly.
12. Can you ice skate? Yes.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Bionic Woman doll
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my family and Christmas Even services at church and singing all those great hymns.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? pumpkin pie
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas eve candlelight service
17. What tops your tree? star
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Love to give and see the look on my kids' faces when they open their gifts.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum
Christmas questions sm
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog (loaded).
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap them all.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Weekend after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Baked ham.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Going sledding in Garmisch, Germany. The adults went skiing. Lived in Germany 10 years as a kid, and every Christmas was great there. Very festive place during the holiday season.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? 9 years old, my younger brother found all the gifts in the closet - I was devastated.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Leave that to my daughter and grandson.
11. Snow: Love it or Dread it? I like to look at it, but dread driving in it. We have enough here in Colorado to share with everybody.
12. Can you ice skate? I would be afraid to try it now.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My first Shaded Silver Chinchilla persian kitten. He lived to be 20 and I am now on my second one.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Giving.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Irish Christmas pudding with hot Bird's custard.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Baking Christmas goodies, watching Home Alone, and homemade Eggnog.
17. What tops your tree? Star.
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Jingle Bell Rock
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum.
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