Uncle Harry...

I hope all are having a wonderful Christmas Season.
On December 20, 2008, my Great Uncle (my Grandfather's brother) Harry died. We went to his funeral today. Going through the motions of the Funeral Mass then the Military burial reminded me of my Grandfather Raymond Garner, Sr. Pop, as we called him, was a kind a gentle man, much like Uncle Harry. As I heard some of the stories today and yesterday, I could not help but think about the fact that Harry & Ray were two men I would like to emulate. It was mentioned during Uncle Harry's funeral that he never complained. No matter what the case, he never complained. I remember this about him. That is something I also remember about Pop. If you care to read it, his obituary is posted below. One thing I did not know, but learned throughout the past few days, he was a D-day veteran. Wow...What a great life this 90 year old man lived.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Harry A. ‘Hap’ Garner, 90, of Owings Mills

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Harry A. “Hap” Garner, 90, of Owings Mills, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at Dove House in Westminster.

Born Aug. 3, 1918, in Baltimore, he was the son of the late William Raymond and Carrie Mae Lamp Garner. He was the husband of Lorna E. Ayre Garner, his wife of 58 years.

He was a retired command sergeant major with the Army and Maryland National Guard, with 36 years of service. He was activated with Company B, 104th edical BN, 29th Infantry Division and landed as part of the D- Day Invasion. He re-enlisted with the Maryland National Guard, where he continued to serve until his retirement in 1978. His military awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Stars and Arrow Head, Purple Heart, European Middle Eastern Campaign with four Battles, World War II Victory Medal, Army Commendation Medal, State of Maryland Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Cross, National Defense Medal, Combat Medical Badge and the Governor’s Certificate of Distinguished Citizen.

He was a member of the American Legion, 29th Division, Association, 29th Vet Corps and the Veterens of Foreign War. He was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glyndon.

He was an Orioles fan, an avid card player and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, Steven F. Garner, of Owings Mills; daughters and son-in-law Lorna M. and Vincent J. Cerniglia, of Hampstead, and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Patricia A. Garner, of Hampstead; a sister, Hilda Homerighausen, of Fredericksburg, Va.; and grandchildren Angela Gottesfeld and husband Dave, Anthony and Dominic Cerniglia, and Nicholas Framarini.

He was predeceased by four brothers and one sister.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Glyndon, 65 Sacred Heart Lane, Glyndon, with the Rev. Sylvester Kim, officiating. Interment, with military honors, will be in Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery at 1 p.m.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Fletcher Funeral Home, 254 E. Main St., Westminster.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Soldiers and Airmen Emergency Relief Fund, MDNG 5th Regt. Armory, Baltimore, MD 21201 or to Carroll Hospice Dove House, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157.

Planned Parenthood is Pro-Abortion...

Watch this video and see for yourself.

Then watch this one...

Speaks for itself.

Jim MacLaren

I was introduced to Jim a few years ago though a mutual friend. We have exchanged a few emails and although we have never met, I feel a certain closeness to Jim. I have had some set backs in my life, but Jim's story makes my problems look like a freshman pimple on Homecoming night. Jim has had his ups and downs and now Jim needs our help. I don't know all the details, but I think he is not doing well. I encourage you to learn about Jim and then pray for him. Visit his web site http://www.jimmaclaren.com/. Support him anyway you can.

Below is a video that will tell you a little about his story.





Thank you for taking the time to help a man who has helped so many.

Breakfast with Santa

Today we had breakfast with Santa at St. Michael's

Breakfast with Santa 2008

Griffin was dressed in his scout uniform because we then went to the post office to help his pack send off packages to the troops.

Year in review...

Just a little year in review...

Matt Maher & Tom Booth 3.8.08

Griffin's 1st Communion

Teaghan Elizabeth Gill

Griffin Summer Cub Scout Camp

This year was mostly about Teaghan, but we did have some other things happen during the year :)

Went to confession...

Griffin and I went to the Advent Penance Service tonight. I was surprised that there were only about 20 people there. This was a great opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I think most folks either don't feel the need to go or are scared to go. Here is a little video I found that helps us better understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Learn your faith...

Growing up my mom took us to church; every week in fact. We were the typical "good Catholic family". Why is it that I know very little about my faith and what it teaches. Take for example birth control and other contraceptions. No one ever told me it was a grave sin. I found out from a friend and then I looked it up to be sure.

...Neither is it valid to argue, as a justification for sexual intercourse which is deliberately contraceptive, that a lesser evil is to be preferred to a greater one, or that such intercourse would merge with procreative acts of past and future to form a single entity, and so be qualified by exactly the same moral goodness as these... (HUMANAE VITAE #14)

What about in vitro fertilization (IVF)? How could something that helps to create life be considered a sin? Well it is.

...Artificial procreation, such as in vitro fertilization, he (Pope Benedict XVI) said, has given rise to "new problems," such as "the freezing of human embryos, embryonal reduction, pre-implantation diagnosis, stem cell research and attempts at human cloning". All these, he said, "clearly show how, with artificial insemination outside the body, the barrier protecting human dignity has been broken."...(Pope Addresses In-Vitro Fertilization and anti-life procedures By John-Henry Westen2/1/2008)

For a convert or a "cradle Catholic", this may shock and or anger you to find out what the church teaches. Our ignorance does not excuse of from committing these evils. I myself was guilty of these sins. Rather than rush to judgement, I suggest you do as I did and read and learn what the church teaches. If you are like me you will find that the reason the church has taken these positions is to ultimately preserve life and to give glory to God until we meet him in his eternal Heaven.

I challenge you to become a better Catholic. Don't just walk into church each week, listen to the readings, get communion and walk out. Learn about your faith. Teach your faith to others. This will be hard at first because it will require a harsh examination of your conscience which may reveal things you don't want to admit, but because our faith gives us the sacrament of Reconciliation, we can be healed.

Below are a few links to help you on your journey.

http://www.catholic.com/
http://www.catholic.org/
http://www.usccb.org/
http://www.vatican.va/
http://www.thatcatholicshow.com/
http://www.rosaryarmy.com/

A message from Matt...

Download the song for free. (Right click and "Save target as")

This is Matt's gift to us.

Thanks Matt!!!

Blessing for new life...

A few years ago, eight to be exact, my wife was going through RCIA. As part of the program all the candidates travel to the Cathedral of Mary our Queen for the Right of Initiation. When we went to that ceremony Archbishop Cardinal Keeler placed his hand on my wife pregnant stomach and I am sure said some type of blessing. We always thought that was special. Now there is an official blessing for babies in the womb.

U.S. Bishops Approve New Blessing for the Child in the Womb

Concerns...

According to the article below, Catholic Charities have given money to ACORN. It is no wonder many Catholics voted for Pro-Choice Obama. Read the entire article below.

Catholic bishops fear pro-choice policies under new president

I am not sure how we can fix this problem at this point, but according to this article, no more funds are going to ACORN at this point.

Disney 2008

Ok, most of the pictures are ready. I know you don't want to watch them all, but here they are anyway.

Click here to see the Disney Photos (long slide show)

First Snow???

Wow, it's November 21st and we are having our first snow. I don't think it will add up to much, but comparatively speaking, it is early for snow.

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)

This bill has been introduced and pro-choice President Elect Obama has promised to sign it as soon as it come across his desk. In fact he said he wants it to be one of the first things he signs in office. As you can see by the text, our representatives from Maryland, Mikuslski and Sarbanes both have their hands in this.

As Catholics, Christians and Pro-life, we can not let this bill get to Obama's desk. I encourage you to write, email and call your senators and congressman and let them know we do not support this bill.

We have already started to campaign against this bill, but we need your help.

An open letter to President Elect Obama

Barack Obama's "Freedom of Choice Act" Would Mean 125K More Abortions

Read the Myth

Legal Perspective

What can we do:

Download this form and have it placed in your bulletin

Sign the petition below

Write a letter letting your congressional leaders you oppose this bill (Find your Representative)

Tell a friend

We can stop this bill, we just need your help.

Peace.

Space Shuttle Launch

While we were in Orlando waiting for our flight home we were able to see the Shuttle launch. It's not much, but I was able to video it with my little camcorder. There is one part that is really cool. You have to watch until about 1:50 seconds.

Surprise...

Griffin (and Teaghan) don't know it, but he will not be going to school tomorrow. Instead, we will wake him up at 4:30am to catch a flight to Orlando. Maureen and I found a great deal for a few nights in Disney World. We made him go to bed early tonight. We told him since he did not get much sleep last night, he needed to "catch up" on some sleep. We are going to video tape him waking up and I am not sure how he will react. It is sure to be an interesting trip with Teaghan on board. Even with the challenges she brings, it will be a memorable trip. We will post pictures when we get back.

See you all soon.

Not much to say...

Wow...now that the election is over, what can I say...I don't really have much to say. I am disappointed that almost 50% of my Catholic brothers and sisters voted for, their false dreams of, a better economy instead of what matters most of all. We need to get back to the fundamentals of our faith. The foundation of truth. Without the foundation we as a society will crumble.

The inviolability of the person which is a reflection of the absolute inviolability of God, fínds its primary and fundamental expression in the inviolability of human life. Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights-for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture- is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination. (CHRISTIFIDELES LAICIOFHIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II)

Pope John Paul II is saying that without that foundational right (the right to life) you have no rights. This is basic and fundamental and should be first and foremost when it comes to selecting the people who govern. We need to start putting life issues in front of economic issues instead of behind. I hope and pray that we will make the best of the next four years, but make no mistake about it, we have taken a huge step back when it comes to life issues and protecting the most precious gift given to us by God. We must continue to pray that we bring an end to Abortion, bring an end to embryonic stem cell research, bring an end to cloning and continue to support and promote marriage between a man and a woman. These are the fundamentals of life. Remember, life first, everything else comes second.

Psalms 11 : 3
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the upright do?

Have a great weekend.

Jim

Clean bill...

Although, I was not feeling well today and called in sick at work, I received a phone call from my oncologist's office today. I had my annual PET scan yesterday and the results are in...

I am still in remission and there is no cancer in my body. I was diagnosed in October 2003 and was in remission that next spring. I am now 4 1/2 years in remission and plan to stay that way for the rest of my life.

Thank God for modern medicine.

Purgatory?

All Souls day was Sunday. The homily was about the "Souls in purgatory" and in my Men's Bible study group today, purgatory was also mentioned. I thought I would take a moment and blog about the subject. Since I am no expert (far from it) I will point to other sources.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a "purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven," which is experienced by those "who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified" (CCC 1030). It notes that "this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned" (CCC 1031).

The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven. Read More...(Catholic.com)

Also, I found a great Podcast on the topic of purgatory. Many questions you may have can be answered by downloading this podcast. (55 min. program, but still really good, so give yourself some time to listen to this...right click on the link to download and "save target as" to your hard drive)

Hope this helps those who may wonder.

Joe still does not get it...

Joe Biden has made numerous remarks in the last few days that really don't help him and his running mate. I site the following examples.

In an interview with Barbara West of WFTV Channel 9 Biden was asked a few questions.

West quoted Karl Marx and asked, "How is Senator Obama not being a Marxist if he intends to spread the wealth around?"..."Are you joking?" said Biden..."No," West said. West later asked Biden about his comments that Obama could be tested early on as president. She wondered whether the Delaware senator was saying America's days as the world's leading power were over. "I don't know who's writing your questions," Biden shot back. (Chicago Tribune)

Look at him as he is sitting there. I don't trust this guy one bit. His actions, words and attitude say, "more of the same" instead of this "change" they are talking about. Just watch him and listen to him laugh at the questions. And now the campaign has shunned this TV station for the remainder of the campaign. That's it, pick up your toys and run.

"And here's the point I want to make. Mark my words. Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy...I guarantee you it's gonna happen. I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate. And he's gonna need help. And the kind of help he's gonna need is, he's gonna need you, not financially to help him, we're gonna need you to use your influence, your influence within the community, to stand with him...(Joe Biden at Seattle fund raiser transcript says Obama will be tested)

Tested? Tested? What do you mean Tested? You can't say that...it would only mean that the war on terror is real. I don't think you guys believe that do you?

And one of his latest quotes...

In his interview with The News Journal published Oct. 19, Sen. Joe Biden presents a seriously erroneous picture of Catholic teaching on abortion. He said, “I know that my church has wrestled with this for 2,000 years,” (Wilmington News Journal)

What are you talking about Joe...? The church has never been more clear. Maybe you should watch the video below...

The newly installed Bishop Malooly (Delaware Diocese) had a response for Joe. You can read it here. He obviously disagrees with Joe and is calling on all Catholics to pray the Litany of St. Thomas More this Sunday. Please join us in prayer.

Way to go Gabby

Our Friend Gabby did a great job today. Way to go Gabby...

Click here to see her results.

Thanks for your prayers. They worked.

My Friend Gabby...

Gabby has fast become one of our families favorite people in the world. Not much else to say except, she is running in the Marine Corp Marathon tomorrow. Please pray for her and her team. You can track her by going to http://www.marinemarathon.com/Marine_Corps_Marathon.htm

One thing to note, she is running for the Seminariens of the Washington Diocese, which is a great cause.

God Bless Gabby.

Robin Hood?

The other day I blogged about the choice being clear as to who we should vote for based on a religious viewpoint. I stand by my convictions on that and add another, more economical reason to the mix.

Obama was asked a question by a plumber who owns his own business.

“It’s not that I want to punish your success – I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you – that they’ve got a chance at success too.” (Patterico.com)

Sounds like taking from the rich(or people trying to be rich) and giving to the poor. I am all about helping the poor and unfortunate, but taking from a hard working plumber to give to those who don't work at all sounds like Socialism. I could be wrong here, but I don't think most Americans agree with this tax policy.

As for his running mate...He thinks it is "Patriotic" to pay taxes.

"You got it, it's time to be patriotic, Kate. Time to jump in. Time to be part of the deal..."(Fox News)

What about Charitable Giving?

According to a Wall Street Journal editorial, the Bidens released their tax returns and reported an average of $380 or 0.2 percent of their income in annual charitable contributions over a 10-year period. The national average of personal giving was 2 percent of income. (Daily Press)

Hmmm...$380.00? Are you kidding?

What about Obama?

...the Obamas gave far less than 1% of their income to charity; in three of the years, they gave around 1% of their income to charity. Only in the last two years have they given substantially more as their income skyrocketed -- 4.7% in 2005 and 6.1% in 2006. (Of course, it is possible that the Obamas may have made gifts to other worthy causes that were not deductible for federal income tax purposes.) (Paul L. Caron)

Not bad...but what was happening before 2005? Oh maybe you thought to yourself, "I'm going to run for president...maybe I should give a little more to charity so it does not look so bad when I start taking from the rich and giving to the poor." (my words not Obama's, but still a very good possibility) You still did better than Delaware Joe. What an embarrassment.

What about McCain?

In 2007, the Arizona senator reported $405,409 in total income and contributed $105,467, or 26 percent of his total income, to charity.
In 2006, Mr. McCain said he had $358,414 in total income and donated $64,695, or 18 percent of his total income, to charity. (The Chronicles of Philanthropy)

Wow...18% beats 4% any day...

Once again, the choice is clear here

Lay It Down...

I came across this video of the band playing "Lay it down". I felt compelled to post it. It is so powerful. This is not only a great song, it is a prayer. Thank you Matt, Kemi, Kenny and Dan.

God Bless...

Let's think before we vote...

This article, The truth behind 'pro-choice', sums it up pretty well about “Pro-life” and “Pro-choice”. Just today, Griffin was at the bus stop and the kids were talking about the presidential race (wow, they should be talking about the wiggles or something…) but one of the kids said, “I’m voting for Obama”. Griffin said, “You shouldn't vote for Obama…he makes bad choices…He says that a mommy can choose to have her baby and it is not the mommy’s choice. Only God get’s to choose and I am voting for McCain because he says that God get’s to choose.”

Griffin asked me one time about the above named issue. This was not a situation were he has been indoctrinated. He heard me say it once. The point is, he must really feel this way in order to repeat it. The fact is he does believe it as well as we believe it and if you call yourself a Catholic (Joe Biden) you should believe it too. I quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 5...

2258 "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being."

So Joe...Don't go to communion...

A U.S. Catholic archbishop is urging priests and lay eucharistic ministers to deny communion to politicians who support abortion rights, arguing that it's a "mortal sin" to offer the sacrament to "the unworthy." (Christian Century, Oct 16, 2007 )

So as the title says, "Let's think before we vote", let's really think. What is the most important thing we teach our children about? Father, Son & Holy Spirit. We call ourselves Catholics and we are all part of the Catholic community. Our faith has set forth guidelines (the Catechism & Cannon Law)...We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church...apostolic meaning handed down from the 12 Apostles. So if you stand up every week and say the Nicene Creed then the following applies to you.

A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion...In such cases a Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in grave evil. (taken from A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States)

The choice is clear...

...But Obama's record on abortion is extreme. He opposed the ban on partial-birth abortion -- a practice a fellow Democrat, the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, once called "too close to infanticide." Obama strongly criticized the Supreme Court decision upholding the partial-birth ban. In the Illinois state Senate, he opposed a bill similar to the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which prevents the killing of infants mistakenly left alive by abortion. And now Obama has oddly claimed that he would not want his daughters to be "punished with a baby" because of a crisis pregnancy -- hardly a welcoming attitude toward new life. (Washington Post April 2, 2008)

More than this, Biden has not just supported abortion but butted heads with the Catholic Church over the matter saying this in the Christian Science Monitor August 27, 2007): "My views are totally consistent with Catholic social doctrine ...There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that.." (Free Republic August 3, 2008)

Wrong Joe. What is Catholic social doctrine anyway Joe? Did you make that phrase up to suit your needs? Nothing in the Catholic faith, social doctrine or otherwise, supports your views on abortion.

Whether you like McCain or not, he is Pro-life and his running mate, Governor Sarah Palin, is living our pro-life views everyday. The choice is clear here.

Let's think before we vote.

Griffin does it again...

On September 23, 2008 the FCLL Blue Rocks traveled to East Frederick Little League to take on EF in their first game against them. The Blue Rocks performed much better during this outing hitting more and scoring more than they did in both of their previous games. The star of the game was Griffin Gill who went 2 for 2 with a double and and inside the park home run. To top it off he pitched one inning striking out two of the three batters he faced. His inning of work was the only inning a run did not score. In fact it was three up...three down. For his efforts, he was awarded the game ball. Great job Griff.

Griffin Gill makes pitching debut

Griffin made his pitching debut today. He pitched 1 inning striking out three batters out of the four he faced. He was the only pitcher to strike out three batters to retire the side. In addition he went one for two with a double, a strike out and a walk. It was a great day of baseball for both Griffin and his team the Blue Rocks.

Tropical Storm Hanna

Well...

Hanna, although not too big, ruined our plans for the beach this weekend. We were supposed to leave on Thursday and come back on Sunday. When we heard the news and tracked the storm, the decision was made to bail. In the end it was a good decision. Griffin's first Minors (kid pitch) baseball game was scheduled for today, but cancelled. We have rescheduled for tomorrow. We shall see how it goes. Now Ike is on the way to FL, so we have to watch it as well. Probably won't effect us.

Jim

Griffin Meets Matt Maher

This was taped in March. I am sorry it took so long to post.

Griffin loves Matt and the band.

Matt took time out to meet Griff and sign his CD. A great day for us...

Welcome Teaghan Elizabeth

On May 16, 2008 our family was blessed with a little bundle of joy we call Teaghan Elizabeth.

She is a blessing and has changed our lives.