A Few Items of Business

Hey everyone! I have a new poll on the side bar, if you would all check it out. I've been having some trouble thinking up blog posts lately, and I'd love your input! Comment here if you have anything to add.

Next, a few bloggers awarded me!

1. Thank the person who nominated you and give the link.
Thank you Shena at Pens, Thespians, and Words and Edessa at Holonet Entertainment Daily!

2. Tell us how the idea of making a blog popped into your head and why you continue it.
Hmm...I can't remember exactly, but it could have been when I started reading The Catholic Jedi Academy. Eventually I read blogs by other Star Wars fangirls which also influenced me. I continue it because it's been really great to have a creative outlet and find that some like my writing, not to mention that I get to meet and talk to a bunch of awesome people!

3. Describe a usual day of your life.
For my previous school year, wake up, check a few websites, get ready for the day, force myself to start school, I may practice some music before or after dinner, shower in the evening, pray the rosary with my family, hang out together, then go on the computer for a while before finally getting myself to bed. Summer is similar but without the school.

4. The best collaboration with a blogger(s).
I did a guest post a while ago which was fun!

5. Worst collaboration with a blogger(s):
None.

6. Explain what having this blog means to you.
Basically number 2, being able to write fun things and share them with others. And you all have been such nice followers and I greatly appreciate your comments and for sticking with me in my inactivity.

7. Nominate 5 followers for this award.

Jedigal1990 at A Jedi and a Mouse
Vellvin at An Irish Maiden
And if you follow me and haven't gotten this yet, I give it to you!

Thank you to Helen at The Life of a Musician and Dancer and Solace at Prophets of the Force!

Now I must say seven random things about myself...

1. I almost always play as Yoshi in Mario Kart.
2. School supplies will almost always slow my stride when I spot them at a store - must look!
3. Typing fast is fun for me.
4. I like listening to a cappella music.
5. My room has blue walls.
6. I used to listen to Hannah Montana music a lot.
7. Someday I want to perform in Annie.

I give this to...

Jedigal1990 at A Jedi and a Mouse
Edessa at HoloNet Entertainment Daily
Vellvin at An Irish Maiden
Shena at Pens, Thespians, and Words


And finally, Alyianna at Scribbles of a Catholic Teen sent me the 11 tag again! I'm not going to do the whole thing since it took me forever last time, but here are her questions:

1. What do you think makes a (a question for the guys) girl beautiful or a (a question for the girls) guy...errm...attractive?
Hmm...I'm attracted to humor, kindness, friendliness, and shared interests. As for looks...depends.

2. What is your favourite type of flower?
I like sunflowers and the tiny white flowers that are often arranged with roses.

3. Who is your favourite character of all time?
I think I'd have to say Obi-Wan here. It could be Sam Gamgee, though.

4. What are you listening to right now? (Doesn't have to be music if you're not listening to that.)
My brother and the Wii.

5. What is/are your pet peeve(s)?
I know I had a specific one at one point, but I honestly can't remember. One thing I guess is music or videos playing automatically on a website and scaring me out of my wits. Especially when the computer volume is high. And adds that pop up. Or expand when accidentally you roll over them. Cause how often do you actually want to look at them?

6. What is your favourite language?
Hm...I guess English, since it's the only one I can really use. I also like Latin, Spanish, German, and Elvish.

7. Do you have a special place in your house?
My room is kind of my special place, but I haven't been spending as much time there lately. I have to clean my desk and keep it clean, then maybe I'll be there more.

8. Do you sleep on your back, on your side, on your front, or do you turn around a lot?
Mostly my front, but I once in a while I try to change...usually unsuccessfully.

9.  Do you a song that reminds you of a time of your life that you wish you could go back to?
This is random, but once in a while the Wii Sports theme will take me back to when we were first playing it, under our cousin's guidance. It was fun and peaceful. TV themes can also take me back, but I'm not sure if there are any times I want to go back to - each time has had it's joys and sorrows.

10. Do you have one movie that you really hate? If so, what it is it and why?
I don't think so...not that I can think of anyway.

11. What is your favorite song at the moment?
As of right now (this changes every few days), Guilty Love by the Gavinners. From Ace Attorney (sorry, maybe I'll stop talking about that someday!).


I really appreciate the awards and tag, especially when my blog is quiet. Thanks everyone!

Have a great weekend all, and may the Lord be with you!

America's Fight for Religious Liberty

Hey everyone. There's some really important stuff going on regarding the freedom of religion in the United States that we all need to know about.

There's a health care mandate that will force some people, mainly Catholics, to pay for things they believe to be wrong. But the underlying problem won't just affect the Catholic Church, but all religions.

I don't want to get too in to politics on this blog, at least not right now, but this is an important issue of morality I've been wanting to bring up. Please know that I am not trying to offend or attack those who disagree, but present and stand up for what I believe to be true and inform you all of this important issue in our country today. And with that, we're off!

Religious liberty is awesome
One of the greatest things about the United States is that we have freedom of religion. Originally, many people moved to the "New World" to escape religious persecution in their own countries and practice the faith they believed to be true. In the Bill of Rights, the very first amendment says that, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

So how is this being threatened?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said that health care plans have to include contraception, sterilization, and pills that can cause abortions. The Catholic Church, and some others agree on certain issues, believes that these are morally wrong. But this mandate will force institutions to pay for this, against their consciences.

And people can't get exemptions?
In order for hospitals, schools, charities, etc to qualify as a "religious institution" and be exempt from this mandate, they can only employ and serve people of their own faith. Meaning Catholic hospitals and charities can only help Catholics. Which is pretty much insane. If they don't comply, they would face fines big enough to shut them down. In 2010, the National Catholic Register reported that one in six patients are treated in Catholic hospitals (article here). That's a lot of people. There was a proposed accommodation, but it basically didn't change anything.

It will affect more than just Catholics
While it seems like this is about Catholics and contraception (which is widely available, even if it's not included in your health care plan), the big problem is how it sets a precedent for the way religious institutions are defined. Once the definition is made so narrow, more and more people who don't qualify will be put in a position where they could be forced to violate their beliefs or face the consequences. Anyone could be required to do what they believe is wrong. And the other big thing - if religious liberty is set aside here, won't it just be easier to set it aside again?

But we're taking a stand!
You know how God always brings good out of evil? Well, there have definitely been good things coming from this situation. One of the biggest is that it has brought so many people together - not just Catholics, but lots of denominations and religions; anyone who wants to be able to freely practice their religion and preserve those rights for the next generations. We're not letting our freedom go without a fight!

Please join us to preserve our religious liberty! Stay informed, tell others, look out for ways to get involved in your community (like contacting senators/representatives or attending events) and of course, pray. Here's one suggested prayer:

Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty

O God our Creator,

from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,
you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,
bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel
to every corner of society.

We ask you to bless us
in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart
to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;
give us courage in making our voices heard
on behalf of the rights of your Church
and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,
a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters
gathered in your Church
in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,
so that, with every trial withstood
and every danger overcome—
for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,
and all who come after us—
this great land will always be "one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(from usccb.org)


To learn more about the issues, I'd suggest reading Twelve Things Everyone Should Know About the Contraceptive Mandate. It's easy to read, not that long, and really helps to clarify things. There is also a lot of information in the religious liberty section of usccb.org.

I sincerely thank you for reading this! If you have any questions or are looking for more information, let me know and I'll try to find some answers for you.

Thus ends the most serious post I've ever written. So let's add one bit of fun!

God bless you all, and God bless America!