February 27, 2013
February 12, 2013
My Message to MY Pope, "LOVE YA MAN--It is ALL GOOD"
Pope Benedict XVI, this quiet, unpretentious, holy man with the brilliant mind will vacate the Papacy effective February 28, 2013. He is 85 years old and has accepted the fact that his frail body cannot adequately perform the duties required of the awesome position to which he was entrusted. It is "ALL GOOD". We Catholics believe that the church is the "bride of Christ" and that the Holy Spirit is always there to guide it. Personally, I am in awe as I watch this beautiful process unfold. I have not an iota of concern about the future of the Church or about the next Pope. This institution has been around for 2000 years, no problem.
Over the next several weeks the print and broadcast media will bombard us with their insight and the gaggle of expert pundits will tell us what is going on within the church. They know nothing of course and have probably (most of them anyway) been trashing and criticizing the church for years on church teaching (birth control, abortion, women priests, celibacy etc). Now suddenly they will be theologians and will share with an uneducated public their babble. I do not care. It is "ALL GOOD". What I might advise all these newly ordained experts to do is to maybe make a visit to a nearby Catholic church and sit in front of the altar where the Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the tabernacle (I do not have to explain any of this to experts) and sit and LISTEN. Just sit there quietly and LISTEN. No talking, just LISTENING, to your heart. Maybe you might learn something useful to pass onto the folks.
Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. It is a forty day journey that leads us to new-life, a rebirth, the Resurrection. It is a time for prayer, penance, alms-giving and self-denial. Millions of Catholic/Christians observe these traditions every year. It does not make the news. Countless people who have found Christ will be welcomed into the church during the Easter Vigil when they are baptized and receive the sacraments and become Catholic. This will not make the news. It does not matter. It is "ALL GOOD".
From a blue-collar catholic guy to my Pope, Benedict XVI...---"LOVE YA MAN"
Over the next several weeks the print and broadcast media will bombard us with their insight and the gaggle of expert pundits will tell us what is going on within the church. They know nothing of course and have probably (most of them anyway) been trashing and criticizing the church for years on church teaching (birth control, abortion, women priests, celibacy etc). Now suddenly they will be theologians and will share with an uneducated public their babble. I do not care. It is "ALL GOOD". What I might advise all these newly ordained experts to do is to maybe make a visit to a nearby Catholic church and sit in front of the altar where the Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the tabernacle (I do not have to explain any of this to experts) and sit and LISTEN. Just sit there quietly and LISTEN. No talking, just LISTENING, to your heart. Maybe you might learn something useful to pass onto the folks.
Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. It is a forty day journey that leads us to new-life, a rebirth, the Resurrection. It is a time for prayer, penance, alms-giving and self-denial. Millions of Catholic/Christians observe these traditions every year. It does not make the news. Countless people who have found Christ will be welcomed into the church during the Easter Vigil when they are baptized and receive the sacraments and become Catholic. This will not make the news. It does not matter. It is "ALL GOOD".
From a blue-collar catholic guy to my Pope, Benedict XVI...---"LOVE YA MAN"
February 9, 2013
My New Chair "Rocks & Rolls". YES!!!!
I am looking at my blog posts for 2013. There are three. One from January 1, one from Jan 16. and one from Jan 25. I am quite embarrassed. How could I only post three times in six weeks. Today is February 9. Look, no one may even be reading these posts but that doesn't matter. As a writer, besides working on my books, and making my daily, feeble attempts to socially network, I should also be posting commentary. What have I been doing? Where have I been? Whas up?
©Larry Peterson 2013 All Rights Reserved
Look, I hate making excuses but due to some serious back problems I have been moving around very, very slowly and deliberately. Four herniated lower discs will do that to a person and as those nerve bundles get pressed upon it is like staring at the NewYork skyline during the Independence Day fireworks display. In my case the fireworks are smashing back and forth inside my back and have been doing so since October last. So, how do you sit at a keyboard and merrily type away? Well, you don't for very long. Plus, you are easily distracted from a focused train of thought that lasts more than 20 seconds.
Well, I have good news. After the MRI's weaved their wondrous tale about my back-in-crisis, my doctor wanted me to go to a neurologist for pain relief. Being a masochist I refused. "I want it to get better, doc. I'm not looking to hide what's wrong and I am not taking pain meds. I want to fix the problem." Yes, I have been told I am an idiot (not by the doctor). So be it. I have been called a lot worse.
My doctor and I negotiated. I was given a script for physical therapy and I agreed that if it did not work (he did not feel that it would) I would do the neurologist thing. Onward to the Physical Therapy Rehab place and that was at the end of December. I finished with them last Thursday. I have been prodded and pulled and twisted and even had elbows pressed into my upper back and dragged down to my lower back. Seems that over the years parts inside my torso have traveled to places unintended.. The PT folks were simply trying to cajole those parts back to where they belong. How I had a twisted rib-cage was beyond my comprehension.
Besides the PT treatments I have faithfully worked out at least three times a day, without fail, stretching and prodding and even conversing with my back which is nothing more to me right now than an invading poltergeist. The things I have said to my pesky demon I cannot put in print lest I be de-bloggered or something. Suffice it to say I have given Ralphie's dad (Christmas Story) a run for his money. Anyway, all of that helped but I still could not sit very long at the keyboard. Then it happened.The GOOD NEWS I mentioned earlier was pushed into my life and under my keister.
My physical therapist, Pam, introduced me to the Exercise Ball (some call it a Yoga Ball). I call it a huge beachball. Its circumference is almost seven feet. It is my new chair. YES!!! It took a few days but I have it down to only a few roll-offs a day. You sit and balance and you have to keep your body straight. I have three printed sheets of various exercises that I am supposed do with the "ball". So far I have only rolled off and whacked my head two times, my elbow once and ripped a gash in my hand as I tried to keep myself on the ball as I rolled sideways and grabbed the metal rail on my keyboard table. When I get up from the ball, no pain in my butt or in the old Glutes. I love it.
Bottom line--I just sat and typed up this masterpiece. Loving my Exercise Ball. YES!!!!!
Besides the PT treatments I have faithfully worked out at least three times a day, without fail, stretching and prodding and even conversing with my back which is nothing more to me right now than an invading poltergeist. The things I have said to my pesky demon I cannot put in print lest I be de-bloggered or something. Suffice it to say I have given Ralphie's dad (Christmas Story) a run for his money. Anyway, all of that helped but I still could not sit very long at the keyboard. Then it happened.The GOOD NEWS I mentioned earlier was pushed into my life and under my keister.
My physical therapist, Pam, introduced me to the Exercise Ball (some call it a Yoga Ball). I call it a huge beachball. Its circumference is almost seven feet. It is my new chair. YES!!! It took a few days but I have it down to only a few roll-offs a day. You sit and balance and you have to keep your body straight. I have three printed sheets of various exercises that I am supposed do with the "ball". So far I have only rolled off and whacked my head two times, my elbow once and ripped a gash in my hand as I tried to keep myself on the ball as I rolled sideways and grabbed the metal rail on my keyboard table. When I get up from the ball, no pain in my butt or in the old Glutes. I love it.
Bottom line--I just sat and typed up this masterpiece. Loving my Exercise Ball. YES!!!!!
©Larry Peterson 2013 All Rights Reserved
January 29, 2013
Is it Chance or God's hand Working "Little" Miracles in Our Lives?
Review Redux:
I have to say that this book was quite enjoyable on many levels. Seeing how God's Hand was present throughout the trials experienced by the Peach family was fantastic. I believe we often miss those little miracles in our lives, possibly just writing them off to `chance.' But, through the conversations and strings of consciousness for the characters, you can fully appreciate just how well God will take care of us so long as we are willing to accept it.
....Taken from my full review on Day by Day in Our World
Growing Up Fast with a Serious Dose of Faith in this story, March 1, 2012
By
This review is from: The Priest and the Peaches (Kindle Edition)
Growing up, I rarely saw a title that appealed to me and had any connection to my Catholic faith. This novel just might fill that type of void for any Catholics from middle school on up. The reader meets the Peach family, already suffering from the lost of their mother and grandmother. Now the children become orphans after their father's unexpected death. This particular novel follows them through the first week or so after their father's death. While there are plenty of 'heavy' topics broached (e.g. how to pay the bills), Mr. Peterson has thrown in a decent share of levity.I have to say that this book was quite enjoyable on many levels. Seeing how God's Hand was present throughout the trials experienced by the Peach family was fantastic. I believe we often miss those little miracles in our lives, possibly just writing them off to `chance.' But, through the conversations and strings of consciousness for the characters, you can fully appreciate just how well God will take care of us so long as we are willing to accept it.
....Taken from my full review on Day by Day in Our World
January 25, 2013
"For This Unborn Child, Mom Had Her Back"
Ten minutes away from the house was a hospital and the paramedics wanted to take her there. She had lost a lot of blood and they were concerned for her life. She was 33 years old and had three kids. The risk was too great. She did not care. "NO! NO! NO! You have to take me to Holy Name."
"But it is too far. It is more than a half hour drive. Do you want to die?"
"I don't give a damn. I'll be fine. I want this child treated properly and if she is not going to make it I want her baptized."
There was no concern for her own well being. At that very moment it was she and her unborn baby against the world and she was the only one who cared. If her child was going to die she would definitely have lived first. She would have existed. She was a person, God's gift to a family and to the world no matter how supposedly insignificant. Her momma had her back. They relented and headed to Holy Name Hospital.
When the ambulance pulled into the emergency room entrance her husband was waiting and so was Father Murray, the priest from nearby Holy Trinity Catholic Church. As they removed the gurney from the ambulance the blood had soaked upward past her head and was already matted in her hair. The emergency room doctor looked and said, "Oh my God, get her upstairs stat. Let's hurry."
The baby girl did not make it. She was baptized by the priest and her mom survived despite a tremendous loss of blood. Some of the folks on staff were amazed that she had, in fact, made it.
This woman, who was also my wife, had an innate need to protect her unborn daughter. It did not matter how big this baby was. It did not matter if the child was three or five or six years old or still unborn. Her mom needed to protect her. It was not crazy or ridiculous or stupid what she did. It was heroic. She was willing to die for her child, born or unborn. She would have taken a bullet if that is what had been necessary. Nothing else mattered except saving her baby. That is love my friends. Plain and simple.
Theresa Mary Peterson was born on September 6, 1978. Theresa Mary Peterson died on September 6, 1978. On October 3, 1978, Theresa Mary, her remains in a tiny white casket, was transported by limousine to Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. She was interred with her grandparents. Her mother saved her because her mother was willing to die for her. Because of that heroic effort the world knows that Theresa Mary did exist even though she had only breathed for a few moments. There is no difference with time in God's world. Everything takes place in the "eternal now". One second, one day, 100 years--no difference. So, it does not matter how old she was.
As hundreds of thousands, (many of them young folks) participate in the March for Life today, we should remember that when they mention a number like 55,000,000 abortions over 40 years, it has taken one person at a time to reach that number. One person like Theresa Mary, whether smaller or bigger than she, but one person nonetheless. Finally,to all the moms (dads too) who have lost children through miscarriages, God bless you all. That was a true loss of a family member and "not for the best" as some might have suggested. You had every right to grieve. Losing a child is a terrible thing.
"But it is too far. It is more than a half hour drive. Do you want to die?"
"I don't give a damn. I'll be fine. I want this child treated properly and if she is not going to make it I want her baptized."
There was no concern for her own well being. At that very moment it was she and her unborn baby against the world and she was the only one who cared. If her child was going to die she would definitely have lived first. She would have existed. She was a person, God's gift to a family and to the world no matter how supposedly insignificant. Her momma had her back. They relented and headed to Holy Name Hospital.
When the ambulance pulled into the emergency room entrance her husband was waiting and so was Father Murray, the priest from nearby Holy Trinity Catholic Church. As they removed the gurney from the ambulance the blood had soaked upward past her head and was already matted in her hair. The emergency room doctor looked and said, "Oh my God, get her upstairs stat. Let's hurry."
The baby girl did not make it. She was baptized by the priest and her mom survived despite a tremendous loss of blood. Some of the folks on staff were amazed that she had, in fact, made it.
This woman, who was also my wife, had an innate need to protect her unborn daughter. It did not matter how big this baby was. It did not matter if the child was three or five or six years old or still unborn. Her mom needed to protect her. It was not crazy or ridiculous or stupid what she did. It was heroic. She was willing to die for her child, born or unborn. She would have taken a bullet if that is what had been necessary. Nothing else mattered except saving her baby. That is love my friends. Plain and simple.
Theresa Mary Peterson was born on September 6, 1978. Theresa Mary Peterson died on September 6, 1978. On October 3, 1978, Theresa Mary, her remains in a tiny white casket, was transported by limousine to Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. She was interred with her grandparents. Her mother saved her because her mother was willing to die for her. Because of that heroic effort the world knows that Theresa Mary did exist even though she had only breathed for a few moments. There is no difference with time in God's world. Everything takes place in the "eternal now". One second, one day, 100 years--no difference. So, it does not matter how old she was.
As hundreds of thousands, (many of them young folks) participate in the March for Life today, we should remember that when they mention a number like 55,000,000 abortions over 40 years, it has taken one person at a time to reach that number. One person like Theresa Mary, whether smaller or bigger than she, but one person nonetheless. Finally,to all the moms (dads too) who have lost children through miscarriages, God bless you all. That was a true loss of a family member and "not for the best" as some might have suggested. You had every right to grieve. Losing a child is a terrible thing.
January 21, 2013
Smile, Laugh, Cry, be Mad and Inspired
Review Redux:
I have never read a book that really inspired me. A book that made me smile, laugh, cry and be mad. A book that actually teaches you life lessons, instead of what television creates today to be okay...teen pregnancy, bullying, etc. This book takes you into a World, when Teens have to become adults and children have to grow up way too quickly after they lose a parent or even both their parents. What society also thinks about them. How could children take care of children? Their nothing, but bad children, etc. At least that's what people assumed.
This book proves people wrong. It also proves, you can't judge anybody by who they are and what they are. Anyone is dealing with a struggle harder than yours...and this book definitely digs deeper into that saying.
5 Kids...who are newly orphaned. Known as Yimey's Kids or the Peach kids. They just recently lost their father and now they have to find away to survive without them. It's bad enough, they had lost their Mother also. Through so many challenges and obstacles, they conquer it all, with the help of friends and family they never knew they really had and the help of one another. With one saying..."L-Y-N". Which you will learn a lot about in this book. I didn't know what it meant until mid-way into the book and once I found out what it meant, I understood so much more.
I have a quote or saying that hangs on my Wall at home that could go with the ending of this book so well, "Faith is not believing God Can, it is knowing that God Will."
Larry Peterson, definitely has a different writing style that I'm used to. I'm the usual Paranormal Romance Addict who thrives on the Para normality and of course the Hot Steamy Romance Scenes...but this book took me out of my fantasy world for awhile and made me realize, I need to pick up more books like Larry Peterson's. A book that really can teach you something in the end, even if it's fiction. He made me fall in with the characters. He made me realize how much I wanted to jump in the book and help them out.
It may have taken me a little longer than usual to read this book, but that's because I was slowly reading it to savor every moment of learning about the Peaches Kids.
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever thought their life was difficult or struggling at times. This book will put in perspective how life can be unmanageable in times...but in the end, anything is manageable as long as you believe.
You'll also learn a lot from this book about not judging someone by their character or even appearance.
This is a definitely must read even to those readers out there who think this book is not for them. I challenged myself to read outside of my "Normal" Genre...and now I can't wait to dig deeper into this kind of Genre again and also read even more books from Larry Peterson.
GREAT read for anyone, April 2, 2012
By
FranJessca [at] Book Lovin' Mamas (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Priest and the Peaches (Kindle Edition)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review)I have never read a book that really inspired me. A book that made me smile, laugh, cry and be mad. A book that actually teaches you life lessons, instead of what television creates today to be okay...teen pregnancy, bullying, etc. This book takes you into a World, when Teens have to become adults and children have to grow up way too quickly after they lose a parent or even both their parents. What society also thinks about them. How could children take care of children? Their nothing, but bad children, etc. At least that's what people assumed.
This book proves people wrong. It also proves, you can't judge anybody by who they are and what they are. Anyone is dealing with a struggle harder than yours...and this book definitely digs deeper into that saying.
5 Kids...who are newly orphaned. Known as Yimey's Kids or the Peach kids. They just recently lost their father and now they have to find away to survive without them. It's bad enough, they had lost their Mother also. Through so many challenges and obstacles, they conquer it all, with the help of friends and family they never knew they really had and the help of one another. With one saying..."L-Y-N". Which you will learn a lot about in this book. I didn't know what it meant until mid-way into the book and once I found out what it meant, I understood so much more.
I have a quote or saying that hangs on my Wall at home that could go with the ending of this book so well, "Faith is not believing God Can, it is knowing that God Will."
Larry Peterson, definitely has a different writing style that I'm used to. I'm the usual Paranormal Romance Addict who thrives on the Para normality and of course the Hot Steamy Romance Scenes...but this book took me out of my fantasy world for awhile and made me realize, I need to pick up more books like Larry Peterson's. A book that really can teach you something in the end, even if it's fiction. He made me fall in with the characters. He made me realize how much I wanted to jump in the book and help them out.
It may have taken me a little longer than usual to read this book, but that's because I was slowly reading it to savor every moment of learning about the Peaches Kids.
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever thought their life was difficult or struggling at times. This book will put in perspective how life can be unmanageable in times...but in the end, anything is manageable as long as you believe.
You'll also learn a lot from this book about not judging someone by their character or even appearance.
This is a definitely must read even to those readers out there who think this book is not for them. I challenged myself to read outside of my "Normal" Genre...and now I can't wait to dig deeper into this kind of Genre again and also read even more books from Larry Peterson.
January 19, 2013
Review: by Charlotte Ostermann re: "The Good Sinner"
The link is to the review by Charlotte Ostermann of the CWG on Elizabeth Schmeidler's new release, "The Good Sinner": With the 40th anniversary of Roe v Wade next week this is a timely release. Take a look.
http://wp.me/p2Mupb-3k
http://wp.me/p2Mupb-3k
January 16, 2013
Do We Now Have An Unratified, 28th Amendment to the US Constitution?
Let me begin by posting a definition from Wikipedia: It is as follows;
"National Religious Freedom Day commemorates the Virginia General Assembly's adoption of Thomas Jefferson's landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. This vital document became the basis for the establishment clause, and led to freedom of religion for all Americans as protected in the religion clause in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.[1]
Religious Freedom Day is officially proclaimed on January 16 each year by an annual statement by the President of the United States. This day is commemorated by the First Freedom Center in Richmond, Virginia by an annual First Freedom Award banquet."
Well now, ain't that something. Every year on January 16 we celebrate Religious Freedom Day. But this year, as the president proclaims the day, his White House is facing dozens and dozens of lawsuits over the HHS Mandate because of its intrusion into the very belief system of our religious institutions. I am sure that President Obama will not admit that the HHS mandate is intrusive or in violation of our First Amendment rights but, the way I see it is, if someone keeps smacking me in the back of my head and keeps telling me he's not smacking me because it is only a light tap, I don't care--I KNOW I am getting slapped, smacked or whacked. Call it what you will--something IS happening and it is a violation of my personal space.
Look, if someone holds up a bat or a knife or even a fist and threatens you with it, that is an assault. The battery is when they actually hit you. That is why it is called assault & battery. So, as a Catholic Christian, it is very clear to me that my church is being assaulted by the very government that has sworn to protect these freedoms we cherish so highly. The battery will come in the form of fines levied against institutions for non-compliance with the new rules.
It doesn't matter what "percentage" of Catholics agree or disagree or what percentage voted for the incumbent. It does not matter what all the intellectuals that inhabit our universities think is right or just. It does not matter what all the cinematic thespians expound as virtuous. It does not matter what TV pundits, late night comedy show hosts and, all the intelligentsia that fill our editorial pages with their wisdom think. No siree,---when it comes to our religious freedoms it is none of their business unless criminal law is being violated under the guise of religion. We should never be told what parts of our faith we should honor and respect. It cannot be justified by percentages or polling numbers or by the opinion of the Ivy League community. It is a sacred right and for this right to be disrespected like this is disgraceful.
The GREAT PARADOX of the American Constitution seems to be our new, unratified, 28th Amendment. It might read: "The right of the Executive Branch of the United States Government to redefine the Constitution of the United States to accomodate its agenda, shall not be abridged".
January 14, 2013
"Truly An Amazing Story" I cried & laughed
Review Redux:
Published By: Tribute Books
Age Recommend: 14+
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud
Review:
This was truly an amazing story of The Yimey Peach Family from the Bronx, New York. "The Priest and the Peaches" story started with five children being newly orphaned and their struggle to survive together as a family. With the help of the Father Tim Sullivan steering them to make good and wise decisions the children were able to overcome many obstacles that were presented to them. And in the end this Peach Family got a surprise from a person who had once been their enemy, was now there for them showing much love.
I really did enjoy reading this novel. It did cause me to cry a little but I also laughed at so much of it too. The story really makes one think of just what really could happen when you are an orphan. The book is really a page turner. I believe Mr. Larry Peterson did a excellent job with the telling of this story "The Priest and the Peaches" and I definitely would recommend this novel to all. The Priest and the Peaches" was a excellent read!
The Priest and the Peaches, April 2, 2012
By
This review is from: The Priest and the Peaches (Kindle Edition)
Author: Larry PetersonPublished By: Tribute Books
Age Recommend: 14+
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud
Review:
This was truly an amazing story of The Yimey Peach Family from the Bronx, New York. "The Priest and the Peaches" story started with five children being newly orphaned and their struggle to survive together as a family. With the help of the Father Tim Sullivan steering them to make good and wise decisions the children were able to overcome many obstacles that were presented to them. And in the end this Peach Family got a surprise from a person who had once been their enemy, was now there for them showing much love.
I really did enjoy reading this novel. It did cause me to cry a little but I also laughed at so much of it too. The story really makes one think of just what really could happen when you are an orphan. The book is really a page turner. I believe Mr. Larry Peterson did a excellent job with the telling of this story "The Priest and the Peaches" and I definitely would recommend this novel to all. The Priest and the Peaches" was a excellent read!
January 10, 2013
The Dead Man's "Secret to Life" Saves His Kids
Review Redux:
This review is from: The Priest and the Peaches (Kindle Edition)
Book Title: The Priest And The PeachesAuthor: Larry Peterson
Published By: Tribute Books
Recommended Age: 15+
Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud
Rating: 4 (****)
Yimey knew the secret to life. He made sure his family and friends did, too. Even when the love of his life died, he kept the faith. But then, Yimey died and his five children were left to fend for themselves - orphans in a grown up world.
Teddy and his sister, Joanie were now the adults of the house, taking care of the everyday happenings of a family. Their three younger siblings were more than handful. With work to attend, and high school exams to complete, Teddy and Joanie tried hard to fill the enormous shoes their parents left behind.
There were those, however, who did not agree with five children living in an apartment without any adult supervision. Orphans could not raise orphans. Just days after they buried their father, the "adults" went back to work, leaving the younger ones at home. Catastrophic events led the three young children to be taken into custody by the police, and a call made to Child Protection Services. They had lost their mother and father, and now they were about to lose each other. The only way out was through a dead man's secret to life.
Author, Larry Peterson, uses loving humour to guide his readers through a novel of heartache. He writes with a message to us all, one that shows the true worth of love for thy neighbour. The Priest And The Peaches will leave you with feeling of warmth after days spent in the cold, bleakness of reality. This is a story worth reading and recommending to family, friends and neighbours. The secret to life is worth sharing, right Yimey?
Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson is the author of `Georgia's Smile', `Love's Trust', `Callie's Fate', and her most recent release - `Love And Liberty' (now also available in print). Also just recently released, `Queen Emily's Enchanted Kingdom - Sugarland', first in the series of children's picture books (available in kindle and print).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)