The Real Sword in the Stone - St. Galgano Guidotti

Click the link below to see the real sword in the stone on the feast day of St. Galgano Guidotti . . .

You saw the Disney movie as a kid. You may have read the book. But did you know some of it was based on real history?

While the story of King Arthur, Merlin, and all the rest may not be true, there really is a centuries-old sword stuck in a stone.

In the small Italian town of Chiusdino, there’s a small chapel near Saint Galgano Abbey known as Montesiepi chapel. And inside you’ll find a big slab of stone in the floor with the handle of a sword sticking out of it.

How did it get there? Well the story goes that in the 12th century there was a knight named Galgano Guidotti who, toward the end of his life, decided to retire as a hermit. He then had two mystical visions: in the first, the Archangel Michael said he would personally protect him; and in the second, he met the Twelve Apostles and God himself. When the second vision ended, he decided to commemorate the place with a cross. Since he had no other materials, he stuck his sword into the ground as a cross. Immediately, the ground hardened up around it and it’s been stuck there ever since.

Just four years after his death, Pope Lucius III started a formal canonization process that ended with Guidotti being declared a saint – the first such person to be declared a saint by a formal process of the Roman Catholic Church.

Apparently “countless people have tried to steal the sword. In the chapel you can see what are said to be the mummified hands of a thief that tried to remove the sword and was then suddenly slaughtered by wild wolves.”

Though the sword is in Italy, some people think it may have influenced the English legend of King Arthur.

Here’s another look at the sword in the stone:  http://www.churchpop.com/2014/08/14/the-real-sword-in-the-stone-belonged-to-the-rccs-first-official-saint/

Do you remember me?

Do you remember me?

I was a fisherman.

I introduced my older brother, Simon (AKA: Peter) to Jesus from Nazareth after John the Baptist pointed Jesus out to me.

I was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. 

I brought the Good News to the people of Greece who later crucified me on an X-shaped cross.

I am the patron saint of Scotland, and the Scots have a big blue X in their flag to honor me.

My feast day is November 30.

I am St. Andrew.

Saint Andrew was the first disciple of Jesus. He was the younger brother of Saint Peter and was born in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. The brothers were fishermen by trade. Jesus called them to be his disciples by saying that he would make them “fishers of men.”

The Gospel of John teaches us much about St. Andrew who was originally a disciple of St. John the Baptist. When John pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” Andrew understood that Jesus was greater and immediately left John to follow Jesus. He visited in Jesus’ home and later brought his brother Simon Peter, who Jesus also called to be an apostle.

It is believed that Saint Andrew and Saint Peter continued their trade as fishermen until Christ called them to a closer relationship, and they left all things to follow Jesus. After Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, St. Andrew the Apostle preached the gospel in Asia Minor and in Scythia as far as Kiev.  Not much is mentioned in the Book of Acts regarding the life of Saint Andrew.

Saint Andrew was martyred by crucifixion at Patras in Achaea in Greece. Because St. Andrew deemed himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross on which Christ had been crucified, he asked to be tied to a Crux decussata or an X shaped cross. The Apostle Andrew did not die right away but instead he was left to suffer for two days while he continued to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ until he finally died.

Although little is mentioned in the Book of Acts regarding the life of St. Andrew, much can be learned through St. Andrew’s life. He and Saint Peter gave up their lifelong careers and lifestyles, leaving everything behind, to follow Jesus. Their undying faith in a difficult world is an inspiration to all Christians.

His relics consist of a small finger, the top of his cranium and pieces of the cross. These are kept in a shrine at the Church of St. Andrew in Patras. Saint Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland, Russia and Greece. Scots celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day around the world on the 30th of November. The flag of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew.

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-11-30

And Winter Came

Beautiful scenery – must be Colorado!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP1wXee6ZdU&list=RD-Gf4Ihv1zwc&index=10

Timeline for Jihadist Attacks on the West

Timeline for Jihadist Attacks on the West

By Steven Coughlin of Unconstrained Analytics

FIRST TIME LINE:  ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION

February 2005

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) developed a 10-Year plan of action to make defamation of Islam a crime

Obama appointed a rep to OIC

2011

OIC works with UN to draft UN Resolution 1618 which makes defamation of Islam a crime

Obama’s Secretary of State attends meeting in Turkey with the OIC in July 2011 and pledges support of UN 1618

January 2015

Attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris and assassination of writers for defamation of Islam

Attempted assassination of Pam Geller in Texas for defamation of Islam

February 2015

10 anniversary of OIC developing UN Resolution 1618

Steven Coughlin predicted that there would be increased attacks

November 2015

Attacks in Paris were predictable

Expect stepped up attacks through the end of 2015

2016

Expect widespread terrorist attacks

SECOND TIME LINE:  AL QAIDA & ISIS

2002

Rashaad Hussein shared a prison cell with Zarchawi who ran Al Qaida in Iraq

They developed a master plan:

2010 - Muslim Brotherhood take over small Arab countries through protests (the Arab Spring)

                2011 – Muslim Brotherhood took over Egypt through protests

                2013 – Growth of Al Qaida in Iraq into ISIS army

                2014 - Declaration of the Caliphate

                2015 - ISIS expand the Caliphate with all out confrontation

                2016 – expand the caliphate in Europe using infiltrators

https://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2015/11/24/american-in-retreat/

Cigar Sleeves

Damn!  I keep throwing my cigar sleeves in the trash.   I need to remember to use them to light my cigars . . .

Q & A: Cedar Sleeves?

Q.  Why are some cigars wrapped in cedar and others are not?

A.  ​There are a variety of reasons for this. First, is purely aesthetics. Cigars just look nicer in a cedar wrap. But the cedar wrap does have some functionality too. The cedar wrap actually helps keep the cigar’s humidity stable while in transit. The cedar also provides unique flavor characteristics to complement most blends by adding a touch of cedar to the flavor, especially when the cedar is applied before the aging process. Lastly, cedar strips were originally used to light cigars as the flame from the cedar strips provided a burst of cedar flavor at the start of the experience. Many die-hard aficionados still practice this tradition.

http://www.cigar.com/cigar-newsletter/?sourcekey=CGWS02

Bourbon Pairing

I just ordered some Ave Maria Cigars.   Looks like I need to buy some Buffalo Trace Bourbon to go with them . . .

Bourbon Pairing

The history of tobacco in the US and its contributions to our culture are only rivaled by those of bourbon.  Whenever I think of the old west I can’t help but see visions of a gun slinger bellying up to a bar with a cigar hanging from his lips and ordering a whiskey. While both cigars and whiskey are the end results of patient distilling or fermenting, the final product is aimed at providing the most discerning aficionado with a relaxing experience that tantalizes the palate with focus on flavor, body, balance and finish.

A common misconception when pairing anything with a cigar is that in order to complement each other, each needs to make up where the other lacks as it pertains to balance. For example, connoisseurs may pair a bitter cigar with a sweeter whiskey. In truth, these luxurious indulgences should be balanced if they are to be considered premium in their own right. Any cigar, whiskey, or wine worth its salt should be well-balanced between the stimulation areas on your palate including sweet, bitter, acidity, and salt. Therefore, a true connoisseur will always reach for a balanced cigar or a balanced drink and the methodology behind the actual pairings should come down to specific tastes which, at least in the case of cigars, remains largely subjective.

When I reach for a bottle of bourbon (or any whiskey) to pair with a cigar, there are a few basic things I like to consider. First of all, I don’t necessarily want a whiskey to match the cigar’s notes, but I do want it to match it in body. If you pair an intense cigar with a light whiskey, or a powerful whiskey with a light cigar, the subtleties can be dampened or even completely lost. Secondly, I generally look for a well-rounded whiskey that stimulates multiple areas of my palate. Cigars and bourbon often have many flavors in common, and are both wonderfully complex, but if you choose a bourbon that is, for instance, one-dimensional and overly sweet, much of the cigar’s complexity can be overwhelmed by that sweetness. In choosing a well-rounded bourbon, you allow room for the nuances of the tobacco and whiskey to play off one another, forming a patchwork of flavor and subtly. Finally, quality is paramount to price.

When selecting a new bourbon, do your research. You can often find lesser known whiskeys that are not only as cheap as some lesser quality bottles, but also far exceed the quality and complexity of more expensive ones. Educate yourself on the spirits and tobaccos you are purchasing, and enjoy one of the most simple, yet most wonderful of life’s little pleasures: cigars and bourbon.

Booker’s: A bourbon for serious and adventurous bourbon drinkers which proves that roaring strength and delicate nuances can live in harmony. The intense notes of burnt caramel, leather, and spice are backed by a pant-kicking proof of over 120, with a finish that goes on for days. Pair this with some of your favorite full-bodied cigars. 
Recommended cigar: Punch Bareknuckle.

Buffalo Trace: This affordable bottle is generally easy to find in your local liquor store, and its quality is unmatched in its price range. The well-balanced notes of brown sugar, fruit, and spice are sure to complement many of your favorite medium to full-bodied cigars. 
Recommended cigar: Ave Maria

Baker’s: A uniquely warm and sweet bourbon with a medium finish and mouth-watering texture. Its notes of toasted nuts, vanilla, and fruits, and its medium body, complement many medium-bodied cigars nicely. 

Recommended cigar: San Lotano Maduro. 

http://www.cigar.com/cigar-newsletter/?sourcekey=CGWS02

Songs To Die For

Here’s what will be playing on judgment day . . .

Dies Irae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlr90NLDp-0

This is a rendition of the famous 13th century Latin Catholic hymn, "Dies Irae" (or, "Day of Wrath," about the Second Coming of Christ and Judgment Day).

This rendition is off the 1994 CD, "Ego sum Ressurectio," and is difficult to find.

Are You Wearing Your Medal Today?

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

Today, November 27, is the Feast of the Miraculous Medal. Devotion to and wearing of the Miraculous Medal is second to the Rosary in popularity among traditional Catholic devotions.

History

In 1830, the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed the design of the Miraculous Medal to St. Catherine Laboure in an apparition.

In Paris, on June 6, 1830, the Lord appeared to the young (age 24) Daughter of Charity novice Catherine at Mass, and again on the nights of July 18-19 when she was summoned to the chapel by a beautiful "child clothed in white" to converse with the Virgin Mary. Catherine was told prophecies and charged with "a mission" that manifested itself on November 27 in an early morning (5:30am) appearance of the Blessed Virgin who was "clothed in white" standing on a globe and "a serpent." Rays of light issued forth from rings on her fingers and Catherine was told to commission a medal of what she was seeing. Then, turning the letter "M surmounted by a bar and a cross" underneath which were the hearts of Jesus and Mary all surrounded by the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."

Catherine heard the voice tell her, "Have a medal struck after this model. All who wear this medal will receive great favors. They should wear it around the neck . Favors will abound if worn with devotion." Catherine's mission was to ensure that the medal was made and to spread Mary's message of love and compassion.

Many healings, conversions and other miracles have been documented by those who have faithfully worn the 'Medal of the Immaculate Conception' as the Miraculous Medal was originally called.

There are numerous Miraculous Medal Associations throughout the world. They are united under the care of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians or Lazarists), the religious order founded by St. Vincent de Paul. Membership contributions go to spread devotion to the Virgin Mary and to support the work of the Vincentians. Each Association maintains a shrine and usually has some type of publication for members.

Obligations/Practices

Wearing the Medal

The Miraculous Medal is an approved sacramental and allows the the wearer to take advantage of Mary's promise:

"Those who wear it will receive great graces; abundant graces will be given to those who have confidence."

Enrollment in an Association Anyone, living or deceased, Catholic or not, may be enrolled as a member and obtain these graces and the spiritual benefit of Masses offered for members (for example, the Central Association in the U.S. offers 2,500 Masses a year).

Investiture

Invested membership involves these obligations:

1. Formally enroll in an approved Association and renew the membership yearly

2. Wear the Medal (around the neck is highly recommended)

3. Have the intention to sanctify oneself and others by means of the Medal

4. Investiture which may be done publicly or privately

Benefits

1. Receive the graces promised by the Blessed Virgin Mary
2. Receive the spiritual benefits of numerous Masses offered for members by the Vincentians
3. Promoters who sign up others receive spiritual benefit from additional Masses
4. Invested members receive an indulgences on the following days:~ Day of joining the Association~ August 22 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary) ~ September 27 (Feast of St. Vincent de Paul)~ November 27 (Feast of the Miraculous Medal)~ November 28 (Feast of St. Catherine Laboure)~ Anniversary date of the founding of the Association in which one is enrolled*

The indulgence is plenary under the normal conditions: confession, communion, prayer for the Pope's intentions and freedom from attachment to all sin.

To learn more about this beautiful feast day and the apparitions, go here.

Happy Squanto Day!

Squanto:  The Catholic Who Saved the Pilgrim Fathers

Though the pilgrims who partook of the Thanksgiving observance in 1621 were not Catholic, their experience held a profoundly Catholic influence. Squanto — the man who saved the settlers from starvation by teaching them how to work the land — was Catholic.

Tisquantum (‘Squanto’) was born about 1580 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He was a Patuxet Indian, part of the Wampanoag tribal confederation. In 1614, a lieutenant of Captain John Smith, Captain Thomas Hunt, double-crossed Smith and betrayed the Indians. He kidnapped a group of tribesmen, including Squanto, and traveled to Spain to sell them into slavery.

Fortunately, once in Spain a group of Franciscan friars thwarted his scheme by obtaining custody of and liberating the captive group. The friars also educated, catechized and baptized Squanto and his companions.

Afterwards, Squanto sailed to London, where he worked as a laborer in the shipyards. He became fluent in English and made the acquaintance of wealthy British traders and transporters. The Newfoundland Company retained Squanto as an interpreter and expert on American natural resources. Finally, he was able to return to his homeland in 1619, five years after he was kidnapped.

The first encounter between the pilgrims and Squanto, accompanied by natives Massasoit and Quadequina, occurred on March 22, 1621. Due to his fluency in English, Squanto became invaluable to the new Plymouth settlers. He was able to impart his knowledge of the land and to instruct the colonists how to fertilize the ground, grow corn and other crops, in addition to showing them the best fishing places. Squanto also proved a skilled diplomat, negotiating peace and commercial links with the English. In addition, he coordinated truces and trade agreements between the Plymouth Colony and regional indigenous leaders, which lasted for fifty years.

Democrats Favor Socialism Over Capitalism

So, why don’t Republicans point this out in their speeches?

Republicans should constantly refer to Democrats as the “Socialist Democrat Party” and use terms like “Marxist Democrats” and “Socialist Democrats” and the “National Socialist Party.”

Senator Bernie Sanders’s speech on Thursday explaining his democratic socialist ideology carried little risk among supporters and other Democrats: A solid majority of them have a positive impression of socialism, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll released this month.

Fifty-six percent of those Democratic primary voters questioned said they felt positive about socialism as a governing philosophy, versus 29 percent who took a negative view.

In an address Thursday afternoon at Georgetown University, Mr. Sanders argued that the redistribution of wealth was at the heart of the American social contract, seeking to link himself with the legacies of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The applause he drew should come as little surprise: Sixty-nine percent of Sanders supporters see socialism in a positive light, versus just 21 percent who view it negatively.

Even most of those supporting Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination approve of socialism, 52 percent to 32 percent.

Still, Mr. Sanders’s unabashed use of the term could become a liability were he to reach the general election. Just 32 percent of all Americans rate socialism positively, compared to 52 percent who view it negatively.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/11/20/poll-watch-democrats-even-clinton-supporters-warm-to-socialism/?_r=0

You Lose

And the Worst President Ever award goes to . . .

“What I’m not interested in doing is posing or pursuing some notion of ‘American leadership’ or ‘America winning”’

~  Barack Hussein Obama

http://minutemennews.com/obama-not-interested-in-pursuing-some-notion-of-american-leadership-or-america-winning/

It's Immigration, Stupid!

Paris Jihad: It’s Immigration, Stupid

By: Daniel Horowitz | November 16th, 2015

How many more people have to die in order for our political class to get serious about real immigration reform?

Republicans like Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are already trying to distract from the central point and are making this about foreign policy instead of immigration. But before we discuss our involvement in the Civil War in Syria, how can these open border Republicans sit idly as the first of the Islamic refugees are brought to the shores of New Orleans?

It’s time Republicans get with the program and understand: ‘It’s immigration, stupid.’ 

At a minimum, conservatives must encourage GOP congressional leaders to do the following six things:

• Immediately pass Rep. Brian Babin’s (R-TX) bill halting the refugee program.
• Defund any appropriations for resettling Syrian or Somali refugees in this country.  There is an upcoming budget deadline in December and it’s time Republicans use it.  It’s bad enough they funded Planned Parenthood, which is a threat to the unborn; can they at least protect the living from Jihad?
• Pass legislation vesting county governments with the veto power over refugee resettlement in their jurisdictions.  
• End student visas from countries that represent a security risk.
• Deal with the existing homeland threat by passing Ted Cruz’s Expatriate Terrorist Act, which would revoke the citizenship of those who fight for foreign terrorist organizations, such as ISIS.  We must also enforce and strengthen existing law under section 237 (a)(4) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, which directs the executive branch to deport non-citizens who encourage support for terrorism. Also, pass Cruz’s bill designating the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.
• Make the broader immigration issue the #1 priority for the upcoming legislative agenda.  GOP presidential candidates must also make this the defining issue of their campaigns.

As I noted when Paul Ryan was elected Speaker, merely abstaining from making the problem worse is not enough.  The status quo means that Obama succeeds in transforming America and endangering the citizenry with a number of refugees who subscribe to Sharia’s creed of Islamic supremacism.  We need House leadership to actively stop Obama’s immigration agenda.  

It’s also not enough to merely suggest that we must better screen or vet these refugees for ties to ISIS.  The Islamic State is not the source of the problem; it is a symptom of the broader problem of Islamic supremacism.  Most of the recent homegrown terror attacks were not perpetrated by those with direct ties to ISIS or any official terror group, but by those who believe in Islamic supremacism.

Under existing law, in order to qualify for refugee status in the United States an applicant must demonstrate a “credible fear” of persecution in their home country.  Isn’t it time our politicians heed the cries of “credible fear” from Americans under threat of terrorism in our own country?     

- See more at: https://www.conservativereview.com/commentary/2015/11/paris-jihad-its-immigration-stupid#sthash.w2sJe9PD.dpuf

Democrats Have Spoken: Islamic Terrorism Caused by Climate Change

Bernie Sanders: 'Climate change is directly related to the growth of terrorism' 

... more

Our Leaders Have Spoken: Global Warming Causes Terrorism 

... more

Climate activists suggest Paris Terror attack linked to ISIS-OPEC attempt to kill UN climate treaty 

... more

In the wake of the Paris jihad attacks, France says it's 'essential' to combat...climate change 

... more

French Gov't: UN Paris must go on because climate change is a threat to peace and a greater threat than terrorism. 

... more

Bernie Sanders sides with administration, ties climate change to terrorism 

... more

Sanders doubles down: 'Climate change is directly related to the rise of global terrorism' 

...more

Brian Williams Worries How Paris Attacks Will Affect Climate Summit Messaging 

... more

UN Paris fiasco to continue despite carnage, Obama readies speech 

... more

22 Times Obama Admin Declared Climate Change a Greater Threat than Terrorism 

... more

Climate change deniers should be prosecuted, say more Democrats 

... more

THE BEST SLAVE IS ONE WHO THINKS HE IS FREE...

  Saul Alinsky died about 43 years ago, but his writings influenced those in    political control of our nation today.......  

Recall that Hillary did her college thesis on his writings and Obama writes about him in his books.

 

Died: June 12, 1972, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ca

Education: University of Chicago

Spouse: Irene Alinsky

Books: Rules for Radicals, Reveille for Radicals

 

Anyone out there think that this stuff isn't happening today in the U.S.?

 

All eight rules are currently in play

.  

How to create a social state by Saul Alinsky:

 

There are eight levels of control that must be obtained before you are able to create a social state. The first is the most important.

 

1) Healthcare– Control healthcare and you control the people

 

2) Poverty – Increase the Poverty level as high as possible, poor people are easier to control and will not fight back if you are providing  everything for them to live.

 

3) Debt – Increase the debt to an unsustainable level. That way you are able to increase taxes, and this will produce more poverty.

 

4) Gun Control– Remove the ability to defend themselves from the Government. That way you are able to create a police state.

 

5) Welfare – Take control of every aspect of their lives (Food, Housing, and Income)

 

6) Education – Take control of what people read and listen to – take control of what children learn in school.

 

7) Religion – Remove the belief in the God from the Government and schools

 

8) Class Warfare – Divide the people into the wealthy and the poor. This will cause more discontent and it will be easier to take (Tax) the wealthy with the support of the poor.

 

Does any of this sound like what is happening to the United States ?

 

Alinsky merely simplified Vladimir Lenin's original scheme for world conquest by communism, under Russian rule.

Stalin described his converts as "Useful Idiots." 

The Useful Idiots have destroyed every nation in which they have seized power and control.

 

It is presently happening at an alarming rate in the U.S.

 

  If  people  can read this and still say everything is just fine… they are “useful idiots.”

 

"It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere.”

Attention Senior Citizens: You Better Read This!

NEED A HOSPITAL ? 

SENIORS BETTER READ THIS!!!!!!!!   Letter from a senior gentleman in Mesa, Arizona:                                                                                        Dear Family, Friends, Neighbors, and former Classmates,      I just found myself in the middle of a medical situation that made it very clear that "the Affordable Care Act" is neither affordable, nor do they care.           I'll go back about seven years ago to a fairly radical prostate surgery that I underwent.      The Urologist who performed the surgery was very concerned that it was cancer, though I wasn't told this until the lab report revealed it was benign.             Since that procedure, I have experienced numerous urinary tract infections, UTI's.      Since I had never had a "UTI" prior to the prostate surgery, I assumed that it is one of the side effects from surgery, an assumption since confirmed by my Family Doctor.             The weekend of March 8-9, I was experiencing all the symptoms of another UTI.      By Monday afternoon the infection had hit with full force.  Knowing that all I needed was an antibiotic, I went to an Urgent Care Center in Mesa, AZ, to provide a specimen a requirement for getting the prescription.  After waiting 45 minutes to see the Doctor, I started getting very  nauseous and light headed.  I went to the Receptionist to ask where the bathroom was, as I felt that I was going to throw up.  I was told that I would have to wait for the Doctor because I would have to leave a specimen and they didn't want me in the bathroom without first seeing him.      That was when the lights went out. My next awareness was that of finding myself on the floor (in the waiting room) having violent dry heaves, and very confused.  At this point, I tried to stand up but couldn't make it, and they made it very clear they weren't going to let me get up until the ambulance got there.  By the way, when you're waiting to see the Doctor and you pass out, you get very prompt attention.             Now, "the rest of the story", and the reason for sending this to so many of you.             I was taken to the nearest hospital, to emergency. Once there, I was transported to an emergency examination room.  Once I had removed my clothes and donned one of those lovely hospital gowns, I finally got to see a Doctor.  I asked "what is going on?  I'm just having a UTI. Just get me the proper medication and let me go home."  He told me that my symptoms presented the possibility of sepsis, a potentially deadly migration of toxins, and that they needed to run several tests to determine how far the infection had migrated.             For the next 3 hours I was subjected to several tests, blood draws, EKG's, and demands for specimens.  At about 7:30 the nurse came back to my room to inform me that one of the tests takes 1- 2 days to complete.  I asked if they (the results) could be emailed, at which point she informed me that I wouldn't need them emailed because I wasn't going anywhere. I did tell her I wanted to see the doctor because I had no intention of staying overnight.             Now, this is what I want each of you to understand. Please read these     next sentences carefully.             The doctor finally came in to inform me that he was going to admit me.  I said, "Are you admitting me for treatment or for observation?"             He told me that I would be admitted for observation.  I said, "Doctor, correct me if I'm wrong, but if you admit me for observation, my Medicare will not pay anything. This due to the Affordable Care Act."             He said,"That's right, it won't."             I grabbed my bag of clothing and said, "Then I'm going home."             He said you're really too sick to be going home, but I understand your position. This health program is going to hit seniors especially hard.             The doctor then left the room and I started getting dressed.  I was just getting ready to put my shoes on when another doctor (the closer) came into the room. He saw me dressed and said, "Where do you think you are going?" I simply said "I'm going home."  To which he replied, quite vociferously, "No you aren't."  I said, "Doc, you and I both know that under the "Affordable Care Act" anyone on Medicare who is admitted to a hospital for observation will be responsible for the bill. Medicare won't pay a cent."  At which point he nodded in affirmation.  I said, "You will either admit me for a specific treatment or you won't admit me." Realizing he wasn't going to win this one, he said he would prepare my release papers.             A few minutes later, the discharge nurse came to my room to have me sign the necessary papers, relieving them from any responsibility.  I told her I wasn't trying to be obstinate, but I wasn't going to be burdened with the full (financial) responsibility for my hospital stay.  After making sure the door was closed, she said, "I don't blame you at all, I would do the same thing."  She went on to say, "You wouldn't believe the people who elect to leave for the same reasons, people who are deathly sick, people who have to be wheeled out on a gurney." She further said, "The 'Affordable Care Act' is going to be a disaster for seniors. Yet, if you are in this country illegally, and have no coverage, you will be covered in full."             This is not internet hype folks, this is real. I just experienced it personally.  Moving right along, this gets worse.             Today I went to a (required) follow up appointment with my Arizona Family Practitioner.  Since my white count was pretty high, the followup was important. During the visit, I shared the experience at emergency, and that I had refused to be admitted. His response was "I don't blame you at all, I would have done the same thing."  He went on to say that the colonoscopy and other procedures are probably going to be dropped from coverage for those over 70."             I told him that I had heard that the "Affordable Care Act" would no longer pay for cancer treatment for those 76 and older, is that true?  His understanding is that it is true.  The more I     hear, and experience the Affordable Care Act, the more I'm beginning to see that we seniors are nothing more than an inconvenience, and the sooner they can get rid of us the better off they'll be.             We can have an impact on this debacle by letting everyone in Congress know that their responsibility is to the constituents, not the president and not the lobbyists. We need to let them ALL know that they are in office to serve and to look after the BEST INTERESTS of "we the people," their employers, and not to become self serving bureaucrats who serve only out of greed.  And if they don't seem to understand this simple logic, we'll fire them.             REMEMBER:             Demand your hospital admission is for TREATMENT and NOT for OBSERVATION!   SEND THIS TO EVERY SENIOR AND ALL MILITARY (ACTIVE OR VET) AND LET THEM KNOW THIS IS HOW OUR REPRESENTATIVES ON CAPITOL HILL TREAT THOSE WHO RISK IT ALL SO THEY CAN SIT UP THERE AND ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS THEY EXEMPT FROM THE REST OF US.

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Veteran's Motto: I will not avoid the toil

“I Will Not Avoid the Toil”: The Motto of Veterans and St. Martin Alike

by Marge Fenelon 11/11/2015

Here's one of my favorite quotes from St. Martin:

“Lord, if your people still have need of my services, I will not avoid the toil. Your will be done. I have fought the good fight long enough. Yet if you bid me continue to hold the battle line in defense of your camp, I will never beg to be excused from failing strength. I will do the work you entrust to me. While you command, I will fight beneath your banner.” (St. Martin of Tours, Bishop and Confessor, Patron Saint of Soldiers)

I will not avoid the toil. Six little words that say volumes.

Not avoiding the toil means hanging in there, day after day, through thick and thin, and remaining faithful to my Christian ideals and all that the Church - that Christ himself - asks of  me.

It means not shirking my responsibilities to my fellow man and not skimping on my  prayer and sacramental life.

It means following God's every command without question and to the best of my ability, regardless of whether I agree with it or not.

It means showing fervor and love of Christ in all I do, in spite of human frailty, laziness, or indifference.

Sounds a lot like the life of a soldier, doesn't it?

It is. It's the life of a soldier for Christ.

That's what St. Martin of Tours was and still is. He's a great example for all of us and the perfect patron for our military men and women who face the toil of military life day in and day out.

So, today, on this Armistice Day/Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, pray with me. Pray for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual safety of all our military personnel. Pray for the repose of the souls of the departed military. And pray, for yourself and for the entire Church, that we may be given the grace and strength to fight the good fight and not avoid the toil.

From the Collect of today's Mass:

O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin both by his life and death, make new, we pray, the wonders of your grace in our hearts, that neither death nor life may separate us from your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/mfenelon/i-will-not-avoid-the-toil-the-motto-of-veterans-and-st.-martin-alike/#ixzz3rDV0vIEe

Drink of the Day: Grey Goose Martini

After St. Martin left the Roman Army and became a monk, the people of Tours chased after him asking him become their bishop.  He tried to run and hide from them, but he was betrayed by a flock of honking geese.    True or not, goose was the main course at medieval celebrations of St. Martin’s Day (Martinmas), and this tradition even influenced the American celebration of Thanksgiving.  The protestant Pilgrims were aware of the Martinmas goose from their stay in Holland, and they used North American turkeys for their banquets only when they could not find enough geese.

Cocktail of the Day

In honor of St. Martin, you should drink a Martini.   And in a nod to St. Martin’s association with geese, you should drink a martini made with Grey Goose Vodka.  Here is the Martlemas Martini:

2 oz. Grey Goose vodka

1 dash dry vermouth

1 lemon twist

Beer of the Day

The Cloak of St. Martin Ale from the Brunehaut Brewery in Belgium.

There are some ales named St. Martin’s Ale.

Wine of the Day

St. Martin is credited with creating the Chenin Blanc grape to the Touraine Region of France.

Any wine from the San Martino Winery of Rockwall in Texas which is named in honor of St. Martin.

Toast of the Day

In the Middle Ages, swine would be slaughtered on or before Martinmas in preparation for the winter.  This custom led to several proverbs which you could include in your toasts of the day:

In Spain:  “Every pig has its St. Martin’s Day.”

In England:  “His Martinmas will come as it does to every hog.”

Song of the Day

While drinking, listen to “Iste Confessor” which is dedicated to St. Martin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCv7-v1gdUM

From Drinking With The Saints by Michael P. Foley

How To Celebrate Today

St. Martin's Feast, also known as "Martinmas" in Europe arrives in autumn, the beginning of the wine harvest. This was also the time of slaughter of the stock for winter meat. His images are usually depicted with a goose, symbolizing that Martinmas was the last festive meal before Advent, because in France in the Middle Ages, the strict 40 day Advent fast (called Quadragesima Sancti Martini or Forty Days' Fast of Saint Martin's) began the next day. So in past centuries November 11 was celebrated as a thanksgiving day. Thus it was the custom to have "St. Martin's goose" and taste the new wine ("Saint Martin's Wine") on his feast day. A quick spell of warm weather around his feast day (usually termed "Indian Summer" in the US) is known as "St. Martin's Little Summer" in Europe.

Patron: Against impoverishment; against poverty; alcoholism; beggars; Burgenland; cavalry; equestrians; France; geese; horse men; horses; hotel-keepers; innkeepers; Mainz, Germany; quartermasters; reformed alcoholics; riders; soldiers; tailors; vintners; wine growers; wine makers.

Symbols of St. Martin: Horse; sword and coat cut in halves; goose; scourge; hare; broken images; chair in flames; demon at his feet; globe of fire;
Often Portrayed As: Man on horseback sharing his cloak with beggar; man cutting cloak in half.

—Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch

Things to Do Today:

• Recite the Iste Confessor in honor of St. Martin.
• Cook a special dinner of roast goose or duck in honor of St. Martin. Bake some horseshoe cookies.
• In Europe this day is traditionally known as Martinmas. Many foods and traditions are connected with this day. See also Women for Faith and Family for more Catholic traditions.
• St. Martin is patron saint of wine growers, wine makers and vintners. In France, the tasting of the new wine is done today. Have a Martinmas gathering, serving this year's Noveau Beaujolais wine from France.
• Read Painting Angels, Saints and Their Symbols for a discussion about St. Martin's symbols in art.
• For more biographies and other information on St. Martin, read Patron Saints Index.
• See the Life of St Martin as depicted in the stained glass of Chartres Cathedral (c.1220) here.
• The children will enjoy this dessert St. Martin's Horseshoes and you can learn more about customs for this feast.
• Read about the Real St. Martin of Tours by Jennifer Gregory Miller
•  

- See more at: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-11-11#sthash.MStuFOvX.dpuf

Merry Martinmas!

St Martin died on Sunday 8 November 397. His funeral was solemnly celebrated in Tours on November 11, which ever afterwards has been celebrated as St Martin’s Day in Germany and France. (Editor’s Note: It was the day chosen for the Armistice between these two powers at the end of World War I and since celebrated as Remembrance Day in the UK and Veteran’s Day in the US.)

On 11 November each year, the feast of St. Martin is solemnly celebrated in the Basilica of Tours. Today, there are St Martin lantern parades for children on the evening of November 11 throughout France and Germany. (Editor’s Note: Though most Germans and French today have only a very hazy idea of who Martin actually was, the traditions surrounding his day – of bringing light to the darkness – remain strong.)

Today, there are 1573 Churches in France named after St Martin, 652 in Germany, 912 in Italy, 212 in the UK, and 157 in the USA.

Saint Martin of Tours, Ora Pro Nobis (Pray For Us)

Happy St. Martin's Day!

St. Martin of Tours

Saint Martin of Tours (c. 316-397) was born into a pagan family in what is now Hungary, and grew up in Italy after his father, a senior officer in the Roman army, was stationed there.

At the age of 10 Martin joined the Church as a catechumen shortly after Christianity was legalized across the empire.

Taking after his father, he joined the cavalry at the age of 15.

At one point during his time of service he encountered a beggar who lacked adequate clothing. St. Martin cut his heavy officer cloak in half and gave the other half of it to the beggar. Following this act of charity, St. Martin had a vision in which he saw Jesus wearing the portion of his cloak and telling the angels that it was Martin who clothed him. After this vision Martin was baptized at the age of 18 and proclaimed himself a soldier for Christ.

He left the military, adopted the life of a hermit, and went on to became the Bishop of Tours in France. 

St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of cavalry, soldiers, innkeepers, horses and riders, beggars, and those in need.

His feast day is November 11^th which is also the day to sign peace treaties, Armistice Day, Veterans Day.

Did Jesus Christ have a middle name?

Of course not. He also didn’t have a last name. “Christ” means “Messiah” or “Anointed One” and is a title. Our Lord’s only name was “Jesus,” though he was sometimes referred to as “Jesus, son of Joseph” (e.g. John 6.42) or “Jesus of Nazareth” (e.g. Matthew 26.71) to differentiate him from anyone else who may have had his first name.

But in a devotional culture that likes to fill in supposed gaps and often takes honest mistakes and runs with them, there is fairly modern tradition about what Jesus’ middle name was.

Are you ready for it?

Harold.

Yep, the old English-German-Danish name.

In this folk tradition, “Christ” would also be taken (wrongly!) to be his last name, making his full name Jesus Harold Christ, often abbreviated to Jesus H. Christ. This misnomer dates back at least to the 19th century, and is sometimes unfortunately used as a swear word.

But where did this come from?

Scholars aren’t sure exactly, though the most popular theory says it comes from a misreading of a common shorthand for Jesus called the divine monogram. The Greek word for Jesus used in the New testament is Ἰησοῦς. The first three letters in capital form is IHS, also sometimes written as IHC, JHS, or even JHC.

This last form, the theory goes, may have been misunderstood to be Jesus’ initials, making his middle initial “H.”

Ok, so that gets us the first letter of his supposed middle name, but why would the “H” represent “Harold”?

Again, scholars aren’t entirely sure, but one theory is that it comes from a childish misunderstanding of the traditional rendering of the Lord’s prayer in English.

At the beginning of the prayer, you say “hallowed be thy name.” The phrase means something like “may thy name be hallowed,” but could be easily misunderstood as specifying God’s name as being the word “hallowed.” But of course, “hallowed” isn’t really a name. However, “hallowed,” especially when pronounced by small children who can’t distinguish between L’s and R’s, sounds like the real name “Harold.”

Put that together with the mistaken idea that Jesus’ middle name begins with “H” and you’ve got yourself his supposed middle name.

Funny how these things go, huh?

http://www.churchpop.com/2015/11/06/the-peculiar-tale-behind-jesus-supposed-middle-name/