A Serious Matter

In an effort to keep things fresh and updated, I have been trying to think of things to mention here. One idea came to me at work yesterday. Though no one here fits into the category of people I wish would read this, maybe someone will come here by mistake and learn something!
As I watch movies, TV shows, music videos, etc. and listen to interviews, radio, and such, I have noticed an overwhelming misunderstanding/rudeness/lack of respect concerning my religion--Catholicism. I am tired of having my beliefs bashed publicly and privately with no one doing anything about it. If you say anything bad about Jews, Blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, or gays, you get in major trouble, but if something is said about Catholics, it's as though it doesn't matter. Here are some pointers/facts for anyone out there that reads this:

*The Catholic Church is the oldest Christian religion, dating back to Christ himself, who gave leadership of the Church to St. Peter, who became the 1st pope ("You are rock and on this rock I build my Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it"). There has been a constant succession of popes since Peter, leading to Pope Benedict XVI today, representing Christ on Earth.
*The Catholic Church is the largest Christian religion, yet the most criticized, mocked, and disrespected of Christianity, sometimes being left out of the category "Christian".
*Catholics DO NOT worship Mary--we believe in one God present in three forms in the Trinity. We honor Mary as the only sinless person who existed (other than Christ, who is God) that set an example for all by saying "yes" to God's call, no matter how great the price.
*The Pope's infallibility refers to doctrine/dogma/teachings, not his personal life or decisions. No human is perfect, but we believe the Church's teachings, which come from the Pope, are. Our scriptural evidence for infallibility stems from the belief that God, in making his Church on Earth, made it impossible to corrupt as an institution. For specific evidence, see: Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 16:18; John 14, 15, and 16; I Timothy 3:14-15; and Acts 15:28.
*Not all priests are homosexual or child molesters! I've never known any priest that fit those titles and know how deeply hurt they've been by such constant stereotyping in the media. Though there have been many cases of abuse within the Church, you will find the same in every religion, every social group, every economic level, every race, etc. Though there have been public school teachers that abused students, I don't assume that the entire public school system is corrupt.
*Rosaries are NOT accessories. Despite Madonna and Britney wearing them as fashion statements (even in music videos while wearing nothing but underwear), rosaries are prayer and devotion tools that help us center ourselves in Christ while blocking out the worldly problems around us for a brief 20 minutes or so. True Catholics do not misuse or abuse the rosary by treating it as a necklace or modifying it, taking it apart, etc.

Please understand where I'm coming from with this. It is not meant to offend, but enlighten. You are free to question any of the above and I strongly encourage you to research the facts for yourself on any subject you question. If you have any questions for me, post them here and I'll do my best to answer them.

God bless--much love,
Steve

Fine then, I'll update!

Hey. Haven't had tons to say, nor tons of time to write it down. I did my 1st voice recital on Sunday, in which I sang 2 memorized songs at a Methodist church performance area. I sang "Sento Nel Core (I Feel In My Heart)", and "They Call the Wind Maria". I was one of 3 guys performing, obviously the one with the most experience in vocal music. Some of the girls were quite talented and show future promise. I would say that I did the best out of everyone...quite possibly due to my formal training. I was thrilled to not screw up as I had in the last rehearsal and I did everything as well as I could hope.
In other news, my mom's finger is in a splint for 4 more weeks cuz it IS fractured after all. Turns out the original report said so, but she wasn't told. She'll have an xray when the splint comes off. Her leg is still bruised from where she fell--looks like she was hit with a baseball. Amazing how the ground can either cushion your fall or break you into bits!
Thursday is my voice final--a jury in front of the dept. profs, including my advisor and theory prof. I'll do "Sento" and "Incline Thine Ear" from memory in the performance hall in the music building.
Went to "Grease" at an outdoor arena after my recital--started lightening so mom had us leave before it was over. It was pretty good aside from leaving and constant mic problems, which made it hard to understand people. I think we're going to "Beauty and the Beast" and "Miss Saigon" within the next couple months.
My pharmacy misplaced my script, so they wouldn't give me my meds--I'm riding an anxiety/fatigue/racing heart rollercoaster thanks to them. Here's hoping this feeling goes away soon so I can go to work like I'm supposed to!
Steve

Rushing Around

Hey there. I've been to IA and back, brought Grams with me, saw my aunt and cousin, etc etc. I've enjoyed the past couple weeks overall but it's been a bit tiring as well. Traveling always makes one tired. Add to that the fact that I had to help prepare the house for my fam, my bro in law, Grams, and my aunt and cousin. I haven't seen my aunt since 2002 at my graduation and her son hasn't seen me, Mom, or Lisa since 1997. Let's just say he's changed a bit. By a bit I mean he's graduated from HS, gotten 6 ft 3 in tall, and wears size 13 shoes. He'll be going to school in Denver, so he may stop here on his way to and from his home in IA. His parents just went through divorce 'junk', which was a bit of a shocker to the fam. That means that I only have 2 sets of aunts/uncles that stayed together. Since my aunt Nita died of cancer, that makes one living couple that's still married. What is wrong these days?!? This is exactly why I've never been in a relationship.
On the 4th I asked not to be in the parade for once (Dad always has me help him with tossing candy or driving the '69 Olds). I was enjoying being with the fam and watching a pretty good parade until.....my mom tripped, tried to catch herself, fell when the chair collapsed, and dislocated her finger. It turned black in 30 seconds and was bent backwards--causing commotion and my Grandma's near-stroke. Crys took her to the ER while Lisa walked from the parade spot to the hospital. I carried my chair and some other stuff home, then drove up to see what was going on. After 2 x-rays and getting the finger reset, mom came home. The rest of the day pretty much sucked ass except for the firework display (which had its own issues, but we'll ignore them).
Started voice lessons back up today and went back to campus work Tues. I'll have a recital in a couple weeks in Lincoln, which will terrify me, but it will be another experience under the belt and another recital credit for my degree.
I'll get back to you when I can---must run...AGAIN!
steve

Proof this is important

God Bless the USA

It's almost the 4th right now as I write this. As I think of what that means for us, I have to think of those who are still not free, healthy, employed, safe, etc. As you may have seen on MTV or VH1, the news, heard on the radio, or saw on the internet, Live 8 recently took place and raised awareness of the need for the world's 8 most powerful nations to step up to the plate on big world issues. Coldplay was one of the highlights for me, but I applaud all the groups/artists/speakers for what they did. My link to the ONE organization has a direct link to the LIVE 8 concert and the G8 meeting which takes place this week. If you haven't, you can still sign your name to ask Bush to donate more money (the amount he pledged was much less than the UK's for at least one of the proposed donations). I think we need to use our riches and 'smarts' to help the extreme poor who are dying at the rate of 30,000 a day. With this is increased education, the prevention and lessened spread of HIV/AIDS, and the lessened spread of other diseases. Neglecting the 1 BILLION people in extreme poverty means neglecting the threat posed to the rest of the world with disease, famine, drought, etc. Would you want their help if it was our nation in need? I don't mean to be on a soap box--I'm no saint--but this is an issue I find myself called to push. Prayers and signatures are great.
Much love, much peace,
Stephen