Winterr's words

Ash Wednesday:

"Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return."

Lent is a very deep part of the Church year, it's a time of soul searching and of course repentance.
Through Lent we imitate Jesus 40 days in the wilderness, and we use this time to prepare for Easter also.
I look forward to this season and hope to grow spiritually, let us grow in our love of Jesus Crucified. Let us see Lent as a special opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and deepen our commitment as Christians. Let us be more generous to those in need and reflect deeply on what we can do for others and offer our hearts to be changed. As we offer ourselves for 4o days in the wilderness, and we remember our mortality.
Here are some verses that mention ashes:

"I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes" (Dn 9:3).

When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes" (Jon 3:6).

"And all the Israelite men, women and children who lived in Jerusalem prostrated themselves in front of the temple building, with ashes strewn on their heads, displaying their sackcloth covering before the Lord" (Jdt 4:11; see also 4:15 and 9:1).

"That day they fasted and wore sackcloth; they sprinkled ashes on their heads and tore their clothes" (1 Mc 3:47; see also 4:39).

"For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes" (Mt 11:21, Lk 10:13).

On Ash Wednesday Mass, a priest will place ashes on the middle of people's forehead. This might sound a bit unusual, however, there is meaning behind it.

Ashes are an ancient symbol meaning our repentance. We repent for our sins. Having ashes is supposed to remind us that we need to apologize to God for sinning against him and our neigbours. Many Catholics also attend Sacrament of Penance during this.

Another reason for the ashes that I like too, however it may sound, is that it reminds us that one day we are going to die. Our physical bodies will turn to dust, but , our souls will return to God. The ashes are a physical reminder /symbol that what we do now really matters because we will not be on Earth forever, we will indeed return to the earth, but, very importantly our souls never die.

On another note, I found some good
meatless recipe's here
(you can find the actual recipies on the right hand side of their page)
If you would like to know more about Lent, you can find information at ChurchYear.net

Take a look at Lent Symbols in our home if you would like to have something that symbolizes and inspires you into deeper prayer.

Lord our God, you formed us from the clay of the earth and breathed into us the spirit of life, but we turned from your face and sinned.
In this time of repentance we call out for your mercy. Bring us back to you and to the life your Son won for us by his death on the cross, for he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

I'm learning a little bit of latin. Thanks to St.Peter's Helpers who wrote about the Pope encouraging us to learn it. I can now say "in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" in latin, yay!
Now today I sang the Ave Verum (my cat was giving me a confused look, maybe I don't sound the best) I found the music and words to Ave Verum you can click the link to hear the music and words.
The words are:

AVE VERUM Corpus
Natum de Maria Virgine:
Vere passum, immolatum
In cruce pro homine:
Cuius latus perforatum
Fluxit aqua et sanguine:
Esto nobis praegustatum
Mortis in examine

In English:

HAIL, true Body, truly born Of the Virgin Mary mild Truly offered,
wracked and torn,
On the Cross for all defiled,
From Whose love-pierced, sacred side
Flowed Thy true Blood's saving tide:
Be a foretaste sweet to me In my death's great agony.

I am going to continue learning from St.Peter's helpers, it's a lot of fun =)

Here is a quiz by Father Corapi:
How well do you know your faith?

Beware of the wild animals that is!

I got these in email today and was ohhhing and ahhhhing over them, I want to have lots of babies with Jonathan now....

Happy Easter!!

The tooth will set you free (elephant)

I think this baby in the elephant suit is looking at me! I also think that I can hear him say "Will you be my mummy?" ;)

(mommy for the Americans)

Check out Jon's Tattoo
It's of a certain religious figure, I hope you know him!

*note! This is not my fiance' Jonathan who has the tattoo but "Jon" my friend and reader,.

Im so taggable :)
Cube Revvy has tagged me with a 7 things tag, so HELLO here it is: (I edited it bc I didnt realize that there were less than 7 in some lol)

7 Things to do before I die:

1. Visit Italy
2. Read the rest of the Old Testament
3. Get a job in the USA
4. Get married
5. Go on my US visit (yes very soon as you can tell).
6. Learn not to stress as much as I do sometimes
7. Do more things for God.

7 Things I cannot do

1. Drive a truck
2. Swim properly
3. Perform brain surgery
4. Worm my cat without getting syrup all over the place
5. Speak Japanese
6. Grow wings and fly like a bird
7. Save the world

7. Things that attract me to my mate (In my case Jonathan)

1. Generosity
2. warm heart
3. kindness
4. Ability to love me after seeing my imperfections
5. Ability to love me after seeing me with the flu sick as a dog (we both were sick in Sydney drinking cough syrup from wine glasses)
6. God loving
7. Romantic (may I add intelligence, great conversationalist, and makes me laugh?)

7 Things I say ( I don't know really)

1. Really?
2. No way
3. Are you serious?
4. Oh shut up
5. Oh my goodness
6. Wow
7. Crikey

7 Movies I have loved

1. The Punisher
2. LOTR
3. Walk the line
4. Chronicles of Narnia
5. Shawshank redemption
6. In the name of the Father
7. Passion of the Christ

7 People to tag

1. Jasmine (this should give you something to blog about deary)
2. Hi Jonathan, yes if you are my faithful fiance and need to prove your love you will do it :) (joking folks)
3. St.Peters Helpers
4. Mr. Irish and Dangerous
5. Marie-Linda
6. Kristie Sue
7. you are tagged if you want to be

well there you have it!
Ok, I have to introduce you to a NEW BLOGGER she lives in my town (not tellin you where that is) and is my very good friend, her name is ...........................

Jasmine Please give her a welcome to the blog world.

Just letting you all know that I shall be in the USA in 2 1/2 weeks!!
Just in case you forgot ;)

My dad Peter was named after Peter the Apostle. Peter was a very special Saint to my grandparents and most of my family and to me , Peter the Apostle is the very first Apostle I learned about so naturally I want to post this for today.

The 22nd of February is the feast day that commemorates when Jesus Christ chose St.Peter the Apostle to sit in his place as the servant authority of the whole Church.
In Peter the healing powers of Jesus in him is well attested like the raising of Tabitha from the dead, curing the crippled beggar. People carrying the sick into the streets so when Peter passed his shadow might fall on them etc.

Today we celebrate the unity of the Church, founded on St.Peter the Apostle , and renew our assent to the magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, (Pope Benedict XVI).

Jesus Christ made Peter the leader of the apostles and of the church (Matthew 16:18-19),
giving him the "keys of the kingdom" because Jesus Christ desired that the Church be one
Not only did Jesus Christ make him leader but also made him infallible when he acted or spoke as Christs representative on earth, this is why we as Catholics stand true and believe that when our Holy Father (Pope meaning Father) brings forth his teachings from the Chair of Peter,or known as "ex Cathedra " he is infallible by the protection that Jesus Christ promised him.
The Infallibility has been passed on through the successors (other Popes) of St.Peter, giving the Church an infallible guide on earth to lead the Church.

So St.Peter the Apostle became the first Bishop of Rome. Then Peter passed on his apostolic authority to the next Bishop of Rome, and so it was passed on and we call it "apostolic succession"
This is an unbroken chain of successors up until today where we have Pope Benedictcit XVI.

Here are some scripture references regarding this:

Matthew 16-20, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

(this is clearly a promise from Jesus Christ to Peter, that he will build his Church on Peter, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it = infallibility)

Christ's commission to the apostles:
"All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world." Matthew 28:18-20

Mark 16:15-16, "Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned."


"I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you forever. The spirit of truth . . . he shall abide with you, and shall be in you" John 14:16, 17

This is a remarkable promise that we have in Christ, to trust today that we are protected, and that Jesus Christ chose the right man to begin with being St.Peter the Apostle.



All-powerful Father,
You have built Your Church on the rock of Saint Peter's confession of faith.
May nothing divide or weaken our unity in faith and love.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son,who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
+Amen.

If i'm incorrect on any of the information just let me know.

Pictue above is the Chair of Peter

Also, on a side note , have you ever been stuck for time to read the Church Fathers? I have been telling myself to read them but haven't had the time, or at least that's what I tell myself.
Ancient and Future Catholics and ChurchYear.Net have come up with a great solution for you, if you are anything like me and want to read them.
They have come up with a Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan (.pdf) (go here for html version).
If you follow their plan, by the time Easter comes, you will have read 10 early Church Fathers and over 15 individual works from the early Church.
Chad (the guy with one of the cutest baby boys ever!) has put together one file containing all the writings of the Fathers in order!

If you are interested in doing it let us know at
Per Christum or on Jonathan's blog as they would love to hear some feedback on your choices or anything you want.
Although I am a contributor on the Per Christum blog and Anicient & Future Catholics, I did not come up with any of this, nor take credit for it.
Although i'm going to do the reading program for Lent.
Peace all!

What a corny title :(>>> but not without a reason! here are some lovely links for you....

Married or getting married? Marriage Quotes

or check out Marriage Tips

Take the Dr.Laura Is it love? test.

Enjoy....

Thanks for your prayers and well wishes for
Jonathan it meant a lot to the both of us, he thanked you all in the comments and on his blog too, and is recovering nicely until a few weeks time when he has more! I will keep you updated.

Recently I went out to the movies and watched Walk the line, it's fantastic and would recommend it. It's the Johnny Cash story, i've always liked a bit of Johnny Cash, although I don't really know all that many of his songs, my dad liked him so that's where I was introduced to who he was I guess. The actors do a great job, I was impressed.

In less than 4 weeks (yeah i'm counting, 3 weeks and something days ha ha) I'm going overseas to the USA, as if I haven't told you twice already, this makes 3 times but I can't help being like that =) I will have some free time there so I will blog you guys too.

I have discovered the joys of shopping on ebay, I never let myself before, but have got into it recently. I have been a seller on ebay before, but in the last few weeks I have discovered the thrill of shopping online, lets see, what have I bought? 1 hat, 1 jumper (sweatshirt for the Americans) one pair of shoes, a dress, a top thingy that you wear over another top and all of a sudden I can't remember the rest. But i'm not addicted really =)

I found it pretty shocking when I read This It's about the landslide in the Phillipines, so I think prayer is in order there, I believe that around 90 % of the villiagers may be dead, so that's a sad one.

So it's saturday here and i'm glad, no work, except for housework but I can handle that! I wish you all a safe and fun weekend.

Please pray for Jonathan who is having surgery tommorow. It's nothing serious but I know that a prayer would be appreciated a whole lot.
Thank you!


Omnipotent and eternal God,
the everlasting Salvation of those who believe,
hear us on behalf of Thy sick servant, Jonathan,
for whom we beg the aid of Thy pitying mercy,
that, with his bodily health restored,
he may give thanks to Thee in Thy church.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Pro choice? Think again hat tip Danny

Incorruptibles hat tip Antonia

Our sweetheart on valentines day hat tip St.Peters helpers

In answer to a question about where the Catholic Church began I want to add this:

The Church was instituted by Christ during his earthly ministry in his preaching of the kingdom; its care was entrusted to Peter and the apostles; and it is continually empowered by the Holy Spirit to help build the Kingdom of God until the coming of Christ.
Mt. 16:18, Mk 3:14-15, Constitution on the Church, Vatican Council II, Catechism of the Catholic Church

Who is the Church?

The Church is the People that God gathers in the whole world. The Church is expressed in local communities, especially when they gather to listen to the Word of God, celebrate Eucharist, and do the work of the Lord.
Isa. 25:6; Mt. 21:13; Eph. 2:17, Constitution on the Church, Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Church is holy: Christ gave himself up to make her holy and the Holy Spirit gives her life. She is the Body of Christ; his presence extended to all times and places. She is the sinless one made up of sinners. Her members are called “saints.”
Eph 5:25-26; Acts 9:13; 1 Cor. 6:1; 16:1, 12:27; Heb. 2:17, 7:26; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 6:18, Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Church has been catholic (universal) since the day of Pentecost because Christ, “who fills the universe in all its parts” is present in the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church is catholic because she has been sent out by Christ on a mission to the whole human race. The Church speaks to people of all times, cultures, and languages.
Mt. 28:19; Acts 2:5-11, 10:35; 1 Cor. 11:25; Rev.7:9; Ignatius of Antioch “Where Christ is there is the Catholic Church.” Ad Smyrn 8,2

I hope this answers some questions. Just yesterday I heard some young children discuss among themselves that Catholics worship Mary, this was the conversation, lets call them B and T

T "what Church do you go to?"
B "The Catholic Church"
T "oh you worship Mary then, we are pentecostal we believe in Jesus"
B "We don't worship Mary, we believe in Jesus and mum said that Jesus started our Church first"

It's already Feb 14th here in Australia, so I think it's appropriate for me to wish everyone a happy valentines day!
If you didnt get your happy V day wish you got one now! =)

Hey all, I found this
Habemus Papam music video from American Papist blog
Even though it's been a while since we heard those famous words "Habemus Papam" I thought this was really cute, and too cute not to post.
Hope you like it! =)

I have been tagged by and Irish and dangerous
Danny and also saw this meme at St.Peters helpers
So if you still can stand knowing more about me and are not going nuts knowing all this, read on........

4 jobs you have had in your life

Working for my parents on the vineyard at 10yo (first job)
Waitressing
Hairdresser
Administrative assistant


4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:

Shawshank Redemption
The Lion the Witch and the wardrobe
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
The Wedding Singer

4 Places You Have Lived:
My birth town (not telling you bc I live there now)
melbourne
A whole 2 places of residence!

4 TV Shows You Love To Watch:
Kath & Kim
The Ghost Whisperer
Desperate Housewives
The Andy Griffith Show (blame Jonathan)

4 Places You Have Been On Vacation:
USA
New Caledonia
Canada
Surfers Paradise (Australia)

4 Websites You Visit Daily:
Ancient Future Catholic Musings
St.Peters Helpers
Thoughts of a Sprite
Antonias World

4 Of Your Favorite Foods:

Peking Duck
Sticky date pudding
Oysters (only Kilpatrick style)
Celery

4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:

Right next to Jonathan
USA
Mystery Island
Italy

If you want to do this MEME, you're it...

I saw this at The Cubicle Reverand's blog and thought it looked rather fun.
I enjoyed his, so lets see how we go with me.
I would love to see yours btw :)

Instructions: Use the picture you like best from the first (no clicking around for 44 pages) page of the search results on Google Image.

The city and province of the town where you grew up, no quotation marks.



2. The town where you currently reside.



3. Your name, first and last, but no quotes.



4. Your grandmother's name.



5. Your favorite food.



6. Your favorite drink.



7. Your favorite smell.



8. Your favorite song.






I think that made for a pretty post..

So I haven't really blogged in too much detail lately, unless it's news snippets or advertising something, I have been rather stuck for time and there never seems to be enough of it! But I promise to get back to the norm now.
Although I have devoted some time to the God Conference blog. I would also like to devote more time to the other group blog which is Per Christum. All in due time, all in due time.....
This of course is my main blog and most of my ramblings, opinions and so forth are expressed here.
I worked for a bit today, it was a slow day and i'm glad it's over with, the type of weather we are having is making me tired. I am now sleeping alot better by the way, I think eventually tiredness catches up to you!
I'm really looking forward to visiting the USA in just over a month, it's coming up rather soon (not soon enough) and I have been day dreaming about it all too often, I even checked out the march movie guide that will be on the plane, oh how dorky of me! I like dork, I like to be a little dorky, Cubicle reverend was blogging about his dorkiness and I feel that I can too. But hey i'm not 100% dorky, although I did love space invaders all those years ago and would play it now if I had it (and had time).
I have added a few new blogs to my reading list lately without giving them a welcome to the "blog roll" (sounds like a sandwich) There are many, you know who you are, Sol, Kristie sue, Frankie, Cal the wonder dog (woof) Yara etc
Ok so some have been there for a few months, but I havent been able to give them a mention like I normally do.
The Catholic blog awards voting is on, I lost the link, but get out and vote for your faves if you find it.
By the way, Stef from Miracle drug has posted pics on her trip to Thailand, I saw her relaxing on a hammock, makes me a lil jealous!
That's all for now ......
Be well x

Ancient and Future Catholics, now has podcasts. If you would like to have a listen. If you want to participate in a podcast in the future, check out our Paltalk discussion room.

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) – A group of Australian Catholic doctors has resigned from the country's two leading medical organizations in protest over support the groups have given to the abortion drug RU-486.
read more..

These doctors are resigning because the Australian Medical Association are calling the RU-486 safe to prescribe to women. When it's infact not safe at all!

"RU-486 is associated with a 1,000 % increase in women dying due to infection and bleeding, when compared to early surgical termination. To leave a woman to suffer and bleed at home over days, often alone, is appalling medical practice and lacks genuine compassion" says Dr.Terrence Kent

Yesterday I came accross Selena's artwork, man has she got some talent, you can check out her works (my favorite is "come back") at this link My Vision Is Never Wrong


Also welcome back to Charles or known as Chuck to some as I have noticed. Charles was one of the first blogs (Jonathan's was the very first) I read when I started blogging. He is very musically minded!

So cheers to all the new!

Jonathan has tagged me, so I shall be tagged and do my part:
Just adding that I now noticed I have also been tagged by Dymphnas Well so i'm being a good taggette, who does what she is told :D

Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) Jeni
2) Anastasia
3) LutherPunk
4) Jonathan (AFCM)
5) Carmel

Next select five people to tag (do I have to? oh crikey if I don't i'll ruin it, sorry guys, don't feel obliged)

1) Marie-Linda
2) Antonia
3) Selena
4) Jack (Bennett)
5) David (Bennett)

(Note: If you've already done this, that counts, lol)

What were you doing 10 years ago? I was working , renting a house and saving to buy one, and settling in to my home town again.

What were you doing 1 year ago? visiting the USA, although I have done that less than a year ago too

Five snacks you enjoy:
1. grapes
2. creme brulee
3. celery
4. Jaffas (chocolate with orange sugar coating)
5. Panettone

Five songs you know all the words to:
1. You're beautiful, by James Blunt
2. Hero (don't know who sings it really)
3. can't think of another
4. still can't think of another
5. ok I give up thinking of another (sesame street theme song?)

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1. Travel to Africa, see the poor and donate money where I feel it's needed most
2. Buy lots of things, perfumes, clothes, shoes, makeup, hairdo's, CD's, Cars, Mansion, my own plane, inground swimming pool with a water fall replica, oh I have gone overboard...
3. pay debts of my own, and my family, buy them what they want too
4. Buy another house
5. Travel the world

Five bad habits: (who says I have them? ok I do)
1. Talk too much
2. Chew gum loud
3. Take ages doing my hair
4. Talk to my neighbours while im still in my pygamas
5. Don't sit still, I tap my feet, or fidget

Five things you enjoy doing:
1. Watching movies
2. Blogging
3. Shopping
4. talking and talking
5. Hanging with Jonathan/friends/family

Five things you would never wear again:
1. My old madonna outfit
2. My old bridesmaid dress
3. My skin tight leapoard skin patterned pants
4. Old out of date Jeans with the rip on the butt part
5. Im tired and can only think of 4.

Five favorite toys:
1. My PC
2. My cat (she is my toy too)
3. Jonathan (he is my toy too)
4. My mobile phone
5. my teddy bears.

I have seen some strange things on ebay, this time it's A week with 4 blokes in Sydney
With 77 bids so far, with the current bid at this very moment being $12,100 you have to wonder, who in their right minds would pay that? If you are in international guest, don't expect your ticket paid for!
I must admit, they are creative and have hopes of meeting and gaining a life time friend.
Well either way I hope all have a great time.
Yay to friendships!

Hat tip goes to Samantha Burns

Also my lovely and dear friend
Stef has safely arrived in Thailand, and I wish her all the best, even though she didn't pack me in her suitcase so I could spend my days on a thai beach.

I got a gorgeous and cute "thank you" card today, isn't gratitude sweet?


That is my card, cute kitty of course!

Hey there all! Thanks to Antonia's post, I found www.prolifesearch.com
It's a search engine powered by Google and you get the same results.
The best part about it is that when you search, they donate money to pro-life charities. How good is that? I certainly search a lot on the net.
You don't have to register with them or pay anything to search, nor do you have to give any money.
They make all of the donations from revenue generated from the site.
So thanks Antonia, I also just recently dropped into
Irish & Dangerous and noticed he had it up there too. So spread the word!

Also, I had a great read of the discussions in my previous post, regarding Pro-life thoughts, i'm so glad that we were able to share our thoughts, even though some of our opinions differed.
I am Pro-life 100% and over again. And know that life begins from conception. John Paul II had some fantastic things to say in regards to life.

Thanks to everyone who opened up in the last post x
Picture is from www.babies.com