Ellen Gable's Blog, page 131

Royal Wedding Sermon

I hadn't planned on getting up in the middle of the night to watch the Royal Wedding festivities. However, I did plan on watching the coverage the next morning…except we had no power (the result of a windstorm and the reason I couldn't post last Friday). So I had to wait until much later in the day to watch.

I was particularly moved by the Bishop's Sermon and especially this sentence: "In a sense every wedding is a royal wedding with the bride and the groom as king and queen of creation, making a new life together so that life can flow through them into the future."

The entire text can be found here.

Fiction Friday – Infinite Space, Infinite God II

My thanks to Karina Fabian, co-editor of Infinite Space Infinite God II, a sci-fi compilation, for allowing me to post an excerpt from her book. Check out my review here.

Karina is offering a free e-copy of her book to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment below before Monday, May 9th.

This excerpt is from Karina Fabian's short story, Antivenin:

No, Ann was not durak. Now if Rita could just keep from doing anything lethally stupid. She grabbed the line, gave it a tug of her own to make sure it was secure, and pulled herself to the Mark 16:18.

Once inside the other ship, they exited the suits, positioning them for emergency donning. Then Rita set up the rescue balloons: nanomylar bags large enough to hold a man. Once sealed, a small motor generated air and heat for thirty minutes–an hour with an expansion pack. She pulled out the retractable strap on her medical kit and slung it over her shoulder.

Ann, meanwhile, had tried to contact the pilot and passenger both via the intercom and by yelling down the hall. Nothing.

Sr. Thomas spoke over their headsets. "Small asteroids coming. Brace yourself!"

They managed to grab the threshold just as the ship jinxed wildly to the left.

Sr. Thomas called, "At least two more, but you have a couple of minutes. Ann, can you disable those sensors before we jerk that tow line off?"

Rita's stomach clutched at the thought. "You go to engineering. I'll search for wounded."

Ann hurried down the corridor, while Rita followed more slowly, opening each door to scan the room. The ship was larger than she'd expected: six doors on each side led to rooms that had been converted to storage. Most were packed wall to wall, floor to ceiling, with an empty strip just wide enough for a person to pull something off a shelf and carry it out. She wondered what kind of cargo the ship carried.

It was eerily quiet, with nothing but the background hum of the engine, the hissing of doors and the sound of her own footsteps. What had happened to the crew?

"Rita! I found someone in the center compartment. He's unconscious. Respiration shallow. He's drooling a lot. I've never seen anything like it."

"Ann, pull up your collar, now." She pulled at the collar of her own skinsuit. The tightly compacted fibers stretched until the fabric covered her mouth and nose. She pressed along her nose and cheeks with thumb and forefinger, creating a seal. The fabric, actually a sophisticated biofilter, would enable her to breathe while blocking most airborne hazards. "Make him comfortable. I'm on my way. If there's nothing you can do, go on to engineering."

"I thought I heard something in the port corridor. I'm going to check that first."

"But if the tow line breaks–"

"Basilica has more. Tommie will catch us again."

It only took Rita a minute to get down the long hall, through the pie-shaped galley room and into the central hub. Ann had set the man upright against the wall and put a slap-patch on his cheek: Oxyboost and a mild stimulant. A second patch read his vital signs.

Rita knelt beside him and puzzled over his stats. They looked more like poisoning than a virus. His face was slack, eyelids drooping. She lifted one. The dilated pupils responded sluggishly to the bright light of the room.

Sr. Thomas called over the headset: "Brace!"

Rita braced one hand on each side of the victim. Again the ship jerked. Rita heard the metallic sound of dishes sliding and clattering to the floor. The man bumped against her arms, but did not fall.

Sr. Thomas said, "One more coming. You've got about two minutes-thirty, maybe three."

"Ann?"

"I'm fine. I definitely heard something this time. Last room on the left, port corridor. Door's jammed."

The man was stirring feebly now, but not enough to help. Rita muscled him around until she could get her arms under his and drag him back to the rescue bag. Despite the months of heavy exercise, she was panting from exertion as she all but dumped him into the nanomylar bag. The man forced a moan. His hand twitched and bumped her.

"Be still. We'll get you to our ship where we can treat you."

He tapped the floor: three slow, two fast. Universal Space Code for "Attention."

"You want to tell me something? Go ahead. I'm listening." They'd drilled the universal tap code daily in her training, and at the convent Mother Superior declared "tap code hours" to keep everyone in practice. It had annoyed her no end, but she was glad of it now.

But he tapped, "No. Look. Attention."

"All right. I'm watching your hand." Slowly, as if it took great will, he spelled:

A…

N…

T…

I..

"Anti?"

Ann called, "Got it! Opening the door now."

V…

E…

N…

O…

M

"Antivenom? What?" Was he hallucinating? She pulled up his sleeves, then his pantlegs.

"Rita?" Ann's voice was a thin ghost of a wail. "Serpents…"

Two small puncture marks, like pinpricks around a slightly swelled area.

"Annie. Just walk out quickly but calmly–"

"Brace!" Sr. Thomas called.

The ship swung, knocking Rita off balance. Through the headset and the ship, she heard Ann scream.

This book is available from Twilight Times Books

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Last but not least, there's a great promotional trailer for this book on youtube.

Leave a comment below to win a free PDF of Infinite Space Infinite God II!

Copyright 2010 Karina and Robert Fabian

Using NFP in Challenging Times

My latest column at Amazing Catechists is entitled "Using NFP in Challenging Times."

The postpartum (after having a baby) and pre-menopause (before menopause) times are two very challenging periods to use NFP. Even more challenging is when a couple decides to learn NFP during these times. It's not impossible, but more difficult to use NFP and it often necessitates longer periods of abstinence if the couple is avoiding pregnancy.

Postpartum Period:

For the postpartum woman, it depends on the type of baby care as to whether her fertility will return immediately or up to a year or two afterwards.

The bottlefeeding mother will have an early return of fertility (which means that her periods and ovulation will start soon after birth). The part-time breastfeeding mom will generally have an earlier return of fertility. The totally breastfeeding mother will likely not see fertility until her baby begins to wean or begins to take solids. All these factors must be taken into account when using NFP in the postpartum period. Regardless of how a mother feeds her baby, fertility observations are essential in determining when fertility returns.

It is typical for the postpartum woman to have longer cycles initially, but eventually her cycles will return to the normal pre-pregnancy length. Fertility observations are extremely important in this transition period and sometimes there are long periods of abstinence depending on how serious a need the couple have.

Pre-menopause:

Pre-menopause can be equally challenging. For the middle-aged couple who are avoiding pregnancy, periods of abstinence can be lengthy. Cycles can become irregular: they can be shorter or longer. As fertility drops, cycles can often be anovulatory (without ovulation), can include breakthrough bleeding and/or weak or lengthy luteal phases (the time from ovulation to menstruation).

Women approaching menopause may also have to deal with hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, anxiety, depression, weight gain, sleep issues and problems with concentration and memory.

The Couple to Couple League has published two excellent books on both the Postpartum period and Pre-Menopause (CCL Store). They also offer supplemental classes for both postpartum and pre-menopause. (These classes are free for couples who have already taken the regular CCL NFP course). If interested in one of these courses, please contact the Couple to Couple League at their website: www.ccli.org.

copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach

How Much Older Are You Than Me?

Today is my youngest son's 12th birthday. As kids often do, he was playing a numbers game out loud the other day. "So when I'm 20, you'll be how old?" I said, "Just add 40 to whatever age you are." "Oh, right," he replied. "So when I'm 40, you'll be 80?" I nodded.

In a previous post, I shared how my youngest son was an "extraordinary birthday gift" because he was born two days before my birthday.

He is now the same age that his oldest brother was when he was born (as shown in photo).

My husband and I knew what we were getting into when we attempted pregnancy. Besides my history of miscarriages, we understood that I would be 40 years older than our youngest child. In many respects, I have been able to enjoy my youngest son more. Since he was my fifth child, I was comfortable with attachment parenting and didn't feel the need to defend nursing my baby on demand and carrying him wherever I went.

My mother was 47 years old when she gave birth to my youngest sister. I remember the excitement in my mom's voice when she showed me the "at home" pregnancy test. At the time, I was a rather cynical cafeteria Catholic, so I was a little taken aback with her positive reaction.

My youngest sister kept my mother "young" for years. As for me, I have never regretted the decision to be open to life at age 40. In fact, I have always thanked God for my "baby."

Happy Birthday, Paul!

copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Blessed John Paul II, Pray For Us

I was attending college the year Cardinal Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II. I watched the news of his election with my mother, who shouted with surprise when she heard that the new pope was not Italian.

At the time, I was a lukewarm, cafeteria Catholic. But I immediately liked this new pope. He was relatively young, he joked with the crowd, and he had a kind face.

It would be years before I realized just how holy, brilliant and wise he really was. Blessed John Paul II was a great example not only in sanctity, but in suffering. He leaves a huge legacy, not the least of which were the writings and lectures on the "Theology of the Body."

Earlier today, in his beatification ceremony, Pope Benedict XVI said, "Six years ago we gathered in this Square to celebrate the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Our grief at his loss was deep, but even greater was our sense of an immense grace which embraced Rome and the whole world: a grace which was in some way the fruit of my beloved predecessor's entire life, and especially of his witness in suffering. Even then we perceived the fragrance of his sanctity, and in any number of ways God's People showed their veneration for him …"

…"By his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the Church, to speak of the Gospel. In a word: he helped us not to fear the truth, because truth is the guarantee of liberty.To put it even more succinctly: he gave us the strength to believe in Christ …"

And later, Pope Benedict said, "He restored to Christianity its true face as a religion of hope … (and communicated) the fullness of humanity and the fulfillment of all our longings for justice and peace."

Blessed John Paul II, pray for us.

Fiction Friday Will Resume Next Friday

Fiction Friday will resume next Friday, May 6th when I showcase Karina and Robert Fabian's book Infinite Space Infinite God, a collection of sci-fi stories!

Early Praise for Come My Beloved!

Early reviews for my upcoming book, "Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship," have been overwhelmingly positive and glowing! Thanks so much to Lisa Mladinich, Lisa Hendey, Dawn Marie Roeder and Amanda Marleau!

"Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship" is a Song of Songs, a book of praise, a treasure-house of faith and romance par excellence! I dare you to try and put it down once you open its grace-filled, enchanting pages. For me, reading this book was a lot like falling in love! The presence of God in the lives of the contributors came through so powerfully to me that as I read the stories, I found myself stopping from time to time to pray and give glory to God. This truly beautiful collection of Catholic courtship stories is a must-read for anyone discerning a vocation, especially the call to marriage; and for those courting, engaged, already married, or widowed. What a great gift to Holy Mother Church, and a powerful witness that God does make marriages in heaven."

Lisa Mladinich

Author, "Be an Amazing Catechist: Inspire the Faith of Children"

Founder, www.AmazingCatechists.com

"In Come My Beloved, editors Ellen Gable Hrkach and Kathy Cassanto have shared a precious resource for couples looking to celebrate the beauty of Catholic courtship and the vocation to married life. The twelve couples featured offer us diverse, inspirational and encouraging insights into many different paths toward and expressions of marriage. Reading their testimonials feels like sitting down with trusted friends who share from their heart, including insights into struggles and challenges, but also the faith and unity in mission that lies at the core of their successful relationships and marriages. Whether you're courting, engaged to be married, newlyweds, or celebrating your jubilee years together, this terrific resource offers something for anyone looking to grow closer to God and to one another in a loving relationship."

Lisa M. Hendey,

Founder and Editor of www.CatholicMom.com

Author, The Handbook for Catholic Moms

"Fabulous book that I can't wait to recommend to all my single and married friends. You truly created a gift for this generation!"

Dawn Marie Roeder

Author, "It Doesn't End Here"



"Thank you so much for this wonderful gift! I loved the balance of the stories between young and old. It reminds me that there is no right way or right time to fall in love. It was wonderful to bask in the uniqueness of these stories and these people. I enjoyed the narrative style that allows for faults to be seen and it reinforces that faith is a journey and not a destination. Even though all these couples are Catholic, they are not perfect and their journeys have not always been easy. It accurately portrays couples' paths to be united in God's love. The book gives me hope for myself and the rest of the world that striving to find a Godly spouse is not in vain. This book is so important because it shows that couples' still have the power to fight for purity, pursue holiness together and be united in God's love. Pure love exists and it is possible."

Amanda Marleau,

Marital and Family Therapist

Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship will be available for purchase from the book's website website and from Amazon.com in June.

Reflections for Good Friday

One of the things our family does to commemorate this solemn day is to attend the Good Friday service at our parish.

We also plan to pray the Divine Mercy Novena which begins today and continues until Easter Saturday.

Since 2006, another tradition we have had as a family is to watch The Passion of the Christ. Mel Gibson's direction is extraordinary. The movie's realism is difficult to watch, especially the scourging, which is gruesome and prolonged. However, I don't usually watch that particular scene because of the sheer brutality of it.

Jim Caviezel's portrayal of Jesus is incredibly believable. I always enjoy the flashback scenes of Jesus with His mother. The scene in which He embraces His cross is one that made me gasp the first time I saw it.

Jesus suffered a brutal death for mankind. The knowledge that He suffered and died (and would have done so for me alone) gives me the strength and courage I need to strive for holiness.

Every human being living on this earth will die someday. By His death and resurrection, Jesus won for us the gift of eternal life in heaven. Embracing this gift means living a life of sacrifice, selflessness and virtue.

This day is meaningful to me for another reason. Thirty-three years ago, my father died an unexpected death. Sudden death can shock any family. I was only 18, but my dad's death made me think deeply about the meaning of life and about the "other side." For the first time in my young life, my faith gave me tremendous consolation.

My prayer is that all Christians will take time today to reflect on the great gift God gave us, the gift of His Son, and the sacrifice He won for us, eternal life in heaven.

Copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Each Day is a Gift

"Joy is very quiet. It is like a light that shines in the darkness. It is connected with hope and with love. It is full of wonderment…When the bed is still very warm and I am half awake, joy comes to me every morning with the incredible thought that here God has granted me another day to love Him and to serve Him." Catherine Doherty, Dearly Beloved I

On this Spy Wednesday, as we are reflecting on the Gospel reading (Mt 26:14-25) which recounts the events leading up to Judas' betrayal of Jesus, we ought to be reminded that each day is a gift to love and serve God, a God who gave His only Son, so we may live for all eternity in heaven.

Text copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Photo copyright 2011 Josh Hrkach

True Love and Marital Abstinence

In my latest column at Catholic Mom, I share one of my favorite quotes from Love and Responsibility:

"Marital continence is so much more difficult than continence outside marriage because the spouses grow accustomed to intercourse, as befits the state which they have both consciously chosen. Once they begin to have sexual intercourse as a habit, and a constant inclination is created, a mutual need for intercourse comes into being. This need is a normal manifestation of love, and not only in the sensual-sexual sense but in the personal sense too. In matrimony the man and woman belong to each other in a special way, they are 'one flesh' (Genesis 2:24)." Love and Responsibility, p. 237

Lent, the season of self-denial, is the ideal time to consider the challenges of marital abstinence (or continence). Pope John Paul II gently puts abstinence into perspective and, in his gentle and loving words, explains why it can be so difficult.

The book Love and Responsibility was written in 1960 (and based on a series of lectures) when Pope John Paul II was Cardinal Karol Wojtyla. It is a beautiful explanation of authentic marital love. Parts of this book served as the basis for his brilliant talks on the Theology of the Body when he became Pope.

I discovered this wonderful book years ago when I was a young mother with little time for reading. Several times, I had started to read it, but found the intellectual language challenging.

Years later, however, when I finally read the entire book, I was enthralled. This is one of the most beautiful books ever written on love, sex and the responsibility each one of us has with the gift of sexuality. The particular quote above helped me to understand why my husband and I have often found periodic abstinence (or continence) so difficult.

Pope John Paul II was indeed a wise and holy man. A celibate priest, he had more insight into marriage than most married couples.

Copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach