Stephen K. Ray's Blog, page 502

Death Panels are back – Thanks to Big Brother

When it comes to health care, the administration has heard the voice of the people. And it couldn't care less.

During the debate over health care reform, one of the most controversial proposals was for the government to pay for consultations regarding end-of-life treatment.

The tag "death panels" stuck to the proposal like white on rice, and the administration had to drop the idea from the final bill.

But on December 3rd, apparently under cover of darkness, the Obama administration issued a new Medicare regulation that implemented what Congress and the American people explicitly rejected. It authorizes Medicare to pay doctors for "end-of-life-care counseling" during patients' annual check-ups.

The Administration and its supporters did their level best to keep the regulation quiet. But the New York Times broke the story three weeks later—on Christmas Day!

Read the whole article here and get ready to be counseled why you are a burden to society and should do your civic duty to the country and to your family. Thanks to guys like Chuck Colson (pictured above) for keeping us informed of what the government is doing behind our backs with our money and our lives and our freedoms.

Cuomo's concubinage and holy Communion

My friend and canon lawyer Ed Peters writes:

Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, and Sandra Lee, a television celebrity, live in what is known technically as public concubinage.

The fact that both Cuomo and Lee are divorced renders the concubinage adulterous on both sides as well.



Read the about the modern canonical implications of concubinage here: http://canonlawblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/cuomos-concubinage-and-holy-communion.html

How the U.S. Census Effects the Church

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The 2010 census figures announced Dec. 21 will have effects that go far beyond allocating federal dollars and shaping the representation of states in the Congress that convenes in January 2013.

They could also affect how the U.S. Catholic Church decides to distribute its own resources and personnel.

"The U.S. census is a useful tool for learning about God's people, who and where they are, and many other facts that shed light on their lives, possibilities and struggles," said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez in 2009, encouraging wide participation in the census……

Whole article here.

The Rapture is Coming! Don't Get Left Behind!

Pack your bags — opps, that's a waste of time 'cuz you can't take anything with you.

Hum, well, OK, then get right with God quick — wait, you should do that anyway. No, I didn't mean that literally — don't WAIT! Do it!

Just get ready — the Rapture is coming May 11, 2011

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40885541/ns/us_news-life/?gt1=43001

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Oh, oh!

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." (Matthew 24:36)

:-)   Just one more of thousands of false predictions!

Steve's "Sometimes" Newsletter

I try to publish an e-mail newsletter 3 or 4 times a year. Want to sign up for the e-mail newsletter? Or, see the first two newsletters?

Just click here.

Then I'll be getting a lot of free health care this year!

Chart for Reading Catechism & Bible in a Year

After posting my New Year's Resolutions, I had several people ask if I had a plan or chart to assist them in reading the Catholic Bible and/or the Catechism through in one year.

YES, I do — thanks to Marcus Grodi and the Coming Home Network. You can download the chart here. Not too late to get started!

http://www.chnetwork.org/readguide04.pdf

For December Posts…

…click below to see posts before the New Year!

December 2010 and earlier

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS: An Early Start

In 2010 my son Jesse and I resolved to run 1,000 miles. We did it with about 40 miles to spare. Some of my running was done on treadmills but most of it was outside exploring new places. You can see these runs here with maps, stories, videos and pictures — which covers over 150 runs in ten countries and many states.

It felt great to finish the year having successfully completed my 2010 New Year resolution — especially since I am not too good at keeping resolutions. The support of my son, along with my wife as cheerleader, was a big help. My son also posted an internet chart which was very motivating.

For 2011 I am renewing my goal of running another 1,000 miles for 2011. But I am adding two more resolutions: I am going to read both the Bible and the Catholic Catechism through from cover to cover (using my iPhone).

I got an early start this month because I was excited to get started and in case I miss a few days in 2011! WHY DON'T YOU JOIN ME?

There is a free app for the iPhone which is called Logos. It is a Bible software app and has a program included for reading the Bible through in a year. I am using the Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition. I am already into Exodus.

I also made a chart for the Catechism and found a copy of the Catechism on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). I will use that and my old-fashioned "book" format to get this reading done. I am now on paragraph 26.

There is a great chart to keep track of your reading. It is provided by Marcus Grodi and the Coming Home Network (using the Catholic Bible). You can download the chart here.

Well, what fun! I will keep you updated periodically and will also admit if I fall flat on my face with these lofty goals :-)

Below, joined by granddaughter Bella!

My Best Birthday Present

How could I be happier now that I'm 56 years old and well over the hill, heading for the finish line.

I said to Janet, "Look what we got started!"

TOP: Janet and I with our eight grandkids (another one is on the way)

BOTTOM: Our whole family with two excellent boy friends too.

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