Struggling with faith

Not necessarily faith in myself but my religious faith.

I was brought up Roman Catholic in a Hispanic household. Baptized at approx. 6 months of age.

Though I will always cherish the Saints and the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church I wonder though....is it the right faith for me?

An interesting book to read is My Struggle with Faith by Father Joseph E. Girzone.

Reverand Marlene S. Blackhad this to say about the book:

What I found to be refreshing was that despite the author's affiliation with the Catholic church he does not go out of his way to cast it in a particularly flattering light. His assessments are fair and honest. He plunges headlong into the religious/political 'hot potatoes' giving his take on the issues.

It is clear that Girzone longs for the type of church outlined by Jesus during His earthly ministry. He is a man not to idly follow the masses. He sets out on his own quest and brings his readers along on the educational journey. Everyone who reads this book will walk away with a new understanding of their own personal faith. All church leaders would benefit greatly from reading this inspiring book.

My Struggle with Faith opens eyes to how much more time could be devoted to the study of the Word and building that closer relationship with Jesus that the human soul longs for and was created for. Mankind looks more to ritual than relationship. I trust Fr. Girzone's book will change many lives. A tremendous addition to any readers collection.

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Looks like another book to buy and read....keep in my "forever" library.

Al Mutanabi

أنا الذي نظر الأعمى إلى أدبـي
وأسـمعت كلماتي من به صممُ

And in the same poem:

الخيل والليل والبيـداء تعرفني 
والسيف والرمح والقرطاس والقل

It is I whose words the blind could see,
And whose words the deaf had harkened.

I'm known to the horse, the night, the wilderness,
And to the sword, the spear and the plume.

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Find more inspiring Arabic poetry here on English Sabla

PS90X

I was watching the infomercial (and usually skip these things when I channel surf)...but it caught my eye  because for quite some time I have been wanting to find something that would mentally and physically challenge me. The gym isn't cutting it.  

Not only did I dread going there because it can be intimidating....it just isn't what I am seeking for my personal long-term fitness goals.

So I watched the infomercial....(didn't scoff this time around)....and you know what....this one hooked me....so I cancelled my membership and am going to buy the package.  I figure the money I spent the last year and a half at the gym did what it could do and now in the privacy in my own home I can work the way I want to without being self-conscious of others "watching" me as I do...so this is the best fit for me (and am posing a challenge to my brother and sister to see if they will accept this and we do this "together" though live in different states):

P90X is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. You'll also receive a comprehensive 3-phase nutrition plan, specially designed supplement options, a detailed fitness guide, a calendar to track your progress, online peer support, and much more. Your personal trainer, Tony Horton, will keep you engaged every step of the way, and you won't believe your results!

Celebrating the 4-0 early

After a long day with her sister..............

At the wax muesum in Laclede's Landing (Saint Louis)

The devil in me (see the eyes)...........

Sister decided to come down and celebrate this milestone early in case things get too busy in Florida:

For my mother....

I grew up listening to this artist...when I hear his songs, his voice...it takes me back decades to when I was a  girl safe in my mother's arms:

Estando contigo

Me olvido de todo y de mi

Parece que todo lo tengo

Teniendote a ti

Y no siento este mal

Que me agobia

Y que llevo conmigo

Arruinando esta vida

Que tengo y no puedo vivir

Eres luz que ilumina

Las noches en mi largo camino

Y es por eso

Que frente al destino

No quiero vivir

Una rosa en tu pelo

Parece una estrella en el cielo

Y en el viento parece un acento

Tu voz musical

Y parece un destello de luz

La medalla en tu cuello

Al menor movimiento

De tu cuerpo al andar

Yo a tu lado no siento las horas

Que van con el tiempo

Ni me acuerdo que llevo en mi pecho

Una herida mortal

Yo contigo no siento el sonar

De la lluvia y el viento

Porque llevo tu amor en mi pecho

Como un madrigal 

******My Brother******

AKA Captain Morgan

I Did It My Way

This song is the epidomy of how I lived my life and how I wished to have lived it...fully, with no regret I've lived a life that's full:

And now, the end is near;

And so I face the final curtain.

My friend, Ill say it clear,

Ill state my case, of which Im certain.

Ive lived a life thats full.

Ive traveled each and evry highway;

And more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

Regrets, Ive had a few;

But then again, too few to mention.

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;

Each careful step along the byway,

But more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, Im sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew.

But through it all, when there was doubt,

I ate it up and spit it out.

I faced it all and I stood tall;

And did it my way.

Ive loved, Ive laughed and cried.

Ive had my fill; my share of losing.

And now, as tears subside,

I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;

And may I say - not in a shy way,

No, oh no not me,

I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught.

To say the things he truly feels;

And not the words of one who kneels.

The record shows I took the blows -And did it my way!