LOOKING FOR LOVE....READ THIS........

I received the following letter ;     Sit down....read it..........and then reflect on it.

Country singer Johnny Lee's 1980 hit not only reached number one on the Billboard charts, but its unforgettable refrain dominated pop culture references for some years. Lookin' for love in all the wrong places... It is what musicians call "a great hook," or something that you can't forget after you've heard it. If you know the song, I apologize. It will be stuck in your head now for the next day or so. But it's one of those rare popular hooks that also happens to capture an important truth, in this case one that lies near the root of today's "culture wars." Are we seeking for true love, or are we just seeking the fleeting feeling that popular culture tells us love is? The differences between the two should be clear to us, especially in their consequences. One way involves surrender, sacrifice, selflessness and the recognition of one's own and the beloved's ultimate destination -- heaven. The other is it's polar opposite -- involving using another, self-satisfaction and only caring about the moment. With the latter, when one is indeed looking for love in the wrong places, we find a radical individualism and shallowness. It is this view that is behind the confusion that allows the Culture of Death to thrive. A person holding this view may say he or she is opposed to murder, but can turn right around and murder an unborn child because this tiny human being threatens what they think will be their individual happiness. A mistaken search for love can have deadly consequences. Consider those who promote abortion, euthanasia, sterilization and contraception. What lies at the root of this population control mentality other than a radical individualism, and a willingness to deny another person's right to life to achieve what appears to be the happiness of the moment? This radical secular view is dominant in many areas of society, having convinced many that their happiness lies in sexual "freedom," and in personal glory and wealth. When "developed" nations look at the suffering of developing nations they thus misdiagnose the problem and, therefore, the solution. To them, the solution is to get rid of the extra people, those who are holding back "sustainable development." So they saturate these cultures with media, advertising and "education" that is intended to make them into radical individualists like so many are in wealthy nations -- to change their view of love and happiness into being about self-fulfillment. Most important to these death peddlers is how to convince people to have as much sex as possible without producing children. Of course it's not just in developing nations where this is being sold. The contraceptive mentality, so diagnosed by Pope Paul VI and John Paul II, and railed against by HLI founder Father Paul Marx and many others, has had many consequences other than the intended sexual "freedom" and "women's empowerment." We see the nations who long ago bought into this warped view become far less free, and certainly not empowered. Parts of Europe and Asia are in demographic free fall and can't convince people to start having children again. The most populous nations -- those whose fertility was the highest until recently -- are becoming the economic powers, even buying the debt of "developed" nations who can't be bothered to have children. Even here in the supposedly most developed nation on Earth, our fertility rate is dropping, and any connection between this and our faltering economy is ignored. Among the seven new saints canonized by Pope Benedict on Sunday was Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. At a time when we need to be reminded of what true love is -- that is, a true and complete gift of self -- we receive this great gift of saints we can look up to in our own age. Saint Kateri once said "I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love." This love is radical. It is selfless and most certainly focused not on the next moment of fleeting happiness, but is focused rather on the eternal, and bringing the eternal into today, here and now. It is a love that is all about gift -- about the other, and finding a deeper and more true happiness in giving oneself to another. The false narrative that happiness is found in power, pleasure and individual fulfillment is sold to us constantly, even as the consequences that clearly follow this lie are ignored. But we have a choice, a way to use our freedom to truly love others in a total gift of self (cf Gaudium et Spes24). Thanks to Saint Kateri and others even among us who know where to look for true love, we can avoid looking for love in all the wrong places, and firmly set our gaze upon Him Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.   Sincerely yours in Christ, I can hear the music in my head........

AMERICA.........ONE NATION......

My Daughter Melissa is a friend of Kate Quigley whose Brother was one of the Americans killed during the attack at the Libya Embassy......He is Glen A.Doherty a former Navy Seal from Winchester,Ma.who died defending Ambassador Chris Stevens as his Security Guard.
He is an American Hero who stands for all that is great about this Country........and I have been privileged to be given Kate's email to her family and friends.THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE CAN ALL STAND TOGETHER AND PUT PARTISAN POLITICS ASIDE.
I wii let Kate speak for herself and Glen;

Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to take a minute to share with you all the events that took place yesterday because it was truly a memorable day and I wish so many of you could have experienced it with us..  

We began the day early at a breakfast meeting with the State Departments top officials as well as the families of Chris Stevens, Ty Woods and Sean Smith.  There was raw grief in the room but it was really nice to know that we were not alone in this and the families of the other fallen hero's were amazing.  In speaking with Chris's family they are concerned with the fact that they don't know his wishes for the future, no conversations were had.  I am thankful that myself and others did this with Glen and we know exactly what he wants.  I spent time with Ty's family and he was professionally much like Glen.  A professional who set the bar above the top and settled for nothing less, also one of the best in the field.  His close friend, and former seal who was close to Ty and Glen  told me he didn't let too many people in, but Glen was one of them.  He said Glen could imitate Ty's mannerisms perfectly as no one else could.  I am glad to know that Glen had one of his boys with him, as we all know with Glen that was of utmost importance.  

At Andrews Air Force base we spent a few hours prior to the ceremony again with the families and top officials.  It was here that we met with Obama, Biden, Clinton, General Powell and his wife, Congressmen and Senators, etc.  They all spent time talking, crying, hugging us (I couldn't get Biden off me.....enough Joe!) He was quite a character and had a lot of fun with Jack and Thomas.  He gave them the gold coin of the Vice President which is an extremely elite club to be in and an invitation to the White House....they were thrilled.  Thomas was dying to ask President Obama for his coin but was shy to do it.  He chose instead to drop Biden's coin at the Presidents feet as Obama was chatting with my brother Greg as a way to let him know he had it.  Obama....not to be outdone by the VP not only ponied up his own coins for the boys but boxes of candy with the Presidential seal and more stories and traditions about how these coins are to be used.  We were never rushed and I was amazed at how the highest members of Government knew much about my brother and the others.  Congressman Markey presented us with a flag that he flew over the Capitol building at half mast....we were the only family to have this honor.  Hillary Clinton spoke to us candidly and beautifully about the realities of the middle east.  My boys were truly impressive to all in the room and I was so very proud of them.  Barbara handled herself with strength and grace.  Greg, Alice, True and Naomi were strong and beautiful.  

The actual Ceremony in the hanger made me so proud to be an American, it was beautifully done.  The fact that both Clinton and Obama brought Glen home is something I know he is smiling about (politics aside!)  My story telling, name dropping brother can't tell this one so I will do it for him....but I know he would have loved it.  In the beginning of the ceremony Chris Stevens mother broke down.  Barbara was about to put a hand on her shoulder, instead Obama go up from his seat and came over for one more hug before he himself went up to the podium.  The words and traditions of bringing these boys home were beyond beautiful and I felt a sense of peace inside of me.  There was a moment of lightness as Ty Woods father's cell phone alarm went off and he could not silence it.  Our State Department friend, former Secret Service took it upon himself to relieve the nice man of his phone and shoved it under his leg to silence it..  After all the words and prayers were spoken there were more hugs from all and greetings from Senator Kerry, and John McCain.  The Libyan ambassadors also came to us with hugs and traditional middle eastern greetings and a very surprising/unexpected message.  He looked at me and said "we will get those responsible for this, I promise you that....sooner or later."  It was nice to hear and a promise I hope is kept.  

The mood after the ceremony was much lighter as I think we all had a sense of peace from our experience.  There was some laughter and jokes, and my nephew True was given helicopter twirls from our State Department friend, former Secret Service/Marine/dear friend of Glen's.  It was a beautiful sight.  If Glen were telling this story he would add that he were surrounded by Secret Service to make it feel even cooler.  We said our goodbye's one last time and watched the plane with our boys depart, headed for one more stop before hometowns.  

I am so proud to be an American on this day, and I have witnessed the best in the business helping to make a really shitty time a little bit better.  Politics aside the day was handled with the utmost professionalism, tradition and beauty.  Glen is proud.  Glen is honored.  Glen is home.  

Feel free to forward to any and all, thanks for all the kind words and support,

Kate

DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.....

It is hard for me to listen to all the rhetoric being sent out from Charlotte these days.I have a  memory and I remember things politicians have done, and when I hear them say things that are completely different than their prior actions.....It is hard to stay quiet.

I will leave it this way on this night.......It is their turn.....and it is the American Way.....

I will take the advise of the British who have been a friend and foe.

STAY CALM, AND CARRY ON......

JERSEY SHORES......CAMP SUNSHINE....

I asked for a hero last week.......and I did not get a response......so I found some "right under my nose"

I try not to "kick someone" when the are down,but it was noticed that Jersey Shores has been cancelled.
It  has been a "thorn in my side"that the characters of the show have been popular beyond belief the last few years and been rewarded for their unruly behavior and beliefs;while other young people go around trying to do the right things ... and never getting rewarded or "fully realized for their actions"

I am changing that right now  !!!

Have you heard of CAMP SUNSHINE IN MAINE   ?

Here is a paraphrase of it's website;

"On the shore of Sebago Lake,Camp Sunshine provides  respite ,support,joy and hope to children with life threatening illnesses and their immediate family......."

Meaghan Walker of Lynn, Molly Durgin of Lynn, Brooke Bergeron,Swampscott, Gabe Skelton of Lynn, Lily Gardner of Lynn, Jake Kiley of Lynn and Megan Lang of Peabody along with Teacher
Doug Lowe of St. Mary HS,Lynn,Ma. are the heroes.

All of the above young people took time away from their families, responsibilities and summer jobs to
give love and support to children and families in need during a difficult time in their lives.

God Bless  these superstars.....and take a look at Camp Sunshine and consider volunteering or giving them financial support.

HAVE YOU GOT A HERO.........?

Followers of "Thought's" are aware that I am a fan of "action rather than words".....if you have a story of  somebody or thing that rings of heroism,love,call of duty above the norm .....let me know and
we will see to it that it is recognized.

My motivation for this blog is to tell positive "life stories and dreams of people "........It is great to give  recognition due to human and spiritual achievement ......harveyrowe@me.com is open 24 hours
awaiting your story.......

Have a Great Day    !

FATHER RALPH W. BEITING....REST IN HEAVEN

www.fbamc-ky-org

One of the greatest figures that I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED  passed away while I was on my trip to Ecuador.I strongly urge that you link to the above site.

His brave heart gave away a few weeks ago while a group of missionaries from Boston had come to assist him in helping the poor in the Mountains of Kentucky.He was in the Hospital and he requested that the Group visit him. In his true fashion he gave them a list of all things he wanted accomplished during the week......along with an overview of the Mission in the future.He passed in his sleep that evening.

He went to the Mountains of Kentucky shortly after graduating from the Seminary for a one year assignment.The year ended and instead of leaving he requested to stay awhile longer.He did not want to leave the "poor of the mountain"..........60 years or so later......His life on earth came to an end in a mountain hospital.

What did he do ?.....He built thrift stores which hired employees,the stores needed maintenance crews,
who in turn needed stores......all of which churned out an economy that needed homes,trailers,schools
and warehouses.The good people of the USA sent donations of clothes,appliances,food....you name it.....it showed up.......It was a hard week of work to unload those trucks as they came....You never knew what was in them.

He built an economy.......out of faith,love and hope.

Saint Mother Theresa visited him....since she had learned of his deeds....Yes, the same Mother Theresa
of whose Nuns had created the Hospice in Ecuador that I visited last month.

Interesting note.....Only 2% of the population that he served is Catholic.

Please pray for him and ...."His people of the Mountain"    http://www.cdlex.org/index.cfm/NewsItem?ID=339937&From=Home

KIM......PULLS A SURPRISE.....

Ok......when is enough........enough.....Kim mentioned the other night at  "My Brother's Table"that
he might swim on Saturday......

So what did he do ? He swam the Graves Light Swim  to Carson Beach, South Boston which I
believe is 8 miles..........This must be some kind of world record.........If not it should be......Swim the
English Channel and six days later finish another long distance swim....

The director of the Race said he has no memory of anyone doing it in the past.

Kim mentioned that he weighed 200 lbs. prior to the English swim and was at 184 lbs.  the other night.

Maybe  he has developed a new weight loss program....It is hard to eat much... when in the water.