A Deo et Rege

Anyone notice that…

when people have eyeglasses in commercials, it’s almost always a commercial for something eyeglasses related?

I apologize for not blogging much recently. I’ve been really busy and sadly things won’t slow down for at least another couple of weeks. For all practical purposes, summer for me is over. It was a good one, although I certainly didn’t accomplish all that I would’ve liked (who ever does?). I’m excited about the start of the new school year, although I always enter it with a bit of ambivalence. Teaching itself is great and so are the students. However, sometimes the side issues (discipline and "clerical" type things, for example) can be a bit tiring and draining. I’m fortunate that my school is great! Also, beginning September 15th, I will be starting my online classes. I’m excited about this as well, but also a tad worried. I procrastinate sometimes and I know I’ll have to keep on my toes! Finally, even though summer has ended for me personally, it’s still hot.

I’m ready for fall.

I’ve returned to the Cleveland area to start another school year. So far, things are going well. I’m kind of glad to be back in a regular routine, although I do miss getting up at 9:00am on weekdays! I decided that I didn’t want to stay cloistered in my house all the time, so I bought a wireless card with the intention of going to the somewhat local Buffalo Wild Wings (they offer free wireless) and playing trivia on Tuesdays. Since I have to go alone (my friends aren’t really into it), I figured the wireless connection would help make things a little less boring! So, I’m live-blogging from BWW while playing Buzztime trivia. It’s pretty cool and the connection is awesome.

Blessed Solemnity of the Assumption/Dormition!

Tomorrow marks the solemnity of the Assumption, a very important feast in the Catholic calendar (called the Dormition in Orthodox/Eastern Catholic calendars and a general feast of the Blessed Mother in some Protestant ones). The Assumption also means my anniversary of entering the Catholic Church has arrived. I was received and confirmed and partook of my first holy communion on August 14th, 2004. While the confirmation and reception were completed in the afternoon, my first Eucharist was the mass for the eve of the Assumption. I’ve been Catholic now for two years and I still feel just as blessed as that first day.

This was given to me by my priest yesterday. I find it to be very helpful and wanted to share it:

My God, I believe most firmly that Thou watchest over all who hope in
Thee,
and that we can want for nothing when we rely upon Thee in all
things;
therefore I am resolved for the future to have no anxieties,
and to cast all my cares upon Thee.

Finally, I know that my confidence cannot exceed Thy bounty,
and that I shall never receive less than I have hoped for from Thee.
Therefore I hope that Thou wilt sustain me against my evil
inclinations;
that Thou wilt protect me against the most furious
assults of the evil one,
and that Thou wilt cause my weakness to
triumph over my most powerful enemies.
I hope that Thou wilt never
cease to love me,
and that I shall love Thee unceasingly.
"In Thee, O
Lord, have I hoped; let me never be confounded."

St. Claude de la Columbiere

Photo by Jonthan Bennett
Source

Al Kimel at Pontifications has posted some excellent thoughts on justification entitled The Grand Question. I must confess that I don’t really get into or even always understand (or care to) the justification debates. Perhaps, it’s because my Protestant denominational homes before I was Catholic were Methodist and Anglican, where, at least, practically, there are other more important issues and emphases. It also may be that my largest faith influence was the early Church Fathers, who don’t really touch on the issue in much depth. So, it’s always nice to read thoughtful articles like Al Kimel’s where I learn something. Also, Kendall Harmon has posted this article on his blog, Titusonenine and the responses to it are worth checking out. I think it reveals that Anglicanism (and, I think this can be said of Protestantism as a whole) has more "perspectives" on justification than a single perspective, including everything from Calvinist to Catholic.

On Monday, I left for a short vacation to Sandusky, Ohio. I returned yesterday a lot more tired and a lot more tan/burnt.

Sandusky has a lot of tourist related activities, but is primarily known for the Cedar Point amusement park. There’s actually a lot to do in the general area. The first day, we visited Sorrowful Mother Shrine, which is a huge outdoor area devoted to the Blessed Mother. However, this occurred during a terrible heatwave throughout the Midwest, so we couldn’t stay here very long. That same day, we also visited a nice winery. The area of Ohio along Lake Erie is surprisingly full of wineries.

The second day we had freshly caught and cooked seafood and traveled around a few local small towns and hit another winery. This one had a lot of "character" and would be a beautiful place to live. It was a fun day overall, but once again the heat was terrible and certainly hindered some activities.

The third day we went to Soak City, Cedar Point’s water park. We had wanted to go to Cedar Point, but it was just so hot. The park was quite busy and was a blast. It wasn’t too bad being out in the sun either since we were playing in the water all day! However, Cedar Point was all around us and David and I were constantly drawn to it. The park had a "starlight" special so we went to Cedar Point later in the evening. Fortunately, right as
we were getting in line these two girls came up and offered us a coupon for two tickets for the price of one! Girls, wherever you are, God bless you and thanks! Cedar Point was awesome.

The trip back yesterday was uneventful. It was a really fun vacation and some of the little things made it nice. The hotel had free coffee 24/7 and always had a newspaper with the continental breakfast. Also, most of the area was by Lake Erie which, even with some pollution, looks beautiful. This trip was the "last hurrah" of summer for me. So, in spite of being glad to be back home, I am also a little sad. Like coming off of a great roller coaster, I’m bruised, burnt, and exhausted, yet more than ready to go again.

Photos from Sorrowful Mother Shrine and Lake Erie by Jonathan Bennett (click to enlarge)