Brandon E Taylor's Weblog Cogitations, Meditations, and Ruminations

Words To Live By

John 13:34, NAB

I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. ( Oct 15 2006, 11:45:15 PM PDT ) Permalink Comments [1]

Words To Live By

1 Peter 3:15, NAB

Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. ( Oct 01 2006, 12:32:00 AM PDT ) Permalink

Words To Live By

Hebrews 13:5, NAB

Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." ( Aug 20 2006, 10:38:49 PM PDT ) Permalink

Words To Live By

"Love of neighbour, grounded in the love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful" - Pope Benedict XVI (from Deus Caritas Est, 2005)
( Aug 13 2006, 10:00:00 PM PDT ) Permalink

Words To Live By

"Love is indeed 'ecstasy', not in the sense of a moment of intoxication, but rather as a journey, an ongoing exodus out of the closed inward-looking self towards its liberation through self-giving, and thus towards authentic self-discovery and indeed the discovery of God" - Pope Benedict XVI (from Deus Caritas Est, 2005)
( Aug 06 2006, 01:53:55 AM PDT ) Permalink

Juliana Wetmore (Old Draft; New Post)

To get back into the spirit of blogging again, I decided to work my way through my saved drafts to see if anything there is worth posting. While doing so, I came across the following draft. It contains inspirational information about a very brave girl and her loving family. For updated information, you can go to : http://www.julianawetmore.net.

[Drafted on 08/01/05]
This is at once both one of the most heartbreaking and yet heartwarming stories that I have ever heard.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=28372

I first learned of Juliana Wetmore by watching a recent airing of "Born Without a Face" on the Discovery Health Channel [I believe that there are a couple of episodes, coincidentally enough, airing tonight - 08/06/06]. Since then, I have learned more of her story through various internet articles and blogs.

Julian Wetmore has a serious case of Treacher Collins syndrome. When Juliana was born, she was missing her upper cheekbones, eye sockets, nose, ear canals and most of her outer ears, upper lip and the roof of her mouth.

Juliana's serious handicap makes her unable to hear well, eat through her mouth, breathe without nasal tubes, or speak. Despite this, and a host of resultant maladies, she exhibits a joyful spirit and an almost boundless love for the people around her - particularly the parents that reciprocate with unconditional love of their own.

In a world in which respect for life seems scarcely in evidence at times, the choice Juliana's parent made not to terminate the child`while in the womb or to let her die through lack of medical care is to be applauded. All children are blessings from God [Ps 127:3] and should be treated as such.

In a world in which so many people spend so much of their time feeling sorry for 'how bad things are' in their life, Juliana is a true`inspiration. It is impossible to read her story without being imbued with a greater sense of perspective.

It is easy to use a case like Juliana's as an excuse to deny God's existence or to curse God's ways. I have a greater degree of pity for the poor misguided souls that choose to do so than for Juliana. Her struggles will no doubt be great in this life. But as our Lord says: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" [Matthew 5:3]

Juliana has some of the worst physical disfigurements known to medical science in recent history. Even watching her on television, however, I was aware of the beauty of her spirit. God's works are truly made manifest in this exceptional child [John 9:1-3]

This story moved me profoundly; I hope it will move you as well. ( Aug 06 2006, 01:22:07 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [1]

Words to Live By

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action." - Frank Tibolt
( May 22 2005, 09:23:04 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

Words to Live By

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
( May 15 2005, 12:21:31 PM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

Words to Live By

"The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more." - Dr. Jonas Salk
( May 08 2005, 12:49:32 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

Words to Live By

"Represent the Lord Himself as close to you and behold how lovingly and humbly He is teaching you. Believe me, you should remain with so good a friend as long as you can. If you grow accustomed to having Him present at your side, and He sees that you do so with love and that you go about striving to please Him, you will not be able -- as they say -- to get away from Him; He will never fail you; He will help you in all your trials; you will find him everywhere. Do you think it is some small matter to have a friend like this at your side?" - Teresa of Avila in The Way of Perfection
( May 01 2005, 12:42:32 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

Popes Have Fan Clubs, Too

Pope Benedict XVI Fan Club: homepage

In addition to a wealth of information about the new Pope, there is a page on the site dedicated to "remembrances, reflections, and tributes" to John Paul II.
( Apr 28 2005, 02:12:45 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [46]

Words to Live By

Faith is always demanding, because faith leads us beyond ourselves. It leads us directly to God. Faith also imparts a vision of life's purpose and stimulates us to action. - Pope John Paul II - Homily in Orioles Park at Camben Yards - 10/08/1995
( Apr 24 2005, 12:27:45 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

Pope Benedict XVI

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected by the College of Cardinals, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and has taken the name Pope Benedict XVI. God bless Benedict XVI!

Resources related to Pope Benedict XVI:

• College of Cardinals Bio
• CardinalRating entry
• EWTN article
• Wikipedia entry

( Apr 19 2005, 09:51:04 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [2]

White Smoke!

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! We should find out very soon who has been selected.
( Apr 19 2005, 09:35:32 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [1]

Conclave - Day 1

The Papal Conclave began today with the historic intent to elect the first Pope of Christianty's third millenium. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the first vote resulted in black smoke, indicating that a new Pope has not yet been chosen. I will continue to pray and await a successful vote with great hope and anticipation.

Sistine Chapel Chimney Webcam: here
( Apr 18 2005, 11:00:25 PM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]