Lightly Salted: April 2008

Stress and Ant Nests

Ever since my father had a stress related illness which put him out of action for a few years I have carefully watched my own signs of stress so I am able to manage my stress levels carefully.

Without going into unnecessary detail, life is pretty stressful at the moment so I've been watching myself even more closely. When work, home and play reach peak stress levels all at the same time, I was particularly concerned. I could feel the onset of some of the early symptoms of stress and so I started to make plans to spend more time in de-stress activity, when I picked up the phone...

It was a friend who periodically calls to rehash various family tragedies of the past months.

Apr

You tell 'em Papa!

Stuck in essay deadline hell, but I couldn't resist posting this from Benedict's address to the US Bishops

This leads me to ask how, in the twenty-first century, a bishop can best fulfill the call to "make all things new in Christ, our hope"? How can he lead his people to "an encounter with the living God", the source of that life-transforming hope of which the Gospel speaks (cf. Spe Salvi, 4)? Perhaps he needs to begin by clearing away some of the barriers to such an encounter.

Apr

Holy Sex!

This post is a place holder for what I hope will be a review of a new book by Gregory K. Popcak called... wait for it...

Apr

Catholic Family Podcasting

With a Grain of Salt goes to air!

Yes that's right, the blog you are reading was recommended on a Catholic Family podcast episode recently, and the link provided on the website!

Was it for the incisive political commentary? The searching posts on manhood and marriage? The cute and amusing dialogues with my frighteningly insightful children? No.

The host was mildly amused at the picture of the pope 'taking off' which you I include here (in case I later change the one on the side bar).

Apr

Democracy is Dead

Some time ago I introduced my favourite debate to this blog. That is, is democracy optimistic or pessimistic (concerning human nature)? I rarely find anyone interested in carrying this discussion past the explanation of the basic arguments and, even posted here, drew no responses.

Apr

More on NFP living

Further to my post on Making NFP easier for guys, which was itself a reply to Simcha's discussion on the matter, JimmyV from Natural Family Life posted an excellent response in the com box over there. I didn't want it lost among all those other posts so here are his suggestions on the topic.

2. As stated previously, lots of affirmative words help a man to know his sacrifice is appreciated.

3. Giving your husband time to follow his hobbies in private. Men need time alone to work things out.

4.

Apr

Can't resist

With apologies to those who are sick of baby suff, I couldn't resist posting this one of all the children meeting Benjamin.

Apr

A new Holmes!

The baby countdown is officially over!

Benjamin Edward Holmes was born at 9:45pm today, April 8th. Benjamin weighed in at 10lb 1oz and his head circumference was 38.5cm, the largest any of the midwives had seen! He is a healthy boy with a fine voice and a hearty appetite.

Susie did it all drug free again and without the need for stitches. She is already recovering well. For those who are local, please respect her need to rest at this stage.

Apr

Making NFP work for guys

I was astounded when, using track back, I found Simcha's post on NFP from a wife's perspective. Specifically she asks her male readers to help her compose a list of 10 Ways Wives Can Make NFP Easier On Their Husbands.

Her one and only contribution to this list is "Have seven children". Unfortunately I don't think this one actually belongs on the list without further clarification.

Apr

Fr Deeter and the Sydney Morning Herald

The Sydney Morning Herald, living up to their reputation for grasping at every chance to lay the boot into the Catholic faith, have reported the following:

A CONSERVATIVE ally of the Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, has unexpectedly quit his job. Father Timothy Deeter, the director of the Liturgy Office for Sydney, resigned before Easter and returned to his former diocese, Perth, but the archdiocese has denied a falling out between Cardinal Pell and his senior cleric.

Accurate enough so far.

Lightly Salted

A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men. - Roald Dahl -