tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38183432011-11-27T19:37:02.629-05:00sacra*MENTAL*Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-11399683452375025422010-08-18T11:47:00.002-04:002010-08-18T11:47:26.201-04:00Be Not AfraidAre you fearful? Follow this prescription.
Remember the words Pope John Paul II continually reminded us of during his papacy: "Be Not Afraid".
Sing this song, below, at least once a day, preferably to your children!
Most importantly, believe what the words say. Think of it as a promise, and trust in the promise, because the promise is true. I can testify to that personally, as can many others.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-31346291782919026712010-07-11T13:19:00.000-04:002010-07-11T13:19:16.046-04:00Bishop Dowling's Socialist TEA Party MessageIt has always fascinated me that within various faith traditions, just as in politics, there is always a left and a right. One might say that politics influences religion and vice versa. Certainly, there is a lot of that going on, but I tend to think that whether or not individual people end up leaning left or right has a lot to do with their own life experiences and how they interpret them. Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-91152322286416748062010-07-08T12:13:00.002-04:002010-07-08T12:13:10.218-04:00Building a Catholic CultureWe Catholics are charged with helping to strengthen the Church, to assist in building a Catholic culture, but what does that mean exactly? And what can we do to advance the Catholic culture in America? Let's examine it for a moment.
First, it is helpful to know what a 'Catholic culture' is. It is a culture made up of people who place Jesus first in their lives and who live His message.
In Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-6039969520335862642010-06-20T12:52:00.000-04:002010-06-20T12:52:11.877-04:00More to Hypocrisy Than You Might ThinkWriting about the teaching of Jesus on hypocrisy from Matthew 6, Monsignor Charles Pope explains that hypocrisy covers far more than what might initially come to mind: Hypocrisy Is More Than We Usually Think. An analysis of Jesus’ teaching on hypocrisy in Matthew 6
Msgr. Pope defines hypocrisy thusly:
In effect Jesus describes hypocrisy as the sad state of a person who reduces himself to being Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-44872684284502038452010-06-12T12:31:00.000-04:002010-06-12T12:31:27.068-04:00Spiritual WarfareThis Sunday's readings speak of faith and forgiveness, but also of healing from evil spirits.
In Luke 8:1-3 we read:
Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-5461201547034580892010-05-29T13:48:00.000-04:002010-05-29T13:48:20.582-04:00Pope to Visit Cyprus in JunePope Benedict XVI will travel to Cyprus, June 4-6, 2010. Here are some articles of interest in regard to this trip.
Vatican Radio: Fr. Lombardi Editorial - Why Cyprus?
Reuters: Catholics in Cyprus eagerly await papal visit
DC Art Travel Examiner: Vatican prepares Pope Benedict’s Cyprus visit in June
Catholic News Service: Pope to visit Cyprus, present topics for Middle East synod
CatholicLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-34914402664878146892010-05-29T12:37:00.000-04:002010-05-29T12:37:00.605-04:00God is Looking Out For YouThere is no such thing as a coincidence. Everything happens for a reason. There are supernatural forces currently engaged in a battle for souls. This battle goes on outside our human perception, but it is still quite real.
Please consider reading: Coincidence? I think NOT!
God is always looking out for your best interest.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-51898976757616704632010-04-25T22:36:00.000-04:002010-04-25T22:36:17.021-04:00Jesus: The Bread From HeavenSee Scripture references on The Eucharist compiled by Scripture Catholic.
It was my first attendance at a Catholic Mass that I understood the words of Christ in regard to eating His Flesh and drinking His Blood. I would encourage the curious to consider the Scripture references linked above. Below is one of the songs sung at that Mass where I found Jesus Christ is the True Son of God at HolyLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-54925191423784169622010-04-25T10:47:00.001-04:002010-04-25T10:53:52.242-04:00Trusting in Jesus: The Painful Path to JoyThere is redemption in the Cross which we all participate in when we carry our individual crosses. My cross is different from your cross, but it was made especially for me. It was specifically designed to help me to become the person God wants me to be.
The Scripture "God's strength is made perfect in weakness" was always difficult for me to understand.............until I received a cross. I Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-33503981996211752292010-01-02T11:42:00.007-05:002010-04-25T11:02:31.318-04:00Embracing the CrossNote: My previous post on sacra*MENTAL* was on August 29, 2008, the day John McCain announced that Sarah Palin would be his Vice-Presidential running mate. Life has changed a great deal for me since then. Palin's candidacy spurred me to political involvement again -- politics has always been an invigorating arena for me. I've also contracted Lyme Disease which is now at chronic status. By Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-7808237967416708202008-08-29T13:22:00.003-04:002010-01-02T09:30:19.695-05:00John McCain Picks Sarah Palin as Running MateJohn McCain picks Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as Vice-Presidential Running MateI could not be more thrilled about this. Governor Palin is a pro-life wife and mother of five who chose life for her youngest child when so many in today's world would have chosen abortion. She is a courageous fighter against corruption in government, a true reformer who puts the people first. McCain made a slam Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-18839614306444231772008-06-17T03:32:00.004-04:002008-06-17T03:37:28.824-04:00Are you getting enough sugar? Researchers with the Cambridge Department of Neuroscience are working tirelessly to find new treatments for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. View this recent article on their findings regarding the efficient use of glucose in the brains of mentally ill patients. I personally sent these researchers a thank you note for all their hard work in trying Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-67593974429389311222008-05-16T06:39:00.001-04:002008-05-16T06:39:57.923-04:00Today's Readings.............an excerpt..You believe that God is one. You do well.Even the demons believe that and tremble.Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless?View all the readings for May 16 here.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-36150932902505694652008-05-16T05:50:00.007-04:002008-05-16T05:59:49.702-04:00The Passionist Nuns of Whitesville. Please visit the website of the Cloistered Passionist Nuns of Whitesville, Kentucky. They will remember you seven times a day in prayer if you but ask. Take a mini-"retreat" on their web space by viewing their pages on Our Mother of Sorrows, their E-books/Meditations and more. I also recommend a visit to their new vocation blog called In The Shadow Of His Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-9722147766028840842008-05-16T05:14:00.002-04:002008-05-16T05:48:53.253-04:00Evolution. Is it realistic?Lately, it is becoming more and more clear to me that the theory of evolution is not something realistic people would buy if they were to hear the scientific case for it. I am an intelligent person and I have been sincerely seeking the answers to legitimate questions about the theory of evolution. Disappointment has been the order of the day since I have found Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-34398504069994212482008-02-23T18:56:00.002-05:002008-02-23T18:59:35.526-05:00Please visit Catholic Moms Matchmaking -- bringing together Catholic families to build the strong Catholic families of tomorrow.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-85139009232470007402007-06-13T21:31:00.000-04:002007-06-13T23:49:36.320-04:00It has been a long time since I saw anything on the net about bipolar disorder that made me angry. I admit that I am angry about something that I've just found, but I am trying very hard to be amenable about it. The article that I am referring to is on the website of Raymond Lloyd Richmond, PhD, of San Francisco and can be found HERE. It is an essay that addresses, in part, the cause(s?) of Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-38972922529927046662007-05-31T13:17:00.000-04:002007-05-31T13:29:07.590-04:00Feast of the Visitation of MaryTo view today's readings you may click HERE. Today we are taught about the joy that was felt by Mary because of the coming of the Messiah. Mary speaks of what God has done for her, but she also speaks of what God has done for all of humanity. As she tells us, He shares with us His mercy, His strength, protection and nourishment. Because we know that all goodnessLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-40748895199615728192007-05-30T15:00:00.000-04:002007-05-30T15:10:20.887-04:00Today's Readings (May 30) which can be read HERE seem to epitomize the state of mind one must have in order to truly seek wellness. The first and second readings are both from Psalms. We can see in these readings the crying out to God for help but the crying out is not that of a lamentation. Rather, it is spoken by one who believes that God will fulfill these things asked for. And why do we have Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-70018295098729680542007-05-30T14:05:00.000-04:002007-05-30T14:32:25.833-04:00Attaining Mental HealthYou've heard it too many times. Bipolar Disorder is "incurable". Indeed, it is true that there is no cure for this horrible illness, however there are a lot of things you can do to help yourself cope with the illness and to make life a bit more fulfilling. I'd like to give you some tips but first it would probably be best to give you a brief overview of my symptoms:Here Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-39798531046722564512007-05-29T22:34:00.000-04:002007-05-29T22:58:46.766-04:00What is Rapid Cycling? The definitions of rapid cycling vary between individuals because there seem to be different manifestions of bipolar disorder that could be termed "rapid cycling". For the well-known definition, try this one at About.com. The folks at About.com have been awfully good to me and I think they know their stuff, but in this one particular instance I will have to disagree. In Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-83813394160555790972007-05-29T00:12:00.000-04:002007-05-29T00:24:42.426-04:00The Baptist Sunday school teachers did teach me one thing. They taught me this little song.Jesus loves me, this I knowFor the Bible tells me so.Little ones to Him belong.They are weak but He is strong.Yes, Jesus loves me.Yes, Jesus loves me.Yes, Jesus loves me.The Bible tells me so.Now, before you lovely Catholics start making fun of that song, just pay close attention to the words. There is someLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-60943100344806502682007-05-28T22:35:00.000-04:002007-05-29T22:34:15.720-04:00In just a few days I will be headed to Massillon, Ohio, to visit Father Gretchko at the National Shrine of St. Dymphna. Actually, I first made plans to visit the Shrine and then met Fr. Gretchko, the priest in charge there, via email. He is very accomodating, I must say. He is also a parish priest and I hope to visit his parish and attend Mass there when we go.About St. Dymphna, follow the Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-77634945459425480252007-05-28T21:14:00.000-04:002007-05-28T22:08:51.092-04:00I have returned at last. I am hopeful that this blog can be of help to someone. Perhaps it can also be of help to me.Okay, so what have I been doing with myself? I've basically been riding the roller coaster which is my life. Right now I am angry. Damn angry. I suppose it's chemical. In fact, I know it is. It's enough to make someone want to stop taking the meds. I know a lot of people say that'sLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1100161281750057342004-11-11T04:21:00.000-04:002004-11-11T04:21:21.750-04:00Catholics with Bipolar Disorder has a new and very important member. We have a new spiritual director and his name is Brother Steven with the Redemptorists of New Orleans. God bless Brother Steven and God bless the Redemptorists for allowing him to join our group.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1099572401003925832004-11-04T08:46:00.000-04:002004-11-04T08:46:41.003-04:00Well, it's been a couple of weeks, now, and I'm feeling much better. How glad I am to get off the meds! Actually, I've been taken off two meds completely and I'm still on three: Lithium, Wellbutrin and Lamictal.
I used to think that people who went off their meds were, well, crazy! Now I realize that, for me anyway, the side effects just aren't worth it. I am less able to function on the Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1098820475938726362004-10-26T15:54:00.000-04:002004-10-26T15:54:35.936-04:00I'm starting to hear things now. Would that it could choirs of angels or at least the classical music I used to hear. Now the things I am hearing are frightening sounds. I don't want to talk about it.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1098813685254614452004-10-26T14:00:00.000-04:002004-10-26T14:01:25.256-04:00On the outside, I don't know what people see in me. I know what I see in myself. I see someone who is struggling to maintain sanity..........wondering what those muffled voices mean.......unable to process information without getting really angry about it. Just the idea that someone is making me use my thought-processing skills to formulate an answer to something is enough to throw me into a rageLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1098663608795960202004-10-24T20:13:00.000-04:002004-10-24T20:20:08.796-04:00All about Halloween.
Surprise: Halloween's Not a Pagan Festival After All
Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day
UNICEF and HALLOWEEN
Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1098619499143993032004-10-24T07:52:00.000-04:002004-10-24T08:04:59.143-04:00For a long time I have been on five medications: Lamictal, Lexapro, Lithium, Abilify and Wellbutrin.
The side effects have been awful. Constant diarrhea, blurred vision and fatigue to the point of not being able to function are the worst of these. Now, at long last, I have decided to go off the medication. The medication is not helping me that much, it seems, because I still cannot function. At Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1098618673622471352004-10-24T07:44:00.000-04:002004-10-24T07:51:13.623-04:00Just think. What would happen if terrorists invaded the Vatican and destroyed St. Peter's Basilica ........or a throng of people?
It could happen, right?
No one I know has even mentioned it to me, but it seems to me that the Vatican would be a prime target.
Imagine if the Holy Father were murdered, heaven forbid.
Are we really taking the terrorist threat seriously? Or have we settled back Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1090121911649406772004-07-17T20:48:00.000-04:002007-05-28T22:30:30.143-04:00I am doing much better! Tomorrow, I plan to take all of the kids to Mass with me (I have four children.) I'm just hoping and praying that I do not have a panic attack. Fortunately, it's an 11am Mass, so I will have plenty of time to prepare. This Sunday's readings include the story of Mary and Martha. No doubt, most sermons will be on that story. I choose to reflect, however, on the reading Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1089191947752295062004-07-07T05:08:00.000-04:002004-07-07T05:19:07.753-04:00So many of us with mental disorders experience times when we do not know how to pray. Prayer seems impossible. Let these words from St. Teresa of Avila take hold and know that your prayer of silence is pleasing to God.
"... in such spiritual activity as this, the person who does most is he who thinks least and desires to do least: what we have to do is to beg like poor and needy persons comingLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1086319829899487462004-06-03T23:26:00.000-04:002004-06-03T23:30:29.900-04:00Still in a hole, I went to see my pdoc today to see what my lab results are in regard to my Lithium level. They are normal. I told him about my suicidal thoughts and he raised my Lamictal dosage from 100mg daily to 150mg daily. I'm hoping beyond hope that it will work.
My daughter Teresa is five years old. She has been having hallucinations. She is also extremely emotional........so I took Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1085617866494649082004-05-26T20:30:00.000-04:002004-05-26T20:31:06.493-04:00I've been suffering from depression for a couple of weeks, now....ever since my pdoc decreased my Wellbutrin by one-half. Thanks to the encouragement of my mother and of one of the group members at Bipolar Catholic, I was able to get to the doctor and have him raise it back up. It's still not kicked back in. I'm in a terrible hole. Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1083070256411473572004-04-27T08:50:00.000-04:002004-04-27T08:55:03.500-04:00Psychiatry at a CrossroadsLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1082948480255903512004-04-25T23:01:00.000-04:002004-04-25T23:05:26.170-04:00It Runs In The Family
Gee, it's been so long since I've written, you all probably think I've dropped off the face of the earth! I'm sorry to be away so long. You know me. I take long breaks.A lot has happened since I last wrote. My brother has developed some wildly schizophrenic symptoms. These came out of the blue. He's not had any such symptoms before. Our family is in turmoil about thisLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1076731337741210762004-02-13T23:02:00.000-05:002004-02-13T23:05:02.466-05:00Women burn, strangle and stab themselves in jail hell Dual diagnosis is a nightmare for British inmates and prison staff.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1076729843282343632004-02-13T22:37:00.000-05:002004-02-13T22:39:53.560-05:00Thank you, St. Joseph, for answering my prayer!!!Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1075054741832637402004-01-25T13:19:00.000-05:002004-01-25T13:21:06.653-05:00A friend shared this very powerful prayer with me and so I'm sharing it with you. I'm praying this novena this week for my family.
Prayer to St. Joseph over 1900 years old
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your DivineLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1074530229053225342004-01-19T11:37:00.000-05:002004-01-19T11:39:05.610-05:00I've met so many people this weekend. One hears voices so loudly that they interfere with her prayers. Another has been unable to find the right medication for herself and so she struggles with bipolar disorder unmedicated. Her insurance won't cover her visits to a psychiatrist, so she can't go to one. Another is just returning to the Church, attending her first Mass since she was a child. Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1070124406104434902003-11-29T11:46:00.000-05:002003-11-29T12:02:16.280-05:00David Webster: criminally insane
Read here the story of David Webster. Mr. Webster seems to be one of those whom we definitely want to be locked away somewhere. He is a dangerous man. He also has some mental illness lurking inside him. Among other things, he has symptoms of bipolar disorder. So, where do we put such a man? Prison? Yes and no.
I have been (as a visitor) on the ward for Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1070119515456300692003-11-29T10:25:00.000-05:002003-11-29T10:26:05.076-05:00United States: Mentally Ill Mistreated in Prison
More Mentally Ill in Prison Than in Hospitals An article in Human Rights News -- a publication of Human Rights WatchLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1070119315921824502003-11-29T10:21:00.000-05:002003-11-29T10:22:45.576-05:00Ill-Equipped:
U.S. Prisons and Offenders with Mental IllnessA report by Human Rights WatchLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1070117954483509932003-11-29T09:59:00.000-05:002003-11-29T10:04:03.700-05:00I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I cooked a turkey for the first time! Usually I roast a couple of chickens. We had turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc, etc, etc. The kids were VERY impressed. Unfortunately, my husband could not be with us. He works out of town a lot -- especially on holidays. :-(
November is a big month for us. My Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1070117475937525722003-11-29T09:51:00.000-05:002003-11-29T09:52:05.856-05:00Okay, I'm going to get in trouble for saying this, but say it I must. Based on the facts that I know about the case, I would say that Lisa Snyder is not guilty.
Lisa Snyder has bipolar disorder. In July 2001, emotionally distraught Lisa Snyder, who was off her medication and had not eaten for some time, entered the office of her former psychiatrist and set two fires. Her former psychiatrist Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1070115180542204882003-11-29T09:13:00.000-05:002003-11-29T09:13:50.216-05:00I have been doing a lot better since starting a new prescription called Lamictal. This medication is, to me, a gift of God. I was having no progress at all in my treatment until I started Lamictal. Now, I am able to live life fairly normally. You can find out more about Lamictal by clicking here.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1068863931447522362003-11-14T21:38:00.000-05:002003-11-14T21:48:50.763-05:00Here is some information about some of the drugs we bipolars have to take in order to achieve wellness.
Buspar
Celexa
Lexapro
Prozac
Wellbutrin
Effexor
Zoloft
Paxil
Lithium
Depakote
SeroquelLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1068863208200909862003-11-14T21:26:00.000-05:002003-11-14T21:27:17.560-05:00Justice is swerved -- a story about Lisa Snyder, bipolar disorder and premeditated murder. This woman needs to be in a hospital and not serving two decades in a prison.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1068862353908606062003-11-14T21:12:00.000-05:002003-11-14T21:13:03.450-05:00Mentally ill increasingly fill prisons Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1068842645670121162003-11-14T15:44:00.000-05:002003-11-14T15:44:34.483-05:00So, where have I been? I just received an email asking that question, so I guess I had better check in and let everyone know that I'm okay. There have been no thoughts of suicide in quite some time. So, what's going on? Well, my husband and I just bought a new house together and we've been quite busy as we've been getting ready for the big move. This is an especially joyous occasion since myLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1066492230246971322003-10-18T11:50:00.000-04:002003-10-18T11:51:12.866-04:00I read the book. I see the show. I go down to the road and look both ways, not knowing where to go.
It doesn't do any good to look elsewhere, they said. Just look inside yourself, they said. In there, there is no one to blame, but I know better.
So I turn right, hoping to find the way because that way seems the most logical. I approach a light and I am glad. I found Him at last.
Now I have Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1066014266583161352003-10-12T23:04:00.000-04:002003-10-12T23:04:26.750-04:00LIFE’S not our own,—’t is but a loan
To be repaid~~~Charles SwainLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1066012842232599792003-10-12T22:40:00.000-04:002003-10-12T22:40:41.910-04:00Thanks so much to Wall of Fire for her comments about my most recent entry. I especially love the story about the need to shave. I'm with ya, sister. You can read her comments yourself by clicking HERE. As soon as I can, I'm going to put a permanent link to her blog, so watch for that. In the meantime, here's a link you can use now.Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1066010162724488922003-10-12T21:56:00.000-04:002003-10-12T21:56:02.193-04:00Today I was released from a psychiatric facility in Louisville. I had to spend the night there because I was suicidal. One night in that place seems to have kicked in a refreshing new desire to SURVIVE. What an awful place. Gee, I'm so glad to be home!!! I realize now that I've taken for granted my ability to walk in and out of my home anytime I please. When you're behind the locked doors Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1066009013630701352003-10-12T21:36:00.000-04:002003-10-12T21:36:53.443-04:00CHECK OUT Thérèse - Official SiteLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1065757001685398602003-10-09T23:36:00.000-04:002003-10-09T23:36:41.340-04:00Yahoo! Groups : Bipolar_CatholicCheck out the Bipolar Catholic group at Yahoo.Love from LisaLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1063900358258198402003-09-18T11:52:00.000-04:002003-09-18T11:53:31.370-04:00Are you misunderstood? Today is the feast day of St. Joseph of Cupertino. St. Joseph was
quite misunderstood in his time and was kept separate from the public
because he was misunderstood. Seems like St. Joseph is an appropriate
saint for us to call on for help when we are misunderstood. You can read more about St.
Joseph Cupertino at this URL.
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj04.htm
Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-1060621490738248882003-08-11T13:04:00.000-04:002003-08-11T14:21:56.130-04:00I'm pleased to share with you this brilliant poem by Diane Grejczyk.
NAMELESS
well it seems it's that time again, been almost five years
and now even others can tell
that it's time once again for me to descend
into my private journey to hell.
"insanity", that's just a legal term,
or so that's what they say.
but that won't be consolation to me
when they want to put me away.......
try positiveLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-953255262003-06-05T09:23:00.000-04:002003-06-05T09:25:30.000-04:00Click here for today's readings
Nelson Mandela said:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? [...] Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's
nothing Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-952865902003-06-04T11:14:00.000-04:002003-06-04T11:14:09.536-04:00Click here for today's readings
I dont' have much of a commentary today as I have to clean my carpet today! I will just note that today's readings show that Christ intended for there to be one Church, not many. Today in America and around the world there are thousands upon thousands of different brands of Christianity. People tend to pick the brand that most suits their own sentiments and Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-952424802003-06-03T12:20:00.000-04:002003-06-03T12:21:15.000-04:00Click here for today's readings
I'm sure that many of us, at one time or another, have heard someone say, "I live a quiet faith". How often do we hear someone say, "I live a loud faith"? Perhaps the solemn churches, cathedrals and basilicas of the Catholic Church are not the place for those who live a loud faith......... or are they?
St. Paul lived a very loud faith. The Scriptures don't seem Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-951734862003-06-01T22:32:00.000-04:002003-06-01T22:32:15.880-04:00I made a mistake in the previous post. I should have noted that Mr. Rudolph is to be considered innocent until proven guilty. Please take this into consideration as you read my comments. Thank you and my apologies for the error.
Love from LisaLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-951727312003-06-01T22:10:00.000-04:002003-06-01T22:10:47.973-04:00June 2, 2003
Click here for today's readings
"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."
We recently learned about the capture of Eric Rudolph, suspect in the bombings in Centennial Park, an abortion clinic, an office building and a night club. Many Christians have speculated about whether or not the abortion clinic bombing, at least, might have been a Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-951521042003-06-01T09:45:00.000-04:002003-06-01T09:47:18.000-04:00June 1, 2003
The Ascension of the Lord
Click here for today's readings
Things don't always turn out as we would like them to. People getting married don't plan on being abused and then getting divorced. Some who want to marry never get the opportunity. Some are widowed much too young. These feelings of emptiness are arguably quite similar, and probably similar to the emptiness felt by the Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-950965002003-05-30T17:08:00.000-04:002003-05-30T17:12:05.000-04:00Click here for the readings for May 31, 2003
Today's readings are particularly thrilling for me as today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
I was raised in a Protestant home and let me tell ya, Mary was hardly spoken of. Now that I have learned some things about Mary, I find that to be very sad. Protestants really have no theology about Mary but the Catholic ChurchLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-950957642003-05-30T16:45:00.000-04:002003-05-30T16:45:38.246-04:00Click here for today's readings
Just as we have the power to bring death if we follow Satan, we have the power to bring life if we follow God. Today, as we read what the Jews did to Sosthenes, we see what destruction man can bring with him if he follows not the light. But despite what men may do, as we read in the Psalm, God is king of all the earth. Jesus, King of kings, shows that He will Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-940894032003-05-10T00:05:00.000-04:002003-05-10T00:05:55.996-04:00Today was not good but I was uplifted when I received a letter from Bernard Cardinal Law. Wow. See, I had sent him an Easter card and he was writing to thank me. Not only that, he asked God's blessing on me and my children. Now what more could uplift someone on a gloomy, sorrowful day? God bless Bernard Cardinal Law.
Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-940366632003-05-09T01:58:00.000-04:002003-05-09T01:58:24.996-04:00Click here for today's readings
I truly love today's readings because I had an earth-shattering conversion experience and it was Eucharistic........but I'm not going to talk about that. I'm going to talk about God's powerful presence in our lives and our responsibility to do His will. Our beloved St. Paul was a MURDERER who killed Christians and even loved to do so. But God had another plan Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-940355272003-05-09T01:28:00.000-04:002003-05-09T01:28:14.916-04:00Thanks for being patient with me while I was sick. I am doing somewhat better now emotionally since my doctor put me on an anti-depressant. I am now on five medications (again) to control my Bipolar Disorder. The medication is working reasonably well but I have bad moments throughout the day, here and there. These pains are not stabbing pains, but they are quick as a stab. I cringe. The Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-937309842003-05-03T23:10:00.000-04:002003-05-03T23:10:46.000-04:00I am very sick again and unable to post, but hope to resume in the coming week.
God bless you.
Love from LisaLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-935897682003-05-01T07:57:00.000-04:002003-05-01T07:57:19.000-04:00Click here for today's readings
Today we can read our Bibles, especially today's reading from Acts, and see the rejection of the Sanhedrin, how they wanted to put the Apostles to death, and we can know that there is no victory in their words. We know that their own condemnation brought condemnation upon themselves. In the Gospel, Christ says that "the wrath of God remains upon him" who disobeysLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-935251322003-04-30T07:42:00.000-04:002003-04-30T07:42:19.113-04:00About my illness: I contacted my doctor ((( who is the TOPS in my book ))) and he has prescribed Wellbutrin and Abilify along with my current medications - Zyprexa, Lithium and Trileptal. So far, I am getting better. I am coming close to wellness and I am so very grateful that God has provided me with a fantastic physician and the medicines to combat my illness. Thanks be to God!!Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-935250282003-04-30T07:39:00.000-04:002003-04-30T07:44:02.000-04:00Click here for Today's Readings
In today's readings the Apostles were thrown in jail by the Sadducees, but God sent an angel to release them so that they could.................go to the beach? No! So they could go preach in the temple area.
In today's Psalm we read that God hears the cry of the poor. He will deliver you from all your fears............but not so that life will be made easy Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-933960502003-04-28T08:59:00.000-04:002003-04-28T08:59:29.790-04:00I am unable to post due to illness. I hope to return again soon. I appreciate your prayers.
Love from LisaLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-932353682003-04-25T08:07:00.000-04:002003-04-25T08:07:43.816-04:00Click here for Today's Saint -- St. Mark the EvangelistLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-932351762003-04-25T07:59:00.000-04:002003-04-25T07:59:39.030-04:00Click Here for Today's ReadingsJesus Christ is indeed risen from the dead, and He desires an active, physical presence in our lives. All of our blessings are provided through Him. Whether your need is for the basics of life -- food, water, and shelter -- or for love and compassion, all is provided through Him. Do not reject Him and He will not reject you. Turn to Him with your every need, andLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-928122712003-04-17T21:59:00.000-04:002003-04-17T21:59:22.216-04:00The animal rights people have really outdone themselves (yet again). The group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has erected a billboard using an image of Jesus and calling him "the prince of peas". Say what? Yes, the idea is to get people to think that Jesus was a vegetarian. Not so! Thumbs down to PETA and thumbs up to the good Rabbi who set the record straight. Gee, I Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-927581012003-04-17T00:11:00.000-04:002003-04-17T00:11:40.966-04:00Go here for today's readings
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/041703.htm
Go here for information about Holy Thursday
http://www.kofc.org/liturgical/lent/holyweek/thurs.cfm
I am going to be taking a vacation from commentaries during the remainder of Holy Week. I will try to resume on Monday.
May you all have a blessed Holy Week.
Love from LisaLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-927151102003-04-16T10:01:00.000-04:002003-04-16T10:01:55.296-04:00Go here for today's readings
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/041603.htm
Yesterday I was complaining about "Catholics who aren't Catholic" and how much they annoy me. Well, the readings today have certainly put me in my place. I should be grateful for the grace that God has given me and trust in Him to be my help during these times of weakness.
Betrayal is a difficult thing to deal with -- Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-926501192003-04-15T10:08:00.000-04:002003-04-15T10:08:16.873-04:00Go here for today's readings
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/041503.htm
Jesus is "a light to the nations" that God's "salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." This salvation, then, extends to you as well as to all you meet. No one is beyond the hope of salvation thanks to Jesus Christ. Today, however, we read that no one is immune from the temptations of Satan. Judas is on his way to the Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-925797332003-04-14T09:01:00.000-04:002003-04-14T09:01:46.513-04:00Go here for today's saint
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintp29.htmLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-925796182003-04-14T08:59:00.000-04:002003-04-14T08:59:24.920-04:00Go here for today's readings
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/041403.htm
My son Jesse had his sixth birthday at the end of March. He got just what he had asked for -- a toy weedeater. He also had the usual fare of cake and balloons and party favors for him and for his three siblings. It was the fulfillment of what he had been hoping for the previous several weeks as he anticipated his birthday. Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-925539542003-04-13T21:35:00.000-04:002003-04-13T21:35:10.106-04:00The Passion of Our Lord
Palm Sunday, 2003
Gospel
Mk 14:1--15:47 or 15:1-39
The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
were to take place in two days' time.
So the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way
to arrest him by treachery and put him to death.
They said, "Not during the festival,
for fear that there may be a riot among the people."
When he was in Bethany reclining at tableLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-924353262003-04-11T12:15:00.000-04:002003-04-11T12:15:19.606-04:00Go here for today's readings
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/041103.htm
I wasn't going to do a commentary today because I am so busy here, but I must.
Today's Psalm is my favorite because it describes what God did for me on Ash Wednesday, 1991.
But let me back up a bit. I was raised in a Baptist household. My parents gave me a Bible and trusted me to figure out what I needed to know for Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-923619572003-04-10T10:41:00.000-04:002003-04-10T10:42:10.000-04:00Click here for today's readings
In today's readings, God said to Abraham, "I will render you exceedingly fertile."
WHAT??? EXCEEDINGLY FERTILE?? Yes, you read that right. Fertility is actually a BLESSING, not a curse. This promise of fertility was actually good news to
This blessing upon Abraham has more than one dimension. Despite any cultural norms that might have made this seem to be Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-922041372003-04-08T02:04:00.000-04:002003-04-08T02:04:32.576-04:00Today's saint is St. Albert of Jerusalem. St. Albert was a co-founder of the Carmelite Order.
Below is the Rule for the Carmelites which he authored.
[Chapter 1]
Albert, called by God's favour to be patriarch of the church of Jerusalem, bids health in the Lord and the blessing of the Holy Spirit to his beloved sons in Christ, B. and the other hermits under obedience to him, who live near the Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-922036192003-04-08T01:53:00.000-04:002003-04-08T01:53:42.310-04:00Click here for today's readings
Today when I was having a particularly difficult time with my daughter who was being very disobedient, I thought to myself something that I always try to ask in these situations. "How would God handle this?" When I read a story like the one from the Book of Numbers today, I consider myself to be a very lenient parent. I mean, God sent SNAKES to punish His Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-921551332003-04-07T11:53:00.000-04:002003-04-07T11:55:28.000-04:00Click here for today's readings
The story of Susanna and the judges is quite long but good reading, especially for anyone who is being falsely accused. Susanna was falsely accused of adultery by the two judges of the community who lusted for her and brought the false accusation against her when she refused to lie with them in the garden. Susanna is a model of the sheep at peace with the ShepherdLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-921550152003-04-07T11:51:00.000-04:002003-04-07T11:54:55.000-04:00Today's Saint -- from Patron Saints Index
St. John Baptist de La Salle -- Father of Modern Education
Attended the seminary in Paris, but quit to care for his brothers and sisters upon the death of their parents. When they were grown, he returned to school, graduated, and was ordained.
Founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers), established and supported academic Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-920921242003-04-06T11:34:00.000-04:002003-04-06T11:37:40.000-04:00In the News
Psychiatric Drug Discovery Conference to Highlight Schizophrenia, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety on June 23-24, 2003 in Princeton, NJ
Pfizer antipsychotic efficacious in treating bipolar patients
Embezzler tells her story - or part of it
Bomb threat suspect said to have mood disorder
Support group helps families of children with severe mental illness
Valley braces forLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-920912312003-04-06T11:10:00.000-04:002003-04-06T11:10:30.233-04:00Click here for today's readings
In the reading today from Jeremiah, God said that the time is coming when His law would be written on the hearts of His people. This is often given as a Scriptural "proof" that there is now no need for an authoritative church. Logically speaking, if this Scipture were read in that context, there would also be no need of a Bible. It is true that a man can be saved Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-920911542003-04-06T11:08:00.000-04:002003-04-06T11:09:11.000-04:00Today's Saints: The Martyrs of Hadiab
Martyrs of Hadiab, pray for us!
April 6, 2003
Martyrs of Hadiab
In the fifth year of our persecution, say the acts, Sapor being at Seleucia, caused to be apprehended in the neighboring places one hundred and twenty Christians, of which nine were virgins, consecrated to God; the others were priests, deacons, or of the inferior clergy. They lay six months Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-920369052003-04-05T07:18:00.000-05:002003-04-05T07:19:03.000-05:00Click here for today's readings
I have been thinking a lot about the trusting lamb. Think of an innocent lamb being led to slaughter. It has no idea what is happening. It is clueless -- not harboring the slightest thought that anyone or anything could bring harm to it, and yet it is led to slaughter.
I have heard those who say, "God does not will for us to suffer." It is true that God does notLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-920368672003-04-05T07:16:00.000-05:002003-04-05T07:16:49.983-05:00Today's saint is St. Vincent Ferrer, a Dominican friar and missionary who converted thousands in Europe.
"If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbor, you should approach God first with all your heart. Ask him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues; with it you can accomplish what you desire."
~St. Vincent Ferrer
St. Vincent Ferrer, pray for us!Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-920199162003-04-04T22:14:00.000-05:002003-04-04T22:15:06.000-05:00Click here for today's readingsThe time is drawing nigh when Christ will be crucified. In today's
readings, we see the beginning of the end.
In Reading I from the Book of Wisdom, we see a foreshadowing of the
rejection of Christ.
Today's readings are for all of us who feel rejected. We are reminded
that Christ also suffered from rejection. Since His love for each of
us is perfect, how much moreLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-919191402003-04-03T10:46:00.000-05:002003-04-03T11:00:18.000-05:00IN THE NEWS
Study to Compare St. John's Wort, Rx Antidepressant
Teenage killer acted to stop victim's bullying
Families With Severe Form Of Bipolar Disorder Help Scientists Narrow The Search For Disease Genes
Fibromyalgia -- The Agony and the Ecstasy -- How the OxyContin crackdown hurts patients in pain
OHSU Researchers Discover New Brain Region Involved In Alcoholism
Battlefield Stress
Parents Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-919167742003-04-03T10:04:00.000-05:002003-04-03T10:04:33.500-05:00from americancatholic.org
April 3, 2003
St. Benedict the African
(1526-1589)
Benedict held important posts in the Franciscan Order and gracefully
adjusted to other work when his terms of office were up.
His parents were slaves brought from Africa to Messina, Sicily. Freed
at 18, Benedict did farm work for a wage and soon saved enough to buy
a pair of oxen. He was very proud of those animals. Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-919166832003-04-03T10:02:00.000-05:002003-04-03T10:03:42.000-05:00Click here for Today's Readings
When I was a kid I always watched The Ten Commandments on Easter with my parents. I remember thinking to myself how BIZARRE it was that the Israelites would even think to fashion for themselves a golden calf after all that God had done for them. It seemed to me that God had such a profound presence in their lives, especially in delivering them from their bondage inLisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818343.post-917619722003-04-01T01:40:00.001-05:002003-04-01T01:41:01.000-05:00Click here for Today's Readings
So the Jews said to the man who was cured,
"It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat."
He answered them, "The man who made me well told me,
‘Take up your mat and walk.'"
I am reminded today of how little I recognize God's grace. I long so much to know Jesus -- to know His embrace, and each day is a trial of the soul as I try to figure Lisa Graasnoreply@blogger.com0