tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62012711079773054932023-11-15T08:06:21.809-07:00Love Notes for TeensA Year of Encouragement from MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-48502638853534816782012-01-23T20:44:00.002-07:002012-01-25T13:47:26.310-07:00You DriveI didn't drive you to school today. You drove yourself.<br />
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Ninety percent of me is happy for you. You earned your license, your car, and your dad's trust. Your purple car makes me laugh and I'm glad to provide Arizona Diamondback fuzzy dice for pop. </div>
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Five percent of me is battling worry. Will you be safe? Will you get in an accident? Will you hurt yourself or someone else after making an inexperienced driver's mistake? But I can talk myself down pretty easily from these worries, placing my trust in you, your maturity, and God's perfect will.</div>
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What about the remaining 5%? I'm grieving. I'm out of a job, no more chauffeuring you. It was while driving we talked sports radio, <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i>, politics, and everything. On some days the ride to and from school proved to be our only time alone, just you and me. So, I'm feeling selfish and sorry for myself.</div>
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Because time with you is precious.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Mom </div>
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<br /></div>Angie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-41887945497087542332011-12-07T17:03:00.001-07:002011-12-07T18:52:30.366-07:00X FactorYou talked me into watching the X Factor. I'm glad. At first I didn't get it. All I could see were the performers facing criticism and weeping as they failed. It seemed falsely dramatic and rather cruel. <br />
<br />
Listening to you talk about what you see changed my mind. Now I see these (mostly) young people taking a huge risk on a huge stage. They face their fears and failure. These performers are talented and have the nerve to think they can out-talent the talented person standing next to them. Or do they out-work that person? Or see the mystery, or luck, of it all?<br />
<br />
Now I see the attraction of this competition, hard work, giving your all, suspense, failing, surviving, and sweet victory. Stuff we all face. Those still standing seem to be enjoying the ride while it lasts. And we're enjoying the ride with them. <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-360218992625712842011-11-30T18:55:00.000-07:002011-12-07T21:44:45.990-07:00Souls and ThanksgivingThe month of November flew by and I didn't post. But I really wanted to. So here are the most important points that come to mind (backdated.)<br />
<br />
Each November we ponder All the Saints who have gone before us and are cheering us on to heavenly victory. We pray for the souls who have gone before us, who are suffering. We give thanks for all the good we experience on this earth, especially good people. Remember them.<br />
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November is about remembering...thanking...thinking of ends and preparing for beginnings to come.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-31195931200172073292011-10-29T17:16:00.000-07:002011-11-01T16:02:38.643-07:00Scary TeensJust in time for Halloween, here's my top 10 list for why some adults find teens scary:<br />
<br />
10. Teens can dress funny.<br />
9. Teens can be opinionated.<br />
8. Teens can walk around in big groups.<br />
7. Teens can be silly.<br />
6. Teens can be big.<br />
5. Teens can be disrespectful.<br />
4. Teens can be loud.<br />
3. Teens can be impulsive.<br />
2. Teens can be apathetic.<br />
1. Teens tell their truth.<br />
<br />
Most of these behaviors aren't that scary, except for the telling their truth part. So the vast majority of teens aren't really scary. Those teens who do the scariest things need brave adults in their lives (to love, support, and provide direction) the most.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-57413565241712617842011-10-19T17:23:00.000-07:002011-10-19T17:23:32.063-07:00How Beautiful to ServeThe cantor sang, "How Beautiful" at Mass. You and your brother were altar servers. I was struck by your willingness to publicly serve and be a part of all who love God. No easy task., you risk the ridicule of peers and enjoy fewer mornings to sleep late. Clearly the only gain is the privilege of serving God in this special way.<br />
<br />
More teens would be happy if they could find a way to serve their family, church, and community in meaningful ways. Giving to others, especially when no prestige is gained, is beautiful.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-53977255787615031732011-09-29T14:36:00.001-07:002011-09-29T14:36:55.383-07:00Be Your(best)self"Just be yourself." I hear this advice given via media and passing conversation, especially among teens. I'm not quite sure what it means. <br />
<br />
Looking at it from one point of view, it might mean, "I really love you and think you are great. Don't get discouraged by those who are trying to cut you down. You do so many wonderful things that only you can do in your special way. You don't need to change to fit some arbitrary standard." This is sweet, reassuring, and hopefully true.<br />
<br />
Looking at it from another point of view, it might mean, "Do whatever you want to do." This is wrong advice when speaking about serious matters, no matter what.<br />
<br />
If I ever advised someone to "Just be yourself," it was a long, long, time ago. Now I would be more clear. I would say, "Just be your best self. God made you one-of-a-kind and has important plans for you. Be sure to share your time and talents well. Know right from wrong and keep striving for what is <a href="http://lovenotes4teens.blogspot.com/2011/09/think-about-these-things.html">good</a>."<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mom Angie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-46179942842403573912011-09-27T19:34:00.000-07:002011-09-27T19:34:04.453-07:00Think About These ThingsWith many conflicting, confusing, and contradictory messages to sift through, I find the following passage to be helpful, practical, and reassuring:
<br />
<blockquote>
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8</blockquote>
Truth. Honor. Justice. Purity. Loveliness. Graciousness. Excellence. Worthiness.<br />
<br />
These things.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-76810073025395834932011-09-25T20:45:00.000-07:002011-09-25T20:45:12.364-07:00Are You Serious?I wonder if teens and young adults feel compelled to tease, joke, and goof around so much as a way to balance out the discouraged, disheartened, and uptight adults they encounter. I'm an adult who needs to be serious about my responsibilities but I shouldn't use this as an excuse to be anxious, negative, or grim.<br />
<br />
Thank you for teasing me (just enough) about my old, dull eyeglasses to help me loosen up and get a cute pair. <br />
<br />
Thank you for joking (just enough) about my shortcomings and mothering missteps to show you love me even when I fail.<br />
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And thanks for goofing around with me, the family, friends, and others. You lighten our loads and fill our space with <a href="http://lovenotes4teens.blogspot.com/2011/03/very-funny.html">laughter</a>.<br />
<br />
The next time you ask me, "Are you serious?" I'll likely reply, "Yes. Finish your homework." But I'm less discouraged, disheartened, and uptight because of you :) .<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-38958478644709638652011-09-19T19:40:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:40:55.197-07:00It Was MeA common answer to "Who did it?" is "It wasn't me." But was it?<br />
<br />
If you tend to be talkative, outgoing, or powerful, have you ever demanded others to do wrong? "Hey, Joe, go trip that kid." Or have you ever provoked someone? "Go ahead, just try and hit me." Have you ever participated in wrong? "Ya, let's skip school." Or have you defended something that is wrong, as if it is right?<br />
<br />
If you tend to be quiet, introverted, or influential, have you advised someone to do wrong? "Just tell your dad you're going with me." Have you ever gone along with others because you couldn't say no? Have you praised someone doing wrong. "You're so cool." Have you hidden the wrong of others when it involved <a href="http://lovenotes4teens.blogspot.com/2011/09/tell-and-not-tell.html">big harm or big damage?</a><br />
<br />
It is easy to be, intentionally or not, an accessory to another's wrong. You may not have done the wrong, technically, but in a way, "It was me."<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-1387969766909232862011-09-14T21:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T20:11:50.400-07:00Tell and Not TellI hate tattling. When you and your siblings were little, I helped you to not tattle by teaching a few rules that apply to young (and old) adults, too.<br />
<br />
1. <u>Big harm</u>. If your 4 year old brother is about to jump off the patio roof expecting to fly in his Spiderman pajamas - TELL (an adult) because he could get badly hurt.<br />
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2. <u>Big damage</u>. If your 6 year old brother is lighting a plastic cup on fire in the garage - TELL (an adult) because fire spreads quickly and could burn down the house.<br />
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3. <u>Concerned</u>. If there is no immediate harm or damage but you are concerned - TELL the person involved. "I'm concerned about you. This could really hurt you or someone else, or cause costly damage. Please stop and go tell (an adult who can help.) Or I will."<br />
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4. <u>Trying to get someone in trouble</u>. If there is no immediate or pending big harm or damage - DON'T TELL because that is tattling, trying to make yourself look good or build yourself up at another's expense.<br />
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Drunk driving? TELL (someone who can help) because there is a big risk of physical injury and death to self and other as well as costly damage and legal consequences. Teammate is late for practice? DON'T TELL (unless coach asks) because there is no immediate concern.<br />
<br />
I love your efforts to tell and not tell, well.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mom Angie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-57596299035003952182011-09-08T19:16:00.001-07:002011-09-08T19:16:27.634-07:00Virtues and ValuesVirtues are qualities within a person that can grow and produce good behaviors. When you grow in generosity it shows in your increased giving to others. Values are things to which we give high worth that is relative and changeable. When you were young, you valued your bike and now you value your car, and perhaps the freedom connected to both. When I was young my neighborhood valued church picnics and now my neighborhood values privacy, perhaps a reflection of diminishing unity. <br />
<br />
I prioritize growing in virtue over giving value. Our Catholic faith helps us by defining <a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c1a7.htm">virtues</a>, teaching priorities, and showing them impervious to personal and cultural mood swings. The highest virtues are faith, hope, and charity as love, called the Theological Virtues. Prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude are Cardinal Virtues. The Seven Heavenly Virtues are humility, generosity, chastity, meekness, temperance, brotherly love, and diligence.<br />
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The mass media "Pass It On" spots from values.com currently highlights 83 "values" to include: appreciation, believe, caring, character, common ground, compassion, compliments, courtesy, do your part, encouragement, friendship, generosity, good manners, gratitude, hard work, helping others, honesty, hope, including others, inspiration, integrity, live life, live your dreams, love, making a difference, opportunity, optimism, patience, reaching out, right choices, sharing, sportsmanship, spread your wings, teaching by example, true beauty. While each has worth, the swelling list and blurring of virtues and values doesn't help anyone to prioritize and live out what is most important. <br />
<blockquote>
So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13</blockquote>
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-27612711102432744432011-08-31T20:04:00.002-07:002011-08-31T20:11:32.798-07:00Love Where You LiveIt is common for teens to want to leave their hometown. It is understandable to want to encounter new places and challenges. But waiting for the future can cause unhappiness now. Finding ways to love and enjoy home in the present is key.<br />
<br />
August is a great time to put my proposal to the test. In this desert it is hot as Hades, dry as straw, and a constant haboob in the making. Nasty. It would be really, really, easy to hate this place and pine for someplace cool, wet, and storm-free. Yet, with a little imagination and the habit of gratitude, there is much to love here. Swimming pools and water parks abound offering relief and fun. Museums and restaurants offer new experiences. Malls and libraries have free air-conditioning. The Arizona Diamondbacks are winning! Lines are short at most places. Coupons and great deals are everywhere. Plus, in just a few weeks, we'll be back to paradise. <br />
<br />
I've learned how to love tough-to-love places; the remote town that was thrilled to get a Walmart, the quirky town that built tunnels for toads, and a city closely linked to the sitcom, <i>The Office. </i>It is a real confidence builder to know I can love challenging places. Reminds me of the <i>New York, New York </i>song lyric, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere." You can make it here, there, or anywhere when you learn how to love where you live. <br />
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Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-29720374743367504342011-08-30T19:02:00.001-07:002011-08-31T09:48:00.322-07:00Happy Birthday!When one of us in the family celebrates a birthday, we have a sweet and corny tradition of telling the birthday celebrant all the things we love about them. That's a lot of love to tell you on your birthday, son.<br />
<br />
You are... <br />
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<b>smart</b>, especially people smart.<br />
<b>handsome</b>, and some day you'll be grateful for your youthful good looks:)<br />
<b>happy</b>, always ready with a smile.<br />
<b>funny,</b> lifting the spirits of others.<br />
<b>confident</b>, doing what you know is right.<br />
<b>athletic</b>, working crazy hard to meet your goals.<br />
<b>generous</b>, giving to others in need.<br />
<b>manly</b>, truly, no need for false props like foul language.<br />
<b>fun</b>, able to layer and layer a good time.<br />
<b>hard-working</b>, in sports, academics, relationships, life.<br />
<b>strong</b>, having suffered seriously in your young life.<br />
<b>humble</b>, in spite of the accolades you receive.<br />
<b>trustworthy</b>, having earned it.<br />
<b>faithful</b>, a natural witness to God's joy.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>You will show me the path to life,<br />
<br />
abounding joy in your presence,<br />
<br />
the delights at your right hand forever.<br />
<br />
Psalm 16:11</blockquote><br />
<i>Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear son, happy birthday to you! And many more.</i><br />
<br />
Love, <br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-1943806853080213792011-08-23T19:10:00.000-07:002011-08-23T19:10:14.695-07:00Recovering from ShockAs a young woman, it can be shocking when a young man is forward, bold, and aggressive. A woman can freeze in her shoes from shock when this behavior is physical.<br />
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Some boys and men do really stupid, insensitive, and even criminal acts against women. Most women experience some situation where they are on the receiving end of unwanted advances. I wish this wasn't true. But here are a few things I've learned that might help move from shock to wisdom. <br />
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No one gets a free pass. Each person must earn your trust over time. This doesn't mean to be cynical, fearful, or harsh. It means it is OK to be cautious and street smart as you grow in experience and wisdom. <br />
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Time takes care of even the biggest hurts. You'll feel out of sorts for a while but, in general, God helps heal our hearts within a year of shocking events. Be patient with yourself. Keep talking and processing this event with your loved ones. <br />
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Bad behavior is shocking. But your ability to recover is ASTONISHING! <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mom Angie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-39512629895648390772011-08-15T19:57:00.000-07:002011-08-15T19:57:41.974-07:00Vacation LoveVacations are one of the glues that hold a full and sometimes difficult life together. These extended breaks from routine offer many opportunities to have fun, build relationships, and rest. Vacations are also for doing favorite things like eating delicious food and eating more delicious food. <br />
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I have so enjoyed vacationing with you over the years. When you were little, you mainly enjoyed having the undivided attention of me and your dad. It didn't really matter where we were as long as you could play in dirt and water. As you've grown in sophistication, so have our vacations. Now the dirt is beach sand and the water is the Pacific Ocean or resort giant water slides and lazy rivers. <br />
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This year was special. We were able to gorge ourselves on the Major League Baseball All Star Game and many related events. Knowing this may be a once in a lifetime experience, we slid into home at Fan Fest, hurt our necks watching home run after home run at the Home Run Derby, and cheered the National League onto victory. I smile whenever I think about the fans in from Montana, the balls we retrieved (and just missed), and the full house in our home away from home, Chase Field.<br />
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Thanks for being such great company during these special times. I look forward to our next vacation. And the one after that. And the one after that...<br />
<br />
Love,Angie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-54328547832840782902011-07-27T11:06:00.000-07:002011-07-27T11:06:07.762-07:00Spotify CollectionYou obtained a much coveted account with Spotify. Even better, you are sharing it with your parents. Off the top of our heads...<br />
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The Call - Reconcile. Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels. Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms. Placido Domingo - Perhaps Love. Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman. Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle (how embarrassing.) Hall and Oats - Bigger than the Both of Us. Dave Mason - We Just Disagree. Neil Young - Thrasher. Bob Dylan - Shelter from the Storm. Elvis Costello - Allison. Thin Lizzy. U2.<br />
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Bruce Springsteen. Dire Straits. Aretha Franklin - Respect. B52s - Love Shack. REM - End of the World. Tom Petty - Won't Back Down. Journey - Don't Stop Believing. Al Green - Let's Stay Together. Sly and the Family Stone - Dance to the Music. Rod Stewart. Supremes. Diana Krall. Jose Feliciano, Santana. Van Morrison, Johnny Cash, Beach Boys. Bonnie Raitt.<br />
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Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Corelli. Mozart, Beethoven, Shubert. Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms. Sousa, Foster, Gershwin, Bernstein, Ellington. Barbershop, Polkas, Broadway. Bluegrass - Bill Monroe. Cowboy - Riders in the Sky. Patsy Cline. Sinatra. Bocelli. Chieftons, Irish Rovers. Gilbert and Sullivan. <br />
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A good start.<br />
<br />
Thanks,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-17133288818958131322011-07-22T14:39:00.000-07:002011-07-22T14:39:01.442-07:00Nacho CheeseNeed a ballpark nachos fix? For your next snack attack, consider making your own nachos with this easy Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe from Allrecipes.com:<br />
<blockquote><strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
<ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 tablespoons butter</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 cup milk</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 7 slices processed American cheese</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
</ul><h3 class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Directions</span></h3><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour. Pour in the milk and stir until the mixture thickens. Stirring constantly, mix in cheese and salt. Continue to cook and stir until cheese has melted and all ingredients are well blended, about 15 minutes. </span></li>
</ol></div><br />
<ol></ol></blockquote>Keep it classic or add one of the following: chili powder, drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, black olives, chopped spinach, chili, or whatever you like. Yum!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-23947684879804422272011-07-20T10:32:00.000-07:002011-07-20T10:32:08.774-07:00Dress for the OccasionYou dress well, and I appreciate your effort. It must be tough, considering how little cultural consensus there is on how to dress. Being older and from the northeast, I had an advantage growing up. I rarely claim "the good ole days" argument, but we definitely knew how to dress for an occasion.<br />
<br />
For school and work, there were uniforms or dress codes. For church, we wore our "Sunday Best." For weddings (arguably the biggest of occasions) we wore several outfits; one for church, one for day, and one for night - the most formal and fancy outfits. For funerals we wore black. Men wore suits and pants. Women wore dresses. Kids wore shorts past our fingertips in length. For winter we bundled up. For gym class we wore sneakers. For sleep we wore pajamas. No mixing.<br />
<br />
Some decided this was too confining, boring, stuffy, or costly. Not me. Coming from a humble background, having different clothing for different occasions meant our life was full of variety and not a monotonous stream of casual days in jeans. Because we were practical, I never found myself in high heels walking through a muddy baseball field or at a lake wearing a dress unprepared to swim. My clothes never made a statement as much as gave me opportunities to show different aspects of myself and positively engage in my community.<br />
<br />
I cheer you on as you buck current trends of skimpy, elite, droopy, androgynous, effortless, and misfit clothing. Be practical, appropriate, and let your personality shine.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-37366451103158564752011-07-18T13:33:00.002-07:002011-07-18T13:39:14.213-07:00Absolutely Judge"Don't judge me or others" is an unreasonable and misleading request. Confusion hinges on the word "judge." The Catechism of the Catholic Church <a href="http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a6.htm">explains</a>:<br />
<blockquote>Conscience is a judgment of reason by which the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act. </blockquote>We absolutely need to judge concrete acts (behaviors) in order to grow. To judge well we must have a well-formed conscience to better <a href="http://lovenotes4teens.blogspot.com/2011/02/know-yourself-love-others.html">know ourselves and to love others.</a> <br />
<br />
How does this look in real life? Let's say there is a teen attending Mass in a revealing outfit. It is correct to judge objectively that the outfit is revealing and not appropriate for Mass based on the expectation of semi-formal wear, "Sunday Best." My judgement allows me to dress properly, avert my eyes, to say a prayer for the young person, and to give a warm welcome, being rightfully pleased by his or her attendance. I can't judge her intent or the state of his soul, which God alone judges. If I grow in relationship with the teen over time, we may discuss appropriate dress.<br />
<br />
If "don't judge" means to give benefit of the doubt and to be loving, courteous, and respectful, I'm in. If it means, "There is no right or wrong," I disagree. If it means, "I'm shutting down discussion," reconsider. If it means, "I want to do what I want to do and I want you to approve," then that conscience is immature, limiting one's ability to love others and judge reasonably.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-16610584106208538662011-07-16T11:55:00.001-07:002011-07-16T12:10:19.095-07:00Leading Cause of DeathVehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 16 to 20 year olds. Having earned your driver's permit, I need to tell you so much. I'll begin with...I still remember, like it was yesterday, attending the funeral of my dad's friend's teen daughter. She was a passenger in a car full of her friends "driving around" at night. The driver took a curve too quickly and rolled the car. Driver lived. Passenger, this sweet girl, died. Just. Like. That. I expect and please do:<br />
<br />
<b>Wear your seat belt</b>. Make this an automatic habit.<br />
<strong>Be alert</strong>. Be well-fed, hydrated, and rested, especially after athletics and working many or odd hours. No chemicals that impair judgement and reaction time.<br />
<b>Avoid distractions</b>. Just drive. No cell phones, food, make-up, loud friends, music. Nothing. Just your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.<br />
<b>Be considerate and non-reactive</b>. Other drivers will be rude, make mistakes, or disrespect you. Who cares. <br />
<b>Stay humble</b>. Don't underestimate your inexperience. Avoid speeding, purposeless driving, and driving at night.<br />
<br />
We don't control everything, but we do control all of the above. For the rest:<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.catholictradition.org/Two-Hearts/drivers-prayer.htm">Driver's Prayer</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant me </div><div style="text-align: center;">a steady hand and watchful eye, </div><div style="text-align: center;">that none be hurt as I pass by. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thou givest life. I pray no act of mine </div><div style="text-align: center;">take away or mar that gift Divine. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Protect those, Lord, who travel with me </div><div style="text-align: center;">from highway dangers and all anxiety. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Teach me to use my car for others' needs </div><div style="text-align: center;">and never miss the beauty of Thy </div><div style="text-align: center;">world through excessive speed. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I pledge to drive with loving concern </div><div style="text-align: center;">to my every destination, </div><div style="text-align: center;">offering each travel hour to Thee </div><div style="text-align: center;">in a spirit of reparation. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, </div><div style="text-align: center;">my auto Companion, </div><div style="text-align: center;">have mercy on me. </div></blockquote>Be safe, kid. Your life is precious to me.<br />
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Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-34441830532356333322011-07-14T14:55:00.000-07:002011-07-14T14:55:40.151-07:00Pleasant CompanyBeing with you this summer is wonder-full. Whether we go to a party, ballgame, or Mass, I can count on you to be pleasant company for me and others. I love when adults compliment me on your courtesy and am pleased when you are rewarded with equally pleasant friends, opportunities, and tootsie pops. <br />
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It's also sad to consider how little common courtesy is shown to adults by many teens. I've been on the receiving end (sulking, eye-rolling, silence, arrogance, boredom, isolation) and wonder how discourtesy became so acceptable and excusable. I don't expect perfection, but I do expect effort. If we don't expect young people to behave properly in social settings (make eye contact, shake hands, smile, engage) we do them a major disservice. Sure it can be tough to listen to a dull story, eat a lackluster meal, accept a hug, and hold the door for an elderly man. Yet, these are exactly the little ways we live out God's design to love others. <br />
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So keep showing up, smiling, hugging, chatting, laughing, and listening. Keep bringing your famous caramel corn, playing with the little kids, and talking baseball with the dads. I...we...appreciate it!<br />
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Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-61473915119044021252011-07-04T16:36:00.003-07:002011-07-04T20:06:52.537-07:00Love of CountryI love my country. Through patriotism I show gratitude for the sacrifices of past patriots and hope for our future. Love for my country contributes to my happiness. The good, beautiful, and excellent shine, warming my heart. E Pluribus Unum and In God We Trust bring tears to my eyes. Cynics, critics, and entitled are chronically unhappy because they don't see the spacious skies, brotherhood, and Liberty in our American home.<br />
<blockquote>O beautiful for spacious skies, <br />
For amber waves of grain, <br />
For purple mountain majesties <br />
Above the fruited plain! <br />
America! America! <br />
God shed his grace on thee <br />
And crown thy good with brotherhood <br />
From sea to shining sea!</blockquote>On this 4th of July while wearing red, white, and blue; wave the flag, thank a veteran, watch baseball, attend a parade, celebrate with friends, eat yummy picnic food, read the Declaration of Independence, ooh and aah below fireworks...and sing:<br />
<blockquote>God Bless America, <br />
Land that I love. <br />
Stand beside her, and guide her <br />
Thru the night with a light from above. <br />
From the mountains, to the prairies, <br />
To the oceans, white with foam <br />
God bless America, My home sweet home. </blockquote>Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-23703631884816278782011-07-01T18:34:00.000-07:002011-07-01T18:34:13.948-07:00Truth IsI wonder if Bob Marley would be surprised to know that teen girls find his following quote touching enough to spread like wild fire across social media:<blockquote>Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.</blockquote>My best guess is that hearts touched by this quote have suffered connected to someone they have loving feelings toward. And that does hurt. But here's some consolation.<br />
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"Everybody" isn't going to hurt you. Most people (your mail carrier, neighbor, and cousin) are pretty decent and many people are surprisingly kind (the surgeon who reset your nose, the professor who gave you a break, and the driver who gave you room to merge.)<br />
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Who is worth suffering for? This isn't as mysterious as it sounds. In order of priority, husbands and wives are to suffer for each other and their children. Children are to honor, and suffer for, their <a href="http://lovenotes4teens.blogspot.com/2011/04/when-adults-fail-you.html">parents</a>. In the nuclear family we are to suffer for our siblings. From there we are to suffer for the truly vulnerable to include:<br />
<blockquote>... care for orphans and widows in their affliction... James 1:27 </blockquote>Truth is...never found in emotionally misleading words.<br />
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Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-45514111550804597152011-06-28T13:42:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:42:39.904-07:00Love Notes from ThereseThoughts about love...<br />
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"The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness."<br />
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"We have merely to love Him, without looking at ourselves, without examining our faults too much."<br />
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"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."<br />
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"Merit does not consist in doing or giving much. It consists in loving much."<br />
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"Little things done out of love are those that charm the Heart of Christ… On the contrary, the most brilliant deeds, when done without love, are but nothingness."<br />
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"Be not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and carry you like a little child too feeble to walk."<br />
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"Trust and trust alone should lead us to love."<br />
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"It is love alone that counts." <br />
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...from <a href="http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-therese-of-lisieux/">St. Therese of Lisieux.</a><br />
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Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201271107977305493.post-58938505708124473642011-06-25T17:07:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:07:06.737-07:00Not InvitedHow awkward. You are surrounded by, and overhear, peers making plans...without you.<blockquote>True charity consists in putting up with all one's neighbor's faults, never being surprised by his weakness, and being inspired by the least of his virtues. St. Thérèse of Lisieux</blockquote>Don't take it personally. Perhaps they don't know it is rude to discuss private matters in public. There's a lot of that going around, unfortunately. Or maybe they know exactly what they are doing. That is a poor reflection on them, not you. Either way, it is good to wish others happiness. With or without you.<br />
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Love,<br />
MomAngie Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215680828023517248noreply@blogger.com