Seven years ago today, a humble little Christian blog raised its head up to look over the parapet at an increasingly hostile world. It has grown much and occasionally waned since that day, but has never lowered its head, nor has it changed its mission from that first day, as expressed in our tagline:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you … John 13:34.
None of us who actively contribute here, were here that day. Scoop and I are probably the oldest contributors left, and I’m not very active at present, but my heart remains here.
If you are newer than we are, I’d recommend that you poke around in the archives, there is much to enjoy and much to learn, from many viewpoints.
All of those who are listed in our sidebar as contributors gave us much wisdom and remain in my thoughts and my prayers. Those no longer active are missed and I give thanks daily for those who have carried the load, before and now as well.
Mother Julian of Norwich, a great favorite of us here leaves us a couple of thought on this day.
“He said not ‘Thou shalt not be tempested, thou shalt not be travailed, thou shalt not be dis-eased’; but he said, ‘Thou shalt not be overcome.”
But also:
“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” ..
Both are important to keep in mind.
So raise a glass and thank God, that there are those who keep their head up and their eyes on the prize of Heaven, and then drink to the next seven years, that they may see us continue the Lord’s work.
All Along the Watchtower 
Aye, it started such a short time ago as an apologia of sorts by all kinds of perspectives and we learnt, one from another, more about ourselves and them than we probably ever imagined. And yet, in that short 7 years it seems the world and the breakdown of Christianity and its moral precepts within society has accelerated to a degree that makes it seem like that short 7 years was perhaps 7 centuries ago. Some of us have grown tired and weary and teeter on the edge of hope or hope lost and yet we still write or discuss to some degree not so much to one another, it seems to me, but as a crying out to God Himself to bring order out of chaos and clarity out of confusion. Or perhaps it is only myself which I am speaking for . . . as in the sulphur vapors of evil there seems no answers and little if no fresh air to be had; just thicker fog and a faintness of a world enshrouded in heavy fog where what was is barely discernible to even the best eyes. And my eyes have weakened both spiritually and physically. Another 7 years seems impossible as I reflect on this and yet the baton is shifting from us who are playing the last holes on the back-nine to a younger generation who as yet to endure the frustrations of old men and women who seemingly fought with no appreciable victories to our name. May they do better than we.
I often reflect upon this fleeting time by recalling the words of our Lord when He said:
Matthew 24:22 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
And unless those days had been shortened, no flesh should be saved: but for the sake of the elect those days shall be shortened.
And I try to keep in mind, among other verses as well:
2 Timothy 3:1 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
Know also this, that, in the last days, shall come dangerous times.
Jude 18 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
Who told you, that in the last time there should come mockers, walking according to their own desires in ungodlinesses.
So, speaking for myself, I cannot say that I should have or should in the future expect anything more than what I have thus far witnessed or felt than that which has befallen the world during these short. We have been told and I guess we should not express surprise nor be downhearted because scripture is being fulfilled as we live. Did we not expect it to be so?
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Much of your sentiment I would echo. I think everyone here knows that I believe th Parousia is near and that what you discuss (apostasy, heresy, etc), given its scale, is a sign by which we might know this.
I too feel weary, though also for personal reasons in addition to the general angst Christians feel as they long for the transformation of this corrupt world into the Millennium.
I think you are right to say that we have brought some clarity to each other over the years. I feel more in touch with Catholicism now as a religion practised by real people – or, I should say, *lived* by real people. One point that has probably been on my mind recently is conversion: it is interesting to note that you and Chalcedon both converted to Catholicism after experience of other Christian denominations. For me, although I had some church experiences as a child, and have Catholic French ancestry, I became a Christian in my teens and chose church for myself and went by myself until a later time when, after a conversation with my mother, she started going to church.
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Yes, with all the problems inherent in the Catholic Church it does seem to be under a “special” satanic attack and that, though sad and disheartening to the faithful, seems to signify my belief that it is the Church Christ founded; always mocked, hated by satan, placed in the crosshairs for destruction by the world, yet it still exists, whether underground in China or perhaps in a future underground existence for the remnant. And just as a large vessel that is sinking sucks all the smaller boats down with it, She does seem to have some effect on all the other Christian denominations.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us during this, our hour of need.
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Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed art thou among women, blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
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And how Satan would love this idea for the reconstruction of Notre Dame:
https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/ecpfh/uma-proposes-swimming-pool-at-the-roof-of-notredame-as-a-new-meditative-public-space-.html
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Awful, just awful. The Eldest Daughter of the Church France was once called. Notre Dame ought to be rebuilt according to its original gothic style, funded by the money of Catholics French people – not corporate people looking for publicity and tax breaks. No mass but the Latin mass should be permitted there – and not as tweaked by modernists – nothing after 1870s. It should have no female deacons or altar girls, and it ought to host a reconsecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ and the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and days of fasting should be prescribed:
1) to commemorate the burning;
2) in atonement for the massacre of the Huguenots on Saint Bartholomew’s Day;
3) in atonement for the murder of priests and laity during the French Revolution.
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I couldn’t have said it better. Amen.
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We’re unlikely to get what we want, however. Meanwhile, Paris wallows in a breakdown of law and order. I told a classmate today who is visiting Paris for the weekend to be careful about street gangs, con artists, etc.
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France should also take the lead in campaigning for the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart – although Portugal as the location of Fatima is arguably more appropriate.
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Indeed. There is nothing more pleasing to God than a repentant sinner and the fall from grace, of France, was a great loss and its turning back would be a great joy in heaven.
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I am interested to see what sorts of representatives are elected as MEPs by France this year. Maybe that will indicate a turning and resurrection of nationalism and Catholicism in France.
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I think it would indeed.
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You may be interested to hear that there are also concerns about a definition of Islamophobia being adopted in the UK by political parties and local government councils that could serve as a backdoor for Islamic anti-blasphemy laws. Cranmer’s blog has a piece on it and Gavin Ashenden (whose wife, incidentally is Catholic) is one of the signatories.
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Yes that is news to me. Keep us updated.
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Thank you, Jess, wherever you roam now, and all the contributors past and present, for making this place and for making this place special.
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I share with you both what Mother Julian correctly called our dis-ease. Not that I have any answers either. But I do know this, in the end, we will win, and as a friend on another blog said this morning:
“In the spiritual realm lies the real battle. It follows therefore that those who can war there: Spirit-filled Christians, who pray, are the most valuable soldiers by far.
The trashing of democracy, rampant crime, disordered sexuality etc, are all orchestrated by these spiritual powers. Victory there is a prerequisite for victory here, on the ground.
And so, the most urgent exhortation imaginable is encapsulated in the title of this hymn: “Soldiers of Christ arise”.”
And here it is, Lyrics by Charles Wesley and music by Georg Handel
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What a wonderful song. I know it in a modern incarnation, which we sang recently at church. Evidently this is one that is sung to various melodies. I notice in the US it is often sung to the melody we use for “Crown Him with many crowns”.
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Indeed so, I flat loved it. It is indeed sung to that tune, and some others. For more on it go to https://www.conservativewoman.co.uk/the-midweek-hymn-soldiers-of-christ-arise/#comment-4464081451
A commenter there, brought this version to our attention. 🙂
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I’m a sucker for the old songs. I am especially fond of Bunyan’s “He who would valiant be”, which is beloved of Baptists. Though I don’t think he composed the tune we use today.
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Not all that old, the tune is Handel’s from one of the opera and entitled Richard I, which, no doubt is why it sounds Medieval and would have 300 years ago.
The Lyrics are Wesley’s and come from Ephesians, Put on the whole Armor of God.
A very good example of how much the feel of a hymn can be modified by the tune used with it. Here it to “Diamondata” which is also used for “Crown Him with Many Crowns.
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A 7 yr anniversary would not be complete without me making fun of false religions.
“with all the problems inherent in the Catholic Church it does seem to be under a “special” satanic attack”
“seems to signify my belief that it is the Church Christ founded; always mocked, hated by satan,”
I laugh so hard i bust a gut when Marys blurt out that the more wicked the clergy act, the more it shows the CC is gods true church.
Lets see what it is about the catholic church that satan hates so much…..
Lets start from the top;
Incorporating demonic pagan symbols and renaming pagan gods biblical names for the new roman state run religion…….Hmmmmmm, satan cant really object to that.
Burning to death anyone who wont join the new state run religion….surely, the devil wont object to that.
Torture and confiscation of property of people caught with the bible that the CC banned. Bible meetings in homes were banned also. After having their lands stolen, the children were put on the street as beggars and the criminal parents tortured and burned……could that be what satan doesnt like….burning people? Naw, he loves that.
Homosexual orgies in St Peters…..gotta be satans favorite.
Genocide……ah, what a pleasure to see ones work thrive so well.
Child rape and murder. Nuns killing their priests babies and burying them under the convents, by the hundreds of thousands……….satan says “whats not to love”
To be honest, i just dont see why mr Devil would have any reason to destroy his finest creation.
Happy anniversary good sister Jess.
By the way, ive been here from the beginning…..nobody likes to mention that. (;-D
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