Francis of Assisi Movie

I watched the 1961 movie about St. Francis of Assisi. I cannot help but think about how God always shows us his will. Did you know the young actress who played St. Clare became a Benedictine nun a few years after it came out. She entered an order in Connecticut. In a world that so reveres Hollywood, it is so hard to imagine that she would do that. Of course, God knew what he was doing. He always does. Dolores Hart, the girl who played St. Clare, and the girl who kissed Elvis (and her first kiss at that, with Elvis's first film debut) would become Mother Dolores Hart. So as I watched this movie, I could not help but think about the foreshadowing in the actress's life.

Trust and Truth

It can be very hard to trust someone - especially nowadays. I recall a homily from the campus chaplin from Sunday. He said a priest told him once that a society that has oaths all the times is a society of lies. We should always be truthful. If we are honest, there is no need for oaths and it is easier for someone to tell the truth. Think about it. Stop saying "I swear." Just say what you mean and mean what you say. There should be no need for "I swear" at that end of a sentence. If you are an honest person, your word will be valued over an oath. It should be, anyway. Truth builds trust.

Hanging On

Just when my life is starting to get back to normal since my laptop has been fixed, I have been having technological difficulties with one of my programs. On the bright side, I was able to charge my MP3 player and also buy some NOOKbooks (Barnes & Nobles e-books) for my freshman seminar class. So life isn't that great, but it's getting better.

It really would have been better without the wind advisory that knocked the power out a couple times on campus. But, at least with my laptop back (and not a loaner laptop) I can get back to a regular schedule with my homework and reading for classes.

Hang in there, no matter what your problems are. Things always get better.

Lineage

You know the show "Who Do You Think You Are?" Well, the show inspired me to research my family history. It is a lot harder than it looks. Of course, the stars actually go to the historical society and get help. I'm trying to do it on my own... but I think I will stop at one of the historical societies. I think an ancestor might have lived in Taneytown, MD, which is in Carroll County and not that far away from the Mount. Wish me luck.

Our Hope

I go to Mount St. Mary's University in pictureseque Emmitsburg, MD. The motto is "our hope." It is quite fitting, actually, since you definitely feel hope all around campus. It doesn't matter what is going on your life. You get a sense of hope. Maybe it's because of Mass, or Adoration, or the grotto, but one this sure: we have hope because we love God. Since those things bring us closer to God, it is easier to have hope.