Pilgrimages of Life

Over the past 8 weeks, I have learned a lot in VHS.  VHS was definitely information about many hot button topics such as sex, birth control, "the hookup culture," and sexuality in the media.  I enjoyed the many videos and articles on Busted Halo.  While discussing all these issues in class, I feel I clearly learned the Church's perspective on these issues.  I never felt as if the Church's perspective had to be my perspective.  I thought I was able to have my own opinions and express them clearly whether agreeing or disagreeing with the Church.  I thought it was very important that everyone had the opportunity to express their opinions on every matter we discussed.

I also learned a lot about relationships and dating.  Because I will be going to college next year and be faced with the "hookup culture" I think it is important I learned about true relationships in VHS.  Through the love story activity I learned that everyone had a different story and no story is better than the other.  The most important thing is finding someone you want to share everything with.  This is sometimes hard to come by and it might take some time to find the right person.  Lastly, I learned that is it important to accept who you are.  Everyone is different and just because you aren't considered the "norm" doesn't mean you aren't important and special in another way.

Some Say Love...

While seeking love in committed relationships, I think it is important many qualities exist in the relationship.  I think trust, honesty, communication, and understanding are necessary qualities in a relationship.  Sometimes it is hard to find someone you trust all the time, but I believe in soul mates.  I believe there is someone special out there for everyone.  It may take a lifetime to find the right person, but I believe that person is out there!  I don't think being with your soulmate diminishes fighting or disagreement.  Even within the perfect relationship, arguments and problems can occur.  Some days might be better than others.

I think love songs do capture important qualities that exist in relationships.  These 5 songs encompass many characteristics of love I hope to one day experience.  The songs talk about how their love will not allow them ever to give up on each other and their love will not be able to keep them apart.

Alicia Keys "No One"

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright

Jason Mraz "I Won't Give Up"

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

Carrie Underwood "I'll Stand By You"

I'll stand by you

I'll stand by you

I won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

'Cause baby, there ain't no mountain high enough

Ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough

To keep me from getting to you, baby

"You're Beautiful"

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

The Changing Face of Marriage

My experience of living in the "domestic church" has been a typically normal experience.  I live with my mother and father whom are married and a younger sister.  My parents were my first teachers of love and trust.  They taught my sister and I to forgive and help the dear neighbor.  The changing structure of marriage could be good or bad.  For homosexual couples, I think the changing structure of marriage is a good change.  I don't see anything wrong with having two mothers or two fathers.  Because divorce and cohabitation is so common today, the changing structure of marriage could be a bad thing.  Some children in families experience a tough time dealing with separated parents.  Some children are even living in an environment where their parents are not married.  This type of family is not stable and could in turn hurt the child.

I think it is definitely a good thing that individuals with a college degree tend to make better choices regarding marriage.  They tend to have lower divorce rates and multiple marriages.  One day I hope to establish the domestic church in my home.  I hope to teach my children the importance of love, trust, and forgiveness.

Marriage and Vatican II

While reading the article I have realized society and Vatican II have many different views on marriage. For example in the article that marriage is a vocation an authentic or divine call.  Today I don't think people really view marriage as a vocation.  Some people in the Catholic church marry, but some do not.    I think today more people view their occupation as their vocation.  The article also mentions how love is supposed to grow over time.  The divorce rate is so high today and sometimes love definitely does not grow!  Some couples find that they cannot stand one another or even that their feelings have not remained the same.  Thirdly, the Vatican discussed the importance of starting a family.  Today some couples do not have any children for many reasons.  Some do not think they would be good parents, some choose simply not to have kids, and other cannot afford children.  The church is not taking into account all of the different circumstances.  I personally think some couples today are making good decisions about reproducing.  Some couples simply might not be good parents and might not be able to make a good life for their child.  Lastly, the article talked about how marriage is between a man and a woman.  Today we have some couples getting married who consist of two men or even two women.  I think the article discussed many good points about marriage, but society today views many aspects of marriage differently.

Dating: What's the point?

I believe dating when you are young is important and is not something that should be looked down upon.  I think dating helps individuals discover who they really are and what they are looking for in a relationship.  People should date when they are young so when they get a little older and start searching for "the one" they know their likes and dislikes.
The article on Busted Halo discussed the prevalence of "hooking up" in our society.  I believe hooking up is very common on college campuses and it can mean something different for every person.  Some might see hooking up as making out, but others might see it as having sexual intercourse.  Although I do not believe everyone is taking part in the random hookup scene, many are.  I don't think this is the right way to find a healthy long lasting relationship.  Unfortunately many are partaking in this and I don't think the outcome is what they are expecting.  After a casual hookup, often times nothing follows because it was just for fun and it didn't mean anything.

Gender and Dating Relationships

Andy Otto's article on Busted Halo brought up many good points.  I think it is definitely important for couples to discuss getting married prior to getting engaged.  Marriage is a serious commitment and a serious and mature discussion should take place.  The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is an "efficacious sign of grace."

In Andy's article he writes about the movie Runaway Bride in which Ike says, "You know, if you gotta dress it up like that it doesn't ring true."  I think Ike makes a good point because it seems like sometimes people have such over the top engagements and it doesn't really mean anything.  Of course many of the wedding traditions are important in my eyes, but I think the couple should make sure they don't lose touch of what is really important.  

My parents discussed getting married before my dad proposed. They even bought a house together and lived together for a few months to see how things would work out.  My mom didn't want to rush into any decisions without knowing it was right.  I think my parents made a good choice by talking about what they both wanted.  This way when my father proposed, my mom knew it was the right choice for the both of them.

Sexuality

After reading the article by Richard Sparks, I became more familiar with the church's teachings on sexuality.  I was aware of the church's strict teachings regarding sexual intercourse.  I agree with the church's teaching because I believe that sexuality is a gift from God and extremely significant.  I was unaware of some of the teachings regarding homosexuality.  I was aware that the church did not accept marriage between two of the same gender, but I was unaware that the church believes sexual intercourse between two of the same gender is morally wrong.  I believe today the world has grown and grown more accepting towards homosexual relationships.  I think the article did a nice job of explaining the role of sexuality in our lives.  I don't think the article missed any messages or themes.

Mission Statement

I promise to live every day to the fullest and always keep a positive mind. I will not take my life for granted and work hard everyday to fulfill greatness. I will be loving and compassionate towards not only my friends and family, but everyone around me. I vow to be more patient with my sister and guide her in the right direction. I will learn how to forgive those who have sinned against me and move on. I promise to always give 100 percent and never back down from a challenge. In the future, I hope to think of other before myself and always lend a helping hand.

Who Am I?

Through my family, friends, and athletics, I have discovered who I truly am. I believe my family has molded me into the person I am today. My parents have taught me right from wrong and encouraged me to make my own decisions. Ever since I was a child, my parents have encouraged me to always do my best and never give up. Also, my sister has influenced my life. My younger sister has taught me patience. She has taught me that sometimes I going to have to think of others before myself. My friends have also made me, me. Ever since I was three years old, I attended Catholic school. I was friends with the same girls from the age three to thirteen. I believe these girls taught me how to be a good friend and how to listen to other people’s problems. They constantly encouraged me to do my best, and I did the same for them. All of my friends were always there for me and this made me a very open and honest person. I am now able to discuss openly with other people. Ever since I was three years old, athletics have been a big part of my life. In grade school, I played every sport possible. I believe athletics have taught me many important lessons. Because I participated in many sports, I learned how to be a part of a team and how to work together to accomplish a common goal. Athletics have also taught me what great things can come from hard work and dedication. My family, friends, and athletics have made me the person I am today, and I am sure there will be many others factors that affect my identity as I get older.