For the past several months, I have been considering BOPs or Bug Out Places.
Every family should have one. And, every family should adopt on elderly person to take along if possible.
But, before choosing a BOP, one must ask one's self these questions regarding one's self and one's children.
Am I planning for me and my family to be survivors? Or,
Am I planning for me and my family to be martyrs?
If I had a family, I would be making these decisions based on these facts
1) If I had teen boys and girls, I would be pursuing a close relationship with a male and female monastery which would take them in case of emergencies. These young ones would have a better chance of keeping their faith and dying as martyr in such a location. Which children of mine need a more intense spiritual disciplined place than I can provide in my family?
2) If I have college age children at university or college, I would have a plan of communication via mail. You decide whether this would include air tickets and instructions.
3) I would send my college or university age children ONLY to either TAC, Christendom or Wyoming Catholic. Professions cannot be based on the status quo, but on what is necesary.
4) I would be teaching all my children survival techniques.
5) Which brings me to the last point, if one is not at a safe haven, and you all need to pray about where those are, where does one go and where does one take one's family? In other words, where is the BOP?
Suggestions:
Camps you have bought and which are stashed with six months of provisions.
Isolated land where you have provisions and, of course, a water supply, with the capacity of a six month sojourn.
Small towns, not middle size and absolutely not large urban areas where one may have relatives, or on private, nor corporate, farms.
Places near small TLM communities already established, such as Clear Creek.
God will lead people He wants to survive to such places, but you need to plan NOW.
Roads will be shut. Airports will be shut. Train stations will be shut.
Do not take cell phones or internet computers and tablets.
Do not take GPS systems
Take a military blanket like this below. Drones cannot read body heat through these. Your body signature is blocked.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GCRWCG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GCRWCG&linkCode=as2&tag=modesurvblog-20
http://www.tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house-directory-v3.pdf
http://modernsurvivalblog.com/security/how-to-block-ir-infrared-thermal-imaging/
Friday, 3 October 2014
Bug Out Bags and Bug Out Places
Posted by
Supertradmum
Many Catholics I know across the US, from coast to coast, have bought what they think are safe places.
Safe havens will be rare and depend on supporting communities. I was talking with someone about being self-sufficient today. Very few families are ready. They need to be ready now.
Last Christmas, some friends of mine have a mother who bought them all bug-out bags as Christmas presents.
After some thought and prayer, here are my suggestions with the help of some sites.
First of all, if you are in the country in what you consider is a safe haven, have up to six months provisions, including fuel and food.
Second, make sure you have a BOB with Catholic things added, like your sacramental documents, holy water, rosary, crucifix, breviary, missal, Bible.
Here are some suggestions from http://survivalcache.com/bug-out-bag/
Basic Gear sounds repetitive (what have I been talking about?) but it is my category for the things you absolutely cannot live without but don’t really fit well into another category. Many survivalists will not like this list because it is not exhaustive by any means, but again I will say: It will be enough to get you by for a couple of days.
The fact of the matter is you are might be dealing with a “Without Rule of Law” situation, or close to it, and people are likely to do crazy things. Being prepared to defend yourself is part of the survivalist mindset.
Safe havens will be rare and depend on supporting communities. I was talking with someone about being self-sufficient today. Very few families are ready. They need to be ready now.
Last Christmas, some friends of mine have a mother who bought them all bug-out bags as Christmas presents.
After some thought and prayer, here are my suggestions with the help of some sites.
First of all, if you are in the country in what you consider is a safe haven, have up to six months provisions, including fuel and food.
Second, make sure you have a BOB with Catholic things added, like your sacramental documents, holy water, rosary, crucifix, breviary, missal, Bible.
Here are some suggestions from http://survivalcache.com/bug-out-bag/
1. Water
It should go without saying that water is a survival basic for any situation. In a survival situation water quickly becomes the most precious commodity.
1 Liter per day per person is really the bare minimum. So your 3 day Bug Out Bag should have at least 3 liters of water.
To expand your capability or survive longer than a couple of days you will need a water purification system. This can be as simple as boiling water and iodine tablets, or a serious water filter.
- You can use a Collapsible Water Bottle for extra storage.
- Make water collection easier with a Backpacking Bucket.
- Use Coffee Filters to extend the life of your water filtration system.
- Find out How Bottled Water Can Improved Your Bug Out Bag
2. Food
For a 3 Day Bug Out Bag Backpack Meals and Energy Bars can be sufficient. Back pack meals are freeze dried meals that you just add boiling water to. They are light weight and last a long time.
Obviously you will need a longer term food solution in any type of wide area catastrophe, but for your basic Bug Out Bag backpack meals are a good set up.
3. Clothing
- A pair of sturdy boots or shoes
- A pair of long pants (preferably not blue jeans)
- 2 Pairs of socks (preferably not cotton)
- 2 Shirts (Maybe 1 long sleeve and 1 short sleeve for layering)
- A Jacket that is both warm and protection from rain
- Warm long underwear of some kind
- A hat
- A Bandana (30 Uses for a Bandana)
This list could go on for a while and many people would never dream of leaving their Bug Out Bag without twice that much, but in a pinch that set up could get you by for 3 days.
Be sure to plan for the weather in your area: Do You have Seasonal Clothes in Your Bug Out Bag
4. Shelter
If you are going to survive for 3 days you are going to need protection from the elements and a warm dry place to sleep. You need at least:
- Some type of tent or tarp and a way to set it up
- A ground tarp for underneath your shelter to stay dry or a sleeping pad (Never underestimate the importance of this)
- Some type of Bedroll, preferably a good sleeping bag.
5. First Aid Kit
Trying to cover everything you need in your Bug Out Bag First Aid Kit is another article entirely to itself, probably several more. I won’t try to cover it because I would surely leave something out.
What I will do is recommend that you build your own First Aid Kit instead of buying one of those prepackaged first aid kits that claim to have 1001 things to get you through any emergency. While some are ok, in my experience these types of kits are usually filled with a lot of stuff you are unlikely to need and not enough of the things you will probably need a lot of.
Plus, building your own first aid kit gives you an intimate knowledge of what it contains and how to use it. How many people buy one of those pre-made set ups and just assume they are prepared because there’s so much crap in it there must be what I need? Bad Idea.
First Aid Gear: Have a Sawyer Extractor for Poisonous Snake Bites
6. Basic Gear
Rain Gear – at least 2 ways to stay dry in the rain. Poncho and Coat are good coupled with your Tent/Shelter
Fire – A bare minimum of 3 different ways to make fire. I wrote more about this here:Do You have 5 Ways to Make Fire? With that you can get a flame but you will have to actually build the fire up too: 5 Ideas for Fire Tender.
You’re also going to need something to cut your firewood and a knife uses too much energy long term: Choosing the Best Survival Chainsaw
Cooking – Bare minimum here is a small pot/large cup to boil water in for both drinking and freeze dried meals. A small backpacking stove and fuel are better.
Light – At least 2 dependable flashlights and a backup set of batteries for each.
Survival Knife – The most used and most versatile tool in your Bug Out Bag is yoursurvival knife. I wrote more about this here: 7 Things You Should Consider before Choosing Your Survival Knife
7. Weapons
Obviously a firearm of some sort is best for this. (Though not in all situations) I will not go into specifics about what type of gun you should bring because that is hotly debated and really a personal choice. Take what is comfortable to you.
Outside of guns your survival knife could be used as weapon if you had to. Also something as simple as a big walking stick or club can be a strong deterrent for bad guys. It’s all about giving yourself options.
More ideas are found here. http://bugoutbagacademy.com/free-bug-out-bag-list/
Time for hesitating about these BOBs is over!
Here are some suggestions for bags.
BEST BUG OUT BAG COMPARISON
THE SANDPIPER
The sandpiper is made of polyester, has the capacity to carry enough gear for several days, contains multiple compression loops, tie downs and attachment points for equipment and accessories. This bag measures 26″ long 15.5″ wide 10.5″ deep.
Average Rating:
THE TACTICAL MILITARY MOLLE
The Molle is made of durable 600 D nylon material. It’s easy to organize with one large compartment and six smaller compartments. This bag is MOLLE strap and PALS compatible, is 20″ x 11.5″ x 11″ plus it can expand another 3″, has shoulder straps and a belt that can be stowed for protection during flights.
Average Rating:
THE SPEC-OPS T.H.E PACK
The Spec-Ops T.H.E Pack is made from super durable 1000D Cordura Nylon fabric (by far the toughest 1000D nylon fabric on the market today). Has huge YKK #10 zippers on main compartment and large outer pockets. Double Layer Pack Top eliminates stress failure associated with excessive use of carry/drag handle. CAPACITY: 2550 cubic inches.
Average Rating:
THE FIVE ELEVEN RUSH
The 5.11 Rush 24 Pack is a full-size day pack with a 20″H x 12.5″L x 8″D (2,000 cu in) main compartment and numerous smaller individual pockets and pouches, several with zipper closures. This pack features adjustable, dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps with Duraflex(TM) hardware.
Average Rating:
THE MAXPEDITION VULTURE
This pack is made of nylon. The main compartment is 20.5″(H) x 16″(W) x 7.5″(D) and the bag has a total capacity of 2810 cu.in. It has a 1″ Sternum Strap, and a 2″ Integrated Belt. The Maxpedition has a solid nylon back, but still has the mesh on the straps. It carries well, even over long distances.
Average Rating:
THE CONDOR THREE DAY ASSAULT PACK
The Condor has a large load cargo capacity compartment with separate pocket to fit up to two 3L hydration bladders, BOlive Draby contour shoulder straps with D-Ring for equipment attachment, sternum starp and waist belt, and External side compression straps. It has a heavy-duty carry and drag handle, two double zipper pulls on the main compartment for easy access, and an individual foam pad back panel for extra comfort and maximum airflow.
Average Rating:
Next post will be on BOPs.
Reflection Time
Posted by
Supertradmum
Next week, from Wednesday for a few days, I shall be on a small retreat.
However, I need to write some sense on this blog for my dear readers for the next several days. It is time now to stop thinking of normal. If you are in the Boomer Generation and the GenXers and think your grandchildren and children can live as if the world will be the same next year, you are wrong.
You cannot enter into your children's pretenses that the usual majors in college and university will be possible in the near future.
There will be no jobs for most research and fine art majors in the near future. Great scientists are being fired because of cutbacks in research. But, these cutbacks are the tip of the iceberg.
If you are sitting down with your college-age children and thinking they will have a life like yours, you are not listening to God and seeing the signs of the times. If you are not helping them prepare for very hard times both in religion and in the economy, you are doing them a great disservice.
If you are not preparing your children to be saints, either to be martyrs or survivors, you are lying to them as well as yourself
The world in a short time will not look like the world into which you entered as a college or university graduate.
If we enter into a great depression, worse than 1929, what jobs will be worth doing? What will people pay for daily?
My dad's family did not experience the 1929 depression because his family was in the coal industry and had a coal company. Fuel was always needed by someone.
On the other hand, by mother's family experienced the depression as the wage-earner was an accountant, a profession hit by the financial collapse of many businesses and banks.
Stop pretending. The blogs for the next few days will be on the reality of the times. You have the perfection series to show you the way forward spiritually.
It is wake up time.
We shall not have enough priests, we shall need to move in many cases. and families may have to face splitting up for good reasons.
We shall not have real Catholic schools, we shall not have parishes. we shall not have church buildings, we shall not be able to build communities not already started.
We may most likely not be able to move about freely.
I have been reflecting on information given to me by several sources on my travels in Virginia over the past day.
I cannot share details, but I can say that we are very near the collapse of our democracy.
Are you still pretending, Catholic parents? Even the Holy Family had to flee to Egypt.
Thursday, 2 October 2014
To be civil 2
Posted by
Supertradmum
It is hard to admit for a civilized person, but I have come to the conclusion that some people just want to choose evil. Many years ago, I read a superb book, People of the Lie, by M. Scott Peck. I had read another book of his and was fascinated to read that some people just choose, for many reasons, a life of fear, unhappiness, even evil.
In this book, the author looks at the root of evil, admitting it exists and that people freely choose to be mean, cruel, lie, cheat, steal and so on.
For me reading this book while still relatively young, I was faced with someone who understood original sin and the person of satan.
I know that I have met, perhaps, more evil on line, in twitter, with trolls and with those readers who seem to read my blog only to try to insult and undercut what I have to write irrationally. One reason, which I alluded to in the last post, I left twitter, was that I discovered, with the help of two other people, two women who were imitating other writers, including priests, and making horrible comments about others online. These two women seemed to be taking a perverse pleasure in just being cruel. Now, some others online had been doing the same type of ad hominem comments against bloggers, journalists and others, but most were using either their own names or a known nom de plume.
But to adopt multiple personas in order to attack seemed to indicate either troubled minds, or, people who were choosing evil.
Such are the dangers of living in the blogosphere or in twitterdom.
Thinking about these occasions, I began to rethink M. Scott Peck's definitions of "group evil", as including the ability to hide in a group and commit even atrocities, such as the My Lai Massacre, he studied.
Now, of course, such massacres are not equal to the evil tongues or fingers on twitter and in com boxes, but the impetus to remain anonymous in order to perpetrate maliciousness is similar. We must accept that some people just choose evil, and, therefore, hell.
Those who have fought in wars know something of the choices men and women make which are truly evil. We have many examples daily of atrocities done either individually or in groups which are just downright satanic.
Those on the net who choose to insult goodness, undermine goodness and drag reputations into mud think they are hiding. But, there is Someone Who sees all and will judge evil as evil and good as good.
God ultimately judges each action we do, each word we say. He watches us use our free will either to follow Him or move away from Him into darkness.
The group evil and anonymous evils on the Net will not remain hidden.
In this book, the author looks at the root of evil, admitting it exists and that people freely choose to be mean, cruel, lie, cheat, steal and so on.
For me reading this book while still relatively young, I was faced with someone who understood original sin and the person of satan.
I know that I have met, perhaps, more evil on line, in twitter, with trolls and with those readers who seem to read my blog only to try to insult and undercut what I have to write irrationally. One reason, which I alluded to in the last post, I left twitter, was that I discovered, with the help of two other people, two women who were imitating other writers, including priests, and making horrible comments about others online. These two women seemed to be taking a perverse pleasure in just being cruel. Now, some others online had been doing the same type of ad hominem comments against bloggers, journalists and others, but most were using either their own names or a known nom de plume.
But to adopt multiple personas in order to attack seemed to indicate either troubled minds, or, people who were choosing evil.
Such are the dangers of living in the blogosphere or in twitterdom.
Thinking about these occasions, I began to rethink M. Scott Peck's definitions of "group evil", as including the ability to hide in a group and commit even atrocities, such as the My Lai Massacre, he studied.
Now, of course, such massacres are not equal to the evil tongues or fingers on twitter and in com boxes, but the impetus to remain anonymous in order to perpetrate maliciousness is similar. We must accept that some people just choose evil, and, therefore, hell.
Those who have fought in wars know something of the choices men and women make which are truly evil. We have many examples daily of atrocities done either individually or in groups which are just downright satanic.
Those on the net who choose to insult goodness, undermine goodness and drag reputations into mud think they are hiding. But, there is Someone Who sees all and will judge evil as evil and good as good.
God ultimately judges each action we do, each word we say. He watches us use our free will either to follow Him or move away from Him into darkness.
The group evil and anonymous evils on the Net will not remain hidden.
Luke 12:2Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: nor hidden, that shall not be known.
Written on a train somewhere in Virginia.
To be "civii"
Posted by
Supertradmum
For some reason, this younger ones think it is OK to be rude. Why, I do not know why. One reason I stopped being on twitter was the level of rudeness from the commentators. I do not mind getting into a great discussion and disagreeing with people, as long as those engaged are courteous. Politeness is no longer considered necessary or a virtue.
What has happened? The other problem seems to be hyper-criticism for those on line. Would a person who is a friend talk to another by attacking personal characteristics? I have been in conversations with other Catholics who have attacked each other so much that one loses track of the argument.
Why has discourse fallen to such levels? Partly, as I have written many times, that students are not taught logic or debate anymore. Part of it is a false idea of honesty, which means that a person believes that he has the right to be rude.
Part of it is a new aggression, a new barbarism, which created an atmosphere wherein people do not want to learn, but only score points, be "right", destroy the arguments of others, instead of listening and discussion.
Rudeness is not Christian. A Christian tries to understand another person, where "she is coming from..." and a Christian places a discussion into a context of respect and love.
And, unlike many Asian cultures, the young ones of the West no longer respect age or experience.
We need to teach manners and listening skills, debate and logic before all conversation comes to an end. The day that happens is the day the civilization may be declared "dead".One of the end products of rudeness is the lack of conversation, the proliferation of judgement, the inability to influence another by both discussions and example.
A civilization depends on rational communication. Part of the problem is that people are not talking to each other face to face. Tweets and texts create a false sense of "letting boundaries go".
The best discussions move into an understanding of mutual respect If one is in the habit of judging others too quickly or not asking questions, or merely pontificating on a subject
to be continued..
What has happened? The other problem seems to be hyper-criticism for those on line. Would a person who is a friend talk to another by attacking personal characteristics? I have been in conversations with other Catholics who have attacked each other so much that one loses track of the argument.
Why has discourse fallen to such levels? Partly, as I have written many times, that students are not taught logic or debate anymore. Part of it is a false idea of honesty, which means that a person believes that he has the right to be rude.
Part of it is a new aggression, a new barbarism, which created an atmosphere wherein people do not want to learn, but only score points, be "right", destroy the arguments of others, instead of listening and discussion.
Rudeness is not Christian. A Christian tries to understand another person, where "she is coming from..." and a Christian places a discussion into a context of respect and love.
And, unlike many Asian cultures, the young ones of the West no longer respect age or experience.
We need to teach manners and listening skills, debate and logic before all conversation comes to an end. The day that happens is the day the civilization may be declared "dead".One of the end products of rudeness is the lack of conversation, the proliferation of judgement, the inability to influence another by both discussions and example.
A civilization depends on rational communication. Part of the problem is that people are not talking to each other face to face. Tweets and texts create a false sense of "letting boundaries go".
The best discussions move into an understanding of mutual respect If one is in the habit of judging others too quickly or not asking questions, or merely pontificating on a subject
to be continued..
Experiencing Prejudice
Posted by
Supertradmum
Yesterday, I asked a priest to pray for me for concerning immigration issues. He did not believe me when I said I could not get into my country of choice because I was poor.
I experienced prejudice, the prejudice of those who think all Americans are rich, and the prejudice of those who cannot believe the country I mentioned is so anti-immigration.
The priest simply did not believe my tale of not being allowed to live in the same country as my only child. I experienced what thousands of people who immigrate experience daily-a reaction which is based on Calvinism. A friend of mine said to me after this conversation, "The priest does not believe you."
Those who have never experienced rejection of any kind because of poverty simply cannot comprehend this type of prejudice, and, therefore, they fall into another type of prejudice.
Being "white" is no longer a privilege of race in some places. Being poor creates suspicion in those who have never been poor, or who have received help in immigration issues because they are not white. A poor, white person is not worthy of help, or even prayer.
God allowed this humiliation. He allowed me to know what it is like to be looked down on by another who is supposedly a good person.
The priest is an immigrant who had no problem coming to the country of his choice. Therefore, he cannot understand my predicament. He is not sympathetic.
I forgive him. I forgive all who judge the poor as unworthy, or extra-sinful, or failures.
God allows some people to be poor and some to be rich. He allows some people to suffer more than others.
As a person who has never been prejudice, having Latinos for close playmates as a young child, and, in fact, dating a black man in my youth, (causing all the neighbors to make comments to my mom, who defended me and the very nice young man,) I find it hard to understand prejudice.
Some of my friends are working class and some are professionals. Some are poor and some are rich. Some are middle class and some are very wealthy.
So what? I shall pray for this priest who did hurt my feelings, for an instant. Then, I realized that God had given me a chance to be humbled.
As I write this, I am smiling. If I "get" this lesson, I am closer to God's goal for me. Humility in love.
In Honor of St. Therese
Posted by
Supertradmum
Last night, I attended Benediction and a prayer service for the Feast of St. Therese.
At the end of Adoration, we got to kiss a relic of St. Therese, and after the blessing of the roses, we each received several.
I, happily, was handed a white one and a red one.
A man had donated 100 dozen roses to the Carmelite Monastery in honor of his mother who died.
Here are some of the photos from this wonderful occasion.
Bishop Cruz passed out the flowers.
At the end of Adoration, we got to kiss a relic of St. Therese, and after the blessing of the roses, we each received several.
I, happily, was handed a white one and a red one.
A man had donated 100 dozen roses to the Carmelite Monastery in honor of his mother who died.
Here are some of the photos from this wonderful occasion.
Bishop Cruz passed out the flowers.
Out All Day
Posted by
Supertradmum
Yesterday, I went on several trips to various churches in the area, a pilgrimage day. I shall get photos later from a friend who took pictures. Bear with me. Will be in a train all day today.
Pray for my travels, please.
STM
Pray for my travels, please.
STM
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
From SPUC: Excellent Stuff
Posted by
Supertradmum
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Life and Family groups unite to back Extraordinary Synod on the Family
Our position paper released yesterday, on the Feast of St Michael, states:
“The Synod provides an important opportunity to take concrete steps to address this crisis and give renewed impetus to the “New Evangelisation”. If the Synod is to be effective it is essential that the teaching of the Church is affirmed clearly and without ambiguity. All proposals which result from the Synod must be founded on the truths of the natural moral law and Divine Revelation.”Voice of the Family aims to assist individual Synod participants as well as to serve the faithful by sharing our research and analysis via our media and contacts. At the heart of all our considerations are the following key principles:
1. Marriage, the exclusive, life-long union of one man and one woman, is the fundamental foundation of a stable and flourishing society and is the greatest protector of children, born and unborn.
2. The separation of the unitive and procreative ends of the sexual act, which is intrinsic to the use of contraception, has acted as a major catalyst of the culture of death.
3. Parents are the primary educators of their children:To date Voice of the Family is supported by:
“It will be impossible to engage in a ‘New Evangelisation’, or to build a new ‘culture of life’,” the position paper concludes, “if the true understanding of marriage and human sexuality is no longer understood and if parents are no longer free to educate their children according to the natural moral law and the teachings of the Catholic Church. There are many men and women of good will, who have the truths of the natural moral law “written on their hearts” (Rm 2:15), who are open to hearing the message of the Church when it is presented with clarity and confidence. It is our hope that the Synod will use this opportunity to help bring the good news of Jesus Christ to families across the world.”
- Campaign Life Catholics
- Campaign Life Coalition Canada
- Catholic Voice
- Culture of Life Africa
- European Life Network
- Human Life International (HLI)
- LifeSiteNews.com
- National Association of Catholic Families (NACF)
- Profesionales por la Ética
- Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC)
You can contact us at:
Voice of the Family
Tel. +44 20 7820 3148; +39 33 833 09443
Email: enquiry@voiceofthefamily.info
Web: http://voiceofthefamily.info
Comments on this blog? Email them to johnsmeaton@spuc.org.ukfrom
Silly Articles
Posted by
Supertradmum
Too many priests and lay pundits are fantasizing on the possible changes in Holy Mother Church's stance on marriage.
I have given up reading this morning the myriad posts and articles from Australia to New York, from London to Rome, on the redefinition of marriage in the Catholic Church.
One comment I need to make is that I am absolutely ashamed of several cardinals and bishops in the States who are pushing the envelope for a drastic undermining of the long traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church.
Remember, the Holy Spirit is in charge, not liberals. Just pray and be humble.
I have given up reading this morning the myriad posts and articles from Australia to New York, from London to Rome, on the redefinition of marriage in the Catholic Church.
One comment I need to make is that I am absolutely ashamed of several cardinals and bishops in the States who are pushing the envelope for a drastic undermining of the long traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church.
Remember, the Holy Spirit is in charge, not liberals. Just pray and be humble.
Let The Great Saint Sing-Happy Feast Day
Posted by
Supertradmum
TO LIVE OF LOVE
"If any man love Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him
and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. . . My peace I
give unto you . . . Abide in My love."
(St. John 14:23, 27, -- 15:9)
1.
The eve His life of love drew near its end,
Thus Jesus spoke: "Whoever loveth Me,
And keeps My word as Mine own faithful friend,
My Father, then and I his guests will be;
Within his heart will make Our dwelling above.
Our palace home, true type of heaven above.
There, filled with peace, We will that he shall rest,
With us, in love.
2.
Incarnate Word! Thou Word of God alone!
To live of love, tis to abide with Thee.
Thou knowest I love Thee, Jesus Christ, my Own!
Thy Spirit's fire of love enkindleth me.
By loving Thee, I draw the Father here
Down to my heart, to stay with me always.
Blest Trinity! Thou art my prisoner dear,
Of love, to-day.
3.
To live of love, 'tis by Thy life to live,
O glorious King, my chosen, sole Delight!
Hid in the Host, how often Thou dost give
Thyself to those who seek Thy radiant light.
Then hid shall be my life, unmarked, unknown,
That I may have Thee heart to heart with me;
For loving souls desire to be alone,
With love, and Thee!
4.
To live of love, 'tis not to fix one's tent
On Tabor's height and there with Thee remain.
Tis to climb Calvary with strength nigh spent,
And count Thy heavy cross our truest gain.
In heaven, my life a life of joy shall be,
The heavy cross shall then be gone for aye.
Here upon earth, in suffering with Thee,
Love! let me stay.
5.
To live of love, 'tis without stint to give,
An never count the cost, nor ask reward;
So, counting not the cost, I long to live
And show my dauntless love for Thee, dear Lord!
O Heart Divine, o'erflowing with tenderness,
How swift I run, who all to Thee has given!
Naught but Thy love I need, my life to bless.
That love is heaven!
6.
To live of love, it is to know no fear;
No memory of past faults can I recall;
No imprint of my sins remaineth here;
The fire of Love divine effaces all.
O sacred flames! O furnace of delight!
I sing my safe sweet happiness to prove.
In these mild fires I dwell by day, by night.
I live of love!
7.
To live of love, 'tis in my heart to guard
A mighty treasure in a fragile vase.
Weak, weak, am I, O well-beloved Lord!
Nor have I yet an angel's perfect grace.
But, if I fall each hour that hurries by,
Thou com'st to me from Thy bright home above,
And, raising me, dost give me strength to cry:
I live of love!
8.
To live of love it is to sail afar
And bring both peace and joy where'er I be.
O Pilot blest! love is my guiding star;
In every soul I meet, Thyself I see.
Safe sail I on, through wind or rain or ice;
Love urges me, love conquers every gale.
High on my mast behold is my device:
"By love I sail!"
9.
To live of love, it is when Jesus sleeps
To sleep near Him, though stormy waves beat nigh.
Deem not I shall awake Him! On these deeps
Peace reigns, like that the Blessed know on high.
To Hope, the voyage seems one little day;
Faith's hand shall soon the veil between remove;
Tis Charity that swells my sail alway.
I live of love!
10.
To live of love, O Master dearest, best!
It is to beg Thee light Thy holiest fires
Within the soul of each anointed priest,
Till he shall feel the Seraphim's desires;
It is to beg Thee guard Thy Church, O Christ!
For this I plead with Thee by night, by day;
And give myself, in sacrifice unpriced,
With love alway!
11.
To live of love, it is to dry Thy tears,
To seek for pardon for each sinful soul,
To strive to save all men from doubts and fears,
And bring them home to Thy benign control.
Comes to my ear sin's wild and blasphemous roar;
So, to efface each day, that burning shame,
I cry: " O Jesus Christ! I Thee adore.
I love Thy Name!"
12.
To live of love, 'tis Mary's part to share,
To bathe with tears and odorous perfume
Thy holy feet, to wipe them with my hair,
To kiss them; then still loftier lot assume, --
To rise, and by Thy side to take my place,
And pour my ointments on Thy holy head.
But with no balsams I embalm Thy Face!
'Tis love, instead!
13.
"To live of love, -- what foolishness she sings!"
So cries the world. "Renounce such idle joy!
Waste not thy perfumes on such trivial things.
In useful arts thy talents now employ!"
To love Thee, Jesus! Ah, this loss is gain;
For all my perfumes no reward seek I.
Quitting the world, I sing in death's sweet pain:
Of love I die!
14.
To die of love, O martyrdom most blest!
For this I long, this is my heart's desire;
My exile ends; I soon will be at rest.
Ye Cherubim, lend, lend to me your lyre!
O dart of Seraphim, O flame of love,
Consume me wholly; hear my ardent cry!
Jesu, make real my dream! Come Holy Dove!
Of love I die!
15.
To die of love, behold my life's long hope!
God is my one exceeding great reward.
He of my wishes forms the end and scope;
Him only do I seek; my dearest Lord.
With passionate love for Him my heart is riven.
O may He quickly come! He draweth nigh!
Behold my destiny, behold my heaven, --
OF LOVE TO DIE.
February 25, 1895
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