Author: My Dame D'Or

I am a wife, mother and lawyer. I want to share my thoughts on faith, family, friendship, fashion and living in my golden years.
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The Eucharist

The Eucharist is the center of the Catholic Faith.

During the last supper, Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion.  Through this sacrament, Catholics are able to receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ at every Holy Mass.

This is HUGE. We can receive God into us.  We do not have to wait until we go to Heaven.  A physical union with God gives us the understanding, grace, and strength to abide by His will.  This truth should attract millions of people to line up around Catholic Churches at every mass.  After all, if there is a secret or key to happiness on earth…that secret or key is God.

Sadly, not all Catholics recognize this amazing privilege or make use of it.  They do not recognize Holy Communion as the true presence of Jesus Christ.  Perhaps they are unaware of the Eucharistic miracles that have occurred in our world.  These miracles are God reaching out to us and reminding us of the gift and treasure He has provided.

I am providing some links to some great articles about Eucharistic miracles that have occurred:

http://dowym.com/voices/5-incredible-eucharistic-miracles-from-the-last-25-years/

https://churchpop.com/2015/06/28/5-extraordinary-eucharistic-miracles-with-pictures/

At the end of the day, faith is a choice.  God will not force himself on us, but He makes Himself available to us all the time.  What an amazing gift God is providing in the Eucharist.  I hope more people will recognize this truth and seek out how they can receive Him every day.

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Why Do I Go?

 

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On Saturday mornings at 6:00 am I get in my car and begin the 35 minute commute to the city…

There isn’t much traffic at that time, except at the abortion center.

As I drive up the small alley, where the prayer support and I stand, I see at least 13 young college kids wearing vests and acting as “sidewalk escorts” on the left and 5 or 6 prayer warriors holding rosaries and praying out loud on the right.

In the next two hours I watch 22-30 women walk into the center to end the lives of their babies. The majority of these women are African-American.

There is no question as to why they are here since the security guard always wears a t-shirt that proudly proclaims “ The Women’s Center : 100% Abortion it’s all we do.”

There are no other businesses open in that building on those Saturday mornings… and there definitely aren’t any other businesses open at 6:30 in the morning.

Every women that comes is offered information about alternatives by the sidewalk counsellors like myself.

These pamphlets have phone numbers for local crisis pregnancy centers that offer housing, monetary support, and community support. They educate the women of possible side effects of abortion such as anxiety, depression, breast cancer, Pre term deliveries and death.

Sadly very few of these pamphlets are read by the men and women going in.  As they are walking up to the doors the sidewalk escorts speak to them in a loud voice to cover our pleas. They tell them that we are protestors and we are just trying to take away their choice. Yet, I wonder “who” is actually taking away these women’s ability to choose? Even if we get a pamphlet into their hands the sidewalk escorts will often take it away from them saying “You don’t need that… it’s all lies.”  So, these poor women don’t have a chance to know or be reminded that there are other options.

Yes, they may have thought long and hard about this choice before they came, but maybe they weren’t aware that there is support; that they could have a place to live; or a community that would help them in a multitude of ways.

When I meet post abortive women in my office as a obgyn physician, 90% of them regret their choice. With tears streaming down their cheeks they talk about how they wish they knew about the support available at that time. They talk about the emptiness they experience on the death anniversary of their child, how they always look at children who are the age their child would have been, how they are triggered by news about abortion on the television, radio and in politics.  But they feel is too late now… all they can do is try to heal.

So why do we go? If we can rarely get the information into their hands and it’s hard to speak to them, why go?

We go because it is our duty to be there and be the voice for the voiceless. To be the one person who says, “Sweetheart we can help you.” We go there to participate in the spiritual battle. To pray with all of our might for a conversion of heart in the mothers, fathers, workers and escorts. To pray that at least one of these precious lives will be spared. And thanks to the info given to us by abortion workers who have left the industry like Abby Johnson, we KNOW that our loving, peaceful, prayerful presence makes a difference. We know that when we are there, fewer people go through with their abortions. More lives are saved.

So I continue to wake up at 5:30 am on Saturdays to try to save at least one baby through the intercession of our most amazing Father in heaven. I wish you would consider joining me there.

Dr. Monique Ruberu

 

 

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Save The Little Lights

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Though our world is filled with sadness, grief, stress, there are individuals who always seem joyful. Have you ever met a Down Syndrome affected person who doesn’t bring a smile to your face? All they want to do is smile at others, hug, high-five and bring joy to the world. They are little lights in this world.

I have never met a family that doesn’t treasure their Down Syndrome children. Even in the extended family, these children are loved. They are people who contribute to society in such a meaningful way. Why doesn’t our society want to protect a group of people who exude so much love and joy?

As a physician, I hear the devastation in my patients’ voices when they speak of the choice they made to abort a Down Syndrome child. These patients suffer from anxiety, depression, and grief. They chose the path of abortion because when they were given a diagnosis wrapped up in fear and presented with the option of relieving the “problem” with abortion. A physician’s advice carries more influence in difficult moments. These patients were not given information about support groups for Downs families. In addition, they were not encouraged to speak with parents of Downs children to see how their lives had been impacted. Instead, the patients were encouraged and rushed from their 18-week appointment for an ultrasound to a 20-week abortion appointment to terminate their pregnancy before it was illegal.

When I meet people considering abortion for genetic anomalies I remind them that none of us are perfect. We may appear perfect on the outside but inside we have anxiety, depression, cancer, a multitude of autoimmune diseases, learning disabilities, heart and lung disease, diabetes, and the list goes on. Down Syndrome children wear their difference on their sleeves while we hide ours beneath our “perfect appearances”. Yet, the Down Syndrome children are actually more perfect, in so many ways, especially in the areas of love and kindness. I advise patients to preserve the life of these blessing who have a different appearance. We are all different. Their difference is that they are little lights, and we all need little lights.

Dr. Monique Ruberu

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Mary and the Saints

I am a cradle Catholic.  I have grown up asking the Blessed Mother Mary, the saints, and my family and friends to pray for me.  Many people have asked me what that means and I hope these words help you understand my faith..

Prayer is a way of communicating.  At the end of a legal pleading there is a prayer.  In old English,  we have heard people state during a request “I pray you sir……”  Clearly prayer is how we communicate a request.

I ask family and friends to pray for me.  I also ask Mary and the saints to pray for me.  Regardless of whether someone is here on earth or in heaven we are all one family.  Therefore, I feel confident asking my family and friends on earth and in heaven to pray for me.

Mary and the saints are humans.  Mary is the only perfect human because she was born without sin (immaculate conception), so that she could be the perfect vessel through which God would enter the world.  The saints, are human beings like you and I.  They were all different, with good and bad backgrounds, but eventually they all lead lives that were pleasing to God.  Both Mary and the saints are in Heaven where they enjoy the privilege of adoring the beatific vision of God.  Mary and the saints are close to God and they are perfectly situated to draw God’s attention to our prayers.

When I ask Mary and the saints to pray for me, I do not put my faith in the saints rather than God.  I know that it is God alone that has the power to answer my prayers. To explain, if a person wants a job, he will submit an application to the owner of the company.  He knows that the owner alone makes the decision about the job.  If the person knows employees at the company who are in good standing, he will ask them to put in a good word to the owner of the company.  In the same realm, we know that God answers our prayers.  However, we call upon Mary, the saints, our family and friends to pray for us and put in good words with our heavenly Father.  There can never be too many people praying for you.

Asking Mary for prayer is a good idea.  Mary is God’s mother.  Like you and I, God loves His mother for all that she has done for Him.  Further,  Jesus’ first public miracle was performed at the request of His mother.  Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast in Canaan because Mary asked him to help the bride and groom’s family.  Jesus at first resisted Mary’s request, but she persisted and told the servants to do whatever her son directed.  For that reason Jesus performed His first public miracle, at the request of  His mother, Mary.

Mary does the same thing today.  She always directs us to focus on Jesus.  She always directs us to do His will.  She always takes our prayers and requests to her son.  She is a wonderful and loving mother.  Jesus gave her to us as a mother when he was on the cross.  He told St John that Mary was to be John’s mother, and John was to be Mary’s son.  This assignment was not just for John, but for all mankind.

How wonderful to know we have a loving Father in heaven who hears and answers our prayers.  How equally wonderful to know that our family and friends on earth, united with Mary and the saints in Heaven are praying to God for us.

Maria Wiemann

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Visiting Maggy London in NYC

Have you heard of Maggy London dresses? If not, you need to look at their site. http://www.maggylondon.com

I learned about Maggy London by accident. I was looking for dresses to wear to church. I wanted something that was feminine and modest, but my budget requires that my purchases have more than one use. As a mother of 4, I am careful with my spend. Plus, I hate going to stores, the parking, the loss of time…so I got on the internet and started to search for a dress. I found Maggy London.

Maggy Website

(The snap above, just happened to be a screen shot of the website when I was writing this article 🙂 )

The site has many beautiful dresses that meet my requirements. The models look amazing, but how would the dresses look on me? Shipping and returns are free, Maggy sends a fully paid return label in the package, so you put the dress back in the bag, put the label on the package and call Fed Ex. You can’t beat that! There isn’t a lot of risk so I ordered two dresses. Maggy is always having sales, so I even got the dresses for 20% off, plus free shipping. WIN, WIN.

Fitting Room

When the dresses arrived, they were packaged with care. Wrapped in pink tissue and placed in a zippered bag, I felt like I was getting a gift. Was it my birthday? No, but it felt like my birthday. Plus the dresses were beautiful. The colors, fabric, and fit were too good to be true. Instant fan.

I have ordered many dresses since that time, and because I am always happy to share my opinion, I now support one of Maggy’s customer interaction groups. Maggy even invited me to be in their “Spring in Texas Campaign”. It was so much fun, I got some beautiful dresses and met some wonderful Maggy team members.

When I knew I was heading to NYC, I decided I had to see the place where all the magic happens. So I reached out to my contacts and scheduled a visit.

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Maggy London is located in the heart of New York City’s bustling and electric garment district. The building is a piece of art deco with elevators that require you to designate your floor before you get on. A little confusing for me, but I made it to the right floor.

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Once up to Maggy’s floor I was greeted by the interns. One of those smiling faces, Claire, is a charming college student that I met during the Spring in Texas photo shoot. All of these talented young people were friendly and very enthusiastic. Their energy gives you a great feeling about the business.

Within minutes I was greeted by Via, the PR and Social Media Coordinator, and Shannon, the Content Lead. It was great seeing them as they were also part of the team that came to Texas. They introduced me to more friendly faces that I recognized from various social media promotions.  What really struck me is that everyone clearly enjoyed their jobs.

Then Jon joined the group. Jon is the Chief Operations Officer at Maggy London. Jon took me on a tour of the company. I saw the marketing team where everyone is working on using social media to get the word out. I saw costing, where teams of people figure out the cost of producing a dress. I saw people designing the patterns and sewing the samples so that Maggy can get bids to produce the dresses. I also got to meet the people who design the fabrics and the styles, seasons before we see them on the internet or in stores. They have rooms full of lace, zippers, buttons, collars, belts and everything you can imagine. Maggy London has many brands…London Times, London Times Curve, etc. So much creativity that your head spins…plus everything is so beautiful.

 

Jon introduced me to his wonderful father who founded Maggy London 40 years ago. The tour ended sitting in Jon’s office hearing about different ideas that he wants to implement. Jon has a lot of vision, and he has a great team. There will be lots more success in Maggy London’s future.

After a super meeting, I went out for a late lunch with Via and Shannon. I told them that they have to come back to Texas…since the Lone Star State provides many great photo opportunities for Maggy dresses.

It is great, when by chance, you find a great product. It is even better when you find out the product is created by people you like and admire. That is Maggy London.

Maria Wiemann

 

 

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Remember

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Freedom. With the end of the Memorial Day weekend we must consider how fortunate we are to live in America.

We are free to vote, to express our opinions, and to pursue our dreams if we do not violate the law or deprive another of their rights.

This freedom has been protected by men and women throughout America’s history and continues to be protected today.

Men and women who we do not know stand guard for this country. Some are here on our shores. Others are away from their families, in other lands, fulfilling the duties of America’s military. They sacrifice their lives and families for America.

Their work takes courage, but it also takes great love. Love of country and its citizens. A love that includes a willingness to sacrifice and live a dangerous life for people that they may never know.

To all these people, who guarded America in the past, and continue to guard her today and into the future, we remember you and say, “Thank You.”

Maria Wiemann

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The Greatest Job

In America, we celebrate mothers and fathers on their respective days. I like to celebrate being a parent every day because it is the greatest job on earth.

I had no idea what it meant to be a mother until it happened. The moment that I saw my first child I felt like time stood still. Every molecule inside me seemed to leave my body go out to the end of the universe and come back. The only thing that mattered was this new little person. All of my dreams melted and became dreams for her. It was pivotal.

My husband felt the same way. He would speak of what it felt like to hold someone that fit in his hand and knowing that everything he wanted to do began and ended with this little person. Becoming a parent, made me love my husband more. God made us one thru our children, faith and family.  These are the strongest bonds.

Our ability to love was not limited to one child. With each child that God gifted our family, our hearts expanded. We were amazed that we had the ability to love yet another person with intensity. We felt as if our lives had not even started until this person joined our family, and we would joke and wonder how we were content before they joined us. It makes you realize how powerful love can be, and that the more people you care about the more love you will feel.

I was practicing law when my first child was born. I gave up my job to stay at home with my daughter. I did not ever think that I would want to be at home, but after my daughter was born, the only place I wanted to be was close to her. I am so very grateful that my husband understood and supported my desire. He worked very hard to support our family and ensure that I could be at home and give up my income. There were many sacrifices made for me to be at home, but they were worth it.

Homeschooling was a very special experience and privilege. It is amazing to watch your children learn, to take them on field trips, to help them overcome difficulties, and share in their triumphs, to be able to watch them grow and develop. That does not mean there are no hard days, it just means that there are more wonderful days in the mix.

In 2009, my husband and I exchanged places. He took over homeschooling and I returned to work. This was a decision that we had to make when the company my husband worked for experienced a huge downturn. We had a family and four children and we had to do what was needed to support our family. We both knew that homeschooling was best for our children so we decided that one of us would continue homeschooling. My husband and I both looked for suitable work, and God opened doors for me. I felt then, and still feel today, that I do not understand God’s plans, but I know His plan is always the best.

When I went back to work, I missed being around my children. But I knew they were in the best hands. Who could possibly love and care about their future more than me and their father? My husband made a huge transition from corporate America. He was used to running projects, doing research and leading adults. Now he was homeschooling four children, becoming a master chef and managing a household. He made a difficult transition and continues to do a great job. He is a great example for our four children. Showing them that working, homeschooling, and running a home are the responsibilities of both parents. Raising a family is a team effort.

His work with the four children has given them an incredible foundation in areas where I do not excel…namely math and science. But most of all he has given our children experiences that I could not. Every summer they go on adventure field trips, traveling the world, experiencing the places, people, and food that they study. I do not have the courage for such things, so I am very happy that my husband has opened up the world for our children.

I was fortunate to have had an education that allowed me to transition back into a great job. My husband and my children are my constant source of inspiration. A desire to provide for my family drives me to work hard and grow in my career so that I can support and provide opportunities for my family. I feel very fortunate to have had the luxury of being at home and homeschooling my children, and then being able to transition back into my career to support my family.

God has given me the good fortune of experiencing many jobs and I am eternally grateful that he has given me the opportunity to be a parent.

Maria Wiemann

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They made us parents.  🙂

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Marriage – The Ultimate Commitment

 

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I have heard that people no longer believe in marriage. In fact, they believe that marriage is an antiquated and unnecessary institution. I do not agree.

Marriage is the definition of commitment. In a marriage, two people make a promise to God and each other to love and respect each other for life. When things get rough, you are called to remember your promise to God and each other. In doing so, you must remember what made you fall in love and work on your marriage. Working on a marriage is not a one-time event, it is a daily requirement that lasts a lifetime. Regardless of health, wealth, or any other condition, you uphold your promise to love and cherish another person for life. That is commitment.

A commitment to your marriage is a commitment to your family. Families thrive when marriages are happy. When a married couple treats each other with love and respect they create a safe and happy home. Such a home is the ideal environment for children to thrive and grow. It is important to work at a marriage so that your home and the people in it will be happy. In this sense, a commitment to marriage results in happiness for the whole family.

All people want commitment. We want to be loved and cherished. We want to be happy. When we cannot find commitment and its resulting love, we tend to feel depressed and desolate. it is only God that loves us completely, and it is only through Him that we are able to learn how to live a life that makes a loving and committed marriage possible.
Commitments are not easy. Marriages are not fairytales consisting of happy ending and rainbows. Marriages require real and constant effort. No two people are alike. They have different opinions and preferences. There are times when spouses lose their temper and become upset with each other. For the commitment to endure, both spouses must overcome their natures and love each other as God wills. By living in God’s will, a couple can survive the hardships and pressures that are faced by marriages.

Faith in God is the recipe for a good, lasting, and committed marriage. If both people love God first, they will be truly able to love each other. If they live their lives to honor God, they will treat each other with dignity, love, respect, and honesty. If they recognize their spouse as one of God’s precious creations, they will love and cherish that person and see them as a gift from God. Sometimes, through our faith, God calls us to make choices that are hard. Remember that God sees all things and knows all things. He knows what will make you happy and he knows what you need to do to achieve that happiness. Following God’s will in faith, binds and strengthens a marriage, and creates the ultimate commitment that we all seek and need.

Yet, we know that it is hard for marriages to survive in our world. Even when we strive to live in God’s will, we cannot force others to do the same. We also can’t force our spouse to work on a marriage even when we chose to do so. That is why it is critical to determine, before marriage if and your future spouse both regard marriage that the underlying commitment in the same light. Further, that you both want to live in God’s will. The most important tools to strengthen and protect a marriage is faith, prayer, and the example of other strong marriages. Both spouses must recognize and agree with this truth so they can use these tools to protect their marriage.

Let’s all pray that God helps us realize that we still need the commitment provided in marriage. Further, let’s pray that both spouses choose to live in God’s will, before and during their marriage, so they can truly experience the graces found in this commitment.

Maria Wiemann

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Law and Order

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Should we respect the laws of this nation and expect everyone that comes here to uphold our laws? Yes.

I like leaving my home and counting on everyone to drive inside the lines as they use the roads and freeways in my city. People follow the road rules because they know that those rules are enforced and violations are punished.

I like not having to build a high wall with glass on top of it to protect my home and to prevent people from throwing litter on my property. I don’t need the wall because the laws protecting my personal and real property are enforced and violations are punished.

I like being able to go to church and worship God. I can do this because the laws protecting my religious freedoms are protected.

These are just three things I enjoy. There are so many more. These freedoms exist because of the laws that protect my rights and punish those who would try to take those rights away.

What would happen if the laws were not enforced? I expect that many of us would see a decrease in our rights. More people would engage in activities that infringe on the rights of others. After all, by not enforcing the laws, we are motivating people to break the laws.

Eventually, we are faced with chaos. A nation where people break the law. A nation where only those with strength and power have any rights. Surely this is not what we want. The very reason that people want to come to America is because of the life that this nation promises. But that way of life can only exist in a society where laws are respected and enforced.

So, let’s uphold the laws. Let’s support those who enforce them. Let’s protect the rights and freedoms that belong to every person that is legally in this country.

Maria Wiemann

 

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Write to Give Thanks

It will soon be Thanksgiving and I want to share my thoughts with you.  I intend to write to give thanks.

First, I thank God for living in America where I have the right to express my views.

Second, I thank God for the ability to express myself.  The gifts of 50+ years of life, family, friends, health, education, career, opportunities, and so much more that He has provided.

From my first memory to the moments of each day I see His hand at work. I have made mistakes, and He has forgiven me. I have not deserved joy, but He has blessed me.  Every good thing in my life came out of following His will, just as every downfall was the result of a stubborn desire to seek my own will. Life is not perfect, but I walk forward because He gives me hope and strength to persevere.

For all of this and more, I want to share my thoughts and experiences with you. If these words help you, then give thanks to the one that placed the thought in my heart. There is a secret that we all seek, there is a fountain of joy and life eternal, there is something greater than us that loves us more than we can comprehend. It is God.

Follow him. Know, love and serve him…and all the treasures will be yours.

Maria Wiemann

I have been asked about the dress.  Imitation is the highest form of flattery.  If you would like to have the dress, please follow the link.

https://goo.gl/BVfxG2

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