Nostr notes by The COG Catholic

The folks at the local bar and grill should see the local priest ...

2026-09-15T21:20:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…zqgl
_________________________

The folks at the local bar and grill should see the local priest cheering and eating wings with a Roman collar, no?

Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I like to end a weekend ...

2026-09-13T23:43:57Z

Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I like to end a weekend with a shot of whiskey from a pewter shot glass that I picked up in Texas.

Vitor, if you can, make a subaddress; it is better that way. It ...

2026-09-12T17:58:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…w7v7
_________________________

Vitor, if you can, make a subaddress; it is better that way. It should begin with an 8 rather than a 4. I'll send a little donation at that time. I like Amethyst.

Nice

2026-09-12T17:52:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…wm8e
_________________________

Nice

They need those visits. Thank you.

2026-09-11T23:14:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…wddy
_________________________

They need those visits. Thank you.

My mom is the Queen -- of the whole universe and beyond! ...

2026-09-11T12:18:21Z

My mom is the Queen -- of the whole universe and beyond! That's awesome to realize. I'm privileged.

The day of our death is the most important day of our life. We ...

2026-09-09T23:42:58Z

The day of our death is the most important day of our life.

We can't afford to blow it.

Same here, except I rely on WiFi for my GrapheneOS/Pixel. My ...

2026-09-08T22:31:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…7d7d
_________________________

Same here, except I rely on WiFi for my GrapheneOS/Pixel.

My Samsung is a normie phone for when I absolutely have to use it.

No one has asked me yet about it. Hopefully no one thinks you are a drug dealer.

Are you able to share what city the priest is from? Just curious.

2026-09-07T13:15:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…q05p
_________________________

Are you able to share what city the priest is from? Just curious.

Not trying to be too gross, but just saying -- you all know ...

2026-09-06T20:44:01Z

Not trying to be too gross, but just saying -- you all know it's true:

Little is more satisfying than a thick, productive nose blow that actually, literally clears the way to recovery and brings instant relief after a days' long head cold.

Throwing away the resulting heavy tissue that makes a thud when it hits the trash can -- priceless. 🤧

Nostr event nevent1qqswz6mutk3qzhmt7dx3l055ztm8ca4nxsft4npyfan2c3f22ly8mnczypx8xhqqr9mx9c6szxlet0lw7xegusg3syct6jy8u5lnu4elkn3aj7gkpn5

2026-09-06T17:39:03Z

I like to enjoy a modest Sunday treat.

At least it doesn't have carbs, and it will be my only meal.

Why would you think no one looks at your content?

2026-09-06T17:36:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…3y6e
_________________________

Why would you think no one looks at your content?

I love it. Although I tend to use it mostly now, just to send ...

2026-09-05T18:36:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…6h5g
_________________________

I love it. Although I tend to use it mostly now, just to send encrypted messages (notes) to myself from work.

How do you use it?

BTC and Monero can be exciting. They are brilliant projects, and ...

2026-09-05T17:34:17Z

BTC and Monero can be exciting.

They are brilliant projects, and they have a lot of potential to solve real problems.

But please don't hang your hat on them. They are not fulfilled prophecy. They are not sent by God to redeem us from all the world's evils. They can't. They really, really can't.

They don't replace our duty to love God and neighbor, which we can do in any circumstance, whether we are rich or poor. Probably more easily when poor, even when oppressed.

Remember, we can't take our seed phrases or password managers with us when we pass from this life.

Use your crypto, your finances, your blessings, your possessions, your family, your food, your home, all for God's glory. We will be judged for what we do with what we have.

The four last things should always be on our mind, guiding us every day:

death
judgment
heaven
hell

Right now, God is stacking saints. He wants you to be one of them.

Assuming we all believe it is immoral -- and should be illegal -- ...

2026-09-02T18:32:28Z

Assuming we all believe it is immoral -- and should be illegal -- to distribute AI-created CSAM, we should ask *why* we believe that.

It's not hurting any real-life children -- It's just computer graphics -- People have constitutional rights to do what they please -- We can't legislate what one person does behind closed basement doors.

These are terrible excuses! We all know such materials corrupt society and endanger children by fanning the flames of people's aberrant, disordered lusts.

*That's why we should oppose "regular porn," too!*

So-called regular porn (featuring allegedly consenting actors and actresses) destroys marriages and relationships, demolishes families, ruins careers, and wreaks havoc on many other fronts -- personally and societally. Especially against women, whom we should be protecting.

It's right to condemn artificial CSAM, but just as right to condemn the entire porn industry.

If you use it, stop for the sale of your eternal soul. For the sake of women everywhere. Go to Confession if you're Catholic. If you can't stop, get help. Pray the rosary often and ask assistance from Mary Most Chaste, she who destroys vices. No one who goes to her is left unaided.

This is nothing to take lightly.

But of course. Everyone ought to.

2026-09-01T22:16:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…7yfu
_________________________

But of course.

Everyone ought to.

When certain non-denominational types see us Catholics always ...

2026-09-01T10:37:55Z

When certain non-denominational types see us Catholics always praying our rosary, going to Mass, visiting cemeteries, fasting, giving up certain pleasures, praying novenas, etc., they believe we are chasing a "works salvation."

In truth, we're begging for as a much grace as we can get, because we need it and don't take it for granted. It's all about God's mercy and grace.

Ask, and it shall be given to you. We can hang our hat on that.

But if you hardly ever ask... 🫤

It can be good to come home to a virtuous and productive ...

2026-09-01T02:28:15Z

It can be good to come home to a virtuous and productive housewife. I am not deserving.

Pictured: Only some of today's garden harvest -- and aromatic, freshly made sourdough bread.

Meanwhile, I've committed to a 3-day sardine fast. 😐

With XMR's price pretty high right now, I just added another ...

2026-08-30T10:13:13Z

With XMR's price pretty high right now, I just added another year to my addy.io account (email aliasing, which also includes PGP support).

So easy to pay with Monero, even though it cost me almost a whole penny to make that transaction.

Are you a Jehovah's Witness?

2026-08-26T15:41:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…h2pc
_________________________

Are you a Jehovah's Witness?

And don't sterilize it so it can't be fruitful -- no ...

2026-08-25T14:21:52Z

In reply to nevent1q…qkus
_________________________

And don't sterilize it so it can't be fruitful -- no forms of sodomy, contraception, spillage of seed, etc. No evil images either. Do it the way God designed, and marriage will be blessed.

For sure. Private prayers are a whole other story. (They can ...

2026-08-25T13:23:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…xrr4
_________________________

For sure.

Private prayers are a whole other story. (They can sound awful, like mine.) But it doesn't need to be that way for public or community/liturgical prayer.

Not that there's anything wrong with it, but it's ...

2026-08-25T12:03:46Z

Not that there's anything wrong with it, but it's striking how many times the word *just* is used in non-denominational "contemporaneous" prayers.

"Lord, we just ask..." "We just pray..." "Father God, just bless us..." etc.

Sometimes written prayers are helpful.

"Just" saying. 🙂

Nostr event nevent1qqsw8sfvyvdqe2rajlxanet2597vjm89qrxudp7d54eu9h0y4uksywczypx8xhqqr9mx9c6szxlet0lw7xegusg3syct6jy8u5lnu4elkn3ajwmzr32

2026-08-25T01:41:11Z

Our garden is giving birth to some good stuff. This here is my boy "Mel," weighing in at 38 pounds.

I can't wait to give you more money than you could ever ...

2026-08-24T14:39:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…wj9d
_________________________

I can't wait to give you more money than you could ever imagine. Give me your BTC address!!!

I came across someone yesterday who said I "have abandoned ...

2026-08-24T13:15:14Z

I came across someone yesterday who said I "have abandoned the idea of gods, but forgot to ignore one."

I think his point is that it's inconsistent to be an "atheist" with regard to all "gods" with one exception: the Blessed Trinity.

I've never understood the appeal of that argument.

It's like saying because there are so many Trump impersonators, the real Donald Trump does not exist.

Nostr event nevent1qqsfvre7prkcycnemkzlglrukwu402dfaq299662lmw7sv8zu34u0tqzypx8xhqqr9mx9c6szxlet0lw7xegusg3syct6jy8u5lnu4elkn3ajxyyrtz

2026-08-23T02:55:29Z

Thank you for doing Confession so much. I don't know how many ...

2026-08-22T21:45:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…zqda
_________________________

Thank you for doing Confession so much. I don't know how many people show up, but it's important for whoever comes.

Usually the best parishes are the ones with the most Confessions.

I want to send you lots and lots of money. Because you're so ...

2026-08-22T20:20:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…9hz0
_________________________

I want to send you lots and lots of money. Because you're so real and sincere. There's no way you're trying to scam anyone.

I used to listen to that a lot. Also "Old King" was good ...

2026-08-22T19:49:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…kj2g
_________________________

I used to listen to that a lot. Also "Old King" was good on that album.

Jesus: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they ...

2026-08-21T14:59:52Z

Jesus: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Me: "Father, forgive me especially, because I knew what I was doing."

"Bead give." I've never heard the term before, but it ...

2026-08-20T17:04:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…6m7c
_________________________

"Bead give." I've never heard the term before, but it makes perfect sense. We need some, but not too much. It is part of a quality prayin' rosary. Now I know what to call it.

Imagine: If there are collar-wearing muckety-mucks openly ...

2026-08-20T15:43:22Z

Imagine: If there are collar-wearing muckety-mucks openly involved in Pachamama ceremonies, what might they or their associates be doing behind closed doors? 👹

I think I could do it if they'd let me eat it in the bathroom ...

2026-08-20T15:29:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…rnnl
_________________________

I think I could do it if they'd let me eat it in the bathroom so I can multitask.

🚽💩

It's still weird to see youngish guys at work who think ...

2026-08-20T13:31:50Z

It's still weird to see youngish guys at work who think professional business attire includes slacks that are inflatteringly tight, as well as too short, and bright white sneakers.

Sure, no one says you have to dress like Ward Cleaver at the office, but why Pee-Wee Herman?

The older you become, the more likely you are to sustain sleep ...

2026-08-20T12:51:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…whna
_________________________

The older you become, the more likely you are to sustain sleep injuries as well!

Maybe I should do warm-up exercises before praying and sleeping.

I'VE BEEN PRAYING TOO HARD -- AND I'M GOING TO STOP! ...

2026-08-20T10:59:43Z

I'VE BEEN PRAYING TOO HARD -- AND I'M GOING TO STOP!

Seriously.

I have this bad habit of pressing too hard between my rosary beads and it's applying too much pressure at a weird angle to the first joint of my thumb.

My wife just recently had a surgery for "trigger thumb," and I think I'm experiencing some of the same symptoms she did early on. So I don't want to aggravate it.

Time to use the *pad* of my thumb. Gently.

🫰📿😬

That burger is totally righteous.

2026-08-20T02:34:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…2geh
_________________________

That burger is totally righteous.

Bless me Father, for I have coveted your deacon's new puppy.

2026-08-19T18:31:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…2k02
_________________________

Bless me Father, for I have coveted your deacon's new puppy.

It is super. 🙂

2026-08-19T02:20:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…jktc
_________________________

It is super. 🙂

Prayer request this morning from family friends --- So I ...

2026-08-18T14:57:17Z

**Prayer request this morning from family friends**

---

So I wanted to write and ask for some very specific prayers. Greta has a pretty serious boyfriend and they are incredibly charitable, kind, and respectful to each other. We have gotten to know his family quite well and we absolutely adore Denver (and they very much adore Greta too). The two kids have started having some pretty serious talks in the last couple days about their faith, religion (he is non-denominational), and Greta has started addressing that she would need to marry and raise children in the Catholic Church. So far, he has been open to saying he just needs to learn more about Catholicism bc he admittedly does not know enough about it and is open to learning. He is interested in attending Mass with her, etc. However, they are still in high school and his parents are therefore obviously involved… so that’s not necessarily as easy as if they were older. Anyway, please just pray for the Holy Spirit to guide their conversations and for God to open his heart to the idea of Greta’s faith. They have some difficult and mature conversations they are planning to address this evening… I’m so hopeful for God’s intervention within these conversations… especially that Greta will be able to articulate what is important to her and why.

For the first time, Bishop Schneider finally speaks about the ...

2026-08-18T10:02:47Z

For the first time, Bishop Schneider finally speaks about the illicit SSPX consecrations.

This is worth the short time for Catholics to read.

https://dianemontagna.substack.com/p/bishop-schneider-serious-vatican

Hold on, Imad. Wait for a huge gift from me. Just wait. Keep ...

2026-08-17T23:56:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…3crr
_________________________

Hold on, Imad. Wait for a huge gift from me. Just wait. Keep waiting. Because of course I believe you.

I was only addressing what "free" means. It's a free ...

2026-08-17T23:55:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…ndug
_________________________

I was only addressing what "free" means.

It's a free sandwich even though you have to choose to eat it in order to receive its benefits, just like, say, God freely forgives sins and adopts us into his family if only we accept that free gift through the ordinary means of repentance, belief, and baptism.

In other words, an act of reception does not cause the giver to owe you what he gives you. It is still a free gift.

Saying... *Grace that requires our cooperation is not really ...

2026-08-17T21:56:37Z

Saying...

*Grace that requires our cooperation is not really grace*

is like saying...

*A free sandwich that someone else makes for you and gives you -- which you must put in your mouth, chew, and swallow -- is not really free.*

Nostr event nevent1qqsvpswhvpt3x3jzappgwh2qafka5k3tcjwfz8ef6zlfz3t4rc8kc9czypx8xhqqr9mx9c6szxlet0lw7xegusg3syct6jy8u5lnu4elkn3ajzxccwg

2026-08-17T08:26:33Z

The founder of the church I grew up in taught that we possess only a "temporary chemical existence," that we are composed of matter (dust) and lack inherent immortality.

💀💀💀

I can still hear the man's voice in my head saying those words. I heard it so many times from babyhood onward that it was hard to overwrite that dreadfully wrong belief about our nature as human beings.

We do have mortal bodies, but God created spiritual immortal souls to go along with them.

As a consequence of what we were taught, we believed if someone ended up going to hell, they'd burn up in a literal fire and die. Annihilated. Gone forever. No coming back in any way.

🔥🔥🔥

It sounds bad, but ultimately it lets the wicked person off the hook. Or rather, this teaching enables him to believe that.

The truth is that the unrepentant don't just burn up and go away, but experience a living hell, separated from God forever: first in the soul, and then, after the resurrection, with the body.

👂👃💪👀

Don't mess up this life. It's never too late.

Whether we end up suffering eternal punishment or eternal reward -- either way it will be unimaginable.

🔥👹 ... 🪽😇

I have two phones (one phone number) -- I had Signal on one and ...

2026-08-15T19:17:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…lgs7
_________________________

I have two phones (one phone number) -- I had Signal on one and Molly on the other.

Does it make a difference if I have two Signals instead? I don't know.

Based on your first paragraph, it sounds like you would do it -- ...

2026-08-13T15:21:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…w6ks
_________________________

Based on your first paragraph, it sounds like you would do it -- as long as you don't ask why (even if it's apparent, according to my previous description).

In any case, I would just want to emphasize, regardless of circumstances or technicalities, that the first concern behind all our actions (especially those of the clergy) is:

---
**The salvation of souls.**

Everything else, without exception, takes second fiddle.
---

We don't want to encourage, or falsely give the impression that the Church approves of, sins that will damn souls, even if we're technically obeying our current superiors.

I understand you are on the correct side of this particular issue -- and I know you're a good priest, one of the good guys -- but I wanted to illustrate that there are certain things we as non-bishops can know are "a joke," or do not conform to the Tradition to which we are commanded to hold fast (according to St. Paul, writing not to bishops or even presbyters, but to the faithful of Thessalonica).

In time, I think the Church will have to offer more definitive guidelines on the scope and limitations of a pope's authority. We just cannot accept Jesus is behind every wild pendulum swing based on whoever happens to be in office (as if it were pure politics).

Yes, patience and mercy. I often pray simultaneously: "Please ...

2026-08-13T14:33:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…z7kx
_________________________

Yes, patience and mercy.

I often pray simultaneously: "Please be merciful/patient with me" and "Thank you for your mercy/patience" with me.

Because I'm a dunderhead. I'm "a little slow," as Lloyd Christmas might say.

Consider a concrete, albeit (hopefully) hypothetical, example. ...

2026-08-12T20:04:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…wu9x
_________________________

Consider a concrete, albeit (hopefully) hypothetical, example.

Let's say you serve in a very liberal, gay-infested diocese, and you are approached regularly by gay, smiley, winky, 🏳️‍🌈 lapel-pin-wearing, hand-holding, recently "married" (in their eyes) couples asking for a priestly blessing.

Do you do it -- because a recent Vatican document encourages it and your bishop requires it of you?

Or do you refuse because you haven't forgotten that the Church throughout her history has taught sodomy is one of the sins that cry out to heaven for vengeance -- and this "blessing" would profoundly undermine that teaching?

Do you follow the questionable judgment of the successors *currently* directing you?

Or the collective body of successors throughout history with their clarity of teaching and spirituality?

OCIA classes? Using this? No way -- really? That would be ...

2026-08-12T13:31:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…jlwx
_________________________

OCIA classes? Using this? No way -- really?

That would be awesome. Makes my heart happy.

We should be more afraid to break continuity with 2000 years of ...

2026-08-12T13:15:46Z

We should be more afraid to break continuity with 2000 years of Church history, teaching, practice, and popes than to resist the agenda of an outlier pope or prelate who himself resists the Church's Tradition.

@npub1m4n…c2jl , I just recently sent you XMR for a ...

2026-08-11T22:54:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…qhtj
_________________________

Laeserin (npub1m4n…c2jl) , I just recently sent you XMR for a subscription. I don't know the difference between Standard and Premium (you ought to show that), but I'll try the Premium for now.

Let me know if I need to send you some kind of transaction ID so you know I sent you XMR. (I'm always fuzzy on what I need to provide for proof of payment.)

Thank you for the special accommodations.

Can one subscribe with XMR?

2026-08-11T20:08:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…78zc
_________________________

Can one subscribe with XMR?

Here's a secret that my dentist doesn't know: I ...

2026-08-11T16:26:40Z

Here's a secret that my dentist doesn't know: I haven't used toothpaste for years now.

He always says everything looks good and that my gums are healthy.

I haven't told him yet that I only brush my teeth with a generous pinch of baking soda.

Mothers are beautiful with special places prepared for them in ...

2026-08-10T15:19:25Z

In reply to nevent1q…jff5
_________________________

Mothers are beautiful with special places prepared for them in heaven.

And they have to be creative.

Understanding the Catholic Faith is not beyond your reach. If you ...

2026-08-09T12:10:55Z

Understanding the Catholic Faith is not beyond your reach.

If you read this small, simple catechism written early last century you will understand the Faith better than your local permanent deacon and probably most OCIA instructors.

Of course I'm not a fan of his, but that's kinda funny.

2026-08-08T22:50:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…m9f5
_________________________

Of course I'm not a fan of his, but that's kinda funny.

It's best we don't give Adam & Eve a hard time for ...

2026-08-08T21:33:04Z

It's best we don't give Adam & Eve a hard time for their sin in the garden, asking "What were you thinking?"

They could point to our sins today and say, "You have 20/20 hindsight as Christians -- what are *you* thinking?"

No, I actually knew she was just joking. I thought it was funny ...

2026-08-08T03:26:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…5usc
_________________________

No, I actually knew she was just joking. I thought it was funny so I shared it.

Nostr event nevent1qqsxgtrjnzm7qtzmu5hvsjdcpxhl2w0cgr60vsna24xgqqtf2kexx0qzypx8xhqqr9mx9c6szxlet0lw7xegusg3syct6jy8u5lnu4elkn3ajesfst3

2026-08-08T03:02:58Z

I have shaved with this Edwin Jagger razor for many years, and it will last the rest of my life.

Nothing like a good hot shave in the morning to start the day off right.

Save lots of money, too. (Blades are cheap if you order online.)

Sorry -- "Danie"

2026-08-07T14:35:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…day8
_________________________

Sorry -- "Danie"

Dani, you seriously have the best, most interesting gadget and ...

2026-08-07T14:34:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…fev4
_________________________

Dani, you seriously have the best, most interesting gadget and tech blog. Thanks for what you do.

When I consider scourging and crucifixion of our Lord in gruesome ...

2026-08-07T12:54:00Z

When I consider scourging and crucifixion of our Lord in gruesome detail, I admit to often feeling bad since I was part of the reason for him going through that suffering.

But on the flip side, he knew what he was doing. He did it voluntarily, intentionally, out of love for me.

How can I not respond in love to someone who loved me that much -- knowing what my sins would be ahead of time?

I love Tuta as a company. I trust them more than Proton. I use a ...

2026-08-06T00:00:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…9xzg
_________________________

I love Tuta as a company. I trust them more than Proton.

I use a variety of different email accounts. I don't use my free Tuda emai muchl, but maybe I should reconsider the pros and cons and try a paid version. They are worth supporting at least.

Yet they still don't accept the more-private Monero. That ...

2026-08-05T17:23:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…4ju8
_________________________

Yet they still don't accept the more-private Monero. That bothers me.

But it's a win for those who like to use BTC.

That won't help you, your soul, when you die -- regardless of ...

2026-08-05T14:35:25Z

In reply to nevent1q…q9md
_________________________

That won't help you, your soul, when you die -- regardless of any kind of "apocalypse."

Which are you using? Talk me into trying it (any that accept ...

2026-08-04T20:24:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…azy7
_________________________

Which are you using?

Talk me into trying it (any that accept Monero).

I would say advertising and "propaganda" are fine, as ...

2026-08-04T20:22:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…xszg
_________________________

I would say advertising and "propaganda" are fine, as long as they are truthful. Not misleading.

God can bring about good results from evil, but we can never (and he does not) commit evil in order to achieve a good end, though God can *allow* evil for a purpose.

You are engaged in real spiritual warfare whether you know it or ...

2026-08-04T15:50:13Z

You are engaged in real spiritual warfare whether you know it or not, like it or not.

If you don't know it or believe it, it's because you're being pummeled and soundly defeated. You will not have a happy death.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

"Easy believe-ism" isn't the solution, either ("Just accept Jesus").

You have to choose to love God with your whole heart, soul, and strength. Call on him.

Put on the whole armor of God and fight, with Jesus as your King and the Blessed Virgin as your Queen Mother.

With the triune God -- not Bitcoin or Monero -- all things are possible.

My wife just texted me: ----- "YOLO." - St. Thomas ...

2026-08-03T17:34:06Z

My wife just texted me:

-----
"YOLO."
- St. Thomas Aquinas
-----

I'm going to have to ask for a citation or reference. I'm not so sure I can trust her on this one.

Make an examination of conscience, and -- if you're already a ...

2026-08-03T17:19:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…p7jz
_________________________

Make an examination of conscience, and -- if you're already a baptized Catholic -- go to Confession for a new start! I'm going this week, too.

I'll pray for you, brother!

Ha -- yes. And so I use KeepassXC! 😄

2026-08-03T17:07:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…ga9w
_________________________

Ha -- yes.

And so I use KeepassXC! 😄

1. Death 2. Judgment 3. Heaven 4. Hell These are the "Four ...

2026-08-03T15:59:19Z

1. Death
2. Judgment
3. Heaven
4. Hell

These are the "Four Last Things."

1 & 2 are inevitable. You never know when it's your turn for 1. Probably sooner than you're ready to believe.

2 will follow immediately after 1, and it will determine your destination of eternal 3 or 4.

Don't be distracted. Don't take your eye off the ball.

It's not how you begin that counts; it's how you end.

You know the Way. Take it. Now.

Just give Monero another look -- that's what I'd say.

2026-08-02T17:59:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…earz
_________________________

Just give Monero another look -- that's what I'd say.

I made a custom lightning address with Cake Wallet to use here on ...

2026-08-01T21:05:35Z

I made a custom lightning address with Cake Wallet to use here on Nostr.

But then I read about how, technically, we are supposed to report all of our zaps -- sent and received, tracking the value at the time of transaction -- and how it's possible for Big Brother to trace our accounts to our real IDs.

I know (right now) all that is ridiculous. but I don't feel like thinking about the theoretical or eventual implications.

So I just got rid of my lightning address, for now at least, and will stick with privacy-by-default #Monero for those few who tip and transact that way.

Simplify.

I thought I should #asknostr : Is it as risky to directly enter ...

2026-07-31T20:22:19Z

I thought I should #asknostr :

Is it as risky to directly enter one's nsec directly into an app like Amethyst for Android as it is to do so on a computer's browser client?

Browser extensions like "Soapbox Signer" are awesome, while Amber eats my phone battery and data for lunch.

Cake Wallet 🍰

2026-07-31T13:23:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…aa2q
_________________________

Cake Wallet 🍰

Please send XMR to my Monero wallet so I can better support poor ...

2026-07-28T16:20:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…ttsk
_________________________

Please send XMR to my Monero wallet so I can better support poor scammers on Nostr.

Even though permitted with a dispensation, I super-highly ...

2026-07-28T16:12:49Z

Even though permitted with a dispensation, I super-highly recommend Catholics do NOT marry non-Catholics.

A spouse should be a helper and sharer, not an obstacle, in the Faith.

And kids learn from both parents.

There is loneliness in a one-Catholic household. Unnecessary pain.

Had you told me in my late 20s that there would come a time when ...

2026-07-28T11:33:12Z

Had you told me in my late 20s that there would come a time when I would pray the rosary daily, I would have been mortified: Vain repetitions. Pagan goddess worship. Idolatry. Apostasy.

Catholic apologetics won me over. Yet that wasn't good enough: Thou shalt not live by apologetics alone.

Only when I began praying the rosary regularly, thoughtfully, intentionally -- the way it should be prayed -- did I make more spiritual progress.

Catholic apologetics opened up my intellect; the rosary opened up my heart.

All this is my path to doing what our Lord commanded:

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30).

That's right. When you are a cracka, you can't say ...

2026-07-28T00:45:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…38zw
_________________________

That's right. When you are a cracka, you can't say anything about graham crackas.

Poor guy will never get good reception.

2026-07-27T01:00:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…53jh
_________________________

Poor guy will never get good reception.

I have lengthy "phone" conversations with family using ...

2026-07-25T11:43:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…22lr
_________________________

I have lengthy "phone" conversations with family using Signal voice calls.

I know that's not perfect, but it's a million times better than this.

I like it.

2026-07-22T15:53:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…75te
_________________________

I like it.

George Jetson?

2026-07-21T10:18:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…jtpu
_________________________

George Jetson?

I'm not convinced that's the best definition of a ...

2026-07-20T13:56:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…w5jq
_________________________

I'm not convinced that's the best definition of a religion.

Yes, both profess "belief" in Jesus and the Trinity. (Note that even Muslims "believe" in Jesus, though not in a salvific way.)

But the one on the left outright rejects the source and summit of the Catholic Faith -- the Eucharist and the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

They don't pretend to consecrate bread and wine, which they downgrade as mere symbols.

Therefore they have no priests, no altars, no re-presentation of Jesus' true saving sacrifice.

They reject sacraments altogether. Catholics believe Jesus saved us through the sacraments he instituted.

The left side also rejects the Blessed Virgin Mary as our holy mother and queen of heaven and earth, our Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of All Graces.

But they do appropriate the Catholic New Testament writings. I'm not sure that's good enough, though, considering they mishandle them in serious ways.

I know that all sounds harsh, especially to modern ears, but isn't it reality?

(I don't know whether the worship on the left is Baptist. I would bet on non-denominational.)

What I had in mind is an actual church I witnessed where their ...

2026-07-20T10:39:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…jfcg
_________________________

What I had in mind is an actual church I witnessed where their worship service begins like a Christian rock concert.

It begins with several songs including vocals, guitars, bass, and drums on the "stage," with a projector screen above showing the lyrics. The preacher reads a passage of Scripture, and then back to a few more songs during which people wander about greeting each other.

Then another performance before they consume their cellophane-wrapped cracker and juice that they picked up from the door on the way in (they don't attempt to consecrate it, because it's only symbolic, of course).

After another crooning song by the band, the preacher gives a long sermon about servant leadership, followed by a final rousing song ripped off from Christian pop radio.

There is no priest, no altar, no sacrifice, all of which they would vehemently reject outright anyway -- and all of which are central to the Catholic faith.

This church explicitly rejects the sacraments altogether, even though Jesus saves us through the sacraments he instituted.

One could crudely (but not inaccurately) call this church a glorified Book club that meets in the middle of a band performance.

This is all so foreign to historic Christianity, Eastern or Western.

I'm really thinking that if our goal is to promote unity among Christians, it would be much more effective to highlight and explain these differences -- to bring about conversions, changing hearts and minds -- than to just say nice things about what we have in common with others, compromising our own beliefs in the process.

Not trying to be controversial, but honest: If you compare the ...

2026-07-20T02:30:05Z

Not trying to be controversial, but honest:

If you compare the traditional Catholic Mass with a typical non-denominational church, then they appear to be two different religions, because there are radical differences.

😄 "No" what?

2026-07-19T00:43:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…uuxp
_________________________

😄 "No" what?

Practically all of Christian denominationalism -- whether ...

2026-07-18T19:34:40Z

Practically all of Christian denominationalism -- whether mainstream Protestants or the non-denominational denominations -- agree with Catholics on *what* the New Testament says.

The problem is their disagreements about what the New Testament *means* on critical issues, as well as what those critical issues even are.

"Bible alone" (sola scriptura) manifestly just doesn't work.

We have to obey St. Paul's instructions to keep the traditions passed on by word of mouth or by letter (2 Thess. 2:15) -- which is to say, not by letter alone.

I haven't finished it, but I started it 2 or 3 years ago. ...

2026-07-18T13:44:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…k2xh
_________________________

I haven't finished it, but I started it 2 or 3 years ago. *Quite a treasure!* I have it as an ebook. I'd like it as a hard copy book.

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed God's ...

2026-07-16T01:01:51Z

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed God's will be done, and asked his disciples to pray they don't enter into temptation.

Today (and over the past few decades, and actually in various ways almost over the last two millennia) the Church -- the Body of Christ -- is going through a Passion, too.

*We also should pray for God's will to be done, and that we don't enter into temptation.*

I keep coming back to this:

*We have to make the rosary part of our daily lives.* It's the perfect "pray without ceasing" kind of prayer. I've been making great use of my ring rosary.

I wish I had known the power of the rosary from childhood -- instead of being ignorantly anti-Catholic and anti-BVM.

But...I was ignorant. God enlightens us in his time.

---

Jesus, I trust in you.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us.

😂Yes! Weakened from the puncture and needing Band-Aids! 😂 ...

2026-07-15T20:38:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…tc4n
_________________________

😂Yes!

Weakened from the puncture and needing Band-Aids! 😂

To me, this photo is like trying to promote vasectomies using smiling men just after surgery with ice packs on their crotches.

The smiles don't overpower my reasons to reject 'em.

I very much dislike ads that show smiling people with Band-Aids ...

2026-07-15T14:26:26Z

I very much dislike ads that show smiling people with Band-Aids on their arms.

I would rather send these folks pictures of my smiling healthy family *without* Band-Aids.

I bought a new modem and router over the weekend. We can see all ...

2026-07-14T19:32:15Z

I bought a new modem and router over the weekend.

We can see all the neighbors' WiFi signals, so I thought it would be appropriate to name ours:

PrayTheRosary!

As Christians, we should be taking up space in society -- might as well take up the electromagnetic spectrum, too.

XMPP for sure in that situation.

2026-07-09T14:34:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…pdtp
_________________________

XMPP for sure in that situation.

I've been to an Ordinariate Mass some years ago. Right now I ...

2026-07-07T02:49:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…zz00
_________________________

I've been to an Ordinariate Mass some years ago. Right now I can't remember where it was (my wife would remember), but it was pretty good. I did personally "prefer" the straight TLM better, but it was still good -- very good.

When conservative Catholics boast of their "reverent Novus ...

2026-07-06T13:04:35Z

When conservative Catholics boast of their "reverent Novus Ordo Masses informed by the TLM," I wonder: Why not be fully informed?

Would they object to the TLM fully in English?

What parts of the TLM do they not want to inform their New Mass?

Their answers would be revealing.

The types and shadows of Jesus make the whole OT exciting to ...

2026-07-03T01:24:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…3886
_________________________

The types and shadows of Jesus make the whole OT exciting to read.

I would give anything to hear what Jesus explained to the two men on the road to Emmaus about himself from the Scriptures.