Who Are You Arguing With?

Last night I was involved in a heated debate with my son. I could see his point of view but he could not see mine. I was willing to work with him but he refused to compromise. After going back and forth he finally was willing to accept my compromise. If he ate his dinner I would let him eat some marshmallows. It’s a time honored tradition that children argue with their parents over eating a well balanced diet. As parents we want our children to have all the building blocks that they need, so that they can become strong and live a long healthy life. A healthy diet is a valuable brick to use to build a foundation for your life. What also seems to be a time honored tradition though is man’s refusal to follow God’s path. Many a man tries to do things their way instead of God’s, and many a man fall short and feel empty trying. Yes, I believe God exists. When I look at the earth I see so much beauty and logic in its creation I find it impossible to believe that this is all just random chance. When I ponder man’s existence and our place in this world I believe that we were made out of love. I truly believe that we have a soul. I believe that it is our duty to take care of this world and love all that is on it. When I read the accounts of Jesus Christ and I read his teachings I believe that he truly was the son of God. I believe that he has been in existence for all time. When I put his teachings into action I see love and life grow. When I see his teachings ignored I see hate, anger and anguish. I believe that God is the real truth. I have tested God and his ways and have reaped what I have sewn from following God’s will vs. my will. I know that some will scoff at this idea. Some will refuse God’s ways. From all I have experience and seen I find God the foundation for a long healthy life full of love and prosperity. I don’t need a million dollars in the bank. I don’t need a fancy possessions. I don’t need a life full of ecstasy reaped from drugs, alcohol or casual sex. What I do desire, what I choose rather, is love. After experiencing God’s love I find that there is nothing else as fulfilling. There is nothing else that I want to build my life upon but that truth. I am not perfect. I am a sinner and with God’s help I learn the value of “eating my vegetables”. I look forward to life eternal past this momentary mortal coil. 

John 1:1-18

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God; 3all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. 9The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. 11He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. 15(John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") 16And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

I Am Only a Puzzle Piece but I Help Finish the Picture

So many people I know, and even myself for a time, wanted to be the hero. They want to be the person that saves the day, gets the guy or girl, rides off into the sunset and lives happily ever after and famous for all eternity. After seeing so many “famous” fall and get kicked while they are down I am beginning to think that I would rather be a simple puzzle piece. Don’t get me wrong I am not afraid or selfish but rather I just want to hold the spot that I was born to hold. God definitely doesn’t like lazy. He wants you to give your all. He wants you to love everyone you meet as you love yourself every single day. Thats a pretty tall order in and of itself. He wants you to believe in him and love him and hold him higher than everything else, which is not always what we want to do. That’s why he sent his son, to establish the Church, a community that will give us strength in our times of need. He gave us sacraments of Baptism, Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation to give us faith and to keep it strong for God knows how weary our travels in life can be. I have no desire to be nothing more that what God wants of me. I am happy loving with all my might. I am happy to just flick that light switch on to help others see. I am happy to just open the door so others might see an opportunity. I am happy to teach my children to love everyone, help everyone and forgive anyone that hurts them. I am happy to show my children that I am a sinner and that I happily ask for forgiveness when I have done something wrong so they know to do the same. I do not preach to condemn sinners, but rather I speak with love and try to share with others that there is love from God for all. I never try and act as if I have all the answers but I know where they can be found, even if they are answers I did not want to hear. God can do so much with so little. He can accomplish much with one person, so I surrender. For it is thy will be done not my will be done. God patiently waits for us all and to show us how wonderfully we fit into this world. I encourage all to take the time to find your part for it is a most beautiful gift to receive.

Luke 2:22-35

22And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel." 33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." 

What Gifts are Waiting for You Under the Tree?

It is often easy to overlook all the beautiful things in the world until they rest right before your feet. Like children on Christmas Day we often hope and wonder what gifts will be under the tree. We wonder what new toys will be put at our feet. The truth is though that each day is like Christmas though we rarely see it. In this land of plenty and opportunity we are insulated from much of the horrors in the world. It becomes taken for granted sometimes and we unfortunately come to expect it. Now that I am a father I cringe when I watch the evening news and I feel oh so thankful that my children live under my protection through God. God has allowed me to put clothes on their backs, food in their tummies and a roof over their heads. Not all are so lucky and I don’t quite understand why the world works the way it does. As I open gifts in this season of giving I know that none is nearly as grand as the gift that unfolds before me when my eyes open at the start of each new day. I don’t need flashy things with lights and buttons when I have the smiles of a content and happiness looking back at me. I am not a wise man with great talents. I am not a perfect soul that shines on a mountain. I am a humble man trying to learn. I am a thankful man trying to do the best with what he has. I am a sinner trying to climb the road to heaven. I have much work to do and many lessons to learn. I was once lost but now found.  I encourage a pause for all. You are all such wonderful people, each made with a purpose and mission. Never has so much love been held waiting in the wings. Yet all we have to do is let it go. Let go of our desires in this world and like Jesus’s mother Mary accept the gifts of our God our father. We may not become rich or famous but we can have a peace and love that fills like nothing else in this world because it’s not of this world. In a world that encourages us to get all we can. I implore you to let all that go and spend some time with Jesus. He was sent for you, a gift for you out of love. Through his teachings true peace awaits. God’s gifts surround us everyday from the sun in the sky to the love in the air. The Holy Spirit waits each day to help guide us through this twisty turvy world. So of all the gifts waiting for you this Christmas season what is the one you are hoping the most for?

Luke 1:46-56

46And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." 56And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

Don't You Know What Causes That?

Every  event in our life is an opportunity for something beautiful. Problem is so often we are caught up in our plans that we cannot see it and hearing people say, "Hey the glass is half full", can make you want to punch someone in the face. But just like it can be difficult to see God's beauty in everything it can be hard to see the opportunities. Children are such a beautiful thing. Aside from the moments when a child is being a brat rarely do I hear anyone ever curse a child. The joy and insight alone thy bring into the world brings great richness in lives every where. My wife and I recently found out that we are having another child.  We have been quite disappointed in how much negativity we have been receiving. So many act as if it's the end of something wonderful. We see it as the beginning of something beautiful. We were not trying, we are one of those types of couples that engage in natural family planning. We track my wife's cycle and live a life of discipline. We regard the act of sex a a wonderful gift from God and we respect it. I do not  like the idea of cramming hormones unnaturally into my wife so that we can have as much sex we want. We do not want to use condoms or other devices to prevent God's will to work in our life. We accept that when we have sex that it is meant for bringing life into the world. Yes being intimate is a great part of our relationship but it is not the foundation for our relationship, it is merely one of the benefits from being in a healthy marriage.  In our eyes marriage is the Union of one man and one woman before God WITH the openness to bringing life in the world. We do not hate homosexuals, that as Jesus taught us, would be wrong. We are to love everyone we meet as we love ourselves as Jesus taught. We believe that if we want to be as close as two people can be spiritually, emotionally and physically then we should be responsible and married. We should unite properly before God and choose one partner forever, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, through the good times and the bad. Can life be frustrating? Yes, I don't always understand why life works the way it does, but I realize that after close to forty years on this planet I am merely a toddler in God's realm. I still have much to learn, but iron know this, with each change in my life I have an opportunity. I may no longer have the chance to drive a new 4x4 pickup truck, the odds that will play music for a living are small and vacation plans for this coming summer are over but I have an opportunity. I have the chance to teach someone how to love. I have the chance to teach the next generation to look past differences in people and build Gods love in this world, to bring peace. I have the chance to pass on the importance of feeding the hungry, clothing the poor and tending to the sick. Yes, having a child is a big responsibility and means sacrificing what I want but it is also an opportunity to Gods way and Gods love into the world. I won't be alone. He sent his son with wonderful teachings. He sends the Holy Spirit each day to get through those tough times. I attend mass each week to not only give to my community but to be supported by it. So for those that like to ask so often, "Don't you know what causes that?" Yes I do, God's love causes this and I feel so eternally blessed that he thinks I am worthy and up to the challenge.

Matthew 1:18-25
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; 19and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23"Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). 24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, 25but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

Merry Christmas, Now Take Out the Trash!

My mother and father had chores for me everyday growing up. They were not much at all but they wanted me to learn that life is not just waking up and wandering through the day. Each day should have purpose. Time should not be wasted. There is far too much to accomplish and achieve in this world. I can now see the love and restraint in their faces when they would come home after a long day and I had not completed a thing. Time wasted they thought and I thought the opposite for I had usually spent the time doing something “fun”. God has so much that he wants us to have. He has so many gifts that he wishes to bestow on us but we gain them through doing his wishes, his chores. We learn compassion and how to love through helping the needy. We build networks bridges and a strong foundation in our lives by helping our neighbors in need. If we were to all give what little extra we have, be it an old sweater, those couple extra cans of food in the pantry, that extra dollar we were going to use to by a soda kicking around in our wallet, we could cloth the naked, feed the hungry and help take care of the sick. If we were to take that second to ask, “Where do you go to Church?”, we could easily start conversations that would let us share the love of God. By sharing all of these things we would then know that they would be there for us if we ever needed them. Love could truly blossom and spread on this earth, and love is a treasure that we can all use more of each day. So the question is, “Do I do what God wishes each day?” If not, why not? Is it fear, greed or negligence. God calls us each day to steward this world to a better place. If we could just have some faith God would truly help us put some heaven on earth. God has already laid the greatest Christmas present ever of all time at our feet all we have to do is accept it. Jesus is ready waiting for us to accept him so that he can teach us how to find our way. All we have to do is take out our trash to make room for him so that we can start living a life that is truly wonderful, full of love and free.

Matthew 21:28-32

28"What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29And he answered, `I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. 30And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, `I go, sir,' but did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.

This Ain't No Jelly of the Month Club!

You can't fool a fooler and you can't trick a wise man. My children are a wonderful blessing even though they can try my patience on many occasion. Many times I will stop my sons from doing something before they do it, or acknowledge their sneaky tricks to subvert their responsibilities when they think they are in the clear. My sons look at me in wonder like, "How did he know about that?" Many times I know because I tried the same tricks on my father and mother when I was young. Other times I know because I just know their nature that well. God is the king of knowing both us and what lies inside our hearts. He loves us and wants the best for us, and like a good father mourns our bad decisions and heartbreaks. He tries to guide us down the correct path. He gives us rules and guidelines that will help us steer clear of so much pain. He sent his only son to teach and warn us to keep our hearts warm, open and pure as opposed to cold, closed and stained. He will watch as we dare to choose our way instead of his right up until the point where we get smacked in the face. Then he waits calmly for us to return to him where he waits with open arms to hold, comfort and teach us once again. He stands calmly while we try to slyly ask questions or find ways to try and wiggle around his rules. And when we fall or find the answer we weren't looking for he stands there beside us waiting lovingly for our apology and return to righteousness. Ever patient, ever loving and never ending is his true pure love. With all the gifts on the minds of the masses this holiday season, God's love is truly the most precious gift that keeps on giving.


Matthew 21:23-27
23And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" 24Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say to us, `Why then did you not believe him?' 26But if we say, `From men,' we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet." 27So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Ever Get An Unwanted Christmas Present?

Ever Get An Unwanted Christmas Present?

Have you ever got one of those Christmas presents where you were like, "Oh great, thanks, you really shouldn't have." Some people say that you gotta be careful what you wish for, and that is true. I can recall as I got older there were a couple of times where I was asked what I wanted for Christmas and I would give an off hand answer which lead to a surprise under the Christmas tree. They were things that I had wanted and actually needed but not as fun as something covered in buttons and lights. God being the greatest gift giver of all time often gives us what we need instead of what we want (which is what we think we NEED). He has the ability to see inside us and challenge us with obstacles we think we can not handle. Many times this is true, we can't handle it, that's why we are supposed to call on him. He wants to be there for us. He wants to help us, so that we can see that we can become what he know we can become. I have an old hose and all my children find certain corners quite creepy. Once when taking things up the attic ladder I enlisted the help of my stepson. It was an awkward haul and he was scared. I could have let him quit and do it for him, but instead I stood by his side and guided him through the challenge. Now how has no problem whatsoever taking thins in and out of the attic. God is like that, he is always with us ready to help. All we have to do is ask and he will help us. He sent his son to teach and he sends the Holy Spirit out everyday to help us on our daily paths. Question is though do we accept and use these gifts or do we leave them in the corner unused while we curse each difficulty that we try to negotiate OUR WAY?

Luke 1:26-38
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For with God nothing will be impossible." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Greatest Christmas Present Of All Time

Greatest Christmas Present Of All Time

Probably the most memorable Christmas I ever had was the year that I received a computer.
That was back in the days where I was programming computer code just for fun. I haven't even ever taken a computer science class. It was just fun for me. All the things that you could do to express yourself on a computer just really intrigued me and there wasn't really even an Internet yet. I was awe struck and so thankful it completely changed my life and to this day still ranks as my most favorite Christmas present ever. Jesus is like that for me. As well. He came into my life like a pebble thrown into a pond. Seeming small and insignificant the ripples that have effected my life still are felt ,seen and expanding even to this day. I can help but get excited like nothing else when given the chance to share my journey with Christ. I have had to he fortunate life to experiences great many things, and still to the s day my. Faith and journey. With him is my most favorite. After years feeling alone in the darkness I finally feel whole, welcome and warm in/with Christ's life. I find that the further that I study, follow and partake in his sacraments the stronger my faith becomes, the easier my life is to walk and the more blessed I feel. I encourage you now to give it an honest try. You will see your eyes opened to a life that you never thought possible. God has already placed this gift at your feet. All you have. To do is accept and open the package. His gift is truly the most greatest Christmas present of all.


Matthew 9:27-31
27And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." 28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 30And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." 31But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

What is on Your Chistmas List?

What is on Your Christmas List?

I can remember being young and how this was my favorite time of year. I couldn't wait till the presents started showing up under the Christmas tree. I would sit and stare and try and figure out what each one was. I know that I was always eager to make lists of what I wanted from Santa. On Christmas morning I would rush and wait for my parents to open presents. It seemed like the entire day was moving in slow motion on purpose to delay getting to moment of euphoria. That moment when the first piece of wrapping paper was sacrificed. Like many children I would try and court my parents during the Christmas season to try and get what I wanted. I would beg and plead sometimes with mixed results. Later in life I found myself often begging to God to get me out of whatever current mess I had gotten myself into, "PLEASE PLEASE GOD! THIS IS THE LAST TIME! GET ME OUT OF THIS ONE AND I WILL DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!!!!" I will admit that God did get me out a few close ones, but it became apparent that I wasn't going to fulfill my end of the bargain very well. After a while when I would ask God to bail me out his response was one of, "why don't you try doing things my way for a change and see how that works out." I was slow to turn but once I did I found my life becoming more easy the more I followed. I've since come to realize that it's best to examine my life daily and ask ,"what would Jesus do?", when I reach forks in the road. I am far from perfect. I am nobody special. I'm a sinner just like everyone else, but I have learned the benefits from building my life on rock solid choices rather than ones that are like quicksand. So as the Christmas season unfolds I ask, what's on your Christmas list, and are you on the right path to get it?

Matthew 7:21, 24-27
21"Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 24"Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 25and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; 27and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."

What Team Are You On?

What Team Are You On?

With Christmas quickly approaching we find ourselves in the season of giving. At a time when the fields are empty and the weather cold we find ourselves in midst of a holiday where we are supposed to come together and give to one another from our abundance. It is the time of year that I often wish we could sustain throughout the whole year. Opening our hearts and giving is what God calls for. He wants us to love and give. He wants us to have compassion and forgiveness. God gives us life, this world, talents, love, wisdom, free will, intellect and most of all his only son and through him he gave us himself. However at this time in the world we find life pulling us in an opposite direction. The world tells us that we should serve ourselves. It encourages us to keep our eyes focused on little portable video screens at all time so that we can be entertained. Millions of pictures and sound bites compete for our attention every day which makes me wonder if we are so focused on screens and ourselves are we aware what is going on right in front of us. I always find that the best place to start working with compassion is right in front of my face, void of a video screen. When I have done all I can do there I move outward. I am no great man. I am a sinner in fact but I know that God believes in me and you that we can each become so much more, so much better and help so many in need. As God is there for us every day I encourage you to be there for him every day. I encourage you to love God and everyone you meet everyday. For the gifts and the happiness that I have found loving God and loving others far surpasses anything that I have ever attained for myself. God wants us to truly find heaven here on earth and we can build it if we can start to love each other every day. The only question that remains for me to you is, are you on the team of ME or WE?

Matthew 15:29-37
29And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain, and sat down there. 30And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, 31so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. 32Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." 33And the disciples said to him, "Where are we to get bread enough in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" 34And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." 35And commanding the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

Are You In The Know?

Everyone likes to be in the know. For some reason we feel special when we know some thing that everyone else doesn't. I can't recall how many times I have heard children brag, "I know something you don't know." Thing is, God keeps it really simple. Many that don't get his rules (commandments) are just thinking too hard. They are too wise for their own good. It all boils down to love. When in doubt, love, that's pretty much it. Now I am not going to sit here and say I know why certain things play out hay they do. I don't understand gods master plan but I do understand what he expects of me. He wants me to love. When I am in need he wants me to love enough to humble myself and ask for help. When someone needs help he wants me to love enough to help those in need. When I wrong someone or God he wants me to love enough to ask for forgiveness. When I am wronged he wants me to love enough that I forgive without being asked. Many Christians get to caught up in the rules so that they spend all their time condemning others, and that is not loving. I always think about the line Jesus spoke, "he without sin cast the first stone." I find it a very healthy habit to examine my actions and look to my hero to decide if I am staying on a proper course. I make mistakes. I sin and I ask for forgiveness when I do so. Most of all I try and not be too wise. I do study daily, but I try and take that knowledge to my heart and not my head. For when I find when I fill my head with too much knowledge it grows and makes it difficult getting through doorways. So if you find yourself wanting to be in the know all you need to do is ask. God has so much to share if you only want to make time for him. Do you want to though?

Luke 10:21-24
21In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. 22All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." 23Then turning to the disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! 24For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."

You Know That Person That Loves To Complain?

Letting go can be hard especially letting go of one’s self can be hard. Most are trained to be spoiled. That can be a tough thing to reverse, especially in this country (US). We are born and people, usually parents tend to our every desire. We are fed, clothed, carried everywhere, when we soil our diapers others change us, and many entertain babies to make sure that they don’t fuss. We get to school age and begin the long process learning that we are not the center of the universe. I hear many comments about, “How this or that should change”, because “THAT’S NOT THE WAY I LIKE IT!” That guy in front of me should speed up or just pull over so I can pass. That person shouldn’t be so greedy cause they took the last piece on sale. Why do I have to PULL UP to the line and have them bring it out TO me? Why can’t I just sit here at the window? I will admit myself guilty so many times of thinking such things. Letting go and having faith that we will get what we need can be a hard thing. God calls us to have faith in him. Like the my child that doesn’t understand why its bad to play video games 24/7 we don’t always understand why God works the way he does.  We think far too micro and can’t see the macro view. I finally got the point where “gave up”. I let go and gave my life to God. My way wasn’t working. I was lucky that I was Baptized long ago and received a good dose of Grace. I decided that I no longer wanted to live a life of slavery trying to eat, drink, consume and attain every desire that I wanted. I let go and gave it all to God. I dove into that faith thing. I was afraid that everything I built would fall apart, and you know what? It did fall apart, but something more beautiful was built in its place. I tended to my faith. I studied and read and worked to be a better Christian. I go to mass regularly and I don’t just show up. I look to learn. When I am mad at the world I stop, pray and love. I have faith in God and he hasn’t let me down. God already has sacrificed so much. He let his son die for you and me and everyone, but we have to accept Jesus. We have to accept him as our savior, follow his ways and become a baptized in the Holy Spirit. God offers us so much, it may not be what we want but it is what we need. We just need to let go and have faith and we will fly, or do you like to sit and complain?

Matthew 8:5-11

5As he entered Caper'na-um, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him 6and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." 7And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." 8But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, `Go,' and he goes, and to another, `Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this,' and he does it." 10When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. 11I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,

When I am Smart I Let Someone Else Do the Talking

I can remember a time when I was afraid to go home because home wasn’t “home”. I can remember times when all I wanted to do was hide all day because I was afraid of being found. While some laugh at me because they do not feel it, fear can be a very defining feeling. It can define what you will and will not do on any given day. For a very long time I hid my faith. I talked about in poetry and songs. I would scream about it at the top of my lungs on a stage but it was masked by so many smilies and metaphors that I began to realize that no one knew what I was talking about. I would be surrounded by people who lamented that they were not accepted (people in the music scene) and where angry at the world about it. I knew thought that if I shared my faith with them I would be ridiculed, laughed at and that what few friends I had never speak to me again, even if I only wanted to share with them a place where I felt love. I wanted to tell them that they could have that too. I can remember how around my christian community (the people that were to love me and accept me) abandoned me. They would sit in the pews and praise Jesus and his teachings which I agreed with, only to hear moments later about how certain people were unchristian and just down right disgusting. For years I felt alone in a crowded room. All I felt was hate and I retreated further and further. When left on my own my faith and myself became weak. I fell hard in very cold and dark place. My head down I didn’t want to look at anything or anybody sober. As my life both spiritually and health-wise began to unravel at an ever quickening rate, I looked up. In that cold, dark and lonely corner I looked up. I began to ask questions, and for the first time more importantly, I began to listen and look for the answers. I had some really long conversations with God. He welcomed me and invited me in for a closer look. I started reading his son’s teachings, learning and I let go. I thought I might fall but I only flew. The only thing that holds me back is me. I know we all here that, “You should never care what anyone thinks”. I trump that idea. You should only care about what God thinks. Have “friends” left me? Yeah, I have lost many that were once by my side, but they were never actually there. I haven’t felt alone though in quite a long time. I don’t do anything now but get up and say good morning to God and give him the reins. I still make mistakes, but I confess them and learn from them. Each day I try to be better, smarter and stronger though none of it is from me. 

Luke 21:12-19

12But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13This will be a time for you to bear testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; 17you will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your lives.

You Gonna Walk Off That Cliff?

My children, while often they run randomly around using their imaginations to take them wherever they want to go, often look to me and their mother when things get serious. Like when they have to go up to their dark room and go to bed for the night. They just know that there is something bad up there in the dark, unknown room. There has to be monsters up there, right? My wife and I will escort them to the darkness and turn on the lights. We show them that the room is safe and over time we encourage them to go by themselves for we are only a call away. God is like that. He is there for us always if we want him but he doesn’t just want to be there with us in times of dire need. He wants to be there with us everyday. God doesn’t want to be a genie or an ATM, he wants to be your friend. He wants to share the good times and the bad. He wants to share his wisdom with you so that when you encounter unscrupulous people, false prophets or absolute evil you can see it for yourselves. He wants you following his ways now because they do so well to keep you out of danger and help you live free, happy lives, and all this is YOUR CHOICE. God doesn’t make you do it. He loves you and he knows that love isn’t forced. He has given you free will so that you can choose to follow God of your own choosing. He wants to protect you, because he loves you, RIGHT NOW AND FOR ALL DAYS. Imagine you had a friend that you love dearly, you have known them forever. How would you feel if they only called you when they needed to move? You might show up a time or two because you love them but after a while when in becomes apparent that all they want  you to do is show up and move their piano’s for them you might be suspicious. Especially when they don’t even help you move the piano that is theirs. They just sit and watch you do it. Sure they say thank you and all but when you want to spend quality time with your friend they always come up with excuses like, “Oh I am really busy maybe next time.” You ask them to celebrate with you, “Oh uh I am so tired I want to sleep in”. You have a major project that you need a little help with, surely they will help you cause you helped them in their time of need and you hear, “Oh, don’t like help feeding the poor cause they brought it on themselves and are so gross and needy.” We all have times when we could really use God in our corner and he WANTS US cause he loves us. Your life will end. One day this age will end. Liars and false prophets will come. Question is will you be safe for following Gods wisdom or will you be led over a cliff?

Luke 21:5-11

5And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6"As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." 7And they asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" 8And he said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, `I am he!' and, `The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. 9And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once." 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

All In or All Out, That is the Question?

How much does it stink to be in need and not have any help. Once I walked home 15 miles because my car broke down and no one wanted to stop and pick me up. It was especially disheartening to see people I knew drive by without pause. Like it or not there will be times in all of our lives when we need help. Some of us are lucky and our time of need is not that dire. For others their distress can be life shattering. God knows that this world works best when everyone goes “all in”. I cannot count the times when people in this great land have come together and overcome great obstacles. God sent his son Jesus to show us how to love and taught us to love “all in”. Jesus the man himself even let himself be arrested, beat, mocked, spit on, nailed to a cross and left to die for us because Jesus loved “all in”. There is so much need in the world and it can all be tended to with love. I need, you need people all over this world need wether they know it or not. God didn’t make us all the same. He didn’t make each one of us a self contained self sufficient person. He created us each with needs and everyone with complimenting gifts so that we could learn to love. Love each other and take care of each other. To look beyond our own selfish flesh driven desires and become something more. I truly believe that if we all worked as hard at giving as we now do at getting that we would destroy famine, poverty, and sickness, but to do that we all need to go “all in”. We need to hold nothing back. I know that many right now may be shaking their heads thinking, “Yeah, thats great but it will never happen”, and with that attitude it won’t. Many are probably thinking that the problem is so impossibly large that it can never be conquered. It is true that we will not end poverty, sickness and famine today. However if we BEGIN today we can get there. If you want to get somewhere else the first thing you have to do is walk out the door. Unfortunately many stay inside and just lament that they are not where they want to be. It all begins by putting more love in the world than we are taking out RIGHT NOW, TODAY. Your part in this journey can be as easy as taking each day and smiling as much as possible. It’s amazing how you can see people transform right in front of you if you lock eyes with a smile. Whenever I feel lost on ideas of how I can give I look to Jesus. I open my Bible and look at his teachings. He loves you and is waiting to help and spend time with you. The question though is, Are you ready to go “all in”?

Luke 21:1-4

1He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; 2and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. 3And he said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had."

Do you want to be a part of a family?

Being a musician I am also a collector. I have collected many guitars and other instruments over the years. Many think that I have e done this with great folly but in pursuit of the music in my head I have amassed quite an arsenal. I have no favorite though. They can each do different things and help me create different moods. My children are the same. They are each different and therefore each is special. I love no one more than the other, no matter how hard any of them seem to try drive me crazy. God is the same way. He has no favorites, he loves us all. We are all made different to do different thing for him, with him. Like our own children we have free will given to us and it is our decision wether or not we want to follow Gods commandments, Jesus's teachings the urgings of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants us all in or all out. He doesn't care for fair-weather followers, and so he is the same. He put it all on the line. He taught and loved with all his being. He called out those in power, and those hypocritical. He challenged the power structure of the Jews at the time (Sadducees and Pharisees). He taught till he was arrested, beat, spit upon, and mocked. He was given many chances to defend himself, but he remained dedicated to his mission. Finally he was forced to carry the instrument of his death across town while mocked all the more, and where he was nailed to the cross and left to hang until he died. He did this for you, I and every single soul that would ever be. He died for me just as I would surely die for my children if need be. To God we are all family. The question is, do you want to be a part of a family?

Matthew 12:46-50

46While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Are You Running Full Speed Into a Brick Wall?

Probably the hardest thing about being a parent is watching impending failure. At a certain point all children reach the age where they make their own decisions. I work very hard everyday to try and teach my children the right way through life and why that I feel that way is the right way. From their they are on their own. I have a son with a learning disability. It is one that I was plagued with myself and it is very frustrating. Each week I work with him and give him advice on how to navigate each day so that he is less likely to crash, and each week he ignores my advice. He leaves the my home, his safety, and embarks out to forge his own life. God is very much the same. He understands us because he made us and we are made in his image. While we have a physical body, we also have an immortal spirit like him. Like God we have an intellect and free will. We are not mere animals but created above them to care for this world. Through the years God tries over and over again to lead and teach us. Though we are flawed he gives us gifts to help us if we choose to follow him. By partaking in his gift of the sacraments we can receive grace. Like a runner becomes more fit not by just one trek on one day but by running often always trying to improve their time. God knows that this world works best when we learn the value of taking care of each other, and I don’t just mean by donating in the collection plate on Sunday morning. God wants people helping people, not faceless organizations. Yes, it is important to donate on Sunday to help your Church give to those less fortunate but Jesus called all of us to love. That is what it is all about, love. When we love God we heed his commandments, not for his sake but ours.  When we love God by following Jesus’s teachings, its not just to show him glory but to actively take care of each other here on earth. And know that God doesn’t want us to be greedy, he wants us to share this knowledge with all. Each day we wake and go about our day serving our own needs God hopes that we be mindful of our neighbors (all we meet) and love them. To show kindness, to overcome the desires of our flesh. Then perhaps we can see true heaven on earth. We can avoid the day to day problems and angst by focusing on something greater and higher. God wants to help you because he loves you. All you have to do is accept him and love him in return and by flowing his ways avoid the impending failures that so many seem to be running towards. The choice is yours. What do you want to do?

Luke 19:41-44

41And when he drew near and saw the city he wept over it, 42saying, "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. 43For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side, 44and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation."

Do You Want to be Alone in the Dark?

Having children is an amazing thing. I learn things every week by being around them. God shows me so much in such a little amount of time. I feel like I have lived 5 lifetimes already. One thing that always catches me though is their fear. From the day they are born my wife and I tend to them. we cloth, feed and provide shelter. We keep them warm on cold dark mornings and keep them cool in the hot summer afternoons. One speed bump that always arises though is their fear of the dark. The fear of that unknown room. With all the lights on it’s okay and a safe place, but they think that there just has to be something bad lurking in the dark. I tell them over and over again, “You are in my house and I will protect you. Do you think that I will let anything bad happen to you?” “No”, they reply but they are still scared. I walk the the room with them over and over again until their fear subsides and they learn that, really, there is nothing in that dark to harm them. It seems like so many I meet are like that. They are afraid of the unknown. God is there with them everyday to help take care of them but they refuse him. God lays out rules to help keep us safe and to have a happy life, but so many refuse to follow. God loves you. He even sent his only son to tell you and to teach you. Jesus taught us how to love each other and to love God so that no one would ever have to feel alone or fear danger. Striking though how many turn away. They want things their way. They despise God and use one of the most beautiful gifts he has give us. They use the gift of free will and turn away from God. God wants to give to you because he loves you and after that he only wants to give more but you have to accept him. Many take the gifts and talents that God has given and even use them against God himself. They believe that everything is chance and circumstance. Some believe that everything that they are is because of their making. Through all the chaos that man puts into the world God’s natural order still works rather well. Over and over God asks us to wait, consider, believe. He sent his son. He comes as the Holy Spirit every day, but are our hearts too cold, too angry, too self-absorbed to let him in? One day your life will be over. One day this world will end. God loves you and is waiting, but he will only take you into his home if you accept the invitation that he has already sent to you. Do you want to be alone in the dark?

Luke 19:11-28

11As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. 13Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, `Trade with these till I come.' 14But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.' 15When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. 16The first came before him, saying, `Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.' 17And he said to him, `Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' 18And the second came, saying, `Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' 19And he said to him, `And you are to be over five cities.' 20Then another came, saying, `Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin; 21for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.' 22He said to him, `I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?' 24And he said to those who stood by, `Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.' 25(And they said to him, `Lord, he has ten pounds!') 26`I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.'" 28And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

Do You Feel Like You Are Sinking in a Crowd?

Have you ever been around someone that created a vacuum in the room. It's almost as if the entire mood will change when they are around. I knew someone like that in school. They just seemed to have "it". They were kind and inspiring and even if you were having a bad day it didn't seem so bad when they were around. Jesus definitely seemed to have that going on every where he went drew crowds. I love my relationship with God.  I am far from perfect but the more I put in the more I get out of it. When I am in the zone and in a state of sanctifying grace I feel like nothing can go wrong and if it does I can handle it with ease. Sanctifying Grace is a special gift from God that you can receive but like all gifts you must take care of it or you can loose it. At baptism you get a wonderful dose, and it is why many feel a buzz like feeling about them afterward. But as grace is so wonderful, sin is it's counter. It's why  I try to be vigilant to follow God's teachings, not for his sake but for mine. Confessing my sins on a regular basis is a great way to stay in check. For it helps me remain mindful of my thoughts and actions, and after confessing it helps me stay on track. Another great way to stay on track after I have confessed my sins is by taking part in communion. Receiving Christ's body and blood strengthens my bond, gives me grace and a blessing. The more I commune and spend time in communion with God the stronger my faith and relationship is. The stronger my relationship is, the more I can handle. The more temptation I can dispel and avoid with God's help the better I feel. For if my faith is weak then it is easier to fall into sin and sink. I don't want to be anyone special. I just want to be the best version of myself that I possibly can, and I can only get there with God 's help. I don't want to be the center of a crowd. I'll let Jesus take that spot. I have seen far too many fall in the spotlight. Thinking that they are great because of themselves, they they build a life on sand and wash away. I encourage you to build a life on some thing strong and true. God is a rock that makes for a good platform to build a life upon. He waits for you always. He will help you when you begin to sink, or if you have already fallen hard. There is room for all in the house of God. It never gets crowded. He is waiting for you. He loves you. All you have to do is reach out. 

Matthew 14:22-33

22Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." 28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Dale Burkhart: Awake

1

He sat there feeling like he was starring at the sun. The air around him was so warm and he could barely see. Part of him just wanted it to stop. He had things to do and he didn't have time for dreams. In the background of his mind he heard a woman giggling but for some reason it was making him very uneasy. He heard the soft sweet sounds of her saying, “Come here, come on just for a little bit.” He couldn't understand what was going on, where he was or how he got there. He was pretty sure this was all a dream but at the same time it was so familiar that he thought it might be real. When would he wake? Would he see the face of that woman? Squinting as hard as he could he tried to examine himself and his surroundings. Through the bright shining light he could see vague shades of someone running around dancing a short ways from him. He tried to stand but he couldn’t. It was like he didn't have the coordination to stand up. Slowly a feeling started to rise in the back of his head. He heard no sound but it was like the coming of a freight train over the horizon. As it got closer a pain began to swell in the back of his head. The quiet dull noise quickly ramped up to a full blown migraine raging in his head. 

When he woke up it was cold dark and damp. It smelled like rotting boxes. He almost didn't want to move. A flash in his mind revealed a woman. She looked very angelic and soft in the warm glow. She gazed straight into his eyes and gave him a slow wink, and FLASH, she was gone. There he sat amongst a pile of rotting boxes. He still had no idea where we was but he knew that he had to get moving. Looking at himself he knew that he wasn't too bad off. His brown suit wasn't torn or damaged but it was rather dirty. The aching in the back of his head had subsided a bit from his dream. He reached to the back of his head to see if he was bleeding. There was a bit of a bump but when he checked his hand there was no blood present.

He sat up and and began to look around. He made out some twinkling lights in the distance. Cautiously he slowly rose to make sure that he kept his balance. The moist ground beneath him felt like old pavement. He was on a country road as his other senses came to him he realized that was in the middle of nowhere, maybe close to a small town, but definitely no where he was familiar with. He definitely had no idea how he got there.

As he stood up his eyes began to focus to his left appeared to be a pile of old cardboard boxes for appliances. This was definitely where the smell was coming from. He cleared his throat and one of the boxes moved as if something living was inside. He really didn't want to look inside, but his curiosity was getting the better of him. Slowly he creeped towards the box. Noticing the open end he peered inside.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT YOU SON OF A BITCH?!"

It was what appeared to be a homeless man from his look, smell and demeanor.

"Ain't you hung round here long enough? Keep starring bitch and I'm gonna stick ya"

In the little light that was available he could see a blade of some sort glimmering. Without hesitation the lost man stumbled back nearly falling over and began to run toward the distant lights. As he ran off the homeless man crawled out his rotting box, "What's this?", he wondered out loud. Up from off the ground he found a wallet.

"Hee Hee Hee, well dumbass thanks a million", flipping open the wallet he found about two thousand dollars and nothing else but a drivers license. "Dale Burkhart eh? should change your name to Captain dumb ass!"

Pay It Forward or Pay Your Pocket?

One thing that I have learned from life is that if you want something you need to go get it. Life is about actions. We are what we do. God is no different he judges us by our actions. I have spoke to many a person that has told me, "All you need is faith to get into the kingdom of heaven." Yes, you need faith but I ask what kind of faith do you have it is not followed by good works. God knows that this world works best when we serve not ourselves but our fellow man. To have compassion and commit acts of charity and kindness for those less fortunate than ourselves is truly Christian. I see "non-christians" everyday committing acts of charity. When we care for strangers out of the goodness of our hearts we sew love into this world,and as the famous saying goes, you reap what you sew. Do some acts go unnoticed? Yes, and they should. We shouldn't do charity for any kind of recognition or fame. We should do it out of love. Love means giving without expecting anything in return. We should do it out of love and appreciation for what we have. Out of thankfulness for God and all of his gifts, and we should be charitable to those less fortunate out of love because we are all brothers and sisters in this world. God has bestowed so many blessings, the first of which is, that he gave us life. He didn't have to but he did because he is filled with love and wanted to share life. He loves us so that the sent his son to teach us how to love. Jesus loved us so much that he share lessons of life to help keep us safe with each other. Jesus even died on the cross for us. A most terrible death he endured for us because of our sins. If we let him God will travel with us every day in the Holy Spirit and aid us at every turn. I know for some time is short or money may be little, but if you can take 5 minutes a day and pray for those in need. You can take a dollar and buy one extra can of food to drop in a donation basket. Charity is like a muscle and the more you use it the stronger you will become with it. If you are lost and don't know where to begin, do not fear, pause and pray God will show you how you can help others. He loves you. Ponder this though, if you refuse to help others, who might help you in your time of need?

Matthew 25:31-40

31"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. 34Then the King will say to those at his right hand, `Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? 38And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' 40And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'

Loved Ones, Will You Stay or Will You Go?

Be mindful of your loved ones, those most close to you. Every once in a while I here some people hint terrible on the news. Recently I heard a bout a little boy that tragically and horrifically died. I never can understand how these things happen. I do believe that there is evil in the world and in fact, I have seen it. God gives us free will. We are not like animals, we can reason. We can choose to refuse our egos and serve each other. We have an intellect and a soul. However though horrible things happen, I can only guess that a lost soul comes to a place where evil and free will meet and bad thins happen. When I hear of such atrocities though I pray. I pray for the safety of my loved ones and even all children around the world. All things come to an end. Even this age will come to an end. For myself and the path that I have been on I strongly believe in God. Because I want to goto heaven I have taken Jesus Christ as my personal savior. I had myself baptized in the Holy Spirit. I attend church regularly to keep my faith strong and to grow and understand more. Church also gives me a support group to help me in tough times as well. I pray daily, often many times, I like having a close personal relationship with God. Finally I try and share my experiences with as many friends and family as possible. See, I was once very lost and in a very dark place. I am so grateful that that time is behind me. I recovered because of my faith which I was drawn back to by some very special and select people. So now as I pass through life I try and help as many as I possibly can. I a nobody special. I am a sinner just like everyone else, but I want to try and make sure that heaven is as full as possible when I get there. Not because of me but because of God. I hate to think that once there I will be asked, "did you really do all that you could do" and feel that I hadn't. Every year I ask for Christmas that my family go to church with me for I want no one l love left behind. Have you thought about it? Will you stay or will you go?

Luke 17:26-37

26As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man. 27They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28Likewise as it was in the days of Lot -- they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, 29but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and sulphur rained from heaven and destroyed them all -- 30so will it be on the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. 32Remember Lot's wife. 33Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." 37And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."

You want your desert but are you ready for it?

My little boy loves desert. He has learned that while his mother makes wonderful food the real treat comes after the meal. It took him a bit but he would see his older brothers wander off to the kitchen after eating and then they would come out with the really good stuff. It wasn't before long he started wandering into the kitchen after dinner himself to see how it worked and what was going on. The kingdom of God is kind of like that. When I was young I would go to church, it was okay but I was too young to really understand all that it had to offer. As far as I was concerned it was just another place to learn like school and I hated school. As I got older and was out on my own I had an appreciation for God but not for church, and over time temptation won out. I thought that I was living the good life and that I was closely connected with God but I was actually drifting further and further away. The longer I was away from church the further I drifted until my faith was a mere shadow of what it once was.  After completely bottoming out I would see so many happy people on Sunday. I worked at a restaurant and I would see all these happy people coming in after church. I began to think like my little boy that I was missing out on something. I prayed and I prayed hard. I asked God to help me find my way back. I was not back in an instant either, it took time. Now I enjoy peace, love and serenity that I have never experienced before. Even when thing are at there worst now I am still happier than my happiest days when I was lost. There are many I know that want that peace but they don't want to "eat their vegetables". They want the peace but think that God is,"just a bunch of rules." Those rules keep you safe. Those rules help you respect yourself and others. God will return one day. The question is have you done your part? What kind of life would God find you living if he came for a visit, right now today? Have you kept your soul healthy? Is your faith strong? Do you practice good woks to do so, or do you merely skate by? Life can in in an instant and no one has the ability to predict Christ's return. Jesus has already done all the hard work. He let himself be captured, mocked, spit on, beat and nailed to a cross till death. He has taken the blame for all your sins but have to accept Jesus Christ as your lord and savior. You have to become baptized in the Holy Spirit. You must confirm your faith to him and with this you will receive the gifts of grace and all the blessing that God has to offer. Question is, are you ready for God's just deserts?

Luke 17:20-25

20Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." 22And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see it. 23And they will say to you, `Lo, there!' or `Lo, here!' Do not go, do not follow them. 24For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of man be in his day. 25But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

A Poem: Inside The Bounty

I look and I see no end 

The sky kisses the land

The horizon a beautiful painting

Real life real time real art

The world your canvas

I live in your art

So much you give 

I look and I see no end

My eyes open I see your pallet of color

My lungs open and I breathe life again

Feet on the ground I feel your textures

Some rough some smooth some wet

My hands up arms out finger spread

I feel your breeze

Cool and calming

Unending as your time

So many gifts each and everyday

In my mouth the harvest of your lands

Sweetness of fruit, salt of the earth

Nourishment from the garden

The shapes and colors of you pallet varies

So much to choose from

So good and true

As I work and toil 

I am not alone

The gift of family and friends

Thought, ideas, triumph and sorrows

All together never alone

Overcoming the obstacles

Through charity through love

For my hole brings your fill

Your love fits my void

And then I will turn

And share what I've learned

Wayne

Oh how I miss you

Last I heard you were drowning

I tried to reach out

You said you had plans

I tried to call later

But you didn't answer

When you replied it wasn't to me

To many minutes to let it pass by

To many tries guess it's goodbye

I remember your smile and the laugh that would roll

I remember the times we hung out in the old

I remember the name, my brother, you said

I remember the hopes of what might lay ahead

Don't know what I did

Don't know what went wrong

But I know your not here

Probably my fault after all

Hope your still going

With your head held up high

I hope that you heal 

Without too much time