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

Do you know your place?

It's way too easy in this world to think that wearer something no great. Every where you turn there are advertisements telling us that we should feed our egos. We should get the fast car, buy the big house, get the new gadget because we deserve it. We work hard so we should consume. We work hard so we should go on vacation. We are told that all that we have is because of ourselves and we should thank or treat no one but ourselves for we have had no help. Problem is, that's not the case. Now not for a minute do I want anyone thinking that I disregard any hard work anyone does on a daily basis but keep in mind that if it were not for God you would have nothing. God gifts us with talents and abilities so that we can work hard to overcome daily goals and complete tasks. For if it were not for God we work ld not exist. For if it were not for God our world would not be what it is. That said we should know our place. We should not worship God because of fear or obligation. We should worship God because we love him. God loved so much that he couldn't keep it to himself. God loved so much that he chose to create. God loves us that he gives us talents and abilities to take care of ourselves and he also blesses us with each with different talents so that we may learn to love each other by depending on each other. No man is a complete person that can do all. We each have shortcomings, weaknesses so that we need each other. We were created to take care of each other, to love one another, but most importantly to need God. God has the ability to fill that hole in your heart to make you complete and to help you become the best version of yourself. God loves so much that he came to us in human form. He sent his son Jesus to teach us how to love God and each other. God even comes to us as the Holy Spirit everyday, if we let him in, to aid us in our daily lives. God knows his place, he is our father and loves us unconditionally, but do we know our place? God waits each and every day. What are you waiting for? 

Gospel, Luke 17:7-10

7 'Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, "Come and have your meal at once"?

8 Would he not be more likely to say, "Get my supper ready; fasten your belt and wait on me while I eat and drink. You yourself can eat and drink afterwards"?

9 Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told?

10 So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, "We are useless servants: we have done no more than our duty." '

Screaming to the Wind?

Stop

Stop please

Can't you see what you are doing? 
Did you loose your heart?

Or did you loose your way?

That love you had has gone astray Alone the tears

They fall so cold

Can't you see or hear them Alone the tears?

You turned away

Your lovers love forgotten? Alone the pain

Alone behind

Your running so fast

But to what?

Do you see your love?

Or do you see the mirror?

Do you love yourself?

When you should just love each other How much pain?

How much hope?

How much do you trade?

For one?

For each other?

Love stands and it's still waiting Though cold unused

Though dusty from time

It's not too late to get it right Once was could be

Ahead

If you believe

If you try

It's sun will shine

If you tend it's wing will fly

But you must come

You must come out

Out of the shadows

Out of yourself

Out to each other

But do not hasten

Do not pause

Time is ticking

And so it does

Run

Out 

Thanksgiving Aint Bout No Drumstick!

There are so many things in life that happen that we are not even aware of. As children we take everything for granted. We are born and we have our parents that care for us. They carry us where we need to go, they wake and tend to us in the middle of the night when we cry. They bath us from head to toe. Our parents cloth us in the best that they can muster. Through our lives our parents sacrifice over and over again because they love. Two people loved each other so much that their love could no longer be contained in themselves, and with the help of God, they made someone new. God is very much the same way. He created this world and us because of his love. I believe that God had so much love in him that he couldn’t contain it no more, and because of his love he created this world everything in it so that we would have a wonderful place to live. Like a child that so takes for granted what all their parents do for them so do we so often and too easily take for granted what God does for us. I am sure that there are many out there that would make the claim, “God’s done nothing for me. Everything I am I have done for myself.” Know this though, God is love. God is true perfect love and we get that from him. God also gives us free will and we can walk away from him, but make no mistake places in this world where people have chosen to walk away from God and are surrounded by the like live a much colder, unfulfilling life. Many stuck there yearn for more. They may not know what it is but when they find God they absorb him with great passion. God is willing to help you with anything. He is willing to help you. He is not an ATM or genie. Your wish is not his command, and that is where frustration enters. God wants you to love him with all your mind, body and heart and to love everyone you meet as yourself. He loves you despite of what you choose and always awaits the day of your return and reciprocation. He sent his son, Jesus and taught us how to love. His teachings are still alive to this day. He sends the Holy Spirit to help guide you. He has angels that watch over us and help with his bidding. This world is full of so many of God’s gifts that he has given to you. As we enter this time of Thanksgiving one must ask, are you thankful? And if so, do you show it?

Luke 17:11-19

11On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee. 12And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

How Much Love Can You Handle?

How Much Love Can You Handle?

I without a doubt love few things more than my children. The only two things that I can think of are God and my wife. Other than that nothing comes above my children. Funny thing is though is that those two would want me to do anything for my children to keep them safe. I know some may be appalled that I hold my God and my wife above my children but they are the foundation on how I decide to treat my children and how I raise them. I keep a watchful eye and I try and keep away all those that would possibly bring them harm or take them down the wrong path. God is the same way. We are his children and he loves us all. He wants us to take care of each other. He wants us to influence each other for good not evil. God knows that we are flawed though. He gave us free will to choose or refuse, and when we make mistakes he will forgive without pause. We have to ask for forgiveness though. We must repent for our mistakes. God calls on us to do the same for those that wrong us. We are to love all at all times. We are to forgive, because forgiving is love. Just as someone who comes to God with an honest and truly sorrowful heart will be forgiven, so must we forgive those that ask for forgiveness. When we truly forgive, not only do we help mend that who has done wrong, but also we heal a part of our own heart that is hurt from being wronged. It’s not always easy to do. Many times I have been scorned by my fellow brother or sister and I have had to goto God. I ask him in prayer, “God please help me forgive. I don’t want to feel this anger or pain.” It takes time and reflection and prayer but God helps me through just like with everything else. To keep my days clear I am always looking at my heart and the actions of others. If I can help or advise I do. I pray daily to confer with God on things. Daily I try and spend time reading his son’s teachings to “stay in the zone” and to become stronger. I ask for the Holy Spirit to be with me always to direct me at times when I am weak. For not only do I love my children and I love all. I do not want to see anyone fall nor lead any one too. We are all children of God there for God loves us all and wants us all to keep each other safe and in love. How much more can you love today?

Luke 17:1-6

1And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! 2It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 3Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; 4and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, `I repent,' you must forgive him." 5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

Are You Lonely or Broken Hearted?

To have a broken heart is a terrible thing. I have been through a lot and I would have to say that after being hungry (I mean really hungry with no food), penniless or sick having a broken heart is the worst feeling ever. Being broken hearted, feeling not worthy, not loved and so alone is the worst feeling ever. If you are hungry and you feel like you are loved then you have people you can go to for help. Being poor you can consult loved ones for ideas on how to pull yourself up, or in a pinch get some assistance. Even the many times I have been sick, I have been lucky when I felt loved because I felt I had some place to go for not only healing of the body but also of the heart and mind. Know this, God loves EVERYBODY.  I know that some may think, “Oh well I met this person that said that they were a christian and they turned me away.” For that I am truly sorry. Just because someone is a christian doesn’t mean that they don’t make mistakes, that they don’t sin or fall short of God’s call to love all, but that is person. I am talking about God. God loves all and he wants us all in our fellowship. Are there things that we all do that God doesn’t like? Yes, but God still loves. There are reasons he wants us to behave the way he desires. He wants us safe, happy and in balance. He wants us to love one another. He wants us to love and take care of ourselves. The biggest sinners out there, he still loves them and is waiting for them to come home to him. He sent his son Jesus to teach us that we all should love each other, that we should all forgive each other for God himself loves and forgives all. Jesus himself even died on the cross and took the blame for all the sins of everyone because God loves us. God comes to us as the Holy Spirt to try and help us through our days. God wants no one left behind. Are some of us harder to love than others? Maybe for us but not for God, he sees beauty ,strength and ability in all of us. God calls all of us to take Jesus as our personal savior, to become baptized in the Holy Spirt and become born again. God wants us to love him above everything else because he made everything. He wants us to love ourselves and take care of ourselves and he wants us to love everyone around us and help those in need. God wish is that no one in this world walks with a broken heart. All you have to do is accept him because he already has accepted you. God already loves you and he is waiting for you right now. 

Luke 15:1-10

1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." 3So he told them this parable: 4"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' 7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 8"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.' 10Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." 

Yes, I am Part of the 99%

Yes, I am Part of the 99%

I would say that I am part of the 99%. If you ask parents 99% of them will tell you that they will do just about anything for any one of their children. I am not a rich, smart or talented man but my wife and I make sure that our children have the best food we can get them, the warmest clothes to wear and the safest home to live in. When they work hard, meet and exceed expectations we give them the best gifts that we can afford. We want them to have better than we did, be smarter than we were and grow to be stronger than we are now. We do this because of love. All that we ask is that they abide by the rules of our house and we do our best to teach them to be the people they can be. God is the same. He is the parent of all and he has so many gifts to offer. He only asks that we love him and follow his two rules which all 10 commandments were built upon. Love the Lord your God with all your mind, body and soul and love everyone around you as you love yourself. God even sent his only son to teach us how to love and who even took the blame for all of our sins because of his love for us. He sends the Holy Spirit to help guide us through our days. All we have to do is believe and accept. When we accept him and partake in his sacraments we receive grace and gifts that help us to even achieve more, more than we could ever achieve by ourselves. But do we accept him? Do you accept God? Are you willing to let him into your life so that he can love you and share with you what he has to offer. Little is more heartbreaking for a parent than to see one of their children turn away from them and never come back. The pain a parent feels when a child refuses the love and knowledge of their parents is pure agony. To see a child make mistakes and feel pain because they refuse the knowledge of their parents is horrendous for a parent. We worry and lecture and even sometimes scream to get through to our children. To try and keep our children from making the same mistakes that the parents have so they don’t have to feel the same pain because as parents we love. Many times what children see as a parents anger is actually a parents fear. And like a good parent God is waiting and hoping that his lost children will come home so that he can share with them. Because God loves us and he doesn’t want us to feel needless pain, but it’s a two way street. We have to turn around and accept him. Are you ready to come home to God?

John 6:37-40

37All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; 39and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. 40For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Are You Missing Out On The Party?

Life can be so hectic. I am the father of 4 and with 2 of them now in sports it can be very taxing. My wife does a wonderful job working the schedule so that when I come home everything is organized and we can all get to everything that needs to be done. Work, practices, school work, projects and today making sure that she, my mother and I can all get to the voting polls to vote. We are called everyday to do so much and it seems sometimes that no matter what we do we never accomplish everything that we want to. Sadly the most important call of all seems to go unnoticed. God calls us everyday. Some right now maybe rolling their eyes and thinking, “Oh yeah that God thing. I really need to get to that.” But somehow God always gets bumped to the bottom of the list. What is the most important thing is left for last. Many will say, “God great and all but he really has no effect on my day to day life. I save that for Sunday.” Perhaps the reason God has no effect on your life is because you only let him in on Sunday, if at all. I was once guilty of this. God was at the bottom of my list. I called him when I needed something or when I was worried cause I really messed something up. It usually went something like this, “OH GOD SERIOUSLY THIS TIME IF YOU GET ME OUT OF THE BIND I WILL DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! HELP!” And then when the coast was clear I would forget immediately if not over a short period of time about my vow. After falling apart completely I slowly gave more and more of my life to God. Why? Cause doing it my way clearly didn’t work. I find that the more I devote my time and ways to God the more fulfilled I am. I am happier with peace and the rough times I handle with a lot more ease. I pray to God everyday. I read the teachings of Jesus and try to learn the lessons. I ask for help from the Holy Spirit to help guide me righteously through my days. Everyday God invites us to his home, his ways so that we can partake of his banquet. He loves you and wants to share. He wants to see you happy and share in your life. You are invited everyday, but will you go?

Luke 14:15-24

15When one of those who sat at table with him heard this, he said to him, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" 16But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; 17and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, `Come; for all is now ready.' 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, `I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' 19And another said, `I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' 20And another said, `I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, `Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' 22And the servant said, `Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' 23And the master said to the servant, `Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"

Was I Going To Fall On My Face?

Have you ever felt so exhausted that you thought you might just collapse? I try and get up every morning and right now I have a cold, not the flu but a cold and it was working against me this morning. “Give up, give up”, my body kept telling me. All I wanted to do was go back home and curl up in bed. Problem is, life isn’t about me. I have 4 wonderful children and they all depend on me. I have a wonderful wife and she depends on me. I want to be healthy and have a long life so that I can provide for them until my children can be on their own. I want a long and healthy life because I love my wife and I do not want her to feel the abandon of an untimely death. Life is not about me. Seems like right now we live in a time wherever we turn everything is saying, “Take care of #1!” In America we live in a culture that encourages us to consume as much as we can, and if we don’t then we aren’t cool, we a big fat loser. God wants you to look outside of yourself. He knows what happens when everyone searches to only feed their own desires. We become self-centered and concieted. Those in need continue in need because those with extra do not care for their fellow person. God doesn’t want us to give our money in taxes to the government so that we they can care for the poor. God wants you to care for the poor. He wants you to see the humanity there. He wants you to see their faces. He wants you to help PERSONALLY. When we help each other we humble ourselves. Through that humility we can build relationships on love and understanding. Through love and understand we can find true peace and happiness. Happiness is not eating as many cheeseburgers possible, trust me I have tried. Happiness isn’t the nice car or the oversized home. Happiness is love and caring for each other. God doesn’t like clicks, he wants us to be one Church following his son Jesus Christ. God is very wise and I consult him everyday. I beg for his help and for him to share his wisdom. I read the teachings of Jesus and learn how to love. I ask for help from the Holy Spirit in times of trial and to help me stay or the path of righteousness. I am no one special. It is not about me. For me, it is about God and it is about YOU. The happiness and peace I find is unending. I encourage you to come into the fold as well. God loves you and is waiting. He wants to share because for God it’s not about him it’s about YOU. Who are YOU living for?

Luke 14:12-14

12He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."