With a Mouth Full of B&G!

Is there anyone out there on call 24/7? Those that live with that type of career know that it can be a blessing and a curse. It’s nice to know that you are needed but at the same time you can be in the middle of something important and get the call. I remember years ago when I worked a home improvement store I was out on my day off. I was sitting in a restaurant eating breakfast, big ol’ fork of biscuits and gravy in my mouth and someone came up to me and asked, “How do you determine the operation of a sliding glass door?” I was amazed, I would never think of doing such a thing to someone but I cleared my mouth answered the question politely and had a bit of a chuckle with my family. I was happy to help. As Christians we are called to help our fellow man 24/7. Not when we feel like it but at any time. See someone on the side of the road? Stop, hear a bout a fundraiser? Help or donate, you know someone that is going though a tough time? Put in some face time and help them. God is on call 24/7. It may not seem like it cause some of us treat God like a Genie and get upset when he doesn’t do what we want. Usually its cause he gives us what we need instead. Basically God never wants us to be too “anything” to help each other. He even sent his son Jesus as the perfect example. Feeding the hungry, healing the sick and forgiving the sinful, and he wants us to do the same. Now as mere mortals we do not have the power to forgive sins on the behalf of God we can forgive our brothers and sisters that sin against us. More importantly we should ask for forgiveness from those we sin against. God wants us to be happy and humble. For a humble person is more likely to help those in need, and if we were to all help each other when we saw someone in need this world would be a much happier place. 

Luke 14:1-6

1One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. 2And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3And Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?" 4But they were silent. Then he took him and healed him, and let him go. 5And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not immediately pull him out on a sabbath day?" 6And they could not reply to this.

Are You Screaming?

Do you ever feel like you are alone in the wilderness screaming at the top of your lungs with no effect when actually you are in a crowded room screaming at the top of your lungs with no effect? Some of the most frustrating times in my life were when I was trying to help someone(s) and the reaction was as if I hadn’t said anything at all. People can be rather stubborn all the facts can be laid out before them and still they will continue to ignore. God with all his love could not hold it in anymore and had to create. He made a world filled with beautiful landscapes filled with living things that all feed each other in great balance and then he made us. In his Image and with free will he gave us the grand gift of life. He gave us man and woman and wanted us to love each other and love and care over all he created. Even when we took our free will and broke his command and ate from that tree he still loved us. When Cain killed Able he still loved. When the world was so wicked he brought the flood he still loved and saved Noah. He wanted to give us guidance so he chose a special people to teach to love. When they became enslaved and could not find a way out, he loved and sent Moses to free them. When the “law” became confusing and not of love he had Moses give us 10 rules (commandments).

When his people lost their way he would send a prophet. Again and again these were ridiculed and killed because men could not see to love. Finally when things had become so bad again God sent his son Jesus out of love. Jesus gave us 2 rules. Love God with mind, body and soul and love each other as yourself. Jesus fed, cured and forgave sins. He loved with all his heart and for us he died. Jesus took the blame for all the sins for everyone that would ever live because he loved and still to this day some choose to not listen. Some so lost, angry and full of despair refuse to listen. They choose to only fill their own desires and God still loves them. If we choose to walk away it saddens God but he gave us free will. We are not slaves, but he is waiting with open arms to hold and love us and share all he has. So when you feel like you are alone screaming with no one listening, know that God hears you. Turn your conversation to him, you may not like everything he has to say at first but then again you will never find such a overflowing love anywhere else either.

Luke 13:31-35

31At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' 34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 35Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'" 

In or Out That Door Gonna Shut!

One thing that I have been trying to teach my children is that if there is something in life that you want then you have to go get it. Rarely do things fall into your lap by chance and circumstance. Often I have seen the phrase “Good Luck = Hard Work”. How these words ring so true. When I was young I had no confidence what so ever, and as a result I never tried for anything. When I did and I was met with words of opposition, I would stop and walk away. I did what I was told and tried to stay out of the way. I was satisfied but never really happy. It wasn’t until my twenties when I got fed up and started going after what I wanted. Now that was a problem, cause it was what I wanted and therefore I made some pretty big mistakes, and went down a long dark road. In my thirties I started to dig myself out. I got back to zero. I paid for all my mistakes and got right with God. Even though I had always believed in God I was “born again” and had a rededication to my faith. I sought knowledge, I prayed more and more in the passing months. I began to study and with God as my leader, Jesus as my teacher and the Holy Spirit as my advisor I began to make decisions but it wasn’t just what I wanted to do. I ran everything by God, “What do you think?” I would often say. Answers didn’t always come as quick as I wanted but they did come in time. Some of the things that I wanted I didn’t get but I am happier for it. The things I have received following Jesus have been more grand, but you have to want God. He is always there waiting, but he wants a dedication to him, a confirmation of faith. He wants you to take the plunge and become baptized in the Holy Spirit. He will wash away everything wrong you have done, and when you make mistakes in the future if you come to God with an honest and mournful heart he will forgive you of your sins when you ask. So many want what God offers, but they don’t want to take the first step. They want God to come all the way to them, but God isn’t a genie you have to make a commitment and meet him half way. This offer doesn’t last forever, you will die one day or this age will come to an end. At that time God will shut the door and the decisions you make will determine whether you are in or out. God will let you do whatever you want. He wants your company but will you come in?

Luke 13:22-30

22He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, 24"Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, `Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, `I do not know where you come from.' 26Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27But he will say, `I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!' 28There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out. 29And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. 30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Oh, Before You Throw That Thing

Ever have one of those days?  I have, actually I think sometimes that I have my share and a couple of other people’s share too. The days I wake up, loose my glasses, try to get out the door and it takes like an hour cause I keep forgetting things. I’m in a hurry but I need to get gas then I hit all the red lights and all my errands are on opposite sides of town. I get in the store but I left my wallet out in the truck. I get home to realize I didn’t hear my wife right on the cell and I was supposed to bring home lunch, and it just keeps getting better from there. I used to get mad so easily. I would yell and scream and sometimes throw things (and then have to buy new). Prayer comes in so handy. Nothing works better than a little alone time with God. It helps me find clarity when life is confusing. It helps me calm down with life is spinning out of control. Through prayer helps me find answers to problems. When I worry for others I goto prayer and God listens and even sometimes enlightens me on how to help those in need. God is my greatest cheerleader and through prayer he gives me the hope to succeed. Through prayer with God I find my faith strengthened so that I don’t doubt in times of question. I find talking to God through prayer he shows me how my charity can be put into action and where to go to help. Most of all prayer is awesome for asking for forgiveness when I do sin. Confession for me is the most amazing, wonderful, uplifting thing. My favorite place to pray is in my church, but God is everywhere he is at my beckon call 24/7. He doesn’t always do what I want. He says and does what I need. Going to mass I find such peace because it is like one GIANT prayer. I don’t know what I would do without God in my life. I know how it went before. I was lost, constantly trying to feed my needs. I didn’t care about anyone else but myself. I was a slave to vices that I thought defined my life as free. Now I have hope instead of fear. I have faith instead of feeling lost, and I have charity instead of being self-centered. It all started with prayer. God is waiting, he loves you and wants to hear from you. He doesn’t need fancy words. He just wants to hear what is in your heart. He just wants to help you feel whole. He wants you to feel as special as you are. He knows cause he made you. 

Luke 6:12-16

12In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; 14Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Blinded by the Light, Love or RULES?

Sometimes we ignore the important stuff and we don’t even know it. I lost my backup glasses bout a month ago but I had my main pair so I was like, “Its okay I’ll look for them tomorrow.” Well, this morning I was out on my morning run and as I walked down the drive on my cool down I took off my pull over and OFF they went. Now I tried to find my main pair outside but being that they are dark frames at 5:40am and leaves all over the ground I couldn’t find them. I am blind without my glasses, so off in search of my backups. I found them and I am fine but my morning would have been a lot more smooth if I had done the looking weeks ago. Church can be the same way. We become Christians and try to go to Church every week, follow all the rules and stay away from temptation but we can get lost in the process. We can get so lost in “staying away form sin” that we can ignore others in need. I have seen myself and others create a little fortress around their heart and faith while trying to follow the “rules”. Know this God has one rule in two parts. Love God with all your mind, body and soul. The second love your neighbor as you love yourself. We were all lost at one point in time (maybe even right now) and God wants us to help each other find our way through LOVE. Acting with love and speaking with love. As Christians our goal is not ONLY to get ourselves to heaven but to ALSO bring along as many of our “neighbors” as we possibly can. Might we get shunned in the process? Yeah, plenty of times I have been open about my faith and others scoffed, even ridiculed me but I don’t mind. I know where I am trying to get to. So when I see those in need I offer help because God asks me to and that is what Jesus taught. Times when I am nervous and unsure I get help from the Holy Spirit to find my way. If we all treated each other as we wished to be treated then I have no doubt famine would disappear, poverty wouldn’t be as nearly as bad and the lost would feel found. Each one of us can change the world one small step at a time, together in community, in communion with one another, through God’s Church, in and outside of the walls of a church. So if you find yourself hung up on the “rules” of the Church remember Jesus made it so simple. When in doubt love.

Luke 13:10-17

10Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." 13And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. 14But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." 15Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? 16And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" 17As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

A Big Old Slice of Humble Pie? Mmm

Being humble today is such a hard thing to do. For some reason it seems to be a sin anymore to be wrong. Consequently I guess, I have seen people try and defend their actions to no end to prevent from being “wrong”. We are human therefore we will make mistakes. Anymore if I am wrong and I know it, I just admit it right away. I humble myself and say, “Sorry, you are so right I messed up I will try my hardest to not do that again.” If I get into an argument with my wife and she calls me out on a short coming on how I act, I don’t defend I acknowledge. “Yes, honey I am sorry. I am bad about “X” I will try and change my behavior.” I find that when I am willing to be humble and admit mistakes my peers and family are more likely to do the same. It’s funny how we can so easily see the mistakes of others. We can even sometimes see mistakes people will make before they even make them, but we can see our own faults. Jesus taught us to love. He taught that part of loving is forgiving. Forgive someone to no end. No matter how many mistakes they make. In our Lord’s Prayer we say, “Forgive us our sins/trespasses as we forgive those that sin/trespass against us.” That’s a pretty hefty line. We know that we all make mistakes and sometimes our mistake is a real doozy. And we say, “Okay God forgive me like I forgive that guy that cut me off in traffic last week. Forgive me like I forgave that woman for shorting me in the drive thru. Forgive me like I forgive my family member for lying to me.” We all know the world is not a fair place. Largely because it’s filled with humans. So before we look into another’s eyes and skewer them for mistake they have made let us look into our hearts and be humble. Look to God for help. He is ready to give us blessings through grace that he provides. He even made the Church so that we have a place to go to learn more, help others and grow stronger in our faith. Should we turn a blind eye to our brother? No, but we need to examine ourselves, the time we are in and move forward in love, speak with love, don the cloak of humility and spread forgiveness like dew on a spring morning. Covering all so that no one is left behind or left out and maybe through that we can find a little more unity and peace. For one day the age will close and Jesus will return and we will be judged. How well do you forgive?

Luke 12:54-59

54He also said to the multitudes, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, `A shower is coming'; and so it happens. 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 57"And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper."

Daily Run Log 10232014:      Having a running partner isn't always what it is cracked up to be.

I took out Roman our dog with me today. It was an experience.

1. Broke my record but that was because we cut quite a few corners cause I got tired of getting my arm pulled out of socket every time he saw something he wanted to pee on. We'd be going along fine and then YANK!

2. My running partner completely demeaned me at every step. I pumping, hot and sweaty, trying to keep my breathing rhythm under control. Trying to ignore the tightening muscles. Wondering if this will every get my body out of the jello mound shape its in so that my wife will attack me. I look down at Roman to see how he is doing and he is trotting along, ears perked up, bright eyed with that look on his face, "WE GONNA START RUNNING ANYTIME SOON?" His tongue wasn't even hanging out.

3. He saw no need for a cool down cause he didn't even get warmed up and kept trying to pull me inside before I was done with that, "The kids have donuts in there lets go get some look."

Yeah, running partner, great can't wait for tomorrow.