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,

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.

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.

Hypocrites Don’t Do The Dishes

“HYPOCRITE!”, man if had a dollar for every time I have heard that phase. I would have a lot of dollars. Mo money, mo problems though, it’s hard cause we are people not machines. God gave us free will, and well, sometimes we do some pretty stupid things. Christians get held to a higher standard, and we should be. A Christian is someone who has taken the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, been baptized in the Holy Spirit, Confirmed a belief and dedication to God and is supposed to be living a life according to the 10 Commandments and the teachings of Jesus. Tall order, like I said that free will and a hungry ego get us into a ton of trouble. When you say you are a Christian people watch, and when you act out of line, fingers go a pointing. I do believe that there are two types of Christians. Which one are you? There are the types that believe and follow God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. They make mistakes but their hearts are in the right place. That’s why we ask for forgiveness and try and do better. Others think of Church as a social club. Yeah, they give to the Church and back to their community but they seem to act as though sometimes it’s a place to hang on Sunday to look like they are good and Monday thru Saturday it is a different story. Being a Christian isn’t a Sunday thing. It’s a 24/7 thing, WOW, I know some of us are parents and we already have one of those jobs. Nice thing about being a Christian 24/7 though is that you can weave it in to everything you already do. Will people at work and in public make fun of you when you pray in public before meals. Maybe, but in all my life I have only had someone tell me to stop, ONCE. Be respectful and don’t make a spectacle and you will be fine. Living a life of prayer is HUGE in becoming a better Christian. It keeps your faith up front and center, making it harder for you to slip. I pray at night, before meals, at work, in the car, everywhere. Next, study, I know some may be are having bad SAT flashbacks with the word “study” but take 5 minutes a day and read passage from the Bible. Its like running, you don’t go out running 10 miles your first day. First you run around the block, then slowly adding more and more. Through this you will not only find your faith getting stronger but that your temptations are easier to battle. No one is perfect, but with God you can overcome anything. You can become an example for the lost and help so much in this world, but first you got get cleaned up and in shape. There is so much to be done and God is waiting to do it with you cause he loves you. Don’t wait, start today.

Luke 11:37-41

37While he was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; so he went in and sat at table. 38The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. 39And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. 40You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.

A Thought: Does Your Love Blossom or Wither?

I will have to admit that I am terrible at water skiing. The last time I tried to water ski I couldn’t stay on my feet for longer than 3 seconds. Once I did get going crouched down but as soon as I stood up I fell over. I try and try but to no avail I am terrible at water skiing. Its very frustrating, I work on it everyday and I don’t know what the problem is. Some suggest that it is that I don’t own a pair of ski let alone have a boat or ever get out in the water. 

You can laugh it is meant to be funny, but that’s how I see so many people anymore. They are so frustrated that their lives are as full as they like. Try as they do the relationships that they try and maintain grow harsh and unfulfilling. Its like trying to grow a plant without dirt, let alone water and fertilizer. My first and foremost relationship that I work on is the one I have with God. Why? Because he teaches me how to love. Through loving God, listening to Jesus’s teaching on love and following his commandments I find my other relationships blossom beautifully. Loving is an easy thing to do but not always our first instinct. Loving the way that God wants us too is not always fair, and that can be difficult especially in this day and age. Forgiveness is love, it is rooted out of love. We are all human, we all make mistakes, some of which are very silly or stupid. I have never been forgiven and felt unloved. If you love someone and they make a mistake forgive them. If you don’t that pain will rest inside your heart and it will grow and take over. Before long the list of resentments will slowly overtake love in the garden of your heart and it will be rife with weeds of anger, resentment will start to blossom deceit. In and time when we are told things should be “even” and “fair” God wants us to forgive. Love and wash away the pain that someone brought you. You may feel shortchanged in the short-term  but it if you can truly forgive then you will be healthier in the long run. Let God’s love and ways be your center and you will see your life grow in ways you could have never imagined or you can hold on to anger and keep things fair. God loves you and wants you to be happy and he knows that will blossom out of love. My parents always told me that life is not fair and it is so true. You have to learn to let go though of the unfairness and love otherwise the weight of the resentment will hold you back. You will not grow. You will not be happy and if left unchecked  the root of your life, your heart, will die and wither like a plant taken from the soil of God, the sun of Jesus and the water of the Holy Spirit. God gives us free will. He lets you choose what you want. I ask you, what do you want?

John 15:4-10

4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. 8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. 9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 

A Thought: Wasted Talent

As this school year approaches I have a great deal of hope in my heart. I have a wonderful son who is now 12 going on the dreaded teens. He is very talented and smart but he hasn’t found the drive to put it into action. He is at that awkward stage between boyhood and manhood and it is my job to usher him through it safely. I feel very lucky to get to do so. Last year we had issues with him because on his tests he would do very well but he was getting D’s and F’s because he was failing to do any of his homework. He knew the material but just didn’t want to take time out of his day from playing video games to do his homework. 

I find that I meet a lot of people like that. I meet people with extraordinary talents but because they are caught up in their own lives of what they want to do they do not make the best of them. God gives us talents not for us but for others. He wants us to take care of each other and gives us each complimentary talents to help each other. Its like the old story about two rooms full of people with extra long spoons. In the one room everyone is starving cause they can’t feed themselves. The other room everyone is happily getting along because they have learned to feed each other.  

God knows that his creation works best when we love each other and get along. Loving means helping and that means casting aside what we want for ourselves sometimes. I have had some tell me that to be a Christian you don’t have to do good works. That by faith alone you can get into heaven, but I think something major is lost there. I can understand why some are afraid to help others. It takes you out of your comfort zone. But if Jesus came to earth and taught us to take care of each other and to love one another than how can we be “good” Christians if we are casting a blind eye on those in need? When you look at the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes it basically boils down to this. Love the Lord your God with all your body, mind and soul and love each other as you would want others to love you. What good are my talents if I don’t use them? It seems like I would just be throwing away perfectly good food when there are so many hungry and alone in this world. 

Matthew 5:13-16

13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

A Thought: What Faith Can Do

I was watching my baby girl the other day sitting on the couch. She has no fear. She will go right up to the edge of the seat and sit. She never considers that fact that she might roll over the edge and fall to the floor. My other children were the same way, until the fell a couple of times. It seems like with knowledge comes fear and we also loose the ability to have faith a little bit as well. My 2nd oldest son is deathly afraid of the dark. He just knows that something terrible lurks in it, but the moment my hand locks in his he will go anywhere. He has no fear, however if walking across the basement our hands come unclasped he freezes and calls for me. I went through a period of 3 years where I was deathly afraid to do some of the most common things in life. I look back now and I can easily laugh at myself, but I was alone. I turned my back on God and walked on my own. I did okay for several years until my world fell apart. All the things that I thought were so certain and I did not fear came rising up and were sitting in front of my face every single day. I turned to things that were crutches that got me the night but during the day was a different story. I supposed that if I had not asked for help then I would have started using my crutches during the day falling further and darker down the rabbit hole. I turned to men and women for help, and they turned their backs on me. I was crushed. I did not understand why my world was falling apart. It was because I built it on sand and not a rock. So in a last ditch attempt I prayed to God. I prayed hard, I said I was sorry, I begged for help and wisdom. Slowly things came around. It was a pretty deep hole and with time I climbed out. There were a few missteps and setbacks because when things would start going good I would stop listening to God. Once I began to start sinking again I would remember where I got me and where God wanted to take me. I would tell God I was sorry, ask for forgiveness and start moving forward again. I no know a peace like no other. I still have bad days. I still make mistakes but my faith is strong and with God by my side I know that I am going to be okay.

Matthew 14:22-36

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." 34And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent round to all that region and brought to him all that were sick, 36and besought him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.

A Thought: Hear the Calling

I always get annoyed when the phone rings. It seems to always ring when my hands are busy and there are a million things that I need to do. Usually when I answer the phone its not for me or it is some telemarketer selling something that I have no need for, but each day I prepare myself for any call that comes to me. I don’t know if you do but I used to live in a “box” and anything outside of my “box” I would not entertain. “Is it my responsibility?” No, then I would move on. I said no to a lot of things. The problem with that is that isn’t a very loving way to walk through the world. I find that this comes in most to play at work. God wants me to love him with all my body, mind and soul and to love others as I love myself. Loving people doesn’t mean turning them away. It means going out of my way when maybe I don’t want to. I do this for my children all the time. They need things or help with tasks and I take the time to patiently, lovingly teach them. Now when I see things that need to be done or things I could do to help others I try very hard to take the time to do it. I still have to think of my priorities but really, I can spare that $5 bill in my pocket and give it to someone in need. When I see that one of my fellow coworkers struggling to get their tasks done I help. I strongly believe that from the beginning of time that God was trying to get us all to “pay it forward” in an effort to make earth a little like heaven. So I walk through each day actively listening for God’s call. He asks really for so little. Whenever I do get frustrated I look to Mary and how she unflinchingly said yes to God. She bore a child out of wedlock at a time that is was a major shame to do so. She raised a child that she watched beaten, spit on and killed in front of her. Through it all she was devoted to God. She is a true role model.

Luke 1:26-33

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." 

A Thought: The Hidden Treasure

When I was a child I was REALLY into radio controlled cars. I wanted to collect them, race them and build them. It was really meaningful for me to be such a young age, be able to build something and then watch it go. The first one that my father got me was good but all the fun was taken out of it cause it was already put together and you couldn’t modify it at all. I worked and worked and saved up the money and bought my first one that I would have to build on my own. Also being a child I didn’t have a good sense of what was important. After several days of coming home finding me not having my chores done my father took away that car. He had it built by someone else and then it sat, for me to see everyday. After years and years I finally got that car and just recently I got it running. That first time around the yard I felt like I was 10 yrs old again. The joy and glee I felt was something special. As I have gotten older I have not only learned the importance of getting work done on time but also what is really important in life. I am very thankful that I have God in my life. He is there at every turn. When things are good, bad and in between he is there. He gave the most amazing gift ever when he sent his son down to earth. The lessons on how to love have changed my life. I feel whole and my life is much better off. I have learned how to forgive others and myself. The baggage that I used to walk around with is no longer there. I can see now the danger signs of bad decisions coming down the road. Do I always make the right ones? No, I am human and I am flawed and I have learned to admit my mistakes and ask for forgiveness from people I hurt and God. I now have the tools to teach my children so that hopefully they don’t make the same mistakes that I have. If they do, then they will know that they are not alone either. The gifts that God has given me are priceless and they are free. I think about my life before and what I had in comparison to now. I am so very grateful, I would have done anything to get where I am now. All I had to do though was to stop, pray, read, meditate and then repeat. I didn’t have to work and toil. I didn’t have to save up a ton of money. I would have done either to receive the peace and happiness that I now have, but I didn’t have to God already loved me and wanted to help me. He is waiting for you to, all you have to do is talk to him and ask him to come into your life. Read the stories of Jesus and his teachings, put them into practice and feel your life slowly change for the better. Its your choice, you can do whatever you want. This is what I chose and it is wonderful.

Matthew 13:44-46

44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 

A Thought: Living in a Miracle

It seems that the world doesn’t believe much in miracles anymore. Some have given up or dismissed the idea that the earth, all on it and all surrounding it was made with purpose. With so many “facts” and notions of how the world works and what it is the mystery of the gift seems to get lost in the shuffle. I look at the world and I see how everything has its place. Plants give us oxygen to breath and we give them carbon dioxide to breath. Birds live in the trees and eat insects to keep population down. The insects are here to work on breaking down the “garbage” so that it can be recycled back into the earth. Everything has its purpose. Each time I think that I have found something that doesn’t give back I study and, yep, it has its place. Humans at the top of the food chain, or rather out of it command this wonderful gift called earth. A place to live and therefore it is our job to take care of it. I maybe a hokey ignoramus but I find a miracle in this. I know that it is easy to read the Bible and all the miracles that it speaks of and wonder, “Why doesn’t anything like that happen now?” Fact of them matter it does, you just have to look for it. Part of the problem is that people don’t really believe in miracles anymore so we don’t call them for what they are when we see them. I believe in them and have seen them many times. I believe and I have faith in God and the world around me. I love and try to understand and learn. I study the lessons of Jesus. I don’t always understand why God my father does things the way he does but I have faith in his ways. My sons don’t understand why I don’t want them to play video games 24/7 but there is purpose to it. I know that asking God for miracles could be a bit trying on him. Have you ever had someone ask you to prove that you love them. I have, I did, but it wasn’t enough. They kept asking and asking for me to prove it. I don’t know if it was the proof that they wanted or the acts I completed for my proof that they wanted. I would imagine God feels like that sometimes. He has already done so much. I look out my window and walk through my world and I feel so grateful. What does God want in return? Love, appreciation and worship is what he wants in return. Love him and everything else he made. Show appreciation and take care of what he has given us and worship him to show thanks for all he has done. For me faith is the corner stone for all of this and I know that God will take care of me in good times and bad.

John 11:19-27

19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world."

A Thought: Getting Pulled On

I could not believe being surrounded by people all the time. I see famous people getting crowded with people swarming them and taking pictures. I hear reports on the news from time to time about famous people getting grabbed at and pulled on. I could imagine having someone pulling on my clothes as I walked down the street, but I guess that is how things go. People seem to have a hole inside them and try and fill it to feel whole. Unfortunately some fill it with the wrong things. Hate, money, lust, drugs and or alcohol are a few of the things that people fill their life with. I have chosen to fill my life with love. Its not always easy for me to do sometimes my “flesh” my “body” wants to do other things but they are just an empty vessel that never seems to satisfy. Money, never enough, sex and alcohol the same. Insanity is described as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Filling that hole with the wrong thing day in and day out seems like insanity to me because it never gets filled with those things. 

So even though he traveled everywhere by foot with no shield from the weather Jesus took the time to teach the lesson of love because he was love. All God really wants is for us to love him instead of all other “gods” and to love each other and we love ourselves. Some will listen and spread this “love” to others. For others love will be quickly taken away or lost altogether for a lack of faith and/or persuasion. Though we may make mistakes God still loves us and welcomes us to him. 

Matthew 13:1-9

1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9He who has ears, let him hear." 

A Thought: Having Faith

Imagine a dear friend passing a way. You are struck with a great sense of mourning and when you go to pay your respects it appears that someone has stolen their body. In this day and age where we hear about all sorts of sick things in the world I am sure our minds would be filled with horrible things that might be happening to our passed friend. I always read this passage and think about the horror that would enter my mind if I was one of the early arrivals and saw Jesus gone. 

Here is someone that taught me about love, feed me whom I saw heal the sick and take care of those in need, someone that was a true light in the world. I saw him rise to fame, and then because he was not what everyone wanted was beaten, spit on, called names, mocked, then nailed to a cross and left for dead only to be finished off by being stabbed in the side. 

Before Jesus left he spoke three times about rising from the dead. Though his followers didn’t understand at the time his words came true. I guess this goes to speak to how hard it can be to have faith. I am human and I am flawed. I am not a God but I have been given free will. I can do whatever I want. That was a gift God gave to me. He made this wonderful world and gave me rules, but I am not a programmed robot. God lets me choose, to do his will or mine. I can steal, lie, get drunk or high and even have rampant adulterous sex as much as I want, or I can love. I can love God with all my mind, body and soul and love everyone I meet the way I would want to be loved. I have traveled both roads and I will say that my life is more full and more happy following Jesus’s teachings. 

It can be hard at times when my “flesh” just wants to “have fun” and fulfill all my desires. Luckily I know that road and I know how empty and lonely and sick it feels. I do my best to teach my children of these things so that hopefully they have a happy life and fill it with good things and learn from my mistakes. I make mistakes even to this day and when I do I ask forgiveness. I get on my knees and say that I am sorry honestly from my heart. Its not an exercise just to get out of trouble. I truly love God just like my family and friends, and I feel bad when I let God down just like I do when I let my friends and family down. I may not always understand the world and how God gets things done, but I have learned by practicing what Jesus taught that his way is right and true, so I have faith. Its hard but it works for me.

John 20:1-2, 11-18

1Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.