I woke up ready to pray today. Does that make me any better than anyone? No, just lucky first of all that I woke up, ;-). Secondly, that I am able to pray, and know that there is a purpose for prayer. Being in touch with and surrounded by people who pray, and being gifted by my Yellow Bus Driver, I am here today to celebrate my 67th birthday. Not looking or asking for lauds, just aware that God has blessed me in so many ways. Thank you God.
I started my day - OOPS, Pam just waked in. Talk about a blessing! What a gift! Another of many reasons to be grateful for today. Anyway, I started my day ready to pray, and as sometimes happens, my mind wandered off of the "prayers" I was going to read and recite. I started thinking about a subject we were supposed to present to the high school catechism class tomorrow. The four marks of the Church. One, Holy, Catholic Apostolic. How does one present in a meaningful way the idea of Holy? Music is one way, so I searched "Holy" on YouTube. Lots of songs. I listened to a couple, and as YouTube works, I was threaded to "Be not afraid". If you are reading this, even if you have heard the song, take a minute to listen to it.
Years ago, my youngest son was sent into Iraq, (first of three deployments). In one of my correspondents I wrote the lyrics of the song to him. In his situation, it was amazingly appropriate. As I go through life, I know that the words are also amazingly appropriate for me to consider every day of my life.
We worked at the "shelter" last night, and I was talking to one of the "guests". She was thanking me for volunteering and helping out. As I talked to her, I realized that she and all of the homeless that we serve at the shelter are as much for my benefit as I am there for them. Their burden of homelessness is my Yellow Bus Driver's assignment to do His work. How bless I am to be here at this point in time to ride the Bus. Thank you God.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
God's Special Children
Special Needs People.
I have the privilege to work with Special Olympics athletes. The fact that they participate in Special Olympics does not make them unique among special needs people. There are many people in this demographic that do not participate for various reasons. For me, getting to know and work with my special friends is a blessing that I receive more than I can return.
This past weekend, Farmington hosted the annual Four Corners Regional Special Olympics. What an amazing event to experiences. HUNDREDS of athletes from across the four corner region gathered to be among their peers to participate in a wide range of athletic events. It is a sight to behold. The participants range from highly functional disabled, to severely limited functionality.
My participation is to coach the swimming event. Over the years, I have seen many of our team develop from having high anxiety of water to swimming independently. I have also experienced the physical deterioration of functionality of some of our athletes. Both experiences are extremely emotionally challenging.
It is incredible to see the desire and exhilaration of these awesome people as they participate in their chosen events. Equally, it is inspiring and touching to see the pure innocence of children in fully (physically) grown adults. The trust and love they return to us coaches and their care takers is something that is impossible to describe. My Yellow Bus Driver dropped me off at the pool several years ago, and left me to participate with these Special People so that I may learn from them.
I have the privilege to work with Special Olympics athletes. The fact that they participate in Special Olympics does not make them unique among special needs people. There are many people in this demographic that do not participate for various reasons. For me, getting to know and work with my special friends is a blessing that I receive more than I can return.
This past weekend, Farmington hosted the annual Four Corners Regional Special Olympics. What an amazing event to experiences. HUNDREDS of athletes from across the four corner region gathered to be among their peers to participate in a wide range of athletic events. It is a sight to behold. The participants range from highly functional disabled, to severely limited functionality.
My participation is to coach the swimming event. Over the years, I have seen many of our team develop from having high anxiety of water to swimming independently. I have also experienced the physical deterioration of functionality of some of our athletes. Both experiences are extremely emotionally challenging.
It is incredible to see the desire and exhilaration of these awesome people as they participate in their chosen events. Equally, it is inspiring and touching to see the pure innocence of children in fully (physically) grown adults. The trust and love they return to us coaches and their care takers is something that is impossible to describe. My Yellow Bus Driver dropped me off at the pool several years ago, and left me to participate with these Special People so that I may learn from them.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Continued
So I asked what lens do I look through?
What is absolute and true? For sure, God is absolute and true. Jesus is absolute and true. The Word of God (scripture) is absolute and true. The Eucharist is absolute and true. Some people say that these are only a crutch. I say that they are my base and root. Money, power, fame, talent, popularity, beauty etc. never last the test of time.
To say that death is absolute and true is not a statement of despair. It is a fact. What is despair, is to not have anything after death.
I can talk to people about these things and I can pray for people to believe these things. Ultimately each person has to accept or reject these absolutes. What I am grateful for at this point in my life is that I have come to grips with these and accept them. They are my base, not my crutch. Scripture tells us that a house built on a weak base will not last (Matt. 7:24-27) Even though not eternal, we see evidence of ancient foundations, long after the building has deteriorated. Same true with a sturdy tree. Long after a tree dies and decays, roots remain.
I am most grateful that while I am still alive, and physically able to, I can receive the Body of Christ every day of my life in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the most amazing gift God gave us to bring us as close to Him as we possibly can while we have breath in our body. While God will never force us to unite with Him, I believe He wishes that everyone will.
What is absolute and true? For sure, God is absolute and true. Jesus is absolute and true. The Word of God (scripture) is absolute and true. The Eucharist is absolute and true. Some people say that these are only a crutch. I say that they are my base and root. Money, power, fame, talent, popularity, beauty etc. never last the test of time.
To say that death is absolute and true is not a statement of despair. It is a fact. What is despair, is to not have anything after death.
I can talk to people about these things and I can pray for people to believe these things. Ultimately each person has to accept or reject these absolutes. What I am grateful for at this point in my life is that I have come to grips with these and accept them. They are my base, not my crutch. Scripture tells us that a house built on a weak base will not last (Matt. 7:24-27) Even though not eternal, we see evidence of ancient foundations, long after the building has deteriorated. Same true with a sturdy tree. Long after a tree dies and decays, roots remain.
I am most grateful that while I am still alive, and physically able to, I can receive the Body of Christ every day of my life in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the most amazing gift God gave us to bring us as close to Him as we possibly can while we have breath in our body. While God will never force us to unite with Him, I believe He wishes that everyone will.
Monday, August 21, 2017
What lens do I look through?
News, movies, reality (my perception of it at least), internet, encounters with people. etc. etc. etc. We are constantly being confronted with sometimes diametrically opposed viewpoints and images. What do we follow? How do we know what is right and what isn't. What is the kid that grows up in a family of addicts or thieves to understand? What is a kid that is raised in a privileged environment supposed to think of the under privileged? If someone has to collect food from a dumpster to eat, how does he/she feel okay about someone who says "have a nice day!"?
Today's gospel (Matthew 19:16-22) is the story of the young man that asks Jesus what he must do to enter into heaven. Jesus proceeds to recite the ten commandments. The young man replies, "I already do that, what else must I do?" Jesus tells him to give up his possessions and take care of the hungry and needy. The young man goes away sad because he cannot give up his possessions.
I've often wondered about that. Am I failing because I have possessions? I'm hoping that what Jesus is saying is that I must not put my possessions in a position of greater importance than my love for God, or my fellow man.
I have been blessed to have what I need (and truly, more than I need). Much of what I do in the ministries I serve are possible because of my possessions. I am hoping if I direct my possessions given to me by the grace of God to things that benefit others, I will be following what Jesus was trying to tell the young man.
Truly there have been many Saints that have given up all worldly possessions, and dedicated their live to Prayer and service. I guess I have to hope that my Yellow Bus Driver is taking me where He wants me to be. Thankfully, He is patient, and forgiving.
Today's gospel (Matthew 19:16-22) is the story of the young man that asks Jesus what he must do to enter into heaven. Jesus proceeds to recite the ten commandments. The young man replies, "I already do that, what else must I do?" Jesus tells him to give up his possessions and take care of the hungry and needy. The young man goes away sad because he cannot give up his possessions.
I've often wondered about that. Am I failing because I have possessions? I'm hoping that what Jesus is saying is that I must not put my possessions in a position of greater importance than my love for God, or my fellow man.
I have been blessed to have what I need (and truly, more than I need). Much of what I do in the ministries I serve are possible because of my possessions. I am hoping if I direct my possessions given to me by the grace of God to things that benefit others, I will be following what Jesus was trying to tell the young man.
Truly there have been many Saints that have given up all worldly possessions, and dedicated their live to Prayer and service. I guess I have to hope that my Yellow Bus Driver is taking me where He wants me to be. Thankfully, He is patient, and forgiving.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Encounter with the homeless
I went by the shelter yesterday to talk to the assistant director about the upcoming season, and our schedule to serve.
Outside, I ran into one of the guests that is a regular. She is someone I knew outside of the shelter before she became homeless. She is a pretty woman, and if seen away from the shelter, one would not guess that she suffers from homelessness. In talking to her, she told me she was returning after being refused admittance for a period of time due to violation of shelter rules. She lamented that she felt the shelter was not always the nicest place to stay. I replied with empathy that although not perfect, it was much better than other alternatives. She agreed. I told her that those of us who volunteer there, cannot fully appreciate what their (the homeless) lives endure. I assured her that in spite of that, we are there wholeheartedly doing what we can to make their stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
(It's the best that I can do, and I do it with the guidance of my creator).
Not wanting to sound like a broken record, experiences like this remind me how blessed and lucky I am to be where I am at this point in life.
Outside, I ran into one of the guests that is a regular. She is someone I knew outside of the shelter before she became homeless. She is a pretty woman, and if seen away from the shelter, one would not guess that she suffers from homelessness. In talking to her, she told me she was returning after being refused admittance for a period of time due to violation of shelter rules. She lamented that she felt the shelter was not always the nicest place to stay. I replied with empathy that although not perfect, it was much better than other alternatives. She agreed. I told her that those of us who volunteer there, cannot fully appreciate what their (the homeless) lives endure. I assured her that in spite of that, we are there wholeheartedly doing what we can to make their stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
(It's the best that I can do, and I do it with the guidance of my creator).
Not wanting to sound like a broken record, experiences like this remind me how blessed and lucky I am to be where I am at this point in life.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Procrastination
I promised to quit procrastinating yesterday !! Yea, here I am today :~)
The blessings continue, and I pray that all enjoy the blessings I have received. Realistically, I know that not everyone does. Looking around in the world, we see so much difficulty. With that perspective, I realize how good I have it.
I saw my old self the other day while I was sitting in traffic. At a stop light, I saw cars inching forward ever so slightly while anticipating a green light. Gotta hurry, gotta hurry, gotta go! C'mon light, CHANGE! No question, I have lived that life, and for the most part, I don't anymore.
I realize also, there are times when "getting there NOW is important. An injured friend that has called for help. A job interview that won't go well if arrival is late etc.. In the mean time, I realize that until that light changes, no worry, anxiety, impatience will make that inanimate light change any faster. I'm only given so many minutes in this life. I don't want to burn them with stress.
May we be blessed and aware as we go through today.
PS. Thank you my friend (you know who you are) for spurring my on to restart this blog, I love you.
The blessings continue, and I pray that all enjoy the blessings I have received. Realistically, I know that not everyone does. Looking around in the world, we see so much difficulty. With that perspective, I realize how good I have it.
I saw my old self the other day while I was sitting in traffic. At a stop light, I saw cars inching forward ever so slightly while anticipating a green light. Gotta hurry, gotta hurry, gotta go! C'mon light, CHANGE! No question, I have lived that life, and for the most part, I don't anymore.
I realize also, there are times when "getting there NOW is important. An injured friend that has called for help. A job interview that won't go well if arrival is late etc.. In the mean time, I realize that until that light changes, no worry, anxiety, impatience will make that inanimate light change any faster. I'm only given so many minutes in this life. I don't want to burn them with stress.
May we be blessed and aware as we go through today.
PS. Thank you my friend (you know who you are) for spurring my on to restart this blog, I love you.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
I found it!!!
I had high expectations (of myself) for Lent. I was going to pray more. I was going to let go of struggle. Not so much. My prayer life was inconsistent. I wanted to do better, but it wasn't happening. Pam had talked often of the Scriptural Rosary. I wasn't much of a Rosary prayer. Sporadic at best. Then a couple of weeks ago when I was at church I looked at the "free books" that are left for anyone interested in picking one up. I have made use of this on occasion when I see something that interests me. Well, I saw an old copy of the Scriptural Rosary. It is a small book and an old one. It is old enough as to not have a Luminous Mystery section. I liked what it looked like, and decided to take it home. The next morning I decided to pray The Glorious Mysteries using the book. I really liked it, and decided to pray a novena as Holy Week was coming up, and I felt a need to find a way to get going on a consistent prayer pattern. All was going well, and I decided I was going to keep this little book long term. I decided to make a leather cover for it. First effort did not turn out the way I wanted, so as I kept using the book, I kept feeling that I wanted to make another one. I put the book away in what I thought was a safe place, and started on the new cover. After finishing version two of the cover, I looked high and low, and I simply could not find it. I continued with my daily prayer of the Rosary in order to complete the novena, but was baffled by where the book could have disappeared. I had to resort to my cell phone to follow the Scriptural Rosary, my book was lost, and I was disappointed.
Tonight I started watching a program on TV with Max Lucado. The program was called 'No wonder they call Him Savior', Max quoted Romans Chapter six, so I decided to read the chapter. Lo and behold, when I picked up my Bible, my little book was on top of it. I found it!!!
I put the book in it's new cover, and it doesn't fit very well. I need to re work it a little, but now I have my new little treasure. I plan to use it to pray the Rosary every day. I was never very good about praying the Rosary on a regular basis, but now I have something to motivate me.
I have to believe that since I kept praying in spite of loosing the book, and being called to read a chapter in the Bible, I was led to find it. I know that I would have found it eventually when I would have picked up my Bible for casual reading, but the combination of events brought me back to my new little treasure, and has motivated me to a new commitment to prayer. I am looking forward to Holy week with great joy and anticipation. I pray the the whole world will find the Glory of our salvation this coming week.
I had high expectations (of myself) for Lent. I was going to pray more. I was going to let go of struggle. Not so much. My prayer life was inconsistent. I wanted to do better, but it wasn't happening. Pam had talked often of the Scriptural Rosary. I wasn't much of a Rosary prayer. Sporadic at best. Then a couple of weeks ago when I was at church I looked at the "free books" that are left for anyone interested in picking one up. I have made use of this on occasion when I see something that interests me. Well, I saw an old copy of the Scriptural Rosary. It is a small book and an old one. It is old enough as to not have a Luminous Mystery section. I liked what it looked like, and decided to take it home. The next morning I decided to pray The Glorious Mysteries using the book. I really liked it, and decided to pray a novena as Holy Week was coming up, and I felt a need to find a way to get going on a consistent prayer pattern. All was going well, and I decided I was going to keep this little book long term. I decided to make a leather cover for it. First effort did not turn out the way I wanted, so as I kept using the book, I kept feeling that I wanted to make another one. I put the book away in what I thought was a safe place, and started on the new cover. After finishing version two of the cover, I looked high and low, and I simply could not find it. I continued with my daily prayer of the Rosary in order to complete the novena, but was baffled by where the book could have disappeared. I had to resort to my cell phone to follow the Scriptural Rosary, my book was lost, and I was disappointed.
Tonight I started watching a program on TV with Max Lucado. The program was called 'No wonder they call Him Savior', Max quoted Romans Chapter six, so I decided to read the chapter. Lo and behold, when I picked up my Bible, my little book was on top of it. I found it!!!
I put the book in it's new cover, and it doesn't fit very well. I need to re work it a little, but now I have my new little treasure. I plan to use it to pray the Rosary every day. I was never very good about praying the Rosary on a regular basis, but now I have something to motivate me.
I have to believe that since I kept praying in spite of loosing the book, and being called to read a chapter in the Bible, I was led to find it. I know that I would have found it eventually when I would have picked up my Bible for casual reading, but the combination of events brought me back to my new little treasure, and has motivated me to a new commitment to prayer. I am looking forward to Holy week with great joy and anticipation. I pray the the whole world will find the Glory of our salvation this coming week.
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