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When You get The Call That The Family Should Come

8/31/2015

My wife received a phone call on Wednesday morning informing her that her brother had taken a turn for the worse. He had suffered a stroke a few days prior and things weren't looking good for him. We hastily packed and made the 850 mile trek to go see him. A lot of things run through your mind during a 14 hour car ride through the night. Obviously, the big question was whether or not we would make it in time to see him.

We arrived at the hospital just after 5:00 A.M. on Thursday. Although he was asleep my wife did not hesitate to wake him up and let him know we were there. To our pleasant surprise he smiled and called us by name. (He didn't even complain that we woke him up.) There are some gifts of grace present even in the most difficult circumstances. We are wise not to take those moments for granted.

Although my wife's brother stabilized prior to our arrival at the hospital, he and his family still face a long uphill road in the recovery process. None of us know what the future holds. However, in the midst of suffering, trials, and tribulations, it is good to know that we are loved. If there is anything my wife's family can hold on to in the midst of a major struggle, it is love. If being overwhelmed with people in your hospital room causes you to improve in your condition, it is no wonder why my brother-in-law saw such a dramatic improvement. (Either that, or he was hoping we would all leave if he showed signs of improvement.)

Our culture frequently diminishes the value of family. We are a mobile society and many times we are separated by distance. Please realize that distance does not mean that we are unable to remain close in our relationships. It is definitely easier to physically see one another when we live in close proximity, but that is still not a guarantee of closeness. It is also possible to live close together and make the choice not to see each other.

One day just after parking in the hospital garage, I heard my name called from behind. I turned around to see someone I had known my whole life. As a matter of fact her daughter and I went to grade school together and also ended up at the same university many years later. She informed me that her daughter had suffered bleeding on the brain. It was so sad to hear this because her daughter had suffered immensely even back in elementary school. My prayers are being lifted up for her recovery and for her whole family. This is another family that understands the bond of love.

Finally, my nephew and his wife became parents for the second time while I was in town as well. They were in the same hospital as my brother-in-law so I got to see Addison the morning after she was born. What a gorgeous baby who is sure to bring much joy into this world! Congratulations to her mom and dad. I am happy for the two of you.

The ups and downs of life seem to be the consistent factor for most of us. I pray for all who are suffering and struggling in any way. May you find strength, healing, and peace through the difficulties. I pray in thanksgiving for all who are experiencing profound joys and happiness in life. These blessings are not to be taken lightly. My prayer for all of us is that we encounter the living God in all aspects of our lives--in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health!

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Marriage Encounter Weekend

8/28/2015

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Experience The "WOW" Of Catholicism!

8/26/2015

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The Night With The Knights in Loveland, Colorado on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 was fantastic. The creative ways we use to spread the Gospel message are quite impressive. The Knights of Columbus in northern Colorado are certainly making an impact in their local communities, and I am grateful to have been included in this particular endeavor. It was truly a privilege to be the keynote speaker for the evening.

Are you on fire with love for God? Does John 3:16 mean anything more to you than a sign occasionally held up at a football game? Are you living life to the full as described in John 10:10? Do you ever get a sense of being filled with extravagant grace? If the light of faith in your life has dimmed to a flicker, it is time to rekindle the flame.

The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit is with you. Have you ever meditated on what is contained within this short greeting? It is a lot more powerful than simply saying, “Good Morning.” Can you imagine what our lives would look like if we fully cooperated with the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ? How differently would we approach each new day if we truly basked in the glory of God’s love? How would the world be transformed by that love if each us truly walked in the power, communion, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit?

My prayer is that each of us will embrace discipleship fully. I invite you to walk humbly with your God. Experience the “WOW” of Catholicism!

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I Took The Path More Traveled--Part Three

8/25/2015

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What could possibly go wrong through this easy section?

The second one I saw was bigger so I just kept moving and skipped the picture.

It was a splendid day in the great outdoors. The beauty of God's creation is immense.

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I Took The Path More Traveled--Part Two

8/25/2015

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How does a tree grow through the rocks like that?

What do you mean the trail ended? You have got to be kidding me.

Have you ever had one of those moments where it seemed like the trail ended or you ran into a brick wall? Suffering and heartache will be present in our lives from time to time. The good news is that we are people of hope because of the love of Jesus Christ. Keep the faith!

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Ride For The Brand--Jackie Francois

8/24/2015

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The bottom part is a little blurry. It says:
Registration deadline is September 23. Late fee on all registrations received from September 24--September 30. Contact your parish youth ministry leader for more information or Amy at the Diocese of Cheyenne, alarsen@dioceseofcheyenne.org
307-638-1530

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I Took The Path More Traveled--Part One of Three

8/24/2015

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The young man inside of me wanted to climb all the way to the top. However, the altitude and the steeper terrain told my tired. old body to take the path more heavily traveled. Although it has been five months since getting out of the hospital my stamina and endurance levels aren't too high. My mind still pictures me doing the strenuous things of yesteryear, but the reality of what my body can endure is a completely different snapshot. Trained rock climbers were precariously scaling some of the walls of rock. My feet stayed on solid ground and I enjoyed the beauty from a lower level during the 2.34 mile trek. Enjoy the pictures.

Can you see the climbers in the middle of the photo?

My family was safe at the picnic table under the huge boulder. Why?

They were safe because I was holding it in place. No wonder I was tired.

The view between two boulders revealed more climbers.

That is the first glimpse of what we enjoyed on Sunday. There will be more to follow.

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This Is the Day The Lord Has Made

8/23/2015

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Several visitors passed by the house this morning. It was nice to watch them stroll through the yard. Even though they dare to pass very near the house, they are always vigilant and watchful.

I will be taking some time this afternoon to go hiking in the mountains and soaking up some of this cool weather. The smoke from the wildfires doesn't seem quite as thick today. It should be a good day to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Have a blessed Sunday!

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Take Time To Enjoy The Beauty Of God's Creation

8/21/2015

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The days are getting shorter. The sight of school buses will soon be prevalent, if they are not already. It is a time of transition once again. However, today is Friday and that means it is time for the weekend. I hope you take some time to get out and enjoy these final days of August.

As for me--I'm on the road again. I am looking forward to spending Saturday with the catechists at Holy Name Parish in Sheridan, Wyoming. The 325 mile trek from Cheyenne to Sheridan is not a problem during the summer. I will get an opportunity to enjoy the mountains and the vast wide-open spaces. On Sunday, I will be back in Cheyenne to join Bishop Etienne for the 9:00 A.M. Mass at the Cathedral. On Monday, I will be headed to Laramie to finalize details with the hotel and conference center for the diocesan September Institute. On Tuesday, I will venture down to Loveland, Colorado for a new experience as I serve as the speaker for Night With The Knights.

Finally, please check out www.catholic365.com tomorrow at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time (12:00 P.M. Central and 11:00 A.M. Mountain) as my next article is published, Selfie Stick Christianity.

Have a blessed weekend!

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Are You Weary And Burdened By The Cares Of Life?

8/20/2015

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Look at the picture. Study it for a little bit. What captures your attention? Is it the height of the swing? Is it the speed at which the swing must be going? Do the dark clouds in the background make you pause a moment? Do the cables all appear to be secure? Is the swing safe?

I snapped the photo during Cheyenne Frontier Days. I had no reason for the picture at the time and had no topic in mind to connect with the photo. I just took it to have it in case I wanted to use it on my blog. I was going to delete it today without using it, but then something caught my eye. It reminded me of some criticisms I have heard in regard to the life of the Church.

Have you ever been scared and needed someone to cling to for comfort? Have you ever been excluded from a group because you weren't part of the clique? Have you every yearned for a suitable companion to share your life with as husband and wife? Have you ever felt the desperation and loneliness that comes from being alone almost constantly? Have you ever been in a crowded room and still felt all alone? Have you felt the devastating loss of a loved one after many years of marriage? Have you ever felt invisible--and not in a cool, exciting sort of way?

Single people have frequently expressed their discontent in regard to life at church? Some have told me, "The church ministers to married people and children. Sometimes the elderly get a little more attention as well." One person went on to say to me, "Do you know why young people aren't in church?" I didn't have to respond because the answer immediately followed the question. "They don't come because they think no one cares."

Obviously, this discussion gave me food for thought. It compelled me to do some evaluations and assessments of things. Look at the programs offered at most churches. How much is addressed toward single, young adults? How much attention is paid to the single, divorced individual? Six months after the funeral is over, how much attention is paid to the surviving spouse? Are we simply a church for couples?

When Jesus invited people it was a widespread invitation. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Where have we failed in communicating that same message today? How can we better extend that type of hospitality which brings rest for the weary? There is no simple "one-size-fits-all" approach to the dilemma. However, intentional effort to include single people in our outreach can make a huge difference. What is included in the homilies? What classes are offered and promoted at the parish? What programs of interest are developed? Are we listening to the parishioners in regard to their needs and desires?

What caught my attention in the photo above? It was the empty swing. Was the individual alone or was there an odd-number of people in his group? Was the individual with someone who was too scared to go on the ride so he just went alone? I have no idea what the story is behind the picture. All I know is that the empty swing reminded me of the loneliness we can sometimes feel. If that loneliness persists for a long period of time the consequences can be devastating.

Let's be honest. Life can be very difficult and painful at times. This is true whether we are single or married, young or old. It is my prayer that the local church community will always be a place of hope when we are afflicted. This includes everyone. It is my desire that we serve others well by being attentive to their needs. May each of us bring the love, mercy, and comfort of Jesus to those who are hurting!

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

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