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Turning Customers Into Fans

5/31/2021

It looks a little crowded, but I guess we could try to go in. Wrong! Inside dining is not an option. How about using the drive-through?

Yes, that is the drive-through line for the restaurant. Workers were taking orders outside to speed the process up, but there were still fifty to sixty cars in line.

Yes, those cars are in line for the drive-through. It continued down another street as well. This was in Colorado Springs. We stopped at another location in Denver later in the day. They had lanes of surrounding streets closed off with a police presence and had numerous traffic control workers as well. Getting into the drive-through lane at the restaurant required navigating a complicated cone maze not for the faint of heart. I finally gave up and went to IKEA. (One bad decision after another seemed to mark my day.) I can now say I have been to IKEA. I have no need to go back through that maze either.

The business model being used by In-N-Out Burger is obviously quite successful. I am impressed with any restaurant business that has been able to stay afloat over the last year. In-N-Out obviously has created an advantage that many other restaurants do not enjoy. They have turned customers into fans. That is the best customer to have. They do the advertising for you.

It is a three-day weekend for a lot of people because of the Memorial Day holiday. This weekend is usually referred to as the unofficial kick-off of summer (although the road in Rocky Mountain National Park was closed after just one day of being opened due to a 15 inch snowfall). Is Memorial Day weekend different this year because people have felt locked up for more than a year? I don't know. However, if the traffic on the interstate was any indication of things to come, people are yearning to get out and about.

Whatever you are doing today, please don't forget to offer a prayer for all those who gave their lives in service to our country. Offer a prayer for the families who continue to mourn their loss. Lend a helping hand if you are able to do so. Give thanks and praise to God for the freedom we enjoy. Do your part to preserve the republic we have inherited.

I close with these brief lyrics from the song, "America the Beautiful."

"America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw, confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law."

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Memorial Day Weekend Has a Profound Meaning

5/30/2021

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I had the opportunity to visit with my oldest brother and his family yesterday. That was the first time I had seen some of them in quite a few years. It was good to reconnect even if only for a short time.

The traffic from Denver to Colorado Springs was extremely heavy. It was stop and go almost all of the way from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs. The impatient part of me grew quite agitated with that aspect of the drive. The side of me that has been against the overzealous restrictions in society because of a virus was celebrating the fact that people were getting out and living their lives.

Many people in our nation's history have paid the ultimate price for freedom. They died in the attempt to keep us free. I sometimes wonder what these patriots would be thinking if they could see us now. Are we squandering the gift that was given to us? Are we allowing the government and the media to manipulate things so much that we slowly and quietly give away our freedom one piece at a time until it is too late?

The marketing campaign was quite effective in shutting down society. Even the churches got on board immediately because it was the "right thing to do for the safety of the people." We are now more than 14 months into "two weeks to flatten the curve." Who could have imagined the power that would be exerted to make citizens comply with numerous mandates?

The fight to require people to have vaccine passports to participate in commerce will be an interesting spectacle to watch. It has already started on both sides. A cafe was pictured on social media that charged an extra $5.00 to your order if you are wearing a mask while ordering. In Florida, a concert will sell tickets for $18.00 to vaccinated patrons, but they will charge $1,000.00 per ticket to the unvaccinated. I am watching the cruise industry to see what happens in that arena. Finally, I am still trying to figure out where HIPAA laws fit into all of this.

Radio Frequency Identification Chips, Vaccine Passports, and numerous other "conspiracy theories" would be entertaining if they did not have an actual impact on the lives of our citizens. The sad reality is that we are losing our freedom and our privacy at an alarming rate. (I am typing this quietly so Siri and Alexa can't hear.) Although I sometimes question the algorithms being used on social media to possibly "censor" some of my posts, I still have the freedom to publish my blog. For this, I am grateful.

To all of the families who mourn the loss of a loved one because they paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of our country's freedom, please know of my prayers for your family this weekend.

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Congratulations to Saint Albert 2021 Graduates

5/23/2021

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Although I am hundreds of miles away from you, I want the students who graduated today from Saint Albert to know that I celebrated with you. More importantly, I prayed for all of you. It is my prayer that the fire of the Holy Spirit descend upon the entire Saint Albert School Community in a profound way on this Pentecost Sunday.

Congratulations to Fr. Kottas on being added to the wall of recognition. I was hoping to get that accomplished while I was still there as executive director, but the pandemic threw a lot of wrenches into many plans centered on the auction last year. I am glad that the new president of the school, a long time friend and co-worker with Fr. Kottas in the vineyard of the Lord at St. Peter's Parish, could be the instrumental person in presenting this award to him.

I have followed Saint Albert closely on social media. It looks like you have a tremendous year. Blessings to the students, their parents and grandparents, the alumni, all the supporters of the school, and of course, the faculty, staff, and administration.

Graduates, you have been blessed with a good beginning on the path to success. Continue to work hard in pursuing your goals. Remember, the primary goal in life is a vibrant relationship with the Lord. Be a person of prayer. Be a saint!

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Pentecost Sunday--Come Holy Spirit!

5/23/2021

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If the Church ever needed an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it is today. Please pray for that gift in your own life and in the life of the Church.

I recently stopped at the Poudre Canyon Chapel (pictured above). It is a summer tourist chapel that opens on Memorial Day weekend. As I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes completely alone, the silence was a bit unnerving. I kept thinking a sobering thought. The Church has gone into hiding. There is no vibrant life to be seen. I know that this is not a completely accurate statement and it is a broad generalization. I am simply sharing with you what was running through my head.

It is no secret that I have struggled with some of the decision-making processes of both the government and the Church in regard to our response to COVID-19. I am challenged again this weekend as all three Colorado dioceses are lifting the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass. I jokingly said to my family. It's like playing Monopoly. There is a "Get Out of Jail Free" card in the game. During the last 14 months you have had a "Get Out of Hell Free" card. Unfortunately, that card expires today. My response was met with eye rolls, but it still paints a picture, doesn't it?

Please understand that if you have medical reasons to continue staying home from Mass, even after your diocese lifts the dispensation, you are okay to do that. Illness, being highly susceptible to illness, taking care of loved ones who are ill, and other circumstances can allow you in good conscience to refrain from attending Mass. Talk to your pastor if you have concerns.

(Side note--I don't need any more emails saying I just want people to die.)

Being a person responsible for the religious education of God's people for many years now, it is really difficult to explain away the last 14 months. I had been taught my whole life that the reception of the sacraments is essential for growth in holiness. And yet, a virus with an approximate 99% survival rate, was able to make the Church shut down and reveal that we may not have really believed all that strongly in what we have been teaching for 2,000 years. That breaks my heart. Saint Damien of Molokai has popped into my mind many times over the course of this last year. If you don't know his story, I invite you to research his ministry with the lepers.

I, for one, know the power of the sacraments. My personal spiritual journey was negatively impacted by the lack of access to the sacraments during societal shutdown. The lack of having that solid grounding of the Sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation was reflected in my waning daily prayer life. I desperately need that fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit today.

Come Holy Spirit--fill the hearts of your faithful!

(Yesterday marked the ten year anniversary of the devastating tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri. Please offer a prayer for the people of that community.)

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Even As An Adult--Tunnels Still Fascinate Me

5/21/2021

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What is on the other side of the tunnel? It was a short tunnel so not much changed from one side to the other.

It is still fascinating to see the ingenuity of human beings to create roads around mountains, and sometimes right through them. I also marvel at the power lines going through some of this terrain. I have to give a tip of the hat to the linemen that undertake these types of projects.

This past week has given me a chance to rejuvenate. That is not something I take for granted. I realize that many people work very hard and seldom get a chance to step away for a while. I know people working two jobs just trying to pay the bills. I know people caring for elderly parents in addition to working full time and taking care of their own children. The challenges in life are many.

Sitting alongside the river in a somewhat remote area was very refreshing for my soul. The opportunity to just quietly soak in the beauty of nature while pondering and praying was a blessing indeed.

As the weather warms up, and the daylight hours increase, I hope you find time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Reflection Questions:
1. What motivates you to live life well?
2. How passionate are you about growing in holiness?
3. What specific routines do you have to stimulate your growth in holiness?
4. How does being out in nature help you pray?
5. What can you do to help lighten the load for a family member or friend?

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A Day of Vacation in Colorado--Enjoy the Photos

5/20/2021

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I reached this point on the path and considered turning back. As I stopped and looked back at the pavement toward where the car was parked, I knew I had to make a decision. I was not even half-way up the climb yet. The thought of turning back was quite appealing. However, I really wanted to know what the view would be like if I reached the top. A few rest breaks along the way, and eventually I made it to the top. It was totally worth it.

This was the view in one direction.

This was the view in the other direction.

After leaving Horsetooth Reservoir, we made our way to Estes Park. We enjoyed eating lunch outside and watching a few elk calmly strolling through the parking lot and grazing along the roadway.

We then made our way to St. Malo. Although the retreat center burned down many years ago, the St. Catherine of Siena Chapel remains.

This photo hangs inside the chapel. Saint Pope John Paul II was at this place in 1993.

This statue is directly across the parking lot from the chapel.

We were not finished yet. There was still some more vacationing to cram into this day. At the top of the hill (that white speck) is a statue of the Sacred Heart at Mother Cabrini Shrine. There are 373 stairs to reach that point. My legs were tired from the climb at Horsetooth, and I am always cautious about not pushing my heart too much. I have survived cancer twice and open heart surgery. I don't want to drop over dead because I am not being smart in my choice of activities.

It had been 20 years since I had been to the shrine. I wanted to see the view. My climb up the 373 stairs was slow, but I made it. I also kept my heart rate to a reasonable level while doing so.

The stairs begin here.

The stairs end here.

This is the view of Denver from the shrine.

How much vacation can a person cram into one day? I did not get more than 100 miles away from home, but I crammed quite a bit into one day. It was a big boost mentally.

July 17 will mark 35 years since my first cancer diagnosis. There are times I struggle with focusing on all that has been lost in the course of the fight against cancer. Today, I reminded myself that I am still physically able to do quite a bit. For that, I am thankful.

The journey of life contains many twists and turns, hills and valleys. Wherever you are in life, I hope you can sense the presence of God in all that you do and all that you experience.

Blessings and peace to each of you reading these pages!

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Are You Burned Out?

5/20/2021

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I recently had the chance to see an area where one of the huge wildfires had happened last year. The devastation to the forest was heartbreaking to see.

The bench is scorched. The photo did not capture the flaking of the burned material or convey the essence of the stench that still remains.

The trees are an image of the death and destruction that entered the area in the form of fire, but the green grass is demonstrating the resilience of nature.

After everything we have endured over the last year and a half, do you feel burned out? I hope not, but if you do feel a bit on the burned out side, you are not alone. The pandemic, and all of the restrictions connected to it, have taken a devastating toll on the mental health and well-being of a lot of people. If you are feeling burned out, what actions will you be taking to regain your health?

Once again, it is my hope that people have a support system among their family and friends when they find themselves struggling to cope. Please reach out for help if you need it. As always, you can contact me at:

articulatinghope@gmail.com

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A Raging River--Let's Get In A Raft And Call It Fun

5/19/2021

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There are times I think about being young again. What would I do if I had the strength and stamina to do it? Whitewater rafting would probably be on that list. It seems pretty stupid. I defeated cancer. Let's see if a roaring river with huge rocks can take me out. Maybe it is good that I can't be young again.

You should have seen how hard the folks pictured above were paddling to miss that large rock in the middle.

The photo above did not capture their screams when they went down that dip and narrowly missed the boulder.

They did find a calm spot to rest a spell before moving on from the rapids.

Are you going through turbulent waters in life?
If so, who do you lean on to help you through?
How do you find a calm spot to rest?
How is your prayer life impacted when you go through tough times?

If I can ever pray for you when you are going through a difficult time, feel free to email me your prayer request. It would be my privilege to journey with you.

articulatinghope@gmail.com

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The Beauty of God's Creation

5/18/2021

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It is the middle of May. Although I have lived in the Mountain West for over ten years during the course of my life, it still amazes me to see snow this deep in the month of May. Temperatures were in the 50's today in the upper elevations (above 10,000 feet), but the snow continues to hold fast.

I wanted to get a good look at the reservoir. Unfortunately it was still covered in snow and ice.

I did not see any wildlife on my journey. A figurine had to suffice.

What is your favorite place in the United States to enjoy God's creation?

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Good Memories of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

5/16/2021

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I taught Theology at Valle Catholic High School in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri from 2003-2005. I also served as a deacon at Ste. Genevieve Parish during that time. (The photo above was taken in 2013 during a visit.)

Imagine my surprise this morning when I am greeting people after Mass in Fort Collins, Colorado and I get the question, "Did you use to be at Valle?" Two of the four individuals had been my students as freshmen. The one who recently moved to Fort Collins informed me that she would have only been eight years old in 2003. Thus, I did not have her as a student. Yep. I feel old.

It did not occur to me to ask for a photo with them. However, I am so grateful that they took the time to stop and visit with me. Ste. Genevieve is a community that continues to nurture the faith life of the people quite well.

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