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The Shortness Of Time And The Length Of Eternity

7/29/2016

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I saw a comment this morning on social media which stated, "Last Friday in July.  Slow down summer."  The days do seem to pass quickly as we get older. Psalm 90 verse 10 says that "our life span is seventy years, or eighty for those who are strong, and most of these are emptiness and pain."  That doesn't sound very hopeful, but it states a reality that we should not ignore.

In my younger years I heard many sermons about the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell.  While these were not delivered with the exuberance of the preacher portrayed in the movie Pollyanna they still sent an undeniable message.  There will come a time when I render an account of my life before Almighty God.  That is not to be taken lightly.

The political conventions are both over.  Praise God for the opportunity to grow in the virtue of patience and long-suffering over these last two weeks.  I realize that the nomination of a woman for president is an historical moment in our country.  As I watched the camera focus in on a lady with tears running down her face, I knew this was a moment with great emotional attachments. There was a part of me that wanted to cry as well, but for a very different reason.  Over the course of four days I watched repeatedly the boisterous applause and fanatical affirmation of the culture of death.

Abortion has touched the lives of many women (and men) over these last 43 years since Roe versus Wade legalized abortion in our country.  My heart breaks for the pain and anguish that many women have experienced in their lives.  Unfortunately, our culture has created a narrative around abortion that just does not expose the whole truth.  The post-abortion grief and suffering is real.  The pro-death politicians never seem to consider that part of the equation when promoting and celebrating the legalization of infanticide.

My dear friends, if you have been touched by the scourge of abortion in your life, please know that forgiveness and healing can be found in Jesus Christ.  If you are struggling with grief or any other emotional distress following an abortion please seek help.  There are people prepared to walk with you toward healing and hope.

I never imagined that I would live in a society where a whole convention center filled with people would jump up and down in glee each time the words rolled off someone;s lips regarding a "woman's right to choose."  Think about it.  People are emphatically celebrating the right to kill the most helpless among us. Let that soak in for a moment.

The various methodologies used in procuring an abortion all have serious repercussions. If the procedure is successful the baby always dies. Depending upon  which procedure is used the baby is either ripped apart by suction, burned by chemicals, or worse.   

Let me try to put this perspective.  People in that convention center were clamoring in ecstasy about a woman's right to kill her unborn child in the ways I just described.  These same people would revolt and shout profanities to the moon and back if we considered utilizing any type of similar procedure on an animal. They would denounce the cruelty being inflicted upon the animal.  It is truly a bizarre world in which we live.

The days of summer do seem to be passing quickly.  With each passing day we are also a step closer to coming face to face with Almighty God.  We have been blessed with the gift of time and with the gift of grace.  What are we doing with these gifts?  Are we using our time here on earth to be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ?

When my time on this earth is through and I stand before the King of Kings to render an account of my life, what will it look like from the perspective of God's eyes?  I sometimes imagine Jesus looking at me and asking a single question, "How did you love?"  I realize that there are many times I fail to respond to God's grace and love effectively and deeply.  I miss opportunities to do good.  For these moments I will need to seek God's abundant mercy.

While I am physically and mentally able to be involved in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Jesus Christ I will do my best to walk humbly with my God. I will continue to be a voice for the marginalized members of society. This begins with the unborn who have no voice of their own.

The shortness of time on this earth, when compared to the length of eternity, should prompt all of us to pause and meditate on this reality.  It does not need to cripple us with immense fear when we reflect on the four last things. However, it should compel us to be more intentional about the use of our time.  How frequently do we pray?  How fervently do we pray?  What are the priorities upon which we focus in our day-to-day lives?  Are we genuinely loving the people around us?  

​The hope in all of this is simple.  We are pilgrims on a journey.  Our eternal home is with God.  It doesn't get any better than that.

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Yes--The Name Of My Blog Is "Articulating Hope"

7/28/2016

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It was mentioned to me today that I may need to consider changing the name of my blog because yesterday's post was not very hopeful.  I will admit that it has been difficult to see through the enveloping darkness around us both here at home and around the world.  Let me assure you that I remain a person of hope because of the power of Jesus Christ.

The murder of an elderly priest while he was in the midst of the Eucharistic liturgy is quite disturbing.  The desecration of St. Clement Church in Bowling Green, Missouri breaks my heart.  The political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle continues to boggle my mind.  The half-truths and blatant lies take a toll. Catholic politicians abandoning the faith to win votes is disheartening.  Some comments are almost unfathomable.  Nancy Pelosi reached a new low in her condescending remarks regarding the uneducated white male voters hurting Hillary Clinton in the polls because of gays, guns, and God.  (God, meaning a woman's right to choose.)

I remain hopeful because the turmoil that surrounds us has the potential to eventually lead us into being people of fervent prayer.  I know many people are in the midst of fulfilling St. Louis de Montfort's 33 day preparation for consecration to Jesus through Mary which culminates on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.  This is a powerful method of growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord.  I am grateful to be aware of several groups of people truly delving into these 33 days of prayer and reflection with great intensity and fervor. 

Starting on August 15, will be the annual 54 day rosary novena.  This will culminate on October 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.  A novena is 9 days of prayer.  This particular 54 days of prayer consists of three novenas in petition (9 days times 3 = 27) followed immediately by three novenas of thanksgiving (9 days times 3 = 27).  I encourage you to mark your calendar and join in this exceptional novena.  You can learn more at their website:
​www.novenaforournation.com/ 

Despite the harsh realities we face in our country and around the world we continue to pray for an increase of the theological virtues in our lives--faith, hope, and love.  Our joy is rooted in the love of God, not our politicians.  We have a responsibility to stay informed and a duty to serve others.  We do this not simply because of humanitarian motives.  We do this because we are compelled by the love of Christ to be witnesses of Eternal Truth.  My dear friends, that is why we are people of hope.
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What Difference Does It (The Truth) Make?

7/27/2016

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I had the opportunity to visit Fort Laramie, Wyoming yesterday and tour the premises.  It was 98 degrees and very little breeze (as noted by the flag hanging straight down).  The extreme cold and wind during the winter would be no picnic either.  I can only imagine the hardships endured by the people many years ago when they lacked the modern conveniences we now enjoy.

About ten miles away from Fort Laramie I also had the pleasure of visiting the Oregon Trail Ruts as well as Register Cliff.  Reading the historical sketches describing life at Fort Laramie and along the Oregon Trail was a humbling endeavor.  The United States of America has certainly had its trying times all throughout our history.  Progress for one segment of the population (the army) was not viewed as progress at all by another segment (Native American).  Divisions continue to exist in modern times along racial and ethnic lines, religious affiliations, liberals and conservatives, rich and poor.

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As I watch the political campaigns unfold it becomes more and more evident that our divisions will continue to grow into the future.  It isn't just a matter of liberal and conservative ideologies being in opposition to one another.  If an end goal was in mind that could be shared by both political parties we could hope for some unity in a path leading to that goal.  Unfortunately, the only common goal that seems to be present as a political platform in either major political party is a lust for power.  That leaves the rest of us with very little to build upon as a foundation for peace and prosperity.

Our leaders at the national level repeatedly reveal the cause of our country's demise.  There is a lack of integrity.  I looked up the word integrity and found the following definitions from www.dictionary.com:

1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished.
3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition.


If we look at the frequent "flip-flops" of political stances by major players on both sides of the aisle we can easily see that polling data surpasses integrity time and time again.
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Someone asked me recently if I was opposed to having a woman for President.  Absolutely not.  However, I am opposed to the one currently making history as the first woman nominee for the position.  An inability to tell the truth and then callously asking, "What difference does it make?" gives me grave concerns about our future as a country.

I believe enough evidence has been garnered during Mrs. Clinton's career to demonstrate that she is not a very truthful person.  In the modern age of showing video clips from the archives directly contradicting current statements that a person has made can make it difficult to hide from the truth even when most of the major media outlets assist in covering up these scandalous contradictions.  The truth makes a big difference if we ever hope to be on solid footing as crucial decisions are made. 


Sadly, our lack of integrity here at home diminishes our influence throughout the world.  This has resulted in added chaos and horrendous violence which we see depicted  almost every evening on the nightly newscast.  The perception of Mrs. Clinton selling government favors for donations to the Clinton Foundation makes it difficult to have moral authority in the fight against terrorism or any other negotiations as well.
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Finally, the question of truth becomes part of the story when Catholic politicians repeatedly ignore the tenets of the faith.  Who defines "a good, practicing Catholic?"  If the media defines it we are in for some bad press.  If the politician defines it we are in for some interesting interpretations of Sacred Scripture and the magisterial teachings of the Church as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

My heart aches for the future of our country.  We cannot continue to turn away from God and expect no consequences as a result.  May each of us be molded by Eternal Truth!

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More Attacks--More Sorrow--More Prayer

7/26/2016

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Every day seems to bring news of another horrendous attack somewhere in the world.  The violence is incomprehensible.

As I write this I am listening to the bands "warming up" a couple of blocks up the street preparing for the next parade to begin.  The beautiful horses, well-maintained carriages, antique cars, and all the other creative floats bring an atmosphere of joy and celebration to our city.  However, these festivities are unable to completely block out the realities of what is going on in our world. 

Please continue to pray fervently for our world.  Pray for the safety of all the World Youth Day pilgrims in Poland.  I read an article this morning that said twenty-thousand police have been assigned to protect the pope while he is there.  Let us hope they protect all the pilgrims as well. 

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Behind The Chutes Tour At Cheyenne Frontier Days

7/24/2016

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A show at F.E. Warren Air Force Base was also quite enjoyable.
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Cheyenne Frontier Days 2016 In Pictures

7/24/2016

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If the ambulance doesn't arrive quickly enough, call the hearse.
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Cheyenne Frontier Days--I'm Exhausted Already

7/24/2016

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The military always has a strong presence in the parade.
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Of course, there are a lot of horses and carriages.
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Cheyenne Frontier Days 2016--Here we Go!

7/22/2016

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Let the fun begin.  Four parades, three free pancake breakfasts, an air show, nightly entertainment, and of course, the "Daddy Of 'Em All" rodeo. Cheyenne, Wyoming is the place to be for the next ten days.  

The Republican National Convention ended last night with speeches by Ivanka and Donald Trump.  The political pundits are twisting themselves into pretzels as they try to weave the narrative of the convention to fit their particular ideologies.  They will get a brief rest over the weekend to then stir up their creative juices for the Democratic Convention next week.  It must be exhausting for commentators to constantly be in spin mode.

Whether you like Donald Trump or not, he hit on one topic last night that resonates with many people.  He talked about the damage of political correctness.  I saw a headline this morning which proves his point.  The NBA is moving the 2017 All-Star game out of North Carolina due to the law that was passed regarding transgenders.  It says that people are to utilize the restrooms coinciding with their biological identity at birth.  The NBA simply cannot fathom being able to function under such oppressive circumstances. 

Professional sports and the Hollywood entertainment industry refuse to let us enjoy a brief respite from the demands of life without coercing us into a particular way of thinking while doing so.  It is unfortunate for society that even our recreational moments are overshadowed by the politics of the day.

Cheyenne Frontier Days is a breath of fresh air (except when the horses do their business right in front of you).  This event has been going on for 120 years and is primarily made possible by hundreds of volunteers.  It has a twinge of political rhetoric involved from time to time, but overall, these ten days highlight the best of western hospitality.  Sure, the city of Cheyenne depends heavily upon the tourism dollars of these ten days.  However, the building up of a cohesive community is a tremendous blessing as well.

I am looking forward to sharing the festivities of Cheyenne Frontier Days with some folks from Missouri.  Be sure to look for pictures and highlights as the week progresses.

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Do You Ever Feel Out Of Place?

7/20/2016

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Building a room around a boulder adds an ambiance you don't frequently see in buildings.  The plants hanging from the rods along the wall add another dimension of feeling like you are enjoying the great outdoors while being inside.  Even though there was an attempt to create a particular setting utilizing the boulder, it still seems to me that the boulder is out of place.

I have watched very little of the Republican National Convention so far and I will probably watch very little of the Democratic National Convention next week.  Like the boulder, these events just seem to be out of place.  Our world is hurting in a multitude of ways and the political climate in our country tends to make things worse.  It does not matter which side of the political aisle you are on when it comes to listening to speeches or interviews among the candidates and their supporters.  The overall methodology is the same.  The one speaking is part of the powerful elite explaining to us how they are able to connect with the average folks.  Do they honestly expect us to believe such rhetoric?

Watching the political shenanigans day after day has made it clear to me why Jesus did not come into the world as a powerful political or military figure. He demonstrated servant-leadership to the point of giving his life.  Was Jesus out of place during his time on earth or were the ruling elites out of place?

Please don't look for your salvation among the Democratic or Republican Political Parties?  There is no need to look toward the Libertarian Party, the Constitutional Party, or any other party as well.  Our salvation is in Jesus Christ.  We may look out of place with the rest of the world as we make our pilgrimage of faith.  That is okay.  If the world hates us because of our belief in Christ, we are blessed indeed.

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The Storms Of Life For Law Enforcement (and all of us)

7/17/2016

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I stood outside this afternoon and watched a storm develop.  The wind picked up and the clouds got darker.  I could not help but think that the storm was indicative of the mood in our country right now.  A dark cloud hangs over law enforcement in particular, and the rest of us in general.

One of the spokespersons in Baton Rouge said it well, "This isn't about gun control.  It's about men's hearts."  Evil has been allowed to thrive in our nation due to a variety of factors.  The term "separation of Church and State" has been used as a means to completely squelch the voice of the Church.  The progressive movement has pushed for the concept of freedom FROM religion rather than freedom OF religion.  The moral decadence that follows from such an endeavor is what we are witnessing in our time.

While we may be tempted to lay the blame for our national woes at the feet of the politicians, I think each of us may need to do some real soul searching within ourselves.  How have we contributed to society by our words and actions on a daily basis?  Have we been a positive influence?  More specifically, has the Christian faith been evident in our lives for others to see? I am not saying that we are to flaunt our Christian values in an arrogant self-righteous manner.  I am simply asking if we have been a faithful witness to Jesus Christ in our words and actions without hiding our light under a bushel basket.

Apathy and complacency among Christianity leads to agnosticism.  If we are not filled with zeal and fervor in our walk with the Lord why would we expect other people to be excited about the journey of faith?  The Church needs to experience the fire of the Holy Spirit in a profound way.  If we succumb to functioning in a dull and lifeless manner within the Church, we will continue to see more and more people drift from a life of faith.  The repercussions of that can be seen in our society today.

Those of us in Church leadership positions bear a heavy burden of responsibility for the current state of affairs.  Let's be honest.  There are frequent occasions when the preaching and teaching of the clergy is less than power-packed.  In 1 Peter 4:11 we are reminded that our preaching should be the Word of God.  If our preaching is motivated and inspired by the Holy Spirit it will contain power.  Our congregations desperately need that type of preaching on a regular basis.  This is a task that must be taken seriously by all members of the clergy for the salvation of souls.

Even though the Church is sometimes not welcome in the civic arena of discussions about issues that impact our communities, it is important that we are present.  Although our credibility as an institution has been damaged by the scandalous behavior of a few, it is time for us to regain the trust and confidence of the people by working diligently to proclaim the Gospel and live it faithfully in our own lives.  Being content with the status quo is unacceptable.

My dear people, be serious about your faith journey.  Pray with intensity and fervor.  Pour out your heart before God.  Turn away from sin.  Strive to live a virtuous life.  Be a saint.  The world needs your witness.

         "When the Son of Man returns, will he find any faith on the earth?"
                                                                         ~Luke 18:8
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    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

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