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New Year's Eve Is A Time For Prayer And Reflection

12/30/2015

Near Year’s Eve is a night I like to stay home. The days of going out and partying to bring in the New Year have long since passed. In recent years I have made a commitment to spend more time in prayer on this particular night. There are many things for which I can pray in addition to safety for all of the revelers. Here is a sampling of what I will be bringing before God on New Year’s Eve.

First of all, I will come before God with praise and thanksgiving. Although 2015 has certainly had its moments of struggle there have been numerous blessings as well. Thus, it is time to give thanks for family, friends, shelter, food, clothing, a job, access to healthcare when my heart stopped beating correctly, and a whole list of other material goods that we have the opportunity to enjoy. I thank God for the gift of faith and a beautiful church in which to grow in appreciation of that gift.

There are always particular celebrations that are to be remembered in gratitude when reflecting over the last year. Our daughter getting married in May is one such event. Our son celebrating his 18th birthday would be another one. Wedding anniversaries are something to be thankful for regardless of the year. Margaret and I celebrated 27 years together this year. Anniversaries of other events are also a time for praise and thanksgiving. In 2015 it was 29 years since I was diagnosed with cancer the first time and 14 years since the second time. That means next year it will be two milestones in one year—30 and 15. It has also been 12 years since my open heart surgery. Although that fix seems to be wearing off, I am grateful that my two hospitalizations this year seem to have put me back on the right track again.

There are plenty of intercessions to be offered as well. It seems like there is never a shortage of people to pray for and concerns to be brought before the foot of the cross. Here are some of my petitions for this New Year’s Eve.

I pray for all church leadership—the pope, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and all lay leaders striving to proclaim the Good News of Salvation in their respective roles. Fill them with zeal, energy, hope, integrity, courage, perseverance, and a genuine love for God’s people.

I pray for all who bear the name of Christian—may each of us live our lives in such a way that we truly bear witness to Jesus Christ.

I pray for all who do not know Jesus Christ—may they come to encounter the living God through the faithful witness of those who believe and follow in the footsteps of Christ.

I pray for all government leaders worldwide—may they govern with wisdom, prudence, and integrity as guided by the Holy Spirit. Specifically, I pray for own president, the vice president, the U.S. Supreme Court Justices, the U.S. Senators and Representatives, Cabinet Officials, ambassadors, and all appointees who wield power and influence.

I pray for all local government officials as well—the governors, lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, treasurers, auditors, senators, representatives, judges, mayors, city administrators, council men and women, sheriffs, and all appointees who wield power and influence. May each of them carry out their duties with diligence, prudence, wisdom, and integrity.

I pray for who are struggling in any way. I pray for those whose hearts are broken due to relationships falling apart. May the shattered hopes and dreams eventually be pieced back together in renewed spirit and vigor.

I pray for the incarcerated and all of their families--may they find strength, hope, healing, and conversion.

I pray for the homeless—may they find shelter in the immediate circumstances and eventually obtain a safe haven that is more permanent.

I pray for the unemployed and the underemployed—may all who seek gainful employment be successful in their endeavors.

I pray for all those suffering from physical illness—may they experience healing, comfort, and peace through the mercy of the Divine Physician.

I pray for all those suffering from mental illness and emotional issues—may they find solace and healing from the support and encouragement of loved ones as well as beneficial help from the medical community and the healing touch of our Lord.

I pray for all who are depressed, especially those contemplating suicide—may they reach out and get the help they need to cope with the current circumstances and be led to healing and wholeness in the love of Jesus Christ.

I pray for all those who are home-bound, in hospitals, nursing homes, and under the care of hospice—may they experience genuine love from those who care for their needs.

I pray for the terminally ill—may they find comfort in the love of family and friends and eternal hope in the embrace of Jesus Christ who is Lord forever and ever.

I pray for all those suffering from addictions. Through God's grace, the help of others, and a definitive purpose to be set free, may each of you truly experience the freedom you desire.

I pray for all those family members who care for loved ones who are suffering—may God fill you with patience, fortitude, and strength.

I pray for all who are grieving the death of a loved one—may you find comfort and peace in the warm embrace of God’s love and the care and concern of other family and friends.

I pray for the safety of all travelers.

I pray for our law enforcement personnel and other first responders—may they be protected at all times, but especially on this particular night which generally adds to the stress level of their positions. Give each of them keen insight and awareness, quick reflexes and solid judgments, and bring them safely back to their families at the end of their shift.

I pray for all who are coping with natural disasters. This year I pray especially for my relatives and friends in Missouri coping with the flooding. May each of you be kept safe from harm.

I pray for our culture—may we turn back to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.

I pray that we may be aware of the sacred dignity and value of each human life from conception through natural death. May we build a true culture of life in our society.

I pray for all couples preparing for marriage and those who are newly married—may their future children draw them closer to Christ and to each other.

I pray for all children who will be born today—may they may come to know a world which chooses life over death and light over darkness.

I pray for all little children who await the birth of a new sister or brother—may the joyful expectation that shows in their eyes inspire their parents to hope and conviction.

I pray for obstetrical doctors and nurses and all who nurture the life of children in the womb--may God bless them for their faith, compassion, and love.

I pray for all who have been scarred by the tragedy of abortion—may they experience repentance, healing, and peace.

I pray for all people who work in the media—may God move them to a conversion of heart which reverences human life and upholds the dignity of human sexuality.

I pray for those who march for life in Washington, D.C. and all across the nation each january—may their voices be heard and the lives of children saved.

I pray for all those trapped in human trafficking—may they be set free from the bondage they are in and society effectively address the needs of the vulnerable among us.

I pray for the refugees and all persecuted Christians—may they find safety and security from those who want to do them harm.

I pray for all who have died this past year. May they rest in God's eternal dwelling.

I pray for peace throughout the world.

Finally, I pray for myself. Lord, please help me to grow in wisdom and in favor with You in 2016. Give me Your grace and Your blessing that I may root out sin from my life and join my will more completely to Your Divine Will. Dear Lord, make me holy as you are holy!
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Dear Readers,

If you have specific prayer requests that you would like included in my list of intentions, please mention them in the comment section and I will certainly add your petitions to my list. If it is a private request that you don't want everyone to see, feel free to e-mail it to me at:
deaconvernon@gmail.com

I have posted this blog entry on the 30th to allow time for feedback so I can have the petitions all gathered by the evening of the 31st.

Please know of my gratitude for each of you who hold me up in prayer. Your kindness is truly appreciated.

Have a Blessed and Holy 2016!

Sincerely in Christ,

Deacon Vernon

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Look What Followed Me Home

12/29/2015

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I went for a walk but got a little concerned when I heard something running up behind me. I had not heard any of the dogs barking as I walked; they were all smart enough to stay indoors. Their "FitBit" wasn't telling them to get some exercise. I turned around fearing the worst when I saw the neighbor's two little goats following me. What a pleasant surprise!

The goats visited our house for a little while and then I walked them back to their own house. I felt like a little kid again bringing home a stray dog and asking if I could keep him. As my wife snapped the pictures of the goats I think she would have said yes if I would have asked to keep them. The neighbors who own them may not agree, but that is another issue.

Take some time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life that come your way.

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When I Am In A Hurry A Lesson In Patience Arrives

12/28/2015

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My destination was one hour away. I allowed an hour and ten minutes for my travel time. It was a Sunday morning and traffic should be light. Road conditions should be good. A ten minute cushion should be just right. My destination is in sight just one block in front of me and that is when the red lights start to flash at the railroad crossing. My cushion is quickly eroding. I am so close, yet so far away.

I still arrived on time but not without my anxiety going up just a little. If I had made it 15 seconds sooner I would have been ahead of the train. Instead, here I sit. What shall I do? Well, snap a picture of course. If the time is not a total waste I will feel better about the delay.

Unexpected obstacles can happen in many areas of our day-to-day lives. In much of Missouri and other places in the Midwest it is navigating around flooded streets after the torrential rains. How do we cope? How do we adjust? I have prayed for patience for years and God allows these types of opportunities to arise that I may more fully learn the virtue. I guess I better keep praying and learning, because that train still ticked me off.

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Reports Of Flooding Through Much Of Missouri

12/27/2015

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As the reports continue to roll in about streets being closed throughout St. Louis County and surrounding areas, and even Interstate 70 being shut down in places in St. Charles County, please know of my prayers for all those impacted. Apparently the middle part of the state has been hit hard as well. Watching the video with all 12 floodgates of Bagnell Dam open lets me know that many in that area will also be affected.

Please Be Safe!

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A Caribbean Vacation Would Be Nice Now....Brrrrrr

12/26/2015

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My kids gave me a "FitBit" for Christmas. Developing a sedentary lifestyle as I age, along with some health issues, makes it extremely important that I develop the self-discipline to get some exercise. Apparently, my kids recognized that my self-discipline in regard to getting physical activity isn't what it used to be. Thus, they made the determination that I need a machine to tell me throughout the day that I am lazy. Merry Christmas to me.

Actually, it is a great gift and I am excited to start working toward a more active lifestyle. Walking 10,000 steps a day when you have a "desk job" is going to require some adjustments to the daily routine. As I looked out the window this morning I realized that I am going to need another Christmas present. I need a treadmill. The picture above doesn't do justice to the current weather conditions, but there is no way I am going out for a walk in that kind of weather. It's back to sedentary for me.

How frequently in life do we miss the opportunities to do what is right because the conditions aren't ideal? Even if there are no obstacles to our goal, but there is a clear path to a lesser goal, do we tend to cave and go the easier route? For instance, I get the urge and desire to take time to pray and then I walk past the couch and the TV remote control. It is not an obstacle to my prayer, but it is a clear path to a less worthy endeavor. Do I have the inner strength to continue on toward my life of prayer?

I will get my 10,000 steps in today even if I have to go to the mall and walk indoors. However, I am going to attempt to do it outside when it warms up a little and the winds die down to a mere 50 MPH. The other obstacle is in knowing when it warms up. I guess I'll know it is warmer when the ice melts off of the thermometer enough that I can actually see the temperature. I don't think Wyoming ever got the memo about global warming.

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Cathedral of St. Mary Midnight Mass--Cheyenne, WY

12/25/2015

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Midnight Mass is one of my favorite liturgical celebrations. Please enjoy the photos (courtesy of Matthew Potter) from Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, Wyoming with Bishop Paul Etienne as the main celebrant. (December 25, 2015)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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O Come, Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord

12/24/2015

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Our house is quiet tonight. The celebration of Christmas has changed through the years as the children have grown. There is a whole different tone and tenor to Christmas when the children are young. Christmas Eve was always a big deal at my mom's house. Those things changed in recent years as mom's age and physical condition declined. Her death less than two months ago is a solemn reminder of the ebbs and flows of life. Now I am patiently waiting for Midnight Mass. (Okay, I am trying to figure out whether to take a nap or not.)

The bright moonlight gently glistening through the window gives a hint as to the glory of that night so long ago. Glory to God in the highest! I can almost sense the wonder of the shepherds. The gentle flicker of a candle in our home calls me to prayer and reflection. When my parents and godparents received the candle at my baptism we were instructed to keep the flame of faith burning brightly. When I think at how many times I have failed to do that I am especially grateful for the celebration of Christmas. I know that Jesus came to redeem me. What a blessing we celebrate on this holy night!

Sing with all your heart this Christmas season.

O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!

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The Gift Of Being Able To Read And Comprehend

12/23/2015

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I checked out some books from the Laramie County Library this week to have some reading material on hand for the Christmas holidays. Getting a few days off will allow a little free time to delve into some topics that I enjoy. I never want to stop learning and growing.

The first book that I am reading is from the Leader to Leader Institute. It is entitled, The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization. I believe it is important for the Church to ask pertinent questions of itself just as businesses do. I am not saying that we are to completely run a Church as a business, but there are certain business practices that can enhance the pastoral ministry component without a doubt. Asking relevant questions can help determine the direction to go. The five questions outlined by the authors of this book are straightforward and simple. The answers may be a little more complex and difficult to ascertain.

1. What is our mission?
2.Who is our customer?
3. What does the customer want?
4. What are our results?
5. What is our plan?

As the authors break down the questions in detail it is easy to see why so many businesses, nonprofits, churches, and other organizations struggle with being successful or effective. It takes intentional effort and planning to explicitly fulfill the mission of the organization. Proclaiming the Gospel message is the mission of the Church. The methods in which we do that are many and varied. We have the sacramental life of the Church. We have the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of the Church. We have charitable works to give direct assistance to those who are hurting. We have advocacy endeavors in which we strive to change the systemic structures of injustice. When we start delineating each of these endeavors more fully the questions are numerous.

Think about the liturgical experience of parishioners and consider all of the factors that play into that experience. Was the environment welcoming? This includes, but is not limited, the decorations, the temperature in the building, handicap accessible or not, good signage pointing to restrooms, classrooms, or other important venues, and well-groomed and pleasant greeters at the door.

Once the liturgy begins another set of questions come into play. Are the ministers prepared? Is the music relevant, uplifting, and done well so as to engage the people in the pews to join in the singing? Are the readers clear as they proclaim the Word of God? Is the sound system working properly? Is the preaching effective and "cutting to the heart?"

After the liturgy ends are the bulletins handed out with a smile? Is there any type of organized hospitality after the service? Is the parking lot cleared of snow, ice, and well-lit? These are just a few of the questions pertaining to the "how" of fulfilling the mission in just one small area.

After I nearly finished that book this evening I began a second one. It is by Bruce Loeffler and Brian T. Church. The title is, THE EXPERIENCE (The 5 Principles of Disney Service and Relationship Excellence). I have never been to a Disney Theme Park but I know that Disney has long been setting a standard for customer service. I am hoping to garner a few helpful hints in the book as to how I can function more effectively as a minister in the Church. Once again, I believe there are practices in the secular world from which we in the Church can learn. I am only 40 pages into it at this point, but it is looking like it will be well worth my time.

This reading has taken me away from reading as much political news this evening. That serves as a good distraction because the political news just generally makes me angry or depressed. One of the last videos I watched today was from NEWSBUSTED. Jodi Miller said that "Michelle Obama didn't know what to get the president for Christmas. After all, Paul Ryan had just given him everything he wanted." That summed it up for me and I could move onto other things.

As we inch closer to Christmas Day I want to focus on the blessings of life. Today I am giving thanks for the ability to read and comprehend. Also, I am giving thanks that I have been blessed with the opportunity to get a good education. Furthermore, I continue to be blessed with opportunities to learn and grow. This is no small matter. I can take classes; I can check out books from the local library; I can enhance my opportunities in life because I have access to these things. Not everyone in our world is as fortunate.

Our world has its problems. Indeed, our own country has its problems. There are times when it feels like we should just throw up our hands and give up. I know that we cannot in good conscience do that. We must be a beacon of light in a world enveloped in darkness. We don't do this on our own. Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords has come to earth. He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. When we were baptized we received the Light of Christ. We are to always walk as children of the Light. Let your Light shine!

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"When The Son Of Man Comes, Will He Find Faith?"

12/22/2015

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Luke 18:8 puts the question in a forthright manner, "When the Son of man comes, will He find faith on earth?" As I read articles online and review the comments following the articles, it makes me wonder whether or not the Son of Man will find faith on the earth. The vitriol being spewed forth makes it difficult to have rational discussions. Thus, the divide in our culture grows ever deeper and wider. More and more our world moves away from God.

The Huffington Post claimed that the budget deal was a huge win for Planned Parenthood. Obviously, it was. The money continues to flow to them. An article on Newsmax which referred to the Huffington Post article drew some vile comments from the pro-abortion crowd. Statements were made that Planned Parenthood doesn't sell body parts and that pro-lifers are responsible for things like the shooting in Colorado Springs. Really? Even after the undercover videos revealed the tactics of Planned Parenthood, many people choose to remain in denial. It seems that a major portion of society is unable to recognize sin, and we will all reap the consequences of this falling away from God.

This past Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we had the Gospel reading of Mary visiting Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting the child within her womb leaped for joy. Elizabeth said, "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Let that soak in for a moment. John the Baptist leaping for joy at the greeting of Mary because of the movement of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth was able to recognize the "mother of my Lord" because of the Holy Spirit. All of this takes place while the two children are in the womb. How can we dare to say as a society that it is okay to rip children from the womb and end their existence?

Repetition of sin lulls our conscience to sleep. If we hear a mantra repeated over and over again long enough we start to believe it. The effectiveness of using the words "pro-choice" has been phenomenal. Who wouldn't be for choice? It sounds so nice and accommodating. The reality is something else.

What do you think?

"When the Son of Man comes to earth, will He find any faith on earth?"

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Are You Filled With Optimism For 2016?

12/20/2015

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There is a difference between being optimistic and being hopeful. As a follower of Christ I can be filled with the virtue of hope while not being overly optimistic about the course our world is on. Knowing that I have been redeemed by the saving action of Jesus Christ fills me with great hope. On the other hand, as I watch a world that continues to turn its back on God my level of optimism is a bit on the low side.

President Obama gave an address on Saturday utilizing the style of David Letterman's Top 10 to highlight the accomplishments of 2015. (I am not providing a link. You can do a search and readily find it if you want to watch it.) This was designed to fill us with optimism for 2016. Maybe I would be more excited if I were heading off to Hawaii for a couple of weeks vacation at someone else's expense, but let us take a quick view anyway.

10. The economy is strong. We have had 69 months of job growth according to President Obama. I would like to believe that these statistics are true. However, the lines at food pantries and homeless shelters indicate that the economic boom is not being felt by a large segment of the population. It would be helpful to know how many people are underemployed in addition to those unemployed. Also, how many people have just given up in their job search? Regardless of who is in office, I always question the validity and accuracy of reported numbers. Are the statistics manipulated to paint a picture not exactly accurate?

9. More Americans are getting health insurance coverage. Once again, I want to believe the statistics. However, the number of people being covered is only one component. Premium prices are rising despite claims to the contrary when this was rammed through Congress. Insurance companies are withdrawing from the exchanges and/or going out of business. Out-of-pocket expenses for consumers are on the rise. How long will it be until the system implodes? For the health and well-being of people I want this claim to be true, but I am hesitant to celebrate the current system as an accomplishment. Also, let us not forget the trampling of religious freedom in the process. When the Little Sisters of the Poor have to sue the federal government to maintain their rights, something is wrong.

8. America's global leadership on climate change is being celebrated with the agreement reached in Paris. The President said, "it was only possible because America led with clean energy here at home and strong diplomacy around the world." My concern is that the diplomacy described is a one way street. We sometimes seem to give away the store and get nothing in return. Will other nations really abide by the same rules imposed upon us? Maybe I am wrong in my assumptions, but as I recall the diplomacy of trading Bowe Bergdahl for the release of five Taliban leaders I am skeptical about our diplomatic efforts.

7. U.S.--Cuba Relations: "We turned the page on an outdated, half-century-old policy by re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba and reopening embassies in both our countries, allowing us to build greater ties between Americans and Cubans," Mr. Obama said. Just because something is a half-century old does not necessarily mean it is outdated. I hope due diligence has been done by the administration to ensure this endeavor is not detrimental to the people of Cuba. Every time I see a home-made boat struggling to make it to the shores of the U.S. from Cuba it reminds me that something is amiss.

6. Iran nuclear deal: This issue has certainly been interpreted differently by a variety of constituencies. I am not as optimistic as Mr. Obama and Mr. Kerry about the result of this deal. Time will tell.

5. Standing strong against terrorism: If poll numbers are accurate this claim is not believed by a majority of Americans. A broken system for decades has brought us to the current crisis and there is no easy fix. When leaders fail to lead we all pay the price. An immigration system that has been in chaos for years will diminish our chances of taking care of those desiring to come to our country legally while maintaining the safety and security of the American people in the process. How many times will we witness a repeat of San Bernardino?

4. The Trans-Pacific Partnership: It has been labeled as "Mr. Obama's legacy- defining trade deal." Time will reveal the impact of the legacy. I hope it is a positive one.

3. Bi-partisan budget and education deal: The budget package is 2,009 pages long. First, I want to know how many of our elected officials read the whole thing before voting. Senator Rand Paul claims that none of them were able to read it in its entirety in such a short time span. It reminds me of the Affordable Care Act when we were told they had to pass it and then they could read it. Secondly, did they give any thought to the consequences of approving it? The number is almost incomprehensible:
$1, 205, 146,000,000.00

Oh yes, it is also paired with a separate 233-page tax bill. It makes me want to apologize to future generations for the fiscal irresponsibility and what we have done to this great nation.

In a deal like this a half million dollars seems like chump change, but it still angers me that Planned Parenthood continues to be funded. They do abortions. They DO NOT DO MAMMOGRAMS. They do not do mammograms at any of their facilities. With the revenue from abortions and the sale of fetal body parts after the abortions why does the government have to fund them? They are doing quite well financially on their own. Every representative and senator that did not stand against this travesty did a great disservice to the moral well-being of our nation.

2. The legalization of same-sex marriage: In the video Mr. Obama gushingly stated, "Love won!" We were reminded of the glowing colors of the White House as the video captured the footage of the night after the decision was made by the U.S. Supreme Court. In Mr. Obama's mind love may have won, but there were many losers in the process. The freedom of state government lost. Religious freedom was trampled and lost. The separation of powers among our branches of government lost. The protection of our consciences lost. The ramifications of a judiciary gone wild will be felt for a long time. A judge ruled at the end of last week against a Catholic school when a job offer was rescinded to a candidate because of being in a same-sex civil union. The judge claimed that since he wasn't in a teaching role it didn't impact the school. Bit by bit our religious freedom is being ripped away.

1. The American People--all of this is because of you. In some way this gives me hope. I think the American people are starting to recognize that the path we are on may not necessarily be the best. On the other hand, we continue to vote people into office and give them fantastic careers. Many of them are doing well for themselves, but few seem to be doing good for the people they are called to serve. If the ten accomplishments listed by Mr. Obama are truly because of people like me, I need to seek forgiveness for being part of an immoral and fiscally irresponsible endeavor. The actions of Congress this week may have given themselves a Merry Christmas by passing the Omnibus Bill, but the rest of us will pick up the tab for generations to come.

So, where is the hope in all of this that I am supposed to articulate? The hope is found in Jesus Christ. Don't place your hope in government; you will be sadly disappointed. On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, prepare the way of the Lord. Come Lord Jesus!

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