Blog Archives

Happy Friday!

12/11/2020

A post on social media this morning reminded people that good things were still happening in the world. We can get inundated with bad news and lose sight of anything positive around us. I want to celebrate good news. This in no way diminishes the challenges and struggles that some people are experiencing. There is a lot of pain and hurt in our world, and we continue to pray for and support these individuals. However, today we rejoice with those who are rejoicing.

These are just a few examples that have come to my attention in recent days.

1. A person has a workplace accident. Seems like bad news. In reality, it could have been a fatal accident, but it only required a one night hospital stay for observation. That was very good news.

2. A former colleague lands a new job! Now that is a Merry Christmas for that family!

3. A young family just had their offer accepted on the purchase of their first home.

4. Someone just finished his last chemo treatment.

What examples have come to your attention recently?

As I watch it snow in northern Colorado, I know that some people are enjoying time on the beach in the Caribbean. I will try to rejoice with them while feeling a little envious.

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
His mercy endures forever."
Have a blessed day!

0 Comments

The Gradual Process Of A River Freezing Over

12/9/2020

1 Comment

How many things in life happen so gradually that we miss pertinent aspects along the way? I'll let you ponder your own examples.

As cold weather continues, more and more of the river freezes over. Eventually it is completely iced over and will await the spring thaw to begin flowing again.

Do we see cycles similar to this in our own lives? Can you relate to any of these things?

1. A heart gets broken and shuts out the world refusing to love again.
2. Discouragement in prayer leads to a lack of hope--stops praying.
3. Loss of faith leads to a loss of purpose.
4. Loss of purpose leads to apathy and indifference.
5. Eventually, the heart grows so cold that life is simply endured.

How often do these types of things happen slowly? Numerous broken relationships cause a person to withdraw from opening their heart to more pain. Discouragement comes in small quantities until it becomes a way of life. Faith is not simply centered on going to church, but how often do we see a gradual process in skipping Mass occasionally to becoming a Christmas and Easter attendee? The faith grows cold after a period of time simply being lukewarm.

On the other hand, do we see cycles of life in the other direction?

1. A heart experiences profound love and that overflows to everyone around.
2. A person finds great peace and hope in prayer--prays even more.
3. An increase in faith leads to a deeper commitment to holiness.
4. A sense of purpose leads to great fervor and enthusiasm.
5. A heart is on fire with love of God and neighbor--a saint impacts the world.

How often do these things grow gradually? A person experiences positive and loving relationships and this has a ripple effect unto others. We will not always get the warm fuzzies when we pray, but do we still sense the meaning and purpose of prayer? Does it prompt us to pray more? Do we truly strive for holiness with a little more zest and zeal with each passing year? Do we comprehend our calling to be a saint and strive to live out that calling well?

Reflect upon your own journey. What areas need to be addressed?

In three words or less, describe your spiritual journey at this very moment.

1 Comment

Soak In The Good Memories Of The Past

12/8/2020

0 Comments

As I follow numerous conversations on social media, it becomes more and more evident all the time that we are experiencing a mental health crisis in our society. How do we maintain hope and stability when it seems like the world is caving in around us?

My response:
I am trying to stay rooted in prayer. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That is as stable as it gets. Unfortunately, my faithfulness in maintaining a strong prayer life suffers from a lack of discipline at times. In these difficult days, weeks, and months (almost a year), it has been a lot easier said than done to maintain a positive approach to life. I have realized more than ever that I am a struggling pilgrim seeking holiness.

Writing this blog is therapeutic for me. (I am not sure of the impact on my readers.) I have over seven years of processing my thoughts contained in these pages. This blog has also prompted me to be constantly looking at the world around me for inspiration. I have accumulated over 4,000 photos in the last six years because of this blog, That enables me to look back and savor the memories. The photo above was taken on December 8, 2018 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Notice the fall colors still present in the month of December. Now that is a good memory!!!!!

My dear readers, I simply want to encourage you today to take care of your health--physically, spiritually, and emotionally. If I can help you find hope and healing in any way, feel free to reach out.

(Email me at: [email protected])

Today we celebrate The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we say "YES" to the call of God in our lives as faithfully as our Blessed Mother did!

0 Comments

Memories From Social Media Say That I Am Aging

12/6/2020

0 Comments

The above photo popped up this morning with the caption, "I am looking forward to being with the parishioners of St. Anthony's this weekend." That was six years ago on December 6, 2014. I had the privilege of being at St. Anthony's in Casper, Wyoming for many years on the first weekend of Advent and the first weekend of Lent. I would lead a day of recollection on Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. and then preach at all of the weekend Masses.

The last public speaking engagement I had was last Advent at St. Patrick's Parish in Council Bluffs, Iowa. I can't believe a year has passed without having had the opportunity to lead a retreat, give a parish mission, or even speak at a workshop. All of my commitments for Lent this past spring were cancelled due to COVID-19. It doesn't look too promising for the upcoming Lenten season either.

I continue to grieve for all the losses we have experienced these last nine months.

For those of you missing out on graduation ceremonies this December, please know of m prayers. My son is one of those losing out on that experience of receiving his college degree in a formal ceremony. It is not the end of the world, but it is another milestone event missed.

A former colleague of mine just died. Being unable to gather for a funeral makes grieving a challenge. However, we continue to forge ahead.

Have a blessed second week of Advent. Stay rooted in prayer.

0 Comments

What Mountains Are You Climbing In Life Right Now?

12/5/2020

1 Comment

It was a beautiful afternoon in northern Colorado. I took a short drive into Poudre Canyon to enjoy the scenery. It was 55 degrees in town, but the temperature dropped into the mid-40's quite quickly as I entered the canyon. Much of the water in the river was frozen but that did not stop the anglers from dropping a line in the open spots.

I stopped at a small recreation area where only a few cars were parked. I could see people off in the distance exploring the area so I thought I had the immediate area to myself. Suddenly, I hear a voice. I look around and see absolutely no one anywhere around. Then I hear it again. I looked up, way up. I saw the climber near the top of the cliff and followed the rigging to the bottom to see another person. Okay, I feel better. I am not simply hearing voices in my head.

I watched the climber make a quick and smooth descent. I marveled at the skill and ease with which he came down. I wish I would have been present to see the climb.

As I looked at the climber at the top of the cliff, it made me yearn for the joy and freedom that he must have felt when he accomplished the task at hand. How was the view from there? Was he tired from the climb or did he have a sense of exhilaration?

I will admit that I am weary. I am tired of the virus and the many mandates. I am tired of the inconsistencies in the approach to the virus. I am tired of the hypocrisy from our government leaders as they issue mandates for others to follow while ignoring those edicts themselves. Rules seem to only apply to some people.

I am worn out by watching good people suffer. Small business owners are being crushed under the weight of government oppression. How can it be okay for the big box stores to remain open while forcing small business to shutter their establishments? I can only imagine the depths of despair a person feels after dedicating years and years into building a business only to see it wither away and die because the government forced it to close.

People in nursing homes are being crushed by loneliness. All too often they are dying alone. Families will never get that time back.

People are facing hospitalizations all alone. Depriving people of emotional and spiritual support during a time of crisis is simply inhumane. The mental health complications resulting from the continued lock-down of society will haunt us for years to come. Nine months have passed since we heard, "Two weeks to flatten the curve."

I am tired of the election. If even a fraction of the voting and ballot irregularities are true that are being presented as evidence, it should disturb citizens regardless of party affiliation. We are in genuine danger of losing our republic if we can't trust the election process. Half of the population will disagree with the final outcome of this election whether it is a Democrat or Republican winner. Being unhappy with an outcome is one thing. Being uncertain about the legitimacy of the outcome is something completely different.

We are getting ready to enter into the Second Week of Advent. What will Christmas look like this year? I saw that one bishop gave permission for his priests to offer four Masses on Christmas Eve and four Masses on Christmas Day. This is being done to give as many people as possible the chance to attend Mass even though crowd restrictions are still place. Once again, this has been going on for nine months now. Have we simply resigned ourselves to the fact that freedom of religion no longer exists in our country?

We have personal mountains to climb. We also have societal mountains that we climb. The problems that confront us can wear us down. Today, I want to encourage you to stay strong. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

1 Comment

One Week Into Advent--Are You Feeling Super?

12/4/2020

2 Comments

It has been six years since I passed through Metropolis, Illinois to capture this photo. I stumbled across the photo today while looking for something else. I think it was something I needed to see.

I will be honest. My first reaction when I saw the photo was, "Friday! I made it. I am crushing it." (Okay, I at least survived it.)

I led a prayer service last night at the Cold Weather Shelter for one of our guests who had been killed in an accident earlier in the week. It was about 9:00 pm when I returned home. I was back in the office just after 7:00 am this morning to be prepared for an 8:00 am meeting (which was unexpectedly canceled). My tired body did not look as powerful as Superman, but it was celebrating the achievement of making it to Friday.

My thoughts then became a little more serious. The Season of Advent never seems to grasp the attention that the Season of Lent does. However, it is an opportune time for us to reflect upon our spiritual journey. Are we truly preparing the way of the Lord in our day-to-day lives? Lent has a more penitential aspect to it than Advent, but Advent still invites us to a deeper spirituality that can be attained through penitential acts.

Reflection Questions:
1. Did your prayer life change in any way during this first week of Advent?
2. Did works of mercy occupy any more of your time this week than usual?
3. Are you closer to God now than you were last year at the beginning of Advent?
4. How will this new liturgical year impact your life?
5. Are you eager to be a saint?

2 Comments

Immaculate Conception Catholic School--Thank You

12/3/2020

0 Comments

Although I disliked the exercise at the time when I was a young student, I am very grateful for the reading machine we had at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Old Monroe, Missouri. It was a machine designed to push our reading capabilities both in speed and comprehension. That gift has served as a tremendous asset throughout my entire adult life.

What are three books that have changed your life?

0 Comments

Forward>>

Happy Friday!

The Gradual Process Of A River Freezing Over

Soak In The Good Memories Of The Past

Memories From Social Media Say That I Am Aging

What Mountains Are You Climbing In Life Right Now?

One Week Into Advent--Are You Feeling Super?

Immaculate Conception Catholic School--Thank You

Archives

Author