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How High Will You Soar In 2023?

12/31/2022

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Many years ago I had an individual tell me, "You are responsible for your own joy."  That was a message I needed to hear because I had let my joy be stolen by someone else.  Actually, I had freely given up my joy because of how I responded to a difficult situation and a person involved in the midst of the chaos.  After that experience I made a commitment to myself to never let it happen again.  I decided from that moment onward to respond in a more productive way to the challenges and difficulties of life. 

Once in a while, I still need to remind myself of that commitment.  What better time than on New Year's Eve?  We each make choices in how we respond to circumstances confronting us.  As we move into a new year let's make a concentrated effort to respond in ways that help us grow in holiness.

My new readers may be unfamiliar with my annual New Year's Eve ritual.  It will be a repeat for the more seasoned readers.  (I can't believe I have been writing on these pages since 2013.  Wow!)  My idea of partying on New Year's Eve has diminished to making a few extra trips to the refrigerator from the couch while watching television.  Okay, even that may be a stretch.  I try to stay awake until 10:00 P.M.  How about that?

In all seriousness, I try to make the entrance into a new year by being in prayer.  I want to close out one year with a prayer of gratitude and usher in the new one by asking for God's bounteous grace and blessings that we may continue to grow in holiness. 

My resolutions are few, because I know the odds against sticking to them.  However, I always have a few things in mind in regard to future growth from an intellectual, physical, and spiritual perspective.  How about you?

First, let's take a little time to review where you have been.  Did you make any conscious changes last year to enhance your life?  If so, what were they and how did those decisions impact your life?


"When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves."
~Viktor E. Frankl

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game."
~Randy Pausch

"Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots."
~Victor Hugo

"There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles."
~Stephen Covey

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
~Wayne Dyer

The journey on this earth is for a limited time.  The reality of the shortness of this pilgrimage prompts me to take a serious look at how I spend my time.  Is the way that I am living my life truly giving glory to God?  How can I more fully cooperate with God's grace so that I am truly building up the Kingdom?

​Now, let's look ahead.  Catchy quotations may spark the imagination, but the discipline to do something is a moment by moment decision.  Will 2023 be a year of personal growth for you?


Are you making any resolutions for the new year in regard to your spiritual journey?

Are you any closer to God at the end of 2022 than you were at the end of 2021?  If so, how?  What did you do differently to attain this growth?  If you are not closer to God now, why not?  What needs to change?  It comes down to one simple question:


What will make 2023 a year of grace and holiness for you?

"Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed."
~Cavett Robert


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My New Year's Eve tradition is to stay home where it is warm, quiet, and peaceful.  I will be following that same tradition this year.  I especially like to end the year in a spirit of prayer.  

First of all, I give adoration, thanks and praise to God for all the blessings in my life.  I am grateful for the gift of family, friends, faith, and fellowship.  Margaret and I have celebrated more than 34 years together in our journey of wedded life.  We have two wonderful children and now two grandchildren as well. 

I am also grateful for the privilege of ministering as a deacon in the Church for more than 23 years now
.  I especially enjoy leading retreats, days of recollection, and preaching parish missions.  I recently returned from Marthasville, Missouri after leading a  parish mission during the Fourth Week of Advent for the parish family of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.  I hope to do more of that in 2023.

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 just a few of my petitions for this New Year’s Eve.
 
Today, we learned of the death of Pope Benedict. May he rest in peace.

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


I pray for all who have been harmed by Church leaders and personnel.  May they find healing and hope.

I pray for all who bear the name of Christian, especially in those areas of the world where Christians are persecuted.  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 our president and vice president, the current U.S. Supreme Court Justices and any to be appointed, the U.S. Senators and Representatives, Cabinet Officials, ambassadors, and all appointees who wield power and influence.
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"Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure....are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments."
​~ Charles Carroll (Signer of the Declaration of Independence)


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

 
I pray for all families.  May the Domestic Church of the home blossom and grow.

I pray for all 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.  May they also experience 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 through the love of people around them.


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 and find peace and contentment.
 
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 these individuals truly experience the freedom they desire.

I pray for all those family members who care for loved ones who are suffering—may God fill them with patience, fortitude, and strength.
 
I pray for all who are grieving the death of a loved one—may they find comfort and peace in the warm embrace of God’s love and the care and concern of other family members 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.  
 
I pray for our culture—may we turn back to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.

I pray for all couples preparing for marriage.
 
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 children who will be born today—may they 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 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.

 

Lord, please help me to grow in wisdom and in favor with You in 2023.  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.


I close with this personal message to each of you.

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 below.  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 trust in the Sacred Scriptures which tell us the power of two or more praying together for a specific intention.  (See Matthew 18:19)  I look forward to joining my prayer with yours.

Have a wonderful end to the year 2022.  May 2023 bring you an abundance of God's grace, mercy, and healing!

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When Someone Contacts You After 40 Years???

12/30/2022

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Steve Looten contacted me a few months ago.  We had not been in touch with each other since our college days.  He asked if I would be open to an interview for a book he was writing. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but Steve was an honorable man forty years ago when I knew him, so I had no reluctance at all to have a lengthy conversation with him.

It turns out that my memory wasn't all that good concerning sporting events that happened four decades ago.  I think my lengthy illness and all the effects of the chemotherapy just a few years after graduation hampered some of my ability to recall things.  Priorities in life also shift quite quickly when you are facing a life-threatening illness.

Fast forward to this week--

After I returned home on Tuesday from a trip to Missouri, a copy of Steve's book was in my mailbox.  I couldn't wait to start diving into it and see how much I could recall from comments by other players and coaches.  I was able to remember a few more things after hearing the responses from others.

Thankfully, Steve dedicated a whole chapter that focused on more of my life and ministry after college than it did on my playing days.  Since I didn't give him much to work with in regard to my memories from my playing days, it was easier to focus on more recent events.  I am always grateful when I get the opportunity to share the Good News of Salvation in contexts outside of the church building.  This book was certainly a different avenue from the norm in which I could share my journey of faith.

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The three full pages that followed this introductory page focused on much of my ministry throughout the years.
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Scrolling through Steve's book made me look for my scrapbooks.  I am ashamed to say it took me days to find my scrapbooks.  I am not sure how many moves across the country they have made without being unpacked. I found the above certificate in one of my scrapbooks which is connected to what Steve writes about in his book.  Quite frankly, I did not even remember having this certificate.
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Looking at old photos and newspaper clippings reminded me that I should have never taken good health for granted.  The privilege of playing both baseball and basketball at the collegiate level is something I came to appreciate much more fully after being diagnosed with cancer at 25.

It only took a few months of chemotherapy treatments to completely erase all of the physical work I did for years to get in top shape.  It certainly changed the trajectory of the rest of my life, but I am still here 36 years later.
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This is one of only two photos I have from when I was bald.  (Remember, this was before the era of the cell phone and selfies.)  The photo was taken just before Christmas 1986, a couple of months after my last chemo treatment.
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This was a Christmas party at the hospital for our "Make Today Count" support group.  I don't remember which year this was, but as you can see, once I was able to grow hair again, I let it grow on my face too.  (I am trying that again now.  My hair was blonde then, and it is still blonde today.  My beard back then was somewhat dark.  Today, it appears to be coming in with more white or grey.)
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Yes, there are difficult challenges that confront us in this journey of life. However, I would like to encourage you to spend some time focusing on the blessings.  (I struggle to do that sometimes, so I know it is easier said than done when it seems that life is crashing down around us.)  As we prepare to wrap up 2022, let's give glory and praise to God for the blessing of another year in which we have had the opportunity to grow in wisdom, grace, and holiness.
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I Need Your Help To Spread the Gospel Message

12/29/2022

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There have been numerous things bouncing around in my mind for a couple of years now regarding "next steps".  What is God asking me to do? 

The discernment process can be a bit of a challenge, especially when the time frame I have in my mind does not necessarily match the time frame God has in mind.  Or, am I just missing something in the process?  There are times I wish it would be as clear as an angel appearing and saying, "This is what you are going to do."  However, I would probably still question the validity of what was happening.

God continues to place a variety of things on my heart.  Those tugs on the heart that don't seem to go away need to be honored.  Vernon says, "Retirement looks good.  You can find me in Florida during the winter."  The inner voice deep within me says, "Not so fast.  There is still work to be done."

Setting aside the skills and knowledge I have developed through the years to enjoy a more leisurely pace does not seem to mesh with my idea of being a good steward of what has been entrusted to my care.  Thus, how do I find a proper balance?

The pandemic squelched everything that was on my calendar back in 2020, and the speaking requests since then have been very limited.  It was normal for me to do 50 to 100 speaking engagements per year for a while.  Can I get back to that level or more in 2023?  (Do I want to carry that heavy of a load again?) I have always done these speaking engagements in addition to working a full time job.  What would it look like if I stopped working a full time job and only focused on preaching and teaching the Good News of Salvation?  That is what we are going to find out. 

Our world is in need of the Gospel message.  People need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and experience the healing, peace, and love that comes from entering into a deep relationship with Jesus.  In my opinion, I believe there also needs to be some challenges laid out for God's people.  We cannot be content with being mediocre Christians.  We need people standing up boldly for the faith.  How will each of us serve?

The two Great Commandments make it evident that we cannot be half-hearted lovers.  We are called to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.  We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves.  I feel a sense of urgency in proclaiming this message. 

​My ordination as a deacon provided the mandate, "Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you now are.  Believe what you read.  Teach what you believe.  Practice what you teach."  I have a responsibility to share in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.  The immensity of that responsibility has been weighing on me more heavily in recent days.

Two items are now on the agenda:

1. Writing a second book  
2. Increasing my number of speaking engagements

Here is where I need your help.  Have you been impacted in a positive way by my teaching, preaching, or writing?  If so, would you be willing to write a short testimonial that I could use? 

If you would be willing to write a testimonial or endorsement for me, I would greatly appreciate it.  It can be short and sweet.  Simply answer these things:

1. Where  did you hear me speak? 
               Preaching at Mass? 
               A Parish Mission?
               A Retreat
               A Workshop (School Faculty or Catechist Training)
               A Special Event

2. What did you gain from the experience?  (Your endorsement of my skills as a presenter, faithful to the teachings of the Church, etc.  How were you nurtured or nourished in the process?)

3. Your Name

4. Your Parish Name, City & State

5. Your Role  (Parishioner, Pastor, Deacon, DRE, Youth Minister, etc.)

If you read my book, "Articulating Hope," and would like to comment on that, feel free to use the same process as listed above.  What did you gain from the experience of reading my book?  Then, finish it off with items 3, 4, and 5.

If you would email this testimonial to me, with your permission to use it in my marketing materials and website, I would be most appreciative.  Please send it to:

articulatinghope@gmail.com

Thank you for considering my request.  Your kindness is appreciated.  Please share this blog post with others you know that may be willing to write a testimonial as well.  If possible, I would like to gather a substantial number of these endorsements for future use as I attempt to expand my outreach in 2023 for proclaiming the Good News of Salvation.

Blessings and peace!

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The Cold and Snow Followed Us Wherever We Went

12/28/2022

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I had the pleasure of passing through five states over two weeks.  There was one thing that was consistent during our travels--inclement weather. The cold and snow followed us wherever we were. We altered departure days on three different occasions. I cut it close for my first speaking engagement in Missouri, but we made it with two hours to spare.  I had intended to arrive a day early, but the interstates were closed and I had no control over that.

Thankfully, we had a beautiful setting in Missouri to sit and watch the winter weather move into the area. A fresh dusting of snow created quite the wonderland.  The cold temperatures were extraordinary over most of the country.  It is times like these that serve as a good reminder to be grateful for things like electricity, heat, and a reliable car.

We are in the Octave of Christmas.  I hope you are still celebrating well.
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St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish--Thank You!

12/27/2022

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When the pandemic shut everything down in 2020, all of my speaking engagements were cancelled.  Other than preaching at Mass on my scheduled days, I have been pretty much sidelined for three years.  I did a half-day retreat in January of 2022 for the Cathedral Guild in Cheyenne, Wyoming and a 90-minute catechetical presentation in August of 2022 for the catechists at St. Patrick's Parish in Casper, Wyoming.  That has been it for three years, until last week. I had the privilege of leading a parish mission during the Fourth Week of Advent for the good people of Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Marthasville, Missouri.

I think this was my best Fourth Week of Advent ever.  It was great to be fully engaged in the days leading up to the Solemnity of Christmas.  I am grateful for the warm hospitality my wife and I received at the parish.  It was indeed a week filled with blessings.

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Emmanuel--God Is With Us!
Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas!

12/24/2022

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May the Christmas season fill you with a renewed sense of peace, hope, and joy!
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Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary (Luke 1:26-38)

12/23/2022

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O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!


Jesus comes to us in history, mystery, and glory. May the infancy narrative in Sacred Scripture (See Luke 1: 26-38) and the Joyful Mysteries of the rosary prepare your heart and mind for what we are about to celebrate!
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Conformity to the Will of God (Romans 12:2)

12/22/2022

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O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

I invite you to read and meditate upon Romans 12:2.
Are you more conformed to the world than you are to Christ?

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Are We Walking As Children of the Light?

12/21/2022

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O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

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Holy Communion-The Word became Flesh (John 6:35)

12/20/2022

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O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!


How does participating in the Sacramental Life of the Church make you stronger?

​I encourage you to read the entirety of chapter 6 in John's Gospel. Do we truly believe that Jesus is the Bread of Life? (See John 6:35)


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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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