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:
[email protected]
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!
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:
[email protected]
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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