Who's Got Your Back?

It's always good to have good friends behind you. Good friends are the ones that are honest with you even when they know that they are about to say something that you will not like. God is the best friend that I have. He has steered me out of so much trouble and kept me away from so much more by following his commandments. I have met many a person that has mocked God. So many have said why can't I eat as much as I want? What's wrong with drinking as much as I want? What's wrong with having sex or doing drugs whenever I want? The problem with all that is that it takes our eyes off the prize, getting to heaven. When we indulge ourselves on a daily basis we make ourselves the center of our universe treating ourselves like a God that should have every desire given to us. Even God doesn't do that. Gods commandments are put into place for our protection. That by discipline we may gain peace and serenity. Through moderation and discipline we can live long healthy full lives. By loving God and following his ways we can even avoid death and the fall into hell but also find eternal life and peace in heaven. By loving others as we love ourselves we spread love on earth, which is in great demand rich now. By loving only ourselves we end up treating everyone we meet as a means to an end. We use people instead of love them. Make no mistake there is plenty of temptation on this earth. Satan hates you and wants to damn your soul to hell so he can torture you for an eternity. Why? Because he wishes to be God and out of his wrath he wishes to destroy and defile everything that God has created. It is up to follow God for he has given us free will and we get to choose. It is wise to keep our eyes fixed on God and his ways for if we even fall to the temptation to look back in sin's direction we risk falling hard and not going back. Satan will tempt you with both pleasure and pain, but know this, even in the most dreadful storm God is there for you. No matter what pleasure Satan tempts you with nothing is more pleasurable than the peace God can provide, but the choice is yours and he is waiting. God is willing to share all, his wisdom, his love taught by his son Jesus and the power to overcome anything with the help,of the Holy Spirit. It is all yours for the asking, but God will not just share this with anyone. He shares it only with his friends, his disciples, those that love him and yes he loves us all. 

Genesis 19:15-29
15When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city." 16But he lingered; so the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him forth and set him outside the city. 17And when they had brought them forth, they said, "Flee for your life; do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley; flee to the hills, lest you be consumed." 18And Lot said to them, "Oh, no, my lords; 19behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life; but I cannot flee to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me, and I die. 20Behold, yonder city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there -- is it not a little one? -- and my life will be saved!" 21He said to him, "Behold, I grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. 22Make haste, escape there; for I can do nothing till you arrive there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zo'ar. 23The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zo'ar. 24Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomor'rah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25and he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26But Lot's wife behind him looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD; 28and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomor'rah and toward all the land of the valley, and beheld, and lo, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace. 29So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot dwelt.

Psalms 26:2-3, 9-12
2Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 3For thy steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to thee. 9Sweep me not away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 10men in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes. 11But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. 12My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the LORD.

Matthew 8:23-27
23And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25And they went and woke him, saying, "Save, Lord; we are perishing." 26And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

Who is Your Lifeguard?

The other day we went swimming and I was interested how my two toddlers would act. My son the older was okay but had fear. He had respect for the water and realized he could drown so he was careful in the wading pool. The younger my daughter was fearless. She refused my help and even though she doesn't know how to swim she tried doing everything I was doing. Fearless and pushing her limit occasionally she would stumble and fall under the water. Quickly I would grab her and raise her up and as soon as she had her feet under her she made me let go. God is the same. In the waters of life he wants to be there for us always,but unfortunately some refuse his help. I remember when I was drowning in the waters of life. I sink and could barely breathe. The moment I called and asked Jesus to save me he was there. I didn't deserve his help for I had been living neck deep in a life of sin for so long but he came no reduced me. He saved my soul. I pray for thanks and protection and I receive it. When I has stressful times I pray and I put it all on him. Through moments of chaos I find peace and serenity because of my reflation ship with God. Men and women can persecute me. They can bring physical harm to me but I have peace for they can not kill me. As long as I have faith in Jesus and follow gods commandments and receive grace from the Holy Spirit I will not die. My body may perish but I am on the road to heaven where I will live forever. This life, my body is a mere blink. The life everlasting in heaven is my home which God has prepared for me, and it is there I I am on a journey to.

Acts 12:1-11
1About that time Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. 2He killed James the brother of John with the sword; 3and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. 6The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; 7and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. 8And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." 9And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. 11And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

Psalms 34:2-9
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and be glad. 3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. 6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8O taste and see that the LORD is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
6For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 16:13-19
13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" 14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Is Anything Possible?

Often in my years I have heard the phrase, "if you would have told me back then what I would be doing now I would not believe it." To be honest I could easily say the same thing. A long time ago I decided to walk off the path and I hiked deep into the dark woods of the world and its temptations. It wasn't a conscience choice. It was a gradual slow drifting for me as I followed temptation after temptation my world became more dark and cold. When I finally realized how far off my path I had gotten I figured I was all in, lost and could never find my way back and I was right. It wasn't until I was humble enough to beg for help from a God I thought barely existed and wanted nothing to do with me that I started to see the light of day again. I was so lucky, see for years I racked up quite a bit of sin. I treated people like dirt so that I could get what I wanted. The ends justified the means. Good and truth were relative and I thought I was still an okay guy. The fact is that I was a piece of trash that deserved nothing, but it's amazing what God can do with anything. It wasn't easy, for me. See God loves us all and he saw into my heart. God loves us all and has a place for each of us in his heart and in his home but we have to be willing to accept him. Through Jesus Christ I began to learn. Jesus washed away my sins and made me anew. With the Holy Spirit I became empowered to become a better man. It was not my doing it was God's. Am I perfect? No, I am no example, hero or someone to be looked up to. Jesus is a hero who saves and teaches a love that fulfills like no other. Each day I move forward and do the best I can. I find the more I follow Gods way the more peace and love I find. Gods way is simple Its my ego that makes it hard. God can do anything with anyone but you have to be ready to love with all your heart and never hold anything back. If he can heal me Jesus can heal anyone. You just have to give him a shot for the greatest gift God gave us was free will.

Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

1When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 9And God said to Abraham, "As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your descendants after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 15And God said to Abraham, "As for Sar'ai your wife, you shall not call her name Sar'ai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her; I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." 17Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, "Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?" 18And Abraham said to God, "O that Ish'mael might live in thy sight!" 19God said, "No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. 20As for Ish'mael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this season next year." 22When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

Psalms 128:1-5

1Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! 2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. 5The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!

Matthew 8:1-4

1When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; 2and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." 3And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to the people."

How Strong is Your Paitience

How Strong is Your Patience?

Trust  and patience can be a hard thing in this day and age. Often I take my family on walks and my children get in such a hurry that they run and if I said nothing they would run into the road where they could be hit by traffic. They moan and groan when I yell at them to stop. They pout as they wait for me to reach them so that I can Shepard them across the road safely. Many in life react to God in the same manner. They moan and groan because they think God is just keeping them from having fun rather than trying to keep them safe. In America we now live in a culture that invites us to pursue what we want, whenever we want and we can often get it instantly. On the internet you can find nearly anything you want in less than 5 minutes, and that can be a dangerous thing. It allows us to act on impulses immediately without any time to decide if that is what we should be pursuing. God has a plan for us all but in our age of instant gratification it can be hard to wait on God. If God so loves us why does he make us wait? He makes us wait for often we receive more from him during our journey or our waiting than we do when we get where we want to go. In all my readings I find it so very few where God works quickly. He can, but often he takes his time and there is purpose in that. We need to have faith that he loves us and will take care of us. God sent his son to teach us his way. We come to know God through Jesus. Jesus not only came to be our savior if we accept him, but also he came to establish his Church. In his Church we can find sanctuary and partake in the sacraments to receive grace that helps us and protects us on our journey with God, but we must be patient.

Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16
1Now Sar'ai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar; 2and Sar'ai said to Abram, "Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my maid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sar'ai. 3So, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, Sar'ai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5And Sar'ai said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my maid to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!" 6But Abram said to Sar'ai, "Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her as you please." Then Sar'ai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her. 7The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8And he said, "Hagar, maid of Sar'ai, where have you come from and where are you going?" She said, "I am fleeing from my mistress Sar'ai." 9The angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit to her." 10The angel of the LORD also said to her, "I will so greatly multiply your descendants that they cannot be numbered for multitude." 11And the angel of the LORD said to her, "Behold, you are with child, and shall bear a son; you shall call his name Ish'mael; because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. 12He shall be a wild ass of a man, his hand against every man and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen." 15And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ish'mael. 16Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ish'mael to Abram.

Psalms 106:1-5
1Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! 2Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or show forth all his praise? 3Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! 4Remember me, O LORD, when thou showest favor to thy people; help me when thou deliverest them; 5that I may see the prosperity of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thy heritage.

Matthew 7:21-29
21"Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.' 24"Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 25and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; 27and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." 28And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Do You Hear That Call a Ringing?

This world as large as it is with all its people's and cultures is so small and we each have a unique place in it. It is possible that we can allow our lives to become mundane and because life seems so boring we can feel unimportant to the world as if we were a mere speck of sand on the beach, but it is not so. God loves us all and to him we are each a unique puzzle piece. We may seem innocuous but with out our participation holding our place the picture is incomplete. God calls us all. Some of us are to marry and perhaps have children or adopt. Some of us are called to remain single or even work directly for God in the role of clergy, but make no mistake God has a plan for each and every one of us. He doesn't need us all to be great leaders or persons of stature. Through the talents God has given us we each have a place to perfectly fit in. To find our place though we must start with his son, Jesus. Accepting him as our savior and being baptized in the Holy Spirit we can build a wonderful and loving relationship with God and find our calling, and a great relationship with God depends on prayer, study and obedience. For like our parents if we do not listen to God we will surely fall to the temptations of the world and immerse in a life of sin that keeps us out of heaven, but have no doubt God wants you, God loves you and has a place prepared for you in heaven. Question is are you ready to accept his call?

Isaiah 49:1-6

1Listen to me, O coastlands, and hearken, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. 2He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. 3And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." 4But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God." 5And now the LORD says, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength -- 6he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

Psalms 139:1-3, 13-15

1O LORD, thou hast searched me and known me! 2Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar. 3Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 13For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb. 14I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well; 15my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.

Acts 13:22-26

22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; of whom he testified and said, `I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' 23Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 24Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25And as John was finishing his course, he said, `What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' 26"Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.

Luke 1:57-66, 80

57Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. 58And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechari'ah after his father, 60but his mother said, "Not so; he shall be called John." 61And they said to her, "None of your kindred is called by this name." 62And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. 63And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all marveled. 64And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea; 66and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him. 80And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Love vs. Anger

It is so easy to become angry. It almost seems as if the world sets it up so that it desires it. I used to run with the world. It is hypnotic and unrelenting. In our age of technology and advertisements I don't know that you could go anywhere without being encouraged to satisfy your desires. My desire now is peace and I find that through my faith in God. He teaches me to love everyone I meet and to sacrifice my own desires to get along with my fellow man for what is here on earth is temporary but life in heaven is eternity. From situations at a four way stop to friends that are in a bind and need help I try to always rise to the occasion and love. For when I start down the path of giving into sin it is hard to look back. It is easy to take the easy way out but it makes the road to peace hard, and so to heaven. It's important to always be on guard with yourself. Like a man that is well fit who begins to neglect healthy eating it becomes easy to be gluttonous and become out of shape and so he will not be able to run quickly to safety when danger arises. So that is why I listen and do my best to follow the Gods way for there I find my peace and happiness even in times of strife in this life and hopefully beyond. 

Genesis 13:2, 5-18

2Now Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 5And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle. At that time the Canaanites and the Per'izzites dwelt in the land. 8Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are kinsmen. 9Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." 10And Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw that the Jordan valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zo'ar; this was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomor'rah. 11So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan valley, and Lot journeyed east; thus they separated from each other. 12Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, while Lot dwelt among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD. 14The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; 15for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants for ever. 16I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your descendants also can be counted. 17Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you." 18So Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron; and there he built an altar to the LORD.

Psalms 15:2-5

2He who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, and speaks truth from his heart; 3who does not slander with his tongue, and does no evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; 4in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5who does not put out his money at interest, and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Matthew 7:6, 12-14

6"Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. 12So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. 13"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

What are You Shooting For?

I have come to revel in the fact that I am no great man, and honestly, I don't know that I would want to be. So many I have seen fall from greatness. I have taken to heart their fall and it seems the root of so much is pride. I suppose I could boast about this or that but my true currency is peace and love. After a life of trying to scratch out notoriety, money and position for myself I am happy to just have peace and love. To be happy and carefree means more to me than anything in the world and my source of desire is God. He loves and cares for me. He has given me so much that I have not earned or deserve. When life becomes confusing and stressful I hand it all to him. I pray to God for wisdom. I pray to Jesus for the knowledge to get through everything lovingly. I pray to the Holy Spirit to strengthen me to over come all. God is always there for me unless I block him out of my life. I thank God daily for all he has given, I share my sorrows, concerns and rejoice with him for the wonderful and funny things that happen. I try now and focus all on God and pivot with everything toward him. Is my life flawless with out pain or persecution? No, but with God in my life I find I can handle anything. He is waiting for you too. He is just a prayer away waiting to build a relationship of a lifetime.

2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30

18since many boast of worldly things, I too will boast.) 21To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever any one dares to boast of -- I am speaking as a fool -- I also dare to boast of that. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one -- I am talking like a madman -- with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift at sea; 26on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brethren; 27in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Psalms 34:2-7

1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and be glad. 3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. 6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Matthew 6:19-23

19"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; 23but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

What is That Prayer Thing About?

Everyday I find myself in a competition with myself. This can be good by pushing myself in everything that I do I can strive to become better, however if I am competing against myself then  I run the risk of becoming weak and then falling. With God it is no different. I am a weak man and I find that prayer and meditation helps strengthen me. Dedicating time to prayer can be difficult if you are not used to it. It can seem like trying to learn to drive a car with a stick shift. You have to plan ahead think about what you are going to say and do and how, however with practice prayer can come easily to the point that you just naturally start conversing without any fore thought. The wonderful thing is that she. You reach that point your relationship with God really starts to blossom. God no longer becomes a stranger. What do you say? Start with something so simple as the Lord's Prayer that Jesus taught us, so much is said in such a few words. Take the time to say them slowly and thin about the meaning in each word spoken. Prayer doesn't have to be complicated just because you are talking to God. Just be honest and true, and be sure to not just ask for things. Yes God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit love and want to help you but also be sure to shower thanks. Share your triumphs and your sorrows. Ask questions about the meaning of life, surprisingly if you listen the answers will be availed. Most importantly though share your growing relationship with God with others. God wants us all to share in his bounty, and like you listen to your friends where a good place to dine is God would love your help sharing his good news with everyone you meet.

2 Corinthians 11:1-11
1I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure bride to her one husband. 3But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if some one comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough. 5I think that I am not in the least inferior to these superlative apostles. 6Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. 7Did I commit a sin in abasing myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel without cost to you? 8I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9And when I was with you and was in want, I did not burden any one, for my needs were supplied by the brethren who came from Macedo'nia. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10As the truth of Christ is in me, this boast of mine shall not be silenced in the regions of Acha'ia. 11And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

Psalms 111:1-4, 7-8
1Praise the LORD. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.2Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures for ever. 4He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. 7The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy, 8they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

Matthew 6:7-15
7"And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread; 12And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; 13And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. 14For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; 15but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.F

Are You Out For #1?

 Being a performing musician for sometime I found that part of my joy was derived with meeting a variety of people. When meeting fellow musicians there were predominantly two types. Those that were humble and would go out of their way to help others in need. There were times when I would loan cables or straps to those that had forgotten them in the hustle and bustle of loading out. The other memorable type were those that loved to brag about themselves and how great they were. Coming and going I found that the ones that locally became the most successful were those that were humble and helpful. They would get more gigs, better spots and had more of a draw than others. The truth is we reap what we sew. God wants us to put in and help out our fellow man as much as we can. You never know when you will be the one that needs help. I find the more I turn my life over to God the more peace and love I find. With my fellow man I find the more I am warm, open and accepting as Jesus called for the more support I receive and aid when I need it. Life can be hard enough on its own, so having God in my corner for help with a fellowship of disciples is invaluable. While my ego may call me to just look out for number one, it is true that one is the loneliest number. The more I find company with God and others the more fulfilling life is. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 6The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. 9As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." 10He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; Responsorial Psalm Psalms 112:1-4, 9 1Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! 2His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3Wealth and riches are in his house; and his righteousness endures for ever. 4Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the LORD is gracious, merciful, and righteous. 9He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor. Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 1"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2"Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 16"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

How Much Are You Holding Back?

How Much Are You Holding Back


I recently wanted to do something big. See, I realized that I had been given certain talents and well, I wasn't using them hardly at all. I am a writer of music, poetry and prose. The way I have come in this world though I largely didn't share my talents. I allowed myself to think that I was unimportant, actually a nuisance. I would create and enjoy my talents in private. I was happy to be unseen and unheard. After much deliberation I decided to write a new album of material and not hold back in any way. I have written and recorded many albums but rarely do I promote them well, so they just sit on a shelf largely unheard. Thing is I was thinking too small. God calls us all to help him 24/7 and gives us the grace to overcome any hardships along the way. He doesn't want us to hold back in the slightest. Why? Have you ever been in a relationship and held yourself back? I have and I can tell you that those relationships either fail or are not very fruitful. Having been on this path with God for a bit know I realize that my marriage on blooms to its fullest when I hold nothing back from my wife and children. It can be difficult because my ego says, "You should do what you want and take what you need cause you deserve it", but love doesn't work well that way. The happiness and freedom that I now experience is a direct response from going all in. I love God with all my body, mind and soul. Doing so teaches me to not hold back from my wife in the slightest. I serve her with all my heart as Christ did with the Church. When I am wrong, I do not hide. I admit it, lovingly apologize and do my best to be the best husband to my wife, and so I have learned that I should make the most of my talents, blessings and belongings by writing a new album, but rather to go further and use all my talents to be the best Christian I can be 24/7. For that is why God has put me here, not just to write songs, poetry and prose, but to love God and all others God's way with every ounce of who I am. Will I fall short? Sometimes. Will I make mistakes? Yes, but just like a marathon runner I will get no where if I do not first walk to the door, and likewise I will not find eternal life in heaven if I don't start walking to God.


1We want you to know, brethren, about the grace of God which has been shown in the churches of Macedo'nia, 2for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of liberality on their part. 3For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, 4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints -- 5and this, not as we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6Accordingly we have urged Titus that as he had already made a beginning, he should also complete among you this gracious work. 7Now as you excel in everything -- in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in your love for us -- see that you excel in this gracious work also. 8I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Psalms 146:2, 5-9
1Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 4When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish. 5Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever; 7who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; 8the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

Matthew 5:43-48
43"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Gonna Getcha Even?

When I am wronged it is very hard to not want to exact justice. Problem is that most of the time the justice we so wish to impose is an over reaction. I can remember from my days on the school playground how someone would get hurt on accident. The offended would turn and slug the other as hard as he could. Words to the effect, "I didn't hurt you that bad were often a reply. " to such statements would be made, " you don't know how much that hurt me!" Many times I have heard the Old Testament quoted saying, "An eye for an eye..." Thing is that law has been much misunderstood. The declaration was not that you should take an eye for an eye but rather you should take no more than that. God wants us to love and forgive. As I spend time with Jesus and his teachings I begin to understand more that my place is to love at all costs, both God and every single person I meet. I am to trust in God. When I do I find a peace and happiness that fills my heart like no other, and because I have such peace I want to share it with all I can and not hide if I become persecuted. For God loves all and wants us all to know that peace and love that reigns in heaven.


2 Corinthians 6:1-10
1Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Psalms 98:1-4
1O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. 2The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. 3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Matthew 5:38-42
38"You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.

Whatcha Gonna Do Whatcha Gonna Say?

Whatcha Gonna Do Whatcha Gonna Say?

Sometimes at work someone will do something they should not, and people become upset. I wonder and ask, "do they know that they are not to do that?" The answer is usually is in approximation of "well he should" but it is common that said persons knowledge is not verified. Likewise in the ways of the lord I find that my fellow Christians get mad at on another because someone they know commits an unchristian act. Christians are far from perfect. We are sinners like everyone else, and while the teachings of Jesus are well known, we need to remind ourselves that not everyone has the same knowledge or even interpretation. This is part of the reason why Jesus came. To save us all from our sins but to also establish his Church. As a catholic I am grateful because we not only rely on the sacred scripture of the bible but also the sacred traditions handed down from our first leader of the Church, the apostle Peter.  However Jesus does not just want us to come to church learn the Scriptures and ways and the then go about our week quiet in our faith. He calls us to share our faith through all the talents that God has given us with the knowledge, inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit. Wether we have the ability to write song, teach, heal or build Jesus calls us all to share his teachings through all we do and are. For God loves all and wishes to commune with all in this life and the eternity there after. No one should ever be afraid to share the word of God. If it is accepted, rejoice and if not, be not sorrow. Move on and continue share for God loves your help and in this world there is a large need for love and peace which God can provide.

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
1121And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. 22News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; 24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. 25So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; 26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians. 131Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyre'ne, Man'a-en a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Psalms 98:1-6
1O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. 2The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. 3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 5Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! 6With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!

Matthew 10:7-13
7And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. 9Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, 10no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. 11And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. 12As you enter the house, salute it. 13And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

I Love Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner

I love Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner, she is a person that seems to be a spokesperson now for a movement that has been rising in volume like car stereo slowly being cranked until the windows explode. When I say that I love Caitlyn it is not with a lustful passion, but with rather a compassion and understanding as a fellow in humanity. What she did does seem rather extreme. I can barely imagine how one would have to feel, how lonely and empty one would have to be to completely change their identity to someone of the opposite sex.  My heart goes out to her. I pray that she finds God to fill that hole in her soul. 

As a Christian, my brothers, sisters and I often get painted into corner. We are told that because we don't support same sex sexual relations that we are insensitive, moral hypocrites and are full of hate.  We may try to explain why our view is what it is but as soon as our disapproval of same sex relations is heard the gates of understanding are shut and the drawbridge is raised. It seems that all who disagree with the traditional Christian point of view have Christians in crosshairs ready to pull the trigger. No matter how compassionate we explain our point of view we are assumed bigots and backward haters. I guess it is hard for some to understand that even though we do not agree with a lifestyle we still love those that partake in it. Therefore I know many that just keep their head down and move about their day not wanting any controversy. We just go about our day loving and praying. Our point of view goes largely unheard and the deafening silence is presumed acceptance and approval. Sad part about that outcome is that Gods love, passion and way is ignored or even unknown because it is not shared. The narrative that because we don't agree with same sex intimate relationships means we hate those that partake in and support such relationships thrives. I won't lie, I know that there are those in this world that for whatever reason, have a hate boiling in them over the idea of homosexual behavior. Maybe they were taught to believe that. Perhaps fear or misunderstanding is at the root of that hate. 

Nonetheless it is wrong for a Christian to hate. 

As a Christian I am a disciple of Christ. Following the discipline that Christ laid out for me I am to love God with all my mind, body and soul and to love everyone I meet as I love myself. Those commandments in and of themselves are not hard to follow. What makes it difficult is when my ego rears its ugly head and I start thinking with my will in mind instead of God's will in mind.

So why do we Christians have such a hard time with homosexual behavior? It's a fair question, as this debate unfolds I have heard many an advocate for same sex relations state that Jesus calls us all to love and accept each other. That is true, I am called to love and accept every person I meet. However that does not mean that I should condone everyone's actions that I meet. We have a saying as Christians, "love the sinner not the sin." That's rather pithy and doesn't explain that much. With deep personal feelings such as these it's a bit shrewd to just shoot from the hip. We are talking about people's deep feelings, passions and desires. I have complete respect for my brothers and sisters that have attractions to members of the same sex. I can only imagine the confusion, resentment and frustration I would feel if someone told me that I could not and should not love my beloved. It would be nothing less than horrible and that is far too mild a word for such a situation.

Part of the reason Christians have a problem with homosexual relations is because of the sex part, so what is sex for? Why did God give us the glorious gift of sex. 

Wait, let me take a second for those that don't know me. It's important that you have and understanding of who I am so that you can understand where I am coming from. I am someone who was raised Methodist/United Church of Christ (Protestant Christian) then after coming of age I left the "Church" and over time left my faith. After spending many years in what I call the "dark" or in the "desert" I came back to my faith. After much thought,prayer and study I decided to come back to Jesus and became Catholic. Why, well that is a bit of a different story altogether but basically I have lived on both sides of the fence of faith.

So what is sex for? Being a Christian sex is a gift from God. Actually I believe everything is a gift  from God. That's right, everything from my life, the ground below me and everything that surrounds me I believe is a gift from God to me and everyone on this planet. Sex is the gift from God so that two people can come together through marriage and have the opportunity to create life.  That's a heavy thing to be able to bring a new life from scratch into this world. As a Catholic I believe that you should not even use contraception. Why, because it cheapens the act of sex. Sex to me is one of the most amazing things to experience on this planet. Not just the act itself, but also watching my wife bear children and seeing them born just blows my mind. By using contraception I would be getting in the way of God's will. It would be like me giving a car to my son so that he could drive to work and school and then he decides to get some alcohol and go cruising. I would be upset because he is taking my gift and using it in a way contrary to my will, or desire. What is frustrating to me and many of my Christian brothers and sisters is we see God's gift of sex being turned into something valued like a bag of chips. Use it, devour it and throw it away when you are done with it like it is nothing. Thing is we are talking about people, people with a soul and heart. Casual sex outside the confines of marriage is treating a man or woman like a thing to be used. We are not things to be used. We are human beings to be respected. As a Catholic I believe that all people are gifts on this earth even if they have lost their way. I am called by God to love all and help all that are in need. So sex is not to be used frivolously. Sex is to be saved for marriage. It is to be saved for that one special person that God calls me to love and spend the rest of my life with. If God so allows me and my wife to have children we are to raise them in his ways and respect and love our children for the gifts that they are. Sex is an animalistic desire ,but as humans made in the likeness of God we are called to be more than just an animal that runs the countryside mating with whomever we choose we are called to be something more, something disciplined, a child of God following the discipline of his son Jesus Christ.

So as a Christian involving myself in sexual acts that don't allow for the creation of life is a sin. Why, because sex is a gift given to me for the creation of life. I am sure that some may be running through a list of sexual acts in their minds right now thinking "... Okay so ______ is a sin too?" I am not going to run through the list, but since homosexual relations do not allow for the opportunity of life homosexual sex is considered a sin. Now there will be opponents that will say that religion or church is made by man and therefore these rules are made by man and not God, therefore said "rules" are invalid. For me, I am Catholic and of the 12 disciplines Jesus chose Peter to lead his flock or Church. These rules or commandments are not just willy nilly things that man made up they are handed down from God. 

So why then would God then allow homosexual tendencies to exist if everything is a gift from God? Well keep in mind that the greatest gift God gives us is free will. We can choose to follow God or not. Going way back when to Adam and Eve who created Original Sin by using their free will to disobey God by eating the apple they tainted us all. Let's not forget about Satan either. I usually suspect his hands in the mix whenever something exists contrary to God's desires. Make no mistake he wants to rule and with that, he wants to destroy everything that God has made and defile it in the process. Satan, wether you believe in him or not, hates you and wishes that you live a life of sin so that you will be cast into hell so he can torture you. That's why God sent his son Jesus to teach us and who asked us to share his teachings with the world till the end of time. Now I will not say that Satan and his minions posses everyone who live sinful lifestyles, but he has a part in trying to legitimize immoral behavior to make it easier to accept and easier to commit. 

The cool thing is that God can use anything to good. He is like the master chess player and anything thrown into the mix he can use for good. I once was part of a discussion where the question came, "why do I have shortcomings?"  Remember God is all about love and he wants us to love each other as we love ourselves. When I think about how we are all different, how some of us have vices others don't, and how some have disabilities that others do not I think of this piece of art I once saw. It showed two rooms in both where people trying to eat but all they had were spoons that had handles that were 5 feet long. In the first room everyone is miserable. They are all trying to eat but are whacking each other and poking each other cause the spoon handles are so long. Everyone is unhappy and looks like they are starving. In the other everyone is merry and well fed because they have learned to feed each other. To me that is the world. God calls us to love one another. If we were all "perfect" and had no vices, flaws or disabilities then we wouldn't need each other. In fact we might even think that we were Gods for our "perfection", but when we need each other it is easier to love each other. Jesus constantly taught to love, to take care of the sick, to feed the hungry and to cloth the naked. 

Alright so, why does God let people be made or become homosexual? I can't tell you why for certain, but I have had this thought. I am a musician. I write songs, not for a living but it is something inside me that God gave me that just comes out. I have met some that couldn't sing a tune well if their life depended upon it. There always seems to be music playing in my mind, for that I am very thankful and I would find it hard to imagine living life walking around not having beautiful music playing in my head all the time. As such, I see many in this world right now that take love for granted. My heart is full of sorrow for all that get married but to whom divorce is the end result. I once had the opportunity to speak with an openly homosexual man. Years before coming back to my faith I heard him asked once if he desired to marry another man and his response was no. He explained that because of his sexual preference and what marriage stood for (he was a Christian man) that he realized marriage was not for him. To say the least I was amazed by someone who knew his faith so well and loved and respected God's wishes so much. So just as some of us write music for those that can't and so that all can enjoy, it could be possible for someone who cannot marry to take time to teach others that love should not be treated so frivolously but rather cherished, protected and nurtured for marriage is a gift not given to everyone.

We now live in a world that not only is constantly trying to tell us that everything is okay but that we should always get what we want. It's as if living by any kind of discipline is thrown out the window. Want to loose weight? Don't diet and exercise take this pill. Getting old but still want to have an active sex life? Take a pill.  Want that car you don't have the money for borrow it and then take out a credit cards to pay the loan. Eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want , take drugs to get high and feel good. Have as much sex as you want and throw way anything that is of no use to you any more, and then you are hooked. In a life of excess you ever get enough. I remember a time when I was so busy feeding my desires that I could barely see that I was falling apart at the seams, and I was still never satisfied. Oh, and when it all came crashing down there was no one to help me, but there stood God, waiting. Once speaking to my mother I expressed how unhappy I was. I didn't tell her this but I felt like I was in a deep dark pit and every day I worked only to numb myself and ignore the pain. She asked if I had prayed about it. I laughed, I thought the idea was stupid and I kept on numbing myself. I explored every vice that seemed palatable, nothing. I felt empty as a lifeless cave. I had money, a nice car, women, a job and got drunk whenever I felt like it and, nothing. Nothing was worth anything, or so I thought. I was in the middle of "paradise" and it was all I could do from screaming at the top of my lungs until I cried. I moved switched, jobs, exercised and got healthy, nothing, but God stood there waiting. Then one day when I had enough I put my eyes to the sky and and asked for his help, God's help. It wasn't easy, the vices I indulged in didn't just melt away for me. Even now from time to time I get tempted hardcore to go back to things I once did, but God is by my side and as long as I stay focused on him I am okay. 

I am nobody special or great. I am a sinner. I sin, I fall, I get up and ask for forgiveness. I visit my priest and go to confession. I receive guidance and help through consult and prayer. I live a stronger and better life. When life gets dicey, I have God and I am prepared. I have true peace and happiness like I haven't felt since I was a young boy. Even now in my worst hour when my world seems to be crashing down around me I have peace as long as I stick with God. He gets me through anything cause he loves me and by experience I know he will take care of me. 

The fact is undeniable, we as humans long for meaningful relationships that make us feel whole, loved and that we belong. God is waiting to give that to each and every one of us. 

So what does this mean?

If you experience homosexual desires you have free will. You can try and fill you life with immoral relationships or you can choose to try God's way. He loves everyone. He wants to show everyone a world full of love and experiences. All you have to do is accept him. He's waiting for you. While you may feel somber because you think you will be missing out on a lifelong love with someone you won't, it will just be with someone that you weren't expecting, God. For through his way is true love and happiness that will last an eternity, for this life is a mere bat of an eye. The life beyond is waiting. You just have to accept it. Will it be easy? At first no, it's like running a marathon, you don't just wake up one day and do it. You can try but you will probably fail. After living a life of sin it can be hard to live God's way. Don't worry, God knows you, God loves you and God understands you. He will be patient with you. It's a big reason why he sent his son Jesus, to establish the Church. In the Church you will find a support system waiting to help you with every question and obstacle on your road to heaven. 

But let me pause for a second...

Let me ask for your patience. See like I said I am a sinner and so are all my Christian brothers and sisters. We have our bad days. We make mistakes, and some of the Christians you will meet will be on different points in their understanding of God and his ways. If you meet someone that treats you wrongly know this, I am sorry. Please forgive me, my brothers or sisters if we hurt you. Make no mistake God loves you, Jesus loves you and the Holy Spirit loves you. They all, including millions of my brothers and sisters in Christ want to share our faith and experience heaven with you. Please do not turn away from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit because you meet someone that treats you poorly. Jesus came and died a horrible death on the cross for you, to take away all your sins. There is nothing that you have done that God will not forgive if you repent whole heartedly. 

And that is why I love Caitlyn Jenner, because she is a child of God just like everyone else. I am no better or less than her. I pray that she finds her way to God through Jesus Christ. For after years of folly in the desert I have seen the way to true peace and everlasting life It is with God through Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit. Though the world tests me day in and day out I try my best to live a life of love and understanding. I hope you find your way too. 

How Deep a love Do You Want?

I remember once I had an employer for whom I washed dishes. It was not a glamorous job but it was a way to make money while I went to school. All I had to do was to was the dishes in front of me and those I found in the bus tubs. After sometime they hired a new dishwasher because there was two of us. After a couple of weeks he was pulled aside by the boss and was strongly reprimanded for he was throwing away the flatware in the garbage instead of washing it.needless to say he didn't last long. Myself I worked as my father taught me. I worked until all of it was completed and then went looking for more. For a job that was to only pay minimum wag I ended up earning a few dollars an hour more. God is very simple, he loves you. He created you and this world you live in out of love. For you, he gives you free will. You can choose to love him in return or turn your back on him.  Like any other relationship I have ever had the more love you put into it the more rewarding it is. I love God with all my mind body and soul. I am far from perfect, but I try to do my best everyday to love God, keep his commandments and love everyone I meet as i would wish for myself, and I find the deeper I go and the more I share my love with God the better my life is. Do I still have troubles? Yes,   But I find with being Gods wingman and following his lead taking on such trials is so much easier. God loves to love and he is waiting for you to come home to him right now to share all he has with you. All you need to do is get on your knees and pray to him and invite him into your life.


Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1, 9-17; 8:4-9
610the angel said to the young man, "Brother, today we shall stay with Raguel. He is your relative, and he has an only daughter named Sarah. I will suggest that she be given to you in marriage, 11because you are entitled to her and to her inheritance, for you are her only eligible kinsman. 71When they reached Ecbatana and arrived at the house of Raguel, Sarah met them and greeted them. They returned her greeting, and she brought them into the house. 9So he communicated the proposal to Raguel. And Raguel said to Tobias, "Eat, drink, and be merry; 10for it is your right to take my child. But let me explain the true situation to you. 11I have given my daughter to seven husbands, and when each came to her he died in the night. But for the present be merry." And Tobias said, "I will eat nothing here until you make a binding agreement with me." 12So Raguel said, "Take her right now, in accordance with the law. You are her relative, and she is yours. The merciful God will guide you both for the best." 13Then he called his daughter Sarah, and taking her by the hand he gave her to Tobias to be his wife, saying, "Here she is; take her according to the law of Moses, and take her with you to your father." And he blessed them. 14Next he called his wife Edna, and took a scroll and wrote out the contract; and they set their seals to it. 15Then they began to eat. 16And Raguel called his wife Edna and said to her, "Sister, make up the other room, and take her into it." 17so she did as he said, and took her there; and the girl began to weep. But the mother comforted her daughter in her tears, and said to her, 84When the door was shut and the two were alone, Tobias got up from the bed and said, "Sister, get up, and let us pray that the Lord may have mercy upon us." 5And Tobias began to pray, "Blessed art thou, O God of our fathers, and blessed be thy holy and glorious name for ever. Let the heavens and all thy creatures bless thee. 6Thou madest Adam and gavest him Eve his wife as a helper and support. From them the race of mankind has sprung. Thou didst say, `It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.' 7And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that I may find mercy and may grow old together with her." 8And she said with him, "Amen." 9Then they both went to sleep for the night. But Raguel arose and went and dug a grave,
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 128:1-5
1Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! 2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. 5The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
Gospel
Mark 12:28-34
28And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." 32And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; 33and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.

Do You Have a Plan

Do You Have a Plan

My oldest son is so very wonderful and there is much that I want for him. He is very smart and talented. I look forward to seeing him playing basketball, relaxing with his friends and setting out on a life full of prosperity and happiness. To accomplish these things though my son has to cooperate. He needs to focus in school and learn how to navigate this often distracting world. If he lets his grades fall, school will not let him play basketball. If he doesn't get his chores done in a timely manner he will not have time to visit with his friends. If he makes bad choices in life he will find one barricade after another that will keep him from prosperity and happiness. God has a plan for us all but we need to be willing to cooperate too. Often reading the old testament for the first time I would find myself slapping the side of my face saying, "oh no what are you doing?!?" For those that don't know the Old Testament was like a bad version of the movie "Ground Hog Day". Over and over again the Jewish people would call on God and he would help them. They would turn away from their worldly ways and recommit themselves to God's way. Their civilization would rise and become mighty. However as soon as the good got going to long they would forget what made them great. They would turn their backs on God's ways and fall once again. After coming back to God and his ways I turned around end and examined my own life and found poetic humor in the way my life was similar. I find that when I have a close relationship with God and follow his commandments my life is peaceful and smooth despite any obstacles I may meet, but alone choosing my will things seem to fall apart and hopelessness ensues. God has a plan for us all and it is for us to end up in heaven with eternal peace but we have to choose it.






Tobit 3:1-11, 16-17
1Then in my grief I wept, and I prayed in anguish, saying, 2"Righteous art thou, O Lord; all thy deeds and all they ways are mercy and truth, and thou dost render true and righteous judgment for ever. 3Remember me and look favorably upon me; do not punish me for my sins and for my unwitting offences and those which my fathers committed before thee. 4For they disobeyed thy commandments, and thou gavest us over to plunder, captivity, and death; thou madest us a byword of reproach in all the nations among which we have been dispersed. 5And now thy many judgments are true in exacting penalty from me for my sins and those of my fathers, because we did not keep thy commandments. For we did not walk in truth before thee. 6And now deal with me according to thy pleasure; command my spirit to be taken up, that I may depart and become dust. For it is better for me to die than to live, because I have heard false reproaches, and great is the sorrow within me. Command that I now be released from my distress to go to the eternal abode; do not turn thy face away from me." 7On the same day, at Ecbatana in Media, it also happened that Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, was reproached by her father's maids, 8because she had been given to seven husbands, and the evil demon Asmodeus had slain each of them before he had been with her as his wife. So the maids said to her, "Do you not know that you strangle your husbands? You already have had seven and have had no benefit from any of them. 9Why do you beat us? If they are dead, go with them! May we never see a son or daughter of yours!" 10When she heard these things she was deeply grieved, even to the thought of hanging herself. But she said, "I am the only child of my father; if I do this, it will be a disgrace to him, and I shall bring his old age down in sorrow to the grave. 11So she prayed by her window and said, "Blessed art thou, O Lord my God, and blessed is thy holy and honored name for ever. May all thy works praise thee for ever. 16The prayer of both was heard in the presence of the glory of the great God. 17And Raphael was sent to heal the two of them: to scale away the white films of Tobit's eyes; to give Sarah the daughter of Raguel in marriage to Tobias the son of Tobit, and to bind Asmodeus the evil demon, because Tobias was entitled to possess her. At that very moment Tobit returned and entered his house and Sarah the daughter of Raguel came down from her upper room.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 25:2-9
2O my God, in thee I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3Yea, let none that wait for thee be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4Make me to know thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long. 6Be mindful of thy mercy, O LORD, and of thy steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7Remember not the sins of my youth, or my transgressions; according to thy steadfast love remember me, for thy goodness' sake, O LORD! 8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Gospel
Mark 12:18-27
18And Sad'ducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, 19"Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the wife, and raise up children for his brother. 20There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no children; 21and the second took her, and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; 22and the seven left no children. Last of all the woman also died. 23In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife." 24Jesus said to them, "Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? 25For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God said to him, `I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? 27He is not God of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong."

Who Do You Trust?

Everyday I turn on the TV and see horrid things. If you were to take a sample of the news on each day one could easily conclude that trust has completely left the world. The fact is, that is not so. There is still plenty of love in this world and out of love breeds trust and once born it should be cared for like a new born baby so that it becomes strong every single day. Trust is so important in relationships so much so that I teach my children the virtue of having a trustworthy word. For if your word cannot be trusted life will become a lonely place. God loves us and we should trust him. Many do not believe in God and for those I feel sorrow. They do not know the love he has to offer and the aid he can provide every day. God is always there for you, but like a good, companion he will never force you to do anything. Like some one that loves justly he let you to your free will. He will give you council in all matters but how you choose to proceed is yours. God loves you and trusts you the only one that can destroy that relationship with God is you, and like someone that loves with all his heart he is ready to forgive the moment you sincerely repent. He knows how good you are. He knows how great you can become and he lovingly waits for you to come to him so that he can help you overcome all, even death. In a world that breeds distrust and angst God stands with love and trust that he will always love you and always be there for you. And so he calls us to do the same, to love all and be trustworthy to help spread a love like God's in this world.


Tobit 2:9-14
9On the same night I returned from burying him, and because I was defiled I slept by the wall of the courtyard, and my face was uncovered. 10I did not know that there were sparrows on the wall and their fresh droppings fell into my open eyes and white films formed on my eyes. I went to physicians, but they did not help me. Ahikar, however, took care of me until he went to Elymais. 11Then my wife Anna earned money at women's work. 12She used to send the product to the owners. Once when they paid her wages, they also gave her a kid; 13and when she returned to me it began to bleat. So I said to her, "Where did you get the kid? It is not stolen, is it? Return it to the owners; for it is not right to eat what is stolen." 14And she said, "It was given to me as a gift in addition to my wages." But I did not believe her, and told her to return it to the owners; and I blushed for her. Then she replied to me, "Where are your charities and your righteous deeds? You seem to know everything!"

Psalms 112:1-2, 7-9
1Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! 2His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 7He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. 8His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his adversaries. 9He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor.

Mark 12:13-17
13And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero'di-ans, to entrap him in his talk. 14And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a coin, and let me look at it." 16And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's." 17Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at him.