Thursday, December 4, 2014
I am back-sort of.
I have been sidelined: in the hospital and than a nursing home for recovery and physical therapy. I hope to get back to blogging- at least occasionally. From me to my readers.
Friday, September 19, 2014
CATCH UP
I already know that this post will have to be written in sections or as I get time.
I am trying to play catch up. There are so many things to do that didn't get done this summer . Today I mowed most of the yard. The yard man shows up when he decides to show up, and lately he has not been doing a very great job, especially in the backyard where he may think I am not able to see the results of his work. So, that is what I have been doing today even 'though it bothers my arm and shoulder quite a bit. It must be done. At least in my eyes the yard really looks sad. I need to super trim as it has been somewhat neglected all around the fence line. I think that I will always have residual pain in my arm and shoulder. I will just have to bite the bullet and offer up any discomfort that I may have and get the job done.
Tomorrow, Thursday, I will try to get some more done in the back yard and hopefully it will look a lot better. I also need to start on the inside of the house. There are things I know I can't do, so I guess I will need to hire someone to come in and help. The problem of having outside help is that everyone wants to be paid well, but may not be really committed to do the work. The lady that was helping out wanted to leave after three hours and go to her other job in the school system. So...it is a DIY-do it your self situation or it does not get done.
Well, it is Friday already. I worked in the yard and finished mowing. Now it is done. I did a little hand trimming until my arm gave out. Today it is a stiff as aboard. I can't carry the big trimmer yet, but I will. I still have a lot of trimming to do and I will get it done; hopefully before it gets too cold.
I continue to "stock up" a little at a time. I can't yet carry very heavy groceries yet, but I am working on that, too. I expect cold, wind and snow and I won't want to go out to shop. Last year I fell down the icy steps and that didn't feel good. I urge everyone to stock up even if it is just a few extra cans of food at a time.
I am trying to play catch up. There are so many things to do that didn't get done this summer . Today I mowed most of the yard. The yard man shows up when he decides to show up, and lately he has not been doing a very great job, especially in the backyard where he may think I am not able to see the results of his work. So, that is what I have been doing today even 'though it bothers my arm and shoulder quite a bit. It must be done. At least in my eyes the yard really looks sad. I need to super trim as it has been somewhat neglected all around the fence line. I think that I will always have residual pain in my arm and shoulder. I will just have to bite the bullet and offer up any discomfort that I may have and get the job done.
Tomorrow, Thursday, I will try to get some more done in the back yard and hopefully it will look a lot better. I also need to start on the inside of the house. There are things I know I can't do, so I guess I will need to hire someone to come in and help. The problem of having outside help is that everyone wants to be paid well, but may not be really committed to do the work. The lady that was helping out wanted to leave after three hours and go to her other job in the school system. So...it is a DIY-do it your self situation or it does not get done.
***
Well, it is Friday already. I worked in the yard and finished mowing. Now it is done. I did a little hand trimming until my arm gave out. Today it is a stiff as aboard. I can't carry the big trimmer yet, but I will. I still have a lot of trimming to do and I will get it done; hopefully before it gets too cold.
I continue to "stock up" a little at a time. I can't yet carry very heavy groceries yet, but I am working on that, too. I expect cold, wind and snow and I won't want to go out to shop. Last year I fell down the icy steps and that didn't feel good. I urge everyone to stock up even if it is just a few extra cans of food at a time.
+++
"GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO"
GENESIS 21-22
***
It is interesting that when we pray, often we are asking-beseeching-God to hear our prayers or please do this or please do that and I will do that in return or if you "answer my prayers I will do such and such...you know the rest. We are always trying to make deals with God, according to our wants or what we perceive as needs. While there is nothing at all wrong with storming heaven with our earthly cares or daily petitions, as long as it isn't about me, me, me. Just keep in mind that all God requires of most of us ...is our adoration and true love. There was never a guarantee that life would be just as we want it to be or that all our temporal cares would be taken care of . God loves us and wishes to be worshiped by us, for we are His children-His creation. If we can do a "Love In," all things will fall into place even if we do not realize or recognize the action/responses of the Lord.
111-One Lord
END
END
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
GOD'S LITTLE NOBODY
Sometimes-well, often, I wonder what makes people tick. Is it their DNA, random chemical make-up and synapse, social and culture environment and/or experiences? I just wonder.
Americans are so diverse that I think it would be really hard to pinpoint or nail down what and who we are as a nation of people. And being "human" we are a complex vessels of emotions, ambitions, foibles and experiences as well as expectations. I am not even sure of what makes me "tick" other than one infallible belief.
Do you know what and who you are; where you have been or where you are going? Most of us really do not because for one reason or another we do not take the time to think about it. We just go with the ebb and flow of the tides, never learning to swim. We hope we can float our boats and never need oars to propel us through dark waters, not need a sail for the wind or stars to steer by.
Most of the Apostles were like that-just like us-until Jesus walked along the shores of Galilee and spoke to the fishermen; "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." And they did. Would you?
As I don't know what makes us tick I can only state that I firmly believe that there is a God, a one true God in the Heavens. I think all of humanity knows this on some level or another; past, present and always. We are the sum product of a greater existence other than our own. Yes, it is a mystery. I am not referring to aliens in spaceships, but to the Holy Trinity...The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I just believe and place my trust and soul in God.
I am a rather simple person; not an intellectual or a theologian or of any great importance at all. I am just me...a creature of God. I call myself "Nobody. God's little nobody. That makes me "somebody." I am "somebody" to my Lord. And God is All. It doesn't take a big brain or diplomas plastering the walls to know that there is something...someone...grater than self. I just accept it. I know it. It is intrinsic element of my soul and spirit. I am part of God and He is part of me.
Some of God's people are given great graces and insights or great gifts of the Spirit. I don't have any of those and I don't kid myself about ever having such blessing. At the same time those gifts and graces would be a heavy burden to carry and I know that I am "weak." So, I do not expect any of them or desire them. I must be content to know that I am loved by my God and to love Him in return, to the best of my ability. Peace to all who happen upon this poor blog.
Americans are so diverse that I think it would be really hard to pinpoint or nail down what and who we are as a nation of people. And being "human" we are a complex vessels of emotions, ambitions, foibles and experiences as well as expectations. I am not even sure of what makes me "tick" other than one infallible belief.
Do you know what and who you are; where you have been or where you are going? Most of us really do not because for one reason or another we do not take the time to think about it. We just go with the ebb and flow of the tides, never learning to swim. We hope we can float our boats and never need oars to propel us through dark waters, not need a sail for the wind or stars to steer by.
Most of the Apostles were like that-just like us-until Jesus walked along the shores of Galilee and spoke to the fishermen; "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." And they did. Would you?
As I don't know what makes us tick I can only state that I firmly believe that there is a God, a one true God in the Heavens. I think all of humanity knows this on some level or another; past, present and always. We are the sum product of a greater existence other than our own. Yes, it is a mystery. I am not referring to aliens in spaceships, but to the Holy Trinity...The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I just believe and place my trust and soul in God.
I am a rather simple person; not an intellectual or a theologian or of any great importance at all. I am just me...a creature of God. I call myself "Nobody. God's little nobody. That makes me "somebody." I am "somebody" to my Lord. And God is All. It doesn't take a big brain or diplomas plastering the walls to know that there is something...someone...grater than self. I just accept it. I know it. It is intrinsic element of my soul and spirit. I am part of God and He is part of me.
Some of God's people are given great graces and insights or great gifts of the Spirit. I don't have any of those and I don't kid myself about ever having such blessing. At the same time those gifts and graces would be a heavy burden to carry and I know that I am "weak." So, I do not expect any of them or desire them. I must be content to know that I am loved by my God and to love Him in return, to the best of my ability. Peace to all who happen upon this poor blog.
END
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
FINDING MY PASSION
O.K. So I am applying for a new position or upgrade. My resume' is ready to hand to the proper authority to scan, scrutinize or comment upon.
I walk up to the Golden Gates and ask for an interview with Saint Peter. The Angle at the gate says that Saint Peter is really busy with more important stuff to do . I tell Angel What's His Face that I am not leaving until St. Peter reads my resume'. Finally the Old Beard Himself comes to the Pearly Gates and accepts my resume' through the bars of the gate and quickly reads over it.
"Not good enough," says he. Go back and do a "redo" and come back when your ready for a new position. "We are pretty well stocked up on saints right now and you fall short of our expectation."
"What do you mean that I fall short of your expectations? I've led a good life...I don't drink, smoke or fool around and try to keep the Ten Commandment! What more do you want?"
"Passion and good works," he replies. "What have you done to show your passion for the Lord? What about good works? What have you done or sacrificed for your fellow man, His children?"
Of course, in my passion I'm getting hot under the collar and get mad and yell back at good old Saint Peter, "Well, look at Augustine and all the stuff he did! I've never done any of the perverse stuff he did. What about Saint Francis? How dumb was he? When God told him to rebuild his church he started piling up rocks 'n stuff. And what about you, yourself, Peter, the Rock? I have read that you had a hot temper, tried to cut the ear off a Roman soldier, denied Christ three times, couldn't walk on water without assistance and were known to be very hard headed. And you got to be a saint," says I.
Saint Peter bows his head in thought and finally looks at me and replies to my little outburst. "All of this is true. Saint Augustine was a sinner for a good part of his life, but then the fire of God burned in him and he changed his ways. While Saint Francis might have been a little "dumb," as you say, he became a humble man through adversity and prayer, leading many others to follow his path to the Lord. As for me, Peter the Rock...it wasn't an easy journey. Yes, I am guilty of all that you speak of, but I too, found my passion and fidelity to the Lord. I traveled the known world the best that I could, preaching and teaching until I was finally martyred for my Lord. Now then, what have you done?"
So...I am thinking about this. I am a sheep within the flock. I follow: I do not lead. The world is full of sheep, some are falling off cliffs and some are preyed upon and consumed by the wolves. Humility, for the most part, is not a fashion statement. Passion is for the material world and goods. Adversity comes as an inconvenience in the free world. We...and I...are spoiled Christians. Suffering and pain continue to ravage the God's people, like a starving lion waiting to pounce and devour us. We tend to be oblivious.
Peter is waiting patiently on the other side of the Golden, Pearly Gates. He looks me in the eyes and speaks to me. "Go back and find your passion. Then rewrite your resume' and bring it to me when you are ready for me to see if your qualified for the job, for it will not be any easy accomplishment. Sainthood is not easily attained nor should it be." With that Peter turns from the gate and moves away. I think I've kept him way too long from more important works. So, I also turn with my resume' in hand...to do a "redo" find my passion.
I walk up to the Golden Gates and ask for an interview with Saint Peter. The Angle at the gate says that Saint Peter is really busy with more important stuff to do . I tell Angel What's His Face that I am not leaving until St. Peter reads my resume'. Finally the Old Beard Himself comes to the Pearly Gates and accepts my resume' through the bars of the gate and quickly reads over it.
"Not good enough," says he. Go back and do a "redo" and come back when your ready for a new position. "We are pretty well stocked up on saints right now and you fall short of our expectation."
"What do you mean that I fall short of your expectations? I've led a good life...I don't drink, smoke or fool around and try to keep the Ten Commandment! What more do you want?"
"Passion and good works," he replies. "What have you done to show your passion for the Lord? What about good works? What have you done or sacrificed for your fellow man, His children?"
Of course, in my passion I'm getting hot under the collar and get mad and yell back at good old Saint Peter, "Well, look at Augustine and all the stuff he did! I've never done any of the perverse stuff he did. What about Saint Francis? How dumb was he? When God told him to rebuild his church he started piling up rocks 'n stuff. And what about you, yourself, Peter, the Rock? I have read that you had a hot temper, tried to cut the ear off a Roman soldier, denied Christ three times, couldn't walk on water without assistance and were known to be very hard headed. And you got to be a saint," says I.
Saint Peter bows his head in thought and finally looks at me and replies to my little outburst. "All of this is true. Saint Augustine was a sinner for a good part of his life, but then the fire of God burned in him and he changed his ways. While Saint Francis might have been a little "dumb," as you say, he became a humble man through adversity and prayer, leading many others to follow his path to the Lord. As for me, Peter the Rock...it wasn't an easy journey. Yes, I am guilty of all that you speak of, but I too, found my passion and fidelity to the Lord. I traveled the known world the best that I could, preaching and teaching until I was finally martyred for my Lord. Now then, what have you done?"
So...I am thinking about this. I am a sheep within the flock. I follow: I do not lead. The world is full of sheep, some are falling off cliffs and some are preyed upon and consumed by the wolves. Humility, for the most part, is not a fashion statement. Passion is for the material world and goods. Adversity comes as an inconvenience in the free world. We...and I...are spoiled Christians. Suffering and pain continue to ravage the God's people, like a starving lion waiting to pounce and devour us. We tend to be oblivious.
Peter is waiting patiently on the other side of the Golden, Pearly Gates. He looks me in the eyes and speaks to me. "Go back and find your passion. Then rewrite your resume' and bring it to me when you are ready for me to see if your qualified for the job, for it will not be any easy accomplishment. Sainthood is not easily attained nor should it be." With that Peter turns from the gate and moves away. I think I've kept him way too long from more important works. So, I also turn with my resume' in hand...to do a "redo" find my passion.
+++
One of my favorite Psalms is the 23rd Psalm. It is a favorite of most Christians around the world. In some Bibles it is numbered as the 22nd Psalm. I also like the 83-84th Psalm. The 23rd Psalm is about peace and trust in the Lord, while the 83-84th Psalm are about rejoicing, happiness and joy in the Lord. Keep in mind that the Psalms are deeply embedded in the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayers of the Church, along with the sacred readings. The church encourages us to pray the liturgy each day. There are other main denominations...other than the Catholic Church, that also urge us to pray the liturgy, daily or as often as possible.
A lot of "strange" thoughts, ideas, or minor inspirations come to me as I drift off to sleep. That is where the main part of today's blog came from. It wasn't a vision or revelation or any of that sort of thing; just thoughts that came drifting into my mind between wakefulness and sleep. I surprised myself for even remembering most of it.
Peace to all who read this poor blog.
END
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
STUFF OF MEANDERINGS
I have stopped using my credit cards. I have been hacked twice in the space of three months. It isn't like I have lots of money to tempt someone. I have just enough to pay debts. Obviously scammer/hackers do not care how they hurt people when they "rob the bank." That is really what it is; bank robbery. It is like taking food out of some one's mouth and not because they need it, but want it.
I have started using old fashioned checks. It is safer. It is less convenient, slower and you need a valid ID. I can live with that. My personal information is out there somewhere in cyberspace. My check book isn't. While not completely free of fraud and forgery it is back to what worked and still does.
I have been thinking about meditations. There has been a lot written about meditations and spirituality. I don't think I can add much to an abundance of literature about what meditations and spirituality are and how to practice in our own lives. In the end I think meditations are the quest for a greater communion with God and that each of us must find our own way.
Meditations are a supposed to empty the mind of all distractions and busyness of the temporal/physical world-to shut it out and focus on God and only on God. Can you do that? I can't. I know there are rare people that can and do, but for me it would be as difficult as trying to tell my heart to stop beating. I try, but I am not of saintly caliber. The worse thing for me is that when I try to meditate...I think about food! Even when I go to Mass I think about food! Perhaps the thoughts of food infringing during a meditation or during Mass is a kind of spiritual nourishment. Or at least I would like to thinks so...Ha!
I am getting back up to speed with my daily prayers. My arm still hurts, but not as badly as it did. I am making progress. I did drive to the store to get some little things. As I can not lift well yet, I didn't get much. But then I don't need much.
I have started using old fashioned checks. It is safer. It is less convenient, slower and you need a valid ID. I can live with that. My personal information is out there somewhere in cyberspace. My check book isn't. While not completely free of fraud and forgery it is back to what worked and still does.
I have been thinking about meditations. There has been a lot written about meditations and spirituality. I don't think I can add much to an abundance of literature about what meditations and spirituality are and how to practice in our own lives. In the end I think meditations are the quest for a greater communion with God and that each of us must find our own way.
Meditations are a supposed to empty the mind of all distractions and busyness of the temporal/physical world-to shut it out and focus on God and only on God. Can you do that? I can't. I know there are rare people that can and do, but for me it would be as difficult as trying to tell my heart to stop beating. I try, but I am not of saintly caliber. The worse thing for me is that when I try to meditate...I think about food! Even when I go to Mass I think about food! Perhaps the thoughts of food infringing during a meditation or during Mass is a kind of spiritual nourishment. Or at least I would like to thinks so...Ha!
I am getting back up to speed with my daily prayers. My arm still hurts, but not as badly as it did. I am making progress. I did drive to the store to get some little things. As I can not lift well yet, I didn't get much. But then I don't need much.
END
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
licence to kill
I have a License to Kill. Therefore I am killing time. I have been killing time since May. Time is just an abstract concept for regulating our lives and actions. As my life and actions have been curtailed for the last two months I don't feel too guilty about killing time. I have "lost" a lot of time this year. However, I am content to acknowledge that there is "my time" and there is "God's time." I will chose God's time because I have free will.
The time was actually recuperation time. It was a necessary allotment from my life in general. As anyone who may have followed this poor blog, I am healing from a fractured right shoulder. It seems like a long healing process-like forever-but I won't quibble. It is God's time and I am thankful that the mending is almost over.
Life isn't all about me; never was and never will be. Any aches or pains that I may have will resolve in one manner or another. I try to offer up any distress, physical or mental, for the ones that are really suffering. May THEY be blessed as I am in so many ways.
I am trying to get back into my prayer routine as my daily
prayers and meditation fell into a disarray or not at all some of the time. I call it a routine, but it isn't routine, but a needed element in my life. If you do not pray, meditate, or give praise to God in some way...your missing something special in your own personal lives. For those who don't give thought to our Creator; try it-you just might like it. I know that you will benefit from prayers...as I have.
It is my humble opinion that most wars are instituted by thugs and poorly directed political policies. Just my opinion...what is yours?
The time was actually recuperation time. It was a necessary allotment from my life in general. As anyone who may have followed this poor blog, I am healing from a fractured right shoulder. It seems like a long healing process-like forever-but I won't quibble. It is God's time and I am thankful that the mending is almost over.
Life isn't all about me; never was and never will be. Any aches or pains that I may have will resolve in one manner or another. I try to offer up any distress, physical or mental, for the ones that are really suffering. May THEY be blessed as I am in so many ways.
I am trying to get back into my prayer routine as my daily
prayers and meditation fell into a disarray or not at all some of the time. I call it a routine, but it isn't routine, but a needed element in my life. If you do not pray, meditate, or give praise to God in some way...your missing something special in your own personal lives. For those who don't give thought to our Creator; try it-you just might like it. I know that you will benefit from prayers...as I have.
WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS
Just as it says in the bible there will be wars and rumors of wars. There really isn't a good reason for wars, local or international. Unless someone is beating down your doors, putting yourself or family in harms way there isn't any good argument for wars or conflicts. They damage is more to the innocents then by the perpetrators of violence. Humans have been at one an other's throats since the days of Cain and Able.
Wars are all about lust, greed and the desire for dominion over nations, peoples and resources. 'I want what you have and I will take it anyway I can.'
If nations and their leaders were to spend the money that feeds war machines and violence into the real needs of countries that are invaded by crime and hostilities..."what a great world this would be."
End
Thursday, July 17, 2014
BLESSINGS, TREASURES AND PLATITUDES
Have you counted up all your treasures...blessings? You have a wealth of treasures and blessings, and I am sure, lots of platitudes given and sent your/our way. We all have riches unrecognized, uncounted or taken for granted. For many without faith or enlightenment a blessing is just a platitude, perhaps appreciated for the intent and stored in a back corner of our minds somewhere. Those back corners get pretty dusty and invite spiders.
While I accept evolution to some degree, my main belief is that we were created by a good, and loving God that intended for mankind to evolve and accept His blessing of life and ongoing benevolence. Your life and mine...was and is a blessing.
God made the earth, the stars in the heavens, the sea and all the animals and the fish and the birds of the sky. Only humans have free will to love and serve the Lord or reject Him. If God had only wanted to be adored He could just as well have made a pet rock. He didn't. He created you and me and the tree of knowledge. And Free Will.
God could have easily created all the other life forms of the earth, content to eat, sleep and live in the Garden of Eden, (well, some are!) That was not the intent of our Lord and Maker. He already has enough rocks and creatures. Instead He made us in His image. Perhaps not in the literal sense, but with a general construction plan with room for evolution or many rooms in His mansion. He wanted us to grow in Him, to love us and for us to return His love. Of course, with having free will we have made a general mess of it, haven't we.
I want...need to think of myself and humankind as more than a pet rock or a random collection of DNA or chemicals that just happened to combine just right, and become what we are...people of God...to be loved and cherished... and to return the same in kind. We will never be perfect in our quest to truly love the Lord. God meant us to search and seek. We are made in His image, but with a few dents and scratches We are not clones nor do we wish to be. Then we would be pet rocks zipping about in the cosmos. No. We want to be of the spirit of our maker and embrace the treasures/blessings of love.
Now then: My arm continues to heal. It is not pain free yet, but as Saint Theresa has said..."This too shall pass.
I have not written this well. I am still having a few problems with typing. Also, my best ideas, thoughts or inspirations seem to come at night at the edge of sleep. The only problem with that is I can't remember them the next day! So...maybe not so great ideas after all!
While I accept evolution to some degree, my main belief is that we were created by a good, and loving God that intended for mankind to evolve and accept His blessing of life and ongoing benevolence. Your life and mine...was and is a blessing.
God made the earth, the stars in the heavens, the sea and all the animals and the fish and the birds of the sky. Only humans have free will to love and serve the Lord or reject Him. If God had only wanted to be adored He could just as well have made a pet rock. He didn't. He created you and me and the tree of knowledge. And Free Will.
God could have easily created all the other life forms of the earth, content to eat, sleep and live in the Garden of Eden, (well, some are!) That was not the intent of our Lord and Maker. He already has enough rocks and creatures. Instead He made us in His image. Perhaps not in the literal sense, but with a general construction plan with room for evolution or many rooms in His mansion. He wanted us to grow in Him, to love us and for us to return His love. Of course, with having free will we have made a general mess of it, haven't we.
I want...need to think of myself and humankind as more than a pet rock or a random collection of DNA or chemicals that just happened to combine just right, and become what we are...people of God...to be loved and cherished... and to return the same in kind. We will never be perfect in our quest to truly love the Lord. God meant us to search and seek. We are made in His image, but with a few dents and scratches We are not clones nor do we wish to be. Then we would be pet rocks zipping about in the cosmos. No. We want to be of the spirit of our maker and embrace the treasures/blessings of love.
Now then: My arm continues to heal. It is not pain free yet, but as Saint Theresa has said..."This too shall pass.
I have not written this well. I am still having a few problems with typing. Also, my best ideas, thoughts or inspirations seem to come at night at the edge of sleep. The only problem with that is I can't remember them the next day! So...maybe not so great ideas after all!
END
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)