Well, there is only 1 more Sunday left, so the readings start pointing more and more to Easter.
Interestingly, we had a deacon that was ordained into the order of the diaconate (sp). The bishop came out to celebrate Mass and it was quite an event. I had never seen the Knights of Colombus in Mass before...wow. Nice hats...
Well, the homily was about the grain that must die in order to seed and grow more. Sometimes I am amazed at how something can speak so directly to what is going on in my life...
In so many ways, I know that things in my life need to die in order for me to grow. I need to go to confession which is also a death of sorts-in order to be reborn fresh. As I learned reading Lord Have Mercy by Scott Hahn. There are changes that need to occur professionally. And it seems so easy to talk about, but so hard to implement.
Why is change so hard for so many?
I am also intrigued by how my professional life mirrors my spiritual life. I guess that makes sense-as I learned last week- Psalm 133:2 (paraphrased) the oil that starts at the top drips through the beard and runs down through the clothes...
So, whatever you pour on yourself will drip and run through the whole body...I guess you could say it a lot of different ways. But there is no way to act halfway at anything...
As Mackey and I discussed this weekend, going halfway turns out bad in almost EVERY situation.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Spiritual Journey
SO...where are you on your spiritual journey? I don't know where I am, only where I have been.
WAY off track.
Not in the devil's footsteps kinda way. But in the, "wow, it has been a long time since I thought about why I behave this way or that way or believe this or that"
I never really thought much of the WWJD bracelets-and thought less of some of the owners--but now I find my self wondering why I do this or that. What drives my decisions? In business, in life, in dealing with friends...
I started my journey again during Advent...I went to Mass and have not missed a Sunday mass since. I have only missed one Holy Day of Obligation. Yeah for me...quite a change.
In the infancy of this journey, I find myself looking for reasons to talk about it, read about it, or hear about others. In fact, this past week I attended Entreleadership (Dave Ramsey's 3 day conference/seminar on leadership in business with a biblical basis). One evening he tells his story and lets you in on his personal journey (Spiritual Walk). Suffice it to say, he knows where he is and where he wants to go. I am impressed with certainty of his journey.
So back to my journey. I have always tried to make business decisions with Integrity and Honesty. At home, I need to be more engaged in with the girls-in fact Strong Father, Strong Daughter is on my reading todo list. I think Becky will appreciate that even more.
Gotta go...more later.
Anyone know what the readings are about for this weekend's Mass?
WAY off track.
Not in the devil's footsteps kinda way. But in the, "wow, it has been a long time since I thought about why I behave this way or that way or believe this or that"
I never really thought much of the WWJD bracelets-and thought less of some of the owners--but now I find my self wondering why I do this or that. What drives my decisions? In business, in life, in dealing with friends...
I started my journey again during Advent...I went to Mass and have not missed a Sunday mass since. I have only missed one Holy Day of Obligation. Yeah for me...quite a change.
In the infancy of this journey, I find myself looking for reasons to talk about it, read about it, or hear about others. In fact, this past week I attended Entreleadership (Dave Ramsey's 3 day conference/seminar on leadership in business with a biblical basis). One evening he tells his story and lets you in on his personal journey (Spiritual Walk). Suffice it to say, he knows where he is and where he wants to go. I am impressed with certainty of his journey.
So back to my journey. I have always tried to make business decisions with Integrity and Honesty. At home, I need to be more engaged in with the girls-in fact Strong Father, Strong Daughter is on my reading todo list. I think Becky will appreciate that even more.
Gotta go...more later.
Anyone know what the readings are about for this weekend's Mass?
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Second Round
OK, so I took a break because you did. Peggy was the only one posting, so I figured I should just stop and call her if I wanted to talk Catholic...well (no offense Peggy) that is just not what needs to happen.
I just attended EntreLeadership in Nashville, TN and for those of you that know me (who else is reading this) you know that I had a great time and learned a tremendous amount about leadership and running a small business.
What you don't know is that on Tuesday, Dave Ramsey speaks from his heart about his ups downs and particularly about his spiritual journey that led him to begin His company (capitalized purposely) God's company that Dave runs. The main point-if I was paying attention, was not this business practice or that one-it was DON'T QUIT, DON'T QUIT, and DON'T QUIT!
Well as luck would have it, I was thinking more about my spiritual journey and not business which leads me to continue with this blog. So those of you that were disappointed I stopped I am back, and those that were wondering why I started, I am back.
I have a few questions, 1. why don't more Catholics know the bible and understand the basis of Catholicism is not simply tradition-but the bible; 2. why don't we do a better job of teaching the biblical basis of our faith? 3. why is witnessing to others almost taboo for Catholics?
OK, so I will wait (kinda) for you to reply and comment. I have set up the blog to email you when a comment is left, and when I post...so you will know when you should comment.
I have some more questions...but I have to leave something for other posts.
Until next time...
I just attended EntreLeadership in Nashville, TN and for those of you that know me (who else is reading this) you know that I had a great time and learned a tremendous amount about leadership and running a small business.
What you don't know is that on Tuesday, Dave Ramsey speaks from his heart about his ups downs and particularly about his spiritual journey that led him to begin His company (capitalized purposely) God's company that Dave runs. The main point-if I was paying attention, was not this business practice or that one-it was DON'T QUIT, DON'T QUIT, and DON'T QUIT!
Well as luck would have it, I was thinking more about my spiritual journey and not business which leads me to continue with this blog. So those of you that were disappointed I stopped I am back, and those that were wondering why I started, I am back.
I have a few questions, 1. why don't more Catholics know the bible and understand the basis of Catholicism is not simply tradition-but the bible; 2. why don't we do a better job of teaching the biblical basis of our faith? 3. why is witnessing to others almost taboo for Catholics?
OK, so I will wait (kinda) for you to reply and comment. I have set up the blog to email you when a comment is left, and when I post...so you will know when you should comment.
I have some more questions...but I have to leave something for other posts.
Until next time...
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
1st Sunday of Lent
I am trying to give you all a chance to catch up...
You are mostly one post behind.
So in order to stay with me...hurry up. Steph-come on "Miss I need religious stimulation everyday".
So, I got to go to Mass with Dad on Saturday evening at SJTA with Father Flynn. He is great, funny, and seemingly unappreciated (at least for his humor).
Now that it is 5 days later, I have forgotten the point-with good reason. I have begun reading Lord Have Mercy, and I am in chapter 8 or so. Those long flights certainly help. I can honestly say, one-I need to go to confession, and two-I know why I need to go to confession. YES it does make a difference.
There will be separate posts on the book, and you ALL better participate.
You are mostly one post behind.
So in order to stay with me...hurry up. Steph-come on "Miss I need religious stimulation everyday".
So, I got to go to Mass with Dad on Saturday evening at SJTA with Father Flynn. He is great, funny, and seemingly unappreciated (at least for his humor).
Now that it is 5 days later, I have forgotten the point-with good reason. I have begun reading Lord Have Mercy, and I am in chapter 8 or so. Those long flights certainly help. I can honestly say, one-I need to go to confession, and two-I know why I need to go to confession. YES it does make a difference.
There will be separate posts on the book, and you ALL better participate.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
OK, so there I was at Mass at Ski Jesus Church in Denver, CO and the first reading is from the book of the Prophet Joel...so there Wayne-may be not the 13th Apostle, but a prophet none-the-less.
See Wayne asked me what the deal was with my new found interest in the church and spirituality (cuz I was giving him a hard time about not posting on the blog and missing Ash Wednesday) he asked if I was the 13th Apostle, as only Wayne can ask. See if he would go to the blog he would have a better idea...but this is not all about Wayne.
The homily of Ash Wednesday has to be the easiest homily to prepare...
REPENT-CONFESS-DO BETTER-OFFER MORE-ETC...
But the priest was a little different and he said we only have to do 3 things in Lent--
1. SUNDAY MASS (got that one)
2. DAILY PERSONAL PRAYER...(ok getting there)
3. FAMILY PRAYER-especially at meals (lots of work to do here)
Not hard though...certainly attainable. Discipline...dedication...I can do this. Look for posts more often--this is going to be part of my personal daily prayer.
The other thing he said was "Don't waste the crisis"-referring to the current economic crisis in the world. Literally, "don't waste the crisis". Huh??? Of course he went on to explain. This is the perfect time to reset your priorities. If God is #1 the rest will fall into place.
If you have a big crisis at work-you should get God in the right priority and then see about the crisis at work. Family issues-where is God in your priority list? Fix this and the rest will settle where they are supposed to be. So allow yourself the excuse of the current crisis to re-examine the priorities in your life-to restructure your list-and then work on the above 3 items to see where it takes you.
So far so good...
I still don't know what to give up for Lent-but I think cussing is going to be the toughest thing I can give up for now...the only bad part is that Sunday reprieve seems to be the wrong day to cuss, oh well. I guess no cussing till the day after Easter...let's all hope by then I have broken the habit and have new words to replace the old ones.
Still looking for posts from Dad, Wayne, and Mackey-although we will give him special dispensation until after the State tournament this weekend CONGRATS for making the State tournament!!!!
Stephanie--oops "S" you have not posted in a while either, what's up with that? You were the one saying that I needed to post more often...get up on it.
Last thing...Lord Have Mercy...start reading.
See Wayne asked me what the deal was with my new found interest in the church and spirituality (cuz I was giving him a hard time about not posting on the blog and missing Ash Wednesday) he asked if I was the 13th Apostle, as only Wayne can ask. See if he would go to the blog he would have a better idea...but this is not all about Wayne.
The homily of Ash Wednesday has to be the easiest homily to prepare...
REPENT-CONFESS-DO BETTER-OFFER MORE-ETC...
But the priest was a little different and he said we only have to do 3 things in Lent--
1. SUNDAY MASS (got that one)
2. DAILY PERSONAL PRAYER...(ok getting there)
3. FAMILY PRAYER-especially at meals (lots of work to do here)
Not hard though...certainly attainable. Discipline...dedication...I can do this. Look for posts more often--this is going to be part of my personal daily prayer.
The other thing he said was "Don't waste the crisis"-referring to the current economic crisis in the world. Literally, "don't waste the crisis". Huh??? Of course he went on to explain. This is the perfect time to reset your priorities. If God is #1 the rest will fall into place.
If you have a big crisis at work-you should get God in the right priority and then see about the crisis at work. Family issues-where is God in your priority list? Fix this and the rest will settle where they are supposed to be. So allow yourself the excuse of the current crisis to re-examine the priorities in your life-to restructure your list-and then work on the above 3 items to see where it takes you.
So far so good...
I still don't know what to give up for Lent-but I think cussing is going to be the toughest thing I can give up for now...the only bad part is that Sunday reprieve seems to be the wrong day to cuss, oh well. I guess no cussing till the day after Easter...let's all hope by then I have broken the habit and have new words to replace the old ones.
Still looking for posts from Dad, Wayne, and Mackey-although we will give him special dispensation until after the State tournament this weekend CONGRATS for making the State tournament!!!!
Stephanie--oops "S" you have not posted in a while either, what's up with that? You were the one saying that I needed to post more often...get up on it.
Last thing...Lord Have Mercy...start reading.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
7th Sunday
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time...and the last one before Lent...
With a visiting priest from the Holy Trinity Seminary, we prayed for the courage of those studying there. Holy Orders...
Also, the homily was about forgiveness. Interestingly, the priest said that forgiveness has an incorrect perception of denial...meaning if you forgive-you deny the wrong has occured. In fact, the opposite is true-forgiviness includes acknowledging the act occured, but also that it is no longer an issue, and once forgiven then it (like our sins) cease to exist.
The other issue of confession was how we all never seem to go...the four men from the gospel needed to lower us into the confessional-as they did the paralytic into Jesus' presence to be healed. Do you need to be carried into the confessional? I know I need to.
So, here we are on the brink of Lent-with decisions to make.
1. What am I going to give up for Lent (Peggy, what is the benefit of self denial?)
2. What am I going to do positively ( I think I am going to go to daily mass at least 1 time during the week...I should probably call it going to Mass during the week not daily mass...)
3. Who is going to win best actress?
OK--so you are also each challenged in this way...Read Lord Have Mercy (Hahn) and we will discuss it as we go.
Please wish me luck on trying to find a Mass in Denver or Chicago as I leave town Tuesday morning and return on Thursday night...
don't forget to write...Dad that means you too...
With a visiting priest from the Holy Trinity Seminary, we prayed for the courage of those studying there. Holy Orders...
Also, the homily was about forgiveness. Interestingly, the priest said that forgiveness has an incorrect perception of denial...meaning if you forgive-you deny the wrong has occured. In fact, the opposite is true-forgiviness includes acknowledging the act occured, but also that it is no longer an issue, and once forgiven then it (like our sins) cease to exist.
The other issue of confession was how we all never seem to go...the four men from the gospel needed to lower us into the confessional-as they did the paralytic into Jesus' presence to be healed. Do you need to be carried into the confessional? I know I need to.
So, here we are on the brink of Lent-with decisions to make.
1. What am I going to give up for Lent (Peggy, what is the benefit of self denial?)
2. What am I going to do positively ( I think I am going to go to daily mass at least 1 time during the week...I should probably call it going to Mass during the week not daily mass...)
3. Who is going to win best actress?
OK--so you are also each challenged in this way...Read Lord Have Mercy (Hahn) and we will discuss it as we go.
Please wish me luck on trying to find a Mass in Denver or Chicago as I leave town Tuesday morning and return on Thursday night...
don't forget to write...Dad that means you too...
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Lamb's Supper
So, the book is a pretty easy read...except I am not sure what I am reading most of the time. I understand the words-but am not sure what they REALLY mean.
I have read Part I and the best part was the very end when the different parts of the Mass were explained briefly...or at least that was the best part for me.
If anyone has anything to add about the book I am all for it.
I also would love it if someone would suggest a topic for the blog...contrary to most other things I am involved in...it is not all about me (that was a joke...kinda...no really it's a joke)
by the way I did 25 minutes of Yoga (carlos dvd) and am sore today, and it was hurting while I was in each pose...I am so out of shape.
I have read Part I and the best part was the very end when the different parts of the Mass were explained briefly...or at least that was the best part for me.
If anyone has anything to add about the book I am all for it.
I also would love it if someone would suggest a topic for the blog...contrary to most other things I am involved in...it is not all about me (that was a joke...kinda...no really it's a joke)
by the way I did 25 minutes of Yoga (carlos dvd) and am sore today, and it was hurting while I was in each pose...I am so out of shape.
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