Your Wheel

Well, after listening to Fr. Flynn talk about the vacation we all need (and I just returned from one) I loved the homily this weekend. I am a big believer in vacation and taking time to rejuvenate.
OK, done...now on to the discipline of getting better...
The wheel---
Career, always thinking about how to make things better, how do they do it, how can we get better, etc.
Financial, see above (not that they are always the same, but many times they are)
Spiritual, well Mass this weekend and the time spent thinking about what impact I have and can have--this needs the most growth, but I think this takes the most time as well.
Physical, I rode my bike for 30 minutes last night and plan for that again tonight...
Social, this is a tough one...
Intellectual, I need a new book, or a class or something to help here...
Family, well after a day at the hospital for tonsils and adenoids removed from BOTH girls...we are all having a fun week with the family.

By the way---BIG thanks to Steff and the rest of the Ps for taking care of the girls while Becky and I were on that vacation---we really appreciate the time and effort you put in!!! I know it was not easy!!

I guess it is our turn to take yours for a while...let's see you took 2 girls for 4 days that is 8 total...I guess we can take your 4 for 2 days...that is even right? Anyway, we are up for it, but you will have to thrown in some gas money if we are expected to go to all those athletic events...holy cow.

Good luck to Erik and KK this weekend. WIN STATE!!!

Defining Moments

So-thanks Earl for loaning me the book-Defining Moments. It is a great read and is very good for ANYONE that makes decisions. Yep-I thought that might get your attention. I loved some of the parallels between biblical stories and my life. Not to mention the down to earth advice on chararcter and defining moment--no it's not just a clever name.
I probably need to re-read it as you can see from the break in blogs-it has taken me a while. I just finished it on the way home from Denver last week.
I now start Luke, and am looking forward to the next gospel. I don't know about you, but when I go to church and here the Gospel according to Mark-I know I just read it, so it seems to be a little more real. I recognize the gospels all the time now. Still helps to have a priest give a good homily in a voice that does not put you to sleep.
Wheel update---after listening to Wayne and Stephanie brag about their physical workouts-I decided it was time to actually be disciplined and get to work on my entire wheel. So, this morning I jogged and walked for about 30 minutes...I felt good and will workout some this evening as well. Nothing to intense, but something is really better than nothing.
Looking forward to my trip with Becky next week--thanks to Steph and Dad for taking care of the girls...thanks also to Wayne and Dana for coming up for the 4th we had a great time hanging with good peeps! Hudson is adorable!

Attitude

No, this is not some leadership driven-wonderful cliche about how your attitude helps in all situations.
This is about the attitude that my oldest seems to think is OK to give her mama...yep. Attitude. So, McNugget and I had to have a talk about rudeness and nice, and how she was rude to give mama attitude. (She reported to me that mama was mean to her--little did she know that she was the mean one.)
So I had to be the calm one and not spank her- and explain that she is the one that was mean and that she is the one that will get in trouble for attitude and lying.
Good thing there is not a DVR of my life to play for McNugget to show her examples of attitude...just a thought.
So-to change gears a little bit-the homily last night was about the Holy Spirit-or the trinity and how we seem to ignore the Holy Spirit. How often do we pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit? I know I don't. McNugget needs some grace from the Holy Spirit--she went to Mass yesterday and was pretty good. Needless to say-a big work in progress there.

So I have finished the first 2 gospels. I think my favorite quote is "Amen I say to you"...translated to this century--"listen this is important." Or- "I am only going to say this one more time-and this time NO parable."
I have enjoyed the Matthew and Mark, and begin Luke next. If anyone has anything I should ponder or any verses they would like to discuss-let me know.

How is your wheel? Flat anywhere?
I am physically flat(metaphorically). Need lots of work there. Anyone else?

Branching Out

So, Did you go to Mass? might be a little limiting for this post...
I want to apologize for those of you that felt the earth changing directions this morning while I wogged...yep jog for a while walk for a while. I am such a strong runner-I am afraid I might have changed the earth's rotations there for a little while. Sorry.
This is my attempt at working on my "wheel" all the parts of your life that when put together form a wheel. Career, Financial, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Family, and Social (in no particular order).
Physical --So I actually broke a sweat this morning jogging.
Social -- Party tonight
Spiritual--Mass tomorrow and the blog
Career--all week
Financial--all week
Intellectual--just finished Good to Great
Family--fun stuff today (gymboree, and we are all going to the party).

Is your wheel flat somewhere?

Keep Going

So, here we are after the KK first communion Mass yesterday and boy was I interested in the homily. Food and parties-what every good catholic needs to hear. Jesus was all about food and parties. Of course, I think the part we were supposed to get from that was not the blessing of our habits to celebrate (although teens everywhere will) but the sharing of your souls during the meals and parties. I really enjoyed getting to see my family and, as always, we have a good time sharing laughter, food, and drinks ( in no particular order).
As we look forward to the next party (this weekend in Corpus for Beach to Bay---oh yeah, and Mackey turning 400) sorry typo, I am excited that we will all be together again. This time hopefully Macmac and Pounder will both be healthy (not in the Stephanie form of the word) but without fever-etc- so we can all participate fully.
I am still on a quest to get some advice on how to read the bible and where to start, etc, but have been unable to find any good resources on line. The Christian bookstores seem to have the King James version and how to read it-but I was looking for a more Catholic version.

Steph, you responded about reading the bible last week and I think you are right about finding time and all the stuff you (and your family are into). So how about the adoration that Peggy suggested (she was the stealthy anonymous last post {which makes sense after all 635 pictures from her camera are now on Steff's computer} ). An hour of adoration-used either reading the bible or at the church-or both...sounds like a good idea to me.

So I am going to find/make that hour as well as the 30 minutes a day I need to get dad off my back, or should I say off my belly accusing me of getting close to "Husky boy" status. Sha as if...

With the lack of any real direction on how to read the bible---I started with Matthew...I think the gospels make the most sense or are at least a good starting point. Who else?

LATER!

Bible Study

Ok...who's in?
I am going to read the ENTIRE bible...not sure how long it is going to take-but I am going to do it.
Anyone want to read it with me and discuss as we go...(we could use the blog).
I am also looking for pointers as it seems a little bit daunting to turn to page 1 and just start.
I have heard there are other orders recommended to read the bible-so if you have a suggestion-I am listening.
Any takers?
I will be reading the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible from my Kindle ($5 for the bible)...

Shepherds

This picture is of AD-in her now typical motion when she remembers that we are supposed to pray when we are eating...she stops-puts both hands out and says "AMEN"...nice to have a living reminder-not that we should need to be reminded...but she does it at restaurants-anywhere-It is great!

Sunday AM...Fr. Flynn at SJTA interestingly spoke about the shepherds and sheep and how they KNOW the voice of their shepherd. Anyone can call the sheep, but the sheep only respond to their shepherd. I find that interesting. VERY interesting. With all the distractions and with all the voices in the world, how do we know which voice is God's? How do we know what our calling is? Of course, Fr. Flynn-wisely said in order for us to know God's voice we have to try to become familiar with it. We have to pray, read scriptures, go to Mass, etc in order to recognize the true voice we should respond to.
I agree and want to get some practical advice on that...
Any ideas?
What do you do?
How do you do it?

Enough time off

Ok, so once again I sit here typing wondering who will read my ramblings about catholicsm and my struggles with my faith and my spiritual walk-journey-growth, whatever you want to label it. I have been reading an incredible amount lately (much to Becky's chagrin) and I have noticed some strong parallels. First, it seems that in business - to be a great leader you have to be genuine and ethical. You also have to be willing to delay gratification...wow, what a novel concept these days. Delayed gratification goes against everything the "now" generation strives to achieve, and somewhat interestingly all of society as well. We want it now, we want it all now, we don't want to have to work for it, that takes too long-we want it now. (There seems to be a theme).
Second, you have to be willing to sacrifice in order to achieve. Not to sacrifice yourself, or your principles-but something. Perhaps this is not all that different than the first point--but I write this on the fly so too late now.
Interestingly the homily on Saturday evening also had a pinch of delayed gratification thrown in...it goes along with the gospel and the story of Doubting Thomas...and ends with blessed are they who have not seen and still believe (paraphrased).

Or is it just that I see everything through my lens which makes it all seem linked...the books I read, the homily I hear, the events in my life...they all seem to be pointing in the same direction. Leadership, the how to books, are a how to in life, not just business. They all point to relationships and why you must build them well. As important is "know thyself"...
Fr. Flynn spoke about being alone-abandoned in fact. Jesus was all set to meet his accusers with the 11 disciples that were left and when he turned around only John was there...but Jesus knew his purpose and knew what he was working towards was worth it. Saving us. Also, Fr. Flynn mentioned the old excuse why God did you make me this way... this is your fault. You should have made me better. In the book Thou Shall Prosper, Rabbi Daniel Lapin this is described as not letting the brain be dominated by the heart. Meaning, if you take control of your decisions-with purpose-not excuses then you are as good as you want to be. This is parallel with Scott Hahn's picture in Lord Have Mercy that our sins are not bad-they are the less good choice (some are bad, but we are not inherently bad). We are choosing something that feels good, or something that is a short term gain--but in the long run it falls short of our goals, and therefore is less good.
I have lots more to say, but I will save it for another post-and for your comments-if you want.
Yes, I realize that this post is not a literary masterpiece-and I jump around a lot but you take the good with the bad-I guess.

5th Sunday of Lent

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.

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?

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

Cast Out

So 8am Mass is a little less full and a little harder to get to early...at least it was today.
Just me today-no McKenna (she has pink eye) and no family of 6 beside me. Distractions lessened and the priest I was hoping for made today's Mass a much better experience for me on the outside.
It is easier to concentrate, and he seems to be better at what I am looking for in a homily.
So the readings today are about lepers and Jesus healing the leper. Of course he tells him NOT to tell everyone about what happened but he does anyway-and that keeps Jesus from going into any of the cities, he is relegated to stay outside the cities and the people come to him.
The homily, however, was about lepers-today's lepers. Homeless, or those with this problem or that one that we cast out-or away from our daily lives. Those who live without human touch and how we can reach out to them. It was also about what we can do to help others. Or more specifically, that if we spend our entire lives dedicated to making ourselves happy we should get ready for a life of misery. If we dedicate our lives to helping others and making others happy the result is much different. We get more out of helping others than we can possibly give. How true!

So how do we do it? How do we help others? When do we find time for them, when we act like there is not even enough time for ourselves...

On another note, I am reading The Lamb's Supper (Hahn) Steph you already gave me your copy. I think I will have to read it more than once to really get it...

The mid week blog

Ok, so Steph is giving me a hard time about posting again-so here we go.
Peggy, who obviously paid attention in religion class at IWA-(should teach it these days) brings up resting the cares at the altar for help in resolving (or accepting)them. Interestingly, there was a family of 6 next to me at Mass and the oldest son was struggling with the younger brothers not behaving (I am sure that he was concerned for his spiritual well-being) but it dawned on me that sacrifice he (and I) was making with the distraction caused by the 2 boys was only there as a small cross to bear while I concentrated on Mass and my purpose for being there.
So here is my question today...
How do I take it all in?
I am distracted not only by the 2 young boys, or McKenna when she goes with me, but also by the opera singer during the responsorial psalm. What is for show, and what is REAL?
I don't want to feel like I am going to work at Mass, but I don't want to go through the motions either...Is this blog a continuation of Mass and His presence in my life (and therefore yours as well)?

Any suggested topics?

The First Post

So here I am a few minutes after returning from Mass this morning at St. John The Apostle Cathlolic Church.
I am wondering a few things...
First-who else went to Mass this morning?
B-what did you get from Mass?
Lastly, do you capitalize the M in Mass on a blog?

So for those of you that know me-and who else is on this blog-you can see that I will probably take a humorous approach to what I post. I also want to start an adult dialogue about Mass and the message.
I have debated about starting this blog for quite some time now, so here goes.

The priest at SJ focused the homily on the message to be drawn from the "whole city" coming to the house where Simon's mother-in-law was cured. (Insert your own in-law joke here, just think of what she was saying about Simon's friend who was coming over to "cure" her...but I digress). Why were all the people of the city there? Was it simply because they heard some guy cured some old lady? Or was it because they had selfish needs to be cured? Or was it just to be in the presence of Greatness?

The real question becomes-why are we going to the house? Are we? Should we? What do we hope we gain from going to the house (Mass)?

I am not sure how this will go over-but I hope that those of you that read it will please respond with posts of your own...this is not a monologue-or I don't want it to be, so please say what you think.