Tuesday, March 31, 2009

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.

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?

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...

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.