What a world of good some quiet does.
Silence is golden.
It is.
The booming, loud voices bombarding us much of the day demeans the dignity of one's being.
They do.
Frenetic paces with so much noise does little for one's spirit.
In fact, it may lead to aggression, studies show.
A pause each day for some quiet and calms seems to be what the doctors order.
They do.
Try it.
You may like it.
If not, you may have your old life back.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Killing Jesus
This Jesus of history book gives the brutal details of Jesus' demise, according to co-author Bill O'Riley, with his researcher.
Why?
"Because Jesus did nothing, and was crucified," according to the writers.
One consultant with Fox News who happens to be a priest praised the book for new information he gleaned from the thick tome.
Like O'Riley's other books, this is a head-turner of a volume.
It is.
A Catholic newsman, O'Riley does a world of good with this one.
The video violence strewn across our streets, and, screens at home needs addressing.
And, the authors are on target as they get the attention of all of us needing to step up to the plate in parenting with quality time for the children, and more, to prevent further violence that is more common than blowing one's nose, it seems today.
With multiple chapters and documentation, this story is one to be told again in they eyes of another "good news" writer like O'Riley.
After all, the greatest story every told merit our minds and heart to turn in troubling times to Jesus who shows us the way to stop the carnage careening everywhere these days with only yawns in response from authorities and parents also, I believe.
We all can do more.
O'Riley leads in igniting the conversation again when the NRA, Police, and D.C. are so divided about gun boundaries, and more.
Why?
"Because Jesus did nothing, and was crucified," according to the writers.
One consultant with Fox News who happens to be a priest praised the book for new information he gleaned from the thick tome.
Like O'Riley's other books, this is a head-turner of a volume.
It is.
A Catholic newsman, O'Riley does a world of good with this one.
The video violence strewn across our streets, and, screens at home needs addressing.
And, the authors are on target as they get the attention of all of us needing to step up to the plate in parenting with quality time for the children, and more, to prevent further violence that is more common than blowing one's nose, it seems today.
With multiple chapters and documentation, this story is one to be told again in they eyes of another "good news" writer like O'Riley.
After all, the greatest story every told merit our minds and heart to turn in troubling times to Jesus who shows us the way to stop the carnage careening everywhere these days with only yawns in response from authorities and parents also, I believe.
We all can do more.
O'Riley leads in igniting the conversation again when the NRA, Police, and D.C. are so divided about gun boundaries, and more.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Retreating in Oxford, MI.
Dozens of women will be calming down and being still this weekend at a Catholic retreat in the Dominican Center in Oxford, Michigan.
Just as people grow skills for this task, or that, the retreatants will be enhancing their faith.
The theme of the three-day time of quiet connection with God is "I Believe: Help My Unbelief - Faith and the Kingdom of God.
With time for personal and communal prayer, meals together, Mass, reconciliation, spiritual direction, and more, they'll emerge Sunday after Mass and a final meal together, enthused.
They will.
Each time I lead a retreat, I come away renewed also.
Faith is like that.
It is.
This ancient practice goes back to the early centuries of monasteries and convents when pausing to ponder the mysteries of the Creator were common.
Today, on the other hand, casinos compete with people's time.
Yet, meaning from deep within the well's of one's life longs for more, for healing, for recovery from darkness, suffering, wounds and the trek of life.
Let the retreat begin.
Just as people grow skills for this task, or that, the retreatants will be enhancing their faith.
The theme of the three-day time of quiet connection with God is "I Believe: Help My Unbelief - Faith and the Kingdom of God.
With time for personal and communal prayer, meals together, Mass, reconciliation, spiritual direction, and more, they'll emerge Sunday after Mass and a final meal together, enthused.
They will.
Each time I lead a retreat, I come away renewed also.
Faith is like that.
It is.
This ancient practice goes back to the early centuries of monasteries and convents when pausing to ponder the mysteries of the Creator were common.
Today, on the other hand, casinos compete with people's time.
Yet, meaning from deep within the well's of one's life longs for more, for healing, for recovery from darkness, suffering, wounds and the trek of life.
Let the retreat begin.
Monday, September 23, 2013
From the Flock
They're consistently there.
They're available.
Reliable.
Even predictable.
They are.
My flock.
And, they come through when I need them, or not.
It's true.
When pressed, they're there. But, they are faithful and loyal even when I'm not in need of them.
That's how they are.
My teachers.
Like the disciples who were taught by their Master, Jesus, Woofie and Karah are true blue believers!
They are!
Spontaneously, they remind me to take time to play, to smell the flowers, if you will, and, to enjoy life's day.
They show me a full life even though they rest much of the day. And, look out the window! That's when they remind me of praying again, of being still, silent, and, shutting up for twenty minutes or so.
Really.
Most of the time, they are willing and wanting to engage in play, "wasting time," time out!
At eight weeks old, Karah needs to learn a few things for me, for us to live together well.
She does.
This black and brown Chawahwa/Yorkie, I'm told, is being "potty" trained outside. No easy fete.
And, age-appropriately, she will learn.
So, she teaches me patience also.
Walking on a leash is another matter.
She goes "still" on me when off for another daily walk. Her eyes penetrate mine, as she wonders why?
Why the loss of freedom to wildly run here and there and everywhere.
Why boundaries?
Why?
All of this while Woofie, my white Bichon Firse of three years of age, wants little to do with the pup.
That is, for the most part.
Yet, he's learning also. Right along with me.
We're all learning.
We are.
Just the way, we're supposed to each fresh, new September day of autumn's debut, fragrance and change of tone all about us.
They're available.
Reliable.
Even predictable.
They are.
My flock.
And, they come through when I need them, or not.
It's true.
When pressed, they're there. But, they are faithful and loyal even when I'm not in need of them.
That's how they are.
My teachers.
Like the disciples who were taught by their Master, Jesus, Woofie and Karah are true blue believers!
They are!
Spontaneously, they remind me to take time to play, to smell the flowers, if you will, and, to enjoy life's day.
They show me a full life even though they rest much of the day. And, look out the window! That's when they remind me of praying again, of being still, silent, and, shutting up for twenty minutes or so.
Really.
Most of the time, they are willing and wanting to engage in play, "wasting time," time out!
At eight weeks old, Karah needs to learn a few things for me, for us to live together well.
She does.
This black and brown Chawahwa/Yorkie, I'm told, is being "potty" trained outside. No easy fete.
And, age-appropriately, she will learn.
So, she teaches me patience also.
Walking on a leash is another matter.
She goes "still" on me when off for another daily walk. Her eyes penetrate mine, as she wonders why?
Why the loss of freedom to wildly run here and there and everywhere.
Why boundaries?
Why?
All of this while Woofie, my white Bichon Firse of three years of age, wants little to do with the pup.
That is, for the most part.
Yet, he's learning also. Right along with me.
We're all learning.
We are.
Just the way, we're supposed to each fresh, new September day of autumn's debut, fragrance and change of tone all about us.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Sunday's Sermon: Decisively Ringing Out Kingdom of God
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 22, 2013 / Amos 8: 4-7 / I Timothy 2: 1-8 / Luke 16: 1-13
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As children of the Light, ring out the Kingdom of God decisively as anointed believers!
And, herald honest 'glad tidings' like fresh September school bells ringing in prudence, the strength and virtue.
The Gospel's urgency is always about living and awakened to the 'now' moment today, urging the breaking in of God's Kingdom of truth, justice, mercy, and more!
How true!
Let justice roll like the waters over the mountaintops.
But, unlike water's destruction in Colorado, and Syria's extremest brotherhood, and, military might spilling blood over that troubled land.
Let justice roll!
Giving each one her or his due - that's justice, no? - means that I must be awakened to, and, aware of how I may oppress the needy by my actions and daily deeds.
Like the steward who is praised for his decisiveness, BUT not for his dishonesty in the example in today's Gospel from Luke's Gospel's, Chapter 16, just proclaimed for us today, here and now.
What does a child of Light look like?
She or he prays for personal awareness foremost.
That's being awakened now to God's truth, and, God's Kingdom, to be DECISIVE in acting fairly, justly, with mercy as we humbly walk this good earth, as another prophet, Micah mentions elsewhere.
Jesus makes a dishonest steward an example of discipleship.
Surprise, surprise!
Go figure that God works in wondrous and unexpected ways here.
Remember that it is not the dishonesty of the fired steward that Jesus extols, but rather the steward's wisdom in being decisive now!
My responding then to the moment with prudent action toward the needy, especially. Not delaying like I may often, suggesting, another time, another place, later in life when I have more time, when I'm retired, when my life is less busy.
Let justice roll, cried out the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., fifty years ago here in Detroit, and a month later in Washington, D.C., with his iconic, "I Have a Dream" speech. King got a little help from Gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, when he needed to enliven his fledgling speech. Like, Mary, the mother of Jesus, America's patroness, and, like our own moms, or, women in the church and society today.
They are there like Mary pointing to Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana when the married couple ran out of wine at their wedding banquet. "Do whatever he tells you," Mary tells the stewards.
They do!
And, sufficient wine for the embarrassed couple.
Like Mahalia Jackson there at Martin Luther King Jr.'s moment of need to tell the dream that invites us to look at the content of one's character rather than the color or one's skin!
Let justice roll!
Amos longs for that in speaking truth to power in chapter 8 of that prophet's book entitled, Amos, in our sacred scriptures.
People then, and now, seemed to separate the Sabbath, waiting for it and the end of the new moon, to daily rip off people unjustly, dishonestly, you know!
It's easy to spend other people's money, I would say to myself when I was pastor in Lake Orion.
It is.
Or, to unroll more toiled paper than I need at someone else's expense at the public library, for example, to make the prophet's point.
Decisive thinking to act justly.
I pray for that, and more, in supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings offered for EVERYONE, for those in authority and leaders.
We all pray that justice will roll swiftly and decisively when millions of Michiganders are at stake
in the currently challenged farm bill, formerly called the bridge card.
We pray that DECISIVELY, we will let our leaders know. To know how important food and bread is for so many in Michigan threatened by lost of food stamp dollars for their dinner table.
Like the scale at the supermarket we weigh just the pounds of tomatoes we need, the justice, that is, doling out parts and pieces of the apple pie for the nine of us in my family, as I was growing up on Detroit's east side by the City Airport.
To act decisively is what we imitate beyond the dishonesty of the steward in this parable, this example story from Luke's sixteenth chapter.
Let justice roll with the urgency of the now of Glad Tidings, Good News of the Gospel by the children of Light - those anointed with the gift of prudence given by the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and you and me!
A mother's example of justice, and dad's decisive prudence also, or, your own and mine acting now, and, using the Golden Rule, treating others as you would want to be treated, as the standard scale or measure, that's what this Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist, Mass and more, coupled with Mahalia Jackson's HELPFUL WORDS, TELL EM ABOUT THE DREAM, MARTIN, and Mary's own, 'DO WHATEVER JESUS TELLS YOU, that kind of DECISIVENESS, that's what we're called to, you and I, today, now.
Let justice roll!
Go on now!
Do it decisively today, tomorrow, and always for Christ's sake!
September 22, 2013 / Amos 8: 4-7 / I Timothy 2: 1-8 / Luke 16: 1-13
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As children of the Light, ring out the Kingdom of God decisively as anointed believers!
And, herald honest 'glad tidings' like fresh September school bells ringing in prudence, the strength and virtue.
The Gospel's urgency is always about living and awakened to the 'now' moment today, urging the breaking in of God's Kingdom of truth, justice, mercy, and more!
How true!
Let justice roll like the waters over the mountaintops.
But, unlike water's destruction in Colorado, and Syria's extremest brotherhood, and, military might spilling blood over that troubled land.
Let justice roll!
Giving each one her or his due - that's justice, no? - means that I must be awakened to, and, aware of how I may oppress the needy by my actions and daily deeds.
Like the steward who is praised for his decisiveness, BUT not for his dishonesty in the example in today's Gospel from Luke's Gospel's, Chapter 16, just proclaimed for us today, here and now.
What does a child of Light look like?
She or he prays for personal awareness foremost.
That's being awakened now to God's truth, and, God's Kingdom, to be DECISIVE in acting fairly, justly, with mercy as we humbly walk this good earth, as another prophet, Micah mentions elsewhere.
Jesus makes a dishonest steward an example of discipleship.
Surprise, surprise!
Go figure that God works in wondrous and unexpected ways here.
Remember that it is not the dishonesty of the fired steward that Jesus extols, but rather the steward's wisdom in being decisive now!
My responding then to the moment with prudent action toward the needy, especially. Not delaying like I may often, suggesting, another time, another place, later in life when I have more time, when I'm retired, when my life is less busy.
Let justice roll, cried out the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., fifty years ago here in Detroit, and a month later in Washington, D.C., with his iconic, "I Have a Dream" speech. King got a little help from Gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, when he needed to enliven his fledgling speech. Like, Mary, the mother of Jesus, America's patroness, and, like our own moms, or, women in the church and society today.
They are there like Mary pointing to Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana when the married couple ran out of wine at their wedding banquet. "Do whatever he tells you," Mary tells the stewards.
They do!
And, sufficient wine for the embarrassed couple.
Like Mahalia Jackson there at Martin Luther King Jr.'s moment of need to tell the dream that invites us to look at the content of one's character rather than the color or one's skin!
Let justice roll!
Amos longs for that in speaking truth to power in chapter 8 of that prophet's book entitled, Amos, in our sacred scriptures.
People then, and now, seemed to separate the Sabbath, waiting for it and the end of the new moon, to daily rip off people unjustly, dishonestly, you know!
It's easy to spend other people's money, I would say to myself when I was pastor in Lake Orion.
It is.
Or, to unroll more toiled paper than I need at someone else's expense at the public library, for example, to make the prophet's point.
Decisive thinking to act justly.
I pray for that, and more, in supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings offered for EVERYONE, for those in authority and leaders.
We all pray that justice will roll swiftly and decisively when millions of Michiganders are at stake
in the currently challenged farm bill, formerly called the bridge card.
We pray that DECISIVELY, we will let our leaders know. To know how important food and bread is for so many in Michigan threatened by lost of food stamp dollars for their dinner table.
Like the scale at the supermarket we weigh just the pounds of tomatoes we need, the justice, that is, doling out parts and pieces of the apple pie for the nine of us in my family, as I was growing up on Detroit's east side by the City Airport.
To act decisively is what we imitate beyond the dishonesty of the steward in this parable, this example story from Luke's sixteenth chapter.
Let justice roll with the urgency of the now of Glad Tidings, Good News of the Gospel by the children of Light - those anointed with the gift of prudence given by the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and you and me!
A mother's example of justice, and dad's decisive prudence also, or, your own and mine acting now, and, using the Golden Rule, treating others as you would want to be treated, as the standard scale or measure, that's what this Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist, Mass and more, coupled with Mahalia Jackson's HELPFUL WORDS, TELL EM ABOUT THE DREAM, MARTIN, and Mary's own, 'DO WHATEVER JESUS TELLS YOU, that kind of DECISIVENESS, that's what we're called to, you and I, today, now.
Let justice roll!
Go on now!
Do it decisively today, tomorrow, and always for Christ's sake!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
13.4 percent struggling with food in Michigan
Alarm bells ringing just as children's school bells ring out these September days.
Food insecurity needs to be addressed in this state of Michigan.
A Farm Bill is needed that won't cut $40 billion in funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called food stamps in the past.
Estimates are that one in eight households in Michigan on average confronts hunger in 2010-12.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research released the figures in its annual report.
How does the Gospel impact believers?
How will we help?
Food insecurity needs to be addressed in this state of Michigan.
A Farm Bill is needed that won't cut $40 billion in funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called food stamps in the past.
Estimates are that one in eight households in Michigan on average confronts hunger in 2010-12.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research released the figures in its annual report.
How does the Gospel impact believers?
How will we help?
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Two Prayer Intentions
The Nobel Peace Prize committee may want to nominate Pope Francis.
As he stirs up the world daily, his call for a worldwide day of prayer and fasting for Syria last Saturday, got little attention in the Detroit area.
Leaders could have called us to the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament to enhance the enthusiastic pope's plea for peace and nonviolence in resolving the civil strive in Syria.
Violence only begets more of the same.
It does.
We all know this truth.
Prayer is powerful, for sure.
A decidedly different direction is moving this war drama now.
Prayer works.
It does.
Prayers are also in order for a fruitful Focus Hope walk Sunday, Oct. 13th at 1 pm on the campus there at 1355 Oakman Boulevard, near Madonna Church where the late Father William Cunningham served as pastor, while Focus:HOPE co-founder, Eleanor Josaitis, worshipped with her husband Don, and family.
Call 313 494 4270 for more information, and, register online at www.focushope.edu/walk.
Prayers are asked by Dana Milbrand Friday for a special intention.
Join her, and me, in prayer.
As he stirs up the world daily, his call for a worldwide day of prayer and fasting for Syria last Saturday, got little attention in the Detroit area.
Leaders could have called us to the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament to enhance the enthusiastic pope's plea for peace and nonviolence in resolving the civil strive in Syria.
Violence only begets more of the same.
It does.
We all know this truth.
Prayer is powerful, for sure.
A decidedly different direction is moving this war drama now.
Prayer works.
It does.
Prayers are also in order for a fruitful Focus Hope walk Sunday, Oct. 13th at 1 pm on the campus there at 1355 Oakman Boulevard, near Madonna Church where the late Father William Cunningham served as pastor, while Focus:HOPE co-founder, Eleanor Josaitis, worshipped with her husband Don, and family.
Call 313 494 4270 for more information, and, register online at www.focushope.edu/walk.
Prayers are asked by Dana Milbrand Friday for a special intention.
Join her, and me, in prayer.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
15th Anniversary of Cura Animarum/Care of the Soul & Companions All-Faiths Festival
A L L A R E W E L C O M E!
MISSION:
IGNITING EACH ONE'S DIGNITY AND WORTH BY AWAKENING IT IN SELF, OTHERS ONE PERSON AT A TIME JUST FOR TODAY!
PATRON: SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT AND HIS CLASSIC,
PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK
SIGNATURE HYMN: AMAZING GRACE
Please join Care of the Soul and Companions Counseling All-Faiths Festival, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, 5:30 pm, Big Jack's Bar-B-Que Grille, (586) 775 2220, 27454 Gratiot, Roseville, MI 48066.
Sung Vespers begin event with "Giving, Forgiving and Acceptance," with David Johnstone, student of the late Father Edward D. Popielarz's, founder of the famous class in acceptance, and, Joe Maher, former actor, of "For the Good of the Priesthood."
Gratitude Gala, Oct. 23, 2013, 5:30 pm, Mr. Paul's Chophouse, (586) 777-7771, 28750 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville, MI., 48066.
Committee:
Sandra Bell (586) 778 6015
Marge Hallman (586) 778-6015
Jubilant Mass of Thanksgiving, Sunday, November 24, 2013, 3 pm, St. Bonaventure Father Solanus Casey Center, 1840 Mt. Elliott, Detroit.
Tributes and Notes of Memories Accepted at 25959 Waterway Drive, Harrison Twp., MI. 48045
WOMEN'S RETREAT, 'I DO BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF,' SEPT. 27-29, 2013, ST. MARY'S RETREAT CENTER, OXFORD, MI., WITH LAWRENCE M. VENTLINE. CONTACT ANORA ZEITER TO REGISTER, (313) 561 3764. YOUNG ADULTS ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED.
ELANOR'S WALK FOR HOPE with Fr. Ventline: WALK 4.5 MILES WITH CARE OF THE SOUL, SUNDAY, OCT. 13, 1 PM, 1355 OAKMAN BOULEVARD, DETROUT, MI., 48238. REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED AT WWW.FOCUSHOPE.EDU/WALK, OR, CALL, 313 494 4270. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER, JOIN THE BANDS, AND FUN, FOOD, BEFORE AND AFTER THE WALK.
WELCOME TO TWO GROWTH GROUPS:
MORPHING/MENDING SESSION, FIRST MONDAY OF MONTH, AND, A CLASS IN ACCEPTANCE, THIRD WEDNESDAY OF MONTH THROUGH 2014, 5:30 PM, BIG JACK'S BAR-B-QUE GRILLE, 27454 GRATIOT, ROSEVILLE, NORTH OF THE I-696 EXPRESSWAY, GRATIOT EXIT, EAST SIDE OF GRATIOT. ALL ARE WELCOME. RESERVATIONS REQUESTED TO LAWRENCE M. VENTLINE, D.MIN, PASTOR AND BOARD CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, alphaomega2049@yahoo.com, (313) 530 2777.
FOLLOWING BLOG FOR ADDITIONAL CURRENT EVENTS
MISSION:
IGNITING EACH ONE'S DIGNITY AND WORTH BY AWAKENING IT IN SELF, OTHERS ONE PERSON AT A TIME JUST FOR TODAY!
PATRON: SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT AND HIS CLASSIC,
PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK
SIGNATURE HYMN: AMAZING GRACE
Please join Care of the Soul and Companions Counseling All-Faiths Festival, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, 5:30 pm, Big Jack's Bar-B-Que Grille, (586) 775 2220, 27454 Gratiot, Roseville, MI 48066.
Sung Vespers begin event with "Giving, Forgiving and Acceptance," with David Johnstone, student of the late Father Edward D. Popielarz's, founder of the famous class in acceptance, and, Joe Maher, former actor, of "For the Good of the Priesthood."
Gratitude Gala, Oct. 23, 2013, 5:30 pm, Mr. Paul's Chophouse, (586) 777-7771, 28750 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville, MI., 48066.
Committee:
Sandra Bell (586) 778 6015
Marge Hallman (586) 778-6015
Jubilant Mass of Thanksgiving, Sunday, November 24, 2013, 3 pm, St. Bonaventure Father Solanus Casey Center, 1840 Mt. Elliott, Detroit.
Tributes and Notes of Memories Accepted at 25959 Waterway Drive, Harrison Twp., MI. 48045
WOMEN'S RETREAT, 'I DO BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF,' SEPT. 27-29, 2013, ST. MARY'S RETREAT CENTER, OXFORD, MI., WITH LAWRENCE M. VENTLINE. CONTACT ANORA ZEITER TO REGISTER, (313) 561 3764. YOUNG ADULTS ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED.
ELANOR'S WALK FOR HOPE with Fr. Ventline: WALK 4.5 MILES WITH CARE OF THE SOUL, SUNDAY, OCT. 13, 1 PM, 1355 OAKMAN BOULEVARD, DETROUT, MI., 48238. REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED AT WWW.FOCUSHOPE.EDU/WALK, OR, CALL, 313 494 4270. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER, JOIN THE BANDS, AND FUN, FOOD, BEFORE AND AFTER THE WALK.
WELCOME TO TWO GROWTH GROUPS:
MORPHING/MENDING SESSION, FIRST MONDAY OF MONTH, AND, A CLASS IN ACCEPTANCE, THIRD WEDNESDAY OF MONTH THROUGH 2014, 5:30 PM, BIG JACK'S BAR-B-QUE GRILLE, 27454 GRATIOT, ROSEVILLE, NORTH OF THE I-696 EXPRESSWAY, GRATIOT EXIT, EAST SIDE OF GRATIOT. ALL ARE WELCOME. RESERVATIONS REQUESTED TO LAWRENCE M. VENTLINE, D.MIN, PASTOR AND BOARD CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, alphaomega2049@yahoo.com, (313) 530 2777.
FOLLOWING BLOG FOR ADDITIONAL CURRENT EVENTS
Thursday, September 12, 2013
A prayer with a Syrian native
Rozan and I chatted about her homeland earlier tonight.
The chef made, and, served delicious food at a benefit amid her obvious worry on her face.
Worried about her brother, among other cousins in Syria, a blessing was shared for them.
"Pray," requested Rozan, when asked how I could help.
For sure. No doubt. I will.
Coupled with peace talks and negotiations to settle the horror happening now in her homeland.
"Please pray," she pressed.
I will at bedtime once more.
And, tomorrow.
God help Syria, and all.
Please.
The chef made, and, served delicious food at a benefit amid her obvious worry on her face.
Worried about her brother, among other cousins in Syria, a blessing was shared for them.
"Pray," requested Rozan, when asked how I could help.
For sure. No doubt. I will.
Coupled with peace talks and negotiations to settle the horror happening now in her homeland.
"Please pray," she pressed.
I will at bedtime once more.
And, tomorrow.
God help Syria, and all.
Please.
Coconuts, City, Country Culture of Crime
Another human being was shot in the head.
A State Trooper.
Hardworking, decent, with a soft heart, reports indicated.
Chefs cook with today's craze with 'things' coconuts everywhere, it seems. As common as crime are coconut uses today.
Less deadly, of course, even if used to throw the opiod-shaped nut at another when embattled.
A troubled 19-year-old shot the trooper in the head during a routine traffic stop in northern Michigan, 80 miles from Grand Rapids, MI.
His wife, an accomplice, helped the murdered flee.
It keeps happening as it's more common than blowing one's nose.
Go figure.
Wait for the next one to be killed by a gun.
Wait.
Well, waiting spikes war casualties.
Laws need to help angry hearts to stop the liberal gun laws from slaying another soul.
Leaders need to act.
Allowing us all to have guns will have us all -- most of us hostages-- murdered one way or another in an addicted, gun-saturated society.
This is far from overreaction.
Our national and local obsession with the need for assault weapons is a pathology in need of 12-step therapy.
How long have we been battling sensible gun law's?
Too long.
A calmer city culture is possible.
After all, sticks stones, squirt guns and bows and arrows worked in the past.
And, the statistics proved it.
We had to resolve our conflicts with conversation and talk.
Now, people have such disdain for patience and each other, that only quick solutions with guns work for so many.
Stop the carnage.
We need to stand together against weapons.
When will we?
A State Trooper.
Hardworking, decent, with a soft heart, reports indicated.
Chefs cook with today's craze with 'things' coconuts everywhere, it seems. As common as crime are coconut uses today.
Less deadly, of course, even if used to throw the opiod-shaped nut at another when embattled.
A troubled 19-year-old shot the trooper in the head during a routine traffic stop in northern Michigan, 80 miles from Grand Rapids, MI.
His wife, an accomplice, helped the murdered flee.
It keeps happening as it's more common than blowing one's nose.
Go figure.
Wait for the next one to be killed by a gun.
Wait.
Well, waiting spikes war casualties.
Laws need to help angry hearts to stop the liberal gun laws from slaying another soul.
Leaders need to act.
Allowing us all to have guns will have us all -- most of us hostages-- murdered one way or another in an addicted, gun-saturated society.
This is far from overreaction.
Our national and local obsession with the need for assault weapons is a pathology in need of 12-step therapy.
How long have we been battling sensible gun law's?
Too long.
A calmer city culture is possible.
After all, sticks stones, squirt guns and bows and arrows worked in the past.
And, the statistics proved it.
We had to resolve our conflicts with conversation and talk.
Now, people have such disdain for patience and each other, that only quick solutions with guns work for so many.
Stop the carnage.
We need to stand together against weapons.
When will we?
Monday, September 9, 2013
Make a Difference Day
Make a difference day for young people showing them how faith makes a difference in your life, your love, your job, and family.
The Twenty-third Annual Make a Difference Day, October 23, 2013, millions of volunteers will unite to enhance the lives of others in their communities.
Find out how you can join at www.makeadifferenceday.com.
Get started is where you will need to go when connected on the site.
Service and lifting up life anywhere, everywhere can't be beat.
Really.
Ask anyone, everyone who serves.
They will tell you what serving does for them, let alone others.
The Twenty-third Annual Make a Difference Day, October 23, 2013, millions of volunteers will unite to enhance the lives of others in their communities.
Find out how you can join at www.makeadifferenceday.com.
Get started is where you will need to go when connected on the site.
Service and lifting up life anywhere, everywhere can't be beat.
Really.
Ask anyone, everyone who serves.
They will tell you what serving does for them, let alone others.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Fall Feeling and Summer's Fading
Catch your breath.
Others would say that to me often as I was growing up.
They wanted me to slow down. And, to pause, even.
It worked.
It helped me to regularly take time to pray and contemplate for twenty minutes twice a day.
That ritual and rite of passage from summer to fall, enters my mind these days.
Routines are like that.
They are.
We need regimens like three square meals a day with small portions of food.
And, exercise most days of the week for an hour at least.
Jogging with my dog, Woof, provides that first thing in the morning after some prayer.
Rest is a word that derives from the Hebrew, meaning, "to catch your breath."
Such a pause is key to a balanced life.
Otherwise, I'm off center, even eccentric, not balanced, and, perhaps not good for anyone, let alone
myself.
Fall's frenetic force is upon us.
School bells ring and fall brings a frenetic pace.
Slowing down to savor these final breaths of summer is a good thing.
It is.
Time on our watch moves fast.
After all, life is short when measured by the clock.
And, me!
It is!
Others would say that to me often as I was growing up.
They wanted me to slow down. And, to pause, even.
It worked.
It helped me to regularly take time to pray and contemplate for twenty minutes twice a day.
That ritual and rite of passage from summer to fall, enters my mind these days.
Routines are like that.
They are.
We need regimens like three square meals a day with small portions of food.
And, exercise most days of the week for an hour at least.
Jogging with my dog, Woof, provides that first thing in the morning after some prayer.
Rest is a word that derives from the Hebrew, meaning, "to catch your breath."
Such a pause is key to a balanced life.
Otherwise, I'm off center, even eccentric, not balanced, and, perhaps not good for anyone, let alone
myself.
Fall's frenetic force is upon us.
School bells ring and fall brings a frenetic pace.
Slowing down to savor these final breaths of summer is a good thing.
It is.
Time on our watch moves fast.
After all, life is short when measured by the clock.
And, me!
It is!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
For the Young Church, Others
HAIL MARY, by Ermes Ronchi, and, The Prayer of St. Frances, by G. Ferri, merit consideration.
Contact, Info@PaulistPress.com, or (800) 218 1903.
Both prayers are revered and traditional creations widely used.
Contact, Info@PaulistPress.com, or (800) 218 1903.
Both prayers are revered and traditional creations widely used.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A Pause for a Parade on Labor Day
As national protests marched for better wages for employees of McDonald's across the USA, hundreds walked in Hamtramck, MI., a diverse international community, September 2nd to mark Labor Day.
De La Salle's high school band with Regina High School girls wearing the De la Salle shirts, followed the Wayne County Executive, Mayor of Hamtramck, Police Chief, and more.
Moving north along Jos. Campau from Holbrook to the annual festival of food, rides, dancing, and plenty of drinking, several seminary students who arrived recently from Poland also walked in black cassocks amid the cool and sunshine that fell upon the crowd.
While some civic leaders invited me to walk with them, interfaith representatives walked alongside the public servants.
Comments and questions filled our every step related to chemical weapons and Syria, the plurality of religions in Hamtramck, including a Jewish Cemetary, and multiple mosques.
After the walk, a group of us had tea or coffee and ice cream at Palmas, a Bosnian Café on Caniff.
Hamtramck's parade ran smoothly, impressing me no end.
De La Salle's high school band with Regina High School girls wearing the De la Salle shirts, followed the Wayne County Executive, Mayor of Hamtramck, Police Chief, and more.
Moving north along Jos. Campau from Holbrook to the annual festival of food, rides, dancing, and plenty of drinking, several seminary students who arrived recently from Poland also walked in black cassocks amid the cool and sunshine that fell upon the crowd.
While some civic leaders invited me to walk with them, interfaith representatives walked alongside the public servants.
Comments and questions filled our every step related to chemical weapons and Syria, the plurality of religions in Hamtramck, including a Jewish Cemetary, and multiple mosques.
After the walk, a group of us had tea or coffee and ice cream at Palmas, a Bosnian Café on Caniff.
Hamtramck's parade ran smoothly, impressing me no end.
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