Living Life Gently

I am back-sort of.

2014-12-04T11:33:00.000-06:00

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.

CATCH UP

2014-09-19T17:59:00.000-05:00

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.

+++

"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

GOD'S LITTLE NOBODY

2014-08-27T00:18:00.000-05:00

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.

END

FINDING MY PASSION

2014-08-13T15:07:00.002-05:00

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.

+++

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

STUFF OF MEANDERINGS

2014-07-30T15:15:00.000-05:00

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.

END

licence to kill

2014-07-22T22:24:00.001-05:00

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.

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."

It is my humble opinion that most wars are instituted by thugs and poorly directed political policies. Just my opinion...what is yours?

End

BLESSINGS, TREASURES AND PLATITUDES

2014-07-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

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!

END

HACKS AND RECOVERY STUFF

2014-07-05T14:40:00.001-05:00

I haven't done much posting lately...mostly because I couldn't. My right shoulder fracture is healing, yet painful. The joint "pops." The muscles are painful and have done a little atrophying, but I am getting there. By standing in front of the computer I can type a bit better.
Speaking of computers...someone or someones have hacked into my computer twice in the past 3 months and gotten into my bank account. They didn't get much because I don't have much; just enough to pay my bills while I am not able to send my bills out. I hope they needed that fifty dollars more than I did.
It is a misconception that someone with a computer also has money or big bucks. My computer is old and often gives me fits. However it is a way to do things and stay in touch with family and friends that are far away.

The past few weeks have been a test for me. I lost weight as I have not been able to cook very well. A friend has brought me lots of small frozen pizzas, but after a while you lose your desire to eat...lots of little frozen pizzas. I console myself with the fact that I needed to lose a few pounds anyway.
Yesterday I did try to drive. I did manage, but it was hard to get up into the van. I may not be quite ready for excursions yet. I miss not being able to drive myself to Mass. The Lord understands; while I have the intention...I don't have the needed strength in my arm...but it will come.
This a short post. I will try to do better in the future.

END

TIME IS GOD'S HEALING MEDICINE

2014-06-13T22:50:00.000-05:00

I am on the mend. can use right hand a little now. can dress myself , but it takes time and with a few ouch comments as it is still painful, but I am getting there. I try to offer up any pain or discomfort for those that suffer from war and the ravages of violence that conflicts produce on ALL people. let there be peace and justice..

I have several weeks to go for this injury to heal. I miss not being able to get out and go Mass. I have been eating a lot of frozen pot pies and/or pizza, but would love a good meal. I should not complain because I have food and a place to lay my head at night whereas there are so many that do not have even these basics. lord, forgive me my present discontent and complaints. I am grateful for all that I do have...even the pain for it is teaching me to be more humble and patient. THE END

1finger blessings

2014-05-23T08:33:00.001-05:00

OK. So, I fell and fractured my right shoulder and am typing with one finger. there is a blessing in that as that I am thankful that it could have been a lot worse and that I can offer up the pain and suffering for those more debilitated than i, esp. soldiers coming home from wars without limbs. From time to time I will be here,, typing with 1 finger, counting my many blessings. don' forget to count you're blessings, also. end

"FOUR LETTER WORDS"

2014-04-30T22:53:00.001-05:00

Work and love go together like two peas in a pod. They are both "four letter words." They are symbiotic. They pair nicely. Hate is another "four letter word." It does not belong. It is a parasite word/emotion that feeds off jealousy of spirit, lust for that which is not earned or freely given We all have a little of "the green eyed monster" within us. It is evil, lurking in the souls of the best of us. Admit it. We have all had an attack of this "super bug" of spiritual bacteria at some time or another, perhaps frequently. Umm, don't say you haven't 'cause like me, your only human.

Work in itself, is not necessarily a virtue. Many work to live or live to work. Circumstances vary around the world through culture, ethics, governments, economics or other fluctuations in life.

When you pair work with love it becomes a virtue for you are then doing God's work. You are now doing an activity for someone or many of God's people. Your work is no longer in the "survival of the fittest" mode, but survival of all of us through pairing and making it an offering of love.

When and if you and I are able to live under the umbrella of work and love...there is no room for that other "four letter word;" hate. It is squeezed out and becomes impotent in our hearts. I could "hate" a lot of people and circumstances, but I choose not to. It is a non-productive emotion that saps the soul and spirit. I have enough to think about and do without the soul sucking effects of negativity that rides shotgun in the front seat.

I am not perfect. I am subject to the zapper sapper of my inner peace with God occasionally. I do try to rise above it and pray myself out of it because hate will not make me a better person, healthier, better looking, younger or put more food on my plate. Haters wear many hats and sometimes you can not tell the differences between the four letter words, but only by the fruits of the tree. I pray that your tree and mine are fruitful. Just don't take a big "bite from the apple."

Just something extra. The price of food, esp. meat and fresh vegetables, continue to rise. Those on fixed incomes or are drawing low wages are really aware of this. So, with that thought in mind, I think eggs will become the new meat/protein. Where I live I can still buy eggs for .85 cents a dozen with a limit of five dozen. I can get milk for $1.45 per gallon. These are good sources of protein, minerals and vitamins. While these are price leader to draw you into the store to shop...I go in and get what I need and then I am done. There are many ways to cook eggs and to serve them. The simplest way is to fry your eggs and drink your milk! Not everyone likes the same thing over and over. So I am adding this recipe just for the anyone who is interested.

SCRAMBLED EGGS

LIGHT AND FLUFFY

2 eggs broken in to bowl

add two or more

teaspoons of milk

add 1 teaspoon of flour

add salt and pepper to taste

whisk well

pour into hot oil or buttery pan

...not too hot!

The fluffy eggs should

cook up quickly...

like an omelet.

Turn burner off as egg

start to cook around the edges

and a slight bubble in the center.

The heat of the pan

will cook the eggs the

rest of the way.

So easy even I can do it!

END

Lent Went

2014-04-23T23:08:00.000-05:00

Lent is over and it wore me out. Perhaps I tried to do to much. In the last three days of Lent I did very little. It was as if I just shut down and l did not do well in vocal or written prayers. I also lost my little prayer book. That didn't help my frame of mind when it comes to spiritual. Yes, I can pray without that little book in my hand, but I have had that little prayer book for a long time and miss having it at hand.

I didn't totally fail myself. I did make it to all the Holy Hours that were offered in conjunction with the Masses. I attended all the Masses of obligation, but the last three days were pretty much days of a spiritual washout. While I feel bad about doing less instead of more for Holy Thursday and Good Friday, I am trying to keep in mind that even God, after creating the world, needed a day of rest. I needed two, but the Lord knew of my intentions. Good intentions don't always cut it, but my God is a loving, forgiving God. Stumbling and dragging one's cross a bit is a human trait and I am not immune to weakness, but pray that I may become a little stronger each day.

Now, with my confession of lack of fortitude aside, I wish to tell everyone that the weather is beautiful and was for Easter Sunday as well. I am thinking of putting out a small garden; at the least a few tomato plants and maybe some lettuce. I can not garden as I used to. Old age is invading my garden plot and I am "going to seed" as well as to weeds. Yes, I am getting older and I feel it.

This is a development as to why I was so tired during the last week of Lent. I had a couple of new medications and a couple of medication changes. Guess what the adverse reactions are...being very tired, headaches, fatigue, upset stomach, edema in feet...and the list goes on. I am slowly getting adjusted to the new medication and changes. These are "must have" medications. I can't get by without them.

As I start getting some "gitty up go back" I am tackling the yard. It got out of hand last summer and fall as I was having to go to the Doctor weekly for visual problems. I have had five Lazar treatments on my eyes; two on the left and three on the right. Now I can see all the work and cleaning that needs to be done! I don't need to go back to the Dr. until July.

And that is pretty much it for this week. Lots to do and hopefully I get it done.

END

CARRY YOUR CROSS AND WALK ON

2014-04-04T23:52:00.000-05:00

Three sinners were each given a cross to bare. They began their walk in the footsteps of Jesus. The crosses were heavy, uncomfortable and the way was long and weary. They plodded on.

Finally one sinner said, "Lord, this cross is to heavy. Can you not cut off a small portion at the base and make it lighter for me to carry?" And the Lord complied and removed a small portion of the cross and the three sinners walked on, carrying their crosses.

The crosses were burdensome and the way was difficult. Again the one sinner cried out to the Lord. "Why have you given me such a load to bear? Can you not remove another small portion of this cross that I bear, that it be lighter?" Again the Lord heard the voice of the sinner and answered his plea by removing another section of the cross. The three sinners plodded on dragging their crosses. The first sinner was not content with his lighter cross and soon called upon the Lord again, to remove another portion of the wooden beam. The Lord heard his request and again complied.

The second sinner saw that the first sinner had a lighter cross to bear and thinking that it was a good idea to appeal to the mercy of the Lord, cried out, "What about me Lord? My cross is heavy, too. Can you not show me the same regard and lighten the load that I carry?" The Lord answered the second sinner's request and took away part of his load and made the cross less burdensome. The three sinners plodded on.

The third sinner continued to carry his load without complaint or recourse, accepting the weight and discomfort he bore,even though his wooden tree was now heavier than that of the other two. He plodded on and followed the two sinners walking before him.

Soon the two sinners came to a deep ravine and tried to lay their crosses across the deep defile in order to travass to the other side. Their crosses were too short and would not span the ravine. They could not cross.

The third sinner came to the ravine dragging his cross, so heavy and burdensome. He had not asked the Lord to lighten his load, but chose to bear it without recourse or complaints. Laying his burden across the ravine and using his cross as a bridge, he was able to attain the other side.

Do we feel at times that our crosses are way too heavy to carry and shout out, "Why me, Lord...why me?" Of course we do. Job did, too, in The Old Testament. Yet, he kept praying just as we need to do. No one ever said this life, which is a gift, could not also be taken away. We continue on, hopefully picking up our own crosses to carry and lay over the abyss. Is your cross to short to reach to the other side? I ask this of myself every day and plod on.

END

THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IS LONSOME FOR YOU

2014-04-02T21:45:00.002-05:00

This just about the middle of a long day so I am writing what I can, as I can, and hoping to finish it before I go to bed. I have spent the better part of the day in my Dr's office trying this insurance problem straightened out. This has been an ongoing difficulty since Jan. It isn't easy as the American Insurance system is broken.

We have had a couple of really nice days here, but the forecast is for heavy rains tomorrow and I plan to go to Father Dieg's funeral. You know, we hear a whole lot about the priest that go rogue, but we seldom hear about the "good guys" and Father Dieg was a good guy; one of the best.

This evening there will be a mass at 6 P. M. and adoration until 8 P. M. I hope I don't fall asleep as I am already tired I need to get up early in the morning.

All right; this is how it works. When the last bell rings classes or over and school is out for the day and there is a mad dash for the doors, buses, cars or the streets home. When Mass is over there is a mad dash for the doors, cars or home. It doesn't matter that Father just put the Blessed Sacrament on the alter for adoration. Some of stayed, Some left after just a short time, some stayed a little longer. I stayed. I looked around and I was the only one left. I think Father was showing me a little mercy and removed the Blessed Sacrament about ten minutes early.

We are blessed that we can still go to church and have a chance to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, enjoy and profit from "Freedom of Religion." Not everyone or every country practices their religion without some kind of repercussions. We are blessed...so far. Take advantage of what each of us is offered and pray your own way, but don't lose the right to do so. It is an evil creeping up on us.

So...this day has passed and I need to rest because another long day up on awaits me. Thursday is creeping on ME!

END

RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL-A HAPPY MELDING?

2014-03-28T22:35:00.002-05:00

I didn't forget to post; I was simply tired. My batteries ran down and needed charging. For that reason I slept late...very late. I didn't go to mass today, let alone to the Stations of the Cross after Mass. Fatigue has a habit of creeping up on me like the thief in the night. As some of you know, I have severe sleep apnea and can go like the little Energy Bunny for a while. Then I must take a day to rest and restore lost energy. My "spirit may be willing," but my little engine starts to sputter and run out of gas. As the saying goes, "It is what it is."

As I have been thinking about this season of Lent, my meditations have taken a divergent course. I was wondering what is the difference between being a religious person or a spiritual person. I think there is an occasional gap between the two. I can claim to be a Christian/religious person, practice all the rules and regulations that are prescribed to a "religious" person...but am I? Or am I like the Pharisees of old, just going through the motions. The spiritual person, on the other hand, is a soul/individual, trying to connect with God and be in communion with God...through Jesus Christ or even more directly according to their own beliefs and teachings. A "religious" person can be a spiritual person as well, a blessed melding. Yes, before you ask or disagree, there are many non-Christians who are spiritual people.

Thus, my meditations often take odd turns in the road, occasionally drifting from the paved way and down a different path. Well, I'm kind of funny that way and my directional signals don't always blink according to the direction I want to travel.

END

Hack Attack!!

2014-03-22T17:44:00.001-05:00

What a strange week this has been! I was hacked. Twice. It isn't like I have a lot of money and am worth the effort of getting into my credit card account. The Bank caught it and froze my account. What really caused me some problems was a notice from a legitimate official looking site that blocked my Internet connection and accused me all kinds of cyber crimes. Now, if I were to be a good person and not commit all those evil deeds in the future...then they would unblock me for a "fine" of $300.00. If I didn't pay the fine within 48 hours they would turn me in to the "Cyber Police" and notify The Supreme Court of the U. K. The U.K. is England-United Kingdom. I was not about to be scammed out of $300.00, but it did cost me money to have my computer cleaned of the virus. It was money that I really could not afford to shell out, but I am not about to be held hostage by a scammer. By the way, the computer tech said he had not seen this virus for a long time and it came as an FBI site before. Now it comes as a cyber crime fighter site.
That has been part of my week. The second part occurred because my neighbors moved and my provider for the Internet, phone and computer came and shut ME down by mistake. Apparently they did not pay their bill either.

Then...yesterday I almost got rammed by someone who ran the red light. I saw a flash of white out of the corner of my eye and hit the brakes. Someone was watching over me.
I am glad this week is just about over. I was not able to post on this blog because of being scammed. Why do scammers think that all Americans are wealthy and living the high life? If they only knew the hardship they cause for so many that can ill afford to be ripped off.

Today was so nice. I took a few items to the Good Will store. I have more things to take, but can only take what I can lift. Slowly getting rid of unused items.

This past Wed. I had another lazar treatment on my right eye. This makes the 5th lazar treatment, but the pressure was so high that it was necessary. The left eye was of an acceptable pressure. I owe my soul to the eye doctor...almost, but my soul actually belongs to J.C.

As I indicated, this has been an unusual week and I hope all the negativity has run its course. I know that all are praying for the lost souls on the missing air plane.

Do you know what happens when you have no phone, TV, or Internet? You get a lot of work done!

END

Stick to it-ness during Lent

2014-03-14T21:43:00.002-05:00

OK. I am posting a little bit tonight. This beaning Friday, there was Station of the Cross after Mass. Me, getting older and decrepit, sat through the stations. My knees just are not as flexible as they once were. I stayed and followed as best as I could. I guess that I was one of very few that didn't the do up and down genuflecting and standing at the appropriate times. Age sneaks up on us all. sooner or later. What you see is pretty much what you get.

After Mass and Stations I made a beeline for Wendy's for a fish sandwich. Wendy's' is right around the corner from the church. I was hungry because I was fasting as it is Friday.

Technically I don't have to fast because of age and other issues, but I desire to put a little effort and discipline into the season of Lent. It is a small part of penance. As Christ gave His life for God's people...I guess I can give up a little bit in return as a memorial to His sacrifice. There is lots that can be said, written and done during Lent, but most of you probably know how to practice Lent better than I. So, I won't expand on Lent nor will I say whatever else I may be doing. It is a good time to get rid of old, bad habits, take on new and better ways and become closer to God. The real challenge is the "stick to it-ness" after the Forty Days are over.

There you have it: a little bit of posting for Friday.

END

Before the Blessed Sacrament

2014-03-12T23:03:00.001-05:00

It's late. I'm tired. I won't post much tonight. Mass was at 6 P. M. followed by the Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament. Right after Mass there was an exodus out all the doors. Some of us stayed. Most were out as quickly as possible, just as they are at any Mass.

I am sure that many had good reason to leave and not stay for Exposition or any part of it. I admire the lady with her several children and the family with six(6) stair-step boys. They has their hands full, yet they stayed until almost the end of Exposition.

I don't get a chance to partake of the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament very often, so when I do I take advantage of the opportunity for a time of Adoration.

I was thinking of the Apostles who were not at the foot of the cross, but hidden away in the upper room, trying to figure out what to do. Other than John, Mary, Mary Magdalene and the women that followed Jesus throughout his preaching and teachings...the men were not there. Even Peter, who denied Jesus three times at the gate of the inquisitors/Sanhedrin, was not there.

For this opportunity to give homage, prayer and worship before the Blessed Sacrament...I and a few others stayed at the foot of the cross. Not literally, of course, but in and as a spiritual bouquet.

So...this post is short. Perhaps I can make up for it before the week is over. We will see.

END

Forty Days and Forty Nights-sounds like a movie

2014-03-05T16:56:00.001-06:00

Well, I told you Lent was coming. I hope you were/are ready for the next forty days. We are never quite ready for penance, are we? Personal behavior is hard to change or improve, but we give it "the old college try," don't we?

Ok, I went to Ash Wednesday service/mass and now I have a smudgy forehead. I wish that I had gone over to "the home" because church was packed to the rafters and the parking lot was worse and ice was treacherous. It isn't melted off entirely. I guess Pope Francis is a good shepherd and the sheep are coming home in spite of the ice and parking difficulties.

I have a few things on my list of "do's and don't do's." I seldom say or list them publicly. I do suggest that one keep a journal, if at all possible. It is good to look back at the end of the Lenten season to see where we may have failed, were lax or did well. Today starts my own Lenten journal. Kick me if I don't keep it up...I hope you have a long reach.

LENTEN RECIPE
***

one head of cabbage

peel of outer leaves

(save for soup)

slice off several

or one slice about

the size of a slice

of bread.

brush olive oil

or oil of choice

on each side of

cabbage slice(es).

salt and pepper

to taste on each side.

place each slice on

cookie sheet

and bake for about

20 minutes at 350

watch that they don't

burn because all

ovens are different.

I like a little garlic salt on mine...not too much. The baked cabbage slices come out yummy and crunchy. Yes, I "stole" this recipe from the Dr. Oz show. Shame on me.

END

Ode toPoor Me

2014-02-26T22:16:00.002-06:00

Well, here we go again. Mother Nature is like the unwelcome guest that came to stay a while. In a sense she is welcome on the west coast because she brought much needed rain to the drought stricken areas out there. She also brought some flooding and mudslides. I shouldn't complain. We just have cold and perhaps some snow dusting and maybe some freezing rain on the week-end I guess most of us here in the Ohio Valley can deal with that.

Yesterday was a long day for me. I had a root canal done in the morning, went to the eye Dr. in the afternoon and fell asleep about mid-way through the Rosary. I did wake up to finish the Rosary. It isn't the first time I have fell asleep during the Rosary. Well, I guess I just fall asleep and wake up with my fingers on the right beads. I laugh when I do that, for I have prayed the Rosary of the Sleepy and continue where I left off.

Anyway, the root canal still hurts, my face is still a bit puffy, red, and I have to go back to the eye Dr. next week. What else is new...very little.

Lent is our forty days in the desert. Our forty days will be nothing like the forty days that Christ spent in the desert, fasting and praying with only the Devil to commune with. We will have our own temptations and failures during Lent, but for most of us it should be like a walk in the park. We are blessed that we will not be put to the real test as Christ was. As I say that, I do not exclude those who are being truly being driven to their knees and losing their lives for Christ and in Christ. Pray for them as I do.

As the days winds down I think that I am off to bed very soon. My face is red and swollen and I just don't feel like writing much. Oh, Poor me. Sad, is it not? Not like it is major suffering and pain. "Get over," I tell myself.

END

THOUGHTS ABOUT LENT

2014-02-19T21:40:00.002-06:00

Lent is on the doorstep...knocking at the door. It will be here on March 5th this year which is also my brother's birthday.

The most common question I am asked or hear of is "what are you giving up for Lent?" No one says to me "what are you doing for Lent?"

While Lent is a time of penance and/or sacrifice for forty days we seem to miss the real meaning of Lent. We generally fail to try to walk in the shoes of our Lord, but see Lent as a time of obligatory self sacrifice and denial. While it is that, it is much more. It is a period of inner reflection and spiritual growth. It is a deeper communion with our Lord.

I to try to take on a deeper understanding and closeness with our Lord. I will not disclose what, where or why I make my inner pilmerage because that is between me and my Lord, not to be broadcast to anyone other than He and I.

It isn't too soon to think about Lent and give it some thoughtful consideration. "Actions speak louder than words" and there is no need to advertise. Think of Christ when He walked the face of this world. He was a walking billboard of all that was good and holy. What He said and did in His short time was a book that was not a book, but seen and heard around the world. He spoke volumes without lifting a "pen."

We should try to speak in such a manner: to quietly speak and live the Written Word in some manner that doesn't say "look at me" or see "what I am doing" for Lent. Hard to do?
Yes. We all have that thread of vanity coursing through our inner sanctums that seeks recognitions and a bit of self glory from our peers. A modicum of vanity is not bad in itself for we all should want to do better, be better and be good steward for all the graces and blessings that our Lord gives us. So get ready for it. Lent is coming your way.

Now on a personal note: This past week I have had a bad tooth infection with swelling, pain and a purple jaw. Today the dentist tried to resolve the problem and redo a root canal that was giving me fits. He couldn't find the root canal and now I have to go to a specialist in Evansville. Hopefully...you will pray for me as I don't think it will a picnic. I know that today was not a fun day and my dentist never gave up before. Yes, I will offer it up...knowing that there others that are worse off and suffering more than me.

END

SLEEP FOR THE SOUL

2014-02-12T23:13:00.002-06:00

Sleep. Don't you wish that there were days that you could just turn over and go back to sleep? I think that most of us do. I wish that I could just roll over, pull my comforter over my head and just snore away. However, all of us in some manner or another have obligations to life. I have to get up, take medications in a timely sequence, have that most important cup of coffee, go to appointments, be at certain places at given times, and just generally live life. I would rather be sleeping....late.

I think that Jesus must have felt that way, too, and often. He was awakened while He was sleeping in a boat during a tempest of a storm. Crowds followed Him everywhere, people clamored for His time and attention. Wherever He went He was often despised by the authorities, the rabble and sometimes His own disciples. When Jesus bled sweat and blood in the garden praying...as He was about to be arrested, He was probably thinking, "O Father, let this just be a nightmare as I sleep."

Remember this, Jesus was Divine as well as human and had the same need of rest as we all do. It wasn't just a bad dream and He wasn't sleeping. These a but a few of the multiple times that Jesus may have wished that He could just roll over and go back to sleep. And like the fox of the field He had nowhere "to lay His head."

I count my blessings as I have a place to lay my head and there are so many throughout the world who do not. I complain too much because there are people that are truly sleep deprived. I think of my Mother who was so often worn out at the end of the day and in need of sleep, and how much a little extra rest would have meant of her. The list could go on and on. I know that I am not sleep deprived, ( I do sleep with oxygen and a CPap machine), but just want to snuggle down in my bed and cheat the clock. Still, I want to snore away...just a few minutes more. Lazy me.

END

DIETING IN THE SPIRIT

2014-02-08T18:42:00.000-06:00

I am trying to diet. I have been fairly consistent in my efforts to loses some excess poundage. It isn't easy and after a few days of staying true to the diet, the craving set in. I wish I had some chocolate and a lot of starches. I am a person who likes good, flavorful food. Maybe not a lot of it, but enough to satisfy the sweet tooth that I have and some "comfort food." I am not obese...but I am not thin either. And my main reason for wishing and working to lose weight is for a healthier me. I already can detect the difference, but the scales need a new battery.

You might compare dieting with religion or growing in the spirit. It takes some forethought, planning, discipline and a continuous follow-up. It is analogous to "feeding the fire" on a cold winter's night. You must be vigilant and not let the fire go out, but stoke the embers to keep it burning. There is nothing worse than cold ashes on a winter morning. It is pretty much the same with religion or a personal spirituality. Often we let the fire go out.

I know lots of people who claim to be Christians and to be religious...I bet that you do, too. Yet, they may not practice their religion, have little spirituality within, or even acknowledge that there is a God or a higher power than themselves. They count on themselves rather than God. Who do you count on?

I count on God, my Creator, pray daily and pray the Rosary each and every day. That may sound like I am bragging, but I also wonder as I attend to my spiritual garden...if I am just giving "lip service" and pray that I am not. I know that I am "nobody," but pray that I am God's somebody. Like dieting...I will have to wait to see the results and every once in a while I will need to change the battery in the scales of time.

I make reference to a "spiritual garden" because I...we... need to constantly weed, nurture, and remove the debris' from our daily lives. A little spiritual "growth hormone" wouldn't hurt either.

It took about an hour to remove the ice and snow from the van so that I will be able to get to Mass in the morning. I really am not fond of this long, cold winter, but it is what we have been given so why complain. At the same time I keep in mind that while Jesus walked on water...I can not walk on ice....and tread very carefully.

END

p.s.

I still want chocolate!

PREDATORS ARE WE

2014-02-05T21:20:00.002-06:00

We are predators...like it or not...we are predators. Think about it for just a minute. We are not omnivores. Omnivores have eyes located to the general side of their heads so that they can see what is coming and what is around them. Cows and most of the creations of the "The Animal Kingdom" have this trait; their eyes are situated more to the sides of their heads. We, of the human race, have the eyes of a predator. Our eyes are forward and straight ahead so that we can see prey we want to capture, run it down, kill and devour it. This can be done in so many ways, if not literally.

God did not create us to be general predators, but we are. He made Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden where they had all that they needed. He also gave them free will to make good or bad decisions. And they and we did ; did we ever! Along came the ssssss to encourage and disrupt the plan of God, who created us to love and adore Him. So, God tossed us out, evicted us from the Garden of Eden, for not paying the rent, thus we became "homeless people" to wander the face of the earth. To make a bad situation worse...Cain killed his brother Abel. Brotherly love of a predator with eyes up front and a jealous heart.

With free will we became the predators that we are. We have a tendency to prey and dominate the weaker or more docile of God's people. While this may not apply to all nations and people, even God's "Chosen People" have shown the weakness of being predators. Life goes on and so do wars.

You don't need a reservation for Hell: Check in anytime. Your will need to call ahead and reserve your suite in Paradise. The rooms are of premium value. Everyone wants one, but not everyone wants to y the price up front. Do you have a Gold Master Card? Or do you have a Bank of Purgatory plastic? Perhaps you carry the Hell card with high interest from the Fallen Angel Bank?

Well, chose to be a predator, if you wish. The world is full of such, that roam the world causing pain and mayhem. You will never be lonely when you check out and into your hot accommodations and don't expect air conditioning. Joining you is not my plains, but who knows. The only thing that I can say is that I try not to be part of the herd that is falling over the cliff. I hope everyone is making an effort to avoid being a predator of the human kind.

Most wars, personal conflicts and dedicated human sufferings are cause by predators that want what someone else has; land, minerals, food or a need to control or dominate. Think about it. Where are you eyes located?

Well...so it goes. END

Dreams

2014-01-28T21:05:00.003-06:00

Last night or early morning I had a strange dream. I won't detail the dream. I will only say that it was not a bad or immoral dream. I was with people that I have never met or seen before. All in all...it was a "good" dream.

We all dream even if we can not remember our dreams. I usually don't. We must dream; we were made to dream.

For me to define a dream, I see it as our deep aspirations, inspirations, defining moments, when we are in a deep sleep. Sleep Doctors will have all kinds of explanations, theories and scientific terms for dreams. I am sure that for the most part they may be right. However, I tend to believe that many dreams come from a higher or spiritual level. We generally think that dreams are just a kind of neural synapse of random firings of past, present or anticipated events. Maybe so, for the most part. Maybe not so random.

I also believe that dreams can often be healing and reparational, can and do take us to a higher elevation of conciseness in our daily lives. I think day dreams are productive as well, as long as we control and direct them. After all, we can't day dream all our time away, have our brains on stall or idle. Might be fun for a bit, but then it is time to get busy and make our mental meanderings fruitful.

I think that our dreams can take us to our creator in a unique way. I don't understand it, but we have all experienced it in some way, at one time or another, and that we should listen to our dreams to the best of our ability.

Yes, we can control and direct our dreams to a certain degree by what we read, see, hear or think before going to sleep at night. Hopefully, most of us will want to control our dreams in positive ways. However, my dream of last night was a dream from "out of the blue" and I can't explain it: I won't try, but just accept it.

I have written this post as simply as I could. Not everything can be analyzed or explained. Feel free to comment or offer insights.

Just to add: It is cold and I don't like it. I am sure there are lots and lots of people that think the same way. I am ready for some spring-like weather or at least some "normal winter weather."

END

"never go to bed angry"