GOOD NEWS CHALLENGE!

Today started out as a beautiful morning.  The sky was just perfect.  Rain set in for the rest of the day and cast a blanket of gloom upon the earth.  :(  Often in the news we only hear about the bad and negative things going on in our world.  Crooked politicians, shootings, war, child abuse scandals, and so much more.  Yes, we need to know what's going on in the world around us.  I know there are good things going on all around us.  The thing is that rarely does the good stuff make headlines.  So, that's my challenge to you.  Find something positive and good going on in the world around us.  Post that good news as a comment.  I know you'll find something great.  I'm just curious what's out there.  You've got this.  Good luck! 

Advent: Watch! Be Prepared!

Thursday, my wife and I went to morning Mass and during the consecration it hit me... "the way us Catholics have been celebrating Mass in the English speaking world for the past 40+ years is about to change." This weekend, the changes of the New Roman Missal took place and Advent began.  It's going to take time to learn the new changes, but I'm excited about the new richness that this brings to our experience at Mass.  So, Advent... Advent... Advent is a time for us to prepare.  Prepare for what?  We are called to live our lives and prepare to be with God.  Are we ready to die and be with God?  Give me ten minutes and I'll get back to you.  haha  So, how am I working at this?  My wife and I put up our Christmas tree and have decorated our home.  The nativity scene is up... minus the three wise men and baby Jesus.  So far, we're keeping up with our daily Advent readings and pray and meditate on their message.  I've been working hard lately to reconnect with family and friends I don't see often.  A phone call isn't as great as actually being with them, but it's better than nothing at all.  At work I'm focusing on ways to engage the teens and as always shift their attention to God and get them to prepare during Advent.  It's a challenge alright, but you set a goal... say a prayer, and push for it.  There's a lot on tap for all of us this Advent season, but I'm confident it's going to wild and wonderful. That's my thought for the day.  God bless and have a good one! 

COMMITMENT!

Film and theatre are great ways to express that which is difficult to express.  "1776" (the musical) and "Gods and Generals" both discuss the importance of COMMITMENT.  Watch both films andyou'll see how each gives a great contribution to the cause of commitment.  Sunday night, our Life Teen night was centered on Holy Orders and Matrimony.  Often, we hear, "my word is my bond,"and often... that bond is broken.  In Holy Orders and Matrimony, this is and must be true.  Once you commit to these... that is it.  It is the beginning of a rich and powerful life.  We are all called to be committed.  Commitment roots us and helps us focus during the storms.