Reading the Bible

For the last 5 years of my dad's life (he died at age 93 a little over a year ago), he began reading through his Bible from beginning to end. I think he told me, in the end, that he had made it through it 3 times in that period.

It was part of his morning prayer and meditation ritual. He would read a few chapters at a time each day.

The thought of that and his example has inspired me to do much the same (though I read it when I can throughout each day)

Above is the cover of my favorite version, which was introduced to me as a catechumen in the Catholic Church way back in 1991, I think. It was given to each of us by the good Irish American priest who instructed us.

I have it in ebook form on my phone for convenience wherever I go. (But mainly at home here)

I find it very readable and accurate, as it is officially approved.

I made it through Genesis and am now midway through Exodus. It's not really a chore, though, as I kind of enjoy it and read it with the overall guidance of the Church through which it was given to us through the workings of the Holy Spirit.

I will keep you posted as to my progress now and then.

 

Someone out there is praying for you

As I begin a new day, I want to remind you that there are people out there praying for you right now.

Above is an icon representing only a handful of the Saints in heaven who are very much concerned with our welfare here on earth.

That is a matter of faith, of course, according to the Catholic Church.

I'm sure each of us has actual family members or ancestors who are saints in heaven as well and are very concerned about our well-being here.

We all feel abandoned at some point (or points) in our lives, and I am thankful to have the grace of God to be able to see this truth of our faith. We all have very concerned families interceding for us.

Of course, our Lord Jesus Christ ultimately is the only Intercessor with Our Father in heaven through the workings of the Holy Spirit.

God is the Trinity.

God is a Family.

And he listens intently to the cries and prayers of all his family here on earth and in heaven.

I, too, have been alone, I too have been abandoned, I too have been abused and neglected, I too have been poor (and really still am.)

So too was Our Lord.

He is a God who cares deeply for us and will not abandon us to our sickness and sin.

I take the time now to renew my private prayers to Him and my family in heaven.

I will also renew my public prayer to return to suitable, normal work now that my 15 years of caregiving to my father have ended peacefully.

I want to thank my mom and dad again. They gave me life, they gave me love and they gave me a home when I needed it.

God bless you and have a great day today.

Favorite picture of my mom and dad.

Thank you both.

 

Relaxing day watching the U.S. Open on t.v. (Thanks Dad on this Father's Day)

 

It's been a while since being out on a golf course for me, but hopefully I will get out before the end of the summer.

It is one of my favorite pastimes, and I have many good memories that were made doing it.

My favorite ways of recreation are mainly watching sports (especially baseball, college football, and basketball) on t.v. But it is even more fun if you can participate in something you enjoy yourself.

For me, that is bike riding and golf.

Below is a picture of the last time my dad and I hit the links before he passed last year.

Thanks, Dad.

My honest prayer to you right now... work

 

I have to be honest with you right now. After serving as my father's main caregiver at the end of his life, I find myself in need of a regular job again right now.

I survive (thankfully) on a monthly SSDI payment, which I earned working as an engineer before I became disabled.

Still, something in me says that I have more to offer in a normal working capacity, that can apply all the skills I've learned over the years.

And so, I am looking to restart my career at this age (59) and will keep you posted as to how I am doing.

A little Friday artwork

My little "art" piece that I just sketched up on my Surface Pro 7. 

Forgive my pretty simplistic work. I hope it gets my point across, though.

This is why we live now and hope to live in eternity with God, our family and friends, and all of creation.

Truly, You are the Son of God, Lord.

This is what I see when I worship in adoration in front of a Holy Monstrance with the Host.

Thank You for coming to be with us and to save us with this act of selflessness, kindness and love in order to set us free.

May it be a reminder of the Humility and Grace with which our Savior accomplished His Work in us, as we too are told to pick up our crosses as well.

 

Mental Illness: Seek God then seek people

My advice to you (and I am not a medical professional, just someone who has benefited from them) if you are having difficulties, is to seek God first and then go where He leads you.

Often, that will be into the hands of good people who can help you.

That is what I found out while pursuing a call to the priesthood way back when I was a young man.

I've always had a strong belief in God, even as a young child. He never disappoints us. He is a Good Father to us.

When in that seminary I discovered (no, I wasn't called to be a priest after all), that by devoting myself to doing His will for me, I found a great relief to the mental anguish and suffering that I was enduring since adolescence, long before I became a Catholic.

He led me to seek help for that pain within the mental health healing community. Medicine was my ultimate savior (small "s"). I know who my real Savior is, Jesus Christ.

Even Christ used physical, tangible things and objects to heal and forgive sins. This is a sacramental way of looking at life.

In any case, if you are experiencing difficulties. Seek God, seek help. He will lead you.

Just went to daily Mass

 

Shrine of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted

Had the pleasure and privilege of getting to a daily Mass today at my favorite shrine. 

It is a beautiful, breezy day here in Northeast Ohio, and I just had to get out.

I prayed for my family and friends, and especially to be able to supplement my income soon with some kind of work.

I'm going to listen to a baseball game soon here and try to get some work done.

In all honesty, I should get around to cleaning up the apartment. My mom would kill me! LOL.

Have a great day.