Something On My Mind
The day I was baptised was a day I will truly never forget. Father Dan Hoffman did a wonderful job at mass as usual. I was surrounded by my family and many new friends wishing me well. I realized that at this point in my life though it was not perfect....I had everything I could possibly want....right!?!
As I began to open my cards and reflect on the happenings of the day, I realized there was one thing missing. You see I kind of secretly wished for a cross to wear around my neck. I actually kind of always wanted one. My family gave me a wonderful rosary which I will cherish forever. My day passed with no cross.
I did contemplate getting one for myself but as time went one it kind of went out of my mind. As I was getting ready for work tonight I slipped on my cross and a beautiful thought came to mind. My cross was not picked out by a well meaning family member or some symbol of personal preference as it would have been if I would have purchased it for myself.
My cross was purchased with 4 days of intense soul searching and dedication to my wonderful savior. It was picked out by the hands of a wonderful priest whom I made my first confession with. It was picked out by none the less than my savior himself as he paved the way for my cursillo weekend. Yes my cross was beautiful and could not have been given by anyone closer. I had to wait a few short months for my cross but my cross is a true symbol of God giving us what we need at just the right time. I will cherish it always!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A busy couple of months!
OK it's been a while....again. Lora has finished her Cursillo. I just recounted to a friend how I walked into RCIA class one day and Joe Presto said to me that there was a Cursillo scheduled for June and that he had an application for me. I consulted my trusty appointment book. Having positions in four different departments in the hospital made it nearly impossible for me to have 4 days off in a row let alone those 4 particular days. I thought for sure my appointment book would save me! Guess what....IT DID! I know that we are discouraged from Thank You's but I can't count how many I've said to Joe as well as the many others involved with that weekend. I truly believe that I have felt God's love at various times in my life. My wedding, the birth of my children, certain quiet times alone just to name a few. I, however had never experienced the "fullness" of God's love until that weekend. What I took from that weekend...... I had always had a footprints mentality when it came to God. You know the poem where Christ walks right there beside us and is even there to carry us. What I took from Cursillo-CHRIST TRULY IS PRESENT IN THE EUCHARIST AND THEREFORE IS PRESENT IN ME! That may not seem like such a big thing to some cradle catholics but it was a whole new way of thinking for me. I can't count how many times since Cursillo that I have questioned how I can be more "Christ Like". I can now take the quote on the back of my cross "Christ is counting on you!" in a much different way.
On a different note....most of you know that my wife Lora recently lost her job. What a blessing....yes that was no typo- WHAT A BLESSING. Though it has presented some "interesting" financial challenges, I have never seen her in the role she is now assuming. She was always a wonderful wife and mother but watching her handle such disappointment with grace and professionalism has been a great example to both myself and my children. We are also enjoying having her all to ourselves It's like we have been given a gift which we are still unwrapping.
With regard to the "financial challenges". I was praying for some kind of a door to open for us. Through a friend, I learned of a position which was open at Northside Hospital. Knowing that this hospital was in dire straits I had never even thought to apply there. I just finished my hospital orientation and will start as a part time employee at the end of August. GOD CANNOT BE OUTDONE!
DE COLORES!
On a different note....most of you know that my wife Lora recently lost her job. What a blessing....yes that was no typo- WHAT A BLESSING. Though it has presented some "interesting" financial challenges, I have never seen her in the role she is now assuming. She was always a wonderful wife and mother but watching her handle such disappointment with grace and professionalism has been a great example to both myself and my children. We are also enjoying having her all to ourselves It's like we have been given a gift which we are still unwrapping.
With regard to the "financial challenges". I was praying for some kind of a door to open for us. Through a friend, I learned of a position which was open at Northside Hospital. Knowing that this hospital was in dire straits I had never even thought to apply there. I just finished my hospital orientation and will start as a part time employee at the end of August. GOD CANNOT BE OUTDONE!
DE COLORES!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
What Just Happened To Me!!!!!
Again, it's been a while since my last post...I suppose that's a good thing because that means I'm busy. Just finished CURSILLO!!!!! All I can really say is WOW! I can't say too much because Lora is going next month. Ask me then...but until then all I can say is I highly recommend it! I have a new perspective on my faith. I always thought of Christ as the poem say...walking right beside me. I'll call it the footprints concept. Now I now that Christ is in my and that I must aspire to be more Christ like. It showed me that indeed Christ is in the Eucharist and in turn most definitely in me! Amen. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone and also to Fr. Dan who will soon be leaving our parish. You have been an excellent example of these things even when I did not realize it. De Colores!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Band Concert 2010
Just had our band concert for 2010. I am very proud of my children, both are very talented. It is a true blessing to watch creativity....especially when it's your family. I will work on getting some audio of this performance. Congrat's guys....keep it up!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My Faith
It has been a while since my last post. I have been busy getting reacquainted with x-ray and all of the angles and positioning tricks. Today in a moment of peace I am reminded of a seed that was planted during my conversion to the Catholic faith.
One day in class we discussed the raising of Lazarus. I had heard this story as a child as well as seen it depicted numerous times in movies and stories relating to the life of Christ. This time though was much different....let me explain.
Throughout my life I have always struggled with the idea of faith. As a child I can remember seeing people like Oral Robert and Billy Graham on television. Of course as a child I didn't exactly watch with enthusiasm but I can remember thinking to myself that these must be great men who are so full of Christ that they can heal people spiritually and in some cases physically. We all know that even men of God occasionally fall from if not God's grace then ours. I think it is somehow easier for us to separate people into neat little pockets of us versus them.
Fast forward some twenty years to present day. My beliefs have been challenged like everybody else....how can they not unless you live under a rock. Having struggled with this idea that I am no Billy Graham and during my RCIA class I was always keenly aware the I was just starting on my journey. I remember Christ said that you only need the faith of a mustard seed....I have always assumed that means small because mustard seeds are small aren't they. Why then do I feel that my prayers and my faith goes unnoticed? Am I not "small enough" for God.
With this idea in mind when I chose my confirmation name....I chose Thomas because no matter how many sunrises I see I always need more proof. I always need.....just one more miracle to make me believe. This finally brings be to the point of my discussion. I have also come to identify with Martha.
Who is Martha? Martha was the sister of Lazarus and part of that extended circle of Christ's friends and family who were fortunate enough to be so. In Martha's hour of need she turned to Jesus just as I have so many times in my life. When Jesus said to Martha that Lazarus will rise, Martha responded from her faith frame of reference. She legitimately believed that Lazarus would be raised on the last day. Jesus was asking something of Martha far deeper than this.
In this story as I see it there are three main characters....the first being God. Are we not all Gods creation so then of course God would hold the keys to death and resurrection of both the body and the soul. The second of which is Jesus. We praise and glorify his name calling him our king, bowing before his image in church and calling him our saviour. We know by the bible and by faith that Jesus has the power to heal. With all of this power how could Lazarus not be raised. However if you study this story, there were no spells, incantations, or fervent prayers offered. Who ultimately opened the floodgates to Lazarus' resurrection....Martha. YES LORD I BELIEVE. In spite of grief, natural laws, unpopular opinion and just about everything else. The faith of a mustard seed....AMEN!
One day in class we discussed the raising of Lazarus. I had heard this story as a child as well as seen it depicted numerous times in movies and stories relating to the life of Christ. This time though was much different....let me explain.
Throughout my life I have always struggled with the idea of faith. As a child I can remember seeing people like Oral Robert and Billy Graham on television. Of course as a child I didn't exactly watch with enthusiasm but I can remember thinking to myself that these must be great men who are so full of Christ that they can heal people spiritually and in some cases physically. We all know that even men of God occasionally fall from if not God's grace then ours. I think it is somehow easier for us to separate people into neat little pockets of us versus them.
Fast forward some twenty years to present day. My beliefs have been challenged like everybody else....how can they not unless you live under a rock. Having struggled with this idea that I am no Billy Graham and during my RCIA class I was always keenly aware the I was just starting on my journey. I remember Christ said that you only need the faith of a mustard seed....I have always assumed that means small because mustard seeds are small aren't they. Why then do I feel that my prayers and my faith goes unnoticed? Am I not "small enough" for God.
With this idea in mind when I chose my confirmation name....I chose Thomas because no matter how many sunrises I see I always need more proof. I always need.....just one more miracle to make me believe. This finally brings be to the point of my discussion. I have also come to identify with Martha.
Who is Martha? Martha was the sister of Lazarus and part of that extended circle of Christ's friends and family who were fortunate enough to be so. In Martha's hour of need she turned to Jesus just as I have so many times in my life. When Jesus said to Martha that Lazarus will rise, Martha responded from her faith frame of reference. She legitimately believed that Lazarus would be raised on the last day. Jesus was asking something of Martha far deeper than this.
In this story as I see it there are three main characters....the first being God. Are we not all Gods creation so then of course God would hold the keys to death and resurrection of both the body and the soul. The second of which is Jesus. We praise and glorify his name calling him our king, bowing before his image in church and calling him our saviour. We know by the bible and by faith that Jesus has the power to heal. With all of this power how could Lazarus not be raised. However if you study this story, there were no spells, incantations, or fervent prayers offered. Who ultimately opened the floodgates to Lazarus' resurrection....Martha. YES LORD I BELIEVE. In spite of grief, natural laws, unpopular opinion and just about everything else. The faith of a mustard seed....AMEN!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Take Me Out To The Deep Freeze
Emory's opening day of baseball started off with a bang! Snow and winter temps ruled the day. The whole day was nothing but a mix of snow, rain, wind, and cold, cold, cold! Hats off to those guys who braved the elements for America's game! I'll try to post some pics, still new at this computer stuff. We're very proud of you Emory!
My Catholic Journal
I don't know why but I feel compelled to write before attending church today. Perhaps it means that I will be unwilling to learn anything today. I can be a little hard headed. Regardless, It has been a challenging week to say the least. Our dryer broke and we haven't been able to get a new one yet. Also it was a slow couple of weeks for hours in the per diem would at SRHS. To top it all off I have been very stressed. My blessing have been to numerous to count lately especially when it comes to work....but it has not been without some stress. I have been fixating all week on being new at all my positions. I have been longing for that day when I can go to work and not be the "new guy" and feel confident that I can handle whatever comes my way. Instead, every decision or task is a hard one that I have to put much thought into.
How has God answered me....he gave me access to yet another new position. My new position will be to train in x-ray. This should greatly help the "hours" situation. It will however be a challenge to not feel stress as I have been away from x-ray for quite some time now. Wow! Be careful of what you ask for....Amen! Regardless I am trying to look at this with humility and openness which has seemed to work thus far. One thing is for sure...things like prayer, church, the rosary have all been great gifts to kind of center myself to face my challenges. I guess that's probably why I am writing before church this week. I am looking forward to receiving these blessing.
Oh ya....mom called last night, they may be getting a new dryer and wanted to know if we wanted their old one.
How has God answered me....he gave me access to yet another new position. My new position will be to train in x-ray. This should greatly help the "hours" situation. It will however be a challenge to not feel stress as I have been away from x-ray for quite some time now. Wow! Be careful of what you ask for....Amen! Regardless I am trying to look at this with humility and openness which has seemed to work thus far. One thing is for sure...things like prayer, church, the rosary have all been great gifts to kind of center myself to face my challenges. I guess that's probably why I am writing before church this week. I am looking forward to receiving these blessing.
Oh ya....mom called last night, they may be getting a new dryer and wanted to know if we wanted their old one.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
My Catholic Journal
As most of you know...I am now catholic. It was very personal and deeply peaceful being able to take communion in this first mass after Easter Vigil. I have been thinking a lot of where I go from here in my faith? When I started this process, I did so with neither courage or certainty. And so that is how I approach my faith now. With the sincerity and naivety of a child and I open myself to prayer and whatever grace comes my way. As a result I will continue to write a journal of my journey. No longer my RCIA journal....I will proudly head this my Catholic Journal. I now consider myself not a "cradle catholic" but more of a clumsy catholic, occasionally stumbling through my prayers and vigilant from one week to the next on what holiday or devotion is on the horizon. My rosary prayers are going quite well and I feel see unlimited potential for using these devotions in my daily life. I do indeed hope that my children will someday read this. To them I say...one of the things I have learned in my 40 years thus far is that there are three things in precious short commodity in our world. First is peace....take it wherever and whenever you can. The second is love, take it and give it whenever and wherever you can! The rosary and indeed my new found religion give me both of these and I hope it will give serve as endless supply of both of these two the both of you as well. When I got to meet Bishop Trautman, he blessed me with an offer for my journey to bring me peace. Seems to be a theme developing here huh!
Oh ya....the third thing! Respect! Hold on a minute... I have to climb up on my soapbox for this one. For this one I need to rewind just a minute to the "non-catholic" Jason. When I attended mass with my wife I always got a little nervous when in the presence of a priest. I respect not just the devotion to Christ which a priest represents but also devotion to their fellow man. For one second think of the countless hours, ministering to pretty much anyone who needs it. How do any of us feel after a long day at work. Now picture being "on call" 24/7. I have been hearing a lot in the media of what the Holy Father knew or didn't know...what he did, or didn't do. REMEMBER I AM SPEAKING AS A NON-CATHOLIC FOR JUST A SECOND. Maybe some of my Amish background is leaking through, but as a christian should the Pope be held to a lesser standard than we regard anyone else. If you met a doctor, lawyer, mayor, teacher or indeed anyone on the street you deemed a professional....you would give them respect. Do you ask yourself...what sins have they committed, have they cheated on their wife, embezzled funds, or abused their power. Eventhough you don't know, you would give them the benefit of the doubt. You certainly would not accuse them blindly in the public arena in an attempt to discredit or maliciously hurt them. Why then is the Pope worthy of less....EVEN TO NON CATHOLICS! The next time I pray...I will pray for the Holy Father that he may receive courage and peace because I have faith that HE DOES THE SAME FOR ME! AMEN.(I believe)
Oh ya....the third thing! Respect! Hold on a minute... I have to climb up on my soapbox for this one. For this one I need to rewind just a minute to the "non-catholic" Jason. When I attended mass with my wife I always got a little nervous when in the presence of a priest. I respect not just the devotion to Christ which a priest represents but also devotion to their fellow man. For one second think of the countless hours, ministering to pretty much anyone who needs it. How do any of us feel after a long day at work. Now picture being "on call" 24/7. I have been hearing a lot in the media of what the Holy Father knew or didn't know...what he did, or didn't do. REMEMBER I AM SPEAKING AS A NON-CATHOLIC FOR JUST A SECOND. Maybe some of my Amish background is leaking through, but as a christian should the Pope be held to a lesser standard than we regard anyone else. If you met a doctor, lawyer, mayor, teacher or indeed anyone on the street you deemed a professional....you would give them respect. Do you ask yourself...what sins have they committed, have they cheated on their wife, embezzled funds, or abused their power. Eventhough you don't know, you would give them the benefit of the doubt. You certainly would not accuse them blindly in the public arena in an attempt to discredit or maliciously hurt them. Why then is the Pope worthy of less....EVEN TO NON CATHOLICS! The next time I pray...I will pray for the Holy Father that he may receive courage and peace because I have faith that HE DOES THE SAME FOR ME! AMEN.(I believe)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
My RCIA Diary
One day before baptism. Things have been hectic around the house trying to get ready for Easter dinner plus baptism at Easter Vigil. We did make it a point to attend Good Friday service today. It was interesting to be a part of. It was also nice to be able to answer my son when he asked why the church was so bare and all the statues were covered. We have been talking a lot about the passion and why it is referred to as such. As I previously discussed, this process has been a blessing in so many ways not the least of which has been the discussion as a family that it has inspired. As I sit here and contemplate exactly what this means to me, the end answer is...I don't really know. As I said previously, I have found so much room for growth in this process that I really can't ever see it ending. Just when I thought I was getting a handle on saying the rosary I am hit with a new set of prayers to say with their own intention. These things are so deep and so spiritual that they literally do seem to have a life of their own. I used the example last week in class that the passion is so mysterious that I am almost 40 and every year I look at it in a different way or discover something new. I think that God has always had a purpose for my life and I now see that in some ways it is probably better that I went through this process at this stage in my life.
As this may be my last post for my RCIA diary, I do feel the need to thank some people. Jack, Frank, Joe, Lydia, Kelly and all my classmates.....this class was always a blessing and I always walked away learning something. As I have said before...my experience with the Catholic religion has always been that I have felt welcome and never looked down upon. You not only teach well but you all have provided an excellent example of what it means to be Catholic and promote your faith to be inclusive not exclusive. To all of you THANK YOU!
To my mother-in-law...pretty much the same thank you. There have been many times since I have known you that you could have been very judgemental toward me. You have always welcomed me into your family and treated me with dignity and respect. You never once questioned my beliefs even though you are so devout in yours. I truly respect this and that is why I asked you to be my sponsor.
To my wife, Lora, I know that this has often been a difficult process for you to. I have seen you grow in faith right beside me, and that has proved to be a wonderful example also. You came to classes when your mom couldn't. You participated right beside me which again was an unanticipated blessing. THANK YOU!
To Father Dan.... Please let me say that when you are not Catholic, interacting with a priest can be a little intimidating. I suspect this can also be said for a lot of "Cradle Catholics" as well.....Father Dan has been beside us all along this process. Working in a hospital I do get to see just a small part of what you must go through on a daily basis. You have made time for us and made us feel truly appreciated. Some people exude confidence, strength, determination, etc. When I see you...I see sincerity which has been the ribbon on this present. Saint Michael's Parish is lucky to have you...a deep and heartfelt Thank You. I am honored to be in your first class.
Thank You!
Jason Jay Thomas Shrock
As this may be my last post for my RCIA diary, I do feel the need to thank some people. Jack, Frank, Joe, Lydia, Kelly and all my classmates.....this class was always a blessing and I always walked away learning something. As I have said before...my experience with the Catholic religion has always been that I have felt welcome and never looked down upon. You not only teach well but you all have provided an excellent example of what it means to be Catholic and promote your faith to be inclusive not exclusive. To all of you THANK YOU!
To my mother-in-law...pretty much the same thank you. There have been many times since I have known you that you could have been very judgemental toward me. You have always welcomed me into your family and treated me with dignity and respect. You never once questioned my beliefs even though you are so devout in yours. I truly respect this and that is why I asked you to be my sponsor.
To my wife, Lora, I know that this has often been a difficult process for you to. I have seen you grow in faith right beside me, and that has proved to be a wonderful example also. You came to classes when your mom couldn't. You participated right beside me which again was an unanticipated blessing. THANK YOU!
To Father Dan.... Please let me say that when you are not Catholic, interacting with a priest can be a little intimidating. I suspect this can also be said for a lot of "Cradle Catholics" as well.....Father Dan has been beside us all along this process. Working in a hospital I do get to see just a small part of what you must go through on a daily basis. You have made time for us and made us feel truly appreciated. Some people exude confidence, strength, determination, etc. When I see you...I see sincerity which has been the ribbon on this present. Saint Michael's Parish is lucky to have you...a deep and heartfelt Thank You. I am honored to be in your first class.
Thank You!
Jason Jay Thomas Shrock
Saturday, March 27, 2010
My RCIA Diary
They asked me today what my confirmation name would be. Huh!?! My confirmation name....what's that!? Why, Bishop Trautman even called me by my birth name when I met him. (Though the name tag may have had something to do with it.....) My confirmation name huh?
Well this actually seems easy enough! I've always fancied myself a very spiritual person! I love the imagery Jesus uses when speaking about Peter....I mean "you are the rock" it doesn't get any better than that right! I also take great comfort in the fact that even Peter denied him three times....gives a certain humanity to the whole thing. WRONG!!!!!! I AM NO PETER. I am just now even starting to be able to accept some of God's blessings without questioning. I am almost 40. Through most of my life I have looked with doubtful skepticism at just about every blessing God has poured out on me. I am a realist and a yes...but what's the catch? kind of person.
Have you guessed my confirmation name yet.....It didn't take me long to figure out!
Thomas
Well this actually seems easy enough! I've always fancied myself a very spiritual person! I love the imagery Jesus uses when speaking about Peter....I mean "you are the rock" it doesn't get any better than that right! I also take great comfort in the fact that even Peter denied him three times....gives a certain humanity to the whole thing. WRONG!!!!!! I AM NO PETER. I am just now even starting to be able to accept some of God's blessings without questioning. I am almost 40. Through most of my life I have looked with doubtful skepticism at just about every blessing God has poured out on me. I am a realist and a yes...but what's the catch? kind of person.
Have you guessed my confirmation name yet.....It didn't take me long to figure out!
Thomas
My RCIA Diary
Just went to a day long retreat at Villa Maria in New Castle. I guess I really didn't know what to expect but let me say....I was pleasantly surprised. The retreat emphasized a great deal of meditation on the beautiful grounds. I think it was such a meaningful way to go into our "home stretch" before being baptised. I got to speak with Father Dan a little. I feel very honored to have him baptise me. I guess if I'm truly honest though, I don't exactly feel like I'm "on fire" I rather feel very at peace and just plane happy and satisfied in a way that I've never felt before.
This whole process has been so meaningful to both me and my family that I really have to look with total awe at God's blessings. It ironically was the topic of the story of Tobiah that we discussed at the retreat today. God's blessing are so rich and full that it really does defy understanding.
I was speaking with my wife Lora after the retreat and the previous story brings to mind a situation we recently went through. After working at the hospital for well over 5 years now I recently made the decision to give up my full time position to work per diem in another department. This decision was so that I could get my foot in the door for medical imaging which I had been struggling to get into. This however meant giving up full time benefits as well as sick and vacation pay. What would I do if I were to get sick? Would we lose everything? Would I even get enough hours to make ends meet? God's answer.....I took my job in medical imaging in the CT department....a field which some x ray tech never get a chance to work in. Just when I didn't know if the hours would be enough to sustain us, my old department came to me with an idea. I could work per diem for them also to pick up additional hours and slightly more pay at that. Though this was not a position I would have ever applied for, It does give me a chance to continue to work with mental health and medical imaging all while being able to provide for my family. My answer....Be careful of what you wish for....God may give you something even better!
Thanks to the Great Creator! Thank you also to Father Dan and St. Michael's Parish for making the retreat today possible...both Lora and I really enjoyed ourselves.
This whole process has been so meaningful to both me and my family that I really have to look with total awe at God's blessings. It ironically was the topic of the story of Tobiah that we discussed at the retreat today. God's blessing are so rich and full that it really does defy understanding.
I was speaking with my wife Lora after the retreat and the previous story brings to mind a situation we recently went through. After working at the hospital for well over 5 years now I recently made the decision to give up my full time position to work per diem in another department. This decision was so that I could get my foot in the door for medical imaging which I had been struggling to get into. This however meant giving up full time benefits as well as sick and vacation pay. What would I do if I were to get sick? Would we lose everything? Would I even get enough hours to make ends meet? God's answer.....I took my job in medical imaging in the CT department....a field which some x ray tech never get a chance to work in. Just when I didn't know if the hours would be enough to sustain us, my old department came to me with an idea. I could work per diem for them also to pick up additional hours and slightly more pay at that. Though this was not a position I would have ever applied for, It does give me a chance to continue to work with mental health and medical imaging all while being able to provide for my family. My answer....Be careful of what you wish for....God may give you something even better!
Thanks to the Great Creator! Thank you also to Father Dan and St. Michael's Parish for making the retreat today possible...both Lora and I really enjoyed ourselves.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Original Video-Lee Alverson..."Matter of Time"
Check out this new video from Lee Alverson Click on Title
Lee Alverson
If there's anybody out there that remembers my wedding....we had some lovely entertainment provided by a friend of mine. As with many of my friends, unfortunately we lost touch. One of the first people I contacted when I got back on line was Lee Alverson. Lee has been very busy establishing quite a name for himself in the music business. Lee does tribute shows where he spotlights artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and I've heard him do everything from the Beatles to Phantom. Lee has incredible talent and can play most anything by ear on the piano. This is what originally wow'ed me listening to him in his apartment back at Edinboro. Lee has new video spotlighting 20 years in the entertainment business...yes we are that old! You can view this on my facebook pages or you can do a search for him yourself.....Or you can simply click on a link to go to his official web page(click on Lee Alverson at top of post) although I couldn't find his original vidoes on there. Check him out....I think you'll be impressed!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Liz The Author
My mother-in-law the author! As many of you probably already know...my mother-in-law is a famous....author! SHE IS WIDELY KNOWN (According to her). Actually the book has been loved by just about everybody who has read it. Click on the title of this post to link up with her site. Be sure to check my video bar for a promo video soon to be finished on her book. I Love My Higgly Piggly!
The Eucharist
We talked last Sunday about the Eucharist. What a lovely gift to celebrate it. I am looking forward to this. I find it both sobering and comforting to know that mass is observed so often. I originally got into this because I wanted to be able to worship in a way that I had not previously been able to do. We are fortunate in our parish at St. Michael's to have the staff to provide such abundant services. I feel like my faith life will be able to grow even as a approach the second half of my life. Many of teachers in my RCIA class attend mass daily and participate in things like stations of the cross and adoration. My time has been limited working for two separate departments within the hospital and raising two kids, however I have been able to make time for this process and it is indeed proven to be a true blessing. I look forward to continuing my journey and the thought that there will always be something new for me to discover and learn is as I said before, very comforting to me. I continue to work on my prayers, they're coming along....my mind is not as sharp as it used to be I suppose.
Oh....I supposed I should address something I said in an earlier post. On capital punishment. I have come to the point that I understand the church's stand. You can not be against abortion and for capital punishment. The sanctity and beauty of human life can not be dispensed especially by any man. If you believe this, then you must protect it. Though I admit, this one is a challenge for me....I do embrace this as truth and understand the basis.
Oh....I supposed I should address something I said in an earlier post. On capital punishment. I have come to the point that I understand the church's stand. You can not be against abortion and for capital punishment. The sanctity and beauty of human life can not be dispensed especially by any man. If you believe this, then you must protect it. Though I admit, this one is a challenge for me....I do embrace this as truth and understand the basis.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
yojo
Dinner is served. As many of you know. My- I guess it would be aunt-in-law if there is such a thing....my wife's aunt JoAnne is a very talented cook. She has also created quite a name for herself in the field of public relations. I probably should have contracted her to do all my computer work as I am not as "with it" as I used to be. Anyway, JoAnne has a blog dedicated to sharing some of what she's learned about cooking. It's a pretty cool idea. You may not find traditional recipe's there, rather good ideas and creative things you may not have thought of before. Click on the title of this post to hook up.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
More songs
If you like my videos and would like to hear some additional audio recordings you can visit me on myspace. Click on "More Songs"
Uncle Jerry
Jerry Zoten is an authority on just about anything music. He teaches at Penn State and has written on, collected, and preformed music for years. I can remember as a kid playing with him. He was always encouraging and let me play some pretty cool guitars....he has an unblieveable collection. He has been involved with some very successful talent, not the least of which the Fairfield Four. This legendary singing group is soon to be the subject of a documentary which I got to see the trailer for. It was great to see him included in this trailer. When I asked him to provide me with a link of his latest work, he sent me a link to a book on the Beatels which he has been involved with. If anyone is interested please look. If you search his name you may even find some music as he is a very talented performer. Thanks Jerry! Just click on "Uncle Jerry" to check out the book.
Emory's First Video
My son Emory has been into movie making for quite a while now. He is interested in anything pertaining to WWII. He has had this idea of making stop action films using his plastic army men. When we bought our new computers, it came with a pretty good editing program.....hence a star was born. Check his first video out on my video bar. If mine are at the top just wait...it will scroll to his automatically. WATCH OUT SPIELBERG!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
My RCIA Diary
On "Those Rituals"
Those "rituals" as some of the opposition calls them, I am embracing as I never thought I would. Some of those things which non-catholics criticize, catholics take for granted. I am in a very unique position.
Through my work, I have been exposed to a lot of depressed, confused, and even suicidal people. With the exception of truly psychotic people... I have found that many by observation and by their own admission are void of a positive self image and identity.
By observing such holidays, sacraments, and rites of passage, we are forming a very sense of who we are and where we belong in the world that envelopes us.
We discussed today the concept of ordinary time.....Through our dicussion one thought-To everything there truley is a season. Acceptance of this has brought alot of peace of mind. It also reinforces and reminds me that whatever I am going through has a time and it shall pass, gives me hope for the future and prepares me for the hardships.
Those "rituals" as some of the opposition calls them, I am embracing as I never thought I would. Some of those things which non-catholics criticize, catholics take for granted. I am in a very unique position.
Through my work, I have been exposed to a lot of depressed, confused, and even suicidal people. With the exception of truly psychotic people... I have found that many by observation and by their own admission are void of a positive self image and identity.
By observing such holidays, sacraments, and rites of passage, we are forming a very sense of who we are and where we belong in the world that envelopes us.
We discussed today the concept of ordinary time.....Through our dicussion one thought-To everything there truley is a season. Acceptance of this has brought alot of peace of mind. It also reinforces and reminds me that whatever I am going through has a time and it shall pass, gives me hope for the future and prepares me for the hardships.
My RCIA Diary
When I started this process there was some self doubt as to whether I would be able to keep it up. I am not a morning person, generally. I have realized that things such as prayer, sacrifice, communion/church and participating in the sacraments are all gifts given to us to fully feel God's presence in our lives. People who do not observe these things are not evil. They are not condemned...they are simply not taking advantage of the gifts that have been given freely.
If someone was to give offer you a million dollars...wouldn't you take it. Anyone who has been exposed to these gifts can tell you....the same analogy applies. It is for this reason that I can remain tolerant of other beliefs, but I can also have a deep love and appreciation for the church that I have adopted.(Has adopted me!)
If someone was to give offer you a million dollars...wouldn't you take it. Anyone who has been exposed to these gifts can tell you....the same analogy applies. It is for this reason that I can remain tolerant of other beliefs, but I can also have a deep love and appreciation for the church that I have adopted.(Has adopted me!)
My RCIA Diary
When I decided to become catholic I knew that there could be some resistance among friends and family. I also had a lot of the same questions and even hangup's as a lot of other people have. I have always shy ed away from organized religion. My father was Amish as a child when they left the order...most of my dad's family did not subscribe to one particular religion, rather individually adopted their own. As far as my mom's family, they did not belong to a specific church as well. As a result I was raised with some definite spiritual values and beliefs and even read the bible as a child, but did not belong to a particular church. Also as a result was not baptised as a child.
My immediate family moved around quite a bit during my childhood moving to different homes yet staying in the same town. I can remember being visited by pastors of whatever churches were in the area. Some of these pastors were rather zealous and pushed us hard to attend their church. As a result, I developed a very negative picture of organized religion.
When I met and eventually started dating my wife I became exposed to not only the catholic religion but also of attending church. Even though I became rather comfortable with attending with her, I still did not identify with this religion. We have been married now for sixteen years. I am not sure exactly when but a question started to develop in my mind. If something should happened to my wife (Sorry Lora!)....would I continue to attend church. This was not an easy answer for me. Previously I would have said... no, and that though I supported her in her religion, it was not mine. However, I realized that this religion in some way had become a part of my history and identity. As I started thinking of all the reasons that I shouldn't convert....they simply melted away. I took a leap of faith to start this process, but it has proven to be a blessing in every way.
I have agreed with everything I have been exposed to thus far except for one thing. I continue to struggle with the Church's view on capital punishment. I will attempt to update my diary as much as I can and I'm sure I will deal with this subject more fully in future posts. I will be referring back to some earlier classes.... as I was not on line at the time I started this process. Just thought some background might be nice as I have been asked a question repeatedly since I started .....Why this....Why now?
My immediate family moved around quite a bit during my childhood moving to different homes yet staying in the same town. I can remember being visited by pastors of whatever churches were in the area. Some of these pastors were rather zealous and pushed us hard to attend their church. As a result, I developed a very negative picture of organized religion.
When I met and eventually started dating my wife I became exposed to not only the catholic religion but also of attending church. Even though I became rather comfortable with attending with her, I still did not identify with this religion. We have been married now for sixteen years. I am not sure exactly when but a question started to develop in my mind. If something should happened to my wife (Sorry Lora!)....would I continue to attend church. This was not an easy answer for me. Previously I would have said... no, and that though I supported her in her religion, it was not mine. However, I realized that this religion in some way had become a part of my history and identity. As I started thinking of all the reasons that I shouldn't convert....they simply melted away. I took a leap of faith to start this process, but it has proven to be a blessing in every way.
I have agreed with everything I have been exposed to thus far except for one thing. I continue to struggle with the Church's view on capital punishment. I will attempt to update my diary as much as I can and I'm sure I will deal with this subject more fully in future posts. I will be referring back to some earlier classes.... as I was not on line at the time I started this process. Just thought some background might be nice as I have been asked a question repeatedly since I started .....Why this....Why now?
My RCIA Diary
"Bad things happen".....I have come to the conclusion that God gives us what we are willing to accept. When we are willing to accept success we achieve it, when we are willing to accept God's graces we receive them by the promise of our savior. This doesn't mean that bad things will not happen to us. It is simply a matter of how we deal with them that makes all the difference in the world. The world can be a very cruel and evil place, but God gives me a sunrise every moring to let me know how he deals with every day. WOW! My mind has become more open to this concept. Sin happens! People are born! People die! People fail! 100 percent guarentee. We can deal with these inevitabilities with some of life's more nasty coping skills or we can face them with prayer, inward contiplation/mediation, and praise for the gifts God has created for us....Yes God is the great creator!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
My Blog
Many of you have seen my new videos to my original songs. Even more I'm sure have previously heard some of my original material. I am recently in the process of writing a diary about my journey to becoming catholic. It has recently occurred to me that I have alot of creativity still to come. It has also occured to me that I have been blessed to be exposed to some awesome creativity within my own circle of family and accquaintences. It is for this reason I have created this blog....to have one central location to access original material from me as well as all of the art I have been exposed to. Thank you to everyone who reads, comments, and participates. I love you all. Special thanks to the Great Creator! What an awesome world!
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