Sunday, April 3, 2011
My Catholic Journal-April 2011
Ok.....I guess I should explain my little Easter Project. I Think It was last fall at some point I found myself out in my garage staring at a bunch and I do mean a bunch of scrap lumber that kind of came with the house. I was wondering how I was going to get rid of this stuff as I would like to have more room in my garage. At some point It occurred to me that I could make a cross with some of the wood. This would be a way that could fulfill the "action" part of my cursillo commitment and would be a nice addition to my outside landscaping. (It does need some help) Now for the catch! A carpenter I am not! Sorry to all my amish relatives but I can't even drive a nail. I can however bake a mean dessert though! I did decide to give this a try. I decided to notch out the cross so it would look a little more professional. I looked for a chisel but could not find one. I found a screwdriver. I began to chisel out a very crude notch to hold the arm of the cross. The thought came to me that Christ must have had much worse tools. (However I'm sure his work looked much better.) Oh well, I persevered finding whatever I could see. I found some things I did not even know I had....like some trim pieces to apply. Before I knew it I had a cross. I began to have serious doubts as to whether it would look acceptable enough to display. Remember I am no carpenter! I decided to put it up. My cross lasted a couple of hours until it was lying face down in the yard. Well.......I picked it up and put it back in my garage almost forgetting about it. I happened to be at Lowe's one day and passed some plumbing pieces that I thought might work as a mount. I attempted one last try and the cross that was left was the one that are in the pictures at the end of this blog. I wake every morning and meditate on my Easter display. I have come to the conclusion that as Christ was carrying his cross one thing that he could not have done was look back. If he looked back he surely would have perseverated on how heavy the cross was or how much pain he felt or possibly even the cruel crowd that looked on. Instead he moved....how did he move? Forward...in spite of all the reasons to look back he looked ahead. I think my cross just might be acceptable. (Though I am still no carpenter.!) Happy Easter
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Number 2
It's been so long that I guess I need to do another post to make so additional updates. Ash Wednesday came and went and once again was unable to go get ashes. I was not feeling well at all very sick from starting my new antibiotic I believe. I was bummed. My Lenten commitment I have decided will be to wake every morning around 5:00 am and pray the rosary. So far God has rewarded me every day with a beautiful sunrise he must really love me! (I do wish he would do something about the snow though!)
My fist day I could not find anything special to focus on as an intention. I have been trying to build a cross to display in my yard. In the process of doing so I thought It might be neat to have a crown to hang from it, so hence the Crazy neighbor walked out to his woods and cut some black berry vines to fashion into a crown of thorns. With every prick I was called to mind Christ's suffering but in the end it actually worked out quite well and I was left with a "crown of thorns." I decided that the crown would be my focus for this the first rosary of Lent.
Day two was the stripes. Since I became Catholic I had heard a lot about stripes, and realized I knew little. After praying I did some research. I learned that there is some contention regarding how my lashes Christ took (Possibly more than 39) I also learned that those that believe it was 39 also believe that Christ not only bore the spiritual punishment for us but that he also took the yoke of physical illness also. Guess what....all disease can be traced to 39 broad categories. This was something that my anatomy and physiology class did not teach me! Though I did not expect it-perhaps I AM BEING SENT A MESSAGE. (PERHAPS I SHOULD CONSIDER LISTENING!)
Day three .....hum-what shall I focus on and there it was COURAGE ! I once heard someone in the military say that courage was not acting without fear but acting IN SPITE OF IT! I traced the steps of the passion from the prayer in the garden to the last breath and decided that this was probably a good one for day three.
I know that this may be rather unorthodox, but these off the cuff intentions seem to be working so at least for now I think I'll roll with it. I told Emory today that God is constantly speaking to us- So for right now I guess I'll choose to listen! With that I guess I'm caught up on my posts.
My fist day I could not find anything special to focus on as an intention. I have been trying to build a cross to display in my yard. In the process of doing so I thought It might be neat to have a crown to hang from it, so hence the Crazy neighbor walked out to his woods and cut some black berry vines to fashion into a crown of thorns. With every prick I was called to mind Christ's suffering but in the end it actually worked out quite well and I was left with a "crown of thorns." I decided that the crown would be my focus for this the first rosary of Lent.
Day two was the stripes. Since I became Catholic I had heard a lot about stripes, and realized I knew little. After praying I did some research. I learned that there is some contention regarding how my lashes Christ took (Possibly more than 39) I also learned that those that believe it was 39 also believe that Christ not only bore the spiritual punishment for us but that he also took the yoke of physical illness also. Guess what....all disease can be traced to 39 broad categories. This was something that my anatomy and physiology class did not teach me! Though I did not expect it-perhaps I AM BEING SENT A MESSAGE. (PERHAPS I SHOULD CONSIDER LISTENING!)
Day three .....hum-what shall I focus on and there it was COURAGE ! I once heard someone in the military say that courage was not acting without fear but acting IN SPITE OF IT! I traced the steps of the passion from the prayer in the garden to the last breath and decided that this was probably a good one for day three.
I know that this may be rather unorthodox, but these off the cuff intentions seem to be working so at least for now I think I'll roll with it. I told Emory today that God is constantly speaking to us- So for right now I guess I'll choose to listen! With that I guess I'm caught up on my posts.
Almost a year
Been quite a while since my last post....I guess it's time. We went to church a couple of weeks ago and the church was receiving it's candidates for this year. WOW! Hard to believe it's been almost a year since that was me. I can honestly say the best part of my year was Cursillo! There have been so many things though (I am truly blessed!)
As of late, I am dealing with some type of illness. Last Sunday I was supposed to work midnight turn. I laid down for some rest after dinner. I noticed some red streaks going up my forearm and what appeared to be a possible bite. After a few minutes I started to become a little short of breath, having asthma that was not unusual. I decided it was time to go to the hospital. I was treated with some IV antibiotic and diagnosed with cellulitis. In the process of my hospital visit, my redness went away but I developed a marble sized cyst at the foot of where this redness was.
A couple of days later I followed up with my doctor. I have been feeling very achy and tired. He changed my antibiotic and ordered a lot (And I do mean a lot of blood work.) Currently waiting for the results. If anyone is reading this please pray for Christ's healing. One thing I have learned over the last year is that it is ABSOLUTELY NOT GOD'S WILL FOR ME TO BE SICK. Right now I'm just working on it not to be MY will.
As of late, I am dealing with some type of illness. Last Sunday I was supposed to work midnight turn. I laid down for some rest after dinner. I noticed some red streaks going up my forearm and what appeared to be a possible bite. After a few minutes I started to become a little short of breath, having asthma that was not unusual. I decided it was time to go to the hospital. I was treated with some IV antibiotic and diagnosed with cellulitis. In the process of my hospital visit, my redness went away but I developed a marble sized cyst at the foot of where this redness was.
A couple of days later I followed up with my doctor. I have been feeling very achy and tired. He changed my antibiotic and ordered a lot (And I do mean a lot of blood work.) Currently waiting for the results. If anyone is reading this please pray for Christ's healing. One thing I have learned over the last year is that it is ABSOLUTELY NOT GOD'S WILL FOR ME TO BE SICK. Right now I'm just working on it not to be MY will.
Monday, October 18, 2010
My Gift
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!
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!
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!
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