Musings of a Catholic Convert

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"The Z" Rules: Yeeehaaa!
2007-01-03 15:45:00
"The Z" Rule s : Yeeehaaa!

What a Game! I bet half of you didn't watch the F...
2007-01-02 16:28:00
What a Game !I bet half of you didn't watch the Fiesta Bowl last night, but you missed one of the best football games of the whole season. I was rooting so hard for Boise State to win. They played like champions and won the game with some awesome timing and, man, I just can't tell you enough of what you missed. Check for this game to be replayed on ESPN Classic or something. The game itself was great to watch, but the last quarter was spectacular on both sides of the ball. Good football game, especially with friends over to watch it with you. We were so excited.To "The Z" and all the Boise State Broncos go my warmest congratulations. You men did a fine job.
More About: Watch , What , Hat , Half

Where does all the time go? It's been almost a we...
2006-12-27 17:22:00
Where does all the time go?It's been almost a week since my last post. We've been Christmasing a lot. I love the Christmas season. It's so much fun, and the Churches are always even more beautiful than usual. It was good to have my family visit with us. I know the kids enjoyed seeing their grandparents and vice versa. We drove around looking for Christmas lights last night. I'm surprised how many people have already either taken them down or turned them off. It's was only the 2nd day of the Christmas season! Of course, they've all bought into the lie that "it's all over" on the 25th. They've allowed themselves be robbed of the true joy of the holiday season, and that, my friends, is sad. I hope your holidays are providing your families with much joy, and that your Christmas season is full of wonder and thanksgiving.
More About: Time , Here , Most , Where , Been

10 Years Today! Today, my wife and I celebrate 10...
2006-12-21 15:13:00
10 Years Today !Today, my wife and I celebrate 10 years of marriage. As an anniversary gift, my wife had our rings cleaned, buffed, and all that stuff that makes them look brand new. We look like a newly wed couple, apart from our 4 children. It's true that every rose has its thorns, just like every night has its dawn, just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song. Yeah it does.Ahem.What I mean to say is that in 10 years of marriage we've seen a lot. It hasn't all been bliss and we've gone through some difficult circumstances, but all these things have made us stronger. I have a wife who loves me for who I am. I can't imagine my life apart from her. We have 3 kids here, 2 in Heaven, and 1 about to be born. We've lived in 4 different cities and have been blessed with a multitude of friends. Even in difficult circumstances we have stuck together, which is good, considering the average marriage in the United States these days is about 8 years. Thank God for the grace g...
More About: Celeb , Wife , Celebrate

I got blisters on me fingers: So I bought a PS2 a...
2006-12-19 17:10:00
I got blisters on me fingers:So I bought a PS2 and Guitar Hero II this weekend. Having never played a pretend guitar before, my fingers were not used to that sort of movement. Interesting. I hear that Tigers pitcher, Joel Zumaya, was injured while playing the game. Yes, it is that much fun.Apart from the carpal tunnel, I have also been busy with final preparations for Christmas festivities. In fact, I had my stuff for my wife picked out a long time ago. This is a first for me. I have known for months what to get her, and I pat myself on the back for getting it right for once. We also managed to find more Spider-Man & Friends toys for my son.I've to loads to do, so I'm off. Have a great day, y'all.
More About: List , Finger , Fingers , Blister , Lister

Give Jesus a present this year: During my devotio...
2006-12-14 14:58:00
Give Jesus a present this year:During my devotional time this morning I read an article by Bishop William Lori. He is the Supreme Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. You can read the article here (even if you're not a Knight). I was moved by this article. In fact, my mind has been racing since I read it. Even though I have a deep love for the sacrament of reconciliation, I am even more enthusiastic about approaching it during this Advent season. I want to be holy as our Heavenly Father is holy. I want to grow in grace and love, being daily conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, my savior.Maybe it's been a while since you've been to confession. Maybe your pride has kept you away. Whatever the reason, I encourage you to take the time and be reconciled to God. Heal the divisions your sins have caused, with God, with the Church, and with family, friends, and co-workers. Remember that when God forgives you, your sins are not merely covered over, they are completely removed. Receive...
More About: This , Ring , Present , Give

God, grant me perspective: I'm requesting prayer ...
2006-12-13 15:29:00
God, grant me perspective:I'm requesting prayer today. I'm reading through the Mass readings for today and I "know" the answer for what I'm feeling right now, but oftentimes internalizing known truths can be difficult. Look at today's Gospel for example."Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."I'm also reading the Navarre commentaries (gettest thou these for thine own edification). Help abounds here. Read for yourself.28-30. Our Lord calls everyone to come to Him. We all find things difficult in one way or another. The history of souls bears out the truth of these words of Jesus. Only the Gospel can fully satisfy the thirst for truth and justice which sincere people feel. Only our Lord, our Master-- and those to whom He passes on His power--can soothe the sinner by telling him...
More About: God , Prayer , Rant , Quest , Sting

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Today is the Feast of Our ...
2006-12-12 17:03:00
Our Lady of Guadalupe:Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is a fascinating story of great spiritual renewal and unity. Read about it here. God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts, may your peace reign in the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Lord Jesus, teach us to love you as your mother loves you. May we, like the Blessed Mother, be found to be your faithful servants. Amen.
More About: East , Lupe

Feast of St. Nicholas: Hooray! I love Saint Nicho...
2006-12-06 15:00:00
Feast of St. Nicholas:Hooray! I love Saint Nicholas. I found a web site this morning that tells all sorts of things about "Good Saint Nick". As a matter of fact, I'm going to provide a few links for you. In a world where the idea of St. Nicholas has been reduced to this . . .. . . it is still refreshing to find that there is a large population who remember who the saint truly is and follow his example of loving Christ. Check out my links.St. Nicholas CenterCatholic EncyclopediaPatron Saints Index
More About: Love , East , Hola , Feast

From the Office of Readings for Today:The very Son...
2006-12-05 14:51:00
From the Office of Reading s for Today :The very Son of God, older than the ages, the invisible, the incomprehensible, the incorporeal, the beginning of beginning, the light of light, the fountain of life and immortality, the image of the archetype, the immovable seal, the perfect likeness, the definition and word of the Father: he it is who comes to his own image and takes our nature for the good of our nature, and unites himself to an intelligent soul for the good of my soul, to purify like by like. He takes to himself all that is human, except for sin. He was conceived by the Virgin Mary, who had been first prepared in soul and body by the Spirit; his coming to birth had to be treated with honour, virginity had to receive new honour. He comes forth as God, in the human nature he has taken, one being, made of two contrary elements, flesh and spirit. Spirit gave divinity, flesh received it. He who makes rich is made poor; he takes on the poverty of my flesh, that I may gain the riche...
More About: The Office , Readings

Let's Go Bowling! Here is the bowl schedule for a...
2006-12-04 15:13:00
Let's Go Bowl ing !Here is the bowl schedule for anybody with money to travel and buy bowl tickets. I will be watching games (those games that interest me) from the comfort of my home. Tennessee plays Penn State in the Outback Bowl, just as I foresaw it. Should be an interesting game.
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Pope St. Leo I (The Great): Today is the feast da...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Pope St. Leo I (The Great ):Today is the feast day for St. Leo The Great. I reccomend reading up on this man. Just reading all he did during the time of his pontificate makes my head spin. It will give you an idea of just how much responsibility the Bishop of Rome truly has. For this reason, and many others, we should daily lift up prayers to our Heavenly Father to strengthen and guide the Pope as he follows Christ in tending to the needs of the family of God, which is the Church.In case you were wondering, RCIA was indeed an enjoyable time last night. I had time to mingle more than I normally do so I was glad to get to talk with folks. So many wonderful men and women in our class. I'm honored to be part of the team that is going to help welcome them into the Catholic Church. Yay RCIA!Upon returning home, my son introduced me to his new game. It's called "jump on daddy's leg and hang onto his ankle while he walks around dragging you on the floor." I have also decided to ...
More About: Pop , East , Pope

My eyes, my eyes: They are stinging something awf...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
My eyes, my eyes:They are stinging something awful today. I stayed up late watching Rocky movies last night after I got back from a KofC meeting. No matter of those movies they make, I'm still going to go watch them. Yes, I liked Rocky V, especially the salto throw that Rocky gives Tommy during their street fight. Nice. Get up, ya bum, cuz Mickey loves ya!Yup. I'll be watchin Rocky VI when it comes out in December. I heard from reliable sources that there is a twist to the plot. Appparently Dumbledore gets killed toward the end. You heard it here, folks.
More About: Eyes , Methi , Sting , Something

What's in a name? You've heard the question in Ro...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
What's in a name?You've heard the question in Romeo and Juliet, or perhaps you heard the Petra song. Either way, my post today has nothing to do with them. Rather, I'm pondering what we are going to name our soon-to-be-born baby girl. First name have we do. Trouble in finding middle name have I. Why am I trying to type like Yoda?So I'm working on names in my free time today. Patron Saints Index, here I come.
More About: Question , What , Hear , Hat , Name

Java, I hardly knew ye: I think I'm going to drop...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Java, I hardly knew ye:I think I'm going to drop coffee, at least for a while. I'm drinking this fake crystal light stuff that has a spot of caffeine in it PLUS VITAMINS AND MINERALS! Trying to get more water into the old system as Halloween has done a number on my tummy. With Thanksgiving and Christmas feasting on the horizon, I have to get my will and my body on the same page so as to avoid the sin of gluttony.We get to have our first Masses in the new Church this weekend and I can hardly wait! What other joys await us this weekend? Incense and bells would be AWESOME! Meeting Christ in the Eucharist is always a moving experience, but I can't wait to meet Him in this Church. Is it Sunday yet?
More About: Java , Hard , Think , Drop , Going

Tis a Good Thing: I'm glad to have some conversat...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Tis a Good Thing :I'm glad to have some conversation in the comboxes for a change. Good times. Good times. So did any of you camp out at the electronics store to take a chance at buying a $600 game machine JUST so you could sell it on ebay and make some money? Hmm? I drove by the Target in town and saw some kids (and adults) with tents and lawn chairs. They were ready. I wonder if the supply in the store was enough to let them each buy one? Maybe they sat in the cold all night for nothing but an "I'm sorry. We just sold out." Wonder if they cried. Will there be riots this morning? These things are selling for $3k on ebay right now.
More About: Have , Some , Glad

The Market is Stabilizing: Over the weekend the v...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
The Market is Stabilizing:Over the weekend the video game market began to stabilize. The initial rush to get fluctuations consoles has waned to an online trickle. Those who hesitated to put their item for auction until Saturday or Sunday missed out on potentially making more than $4000 profit. Units this morning are still going for around $1500, nearly triple what people paid for them in stores. If you have a PS3 for sale, you had better get it out there soon before demand dips again.The Nintendo Wii is another story. Nintendo had the foresight to capitalize on getting as many units in stores as possible and at a significantly lower price point. While the units are sold out (at least where I checked), there is still a heavy online demand for them. Units currently are fetching around $550 (more than twice the msrp). But with additional shipments en route already, that price will surely drop.Did I get either of the systems? Nope. I will bide my time. As much as I'd like to have a Wii...
More About: Weekend , Week , Bili

Tuesday Ramblings: First, before I forget, I want...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Tuesday Rambling s:First , before I forget, I want to share a link with you. Jimmy has a particularly interesting post about the Liturgy and Canon Law that I think you should read. If you don't already, drop by Jimmy's site (link at left) and read some of his posts. He is a good Catholic and an engaging writer. Read this one too.My brain hurts from all the things going on at work. We sure are busy. Being busy has its advantages though. I've noticed over the past few weeks that the busier I am the faster the day flies past. Before you know it, you've been working for 9-10 hours and it's time to head to the house. At least on the way home I can actually listen to a song or two instead of those radio morning shows. It's not that they're not funny on occasion, but I'd rather be rockin out than listening to a joke.Have a great day, y'all.
More About: Want , Tuesday , Bling

Greetings from the FUTURE:
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Greetings from the FUTURE:
More About: Future , The Future , Greetings , Greeting

Morning Offering: A good friend of mine pointed o...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Morning Offering:A good friend of mine pointed out something I should have been doing for a long time. I should be offering my day to the Lord. When we lay something at the feet of Christ, He transforms it. Whether it be our actions, our thoughts, our circumstances, or anything else, Christ can and will use it for His glory and our sanctification. The prayer below is one I found to "cover a lot of ground" spiritually speaking. I encourage you to offer your day to the Lord today. I will do the same.Most Holy and Adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I firmly believe that You are here present; I adore You with the most profound humility; I praise You and give You thanks with all my heart for the favors You have bestowed on me. Your Good ness has brought me safely to the beginning of this day. Behold, O Lord, I offer You my whole being and in particular all my thoughts, words and actions, together with such crosses and contradictions as I may meet with in the course of this ...
More About: Friend , Morning , Ring , Mine

What a Weekend: I trust that you enjoyed your res...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
What a Weekend :I trust that you enjoyed your respective Thanksgiving get-togethers. We had a great visit with my in-laws and had a chance to get out of the house for a few days. I had a good trip but I am so very tired now. The medicine I took for my sinuses last night has left me feeling tired and achy. I expect I'll get over it though. Did any of you brave the malls on the 24th? We did, and we lived to tell the tale. The highlight of my day? Getting an orange julius. Man, I haven't had one of those in years. So how was your weekend? How was your holiday? I strongly encourage you to ramp up your prayer efforts during the holiday season. Pray especially for the disenfranchised and the lonely. Suicides during this time of year is always very very high. We need to pray for them and reach out when we can. A great many opportunities abound for helping the needy. Prayerfully consider increasing your giving during this time so that more ministries can reach out to those i...
More About: Enjoy , What , Hat , Your

Kicking Again: I must have been awakened no less ...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Kicking Again :I must have been awakened no less than 5 times last night by our 2-year old. He climbs into our bed and snuggles in between us. Cute and sweet, right? Well, yes, but then he rolls toward me and proceeds to kick either my face or my back, depending on his dream. My guess is that he's dreaming of kung fu because he beats me up. I feel like, and it pains me to say this, Chuck Norris was beat to death by Bruce Lee in "Return of the Dragon/Way of the Dragon". Thank goodness the boy hasn't seen the movie, or I would be missing a big patch of chest hair and we'd have a yelling cat running around the house. Don't know what I'm talking about? Watch the movie.My Hermeneutics class got off to a good start last night. All registrants did not show up for the first session, so we'll see how they do catching up with the rest of the class. It's not too late to start. We had a good time last night, and I enjoyed meeting folks from other parishes. There are so many good formation...
More About: Wake , King , Have , Less

Votes are in: Last night I did pop over often to ...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Votes are in:Last night I did pop over often to see how the election results were shaping up. In my state, we elected a new Republican senator and gave another term to our Democrat governor. Our House representatives now stand at 4 Republicans and 5 Democrats. Most of the incumbants won their races. In the US House, now the Democrats have the majority. I think Virginia and Montana are still working out their results which will determine if the Demos get control also of the Senate.What will happen? I don't know. Being unhappy with both parties, my outlook is pessimistic. I am, however, always pleased to see pro-life candidates get elected/re-elected, regardless of their political party.How did the voting go in your state? What changes, if any, do you forsee?
More About: Pop , Night , Vote , Over

Applesauce! Let me tell you something, brother. ...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Applesauce!Let me tell you something, brother. Applesauce is great! In fact, applesauce is one of the few mushy foods I enjoy to eat. Most mushy foods such as oatmeal set me off. I don't like them. I don't like mushy apples or bananas either. But applesauce, even with a mushy texture, is a joy to consume. Now they have all sorts of flavored applesauce for me to enjoy. In fact, I just had my breakfast with some Cookie Monster GRAPE applesauce. It was a taste explosion!On a related note, today is election day. Those of you who did not participate in early voting (if your state offers it) need to get out today and vote. And let me tell you something else. Do not vote for a pro-abortion candidate. I don't care what party they belong to. Do not put people in office who have a record of voting for the slaughter of unborn babies. Listen, regardless of who gets in office, we can work with legislators on economic issues and even foreign policy. Don't think that voting a p...
More About: Apple , Other , Methi , Apples , Something

Thursday? Nope, it's Friday: I missed a whole da...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Thursday? Nope, it's Frida y :I missed a whole day. Must have been all the wind we had blowing around Memphis yesterday. We had nice warm temps yesterday in the high 60s and when I woke this morning it must have been 30 or colder. All this up and down temperature is driving my sinuses crazy.Well, in case you didn't know, yesterday was the feast of St. Andrew, Apostle and Martyr. His brother became the first Pope, but did you remember that it was Andrew who brought Peter to Christ? St. Andrew is one of my favorite disciples of Christ, and I ask for his intercession often. As someone who tries to point others to Jesus, I follow his example. No one has yet become Pope, but I'm in no hurry to see our current Pope leave us. Benedict XVI is great!
More About: Miss , Thursday , Hole

Wednesday Class: It's Wednesday already, so I hav...
2006-12-02 16:07:04
Wednesday Class :It's Wednesday already, so I have a class to teach tonight. I hope everyone is there and rested from having a week off. We have a lot of ground to cover tonight so I need everyone to stay focused. In the meantime, I've got another full day of work in front of me. 4th quarter is always our busiest time of the year. And on top of that, it's going to be in the 70s today and somebody has the heater on in the office. But you know what? I've already made my morning offering today so no complaining from me.
More About: Read , Wednesday , Ready

Thursday? Nope, it's Friday: I missed a whole da...
2006-12-01 14:55:00
Thursday? Nope, it's Frida y :I missed a whole day. Must have been all the wind we had blowing around Memphis yesterday. We had nice warm temps yesterday in the high 60s and when I woke this morning it must have been 30 or colder. All this up and down temperature is driving my sinuses crazy.Well, in case you didn't know, yesterday was the feast of St. Andrew, Apostle and Martyr. His brother became the first Pope, but did you remember that it was Andrew who brought Peter to Christ? St. Andrew is one of my favorite disciples of Christ, and I ask for his intercession often. As someone who tries to point others to Jesus, I follow his example. No one has yet become Pope, but I'm in no hurry to see our current Pope leave us. Benedict XVI is great!
More About: Miss , Thursday , Hole

Wednesday Class: It's Wednesday already, so I hav...
2006-11-29 15:14:00
Wednesday Class :It's Wednesday already, so I have a class to teach tonight. I hope everyone is there and rested from having a week off. We have a lot of ground to cover tonight so I need everyone to stay focused. In the meantime, I've got another full day of work in front of me. 4th quarter is always our busiest time of the year. And on top of that, it's going to be in the 70s today and somebody has the heater on in the office. But you know what? I've already made my morning offering today so no complaining from me.
More About: Read , Wednesday , Ready

What a Weekend: I trust that you enjoyed your res...
2006-11-27 15:02:00
What a Weekend :I trust that you enjoyed your respective Thanksgiving get-togethers. We had a great visit with my in-laws and had a chance to get out of the house for a few days. I had a good trip but I am so very tired now. The medicine I took for my sinuses last night has left me feeling tired and achy. I expect I'll get over it though. Did any of you brave the malls on the 24th? We did, and we lived to tell the tale. The highlight of my day? Getting an orange julius. Man, I haven't had one of those in years. So how was your weekend? How was your holiday? I strongly encourage you to ramp up your prayer efforts during the holiday season. Pray especially for the disenfranchised and the lonely. Suicides during this time of year is always very very high. We need to pray for them and reach out when we can. A great many opportunities abound for helping the needy. Prayerfully consider increasing your giving during this time so that more ministries can reach out to those i...
More About: Enjoy , What , Hat , Your

Greetings from the FUTURE:
2006-11-23 14:01:00
Greetings from the FUTURE:
More About: Future , The Future , Greetings , Greeting