Living in the “presents” – today’s gifts!

The POWER OF LOVE – the discovery of friends!

The WONDER OF GROWTH – the taste of transformation!

The MIRACLE OF LIFE – the gift of becoming!

The MYSTERY OF THE JOURNEY – the bends in the road, the pauses that refresh!

The FAITH – that dispels all discouragement!

 Merry Christmas!

EVANGELIZATION!

        Now there is a frightening word that scares and terrifies even the most stalwart Catholic soul! I don’t think it makes much difference whether you are clergy, religious, or just one of the disciples in the pews the word “evangelization” can strike into our hearts “DFW” [not the Dallas Airport – but Doubt, Fear, and Worry]. 

       While Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” he spent his earthly ministry looking for and recruiting “FISHERMEN!”  Big difference! Shepherds “protect” the flock – Fishermen put out into the deep to lower their nets (Luke 5:4) in search to “increase” the flock, “I will make you ‘fishers’ of men.” (Matthew 4:19).  In other words – Jesus isn’t looking for shepherds which is His job – He is looking for “Fishermen” which, for better or worse, is yours and my job!

So . . .

WHAT IS EVANGELIZATION?

        Evangelization it isn't “telling” - it’s “asking.”  Evangelization is finding a need and filling it; it is identifying a problem and solving it!  Evangelization is proclaiming the Gospel is such a way that people’s hearts “fall in love” with Jesus.  People leave, or never think to come into, the Christian community because they have never met Jesus!   We are called, as fishermen, to introduce Him to them!

Awareness ALWAYS precedes change!

       When there is a willingness to see the need or the problem in my life – and there is a willingness to except it, then there will be the willingness to reorient my life.

HOW CAN I BECOME AN EFFECTIVE EVANGELIZER?

A few questions . . .

Do I see myself as able to make a success of my life through the determined use of my talents, skills, and resources?

Do I focus my attention on what I can do in this world?

Do I see myself as a creature that has, along with many wonderful God given gifts, also having flaws and limitations?

What does the “message” of the Gospel mean to me today, here and now?

SOME ENCOURAGING WORDS

FROM MOTHER TERESA . .

·         “God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that we try.”

·        “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”

·        “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

·        “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

And three final questions . . .

What do I believe?

Why do I believe it?

What difference does my belief make in my life?

How Is Your Day Going?

How Is Life Treating You?

“Today” is the only day any of us has.

There is no “re-doing” of yesterdays,

and there is no “promise” of tomorrow,

there is only today. 

Don’t let today’s

love and joy get diminished or tarnished

by yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s fears. 

Life is – and always has been – a mystery and challenge.

The best we can do each and every day

is to make sure

our mind and outlook is fed with positive attitudes

and our body 

is fed with good nutrition and sensible exercise.

It is our belief

to “work like it is all up to me –

and pray like it is all up to God.”

                “God our Father, you conquer the darkness of life by the light of your Word. Strengthen within our hearts the faith you have given us; let not the trials of life ever quench the fire that your love has kindled within us!”

A Prayer for Our Country

at the

Democratic National Convention

Cardinal Timothy Dolan offers benediction—as well as moral exhortation, a lesson in . . .  political philosophy, and a challenge to recognize and grapple with first principles:

We beseech you, almighty God to shed your grace on this noble experiment in ordered liberty, which began with the confident assertion of inalienable rights bestowed upon us by you:  life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thus do we praise you for the gift of life.  Grant us the courage to defend it, life, without which no other rights are secure.  We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born, that they may be welcomed and protected.  Strengthen our sick and our elders waiting to see your holy face at life’s end, that they may be accompanied by true compassion and cherished with the dignity due those who are infirm and fragile.

We praise and thank you for the gift of liberty.  May this land of the free never lack those brave enough to defend our basic freedoms.  Renew in all our people a profound respect for religious liberty:  the first, most cherished freedom bequeathed upon us at our Founding. May our liberty be in harmony with truth; freedom ordered in goodness and justice.  Help us live our freedom in faith, hope, and love.  Make us ever-grateful for those who, for over two centuries, have given their lives in freedom’s defense; we commend their noble souls to your eternal care, as even now we beg the protection of your mighty arm upon our men and women in uniform.

We praise and thank you for granting us the life and the liberty by which we can pursue happiness.  Show us anew that happiness is found only in respecting the laws of nature and of nature’s God.  Empower us with your grace so that we might resist the temptation to replace the moral law with idols of our own making, or to remake those institutions you have given us for the nurturing of life and community.  May we welcome those who yearn to breathe free and to pursue happiness in this land of freedom, adding their gifts to those whose families have lived here for centuries.

Read the entire prayer on the Cardinal's blog:

http://blog.archny.org/index.php/a-prayer-for-our-country-at-the-democratic-national-convention/

Why I Have Created "Stepping Stones!"

"Stepping Stones" is a pathway of motivational and spiritual quotes to help keeps us focused "on the path" to a more fulfilling and healthy life.  It is easy to see the value of stepping stones when walking through a garden or up the way to an entrance - they are just as necessary to follow in our daily travels through life.  Zig Ziegler once said:

"People often say that motivation doesn't last.
Well, neither does bathing -
that's why we recommend it daily ."

— Zig Ziglar: Author and motivational speaker

Additional "Stepping Stones" are located in April 2012 Postings

Deacon Tom’s

“FAMOUS” BAKED Beans!

Recipe from the 

"Man Cave"Cookbook

Up-dated rescipe with new flavor - it's now even better!  

See May 2012 Post 

"Stepping Stones"

Ideas Worth Remembering!

"Learning is the beginning of wealth.
Learning is the beginning of health.
Learning is the beginning of spirituality.
Searching and learning is where
the miracle process all begins."

— Jim Rohn: was an American entrepreneur,
                      author and motivational speaker

Jim Rohn is one of the best motivational speakers and writers I have ever had the privilege to meet. He has a good grasp on what it takes to succeed in any endeavor you may wish to undertake! 

See all the published "Stepping Stones" in the April 2012 postings.