06 September 2007
Cool Pic of Gladys & Mike
Gladys, Mike and I attended the "Beats and Eats" festival in Pontiac, MI. This is a picture of the two of them standing next to a 68 Dodge Charger. Good food, good music, great time.
Last night
I have been invited to join the planning team for our Catholic Men's Meeting. The meetings are held the first Thursday of the month, and consist of a Mass followed by a 40-45 minute talk. The subjects of the talk focus on how to be men of faith in our everyday lives. Why I was invited is a bit of a mystery to me, but I was asked so I went!
During the planning meeting last night, I had the feeling that is all too familiar to me. "God, what am I doing here"? The other men were long time members of the parish, and life-long Catholics. Being the new guy (to the group, to the parish, to the faith, etc) I tried to look intelligent, but probably came across as...well...not so intelligent!
My usual mode of operation for meetings where I really don't know what is going on is to try and be inconspicuous, stay in the background and to not say anything. This Mark Twain quote sums it up "It is better to keep your mouth shut and let them think you are an idiot, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".
The outcome of the meeting was we were to devise a plan to give men the tools to evangelize, then set a date to actually do it! Dear God, please give me the strength to get over my fear, foolish that it is, of looking...well foolish!
More to come...
During the planning meeting last night, I had the feeling that is all too familiar to me. "God, what am I doing here"? The other men were long time members of the parish, and life-long Catholics. Being the new guy (to the group, to the parish, to the faith, etc) I tried to look intelligent, but probably came across as...well...not so intelligent!
My usual mode of operation for meetings where I really don't know what is going on is to try and be inconspicuous, stay in the background and to not say anything. This Mark Twain quote sums it up "It is better to keep your mouth shut and let them think you are an idiot, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".
The outcome of the meeting was we were to devise a plan to give men the tools to evangelize, then set a date to actually do it! Dear God, please give me the strength to get over my fear, foolish that it is, of looking...well foolish!
More to come...
02 September 2007
Dear Steph
You can do this. Don't worry, don't fear, don't second guess yourself. You can, and will, succeed!
As I have watched you grow up into a beautiful young women, your love, grace, and intelligence has always been an inspiration. You have such a positive effect on those around you. Everyone wants and needs you as a friend.
Your mother and I have been extremely lucky parents to have you as a daughter. Now we get to see you leap into adult hood, without a net!
When you feel down, just turn to Christ. Collect your concerns, anxieties, and fears and lay them at the base of the cross. Through him you will do great things!
Love,
Dad
As I have watched you grow up into a beautiful young women, your love, grace, and intelligence has always been an inspiration. You have such a positive effect on those around you. Everyone wants and needs you as a friend.
Your mother and I have been extremely lucky parents to have you as a daughter. Now we get to see you leap into adult hood, without a net!
When you feel down, just turn to Christ. Collect your concerns, anxieties, and fears and lay them at the base of the cross. Through him you will do great things!
Love,
Dad
Humility
Today I saw a friend of mine at church. We are both in the Knights of Columbus. He is a Past Grand Knight, but he hasn't come to the meetings for awhile.
John is battling a bad back that has left him almost immobile. He is hunched over, walks with a cane, and is in a tremendous amount of pain.
His eyes sparkled as I came up to him to say hi. I asked how he was doing and if there was anything he needed, and if he was interested in helping out with the Knights. Obviously, his back is still a problem, and he is working through the courts to get a settlement with workman's comp.
After he gave me a brief update on what's going on he looked me in the eye "Dan, how is your job going?. Here is a man that has pain shooting through his body while he is standing talking to me. The pain is a constant, with no relief in sight. He is facing a seemingly insurmountable beuracracy before he can get justice on his court case. And he is concerned about me.
I am truly humbled to know such a man!
John is battling a bad back that has left him almost immobile. He is hunched over, walks with a cane, and is in a tremendous amount of pain.
His eyes sparkled as I came up to him to say hi. I asked how he was doing and if there was anything he needed, and if he was interested in helping out with the Knights. Obviously, his back is still a problem, and he is working through the courts to get a settlement with workman's comp.
After he gave me a brief update on what's going on he looked me in the eye "Dan, how is your job going?. Here is a man that has pain shooting through his body while he is standing talking to me. The pain is a constant, with no relief in sight. He is facing a seemingly insurmountable beuracracy before he can get justice on his court case. And he is concerned about me.
I am truly humbled to know such a man!
01 September 2007
Family
There are times when I realize how truly blessed I am. Yesterday we travelled to our daughter's college campus to pick her up, then visited some old (as in friends for a long time, not chronologically challenged), and spent the night at my sister in-laws house.
It was tremendous to see all of these people that are, and have been forever, a big part of my life all in one day.
My daughter is the one that has been the glue for our family. She is the stable force that is always there for us. Her beautiful smile just makes things right.
My friends have been with me a very long time, seen me in my darkest hours, guided me with their friendship and prayers, and helped me be the man I am today. God Bless you both.
My sister in-law has been the sister that my wife always calls when there is a crisis. Ironically, Mary (my sister in-law) is always says that Gladys (my wife) is the steady on in the family. Perception is reality!.
It was tremendous to see all of these people that are, and have been forever, a big part of my life all in one day.
My daughter is the one that has been the glue for our family. She is the stable force that is always there for us. Her beautiful smile just makes things right.
My friends have been with me a very long time, seen me in my darkest hours, guided me with their friendship and prayers, and helped me be the man I am today. God Bless you both.
My sister in-law has been the sister that my wife always calls when there is a crisis. Ironically, Mary (my sister in-law) is always says that Gladys (my wife) is the steady on in the family. Perception is reality!.
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