ceejays

2010-09-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

Follow the Truth - Click here for the Answer

Freedom: Do what you want or Do what you should?

2010-09-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't see the original email, but I guess being included on this email is an invitation for me to jump in.

I don't have a lot to write on this first chapter, but perhaps more will follow:

I invite anyone who holds the belief that America and Americans are evil to take a much harder look.

Sure, those in charge or our country and other countries around the world have perhaps over-reacted to such hostile acts as Nazi Germany trying to take over the entire European landscape, while cleansing their new world of the undesirable handicapped, Jewish and Catholic population; or the Communist Russians trying to rid the world of being able to worship as you want; or the Japanese from doing their best to expand their empire throughout the Pacific.....and many more! Although there were people in the aggressor nations that did not support such, many, many, many did. It was not always their fault, as they always had charismatic leaders who could get their sheep to jump off the cliff with them. Although we currently have such a charismatic leader in our country, I have faith and hope that the majority will, if not already, see the path that is being laid out for our land and world, and continue to fight back to save our country and our freedoms. And when I speak of freedoms, I mean the freedom to to as we should, not as we want. The freedom to do what we want has been a contributor in the downslide of our civilization in the U.S.

The people who stand for freedom have fought back in each of those situations in the short history of our country. Do I believe that our country is on it's last leg....perhaps. One reason is that we have lost the desire to a large degree to fight for freedom and to fight against those who desire to strip freedom from people. I really admire those who have and continue to stand up, and risk their own blood for me.

It is too bad that we did not take a strong stance against China. Their large and strong country will one day soon evaporate. They are fast approaching the time when there will be millions and millions more males than females. Their civilization will crumble, as there will be no one to carry on. Most of western Europe has also fallen into this trap, as well as our country. If not for immigration, we would be very close behind China in our civilization ending. Muslims do seem to be one of the few groups in the world that see this, and will consciously or unconsciously soon take over the word, just by shear numbers. They are still populating, while many other so called civilized nations are depleting their most important resource.....people. I truly wish that Catholics and non-Catholics would really follow true Catholic Church teaching. Many have also fallen prey to the culture of death that has reigned for more than 50 years when Margaret Sanger and Katherine McCormick pushed for and got the birth control pill created and legalized. This, of course, has been a disaster, leading to more sexual promiscuity and the breaking down of the family. Now we see for the last 30 + years, people killing the truly innocent because they have been brought up to think that they had the freedom to do what they wanted, not as they should.

The slave period in our history was a shameful blemish, however, American Citizens did NOT initiate such a horrible crime. We inherited this. It did take way too long to rid this from our nation. The English settlers in Virginia, actually expanded the slave trade in 1619, which was started in the Spanish colonies in the 1560's. The slave trade grew and grew for 216 years before the United States of America was started. Again, it took long to end this, however, relatively speaking, those who were fighting to end this did a pretty good job to abolish the legal slave trade in just 89 years. Many hold the United States at fault for slavery, despite the fact that she only had slavery for 29% of the history of the era, and then mostly in the south. The United States, even then, was fighting to stop those who were stealing the freedom of others.

A lot of men and women have sacrificed their lives to stand up for the freedoms we enjoy. If not for those in the 1800's, WWI, WWII, and the wars of my lifetime, I am quite certain this country would have long succumbed to tyranny. And without the United States, much of the world would be led by dictators or worse. They continue to strive for this domination even today. Yes, sometimes we over-reacted in fighting to save our freedoms. Hindsight is almost always 20/20, and the further we move along from historical events, we become more and more blind.

Although I work hard to not be too prejudiced against others, I have a hard time supporting something that those who truly hate our nation and our freedoms and rights are working hard to support. Iranian leadership and Al Qaida leadership are certainly among those who favor this mosque to be built, despite objections from the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. Why do they support this mosque? I don't believe they have the best interests of moderate muslims on their minds. I don't believe they are working to build bridges between different cultures and religions. Sadly, but not unbelievable, our own president supports it. Absolutely, muslim Americans have the right and the freedom to build, but should they....should they disrespect those who died at the hands of muslim extremists? We should all work to better understand other cultures, other religions, other races, other sexes. If we truly would do that, and we would truly follow the teachings of Christ and his Church, bloodshed would have been more of an accident in our world's history, not a driving force to shape it.

I know this is a hot topic in the news, however, I just haven't had time to really pay attention.

I wish we would focus more on fighting for religious freedom, rather than freedom from religion. I am fortunate to belong to the Church that Jesus Christ started.....and if he truly is the Only Son of God, begotten not made, the third person of the Trinity, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, WOW!!. What a true honor and blessing. I wish I could better represent myself and carry the lantern higher. I am also fortunate to be a citizen of the United States of America. A country that was founded on the philosophy that we should not be forced to follow a religion that was not true. Although the founders were not on the exact proper path, as they were primarily still a "protesting" bunch, they had the right idea. Thankfully, the true catholic roots ran deep.

AR Reading Results for Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2010-09-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Christopher. He just took his AR Reading test on Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This book was above his "assigned" reading range.....BUT......

He just scored a perfect 100%.

I am so proud of my son! He told me yesterday, that he needed to read the book again before he took his test. I told him that I was confident that he could take the test NOW.

Way to go Christopher>>>>Keep Challenging yourself in school and life>>>>you will continue to succeed and to exceed expectations. Never let anyone tell you that you are not capable of achieving what you want. Almost everything is possible.....well you know, you can't jump to the moon or run faster than a hot Shelby Mustang Cobra!

Love you buddy!

A weekend of work and reflection

2010-09-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

A busy weekend full of work at home - work!!

In doing so, I ran across some old pictures of Christopher as I was searching for a usb memory stick to use. Very nice!!!

Also, while working on the computer, reconfiguring my weekly recap report I do each week, to merge with the new corporate report, I was listening to Pandora on my Ipad!

Three songs of note that made me stop working and reflect on my life!!

Anyone one who knows me would definitely know the impact these songs have in my life.

Here Goes:

Garth Brooks: Unanswered Prayers

Garth Brooks: Standing Outside the Fire

and yes......a very ironic twist in life....a Kenny Chesney song: There Goes My Life

So....

Be thankful when God doesn't seem to be answering your prayers....He is!

Do not be afraid.....to live life, not just merely survive it!

And for certain....every life is a true blessing, even when you first think that new life is going to ruin your life!

God Bless

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Black Bear Diner - Help Wanted

2010-08-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Black Bear Diner - Help Wanted: "The Black Bear Diner at 2700 El Centro Road, near Interstate 80 and West El Camino will be opening a a few short weeks. The new family rest..."

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Black Bear Diner - Help Wanted

2010-08-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Christopher

2010-08-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

My son, it is hard to believe that it was eight years ago today, when you were born. You were then, and have always been, a true blessing from God. I Love You! Happy Birthday!

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Who is the Man of the Shroud

2010-08-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Who is the Man of the Shroud: "Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is now one of three areas in the world to have the exhibit of the Shroud of Turin. The other two areas are Rom..."

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Black Bear Diner Coming Soon

2010-07-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Black Bear Diner Coming Soon: "The Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas will soon be joined by a terrific family restaurant, Black Bear Diner. Black Bear Din..."

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Trains / Hotels / Planes

2010-07-30T18:02:00.001-07:00

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Trains / Hotels / Planes: "Do you live in the central valley of California? Are you coming to Sacramento for business or pleasure? Are you flying to near or distant ..."

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Park/Stay/Fly

2010-07-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Park/Stay/Fly: "Flying can be a stressful experience these days, from the need to watch what you pack, to arriving early enough to plan for a personal body ..."

Be Baptized

2010-07-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

We were taught by Jesus Christ to be Baptized and to Baptize all our family. The Church has baptized children from the beginning. Through baptism, we are saved.

What a Father will do for their Children - Priceless!

2009-09-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Tigers 3 - Team Luigi 0

2009-09-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Too late on my Health Care Plan

2009-09-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

I did get my plan in on time, before midnight last night.

However, I was told that I was too late.

The Health Care Plan that I proposed, has actually been proposed already.

Come to find out.....you know, I don't keep up with the news very much.....my plan is nearly identical to the one the lawmakers and president are pushing right now.

That's too bad....I thought I had an original and a WINNER!

If I wanted to Create a Government Run Health System...

2009-09-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I was visited by a couple guys who pulled up in front of my house. It was funny, because I had just told my brother that I had not yet been approached or contacted by anyone after I wrote about Barack Obama being the American Hero.

These guys had dark suits, dark glasses, and tinted glass on their dark vehicle. It was scary. I knew they weren't from the church down the street looking for more members. They came right up to my door.

After talking to me about my unveiling the secret plan that was put in place to take back the country, they said there was one thing that could save my skin. WOW! I didn't know what was coming next.

They wanted me to come up with a plan that would create a Government Run and Operated Health Care System. I had until midnight tonight, before the calendar hits 09-11-09, to send them my plan.

Here it is........

If I was put in charge of putting together a Government run and operated Health Care System, I would do the following:

1. Force existing insurance companies to lower their rates by at least 25%

2. Incent employers to drop their participation in group insurance by charging the employer a tax/penalty that is less than what they currently pay for their employees' insurance.

3. Make it illegal for an insurance company to raise rates or limit coverage on high risk patients or abusers of the system.

That's about it!

What would my plan do......

By charging employers a tax/penalty for not providing insurance coverage for their employees, a fee that is less than the cost to the employers for providing the coverage, I will effectively cause millions and millions of Americans to lose their existing insurance coverage. They will not be able to afford insurance on their own, so they will have no choice, but to sign on to my new Government Insurance System.

By forcing existing insurance companies to drop their rates substantially, or pay hefty penalties I will "squeeze" their profit margins to a point they will shut their doors. It has happened before...If an insurance company can not make enough money they will close, unless, of course the Federal Government bails them out. If they received a bailout, it would harm my plan.

If insurance companies begin to shut down, it will lessen the competition, and likely lessen the quality and service received.

And if I force insurance companies to cover everybody, regardless of their risk, or abuse of the system or their own body, I will make it FAR TOO expensive for the insurance companies to maintain cash flow. They will no longer be able to pay the doctors and hospitals. If they had not yet closed their doors after mandatory rate reductions, they certainly MUST close their doors if they could no longer pay their obligations.

Within a few short years, virtually all, and possibly all insurance companies would be out of business.....leaving only my Government Operated Insurance and Health Care System standing.

I would have created a monopoly, I would have no competition, I could dictate exactly how I wanted to operate insurance and healthcare.

There is a big problem with my plan, I admit, but I have a secret plan to solve it.

My Government Operated Insurance and Health Care System could not be sustained very long after it gained it's monopoly, if they too were forced to cover everybody and every condition, and they were forced to keep rates affordable.

The only way they would make it, would be to allow them, after their monopoly was gained, to ration coverage, delay coverage or to counsel and incent the very sick or elderly to opt for either pain and suffering or ending the pain and suffering through non-medical means.

You may think I would be crazy to propose such a plan......but if i wanted to socialize health care, this would be a GREAT plan.

Pretty ingenious if you ask me!!!! Can I count on you to support me? Together we can make real CHANGE!

Please don't tell anybody our secret. We must really work hard to make everybody feel we are creating a system that would take care of them no matter what. We are going to have to lie to them if they ask us certain tough questions, because we can not tell the truth if it will negatively affect our plan.

Obama's Healthcare Speech

2009-09-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems to me that instead of needing a fancy, 1,000 page health care bill, just inspire some people to start some not for profit insurance companies. Don't you think that throughout the last several decades, someone would have stepped up to the plate to create such an entity. .....But please don't let the government create such a thing!

I wasn't able to catch the entire speech, but I do think that the president should have his plan all worked out, written out, etc. Then.........come to us and tell us what the plan will do!

Instead, I heard several times, "my plan would have this", "my plan would do that", "we will put that in". Don't stand there and say we will do it......get it written, make it solid, make it truthful, then sell it. Not usually a good idea to attempt to sell a product, when you don't even have it solidified, not to mention perfected!

Barack Obama - An American Hero!

2009-08-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama ran his presidential campaign based nearly entirely on one word and one idea.....CHANGE. The specific CHANGE was never divulged during the campaign, and for a very good reason....If you want to know, then just keep reading!

As a starting point of where our country, the United States of America, was in January 2009, if real, radical, major change was going to occur in our land of the free and home of the brave, as Obama had promised, it would have to go in one of two directions. The CHANGE would either be a radical move to a socialistic, government controlled country, or a radical move back to the way our founding fathers set up our great land. Freedom, democracy, faith, and morals. There was not any other CHANGE that was big enough to be worth it.

There has been a small, but growing segment of our American culture who has desired a move to a socialistic, individualistic, and Godless nation. Any nation that has chosen or been forced onto that path has been destroyed or dismantled or is on it's way there. The United States of America just simply can't and won't go there.

There is one big problem. The people that could possibly stem off such a movement are typically passive, loving, respectful citizens and in no way could muster up enough joint effort to stop what has been occurring the last 35 years. Rampant disrespect for life, unless it is between the ages of 10 and 68, and is completely healthy; the systematic tearing down of families by divorce and absent fathers; blaming of good and God for the bad and Evil that is occurring; the media and other professional fields disrespecting their codes of conduct; changing God's and the Natural law to what that person wants; and on and on.

You see, the quiet, conservative individual simply can not stand up against this type of movement.

There was only ONE WAY. A True American Revolution 2. An American Revolution that would again ground this nation on God, Family, Goodness, and Patriotism. This American Revolution would not use guns or have bloodshed throughout our wonderful country.

You must believe me when I tell you what has happened and what is going to happen. You see, I informed everyone of what was going to happen this year, back in October of 2008. I was nearly 100% accurate. Obama would be elected, and during his first year in office, the country would rise up to begin the Second American Revolution. A civil war, without guns, to take back this Country and bring it back to it's foundation of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness (however, not at the expense of your fellow citizen). You see, this is starting to happen all across the United States. It started with Tea Parties, and has moved into passion filled Town Hall Meetings. The great country my grandfather, my father and I experienced as a very young boy would be re-born so my son, his son and grandson would be able to enjoy the same, safe, family and faith oriented nation.

Several years ago, a plan (you can call it a conspiracy if you like) was put in motion. It was a big plan, and it was kept very quiet. It was very well orchestrated by very influential people in this world. You have all heard of Obama being called the messiah. The real messiah was absolutely and positively planned for by God for many, many, many years. His coming was foretold by the great prophets during the world's history. God knew all from the beginning, and of course knows how things will transpire and ultimately end.

Now, I am not saying that Obama is the messiah, or anything or anyone even remotely close, however, the plan of his coming and his influence on the country and world was most absolutely planned. Perhaps not by God, but you just never know.

Barack Obama was groomed, guided and taught how to be a charismatic leader. He was going to need these characteristics later in his life to fulfill his true mission. He was purposefully placed by those who were operating this master plan near radical figures such as Reverend Wright, and others who spoke and taught against this great country. He was brought to Chicago, the political corrupt capital of the nation. He worked with organizations such as Acorn. He actively supported the killing of innocent human beings before they could have a meaningful and fulfilling life. He was put into the liberal thinking and acting Democratic Political party of the United States of America. This was not the real Barack Obama.

The organizers of the movement that is now in motion, groomed Barack Obama for American Revolution 2.

I have already told you that the conservative, loving, caring, respectful citizens are not capable of standing up and organizing enough force to change the direction this country took 35 years ago. If this country was allowed to continue to go down that very slippery slope, it would be destroyed. Freedom to experience life, liberty, happiness, religion, family, independence, democracy, would soon, and very soon be gone! Barack Obama and team have also known this for a long time, and put this plan together to STOP it.

There was only one way. THE PLAN.....Those very smart individuals who put the plan together and have been working so quietly and secretly to pull it off, have nearly reached the pinnacle. Many of them are getting older, a couple have already passed from this life. 2009 - 2012 were to be the target years for the plan's final implementation.

Barack Obama needed to be a minority, and a Black American was absolutely what the organizers had in mind from the beginning. There needed to be several smokescreens put in place for the plan to be carried out. I feel safe divulging this information only now, because the plan is so far in motion, it can not be stopped, even when you find out the real truth.

Barack Obama needed to be a Black American, he needed to be heavily involved with radicals, liberals, country haters, to the extent that he could win their favor, true loyalty and blind faith. It worked.....It worked.

What has President Obama done his first seven months in office? Well everything he has done has been big. Bailouts, takeovers, Cap & Trade, Healthcare reform, etc. Everything he has done and will do in the immediate future has already been planned out. So far the plan is working well. Everything Obama has done, or is trying to do is causing the conservative, peaceful, loving, caring and quiet citizens to wake up and stand up. He and the organizers of this master plan intended it to be that way.

You see, America simply can not and will not continue to go down that slippery and deadly slope of socialism, godlessness, hatefulness, death and dismemberment of our lives, families, culture and country.

The organizers and Obama have known this for a long time, and know that by speaking about and conducting such a far fetched agenda such as a man made mortgage crisis, that lead to a banking crisis, that lead to an overall economic crisis, that lead to government bailouts, government takeover of corporations and media, and even a government takeover of healthcare would cause such a public outcry, that CHANGE would absolutely happen. This again has all been well planned and orchestrated. So much, that nearly all people simply can not believe it could and is happening.

Everything Obama does, must be big, and must create such a negative feeling among the majority of our country as to start a movement that can not be stopped. A movement to give the country that my grandfather and father had, back to my son's son and grandson. A country that has faith in God, that cherishes life, that sets the bar for excellence in every thing, that focusses on families, that listens to and is representative of it's people. A country where my son' son and grandson can play freely in their neighborhoods, a country where people work hard, play hard and pray hard.

I was heavily warned not to tell anyone about this "master plan" of the takeover of our Country, by a couple guys who visited me last December. I just feel it is my duty to set the record straight. I can not tell you the names of those who worked so closely with Obama during the last 35 years on this "project". That is not really important. What is important is for all of us to realize that CHANGE is coming. A CHANGE back to our strong Values, Morals, and prominent place in the world. Everything will work out just as planned, remember, it can not be stopped, even now, even when you know the TRUE STORY of American Revolution 2 & Barack Obama - The American Hero.

American Revolution 2 - Change. A book that may be coming to stores near you that will follow a group of young kids and their discovery 30 years from now about how our great country was taken back!

Disneyland & Legoland

2009-08-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Click here to view pictures of Christopher on our trip to Disneyland and Legoland last weekend. What an awesomely, fun time!

Movie Trailer - The Invited

2009-08-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this trailer for the new movie, THE INVITED!

Michelle, (Megan Ward) excitedly moves with her
husband (Victor Browne) from Los Angeles to a rural
community in Northern California. But when life seems
too perfect, Michelle stumbles upon an ancient spirit
board in her perfect home. Did Michelle unlock a deadly
secret involving the supernatural that pulls her into a
terrifying world of unexplained incidents? Is there an
ancient evil residing in her home or is it Michelle’s
imagination? How does a woman protect her family
against something she can’t see?

“The Invited” is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pantssupernatural-
thriller that you’ll find utterly chilling and
unforgettable. Lou Diamond Phillips (Young Guns, Che’),
Megan Ward (Tv's General Hospital) Ellen Albertini Dow
(The Wedding Singer), Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911),
Jacoby Shaddix (lead singer of Papa Roach in his film
debut), Christopher Holley (Smokin’ Aces), Alfonso
Freeman (Se7en, The Bucket List) and Pam Grier (Jackie
Brown) co-star in this thriller written and directed by
newcomer Ryan McKinney

If you like what you see in this trailer, share it with everyone, so it will get a full release in the theaters!

Flickr

2009-08-04T20:11:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Frequency

2009-08-01T22:06:00.001-07:00

Just finished watching Frequency. The first time I saw this movie was on a plane to Hawaii several years ago. It has rivaled Top Gun as my favorite all time movies.

I do now believe that by watching it again tonite, It has landed in the #1 spot.

As I must fight and stand strong for my son's benefit and future...today, so it was in the movie Frequency.

Christopher and I are looking forward to our first "vacation" together in his first seven years. Although our weekend will be 81 hours long, (20 hours less than we go without seeing each other every other weekend), it will certainly be a most wonderful and magical time.

Change Blindness

2009-08-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

Click here to see if you can spot what is changing in this picture

Can you see what is changing in this picture.

Can you see what is changing to our Country?

Once you figure it out, your eyes will be open and aware of the change, forever.

If you click on the link, and can not figure out what is changing, come back here and click below for the answer!

Click here to find out what is changing in the picture....amazing!

History - 40 years ago - and more!

2009-07-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

40 years ago today, the United States accomplished one of the greatest historical events in the previous 2,000 years! 40 years before that in 1929 there was more history being created.

There was a community activist rising in the ranks in the country in Europe. He was able to continue to gain status within his party and then get elected as the leader of Germany in 1933. In the middle of the great depression, Adolph Hitler took the reigns of the most advanced country at the time in technology, museums, art, laboratories, universities, etc. Actually the US got a few of the Germans to help lead us to the moon!

The saviour of the 1930's was a smooth talking community based activist. Most Germans knew virtually nothing about him, however, there were many who brought to light of his involvement with groups that shouted, shoved and pushed people around that they disagreed with.

He got his political position by being a great speaker, smiling a lot and by making many, many promises to the German people and the world, in the depression when unemployment was high and growing. Slowly, and with a plan, he seized control of government power, he got kids to join a youth movement in his "good" name where they were taught what to think and to rebel against their parents. He promised jobs to the jobless, money to the moneyless, he pushed for gun control, health care for all, better wages and better jobs, and he promised over and over to bring the pride back to Germans and Germany. He did this with the media basically supporting him without question.

There were many people who let their feelings be heard. They were dismissed and laughed at. Then later killed if they brought these ideas to light.

In less than six (6) years this country's leadership was rounding up their own citizens, killing millions, and turning neighbor against neighbor.

He promised Change. The people wanted Change, The People and the World definitely got Change.

Many have said that the world learned and would never let the history of this era repeat itself.

It scares many to see how close the happenings of the world and the United States today, so closely is following the historical events of Hitler's Germany of the 1930's.

Perhaps enough will be scared enough to stand up to really Change our Country. To bring back the great ideals that our Country was founded, and to make the thousands and thousands of lives that have been sacrificed for those ideals count. To bring families back together, to bring moral law back as the guide to man's law. Citizens of the 1930 Germany did not stand up to save their country, now they are scarred for all of eternity for the atrocities that occured under their very cool, and people oriented leader.

I trust that people will stand up, so the country my child grows up in will be one in which he can freely move around in safety the way his grandparents did!

40 Years Ago Today - We Landed on the Moon!

2009-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

From Movies

Click on above image to see a few clips from the July 21 St. Louis Globe Democrat that I have kept now for 40 years!

Fourth of July Tournament News - July 1980

2009-07-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Found this article with a couple notes about ME!! This was the Fourth of July Holiday American Legion Tournament, which we won in 1980! This was my Junior year, and also the year we were district 17 champs with a record of 31-9

Cool to share the front page of the July 5th Springfield News & Leader with Nolan Ryan's 3,000th strikeout!

You can click on the article to enlarge it for easier reading!

Searching for Love

2009-07-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Age Old Question of Suffering

2009-07-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

The question of suffering is a question that many people throughout the history of the world have pondered with themselves, their friends and family and with God. I listened to a couple callers this morning on the radio discuss this. I don't suppose that any of us will have an answer to this mystery until, God willing, we are with him in heaven one day.

Suffering usually appears to us as a bad thing in our life. It often is just that. It is always heartbreaking to know some one who is suffering from physical, emotional, or spiritual matters. Although sometimes we bring about suffering in our own lives by the choices we make, we are always moved and affected mostly by the suffering that innocent people, especially children experience.

Why does God permit this suffering to occur? We will one day find out, I'm sure. It has always been comforting to me when I have suffered or know someone who is suffering to keep in mind of the largest suffering that has occurred. A suffering that should not have had to happen. A suffering that puts all other suffering, no matter how big or small, no matter how close or far, in proper perspective. At least as far as my mind can comprehend. The greatest suffering was the suffering of God, himself. The physical suffering that God the Son endured for me and you, and the spiritual suffering that God the Father surely endured by the suffering of his only Son, and the emotional suffering Christ's blessed Mother went through. All to pay the price for our salvation and eternal happiness. When I think of Christ suffering during his passion and crucifixion, when I remember the blood that he shed, and when I realize that he did that for ME....I am truly humbled. I am so grateful that God has invited me, and that by his grace, I am able to take Christ's body, blood, soul and divinity into me at least each Sunday. What a amazing gift that he gave to us through his Church. Many people think that going to church for an hour each week is suffering. When one really realizes that God is waiting and calling for us to visit, how can we resist? I pray that I will never, ever, again feel that going to church is a chore. It is, instead the greatest gift outside of entering heaven.

I have know family and friends who have suffered. I often hear that although God does permit suffering, that always, Good will eventually come from that suffering, although it is almost always difficult to understand that and/or to see the good. One example of a close friend who was suffering from a chronic inflammatory disease, and the good that came from that suffering. Several years ago, this new friend of mine was indeed suffering, and to my knowledge was in a very bad situation. I prayed every day for a miracle, and I knelt before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for nearly a month straight, at the little chapel at St. Joseph's, praying for this miracle and healing. After, what I believe was God's answer to my prayers, my faith and return whole heartedly to the Church was in full swing. Not only was my soul brought back to God, I also know of a couple others who have been touched and inspired by this true life changing story. I have never told that friend of my special prayers, however, she may find out some day. And of course the suffering that my son's mother experienced, brought the most wonderful earthly gift to my life.

Back at Home in California

2009-07-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Safe and Sound back on the ground in California!

Touchdown at SMF at 8:45 PM

I hope Christopher's trip was AWESOME!!

I can hardly wait to hear and feel his experiences!

Victory

2009-06-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have not seen or heard much news the last two days, especially today, as I spent all day with my 6 year old son before he goes to Hawaii for a week with him mom. We spent all day playing mini-golf, riding go carts, bumper boats, and a few racing video games. A Great Day!

I want to take this time to congratulate the United States military for taking the lead the last eight years in the battle to bring freedom to the people of Iraq.

Today, the US Military is virtually leaving all urban areas in Iraq! This is a day of VICTORY! It has taken many years, and many sacrifices, including many, many lives. We have now reached the point that was envisioned several years ago, to bring freedom to the people of Irag, and to have them provide for their own ongoing security and protection of their new freedoms. It is great to see the people be able to realize this freedom.

So thank you to all who have served and sacrificed and died for the people of Irag, and their freedom.

Amazing Love

2009-06-28T19:36:00.001-07:00

Remembering Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

As I stated on facebook.com/sajman21, I can vividly see the cover of the Jackson 5's Greatest Hits album, which was the first album I owned in my life.

I remember listening to that album over and over again. My favorite songs were ABC, and I'll be There! Those two songs, being my favorite at the time, have helped shape my life, even today. I know everything is not as easy as ABC, 123, and I realize that I am not always there when needed, however, I do make an honest effort to live my life in these ways.

After hearing the news this afternoon, while exiting Sam's Club in Sacramento, my arms were filled with goose bumps, and I was chilled, despite the 90 degree summer day. As I was putting the items in my car, it was really a weird feeling, the goose bumps just wouldn't go away.

This is indeed a sad day. I am sure I will remember where I was when I heard the news, similar to when Elvis died while I was at my grandparents house in St. Louis on vacation preparing to head for Florida, and when the 9/11 attacks occured, while I was at morning mass at St. Joseph's Church in Vacaville, CA.

Michael, Rest In Peace. May your music and legacy live on forever!

Pictures from Nascar Race!

2009-06-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the race, today. Wow, we really had fun! We were able to see an air show with some stunt jets, parachuters, a stunt helicopter show. We walked to the fan area to check out the drivers trailers where they sell their stuff! We got a Jeff Gordon car and a small Dale Earnhardt #3!

Of course, it was fun to sing the National Anthem, and then have two fighter jets zoom right over our head at the end of the Star Spangled Banner....way cool.

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines....and were ready for action!!

We left with 30 or so laps left, so we could be home in time for Christopher's mom to pick him up. That was a bummer, but...hey we beat the traffic!!

A little Nascar Thunder at Turn 7

2009-06-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a little Nascar Thunder as seen from our seats at turn 7!

2009-06-21T13:11:00.001-07:00

Counting down to green flag

2009-06-21T10:33:00.001-07:00

Stuck in traffic on way to race track

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my Dad, my brothers, Bill, and all the other Fathers that I know!

It's race day!!! My Father's Day will be Great, spending it with my son at his first Nascar Race! Look for a couple updates throughout the day!

Judging

2009-06-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Went to 5:30 pm Mass tonight. Father Humberto spoke wonderfully about judging and not judging during his homily. As he said it, "Just because it shines, doesn't mean it is gold."

Congratulation to Father Humberto for his Pastorial assignment in St. Paul Minnesota. We will really miss you!

Mom & Dad on the road again!

2009-06-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mom & Dad are on the road again, on their way to visit Steve, Amy and kids in Spokane. Have fun with the visit!

Getting Closer to Nascar

2009-06-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

We are getting more and more excited about seeing the Nascar race on Father's Day!

I was telling Christopher that the last time I saw the Nascar race at Sears Point, was when his mom and I went before he was born. In that race, I told him, Jeff Gordon (mom's favorite) won the race, beating Mark Martin (my favorite).

Strange thing is that Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin qualified 13th and 14th for Sunday's race, so they will be starting next to each other on the 7th row.

Tony Stewart will be starting in row 2 in the number 4 spot.

Have Faith - Do not be afraid

2009-06-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will hear the story of Jesus calming the violent sea while he and his disciples are in the middle of the storm. The disciples woke Jesus from his sleep and asked if he didn't care that they died. He questioned their faith, and then calmed the storm and the sea. With the grace of faith, he can also calm the storm in our life.

Jesus started his church more than 2,000 years ago when he gave the authority and responsibility to his disciples and their successors to lead and teach every person in every nation.

Today, the priests in his Church continue to fulfill his demands. "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." And of course, the hugely important function of the priests to provide us with the body and blood of Christ in the most important prayer .... the Holy Mass.

Friday, June 19, begins the "year of the priest". Make sure you thank your priest and thank God for the wondrous gift of the priesthood. For without priests, their would be no eucharist.

Countdown to Nascar Weekend!

2009-06-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Just 4 more days until the thunder at Sears Point! "Let's go racin' boys!"

Four things you can't recover!

2009-06-17T19:22:00.001-07:00

Thank you to my Aunt Paula for this little, but important email message!

Four things you can't recover:

The stone.........after the throw. The word........after it's said.

The occasion........after it's missed. The time........after it's gone.

Who Am I?

2009-06-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Can you guess who I am? I only have one day left in first grade, then I will be a second grader. Today, I spent the afternoon with Daddy! We went to the R/C Hobby Store to check out all the cool stuff they have. This store is ten times bigger than the Vacaville Hobby Store!

We also ate lunch in the back seat of a '56 Bel Air in Burger King!!! Pretty cool...they have two seats that look like classic cars. The 1956 Chevy Bel Air. We think the other one is a Cadillac.

We had ice cream for a snack, and looked up some Plymouth Fury's online!

** If you are viewing this on Facebook, you may need to click on "view original post" to see the picture.

The Holy Spirit and the Eucharist

2009-06-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

I heard a true story this evening.

The man telling the story said that it was a cold winter night and he was using his fireplace to help warm his house. One of the logs just didn't seem to be burning very well. It only had a small whiff of smoke. He decided to remove the log to make place for another log that might burn better to give him better heat.

He carried the log outside. The log was not even warm. He put it on his front porch and went back inside.

A little while later, he heard a thug sound out front. He went to the door, opened it and found that the log had burned a hole in his wooden front porch. He thankfully got water on the burning porch before it spread to cause more damage.

A similar event happened a few years ago to friends of my parents. He placed ashes in a metal container, along side his house. Somehow, these cool, already burned ashes sparked, raced up the side of the house and into the attic. The house was burned to the ground. Thanks to God, no one was hurt. A nice side note: when they rebuilt their house, they used a paint color in their living room called Greystone. I have used that color in my houses for the last 8 years!

Anyway, during this week leading up to Corpus Christi this Sunday, I wanted to compare the stories here with the power of the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist (The Body & Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord) Corpus Christi.

You may be at a point in your life, or know someone who is, and be similar to the cool log with just a hint of smoke, or the already used ashes. Just because one thinks they are either burned up, or lack what it takes to live a holy life, it may not be so.

When you open yourself to the power of the Holy Spirit, and really ask God to come into your life, or more into your life HE will. He may just be waiting for you to ask. Take the step, Come Home! Through the Grace of God, we can be saved. If you are like the log with a whiff of smoke, let the Holy Spirit blow like the wind, that sparked the fire in that log. Come home to the Church, and allow yourself to partake in the Holy Eucharist, the true body and blood of Christ. (See blog entry from earlier today). It is the ultimate blessing to be able to take our Lord into our body each week or more often, in the Eucharist.

May you truly be blessed in the name of the Father & the Son & the Holy Spirit so that the small whiff of smoke will be fanned by the Holy Spirit, and that no one will ever extinguish the flame burning in your heart and soul.

Gospel of St. John Chapter 6, 51 and following

2009-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

51
I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."
52
The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?"
53
Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.
54
Whoever eats 19 my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.
55
For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.
56
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.
57
Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.
58
This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."
59
These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
60
20 Then many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?"
61
Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you?
62
What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 21
63
It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh 22 is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
64
But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him.
65
And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father."
66
As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.
67
Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?"
68

A Love Letter From Your Father

2009-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well, yes I did cry! It is really amazing to know that the awesome, amazing, endless, unquestioned, deep and true love I have for my son, is multiplied to infinity when it comes to the love my Heavenly Father has for me and YOU!

As we get a day closer to the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ, may you be always touched by God's Love. May your heart be as receptive as a small child.

My Hands are Holding You

2009-06-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

This is the week, eight years ago, that my spirit was awakened, and I came back to full communion with the Church. I was never too far away, however, my spiritual life had become something that I did and had on "my" terms. This week, eight years ago, as it is this week, was the week leading up to the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ. I didn't realize, of course, that it was during the week of Corpus Christi, until Sunday. During that week I went to confession for the first time in 20 years, and when I attended the first Mass after that confession on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi at Our Lady of Grace in West Sacramento, the Holy Spirit was alive and well in my heart and soul that day. Thanks be to God, it is still alive, and I pray it always will be.

Four years ago, I was blessed to be in St. Louis on Vacation on Corpus Christi Sunday. It was another awesome experience to attend Mass that Holy day at the New Basilica of St. Louis. I look forward to coverage this week on the ordination of the new Arch Bishop of my home town - St. Louis!

May this week bring many blessings to my friends and family who I pray for always!

65th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy

2009-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sixty-five years ago on June 6, 1944, our brave brothers landed on the shores of France and began the end of tyranny in Europe and the world.

I don't believe in fighting and war for the sake of fighting, however, it brings me a lot of patriotic pride to know that our country has fought for liberty and freedom throughout our brief history.

My nearly seven-year old son will be traveling to Hawaii in a few weeks with his mom. I have been talking to him about the sacrifice that people in America have made so he could live the way we live. I really hope he is moved, even at his tender age, when he steps foot on the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial. I wish I was going to be there with him. My love and prayers will be with him and those who fought and gave their lives for us...Let us never forget what those before us have done.

It was good to look back at President Ronald Reagan's speech on the 40th anniversary of D-Day. Some feel that this speech is one of the best speeches given EVER by an United States president.

Thank you to all of those who still understand and fight for truth, whether in uniform or out!

My Caring Son

2009-06-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

People amaze me, sometimes. I am sure that maybe some people think I do stupid things....all is good. Opinions of one are just as valid as opinions of another.

Here is a story of true love from my son!

When I picked up my nearly 7 year old son from first grade today, he excitedly told me that his class was going to have a picnic next Wednesday. I would not know that, since his mom does not leave me copies of the memos and news that he gets from his teacher.

He told me that his mom was going to buy juice boxes for the picnic, so he could take them to school on Monday. Then, out of the blue, as he often does..."Daddy, I have a Great Idea." "Why don't WE buy juice boxes and surprise mommy." Wow, he never ceases to amaze me. He is so very thoughtful. As he continues to grow and learn, I am certain his thoughtfulness will help many many people. I told him that was a terrific idea, and I asked what kind of juice boxes he wanted to get. He told me the kind that we get. We normally get the Honest Kids juice packets. We decided that we would check out Wal-mart, then Sam's Club, then Target. If all else failed, we knew there was some at Lucky's, but that was too long a drive, according to my wonderful son!

We checked out the juice isle at Wal-mart. They had an 8 pack of grape. That was all they had. He said that there are 20 kids in the class, and that he wanted the box that had all three flavors.

We then moved on to Sam's Club. I have purchased the Honest Kids juice there before, and they had plenty. We got the 24 pack with the three flavors, grape, tango punch and berry lemonade. He was really happy, and really excited that he could do this for his mom!

At the end of our day, I took him back to his mom's. He yelled from the car to her standing near the front of the house, "mommy, did you get juice boxes yet?" She answered, "no". He was overjoyed, now. He said, "WE did!". He grabbed the box of Honest Kids juice and brought it over to her. That is when she decided to suck every bit of excitement and joy from his thoughtful caring heart.

"How are you going to get these to school?" His mom asked. How was he going to get the juice she bought to school? She then asked me the same question. She had already deflated our son's happiness and joy, and by asking me, she squashed the last ounce of joy from him. I just don't know if she realizes how she affects his little psyche, when she does this stuff. I could see his shoulders immediately slump...he was truly hurt.

I then told her that He really wanted to surprise her by getting the juice. "But how is he going to get this box to school, along with his backpack?" Christopher chimed in with a solution. "We can put the juice in my backpack!" No, that was not going to work according to his mom. Again, I ask, how was he going to get juice boxes or juice bags that she bought to school along with his backpack.

He carefully picked out eight, but I could tell he really wanted a couple extra to bring into her house. She was rushing him, telling him to put the rest in the box. He did select two more for a total of ten for his backpack, and I told him that he should take a couple for him, if he wanted. Of course, he did...I could see it.

I am so very proud of my little guy. He is really growing up to be a very caring, loving individual. I am so happy that he loves his mom so much. As I have said many times, that is one of most important roles as his dad, to always teach him about the importance of loving his mommy!

As we departed each other for the day, I told him that I was proud of him and that he did a great job! Which he did. Love you bud!

Pictures from our trip to San Francisco last weekend

2009-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pro-Life and wondering how anyone is not

2009-06-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

I know that I am a very simple minded person, however, I don't see the hot issue of today as being as controversial as some claim that it is. The argument between those who promote life and those who promote death is really very, very odd.

From the highest educated person to the person who is "ignorant" of the most elementary teachings of things of this world, there should not be any one who can truly believe that killing an innocent human person is justified.

The exception to that are those who actually hate people, those who are emotionally unstable, or those who kill to defend their own life. Those people who hate others enough to murder someone who is not threatening their life can come to that state due to jealousy, revenge, or a variety of other reasons. I don't personally feel that there is any justifiable reason to kill another person, unless your life is in immediate threat of death. From my experience, limited as it may be due to me being simple minded, people and organizations that are truly pro-life do not just throw that term around, they and I are truly PRO-LIFE.

The recent killing of Dr. Tiller is a terrible and horrific act. I don't know how many innocent babies he killed in his life, however, no matter of that total lives he took, make his life any less important as a human being and should not have been snuffed out by the person who hated him and/or was emotionally unstable.

I have not encountered a single person or organization who claim to be pro-life, who has supported the killing of this one man who had himself harmed and killed so many.

There are, unfortunately, many, many people in this country that support the killing of innocent people who have harmed NO-ONE.

A really strange thing has happened this week. Those who openly support and work to allow and to actually kill the innocent people in our culture, are OUTRAGED that Dr. Tiller, one man, was murdered.

Those who say they are pro-life have proved, once again, that they are truly pro-life...you see every pro-life organization and person I know are also OUTRAGED that Dr. Tiller, one man, was murdered.

Those who are pro-life know the natural truth that life is valuable, no matter what the state of that life is in.
Those who support or promote the killing of innocent human beings somehow know and understand that truth, sometime, and completely forget it at other times.

So, I don't believe that those who support or promote the millions of innocent deaths are people haters, or have emotional illnesses, because, they too seem to understand that the killing of this ONE man was wrong. It is truly sad, that many of those same people three minutes after condemning this terrible and horrific action, can turn around and then support or promote and justify the killing of oh, so many of our brothers and sisters.

If one is outraged that this ONE man was murdered, then how can one not be completely and totally OUTRAGED beyond compare that ONE innocent person, who has harmed no-one is murdered....then multiply that by MILLIONS. How then can anyone support or promote the killing through the procedure labelled abortion.

The president of our country recently said this issue is controversial and complicated.....nothing is farther from the truth....it is actually quite simple, and very uncomplicated. There will be those who do their best to make this controversial, but it just really isn't so. Life is Life, Death is Death. Do you deserve to live / Do you deserve to die. No human being should have that CHOICE or power over others.

Dont' give up loving

2009-05-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

As Father Humberto said tonight in his homily, those who are the hardest to love, often need the love the most. Don't give up loving them, as you may be the only one working to love them.

New Mass Translation Preview

2009-05-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

The USCCB has created an area to preview the new translation of the Holy Mass. You can view the changes as they look now by clicking here:http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/missalformation/OrdoMissaeWhiteBook.pdf

This has not been finalized, but is very interesting to check out. We are going to have to put on our learning hats to learn the differences.

I have been excited about the changes when it was announced that the U.S. Bishops had been given the OK to work on the translation, in an effort to be closer to the Latin translation of the Mass.

Interview with George

2009-05-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Interview with George, the driver of the 1962 Chevy Nomad, involved in this terrible 5-car crash. George is a real hero, getting free from the wreckage and calling the fire rescue plane to douse the flames.

What are you waiting for...Come Home

2009-05-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Are you searching for a church? If you have been searching for the True Church, the church that has withstood attacks from every conceivable place, most especially satan himself, you need not look any further. This church has done something that no man made group or government has been able to do. The Catholic Church today teaches the same moral and natural truths it did 2,000 years ago. It has not changed, because real truth CAN NOT be changed. Even the Great, but infant like United States Government (230 years compared to 2,000) has changed countless times from it's original foundations. The Catholic Church is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Come back home, or come home for the first time. You are prayed for every day. The Holy Spirit is knocking, won't you answer?

God Bless us on Memorial Day

2009-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

May God truly bless our nation, especially all of the brave souls who have fought and died for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today.

Ascension of our Lord

2009-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Jesus appeared to the eleven, and he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved: but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.'

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it." [Mk. 16:15-20]

A Truly Awesome Video

2009-05-23T13:57:00.001-07:00

Pray the Rosary

2009-05-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

A Father's Touch

2009-05-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Don't underestimate the power and influence a father has on his child(ren). We all hear of the tragedy in today's society regarding absent fathers. It is truly one of the most terrible stories I can imagine. I had a nice talk with my best friend recently about the influence a mom and dad have on their children.

A boy, in particular, will learn what a real man is and will determine if he wants to also be a "real man" when he grows up based on what he sees or does not see from his father.

I am not together with my son's mom. I do truly feel that I that I am a "real man" model for my six-year old son. He hears from my lips and sees in my actions every time we are together, examples of how to be a "real man".

I talk about loving his mother. She doesn't really understand this real love, and would be very upset, I am certain, if she knew that I was telling our son that I loved his mommy. However, I really believe one of the greatest gifts I can give my son, is to show him that I do love his mom. I don't understand her and I don't agree with the way she treats him, but as far as he knows, I love her.

I talk about loving Jesus. Jesus and God the Father are my role models along with my dad of what a "real man" should be.

I teach my son how to be a leader and how to think independently. I teach him how to work hard for what he wants. I give him freedom to succeed as well as fail, and he knows I am always there to support and teach him.

Today, he left school early feeling ill. The school called his mom, who left her job to pick him up, take him home, and take care of him. As this was a day I was to spend with my son after school, she called to inform me that he was not feeling good, and wanted to stay at her house to rest. I said that was fine, and to have him call me so we could talk after he rested. I received a call at 1:30, and I expected it would be my son. Instead it was his mom, telling me that he had changed his mind and wanted me to pick him up.

When I arrived, he was very, very clingy to his mom. There have been just a couple times in his life that I have seen him that way. He would look at me and smile, but clung tightly to his mommy. He kept telling her that he was going to miss her. Really weird behavior. She walked him out to my car. He climbed in and I buckled him in. As we prepared to pull away, I rolled down his window so he could say goodbye. We pulled away, and instantly, I mean instantly his demeanor changed. My first words to him were to ask him how he was feeling. He said, "I am great now". He was non-stop from that point on until his mom picked him up a couple hours later. When she picked him up 5 p.m., he was just at lively...a complete 180 degree turn from when she last saw him. How did that happen. I was dad, and he knew and felt the comfort, love and support, and responded immediately after leaving his mom.

Wow, this really brought home what my touch and my presence mean to my son. I knew it already, as this was exactly what my friend and I were talking about just a few days earlier. I am certain he will grow up to be a "real man".

I like being a Catholic

2009-05-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Letter to the President

2009-05-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is a letter I sent to President Obama this evening. I know it is long. I took up all but 3 of my alloted 5,000 characters.

Mr. President. Thank you for having this tool to allow us to stay connected. I did not vote for you, and actually had some great email dialogue with friends and family leading up to the election. Some favored you, some did not. As I have listened to many of your speeches and talks through the election cycle and after you election, I have heard on many occasions you speaking of your sincere care for people of this nation and the world. So, much so, that I too could possibly have been persuaded to vote for you.

In one of the email correspondences I had with family and friends just after your nomination, I wrote that you could well end up being one of the greatest presidents in our history. IF.......you really practiced what you spoke about. Unfortunately, I feel that there are still just too many inconsistencies in your policies and directions.

I really loved it when you have spoken about your upbringing, how difficult it was, and that through your perseverance you were able to overcome those obstacles to reach this pinnacle in you life. In that same speech, however, you spoke of government's responsibility of helping those who are in the same situation as you were. That was a big conflict and problem with me. Can someone work hard, learn, and persevere to achieve their goals, or does that same someone rely on their government to achieve their goals for them. I hope you understand the dilemma that caused. That is just one example of many similar inconsistencies I have seen and heard from you.

Again, I really, really appreciate and applaud the way you seem to personally support those in need, those in poor communities, those with broken families, those who have lost their jobs and more. The way you talk does inspire people, you definitely have the charism of a person who can lead and who others will follow. You can really have a big impact on shaping the future for our great country and the world.

You have already made an impact with stimulus packages, emission control standard changes, fuel efficiency vehicle, etc, etc. All of these type of changes may very well be good for the continued success of our country. I am certain that you will be a supporter, throughout your term or terms, of real human rights issues. You at least lead me to feel that way from the way you speak.

I just simply do not understand, however, that if you believe so much in human rights, taking care of the poor, support of families, and everything that goes along with that type of philosophy, that you feel the need to support a person's right to kill their child. That person never has the opportunity to grow up to achieve ANYTHING. None of the rights and freedoms of our great land will be afforded that person, as they will have been murdered in the safest and most beautiful place - their mother's womb.

This is the BIGGEST contradiction in your platform and philosophies, as I see it. As I have stated, you could be not only one of the greatest presidents, you could be the GREATEST president we have have ever had, if you would truly make the strong stance to really support human rights, right from the beginning. Your charisma and leadership could so positively affect the country and the world and change the tide from the death loving society, to a society of truly believing in and helping our fellow humans on this earth.

It is really unimaginable to think that one person could have that much influence. I know you stated in your address at Notre Dame University, that one person can not change the world. You, however, with a strong position to support human life, along with all of the other wonderful human issues, could indeed have that influence!

This issue has become a matter of choice, however, every issue in the world and our history is a matter of choice. Every choice we make shapes the next person, the next day, the next generation....for good and for bad. Just because we have been blessed to have the ability to make these choices, does not give us freedom to make choices that are disruptive or damaging to our selves, our neighbors, our community, our world.

It starts, and must start with the choice so support life, not the killing of life.

Perhaps you are right that those who support abortion do not believe they are doing anything wrong, and that they are not killing a person. Your influence and direction to support life from conception to natural death, would help to solve that. There will always be those in our world and country who believe that they should be able to do anything to anybody at any time for any reason....just because they want to. Although I have love and compassion for these type of people, they are killing our society.

With your outspoken support for life, people who actually love life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will gel together behind you stronger than you could ever imagine. It would be truly amazing.

Mr. President, thank you for allowing this forum.

KMOX - Swine flu claims a local life- St. Louis

2009-05-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

KMOX - Swine flu claims a local life

Posted using ShareThis

Pictures of Christopher at Sac River Cats Game

2009-05-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the nearly perfect hitting style!!!

Raise your hand

2009-05-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

From: www.priestforlife.org

Father Frank Pavone on Notre Dame

2009-05-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Pro Life Ad airing on American Idol

2009-05-13T20:29:00.001-07:00

APA changes their information about existence of a "Gay Gene"

2009-05-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Just one day after I expressed my thoughts on same sex, opposite sex, multi sex, non-sex, personal sex, World Net Daily announced that the American Psychological Association changed it's brochure titled: Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality, to say their is no consensus among scientists that a "gay gene" exists.

The section of the brochure is below. Not only is there no consensus among scientists that a "gay gene" causes homosexual attraction, there is also no consensus that many, many others factors heavily studied are factors in determining sexual orientation. Again, sexual orientation of any type, as I wrote about yesterday. So what causes this? I reaffirm my thoughts that there is not a "cause". If sexual orientation is not caused by genetics, hormones, social or cultural influences, and it is not a mental disease, which the APA strongly states, and I also believe, then what is it! The APA says many feel "little or no sense of choice". I understand how and why they say that, because I certainly have not sensed choice in my sexual orientation. I do, know, however, that I most certainly and vividly remember making choices when it came to sexual matters in my life.

As I explained to a good friend, today, there is no room in this world for discrimination towards any human based on the sexual orientation or preference they feel or choose. I am not saying that if they choose to live a lifestyle other than what was designed and implemented by God, that it is OK. The person is still a person, the actions are what are contrary to the Natural Law. Common Sense, if there is nothing else in the world, shows us that Male and Females were created throughout the animal world for a reason....I think most people gay, straight, multi, non, personal sexuals know in their heart what that is.

American Psychological Association

Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality

"What causes a person to have a particular sexual orientation?"

"There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation."

Carrie Prejean keeps Miss California Title

2009-05-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I am happy that Donald Trump decided to let Carrie Prejean keep her crown as Miss California. Just like it took courage for Carrie to stand up for her beliefs when she was asked if she supported marriage between gay individuals, it also took courage for the Donald to not take the easy road and strip her of the crown. People in the gay community or supporters of this lifestyle choice have been asking for understanding, and tolerance for many years. Many people certainly did not practice this by the outrage and hatred thrown at Carrie after her opinion and belief did not please them.

I am certainly not a scientist, however, I do not believe that any person is given any sexual orientation, straight, gay, multi..or anything in between, on the fringe, or way out there. We are taught by our relatives and our culture who and what we should love. Even if God implanted something in our soul and being to tell us how we should love and live with, I believe it is ultimately our choice.....I know God did give us free will.....even when it comes to this type of choice. Do we choose to love a person of the opposite sex, do we choose to love a person of the same sex, do we choose to love multiple persons, do we choose to simply love ourself, do we choose to love a person our same age, do we choose to love a person older, do we choose to love a person younger, do we choose to love a non person (animate or not). We DO MAKE this choice, just as we are able to and do make many, many other choices in life. Our choice of sexual or love partner(s) is also just that.....our choice. Some of those choices are what God would intend us to make, some are not. We should all pray that we make the choices that God would have us make, after all he is our maker, and we were created for him. We should also be willing and ready to face the consequences if we make the choices that go against God's preferred plan for us.....He does not force us to make the right decisions.

Special Important Prayer Request

2009-05-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Please click here to visit Real Catholic TV to learn about a very important prayer request. Thank you!

USA Today Article

2009-05-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Link here to a column by Richard W. Garnett in Monday's USA Today. He explains further the Scandal at Notre Dame.

The New IBible

2009-05-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Found this new item on patrick madrid's blog site. It is well worth a look. Anything that can help us read, understand and study the Bible!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

God chose woman to be the bearer of life. May he bless all the women who are open to bringing life into the world, and to all those who have already done so. Happy Mother's day, especially to my Mom, Grandma, sisters in law, and other family and friends. May a special Mother's Day blessing be bestowed on the mother of my son: God Bless You, and thank you for being the mother of our son.

Arch Bishop Raymond Burke Speaks out

2009-05-08T23:34:00.000-07:00

Link to article about Arch Bishop Raymond Burke, former Arch Bishop of St. Louis, and now a high ranking Bishop in the Vatican. He is speaking out against the choice of Father Jenkins to have President Obama speak and be honored at the graduation ceremonies next week

Keep your prayers, especially the Rosary, going.

Strong Storms in SW Missouri

2009-05-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

My thoughts and prayers for all those back home who endured Tornado weather Friday. I vividly remember to this date, a similar day in Springfield in the early 80's. Seeing debris flying over our house on Catalina Circle, and then later seeing the damage in Southern Hills, and especially near Battlefield Mall.

Here is a list of damage reports, provided by KY3 TV, to remind us the damage these storms can do.

Another report from KY3

Father John Corapi on Notre Dame Scandal

2009-05-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Terrible Two's ???

2009-05-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

My best friend asked me tonight if my son, Christopher, ever went through the terrible 2's. Christopher will be seven in August, and I remember how blessed I felt during his third year upon this earth.

I told her that he did not have anything even close to the terrible 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, and now 6's!!!!!

As anyone who knows me, knows... I truly believe that Christopher was a miracle baby, and I count my blessings and thank God for him each and every day!

The Eucharist

2009-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

This week we are really blessed to have the readings from St. John's Gospel regarding the discourse of the Holy Eucharist. The Gospel readings beginning Monday, April 27, start with John 6, 22-29, and continue through the Gospel readings on Saturday with John 6, 60-69. Pope John Paul II said that the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our faith.

We have been taught that the Eucharist is Truly the Body and Blood of Jesus. This was taught directly by Jesus to his apostles at the Last Supper, and other times. St. Justin, who died for the faith in about 155 A.D., as many have, wrote about how the early Church had faith that the Eucharist was the True Presence of our Lord. Reading what St. Justin talked and wrote about the Eucharist, and how it was celebrated, and "remembered" 2000 years ago, is amazing. The Mass of the early Church was, of course, very, very, close to the Mass today. I knew that, but reading St. Justin's thoughts really drove that home, yesterday!

God Bless

Change Blindness

2008-08-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

So, did you see what was changing in the picture.

NO....

You are not alone.

When you look at it again, you will notice that the engine attached to the wing appears and then disappears.

Click here to see it again!

Pope Benedict XVI at World Meeting of Families - Spain

2006-07-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Homily by Pope Benedict XVI, at the closing Mass at the World Meeting of Families in Spain, was an inspiration to all families, and to myself. His message on the importance of family, and the ties of children to generations of ancestors is relevant in my life today. I have prayed, desired, and faught for the resolution of Christopher's mother and I, so that we may be together as a loving, caring, nurturing family. The Holy Father indeed reinforced that importance in my mind. At one point, he said that we are all called to work for perfection in our family relationships. I will continue that work with love and prayers.

Christopher's only living great grand-parent, Ila, is getting ready to celebrate her 90th birthday this August in St. Louis. I was so grateful that I was able to assist my mother yesterday with the final touches on the invitations for my grandma's birthday party. God willing, I will be able to attend. Christopher's mom will also be receiving an invitation, and a verbal invitation from me. Christopher's great grandma has not had the pleasure of meeting him in person. I pray that this will be that meeting.

Following are several sections from Sunday's homily by Pope Benedict XVI:

“The family, founded on indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman, is the expression of this relational, filial and communal aspect of life.”

“(Children) along with the gift of life, receive a whole patrimony of experiences. Parents have the right and the inalienable duty to transmit this heritage to their children: to help them find their own identity, to initiate them to life in society, to foster the responsible exercise of their moral freedom and their ability to love based on their having been loved, and above all, to enable them to encounter God.”

“At the origin of every man and woman, and thus in all human fatherhood and motherhood, we find God the Creator. For this reason married couples must accept the child born to them, not simply as theirs alone, but also as a child of God, loved for his or her own sake and called to be a son and daughter of God.”

“Consequently, at the origin of every human being there is not something haphazard or chance, but a loving plan of God. This was revealed to us by Jesus Christ, the true Son of God and a perfect man. He knew whence he came and whence all of us have come: from the love of his Father and our Father.”

“Faith, then, is not merely a cultural heritage, but the constant working of the grace of God who calls and our human freedom, which can respond or not to his call. Even if no one can answer for another person, Christian parents are still called to give a credible witness of their Christian faith and hope. The need to ensure that God’s call and the good news of Christ will reach their children with the utmost clarity and authenticity.”

“The Christian family passes on the faith when parents teach their children to pray and when they pray with them; when they lead them to the sacraments and gradually introduce them to the life of the Church; when all join in reading the Bible, letting the light of faith shine on their family life and praising God as our Father.”

“To help us advance along the path of human maturity, the Church teaches us to respect and foster the marvelous reality of the indissoluble marriage between man and woman which is also the origin of the family. To recognize and assist this institution is one of the greatest services which can be rendered nowadays to the common good and to the authentic development of individuals and societies, as well as the best means of ensuring the dignity, equality and true freedom of the human person.”

"I wish to call on all Christians to collaborate cordially and courageously with all people of good will who are serving the family in accordance with their responsibility so that by joining forces in a legitimate plurality of initiatives they will contribute to the promotion of the authentic good of the family in contemporary society.”
“Mary is the image and model of all mothers, of their great mission to be guardians of life, of their mission to be teachers of the art of living and of the art of loving.”

“The Christian family - father, mother and children - is called, then, to do all these things not as a task imposed from without, but rather as a gift of the sacramental grace of marriage poured out upon the spouses. If they remain open to the Spirit and implore his help, he will not fail to bestow on them the love of God the Father made manifest and incarnate in Christ.”

“And this is the message of hope that, from Valencia, I wish to share with all the families of the world. Amen.”

My Fallen Away Brothers

2006-07-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

My fallen away brothers who were both baptized in the Church have cited several excuses for not being faithful to the teachings, sacraments, and traditions of the Church. Among the excuses I have heard is that the people who go to church are hypocrites. This is definitely a true statement of many Catholics today. We must remember, however, that Christ started his church for the sinners, not for the saints.

In reflecting on today's Mass reading from the Old Testament - Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, it is clear that God hated his worshippers. Perhaps my brothers are right. Well, let's just wait a minute and take a little closer look. Many times people look too quickly at the surface, or listen to others who do not tell the whole story. In Amos 5:21 God did say: "I hate, I spurn your feasts, I take no pleasure in your solemnities."

Our Lord says in Amos 5:23-24: "If you would offer Me holocausts, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream." Our songs are just noise, our prayers are all so fake if we are not repentant, and we fail to follow his word.

God truly does admire his people, their songs, their prayers, their charity, when we are one with him and our mother church. "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; then truly will the Lord, the God of hosts, be with you as you claim!" (Am 5:14)

Like any loving, caring mother, the Church has rules, guidelines, and the such to help it's children get through this life on Earth, navigate the rough waters, and keep the faith, so they may all share in the great feast in Heaven.

Modern western law was indeed borrowed from the Catholic Church, as were many great and meaningful things we have in our society today. There are far less "laws" in the Church than there are in many cities, states and countries. Christ passed on the authority to Saint Peter, and his successors (the complete line of popes from Peter to Benedict XVI), when he told Peter that whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. If we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and his church, and if we are blessed with the grace of the Holy Spirit, we will make it down the long, winding, tiny road. If we stray, and take the easy way, or decide to blaze our own path, we may find ourselves lost or on the highway to destruction.

May my brothers and my entire family have the desire put on their hearts by the Holy Spirit to experience our Lord in the Holy Eucharist every day of their lives. I will never cease to pray for my family, my son's mother and her family, and my friends. I pray that God will always look at me as being "with him", and that he will enjoy my songs, and prayers.

Captain Christopher!

2006-07-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Freedom

2006-07-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom
as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one
another.

As we celebrate the Independence of our country, we should be careful not to forget what real freedom means. I believe Father John Corapi said in one of his many great talks, "...Freedom is not the right to do whatever you want, but instead it is the freedom to do what is right."

This country was established with a guiding creed. Many countries are established to serve a particular ethnicity or for other cultural or political reasons. The United States was founded on beliefs that people from anywhere, of any race, of any religion, of any age, etc... should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The great melting pot runs the risk of "melting" if we continue to be overly tolerant of those who wish to change our country by their definition of freedom...Doing whatever they want, whatever makes them feel or look good. They are bringing a change to our culture of "doing what is right" by making the people think that abortion, incest, and euthanasia are "good" things, and are quickly melting the great melting pot.

Have a great July 4th Independence Day! Do what is right...Be a blessing in someone's life today!

Have the Faith of a Child

2006-07-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today's (July 2) Gospel reading at Mass (Mk 5:21-43) was about the Faith of the woman afflicted with hemorrhages for 12 years and the Faith of a synagogue official Jairus whose daughter was at the point of death. In both cases our Lord Jesus Christ showed his mercy and love to those who have faith in him. The woman was healed upon touching Jesus' clothing, because she knew that if she could only touch his cloak, she would be healed. She was indeed healed, even without asking. God already knew her desires and her faith. Christ said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."

We have been taught to have the faith of a child, and we too will be saved, and our prayers answered. This was brought home to me a few weeks ago, when my 3+ year old son asked me to open a Thomas the Train packaged in one of those nearly impossible to open plastic things. I had gotten several of these packages for Christopher recently, and the only way I could open them was with scissors. That day, we were riding the train in Old Sacramento, and I did not have scissors or any sharp object with me. Christopher knew, and he had faith in me, his father, that I could indeed open that package. "Open it Daddy...I know you can." He said it with such confidence and faith that I had to find a way to open the package. I found a secret little opening in the bottom of the package and was able to open the package to the delight, but not surprise of my son.

I learned a lot about faith that day. I really tried to have that kinda faith and use it in my prayers as I prepared to ask Christopher's mom to marry me four weeks ago. I just knew she would say "yes" because of my child-like faith and prayers in the matter. Before that day arrived, I also had a realization that God may not answer my prayers the way I expected, even with my prayers and faith. I knew that even if my own son asked with the faith and confidence he had with the train, to allow or give him something that I knew was not good or right for him...even with his faith in me and God, I would not allow him to have such a thing.

I know that is the way God works. He will always answer our prayers. The answer just might not be the answer we want, but it will always be the answer that is best for us...if we have the faith of a child or of the hemorrhage afflicted woman in today's Gospel reading.

May God grant us the faith of a child, may we be saved from our afflictions and our sins forgiven. In Jesus' name...Amen.

Father's Day Lake Adventure

2006-07-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

Father's Day at Folsom Lake. Christopher just loved the lake and Uncle Donkey's and Aunt Sara's Boat. This was truly a great Father's Day gift to share another bonding time with my terrific son.

Return of the Ring

2006-07-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

The return of the most precious engagement ring happened today. Four weeks after I laid my heart on the line, and was denied, I returned the ring. I am sure this happens to others, but it was a bit awkward. The folks at Helzberg Diamonds were great throughout the whole thing. From the search, purchase, follow-up, and finally the return today. Life is going on, and life is good. Just have to stay focussed on Christ, and everything will be taken care of.

July 1- Gospel Mt 8:5-17

2006-06-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

When Jesus entered Capernaum,a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”The centurion said in reply,“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;only say the word and my servant will be healed.For I too am a man subject to authority,with soldiers subject to me.And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacobat the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven,but the children of the Kingdomwill be driven out into the outer darkness,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”And Jesus said to the centurion,“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”And at that very hour his servant was healed.Jesus entered the house of Peter,and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.He touched her hand, the fever left her,and she rose and waited on him. When it was evening, they brought him manywho were possessed by demons,and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick,to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Searching for God's Will

2006-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Scott has been busy seeking the answers that God will provide on the direction of life. Just a couple weeks after his marriage proposal was shot down, things have been a little disappointing, however...with faith...Not the end of the the world by any stretch of the imagination.

There is a master plan for everyone, it is just a matter of knowing how and when to listen to the "planner". I sent for a CD set by Rosalin Moss about understanding God's will yesterday.

Then...today, the owner of the hotel I manage wanted to get together for lunch to catch up on my life. I began talking about Christopher, my nearly 4 year old son. I told about how I met and fell in love with Christopher's mother nearly 10 years ago. The first time I saw her beautiful green eyes, I was truly messmerized. We spent a long time building a friendship with each other and our two families. A really strong friendship was formed. Five years ago this coming September (shortly after 9-11), I began dating a gal, since it appeared that friendship, although very strong, was the pinnacle of my current relationship with Christopher's mom. When she found out that I was dating, she was hugely disappointed and hurt. She approached me to "talk". We spent several hours talking. She said she did really love me, and did not want to lose me. She wanted to give building our friendship into the next level a shot. I most certainly wanted the same with this most wonderful, beautiful, caring person I knew. We began spending time together again, leading up to a great get-away to Napa Valley and Sonoma in November 2001. Shortly after that, and one day before a planned mini-vacation to Disneyland with her, her parents, and her sister's family...she told me that I was going to be a DAD!

What a great day...and a start of a great chapter in my life....in our lives.

She told me..."Whatever you do, don't ask me to marry you when we are in Disneyland". So, I didn't. Looking back, I am certain that she took that as a "false" signal that I was not truly committed to being with her. Not true at all....I was just giving in to her wish. From a point in January 2002 on, she was never the same towards' me. She did not want me in her life, or our soon-to be child's life. You hear stories all the time about dead-beat dads, leaving their children and their children's mother. And here I was wanting to make sure she knew that I wanted to and would be in her life and the life our our child in every way possible. Truly a dream come true. I know we were not married, and crossed that line pre-maturely, but I really loved her...still do!

After taking her to court and going through mediation to get "reasonable" parenting time with Christopher, things have gotten better, but not to the point of us getting back together. I proposed marriage to her 3 weeks ago, feeling that although we were not together, and had not even talked about that possibility lately, that she would say yes to building a strong, loving, caring family for ourselves, Christopher, and other children we may be blessed to have. She said NO.

So, after telling my love story to my owner this afternoon, he told me that he felt that I should count my blessings that she said no. He said that just in the bit that I told him about her, and us, that she really sounds like she is somewhat self-centered, and would possibly suck all the giving I had to give, and not give anything back. This could also be very detrimental to Christopher. WOW...he was very perceptive, and told me that same thing my family, her family, and my friends have been telling me.

He apologized for prying into my life. I told him that I am quite sure that God arranged the whole lunch.

As I go on, I will continue to seek and hopefully listen to God's word and will.

Above all .... I will continue to pray that Christopher's mom will have a major conversion in her life...personally, and spiritually. I hope she soon will be inspired to seek out the truth of the Catholic Church for herself and for Christopher. No-matter what happens or does not happen between us, I will remain strong in my faith, and in my prayers for her and her salvation.