NaBloPoMo 2018 - Day 11

Somewhere in the South Pacific

In what do you put your faith?

At Mass today, a widow through the prophet Elijah put her faith in God that she would not go hungry. She had enough flour and oil to make one last meal for herself and her son and then they would starve as there was a famine in the land.  Elijah told her essentially to trust that God would provide for her until rain came back to the lands.  She trusted in God, and she and her son were fed from the jars of oil and flour for over a year.

That's some pretty strong faith.  My mother has that kind of faith.  Me, I'm a little more skeptical.  While I was doing my pre-med studies, I had to take a lot of science classes.  I reached a point where I began to seriously reconsider the existence of God.  Mind you, I had been raised a Catholic and had attended Catholic schools my whole life.  But science made sense... until I got into the more advanced sciences and began to think that there was no way any of this happened randomly.

I agree with evolution except the part where humans come from apes;  I can't make that leap.  But I do believe our modern animals come from pre-historic animals and developed because of needing to adapt to their environments.  I believe in creation.  Sure, it didn't take 7 days, more like over 4.5 billion years.  It's amazing how studying science you get a vision into the divine.

I do believe in destiny.  I believe I have a pre-determined path.  I believe I was given certain talents and skills with which I was meant to do something good and live a life which is extraordinary (ala Mr. Keating.)  I believe God has a purpose for me and that it's shown to me in little bits.  But I fight it at times.  I get impatient and challenge.  And then something happens and it's like "OK, God, whatever, I'll do it the way you want me to..."

And that's when He really reveals His plan for me.  And, I take it on faith that I have the skills to accept the challenges He puts before me.  It's led me to this point, and we're no where near the end of my life's journey.

p.s. I generally don't watch TV but there's a new show on CBS called "God Friended Me."  It's been highly enjoyable and has a great message.  Check it out... tell me what you think... 

#NaBloPoMo18

Birthday Shuffle Year V - Day 18 - Be Not Afraid

I've been riding my bike for several months now.  I generally try to ride every other day, and I always listen to music while I am riding.  On Sundays when I ride, I have a playlist of religious music that I listen to.  I'm Catholic, and I have to admit to lapses when it comes to going to Mass every Sunday, but when I ride on Sundays, I do take the time to meditate on God and my faith.

This is one of the songs in my playlist.  I've said before that I used to play in the church choir.  During that time, I played a lot of music and had a lot of favorites.  This is one of them.

It's a song that gave me a lot of comfort during my high school and into college years.  And, when I started to collect music on my iPod, I actually sought out and found some of those songs that used to make me feel good about and encouraged my faith in God.  This is one of them... enjoy!

MyPod Birthday Shuffle IV - Day 10 - El Pescador

I'm cheating a little bit today, because today we 

said goodbye to my Aunt Dolores.

She married my uncle Ruben whom I've written about before.

He was the father figure in my life, and I was

devastated when he died at the end of my intern year

May of 2004.

"Tia Lola" had been his savior both literally and figuratively.

She was a perfect match for a kidney living donor, and 

gave it to him without pause or reservation.

Her gentle grace and calm could easily tame this 

sometimes gruff and surly bear of a man,

and I saw him change for the better because of her.

She died somewhat suddenly a week ago, and

it was a shock to us all.

But I spoke to her son, and he told me

she died with all of the bravery and reserve

that her undying faith in God gave to her.

She was beautiful inside and out,

and an example to us all.

The song "El Pescador" is a Spanish religious standard.

It tells the story of the calling of the disciples by Christ.

The singer tells how he has nothing but his talents to share,

but if God wants he will join him to be a "fisher of men."

This is a bit of a cheat because I don't actually have this song

on my iPod, but it's because I have yet to hear

the perfect recorded performance of this song...

Still, it's a beautiful song, and I dedicate

to my Tia Lola today.

"Señor, me has mirado a los ojos,
sonriendo has dicho mi nombre.
En la arena he dejado mi barca:
junto a Ti buscaré otro mar."

"Lord, You have looked in my eyes,

smiling, You have said my name.

In the sand I have left my boat:

next to You I will look for another ocean."

Christmas Countdown - #1 - Oh, Holy Night

If I could sing, I would sing this song all the time.  

The range of the music is incredible.

And only so many singers can do justice to the words and sentiment...

Like Josh Grobin...

Thank you for reading my blog,
and I hope you enjoyed this countdown...!

I wish you and your family and friends
a most Peaceful and Loving 

Merry Christmas!!

NaBloPoMo Day 7

I was raised Roman Catholic, and my DH was raised Baptist.  We've had some interesting discussions, surprisingly not about ideological differences, but about the social scene.

My take on Baptists:  You spend all day at services.  You're preached at for several hours about how everything you do is a sin.  Then you have lunch which the community shares in.  Then there's bible study, or some other kind of teaching.  Maybe you get invited to your neighbors for some coffee and cake.  Then you roll on home.

His take on Catholics:  The service is always the same.  The homily doesn't really teach you anything.  The priest is never fiery and inspiring.  People complain if the service is over 45 minutes.  Everyone's goal at the end of service is to get out and get home as quickly as possible.

Today we went to our local Catholic church for services.  DH kept comparing it to the community church service he attended last week.  I have to admit I was working last weekend and didn't go with him, but I did hear more about the local town gossip than the service.  Kinda like my hairdresser but with prayers for harvest and a neighbor's arm which needs to heal.

I do have to admit, I like being Catholic.  You can go to Mass Saturdays or Sundays.  It only lasts about an hour.  But, there is something nice about having a social service as well.  A sense of community.  I have been to different churches around the country that have this... Maybe I just haven't come across the right church here.  Or maybe, I need to be startin' something...