The act of liking people

Charity can be defined in some fairly broad terms. In modern day it has meant the act of "giving alms". In other words, when we think of charity we think of the Catholic Relief, Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Way, or some other organization we join or "give to", in order to satisfy a Christian tenat of being charitable.

Charity however-- develops from within. It first must manifest from a point of self love. We must first love ourselves to develop charitable traits. I don't mean we must "like" ourselves--I mean we must love ourselves as Christ taught. This is a love that springs forth from the soul and has no preconceived ideals or objectives other than its expression. Once this is expressed from within--we can then begin to practice charity outward into mankind. And-- this outward charity will not depend upon "liking" another or any prejudicial state we might find others in--it simply means loving them as Christ would.

You see--Charity is Christ in action.It flows from our souls to other souls, nurishing the physical, and spritual aspects of all outside ourselves.

This is the selfless charity needed which builds the strong bonds of brotherhood among all men.Once we arrive at "charity" our lives become ones of service in Christ.

Attaining this state of charity should be of primary interest to all who claim service to our creator. The practice of prayer, meditation, self sacrifice, pentance, and works-- builds the character and sharpens the spirit to begin inboding this practice. When one focuses on the love of our Savior--in prayer and meditation, we begin the process of transformation into charity.

Sometimes when Yodi looks me directly in the eye, I see the reflection of this charity. it surely must be a essence of the creative spirit of "GOD"

I now must pass on a deep and profound message to all who read these little essays. I'm personally involved in a metamorphus of my own spiritual ministry. It takes on a revolutionary trait when I find myself at odds with church structures that are contrary to tradition and themselves become obstacles in my path towards service.

Organizations now exist of Roman Catholic priests and layman who are at odds with many of the failures of church leadership. Although we have taken oaths of obediance to Bishops and Religious, we believe that our true oath is to our savior jesus Christ. The following is a message that sums up my own discust--but also that of millions upon millions of faithful who have been held hostage by the rot within church leadership.

A FEW BLUNT WORDS TO CATHOLICS

Before you explore any other pages on our site, please take a moment to read the following statement, which was prepared by one of the priests guiding RCF. We ask this so that you may clearly understand what the Roman Catholic Faithful are doing, and what we stand for.

A very, very long time ago a pagan Greek philosopher suggested that 90% of you would not like what I'm about to say, but I do ask you to read it all and I pray that you will consider it honestly. First you must realize that we are living in the most evil of all the ages. Read your newspaper. I will take only one example - abortion. We have killed more children than any people in history, and no one else is even in the ballpark! Hitler, Stalin and the other monsters of history must peek through the flames of Hell and gaze in awe and professional admiration at the level of our barbarity. We have found a way to kill children and vote for those who protect the abortionist and we still go to Church on Sunday. We can read from the Bible about the terrible things God said about those who would harm His "little ones" and never connect those words to our own final judgment. I remember being horrified when I read in school about the Aztec Indians throwing children alive into the fire as a sacrifice to their god. How barbaric! But count the numbers. What is the output of the abortion clinics in this country each day? Who are the barbarians? Who are the monsters? At least the Aztecs will have the excuse that they thought they were serving God. What excuse will we have?

As followers of Christ and members of His Church we must stand in opposition to evil! There is a very real conflict, a "spiritual warfare" that the followers of Jesus are called to take up. This is revealed with crystalline clarity in all forms of revelation. God calls His followers to reject the ways of this world and follow him. This warfare is not for the weak or the faint of heart, and many are simply not capable. St. Thomas Aquinas said, "Grace builds on Nature." That is why the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert. A generation of slaves with a slave's mentality had to die off and a new people, strong and toughened by the harsh life of the desert had to rise up. Most Catholics today seem to be like those slaves. They are simply not capable of dealing with the truth. And the truth is that the evil that is everywhere in this world is also deep within the Church. Pope Leo the XIII noticed it and composed the "Prayer to St. Michael". Pope Paul VI proclaimed that the "Smoke of Satan has entered the sanctuary"! Throughout the history of the Church it has always been those who are within that have caused the most damage. Remember that Judas was a bishop and nearly all the heresies that have ravaged the Church throughout history have come from priests and bishops. In an earlier age we were better equipped to deal with this evil and protect the truth. No less a Saint than St. John Chrysostom said, "The floor of hell is paved with the skulls of bishops!"

This evil has festered and grown because it has been promoted and protected by a false spirituality with its roots in the "spirit of Vatican II". An astounding and diabolical pride has allowed us to turn away from the spiritual values that have made saints for 2000 years to embrace a false theology promoted by a false church and presenting a false god. This new god simply blesses whatever our desires, passions, and appetites crave. This god wants us to be happy and such things as sacrifice; penance and self-discipline are non-values. This is the god of the "group hug", "we are the church", and if you complain - "Don't be judgmental" This "god" is a god of love, but not the burning self-sacrificing love we see on the cross, but a phony and sick imitation, a daytime TV talk show morality, which is preached from too many pulpits and is fooling "even the elect"! It's a god for slaves and enslavement. It has found a home deep in the heart of the Church and the Church seems incapable of dealing with it!

If we wish to survive these days with our faith intact we should learn the lessons of history. We live in a time when the laity must rise up to save the true Church. This is very difficult because we are coming out of an age when the laity looked to the hierarchy for guidance. But as it was in the time of King Henry the VIII, you may follow your pastor or even your bishop and as a result find yourself outside the true Church. This is not an age that will suffer weak faith. Soon there will only be two kinds of Catholics - strong Catholics and ex-Catholics.

Leave "political correctness" to the false church. It's time for a little plain speech. Its time for a little truth! There are many homosexuals in the priesthood and in the hierarchy. Many of these are not living celibate lives, and they prey on others. They do not preach the truth of Jesus Christ because they could not do so without condemning themselves. They are in positions of authority in Chancery Offices and seek to add to their numbers by controlling vocations. They organize into "support groups" many of which are not oriented toward celibacy, but exist to provide "contacts" for sexual relationships. Priests are dying of AIDS at an alarming rate and some have even blamed the Church for not teaching them about "safe" sex in the seminary! (How safe can "safe" sex be, when Hell is the result!)? The Church has not shown any desire or ability to deal with this. Recently the Vatican told a priest and a nun to stop giving workshops across the country promoting the homosexual lifestyle. That's nice. But they have been giving these workshops for 20 long years!! How many souls have been lost and lives destroyed while the hierarchy did nothing! Maybe your newspaper today will carry the story about another multi-million dollar lawsuit involving a pedophile priest. The judgments are so high because juries are learning that bishops knew who the pedophiles were and allowed them to continue to destroy children. Bishops protected the pervert and provided innocent victims for him to prey upon. Bishops even hide perverts by trading them from diocese to diocese like baseball players! (You take mine, and I'll take yours.) Parents and good priests approach Church authorities with accusations and are ignored or referred to an inept committee. The goal of those in authority is simply damage control and covering it up. Recently I met with a very well known priest who was sent to represent the hierarchy in a terrible case of sexual abuse. His primary concern seemed to be to avoid publicity. I told him we would consider his request if he would answer two simple questions. First - Would he give me just one example of the Church intervening on its own to stop that particular form of abuse? - He didn't answer. Second - If we backed away and did not make this public and as a result of our choice another innocent person was attacked, would God hold us responsible for that terrible sin? He didn't answer that question either. It seems that the operative spirituality of the Church has become so weak that it is no longer capable of dealing with evil. It is a fact that authorities in the Church have allowed innocent lives to be destroyed and then have covered up the crime and protected the criminal! This has been done with the thinly veiled excuse that "we must protect holy mother church from scandal"! The tragic truth is this publicity and large lawsuits have done much more to protect the innocent than the Vatican, the National Council of Catholic Bishops or the Apostolic Delegate combined! And (with apologies to Vince Lombardi) the protection of the innocent is not the most important thing; it's the only thing! If it is necessary to protect one innocent child then I pray that every diocese in the country will be sued for every nickel it has and every sordid detail be put on the front page of every newspaper! The Church that I love and that Jesus promised would last until the end of the world is a Church that doesn't want to appear holy, it must be holy!

Allow me to return to that Greek philosopher and the 90%. Heraclitus was a philosopher and a warrior. During a lull in the battle he wrote a letter to the leaders of Athens regarding the soldiers he was receiving as replacements. He said that for every 100 men they sent 90 were useless. They were little more than battlefield clutter. Out of the 100, about 10 were fighters and the outcome of the battle rested on their shoulders. And maybe one, only one, was a true warrior. The spiritual warfare is no less warfare, and I believe the percentages apply. The vast majority doesn't want to know the truth. They just want things to be "nice" and the truth and the demands it would place on them as followers of Christ are unacceptable. I appreciate those who pray but if that's all you do, remember it says in the epistle of St. James that "Faith without works is dead and has no power to save you!" I would ask those 90% to consider joining the warrior class. You are needed! If you cannot - Then at least stay out of the way. The battle is tough enough without clutter. If you cannot fight this Goliath, at least stand back and make room for those who are going forward to sling their stones. The false charity and empty spirituality of those who mouth pious platitudes over the broken bodies and souls of the innocent is an affront to the martyrs and missionaries who gave their lives to share the true faith. I have seen, up close and personal, the heart-rending results of allowing predators to destroy children, families, and faith. A "drawing room" spirituality does not have the power to fight the malignant evil of this age. Delicate sensibilities must be sacrificed and hands dirtied in favor of a cross-centered faith! We are not fighting for principles or philosophies. We are fighting for SOULS and we must not lose!

Law of human nature

When I prepose the idea that there exists a natural law within each of use that transcends all religions and nationalities, some might say I'm way off target.yes, I say a law resides within--where our basic knowledge of right and wrong--or moral values spring forth.

Some may argue "Hogwash". people are all different. But my response is for them to do a little research on their own. The concept of fair play, decent behavior, right and wrong does in fact exists. C.S. Lewis discussed this in his book "Mere Christianity" All he was really doing was putting into words what we already know.

There is an unwritten law within that knows what is fair, what is right behavior--we don't have to learn this--but sometimes we need reminded.

We might see an elderly man slip while crossing the street in busy traffic. When this happens we have several natural laws pop up. One is the law of self preservation and the other is the stronger moral law that leads us to help the weak or others who face danger--despite danger to ourselves.

Morality is so strong that it overruns our law of self preservation--urging us to run into the traffic to help the fallen senior. Some of us will freeze up and be unable to attempt to help. However--every single one of us who doesn't go to his aid will feel guilt for not doing so. Guilt is the emotion that springs forth when we have violated the natural law of morality.

Selfishness is another violation of natural law and order. We all know that this is wrong. To put ones self before others just does not jive with our morality.

You may very well find a man who says he does not believe in the natural laws of "right and wrong". He may for example break a promise to you since this would be in his character as one who is selfish and does not believe. But just try breaking a promise to him!! He will immediatly complain that it is "Not Fair!" What he is really saying is that he does know right from wrong but chooses not to obey it.

Even nations know--as a people--that natural laws exist. They may be a party to many treaties, and then renig on one claiming it is not fair. A nation may say that treaties don't matter--but then spoil their case when claiming this "not fair" justification!! If treaties do not matter and if there is no such thing as right or wrong--[in other words no Law of nature]--then what is the difference between fair treaties or unfair ones? Didn't they just let the cat out of the bag--by saying "not fair"? You see, whatever they say, people and nations know there is a law of right or wrong inside all of us as individuals and as nations. of people.

This is enough to ponder for a day. If you want to study this one topic in detail,read up on some other nations and religions. You will find in their literature [ancient and modern], the concept of morality and natural law. It is the same for all.

Even Yodi knows right from wrong. He displays it everyday in out interactions. Maybe not as profound as humans--but he does mirror what I have taught him. It is humans who truly operate on this universal law of nature. And we reflect it everyday in our lives.

Building Character Muscles

I always think of the physical universe as the one being controled by energy, resistance, gravity, elements--the items we all learned about in physics class. In order for a persons physical body to function in this environment, one must constantly exercise muscles, build stamina,and stretch for flexability.If we quit doing the required exercises it becomes harder to do the workload demanded from the body. We can then either make excuses that the work is too hard or we can get back on the exercise wagon.

Character too is controled by a similar set of rules.Being moral, honest, reliable, a good citizen, father, mother,son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, and neighbor requires one to practice using the muscles that build character. For instance--being honest means to be truthful, and a good stewart with others well being. An honest person does not steal, confesses when they are wrong, and does not covet what does not belong to them. A person does acts of dishonesty when they fall to temptations. A temptation can act as gravity and resistance to an honest person. It is always present as a result of the fallen angels among us. So we must practice constantly being honest.

Just as in our physical bodies--our character has different levels of condition. Nobody is completely out of physical shape and nobody is totally dishonest. We are all at different levels depending upon the amount of exercise and desire we have to improve.

There are no small lies and their is no such thing as being nearly honest. You are either truthful and honest--or not.

The first place to start on this exercise program is with ourselves. We must do a character inventory by acknowledging our weak areas--and beginning to exercise those muscles. Can we make it through one day totally honest with ourselves? We will never reach the point of being honest with others until we are honest with ourselves. So that is a good place for us all to start.

Does all this exercise talk make you tired? If so--you just displayed a sign of being out of shape. So get with it. We always feel better after a good workout.

Speaking of which---let's go for a walk Yodi.

Physical and spiritual maintenance

The space shuttle flight this week shows how far we have come in science and engineering skills-- and also how far we need to go--if any meaningful space exploration is going to be done.

Within the paper thin atmosphere of our planet exists all the water, food, and oxygen needed to support our human life form. But once we separate ousselves from that nurturing environment, we will surely die without an artificial means of supplying our needs.

This same fact is true within our spiritual life. As long as we remain close to our source of eternal life, "GOD", baptism, sacraments,and salvation's grace --we will also wither up and die an even more horrifying death--spiritual demise.

Just as the shuttle crew must be vigilant in obeying the laws of physics in order to survive--we all must obey the laws that "GOD" provided for us as a means of spiritual life. The shuttle crew members right now are addressing a critical flaw in some foam insulation that could mean disaster and physical death. The crew and support staff are all working the problem with the hope that needed repairs can be made allowing the shuttle and its crew to live to see another day.

We all must also be vigilant and aware of our spiritual condition. When flaws are discovered, we too must work the problem in order to survive and join our Father in heaven.

If we all took our spiritual health and condition as seriously as we do the mortal health of our physical existance life on both levels would be much brighter than it usually is.

The physical and spiritual laws are rigid with defined boundaries neccessary and just. If we stay within the boundaries all is well---hoever whenever we push the envelope and move outside the protection of those laws--disaster is at hand.

Enough said Yodi, let's take a nap.

I wonder what the trees think?

There is nothing like a trip to the wide open spaces. If you feel the world is going to hell in a handbasket, nature has just the solution.

Today I was admiring all the lofty oak trees in the park where we are camped. Some of them have to be several hundred years old. Thay have lived longer than our country has existed. These trees have enjoyed the long summer days and cold winter nights. They have seen the wildlife seeking shade beneath there branches and the white man when he first reached this area 165 years ago. Native Americans camped along the banks of the mighty Missouri river that winds through this town even before the white men arrived. Lewis and Clark passed through here on their way to the Pacific ocean.

Do you suppose the trees have any opinion on the Iraq war, oil prices, politics, social problems, school closings, jobs, crime--or any of dozens of more issues that we humans think about and fret over?

It doesn't look like they much care about anything. They are too busy being trees and minding their own business.

Besides--trees are much closer to "GOD" than any man can hope to be. You see--trees know that all their needs are provided for them regardless of what goes on around them in life. Man has this deal with "GOD" too--but he is too advanced and too clever to take advantage of it. Instead--he worries all the time.

I just bet these old oak trees have a lot of stories to tell worth listening to.
About harmony, and acceptance, about worship, and about ---"GOD" I love these old trees. And I just bet that they love me too.

Yep--I'm going to spend alot of time hanging out with these new found friends over the next 10 days, before hustling off to the next adventure on this trip. I just bet the trees are wondering--what is the hurry, why do I need to go? For a few hundred years all their needs have been met right here in this field. Why on earth would I ever leave it? Really the only answer I have for them is this: Because I'm a man and men just are not as smart as an old tree.

Yodi likes these trees too. I'm not sure if it is the wind I hear in the branches--or whether they are talking to me and Yodi. Maybe I should pay more attention.

I think "GOD" gave me these friends so that I would learn to be more patient and accepting of his promises.

Thinking pads-- Vs-- Wishful thinking

I don't remember how I got in the habit of using a "thinking pad" It was so long ago that I don't remember the why or when of the question. I must have used a thousand of these over the years. I know I use one extensively for problem solving every critical juncture of my life. I also use them whenever a new idea or project pops into my mind. I even calculated myself into jail one time by following a plan well layed out in advance-- in a well worn pad.

I use those theme tablets you find at the store. The have different color covers. I'm not partial to any particular color--just give me the pages inside and watch my mind begin the process of creation.

This blog was the result of a thinking pad idea. So was the Neighborhood forum--and so is the new website that is slowly coming to life-- on the pad laying on the counter next to my coffee cup. Every idea that ever crossed my mind or project that needed completion found their way onto a pad. One of the problems I have with pads --things start happening once I start writing. If I feel lazy--I stay as far away from a tablet as possible--because once it starts I can't let go of the idea until something happens with it. Not every idea or project ever went past the tablet. Some just peter out because they were wrong or some other idea came along to replace them.

I can't think of one idea or project that ever grew fruit in my life that was not the result of a thinking pad.

Wishful thinking on the otherhand is just what it implies. Wishing for something to happen by itself. I wish I could get that position, I wish I had a different car, I wish I could meet interesting people--etc., etc. You might as well say "I wish I could win the lottery"--because you have about as much chance.

Even Yodi was the result of a tablet labeled "Need new companion dog" And from there the plan went into motion. I wonder if Yodi had a pad with me on it?

If your life seems to be stuck right now---take a trip down to the store and get a pack of six tablets. Open up the cover of the first one. And begin by writing on the top line what the project, idea, or needs are. Then watch the magic start. If you need some help--just contact me. I can give you some pointers that will fill up your imagination with ideas. "GOD" created our life--but he left what we do with it in our hands---or on the pages of a 'thinking pad"

Spiritual Warfare

This topic came up on the Neighborhood forum recently.It has never been my desire to be a proactive force in exorcisms as such. We have all heard of the cases that seem to get sensationalized by movies or media. Demonic infestation which results in partial or whole possession by Satan's forces has been a subject that I would just as soon leave in the hands of the church's specialists who are called to action--and must go to war over the soul of a helpless victim. Once Satan gains control-the only hope a person has is experienced outside experts.

I have always depended heavily on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for guidance in my life and in my work. Recent events however, have made me keenly aware of just how insideous and deceitful this evil force can be.

I have been involved with projects and ministries where it is in Satan's best interest that I fail and simply go away. I know this--because I have become aware of how he uses people and events to influence my demise both physically and spiritually as a warrior of the light.

Satan is the reason people strike out against matters of life and moral good. He plants thoughts in their heads and is the inspiration behind the verbal and physical assaults they level against "GODS" will. They become willing allies to secular beliefs that result in a continual errosion of what is right and what is moral and good.

I have come to the conclussion that I was wrong in simply expecting "GOD" to end these assaults and-- that all my prayers would be successful in these satanic encounters. It is time for me to seperate the wheat from the husk in my life's work. I must recongnize the attacks for what they are and I must shine the light on this evil deceiver wherever his work is present. Those who I see as being unwittingly drawn into Satan's efforts--I must warn them of the peril and the danger that their mortal souls are in.

Although I pray for help and success as I go forth and continue my work on family values, morality, and life, i realize the danger and power that satan presents. I pray to turn all I encounter away from his tricks and influence but I realize that some may be lost in the battle. For these souls I mourn-- for those saved I rejoice.

Even Yodi trembles when we get to close to the forest where preditors hide in the shadows looking at him as a good source for an evenings meal.

I pledge that I will be vigilant in my protection of my little friend. I will also be vigilant in my pursuit of light and life in a world clouded by the storm clouds of the evil tormentor who plys his trade-- also from the shadows.

Lord Jesus Christ I pray for your guidance, I pray to the Saints, I pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I pray to all who hear my pleas for guidance and protection for the work ahead.

Lessons from the Ferrets

I have been traveling for a number of days in the company of my brother, his wife, my puppy [Yodi],---and six Ferrets.

The Ferrets live most of the day in two "Ferret condo" cages that sit on a buffet counter directly across from the chair I occupy. For an hour or more a day, they are let loose in the bedroom/bathroom area of the motorhome.And that is when the fun begins.

They run around, climb, crawl into drawers, and have more fun than a barrel of monkey's on steroids! Once playtime is over, they fall asleep curled up toether as one big family. They sleep away much of a day--getting up to eat and use their litter box.

The Ferrets tolerate the puppy--putting him in his proper place if he gets too close. Me--they also tolerate. But they enjoy the Ferret treats I give them--and seem to understand the converstions I start.

Watching them day after day--living a carefree Ferret's existence is educational. With all the turmoil surrounding my brothers business and travel, with all the horrible news reports blasting from the radio and tv, with all the climate changes we experience traveling,--with all that--they never cease having fun and enjoying the day.

I can tell a contented Ferret when I see one. Maybe that is what pets are for. To teach us to be contented and happy. And remind us how easy it is to live a carefree existence. Long naps, punctuated with food and exercise, capped off by a treat from a friend, playing until your drop dead tired--and never complaining. All within the confines of a cage and a backroom for exercise.And-- while all around them exist the complicated lives of their human companions. It is the same trip--just viewed differently by the Ferrets.

Yodi seems to be picking up some of their habits. He likes his treats--and long naps too. Plus he has learned to play until he drops. We humans have a lot to learn.

Being a Hero

I was thinking about all the negative stories surround sports figuresin the news. I know that even years ago--these masters of the art of baseball slugging, basketball dunking, and football throwing had some of the same weaknesses as the ones making the front pages of our media. When we think of heros---these are who we often have pop into our heads. Ruth, Mantle, Unitas, Chamberlain. I'm referring to the REAL heros in life--you me and the rest of humanity.

To me--a hero is somebody who lives a life that is admirable to everyone--not just a boys sports fantasy. These are the souls who have a high batting average when it comes to charactor and human values. Who despite the temptations of life--choose to live a life of dignity and is willing to share these values by example to all that cross their paths.

You and I --whether we want to be or not--are heros to others in our lives.

We can be either a good example to these fans or a bad example. Being a hero also means we are responsible to a degree for the success or failures of those who admire us. We may not want this responsibility--but that does not change this basic fact of life. People need heros and you are one to a few or many. I suggest you be the best hero you can by examining just what type of examples you are mirroring to the world around you. and working on improving those areas that affect negatively your life and those who emulate you.

Just as our Svior Jesus Crist asked his disciples to follow him--you too can be one who leads others on a righteous worthy path.

Time to take Yodi for his walk. I will leave you now in front of your mirror. What type of hero do you see reflecting back--and what do you intend to do about it?

Making amends in one's life

Do you have difficulty saying you are sorry? Most people do from time to time. Holding a grudge or witholding yourself from others can be a burden.

It is far easier on the ego to be the first one to admit a mistake was made or to offer up apologies. In fact once they are done or said--a big weight is immediatly lifted from your shoulders.It will probably cause you to laugh and sing once it is done. You don't realize how much of a physical, emotional, and mental burden it was until you let it go.

If you have someone in your life that you are estranged from--make their day by making some amends. And once you have made the rounds getting rid of all that baggage--vow never to get in that situation again.

Let's go for a walk Yodi.

I feel rather dense

Have you ever felt like you were that last one on earth to know--what has really been going on below the surface in your relationships with people?

Well---that is exactly how I feel tonight.

I have never been good at reading between the lines or seeing what is happening below radar. I always have been good at listening to words--but not very good at reading between the lines. And--whenever I was made aware of a problem--I always have tried to address it--but always in a direct above the board way.

So--I have been flying along blind as a bat to some of the issues affecting my work and my life. I need to get better at reading hidden agendas and underlying needs. That way I won't feel blindsided when something roars to the surface and demands immediate attention.

Maybe I should ask different questions and look around the corner more.

Usually I recognize the situation once it comes forward--but didn't understand or recognize the severity of the situation.

So I can put this on my list of glaring weaknesses that make me even more human. I wonder why I have this weakness in human relations? I wonder if I will ever improve? My self improvement list seems to be getting longer as I get older.

I'm glad I have Yodi around to comfort me in moments like this. "GOD" too.

I'm sorry world.

Knowing when to hang up the spurs

I was an advocate for John Paul 11 to retire. Yes I know, how dare I suggest that the Pontiff resign while he could still do the job? The problem was--HE WAS SICK AND DYING AND INCAPABLE at the point--that I made the suggestion.

Now we have a Supreme Court Chief Justice [Rehnquist] seriously ill with cancer. He too should retire-- but has now said he wants to continue serving.

Both of these men are [or were] over 80 years old. Even in the best of health their jobs are two of the most demanding positions on earth. One leading millions of Christians as supreme head of the Roman Catholic church, the other leading a court that affects the rules of our land.

The truth of the matter is that both of these jobs rely on many aides and clerks to handle the bulk of work. But when the leaders are sick and incapacitated--it throws the decision making and leading onto the backs of the aides and clerks. Now these helpers may be competent in their limited fields--but we deserve to have the "Pope and Chief"-- doing the leading and making the decisions.

I believe it is a matter of self absorbtion or ego that must overide common sense in these men who are at the pinnacle of their respective fields. They should step aside at an age and condition when they can no longer give a 100% on a regular basis.But when the time comes--it seems that we must watch them waste away on the job--rather than have the new leadership that is in order.

It takes many years of ripening and maturity for a legal person or religious leader to gain wisdom and insight for these positions. I believe that divine guidance leads Presidents and Cardinals in the selection process for these offices. However--maybe this matter should be discussed with possible candidates before they are chosen.

Maybe a type of "job living will" needs to exist while these men are still competent and devoid of illness. Maybe they should do some self inventory prior to taking the jobs. It seems that once they attain the position--they sometimes lose sight at some point--- of reality. I hate to imply this of the Holy Father or Chief Justice--but they should have and should now step down for the good of their constituients.

I pray that I will know when the time is right to-- ride off into the sun. I pray that Chief Rehnquist makes that realization soon. For the good of the court and our country--not just his own selfish needs.

Yodi---will you please promise remind me when I start slipping. I don't want to overstay my welcome.

Denying the obvious--isn't it fun

Yesterday I read a column from a liberal leaning writer that spoke of our nations budget deficit in not too glowing of terms.

Some of his points simply cannot be denied. We are running over 400 billion dollars in deficit spending this year alone. And with the governement spin masters now coming forward and bragging up the point that it will only be 320 billion dollars next year [because of all the skillful handling of our government by the President]---it makes me wonder what we are all going to do?

And now with oil prices busting throungh ceilings never before considered, where does this leave the average family in America?

All I need now is for the government to tell me how great the job market is since they have allowed 10 million illegal immigrants into the country to lower working conditions and base wages, along with the fact that just a few dozen cases of mad cow disease is nothing to worry about in our food chain.

Thank goodness that all of the above statements only affect me if I'm "of this world" rather than simply "in this world" Throughout history there has always been bad news to dwell on and pull people away from there reason for living. There is always someone who wants you to look at the half empty glass rather that it being half full. Good news doesn't sell newspapers or media advertising.

If we trust our creator and his son, we all know that the world is going to continue on its merry way until our Savior returns. It isn't going to end tommorow--- because he hasn't finished up with what he promised. And that is a piece of "good news".

And as far as all the bad news is concerned--really it is fantastic news that has been cloaked in gloom and doom. The problems that we read about are simply new opportunities and challenges waiting for solutions. After all---without a few challenges it could be very boring waiting for the Savior to return. And the added bonus is--we get to practice being good neighbors while we solve these puzzels of human ooportunity. Just think--"GOD" who provides us with all we need has even figured out how to keep us busy while he is preparing a place for us in heaven.

Speaking of problems--I wonder where Yodi hid my socks that i was going to wear.

Apologetics--a church leadership failure

Today was another day when reflection has led to some uncomfortable realizations.

The church has been acting against itself on matters of doctrine and morals. Young priests in seminary are no longer taught apologetics-- and therefore the members at large know very little about the traditional beliefs which were the rock solid foundation of society. They are "ignorant disciples"

On another discussion--the question was asked--"was John Paul 11 an apostate. I wrote a reply to the question in which I stated that he was not an apostate. But now a greater question arises. If he was not himself apostate--then has the church itself become such under his reign as pope? Did he push for eucuminism and reconciliation with those outside at the expense of members souls and in affect abandon the Mother church?

When I have searched around for those who defend the church and its teachings--it is the lay members for the large part doing the defending. They write articles, run websites, participate in media--and have become the defacto defenders of the faith. While the pope and church leaders and clergy scramble for inclussion in the fallen world and its heresy---the lay members are poking their fingers in the dike holes.These lay members have taken it upon their shoulder to do the teaching that the clergy should be doing.

With church leaders putting "out to lunch" signs on the door of apologetics,---church members have been smooth talked away by anti-Catholic reformers.

I pray that Benedict XV1 wakes up and reverses this slide into secularism. In the meantime--the erroding values around us all should be a wake up call for the clergy.

It is time for the bishops to take off the overstuffed gloves and begin defending Christ's mission through his church. Just expecting others to know the traditions and truth is not enough. Even Yodi can figure this one out.

It is sad when I mention the word apologetics, most church members believe it has something to do with apology.A unfortunate play on Greek root words that sound alike but are actually diametric in meaning. To use sound reason in discussions about the truth is not apologizing.

Being called a demon--how interesting

Today on the Neighborhood forum, I was called a demon by one of the members.

I am not sure if he truly meant it or if it was simply the desperate cry of somebody who had been backed into a corner and was exasperated by their circumstances.

What I thought was most interesting about my emotional reaction --was the initial shock of the statement. Thank goodness I had just read where this tactic is often used by members of the "homosexual rights groups" to stop somebody in their tracks. The article said it was a very useful tool. Most people do not want to be labeled as homophobic--so these groups slander those opposed to their position by labeling them "homophobic. Other groups like to call others "racist" for the same reason and to have the same affect and reaction.

So I then began to suspect that this same tactic had just been played on me and another member. If we were to be called "demons", then maybe we too would be shocked into submission. Oh--I almost forgot. The member also abrubtly requested that their membership be deleted. After all--they needed to add some icing to the cake so to speak. The same affect of wiping the dust from his shoes--or wiping his hands of us. In other words--putting us in our proper place [beneithhis authority and opinion].

This ploy really was an attempt to control my beliefs and actions, [as well as other members].

This accusation occured on a religious sub-forum where disagreements are common--but brotherhood expected.

If this person really thought me and the other member were demons or demon possessed--he would have immediatly sent us prayers and taken steps to insure that our souls were saved from the perceived dangers inherant to one whose soul is in such peril.

I'm not sure if the reason I was labeled as such was because the person realized that their position was in error or realized that the information I had just provided would lead to a better understanding of my position. After all--one of the marks of a good brother is to seek understanding of those they are in brotherhood with. I did not request this person to abandon their own beliefs--just understand mine.

Well--at least Yodi still like me. But that brings up another good point. Never abandon what is right in order to be liked and accepted.

Smores,campfires, and mosquitos

I'm currently involved with nature and it's creature comforts. It fact some of it's creatures [mosquitos] got a little too close for comfort last night. I have also enjoyed fellowship and fun around the campfire. that is--once we were able to get on going. And--I had my very first smore. Last summer in Texas i heard about them. I mentioned them in my writings--and was ruled at that time to be one of the few human beings in the modern era to have never heard of or tried one.

So armed with a stick and marshmellow, and with the help of my nephews fiance, I finally had a smore. It was pretty good, but I still prefer pecan pie.

Being alone most of yesterday enabled me to progress on my new website which is under construction. I was also able to pray and meditate on the other areas of my internet life including the Neighborhood forum. I feel that it is gaining some new ground as its personality continues to unfold.

The Neighborhood has many religious topics and we have a few strong willed participants that can make discussions rather interesting. However--today I felt the need to post a topic that clarified what I considered to be a needed resource--[documents that explain a Catholic view of scriptures and the bible].

However --as i was writing out the post, I found myself putting into words exactly where my priesthood has been headede and what direction I see my efforts going as far as website content and how it will all tie together with that forum and my future work within my religious and the church. This has been rather scattered consciously as I have grappled with the direction of my vocation and life. But as my body has continued to heal, I feel "GOD" as revealed what he wants from me.

I'm going to paste below in this blog the topic from the Neighborhood forum as a reference to this blog entry.

It's time to go back out to the campfire and enjoy the experience. Let's go Yodi.

FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD religion sub-forum:

As a child growing up in the late 40's and early 50's, there was always us Catholics against those non-Catholics that had to be dealt with. Fist fights would break out among us children over ideas and doctrine that we didn't know much about. We simply relied on both sides --upon what prejucicial views our parents had. This was enough proof as far as we were concerned to"go to war".

This same prejudice has played out in the adult world of Christianity for centuries. Wars and strife abound over conflicting views of our common Christian roots.

When we discuss biblical scripture here in this Neighborhhood forum, these same age old Catholic vs. non-Catholic wars break out --in my view--simply because-- each side hold prejucicial views about the other.

For instance--we Catholics simply disagree with "sola scriptura"--- and non-Catholics detest papal authority. This may be too simplistic of a diagnosis on my part, because I'm sure their are other mitigating factors from both sides that keep the flames burning bright for each individual member here [as well as that of our guests and visitors].

I'm convinced that many Catholics and 99.9% of non-Catholics simply have not taken the time to read up on just how Catholics view the bible. It is in my opinion one of the key factors that cause our discussions here to disolve into annimosity and discord. I'm also convinced that most non-Catholics and Catholics have never taken the time to read up on the early reformation movement.

Maybe some may view my quest for brotherhood here on this forum with suspicious intent. And this I believe is true in every circle where the Catholics and non-Catholics have attempted some form of re-conciliation and understanding.

My intent as an individual [and which I intend to devote much of my remaining years and effort towards]--is to work toward the re-unification of all Christians into one body of Christ. I sincerely believe that one thing Satin has going for himself is the destructive nature of Christian fragmentation. I believe the secular decay of our society is based upon this one fact. I believe that to the degree we come together under on universal church--will be the degree of Christian principals in our society. I believe that the longer it takes for this re-unification to occur--the stronger Satin's will and influence will continue to degrade our society into depravity. Every single unborn baby who is murdered, every single human soul that is lost to homosexuality, every single family torn apart through abuse, every single war and human tragedy has it's roots in this current discord among Christians.

I can intellectually understand the grievances that Luther and others had centuries ago. I can intellectually understand the weakness of men who controled the Roman church back then. I can intellectually understand the superstitions and ignorance throughout history. And--how all of this conspired to create the bloody nose that Kenny Norberg gave me 50 years ago. But I simply cannot accept a divided body of Christ.

My whole remaining life and ministry will be about gathering all Christians together into a single body as I believe our Savior intended. I really, really, really want this forum to be such a beginning.

Now I have rambled on enough. I have copied for your pleasure and reference information that should clarify to all catholics and non-Catholics alike--exactly why and how we view the bible and it's verses.

This still does not satisfy some I'm sure. But at the very least--if all will take the time to view this material--you will at least have a foundation in which to view a Catholics post when matters of scripture are discussed.


But what do Catholics believe about Scripture?

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church

As with other doctrine, too often non-Catholics never take the time to read what the Catholic Church truly teaches about the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. They have only too often accepted uncritically what her antagonists say she teaches. The following, therefore, is a selection from the most up-to-date reliable source—the Catechism of the Catholic Church—on what the Catholic Church teaches on Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition, the Deposit of Faith and the authority behind how Scripture is to be interpreted.

I. THE APOSTOLIC TRADITION

75 "Christ the Lord, in whom the entire Revelation of the most high God is summed up, commanded the apostles to preach the Gospel, which had been promised beforehand by the prophets, and which he fulfilled in his own person and promulgated with his own lips. In preaching the Gospel, they were to communicate the gifts of God to all men. This Gospel was to be the source of all saving truth and moral discipline" (DV 7; cf. Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15).

In the apostolic preaching

76 In keeping with the Lord’s command, the Gospel was handed on in two ways: orally "by the apostles who handed on, by the spoken word of their preaching, by the example they gave, by the institutions they established, what they themselves had received—whether from the lips of Christ, from his way of life and his works, or whether they had learned it at the prompting of the Holy Spirit" (DV 7); and in writing "by those apostles and other men associated with the apostles who, under the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit, committed the message of salvation to writing" (DV 7).

Continued in apostolic succession

77 "In order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church the apostles left bishops as their successors. They gave them their own position of teaching authority" (DV 7 # 2; St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 3, 3, 1: PG 7/1, 848; Harvey, 2, 9). Indeed, "the apostolic preaching, which is expressed in a special way in the inspired books, was to be preserved in a continuous line of succession until the end of time" (DV 8 # 1).

78 This living transmission, accomplished in the Holy Spirit, is called Tradition, since it is distinct from Sacred Scripture, though closely connected to it. Through Tradition, "the Church, in her doctrine, life and worship, perpetuates and transmits to every generation all that she herself is, all that she believes" (DV 8 # 1). "The sayings of the Holy Fathers are a witness to the life-giving presence of this Tradition, showing how its riches are poured out in the practice and life of the Church, in her belief and her prayer" (DV 8 # 3).

79 The Father’s self-communication made through his Word in the Holy Spirit, remains present and active in the Church: "God, who spoke in the past, continues to converse with the Spouse of his beloved Son. And the Holy Spirit, through whom the living voice of the Gospel rings out in the Church—and through her in the world—leads believers to the full truth, and makes the Word of Christ dwell in them in all its richness" (DV 8 # 3; cf. Col 3:16).

II. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADITION AND SACRED SCRIPTURE

One common source

80 "Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together, and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing, and move towards the same goal" (DV 9). Each of them makes present and fruitful in the Church the mystery of Christ, who promised to remain with his own "always, to the close of the age" (Mt 28:20).

Two distinct modes of transmission

81 "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). "And [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound and spread it abroad by their preaching" (DV 9).

82 As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence" (DV 9).

Apostolic Tradition and ecclesial traditions

83 The Tradition here in question comes from the apostles and hands on what they received from Jesus’ teaching and example and what they learned from the Holy Spirit. The first generation of Christians did not yet have a written New Testament, and the New Testament itself demonstrates the process of living Tradition. Tradition is to be distinguished from the various theological, disciplinary, liturgical or devotional traditions, born in the local churches over time. These are the particular forms, adapted to different places and times, in which the great Tradition is expressed. In the light of Tradition, these traditions can be retained, modified or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium.

III. THE INTERPRETATION OF THE HERITAGE OF FAITH

84 The apostles entrusted the "Sacred deposit" of the faith (the depositum fidei) (DV 10 # 1; cf. I Tim 6:20; 2 Tim 1:12-14 [Vulg.]), contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, to the whole of the Church. "By adhering to [this heritage] the entire holy people, united to its pastors, remains always faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. So, in maintaining, practising and professing the faith that has been handed on, there should be a remarkable harmony between the bishops and the faithful" (DV 10 # 1; cf. Acts 2:42 [Greek]; Pius XII, Apost. Const. Munificentissimus Deus, 1 November 1950: AAS 42 [1950], 756, taken along with the words of St. Cyprian, Epist. 66, 8: CSEL 3/2, 733: "The Church is the people united to its Priests, the flock adhering to its Shepherd").

The Magisterium of the Church

85 "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ" (DV 10 # 2). This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

86 "Yet this Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant. It teaches only what has been handed on to it. At the divine command and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it listens to this devotedly, guards it with dedication and expounds it faithfully. All that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed is drawn from this single deposit of faith" (DV 10 para 2).

87 Mindful of Christ’s words to his apostles: "He who hears you, hears me" (Lk 10:16; cf. LG 20), the faithful receive with docility the teachings and directives that their pastors give them in different forms.

Growth in understanding the faith

95 "It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls" (DV 10 # 3).

I. CHRIST — THE UNIQUE WORD OF SACRED SCRIPTURE

102 Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself ….

103 For this reason, the Church has always venerated the Scriptures as she venerates the Lord’s Body. She never ceases to present to the faithful the bread of life, taken from the one table of God’s Word and Christ’s Body (Cf. DV 21).

104 In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, "but as what it really is, the word of God" (Th 2:13; cf. DV 24). "In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them" (DV 21).

II. INSPIRATION AND TRUTH OF SACRED SCRIPTURE

105 God is the author of Sacred Scripture….

107 The inspired books teach the truth. "Since therefore all that the inspired authors or sacred writers affirm should be regarded as affirmed by the Holy Spirit, we must acknowledge that the books of Scripture firmly, faithfully, and without error teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the Sacred Scriptures" (DV 11).

108 Still, the Christian faith is not a "religion of the book". Christianity is the religion of the "Word" of God, "not a written and mute word, but incarnate and living" (St. Bernard, S. missus est hom. 4, 11: PL 183, 86). If the Scriptures are not to remain a dead letter, Christ, the eternal Word of the living God, must, through the Holy Spirit, "open [our] minds to understand the Scriptures" (Cf. Lk 24:45).

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT, INTERPRETER OF SCRIPTURE

111 But since Sacred Scripture is inspired, there is another and no less important principle of correct interpretation, without which Scripture would remain a dead letter. "Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written" ( DV 12 # 3).…

112 Be especially attentive "to the content and unity of the whole Scripture". Different as the books which compose it may be, Scripture is a unity by reason of the unity of God’s plan, of which Christ Jesus is the center and heart, open since his Passover (Cf. Lk 24:25-27, 44-46). The phrase "heart of Christ" can refer to Sacred Scripture, which makes known his heart, closed before the Passion, as the Scripture was obscure. But the Scripture has been opened since the Passion; since those who from then on have understood it, consider and discern in what way the prophecies must be interpreted (St. Thomas Aquinas, Expos. in Ps. 21, 11; cf. Ps 22:14).

113 Read the Scripture within "the living Tradition of the whole Church". According to a saying of the Fathers, Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records, for the Church carries in her Tradition the living memorial of God’s Word, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture (". . . according to the spiritual meaning which the Spirit grants to the Church" (Origen, Hom. in Lev. 5, 5: PG 12, 454D)….

IV. THE CANON OF SCRIPTURE

120 It was by the apostolic Tradition that the Church discerned which writings are to be included in the list of the sacred books (Cf. DV 8 # 3). This complete list is called the canon of Scripture. It includes 46 books for the Old Testament (45 if we count Jeremiah and Lamentations as one) and 27 for the New (Cf. DS 179; 1334-1336; 1501-1504)….

The New Testament

126 We can distinguish three stages in the formation of the Gospels:

1. The life and teaching of Jesus. The Church holds firmly that the four Gospels, "whose historicity she unhesitatingly affirms, faithfully hand on what Jesus, the Son of God, while he lived among men, really did and taught for their eternal salvation, until the day when he was taken up" (DV 19; cf. Acts 1:1-2).

2. The oral tradition. "For, after the ascension of the Lord, the apostles handed on to their hearers what he had said and done, but with that fuller understanding which they, instructed by the glorious events of Christ and enlightened by the Spirit of truth, now enjoyed" (DV 19).

3. The written Gospels. "The sacred authors, in writing the four Gospels, selected certain of the many elements which had been handed on, either orally or already in written form; others they synthesized or explained with an eye to the situation of the churches, the while sustaining the form of preaching, but always in such a fashion that they have told us the honest truth about Jesus" (DV 19).

127 The fourfold Gospel holds a unique place in the Church, as is evident both in the veneration which the liturgy accords it and in the surpassing attraction it has exercised on the saints at all times:

"There is no doctrine which could be better, more precious and more splendid than the text of the Gospel. Behold and retain what our Lord and Master, Christ, has taught by his words and accomplished by his deeds" (St. Caesaria the Younger to St. Richildis and St. Radegunde: SCh 345, 480).

"But above all it’s the gospels that occupy my mind when I’m at prayer; my poor soul has so many needs, and yet this is the one thing needful. I’m always finding fresh lights there; hidden meanings which had meant nothing to me hitherto" (St. Therese of Lisieux, Autobiography of a Saint, tr. Ronald Knox (London: Collins, 1960), 175).

V. SACRED SCRIPTURE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

131 "And such is the force and power of the Word of God that it can serve the Church as her support and vigour, and the children of the Church as strength for their faith, food for the soul, and a pure and lasting fount of spiritual life" (DV 21). Hence "access to Sacred Scripture ought to be open wide to the Christian faithful" (DV 22).

133 The Church "forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful... to learn the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ, by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ (DV 25; cf. Phil 3:8 and St. Jerome, Commentariorum in Isaiam libri xviii prol.: PL 24, 17B).

Website birthing has labor pains

I'm in the process of creating a website and the labor pains have been constant. In fact everything that I do related to computers and the internet is a form of labor pain.

Since I have a very basic skill level regarding computers in general, just the thought of designing a workable website-- that would work-- was at first only a dream. If I was not so inquisitive by nature and stubborn to a fault--I probably would have already abandoned my internet experience. I would have fallen back on my time proven mode of communication and ministry.

So--since first announcing the domain www.frmikesneighborhood.com--I have been doing the research, asking questions, and making decisions. One of the amusing things about a registered domain is to visit it! When I see the sign "UNDER CONSTRUCTION", I'm forced to laugh at those those two words. Construction to me implys that there is some brick and mortar being applied--not just thoughts and ideas.

After several weeks of brain lifting, it is now time to apply the results in some physical form. Here comes the physical labor. the actual layout and construction of the site.

Since I don't have the benefit of a crystal ball that can forcast what the site will eventually become, I'm going to leave plenty of room for future development. In other words the site will be under constant construction and re-model for some time to come. I wonder how long I stand labor pains?

A fair warning is in order to every soul that has ever mentioned to me that they have some computer or web design skills. You had better turn your porch light off and the shades pulled.

OK Yodi, let's roll up our sleeves and get this thing in the oven.

Revenge and retribution

Today I read where the creator of a computer virus called Sasser worm had his prison sentance suspended and would instead be serving community service. If the law and courts rule this to be proper--then we must all stand behind the decision.

To me the important concern should be whether the young man responsible and his parents are truly contrite and repentant over this crime--or whether they are simply relieved that nothing more serious such as a long prison sentance] was in hand.

Mistakes of judgement and sin are a part of everyones life. We should be concerned about this young man enough as a society to insure that he does not repeat such conduct and that he will not do this again in the future. There was no mention of counseling or mentoring taking place, but I sure hope it takes place. He should also lose any internet priviledges for a very long time if not forever. We should never expect to walk away from lifes mistakes without some form of cost on our behalf. The parents too--should step forward and do what they can financially to right those who were set back by the actions of their child. Pentance is a part of the process that must occur.

Personally--I was affected by this Sasser worm. I spent time and anquish getting the repair fix installed on my computer. I forgive the lad for his crime--but I do expect him and his parents to suffer the consequences. Not out of a feeling of revenge and anger--but to complete the healing of the offender and victims.

Time for a walk Yodi.

Uncle Father

From the mouth of babes can come some enlightening views. I have had the opportunity to be the recipient of such sage advice and reflective views. All because of a little niece by the name of Megan.

Megan is only 5 years old and we have had the opportunity to become fast friends and buddies this past week. Megan is not rowdy or bouncy-- like most five year olds. But she is observant and a sponge for information. And--she asks lots of questions.

Although Megan is but one of an endless line of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews---and even a couple of great greats in there--I just refer to her as Megan my niece [because I don't care to figure out all the great's].

Megan gets up and goes with me to Mass every day here.She also follows me around and has even found my secret hideaway in the motorhome where I retreat from all the activity. In fact she is sitting on a chair at the table eating some corn flakes for breakfast as I write. We just got back from mass about an hour ago.

Megan calls me Uncle Father. She recently found out that I was her Uncle and she noticed that everybody calls me a variety of names--Father being included--so she has settled on "Uncle Father"

This would not be special or worth mentioning other than she also thinks I'm nice and follows my example. Since she is so young--and I suspect-- does not get to Mass very often, she watches my every move and follows along as best she can.She mumbles the prayers and song words just about as good as the others at early morning Mass. I even helped her light a candle for a felloe priest who recently passed away.

Which brings me to the point of this piece. We are all examples to everybody in our lives. Some have not traveled our course and seek our council and inspirations. Some just follow along out of habit. but ALL leartn a little more about life from the examples we give through our actions and our words.

So--it is very very very important for us to always be aware of those little eyes and ears--[and adult ones]-- around me as I go about my life. The impressions and examples will play a critical role in the development of those who look up to us for example.

When we hear a babe blurt out a profane word or phrase--guess where that came from!

Megan wants to know why I'm called Father, Mikey, Mike, Father L----,Spud, and Michael Paul--by all the relatives, friends, and neighbors that have come by. Like I said--she is very observant. I'm sitting here trying to come up with a good way to put this into words that a very observant and wise 5 year old will understand.

I'm thinking of coming up with a new monikor for her. maybe--"Fr. Example" would fit the billing. I like the ring to it and it serves another purpose too. It reminds me just what responsibility I have when interacting with those around me.

I wish Yodi would pick up some of my "good" examples --such as only using my teeth to chew food and not paper.

We are not an island unto ourselves

I have been away from this blog [and the internet] since my last post here. And--yet I never really was away from my friends and associates. Once we have connected on the human level whether in person, trhough written form, or --by the magic of the internet--a bond is made that is un-breakable.

Just as in our personal lifes,--time and distance can physically sepearte us--but we all remain vividly alive in the hearts and minds of those we have touched and come into contact with.

This fact is even so with those who have pased on from this physical life. Even though ones family, aquantances, and friends are not present-they are never further away than a thought, feeling, or memory. It is like a magic invisible string that connects us to one another. It allows us to pick right up in converstion and intimacy when miles no longer seperate us. It is why we have sincere feelings for those we have never met in person. Once we connect--it is forever.

Just before writing these thoughts, I had visited my friendly forum the "Neighborhood". I was greeted by personal messages and topics by those concerned with my well being and that of my family--by those here in cyberspace--but ever much as real as those in my physical surroundings. And I too cared what was going on with them. I sincerely and passionately care for every member in that littly cyber neighborhood. And--they do as well for me and each other.

I have been visiting my family these past few days. And of course word spreads to old friends and neighbors that I was back in town. We had all aged some. the family babies from 18 monts ago [my last visit] are now taling and walking. Hairstyles and interests have changed for some. But--within minutes of arriving--and after the handshakes, hugs, and greetings---it was as if I had never left. Of course there was catching up to do--but on the spiritual-intimate level --we had never been apart.

None of us are an island unto ourselves. And--the more we reach out and spread ourselves around--the more we affect the rest of mankind. When we uplift anothers heavy heart--the affect transcends that simple act outweards to all the other folks who share that persons life. it is never a simple one to one ratio. It is one to millions.

When we make a decision to manifest love, compassion, and friendship in our own lives---we spread that throughout all we are connected to--but also to all the othersd are connected to. A kind word, a meaningful prayer, a pleasant thought are all compounded. Just as the power of compounding investment captial works in our financial lives--the compunding of good happens in our spiritual lives.

As indiviuals we may seem seperate and unique. But as spiritual beings made in the image of our crerator--we are completely connected to each other. You can take a moment or a month off for self reflection--but you are never really alone.

Now it is time to gather up Yodi and move on to my nieces home. Boy is he getting spoiled on this trip.

The natives are restless

Tonight I'm nestled away in the easy chair having just spent a long day traveling from Northern California to the State of Washington in a motorhome.

As the miles passed by-- I was treated to a splendid view of nature. The trees were green and lush-- soaking in the sun and enjoying their verdant season. The mountains still have snow on the peaks which feed the many rivers and streams along the route.
Three volcanic mountain peaks stretch up above the mountain ranges. Shasta, Hood, and St. Helens--with Raineer, Baker, and Adams to see tommorow. Yes--nature was in balance today.

But upon my return to the internet websites and the various news sources therein--it appears the only thing in balance these days is nature.

I was greeted with a petition for the removal of five Supreme Court Justices over the property rights fiasco. Hillary is gaining momentum as she bulls her way toward the 2008 Democrat ticket. President Bush is out on the stump [no offense Yodi]--still trying to gain support for a war that has been going on for a couple of years, diesal fuel prices at the truck stop in Oregon were $2.33 per gallon and on the rise.
And the list goes on.

There seems to be a mood in the air of discontent, anger, and frustration. It seems to be coming from all quarters.

That is--if one allows the restless natives to ruin ones day. Most of these problems have been with us since we were born. There is always unrest. The natives are always on the warpath. There is actually nothing different now--than 60 years ago. Just the names of the individuals in the news and situations of life that need to be dealt with. It would be boring if there wasn't something to rag about.

However---if we allow life to get to us--then we have a problem. You see--99.9% of everything we worry about never turns out bad. And the 1/10th of 1% that does is just a problem that needs a solution. Politicians and society have always disagreed. And--prices are always going up. And wars--there are always wars to talk about.

So as the natives get ready to burn down the fort--why not show up with some marshmellows and weiners. However--don't forget a campstove to roast them on. The natives never do get around to much more than talk. And it is hard to roast a marshmellow on just hot air.

Now a certain puppy I know always whines when he doesn't get his way--much like those natives. We could all learn from him by watching his tirade fade into a wagging tale--and then a nap.

Everything always looks better after a good nap. Yodi taught me that one.

Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Supreme "malfunction" Court

As a citizen we are required to live by the rules of law. However--whenever there is a reason to question the "rules"--it ends up in front of the judges of our courts.

Either the representatives we send to congress or our state legislators are incompetant when it comes to clearly writing the laws--or we have fallen into a habit of letting judges determine just what these laws are.

I wonder why the constituion still needs to be interpreted by judges? Were the founding fathers equally inept at clearly writing what they meant--or are judges re-writing what they meant. I suspect the latter.

I'm not a lawyer or constitution expert, but I find it hard to believe that our founding fathers meant to take private property from one citizen and give it to another-- through imminant domain. We can all understand that there are times where a need for private property exists by the citizens-- for highways and structures needed for the good of all. But to take a persons home from them and turn it over to a for profit company just does not fit that mold.

I now see where a person has decided that the land where a supreme court justice lives is needed to build a hotel on. Now this may be revenge over that judges actions on the court case which ruled that local governments could in fact do what I thought was wrong. Take land from a citizen for private [for profit] development.

I just bet that there will never be a way the judges land will be siezed. It just will never happen. He probably already has made the calls to thwart such an attempt.Wow! did I just suggest that a supreme court justice would seek special favors? I'm sorry--but I simply have lost trust in this system.

It would be-- "just"-- to see one of these "justices" on the supreme court-- wiggle like the rest of us.

I also think that if this town--- where the suit was waged-- needs more tax revenue-- Maybe they should not stop with the citizens involved with the lawsuit--. Maybe justice would be served if the elected officials-- involved with this fiasco--had their own homes siezed in the name of tax revenue. Once again--I bet you would never see that happen.

If elected officials and judges were personally affected by some of their actions--in a negative way--maybe the regular citizen would start getting some "just" rulings.

There seems to be a supreme malfunction going on in the highest court of the land. You have to wonder where the axe will srike next.

I would bet that my puppy knows more about justice than what has gone on with this case. The "we the people" part of the country should start at the ballot boxes and through citizen initiatives--the process of returning the "rights" of the citizen--back to the citizen.

I sure have "bet" alot in this piece. But It does look like justice is just a crap shoot anymore.

Temptations and Barriers

Today I was told the story of a woman who recently broke a deep water diving record. This woman was able to--ON ONE BREATH --dive 400 feet ddep into the ocean and back to the surface.The only equipment she had was a wet suit, fins and a rope that stretched from the surface to the depth.

During an interview, when asked about this seeming impossible feat--she said that some people are just born with the ability to break through records-- that would appear impossible. She mentioned Roger Bannister--the first human to run a mile in 4 minutes as an example.It was thought before Roger appeared on the scene that nobody could accomplish that feat.

Since she broke the record several months ago--a man has now broke her record. So--it appears that once human battiers are broken--that it provides the space for others to pass through.

"GOD" through his son Jesus Christ --through example and teaching-- esablished the spiritual potential of mankind. And--he said to follow him. Previous to Jesus--Moses presented the Jews with the ten commandments of human behavior. And mankind is expected to obey these rule of existence.

We are promised salvation and a return to our Father if we can reach the spiritual potential that our creator expects of us. Many new Christians soon despair when the daunting task of living as Christ taught--bumps up against temptation.. Temptations, lack of will power,and a lack of faith are the ingrediants that prevent Christians from obeying the spiritual laws given them. There is the constant force of the great deceiver pulling them away from "GOD"--while their own aforementioned forces finish them off.

Many Christians will invent shortcuts in the commandments and teachings--so that they can pretend to be--as Christ taught.The Catholic church has been called too strict and out of touch by modern day "new breed" christians. They say that it is stuck in the past--with outdated practices. That is puzzling. Christ sets up the church and provides the practices to reach salvation--but mans weakness to temptations --and free will provide a formula for defeat.Leaders of the church have failed due to their own weaknesses--but the church practices have never failed. However those who leave the church or never belonged always point out the weaknesses of the men as an excuse for denying the church--which was conceived by Christ.

This is the barrier that all must pass through if they are to return to our Father. And--it does appear to most like the eye of a needle--except--some truly have reached this potential. These Saints are now reaching out their hands to pull us if we learn by their through example.

This lady who accomplished the amazing feat of diving to a record mentioned the extreme temptation our bodies have that certainly defeats all other divers who attempted such a feat. She mentioned a competiter who had drown trying to go 250 feet. This temptation is --breathing. Your body wants you to breath wether it be life giving air--or life ending water. It is a extreme temptation yhat one must have an even stronger will power to defeat. Once suffcient training and will power are attained--then the barrier of potential collapse. This ladies next attempt will be 500 feet!! Imposible?---not in her mind.

Just as the athletes break through physical barriers---"GOD" expects us to break through spiritual temptation. He never has given us a task that we are not capable of attaining. Whenever the temptations of life pop up--just think of that woman and how deep 400 feet is.

Come now Yodi. It is time for our walk.

Watering down qualifications in California

Just like water can dilute the taste of good coffee, ruin a tank of gasoline in a car, or-- render a walk in the park a slippery experience, California lawmakers are proposing a couple of new laws which will have the same affect on the quality of life in the golden state.

The first has to do with a proposal that would allow highschools to issue diplomas to those who failed the test needed to determine whether a student actually has learned enough to graduate. After completing all required classes and receiving credits needed to take this one last test--the student must pass a very simple test. It actually is based upon what an 8th grade student should resonably know.

But--since California has failed so miserably in public education--the legislature wants to now pass a bill which will act as a magic wand annoiting all that it touches with a diploma. What a student could use instead of knowledge would be other forms of achiements such as class participation--or maybe taking the teachers briefcase to her car each day of the semester.Now I don't actually know what these other items might be--but they are definitly not proving you actually know the required subject material.

I feel for these students. However--is this a good way to begin adult life--with a bogus diploma? Will the next effort be to use legislation to enable medical school students a free pass from learning what is required to be a doctor?

The second bit of legislation being discussed is the 7th attempt to get a bill passed which allows illegal immigrants the right to get a drivers license. Since most of them can't read or write--I will leave it up to the readers immagination how they would ever pass a test.

I won't bore the reader with my take on this. Let's just say--I'm against rewarding crimminals with priviledges. Oh--I'm sorry for forgetting to include this basic fact. In Washington state where I come from--driving is considered a priviledge not a given right.

I'm glad that Yodi does not have the reasoning apptitude of some california legislators. I could just see him insisting that going potty in the house is ok some of the time--as long as he goes potty outside some of the time too. How is that for reasoning and solving the problem?

Gay Pride Weekend

Across the land, homosexuals were proudly proclaiming their uniqueness in a number of parades and festivities this weekend.

In Seattle over 100,000 people were planning a get together as the areas "Gay's" and friends all march up the parade route decorated in rainbow motiff. Some of those exhibiting their lifestyle are so X-rated in appearance and attitude that they could easily slip into the city of Sodom without so much as a glance.

Perverted side shows are all a part of these events. Booths display all manners of sex toys and contraptions for the benefit of these liberated folks.

In most of the cities that hold these parades--you cannot display the ten commandments or religious icons without protest from the secular media or ACLU. but announce a perverted event like this and the welcome mat is rolled out complete with the mayor and officials joining in the fun.

While those who are mortified by scantly dressed homosexuals prancing about on the parade routes during this annual display of hedonism--they know better than to voice disapproval. After all--acceptance and tolerance of all things perverted is expected --the mantra proclaims.

When Veterans Day comes around I sure hope the media and sponsors such as Microsoft jump on board and give an equally large amount of publicity for this sacred day--as they do the sodamites. Veterans spend money too-- so I hope the big gay boosting business sector rises to the occasion. I'm not going to bet on this happening however.

I think Yodi and I will have our own parade soon. We plan on proclaiming a "Straight Day" parade. I hope we can get the required permits. Once again--I'm not going to bet on it. After all--the city would not want to offend the "gay's" now--would they.
We must be sensitive--you know.

Passages--the stages of ones life

Knowing when to move on is key to individual growth. I once read a book by the title of "Passages". In it-- the author had broken down life into the stages we go through. I'm not convinced that we all pass through the stages as the book portrayed--but I'm convinced his theory was valid to a degree.

Getting stuck in one stage of life denies one the full potential that our existence offers. Some people are cursed by the complacency that comes with playing it safe. People will often finish a particular goal such as higher education, getting married, attaining a career goal, starting a family, retirement--and consider life complete.Fear of growth and change acts like an anchor around our necks--choking off our destiny.

By staying pat--one is actually regressing in all areas of ones life. "Passages" will pass you by if you give into complacency. Marriages, careers, all manner of relationships are also caught up in this. One partner continues to stretch and grow and the other stays put. Before long a gulf will develop and what was once the perfect match is now out of sync.

The comfort zone that begins as complacency soon changes into unease and frustration.We sense that the people and opportunites of our life are abandoning us. But it is we who have abandoned them.

Our "life" literally outgrows us. Friendships, relationships, jobs,--all leave us in the dust as they go forward. Life always seeks to expand. If our free will allows complacency to put the breaks on, chaos will always develop.

So--let's step into the future and all its wonders without settling for today. Not only will all our relationships and ventures be vibrant--but they will be rich beyond our wildest dreams.

Now if I can just keep up with Yodi as he is off exploring the farthest reaches of the neighborhood--dragging me into the future.

Is the glass half full or half empty

How we choose to view a situation has a big influence on our mental well being. With so many media choices to choose from-- along with instant communication opportunites that cell phones and the internet provide--we are all constantly pounded by opinions from other people abut how things are.

Bad news travel fast and bad news sells newspapers. With that in mind, we all need to learn how to filter out the negative-- bad news opinions of todays communications.

When ever a news report hits the waves, instantly all who hear it begin to fret and worry because of how awful the reports make the issue seem.

Ask ourselves this: How often in our lives has the weather ever been as bad as reported? How often does the worse case scenario that is always reported ever come to be? I read years ago that catsup would cause me to get heart disease. I also read that ham and eggs were bad for me. According to statistics I should already be pushing up dandelines in a grave yard.Well--the good Lord will take me when he is good and ready. I doubt some catsup is going to sway his timing. But it did sell a few papers.

We should all make a vow to look at the sunny side of every drama that is reported to us each day. And remember this--good news they claim just doesn't sell.

That is so ridiculous that it makes me smile. The greatest story ever told--the one about Jesus amd his disciples and the troubles undertaken by early church leaders became the number one selling book of all time. It was called the bible.

I say that we are all so hungry for some good uplifting sides of the daily news that when we do find a tidbit every once in awhile--that we gooble it up like starved puppies.

Speaking of which--Yodi always has a wag in his tale and a happy demeaner. Probably because he can't read. Come on Yodi--tell me a good story with that tail.How do you see things washing out. What is that your tail is saying? I thought so--excellent.

Inspired action

I like the feeling when inspiration sends me into action. It generally means that I'm on the right track and there is no need to be hesitant. Full speed ahead.

The reason I bring this up is because I'm in that zone right now. I had been brooding around on what direction to take this blog and the Neighborhood forum. I had to finally surrender the whole matter to prayer --as my own limited human potential simply was not up to the task.

When I did that--it all suddenly appeared crystal clear. I mentioned my inspiration to my brother and he has funded a new website. So this blog, and the Neighborhood forum will become a part of my overall ministry. www.frmikesneighborhood is the website and it will expand into a full fledged effort to inspire, teach, and motivate users to be better than they are.

It will encompass positive uplifting news sources, discussions, links, ---and whatever else inspires me in facilitating this in people lives.

I haven't even mentioned this to my order as they believe I've been laying low with my family and recouperating. Who has time to lay around when there are people to help and serve? And--how can my superior argue with "GODS" inspired plan?

Stay turned. Now Yodi and I are taking a little walk--only this time it will be on the sunny side of the street.

Zippy the clown

I met two amazing people this week and still have a smile on my face. They own a small circus. In fact--the two of them are the circus. along with a baby Lion and a lot of audience participation.

Swan Circus operates out of Sacramento, California and provides good clean family fun and laughs in the cental valley of the state.

Zippy and his brother started the circus 37 years ago and it is definitly a labor of love. They are not getting rich in a monetary sense. But they have enjoyed spreading a wealth of happiness throughout their careers.

If memories were money, Zippy would be a billionaire.

In a world filled with dispair, clowns and circus entertainers have been a welcome lighthouse--shining a clowns smile towards the injured and bruised hearts of society.

Zippy gave me a personal message to pass onto my blogger audience. "It is better to wear out than to rust out" He never stops moving around and having fun. His mother died two years ago of cancer at the ripe old age of 92. She was an active runner in track and field. She held the Guiness Book of world records for running at her age up until cancer ended her participation.

Zippy also holds age related records. he has won over 50 gold medals for track and field.

I know--this is the second post today on this blog. But--how often does a clown come into one life full of laughs and tricks?

He even had Yodi's attention.

Who owns you?

"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender," - Proverbs 22:7.

Duty, honor, responsibility are all words associated with being an adult and living within societies written and unwritten laws.

However--as Proverbs 22:7 so bluntly proclaims---money seems to be the ruler. wether
it is --he power dervived from accumulating it or the power dervived from using it. Money and wealth rule the planet and all within. That is--as long as those alive agree in principal to the power associated with currency.

But how can man servetwo masters--a frequently quoted statement proclaims. Is "GOD" your master or is the rich man in the house on the hill or the lender of record?

Who is your ruler?

If it is somebody or something other than your true creator--it is time to re-think your reality.

How can you take away from the creator what you don't own? Think about it.

Time to go for a walk. Let's go Yodi.

Control---

Trying to control external events in ones life as--- they unfold is a waste of time and effort. It can take some people a lifetime to come to this realization.

There are several internal choices you do have control over. How you react to the world around you is one of them. How you treat other people is another. what you choose to focus on is a favorite of mine. How you view your own self after a personal inventory can be enlightening. How you feel about "GOD" when things go haywire in your life is revealing. Whether you choose to love or hate, nurture or neglect, praise or criticize, honor or belittle, see the sunnyside or gloom.

These are just a few areas we do have control over.

And remember this---life is very short here on earth whether it be measured in minutes or decades. It is how we live the live that was a gift from our creator that matters. Tghe events that make up our life are the canvas we paint by our own choosing.

Let's go Yodi. We both need to get some exercise today. And what a glorious day it is!

Responsibility

Several weeks ago homes worth millions of dallars a piece went crashing down a hillside in Southern California. These were not just any old houses. They sat on some of the most expensive ocean view property in America. They also sat on land that has a history of falling away. Even the insurance companies had shyed away from insuring these homes from natural disasters such as this. However--with in a matter of hours everybody was pointing fingers at others to find who should take responsibility for the homes getting destroyed.

The homeowners are blaming the zoning department, the zoning department is pointing to the civil engineers, --even other builders are being blamed for placing homes on property near by which could have caused the land to become unstable. Rainfall from months ago has been picked as a possible agent. I suppose any and all of these factors could have made the homes fall. However--the bottom line is that reasonably affluent owners chose to buy homes in an area that is known for this type of natural disaster. They were made aware of the fact but chose to ignore the risk so that they could enjoy the beautiful susets and be neighbors to the Pacific Ocean.

A guy in Seattle is picketing Bank of America because somebody stole some checks of his and pilffered $30,000 from his account over a 4 month period. He wants the bank to give him back his money. The problem is is that the bank within their 100 page checking account agreement says he only had up to 60 days to report the ongoing theft. He admits that he never bothered to check his account balances--but still wants to pass the buck [so to speak] onto the banks shoulders.

These are only two cases in recent days that have caught my attention. They are sad and I feel sorry for the loss these folks have endured. However---why are they and others so unwilling to own up to personal responsibility. Sure it is hard to face loss. Loss is part of life we don't take easily. But having the character to accept responsibility is part of being human.

Christians know that there will come a day when they must leave this existance and return to their source. And--they know that they must face judgement for their sins. This too is part of the human experience. Learning to take responsibility for your own actions is an important link in each ones salvation. There will be no finger pointing going on when standing in front of the creator. Instantly it will become apparent where the buck stops. Who dare would point their finger at "GOD" and blame him for ones own weaknesses of the flesh?

Why not grasp onto the idea of honesty--at least when it comes to responsibility in your own life. The civil and crimminal courts are filled to the brim with those in denial of responsibility.

Even my puppy Yodi knows when he has made a mistake. He wears his guilt alll over his face. His body lanquage is one of remorse. He still makes mistakes but he never has pointed his paw at me or outside influences. Once responsibility has been accepted, Yodi knows there will be forgiveness by me.

Failure to be responsible in life keeps one from being repentant. It is ok to make mistakes but never ok to shurk reponsibility. It can and will affect salvation.

Gay Games

I just read on a forum that Kraft Foods was sponsoring a "Gay Games". It may be gay, but not the laughing type-- for sure. Active homosexuals refer to themselves as gay.

I wonder why they want to have their own games?

Could a straight normal person participate in the games?

Don't count on it. It appears to me with homosexuals having their own day at Disney World, their own parades, and now their own games that what they really want is preferential treatment--not equality.

Since when does a persons sexuality determine what events they participate in? Who do you know that announces their sexual preferance at events--or for that matter in any normal conversation.

I can envision homosexuals wearing a big name tag at the local garden club that states they are "gay". Then I suppose they will have gay flower club meetings!

Well enough of this chatter. I hope Yodi doesn't request a special puppy day for what otherwise would be a normal outing. I don't want to figure out how to pin a tag on him that states he is a puppy!

The world can be a strange place.

Does Kraft Foods have special "gay food"?

The twisted ego conspiracy

Have you ever wondered why you are never content with being ---you?

I call this condition the great "ego conspiracy"

Having this condition requires that you change as many things about yourself as possible so that you can appear to be more important in your life than "GOD". But---what am I saying? That there is actually someone else who is more important than ones self?

Well--yes--I am saying exactly that. In fact I'm going to propose something even more startling to you--[or should I say to the ego that is pretending to be you].

WE--YOU AND ME--WERE NOT CREATED TO LIVE SELF CENTERED LIVES.

Our sole purpose in life is three fold. Very simple. Very uncomplicated. Yet--profoundly important to our future. And what I mean by our future has nothing to do with this mortal existance.

WE ARE CREATED TO PRAISE, REVERE, AND SERVE "GOD" And for no other reason.

Somehow from birth to now--the vast majority of mankind begins to believe that they themselves are "GOD" So they praise, revere, and serve themselves.

As far as I know--we are the only creation of "GOD" that has an ego. The ego has a very important function when used properly. It always seeks to expand what it is concentrated on. It will use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year --using every resource available to that end.

However--since there really is not much of us that deserves praise, reverance, or service--the ego must invent ways to make us what we are not. Just think how most of mankind spend their every waking moment.

Since the ego knows the truth about our "real" purpose--but our free will has given it the power to turn our gaze from "GOD" inward towards ourselves--the ego has come up with this convuluted conspiracy. How do you think the art of "self consciousness" ever came about?

When I began my religious formation I knew deep down that "GOD" was important but I never had considered all the ramifications that resulted from me ever having placed my self interest above him.

Service, praise, and reverance were firmly under the control of my ego. It had created my human personality at the cost of my souls personality.

In order to recover my true self--from my ego self --required complete surrender. There are still skirmishes being played out on a daily basis. So far my one true victory is the realization of the above stated facts.

The surrender required me to come to a very basic fact of mortal existance. That every single other creation around me was a tool in my life to be used for my-- true mission in this life.

I needed to abandon everything my ego had created in order to find myself again. Once I found myself and recovered my true purpose--then and only then did my mortal life find passion.

Once I could look upon all "GODS" creation including myself as existing solely to praise, revere, and serve the creator--I found a unity with "GOD" I realized that I was nothing outside of him. I also came to the realization that through service one finally finds purpose. And a thrid realization was that everything I saw when I changed my gaze from internal to external--"GOD" centered--was a refection of "GOD". I bagan to see "GOD" in everthing.

Why did I ever start this ego conspiracy to begin with? I'm still trying to grasp that little mis-step of my free will. Since it is now baseball season--maybe an anology can be found between the two. I'm trying to learn to hit the ball in play rather than dwell on--- not striking out.

Come on Yodi--lets go get some batting practice.

Time to re-charge the batteries of my life

Sometimes I think the world is just one big open ended soap opera. And--it is too easy to get caught up in its web if I don't take the time each day to meditate and focus upon what is real and what is fantasy in my life.

The media in all its forms can drown out the simple life and replace it with one full of emotional turmoil surrounding events far removed from my own existance and that lack any value other than a courteous acknowledgement of the chatter being thrown in my direction.

For the past few days I have put myself on a diet of solitude and focus attention on my lifes direction. Staying away from all forms of media input--including this internet device has calmed me and lowered my stress. The reason my sress level was high evolved around the outside world of which I have only a reactive force these days.

After the silence of personal reflection--I believe the quality of any external reaction will be aligned more closely to my own lifes flow.

So--I nows back here with absolutely nothing to comment on media-wise.

Yodi and I will now retire for the evening leaving our blessings and prayers to all.

Goodnight

Is Justice a --"technicality"-or a farse?

Reading through the papers and watching the news, I find the media attention riveted upon several high profile court cases.

Does the average Joe Smuck on trial receive the same consideration of the court system as one involved in a media event trial? I don't believe so.

I believe the judge, lawyers, and juries are so interested in looking good and not making a mistake [which is made more glaring by the media attention]--that they lose ther unbiased judgement.

In Washington State the 2004 election process is on trial. As the witnesses come forward, and swear under oath--it is hard to believe that those representing the Secretary of State office are unbiased. Even e-mails entered as evidence point to a definte Democrat leaning slant.

In the Michael Jackson molestation trial--once again the judge, lawyers, and juries are playing to the audience. I refuse to believe that the prosecution case-- 10 years in the making is wrong. The old addage --where there is smoke--there is fire--loudly comes forth-- in this case with what would seem a never ending stream of young boys telling the same tale.

However--our legal system is not about guilt or innosense--it is about whether said can be proven. And when the judge , lawyers, and juries are so enamored by the case--I doubt sincerely whether an unbiased determination is possible.

In tinsel town or other high profile stuations, the prosecution keeps striking out. Are all these defendants innocent--- OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson, the King county election supervisors? No--but they are guilty of being involved in media driven high profile cases involving sociaties glammor kings and queens. Actors and politics--what a pair.

If Michael Jackson, and the Washington State governors election are ruled innocent--then the lawyers and prosecutors should all be removed from their jobs or office. Batting [0.00] is unacceptable. And by the way--what are the odds of that happening over and over and over again?

So we all await the outcome of these cases. After all--the media keeps it front and center making it impossible to not be curious.

I think I'm going to take Yodi for a walk. If when we reach the sidewalk he turns left--then they are innocent. If he turns right--they are guilty. Whey not let an unbiased puppy decide the cases. It would probably result in a fair decision compared to what we have.

Oh--I forgot--trials are not about fairness either.