Merry Christmas

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Advent -- The Lost Christmas Holiday

So as I continue my Catholic journey I was overjoyed to find out about the Advent holiday. As a Southern Baptist, I had always been taught that Advent was little more than the Christmas season. Turns out, there is so much more and a holiday that Christians need to rediscover.

Too Busy for Christ

http://newevangelizers.com/blog/2012/11/01/are-we-too-busy-to-be-catechized/
I love those who love me. And those who stand watch for me until morning shall discover me.  With me, are wealth and glory, superb riches and justice. Proverbs 8:17-18

I've gotten really bad about attendance. With a pregnant wife, three step kids it is very easy to NOT get up Sunday morning. With Mass at our church multiple times a week there should be no reason. That said, I seem to be always finding a way.

Lord have Mercy

I loved this song when I was younger. It has a much more deeper significance now.

The Magnificant

During Advent, I've been reciting and praying this prayer (also know as the Canticle of Mary). Wiki has a nice little bit of history as well as the different versions. I don't have any completed thoughts or tidbits of my journey, I just wanted to share a really beautiful flower I've found along that road. Feel free to pray with me...

The Canticle of Mary


My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
My Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour
For He has looked with favour on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
The Almighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His Name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him
In every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm,
He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
And has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of His servant Israel
For He has remembered His promise of mercy,
The promise He made to our fathers,
To Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning.
is now, and will be forever.

Amen.

I Saw God Today

Today I saw God. Well, okay not Morgan Freeman or George Burns but a little bit glimmer of him. I'm still pretty much speechless and dumbfounded.

A Journey Shared

It is always easier, nicer, safer, and more comforting to go on a trip with someone whether that someone is family, friends or your spouse. My journey to Catholicism has only been possible because of the loving support of my wife and a very persistent Holy Spirit.

Intercession of a Saint

So one of the cool things about becoming Catholic is that instead of occasionally mentioning Saints you actually have a list -- it's no longer an alien concept spoken of in hushed terms. Heck and entire encyclopedia of Saints. I checked and sadly my grandfather wasn't specifically named (kidding) but I'm sure if I asked for his intercession he'd stop fishing long enough to help. It's that same spirit that lead me to send an email asking for Saint Rose of Lima (Rosa de Lima) for a personal intercession.

Fall Burns

If you are from the rural or even semi-rural you know that the end of fall is typically not only a time of Thanksgiving but one where you take the piles and piles and piles of leaves and burn them. This cycle of death is fantastic life lesson if you take a minute to look.

Being Faithful -- At all levels

Jesus, the Son of God, spoke on faith often. It always seemed to be the focus or at the very least a requirement for the lesson at hand. Is Faith the foundation that is required in everything?

Quick Post for a Friend

Just a quick post for a friend's family business that is having an open house.

On a Wing and a Prayer Open House

Epic Fail

Well my heated exchange with the Pastor went well. My arguments were not refuted and the Pastor was immediately forced on a series of personal attacks. Yay? So now I feel awful.

My First Confrontation - Newb Catholic vs. Senior Baptist Pastor

The Lord has often put obstacles in my way. From a horrible marriage to people filled with hate. It didn't take long when I was forced, okay nudged  by the Holy Spirit to take up and defend the Holy Catholic Church. And I was immediately forced to revisit the challenges that caused me hesitation in the first place.

Love Thy Neighbor

It's one of the most defining tenants, laws, and guiding principles in Christian faith. Love thy neighbor as you would love yourself. It's never an easy situation but it's also one that shouldn't be. Christ didn't come to give us gifts without a little sacrifice. Certainly, loving those that wrong you is most likely the hardest thing you will ever have to do.

Starting Again -- Soul Searching

To reconnect I had to start. From the beginning.