Musings of a Catholic Convert

Some people might say I need therapy.  They are probably thinking of therapy for my brain.  I hate to disappoint, but I had a different type of therapy yesterday.  I, for the first time in my life, got a therapeutic massage.  Let me tell you something, brother, my back, neck, and shoulders feel awesome now!  Having never gotten a massage before, I did not know what to expect.  It was really neat, and there was nothing weird.  I even got a tour of the place, which also trains men and women for professional work.  They know muscles, bones, nerves, even blood stuff.  I was quite impressed.  The massage itself was awesome.  I must thank my sis again for the gift certificate that got me in the door.

I wasn’t too impressed by the SuperBowl last night.  In fact, I really didn’t watch it.  A couple of plays here and there but nothing to get hype about.  You know what?  I think I was even disappointed with the commercials this year.  There were a few that I really liked (FedEx rarely disappoints me), but overall I was not moved by anything I saw.

What about you?  What did you think of the game?  Got a favorite commercial?

Do we even need to mention the thrown-together-at-the-last-minute halftime show?  No offense to Tom Petty, but c’mon.  SuperBowl halftime show is usually over the top, mega hyped up superstar extravaganza.  I’m starting to wonder if the Tom Petty gig was related to an American Idol appearance later this year.

Yes, I do watch American Idol.  Oh, the shame!

Who are you praying for today?

During your daily prayer time with God, who is currently on your prayer list? Are you praying for others or are most of your prayers your own intentions. It never hurts to add other intentions, especially those of others. Remember that God is able to meet all of our needs simultaneously. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. Make sure also to give yourself time to prepare for prayer before giving God your petitions. Remember who it is you’re talking to. Take time to offer praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done and, most importantly, who He is.

Persons always in need of prayer for you to add to your intentions:
- the unborn
- the lonely
- the holy souls in Purgatory
- those who do not know Christ
- the impoverished
- our bishops, priests, deacons, and religious
- your family
- world leaders
- the people of your parish

Of course there are more, but this would be a great way to start a prayer list if you don’t already have one. Take a few minutes to pray for the people above. Remember that as we pray for others, not only is God attending to our prayers, but He is also forming and molding our heart into the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God continue to change us and to englarge our charity toward others. Teach us to love, Lord Jesus.

Say it with me - “ROBOT GAS”:

Okay, so maybe robots don’t actually pump your gas for you, but this place is the most awesome gas station I’ve ever seen.

I’ve been calling it Robot Gas for sometime, but it’s actually called SmartMart. You can Google it. The guy who invented this station has global patents. I’m waiting on more to pop up. Below is my exciting experience at Robot Gas.

My sensors were indicating that I was dangerously low on fuel. I had to do something. Luckily, I saw the sign for a spaceport - er, fuel depot - er, gas station - up ahead. I pulled in and switched off the ignition. Standing before me was an average-looking gasoline pump with a digital display. “No big deal” I thought. But then I noticed something as I looked toward the convenience store of the station. There were no people. No employees. No crew. Yet the station was open for business. The pump asked me to select my method of payment, using its touchscreen interface. I made my selection, chose my fuel type, and began to fuel my vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, the pump asked me if I would like a cold beverage while I pumped my fuel.
“Of course I would!” was all I could reply. I selected a 20oz Mountain Dew and before I knew it, there was a “whoosh” and my icy cold drink was sitting on a pedestal in front of me. I wide grin broke out across my face as I took the drink and twisted it open. How refreshing! I completed my transaction, replaced the fuel nozzle, and was ready to go.

Before I left, however, I sat and watched the convenience store in action. Touchscreen terminals allowed patrons to shop without having to leave their vehicles. They bought everything from DVDs to dog food to chewing gum. Robots inside the store made it happen. “One day I too will shop at Robot Gas.” I said to myself. “So let it be written, so let it be done.”

See for yourself the marvel that is SmartMart.

Now, I may not be as famous as “The Z”, however . . .

I want to recommend that you take some of the free online courses offered by the Knights of Columbus. You can go to the Catholic Information Service website and choose from printed or online courses for free.

I further recommend that Knights of Columbus councils use these materials as a way of promoting the spiritual works of mercy among the brethren.

“The Z” Rules:

Yeeehaaa!

What a Game!

I bet half of you didn’t watch the Fiesta Bowl last night, but you missed one of the best football games of the whole season. I was rooting so hard for Boise State to win. They played like champions and won the game with some awesome timing and, man, I just can’t tell you enough of what you missed. Check for this game to be replayed on ESPN Classic or something. The game itself was great to watch, but the last quarter was spectacular on both sides of the ball. Good football game, especially with friends over to watch it with you. We were so excited.

To “The Z” and all the Boise State Broncos go my warmest congratulations. You men did a fine job.

Where does all the time go?

It’s been almost a week since my last post. We’ve been Christmasing a lot. I love the Christmas season. It’s so much fun, and the Churches are always even more beautiful than usual. It was good to have my family visit with us. I know the kids enjoyed seeing their grandparents and vice versa.

We drove around looking for Christmas lights last night. I’m surprised how many people have already either taken them down or turned them off. It’s was only the 2nd day of the Christmas season! Of course, they’ve all bought into the lie that “it’s all over” on the 25th. They’ve allowed themselves be robbed of the true joy of the holiday season, and that, my friends, is sad.

I hope your holidays are providing your families with much joy, and that your Christmas season is full of wonder and thanksgiving.

10 Years Today!

Today, my wife and I celebrate 10 years of marriage. As an anniversary gift, my wife had our rings cleaned, buffed, and all that stuff that makes them look brand new. We look like a newly wed couple, apart from our 4 children. It’s true that every rose has its thorns, just like every night has its dawn, just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song. Yeah it does.

Ahem.

What I mean to say is that in 10 years of marriage we’ve seen a lot. It hasn’t all been bliss and we’ve gone through some difficult circumstances, but all these things have made us stronger. I have a wife who loves me for who I am. I can’t imagine my life apart from her. We have 3 kids here, 2 in Heaven, and 1 about to be born. We’ve lived in 4 different cities and have been blessed with a multitude of friends. Even in difficult circumstances we have stuck together, which is good, considering the average marriage in the United States these days is about 8 years. Thank God for the grace given to us in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony! What a blessing for us to all be in the Church together growing in our faith in Jesus Christ. I’m looking forward to the next 10 years.

I got blisters on me fingers:

So I bought a PS2 and Guitar Hero II this weekend. Having never played a pretend guitar before, my fingers were not used to that sort of movement. Interesting. I hear that Tigers pitcher, Joel Zumaya, was injured while playing the game. Yes, it is that much fun.

Apart from the carpal tunnel, I have also been busy with final preparations for Christmas festivities. In fact, I had my stuff for my wife picked out a long time ago. This is a first for me. I have known for months what to get her, and I pat myself on the back for getting it right for once. We also managed to find more Spider-Man & Friends toys for my son.

I’ve to loads to do, so I’m off. Have a great day, y’all.