Destroyng the Empire of Self » bob

“I Desire” song

Bob Nicholas — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:15:13 +0000

Well here it is. I’ve been praying this for some time now and I hope you are blessed by it.

This is simple to play. Each chord is played for a full measure at a slow-moderate pace. This is meant to be a prayerful song.

I pray you are blessed today.

“I Desire”

Verse 1

E G#m E G#m

I desire Lord, I desire Lord

E G#m A

I desire Lord, for you

Refrain

A E

For you are my Hope

And you are my portion.

You are my Hope

I seek you Lord

Verse 2:

E G#m E G#m

I am thirsting Lord, I am thirsting Lord

E G#m A

I am thirsting Lord, for you

Baby Snatchers

Bob Nicholas — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:11:56 +0000

Lately I’ve been challenged to increase my charity and love for a specific group of people. Since we have welcomed our 4^th child, Elijah, a dynamic change has taken place in our status in culture.

People find it acceptable, and have the audacity, to make very judgmental comments about our family, my wife, or our choice of lifestyle. Some common examples of what people say:

- “Don’t you know what causes that?”

- “So you are done right?

- “Wow, really trying for that girl aren’t ya?”

- “She better not get pregnant again!”

I used to respond to the first statement with ‘yeah and we are getting pretty darn good at it’. This has scandalized many a persons.

Well I guess I’ve had enough of this. I once read a study that says Christians are more judgmental than non-Christians. I’m beginning to agree. What is most funny is most of these responses come from Catholics!!!! People who took a vow to be open to life, and who say every Sunday, “Thy Will be done.”

Normally I just let this stuff go, and I’ve even been an advocate of ignoring such ignorance. Lately however I am more and more frustrated by it. It’s sick. How can a culture that is so much oriented toward protecting the rights of self, be okay with these comments which seek to restrict my “freedom”????

I know this post is somewhat of a rant, but I’m upset and I’m tired of being judged by people who claim to believe. I’m fine being persecuted by heathens who know no better, but I’m sick and tired of Christians who proclaim to desire the Will of God telling me I’m ignorant for following the Will of God.

I think it’s time I buy some bumper stickers…

’This Car Parks Frequently, I’m Catholic with lots of kids.’

Or maybe…

‘SLEEP NAKED’

Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you.

Bob Nicholas — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:43:36 +0000

Last Sunday at Mass the Priest said in his homily, “We need to increase our expectation of the Eucharist.” This has captivated me all week. This statement is very profound. His statement is in consideration of the fact that the only restriction on our experience of Christ in our lives….is us.

Now this is a pretty common concept, but the way in which he stated it has stuck with me. The Magnificat’s reflection for yesterday’s readings was on a similar track.

According to Saint Thomas, Christ bestows upon each individual person the same life of grace which he brought to the world by his visible coming. Indeed, if we had but faith as then, the miracles of the Gospel could again become daily occurrences.

And then it ends with…

Christ, the source of live, addressed his clear call to all generations: “If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink.” Only one condition is laid down: to thirst.

So consider that you and I are given all we need to cast out demons, heal the sick, help the lame walk and the blind see…but our faith lacks.

I love that yesterday’s first reading was from the first book of Kings Chapter 19. We read of Elijah saying to the Lord that his life should be taken, almost like he failed the mission God gave him. Rather God sends His angel to Elijah and gives him the food he needs for the journey. “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you,” the angel says.

I am overwhelmingly encouraged to increase my expectation of Christ in my life.

To open my eyes to His will and His life in me.

I thirst for you o Lord.

Let us increase our faith that we might live in Him who is victorious over sin and shame.

Let us be fed through Mass, the Eucharist, and each other…else the journey of faith be too long for us.

Let us be living examples of His Grace and Mercy and light up the darkness.

I will be praying that all of you increase your expectation, and ask that you pray for me as well.

Gossip and The Body of Christ

Bob Nicholas — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:21:48 +0000

Maybe it is because I am head strong and confident.

Maybe it is because I am convicted and passionate.

Maybe it is because in society we get ahead by trampling, and I grew up with that image.

Or perhaps, it is simply because I am a fallen man. No matter the reason I lack enough charity and humility to handle every situation with grace, the result is consistently painful when I don’t. I often notice this phenomenon known as “bob being a jerk” in one of three places.

First, when my wife and I disagree and rather than choose to listen and love I choose to debate. This is perhaps the easiest time to recognize this phenomenon.

Second, while driving someone does something to annoy me and rather than just avoid putting my bumper into their seat, I also add words and anger to the situation. This is the second easiest time to recognize this phenomenon.

Lastly, when I learn that I have hurt someone through my words or actions without intending to do so. While the first two items are humorous rhetoric meant to engage you as a reader, this item is truly the downfall of the Body of Christ. We all, at times, forget that we belong to a community of friends. And while we are intentional or not, our words and actions all affect the whole body of Christ.

This is precisely why the Sacrament of Confession has two purposes. We are first reconciled with the Father and second, we are reconciled with the Body of Christ, whom we have also sinned against. The two are necessary to bring a person fully back into the fold. Let me give you an example.

Recently a close friend told me that some things I had said to someone came back to her through his wife. Now in and of them alone my words were not hateful, harmful, or intended to do any harm. However due to the “translation” of my words they brought pain/harm to my friend whom I care very much about. Essentially I gossiped without manifest intent.

At first I was very upset with the man and his wife for doing this. My response was ”I can’t believe they would do that. Who do they think they are?” Note the use of the word “they”. They did something wrong. They did it. They.

Friends, when something happens and our first reaction is to blame another, I call that pride. To blame another is not to take responsibility for our role and behavior in the body of Christ. So, needless to say, I have to revise that statement.

I can’t believe I did that. Who do I think I am. What kind of friend am I that I would speak words about a friend that could be used against them. What kind of Christian am I gossiping in this way.

This post is not an attempt at an apology (because writing one is like breaking up over the phone, not good enough). This is my attempt to share with you a lesson and a message.

Jesus Christ called us His friends.

Jesus Christ told us that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The next time you are in conversation consider how your words will affect the body of Christ. Are you building the Kingdom of God? Or are you tearing it down?

St. Joseph pray for us.