God is in the details.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Galactic Catholic Universe Photo of the Day: Florida:Little Manatee River State Park
God is in the details.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Right Left Turn
In my small downtown neighborhood the brick buildings butt up against the main highway that stretches straight through at the super speed of 30 mph. When it comes to making a left turn, you have to be very careful to see around the edges and in most cases you can't see what is coming. Still, it is a leap to go ahead and make that turn because your trying to get somewhere.
Easter is very much a reminder of left turns and sightless hope because the Resurrection is the promise of difficult tasks that will be accomplished with faith. A few years back you may have read the story about the United Postal Service planning their routes in America to have more right turns, and thus less idle time using gas and valuable service time. The opposite is true for the person who longs to know Christ. The outcome for the UPS was to increase revenue which could easily be seen in dollars and cents. The outcome for the faithful in the Holy Church is far greater than dollars and cents and depends upon that same sightless hope which we may use to make left turns when the view seems blocked.
The easy way is not always the best way. You have probably heard this saying before. It is hard to see it as true when pride tells you otherwise. Physically, making an endless amount of easy right turns will only lead you in a circle, whereas life is a series of multi-directional turns that lead you on the path of the will of God. Left turns are a leap of faith. They are scary sometimes and can be downright dangerous at other times. These metaphorical turns in life have much more fruit than an easy way out or in or through. The difficult decisions that our interactions with others create are the masters of our character and soul. Would it be so great to explain to the maker that you were so crafty as to only make easy right turns in your life? The soul and character would be made of mush at that point because of the folly of the easy road.
Left turns in life are usually about people. The turn starts with someone else but always ends up with you. In the end, the turn depends on you. The sightless leap of faith around a blind corner happens if you chose to go that way. New opportunities are more likely to arise on that path not taken. Forward is the only way that a hard task leaves one to take. Would it be so great to explain to the maker that you were so scared but you took that leap of faith anyway? The soul and character would be made of the very strong stone that you once believed blocked your path.
The Resurrection is a New way of thinking. A new path has been lit by the Christ and the Father above waits for your arrival on that weaving way of hardships and renewal.
If your right turns are pride and vanity, let humility and poverty be your left turn. If your right turns are hatred and anger, let forgiveness and peace be your left turn. If your right turns aim you right at yourself, let Jesus Christ be your left turn and turn to Him again and again.
Alleluia! He is Risen!
Easter is very much a reminder of left turns and sightless hope because the Resurrection is the promise of difficult tasks that will be accomplished with faith. A few years back you may have read the story about the United Postal Service planning their routes in America to have more right turns, and thus less idle time using gas and valuable service time. The opposite is true for the person who longs to know Christ. The outcome for the UPS was to increase revenue which could easily be seen in dollars and cents. The outcome for the faithful in the Holy Church is far greater than dollars and cents and depends upon that same sightless hope which we may use to make left turns when the view seems blocked.
The easy way is not always the best way. You have probably heard this saying before. It is hard to see it as true when pride tells you otherwise. Physically, making an endless amount of easy right turns will only lead you in a circle, whereas life is a series of multi-directional turns that lead you on the path of the will of God. Left turns are a leap of faith. They are scary sometimes and can be downright dangerous at other times. These metaphorical turns in life have much more fruit than an easy way out or in or through. The difficult decisions that our interactions with others create are the masters of our character and soul. Would it be so great to explain to the maker that you were so crafty as to only make easy right turns in your life? The soul and character would be made of mush at that point because of the folly of the easy road.
Left turns in life are usually about people. The turn starts with someone else but always ends up with you. In the end, the turn depends on you. The sightless leap of faith around a blind corner happens if you chose to go that way. New opportunities are more likely to arise on that path not taken. Forward is the only way that a hard task leaves one to take. Would it be so great to explain to the maker that you were so scared but you took that leap of faith anyway? The soul and character would be made of the very strong stone that you once believed blocked your path.
The Resurrection is a New way of thinking. A new path has been lit by the Christ and the Father above waits for your arrival on that weaving way of hardships and renewal.
If your right turns are pride and vanity, let humility and poverty be your left turn. If your right turns are hatred and anger, let forgiveness and peace be your left turn. If your right turns aim you right at yourself, let Jesus Christ be your left turn and turn to Him again and again.
Alleluia! He is Risen!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Catholic Dreamer
Sometimes the clarity in a dream is striking and can hold the key to a peaceful submission to God's will. Often I find myself having dreamed of an event or discussion to heal a relationship. These are different dreams from the regular random ones.
I can sense that God has a purpose to bring peace and healing in my life from a dream of a warmfelt hug or a spoken apology from myself or another person.
At other times, I have dreamed being in a car wreck over and over. I have learned to correct my thoughts and actions in the dream until I get out of danger. The reason for these dreams is that the exact events occur, but because I have learned from my repeated dreams I am, and was able to save myself and the people driving behind me. Praise God!
God the Father used voices and dreams often in scripture to call the prophets. But I think Our Lord calls us in this way to protect and bring peace also when a heart can only take so much more struggle or stress. The love of the Lord is endless and there is no one who can stop Him from fulfilling the destiny He has for you in His great design.
Sleep well and I hope you have the type of dreams that bring peacefulness and preparedness for the mission the God has for you today.
I can sense that God has a purpose to bring peace and healing in my life from a dream of a warmfelt hug or a spoken apology from myself or another person.
At other times, I have dreamed being in a car wreck over and over. I have learned to correct my thoughts and actions in the dream until I get out of danger. The reason for these dreams is that the exact events occur, but because I have learned from my repeated dreams I am, and was able to save myself and the people driving behind me. Praise God!
God the Father used voices and dreams often in scripture to call the prophets. But I think Our Lord calls us in this way to protect and bring peace also when a heart can only take so much more struggle or stress. The love of the Lord is endless and there is no one who can stop Him from fulfilling the destiny He has for you in His great design.
Sleep well and I hope you have the type of dreams that bring peacefulness and preparedness for the mission the God has for you today.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The State of Pride
It's Lent again and once again I am failing to pray the Way of Cross. I am freely admitting this so that the www. will hold me accountable. The fact is, that I love to meditate on the Cross. But my pride has gotten in the way of a good and Holy devotion exhibited in reflective prayer.
Please pray the Way of the Cross with me this Lent in order to have a well-formed conscience in preparation for the trials of this world.
Meditations for the Way of the Cross Fr. Frank Pavone
Please pray the Way of the Cross with me this Lent in order to have a well-formed conscience in preparation for the trials of this world.
Meditations for the Way of the Cross Fr. Frank Pavone
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Save the Blue Fin Tuna????
I am all for the ecosystem but when it comes to Tuna or Babies, it seems some people are missing the boat.
If you don't know, or you've been hiding under the proverbial rock, then please let me explain again that abortion is Murder of human babies.
Once a child is conceived within the womb of a woman it is a living entity that inhabits all of the essence of a human being. The child forms organs within days.
Abortion takes place by Killing a child in the womb with drugs, chemicals or foreign objects thrust in the person of the child in the womb.
Partial birth abortion is always Murder of a child by killing in the womb or as the child is being born.
Yet people still do these things and admit to it freely. So when it comes down to supporting Tuna, Wolves, Penguins or Human Babies, I am going to stick with the living breathing children that die each day to moral relativism and indifference to Life.
Abortion Methods
Beginning of a Child's Life
If you don't know, or you've been hiding under the proverbial rock, then please let me explain again that abortion is Murder of human babies.
Once a child is conceived within the womb of a woman it is a living entity that inhabits all of the essence of a human being. The child forms organs within days.
Abortion takes place by Killing a child in the womb with drugs, chemicals or foreign objects thrust in the person of the child in the womb.
Partial birth abortion is always Murder of a child by killing in the womb or as the child is being born.
Yet people still do these things and admit to it freely. So when it comes down to supporting Tuna, Wolves, Penguins or Human Babies, I am going to stick with the living breathing children that die each day to moral relativism and indifference to Life.
Abortion Methods
Beginning of a Child's Life
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Gradual Change
I wish sometimes that we could all just get where we are going. In the spiritual sense though. But as I reflect on the scripture and the path of the disciples this Lent, I realize that they too, took baby steps in order to become leaders and healers in Jesus' name. Only a few such as Andrew and John seemed to really 'get it' at first. But then we have our very real friends in scripture, Peter and Paul and the rest of the crew that didn't really 'get it' at first that all things lead to the Messiah Christ.
It would probably help us in this life to hang around Jesus as much as possible. Thank goodness for Adoration! But at the same time, there is not the sense of urgency that there may have been at the time of Christ. In this world things are changing rapidly and it seems like when we make advances against embryonic stem cell research and partial birth abortion, we are just hit back down the hill to push against a very real boulder blocking many people's salvation.
The political fight for Life issues is only a metaphor for the inner struggle to battle sin in our everyday lives. Like the very real sins of abortion and not natural genetic manipulation, the battle against every day sins rages for most of us like Peter in the scripture who make the same stupid mistakes over and over. And that is the spiritual journey happening in tandem with the physical life on this Earth.
 | ||
| Hakuin |
One thing I choose to do is hope and pray for hope. It is a grace of God to hope in the one who saved us and in all that salvation entails. There is an 'Act of Hope' prayer for a reason. If you truly desire to make a path on your spiritual journey no matter what is happening in the world then it will be.
Just as Peter was led to the cross, we must all bear our cross and eventually master our sin upon it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Famous Ones
It's really cool to hear and read about Christians in the world that are living their faith even though they are famous or what not. Like I have said before, I have been watching these cute 'kdrama' shows out of Korea. Watching to much tv is a bad habit, but it led me to read about a few nice Christian leaders in various Asian countries.
My first interest in Asia started when I had an awesome Catholic geography professor at LSU freshman year that had lived and researched in China. He shared the most amazing pictures and excitement about the beauty of the country. Being a history teacher myself, I would love to learn more about the culture and history and geography. But my first love is Christ, and their are so many people in Asia that I fear have not heard the true message of Jesus Christ.
I would love to go there if God will's it one day and maybe do a little missionary work. In the mean time, I will pray for Christian leaders like Kim Hyun Joong to seek the Sacred Heart of Christ and be a true witness to Him.
Saint Anna Pak Agi pray for us!
My first interest in Asia started when I had an awesome Catholic geography professor at LSU freshman year that had lived and researched in China. He shared the most amazing pictures and excitement about the beauty of the country. Being a history teacher myself, I would love to learn more about the culture and history and geography. But my first love is Christ, and their are so many people in Asia that I fear have not heard the true message of Jesus Christ.
I would love to go there if God will's it one day and maybe do a little missionary work. In the mean time, I will pray for Christian leaders like Kim Hyun Joong to seek the Sacred Heart of Christ and be a true witness to Him.
Saint Anna Pak Agi pray for us!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Feast of the Annunciation
I was driving my way back to Florida yesterday and couldn't attend mass like I wanted too for this feast. I really miss the reverence in the Catholic Churches in Louisiana. There is reverence here in Florida, but you can tell sometimes that it doesn't seem very deeply rooted. Here is a photo of the Children with Our Lady of Fatima at my church in Louisiana that I used to attend. The flowers are always rotated and kept up so well.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
My 100 Things...
Inspired by the pictures down the 2nd grade hallway and the possible onset of a midlife crisis or just plain insanity. These are 100 things I might like to be when I grow up starting with the least desirable, but possible occupations.
My 100 things I want to be when I grow up…
100. Tarantula caretaker
99. Bill O’Reilly intern
98. Gum scraper
97. Kindergarten teacher
96. Mail person
95. Foot massager
94. Obama intern
93. Cocaine inspector
92. Moral Relativist
91. Wedding Planner
90. Outhouse Checker
89. Mariana Trench diver
88. School counselor
87. School principal
86. Nun
85. Mel Gibson”s ticket writer
84. Explosion videographer
83. Volcano Explorer
82. Circus cannon projectile
81. Slum investigator
80. Hurricane Scientist
79. Envelope licker
78. Britney Speer’s back-up dancer
77. IRS Agent
76. Clay pigeon retriever
75. Conspiracy theorist
74. Pig slop processor
73. Cow mucker
72. Coffin maker
71. Phone book deliverer
70. Herpetologist
69. Purple People Eater
68. Incan Sacrifice
67. Daycare poop wiper
66. Malaria vaccine tester
65. Skywriter at a Rifle Festival
64. Construction manager
63. 1980s Historian
62. 1970s Historian
61. Bowling Ball Shiner
60. M&M color separator
59.Glue sniffer
58. Paper inspector
57. West Coast Rap Star
56. Dental spit vacuumer
55. Butter churner
54. Astronaut
53. Comic Con Door welcomer
52. Karaoke singer
51. Drunk Saints football fan
50. Stephen Colbert intern
49. Drunk Premier League fan
48. Crash test dummy
47. Photographer
46. Restaurant critic
45. South Park illustrator
44. Bulgarian Gypsy
43. Divet replacer
42. Shakespearian actor
41. Crawfish peeler
40. Graphic designer
39. Regular Bum
38. Danube River boat operator
37. Neoclassical Architect
36. Beach Bum
35. Cat Groomer
34. Golfer with an awesome handicap
33. Irish bartender
32. Sunglasses examiner
31. Printer
30. Dog Groomer
29. Theologian
28. Manga artist
27. Restoration painter
26. Book Publisher
25. Modern Historian
24. Marine biologist
23. Retro Furniture restorer
22. Beer taster
21. Oceanographer
20. Wine critic
19. Professional Tennis player
18. Muscle Car repair person
17. Copy Editor
16. Museum Director
15. Horse caretaker
14. Nonprofit PR manager
13. Coffee sniffer/taster
12. Software programmer
11. Teacher
10. Baker of any sort
9. Patisserie baker
8. Coffee Barista
7. Philanthropist
6. Stage actress
5. Painter
4. Full-time missionary
3. Poet
2. Musician
1. Full-time writer
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Changing World
The world seems to be changing so fast for me to catch up with. I am very much the type of person that could live happily without a cell phone or television. I do love the internet though and it has helped me to have a more global view. If you read my blog, you know I am interested in going to South Korea. It seems that country is booming with different types of industry. It would be even cooler to visit or work there and try to bring more of the Gospel of Christ.
I have always had an interest in different countries and their people. There are many saints I have read about and their countries. I wish we had more American saints. Many saints are those that have died as white martyrs or red martyrs. Maybe one day I will get to visit South Korea and Asia, but for the mean time I will listen to the fun kpop and pray for those suffering from the earthquake and tsunami.
I have always had an interest in different countries and their people. There are many saints I have read about and their countries. I wish we had more American saints. Many saints are those that have died as white martyrs or red martyrs. Maybe one day I will get to visit South Korea and Asia, but for the mean time I will listen to the fun kpop and pray for those suffering from the earthquake and tsunami.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Prayer for Suffering in Japan
Dear Blessed Virgin Mary,
You told countless saints, "Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am you Mother?"
Virgin gentle in mercy, Health of the sick, Morning Star, shine the light of your loving view upon those who are struggling with despair around the world. Comforter of the troubled and Refuge of Christians embrace the survivors of the tsunami in Japan and wrap them in your arms as you would hold the child Jesus.
Help all of us turn to you now. Intercede for those souls whose time it was to meet the face of Christ. Through your motherly intercession heal our hearts and guide us into the fullness of God's Love and Mercy. In Jesus' Name. Amen
The Litany of Loreto
You told countless saints, "Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am you Mother?"
Virgin gentle in mercy, Health of the sick, Morning Star, shine the light of your loving view upon those who are struggling with despair around the world. Comforter of the troubled and Refuge of Christians embrace the survivors of the tsunami in Japan and wrap them in your arms as you would hold the child Jesus.
Help all of us turn to you now. Intercede for those souls whose time it was to meet the face of Christ. Through your motherly intercession heal our hearts and guide us into the fullness of God's Love and Mercy. In Jesus' Name. Amen
The Litany of Loreto
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Will of God
I don't think the Saints really knew if they were completely fulfilling the will of God. If they are any type of human who loves the Lord, most of the time they were probably chastising themselves for raising their voice in a poor tone and worried about the mandate for loving thy neighbor in all ways.
God teaches us vain and selfish creatures to mainly love Him and love our neighbors. There are detailed aspects to this in the scripture but the overriding theme of life seems to be, "What am I supposed to be doing for our Lord?" This is the question that is just a daily question.
For myself, it is a frustrating question. All of the little things matter and they matter to God. It is His will to be concerned with the details and love, love, love. The frustrating part comes in for all the things that we have no control over. The world in my view today, is disgusting. I am 33 and even though I know many disgusting things have gone on for centuries, it has disgusted me as a history teacher and it disgusts me as a participant in this present time.
I thought for a minute today that, 'Wouldn't it be nice to have lived in the 1950s?' Not that the things happening now would be any different but just in secret. So I am charged with living in this time period and I am called by the will of God to live with joy and a shining Light of Christ for all to see. Seems pretty darn impossible and I have very little knowledge as how to move past the enumerable barriers that want to break the spirit. (I admit I have been discouraged by persecutors)
This is where one of the most important phrases that Christians can know comes into play for me. "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matt 6:26 Last week's Sunday reading is a reminder and a connection to the life that God the Father calls us to live no matter the conditions. It's not the value that God puts on our beings so much as the distance He will go to provide for our every spiritual and physical need. Therefore, I can only assume that the small duties that Christ calls me to do, to know the Father are those that are God's will. As for the limitations of my sin and the call to sainthood, I try to remember that God the Creator will try infinite ways to help me make right decisions and by the Holy Spirit, do His will. The world of deceit will always crumble before the righteousness of truth that is Jesus Christ the Savior.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Vernal Equinox
There is so much that holds us upright upon two legs on this place we call Earth. The science of the universe and all of its puzzle pieces has inspired Aristotle to Benedict XVI. The vernal equinox is a yearly event when night and day are supposed to be closest in length. It is a balance of the tilt of the Earth toward the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere and it also officially summons Spring. Roman Catholics will be in the midst of Lent on March 20th this year when the equinox occurs. In a sense, the tilt of the Earth which allows for the seasons is much like the changing seasons of our faith life as we revolve closer toward the Son.
God intends for our joy in this life with the hopes that we would grow closer to Him, but at a much faster rate than the Earth moving toward the Sun. Our sun is a medium sized start that has a long time to go before it reaches a point of becoming supernova. What is fascinating is that, we are in a galaxy where stars are far enough away so that human life has been made possible on this planet. It is pretty amazing that all of these factors have been designed for our existent to work harmoniously with the universe.
The time of Lent is a Catholic season of a call to 'meet various trials' and 'let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.' James 1:4 Christ beckons night and day, no matter the length and He never forsakes and never leaves you. He is divine and has a much greater capacity for divine light than our medium sized sun. Therefore, our Son lights our universe with love and the same gravitational pull that keeps our feet on the ground is designed by our Savior's Father in Heaven.
We may tilt away and rotate affections and revolve this way and that, but ultimately we will meet the Son as the Earth will meet the Sun.
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| Madeira Beach, FL Copyright GalacticCatholic |
God intends for our joy in this life with the hopes that we would grow closer to Him, but at a much faster rate than the Earth moving toward the Sun. Our sun is a medium sized start that has a long time to go before it reaches a point of becoming supernova. What is fascinating is that, we are in a galaxy where stars are far enough away so that human life has been made possible on this planet. It is pretty amazing that all of these factors have been designed for our existent to work harmoniously with the universe.
The time of Lent is a Catholic season of a call to 'meet various trials' and 'let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.' James 1:4 Christ beckons night and day, no matter the length and He never forsakes and never leaves you. He is divine and has a much greater capacity for divine light than our medium sized sun. Therefore, our Son lights our universe with love and the same gravitational pull that keeps our feet on the ground is designed by our Savior's Father in Heaven.
We may tilt away and rotate affections and revolve this way and that, but ultimately we will meet the Son as the Earth will meet the Sun.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
ADDICTION: The Climb Upwards
Recognizing addiction's impact on your family
This article is the last piece of this small series on addiction. I am not a doctor or psychologist, I only know what I have discerned and experienced from those in my family who have had addictions. Family members I never met have made the largest impact in my thoughts on this topic because of the destruction of addiction and how it then affected those around me today.
The other aspect of my experience, is the unconditional love of Jesus Christ in my life. Because I have sought Him regularly in my own failings, it is possible for me to have gained an insight in the love that He bears for the weakest in His sight.
Addiction affects generations
I have spoken about the pain and lies that come from the slow trickle into addiction. Along with the present situation that a person can create by their fall, there is a long lasting generational effect in a family. For example, the trauma created for a young child in a home with an alcoholic or a drug abuser, creates a lasting impression of anger and resentment in the child and others who are traumatized.
Also, the direct influences of the care giver for a child are effected by a traumatized lifestyle which manifests in stress related outbursts, physical violence and verbal abuse to others in order to relieve the powerless feeling they themselves are experiencing.
Steps for atonement and peace after generational addiction
Atonement of the heart, mind, and soul is necessary for true recovery. After recognizing and contemplating the manifestations of trauma from addiction in your family history, even if it is a current history, make a choice to atone.
For some reason, God's grace has allowed me to forgive repeatedly the sins of my grandfather and his family. It is hard and I have harbored anger in the past and still work through it. But when I came to know Christ better, I sought understanding. I prayed for understanding repeatedly for a long time. This was originally for me to be able to not judge others, but Christ knew I needed to forgive within my own family before I could love others as much as He wanted me too.
The effects of addiction show up in small ways that satan uses as leverage over your soul. Remember that he is the great lier and he desires fully to turn your heart from Christ the Savior. The great lier will use the anger and resentment of those affected by addiction to continue to break down family and love of the Divine Father God. These ways include the hurt that a loved one may cause from continuous verbal abuse or manipulative means of gaining affection or things. I have found that recognizing these events or actions, is a way to recognize the cry of that person's heart for the True Love of the Sacred Heart of Christ, which we are called to share.
Before I go on, here is the review: Recognize generational affects, seek understanding, forgive and love like you have never been hurt before.
It may seem very, very hard to continue to forgive over and over, someone you love that you cannot ever step away from like a family member. It is not meant to be easy to suffer, but this struggle is a means to an end. Consider the path that you take as a minute part of the Cross of Christ which he carried all of our own sins upon. The end result was Eternal Salvation.
When you choose to love instead of hate, to forgive instead of resent and to understand rather than despise, you are the light of Christ for your whole family. Because, even though their may be many family members that feel darkly about others, you can be a loving light of Christ bringing them together in love. Love and Joy will always, always defeat darkness.
The person you love may never express sorrow or seek forgiveness from you. But I think, you can see it in their eyes that they know you know Christ. Therefore, they may lash out at you till the very end, but you must endure because you will have witnessed to Love.
Reasons for Hope
Hope is not a vague mist in the wind. Hope is a very real fruit of the Life and Cross of Jesus Christ. I have seen how the love of Christ has changed members in my family for the good. By God's grace alone, the Holy Spirit has brought those in my family who have struggled with addiction, back toward the right path. When one family member struggles, we all struggle, no matter if we are attached to the person or detached. It is best to recognize this generational inheritance and accept the truth of it and move on in acts of love, understanding and forgiveness.
Addiction Part One
Addiciton Part Two
This article is the last piece of this small series on addiction. I am not a doctor or psychologist, I only know what I have discerned and experienced from those in my family who have had addictions. Family members I never met have made the largest impact in my thoughts on this topic because of the destruction of addiction and how it then affected those around me today.
The other aspect of my experience, is the unconditional love of Jesus Christ in my life. Because I have sought Him regularly in my own failings, it is possible for me to have gained an insight in the love that He bears for the weakest in His sight.
Addiction affects generations
I have spoken about the pain and lies that come from the slow trickle into addiction. Along with the present situation that a person can create by their fall, there is a long lasting generational effect in a family. For example, the trauma created for a young child in a home with an alcoholic or a drug abuser, creates a lasting impression of anger and resentment in the child and others who are traumatized.
Also, the direct influences of the care giver for a child are effected by a traumatized lifestyle which manifests in stress related outbursts, physical violence and verbal abuse to others in order to relieve the powerless feeling they themselves are experiencing.
Steps for atonement and peace after generational addiction
Atonement of the heart, mind, and soul is necessary for true recovery. After recognizing and contemplating the manifestations of trauma from addiction in your family history, even if it is a current history, make a choice to atone.
For some reason, God's grace has allowed me to forgive repeatedly the sins of my grandfather and his family. It is hard and I have harbored anger in the past and still work through it. But when I came to know Christ better, I sought understanding. I prayed for understanding repeatedly for a long time. This was originally for me to be able to not judge others, but Christ knew I needed to forgive within my own family before I could love others as much as He wanted me too.
The effects of addiction show up in small ways that satan uses as leverage over your soul. Remember that he is the great lier and he desires fully to turn your heart from Christ the Savior. The great lier will use the anger and resentment of those affected by addiction to continue to break down family and love of the Divine Father God. These ways include the hurt that a loved one may cause from continuous verbal abuse or manipulative means of gaining affection or things. I have found that recognizing these events or actions, is a way to recognize the cry of that person's heart for the True Love of the Sacred Heart of Christ, which we are called to share.
Before I go on, here is the review: Recognize generational affects, seek understanding, forgive and love like you have never been hurt before.
It may seem very, very hard to continue to forgive over and over, someone you love that you cannot ever step away from like a family member. It is not meant to be easy to suffer, but this struggle is a means to an end. Consider the path that you take as a minute part of the Cross of Christ which he carried all of our own sins upon. The end result was Eternal Salvation.
When you choose to love instead of hate, to forgive instead of resent and to understand rather than despise, you are the light of Christ for your whole family. Because, even though their may be many family members that feel darkly about others, you can be a loving light of Christ bringing them together in love. Love and Joy will always, always defeat darkness.
The person you love may never express sorrow or seek forgiveness from you. But I think, you can see it in their eyes that they know you know Christ. Therefore, they may lash out at you till the very end, but you must endure because you will have witnessed to Love.
Reasons for Hope
Hope is not a vague mist in the wind. Hope is a very real fruit of the Life and Cross of Jesus Christ. I have seen how the love of Christ has changed members in my family for the good. By God's grace alone, the Holy Spirit has brought those in my family who have struggled with addiction, back toward the right path. When one family member struggles, we all struggle, no matter if we are attached to the person or detached. It is best to recognize this generational inheritance and accept the truth of it and move on in acts of love, understanding and forgiveness.
Addiction Part One
Addiciton Part Two
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The God Timeline
Time is catching up with me today. It was one of those days where a little longevity pill would seem to help in the larger scale of things. I feel like I will not have enough time. This feeling has been building for a couple of days.
Before I become ridiculous in my worry, I try to focus on the ones who walked before in Scripture. My favorites are Job, Elizabeth, Tobit and Jonah. The crap they went through makes my easy life seem pretty simple.
Job always amazes me when he calls out to God even though he has lost all. Elizabeth is amazing just for being able to bare a child. Tobit's sense of duty strikes my shallow selfishness to the ground and Jonah's denial to do God's will and subsequent thrashing resonates with my pridefulness and harbored anger.
I am young and there is happiness in more knowledge as each year comes, but frustration also because I wish I would have known more sooner. Luckily though, I don't believe in regrets. I never have. God is the orchestrator of all things, it's just up to me to follow the tune or make it sound flat.
Before I become ridiculous in my worry, I try to focus on the ones who walked before in Scripture. My favorites are Job, Elizabeth, Tobit and Jonah. The crap they went through makes my easy life seem pretty simple.
Job always amazes me when he calls out to God even though he has lost all. Elizabeth is amazing just for being able to bare a child. Tobit's sense of duty strikes my shallow selfishness to the ground and Jonah's denial to do God's will and subsequent thrashing resonates with my pridefulness and harbored anger.
I am young and there is happiness in more knowledge as each year comes, but frustration also because I wish I would have known more sooner. Luckily though, I don't believe in regrets. I never have. God is the orchestrator of all things, it's just up to me to follow the tune or make it sound flat.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Travel Bug
I have the travel bug. It is very hard to get rid of it. I think it is because I have been watching this wonderful drama from South Korea, that now I want to go there. It would be so much fun to go and teach at a school and learn a new language.Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Besides, I love the food! We shall see. God is in the details.
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