Epiphany Sunday

“If the Magi had come in search of an earthly King, they would have been disconcerted at finding that they had taken the trouble to come such a long way for nothing.  Consequently, they would have neither adored nor offered gifts. But since they sought a heavenly King, though they found in Him no signs of royal pre-eminence, yet, content with the testimony of the star alone, they adored: for they saw a man, and they acknowledged a God.”  

~ St. John Chrysostom, c. 344 - 407 AD, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Otis Sitting Without Care

Prayer

Taken from the Project Rachel web (hopeafterabortion.com/), this prayer is offered up by and for all those of us who have been affected in any way by abortion.

"Gracious Father,  I thank you for the mercy you have shown in forgiving my sins and for the peace that comes from being reconciled with you and your Church.

 

O God, you are faithful, and you never abandon those who hope in you.  I know that my redemption from sin and death has been purchased at the cost of your Son’s blood.  In return for this priceless gift, I resolve today to renew my trust in your unfailing mercy.

 

In times of doubt, when painful memories of past sins threaten to destroy the peace you have given, let the power of your Holy Spirit chase out all self-condemnation and give me greater confidence in your word of pardon.

 

Teach me to encourage others so they, too, may seek your tender compassion and come to know your peace, which nothing can take away.  I pray this in the name of Jesus, your Son, in whom you have restored me to life.  Amen."

Blessed be God forever!

New Years Day 2016

  

On January first, 2016, we slept in (**huge smiley*) and decided we wanted a breakfast where we didn't have to clean up the mess. But there was the rest of a stack of firewood I had paid for the night before and couldn't fit into the Grape that we need to pick up.

So first, to the south end of Whitmore, where Jerry sells stacks of wood with nothing else there but a carboard box with his phone number on it. We loaded up and then went towards our local but just average breakfast place, Hamburg Coney (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hamburg-Coney-Restaurant/110852672310170), where the service is always great and the coffee is hot. But they were closed :-(
So, we headed toward Howell and our favorite place out that way, affectionately known by us as 'Sunrise' (sunrisefamilydiner.com/), where the coffee is good and the food is hot. I stepped out of my comfort zone and ordered Greg's Special, I believe, and was not disappointed. English muffins on the bottom, then two sausage patties, then about seven pounds of hash browns, then several litres of piping hot gravy, topped with three eggs (basted, as is my wont). I had to share some with my wife, as I absolutely could not finish this huge plate of food. So hot and flavorful on that snowy morning, we were most thankful.  And we took our time eating, so that we came up with a game-plan for the rest of the day

From Sunrise we headed to the cemetery for a prayer and to dust the snow off of the beautiful wreath Moni had placed there a couple of weeks ago. We noticed on the way that Aldi's was closed, so we decided to head to Howell Kroger for supplies without a list or even having had looked at the ad. This was a mistake, as we could not decide on what to have later and for the rest of the weekend. The pork shoulders for $.99 a pound looked good but the only ones left were so huge; the boneless chicken breasts looked good but no dish sounded good in that full state of mind (and belly) we were both in. We decided on the three pound ground chuck loaf to make sloppy joes later and an on-sale Kroger Italian Style Supreme Pizza.
So we headed south toward home and I says to myself, 'Self, why doesn't ya stop at Wal-mart to get your insulin while you're out this way?'. And self says, 'Good call'. So I says to Moni, 'Do you mind if we stop at Wal-mart to get my insulin while we're out this way?' And she's like 'heck no, I can look at the after-Christmas deals!'. I got my insulin, and we found a few bargains, before we headed to the back of the store to look at television sets. Thanks to the renowned Wally World 'Rollback', we could take home a 43" LG silver-framed set for under $300 before tax. I could not be convinced, though, to apply for a credit card so that we could take this beauty home. At that point I began to cry 'football......', referring to the New Years Six games I was missing, and we finished our business in Howell.
We got home and brought the food in (I still have to unload the wood from the Grape) and tidied up, did some laundry and what not. I turned on the end of the Michigan game, they had scored points and were in a fine position to win. So I switched to Ohio State, who had also scored points, and were in a fine position to win. I had also saw that Northwestern, in spite of not being in a position to win, had scored points, as had Iowa, who were not in a position to win. It seemed that everyone - whether they were winning or losing - had scored points on that day.
Actually, due to the sorrowful events of the night before, football just did not have that much of a draw for me on this beautiful New Year's Day.

So I watched Close Encounters of the Third Kind, knowing that it was a Spielberg classic that I hadn't yet enjoyed, while Moni baked and iced several thousand cookies. We had a warm fire going all night and our home smelled real good.

Thank You, Lord, for blessing us in so many ways. We commit this new year to You, and ask for Your wisdom and Spirit to guide us, that we would love mercy like You do.

 

Wrapping Up The Wrap-up

I've had the pleasure of hanging out with my bosses kids for a few hours these last two days - so adorable and fun they are, in spite of their supreme dislike of anything green or Sparty-ish. When I got to work to-day, my gear, table, seat, and window was done up well with 'Go Blue' and block M signs.

Love the Kermit and Miss Piggy commercial with Charles, Spike, and Samuel L. Sometimes you bring home the bacon, and sometimes the bacon brings you home. Profound :-)

Clemson up 10-7 over Oklahoma in the first semi-final game also known as the Orange Bowl.Commercial breaks are very long, I've noticed already.

Started the day early doing the dishes and wishing it was the weekend - one more day of work before a long weekend (and a short day at that) - I can do it!
And I did it. To the bank after work, then get gas, then shopping at our Kroger (packed - jam packed), then over to Whitmore to look for firewood.Much available, and as I was calling the number posted in front, the guy pulled up! He sold me half a face-cord for $30 and we are blest tonight with a warm fire. I actually couldn't get it all in the Grape so I will get back there tomorrow morning for the rest.

Love the ATT commercials with all the ex-pro players. Is that not right? I made potstickers that look  like tiny football helmets.

Just learned a new college football rule regarding intentional grounding. And the refs are quick to throw their yellow hankies - for everything except pass interference.

Desmond is telling me about an ill-advised play in the first half.

BTN is doing a Cotton Bowl pregame.

Our Wings are up 2-0 over the Penguins.

Clemson up 23-17 halfway through the 3rd quarter.

I'm nervous, but the artichoke dip is done and the pizza is made and ready to bake.

29 degrees F out on our deck, but 68 in the TV room with the fire.

Clemson is up 30-17 with 3 and 43 left in the third.

Wings are up 2-1 with 18:05 left in the 2nd.

7:03 - the radio is tuned in to am 760; George Blaha's pick: MSU by two points :-)

Dantonio just told Blaha he's been asked the dumbest questions he's ever heard heading into this game.

Clemson over Oklahoma 37-17 with 10 and 41 left.

Penguins just tied the Wings 2-2 on a power play goal with just under 8 left in the 2nd.

My favorite Salavation Army Kettle Ringer is home and her season is officially over. We have artichoke heart dip, cold Miller Lites, and a pizza going into the oven.

37-17 with 3 and 41 left... and it's in the books: 37-17 final.

7:54 and Darbo Sweeny is giving God all the glory, to Holly Rowe.

Go Green!!!!!

Wrapping Up 2015

Yestreday was my Mom's birthday the 29th of December. I always thought it was kind of a bummer - that Christmas always overshadowed her day. But she knows her role, and she's been ok with it for a long time, and so I will also.

A week ago Friday we got the squall that stopped Livingston County for an evening. Kind of like what Michael Rennie did way back in '51. This past Monday we had a system move through that brought rain, sleet, snow, and ice (not necessarily in that order) for most of the day. Then it warmed up overnight and we just had slushy ruts the next morning.
This morning is milder and we are expecting rain later. Moni rings to-day and tomorrow and I think they will be done for the season. I will be in the office for a half day and then home for football and pizza and a fire with my bride.

 

My Fantasy Football Championship Diary

We were able to pay some bills this morning, praise God; Moni ran some errands, and I made some delicious chicken barley soup.

I'm currently down 34-0 going into the Sunday games due to Danny Woodhead dropping ten on Saturday night and Jordan Reed dropping twenty effin four on Thursday (neither of these studs felt like performing when they were in MY lineup, I can tell you).
My running back who led the league for many weeks (Freeman) went through a dry stretch but has already scored once for me; my other back also has a rushing touchdown.
My Chiefs defense just picked it off, for two points! I am a 55% favorite.

Williams is leading running backs right now in fantasy points. I miss Lake Michigan with my best friend Moni and our malamute Sierra.
big Ben just threw an interception and his score on the day is -1
My tight end has no points for Tampa bay
I'm up 52-38, a 57% favorite

53-38 going into halftime for most of the early games. Detroit is beating San Fran; i'm a 58% favorite
My beautiful bride is on the phone with her sister and trying to sweep with one hand. this is one of those moments I silently thank God for: she doesn't know how adorable she is.

Half time for everybody. Two of his WR going only have three total, which is huge, especially after his magnified TE 24 points earlier.
And his QB has 0, while mine only has 11 (he's averaged over 40 these last three weeks), he's got a WR and DST going tomorrow night, while I've got all three recievers going this afternoon.
My Chiefs D got score on but my RB Williams has another TD. I'm up 55-44 and a 51% favorite
My Chief's D keeps losing points - i'm a 44% underdog...

58-46 49% underdog. everybody's kind of on pause ...
68-49 55% favorite. Carolina is losing with a minute and change left, and Cam only has 14 points.
79-50 68% favorite as my tight end finally caught the ball and scored - on a "hail Mary"!
touchdown Cooks! 94-49 80% favorite
94-53 78% favorite
96-59 75% favorite
I got one receiver catching any passes wtf

97-59 77% favorite...
I don't wanna work, I just wanna bang on the drums all day
101 - 59 81% favorite.
Well, I took a nap, and thanks to the lousy NYG defense, I'm winning 120 - 70, with a 99% chance of success! I have no more player minutes, and my opponent's got two guys going tomorrow night. It's been fun.

My Silly Dad

...and his new(er) IPhone, which he's having fun learning about...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

My Silly Bro

Big G and Woverine J - we love you guys, too!

Prayer

Father in heaven~

I praise You, Almighty God, King of the Universe!
I praise You for Your glory!
I praise You for Your Son!
I praise You for Your plan!
I praise You for Your Word!
I praise You for Your Church!
I praise You for the beauty of Your Creation!  

Thank You for this day, this special day; thank You for the sun shining through the clouds, thank You for getting us out of bed this morning, thank You for the time Moni and me spent in the kitchen fussing and thank You for the abundance that we get to share to-day.

I confess my sin to You, and ask for Your forgiveness, by the blood of the Lamb. I confess the sins of our family, our village, our county, our state, our great country, and the sins of the whole world: for the sake of Christ's sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

I lift up to you this morning Francis, and all the priests and bishops. I pray for Your Church all over the world. I pray for every child - especially the sick and dying - and for those who have passed on to the other side. I pray for Stan and Rita, Stan and Charlotte and Kathy and Justin and Dana and Aaron and Joey and his wife, for Stosh (RIP) and Stacie and Carter and Ryan and Emily; for Mary Ann and Dean and Court and Rusty and Drew and Mason, for Meggie, Jake, Cam, Quinn, Kacie E and Brett M. I pray for Moni and Bob and John and Jay (RIP) and Jen and Joslin and Liam, for Pam and Ken and Kenny and Kendall, for Carolyn and Doug and his family, for Kevin, Justen, Tori, Kaylie, Kristine, Mike, and his mom; for Terry and Jeannie and Trent and Sophia and Tye.
I pray for mom and dad, for Nancy and Ruben, for Ray, Rick, Ben, Belle, Carlos, and Big Al, for Gary and Susie, and Josh and Taylor and Jeremy.
I pray for Ron and Gina and Maria, Cas, Sophie and Nina, Ron's mom and dad and step-mom and sister and her family. I pray for Fournier and his family, for Termors and Drake, for Michelle and Brian, for Troy, Julie, Fishman, Gil, Cathy, James, Yvonne, Ryan and their families.
I pray for Mike and Gene and Pastor Bob and Kurt and Recker Don and Jim, for Paul and his mom and dad and brother, for those two guys I sat at table with two years ago. for the team and candidates of the upcoming weekends, for Marty, Denada, and their kids, for Adam and Peggy and their kids, for Kevin and Hilda, for Roger, Sheri, and Benjamin.
I pray for the souls of those who have gone before us: for Gramma and Grandpa and Grandma and Grandpa, for Susan and Arlene and David and Arthur and Fred and Delores and Kenny and Mitsy and Gladys and Thomas and Mel and Grace and Harry and Otto and Lacey.
I pray for Doreen and Vic and Dayna and Gray and Wendy, Adam, and the boys, and Jerry, Tiffany, and the girls; for Bill and Nancy and Mrs Chuslo and Brand, Brenda, and their kids, for Kelli, Doug, and thier kids, for Steve and Fran and Charlie and Mary Ellen, for Skip and Elton and Jeff, Dawn and their kids, for Cathy, Jeff, and their kids, and for Kimmi, Mario, and their kids. 
I pray for folks who don't yet know You, for those who are lost, for those who are struggling with weighty decisions, for those who are sad this time of year. I pray for the grieving and those missing loved ones.
I pray for the sick, for the homeless, for the naked, for the hungry, for the widows, for the orphans, for those of us who know You and are struggling to carry our crosses, for those who want to know more about You, for those who think they know all about You, for those who think they don't need You.
I pray for our elected officials, at the local, state, and national level, for those you have placed in positions of leadership and authority, for slaves and prostitutes, for seamen and airmen, for police and rescue workers, for those who work outside, for those who work with their hands, for those who work with their brains, for those who don't work...God bless us, every one.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here, below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Amen 

Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you. Blest are you among women, and blest is the Fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
   

 

Glory to God in the Highest!

Beautiful thoughts this morning from Loyola Press - they have been sending me devotional readings each morning this Advent; as the CHRISTmas feast is the crown of the Advent season, so these words crown the preceding anticipatory reads. I share then, with thanks and all due respect; from http://www.loyolapress.com/advent-moments-of-mercy.htm.

Christmas

 

The Gospel calls us to discover Jesus and those at the peripheries in need.

Scripture

“For a child has been born for us,
       a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders
       and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6  

 

Reflection

The celebration of Christmas is a most beloved holy day. Even though much of the celebration has been overtaken by commercialization, it still brings human consciousness to center on the birth of the child who has changed the world. This was not the case when Jesus was born.

In the time of Jesus’ birth, the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus (reigned 27 BC–14 AD) was seen as a savior and peacemaker. Through military might, he had ended the era of destructive civil wars and subjugated the Mediterranean world.

Jesus’ birth took place at the periphery of the empire, in a small Palestinian town. He was born in a stable, wound up in bands of cloth, and placed in a manger. Luke is actually giving us potent symbols on the meaning of Jesus’ birth. The bands of cloth allude to Jesus’ royal status as King Solomon was also wrapped this way as a baby (Wisdom of Solomon 7:4). The manger is a food bin, and Jesus is presented as the one who will feed the world.

The first to hear about Jesus’ birth are the shepherds. They live on the edge of society, are unable to practice their faith due to their responsibilities, and are uninvited and unwashed. Yet from the angels they hear the news that all humankind was waiting for: the Savior has been born.

So while we celebrate within our family circle, the Gospel also calls us to discover Jesus and mercifully consider those who are most in need—not simply at the center, but at the peripheries.

Pope Francis

“In him was revealed the grace, the mercy, and the tender love of the Father: Jesus is Love incarnate.”
Homily for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Vatican Basilica, 24 December 2013

#3 v #2

ESPN College Gameday - this one was voted #32 best of all year

23rd of December 2015

From Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, a former atheist's blogpost Have Yourself a Broken Little Christmas, (http://aleteia.org/2015/12/22/have-yourself-a-broken-little-christmas/)

This is the broken nature of Christmas. We celebrate a Savior who entered a wounded world. And every year we celebrate his birth, we see evidence that our world is still so broken, still so in need of the saving power of Jesus.

Our Savior did not come as a king, although he could have saved us in any way he pleased. Rather, he came as a tiny, vulnerable child. He entered our broken, violent, hate-filled world as a tiny, trusting, child, to be with us.

Emmanuel, God with us.

Would You Like Some Coffee? Would I? Yes, Have Some. Yes, Have Some

"...many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you."

Prayer

• May today there be peace within.
• May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
• May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
• May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
• May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
• Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
• It is there for each and every one of us.
•  
• (Saint Therese of Liseux, Story of a Soul)

His Mercy Endures Forever - Psalm 136

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the God of gods,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;

who alone does great wonders,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who by understanding made the heavens,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who spread out the earth on the waters,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who made the great lights,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
the sun to rule over the day,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;

who struck Egypt through their firstborn,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and brought Israel out from among them,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who divided the Red Sea in two,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who led his people through the wilderness,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who struck down great kings,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and killed famous kings,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and Og, king of Bashan,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and gave their land as a heritage,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
a heritage to his servant Israel,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
and rescued us from our foes,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who gives food to all flesh,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.

O give thanks to the God of heaven,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.

Morning steam coming off the barn where I picked up a stack of firewood this past weekend

What happens to a shell from Kroger Three Cheese Shells and Cheese Dinner (MADE WITH REAL CHEESE!) when it misses the pot and ends up next to the burner

From when we beat OSU last weekend

Is this not the B'est A sweater ever?!!?

Stockings hung by the chimney with care

Part of the mantle so beautifully decorated this year

Every Life is Worth Living

Praying along with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and millions all over the world this morning:::

Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of life.

Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering.

Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that ever life is worth living.

Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all.

Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of Your mercy.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen

 

Advent! Let Us Prepare Our Hearts!

Lord, as we enter into this time of preparation for Your coming - both as a baby in Nazareth, and as King of kings and Lord of lords when the trumpet sounds - take away anything that would hinder our growth as believers in You. Help us to see past the obstacles, distractions, and traps that would take our heart from where it should be; grant us the self-control to stay focused on You, Your mercy, and Your children here. Give us hearts of love, give us hearts of mercy. Help us to each day grow closer to You; transform us into one Church, as You and the Father are one.
All glory, honor, and praise are Yours, Lord Jesus Christ - one God with the Father and in union with the Holy Spirit.
Amen

 

Norman Rockwell, Wow!