On Being Forgetful

I have three calendars and a Blackberry at my disposal but I still forget major events as if they never existed. I know it infuriates people and hurts them. They think I don't care. I no longer make excuses - I'm just lame. I seem to be getting more forgetful as I am trying harder to remember. If anyone can help me improve my memory - HELP!

Lord have Mercy

The Craziest Little Things Make Us Who We Are

I was thinking yesterday (I've been told not to do that) about teeny tiny events in my life that have formed me. Here's a list small events - I'll explain them after.

1. Fell down while running a foot race when I was 6.

2. Bought a magic trick called snapper when I was 7.

3. Sat next to Danny at my First Holy Communion.

4. Saw some kids beat up a retarded boy when I was 8.

5. Beat up by some native American boys when I was ten.

6. Against my better judgement enrolled in Public Speaking class in my senior year of High School.

7. Took a burrito to a young man that had just been diagnosed with MS.

8. I saw my father cry for the first time when I was 42.

The explanations.

1. I tried my best to win and failed (I knew I would have lost even if I hadn't fallen)- I equated trying with failure - I battled that misunderstanding for years.

2. That childhood passion of magic would later pay for my seminary education.

3. Danny wasn't into the Jesus thing at 7 - I was . Danny's attitude made me burn with passion for Jesus- I'm a priest now -

4.I watched as older kids beat up that boy - I did nothing - that was the last time I did nothing when an innocent was being hurt- this is also this reason I bring the Eucharistic service to LARC Ranch every month.

5 I was spending the summer with my Grandparents . While attending a rodeo I was jumped by some boys from the Lakota Sioux Nation. They called me "white man" as they beat me. I couldn't make words as they shed my Mexican Indian blood that comes from my mother. Bigotry begets bigotry. I swore to love everybody even the kids who beat the crud out of me.

6. That Public Speaking class is where I met my wife Joann- married for 20 years now. That class was a good choice.

7. So this arrogant 20 something guy gets diagnosed with a crippling illness. Everybody needs to eat so I take him a burrito. That was about 6 years ago. Not only is that young man not so arrogant but he has become one the best men I have ever known in my life. MS doesn't have him Jesus does. He is a blessing. Burritos are good.

8. The strongest person I know wept because he couldn't help his wife. I know now just how tender real strength is.

Those little things in are lives are not so little. Please share some of your little events with me.

Go Big

The Noah Complex

I often wonder how Noah felt when he was told to build the ark. He knew it was God but everyone else that he was WACKO. Someone I know is repeatedly asked by God to do things that appear a bit insane to the human eye. I admire the kind of faith that a person must have to live out what God has told them to do. I pray daily for that kind of faith. You know- that crazy supernatural walk on water kind of stuff.

To Go Be the Glory!

Six Quirky Things About Me

My wife tagged me or something (I don't really know that means) and I'm told that I'm supposed to copy something and something else - I'm not at at this kinda stuff so I'm just writing quirky things. I apologize to the normal people that can do this the right way.

6. I have a fear of losing one of my eyes and having to wear an eye patch the rest of my life.

5. I refused to drink any brown liquids (coca cola, coffee , etc.) until I was 27 years old.

4. I like the smell of skunk.

3. It drives me crazy when Christians talk about how they can't stand a certain someone then end it with " But I love them in the Lord "

2. I can't stand show tunes (I love them in the Lord) but some of my favorite songs are TV commercial jingles .

1. I have expressed every single emotion I have ever felt - not always a good thing

Banana Splits Steal the Heart of another Mski

Last week I came down stairs to the sound of something that was quite haunting to me. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was the Banana Splits theme song and there was my 7 year old son Luke humming along.
For a moment I couldn't speak as I was watching the most important pixilated imagery of the 70's. I was a member of the Banana Split fan club. It took like 2 months to get which was an absolute eternity to me at seven . I drove my mother nuts over this.
Luke was absolutely shocked when I sang the theme song word for word. "Dad, you like this new show!?". I was so tickled I want to cry. I explained that this show over 35 years old and it was my favorite show when I was his age. I was more than a little pleased to have someone that he bombard with Banana Split questions- he had about of them . It was nice to be able to share my childhood obsession with my son.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2se2I70CJ0

Reconciliation, Truth and Thanksgiving

As a priest in Christ's Church reconciliation is a huge part of my life. In the ancient church reconciliation has always been considered a sacrament. It has become my custom to publicly ask the church that I serve to forgive me for hurts I have caused them at least twice a year. I normally do this in Lent and Advent as they are penitential seasons with an emphasis on reconciliation. I don't enjoy this as I would prefer never to hurt anyone but unfortunately I am very capable of hurting people. Perhaps too capable.

This morning, upon reflecting on the flaws in myself that I need God to change and heal I became thankful for those in my life that have loved me enough to tell me when I've wronged and or hurt them or someone else. Many times this is a point of healing for all parties involved as it gives an opportunity to talk things through and reconcile. Although it is painful to be told that you screwed up I prefer it to not knowing that I have a flaw that needs correction and a brother or sister in Christ with whom I am unreconciled.

I am not too fragile to hear some one's grievance against me (again, I would prefer not to) and would hope that the individual would be equally willing to accept when others bring grievances against them.

For those of you have had the courage to confront me - Thank You. I am better because of it.

Go Big - and tell me when I stink.