Hey everyone, just thought I ask that you guys say a prayer tomorrow for Father Theo Soroka. He is our retired priest at Sts Peter & Paul here in Miami. He is gravely ill.
Consider it done. On a change of topic... Did a wedding today and the bride's grandfather is a, get this, blind, retired, married, permanant deacon of the Cleveland diocese of the Roman Catholic Church. Delightful fellow. I was baptizing the couple's baby in the midst of the wedding service (that's a topic for another day) and we gave grandpa/great grandpa an oppourtunity to give a blessing to the baby and the couple. He thanked me afterwards profusely which was nice but then the kicker came....he thanked me especially because he didn't know that Lutherans practiced Baptism! He was further amazed that the prayers in both rites, Baptism and wedding were virtually identical to those he would have used. He sheepishly admitted he had almost no knowledge or contact with Protestants generally or Lutherans in particular. We all had a good laugh and it was a very good day.
Thought I would post this for those that may be interested...hope I dont offend anyone Mike http://www.lanefrost.com/cowboy.htm
Thanks for the link about the "Cowboy Bibles". For the family that lost a son, it is a wonderful way for them to work through their grief.
Hope all of you have a great Lords day. I'll remember all of you in my prayers at church this morning.
Take care, have fun, relax and enjoy. We'll miss you as well. See you when you can get in here. Luv, Debby
Hey Raul, hope you are having a great time, despite the rain the last couple of days. Talk to ya when you get back
Sort of jumping in here, and this may have been touched on somewhere else or earlier on this thread... just wanted to ask if anyone else here has read The Shack by William P. Young (Paul Young). While I don't want to give out any spoilers, I thought it was a really moving narrative illustrating God's love for each of us. The story is about a follower of Christ, burdened with some heavy baggage and wrung-out for a variety of reasons coming face-to-face with God, all three persons of the Trinity. Christian fiction isn't something I purchase a lot - actually Christian literature at all unless it's like some historical commentaries to go along with Bible reading (i.e. NT Wright's For Everyone series on each of the New Testament books) - at least not from the local Lighthouse Bookstore, but if you haven't heard of the book yet, you probably soon will. Reading some critics on-line, I suppose the hardline Calvinists are going to have problems with it, and apparently the Emergents are going to love it. Personally, I may have some problems with some of the theology. All that, to me, however, misses the point, which really begins and ends with how much He loves each of us, individually (and as the Church but more so individually in this book), and the relationship He craves with each of us. It's a love and grace I can't and never have been able to get my head fully wrapped around, especially with my too often works-based spirituality/mentality that drives me to despair too often because of my many mountains of piled up sin. Anyway, I need a reminder every so often, and this book was that for me. Also, I like it when Christian writers point out that the Scriptures are entirely about Jesus from beginning to end. Then, the Trinity itself is a hard concept for anyone, and this book takes a decent shot at it. Anyway, I do recommend it, but I know there will be some with problems with it. It's not the best written story in the world, but it grabs your attention and doesn't let go after the first couple of chapters. I think it was originally written by the author for his children to understand God's love, but it has through a series of events now been published. Whatever else, it's affecting lives, or maybe I should say God is through it.
Here is an oldie from Sandi Patty that I love. Be blessed today. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-J2CbJ-fEc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-J2CbJ-fEc[/ame]
Thanks, my friend. School was real tough this semester and it;s only going to get tougher. I have comprehensive exams in October so I'm trying to get things ready so I can begin studying. Please keep me in your prayers. I miss posting, too.
Good luck on the comps. As someone who just finished them last semester I have faith you'll do fine. It's quite stressful, and consumes your life but you'll be ready. It was my experience that most people overstudied for the exams, the stress makes you overcompensate lol. A great weight is lifted off your shoulders when you finish that last exam, and the feeling of accomplishment makes it all worth it.
HI guys, I need some prayer. My car broke down and I'm pretty much stuck. The church gave us money for the part and we've had a hard time finding one. It's a '91 Isuzu Rodeo. We think we've found the part, now we need prayer to get it put on the car. I know it sounds silly, but, prayer is the only thing l know of that can get this thing back on the road. I gave this car to the Lord when I bought it and I know He will help us get things straightened out. Thanks every one. God Bless All of you! Debby
Hey all, I guess it's been a rough day for me. My father passed away on this day last year after a hard bout with kidney cancer. He converted to Catholicism on his deathbed and stayed at the Cardinal Yu-Pin Manor Assisted Living Facility where he received his Last Rites. I guess it was something long delayed because even though we weren't regular churchgoers, I could tell my dad was pretty religious. After all, he had a hard life living in poverty as well as being orphaned and it was likely religion helped him at least a little bit through life. Plus, he even enrolled me in the local Lutheran school from preschool to 1st grade. I'd like to think he's in a better place right now. I'm sure he's up there pulling for me to become a doctor and especially pulling for his oldest sister, who's currently fighting her own battle against cancer. I hope you will all pray for her as our family is now. Anyways, I'm off to the cemetery now and was just looking for somewhere to talk about it I guess. I was also wondering if anyone has any particular proverbs they could recommend for this since I'll be heading there tomorrow and plan on buying an extra etching to put on his marker. Sorry if I seem to be rambling a bit as it's been an emotional day. Well, God bless you all and thanks. -Regan
Prayers for Debby. I wish I had money to send. You are one of the dearest people I know. Brother Regan, I lost my mom a year an a half ago. It still hurts. You have my prayers as well. I recommend that you PM Pastor Keith (Ohiophinphan) for support. He is a Lutheran pastor and is especially equipped for this type of question. We are proud to have him as our official chaplain.
Thanks Mal. I would never expect you or any one on here to send any money. It's just so good to have all of you to come to and talk to, it really blesses me. Just remember us in your prayers, that means a lot to me. You're one of the best people I know Mal and I'm proud to call you my friend..
You come and talk to us anytime you want. The people on here are a true blessing and are some of the best friends I've ever had. My prayers are with you Regan. God bless you.
Thanks Debby! I'm glad I found this thread and really amazed that I missed it all this time. I'll be sure to stop by more often. And I hope you can get your car fixed soon. Not sure if the local high schools in your area have this program, but over here, if you offer to let students taking auto shop along with their trained teacher work on the car and given parts, they'll do it free of charge and they do a very good job with cars out of warranty and such. I had an old diesel Benz that needed work, got a part from a nearby shop and it ran well for the remainder of my high school years. God bless you and I'm praying all works out well for your Isuzu.
Thanks for your kind words. The schools do it, but it can take weeks. My husband and son can get it on there. We're waiting for the part to come in now. It's just getting harder and harder to find Isuzu parts now. We've heard their going to ship all parts back over seas in the next 18 months. So, I may have to end up selling my "Dolphin Isuzu". But, you can bet I'll try my best to get another aqua car of some kind, if it comes to that.
Ah I see. I can certainly understand how hard it is to get parts. I guess even with online dealers, it'll still be pretty hard. Hope everything works out for the better.
Sent two PM's to Regan. For the group's consideration I have suggested Matthew 20: 1-16 and Luke 23: 42-43. The first is the parable of the workers in the vineyard and the second is the exchange between Jesus and the thief on the cross. Perhaps some of the rest of you have ideas as well????
Great suggestions and I'm still very much open to more as I can still fit more. And if there are any particular ones you can suggest for my aunt, that too would be greatly appreciated. And my many thanks to you all for your kind words and help. I can only hope I can follow your examples.
Hi sister Deb, hope today brought some answers to your prayers. Any update for us ? I will add you to my Matins for tomorrow morning. God Bless you sister.
Hey brother Rev, hope all is well with you sir ! Get through school and tackle those exams. God will be with you for sure.
Regan !!!!!!!!!! You also will be in my Matins prayers tomorrow morning. Guys hang in there, things will be better soon
Celt my best to you too my friend. I know I cause some stuff sometimes but this thread is where I get real. God's love is for all of us to share, and to give to others. Prayer and the answers we get to those prayers are the blessings of our lives.
The parts supposedly on it's way from Cali. So, hopefully next week it will be up and running again. I'll keep you all up-dated. Love all of you, Debby