Surviving Catholic - Living as a Catholic Servant

Back to Work

2009-02-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hello

It's been a long time since an entry, I can't believe it was Dec. 21. God provided that new job two weeks ago and the transition has been great so far. I'm working with a pest control company who also maintain lawns. I'll be doing a little of both. We'll barely make ends meet, but unemployment is over (at least for now). We'll see how God's plan works out in our future. Thanks for our blessings Lord. I just hope my energy level stays up to tasks I'll perform.

My wife Lindy and son George went to the Pro Life March on Washington D.C. They had a great experience and I'm proud of them. Life, abundant life, is what is true, right, and meaningful.
We need to "share" our gifts to make this abundance in life possible for all. God gave us these gifts first. We mustn't forget we didn't make the world, we are the stewards.

The couple I was helping build a log home had it damaged by wind. The rafters came down through the floors. Hard to believe they have to start again after going backwards now. Pray for them too. I'm not sure who I'm asking to pray for them, because nobody is looking at this blog yet! Have a good day and I hope it's still stewardship when nobody's aware of it. I got to write today because the kids are out of town, went to grandma's. So maybe another 6 weeks and I'll post again. Peace, Tony

Life

2008-12-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

My wife and I were talking in the kitchen just now. The issue of Roe v. Wade, etc. came up. We hear about it more this time of year because of the march on Washingtion, etc. It is true it (abortion) is the horrible end to a human life, a life not given a chance to be as created by God. Our discussion touched on why priests often will not or can not speak on the issue at mass, etc. Our bishop wants us to pray for them who have a hard time speaking to their parishes about it (the abortion issue). Well indeed, but we've had this problem for so long, this fear for so long, that we have to address truthfully the scourge that is abortion. Abortion needs to stop, we need to say so. And when we say so, or any other truth as our Lord Jesus taught us, we hopefully say it as humbly as He would. Just as important is that we listen humbly too.
God, we pray we know the difference betweeen fear and humility. YOU told us to fear not! Help us to humbly tell the truth and do Your will. Help us to protect the innocent. Warm our hearts and enlighten our minds. Amen.

Faith

2008-12-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's been 5 weeks since I lost steady employment. I shoveled snow for about 9 hours one day this week, a nice couple has been good enough to let me help them build their house (a beautiful log home it will be), I plan on a painting job, and others have generously given time, calls, support, prayers, and $. One interview has come and gone, another resume/application went out today,.......... I go back and forth thinking what to do/making effort in the right direction, and keeping faith that God is doing the real work (with other people) so let Him. It is peaceful/rewarding and yet torturous at the same time. Peaceful in that I'm getting rest, helping Lindy with the family, reading and relaxing, praying, etc. It's torture because how do you truly relax with no stable source of income on the horizon, a wife and six kids to support? A test of FAITH! Faith is most useful in times of doubt. If we knew the answers it wouldn't be faith. Even doing this blog is an act of faith. Faith that it will open a door to what I'm called, faith that I'm not using precious time in the wrong direction, and faith that I might be helping someone else. Life is good, it just isn't always rosy. Keep the FAITH!

Adherence

2008-12-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

In trying to adhere to what I said in the first blog, I looked at it today. That was enlightening. I will only survive by the grace of God. Time just keeps on moving, I keep busy, and there seems nothing present on the job horizon. I've been busy so I don't keep up on these entries, I realize I may have little continuity. One thing for sure of note today and everyday: We only exist and survive by the grace of God. Have a good day.

Love and prayers, Tony

Eleven Days Later

2008-12-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

Greetings as I listen to Clare (2) and Erin (9 with pneumonia) discuss nothing really. Have you really listened to a 2 year old come into their own? It does sound like she's got helium somewhere. As I still search for God's place for me in work, they are definitely the reason. I do know what a blessing my family represents. I had one interview and had real trouble focusing. It would have been that way with anything at that time I suppose. You make your life journey with carefully and prayerfully thought out steps, and now you're on the pavement again. Clare is singing happy birthday to somebody! Erin says she is feeling better. Thank You God for the daily blessings we take for granted.

A New Beginning

2008-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

I'm the type person who investigates, thinks hard, questions, and prays before big decisions. At the same time I don't like feeling paralyzed by the process. We all go through it at one time or another. And the greater the frequency may make it only marginally easier. Well, I'm out of a job and in that "process" again. So, after discussion with my wife, I'm blogging my time away for 2 reasons. First, it's an outlet for thoughts during this rough time, thoughts which may help others as well as myself, stewardship. Second, maybe I'll discover where to go and what to do with the rest of my life. Let go and let God! But let go of 'what' is often the question?

God's Peace To Us