As the 2007 year comes to a close, it gives us a time to reflect and to expect. We look back at big events in our personal lives as well as those effecting all of us. We also look forward to the future. Many make new years resolutions in hopes of improving some aspect of their lives. It is like a new beginning or a clean slate. In many ways, the New Year celebration is like our faith. We look back at the life of Jesus our savior and all his goodness, but we also look for his second coming. We should always look for ways to improve ourselves not only physically, but spiritually as well. We should keep in mind our need for spiritual improvement when we make our resolutions. Every week as we sit in the presence of the Lord in Church we receive new life. I feel a sense of peace and a feeling of a new beginning. Every day when we wake we are blessed with a new day with new opportunities and new chances to spread the word of God and to do great things. As we leave 2007 behind and look forward to 2008, let us strive for a closer relationship with God.
My New Year's Resolution is to become a better follower of Christ. I also look forward to exciting changes as I will become one with Shelly Campbell on June 7th, 2008. God has blessed me so much with the best family in the world and now the best partner I could have ever imagined, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her. May God bless our marriage and our future together. May He protect all of my loved ones who are so dear to me, and may He reveal himself to those who don't know Him and His glory. May He give me the courage in the coming year and the years to come to spread my faith with others. Thank you for visiting my blog. Now, go in peace to love and to serve the Lord and one another!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas all! Remember the reason for the season is Jesus! A good way to celebrate Christmas is to watch The Nativity Story. You can see my movie review for this movie on my Popcorn Guide Blog.
I can't wait to see my family in a couple days!
I can't wait to see my family in a couple days!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Indian Girl - Update
- In an earlier post, I wrote about a girl who was born with eight limbs. She underwent surgery and is doing well. For an update on her recovery, Click here.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Immaculate Conception of Mary
We celebrated the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8th. The catholic belief is that Mary was born without original sin. She is the only woman to be born without the stain of original sin, and in 1854 Pope Pius IX instituted a 
day where we celebrate Mary's Immaculate Conception. I was recently asked for an explanation and reason for this celebration, and I don't think I gave a clear and concise answer to that question, so I went to some sources to better understand myself what the day is all about. Christian faiths are often split on the issue of Mary, Jesus' mother. There are so many things that are unknown to us and hard for us to understand, but that is why we are human. I trust in God's Church and it's teachings. The Holy Spirit guides His church. How could the mother of God be stained with original sin? God chose her when she was still in her mothers womb to be the Mother of God. Only she has that title, and only she was born without original sin. If you would like to read up on the Immaculate Conception click here.
day where we celebrate Mary's Immaculate Conception. I was recently asked for an explanation and reason for this celebration, and I don't think I gave a clear and concise answer to that question, so I went to some sources to better understand myself what the day is all about. Christian faiths are often split on the issue of Mary, Jesus' mother. There are so many things that are unknown to us and hard for us to understand, but that is why we are human. I trust in God's Church and it's teachings. The Holy Spirit guides His church. How could the mother of God be stained with original sin? God chose her when she was still in her mothers womb to be the Mother of God. Only she has that title, and only she was born without original sin. If you would like to read up on the Immaculate Conception click here.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Advent
We are now mid-way through the first week of advent. It always seems like advent flies by because we are so busy in preparation for Christmas. If you are a young child, I'm sure you'll disagree with me, but for those of us adults I think most would agree that this is a time that goes by fast. Advent is all about the preparation for Christmas. Sometimes we can become so busy that we watch this time of Advent pass us by without knowing what we missed. In order for us to truly appreciate Christmas, we must prepare ourselves for Christmas and we do that in a number of different ways.
An easy an popular way to prepare for Christmas during advent is to light the advent candles. During each meal we light the candles as a reminder that God is the light of the world and he is present with us today. Each week of advent symbolizes a new focus. During the first week of advent we focus on hope. The lighting of the first candle symbolizes the HOPE that Jesus is coming. During the second week of advent we focus on faith. The lighting of the second candle symbolizes the FAITH of Mary and Joseph. We recall when the Angel came down from heaven to bring Mary the good news. You can imagine the courage of Mary to accept God's will. The third week of advent we focus on joy. We are symbolizing the JOY of Jesus' birth. Only at the resurrection do we experience a similar level of joy. The fourth and final candle symbolizes peace. This symbolizes the message of PEACE that Jesus brings and the angels proclaim. Each day and each week of advent we should take time to reflect on the journey of Jesus, who became man so that we might be saved. During lent we give something up as a sacrifice, but during advent we should also give something up as a sacrifice. Maybe we don't give up material goods, but maybe we give up some of our free time to spend in prayer and reflection. During advent we are hopeful, we are faithful, we are joyful, and we are peaceful. An advent of prayer, repentance and reflection will create for us a most joyous Christmas!
An easy an popular way to prepare for Christmas during advent is to light the advent candles. During each meal we light the candles as a reminder that God is the light of the world and he is present with us today. Each week of advent symbolizes a new focus. During the first week of advent we focus on hope. The lighting of the first candle symbolizes the HOPE that Jesus is coming. During the second week of advent we focus on faith. The lighting of the second candle symbolizes the FAITH of Mary and Joseph. We recall when the Angel came down from heaven to bring Mary the good news. You can imagine the courage of Mary to accept God's will. The third week of advent we focus on joy. We are symbolizing the JOY of Jesus' birth. Only at the resurrection do we experience a similar level of joy. The fourth and final candle symbolizes peace. This symbolizes the message of PEACE that Jesus brings and the angels proclaim. Each day and each week of advent we should take time to reflect on the journey of Jesus, who became man so that we might be saved. During lent we give something up as a sacrifice, but during advent we should also give something up as a sacrifice. Maybe we don't give up material goods, but maybe we give up some of our free time to spend in prayer and reflection. During advent we are hopeful, we are faithful, we are joyful, and we are peaceful. An advent of prayer, repentance and reflection will create for us a most joyous Christmas!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
August Rush
Check my movie blog for a movie review for August Rush. Much like Bella, August Rush is a movie about life. Don't listen to the bad reviews, but go and watch this movie!
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