Have you ever wondered how it would feel to save someone's life? You see in all these super hero movies people with powers who swoop in at the last minute to save a person from some sort of tragedy. Just imagine having the speed of the Flash or the strength of Superman and knowing you have the ability to save someone's life. Some of you may have never thought about this, but I seem to every single night as I fall asleep.
I will be turning twenty four in about a week. It got me thinking about all the different things I've done in my life. From being the awkward quiet kid on retreats to running my first confirmation retreat to the loud crazy youth minister I am today. There is one thing that has stood above the rest from those years and that is my desire to change lives. What does that mean to me? As much as I would love to be Superman or the Green Lantern it's not going to happen. There is something that I can do.
First, the best way to save someone's life is to introduce them to God. Now, I'm not saying to go up to someone and ask them if they know who God is or walk up to someone and recite the bible to them. The single best way to introduce someone to God is to show them who God is to you. "Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words." -st. Francis. God should never be based off words but by the way you live. To introduce someone to God is to show someone that you love them unconditionally. That is the true introduction to God.
Second, the way to saving lives is to step out. While working at camp Chosatonga I was constantly challenged to step out of my comfort zone. Which became such a blessing and To be honest I would not be doing the work I'm doing now in Alaska if I was never challenged to step out at camp. Think if Superman never stepped out and just hid so no one would find out his secret. He would never been called a hero. We are called to not just own our gifts but to step out and use them to help others.
Thirdly, never forget to look for those who truly need the saving. I catch myself all the time thinking that my struggles are the worst in the world. Forgetting that people every day are struggling to stay warm or struggling to eat. I use to think that not having my dad around was the worst thing in the world. Then I realized some kids today have no parents and we're never lucky enough to be told by one parent they are loved. That doesn't forget about those around, but also look around and see who needs help.
Finally, my last point seems to be the most important and that is never forget to tell the people around you that you love them. Sometimes that is the only time they ever hear that. We are never going to be heroes like you read I'm the comics. We can be heroes to the people around us. Being a true hero is not swooping in at the last minute to save the day, but is the constant desire to love each and every person around you every moment of every day.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Ministry is What you Make it
This past year has been one of the most eye opening years of my life in ministry. Now, I am not just talking about youth ministry, but ministry as a whole. Ministry is something that every person is called to in their life. Ministry, to me, is encouraging others to create a personal relationship with Christ through service, prayer, and the sharing of God's word and our own personal relationship with God to others. Recently, I have been inspired to minister to everyone around me in so many different ways. I mean you see such holy people like Pope Francis who is not only preaching the Gospel, but is living it. He especially calls each of us to be charitable and servants to those who may not have anything. The question is: Are we called to be exactly like Pope Francis? Not exactly.
Now this is when all the people who work in ministry are like Jake what are you talking about. I think you have lost it. (which I probably have) But the reason I say not exactly is because ministry is different for every single person. Seeing the difference in our Popes is a prime example. Pope Francis has been that example to how we should go out and support the poor. Pope Benedict was a great example of how a person should live a prayerful life and he continues to be that example today as he has dedicated the rest his life to prayer. These two holy people held the same position, but approached ministry in two different ways. Both preached the gospel. Both lead our church towards God. Both were prime examples of how we should live our life. Both approached ministry in different ways.
Like I said previously, ministry should be part of every single person's life, but ministry should be made your own. A lot of times people question the way I approach youth ministry at my parish in Juneau. They see me acting like a fool with my teens and playing a lot of games. While I talk to my teens I tell a lot of stories about my life and never shy from showing emotion. (Yes I do look like a crazy man in youth group) The only thing people fail to see is those times inside and outside of youth group that I get to talk to my teens about Catholic teachings on a more personal level. Those are the moments I cherish the most and come to find important to me in my ministry. I could try to copy all the other youth groups I have been to or helped out with, but then it wouldn't fit me or my group. Anyone who tells you that there is only one way to minister to teens is wrong. The only constant I have found within ministry is the teachings of the Catholic Church. How we get that to the people around us is all on our own.
Ministry is what you make it. Some people may think that I'm just the crazy youth minister in Juneau, but I know I am doing God's will in the way he created me to do it. I'm not suppose to be a priest right now or go out and fully dedicate my life to feeding the hungry. Right now I am suppose to be here in Juneau and helping teens develop a relationship with Christ. God calls each of us to make disciples of all nations. Each of us are called to make those disciples in our own way.
Now this is when all the people who work in ministry are like Jake what are you talking about. I think you have lost it. (which I probably have) But the reason I say not exactly is because ministry is different for every single person. Seeing the difference in our Popes is a prime example. Pope Francis has been that example to how we should go out and support the poor. Pope Benedict was a great example of how a person should live a prayerful life and he continues to be that example today as he has dedicated the rest his life to prayer. These two holy people held the same position, but approached ministry in two different ways. Both preached the gospel. Both lead our church towards God. Both were prime examples of how we should live our life. Both approached ministry in different ways.
Like I said previously, ministry should be part of every single person's life, but ministry should be made your own. A lot of times people question the way I approach youth ministry at my parish in Juneau. They see me acting like a fool with my teens and playing a lot of games. While I talk to my teens I tell a lot of stories about my life and never shy from showing emotion. (Yes I do look like a crazy man in youth group) The only thing people fail to see is those times inside and outside of youth group that I get to talk to my teens about Catholic teachings on a more personal level. Those are the moments I cherish the most and come to find important to me in my ministry. I could try to copy all the other youth groups I have been to or helped out with, but then it wouldn't fit me or my group. Anyone who tells you that there is only one way to minister to teens is wrong. The only constant I have found within ministry is the teachings of the Catholic Church. How we get that to the people around us is all on our own.
Ministry is what you make it. Some people may think that I'm just the crazy youth minister in Juneau, but I know I am doing God's will in the way he created me to do it. I'm not suppose to be a priest right now or go out and fully dedicate my life to feeding the hungry. Right now I am suppose to be here in Juneau and helping teens develop a relationship with Christ. God calls each of us to make disciples of all nations. Each of us are called to make those disciples in our own way.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
A New Friend and Inspiration
I have lived in Alaska for little over a year now and recently more than ever I have been getting inspiration to write more and more. This writing will be a little different from the rest of my writings recently. This writing really has nothing to do with any part of my life, but what I have witnessed from a man that people know little about. A man who comes and goes at the church that most people see as the strange guy who talks to himself. Recently, this man has a completely different effect on me. This man's name is Gary and has become somewhat of an inspiration to me.
First, I feel that I should introduce you to Gary. Gary is the homeless man who seems to live in the woods somewhere near my parish and always seems to be around the parish when I am working. Gary has many different problems that are quite visible to others and cause people to avoid him most the time. When I first got to know Gary I was slightly scared of him to be honest. Whenever he was around he would pace back and forth cursing at himself and talking to himself. He was always a person to say hi, but still I tried to avoid him because I never knew what he was going to do. This idea of Gary has seriously changed in the past few weeks. Especially today.
Today, was the first day of snow in Juneau, Alaska. Which means everything is completely white and it is absolutely freezing outside. (very different from where I grew up) All you really want to do is stay inside and curl up I a ball. Well it being the day before our diocesan Synod, it meant that the snow was just another obstacle in the mass amount of work we had to do today. First part of this long day of moving chairs and tables was unloading a packing truck. As I climb up in the truck to grab the chairs I turn to find that Gary is there to help me out. No one asked him but he just seemed to show up. As we begin to unload the truck I have my first conversation with Gary. Now, let me remind you that I have been here for a year and Gary is always around. Today was different. Gary being homeless I ask the normal question like "how are you staying warm" and "how is the snow treating you". Gary answers those questions with simple answers. Gary then begins to tell me how he hopes everything is alright and how he thinks he could fix our door if we need him to. To most people this means nothing, but to me I saw a completely different side.
Among the other parts of the conversation Gary began to show me that he just cared. He made sure I didn't lift things by myself so I wouldn't hurt my back and checked if I needed anything before he disappeared somewhere else. To me he seemed to be that angel who would be there when I need him and then disappear. For some reason though Gary talking about the door stuck with me. People walk through those doors every single day, knowing that they are old and letting air blow through them, but Gary was the one who stepped up to take initiative. For the first time I realized that to Gary all of us at the parish aren't just people he sees everyday walk by him. He has an appreciation for all of us.
I said in the beginning of the blog that today Gary became an inspiration to me. He is. This man has almost nothing but the clothes he wears on his back. He comes and goes at the church trying to make sure not disturb people, but always willing to step in and help. People don't seem to notice him for the little things he does, but when he is looking for food or a warm place to stay for a while. Gary to me became much more than that. He today showed me what it means to be a person of God. He asks for very little, but seems to give so much. Sometimes the people in this world who have the bare minimum seem to know the most about how to properly live. Everyone seems to have their own "Gary" in their parish or community. Stop and think for a minute: This person has so little and asks for even less. What can I do to show Christ to this person. I know after today I will have a different look on Gary and I hope the rest of you will do the same.
"All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do." Galatians 2:10
First, I feel that I should introduce you to Gary. Gary is the homeless man who seems to live in the woods somewhere near my parish and always seems to be around the parish when I am working. Gary has many different problems that are quite visible to others and cause people to avoid him most the time. When I first got to know Gary I was slightly scared of him to be honest. Whenever he was around he would pace back and forth cursing at himself and talking to himself. He was always a person to say hi, but still I tried to avoid him because I never knew what he was going to do. This idea of Gary has seriously changed in the past few weeks. Especially today.
Today, was the first day of snow in Juneau, Alaska. Which means everything is completely white and it is absolutely freezing outside. (very different from where I grew up) All you really want to do is stay inside and curl up I a ball. Well it being the day before our diocesan Synod, it meant that the snow was just another obstacle in the mass amount of work we had to do today. First part of this long day of moving chairs and tables was unloading a packing truck. As I climb up in the truck to grab the chairs I turn to find that Gary is there to help me out. No one asked him but he just seemed to show up. As we begin to unload the truck I have my first conversation with Gary. Now, let me remind you that I have been here for a year and Gary is always around. Today was different. Gary being homeless I ask the normal question like "how are you staying warm" and "how is the snow treating you". Gary answers those questions with simple answers. Gary then begins to tell me how he hopes everything is alright and how he thinks he could fix our door if we need him to. To most people this means nothing, but to me I saw a completely different side.
Among the other parts of the conversation Gary began to show me that he just cared. He made sure I didn't lift things by myself so I wouldn't hurt my back and checked if I needed anything before he disappeared somewhere else. To me he seemed to be that angel who would be there when I need him and then disappear. For some reason though Gary talking about the door stuck with me. People walk through those doors every single day, knowing that they are old and letting air blow through them, but Gary was the one who stepped up to take initiative. For the first time I realized that to Gary all of us at the parish aren't just people he sees everyday walk by him. He has an appreciation for all of us.
I said in the beginning of the blog that today Gary became an inspiration to me. He is. This man has almost nothing but the clothes he wears on his back. He comes and goes at the church trying to make sure not disturb people, but always willing to step in and help. People don't seem to notice him for the little things he does, but when he is looking for food or a warm place to stay for a while. Gary to me became much more than that. He today showed me what it means to be a person of God. He asks for very little, but seems to give so much. Sometimes the people in this world who have the bare minimum seem to know the most about how to properly live. Everyone seems to have their own "Gary" in their parish or community. Stop and think for a minute: This person has so little and asks for even less. What can I do to show Christ to this person. I know after today I will have a different look on Gary and I hope the rest of you will do the same.
"All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do." Galatians 2:10
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Can We Be Saints?
Anyone that reads my blog should know by now that I talk about people I know all the time. Recently I have been writing a lot more about my loved ones like my family, friends, and girlfriend. Well the other day my girlfriend and I were talking and she said something to me that really hit deep. Three simple words, "Lets be Saints." Now, at this point your probably thinking, Jake you have been in Alaska way too long and you are starting to lose it. False. Anyone that doesn't see beauty in that statement is a fool and I will explain why.
Are we not called to be Saints? Are we not made to live our lives with God's purpose on the forefront of our minds, always striving for excellence? We are called to live as saints. God did not make us to waste our lives away with meaningless tasks, but to live a life dedicated to Him and with a purpose. My most favorite verse in the bible speaks to the idea that we are made for excellence and to be the examples of saints.
1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe through speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity."
That verse right there is God's way of calling you out and telling you that you are made for more. Through your actions and everything you do you should be a shining example of the Lord. This verse is God's way of telling us to be saints. The way we need to live our lives every single day never wavering from the truth about His purpose for us all. We don't only need to show example through our actions, but above all else we can not become saints without the guidance of God. We must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross and ask God to take control of our life. Allow him to do his work through you and make choices with God in mind.
As we get closer to All Saints Day, we should all begin to look at the saints lives and see how they sacrificed their life for. May it be St. Peter who is the rock of our church living his life the way God asked him to do or as St. Lawrence while being flayed alive he still refuse to denounce his faith. Even people like St. Augustine who struggled with sins all throughout his life, but finally recognizing that God had a purpose for him. All of these dedicated their lives to God as we are called to do. God forgave each of them for their past sins and those are the holy people that I want to hang out with when I go to heaven.
On this day we should reflect. Are we choosing to live as Saints or are we sliding by hoping to reach heaven? After my girlfriend said "lets be saints", without missing a beat I responded "sounds good to me, lets do it."
Are we not called to be Saints? Are we not made to live our lives with God's purpose on the forefront of our minds, always striving for excellence? We are called to live as saints. God did not make us to waste our lives away with meaningless tasks, but to live a life dedicated to Him and with a purpose. My most favorite verse in the bible speaks to the idea that we are made for excellence and to be the examples of saints.
1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe through speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity."
That verse right there is God's way of calling you out and telling you that you are made for more. Through your actions and everything you do you should be a shining example of the Lord. This verse is God's way of telling us to be saints. The way we need to live our lives every single day never wavering from the truth about His purpose for us all. We don't only need to show example through our actions, but above all else we can not become saints without the guidance of God. We must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross and ask God to take control of our life. Allow him to do his work through you and make choices with God in mind.
As we get closer to All Saints Day, we should all begin to look at the saints lives and see how they sacrificed their life for. May it be St. Peter who is the rock of our church living his life the way God asked him to do or as St. Lawrence while being flayed alive he still refuse to denounce his faith. Even people like St. Augustine who struggled with sins all throughout his life, but finally recognizing that God had a purpose for him. All of these dedicated their lives to God as we are called to do. God forgave each of them for their past sins and those are the holy people that I want to hang out with when I go to heaven.
On this day we should reflect. Are we choosing to live as Saints or are we sliding by hoping to reach heaven? After my girlfriend said "lets be saints", without missing a beat I responded "sounds good to me, lets do it."
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Dating = Discernment
This past weekend I was blessed to have my girl friend come up and visit me. She is wonderful woman who is completely passionate about her faith and truly lives her faith in everything she does. For any of you that don't know anything about my relationship it is quite a unique. I met my girlfriend while we were in college but we didn't start dating until I moved to Alaska a year after I graduated. I have seen her three times since we started dating and one of those times we hung out for a few hours while I was passing through Charlotte on my way back from World Youth Days. The reason I tell you this is to show you that being able to just be with her is very special to me. Not because we need a physical side to our relationship to strive because we are very pure in our relationship, but the fact that I get to see her face to face while we talk about faith and get to go to mass together means the world to me. The most interesting conversation we have is our views on dating and the discernment process.
Technically, me and her are "girlfriend" and "boyfriend", but in the vocation aspect we are both considered single. Now, this does not mean that I can go on dates with any woman or kiss any girl I see. I still am committed to her as being my potential spouse. There are major differences though, between being in a relationship with a woman and actually marrying her. Here, are three major points that show that dating is still a discernment process compared to a vocation.
1. Relationships can end at anytime while marriages are a life long commitment. When you begin to date someone there is normally some form of an attraction to the other person that sparks your interest. You beginning dating them because you want to get to know someone and this relationship has the potential to grow into something more. Dating someone for the first time doesn't mean you are going to spend the rest of your life with them. Marriage is a sacrament that calls for each person to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
2. Prayer. Praying in a relationship compared to praying in a marriage are vastly different. While it is important to pray for your counterpart in a relationship it is ultimately more important to pray that God will continue to guide you towards you and your counterparts vocation. May that vocation be marriage or some religious order, you should put that decision into God's hand. In marriage you not only are praying for yourself or spouse, but also for the success of your relationship. Though in both a relationship and marriage you should pray that God remains the center, in a relationship for God to be center you must be open to his ultimate plan for you even if that is not marriage.
3. Purity vs. Pro creation. Now this last point may seem a little strange, but I find this one is to be the most important. This last point incorporates the last two and is one of the hardest for people in relationships today. Purity in a relationship is simple. Like I stated before a relationship can end at any time even if you think that you are going to "marry" this person. If you take away the purity of a woman you are not only hurting her, but you are taking that away from her future spouse. Sex is made for marriage and to pro create. Sex is not made for our enjoyment but to be a beautiful act that we share with one person in marriage. We are called to protect the purity of every person and wait until marriage to participate in an act such as procreation.
These reasons show that dating is not something we do, but a part of our discernment process that God puts us through. It is put on us to choose how to enter in this discernment process. I am thankful to know that currently in my discernment process I am supported by a wonderful woman. I pray that everyone that reads this recognizes the call to continue to discernment until the day you are married or ordained. God should be in the center of all things that we do and we must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross to recognize that. Galatians 2:20 "So that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me."
Technically, me and her are "girlfriend" and "boyfriend", but in the vocation aspect we are both considered single. Now, this does not mean that I can go on dates with any woman or kiss any girl I see. I still am committed to her as being my potential spouse. There are major differences though, between being in a relationship with a woman and actually marrying her. Here, are three major points that show that dating is still a discernment process compared to a vocation.
1. Relationships can end at anytime while marriages are a life long commitment. When you begin to date someone there is normally some form of an attraction to the other person that sparks your interest. You beginning dating them because you want to get to know someone and this relationship has the potential to grow into something more. Dating someone for the first time doesn't mean you are going to spend the rest of your life with them. Marriage is a sacrament that calls for each person to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
2. Prayer. Praying in a relationship compared to praying in a marriage are vastly different. While it is important to pray for your counterpart in a relationship it is ultimately more important to pray that God will continue to guide you towards you and your counterparts vocation. May that vocation be marriage or some religious order, you should put that decision into God's hand. In marriage you not only are praying for yourself or spouse, but also for the success of your relationship. Though in both a relationship and marriage you should pray that God remains the center, in a relationship for God to be center you must be open to his ultimate plan for you even if that is not marriage.
3. Purity vs. Pro creation. Now this last point may seem a little strange, but I find this one is to be the most important. This last point incorporates the last two and is one of the hardest for people in relationships today. Purity in a relationship is simple. Like I stated before a relationship can end at any time even if you think that you are going to "marry" this person. If you take away the purity of a woman you are not only hurting her, but you are taking that away from her future spouse. Sex is made for marriage and to pro create. Sex is not made for our enjoyment but to be a beautiful act that we share with one person in marriage. We are called to protect the purity of every person and wait until marriage to participate in an act such as procreation.
These reasons show that dating is not something we do, but a part of our discernment process that God puts us through. It is put on us to choose how to enter in this discernment process. I am thankful to know that currently in my discernment process I am supported by a wonderful woman. I pray that everyone that reads this recognizes the call to continue to discernment until the day you are married or ordained. God should be in the center of all things that we do and we must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross to recognize that. Galatians 2:20 "So that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me."
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Calling You Out
Men today are missing out on something very important. They walk through each day failing to notice the beauty that is right in front of them. They go around failing to be the Christian men God calls them to be, but boys who simply look after themselves. Most of you can guess the thing men are missing out on is the beauty of woman. Not just the beauty we physically see, but the beauty that Mary shows us by being the Mother of God. The beauty that men fail to recognize and protect the beauty in every woman. I am writing this blog not only to tell the men what they are missing out, but to call all men out. Call men out on their failure to recognize and protect this beauty.
First, guys have lost the importance of protecting the purity of a woman. One of the most beautiful parts of Mary is her purity. The fact that Joseph her husband protected it and understood the importance of her purity is an example that all men should follow. A woman that keeps her purity is not only showing respect for herself but shows to her future spouse. It is a mans duty to not only recognize the beauty in purity, but to protect and strive to be more like Joseph in all their relationships with a woman.
Second, this is probably one of the easiest things a man can do but fails to do. Men fail to tell women how truly beautiful they are. Today, it seems for a man to simply tell a woman she looks beautiful or gorgeous is difficult. Men feel that terms such as hot and fine are good enough terms to use for a woman. I hope the women who read this will agree with me, but the terms fine and hot seem to only address a woman's physical appearance. When a man tells a woman that she is beautiful and gorgeous it encompasses so much more. It encompasses the way a woman holds herself, her purity, and the way she lives her life for God. Men these are two simple terms that every woman wants to hear from us.
Finally, every man can admit that the greatest struggle for a man is lust. I mean God created women to be beautiful. The problem with this struggle of lust is that we give into it too much. Guys we are weak and feel that giving into lust is the only answer. We fail to recognize that every time we give into this temptation we are disrespecting the dignity of women more and more. We are called to be the protectors of the beauty and dignity of a woman, but rather care for ourselves and our personal pleasures. Guys this is not only cowardly but the worst thing we can do. We were made for greater and every woman should challenge a man to be greater than he is today.
Jesus did not sacrifice himself on the cross to look out for our own pleasures and desire. Jesus was crucified so that we were freed from our sins. We are called to support each other in all the struggles in the world. Recognizing that God has created beauty all around us and purity is the greatest beauty that any of us could obtain. Men I challenge you right now to stop looking out for your own pleasures, but begin to recognize and protect the greatest beauty God ever created and that is the woman that surround everyday. Women I challenge to call out those men who stand around constantly being boys and challenge them to be the men that God has called them to be.
First, guys have lost the importance of protecting the purity of a woman. One of the most beautiful parts of Mary is her purity. The fact that Joseph her husband protected it and understood the importance of her purity is an example that all men should follow. A woman that keeps her purity is not only showing respect for herself but shows to her future spouse. It is a mans duty to not only recognize the beauty in purity, but to protect and strive to be more like Joseph in all their relationships with a woman.
Second, this is probably one of the easiest things a man can do but fails to do. Men fail to tell women how truly beautiful they are. Today, it seems for a man to simply tell a woman she looks beautiful or gorgeous is difficult. Men feel that terms such as hot and fine are good enough terms to use for a woman. I hope the women who read this will agree with me, but the terms fine and hot seem to only address a woman's physical appearance. When a man tells a woman that she is beautiful and gorgeous it encompasses so much more. It encompasses the way a woman holds herself, her purity, and the way she lives her life for God. Men these are two simple terms that every woman wants to hear from us.
Finally, every man can admit that the greatest struggle for a man is lust. I mean God created women to be beautiful. The problem with this struggle of lust is that we give into it too much. Guys we are weak and feel that giving into lust is the only answer. We fail to recognize that every time we give into this temptation we are disrespecting the dignity of women more and more. We are called to be the protectors of the beauty and dignity of a woman, but rather care for ourselves and our personal pleasures. Guys this is not only cowardly but the worst thing we can do. We were made for greater and every woman should challenge a man to be greater than he is today.
Jesus did not sacrifice himself on the cross to look out for our own pleasures and desire. Jesus was crucified so that we were freed from our sins. We are called to support each other in all the struggles in the world. Recognizing that God has created beauty all around us and purity is the greatest beauty that any of us could obtain. Men I challenge you right now to stop looking out for your own pleasures, but begin to recognize and protect the greatest beauty God ever created and that is the woman that surround everyday. Women I challenge to call out those men who stand around constantly being boys and challenge them to be the men that God has called them to be.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feast of Guardian Angels
Standing atop a waterfall looking down thinking that I could die and my only option at this point is to jump. My legs are quivering and my body not allowing me to jump off I stop an say a little prayer. Not just any ordinary prayer, but a prayer directly focused on my guardian angel. Praying that not only will my guardian angel grant me protection, but catch me or something so that I don't hit that water too hard. Obviously I survived that jump because I am writing this right now.
Looking back at that moment I now picture as I jump my guardian angel catches me like the angels do in the movie "Angels in the Outfield." In reality I never know how my guardian angel helped me on that day. To be honest we know very little about Angels all together. But here are a few things I can tell you about my guardian angel.
1. I am pretty sure my guardian angel is one of those angels that everyone in heaven knows about. I have been in moments where I am so raptured in fear that I can't move. The feeling of not succeeding or being scared to death overtake me so much that I begin quiver and can't speak and anyone that knows me knows that I always have something to say. I can guarantee you that in those moments I stop and say a little prayer to my guardian angel and the feeling of warmth fills me.
2. What is more awesome than knowing that an angel is right there with you fighting off all the evil that encompasses this world around you. I picture this huge being standing over me with chains in one hand and a sword in the opposite hand. Every day he is battling off anything that tries to face me and grants me an opportunity to do my ministry and live my life with sheer joy.
3. I never would have gotten through this past year without my guardian angel. Guardian angels help you in those vulnerable times. Times like this past year when I am without my friends, my family, and most importantly those people who constantly supported me in my faith; my guardian angel was right there next to me. Never wavering and always supporting me.
Now I am not failing to recognize that God was truly present in these moments. God is always present in my life. He is my rock to my faith. I strongly believe and take this day the feast of guardian angels to recognize another part of my faith. A part of my faith that God blessed us with to be our protection and guidance. Today is the day to give respect and life up everyone's guardian angels. I ask that everyone step back and think of your guardian think. Think of those times that you sit in fear and recognize your not. You no longer have to do it alone, but are protected and guided. Today I pray that my guardian angel will continue to be with me in all my ministries as I move forward and I pray that everyone does the same.
Looking back at that moment I now picture as I jump my guardian angel catches me like the angels do in the movie "Angels in the Outfield." In reality I never know how my guardian angel helped me on that day. To be honest we know very little about Angels all together. But here are a few things I can tell you about my guardian angel.
1. I am pretty sure my guardian angel is one of those angels that everyone in heaven knows about. I have been in moments where I am so raptured in fear that I can't move. The feeling of not succeeding or being scared to death overtake me so much that I begin quiver and can't speak and anyone that knows me knows that I always have something to say. I can guarantee you that in those moments I stop and say a little prayer to my guardian angel and the feeling of warmth fills me.
2. What is more awesome than knowing that an angel is right there with you fighting off all the evil that encompasses this world around you. I picture this huge being standing over me with chains in one hand and a sword in the opposite hand. Every day he is battling off anything that tries to face me and grants me an opportunity to do my ministry and live my life with sheer joy.
3. I never would have gotten through this past year without my guardian angel. Guardian angels help you in those vulnerable times. Times like this past year when I am without my friends, my family, and most importantly those people who constantly supported me in my faith; my guardian angel was right there next to me. Never wavering and always supporting me.
Now I am not failing to recognize that God was truly present in these moments. God is always present in my life. He is my rock to my faith. I strongly believe and take this day the feast of guardian angels to recognize another part of my faith. A part of my faith that God blessed us with to be our protection and guidance. Today is the day to give respect and life up everyone's guardian angels. I ask that everyone step back and think of your guardian think. Think of those times that you sit in fear and recognize your not. You no longer have to do it alone, but are protected and guided. Today I pray that my guardian angel will continue to be with me in all my ministries as I move forward and I pray that everyone does the same.
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