What's Become of God? Part I

What's become of God? Where is He? When has He shown Himself?

These questions are in no way to say that God has disappeared among us, but that today's society has nearly forgotten God in His circumstances--save almost for the wrong.

Popular Uses for God:
1. Blaspheming: "Oh my God!"
2. Blaspheming: Attacks on Religion and Church
3. Curses
4. Blame: Where was God when I needed him?
5. God-related humor.

What happened to prayer life? Religious discussions aside from apologetics? Some are considered Jesus freaks (though many of us are!) just for discussing faith among other topics. Here I will discuss what I believe to happen from a deep lack of faith.

Life goes down.

Depression and hate may be among the more common. Given that they are not only caused by a lack of faith, but I feel sure enough to say that a number of these cases are.
With faith in God, we can trust Him. We can feel Him. We can love Him and feel love because of Him! With true love in God, we can truly love all others. We see the image of God in all people ranging from ourselves to abortionists and orators on terms of abortion, euthanasia-anything against God! If Christ died for all men, and loved them all. Who are we to hate? We love, as our God loves.

Without God-who is the source of love-we find it harder to feel Him. Consequently, it is harder to feel love. A lack of faith in God may bring a lack of love: it can lead to depression; it's harder to see the good in everything, and it drags us down. Good intentions, good people, good wills-they can get thrown away. Instead they are presented as "wrong doings or back-bitings they've done."

Back to the "disappearance" of God, because the way much of our society views religion and God, God becomes a target for all sorts of things. Popular movies, songs, sitcoms, almost anything anywhere blaspheme by using His name in vain, by poking fun of Him, by mocking His name, and by blaming Him for every wrong. The popular phrase "Oh my God!" especially rings out among us. "Oh My God" was once a prayer, but is now used in place of the words "wow" or "Oh no."

What can we do about it? It's never too late to change it all-for ourselves, for loved ones-for the better. Finding a (stronger) love for God by prayer life and charity can really make a difference. Seeing the good in others, as well as ourselves, but acknowledging our faults at the same time. We must remember our duties to God; He created us! We are made to know, love, and to serve Him. We must also protect Him from harm as we and others sin. If a friend yells "Oh, God" ask him why he is calling on God. If a person hates, help him to love. If a person falls, help him back up. In a day and age where God is called on for all the wrong purposes, we must stand true to Him and fight for Him, not give in to the common uses which are now deemed as okay.

On a last note: I will talk about marriage and its sanctity for my next post. And I wish to thank all those who fight for God: for the unborn, on issues of euthanasia and Mary as well as countless other issues. The world seems to fall, but its never too late to hold it up.

Cheers

Start Looking Up

Forget about what you've done in the past. And if you can't, then just the same; use it for your own good.

When we look down the cliffs we've made, we only add to the depressions-to the erosions- forming amongst them. We set the rivers at a stronger pace-destroying what it can to make the gulch larger then we could have expected.

But when we look Up. We close the gap between. We build bridges. We fill the landscape one-hundred feet beneath. If we fail with our bridges, we still need to look up. We realise the faults in our bridge, and we build a new one. We keep building, we keep filling, we keep looking Up.

We all have our faults. But where can we go from them? We can meditate on them, growing worse in our state and adding to the depressions of our own cliffs. Or we can acknowledge them and grow away from them, knowing them as a thing of the past.

It's up to you decide.

With God, all things are possible.

Cheers

Easy

Life is simple and extreme. It's good and bad. It's got upsides and downsides....

Let's not try to make it harder for ourselves by focusing on the downs of life.

Cheers

Storytime, Kids!!

On the way to Chico (30 minute drive) and back (after watching the Dark Knight), Lance, Jonathan, Desiree and I were to write two short stories. Our purpose? Merely to have fun. These are their stories (cue in music from Law and Order).

Jonathan's First

Once upon a time there was a magical place where it never rained. The end. Ahahahahaha!!

Desiree's First

Once there was a maiden who was stuck in a tree. The maiden ate a thorn because it had polyjuice potion in it. The maiden then turned into a spiked-animal and died. The end.

Damien's First

The car rolled over the edge and fell twenty feet. It was the most disastrous thing anyone could have ever seen. The man driving simply whistled at the wreckage and shook his head, hands on his hips. "Boy," he said. "I sure am glad I wasn't in the car at the time. I only wished I remembered to put it in park.

Jonathan's Second

Once upon a time there was a little girl who lived in the forest of Dustyville. And in Dustyville there were only walnut trees. So the children picked walnuts for fun. One day, this little girl named Nutty found a most peculiar nut. This nut had no "wal" to it, nor did it feel like an ordinary walnut. She asked herself, "What could this be!?" So she went to her friend Waly and asked him, "What could this be?!" AS soon as Waly's eyes gazed upon this most peculiar of nuts, he screamed in horror like a newborn baby would when he had first seen his birthing bill and turned tail, dropping the nut, running as as he could to Chuck E Cheese's. By now Nutty was quite distressed. For she still did not know what the nut was. So she put it in water to clean it and as soon as the nut touched the water, a large hissing noise ensued. Nutty stood back aghast and watched as something amazing unfolded before her eyes. The nut was shifting shape and started getting larger and larger. The nut was in fact, not a real nut, but a Decepticon nut. (A Transformer in layman's terms). As soon as the nut took shape and Nutty realized what it was, Nutty too transformed, with arms like giant cannons. Both of them fully transformed into their combative stages, taking stances, ready to take part in their dance of death. Just then a loud clap from the sky sounded as if the earth was being split in two. And Jonathan Crane appeared between the two transformers. He stared at both of them--taking it all in-- and said with his powerful voice. "I will end this absurdly random story now." And he did. The end.

Lance's First

Ummm I don't know. How can I tell a story when I haven't thought about it? I need more time to think. And if I think, that requires time. And I have no time.

Desiree's Second.

Right. Umm. Umm. One day a boy was swinging with his playmate. Then they went up a poison tree and played with three dragons. Then they slid down a thorn bush into a dungeon. And then they fought each other and jumped inside of a book. And then they saw Harry Potter. And then Harry said "Avada Kadavra" and they all died.

Lance's Second.

Once upon a time there was a new Batman movie and Jonathan tried out for it. But they said "Your voice is too high! Do you have a brother?" And Jonathan said, "Yes. I do." And so they called Jonathan's brothers up because they heard of two with deep voices and they couldn't decide who was better. So they decided that there should be two Jokers. And so there were two Jokers. And the movie was a multi-million dollar success. But most of the people liked Lance more. The end.

Damien's Second

His guitar was making history. Like he did. But all the songs he wrote to his girl. It was because his girl that he made history. And as he made history with his guitar he paid bills with his guitar. Not by becoming famous with music. He sold his $6,000 vintage Gibson acoustic for a price of 50,000 dollars to a crazy fan. He lost his guitar, but he made history as the best guitar-seller in the world. He made money and paid the bills. By doing so he won his girl. True love prevailed between the two, but he secretly missed his guitar more than anything. His guitar made him happy. So he bought an Ibanez two-toned acoustic with a beautiful fretboard inlay. Life was good.

Use Your Light

Last Sunday, while waiting in line for confession, I realised something drastic.

I made a god of myself. And I belittled my One and Only God.

There's no denying what I did and how complicated, yet simple it was. Even then in line I didn't realise the absolute terror of it all. But I had done that. Its almost what my mind had become to think automatically. And when I think about making a god of myself, I know that it isn't too uncommon in life. You might wonder how I became of this, but its so much easier than you could possibly think; its probably very common with the more choleric and melancholic types!
How it happened was very simple. I sinned. Not as easy as that, but almost as easy. What happened was that I fell into the pitying state that happens when one sins-- I believed that, by sinning the same sin again and again, it could only mean that I could not obtain mercy. Sure it didn't seem too much at the time; I know that God can forgive me over and over in the ways I can't imagine. But what I did was question God. And by doing so made a god of myself.


( figuratively: )
I told myself I was the rock God couldn't lift because my burden was too big.
I broke God's limits of mercy.

When I imagine it in that sense, I can only hope I never question God's mercy again. And that I strive even to the point of death to do better. I need God. I don't need to question Him. I need my Way and my Light.
In a day when depression and despair is only too common I want to say to everyone...look to the Light that is our God. We need God to love, not to question. I know things sometimes get black and hope seems so far away, but imagine you're lost in a forest as dark and evil as sin. How can we get out? We use a light. Flashlights are always used for the purpose of sight and recovery...to find your lost item or to find your way in the night. Lighthouses guide boats all over the coast. God is our spiritual light! Never lose hold of Him. And when it feels as if you did, He'll be somewhere to guide you towards mercy.



There is no sin too great for God.
There is no man who God won't forgive.
Don't lose hope.





Cheers

Survey!

I'll put up my answers later on. It's what you feel at the moment...it doesn't really matter. :-p

Facebook or Myspace?

Violin or Cello?

Acoustic or Electric?

Classical or Modern?

Type or Write?

Read or Watch?

Play or Relax?

Laughter or Seriousness?

Rockstar or Sleep?

Car or Truck?

Chevy or Ford?

Jackie Chan or Jet Li?

Starbucks or Any Other Coffee Shop?

Coke or Pepsi?

McDonald's or Burger King?

Sierra Mist or 7up?

White Cake or Brown Cake?

Rock or Rap?

Violence or Romance?

Comedy or Horror?

Vacation on the States or for Foreign Areas?

Cat or Dog?

Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson?

Chuck Norris or Stephen Segal?



Cheers

Quick-Uns

Hey guys! Just a bit of an update. I'm going to be doing two posts pretty soon when I have a better chance. One for kicks...like a survey (don't we just love those?) and then another more serious one on life and the importance of it's Light (I'm sure you REALLY love those kinds of posts, too. :-p). And it's hecka late for a tired person like Damien, so Damien is going to go pack up and get to bed!

Sample survey Q, in case you want to think of any for a comment or so:

"Facebook or Myspace?"
Facebook (my answer)

Oh! And I'll be adding on anonymous comments for those who don't have an account but wish to comment one way or another. Feel free for suggestions, comments, or questions!


Cheers.

More Things On My Mind

LIFE IS TOO SHORT. IT REALLY IS.

But is it really? Who are we to judge time and say whether we are living our lives too short or too long? Too short how? I'd like to talk about time in life as I view it as well as some other related stuff.
It is commonly said that life is too short. But how so? I personally am not one to agree with that saying. Only in the sense that life (time) here on Earth is short (especially short!) when compared to time in Heaven. But in all other senses, I can't find any reason to say that time is too short. I tried thinking about the reason for this belief and I came up with one thing.

Goals.
Lists.
Patience (lack thereof).
Those are my reasons. Yep. There they are. Why would life be viewed as too short if there weren't anything to make any pressure of time? And that is exactly what goals and lists are: something to do before the time is out. I'm not saying to never plan anything- that would be impossible!-- especially with movies and nights out and marriages, just that you need to have one more thing... And that's patience! If you were even a bit impatient (which is the case for most everyone), you would be pressured by time. With impatience, we have what we want in mind, but we want it now. If not now, than rather soon!
It's alright to plan out your life, but I would suggest to everyone to pray for patience. Let God take control. If He's not giving what you want to you, then He probably has some really ridiculously good reason for it. Some people can't have the time, but there is never an absolute with God for us. If God can make the world and rest on the seventh day, then--if He wants it for you-- be patient and hope and know that God has the best intentions for you and might give what you ask for.
Just a thing that I want to also talk about is something that happens to millions of people and that is being impatient with relationships. I wouldn't blame anyone, especially with how the media is with romance movies, books, and music and what not affecting almost everyone with an even greater desire for love. When people read these, though...they need patience again. It's everyone's desire to love and be loved, but, as I said before, let God take care of that. Don't rush things...that always harms things. Patience is needed like no other with relationships. It's like this:



Girls: Dance with God...He'll let the perfect man step in.
Guys: Wait for God to hook you up...He's really good at that. (Cheesy, I know)


Patience, people! Life isn't short. Life is exactly what God gives you and wants for you. Don't lose hope.



Cheers.

Lovely Little Spider

Outside our window, hidden by the white of the clouds in the backdrop, was a web in the making.

A spider had a purpose, and that was her abode. The spider first crept to the sides of the window: side-to-side, up and down it went in every direction. Then, once its base was complete, the spider crept in circles, going from line of web to web in perfect balance; with perfect precision it went. Farther and farther out the circles went, until the spider was thoroughly satisfied. Next came the details. Even now, the spider is constantly moving above my head right out the window. What she is doing with her home, I know not. But I do know she has a purpose, as does everything. The web may be knocked off by wind or a broom, but while the spider lives, so does her purpose.

In my way of relating things, I found that the spider is a good way to start up the conversation of purpose: what it is, where it fits in, our purpose in life, our purpose for things. My purpose for this topic is to discuss purpose, so to say.

I’ll begin where I find it best to begin. That is, the meaning of purpose. There are actually a few ways to define it, though, if you want to get technical, they both need each other. At least, in my fantastical echnical sense, its that way! The first is the basic with which every little kid has learned at such a young age. And that is the intentional purpose; the purpose where kids can say
“Mom! Timmy just bit my finger again!! On purpose!!”
The second can be defined as an existence of reason of purpose. Reason of purpose is like the lovely little spider (this is a lot to say, being that spiders give me the creeps; I’ve always a fond fascination for them, though) that has set her goals- her whole life even- to just her little spider web. Alice, when talking to the depressed turtle in “Alice in Wonderland” realizes about purpose when the turtle explains that when a school of fish set off for somewhere else, they are to be asked “With what porpoise?” (haha, get it?) But seriously! By the reason, I mean that we have something in our mind, like a home in the making. Its almost a wanting, and it makes us strive. We strive for something, so we intentionally work for it (see how they can kind of go together?).
Now that the definition is (hopefully) explained adequately enough, I wish to discuss purpose. First, intention! Not that I really want to get into detail with this, but I just wish everyone to question our intentions…for everything! I read a book (Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris) that discussed arguments and the intentions that begin them. I just wanted to bring up what quickly came to mind. And what had come to mind was grievances.

There is always an intention for something: an outcome, or a reason, so to say. What came to mind was that when something was bothering someone, that someone would want to “get it to stop.” But there are two ways at how that can happen. When a person is about to try to talk to someone about something they don’t like, they already have the reason for purpose. Then comes the intention. The common way is when a person confronts the bother-er in an bad fashion (usually found in the middle of arguments too):

“Whenever we’re there you always have to make this remark. And it always bothers me and it makes you look stupid when you say it and there is no need to even say it over and over and over again. Sometimes your big fat mouth just gets the better of you and you make a fool of yourself.”

Now what is purpose of that? Was the intention of this paragraph to edify the bother-er, or to just put him down so that you may feel better about something bothering you. Why not try it a different way to make it sound like an offering hand rather than a piercing tongue? I just wanted to bring that up because---I know with me anyways-- the piercing tongue is found very often. Hopefully a new look on our intentions may help us to become better people?

And then of course I shall end it with our--humanity’s-- purpose, for I fear I am dragging this post too long. St. Bernard says our life here on Earth is to glorify God as much as we can! It is the existence-of-reason purpose that makes us live for a goal. Sure, we’re meant to be married or clerical, a lawyer or a theologian, but our Ultimate Purpose is to serve God in everyway we can! I enjoy thinking about that often, because it calls to mind our duty in life, despite the distractions of jobs and friends and plans. We always need God on the end of a rope. And we always need to be pulling that rope.

Like the spider and her home. So it is us and God.



Cheers

Damien

If there are any questions or anything I need to make clearer, feel free to ask.

Just Sickening

Alright guys. There's something that's been on my mind for waaaaay too long. And I'm sick of it. I can't stand it anymore. It makes me want to curl into a ball and make believe it's not real. And you all should know what it is, because its EVERYWHERE!

It's complaining. I can't stand it!

I hate it when people just complain and complain and complain about what they're doing. All they do is just go, "wah, wah, wah, wah wah. " and they're not even playing a guitar with a wah-wah pedal on it! These people think the world evolves just around them and all they do is just complain and nag about it. CAN'T YOU GUYS STOP IT!? IT's GETTING ON MY NERVES!!!!

Aww, who am I kidding? I did a post like this a long time ago, I remembers now. I'm not really angry guys...I did that for kicks when, about a paragraph into it, I realised I did this before. Oh well. Just giving you all an update when I've got a little time.


Summer!

I've been working, nothing new. But I went to Camp Sacred Heart 2008. One of the best camps ever! And I led my team to a victory! Oh yeah! Who can do something like that? My team, St. Theophane Venard, was able to get it's name on the back of the bear head cup. A definite, sweet, sweet reward.

And that's about it. Smoke was/is all over the place, but its like that everywhere else. Aaaand yeah.

Oh! I'm reading "Socrates vs. Sartre" by Peter Kreeft and it is a hecka entertaining book for anyone who really enjoys deep philosophy. Beware, though. If you're like me and aren't the best at it, you might get some headaches! :-p

And then there's a song that always gets stuck in my head. You should listen to it! Its "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. It basically rocks, but not literally. Or musically for that matter. Its mellow!

And I'm out!

Cheers.

I Just Love This

There are different versions of this, but this is the longest/cleanest.

Cheers

HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A PILL IN TWENTY EASY STEPS


1. Sit on sofa. Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your elbow as though you were going to give a bottle to a baby. Talk softly to it.

2. With right hand, position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. (be patient) As cat opens mouth pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow. Drop pill into mouth. Let go of cat, noticing the direction it runs.


3. Pick the pill up off the floor and go get the cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process. Sit on floor in kitchen, wrap arm around cat as before, drop pill in mouth. Let go of cat, noticing the direction it runs.


4. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away. Scoot across floor to pick up pill, and go find the cat. Bring it back into the kitchen. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten. Drop pill into mouth.


5. Pry claws from back legs out of your arm. Go get the cat, pick up half-dissolved pill from floor and drop it into garbage can.

6. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of closet. Call spouse from backyard. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.


7. Retrieve cat from curtain rod, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered Doulton figures from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8. Get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.


9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with rubber band.


11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.


12. Call fire department to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take another pill from foil wrap.

13. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed, force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour one cup of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call at furniture shop on way home to order new table.


15. Get last pill from bottle. Go into bathroom and get a fluffy towel. Stay in the bathroom with the cat, and close the door.

16. Sit on bathroom floor, wrap towel around kitty, leaving only his head exposed. Cradle kitty in the crook of your arm, and pick up pill off of counter.

17. Retrieve cat from top of shower door (you didn't know that cats can jump 5 feet straight up in the air, did you?), and wrap towel around it a little tighter, making sure its paws can't come out this time. With fingers at either side of its jaw, pry it open and pop pill into mouth. Quickly close mouth (his, not yours).

18. Sit on floor with cat in your lap, stroking it under the chin and talking gently to it for at least a half hour, while the pill dissolves.


19. Unwrap towel, open bathroom door. Wash off scratches in warm soapy water, comb your hair, and go find something to occupy your time for 7-1/2 hours.


20. Arrange for SPCA to get cat and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.


How to give a dog a pill

1. Wrap in bacon and toss in the air.

Kitty!

This is Meg! Yeah...I named her Meg too. Who can deny how cute she is!?

"Meow"

Boring

I would suggest not reading my last post...It's knock-yourself-dead-boring.

Boring.

cool word, huh?

Boring

"Gee Alfred, I know I'm not the funnest guy around..." - ?

Who can tell me what that is from??

Cheers

I Can't Believe That I Didn't Say This Sooner

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'M SORRY!!!! Now you can leave me alone and enjoy a new post! I'm not guaranteeing nothing, though. If you don't enjoy it, go cry about it and I'll give you a sweet tart. For now, I'm giving you an update. I'll see if I can find something to talk about intensely later on.

I just realized. I'm wasting time! I've got guitar to practice. I've missed two weeks and I've barely practiced! What do I practice! Stiney, you guys are wasting my time! Kind of true, but it's me. And I want to do this. I guess I can update you guys on that. Ever since I've had lessons things have been going breezy with learning stuff. I'm no Van Halen, but I'm definitely...Damien Crane. Yeah, who can deny the superiority of that?!

Some other news is that I've been running a choir. In case you guys didn't know that! Yeah...been doing it for a while now. Bossing around a cool kid that plays piano (gotta boss him because he clunks the piano) and then bossing around my family and a few others always brings a good time. But not really! It's summer! We should have breaks! I'm running low on choir! I think we really have only one girl..but she might not be at the next Mass we're preparing for, that's no good. And then we've got a dictator "liturgical director" telling us what to do and how to do things. And, quoting OCP (Oregon Catholic Press, they make the hymnals for our church) we "should look for a new liturgical director." Yeah, my beef on that. Eat it! It's fun...I just want to get the choir experienced on chant and parts...but we're running pretty low now, so I've got a couple other things to worry about.

Been working. Good enough. Learning more Spanish.

Have got two new kittens! Possibly three! I can say for sure that we have two new kittens because that's what we officially have. One this bugly thing but adorable at the same time, and another runt that's black and (a little bit) white that has dark blue eyes. Imagine that, black with dark blue eyes! He's so cool. The third I found today, meowing like it was the end of the world, over at work. He's beautiful, serious. He doesn't look wild, but I can't see him moving that far away from the nearest house there was. I'll ask the coworkers and find out. But I'm hoping we can keep her. She's too cool and beautiful to pass up.

Did I ever tell you guys about the time one of my dogs (Bibi- black lab and chow mix) got into a fight with a raccoon? No? Well here's the story:

It was a windy day and the dogs were barking, and we look at this tree (it was winter, so there were no leaves) and there is a raccoon swinging back in forth in the wind on one of the branches! Well, we had new pups then so we were wanting to get that thing away. Only...nothing would really move it. To stop the dogs from going crazy, we put them inside, but they still were anxious (or so I heard) to get out. My dad brought a pruning tower from the other side of the house and, with a pool pole, knocked the raccoon down the tree slowly but surely. Eventually the raccoon gave away and Royce and I made sure it headed out past our field. Royce was recording (we don't have the video anymore, I think), and I was holding this shorter pool pole when we see one of our dogs, Bibi, rushing like wildfire after the raccoon right into the olive orchard. My brother thought the coast was clear so he opened the door and Bibi just went rushing after the raccoon. So Royce and I ran into the olive orchard by climbing the fence and Royce then had the pole when we reached the coon and Bibi. The raccoon was pinned against a tree and baring it's teeth and scratching and biting whenever Bibi got near. But Bibi always knew the right time to strike. She always went for the throat, as I recall, while the raccoon couldn't really do anything in that position but bite and scratch where it could. Not wanting anyone to get bit or rabies or anything, I got the pole from Royce and pinned the raccoon to the tree while Royce dragged Bibi away. The raccoon climbed the tree afterwards and that was the last of it. Bibi didn't even get a scratch! I'd show you pictures of the cute little thing, but I have no clue where to find them, and I looked!


Too long! Post too long! It's boring, I know! Sorry. I promise I'll do better next time.

Cheers

Joy. Oh, How it Can Radiate

Last night, Thursday May 08, I had many different and wonderful dreams. But I'm going to share my favorite one. Probably the best dream of my life, actually.

First, I need to tell you a story. I might have the details a little wrong, but I'll try my best to get the message down.

I had a great aunt named Judith, but always called Wif (Weef). She had the best personality and the kindest heart. She almost became a nun, but hadn't made thee final vows to care for the family needs. She babysat all over for our family, even when she shouldn't have. Her family and God were her main concerns. If she wasn't busy watching someone, I would see her sitting down with a rosary, praying away. Later in her life, Wif was diagnosed with cancer. I'm sorry, but I can't actually remember the actual type of cancer; it was either lymphoid cancer or lung cancer, but either way it caused her whole body system to fail in such a horrible way. Wif ignored the pain and medicine and offered it for the sake of a nephew's reversion to the Catholic faith. She even avoided foods in case some pain medications were slipped in. All in all, Wif died a heroic death, and there is no doubt in my mind where she was heading. What would have cleared any doubts about it was the most beautiful dream I had.

I was sitting in my room, on the bottom of the room's bunk bed. There was no hint about what I was doing, but the next instant I knew I was sitting, there she was.
Wif wasn't actually there, walking from the door of the room to the windows on the opposite side. At least, her complete body wasn't there. But it was Wif, alright. Transparent, but with all her features: Wild-red hair, a waddling kind of walk, and a full clothing of purple, her favorite color.
I patted the space on the bed next beside me. Knowing she was long passed away, I just wanted to be with her and talk with her. My body quivered with the excitement of seeing her. As I patted the space beside me, I spoke, "Sit down, Wif." But she wouldn't have it that way. Wif gave me a wide smile and shook her head, always walking towards the window. But there was no window in view. It was just pure white, hazing the walls and ceiling of my wall. I didn't mind; I knew what I was witnessing. Wif had a more important calling that second, and that was God. As she finished her wide smile at me, she turned to the white. Always walking. Pure joy radiated through me then and for a long while afterwards, as I watched Wif walk and get engulfed in the light. I feel certain of where Wif is. And I'm asking her more often to pray a storm for us here on Earth.

Death could be a tragic thing. But the beauty of our end is surreal. We go to God; that is our point in life. We leave this world to God, who is True Happiness.


Cheers

Everything- Lifehouse

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5


Something that's hecka cool. Get past the beginning, and you'll appreciate it for sure!

The Sun Never Shines On Closed Doors

I was driving home last night listening to as many laid-back songs as I could when I came upon "The Sun Never Shines On Closed Doors" by Flogging Molly. I've always enjoyed the relaxing melody of the song, so it wasn't too new for me in anyway. As I sipped my lemonade, the sad melody and words (the same as the title) of the refrain reached to me. But not only to my ears, but to something more. Instantly my head whirled about the words until I got the message that love won't pour in until you open your heart.

I thought of it. I thought about it. If you close your heart, what will you get? Yes, you can always protect your heart, but when you close it to all those around you, do you feel loved? Do you wish to feel loved?

I'm not talking about the love a boy finds when he sees an attractive woman, or the "love" you feel if a boy is talking to you above all others. I'm talking of the other genuine love. The love for neighbor. If you set your heart on blocking out all things, if you close your heart to everything, and your demeanor changes for it, will you expect love to come to you? You can compare it to everything else. You wish to change your ways and faults, but, because of pride, you close your ears to all those around you. Would you expect anything to change?

In a way, it's easier to see from the other way around. Anyone willing to be there for a friend, a family member, anyone, would have his heart open so that he may "pour" his love into that distressed person. But this person won't take it; he has his heart closed.

I know this probably sounds all too confusing, and not in the least bit entertaining. But it's just something too fascinating, vast and complicated for me to let it off my mind so easily. I hope any of you readers know what I mean. On a last note, I'm not saying to keep your heart open to everyone to have friends or to feel loved. Protecting the heart is something everyone should probably do in life. But in the same sense that The Sun Never Shines on Closed Doors,

So it is that Love won't pour in until your heart is opened.

Damien

First Addition to My Family

An Ode to Sisters

http://damienispious.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html

I now see the importance of a sister. Or at least a really girly guy. You see, Desi* was gone for five days and boy...it was quiet. When she came back things have been more relieving and such. So I figured to myself that I have now figured out the true purpose of sisters.Sisters arent in any way meant to be just annoying, which is obviously one of their natures. But they're also meant to be talkative. And this is a true gift from God, mind you.

You see, with Desi* gone, things just felt empty. EMPTY! Desi* comes back and you hear the same things over and over, and somehow....its a good thing. It's hard to explain, but I think being annoying and talkative at the same time can be a relief to people who despise utter silence, it must be the purpose of the sister! Sisters have another purpose though. Sisters are the ones with the weird styles, class, etc. As in they like the weirdest things! One example of a song that I'm sure everyone can relate to...SOS. Because I have a sister, I would hear that song at LEAST two times a day. Once it was five altogether in one day...Trust me, it was terrible. Another example is "Hips dont Lie"....Blegh. That's all there is to it. But this gets me to thinking again. Yet another purpose of the sister is to demonstrate to everyone else that life is hard and cruel in mysterious ways! And that people you're going to meet in the future will be like your sister. So there is another good thing about sisters. You get used to that weird, annoying, talkative being so much that when you meet someone exactly the same in college or something like that, it'll be like they're your best friend, even though they're uber annoying and talkative! For those without sisters, they'll just be sitting there, staring and thinking, "Ok......this girl likes to sing Kelly Clarkson in the public.......during a movie!" What goes along with the purpose of a sister also is that you learn to be gentleman-like...no matter how much your sister hates it, overuses it "I'm the girl so that's why!" etc. You just learn. Thanks to Des*, if some girl untunes my guitar for no stinking reason at all...I wont blow up! Just get really annoyed.


One last thing I'm glad I've learned because of Des* is that girls CAN ACTUALLY BE NICE! So now in the future if some girl laughs at a joke or doesnt completely put me down I wont be startled and amazed at a girl actually being nice. I'll be somewhat jolted, because it's very rare, but I wont be jaw-dropped or anything. So there you have it. This is my load of scat concerning sisters. Hope you enjoy this completely random (but not as boring as Lance's post) topic!Damien* Note: Desi is just an example for a name of the average sister. Desi is in fact the sweetest sister I've ever met and had. Desi is not an average sister either, she is in fact her own...nothing like all you other annoying, talkative, sometimesreallynicebutatcompletelyrandomtimes, sisters out there. She's the best.


You talk about the memories, you remember them all. -Damien

Thoughts from Work

Today is the day that I'll be someone new;
I'll be myself, I'll be someone true,
I won't carve my thoughts to those of another's mind,
I'll listen to the voice that screams from inside
That this is not me, this is not who I am,
This is not the person who God had in plan,
So today I'll set that voice inside free
I won't be a fake, I'll only be me.

Sure,
I have my faults, but those are my own,
They aren't yours, or God's;
They are what I've sown.

And God, I'll try to be who You want me to be,
Because in You alone I can be made happy,
I will try to follow, no matter the cross,
Because You sacrificed Your Son,
So that all souls are not lost.
I find hope,
I find direction,
I find love in You,
I only hope that I can be true,
To follow what You wish me to do.

Whenever, wherever



Damien

It's Lent, I know.

But, it is something I enjoy doing; talking about the little discoveries of my mind. That can happen often, too. Just not like a cool discovery (eg. I discovered that ((at least, sprinkler related)) plugs in Spanish is topanes and that a little sprinkler part is called "coples"), but one nevertheless.

I was praying the Rosary on the way back home from Sacramento with Lance and was trying to meditate on the third sorrowful mystery when a thought struck me. This (the mystery, or event in Jesus' passion) could probably be the biggest thing Jesus did in my eyes. Jesus was scourged, nailed to the cross, beaten and falsely detracted many times, but Him being crowned opened up something to me.
Jesus was crowned with a mock-crown of thorns, each digging deeply into his skin; tearing off his flesh. All the while he was being beaten and mocked, each comment an offense to His infinitely perfect nature as God the Son. All of us wish to defend ourselves or to retaliate when treated wrongly because of pride. If Jesus had any ounce of pride, any at all, He would immediately lash out against those who were mocking and it would be totally justified. 100%. But Jesus' love for us was so great that He took it all. He accepted being mocked and beaten: He accepted the Crown of Thorns. When this thought crossed my head it struck me that Jesus must have loved every single one of us to accept His being mocked and beaten upon; to accept His entire passion. If He had any ounce pride, or any second-thought about His love for us, Christ wouldn't follow through with what He suffered. It makes the lyric I heard in a song run through my head over and over again.

Never underestimate my Jesus.

Cheers