DailyConnections.net

MONDAY THOUGHT 9/19/11

PEACE-FILLED EXPECTANCIES

I was somewhat saddened this weekend because I was unable to enjoy two special events due to timing and schedule conflicts.  One was the wedding of my dear cousin, Karen, several states away; she and I had been through much together and had held each other’s hearts through old sorrows.  The other was to see my daughter, Nicky, visiting from Seattle; she and I had rooted for each other and stood by each other in past times when few others would.  In neither situation, however, did we let our expectations (being together) darken our expectancies (love and trust and ongoing appreciation).  We all accepted the unavoidable disappointments without complaint. 

I was reminded of this by the contrasting, very arrogant expectations of the Aramite commander, Naaman, who nearly rejected a cure for his leprosy from the Prophet Elisha because “I thought” and “I expected” it to be a big, primetime event, rather than the simple cure by dipping himself seven times in the Jordan River. 

My point:  Very often, we know what we would like to see happen.  It doesn’t always work out that way.  God has other plans … pretty much always.  That’s why I tend to say these days that “I believe God” (His words are true) rather than “I believe in God” (which is sort of like believing in Santa Claus or unicorns).  Have an expectancy that He will keep His word, not an expectation that He will meet your demands on your terms and on your schedule.  Live this day trusting in God.  – jri

Though my cousin’s wedding was hundreds of miles away, I bid my guardian angel to watch over the nuptials and bless her and Gene.  This is something we have often done in the past, sharing each other’s guardian angels, if only symbolically and for comfort.  Of late, however, I believe our angels sit together, visiting and giggling over the joy in both our lives.  As for my daughter, we both felt funky and odd that she is so close and yet we will not be able to visit.  However, we talked last night, shared our common frustration, and reassured and blessed each other.  I will see her in a month or so.  All is well.  God’s way works just fine.  

TUESDAY THOUGHT 9/13/11

THE GRAVEL IN MY SHOE

I have few talents.  Give me a hammer, board and nail, and I will struggle over what to do with them.  My only talent – and it is a small one – is words.  I can write a fairly decent letter and I can, on occasion, bring an audience to its feet (in enthusiasm, not protest) through my public speaking. 

However, and this is the irony of my life, I can never find the words in face-to-face conversation to bring nonbelievers to belief.  My atheist friends (fine people, by the way, though simply blind to what the faithful see) smile at me, shake their heads, and offer rebuttal or pity if ever I bring up the subject … even though I know beyond doubt that, as I told one of my nonbelieving friends once, “you are way too smart to be an atheist.”  (Oh, and that went over really well!)

My point:  I think it’s something about being humble, though I accept that point reluctantly.  Or maybe it is that when God is ready to open their hearts to the foolishness of what we believe, He will at that time also give me the words.  In the meantime … sigh.  – jri

SUNDAY THOUGHT 9/11/11

IN THE LAND OF LIGHT: A GIFT TO AMERICA ON 9/11/11

Years ago, I used to send “Island Notes” about life on St. Maarten in the Caribbean.  I am reminded of those notes on my visit to Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.

On this, the tenth anniversary of what has become known simply as “Nine-Eleven,” I know that many people have lost hope in America;  while we stand and talk tough, we have become a demoralized, uncertain, frightened nation, a nation on the decline.  I am writing today to say that I, for one, no longer believe that.  I have found a place of hope, of light, of life right in the  heart of America.  I feel I will express it poorly, but here goes:

I have the honor of being invited by a friend, Dr. Dennis Hensley, to do a series of weekend writing workshops at Taylor University, a Christian school with about 2,500 students.  This first week was a great experience, my class filled with a handful of sharp, motivated, talented students. 

After a full day of teaching, I went to the Commons to eat.  I sat by myself and watched hundreds of students as they had their Saturday evening meals.  I saw a slice of America I thought was long gone.  The huge dining room was charged with more positive, honest, joyful energy and noise than I had experienced since attending a Rascal Flatts concert several years ago. 

What I did not see was a single tattoo or “angry” T-shirt, though some did have crosses on them.  I heard lots of playful laughing and saw students, quietly and individually, bow their heads in silent prayer before eating.  What I did not hear was a single curse word, even after I saw students at one table prank a friend by heavily salting his food while he went to get his drink, or a table of male athletes engage in a mild food fight.

So, lose the idea of a Christian college being filled with a bunch of repressed, weak-kneed Bible scholars.  As I said, they are athletes (Taylor has football, baseball, softball, basketball, and other sports), as well as serious, ambitious scholars, focused and purposeful.  (Taylor offers a broad range of majors, from Accounting to Economics to Theater and more.  It also has one of the first and best Professional Writers programs in the country.) 

Earlier, over lunch with some of the students, as well as in class, I found that they are not afraid to speak of their faith as a simple fact of life.

My point:  On this, the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I am pleased to report a wondrous message of light and hope.  This is not the lost generation, and I strongly suspect Taylor University is not a lone colony, but the ever-present renewed and renewing seed of America.  – jri 

 John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

September 11, 2011

THURSDAY THOUGHT 9/8/11

STEADY

Joseph, husband of Mary and earthly protector and father of Jesus, is one of my favorites.  He had steadiness, and that, to me, is the highest compliment.  He wasn’t brash or rash, but quiet.  We hear and know little about him, except that three times an angel of the Lord spoke to him, told him to pack up the family and move great distances … and he obeyed without hesitation.  He never walked on water or did miracles, but he was steady.  My kind of hero.

I know a few men like Joseph.  They work hard, take care of their families, are kind, strong, gentle … steady.  At the same time, they are no one’s fools; they can bare their teeth and snarl when the need arises.  Most of all, they strive to do what is right; they serve and protect their loved ones, take their commitments seriously, serve the Lord, and live by a quiet faith.  Because they are not wont to crow or blow their own horns, we often overlook them or underestimate them.  However, they are all around us, providing for their families, sitting toward the back of the church on Sunday – every Sunday – and quietly and steadily doing what they believe.  They are the strength of our communities and our families.     

My point:  Nothing all that profound, really; just a thank you to these often unacknowledged good men who give much and ask little.  — jri 

More on these steady men:  I grew up surrounded by them, many of them veterans of WWII.  Their values were duty, honor, service, sacrifice.  Back on Long Island, where I grew up, I saw these “Dashing Dans” take the early morning trains into The City, returning home late in the evening, making great sacrifices to provide good homes for their families.  God bless you, gentlemen.   

TUESDAY THOUGHT 9/6/11

I’ve never met a saint.  I’ve never met a man or woman so overwhelmingly in tune with God that I was left awe-struck.  All the spiritually striving folks I know are flawed and imperfect, and that’s fine.  They (and I include myself here at the top of the list) stumble, fall and disappoint God pretty much every day. 

But, guess what?  God cares anyway.  That’s why, in spite of Peter’s cowardly retreat from Jesus Christ on Holy Thursday (“I tell you, I don’t know the man!”), he wasn’t banned or condemned.  Instead, he went on to become the head of the Church and to spread the Good News.  In fact, at the Resurrection, the angel made a point of singling out Peter, as if to say, “Jesus wants Peter to know that He still loves him … a lot.”

My point:  We don’t have to be perfect, if only because we never will be.  Still, as clay-footed and imperfect as we are, that’s really good enough.  Maybe we should just do our best and leave the rest in God’s hands.  — jri

“He isn’t here!  He is risen from the dead!

 Look, this is where they laid his body.  Now

go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that

Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee.”

                     — The angel in the tomb (Mark 16:6-7)

Enjoy this day.  It is a pure gift, a blessing.  There is no cost, no charge, no price.  Even not being good enough is good enough.  Nothing can change the love that God has for us.  Smile.  Be joyful.  Have a glorious and wondrous day! 

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

September 6, 2011

SUNDAY-MONDAY THOUGHT 8/28-29/11

WRONGFUL INDIGNATION

This falls under the category of we-always-hate-the-one-we-hurt.  I had a friend for better than 25 years.  I was loyal, true, supportive through tough times.  We were buds … at least until I went through a divorce, and he took the opportunity to put the moves on my almost-ex-wife.  Nice guy, eh?  (She laughed and told him where to go.)  But the real kicker was that he never apologized to me, or ever talked to me again, for that matter.  After trying to screw me over, he turned away from me.  Interesting.  I call it wrongful indignation. 

Of course, I can be the same way when it comes to faith.  When I turn away from God, do something I know is not in line with His laws (and, yes, we do know His laws.), I find it hard to pray, to talk to Him.  I become distracted and indifferent.  It is not until I finally face up and fess up that we get back on speaking terms again.  Funny how that works.

My point:  When God and we are on good terms, when our lives are in sync with Him and what He has in mind for us, it is easy to pray, to sit down and chat with God.  It is when we are doing it our own way – or, put another way, when we are doing it the wrong way – that we make up excuses, distance ourselves from God, and decide we’d rather not talk to Him.   – jri

SUNDAY THOUGHT & PRAYERS FOR LOU

FAITH ON MY SLEEVE

As my brother these days works in a war zone, I am reminded that my family has a fairly singled-minded trait:  We are, as a rule, transparent.  If we’re angry, we’ll tell you.  If we like you, we’ll tell you.  Also, if we think you’re a jerk … well, you get the picture.  We  tend to be blunt, guileless, open.  

That’s why my brother does volunteer medical mission work.  Fairly spiritual, as well as veraciously and voraciously non-religious, he tends to do (A) what he wants to do and (B) what he believes he should do.  He is both led and driven.  Runs in the family.  And we all love it … and hate it.

Me?  Though I’ve mellowed amazingly since becoming a reformed heathen, my bluntness comes out in my God quest.  I try to be candid and open.  That’s one reason my ramblings are not always neat and sweet little pony-ride sermons about God’s neat sweetness.  God and I, we laugh together, fight and argue, and, most of all, talk honestly to each other.  There are days when I tell Him:  “Look, go to the movies or something; I just need to be alone for a while.”  And, yes, there are times, lots of times, when, like my favorite saint, Peter, I scream, “Lord, save me!” 

My point:  Not sure, really; mostly, I just love the Matthew Fox quote below.  Also, maybe that I do wear my faith on my sleeve, and I have no problem with that.  People know where I stand.  How about you? – jri 

I heard from my brother, Lou, yesterday.  The header says it all:  “Found the War.”  It sounds rather awful in Libya right now.  Please keep him in your prayers.  His message below:

“I Yesterday we found the war. A push was on and the wounded and dead just kept coming in constantly.

“There are things I’ve seen that i never want to see again and there are things I had to do I never want to even think of doing again. 

“All sorts of weapons being fired in the compound, my hearing is better today. I need to come home. I’m out of here in a few days. The team is tired.  Lou”

Our job, I believe, is to serve as we can.  Often that means doing the most important thing of all:  praying.  God bless you. 

John R. Ingrisano
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
www.DailyConnections.net

August 21, 2011

THURSDAY THOUGHT 8/18/11

In business, “Relationship Selling” is a primary key to success, to getting what we want.  That means that before asking for the sale, we should have a solid working relationship with the prospect.  We do not just walk up to a stranger (or even a past buyer) out of the blue and try to make a sale.  It doesn’t work. 

That’s exactly how a lot of folks pray, however.  I know a young man who wouldn’t give God the time of day.  He never prayed or went to church.  But when his father was dying of cancer, he demanded a miracle; angry and scared, he challenged God.  When his father died, the young man turned away from God again.  He was only in it to make the sale, so to speak, and didn’t care a whole lot about God.

My point:  No, I do not know God’s plan, and I am not saying that the father would have lived if his son had spent more time talking to God and building a relationship with Him.  I am saying, however, that those of us who do engage in ongoing, daily “relationship praying” do tend to understand and accept God’s will … and on a more than now-and-then basis, do get a fair share of miracles.  Most of all, we get to know God on a very personal basis, and that’s pretty sweet.  So, take a few minutes today for a God chat.  Nothing fancy; maybe even just a “Hey, God, thanks for this day.  Oh, and let me know if You need anything.”  — jri

I heard from my brother in Libya this morning.  His reports sound like something out of a MASH episode.  As always, thanks for your prayers.  His brief report is below.  God bless. 

Morning,

Now this is a new trick, they stole our hosp last night!

It’s a long story but we had to pull back to our old position but now without equipment. This place is wild. I’m talking about a whole fucking hosp including an OR!

The shelling has increased but the ground fighting is nothing on this front, yesterday only a handful of wounded.

They set up mortar pit and rocket Launcher just outside our gate, they make some noise. If kadafy had any  heavy weapons left we would be on his top 10 hit list.

Actually went swimming, unbelievable water, mild surf and the sound of heavy shelling-a little surreal.

Food is no longer a big problem, we’ve learned to steal really well.

From the front with a tan and a full belly Lou.

Enjoy the blessings of this day, and put your plans in God’s hands. 

John R. Ingrisano
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
www.DailyConnections.net

August 18, 2011

MONDAY THOUGHT 8/15/11

Distracted

I had the pleasure recently of watching my four-year-old grandson, Charlie, enjoy his first solo ride on a mini-go kart.  All he had to do was push one pedal to go, another to stop, and steer clear of the walls.  Easier said than done.  He was constantly distracted: one moment deciding to rub his sandal on the front tire and crashing head-on into the wall; another watching one side of the wall only to crash into a parked go kart right in front of him.  And each time he got stuck, he would look over to his Father to help him get his kart back on track. 

Somehow, this got me thinking about our God-quest journey.  All we have to do is pay attention to God’s word, behave ourselves and … well, that’s pretty much it.  But I, for one, get distracted by all the shiny baubles and supposed troubles I encounter each day.  And, of course, I end up crashing into one thing or another and then looking around for God to straighten out my day and get me back on track.  He does.

My point:  The God Rules (oh, and how some folks chafe at that onerous word: “rules”!) are pretty simple.  If we follow them and trust in God, it’s all pretty clear and simple … no, not always easy, but certainly clear and simple.  And when we get distracted, all we have to do is look around for God (He’s there) and ask Him to get us moving in the right direction again.  – jri

“In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;

     he saved me from all my troubles.”

                    – King David (Psalm 34:6)

I heard from my brother in Libya again yesterday.  I think in his own weird way, he’s having fun.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.  Thank you and God bless. 

“How much fermented milk can an Italian eat in 24hrs?  As much as it takes to stay alive! I almost like it – I think.  Bread and water is now a gourmet lunch (we have to steal the bread).  Tonight it gets better- camel liver.

 “The hosp moved forward and now the rebels(the good guys) are firing over the hosp. I may lose a filling yet.  Doing well. Love ya little bro”

 Enjoy the blessings of this day, and remember that God called us to serve.  

John R. Ingrisano
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
www.DailyConnections.net

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 8/10/11

POSSESSED

As a boy, I spent many a summer day clamming at low tide in the flats of the Great South Bay off Long Island.  (I could get 35 cents a dozen for cherrystones back then.)  Boat at anchor, I’d wade in the knee-deep water, walking heel-to-toe.  When I’d step on a solid object (which would almost always be a clam), I would reach down, grab it from under my foot, shake the mud off and put it in my basket.  However, one day, I noticed that, as I grabbed what should have been a clam, it grabbed me back.  Somewhat concerned, I shook the mud off in the water, raised it to eye level, and saw that I had possession of an ugly rock crab, which in turn had possession of me.  Probably in mutual terror, we quickly agreed to part ways.

That story came to mind as I read this morning (Forward Day-by-Day) about being possessed by our possessions and losing our focus on life.  I was reminded of a time when I had a fair amount of prosperity; over time, rather than enjoy it, I began to worry about losing it.  My possessions began to possess me.  The good news is that I did lose them; today, I have just enough … no more, no less.  And life makes much more sense.

My point:  This one is a gimme:  We should not let our possessions possess us.  All that we have on this earth is a gift on loan from God.  We should enjoy the many blessings and, most of all, share them.  Most of all, we should not start thinking that we actually own them or that we are special because of them.  God made them; they’re His. – jri

Continued thanks for your prayers for the safety of my brother.  I did hear from him on Sunday, a brief message sent by IPhone (whatever that is).  He is in Libya and apparently in the thick of it.  It dawned on me that this would be the first time he has treated war wounds, which I suspect are quite different from illnesses and routine injuries.  Please continue to keep Lou in your prayers.  From my brother: 

                                            “Alive. Working in field hospital. Moving closer to front. Think less than 10 miles got to go love bro”

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

August 10, 2011

FRIDAY THOUGHT 8/5/11

CHALLENGED WITH BLESSINGS

A tad longer than usual.  Sorry.

People who know me know that I spent my first 45 years building wealth and arrogance, followed by another nine or so of mixed battles with angels and demons, and the last six struggling with great material losses and beautiful spiritual healings.  It’s no wonder I have a bit of an edge on me.  Whew!

Well, here’s the kicker:  I am now blessed with peace and joy and stability: surrounded by mountains of love; plenty of forgiveness; enough material goods to meet my needs, with still plenty left to share; and the knowledge (a knowing beyond hope and faith) that the Lord has been right beside me, watching over and guiding me, every day of my stiff-necked life.

Still, I have lived by the figurative sword so long that I do not always know how to put it down, or how to trust that I need to and should put it down.  So, I sometimes awake in the middle of the night with the shadow of fear across my heart.  

That happened last night.  And when it did, with a sad weariness, I reached out, pushed Rocky the Boxer back onto his side of the bed, picked up my Bible and turned to one of my favorite verses.  (See below.)  Grace and soothing soul-balm (think of it like Tiger Balm for the spirit) fell gently upon me like rain.  Aaaaaaah. 

My point:  Sometimes it’s not about the intellectual or factual knowing, or even about surviving the tough times and getting all your prayers answered.  No, sometimes, it’s just about the pure joy of being engulfed by the joy of grace, or as C.S. Lewis once said, being “surprised by joy.”  — jri

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again

I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness

be known to everyone.  The Lord is

near.  Do not worry about anything, but

in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be

made known to God.  And the peace of

God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in

Christ Jesus.”

                               — St. Paul (Philippians 4:4-7)

Please continue to keep my brother, Lou, in your prayers.  I received a brief message from him this morning, which I believe he sent from Malta before boarding a boat that will bring him to Libya.  There is a no-fly zone, so that is the only way in:

“good morning bro,
had a good night but my bags didn’t make it. leave tonight by fishing boat 22hr. the hosp was destroyed so i guess it’s basic medicine 101. no idea about next message. this will be a piece of cake. don’t worry. Lou”

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

August 5, 2011

SUNDAY THOUGHT 7/31/11

LIFE WISH

“I have a death wish,” my brother, Lou, once told me with a shrug when I asked why he does medical mission work to the most dangerous places on earth.  I almost believe it.  Almost.    

•  He got mobbed by a group of street children in South America who discovered he had a knapsack full of tennis balls.  (He brought them for the children, but had to abandon the knapsack for his own safety.)    
•  He faced armed and nervous teenage militants in Darfur who weren’t sure his papers were in order.  (He kept working on patients in a makeshift clinic while, guns aimed at him, they sorted out the papers, which I suspect they could not read.
• He got lost one night after going for a walk in Kabul, Afghanistan.  (He ended up hunkering down with Pakistan troops behind sandbags until the U.S. Embassy opened in the morning.)

 Why does he do it? No, he’s not a thrill seeker or a glory hound.  I believe it is because he has a “life wish,” a restless need to devote is life to something that actually counts and that actually makes him feel alive.  I know the feeling.  We all do. 

 When he is at home, just doing the routine medical stuff at the hospital in Bar Harbor, Maine, he is bored to death, restless, and borderline (if not downright) miserable. 

That kind of explains why he created the “Outer Island Initiative” years ago, bringing medical care to residents of Maine’s offshore islands (and picking up a reputation along the way as one of the best Physician’s Assistants in the country); why he runs triathlons at the age of 64, even though his body is wracked with arthritis; and why he became  a 2^nd degree black belt in Karate (the hard contact stuff) several decades ago. 

 Why does he do medical mission work in dangerous places?  First of all, he is drawn, almost magnetically, to the children.  They haunt him in his sleep, he once told me.  And though he never quite admitted that he has a need to feel alive and meaningful, he did once share with me that “this is what I do, this is what matters to me.”  He is driven to fulfill a sense of purpose, to make sense of the often meaningless days and days and days of our lives. He didn’t write a check for Haiti relief; he went down there personally. 

My point:  It is only when we feel focused with a genuine, credible purpose (not a mindless goal of beating our own best golf score or growing the world’s biggest pumpkin) that life matters.  I am jealous of my brother; he reminds me that there is a meaningful, important reason why we were born.  Lou makes me restless to go out and, once again, find my sense of purpose … real purpose.    – jri

“For the secret of man’s being is not only to

live … but to live for something definite.

Without a firm notion of what he is living for,

man will not accept life and will rather destroy

himself than remain on earth ….”

                       –  Fyodor Dostoevsky

                             (edited out copy from The Brothers Karamazov)

Lou leaves this week for Libya, a hot war zone.  He expects to be gone three weeks.  Please keep him in your prayers and thoughts.  I suspect that he will spend that time miserable, tormented, yet joyful in his own way.  I am so proud of the old guy.      

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 31, 2011

FRIDAY THOUGHT 7/29/11

Fame & Glory

 I’m  a member of Toastmasters, a terrific organization, and I just completed a series of ten speeches to receive what is known as the “Competent Communicator” designation.  Along the way, I also received eight first-place trophies.  I am pleased.  Fame and glory and trophies are neat, as is wealth. 

However, after the applause dies down, what really warms my heart is being tackled and hugged by one of my five sticky-fingered grandkids, getting a just-because-I-love-you phone call from a friend or family member, or waking up and knowing that this God of mine cares enough to love me, though only He knows why.  All told, nice life. 

My point:  My heart goes out to people who keep chasing the wrong things.  I believe they believe that if life is going to be so unsatisfying, it is better to be rich and miserable than just miserable.  They do not see the third choice, the better choice, the only choice … a choice that is far from miserable. – jri

“I was stupid and ignorant;

     I was like a brute beast toward you.

Nevertheless I am continually with you;

     you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will receive me with honor.”

                         —  Psalm 73:22-24

A friend died the other day.  Like all of us, he had his strengths and his flaws.  He never made a fortune or changed the world in a big way.  No history book will record his name.  (It is Fred, by the way.)  He had a hard life, with the tough times etched in long wrinkles and crags across his face.  His death is a reminder to me that life is fleeting, as impermanent as a wisp of wind, and that we should use the few years we have to bring joy to and share love with others.  Enjoy your blessings.  Share your blessings.  

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
July 29, 2011

THURSDAY THOUGHT 7/28/11

…AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK!

Even though I’m a believer, I get no bonus points for that — no sweet trips down Easy Street with a glowing halo on my head or a dreamy, beatific smile plastered across my face.  No, let’s get one thing straight:  Life can be a bear … a big, snarly, hairy bear.  And I suspect I’m not alone when I say that I get discouraged now and then, so much so at times that I give God a piece of my mind.  (Yes, a prayer can begin, “God, I need to have a word with you!”)

So what?  You see, the real thing about believing is that I know (let me repeat that:  I KNOW) that no amount of money in the bank or high-tech toys in the garage can fill that sweet-spot ache deep in my soul … that spot where, when I shut up and just listen and let it alone, I know the Truth (notice the capital T in Truth), and everything makes sense.  (Feel that just once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.  I promise.) 

My point:  Life’s a bear; it wasn’t meant to be easy.  Set out to disprove that, and you’ll be on a fool’s quest.  Better idea:  Treat the pain with something a bit more substantial than a fine micro-brew, hot sports car, or devotion to sculpting the perfect, hard-body physique.  Just relax and enjoy your blessings.  And, yes, amid the frustrations, the blessings are many … and they are awesome.  Just sit back, acknowledge them, and enjoy.  – jri

“Life’s a lemon and I want my money back.”

                                   —  Meatloaf

Why are we here? Seriously.  That’s one tough question.  In fact, that’s Ground Zero of all questions.  I used to think it was for the pure joy and fun of romping across the fruited plain of life.  Life was short, and I had to get as much fun in as possible.  (Ah, the joys of youth.)  Now?  Well, I know we’re here to try to be there for others:  first, to ease their pain when they figure out that the fool’s quest will never pan out; second, to let them in on the clue that this God that made the world is pretty awesome, and they really ought to know about Him.  Busy life, I’d say.  Have a joyous, wondrous, purpose-filled day.  Amen. 

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 28, 2011

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/20/11

JC SUPER HERO?  NAH!

Jesus Christ would have failed as a super hero.  Sure, He could heal an illness, give sight to the blind, cure a leper.  (Cool.)  Sure, he could wither an under-producing fig tree with a glance.  (Way cool.)  Sure, He could even control the weather and command a storm to stop making such a fuss.  (Awesome.) 

But He never smote an enemy.  Not a one.  (Sigh.)  He didn’t knock down walls or beat up the bad guys.  I mean, imagine Him standing on a hill and mowing down legions of Romans with a flick of His fingers; or at least shutting up some of His major critics, such as the Pharisees, by making them run out of the temple with loose bowels.  You get the picture.  He could have been somebody … somebody BIG.  But He didn’t do anything.  No Captain Israel, this Jesus Christ.

My point:  Not really sure, except that, with all that awesome power, Jesus was not into power.  He wasn’t an avenger; he was (and still is) a Redeemer.  He could have cowed (or impressed) people into following Him, but He did none of that.  He could have blown their doors off, so to speak … but He didn’t.  Instead, He came, he taught us, and then He died for us.  (Way, way, way awesome.)  In that respect, He’s my Super Hero.  Quite a guy and quite a God. – jri

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’  And the wind ceased and there was great calm.” – Mark 4:39

I like the idea of a God who invites me and accepts me rather than one who threatens and beats me.  I don’t follow my God out of fear of being struck down.  I’d go to hell first rather than kneel to that kind of god.  I follow Him because, after years of experience, study, wrong doors and honest questing, I have found that He is a God who makes sense … all the time.  He is consistent and steady, the same loving, caring God when I am ignoring Him on Saturday night as when I am adoring Him on Sunday morning.  I appreciate this God because He lets me fall, and then picks me up when I am down, forgives me when I fail (again and again and again), and stands by me during tough times and good times.  No, He doesn’t spoil me rotten with more earthly blessings than I can handle (and I admit there are times when I wish He would), but He always gives me enough … just what I need, even when I don’t know I need it.  No, my God isn’t an avenging super hero.  He’s God, and what an awesome God He is!     

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 20, 2011

MONDAY THOUGHT 7/18/11

A WEALTHY MAN

People who know me know that, over the last seven years or so, I went from prince to pauper due to poor business decisions, misplaced trust, a few other personal setbacks, and The Great Recession.  During this whole time (well, except for more than a few of those two a.m. agnostic moments), I had a growing awareness that my material losses were being counter-balanced by a wondrous growth in spiritual wealth. 

The biggest thing I lost was not my material wealth, but my cock-of-the-walk attitude, my self-centered, arrogant, self-absorbed, look-at-me pride.  (On television, I recently heard it referred to as “The Church of Me.”)  What I gained:  Wow!  A growing realization (and every-now-and-then peace and understanding, too) that I am not in charge or in control.  Bonus lesson:  That’s a good thing, because I have not a clue what is best for me or what I really want or need. 

My point:  Our wealth has nothing to do with our boats and cars and bank accounts.  All that does is make us arrogant.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with material goods.  I enjoy the good life as much as anyone.  However, the real satisfaction, peace and joy (the “something” that fills that gaping pothole in our souls), that comes from God … from trusting, believing and relying on Him. — jri  

 These days, I work hard, cherish my many blessings, put it all in God’s hands (well, much if not most of it; to say “all” would not be quite true), and appreciate that my enough is certainly more than enough.  I am also keenly aware that it took a sustained series of whackings with a two-by-four across the bridge of my nose for God to get my attention.  In short, the great losses were actually great blessings.  Funny how God works.  Amen.      

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/13/11

WHY ARE WE HERE?

I have an acquaintance – a bit of a reprobate – who snarfs down God’s blessings at the buffet table without the slightest thought of paying the bill.  He is a taker who acknowledges the existence of God (as if God should be grateful), says he tries to be nice to kids and old folks, and then uses and abuses pretty much everyone else.  He never considers the questions:  Okay, God, so why am I here, and what can I do for you? 

 Then I realize, darn, I’m about the same way.  Every day I wake up to a cornucopia of blessings: health, family, love, faith, forgiveness, opportunity, and hope (hope is a big one).  I take them, toss back a mechanical “Thank you, God,” and then gallop off across the landscape in pursuit of my own ever-so-important goals.

My point:  God is pretty darn nice to us.  (If you do not think so, maybe you need to rethink the whole equation, because He is!)  Most of all, unless you’re a turnip, you know – if not openly, at least deep down inside – that all of life and all our blessings come from Him.  So, why are we here?  Well, maybe – just maybe – it is for more than just to scratch out goodies and focus on ourselves.  Maybe – no maybe about it, actually – it is to share our blessings, help others recognize them, and offer it all back to God.  And, most of all, to give thanks!  – jri 

Every once in a while, I marvel at the miracle of my life.  Like the tumblers in a combination lock, I see how many times – and I speak figuratively here — I’ve been shot at and missed or been pulled back from speeding express trains.  From having been spared from abortion (a conscious decision my parents made, against the recommendations of doctors who said carrying me full term would kill my mother; it didn’t) to walking away unscratched from car accidents, to having been spared a wealth of just desserts from foolish decisions of a foolish youth … and older.  No, the fact is that I am blessed, and there are times when the extent of those blessings comes to my mind clearly and powerfully.  My reaction?  Joy at being special in God’s eyes (and we all are, so don’t think I’m His favorite … just one of many), and sadness at having not done more to show my appreciation.  Suggestion:  Today, join me in being grateful, just grateful; no whining, no worrying, no wondering.  Just grateful.  God bless.    

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

July 13, 2011

FRIDAY THOUGHT 7/8/11

OH, YEAH?  PROVE IT!

I know people who believe the most outrageous things, often without thought or proof.  They love what they believe (how they “feel”) mostly because, well, because it is their idea, their thoughts.  In truth, it is an ego thing.  No need to bother them with the facts.  They believe what they choose to believe, even when you hit them with contradictory information … including facts or at least a reasonable degree of probability.  Frustrating.      

When it comes to faith, I’ve had scoffers run me around the flag pole until I broke a sweat.  Still, they clung to their unbelief.  (I’ve had one friend, a good man and honest thinker, step back from that final step to belief by announcing:  “You cannot disprove the existence of God.”  Then he continued in his non-belief.  Very frustrating.) 

My point:  When I read the passage below, I realized that the words are from the lips of Peter, Christ’s close companion.  Now, I know that words may have been gained or lost through various versions over the two hundred or so year gap between when first written and set as gospel (get it?) by the Church, so there is some wiggle room for doubt.  So, I guess my point is that believers will believe, while scoffers will point to possible loop holes.  Sigh.  – jri 

My biggest problem (well, among the top ten, thank you) is that I fall into the trap of thinking I can argue people into belief, rather than just sharing what God has done in my own life, and then letting the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting.  Remember (and this is a note to self, as well), faith is a gift.  We cannot pound the love of God in people’s heads or put them on the rack, as was done during the Inquisition.  No, actually, it seems to me that all we can do are three things:  First, love them (yes, even the toads).  Second, let them know how important God is our lives.  Third, do our best to live our own lives as witnesses to the love of God.  Other than that … well, I guess there is nothing other than that.  God bless.   

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
July 8, 2011

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/6/11

Jekyll & Hyde 

No, I’m not talking about Heckle and Jeckle, the cartoon crows.  I refer to the 1886 novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson about a respected physician, Dr. Jekyll, who took a drug that turned him into a violent killer.  

In this story, Stevenson captured our two natures — good and evil – and the war between the two that is waged within us.  Since some folks hate the idea of “good versus evil,” let me rephrase it as the tug of war between our earthly nature and our spiritual nature: our desire for glory, wealth, comfort, pleasure and self-indulgence versus our desire for true peace, fulfillment, joy … God’s way.  

My point:  Nothing too profound; just that for many of us – or at least for me – life is often a pull-me-push-me challenge in different directions.  Oh, and I guess it’s okay, the way it should be.  That’s because if we lose the battle, we will not be able to recognize good from evil; if we win it every day, we risk becoming smug moralists.  So, enjoy the contest.  – jri 

I admit that I especially like the final line from today’s verse: Please don’t give up on me!  I find that some people give up on God (a friend once told me matter-of-factly that, due to the untimely — and unrelated — deaths of two children and his wife, he and God were not on speaking terms.)  Me? I’m fine with God; it’s me I tend to give up on.  Still, I confess that part of me enjoys the battle, recognizing that if God sees something good in me, maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.  God bless.       

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
July 6, 2011

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 6/29/11

THE ROCK!

No, this isn’t about my Boxer, Rocky, though he can be inspiring.  It is about St. Peter, my favorite saint – brash, rash, impetuous, the first to stand by Christ … and the first to run away and abandon him.  

Peter was the most unlikely choice by Jesus to be “the Rock” He chose to lead the Church.  But choose him He did.  And the greatest miracle is in the transformation of this man from the unsteady, unreliable Simon — who denied the Lord three times — into the bold, brave Peter who fearlessly proclaimed the Good News, even when it meant he would suffer a painful, slow death by crucifixion (though asking that it be done to him upside down, since he was unworthy to die as Jesus did).     

My point:  One is that there are no impossibilities.  Even the most unlikely among us can be transformed to do the work God has chosen for us.  Nothing is impossible.  Second, do we speak out or do we hide our faith from the world?  We also can become the rocks upon which the Good News is spread and shared with all who need it … and we all need it. – jri

I fell into a local Bible study group last evening, something I had let slip away from common practice.  It was marvelous, sitting at a table with seven other clay-footed seekers of the Truth.  We came from many different churches:  Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, nondenominational Bible-based.  But we all had one thing in common: a desire to learn, grow in faith, and share.  I recommend it.  Find a faith-based group of seekers.  The blessings are amazing.  Have a joy-filled day of closeness to the Lord.

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
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204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
June 29, 2011

TUESDAY THOUGHT 6/28/11

THE LAUNDRY-LIST, GIMME PRAYER 

Lord, give me this.  Lord, give me that.  Lord, help me.  Lord, Lord, Lord.  Too often, that is what we do, or at least it is what I do, when we pray.  I’m no theologian, but I’m also not all that sure that this is how we should be praying … reciting a long list of very specific gimme prayers.  

Why?  Because I have come to believe that we may know what we want (sometimes), but we have not a clue what we really need (often) or, more specifically, what God wants for us.  

My point:  Why not just sit back, stop worrying and petitioning for favors … and let God decide?  How about this prayer:  “Lord, please grant me what you want”?  — jri

 I have learned that my “life model” is not all that rewarding at times.  Days filled with goals and tasks and to-do lists, even big achievements, are not all that satisfying in and of themselves.  It is only when I set out each day offering my efforts to God that any of it really makes sense.  My challenge:  becoming a better listener to the Word of God.  Have a joyful, God-filled day.  

MONDAY THOUGHT 6/27/11

HERE I AM 

A friend gave the sermon on Sunday that blew me away.  He explained how Abraham totally trusted in God.  Whenever God promised him something, he believed.  And whenever God called upon him, he always replied, “Here I am,” and then just did it, with full trust and without hesitation.  Example:  God promised Abraham a son, but he had to wait until he was 99 years old.  Then God told him to sacrifice that precious son, Isaac, as a burnt offering.  Abraham never hesitated (though God intervened at the last moment).  

I cannot help but compare my own timid, whining responses to God’s challenges.  I’m consistent that, when he tests me, I pretty much fail one hundred percent of the time, clay-footed soul that I am.  Make me a promise and make me wait for a few days or a few hours, and I begin doubting, cursing my luck and my lot.     

My point:  I think I’m not alone in that my faith is a weak thing, always in need of constant reassurance and fulfillment.  My only consolation:  No matter how many times I fail to live in God’s trust and faith, no matter how many times I doubt or hesitate, I know I am forgiven … and then given yet another opportunity.  Next time.  Here I am Lord.  Ask away! — jri  

Comfort for the clay-footed:  As my friend Deacon Jerry Kuehn pointed out in his sermon, “True faith is always tested.”  Have a joyous, strength-filled day.  God bless.        

John Ingrisano   

DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
June 27, 2011

FRIDAY THOUGHT 6/17/11

JUST LISTEN

I have known some people for years who have no idea who I am, what I do, whether or not I have a family, my likes, dislikes, pains and joys.  They view our relationship, if you could call it that, as an opportunity to talk to me and at me about themselves.  

We can be that way with God.  Our prayers can be a one-sided yack session during which we talk to God.  We complain to Him, petition Him, and, on occasion, thank Him.  Maybe we need to just listen now and then.  

My point:  We can pray in total silence, just listening.  As Samuel did, we can just say, “Here I am, Lord” and let Him talk for a while.  Try it.  Just open your heart and your mind to God.  He does have some pretty neat things to say.  – jri

Reminder:  God loves us as we are – flawed, failed and broken, even when we are arrogant and unaware of our flaws and brokenness.  So, choose to be happy.  Revel in it.  Let the joy of God’s love in and just savor it.  Ahhhhhhhh.      

John Ingrisano   

DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
June 17, 2011

THURSDAY THOUGHT 6/16/11

AWESOME GOD

 It wasn’t all that long ago – I’m going to say seven years – that I was on the ropes:  a business venture about to fail, along with a marriage; children who either barely tolerated me or didn’t talk to me at all; once significant assets slipping away, to the point where, each month, I would never be sure if I could pay my bills.  In short, my life was a train wreck.    

One thing I did have was faith.  Even on those nights when I would awake at three AM with my stomach in a cold knot of terror, I would talk to God (sometimes yell, I admit it), pray and hope.  Today?  Well, my life is rich beyond my wildest dreams.  God took away everything I had and cared about … and then He blessed me with more and better than I could ever have imagined.  He stripped me of all that I had (and much of who I was) and restored me, redeemed, resurrected me.  I am rich today, but in a very different way than before.  

My point:  If God is a good God (and I believe He is), then He is ALWAYS good.  The times He trims us back and prunes us are times when He is making us ready for new growth.  Be patient.  Be true.  God does not forget us. – jri 

Just for the record, today I am surrounded by the love of three wondrous, caring children; five healthy, beautiful, silly grandchildren; other family members who love me; good friends; a nice home in a nice town; a woman who loves me in spite of the fact that she knows me; a church that is truly a faith home; new business opportunities; even a few bucks in the bank.  Just as important, my life is drama-free and more peace-filled and balanced than ever before.  In short, I am blessed in ways I’d never imagined possible.  Awesome!  I pray for the same for you.  God bless.   

TUESDAY THOUGHT 6/14/11

RADICAL FAITHFULNESS

Imagine wanting something so badly in your life that it becomes an obsession.  That’s what Hannah did in the Old Testament.  She wanted a child, but for years she was barren.  Finally, God granted her request.  

And then – and this is the best part – she did not coddle the boy, pamper him, spoil him or smother him.  No, as soon as he was weaned, as she had promised, she gave the boy, Samuel, to God, physically handing him over to Eli the prophet.  Even then, did she mope or whine or feel she’d gotten the dirty end of the stick?  No.  She was joyful. (Check out her song in 1 Samuel 2:1-11.)

In my own life, I have discovered (again and again) that graciously accepting and embracing God’s will doesn’t necessarily get me the goodies on my wish list.  However, it does ALWAYS bring me greater faith and peace and strength, totally because God has so much better in store for me.  Yes, it may involve pain and loss, but it will also be accompanied by joy.  Funny how it works … actually, I don’t have a clue how it works.  But it does!  God bless.