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WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 9/1/10

A GOD OF FRIENDSHIP

I think my biggest problem with God over the years was that I’d rather go to hell than submit and kneel to a demanding, angry God.  I wasn’t going to be cowed into obedience.  The more I felt he wanted to push me to my knees, the more stiff-necked I became.  I think I’ve finally figured out that this junkyard dog, nasty god-image (yes, lower case here) reflected my life view (rough, tough and very defensive) more than anything. 

Today, having let peace and trust and love into my life, along with loving, caring people, I find – guess what?  Surprise!  Surprise! – that the God I’ve been wrestling with is a God of love and friendship.  (He could have crushed me in an instant, but never pinned me or imposed upon me.)  I like this guy … like Him a lot.  And I’m finding that Jesus is more big bro and buddy who I can admire and look up to than judge of my many foibles and flaws. Pretty neat. 

My point:  Not all that sure, except that I’m very much enjoying (finally!) this voyage of discovery … learning and seeing things I’d never imagined.  And it wasn’t so much that God was distant or angry, but that I was blocking Him, refusing to let Him in.  Oh, and btw, when I kneel down in prayer, it is with respect and joy.  Yes, I do sometimes struggle still with the idea of a God of love and friendship, but I am getting to genuinely like and trust this God of mine. – jri

TUESDAY THOUGHT 8/31/10

THANKS.  NOW GET LOST!

One of my stray-dog acquaintances, whose hobby is adultery (as if deceiving his wife and using other women were a skill of which to be proud), readily admitted to me that he believes in God, acknowledging that He “got me through cancer and lots of tough times.”  “And so what do you do for God?” I asked.  He stared at me blankly.

Now, I’m no expert, but it seems to me that there’s not much of a relationship going on here between him and God.  When he needs something, I suspect he prays.  And if he gets what he wants … well, that’s that; it’s a pretty self-centered, one-way relationship. 

My point:  That’s not how you treat a friend.  Yes, it is easy to forget the suffering (and the gratitude) once the pain is removed.  And I also suspect that God hears a whole lot more “Help me!” prayers than “Thank you!” prayers.  Instead, celebrate the blessings with simple gratitude.    – jri

MONDAY THOUGHT 8/30/10

GOOD FROM EVIL

I sometimes think we spend way too much time trying to figure out God’s playbook, rather than just sitting back and enjoying the game. 

For example, this fellow called Jesus gets arrested, tortured and murdered, but from that, with his resurrection, comes the birth of Christianity and hope for the world.  Saul, a maniacal zealot gets knocked down in a bright light, spends three days blind (talk about a depressing, terrifying turn of events for him), and ends up as one of the great representatives of God, spreading His word far and wide.  Or Stephen, the first martyr, in whose death Saul/Paul was an accomplice: After Stephen’s death, the believers were scattered, which actually helped spread the faith. 

My point:  God’s ways are beyond our comprehension.  He transforms evil into good.  How?  We have as much chance of figuring that out as my dog Rocky has of understanding the workings of the internal combustion engine that powers my car.  He just enjoys the ride … and takes the rest on faith.  Good advice for all of us.  – jri 

FRIDAY THOUGHT8/27/10

COMPANIONSHIP WITH GOD 

Confession time:  Though gentle as a cuddly teddy bear today, I was an angry young man.  It was really a defense, a shield against fear.  Then I realized that anger, though it protected me against hurt, kept me from enjoying the companionship and friendship of others.  Worse still, it all too often hurt them as well.  So, recognizing that anger is a choice, I chose to give it up.  One problem:  For a long time, that had been the only tool in my problem-solving toolbox.  It took years of practice to replace anger with compassion, understanding, relationship-building skills and love.

I’m finding a similar challenge today, but this time with God’s offer of peace and joy.  See, I’m better in a dogfight than in peace and harmony.  So, like my Boxer Rocky upon meeting a stranger, I tend to sniff the hand, back away, and in confusion and uncertainty, struggle to decide whether to run off, leap about in playful joy … or attack.  But I do know that I am being offered this amazing gift of companionship and friendship from a God in whom I believe … but do not always trust.  Give me time. 

My point:  Many of us have difficulty understanding and accepting the love and blessings of a God who often seems remote, abstract, silent.  Oh, but by the way, I am finding that – albeit, ever so slowly – as I try to make the choice to accept these blessings (and am forgiven and allowed to return again and again after I’ve run off in confusion), I am not only learning to trust my God, but also glimpsing the incredible promise of peace and joy.” Wow! – jri 

TUESDAY THOUGHT 8/24/10

CONFUSED BY JOY 

Supposedly, C.S. Lewis went from atheism to a deep and profound belief while riding in the sidecar of a motorcycle driven by his brother on the way to visit the zoo.  He described the experience as being “surprised by joy.”

Well, joy puzzles me, and I suspect I’m not alone.  As I encounter the joy of faith and God’s blessings from time to time, I get almost panicky, want to do something to derail the feeling.  I think that’s because I am more comfortable in war than in peace.  I am also lousy at accepting compliments.  Still, I’m working on it.  (It reminds me of the time I elected to give up anger – seeing it as a choice, not something outside my control — as a means of solving problems, yet had no other tool to replace it, though I eventually found that patience and gentleness worked out just fine.)

My point:  Many people refuse joy, perhaps because they think – wrongly so, btw – that they do not deserve it.  If you are confused by joy, I invite you to resist the temptation to undo it. Instead, revel in it.  It is gift from God.  Enjoy. – jri

MONDAY THOUGHT 8/23/10

SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

This one’s a bit long and rambling.  Sorry. 

People who know me tell me I not only love to talk, but I can be a tad loud.  I’ve been asked to leave libraries (I was only whispering, honest), told how Julie and I are a perfect match (she’s rather hard of hearing, but has no trouble hearing me) and reminded that I take after my mother (she and her friend, Clara, across the street, didn’t need a phone to talk). 

So, you can imagine how challenging it was for me to spend three days at the Episcopal monastery of St. Julian in Waukesha, Wisconsin last week. Most of the day is spent in silence.  I was the only guest and I dined with the sisters and monks, who take their meals in silence, as well.  

At first, it was terrible and not just figuring out how to get the butter passed down my way.  It was mostly that, in my experience, when people don’t talk at the table, they’re mad at each other.  The silence was oppressive.  It was a struggle, but I actually got to relax and begin to enjoy it by the time I left, reveling in the silent community around me. 

BTW, it was a wondrous time of reflection, private prayer, prayer services, long walks, simple meals, sleeping and reading.  I recommend it.  In the past, I’d retreated to a monastery in times of great challenge or pain, praying for strength and guidance.  

This time was different.  I was there to offer thanks for deliverance from some pretty long struggles, mostly serious financial threats.  Not only have my prayers for relief been answered (and thank you again for your prayers as well), but I received so many other blessings … grace like rain falling upon me.  

So, this time, I prayed in thanksgiving.  I found myself thinking about the gifts I’d received – among them these strange things called peace and joy – and how to accept them.  (I’m not good at compliments or accepting gifts and tend to torpedo ships when the sailing is too easy.) 

But I also just listened … just shut up and listened.  Amazing how much God has to say and how, in silence, the soul learns to listen.

The icing on the cake:  I left Sunday morning after mass and met my family – all my children, their spouses and significant others, and all five of my grandchildren  – for a loud, raucous, joyful, playful group birthday celebration (since many of my family have been born in August) at a county park and lake.  All are healthy, stable, with no attitudes or agendas.  Blessings like rain! 

It has been a glorious, wondrous past few days, filled to overflowing with silent blessings and noisy, raucous ones.  Both loud and silent, a time filled with peace and joy, proof that nothing is impossible and that from the darkest depths of pain and despair, light and abundant joy may spring.  But I’ve spoken enough for one day.  Ssssshhhhhhh.   – jri

TUESDAY THOUGHT 8/17/10

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES & BISHOPS

My youngest child, Angie, soon to be 31, got it right years ago, in spite of  the suspicion that her religious education could have been better conducted by wolves.  Not only was it a time of mindlessly vacuous religious ed in the Catholic Church; but I was a stern father who would question my children at the dinner table about what they had learned that day or just read; and Angie, who was as sharp as a tack otherwise, had a knack for dropping all comprehension when the spotlight hit her (and the snickering and giggling of her siblings, Jonny and Nicky, didn’t’ help much, either).  So, when we would read at the table or I would question her about what she’d learned at religious education that day, she’d freeze in terror, search her suddenly empty memory banks, and then mumble hopefully, “Jesus loves us?” before punching her sister for laughing. 

As it turns out, she had good company.  South Africa’s Bishop Desmond Tutu, one of my few heroes in this world, had the same message.  He once said in a video that he only preached one sermon:  Jesus loves us.

My point:  Not all that sure, except that maybe Angie was smarter than we all thought.  But mostly that this is the message of our Lord:  We should never lose hope because no matter how tough or dark a situation is, Jesus is with us … always.  And he loves us like we could never imagine. – jri

THURSDAY THOUGHT 8/12/10

THE REFORMED HEATHEN

I confess that I look fondly back on my heathen days.  Life was so much simpler.  I made up my own rules:  Live and let live, but don’t’ tread on me; revenge is not sweet, but it is necessary; rip the throats out of the wolves who prey on the sheep of the world; and have fun.  I was a pretty self-satisfied, swell fellow.  

Then I went and found God.  Ruined everything.  Before that, I knew He was around, but we traveled in different circles.  He left me alone and I left Him alone.  Thanks to Him, now I’m keenly aware of my shortcomings, and I spend my days trying to live by His rules and up to His faith in me.  I’m a little less smug these days.  Still….  

My point:  Life was easier, in one sense, when I was a self-absorbed heathen.  But these days, in spite of the “gift” of being able to see my many flaws, my life is so much more meaningful, satisfying, real and, yes, joyful.  Thanks, Lord. – jri 

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 8/11/10

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE…

It seems to me that we are all born with a wondrous thirst, a restless need to seek after something far beyond ourselves, something to fulfill and fill the holes in our souls.  Mostly, we seek it in temporal things: dedication to physical training; worship of a favorite sports team; belief in a positive “ism”; charity and love for others; that sort of thing.  There are also poor choices: philandering (gotta love that word); booze; drugs; overzealous acquisition (aka greed).  All have the ability to slake one’s thirst … but only temporarily.  Then there’s  always the need for something more or something different.  Always!

So, when Jesus comes along and talks about “living water,” the kind that will take away the thirst for everything else, ya gotta be curious.  Imagine that something that takes away the restless seeking, that heals the festering wound, that says it’s okay to be who we are, that washes away – for good – the pain of the past.  Wow! 

My point:  In all our thirsting, maybe we should thirst for an understanding of God.  Sure, run five miles a day and enjoy the runner’s high; sure, cheer for the Green Bay Packers and celebrate when they win; sure, enjoy a good meal with friends and be pleased when you do a good deed.  But know that it all means little without the gift of grace and faith from God, that living water, which is all we really seek or need.  – jri

MONDAY THOUGHT 8/9/10

The Hissers

On several occasions, I’ve been flat-out screwed by “friends”:  one embezzled money and spent a year or so in jail; another offered his services to my wife while she and I were going through a divorce.  (I know, I know, I need to get a better class of friends.)  Here’s the funny part:  Not only did they never attempt to apologize or atone for their betrayal, but they regarded me with hatred and anger. 

It can be that way with faith and God, too.  The majority of mockers I have encountered (A) do not believe in God and (B) blame Him for their troubles.  Or then there are quasi-believers who have screwed up so badly that they hiss their anger at God, never believing they have a chance for redemption.

My point:  a fuzzy one, at best, but here goes:  I believe that the angry hisser is more scared, hurting and lost than angry.  That’s why he or she mocks and berates our God, sort of like the sour grapes we can feel when all the good stuff is going on inside the party and we believe our invitation was never sent (though it was actually misplaced by us or lost in the mail, and all we have to do is show up at the door to be welcomed).  So, be patient with the hissers.  They are really curious about what you see in all this faith stuff. – jri 

As I read over what I’ve just written, I fear it may have a patronizing, superior tone.  That is not my intent.  I have nothing over doubters, except the grace-bestowed gift of faith.  It’s just that I was once one of them, and I always feel sad at the memory of that feeling … and joyful when I realize where my faith has brought me.  Peace & joy.

THURSDAY THOUGHT 8/5/10

WHAT THE BIBLE MISSED

Now, far be it for me to tell God how to do His job.  However, it seems to me that one of the greatest chapters of the Bible was left out – the one that tells how Peter went from dopey, pig-headed, clay-footed fisherman to forgiven, inspired man of super faith!

As many of you know, Peter is my favorite saint because he was so very human, so incredibly fallible.  But (perhaps because of this?) Peter was the Lord’s chosen one, forgiven time and time again.  Still, I would give a year’s worth of life to read the story where Jesus and Peter met after Peter’s betrayal after Jesus was arrested and how Jesus said (I paraphrase here): “Peter, it’s okay.  I love you dearly, not despite your weaknesses, but because of who you are, a man of passion and faith.  You’re in charge now … and you’ll do just fine.” 

The real point:  I guess all we really need to know is the “before” Peter and the  “after” Peter, the one who, finally, stood firm, stood boldly, even to the point of eventually being martyred.  And never forget that all things are possible.  Still, wouldn’t you love to have been a fly on the wall during that conversation? – jri 

TUESDAY THOUGHT 8/3/10

TOTAL FAITH 

The story of Gideon going up against the Midianites just tickles me.  Imagine planning to go into war with an army of 35,000 men.  But then God says to send 25,000 home.  Okay, 10,000 isn’t all that bad.  But wait, there’s more.  Then God pared down the number to a puny 300.  

Then — yes, it gets better —  Gideon divided these 300 into three groups.  In one hand, each man carried a trumpet, in the other a torch hidden in a clay pot.  No other weapons!  They “surrounded” a camp of thousands of enemy soldiers in the middle of the night and let loose: blowing the trumpets, smashing open the pots with the torches and shouting, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon.” 

My point:  Talk about faith!  God gave Gideon the seemingly most ridiculous instructions, and Gideon, followed them without question.  (He also must have been a pretty good leader, because his men also apparently obeyed without question.)  Lord, give me a tenth of one percent of the faith you gave Gideon.  – jri 

Let today be a day of faith, total faith.  You have nothing to lose.  Place all your hopes, fears and concerns in God’s hands.  And then just enjoy a carefree, wondrous day.  Peace & Joy. 

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
Family Finances Conference Center
Custom Communications
204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
August 3, 2010

THURSDAY THOUGHT 7/29/10

The Good News Is …

The good news is … bad times end.  I know a couple who have had a triple dose of struggles lately, not an iota of good fortune.  The wife’s son, mid-30s, died suddenly of a heart attack about a year ago.  The husband has had major illnesses that put him in the hospital for about a month.  Even though he is about ready to return to work, his old company has gone belly up.  Financially, they are pretty close to destitute.  Emotionally, I do not know how they are hanging on at all.  

I saw her the other day and said, “You know, there is such a thing as good luck, too.  You’re about due.”  She smiled a weak, tired smile.  I think just acknowledging her struggles may have lifted a few ounces of the five-ton burden she and her husband bear.

My point, two actually:  First, people often feel alone in their struggles.  Acknowledging them, letting them know we care, can make a big difference in their lives.  Second, bad times end.  As Christians, we believe – we MUST believe – that everything has a purpose, that God knows our predicaments, and that it all makes sense, even if we do not understand how. – jri

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/28/10

DRY SPELLS

I have a recurring dream.  In it, I am sitting on the ground in the sun in a vast wasteland, a brown/tan desert, and I am looking at the dusty brown/tan walls of a city.  Everything appears to be arid, scorched, dry, lifeless.  But I can see through the gates of the city, which are open.  Inside is a lush, green, rich garden, with pools and fountains.  I know this to be the Holy City, Heaven, a goal for which we strive during our lives. 

I awoke this morning thinking about that dream and also about a song, a variation of my favorite “Amazing Grace,” called “Grace Like Rain” — not a bit surprised, with all the rain we have had this season.  However, I imagined grace falling on us like a downpour, a cloudburst, filling the dry and cracked creek beds of our lives with life-renewing strength and faith.

My point:  A tad fuzzy this morning, I admit.  I  think it is that no matter how dry and hopeless and challenging our lives may be at times, all it takes is one wondrous rain to renew our souls, slake our thirst and restore our lives. — – jri

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see so clearly

Chorus:
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away

                   –    Todd Agnew (Grace Like Rain)

Be joyful today.  Many of us could go toe-to-toe with each other swapping stories about our daily challenges and struggles.  Put them in God’s hands and ask for a downpour of His amazing grace.  Peace & Joy. 

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
Family Finances Conference Center
Custom Communications
204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
July 28, 2010

MONDAY THOUGHT 7/26/2010

The Shortest Prayer

At the core, it seems to me that everyone yearns for two things: Peace & Joy.  We fight our demons daily – whether it be poverty, alcoholism, fear, depression, one obsession or another, uncertainty and doubt or (fill in blank here). 

That’s what I think about when I read in the psalms about enemies (which, historically, generally referred to King David’s prayers to be rescued from those who would slay or depose him).  To us, it seems to me, our enemies are the forces of evil – demons, if you will – that would keep us from the amazing peace and joy of close communion and community with God, that knowledge beyond knowledge that, for me, fills me with energy and enthusiasm by day and makes me sleepy and contented at night.  

My point:  My prayer for you is simply this – P & J.  Amen.  — jri 

FRIDAY THOUGHT 7/23/10

“God Doesn’t Waste Pain”

 That’s what a friend said to me the other day.  Perhaps 50 years ago, this man’s father had committed suicide.  To this day, the scars on his soul remain close to the surface.  But as he told me, God didn’t waste his pain.  With his own family, he became a terrific father himself, perhaps better than he might have become if not forced to deal with the loss of his father.  And then just recently, another mutual friend called him , seeking something – an explanation, solace, something – having just learned that his own father had just taken his life.  At the very least, he was able to understand and share the pain.     

I’ve also spoken of a young woman, a doctor, who got involved in addiction.  Clean and sober now, she will soon begin working with pregnant women who are substance abusers.  Her pain and experience will enable her to help others.  God doesn’t waste pain. 

My point:  God has a purpose.  He can turn pain and sorrow into joy and understanding.  Be patient in your own struggles.  Don’t question them or doubt God.  He does know what He is doing.  – jri 

FRIDAY THOUGHT 7/16/10

WWJD?

My mother was no patsy, was never afraid to march up to someone and sharply share what she thought … in no uncertain terms.  On the other hand, she also seemed to care about pretty much everyone, found some good in most people, even the clown who had just stolen her parking space (though she might tell him that she wouldn’t be surprised if someone “keyed” his car door someday).  She was not vengeful or spiteful, rarely took offense, but would laugh at a cutting insult and say, “Yeah, you just may be right.”  

The first time I saw one of those WWJD bracelets, I thought of my mother.  I don’t think she had one, and I’m not sure if she ever actually asked herself, “What Would Jesus Do?”  She just seemed to know how to love people.  It was simple:  Like a happy puppy of a sheepdog (forgive the analogy, Mom), she’d get the biggest kick out of everyone she met.     

My point:  Beats me today.  I think it’s that we don’t have to judge or decide what we think of people.  All we have to do is love them, all of them, even the ones, to quote my mother, who “did us dirt.”  So, let go of anger (ah, that’s my point; knew I’d find it somewhere), forget about slights and wrongs done to you and just do what Jesus would do. – jri

TUESDAY THOUGHT 7/13/10

Why Did Jesus Do It?

I’ve worked in the life insurance industry for better than 30 years, so I was surprised when someone mentioned the other day that “life insurance is such a depressing subject.”  On the contrary, I explained, life insurance is a terrific idea.  It’s about love and life and taking care of loved ones.  Life insurance is for the living, and it’s far from depressing. 

In the same respect, I’ve heard people say that God must be one terrible, mean, cruel fellow to torture and murder His own son … or at least to allow others to torture and murder him.  It seems true, and if so, it certainly flies in the face of the loving God we hang our Christian hats on.  But it’s not true.  

My point:  It’s not like (or so it seems to me) God ordered His Son to come down here and get slaughtered like a helpless lamb.  I suspect Jesus volunteered, and He did it as a very loving gesture.  That’s the point, especially when you consider that Jesus showed us how He overcame death and we can do the same.  That makes God – both Father and Son – a pretty good and loving God in my book. — jri   

FRIDAY THOUGHT 7/9/10

PRACTICING FAITH WITHOUT A LICENSE

We all have a ministry.  In its simplest, boiled-down-to-the-nub core, it is to “love one another.”  Additionally, I believe it is to help, support, comfort and pray for one another.  Still, who am I to speak of such things?  Nobody, really.  I’ve never been to seminary; nor have I been stopped dead in my tracks by a burning, talking bush.   So I guess you could say that I am practicing faith without a license. 

However, at the risk of smite-me-down heresy, I think that’s okay.  Our Lord had no divinity degree either.  No, I do not “speak with authority;” just from the heart.  I attempt to share in these periodic ramblings things I have learned in my search for truth, which has led me to God.  So, if I screw up or offend, I ask your forgiveness.

But that’s not my point:  My point is that I believe we all have a ministry to love one another and share the Good News of God’s love.  We may get it wrong.  We may not be experts.  Don’t claim to be.  Just witness to what the Lord has done in your life.  And let God take it from there. – jri 

THURSDAY THOUGHT 7/8/10

A Rocky Lesson

This could be sub-titled, “Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned from my Dog.”  Rocky (aka Pig Face) and I were on the trail the other day.  It was hot, borderline too hot for a smush-nosed Boxer, whose tongue, half the size of Montana, was hanging to his toes.  So, he kept trying to get into some stagnant water beside the trail.  It looked great to him, the answer to his prayers.  However, I knew that slimy green soup would rip his stomach to shreds, so I kept calling him off.  He didn’t understand, but went along … and he got some clean water back at the car.  

I think it’s that way with us and God sometimes.  We’re thirsty (oh, I love this analogy) for something spiritual, something to fill the hole in our souls, something to quench the fire inside us.  And we see what looks like the answer to our prayers and we really don’t know that there might be anything wrong with what we want.  But (and here’s the hard part) if God decides NOT to give us the shiny brass ring for which we are yearning, that’s because He has something better waiting.  He knows this would rip us up. 

My point:  Just as Rocky has no idea why I denied him his swamp stew, we can no more truly understand why God denies us something.  Oh, we can moan and gripe, but we might as well just trust.  God does know what He is doing … always.  – jri

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 7/7/10

Faith 101

I remember how one my children’s soccer coaches explained the game: “It’s real simple, kids – just bring the ball down the field and put it in the net.”

Faith is kind of like that.  Just put everything in God’s hands and try as best you can to live a life according to His rules.  Do that (and, yes, you do know the rules), and, even amid a world swirling in chaos, you can sit in the eye of the storm in perfect peace.  Sure, easier said than done … but quite doable, if you put it in God’s hands.  

My point:  Just for today (you can worry about tomorrow tomorrow, if you like), let your heart and your mind be God-centered.  Give up anger, fear, jealousy, destructive desires, and worry.  Just trust.  Trust in His strength, in His forgiveness, and most of all, in His love.  Let it go and let it happen. – jri

TUESDAY THOUGHT 7/6/10

CERTAINTY

Okay, let’s keep in mind that nobody really understands how God works.  We’re guessing, we’re hoping, we’re praying.  And here’s the really frustrating part:  Just when we think we have it all figured out and our hearts and heads are in “the zone,” we go to sleep and during the night the wind in the willows erases or makes vague that which we knew for certain the evening before.  

Of what are we certain?  For me, it’s just that this man, Jesus Christ, who truly did live and die (and many say, including me, that he rose from the dead and is the Son of God), sparked a wildfire in those who knew Him.  And it was way more than some “ism” or belief “system,” but real and powerful enough that those who followed Him stuck with Him even after His death … very often unto their own deaths as well. 

My point:  A serious and critically-thinking fellow, I have a wobbly faith that feeds on hope and that knows beyond knowing, with certainty, that the Lord is true and real and with us to this day.  And, yes, it is a faith based on hope. – jri 

THURSDAY THOUGHT 7/1/10

SECURITY

Remember when Jesus fed the five thousand?  Afterwards, He had the disciples collect the leftovers.  Now, if I had been among that group, sleepy after a big meal, I would have most likely seen the disciples coming and quickly stashed a few hunks of bread and three or four fish in my pocket.  Give it back?  No way.  It would be a long way home.    

The fact is Christ gave them their daily bread, not a freezer stuffed full of goodies.  But that’s how we tend to think:  Sure, God, this was a great meal, but what about tomorrow?  It’s the quest for security … and it keeps us always in a state of insecurity.

My point:  Life is risky business, and we waste way too much time trying to eliminate the risk in our lives, rather than trusting that God has a plan for us, and it’s not our business to figure it out, pre-approve it, or try to bargain for a bigger hunk of bread.  Trust in God.  Enjoy the trip. – jri

MONDAY THOUGHT 6/28/10

Step Back From the “I Want!”

It was 15 years ago this month, in June 1995, that I spent five days in prayer, silence, and soul wrestling in a private retreat at a monastery south of Dubuque.  My life had been shattered, as my wife of 23 years had told me she wanted out, had found her true soul mate. 

I entered the monastery angry and scared.  I left five days later fortified in strength and faith.  It was the beginning for me, as I slowly began to loosen my grasp on what I call the “I want” syndrome, in which I had always used God for my purposes.  I left with a simple thought:  “Lord, I wish not only to accept your will, or even to embrace your will, but to seek your will and to do your will.  Amen.” 

My point:  Let go of what you want and open your heart, your soul and your mind to the joys and possibilities God has waiting for you.  No, I’m not going to tell you that my life has been a stroll down Easy Street since 1995.  On the contrary, it has been a series of challenges.  But wherever I have walked, I believe that, when I try to let God guide me, my footsteps, my trials and my joys all have a wondrous purpose … God’s purpose. – jri

Enjoy the many blessings of this day, and be sure to share them with others, especially those who feel abandoned.  God bless.

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
Family Finances Conference Center
Custom Communications
204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
June 28, 2010

THURSDAY THOUGHT 6/24/10

We Are the Miracle Workers 

I have friends who do not believe in miracles, who say that such things, if they ever took place, are oddities of the past and not of today.  Nor do they believe that God directly intercedes/intervenes in the affairs of this world.  They believe (if they believe at all) that God gave us the instruction book, dropped us off on this scary planet, and beat feet back to … well, only God knows where.

But they do not realize that God gave us the power to perform miracles.  No, God may not speak to us from a burning bush, but He gave us the voice to do so.  Just as important, He gave us the ability to act and to – and here’s a novel idea  – love one another. 

My point:  God chose us to be miracle workers.  We are His servants (correction, His sons and daughters, not his servants) empowered to perform miracles of transformation in the hearts and lives of others.  We are His instruments.  We have tremendous power to turn pain into healing, loneliness into love, fear into peace, doubt into faith. – jri 

I hate to be a bother, but would you please put me on your prayer list.  I am facing some challenges and need the support of some of you miracle workers.  Thank you and God bless.

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
Family Finances Conference Center
Custom Communications
204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
June 24, 2010