I would awake every morning, open my eyes and (at least now that I have given up alcohol), smile and say: “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this day … for my faith, for my forgiveness, for my family, for my friends.”  I never thought about love, I mean God’s love.  Seriously.  It just never crossed my mind. 

Then one recent morning, as I awoke, without thinking, out of my mouth popped the words, “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your love.”  I was floored and have pondered the meaning (I mean the real meaning) of those words since.  I mean, I have no idea how or why God would love me.  Plus, how do I respond?  How do I love God back?  This is going to take some time.  Seriously. 

My point:  Sure, it’s the obvious:  God loves us.  Yes?  Go on.  And that means … what?  All I do know is that pretty much every day, every bend in the road brings some new terrain to enjoy, absorb, ponder, and experience on this wondrous faith adventure I am traveling and travailing.  So, God loves me.  Hmmm.  Why had I never thought of that before?

I now greet every morning with the words, “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your love.”  It’s sort of like an umbrella prayer; it covers everything:  His gift of faith, his gift of health, his gift of forgiveness, his gift of family, friends and other loved ones.  Though far from perfectly, I am starting to understand that it’s not about MY blessings, but about HIS gift of my blessings.  Hmmmm.  As I said, this will take some pondering.  Have a joyful, wondrous day as you travel down your own faith journey road.   God has already blessed you.  All you have to do is open your eyes, look around, and then say “Wow” and “Thank you, Lord.”     

John Ingrisano   

DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722
February 6, 2012

I work alone, live alone, travel alone.  Writing is a solitary job, and I work out of my home.  I also travel a lot these days.  (A recent three-week seminar schedule covers a lot of territory: Tampa, Nashville, Houston, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Indianapolis, Chicago.)  Yes, I admit it, there are times when I get lonely.  Still …. 

Superman had his Fortress of Solitude.  Jesus would retreat to the hills or desert now and then to pray and be alone.  I understand that need.  I love people, and I have loving friends and family throughout the country and overseas.  And I meet new, spiritually enriching people every day.  But I also have grown to love, cherish, and appreciate my solitude.  I love it not for the aloneness, but for the opportunity it brings me to enjoy the closeness to my own spirit and my relationship with God.  In this respect, you could say that God is my traveling companion, and He’s darn good company.

My point:  We all have times in our lives when we are alone, either by choice or circumstances.  Enjoy the time to better get to know yourself and your Lord. – jri

I know people who are terrified of being alone.  They have to call someone, put up noise by scanning the radio or television dial, rush out to the mall, a restaurant, or a bar.  Being alone can be scary.  It is also an opportunity.  The next time you are alone, try just sitting.  Again, just sitting, not doing, not problem solving, not making a mental to-do list … but just being.  Or if you feel the need to fill the void, start a conversation with God by saying, “Hi, God, what’s new?”  May you be blessed this day with the vision to see and appreciate your blessings. 

John Ingrisano

Daily Connections

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

February 3, 2012

I don’t know about you, but every day, I tend to judge and assess the day.  I do this by myself, as well as when anyone asks, “How are you today?” as I go through some mental left-side, right-side inventory of good stuff, bad stuff.     

But isn’t every day a blessing, a gift from God?  Sure, we may not always see it as such (this past month, one friend had a stroke, another was diagnosed with leukemia, so I suspect neither one of them is all that thrilled with these blessings), but it is all in God’s hands.  If He is good, He is good all the time.  So, even if something makes no sense to us, that does not mean that it makes no sense.

My point:  That’s where trust comes in, pure and simple faith in God and His promise.  So, maybe we need to stop judging the days that God gives us.  They’re all God’s days, and they’re all blessings.  – jri

I have a melancholy streak that runs through me.  I get that from my father.  (This is often at conflict with the joy I get from my mother’s temperament.)  So, once in a while I get the blues, a sadness that washes over me.  However, I have learned – correction, God has taught me – to just sit tight and trust.  I’ve also learned that these blue times can become days of reflection, of special closeness to God.  (These contrast with the good-morning-God-thanks-for-everything-gotta-go-bye days of rushing around.)  So, even a bout of melancholy now and then makes sense, has a purpose, is in fact a blessing.  May you enjoy your blessings today, even those that seem like very unlikely ones.      

John Ingrisano

Daily Connections

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

January 27, 2012

This is a bit of a giggler:  The other day I was getting into my car and griping about feeling alone and abandoned.  Aloud, I said, “Well, God, I guess it’s just you and I, and I’m not all that sure about You at times.” 

At that exact moment, I heard a tinkling sound and knew instantly that an aluminum cross I carry in my left pocket had fallen out onto the garage floor.  As I got out and picked it up, still in a lousy mood, I said, “Real funny, God,” and then I smiled and started laughing, as I heard His voice in my head:  “All we’ve been through, all I’ve done for you, answering every prayer, and blessing you in ways you could never envision, and you say, ‘and I’m not all that sure about You at times’”?  (By the way, no, I do not believe that God speaks to me directly; however, I do know that He enlightens my thick-headed spirit at times.  I just add the words.) 

My point:  First, we are not alone.  If we let Him, our God will always be close to us, always.  (And, yes, sometimes I think He is too close, hearing all the whiny, dumb stuff that escapes my lips.)  Second, I bet He gets tired of hearing us complain every time we don’t get exactly what we want … and every time we do, too. – jri

What made me grin and giggle the most as I drove down the road with my tiny aluminum cross in my hand was the quiet way God had winked at me.  Not a boom; not a swift kick in the butt; but an almost imperceptible tinkling sound of the cross hitting the garage floor.  Funny God we have.  I am grateful that He is so patient with clay-footed whiners like me.    May this day be filled with joy and a keen awareness of God’s presence in you and near you. 

Denver Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow has stirred up a lot of controversy this year with his on-his-sleeve Christian faith.  I have no opinion either way about the man, except that (A) he seems genuine in his faith, the expression of which is tasteful and humble, in spite of how naysayers want to pretend otherwise; (2) hooters and mockers have delighted in, well, hooting and mocking; and (3) those same hooters and mockers have done soooooo much to further the cause of faith in this country.  Kind of funny, really.

For example, it used to be that, every now and then, some lone soul would hold up a sign at a sporting event that read “John 3:16.”  These days, in small part due to Tebow, and  in large part due to his critics, every National Football League fan knows the reference.  Let’s say that number is 40 million people (and, yes, I’m just making that number up).  Let’s say that just five percent, or two million, people actually crack a Bible and look into it.  Of that two million, let’s say about ten percent, or 200,000, keep on reading and maybe, just maybe, find faith.  Not bad.

My point:  It just tickles me how one man who quietly kneels to thank God (no, not for victory, but for his ability to do his best) can have his words and his ways carried on the shoulders of others … some believers, many not. – jri

Reminder:  We are not in charge.  What a great feeling to ask God to guide us in our decisions, our work, and our attitudes each day … and then just let it go.  Trust.  So, let go and let God.  He is in charge, and He will take us where and to whom he knows is best.  Have a joy-filled day. 

John Ingrisano

Daily Connections

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

January 17, 2012

I met a man the other night who admitted he lives in almost constant fear of practically everything:  cold-sweat dread of life, of uncertainty, perhaps even of God.

I know he’s not alone.  I’ve had this conversation with others.  I’ve been there, too.  In fact, I think I have it right when I say we are all pretty much afraid.  I’m especially puzzled/amazed/interested in those who deal with their fears by surrounding themselves with things, especially wealth, toys, ideas/philosophies, and busyness.  They/we keep trying to outrun, dodge, ignore those fears.  Ain’t gonna happen.

My point:  Nobody knows tomorrow.  That is the prime uncertainty in our lives.  I’m no brainiac, but I do know that the future will come, that it is really not even close to being in our hands or our control, that God is in charge (of this we can be certain), and that we might as well not worry about tomorrow, but just enjoy the blessings of this day.  –  jri

 I also know a few folks who have a fear of God.  This is the gonna-get-you god many of us learned about in our youth.  Many of us were taught that if we didn’t behave (sit still in church,  say our prayers at night, etc.) we were going to be punished.  Over the years, I got tired of being brow beaten by a mean god.  I now understand God based on the loving way to raise children.  Sure, there are times when they need a stern talking to, a time out (I hate that term) or a good swat on the backside.  But it’s not about punishment, but about love … at least if we’re doing it right.  That’s how I see God, as a loving, caring, now-and-then-butt-swiping parent who loves us beyond our ability to ever understand … and who would do (and has done) anything for us.  So, have a joy-filled day, and just enjoy (fear-free and guilt-free) the love God showers upon us each day.  God bless.

 John Ingrisano

Daily Connections

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

January 16, 2012

I woke up this morning – remembering who I am, where I’ve been in the past, and where and what I am now – and I laughed and said, “Thank you, Lord.”  It made me realize that some of my friends, the skeptics, probably think I have an imaginary friend.  No, not imaginary; just not visible.

It reminds me of a friend who is color blind.  When we’ve been out on Lake Michigan heading back from fishing, he asks me to keep an eye out for the red lighthouse at the entrance to the Algoma Harbor.  Even though this is a bright, free-standing, mid-size structure, impossible to miss, red does not show up on his visual pattern.  He does not see it. 

My point:  Seeing has zilch, zippo, nada to do with believing.  Though there are days when I have my doubts, God is real to me.  I can feel Him, sense His presence.  He’s there.  I know that, for me, it’s just a matter of opening my heart – not just my eyes – to experience Him. – jr

Like the Butterfly Effect (the theory has it that butterflies flapping their wings in California can impact a weather change in Asia), we do not always see the results of the things we do.  The other day I got a call from an ex-wife.  She shared with me that she was celebrating 16 years of sobriety, and she wanted to thank me for helping her take the initial steps.  That reminded me that everything we do matters.  So, make every breath, every word, every thought, and every prayer count.  Have a joy-filled day, aware of  the rich blessings God has presented you with this day.       

John Ingrisano

Daily Connections

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

January 13, 2012

I’ve never been one to take my faith on faith.  I have always bluntly and ruthlessly sought the Truth (with a capital T).  So, I get a little uncomfortable around seamless, doubtless, never-blink believers.  As a serious seeker, I wonder what they know that I’ve missed.  I sometimes think they pray loud to crowd out their own doubts.  (And that’s bad.) 

I do believe.  My honest searching has brought me to honest, comfortable faith, and I see evidence of God’s glory and wonder all around me.  I got there by believing that, in the words of Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” That means questioning and doubting and following the evidence where it leads me.   (And I believe that’s good.) 

My point:  Don’t be afraid to question God.  He’s tough.  He can take it.  Have faith that He’ll lead you down the True path.  Have faith in your doubts. — jri    

As a child, I prayed without thought.  As I grew older, I stopped talking to God altogether.  Older still, and I began angrily complaining and questioning God.  Finally, more and more these days, God and I just talk.  Or best of all, there are times when I am able to quietly enjoy His awesome, loving presence.  God bless, and enjoy the quest.  Remember, God is seeking us as much as we are seeking Him.       

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

January 10, 2012

I had always thought the story of Lazarus was about … well, Lazarus.  However (and these are not my thoughts, but garnered from readings), is it not also/mostly about us — about God’s calling us to awaken from the darkness of our own spiritual death and tomb and to come out into the light of life?    

Imagine Lazarus, as if awakening from a deep sleep, opening his eyes at the call of his friend Jesus:  “Lazarus, come out!” 

My point:  If God can do this, is there anything – anything! – he cannot do?  Are you stuck hopelessly in a lost life, battling alcohol, depression or some other demon?  Alone or confused?  Just give it to God.  Just trust.  God can and will turn your darkness to light and your sadness to joy.  No, He may not do it in the way you had hoped or expected; instead, He will do it in a better way.  Just trust.  – jri

I know people who, every few years, when they get in a super jam, call on (demand from) God, insisting that He pony up a miracle or two.  And then, when they don’t get what they want/demand when they want it/demand it, they snort in contempt (I like that phrase) and declare loudly/stupidly that A) God is a fraud or B) God is a figment of wishful thinking.  If you were God and these clowns showed up only when they needed a favor, gee, what would you do?  How about, instead, accepting the offer of friendship and of a relationship that goes beyond gimme-gimme?  Suggestion:  Talk to God.  Listen to Him.  And say “Thank you” every now and then.  So, enjoy the many blessings that  are showered upon  you each day.  They are free.  And they are real.  God bless.        

John Ingrisano

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

www.dailyconnections.net

January 5, 2012

I used to wear anger like armor.  As a youth, I found that it kept pain at bay and manipulative people at arm’s length.  Anger was safe.  Over time – though I can still flash murderous red when surprised by setbacks and takers – I decided that anger was a problem-solving tool best left behind.  It not only put troublemakers on the run, but it also drove away loved ones.  It caused more problems than it solved. 

These days, I’ve pretty much replaced petulant, consuming anger with a combo- cocktail of understanding, indifference, forgiveness, and love.  Bonus:  More and more, the spot where anger dwelled is usually filled with understanding, patience (kind of), and love.

My point:  As followers of Christ, we have work to do.  I know I do not have the time or luxury to nurse self-pitying grudges.  Plus, if I recall correctly, Christ didn’t say, “Hate one another.”  So, if you have anger, work on your forgiveness skills, and give up that anger to God.  He will fill that bitter space inside with love, serenity and peace. – jri

Anger may be a natural result of wrongs, real or imagined.  However, over time I have learned that anger, like alcohol, can be a cancer, a disease that feeds on itself and destroys the host.  It is not power, but weakness.  I found that it blocked my ability to love others fully and to live in peace and communion with God.  We are all wronged (and, yes, sometimes wrong) from time to time.  However, I have found that the only cure for this life-destroying disease of anger is forgiveness.  (Let it go and let God.)  So, if you have somebody you’re angry at, just let it go.  Let God keep score; you have more important things to do.  God bless and may you have a peace-filled day, one overflowing with love both given and received.