"The rest of the story..."

I remember Paul Harvey broadcasting, "The rest of the story" and provide little know facts about a well known person or event. If you enjoyed the "Christmas Opportunity" blog post, you will, most likely enjoy this The Rest of the Story...

 The rest of the "Christmas Opportunity Story..."

Marge and I settled into the evening (1/2/2018) and began to flip channels between two of our favorite, Jesuit basketball games.

The doorbell rang, I opened the door, a gentleman greeted me with a card and said, “I’m a commuter who drives by your home each evening and want to thank you for your lighted nativity display.”

I replied, “Well, God bless you!” and he walked back to his car.

I returned to my easy-chair and handed the envelope to my Bride and told her of the quick exchange. Marge opened the envelope and exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, read this!

 

I am a commuter on the road just north of your home. I have driven by your house many times on my way home from work. And I want to thank you for your Nativity display. It brightens my day every time. No matter how bad a day I might have at work your Nativity display reminds me a new of the great hope we have in our Savior! Thank you so much. I’m sure I am not alone in this sentiment. I’m also enclosing $20 to help w/ the electric bill.

Thanks again,

A Blessed Commuter! ☺

This choked-me-up, big-time! “I wish I could share this card with Pa.”

Marge commented, “I’m sure he knows.”

I bet we rarely know how many people we touch just by doing what we do. Hopefully I’m making more impact with the love I have and share, and not so often when I’m “a grumpy old man.”

The Epiphany of the Lord

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, help us to recognize you when you come to visit us. Accept our gifts, the gift of our love for you and all your creation. Forgive us when we fail to notice you or find your spirit in others. Thank you for the gift of your life and love. Please shower your glory on all our petitions for renewed health and for all our loved ones living and dead.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Thomas Nale (12/31), Alan Kobza (1/1), Sue Ross (1/1) . Anniversary: Whitney & Mitch Ross (12/31), DeAnna Pierce & Bob Weed (1/2), . In memoriam: Helen (Kilday) Low  (1/2/1975).

Keeping In-touch: Well, the year began with a challenge for me: I sliced a chunk off my right thumb as I cut-up potatoes for breakfast yesterday. It makes me think of how wimpy I am, especially compared to my Lord's passion and death. Our Iowa Kids returned home safely and we continue to enjoy the California Little Ones as we anticipate a New Year of love, joy, and laughter.  

The Readings: The Epiphany of the Lord

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I sometimes wonder what the Lord tries to tell me in my dreams as I reflect on the magi from the east being warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Herod wanted to kill "the ruler who will shepherd God's people." What warnings should I be hearing? Who, in my world, wants to snuff-out the life and love of God?

Holy Family & Theotokos

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, thank you for all the blessings you provide for our families and for the example of the Holy Family. Help us to grow in wisdom, grace, and age.

In our own way, we desire to bring Christ to our world and seek the prayerful aid of your Mother, Mary.

Please guide us so our families may be holy also. Help us to forgive ourselves and others who harm us. We can only do this because we experience your unconditional love.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Jeff King (12/24), Lindsey (Ross) Cueva (12/27). 

Keeping In-touch: We experienced some struggles last week: someone vandalized our friend's Nativity Scene (see earlier post) and we were stuck in I-70 traffic for 7 ½ hours returning from Copper Mountain (a 2 hour trip). But our California and Iowa Kids all arrived in Colorado safely. I played golf and tennis early in the week and froze at the end of the week. Gotta love Colorado weather. We enjoyed early Christmas Mass and a quiet dinner with the Gulmantovicz's in Pine, CO

The Readings: Holy Family

The Readings: Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I can't help but wonder how life might have been different if I had grown-up in the Holy Family. I would probably have been the black sheep! Even Joseph, Mary, and Jesus would have been challenged by my shenanigans. We have all received both blessings and challenges by, with, and from our families. Let's focus on the blessings and grow toward holiness. 

A Christmas Opportunity

As I was out-and-about and on my way home yesterday my friends, Connie and Alan, called. They described a sad situation: “Someone vandalized our nativity scene last night. We found the stable and fence in the park across the street, but we cannot find the silhouette of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph anywhere. Please save your pattern so we may replace it next year. We have returned the empty stable by the floodlight as a sign.”

“I will call you back and see what I could do.” I replied. I drove home telling myself, “I needed to make this decoration complete.”

My father, Ed Lay, who died this March (age 92) back in Illinois made nativity scenes for a hobby.  He cut-out and painted 10 to 12 of these Christmas, lawn decorations each year. His work may be found from Florida and South Carolina to Las Vegas and California. This hobby brought him joy; primarily, wanted to “keep Christ in Christmas.” 

Once when Dad visited us in Broomfield, we constructed one of these nativity scenes for Connie and Alan. Since then I’ve made a few of these and given them to companions. I delight when I view these displayed at the holiday season. I reflect on the Incarnation and on the love my dad shared.

“Why would someone desiccate so simple a sign of love, joy, and peace?”

I quickly gathered my tools and a piece of plywood from the garage. In the frigid driveway I cut-out a replacement part. I took it to Connie and Alan to paint and restore their little proclamation of good will.

We have an opportunity to grant Dad his wish: to keep Christ in Christmas. We have an opportunity to forgive and to pray for those who have failed to love themselves and others. May they see the Light.

May all of you find peace, and joy, and love this Christmas Season in whatever holidays you celebrate.

Fourth Sunday of Advent & Christmas

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, help us to open our hearts like Mary: "Let it be done according to your will." Please take away our fear and our worry and help us to live by the divine grace that you have placed in our hearts. Forgive us for failing to live in your love and for not passing that on to others.
     Please touch and heal all the people on our prayer lists. Thank you for all the gifts you give us constantly.
     May all who have gone before us live in your perpetual light.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Pope Francis (12/17), Theresa Lynn (Tessa) Lay (12/18),  Lily Koman (12/20), Chuck Olson (12/21), Judi (Lay) Cole 12/22), Julie (Lay) Schnitzer (12/22). Anniversary: Christy & Josh Parise (12/17/2004). In memoriam: Pat Dolan (12/22/2012).

Keeping In-touch: We continue to live "the high life": playing tennis, going to parties, meeting with companions for prayer and support, and looking forward to celebrating with Kids and Grand-kids. The arrivals will begin on Wednesday... We wish a wonderful, blessed Christmas to all of our Companions-in-Prayer.

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Readings: Christmas

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: When I use may imagination to try to experience the fear and the blessings of Mary when the Angel addressed her I both quiver and rejoice. When I imagine Joseph waking after the Angel reassured him of Mary's sanctity and his mission I'm excited about the opportunities I have to participate in the Wonderful World.

Third Sunday of Advent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, help us to respond to your call like St. John the Baptist did. May we take time in our desert places to come to know your loving kindness. Then accompany us as we point to Jesus in our thoughts and actions.
We ask you to bless and comfort all the people on our prayer list and all those who have requested that we pray for them.
Help us to know your love which allows us to seek your forgiveness for alienating you and others in our thoughts and words.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Whitney Ross (12/10), Isabel Grace Parise (12/12), Lina Hettermann (12/13), Danielle Lay (12/16). Anniversary: Katie and Nick Johnson (12/11). In memoriam: Dorothy Anne Seese  (12/11/2015), Curt (Donna Farrell's son 12/16/2002).

Keeping In-touch: Despite our warm temperatures, we have begun to enter the Advent/Christmas spirit. The decorating nears completion, baking continues, and shopping takes place mostly online. We're watching Hallmark Christmas Movies and doing some church service, and have attended a Christmas concert. Most of our football teams are playing for their pride; we begun to enjoy college basketball. I made a new friend from Kenya and may be able to help him to develop online courses for his college.

The Readings: Third Sunday of Advent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

When I reflect on John the Baptist, in our Gospel Reading for Sunday, I think of how he took the time he needed to know his passion as a prophet. He went to "a lonely place"/the desert. And in that place he called us to repent.

This Advent I'm taking time to think of my addictions and how they obstruct my my attention to the voice of God within me that calls for truth, beauty, compassion...wholeness. I hope we will all celebrate this Advent with a renewed consciousness of God's awesome love! 

Second Sunday of Advent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we hear the call of John the Baptist: "Prepare the way for the Lord." Help us to quiet our egos and come to know the deepest desire of our hearts that you have given us. Then we will serve you, each other, and all your wonderful creation. We will make the path straight.
     Please comfort our companions who struggle with health issues, especially Lindsay (recovering from pneumonia), Richard (recovering from back surgery), and Jack (radiation treatments). And shine your perpetual light on those who have recently died: Franklin and Mary Ellen. Remember all those on the prayer lists of this blog.
   May we glorify you this Advent by more fully recognizing your Holy Spirit alive within us as you share your life in the incarnation: you call us to live as your sons and daughters.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Caleb Foresman (12/3), Kathy DePriest (12/3),  . In memoriam: Edward T. Oakes, SJ (12/6/2013), Gail Audino (12/6/2015), Ed Hogan (12/9/1999)

Keeping In-touch: We have begun to decorate and bake for the Advent/Christmas Seasons. Our balmy late fall temperatures allowed me to comfortably do some outdoor decorating and cut and paint Nativity Scenes; so I've reflected on and notice the absence of my father. I met with an old colleague who passed through town. And had some time for reading: Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr & Forgiving Others, Forgiving Ourselves by Isenhart and Spangle.

The Readings: Second Sunday of Advent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

The challenge in our readings for the Second Sunday of Advent for me is a reflection on God's Will. Too often I have thought of God's Will as a program book that I must seek to find and understand my role. But I have begun to realize that the Lord has planted within me the deepest desire of my soul. When I strip away my selfish, ego desires and begin to know what I really want out of life, I acknowledge God's love for me and my desire to love God and all God's creation. This discernment has a dynamism, a zest for life!

Mary Ellen Foresman (8/6/1951 - 11/26/2017)

Mary Foresman, age 66, of Centennial, CO passed away peacefully on Sunday November 26, 2017 at 11:20am at Littleton Adventist Hospital. Mary was born August 6, 1951 in Columbus, OH. On August 21, 1971 she married Maurice Foresman in Macomb, Illinois, at St. Paul Catholic Church.

Mary earned her degree in Art Education from Western Illinois University in 1973. She worked as a special education teacher after her graduation. Mary's life long dream was to become a mom. God gifted her with three children to whom she was very devoted. Mary poured herself into her family and her children. She always found ways to share her love of art with her children and grandchildren. Not only was Mary a mother to Ellie, Eddie and Andrew but also to many others. Her tender concern and frequent acts of service blessed many. Everyone who knew Mary will remember her contagious and playful laughter. Mary loved to laugh and laughed often. Mary was a master gardener and her flowerbeds were vibrant, colorful and beautiful. Mary also had a deep connection with children and animals. Family dogs were special to her and she had a knack for training them to do fun tricks. In her final years, Mary relished each moment she spent with her grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband, Maurice Foresman, daughter Ellie Chamblee (Erick) of Canton, Ohio, two sons, Eddie (Hayley) of Denver, Colorado, Andrew of Denver, CO, brother David Yost (Paula) of Osage Beach, Missouri, 8 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews .

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, and grandparents.

Franklin P. Medford, III (11/7/1937 - 11/19/2017)

Franklin P. Medford, III entered eternal rest on Sunday, November 19, 2017. He passed peacefully and was surrounded by his family, friends, and pastor.

Professor Medford, a graduate of Union Theological Seminary and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, served the faculty and students at Regis University for over thirty-two years. He was the Chair of the Department of Liberal Arts and retired on November 7, 2017 – his eightieth birthday.

Franklin embodied cura personalis and was beloved across the University. He was an inspiring leader, an innovative scholar, and a caring teacher. He leaves behind many friends who were touched by his kindness and joie de vivre as well as a liberal arts curriculum marked by his commitment to invite students to explore the intricacies of the human condition through the prism of the best scholarship.

Franklin will be profoundly missed, but his legacy of academic excellence and kindness will live on through the lives of all who knew him. We are grateful for the gift of journeying alongside him in this life.

Franklin is survived by Anne Breckenridge, his partner in life; three children, Renay Hannon, Franklin Medford IV, Robin White; and four grandchildren, Sierra, Caligh, Tayler, and Tyler.

The First Sunday of Advent

                                                                  My Companions pray with me: 

Lord, we hear your call in the Gospel to be watchful and alert. Help us not to succumb to the buying and selling of this season but to seek and find you in all things. Please comfort our companions who suffer these days, especially Donna and Richard. Thank you for all the blessings you have showered upon us, especially companions who pray with and for us.  Help us to know your love and mercy as we seek forgiveness for our sins of omission and commission.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Ed Modecker (12/2). In memoriam: Chuck Weingart (11/28/1991).

Keeping In-touch: We celebrated Thanksgiving with two of our daughters (Megan & Lori Beth), a son-in-law (Cullen) and three of our grandchildren (Julianne, Charlie, and Nathan) in a cabin in Estes Park, CO. The beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the awesome food, and the love and laughter filled our spirits with joy.

The Readings: First Sunday of Advent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

As we begin a new (liturgical) year we hear that we must be watchful and alert. The Internet, social media, advertising in all it's forms can easily distract us. It takes great discipline for me even to complete my morning pray and evening examen. Hopefully, I will use this Advent Season to become more conscious and awake.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

My Companions pray with me: 
Lord, we celebrate your supreme power and rule over all the universe. But, we know that you revealed yourself as servant and slaughtered lamb. Help us to know the glory that comes in the service of others. Please forgive our selfishness and transform us in the life that you offer to us each minute of the day.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Megan (Lay) Stevens (11/19), Craig McBride (11/19), Fr. Michael Carvill (11/21), Lacey (Kobza) Noterman (11/21), Robert Brown (11/21), Sue Parker (11/21), Zoey Varra (11/21), Joyce Donahue (11/22), Richard Backus (11/23). Anniversary: Michael & Dani Schnitzer (11/19), In memoriam: Dick Smith (11/20/'84), Sam Graber (11/20/2000), Ruby Aesoph (11/21/2013).

Keeping In-touch: Oh how wonderful to celebrate Thanksgiving this week! We are so richly blessed with companions and family. Our mild weather has allowed me to work on "my albatross": cleaning the garage so I can pull the truck in. Marge has begun her baking, so we savor the holiday aromas.

The Readings: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

This Gospel challenges me to question, "What kind of King do I seek to follow? and what has Jesus shown me about kingship?"
Although Jesus gave people food, healed their infirmities, comforted their anxieties, and promised them real hope, he did not lord his powers over them. As St. Paul said, he emptied himself. I will work to follow in the footsteps of my King, not seeking honor or wealth but seek to live fully with my companions serving God's people.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: 
Lord, we desire to participate in your glorious life. We know we can not begin to imagine all you have in store for us. Help us channel your love and peace to everyone we encounter. Please comfort all those on our prayer for renewed health list. And lift up all who have gone before us in faith.

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Diane Blanchard (11/13), Donna Neal (11/14), Jim Shato (11/15), Christian Koman (11/16), George Stevens (11/17). In memoriam: Lester Prisk (11/13/12), Michael Dahlberg (11/13/16), Louise (Kilday) Smith (11/16/2005), Jean Sampson (11/17/2013), Jeanne Hoiland (11/17/2015), Mary Jepson (11/17/2012), Antoinette DeBore Hogan (11/?/14).

Keeping In-touch: I live such a charmed life but last week a cold in my back slowed me down. I'm ashamed I'm so whiny because I know that many of my companions deal with so much physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. So I couldn't play tennis but I did more reading and Internet Surfing. The BHS Soccer Team won the 5A State Championship; congratulations to Matthew his fellow coaches and student-players.

The Readings: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary 

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

The Lord blessed me with "a fine wife" (1st reading) and has given me many talents; I pray that my efforts will bring Him a good return (Gospel). I have always wondered why no one in this parable invested that which was entrusted to him and lost the investment?? I've concluded that no matter what it looks like from our worldly perspective, our efforts to use our talents for good brings a return for our Master.

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: 
Lord, I am sad this morning as I think about the 28 people who were killed as they gathered for their worship service yesterday. All the pain of this evil must add to your passion that you endure for us. Help us to welcome your loving kindness and mercy as we struggle to understand and seek to comfort one another.

Thank you for Hutch's successful surgery and continue to comfort Judi and Jack and Richard in their medical treatments. I also add to our prayer list Glen and Steve who are in the hospital.

Thank you for all your wonderful gifts, especially companions who pray and respond to your goodness.Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays:  Joan Carnegie and her sister, Julie (11/5).

Keeping In-touch: With the help of friends I made three repair on the truck. Crawling under the dashboard becomes more difficult each year, but I'm pleased to do a few things to save money. We enjoyed handing-out a few treats on Halloween. And I played some singles and doubles tennis.

The Readings: Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary 

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

I find that inertia can challenge my physical and spiritual well-being. Eating, drinking, and watching sports on TV is easy; making my daily step goal and keeping active takes effort and commitment. So too, I can easily fall into a habit of rushing through my scripture readings and truncating my evening examen; quality time in prayer also takes effort and commitment.