This poem is dedicated to my father who went home to meet his Savior last November. Rest in peace, Dad… Read More
On the Inside; On the Outside
Did you know that each one of us is mentioned in the Gospel reading for today? (John 17:20-26) We are! Jesus is talking about us – in fact, he is praying for us. First, Jesus prays for his disciples, the ones he will be sending out into the world. But then, Jesus shifts his prayer to include others. He says: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word…”
So what is the Lord praying for? What does he want for us? What is his will for us? Jesus asks “that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us…” Read More
What was He Thinking?
(Based on John 8:51-59)
“Whoever keeps my word will never see death.”
Spoken to the Jews by the man from Nazareth.
The crowd, they thought, “This man is possessed!”
What was he thinking?
Was he greater than Abraham or the prophets of old?
This statement he made was really quite bold.
“We’ll never taste death.” Of this we were told:
What was he thinking? Read More
The Gift
If one cannot grow, one cannot learn
the meaning of life; the gift of return.
If one cannot fly like a bird of a feather,
feelings held captive and held in forever.
If one cannot reach for a star in the sky,
dreams are left shattered and the future will die.
If one cannot say what rests on the mind,
the two doors of speech will be closed to the blind.
If one cannot feel for the strength in the air,
nearness is coldness, darkness, and fear.
For if one cannot love, one cannot live,
and grow in the Spirit and possess what you give.
(I wrote this poem on February 2, 1984.)
Stress-Control Strategies for Coping in a Crisis
Posted by Deacon Allen | Emotions/Feelings | One CommentI was reading through my healthcare provider’s newsletter not too long ago when I came across an article from Arleen Fitzgerald, L.I.C.S.W., on how to cope in a crisis. There was some really good information in there that I wanted to share as well as add some additional input on the subject of finding some key strategies to help us cope when dealing with sorrow, anxiety, and anger in trying times. Read More
Have you ever seen that TV show called “Golden Boy?” (Well apparently, not many have. It has been cancelled for next year.) The show features a young rookie homicide cop who is filled with anger issues against his father, mother, co-workers, and many others. His wise, veteran partner has to deal with him and all of his anger. So he gives him these words of wisdom: Read More
Another sleepless night. Another night of tossing and turning, anticipating and waiting, hoping and praying. It is the eve of the “big day” when my future course of action may be determined. And then again, maybe not. Read More
How do you express your joy? Do you clap your hands, laugh loudly scream out, or react with a gesture? In our Gospel today, the infant John “leaped for joy.” John, in his mother’s womb, expressed an emotional and physical reaction.
Elizabeth experienced a jump in her womb and Luke relates it to John’s recognition of Jesus. This beautifully captures the emotion and feeling of that meeting between the two pregnant women. Read More
My wife and I have been holding hands for more than 26 years. And I can still remember being a scared college student, reaching for her hand for the very first time. Would she grab it? How would she react? What would it feel like? Read More
I am a worrier! I worry a lot!
I first became aware of this when I was younger. I worried about everything: taking tests, meeting girls, dating girls, being rejected by girls (which happened more than I care to admit), finding a job, finding a wife, being a good husband and a good father. Today, I worry about whether or not I will be able to keep my job, and having enough time to do all of the things that I want to do. Read More
