The beat goes on

My dad had a heart attack Sunday morning. He is doing well and the doctors expect him to come home today (Tuesday). Incredible.

However, it was the biggest "shocker" for me because, as all children think, their parents are invincible. I knew dad was not invincible, but I had not seen much evidence of that...until Sunday. I received the call from mom that dad was in the hospital, I went down there, and I had the honor of anointing my dad. That was a humbling moment for both him and myself. It was the first time that I can remember ministering to my dad. He has certainly done an incredible amount for me over the years, but now was my time to minister to him, and that was very humbling.

Thankfully, though, there is incredible technology and skill out there to help people and their hearts. I was just fascinated to see all of the advancements in the technology to the point where my dad can have a heart attack one day, surgery the same day, and then be sent home less than 60 hours later. WOW!

I will keep everyone updated. Thank you all for your prayers.

Church Examines Its Use of the Internet

Okay, as you all know, I'm a techie. I really enjoy technology...maybe too much, but that's for another blog post. So now, the Church is getting on board from the "top" down. Zenit has an article explaining where the Vatican is having a four day conference on this reality.

"This analysis is taking place at a four-day conference that began today in the Vatican.

Benedict XVI is the first to encourage such a self-examination, as affirmed in his message to the participants delivered by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, his secretary of state. The Holy Father urges an analysis of "this new culture and its implications for the Church's mission."

So, what I see happening here is the Church responding to the reality of the world. Yes, it is late, but I am thankful that the Church is responding. That is good...that is VERY good.

However, I do hope that the people involved with this examination know what they are dealing with. For example, one cardinal who was quoted as saying that, "The Internet is culture." Okay, I certainly understand what he is getting at, but I think that it is something that we should be weary of saying. I would have said that the internet is a medium of culture. The Internet it nothing without the work of people who have true culture. However, I will let this slide. I know what he meant.

The other concern that I have is that people who have not grown up with the internet will be the ones trying to speak "for" the culture that has only known the internet. I think that those who remember an era before the internet and the those who have only known the internet understand this medium in different ways.

I also am concerned that some who are still new to interacting with the internet (read here "older folks" who are just getting on board with the internet) will try to dictate how the Church should use the internet and try to make it "cool" rather than allowing the medium of the internet develop and then sanctify what develops.

Though, I am EXCITED that those at the meeting are acknowledging that our Evangelical brothers and sisters in Christ have used this medium MUCH better than we have. I think that they acknowledged the internet, used it, and have done a wonderful job using the internet to promote Jesus Christ.

Just my thoughts. Let me know what you think.

Here is the article.

Hurry up to WAIT!

It became the running joke during my preparation for my flight home. I hurried to arive at the airport early. Naturally I encountered incredibly long lines for security at 5:30am. So I hurried up to wait.

Then, at the gate, I was informed thy my flight had been delayed indefinately due to mechanical failure. So we all SPRINTED into line to find an alternative to returning to the Twin Cities. So we hurried up to wait in line.

Upon reaching the counter I was informed of a flight going to LA thy would have a connecting flight to St. Paul (yes, I know the airport is in Minneapolis, but I like St. Paul better, so there). The flight, though, was leaving in 5 minutes. So once again I moved with incredible speed through the terminal (my apologies to the old lady with the walker). I arived at the gate only to be stopped because there was not an authorized person to open the door for me. I hurried up to wait.

Once on the plane, it was only a little jump over to LAX where, thankfully there was no hurrying, but there was waiting until the flight to MSP. Now, I am writing this while on the flight and preparing to run to the car where I will rush to St. Odilia's for the tail end of the St. Odilia Night Club performance (more on that at a later post). I'm guessing that I will have to wait once I arive before I perform (again, more on that later).

So today was a day where I was able to hurry up to wait. I think that this describes my spiritual life at times. I will make these spiritual sprints toward what I think to be the true path to my holiness only to discover that what I thought was the true way is either not he true way or is blocked for whatever reason. Then, I must wait for Jesus to show me the best way. Thank you Jesus for causing me to wait and listen.

Cirque du Soleil: Ka

Buffet #2 at the Wynn

The Bellagio

The first of many buffets

The joy of flight

Just how Orvile and Wilbur envisioned it.

Don't drive drunk...especially a fork-lift

Hooray for Technology: Planned Parenthood Director becomes PRO-LIFE!

Check this out! There is a video of Abby Johnson's amazing change of heart because of TECHNOLOGY!!! She had her conversion because of ultrasounds!

I give much respect to KBTX for running this story so prominently. Let us pray for Abby as she goes through this incredible conversion. Undoubtedly she will receive many graces, but also many temptations and disparaging remarks from the pro-choice movement.

LINK