Accept the Gift of Life

Good Morning out there! I hope everyone is having a great week. I saw a picture on Facebook this morning of Mother Teresa. Her quotes are always thought provoking, and his one really hit me hard today. Mother Teresa said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

You know, things don't always go as we plan, dream or hope. Many times God is reminding us that He is in charge of our lives, not us. Maybe it's a job loss, a transfer, not getting the house you want, or maybe it's something like not having good enough credit for an expensive vehicle. An unplanned pregnancy definitely changes everything, absolutely changes how you live your life; But if you stop and think about it, this baby is a gift from God. Maybe you need a new direction. This baby will change your life for the better, this baby is part of you.

To all the men out there, no matter what age you are, if your girlfriend or wife is pregnant, be a real man. Take care of your family, take care of your responsibilities. Love, protect and support them, be proud to be called dad, for that matter, be proud to be a husband! Take pride in yourself and say "Hey, it's going to be ok, we can do this." Your girlfriend, your wife need to hear you say, "We're a family. Yes, this changes everything, but for the better!"  

Children need their mothers and their fathers, babies are such a blessing; when did we get so off track? We need commercials and tv shows that support the family, instead of the stupid stuff that's on tv. We need magazine covers that have good moms and dads in happy families on the front page; not the trash that is on the rack right by the check-out stand in the stores. 

Men, step up to the plate as real men, and be a great dad, be a great boyfriend, better yet, be a great husband, make the commitment that says this is for real, this is forever! I keep seeing all the challenges on Facebook to raise money for good causes, and that is great. But, here is a real challenge: take care of your family. Be there, day in and day out. The world tells you that partying is the way to go, it's a big lie. Doesn't that get old?

Being part of a loving, caring family is the most amazing gift you can have, and give to others. Put God first, find a parish home and get involved , spend time with your family. That is something you will never regret.

Ladies, motherhood is awesome, please realize what a special gift it is to be called mom. It really makes me sad when a mom is not in her child’s life because she doesn’t want to be. Ladies, young women you do need to be careful who you pick to date and marry, make sure they want the same things in life that you do. But especially, make sure they will be good, loving and supportive fathers. If you date someone, and they are mentally or physically abusive, end the relationship immediately. Reach out for help and do not go back. You and your children don’t deserve to live in fear. There are so many horrible stories in the news about abused women and children. This ugliness in our world will not change unless we change. We need to get our priorities straight, we need to put God first, family second, and everything else will fall into place.

Last night I was at Family Night at our parish. We have our religious education classes and all kinds of adult bible study classes on Wednesday nights. Last night was the first night back after summer break. We served chili dogs in the cafeteria, and then moved to the gym where we had praise and worship music, the upbeat kind the kids love, with all the different hand movements. Everyone was singing and joining in so it was really uplifting. I know that most churches offer all kinds of classes and activities, and what better place for families to be, to grow and spend time together.

To sum this all up, a baby is a gift from God. Our lives are gifts from God, what we do with our life, how we treat others, how we love others, is our gift back to God. So reach out and take care of each other, and take care of your family; they need you.                                               (Blog Post from 9/4/14)