Archive for the 'Jac's 1st Communion' Category
10-28-2007
JAC’S FIRST COMMUNION!!
It is with great honor that we are able to share with you the news that Jac received his FIRST HOLY COMMUNION. Fr. Mark did an amazing job of creating the most beautiful mass we could have ever dreamed of for Jac. Jac’s adopted Aunt’s Jessica, and Reeners flew in town to be with him on his special day. Jessica sang his song as the communion reflection and Renee coming from the Jewish tradition attended her first First Communion. Many friends gathered with us to celebrate with Jac and we were deeply touched. The community clapped for Jac following mass and many came over to congratulate him. Jac grinned as he high fived, shook hands and gave out hugs. One man asked if he could touch him on the head as he had always wanted to touch a saint! Brooke danced and twirled, Joshua and Luke beamed with pride throughout the service. It was a true celebration of Jesus in every way. We felt all of your wonderful prayers and blessings and are once again humbled by your generous heart as we are so blessed by our extended faith family! Attached are a couple pictures of the special day! Notice the proud siblings, and the way Jac is holding Fr. Mark’s hand! Two holy men together! Thank you for sharing in this special time with us in the way that you did! All ONE in Him!
Irresistible Revolution
by Shane Claiborne – Zondervan Publishing
Many joke with me that I attribute far too mystically the God-Deals that regularly occur in my life. Lately these seem to be happening on planes when the person who sits next to me becomees a god-incidence rather than a coincidence. On my most recent flight back from presenting at a youth conference, I was blessed to sit a woman who shared with me that she gives workshops to churches about the poor. We had a great conversation about the frustrations we both share when we hear the ever popular mixed message of the prosperity gospel (which is, of course, taken out of context). In contrast, the gospel message of Jesus Christ is quite different.
My new friend shared with me a book called The Irresistible Revolution . As I thumbed through it, I could not wait to get my own copy. In it, Mr. Claiborne shares a story of how he had wanted desperately to work with Mother Teresa’s missionaries in Calcutta , so he phoned overseas, only to have Mother Teresa herself answer the phone. Soon he was working among the nuns. One day he caught site of Mother Teresa’s feet. He couldn’t help but notice the severe deformity of them. He didn’t want to ask her, so he remained quiet about it. Later, one of the sisters asked Shane if he had noticed Mother Teresa’s feet. He, of course, admitted that he had. She voluntarily told him that all of the sister’s shoes are donated. When they are delivered Mother Teresa is the first one to go through the bag. She then purposely finds the most challenging, beat up, uncomfortable pair and takes them for herself. That way, no one else will have to wear them, and all other pairs will at least be more comfortable than hers. She takes the least ~ walking in the footsteps of Jesus. How many of us willingly take on the worst or least position, even crippling ourselves to do so? or rather are we tempted to seek the greatest for ourselves, not considering what that might leave for someone else. It’s easy to convince ourselves we deserve better, bigger, new, more! We don’t usually compare ourselves with those who have the less, but rather to those who have more than us, setting the stage for want. I asked her what she tells people who tell her not to give money to the homeless on the street corners who challenge that they will waste it. She said, “Who is she to judge what they do with the money that is between them and God. She wastes money everyday, on fast food, Starbucks, or another pair of unnecessary black pumps.” She went on to say that it is not for us to judge, but only for us to give. Amen sister!
Challenge Questions: How many of us are faithfully worshipping a homeless man on Sunday and ignoring one on Monday? Who are we following… Someone who tells us that more is better? Or someone who tells us we are to become the least? A woman with deformed feet or a preacher who tells us that we deserve wealth? Check out the book: The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
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