Sacramental

God has a relationship with me through the Sacraments. I was baptized as priest, prophet, and king. With Confirmation, I received the fuller relationship with the Holy Spirit that began in baptism. In First Holy Communion, I met the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In Reconciliation, I get to return to God's grace and be his friend again. In the Sacrament of Marriage, I have left my parents to become one with my wife and I live out all of those previous Sacraments with the purpose of helping my wife and kids achieve Heaven. This I know.

There was a moment in my life that I considered religious life instead of marriage. God then told me I would be married and have my kids, then shortly thereafter He took me close to 200 miles away and I met my wife. I love her with all my heart. I love her with the love Jesus pours in me through my relationship with Him in the Sacraments. This I know.

Since our wedding, there have been people that didn't think we belong together, or that I should have been a priest. Or that I would be happier without my wife & kids. Or that having more money would make me happier if I didn't have to support a family. There have been people that have helped usher separation between my kids and me instead of nuturing a better relationship of togetherness. Despite all of these obstacles, I stand strong in my belief that God Himself created my marriage with my wife and with ALL of my kids. This I know.

No riches on earth can compare to my God-given Sacrament of Marriage and the riches that await in Heaven. Our time on earth is nothing compared to Eternity. And you better believe that I will fight with every spiritual weapon at my disposal against anyone and anything that tries to attack, injure, and/or even feel displeased with disapproval towards my Domestic Church that is my family through my Sacrament of Marriage. To those that have those intentions, you are up against God. You. Will. Not. Win. Christ the King bestowed that authority in me as head of my Domestic Church. This I know.

Francis Chan put it best in regards to the goals on earth.

I would never choose anything, or anyone, else.  I will reach my goals of Eternity with my Sacrament of Marriage intact.

This I know.

God, the Father

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about God as my Father. Throughout time, people have lost their faith due to not getting what they want or wish.  God does not serve or guide in that way, necessarily. My thoughts are a bit scrambled so forgive me if I ramble, but here are my thoughts.

Not too long ago on a Sunday Mass we had the Gospel where there was an attempt to trap Jesus by asking him about divorce and what Moses said about the subject. Jesus explained that Moses had allowed it because their hearts were hardened, but God had intended for man to be with one woman, to become one, and that no man should separate what God had united. Here we see that God's Will is one thing and our hearts acceptance of God's Will is dependent of how hard our heart is.

Now that I am a father, I have tried to relate to His Divine Fatherhood. I remember a story in the Bible where a man knocked on the door of a friend asking for assistance. He was turned away several times, but the persistence of the man eventually won him the assistance from his friend.  How many times have you ever granted your son or daughter what was beyond what was allowed? I know I have, many times. I've granted my daughter a later stay with her friends because she asked. I've given one of my boys candy recently close to bedtime, because he said please. I have many other examples with all of my kids.

I keep hoping God the Father hears my insisting prayers of help. I keep trying to keep an open heart to His Will while I still struggle. Things are not easy, and at times I have to wonder if I would get tired of having faith and lose hope.  Afterall, Mother Teresa had lost her faith to some extent in her earthly life too. I think I would continue to practice my faith until I gained it back, like she did.  I actually cannot afford to lose my faith, not while my family needs me.  Very soon, it could be all I have of any value.