Thursday, August 2, 2018

So maybe it's the right time for one of my famous "time of the year" updates; then again maybe not; but here goes anyways

I used to do these all the time but deep down I know it's of little interest to most of you.  Every now and again I post these things because, well, because I feel like it.  So since this is a "time of the year" post I need to acknowledge up front that we are in August, my own self-defined worst month of the year.  August is always super hot and, along with early September, the highest likelihood of hurricanes!  This summer started off very bad, first of all late May and most of June was way above normal heat index wise and gave us little hope for August.  And while it is still hot, it actually hasn't been as bad as it could be.  And this summer has been totally dominated by my mother-in-laws illness and extended hospital/rehab center stays.  She is back in the hospital by the way, yet another setback.  And today is day 62; that's right, 62 days of trying to recover, Wendy's daily schedule a disaster and lots of prayers for eventual recovery.

August, by the way, does have a good component, there is actually a football game on TV tonight from the NFL Hall of Fame.  It does make me look forward to actual football season and the hope that always springs eternal concerning the New Orleans Saints, although many believe this should be a great year for them; have you seen the schedule?  Tough!

August 2018 brings for both Wendy and me the new phenomena of a grandbaby here!!  We love Calvin and Katelynn dearly, and had a great visit late May, going back in September, but it is nice to see Brennan whenever we can.  In fact she came and visited me at Mass to hear me preach and then I went to visit last night.  Brennan is grandbaby #3 and we love all 3 with all our hearts.

If you all really read me you also know that I am still on a personal and spiritual re-charged batteries high from last week's National Diaconate Congress.  I still love to review my notes, articles in Catholic media and my own blog posts to relive that week that was so special; not only to me but to Wendy too!  I was excited to share some of my Congress excitement in my homily that I got to deliver three times this past weekend and am already looking forward to sharing with the men at Rayburn next week.  As a Catholic Deacon I am indeed very aware of all the blow back from the recent scandal centered around former Cardinal McCarrick.  The realization of this latest scandal indicates to all of us that there are miles to go to drain the church of predators, pedophiles and anyone who would prey on our young people.  While it is very discouraging, it does not diminish my resolve to preach Christ and His Church, to remain firmly on the vine which is Holy Mother Church and to bring service, charity and encouragement to a hurting world.  My faith grows even stronger in the face of recent scandal.

So August promises to be very busy; predicated, in part, by whatever the news of the day/week may be surrounding Wendy's mom.  But I know that I have many masses to assist, at least 3 Baptisms this month, a special Deacon celebration of St. Lawrence on his feast day, August 10th and plenty more indeed.  And all this time we will actually be drawing closer to the real start of football season, and eventually real fall season, maybe even temps below the always mid to high nineties.

So this is all I got for August, thankful for making it through June and July and hoping to be in October soon enough!  Time marches on, and it is all gift from God!

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