Just a note to say happy new year to all who visit this blog. It has taken off in popularity pretty quickly. Thanks for visiting. I appreciate everyone of all beliefs that visit.

2009 was a very good year for me and my family. Not that it was all “good,” but that it was a year of great enlightenment and spiritual growth. The highlight of the year was having my 17 year marriage blessed in the Catholic Church. The lowlight was being diagnosed with “pancreatitis” (inflammation of the pancreas). Since I have never been an alcoholic, it was difficult for the doctors to say what caused it, but they settled on a combination of alcohol and high fat foods. Whatever the reason, it scared me straight and compelled me to quit drinking and change my diet. I have to say: despite the severe pain I experienced (not to mention my three day hospital stay), in the end I am grateful for the wake up call at such a young age, and the opportunity to get my health right before heading too much further into my forties.

For 2010 I pray warring nations find peace, people in pain find healing, people who are hungry find food, people who are dying (both spiritually and physically) find salvation. I pray the broken find hope. I also pray Christians stop condemning people of other faiths, and discriminating against those who choose not to believe. It’s one thing to disagree and even sharply rebuke, but it’s quite another to condemn. We must be aware of the line, and not sink to the level of those who would hold every conversation in the sewer if they had their choice. I also pray the Catholic Church continues to embrace the developments of science and explores movements such as BioLogos so we can one day achieve harmony between God and science.

Here’s to a peaceful, joyful, enlightening, harmonious and loving 2010.

Happy new year everyone, and God bless you all.

Love,

Mark

Tweet This Post Facebook