Your Pastoral Coach

Enjoying Life in Nashville, TN

Last week was a very difficult one for me. I was exposed to people I interact with often knowingly behaving in a prejudicial and discriminatory way, while others were completely supporting them for their own self-interest. It literally has been making me sick to my stomach. Then I had the decision of how and when to act to try to protect the innocents. Well, I made that decision yesterday, and I already feel better. Given that rough week, I needed some rest and relaxation My birthday was Saturday and I asked my wife Angie to not buy me anything. Instead I want experiences.

Well, she took me to Nashville, TN for the weekend. First time for both. We had a very pleasant drive on Friday. Saturday we walked through every single street and park of this pretty and fun city. We were very impressed with the city. Music is everywhere and sounds from live bands pour out of many clubs and restaurants even during the day. The Country Music Hall of Fame was interesting. Then, I got one of my dreams come true: going to the Grand Ole Opry! I was so happy! Yes, I'm a Puerto Rican that in addition to Salsa and Merengue (types of Latin music) loves Bluegrass and Country. The show was spectacular! I love music and I love radio, so this was a great combination. The musicians were top notch. During those three hours I was totally there, not thinking about how easily the dignity of people can be dismissed for self-interest.

I definitely recommend Nashville for a fun weekend!

Technorati Tags: Happiness

The Joy of The Simple Life

This weekend we traveled to a tiny town in the mountains of Kentucky to visit my wife's grandfather to celebrate his 87th birthday. He lives by himself since his wife died two years ago. He still works the land as a farmer. We had a wonderful time visiting with many relatives and enjoying the natural beauty of the beautiful mountains of Kentucky (and excellent food!).

One thing that struck me was how different it felt like to be sitting in the porch with the men all afternoon and evening. The setting was very traditional, with the men in the porch and the women in the kitchen. There is something very different from these men, ages 42 through 87, compared to the city people I hang out with. These men grew up in very poor settings, always working with their hands, either farming, cutting timber, or working as carpenters. We spent hours together telling stories. The stories were about squirrels, deer, turkey, hickory trees, this year's crops, whether green roofs fade faster than red roofs, birds like whippoorwill, and about friends and families. The Bible and Church were mentioned often. It was about observing life, and it was about telling a good story about any topic.

Everyone always politely listened to the story teller, and sincerely enjoyed the story. It felt peaceful and happy. There were times with long periods of silence, other than the sound of someone sharpening a knife. There was no TV. There was no alcohol. There was no snack food until dinner. The point was simply being with one another, and listening to stories. It is so different when I get together with men from the city. Everyone gathers by the TV, they make fun of each other, conversations are about TV advertisements or sports teams, or golf, and there is a constant sense of competition. I definitely don't feel the deep sincere joy I experienced this weekend, the joy found in the simple life.

Technorati Tags: Happiness

Attending a Christian College

This past weekend my wife and I went to Notre Dame for my 20th year reunion. We had such a wonderful time enjoying the gorgeous campus, visiting with old friends, and attending many though-provoking seminars. Soon after we arrived on Friday we attended a seminar on leadership, the 8 habits of highly effective people, and the Beatitudes. As I sat in that classroom, listening to a passionate and well prepared professor speak, I couldn't help but notice the crucifix that hung on the wall, and my eyes watered. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to attend this wonderful university and for having been able to attend a Catholic institution. How beautiful to sit in a normal looking classroom, while weaving the messages of the beatitudes with principles of leadership.

The weekend began with mass at each dorm since each class had their own dorm. Mass was celebrated just with my class and the priest was also a former classmate. We prayed for those who had passed (which we honored by name), expressed gratitude for years past, and hope for the future. There was also an all-classes mass at the Basilica on Saturday presided by Father Jenkins, President of the University. Every official banquet or dinner began with prayer. Was there partying, drinking, and dancing? Of course! Was there lots of conversations that had nothing to do with church, religion, or God? Most definitely! But how wonderful to have a reunion that included such presence of Christ. I think it makes a big difference to be able to attend a Christian university. I'm so glad I was blessed with this gift.

Technorati Tags: Catholic, Gratitude, Notre Dame

There's Such Peace in the Vastness of Nature

This past week I was in Estes Park, Colorado, high up in the mountains, in a ranch, taking a class on Change Management. The class was fantastic and they worked us day and night. The setting was spectacular. We were surrounded by high mountains, full of pine trees, and a creek went through the property. For pretty much every awaken hour I was doing something with the class or preparing assignments. When the class ended on Thursday afternoon I immediately changed and went for a 5 mile exercise walk.

I walked in a state park that for some reason was empty. I never saw or heard a human being, a car, a plane, or a radio during the entire walk. No matter where I looked, I could only see nature, nothing man-made. In that silence, I could hear and feel God. God was speaking through the gurgling of the creek on my left, through the sounds of the aspen trees, or the songs of stellar jays or chickadees. I could feel such joy, love, an clarity. In the distance I could see the snow capped mountains of the continental divide. We are so fortunate that our Creator has made such a beautiful and bountiful planet for us. How lovely that when we take the time to bask in its beauty, he strolls alongside, talking, sharing, and laughing with us.

Technorati Tags: Gratitude, Spirituality

Family Ties

I just came back after a week in Florida with my parents. I know that there are some people that have horrible memories of the parents due to abuse or that may really not get along. However, at least for me, there's such a comfort in spending time with family... I see my parents and my sister who lives in Florida once a year. I see my sister in NJ twice a year. Yet, when we see each other it feels as if we pick up where we last left off. there's no time of adjustment, there's no time of awkwardness. we are family. It feels so comfy, so cozy. i love that. I have seen my parents a total of six months in the last 20 years due to living in different and far states. You could not tell. we are best friends with each other. we both confide on each other, support each other, and challenge each other. I could say the same about my sisters. The bonds of family are so different and so tight. I'm blessed to have a family I love so much and I one I can count on...

Technorati Tags: Family

Overflowing abundance in my life

Hello dear friends! I have been absent from the blogosphere over the last weeks due to a hectic schedule, while also been blessed with overflowing abundance.  My thesis report for my Masters degree was due last week.  Every awaken computer hour was spent writing and re-writing.  God blessed me with the knowledge I needed to finish it and send it off to my prof. on time.  Ahhhh.... I now need to complete two more papers in a week.  I just submitted one of those papers.  Last week I also had the second week of Six Sigma certification training, which I enjoyed.  I had to study in order to pass a cumulative test and did well. 

Then over the weekend I attended a retreat at my parish with 27 other men.  It was a Christ Renews His Parish retreat.  I loved it.  It is so healthy to see so many men praying, opening their hearts to God, offering witness, sharing in community, and been willing to live the good news of the Gospel of Christ.  We had confession up until midnight and then our own mass.  We also had Eucharistic adoration and another private mass on Sunday.  My soul was replenished. 

No sooner had I finished the retreat, we got in the car and drove to Florida for a week’s vacation with my parents and my sister.  I have limited computer time here, but at least was able to sneak in time for this post.  It’s always so good to spend time with my family.  Today we spent the day at the beach and it was glorious.

I pray that God blesses all of my blog friends, who I miss so much!

To My Beloved -- You and I

Happy is the moment when we sit together,
With two forms, two faces, yet one soul,
you and I.

The flowers will bloom forever,
The birds will sing their eternal song,
The moment we enter the garden,
you and I.

The stars of heaven will come to watch us,
And we will show them
The light of a full moon--
you and I.

No more thought of "you" and "I."
Just the bliss of union --
Joyous, alive, free of care, you and I.

All the bright-winged birds of heaven
Will swoop down to drink of our sweet water --
The tears of our laughter, you and I.

What a miracle of fate, us sitting here.
Even at the opposite ends of the earth
We would still be together, you and I.

We have one form in this world,
Another in the next.
To us belong an eternal heaven,
The endless delight of you and I.

Jalal-Ud-Din Rumi

Technorati Tags: Gratitude

Big Howdy from Texas

Not much blogging lately as I've been traveling. I'm in Austin, Texas through Friday night. Home state of Gayla and Julie D., but not close enough to visit them in Dallas. Gayla asked about Sara. She is doing fantastic. She is pretty much back to normal except much more grateful, peaceful, and focused on living a good life. The only frustrating thing for her is not been able to drive for 6 months due to the seizures. Otherwise she is doing great thanks to God!

Begin with Gratitude

I begin 2006 with "an attitude of gratitude."

I am thankful that thanks to the prayers of many, Sara was released from the hospital only two days after leaving the ICU. She was close to death and major, permanent neurological damage. Yet, MRIs showed no damage. She needs some speech therapy, her handwriting is slightly off, and she can't drive for 6 months (which is a really big deal for her!). But all in all, she did miraculously great, thanks be to God!

I'm thankful for my loving wife, and for the health and well-being of all my children, parents, and siblings.

I'm thankful that 2005 was a very good year in my spiritual growth, my corporate work, my work as a pastoral coach, and my work in Hispanic ministry and catechism. I'm thankful for entering the wonderful world of blogs and the great friends I have made so far.

I'm thankful for a life full of abundance, beauty, opportunities, and one that beckons us to follow the call of radical love. Life is good. God is great!

Technorati Tags: Gratitude

Sara Update

When we first met with the Neurologist she was concerned with the likelihood of permanent damage due to the intensity and duration of the seizures. They performed the MRI today and it showed no brain damage! Thank you God and thank you all for your prayers! I still feel something is not totally right with her thinking and behavior, but she has so many medicines that they may be affecting her. For the most part, it looks like she is doing great. They moved her out of ICU today. She may be home in the next 1-2 days. Thanks for all your support!

Technorati Tags: Gratitude, Health