Glory

Glory is a silent thing.

"The Truman Show" Art Project

As I was watching "The TRuman Show" starring Jim Carey I got an idea for a classroom art project. In the movie "Truman" (Jim Carey) was buying women's magazines and cutting out facial features - eyes, noses, mouths, hair, ears, neck, etc. Once cut out he would either paste them into a collage that made up a constructed face (from various pieces cut out over time) - or throw them out if they were not a match. He was trying to construct the image of a lost love. I was thinking kids could get either a photo of themselves, a friend, a celebrity, or family member - and then using magazines to cut from, construct the image of the photo using a collage of cut out facial features. I post this more for me to come back to - but also for anyone out there that might want to use this idea at home or classroom.

The above picture is a shot of the front yard.

Two days before we left on a two-week vacation to Ontario we decided to purchase a house. This is a shot of the front yard.

This is a park right across the street. 

This is shot of one of the main floor bedrooms. As you can see the bedroom has French doors that go out to a patio.

This is a shot of the living room area.

Another shot of the living room.

We went out one hot and balmy evening when we were in Ontario and took some pictures - this happens to be one of the few pictures where I ever actually look alright!

We took this picture of Gabby when we were in Ontario - the dress was bought by the minister who married us .. thanx Paul!

Another Brick in the Wall ... But in a Good Way!

I have been contemplating lately all the things that have lead to where I am today. And not necessarily the large things, the monumental things in my life that have veritably shifted the direction of my path. I am referring to the little things, the subtle things, the behind-the-scene things that have been the true rudders of my life's course. And so in the spirit of living a Eucharistic life, I think I need to give thanks to those "bricks in the wall" that serve to build up the edifice of what I call my life and who I am. So here it goes:

* Thank you mom and dad for not only teaching me the lesson of hard work by making me do some - but also in its demonstration, for showing me that whatever I do I ought to do it well. Thank you also for teaching me to pursue Jesus always and to ground my life to Him. Although we probably differ on many things concerning theology and spirituality - I will always remain true to the Person you introduced me to. Thank you also for not only introducing Him to me by word - but also in demonstrating Who He is through loving parenthood. I could go on and on in thankgiving for all the things you have taught me and given me, but I believe all these things are the manifestation of the above mentioned items. The way you have lived your life in this manner has been noticed.

* Thank you to Krista, my sister, who up until only a few years into my adult life I viewed as my nemesis. You have taught me how relationships can be healed and mended through forgiveness and humility. You have also taught me what it is to not only be forgiving, but also generous. This lesson is taught to me by the countless times you lavish costly gifts upon people for no reason. You shame me and cause me to want to be better in the area of loosening my purse-strings. The way you live your life in this manner has been noticed.

* Thank you to Wes, my brother, who, through childhood, I didn't always get along with - but am so grateful for our friendship in adulthood. You have taught me that life not always be lived out with white knuckles and stress (the way I would live it out if left on my own). You teach me to take a more relaxed, even fun approach to life and the trials that come along. You show me that all is not lost if bad things come our way. The way you live your life in this manner has been noticed.

* To my wife, Melissa, you are the sanctification of my soul. You teach me, nay, force me, to live a life that is not focussed on me. You teach me that true life is shared life. You teach me that true love (in whatever form) is self-giving love. You have graced me with such wonderful love, such profound love, love so manifest, that after nine months we had to give her a name. Gabriella. And the irony is not lost on me that Gabriella means "God's Strength". God is love and thus His strength is always demonstrated in love. The way you live your life in this manner has been noticed.

* To my precious Gabriella, my beloved daughter, you are endless joy for me. You have shown me, given me a glimpse, into the Fatherhood of God. I have, even though only a fraction, some idea of the boundless love and compassion and concern that God has for His children, His beloved creatures who bear His Image. Your life will always be a parable of God's Fatherhood to me.

* To all my friends, you are a cool balm on many wounds. To name you all would take more time than I have. But when I call you a balm on many wounds, you need to know that you are. And that the many times in life when I have had no faith, no vision, no confidence, no fortitude - you have had it for me. You have carried me through with coffees, prayers, meals, and talks. You are a blessing - and have also been blessed, for no one can be so godlike without blessing.

* To my enemies, thank you for forcing me to flee into the Father's hands. When my life has been grounded to earthly things, you have violently cut those ties and sent me fleeing to Heaven. Thank you for mercilessly scolding me when I have been prideful and arrogant. Thank you for all your scourging for they have been unto me for my own sanctification. I cannot hate my enemies for they have done me much good. May God bless you and continually allow me to be scourged by you until I have been sufficiently purified.