In Memory of Margaret Shelkey

My friend, you are one of the few that would still read my spontaneous random silly blogs. 

I hope you found inspiration in them, as you always inspired me to be better. Thank you my friend for believing in me. 

Thank you for supporting me even in my own rebellious ways. I think that is why we got along so well, we were both always against the norm to go after our hopes and dreams because when didn’t look for the world’s approval. Only God’s approval.

Amiga, I’m gonna miss you. I’m gonna miss the breakfasts, or lunches, or dinners, the late nights, the work we did together, the conversations, and going to a random weekday Mass. 

Thank you! Thank you for being a spiritual director to me. I am a better man because of you, and will always be grateful. 

I’ll never forget you, and I’ll always pray for you for the rest of my life. I love you sweet lady. Please continue to pray for me. You know and I know how great God is. The Lord has done and will do great things, as long as we’re obedient to Him. 

I’m going to receive the sacraments today, and I know in my heart that you are experiencing the beatific vision that you always expressed so much hope for and you are reunited with your husband and loved ones. I know you are resting, but I know you are praying. 

Thank you for your friendship…Pray for us Margaret! 

I’m God’s Favorite

 I’m God’s favorite…

Do we have enemies? Yes. Why? We don’t back down. We’re Christian.

“Pray with me, but to play with me.”

“Try Jesus, don’t try me, because I fight. I don’t have a problem laying these hands.”

I’ve been looking for a chip on my shoulder. Here it is. My mother always referred to me as, “El Chilito piquín. Chiquito pero picoso.” Spicy af. Don’t play with me.

There are three types of people in this world. Those that see the cup half empty or half full, and then there’s people like me that sees it overflowing. My cup overflows.

“I have laid a table before you in the presence of your enemies…” How did I get so lucky? How am I His favorite?

Some people are always complaining. The world this or the world that. He or she this. They are always miserable. How? Are we not God’s favorite? Are we not grateful?

The world is in chaos right now and I just sit in the middle of it all in peace. Yes, peace, despite all the noise. You can be joyful and still be suffering. Offer up your suffering. Suffer with joy. We’re just passing through.

(At peace eating while the world is in chaos)

They’ll take back their words and their actions. Maybe I won’t ever get an apology, but their behavior will change. I will be able to witness it. It always circles back. “You couldn’t live with your own failure…” Poetic justice shall be served. This is part of the novel.

After all I’m God’s favorite.

To be honest, I fail at most things I do, but still I smile, I still push back. God still spoils me. Things still work out in the end. Even when I’m undeserving, I still have hope. I’m still His.

How did I get so lucky? I’m God’s favorite.

I Hope You’re Healing

 I hope you’re healing.

I hope you’re healing because the world needs you. They need your energy, they need your love, they need your fire.

People nowadays need examples of people who are fully alive. People who live authentically, and share the presence of Christ in their lives. 

Our bodies are our temples, and sometimes we forget that. However, our soul is more important then our temporary body. Let’s not forget that. 

I hope you heal in mind, body and soul so that you can help others. After all, iron sharpens iron. At the other end of this you will be stronger, talk about strong immunity. I hope you heal so that you can put that mind, body and soul to the test once again. Ignite those God-given passions and impact eternity.

We as a family, community, and nation need to heal. If we don’t heal from our wounds, we end up bleeding on everyone else. What are you doing to heal emotionally or mentally? What are you doing to heal physically? What are you doing to heal spiritually? 

It’s okay not to be okay at times. We’re all a little broken, beaten, and carry wounds. After the Resurrection, Christ showed his wounds to His disciples. It was Him, that went through the cross, His true authentic self. Embracing the cross and the process of healing is beautiful. There’s something beautiful about suffering because God is closer to us during that time. 

“Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.” -Mother Teresa  

We have a healer, be patient.

Keep going! Keep healing! 

There Will Be Miracles

There will be miracles

This past year has been difficult for everyone. Everyone suffered and made sacrifices one way or another. There is uncertainty, but most importantly there is hope.

Are we seeing the end of the pandemic? Maybe so. Are we seeing the economy recuperating? Maybe so. Is the anxiety diminishing? Maybe so.

Once thing that is for certain, on this day before Easter, is that there will be miracles. Miracles happen everyday. God does reward the faithful. We weren’t suppose to be in control, it is about abandonment to Divine Providence. It is about surrendering to His care. 

There will always be a group on the left side, right side, far left, far right, and moderate, but we are all one body of Christ. For a common cause we will unite, for everything else there will always be diversity. That’s the way it’s always been. That is what we know as normal.

There will be miracles. New witnesses, non-believers will become believers, but a special blessing will be given to the faithful ones. You’ll see an uprising happening, full conversions. Give it a few days, weeks, or months, but it’s soon. God will heal us PHYSICALITY, emotionally, and spiritually. Miracles happen everyday, if we pay attention. His will done once again, His will is only beginning with us.

There’s still uncertainty, but one thing that is always certain and to always believe: There will be miracles!