Stephen K. Ray's Blog, page 501

Steve's "Sometimes" Newsletter

I try to publish an e-mail newsletter 3 or 4 times a year. Want to sign up for the e-mail newsletter? Or, see the first two newsletters?

Just click here.

Then I'll be getting a lot of free health care this year!

Chart for Reading Catechism & Bible in a Year

After posting my New Year's Resolutions, I had several people ask if I had a plan or chart to assist them in reading the Catholic Bible and/or the Catechism through in one year.

YES, I do — thanks to Marcus Grodi and the Coming Home Network. You can download the chart here. Not too late to get started!

http://www.chnetwork.org/readguide04.pdf

For December Posts…

…click below to see posts before the New Year!

December 2010 and earlier

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS: An Early Start

In 2010 my son Jesse and I resolved to run 1,000 miles. We did it with about 40 miles to spare. Some of my running was done on treadmills but most of it was outside exploring new places. You can see these runs here with maps, stories, videos and pictures — which covers over 150 runs in ten countries and many states.

It felt great to finish the year having successfully completed my 2010 New Year resolution — especially since I am not too good at keeping resolutions. The support of my son, along with my wife as cheerleader, was a big help. My son also posted an internet chart which was very motivating.

For 2011 I am renewing my goal of running another 1,000 miles for 2011. But I am adding two more resolutions: I am going to read both the Bible and the Catholic Catechism through from cover to cover (using my iPhone).

I got an early start this month because I was excited to get started and in case I miss a few days in 2011! WHY DON'T YOU JOIN ME?

There is a free app for the iPhone which is called Logos. It is a Bible software app and has a program included for reading the Bible through in a year. I am using the Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition. I am already into Exodus.

I also made a chart for the Catechism and found a copy of the Catechism on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). I will use that and my old-fashioned "book" format to get this reading done. I am now on paragraph 26.

There is a great chart to keep track of your reading. It is provided by Marcus Grodi and the Coming Home Network (using the Catholic Bible). You can download the chart here.

Well, what fun! I will keep you updated periodically and will also admit if I fall flat on my face with these lofty goals :-)

Below, joined by granddaughter Bella!

My Best Birthday Present

How could I be happier now that I'm 56 years old and well over the hill, heading for the finish line.

I said to Janet, "Look what we got started!"

TOP: Janet and I with our eight grandkids (another one is on the way)

BOTTOM: Our whole family with two excellent boy friends too.

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Pope Benedict on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

"To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history.

"To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe.

"Above all, Christians go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to the places associated with the Lord's passion, death and resurrection."

–Benedict XVI (Nov. 6, 2010)   (Picture: Place of Jesus' birth)

Steve on the Priesthood

Vocation Boom Radio interviewed me twice about the priesthood. Below are the audio links to listen if you wish.

In both audio clips (1 hour each) Steve begins at 40 minutes into the broadcast. You can slide the locator bar to wherever you want it to begin playing.

1) Steve talks about his wife Janet and their experience praying for priests — and God interrupted her prayer. Listen here.

2) Follow Steve on a Virtual Tour of the Upper Room and its relationship to the priesthood. Understanding what happened in that room. Click here.

Merry Christ-mas

Merry Christmas everyone. Not "Happy Holidays" — it's MERRY CHRIST-mas!

That's what I told the server at Olive Garden Restaurant. She leaned over and whispered "Thanks! It's Merry Christmas for too, but corporate mandates that we say Happy Holidays."

Then she gave me the address where I can write to protest. I'm sending my letter today telling them their denial of Christmas offends me and most all Americans.

Understanding Islam or Chasing our Tail?

Why is our national leadership unable to understand and deal with Islam? Because they are too politically correct and stupid to understand what Islam really is. Here is a one minute presentation that lays it on the line.

http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/takeaction.asp?id=384