Nothing Is Something

My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.Mitch Hedberg
Have you ever had your DNA tested? My daughter gave me a DNA test kit for Father’s Day. I often wondered when my ancestors came to this country and who the native American ancestor was. I went through the procedure of collecting my sample and sent it off. It was 3.5 weeks for it to be processed. Finally the day came and I was excited and nervous us at the same time. What greeted me was a total shock. It showed NO Irish or Scottish ancestry and NO Native American ancestry. Dumbfounded and in disbelief it took several days to get my bearings back. 

At this point what settled in was a determination to prove the report wrong. Why would my family say things that were not true. My younger sister had been researching and building a family tree. She didn’t have the answer so I began researching as well. Turns out my great grandmother was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1855. Both of her parents are natives of  Ireland. It is still unknown where the Native American is from but we are still researching it. Some branches are back into the 1500’s and could take some time.

The point is that throughout this time I had been resting in the Lord for answers. The feeling of having been stripped of my identity was held in check with prayer and a feeling of well being. He has promised He would be our protector and advocate no matter what. He has our backs at all times. What is assuring to me is that I am who I am and that is what is important. If we are stripped of our earthly identity it does not change the physical or spiritual "I am" that makes us who we are. Yes, it matters to me who my fore fathers were but it is more important to understand that we are in His hands and it matters to Him that we are His children and perfectly who we are right now.

I will add to this search as more is found. There are no crafts this time around. Thank you for your patience. Remember to always Love The Details.

Perfection

It would seem that mankind tends to strive for that which is perfect. Perfection in a fallen world is a nebulous dream at best. Perfection in a world of change is temporary. For us it is better to strive toward continuous improvement. Perfection does not exist in this life. What we often say is perfect is only true until the next new experience. 

Over the years I have watched individuals switch from one church to another, to another and to yet another in search of the perfect church. What they are searching for is a place they are comfortable, a place that is not threatening, a place that does not challenge them. There are a multitude of choices if that is what you are seeking. The problem is there are no "perfect" churches. The ministers and the congregation are often what makes the church dynamic, vibrant and alive. That does not mean it is perfect but it may be the place that suits where you are in this life. It does not mean it is right nor does it mean it is wrong.

I no longer search for perfection but rather for spiritual truth. It is a challenge to search for spiritual truth. It is where wisdom and knowledge are found. Not earthly wisdom and knowledge but that which God provides. It is the ultimate "AHA" moment. It takes us places that are hard to share with others since they are spiritual in nature, not devised by man. The visions or vistas of this word have no equal and thus no comparison to share what the spiritual reveals. Each individuals experience will be unique according to his own uniqueness. That is what makes it difficult to share the spiritual with others in a way that they can appreciate. Even as this is being written I am struggling to describe what, to me, is a very personal experience. 

Some years ago I created a box for the pastor of our Parish. He had said he had no place to store the plans for the church. I wanted to surprise him and by building a box to store those documents. The box I built was 32" X 32" X 32" with no screws or nails. The only screws were in the hinges to the lid. 

       Pope John Paul II Coat or Arms

Emblem of the Papacy

  Pope Benedict XVI Coat of Arms

(from top Left to Right)

VA - circa 1800

Church Naval Insignia circa 1800

Vatican Flag (center)

Holy Church circa 1800

Papal States Flag of Honor 2nd Class

It is hoped your days, weeks and months ahead are happy and prosperous. In this world nothing is written in stone that can be considered forever. Take each day as it is given to you and take none for granted. Bless the Lord for every second and thank Him for everything. Until the next time, remember, Love The Details.