Tedward's Ramblings - Latest Comments

Re: The Vanity in America

Nick Modrzejewski — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:35:45 -0000

Great thoughts and observations. I love that Hollywood sees it and commented. One of the guys I work with on campus (another missionary)
and I were talking the other day about how we've noticed our students have a different perception of "The American Dream" than I might have articulated it in high school.

The dream has grown to be perfection. Get the perfect job, perfect house, perfect car, spouse, etc. Innately we know perfection for ourselves isn't possible so the dream has become projected perfection - make others think you're perfect.

We see this with students that won't speak up in a discussion unless they know "the right answer" or they keep quiet when they're unsure so as to not let others think of them as incompetent.

What others think defines if they're living rightly or successfully.

Of course we all do this to an extent. I've just found it interesting lately as I watch college-aged folks try to figure out what life has for them outside the walls of academia.

Re: Hello world!

Mr WordPress — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:53:02 -0000

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Re: The Problem with Prewriting a Blog Post

Nick — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:04:05 -0000

I'm no expert blogger and I've definitely struggled with being consistent in posting, as I've considered a more disciplined approach to things your questions here have arisen.

My hunch seems to line up with Tony's real world experience. Reading over your post from Friday in the wake of the devastation in Japan didn't lesson your thoughts or frustrations, however it did lead me to wonder if the events cast new light on your situation. Apparently they did, which made me want to know in what ways.

Maybe a future post reflecting back on the situation is the right option rather than editing the post.

Re: The Problem with Prewriting a Blog Post

Tony — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:51:11 -0000

I've updated posts in the past. I didn't seem to get any more traffic that way. I have however reposted on certain topics with a refined view. Sometimes these "reposts" come right after a major news event resulting in a lot of traffic then coming my way. Being this close to your last post on the subject, I might just leave it as is and move on.

If you do end up writing on the same subject, tying back to the original post helps people see where you are compared to where you were. The more they get to know you and engage on your blog, the more likely they are to share with others. That's where the most consistent traffic comes from.

Re: What is Ash Wednesday

totustuusfan — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:56:21 -0000

By the way, I should've clarified: of the 6 Holy Days of Obligation, Ash Wednesday is not one of them.

Also, here's a brief video to help understand: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Re: What is Ash Wednesday

Joe — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:33:35 -0000

Ted,

I was thinking about this today as I watched numerous people leave the service I attended immediately after receiving ashes. (We offer both Ash services and Mass where we receive ashes, but also celebrate Eucharist). Working for the Church every now and then people come in today asking just for ashes. I don't understand it, ashes are not a commodity. As a Catholic, we have 6 dates during the year that we are obligated to attend Church other than Sundays. It amazes me that more people show up for Ash Wednesday than most of these other feasts.

As a Catholic I wear my ashes with regret and humility. They represent the fact that I am a sinner. To be honest, I am ashamed that I have to wear my ashes because of my sinful state. You are correct, they are not a commodity. They are not to be worn to show off. In fact, that was the Gospel reading today, “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father." (The whole reading was Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18). They are worn as a sign of saying "please help me, pray for me, I am a sinner, and I want to sin no more." At least that is how they should be worn. It saddens me that this is not the case, for many of my fellow congregants.

You asked about penitential practices. Yes, I give something up during Lent. Not just out of repentance or humility, but also in memory. Jesus gave up his life for me and my sins, I give something up to honor his life, death, and resurrection. It helps me reflect on this on a more regular basis, (I usually pick something(s) that requires me to think about this at least 4-5 times a day). In the end, it leads me to being a better Christian because what I reflect on more than anything is how no matter what I give up, no matter how luxurious it is, it is insignificant to what Jesus gave up, and to be honest, this is the main purpose of any penitential practice and why I have some that are not only for the time of Lent. I do more in Lent as the focus is on preparing myself for the death and the eventual glorious resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Re: A Possible future?

Tony — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:05:04 -0000

It looks to me like they want Apple and VW to be the first companies to implement the technology. Every great piece of technology we use today was just a dream not too long ago. It's not a stretch to look forward to this kind of technology being widespread in the near future.

This kind of stuff makes the TV show versions seem clumsy. Can't wait to see it in real life. I especially like the "glass paper" that the dude was reading a book from at the end.

Re: Do I follow an imaginary Jesus?

Joe — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:16:08 -0000

If you want to learn about who Jesus really is, consider reading Albert Nolan's: Jesus before Christianity. I don't agree with all that he says, but it's definitely an interesting look at who Jesus really was.

Re: Term Limits

codecrackx15 — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:19:08 -0000

It was in the original contract with America back in the 90's. But once the Republicans took over they forgot about it. Democrats would never even bring it up. The Tea Party politicians seem more moral and reliable so maybe they can push for it once the Republicans take back control from this corrupt Obama/Pelosi/Reid administration.

Re: Term Limits

Joe — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:18:52 -0000

Interesting thought. Jesse Ventura has argued this for many years. (No, I'm not a follower of his, just listened to him a few times).

I think at this point, the only way to make those changes is for an amendment to be passed, which governors have the right to do if the state was willing to put to a ballot and pass a statewide referendum. That could be a possibility.

To be honest, I think we need to get rid of the "two-party" system before we worry about term limits though. This voting with our party is what needs to go. In doing so, the term limit law wouldn't be necessary as there would be more qualified and better candidates to choose from. No longer would voters be forced to choose the lesser of two evils to feel they didn't just throw out their vote, but rather would be able to actually choose the candidate they felt would do the best job with their interests in mind.

Re: Video from my Epcot DiveQuest

Joe — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:30:45 -0000

Very cool. Although I had to guess which one was you Ted (and I think accurately) I could easily tell when your brother was shown on the video... he should be added to the names in the credits.

Re: Wrestling with God

Kristina — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:16:26 -0000

Praying for you to have the strength to hear and recognize God's voice to you. I know how hard it can be when you hear it but want to do the opposite, even try to kid yourself that maybe that's not Him telling you... It is though. That voice is always His. You're right - it's so much easier if you just listen and go with Him!

Visiting from North Way's You Pray blog...

Kristina

Re: Special Education and Unclean Spirits

S Cooper — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:11:43 -0000

There are some who would say that casting out deamons is risky business and should only be done by a cadrey of Priests and Clergy, However Jesus in John 14:12 said Verilt, verily, I say to you He that believeth on me, the works that I do he shal do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
This would seem to indicate that we/you should be able to not only cast out deamons but cure the afflicted as well. So why is it that we/ypu dont do these things? It is simply 'dis-belief' that limits us and lack of 'faith' that hinders our efforts.
What I say next is said in the assumption that you are a born again, Baptised for the REMISSION of sins Christian and shoul not be attempted by any one other than that. If not, then get that way befor trying thiese things.
Faith = courage to act on belief
Faith = Action on belief
Faith = strenth of belief
Pray for more Faith
Pray for the Spirit to deliver to you 'Eyes to See and Ears to Hear so you can recieve more Truth.
Pray for the Spirit to deliver to you thr Gift of Discernment so you can 'See the spirit of affliction that is tormenting those who you would heal.
Pray on the Whole Armour of Eph. 6.
When you attack deamons they fight back, show no fear and comand them 'In the NAME of Jesus to depart andf they will go, however dont forget to designate their destination, as into pigs { the only thing that pigs are good for] or somewhere else.
This is all that I can tell you at this time so pray hard and good hunting, And God Speed.

Re: Lent

Uncle Dave — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:04:42 -0000

Good for you Ted! I hope you find this a very rewarding experience. You deserve a lot of credit for even coming up with the idea.

Re: Lent

Teð — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:41:01 -0000

Today at the mall was a new exercise in prayer. Everytime I thought to go look at video games, dvd's, or more clothes that I don't need I instead turned to God and thanked him for all He has already blessed me with, and then prayed to refocus on the people around me and how I can show the Love

Re: Lent

totustuusfan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:23:50 -0000

Paying off the credit card would be a worthy charity, and wouldn't be spending the money on yourself in a direct way... or in the way that you're trying to avoid to help yourself.

As I told my kids the other night when we were talking about it, the time we give up should then go towards God. In prayer, in reading the Bible, in finding new examples of people and how we can live, (I suggested to them to learn the stories of a new Saint a day).

The other thing I tell my kids, if you pick something that you don't fail at during Lent, then you picked something to easy, so don't beat yourself up if and when you struggle.

Re: Lent

Ted — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:16:17 -0000

Joe, I have been thinking about what I might be able to do with the money, and I am not sure yet. The other thing is just realizing how often I go out and look for stuff for myself when I don't need anything, I am just out. The sad truth is these are things I often buy when I should use the money to pay even more off my credit card

Re: Lent

totustuusfan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:10:00 -0000

Very cool Ted. I know for me, penitential practices are very awesome, and really do help deepen that relationship with Jesus.

May I offer a suggestion that may help you? You may have already been planning on doing this, but unless it's something necessary (and you're willing to wait for), maybe take the money you would normally spend on yourself, and use it to help others. (Pay for a family dinner, groceries, donate to a charity, or a friend... maybe a friend that has a new son and could use more diapers). I suggest it because we can fall into a trap that in 40 days, now I can buy that video game or that jacket, and the only sacrifice then, is the waiting and the anxiety that comes with that waiting. Please don't think I'm trying to say what you're doing isn't good enough or anything to that nature, I just wanted to share my thoughts on how you can add to your experience.

Re: Lent

DIANE MORRISSEY — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:38:55 -0000

I think your idea is amazing. After all Christ did sacrifice everything on a daily baisis. He gave to others and not Himself and I think what you have decided is a good example of just this. God bless you godchild during this journey as I pray for your success. Love you!

Re: Lent

Emily — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:11:33 -0000

I'm proud of you Tedward!! I'm interested to see how the journey goes!

Re: Challenged at a Resturant

totustuusfan — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:43:25 -0000

We should talk soon. I do have some resources, and know of some workshops, although some will be Catholic based. Give me a call when you're free. (You do know, this is Joe, right?)

Re: How Facebook might loose me friends

@tlamarca — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:29:38 -0000

Well said.

Re: A Reality Call in Time Managment

Tony LaMarca — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:06:31 -0000

intense. both your post and kent's sermon. Plan to respond @ http://bit.ly/emerging

Re: A Reality Call in Time Managment

Tedward — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:32:21 -0000

Thanks Kent, can't wait to hear your message tomorrow.

Re: A Reality Call in Time Managment

kent — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:42:17 -0000

I'm praying for your bro.