Welcome To My World!

Prolog -- A parable we can all learn from . . .

A water bearer in India had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which, he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, but the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, while the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was very ashamed of its imperfection, and was miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do -- or so it thought.

The cracked pot, after two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am very ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the water bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"For the past two years, I have only been able to deliver half of my real capacity, because this crack in my side allows water to leak out all the way back to the master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the cracked pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and compassionately said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot did notice the sun shining on the beautiful wild flowers growing along his side of the path, and this cheered it some. However, at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had again leaked out half its load, and so it apologized to the water bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and put it to good use. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path (for the return trip), and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For over two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. If you weren't the way you are, he wouldn't have the flowers for his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow Him, the Lord will use us, in spite of our flaws, to grace His Father's table in some way. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.

So as we seek ways to minister, and as God calls you to the job He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to use them, so you too can help add beauty along the pathways He has chosen for you.

The Visitor

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, "I always park there. You took my place!"

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!"

The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place!"

The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.

Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, "I took your place."

Addendum -- "Christ himself carried our sins in His body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by His wounds that you have been healed."

Would You Like To Meet The King?

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet the King. He set off, walking across the beautiful countryside towards the King's castle. He walked and walked, thinking of all the wonderful things that he and the King could talk about, and he imagined how beautiful the castle was. He was just a little boy, and he wanted so much just to talk to the King, see Him on His thrown, as well as be in His presence.

Finally, after many long days of walking, the King's castle came into view. It was even more majestic than the boy had imagined! He couldn't wait to tell the King how beautiful everything was and how much he had enjoyed his walk across the countryside. The boy began to run towards the castle!

However, as the boy got closer to the outside of the castle, he noticed there was a huge fence all around it, and there was a big fancy gate in front of the castle. As the boy neared the gate, he was stopped by a gate-keeper. When ask if he had an appointment to see the King, the boy said no, and was told he would have to leave.

"I just want to see the King..." the little boy began in a halting voice.

"That's not possible, unless you have an appointment, said the gate-keeper."

Well, the little boy didn't have to be told twice. After all that walking, after all that thinking, after all that wishing and hoping, he turned... and ran. He was sad and so very disappointed.

He began to cry. All he wanted to do was tell the King wonderful things, and see all the beautiful things in the King's house. But he couldn't even get near the castle! The boy finally stopped running and sat down and just cried.

A young man happened to be coming down the path at that very moment. He was carrying a sack over his shoulder and whistling a happy tune. He saw the little boy and stopped.

"What's wrong, young man? Why are you so sad?" he asked.

"Sir, I've been walking for several days just to see the King, but the gate-keeper wont let me in. I just wanted to tell the King how lovely everything is and see all the neat things in his castle. If only I could tell the King that I just wanted to see him!" wailed the little boy.

"Whoa! Slow down a little. Sounds like you've had a rough time today." With that, the man set down His sack and began to rummage through it. "Would you like to have a fresh apple?" asked the Man.

"Yes, thanks, said the little boy. I don't think I'll ever go back there!"

The man looked at the little boy thoughtfully. "Look, why don't you try again. I'll go with you this time."

The Man smiled at the little boy, who was obviously concerned for His (the Man's) safety; apparent thinking the gate-keeper would be really mad if the boy returned a second time. The Man stood up and dusted himself off.

"C'mon with Me. Maybe we can find something else to eat along the way." the Man said, holding out His hand.

The little boy looked up at the Man, and looked in the direction of the castle. He was so close! Well, he reasoned, even if I can't see the King, maybe I can find something else to eat before I begin my walk home.

With that, the little boy got up and took the Man's hand. He gripped the Man's hand tighter and tighter as they got closer to the King's castle. Finally, the gate-keeper spotted them: one very frightened boy holding the hand of a Man with a sack over his shoulder. As they drew close, the little boy couldn't stand it anymore.

"Look, Mister, we don't have to do this... I don't want You to get hurt. I'll just be on my way. It was nice of You to stop... thanks for the apple... we can just turn around now..." the boy began to babble again.

The man held the little boy's hand firmly and said, "Child, you've come this far with Me... how about trusting Me a little longer? Let's just see what happens."

"OK..." said the little boy.

The pair came closer to the castle and the gate-keeper watched them approach. The Man looked down and winked at the boy. The boy really thought the Man might be crazy... until he looked back at the gate-keeper -- who was smiling now! The big gate in front of the castle was swung wide open. The little boy was amazed!

"Who are You?" asked the little boy in astonishment.

"Why, I'm the King's Son. By placing your trust and faith in Me, you can enter the Castle and be with the King," said the Man.

The little boy had a huge smile on his face.

"Can I go home and tell my parents about You?" asked the little boy. "So they can come to visit and praise the King, too!"

Jesus threw His head back and laughed. He thought that was the best thing that anyone could do.

Would you like to see the King? Let me introduce you to His Son... JESUS.

JUNE 6
ST. NORBERT

Norbert was born in Germany around the year 1080. He was good while a child and teenager. Then at the court of Emperor Henry V, Norbert spent all his time on frivolous things. He thought only of acquiring positions of honor. He was the first to arrive at parties and celebrations. He was thoroughly happy with "the good life."

One day, however, he was frightened by a flash of lightning. His horse bolted. Norbert was thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. When he woke, he began to think seriously about the way his life was going. God felt very near. Norbert realized that the Lord was offering him the grace to change for the better. Gradually, he went back to the idea he had once had several years earlier. He had considered becoming a priest. Now he would. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1115.

Father Norbert worked hard to make others turn from their worldly ways. He gave a good example by selling all he had to give the money to the poor.

St. Norbert became the founder of a congregation for the spreading of the faith. His original group began their religious life as a community of thirteen. They lived in the valley of Premontre. That is why they are called Premon-stratensians.They are also called Norbertines, after their founder.

St. Norbert was chosen bishop of the city of Magdeburg. He entered the city wearing very poor clothes and no shoes. The porter at the door of the bishop's house did not know him and refused to let him in. He told him to go join the other beggars. "But he is our new bishop!" shouted those who knew the saint. The porter was shocked and very sorry. "Never mind, dear brother," St. Norbert said kindly. "You judge me more correctly than those who brought me here."

St. Norbert had to combat a heresy which denied that Jesus is really present in the Holy Eucharist. His beautiful words about Our Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament brought the people back to their holy faith.

In March, 1133, he and his great friend, St. Bernard (whose feast is celebrated on August 20) walked in an unusual procession. They joined the emperor and his army to accompany the true pope, Innocent II, safely to the Vatican.
St. Norbert died in 1134.

Pope Gregory XIII proclaimed him a saint in 1582.

Tips For Being Handy

If you can't find a screwdriver, use a knife. If you break off the tip, it's an improved screwdriver.

Try to work alone. An audience is rarely any help.

What you may have been told by your mother, praying is helpful in home repair.

Work in the kitchen whenever you can ... many fine tools are there, its warm and dry, and you are close to the refrigerator.

If it's electronic, get a new one ... or consult a twelve-year-old.

Stay simple minded: Get a new battery; replace the bulb or fuse; see if the tank is empty; try turning it to the "on" switch; or just paint over it.

Always take credit for miracles. If you dropped the alarm clock while taking it apart and it suddenly starts working, you have "fixed" it.

Regardless of what people say, kicking, pounding, and throwing sometimes DOES help.

If something looks level, it is level.

If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.

Above all, if what you've done is stupid, but it works, ........ then it isn't stupid.

What time is it?

A young Jew and an old Jew are riding on a bus in Jerusalem.

The young Jew asks, "Excuse me, sir, what time is it?"

The old Jew doesn't answer.

"Excuse me, sir," the young Jew asks again, "what time is it?"

The old Jew still doesn't answer.

"Sir, forgive me for interrupting you all the time, but I really want to know what time it is. Why won't you answer me?"

The old Jew says, "Son, the next stop is the last on this route. I don't know you, so you must be a stranger. If I answer you now, according to Jewish tradition, I must invite you to my home.

You're handsome and I have a beautiful daughter. You will both fall in love and you'll want to get married. And tell me, why would I want a son-in-law who can't even afford a watch?"

You Know You're Getting Older When...

You Know You're Getting Older When...

Everything hurts; and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.

The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your bifocals.

You feel like the morning after and you haven't been anywhere.

Your little black book contains only names ending in M.D.

Your children begin to look middle aged.

You finally reach the top of the ladder and find it leaning against the wrong wall.

Your mind makes contracts that your body can't meet.

You look forward to a dull evening.

Your favorite part of the newspaper is "20 years ago today."

You turn out the lights for economic rather than romantic reasons.

You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.

Your knees buckle and your belt won't.

You regret all those mistakes you made resisting temptation.

You're 17 around the neck, 42 around the waist, and 106 around the golf course.

Your back goes out more than you do.

A fortune teller offers to read your face.

Your pacemaker makes the garage door go up when you see a pretty girl.

The little old gray haired lady you help across the street is your wife.

You sink your teeth into a steak and they stay there.

You have too much room in the house and not enough in the medicine cabinet.

You know all the answers but nobody asks you the questions.

Parrot

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arm and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

JUNE 5
ST. BONIFACE

This great apostle of Germany was born in Wessex, England, between the years 672 and 680. When he was small, some missionaries stayed a while at his home. They told the boy all about their work. They were so happy and excited about bringing the Good News to people. Boniface decided in his heart that he would be just like them when he grew up. While still young, he went to a monastery school to be educated. Some years later, he became a popular teacher. When he was ordained a priest, he was a powerful preacher because he was so full of enthusiasm.

Boniface wanted everyone to have the opportunity to know about and love Jesus and his Church. He became a missionary to the western part of Germany. Pope St. Gregory II blessed him and sent him on this mission. Boniface preached with great success. He was gentle and kind. He was also a man of great courage.

Once, to prove that the pagan gods were false, he did a bold thing. There was a certain huge oak tree called the "oak of Thor." The pagans believed it was sacred to their gods. In front of a large crowd, Boniface struck the tree a few times with an axe. The big tree crashed. The pagans realized that their gods were false when nothing happened to Boniface.

Everywhere he preached, new members were received into the Church. In his lifetime, Boniface converted great numbers of people. In place of the statues of the pagan gods, he built churches and monasteries. In 732, the new pope, St. Gregory III made Boniface an archbishop and gave him another mission territory. It was Bavaria, which is part of Germany today. He and some companions went there to teach the people about the true faith. Here, too, the holy bishop was very successful.

Then, one day, he was preparing to confirm some converts. A group of fierce warriors swooped down on the camp. Boniface would not let his companions defend him. "Our Lord tells us to repay evil with good," he said. "The day has come for which I have waited so long. Trust in God and he will save us." The Barbarians attacked, and Boniface was the first one killed. He died a martyr on June 5, 754. He was buried at the famous monastery he had started at Fulda, Germany. This was what he wanted.