Parent's cohabitation…

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before marriage can have significant effects on children. Read more here.

For Americans, Gottman says the evidence for marriage is strong. The institution’s wide-ranging benefits — better health, longevity, greater wealth — are not conferred on those who cohabit. “Because,” he says, “they’re basically saying, ‘If you get into trouble, baby, you’re on your own; I’m not there for you.’ I think that’s the big problem.” Gottman’s advice, even if you decide not to tie the knot: pick a partner carefully, then hang in there — for better, or worse.

Wise thoughts…

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“There is no need at all to make long discourses; it is enough to stretch out one’s hand and say, “Lord, as you will, and as you know, have mercy.” And if the conflict grows fiercer say, “Lord help!” God knows very well what we need and He shows us His mercy.”

Abba Macarius

Rock bands…

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shouldn’t sell (out) wine. In the case of AC/DC its kind of morbid as their first prominent lead singer, Bon Scott, died from the affects of alcohol. Maybe it just goes to show that, in the end, its all about the money.

The story…

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isn’t always what you think it is. Case in point.

I played a show on July 14 and was promised payment for the work. The check didn’t and hasn’t come. Emails went back and forth with the organizer of the group, no results. More frustrated emails were sent. Still nothing. I was starting to feel like I had been played. I was simmering.

Turns out the leader of the band had delegated the money work to another person who was having financial difficulties and kept the check. I don’t like what happened at all, but I understand that these are harder times and the temptations are strong. He’s apologized and we’re on the way to figuring these things out.

I wish I would have known. Everything. Sooner rather than later. It would have been much easier. Yet “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…” is the norm, not the exception. He was just too proud to admit his financial difficulties and I  thought the worst first and about forgiveness later.

Live and learn, and, if you can, get paid before the show.

You mess with the bull…

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you get the horns. I think, drunk or sober, that getting into the ring with an angry or wounded animal of this size is just not that bright. It’s probably why they generally stack these “fights” in favor of the human. Regardless, after centuries of watching these animals being tortured for the amusement of the crowd I’m really leaning towards the bull in this one. Now if he could just gore their consciences and not just their bodies…

There are times…

~ Fr. John Chagnon ~ Leave a comment

when I want to forget all the “Christian” stuff and just kick butts and take names. Yet I know that if I do I’ll just descend. Mercy granted is mercy received, and forgiveness as well. Truly the way that leads to Life is narrow.