There was a professor who stood before her philosophy class and had some items in front of her. When the class began, wordlessly, she picked up a very large but empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. She then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. She shook the jar slightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. She then asked the students again if the jar was full. They again agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. She asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents of both cups into the jar, effectively filling the empty spaces between the grains of sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things: Your faith, your hope, your love; your family, your community, God. That if everything else is lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that are of matter, but are of less importance, your job, your house, your car. The sand represents everything else …. the small stuff. If first we were to fill the jar with sand we would have no room for the golf balls or the pebbles. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your eternal life. Take time out for your families; be patient and loving to one another. There is always time to clean the house there is always time to wash your car. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. One of the students raised his hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple cups of coffee with a friend."
Friday, December 19, 2008
Do You Have a Little More Room In Your Jar…
Thursday, December 18, 2008
“The Word Became Flesh and Moved Into the Neighborhood”
I just read this and HAD to re-post it on my blog for those of you who might really appreciate it.
This is not my writing, but that of…
Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. is the Pastor of one church in three locations in New Jersey: Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, Cathedral Assembly by the Shore in Asbury Park, and Cathedral Assembly in the Fields in Plainfield. Dr. Hilliard's willingness to say "YES" to the Lord fostered his ability to grow the church from 125 in 1983 to well over 5,000 members today. As a result of Dr. Hilliard's unwavering faith, multifaceted mindset, and ability to trust in the Lord, over fifty ministries are at work within the three cities.
The Word Became Flesh and Moved Into the Neighborhood
Bishop Donald Hilliard
Among the Christmas Eve congregation at 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church was a recovering alcoholic named Jim. It was his first Christmas alone, and when a young family sat down beside him he couldn't handle it. Leaving the church he met Pastor Thomas Tewell who asked where he was going. "Out for a drink," he replied.
Knowing Jim's history, Tewell said, "You can't. Where's your sponsor?" "On vacation," he replied. "I came tonight needing a word of hope and ended up sitting beside this family. If I had my life together, I'd be here with mine."
As the pastor walked to the pulpit he prayed, "God, give me a word of hope for Jim." Then after welcoming the congregation he said, "I have a request. If anyone here is a friend of Bill W.'s, and if you are you'll know it, please meet me in the vestry. (Bill Wilson, better known as Bill W., co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous)
Immediately people from all over the congregation began to respond. Dr. Tewell says, "While I was busy preaching about the Incarnation, the Word was becoming flesh before my eyes!"
As you celebrate Jesus' birth, remember that many around you are hurting; they've lost hope. Don't forget, "The Word became flesh" only because Jesus went out of His way to redeem sinners, lift the fallen, encourage the despairing, and minister to the sick, the lonely and the forgotten.
He said, "In as much as you've done it unto the least...of these...you've done it unto me" (See Mt 25:40). So instead of keeping to yourself this year, reach out to others - go ahead, make it your best Christmas ever!
“Seize the Day…”
I want to thank the Producer Emily, of the Gus Lloyd Show for having me on Sirius Satellite Radio, this morning and also thanks to my friend and brother in Christ, Gus Lloyd for the great work that he does. Prior to my interview this morning, Gus did a reflection on the Gospel Reading today, and recounted how Matthew called St. Joseph a "Righteous Man", and how that term had been used for only a few people in the Bible. Noah, Abraham, etc., and how we not just especially father's, but all humanity are called to emulate this "Righteous Man", in how he (St. Joseph) said YES to the Lord, in his calling in life. St. Joseph said YES, I will serve you Lord; I will raise Your Son, despite the hard circumstances.
This reflection calls all of us to really realize what exactly WE are called to do. We ALSO are called to be RIGHTEOUS, and serve the Lord in our everyday lives, in all we do. We are called to be Righteous in how we live our lives, at work, at home and in the things we do for entertainment. Not all of us are called to the 'Religious Life', but yes we ARE called to be Evangelizers of the Gospel.
Pope Paul VI, told us that "…The Church (Catholic Church) Exists so that She may EVANGELIZE." We Evangelize in how we live our lives and treat others; how we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as those who do not know Christ.
I have often told this story in some of my preaching around the Country, but there was once an atheist who said, "If Roman Catholic's honestly and truly believed that what they were receiving (the Eucharist) was truly the Body of Christ, they would literally be crawling on their hands and knees to go receive it." Think about that for a moment; do we really and truly understand what it is that we are receiving every time we attend the Holy Sacrifice of Mass? Are we just receiving a cracker and wine; do we really understand the magnitude of what we are taking in our body? Do we take the TRUE Body and Blood of Christ and keep it to ourselves, or do we tell others about this MAGNIFICIANT GIFT, we have received from God and encourage others to come and receive Him as well?
We must SEIZE THE DAY, every day of our lives. Every day is yet another opportunity to share the Love of Christ with someone else…have YOU taken the time to share Him with someone else today? Have YOU taken the time to share the Light of the World with someone else? Have you taken the time to thank God for the greatest Christmas Present the world has ever known? Take the time… TODAY to share Him with someone else…take the time…TODAY, to be a Blessing to someone else…do it NOW…SEIZE THE DAY, while the Day is still at hand…God will Bless you for it, more than you will ever know!
God bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be Gracious unto you; may He continue to lift up His countenance upon you and grant you His Peace... amen, Amen and AMEN!
Keep on Keepin' on!
Qorban Ministries
PS…check out our website, www.CatholicEvangelist.net for some GREAT last minute Christmas Stocking Stuffers!!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Last Minute Christmas Gifts - Great Stocking Stuffers
Give the Gift of Evangelization – Inspiration – Eternal Salvation through the Holy Spirit!
Take advantage of Qorban Ministries’ Special Offer of one of these, Four CD’s or the one DVD.
ORDER TODAY AND GET YOUR FREE GIFT! See details at bottom!
CD – 1 “My Story, Your Story, His-story” –
The Conversion Story of Catholic Convert, and Evangelist Richard L. Lane; This CD is approximately 65 minutes in length and recounts his conversion from Lutheran, to ‘Pretend Catholic’, to coming into Full Communion, with the Roman Catholic Church. This is a great gift idea for someone who might have fallen away from the Church, or might be discerning coming into the Church; also for rejuvenating that current Catholic in good standing. We only have a few hundred left, so click on this picture to order NOW!
$15.00, plus shipping & handling for this CD!!!
CD – 2 “Empowering the Laity” –
This CD which is about 45 minutes in length is an awesome and inspirational talk for that favorite Priest and/or Deacon in your life. This is a great CD to give them to inspire them to keep on preaching the Gospel of our Lord and for THEM to continue to be set on FIRE! Click on this picture to order NOW!$10.00 for this CD; plus shipping & handling
CD – 3 “The Poor in Our Midst” –
This CD is an excellent CD for you and many others to be able to reflect and not only be grateful for the many ‘things’ God has given you, but also to encourage others to reach out to those who are most in need of God’s Mercy, the most beloved of Jesus, the Poor, Needy and the Suffering. Order one for your own collection and a few for other friends and fellow Vincentians! Click on this picture to order.
$10.00 for this CD; plus shipping & handling
CD – 4 “Decide Today Whom You Will Serve” –
This is a never before released CD by Qorban Ministries until now! This talk makes you really think about WHAT god’s we serve in our lives each day, and calls us to task as was Joshua, by God! This is a MUST HAVE for you and others… as for us, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD! Order a few NOW! Click on this picture.
$15.00 for this CD; plus shipping & handling
DVD – “Journey Home – Richard Lane” –
Order your copy and also one for someone else of this great episode of Evangelist Richard Lane’s appearance on, Eternal Word Television Network’s (EWTN) “The Journey Home” with Marcus Grodi. This is a beautiful program to continue to set you on fire for the Lord and also a great way to give the Gift of VISUAL Evangelization to someone else. This DVD along with the CD – “My Story, Your Story, His-story”, is a great 1 – 2 punch for the Lord – a MUST HAVE! Click the picture above to order your DVD today – Limited Supplies available so, order yours NOW!!!$19.99 for this DVD, plus shipping & handling
“DVD - The Journey Home Lane”
Order any CD or DVD, BEFORE 11:59pm (Eastern) December 19, 2008 (ON-LINE via PayPal) and receive a FREE GIFT from Qorban Ministries!
To Remember our website remember Catholic Evangelist! Also check out Qorban Ministries’ Blogs!
Please forward this message to all your friends and family to help them with last minute Stocking Stuffer & Gift Ideas!
Thank you so much for your support of Qorban Ministries; keep us in your prayers and we will continue to keep you in ours!
Richard & Donna Lane
~ Qorban Ministries
Don’t forget – BOOK RICHARD LANE NOW (Through CMG BOOKING) for your 2009 Men’s Conference – BOOK RICHARD & DONNA LANE now for your 2009, Parish Mission / Revival / Pentecost Celebration!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The King is COMING!!!
Many people are feeling the devastating effects of the state of our Economy, me included. We have less money than we did in previous years, Bankruptcy and Foreclosures are at record highs, most of us are forced to live from paycheck to paycheck, and some of us in Ministry, such as me are not seeing any paychecks for a few more months and we wonder where God in all of this is. How are You (God) going to help us? Where are You, Lord in our struggles? Do you hear the cries of Your Children?
I received yet another prayer request from a dear friend in Christ yesterday stating that they have just been laid off from their job. Last week, a brother in Christ called me and let me know that he lost his job as well. The one point of solace I guess we have right now is that gas prices are continuing to fall, thank God, but most of us are failing to see relief of our other burdens anytime soon.
James 1:2-4 tells us:
2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, 2
for you know that the testing 3 of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, 4 he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.
We ask God everyday for Mercy and Forgiveness and we should receive His Love in that prayer. It is NOW…when we give thanks to God in good times and in hard times…for the Refining Fire that He is sending us through will make us closer to Him.
I honestly believe, as hard as it is each day, that He WILL make a Way out of no way for ALL of us in our lives, but one thing we must remember is that we must give GOD the Praise and Glory when He brings us out of the situations we are in.
There IS a LIGHT at the end of the Tunnel and the LIGHT is our savior Jesus Christ. Christ the KING IS COMING! HE IS COMING, so let us give thanks to the Lord our God for the LIGHT of the world. Let us all be reminded of the Light of Christ and encourage one another that the KING IS COMING and HE WILL bring us to everlasting life…if we only BELIEVE and keep HIS commandments.
Keep strong brothers and sisters in Christ, keep strong. Give to those who are in need of help. Be kind with one another. Have patience with one another, because you don't know what others are going through and we MUST let that LIGHT of Christ shine through each of us to bring someone else closer to God. We are blessed to be blessings to others, so if you have the means, give to someone else who does not. Not just material means, but give CHRIST – Give the LIGHT of Christ to others. This is the GREATEST Gift we can all give to anyone.
Keep on Keepin' on ya'll and remember, THE KING IS COMING!!! Let us prepare ourselves to receive Him!
God bless you.
Qorban Ministries
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Three Black Pope’s…
I just realized someone asked the questions who were the other two of the three Black Pope's? I apologize for not getting this information out sooner, but here are all three Black Pope's and their information;
Pope St. Victor - Elected in 189 AD. He was deacon when he became Pope, a rarity then and now. He established a set date for the celebration of Easter yearly. He died a martyr for the faith in 199.
Pope St. Militiades - Reigned as Pope
from 311 - 314. He signed the emperor Constantine's famous Edict of Milan in 313, ending the persecutions, and making Christianity the established religion of the empire. He was considered an excellent Pope, "a son of peace and father of Christians" according to St. Augustine.
Pope St. Gelasius - Reigned from 492 -496. Born in Rome, he was renowned for his holiness, kindness and scholarship. He saved Rome from famine, composed a book of hymns for church use, was renowned for his concern for the poor and clarified church teaching on the Eucharist.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Season of Thanksgiving…
Well, I would say that Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the "Silly Season", but it seems the "Silly Season" began well before Thanksgiving, with people placing "Holiday" things up and out in the stores and yet once again, taking Christ out of Christmas.
We have so much to give thanks for each and every day of our lives. Our families, roofs over our heads, the many things we take for granted, such as our own lives. If it were not for the Graces and Mercies of God, we would not even be able to breathe without Him. Yet so many of us (myself included) tend to forget to just say "Thank you Lord…" when we open our eyes each morning, amid the creaking bones, aches and pains, stresses of another day of going to work…or going out to find work.
The Season of Thanksgiving should be 24/7, 365, to give thanks for our families, and just the little things we have, because so many have less than us. Let us once again take time to ALWAYS put Christ in Christmas for if it were not for the greatest Gift we could have ever received from God, His Son, we would be so lost, now and eternally.
Let us take time each day, to just say a simple prayer… "Thank you Lord", which covers ourselves, our families and the things that He has and will continue to so Graciously provide for us. Most importantly, let us remember that in saying "Thank you Lord", we are ultimately saying THANK YOU for the Victory, which belongs to us, through our Eternal Salvation, through Christ our Lord, and let us try to do our best to live accordingly; for we are not worthy of His Love, Grace and Mercy, but through the sacrifice of the Innocent Lamb of God, He has purchased for us the rewards of Eternal Life, with Him and the Father.
"Let EVERYTHING that has breath, praise the MIGHTY Name of JESUS CHRIST!"
God bless you and be with you, now and forevermore, amen, Amen and AMEN!
Qorban Ministries