The Gift of Dolphins

Hello My Brothers and Sisters,

We had a wonderful surprise today.  While standing on a.pier enjoying the sailboat and the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, we were visited by 2 dolphins.  I loved it.

The dolphins frolicked in the water, sliding up and down.  We were mesmerized.  Within 5 minutes, the mostly empty pier was full of people watching.  The small crowd laughed and chattered.  In general, the entire scene was transformed and and so were attitudes.

I reflected on my  life.  I discovered that when I was free and gay like.the dolphins, my life was joyful.  Although I don't draw crowds like the dolphins did, it is obvious that people around me are happier when I am free to be me.  In other words, when I am not burdened.

So, where are the areas of your life that are keeping you from being free?  Is it time to let go for the sake of your families, your friends, your community and yourself?  

Would you let our prayer team pray with you and for you?  Is it time to let stuff go.......???

With love,

Deacon Tom Frankenfield

Another Amazing Reflection by One of My Spiritual Influences

I have always been touched by this quote.....

You are confronted again and again with the choice of letting God speak or letting your wounded self cry out. Although there has to be a place where you can allow your wounded part to get the attention it needs, your vocation is to speak from the place in you where God dwells.     Henri J. M. Nouwen

I so much need to quiet myself so God can speak.  Can you help me?


Love....Deacon Tom

Our Paths are Never Straight

The path of to our eternal home is always winding but if we keep our eyes on God's love, all will be good. 

Today we pray.......
Dear All Loving God, Our world is it turmoil with a need for peace; a need for justice; a need for equality; a need for food but the greatest need is for closer relations with YOU. Come Lord, heal our sinful ways.

Finally, for all those people who have asked me to pray for them--I lift your needs to Our Lord.

Amen.

Prayers for those who are not feeling well today-like me.

I am sick today.  Yuck!  So, now I can pray in solidarity with others who are sick.  I hope everyone, including me, feels better.

So, here is a great video.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CEAQtwIwBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqWNsUbjpfn4&ei=AjOGTbelMuS-0QG0sNnECA&usg=AFQjCNEl9IJWpSeKCV_ZjcOzPfMaQ-KvYg&sig2=zV6_Np6-3_2b7l63nj-UlQ

Blessings to all,
Tom

How Do You Relate to St Joseph?

My Morning Walk

Good Morning World,


I walked the beach alone this morning.  Actually, the Lord was walking along with me now that I think of it.  We had the most wonderful prayer time together.  

I tried to relate to the experience of St. Joseph.  On many levels Joseph is a person for me to model.  


First, his submission to the will of God.  Although I have committed my life completely, I struggle with some of the areas that I still hold on to.  One example is my materialism.  I like very nice things for myself and my family when I really could get by with "nice".


Second, is Joseph's willingness to be shamed in his community -- all for the will of God.  I could only imagine the depth of gossip in his tribe when he said that he was going to marry a pregnant woman--especially, one who he did not impregnate. 


Finally, I admire Joseph's ability to become small in status for Mary and Jesus.  I guess Joseph should be the patron saint the "strong silent types."

Guys,  where does your journey with Christ model St. Joseph?  Where do you need to improve.  


Ladies,  how does the relationship of Joseph to his spouse relate to your personal relationships?


Love ya'll,
Deacon Tom

Praying Among the Fishermen

 I'm currently praying & sitting on a public fishing pier.  I love talking to fishermen.  I am  learning to appreciate their stories like their love of water and how important slowing down is to their lives.

 It's God's gift to them--food to eat.  
 
Is your food gift in your life?

My Birthday

Well today is my birthday.  Number 61!  

I wanted to thank everyone who sent me a note on Facebook or via text.  It really really touches my heart. It is on a day like today it makes me feel very thankful for all the joy that I've had in my life.

Also I want to thank my mom and dad for saying "yes" to life back in 1950.  My prayer is that the world will learn to say yes to life.  Life is the most important gift received from God.  We must protect it with all of our hearts!

Finally we made some major changes over the weekend and how we're going to communicate with everyone via the Internet.  In particular, my website.  My son gave me the gift for a domain for my birthday. (which to an old guy like me is hard to figure out
.)

In the very near future will be turning the website & the blog over to www.RevMrTom.com--that's me. I look forward to doing lots and lots of exciting stuff on the Internet

God is good and thank you all for being part of my life.

Love you
Deacon Tom Frankenfield


Sent from my iPad

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN

Dear Lord,

Please take the people of Japan and hold them close to your Sacred Heart.  Give them strength, help and faith.  Have them realized the fullness of life in you.  Amen.

I also felt moved to share the following passage for all of those who are suffering emotional stress over this situation and others.  A Reading from the Word of God:

Philippians
Chapter 4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

(http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/philippians/philippians4.htm)

Prayer for Mary's Intercession

We call upon the love or Our Blesses Mother to intercede with Her son for us as we pray:

English translation

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.
Amen.

 

Italian translation

Ave Maria,
Piena di grazia,
Il Signore è con te.
Tu sei benedetta fra le donne,
e benedetto è il frutto
del tuo seno, Gesú.
Santa Maria,
Madre di Dio,
prega per noi peccatori, adesso,
e nell'ora della morte.
Amen.

 

Spanish translation

Dios te salve, María,
Llena eres de gracia,
El Señor es contigo.
Bendita tú eres entre las mujeres,
y bendito es el fruto
de tu vientre, Jesús.
Santa María,
Madre de Dios,
ruega por nosotros pecadores, ahora,
y en la hora de la muerte.
Amén.

 

Japanese translation

ヘイルメアリーは、
の恵みをフル、
主はあなたと共にいます。
、女性の間でなたを祝福
と祝福の果実です
あなたの子イエスの。
聖マリア、
神の母、
私たちのために祈って、今罪人
と死の時間に。
アーメン。

 

Please consider being generous and helping the people of Japan through a contribution of your prayers and also of your treasure.

 

Catholic Relief Service personnel throughout the Pacific are standing ready to assist those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan early Friday morning.

 

http://crs.org/japan/

 

Blessings and Love

Deacon Tom

 

 

 

 

 



http://crs.org/japan/

Ash Wednesday

Now, now, - it is the Lord who speaks, come back to me with all your heart...let your hearts be broken ... for God is all tenderness and compassion... (Joel 2) We only know that we're in darkness when we come into the light of God's love. It is only in the light, in the fullness of the sun, that we know there is a shadow. Henri Nouwen

Getting Ready for Lent

I am going to be working hard the next few days to get ready for Lent.  I am considering a total reworking of my blog to focus on prayer and helping others and not so much about my story.

Now off I go to give it a try!!

Christ is born for us: come, let us adore him!

Christ is born for us: come, let us adore him!

Cristo ha nacido por nosotros: venid, venid a adorarlo!
Cristo è nato per noi: venite, adoriamo!
Christus ist uns geboren: Kommt, lasst uns anbeten!
Rugadh Críost dúinn: teacht, in iúl dúinn le adhair air!

Chrystus narodził się dla nas, pójdźmy z pokłonem! 

 Χριστός γεννάται για μας: Έλα, ας τον λατρεύουν!

 
Love,
Deacon Tom

Welcome to Our Sharing on the Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent.

You are invited! I would love to engage in a dialogue with my friends about this Sunday's upcoming readings. I have the honor of preaching and would love to reflect the ideas of my friends to my community.

1. Please reflect on the Readings from the USCCB website above.
2. Go to my blog to share your ideas
3. Throughout the week, I ...will continue to challenge you with questions.

Blessings,
Deacon Tom 

 

USCCB | NAB - December 19, 2010

www.usccb.org

He Can Hear (Sorta)

Had a breakthrough from my ear operation.  Until yesterday I had "zero" hearing in the ear that had the eardrum fixed.  BUT YESTERDAY I put on earphones and a tiny sound could be heard in my ear.   Progress!

It was actually freaking me out a bit that I could not hear anything in the right ear.

Blessings,
Tom

Very Frustrated

Well, it is 12:45.  I have been in bed laying in the dark since 9:00 so that I could get sleep to recover from my ear operation.  The medication is causing me to stay awake. 

Well my spiritual life is getting a great boost--I have prayed, listened to Catholic music and enjoyed contemplation.  What I need is sleep because I have to work from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit for Healing.

Come Holy Spirit, heal me from me all sicknesses and diseases. Especially the one that I share with you today_________(Relax, be quiet and be still for short time)

Breath of the Almighty, reinstate vigor to my body & mind.

Also, bestow joyfulness to my life as I await the coming of the Jesus during this Advent season.

Finally, may I use my renewed health to know You better; to love You more and to serve You in ways that give honor and glory to You.

Amen.

Thanks for Support and Prayers

During this adventure with Leukemia, I realize how lucky I am to be part of God's family. In a crazy sense of things, Leukemia is a gift to me. It has let me meet wonderful people and be engaged with fellow people of faith. Thanks for all that you are doing to help me and others.

I need help understanding God's plan for me. I am feeling a gentle push to open a web presence to provide a place for those undergoing pain & suffering of any type. I will keep it all in prayer, of course.

Love,
Deacon Tom

Made a Huge Mistake at Lunch but Recovered

Made a Huge Mistake at Lunch but Recovered

Facebook | Deacon Tom Frankenfield

Facebook | Deacon Tom Frankenfield

Scared......Again

Well, it is the quarterly visit with Oncology. Fingers, toes, feet and everything else crossed!

Prayers and Blessing Going Out to a Dear Friend

We are all praying fervently for my son's father in law Mike McGowan who is fighting cancer. Mike started the journey of treatment this week. We hold Mike and his family in our hearts. Please pray for this wonderful man! There are few people alive with as much love and compassion as Mike. (Plus, he's a fellow scotch drinker!)

Love,
Tom

Going to Funerals Is Really Tough

Well, we just got back from Pierre South Dakota where we attended a funeral for our daughter in law's brother. It was really a respectful experience from a loving family.....but going to cancer funeral's really is beginning to tear me up.

Yes, it is because it makes me reflect on my condition. Most of the time, I am very up. I feel that God continues to bless me and everyday is a gift. Then those damn funerals come about.

I want you all to know that I am very appreciative of all that you do for me. I also told everyone that I would be honest--this is my honesty today.

Love,
Tom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

One year ago today, I received a phone call that totally changed my life. I was diagnosed with CLL Leukemia. In the past year I have learned so much about this disease--more that I wanted...lol.

Today the CLL continues to be stable in Stage 1. I have gone through 4 check ups--all successful.

My team is incredible. From the support of family and friends to the tender care of my wonderful wife, Joanne, I am truly blessed.

I give praise to God for all He has done for me and I continue to try to be humble with all who bless me.

Love with all my heart,
Tom

Been Busy

Well, by the date of this post you can all see that I have been crazy nuts busy. I met with the cancer team about 5 weeks ago and they are very pleased with everything. I am down about 20 pounds and all my numbers are great--except that I still have Leukemia.

Thanks to all of you for your love and support. From the loss of my Dad to the friends that also have cancer, I am beginning to feel lucky that mine is so slow growing.

What's next? Well I start class again on Wednesday. This is the first term that I have not taught Ethics but it will give me a chance to rewrite the course. To all my students--luv ya!

Okay, now for my usual promise to do a better job of blogging. I also promise to update my website: DeaconTom.com.

Blessings to all,
Tom

The End of a Stressful Year...Hope for a Great New Year

To say the least, 2009 was a very interesting year for my family.

• Both my dad and I were diagnosed with Leukemia. Luckily, mine is CLL which is the least aggressive of all the Leukemia's.
• I learned the new language of Cancer.
  
• I met lots of people who had an encounter with lives of family members who have cancer in their lives or in their lives.
• I was hired to a fantastic job where I can impact the lives of lots of student at Kaplan University.
• Many other things happened but the most important is that I am loved by lots of people.

Plus, the greatest gift is my family. Check out these amazing grandchildren!~





Happy New Year to all!!!

Thanks...Luv Tom

Got My Hugs!!!!

It is amazing what my grandchildren can do for my spirit. I went home for lunch today and as I entered the house, heard the sound, "Grampa." It is hard to type this without the tears of joy leaking out. From sharing a cold grilled cheese sandwich to taking out shoes off to show our socks to one another, we had fun, fun, fun!

30 min on a cross trainer at the gym today. Working on getting the old system going again.

Love to all

I Guess I Can't Always Have Good News

Well, the good news had to end some time.

I have had an ear infection for over a month. I have seen 3 doctors, including ENT. I have been on antibiotics for 5 weeks. New antibiotics were ordered today. The doctor said that the lack of recovery was directly related to the Leukemia.

Plus, today the doctor said my white blood count was "off the chart." This is the area that the cancer is in!

Still needing a hug!

Great Christmas + Weirded Out

Had a great time with family and tons of snow.

On the other hand.....I got a little goofy a few times this vacation

1. I was thinking that this might be my last Christmas.
2. My dad is having a real rough time with his Leukemia and I get freaked seeing him. Then I wonder if I will have the same issues.
3. Finally, a DJ that was spinning all those Beatle records when I was a kid died yesterday--of CLL Leukemia. Of course, that is the type that I have.

Need some love!!

Tom