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