Monday, September 26, 2011

Small Miracles

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth,
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

I've been away from the blog the for a couple of weeks. If you missed my posts, I'm sorry. If you're sorry I'm back, then why are you reading this?

  
I had planned a reflection of the tenth anniversary of September 11 and the blessings that came out of that unspeakable act of terror. Reading some retrospectives over the past month, I've marveled at the stories of courage and survival that in themselves are miraculous. I was going to post that article fittingly on 9/11/2011 as well as either watch or attend some of the memorial activities that were happening on that day. However, in His perfect plan, God wanted me to commemorate this day of tragedy with the miracle of new life.

   I mentioned previously that we were expecting baby number five this September. In the early morning darkness on September 11, 2011, my wife informed me it was "time." It took me a few hours to even realize that our son's birthday would be on 9/11, mainly due to being caught up in the moment and lack of coffee. "What a day for a birthday," I thought. Then, my wife reminded me that our good friend's son also has a birthday today.  At 11:25 AM, we welcomed Andre Augustine Morin into our family.



   Was God trying to teach me something here? I think so. God wanted me to know that even in the darkest of days, He is still there and the miracle of new life continues. Every moment of every day, God is working miracles. Of course we will never forget the tragedy of 9/11, nor the men and women who lost their lives. But, in a beautiful way, my family will now associate this infamous date with our own miracle- our son Andre.

Be blessed!

Friday, September 2, 2011

The Real Cure for the Economy?


Having a large family means I'll have plenty of visitors in the nursing home while you sit alone and miss your big house and boat!





This comment gave me a chuckle when I read it a few weeks ago. But can it be possible that we can have large families and have them be engine(s) of economic prosperity?x No, this isn't a get rich quick scheme nor as a father of five (almost) do I think I'll be able to buy a boat anytime soon. It is however, what God commanded us to do from the beginning. (see Gen 1: 26-28)




We're constantly told by soceity that we need to reduce, reuse, and recycle which is true to an extent. We do need to be good stewards of God's Creation and of God's Providence. The following article in the National Catholic Register highlights the problem that Europe, Israel, Japan, and other developed nations face with an aging, declining popuation and fewer children to support them. These countries will also have to contend with a birthrate below replacement level which means the very fabric and identity of their culture is in danger if disappearing.



But some couples are choosing to go against the trend and are welcoming and embracing the gift of human life with which God has blessed their marriages. While the challenges are many, the blessings are far greater, they say, so long as they maintain a strong faith in God, work hard and accept the sacrifices required of their vocation.
It can be scary to fully rely on God for our needs. Not to say that every family have to number 8-plus nor does God doesn't intend us all to do so. But, Jesus told us: So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’  All that matters is to seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. (Mt. 6: 31, 33) It's all about trust.

As we hopefully take a break this Labor Day weekend, it's a good time to reflect on where our treasure may lie, depend on God, and  focus on His will for our lives. Have a great weekend.

Be blessed!





Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/large-families-a-cure-for-economic-woes/#ixzz1WosCjaJB