My Writings. My Thoughts.
Through God’s Eyes
// August 17th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
The greatest need we have is to see our lives through the eyes of God. This is especially true when bad things are happening to us. This could be in our relationships, health, finances, or in our falling into sin. Why does God permit this to happen? His infinite wisdom tells Him to allow bad things to happen . . . otherwise He would stop them. I find it helpful if I reflect on what possible good reasons God could have. After some reflection, I am amazed at the wisdom of the Lord. He meets my need to grow in surrender and total trust in Him and His promises to take care of me. (Matt 7:7-1Peter 5:7)
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
We Are God’s Precious Property
// August 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
We are a redeemed people. To redeem means to buy back. Jesus bought us back by shedding His blood on the cross. He conquered Satan, sin, and death. We are now His. You and I are His property. Jesus is the best in taking care of his property. He wants the whole world to always know how caring, powerful, and responsible He is! Sad to say, we hinder his care for us. We tie His hands by our sins, laziness, and love of the world. We are often half-hearted in our daily walk with Him. To be intimate with the Lord is the cry of our hearts. “When you seek Me with all your heart, then you will find Me.” (Jer 29:13)
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
Fatima USA 2009
// August 6th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
UPDATE: to listen to this year’s Eucharistic Celebration click here.
Each year at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein OH, catholics gather for Mass, a rosary and prayer in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. Join in this Friday August 7th at 6:30pm central 7:30 eastern at Radio Maria brings you live coverage of this beautiful event.
For more information and pictures please click here.
How We Communicate
// August 3rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
When we communicate we use more than words. We must be careful and loving. Some psychologists estimate that only 7% of communication is the actual words. A surprising 38% of the message is attributed to the tone of voice. The remaining 55% of what is communicated is credited to body language. Consider this example: how many different messages can be given by these four words . . . “What do you want?” Tone of voice as well as body language communicates more than the four words.
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
Life In The Fast Lane
// July 27th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized
The big question for many of us is “Is life in the fast lane where God wants me to be?” At the end of the twentieth century, people seemed to be worn out, tired, and over committed. The question is “Do I find it hard to keep up with all of my responsibilities?” Everyone has some priority that competes with putting God first. Which is yours? When we are running in the fast lane, precious little time is left for God and the family. The family usually pays the price. “Am I in the fast lane? Do I need to get out of it?” God will bless your decision and help you find an exit. He will continue to bless you with all the power you need to make the adjustment.
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
You’re Not What You Do
// July 20th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized
People who achieve important positions of responsibility and authority run one of the greatest risks. The risk is for people to identify you as the person with the important position. The heartache comes when you no longer have the position and you realize that people weren’t really interested in you because you were you, but because of what people could get from you.
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
God Sees Us As Valuable
// July 13th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands stared going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple the money. He the asked, “Who stills wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air. “Well” he replied, “what if I do this?” and he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air. “My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless, but no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God’s eyes. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or whom we know, but by WHO WE ARE! You are special . . . don’t ever forget it. Count your blessings, not your problems.
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
Intimacy With God
// July 6th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Intimacy is the desire of every heart. God made us that way. God is love. How intimacy is experienced varies from person to person. A short definition of intimacy is “into-me-see.” Shame causes us to hide our hearts from others out of fear of rejection or further hurt. However, prayer can start us on the path of intimacy. We become intimate with the one for whom we pray, with whom we pray, and to whom we pray.
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
Control Rooted in Fear
// June 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Control and domination are caused by fear. When we control others, we are afraid they will not do what we think is the best for all concerned. When we dominate others, we don’t trust their ability to decide for themselves. We set ourselves as the norm and standard. We feel we deserve obedience because we know best. Our pride tells us people should be grateful that we are so caring, smart, and courageous. Our pride hinders us from joyfully receiving from others.
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
Love and Fear
// June 22nd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized
Perfect love casts out fear. (1 Jn 4:18) A child is the best example of this. A child does not worry about whether dad is going to go to work today to earn the money to pay the bills. A child is not anxious about whether mom is going to do the wash this week or fix supper tonight. Why? Because the child knows it is loved and all needs will be met. So too we and our relationship with our Heavenly Father. He cares. He really does.
-Fr. Duane Stenzel
