"Just What I Needed. Just What You Needed" (Messages From The Pulpit)

I had been in a funk as of late. I thought that perhaps I had exaggerated just how much talent I have as a writer.
To be honest it wasn't a funk. It was nearly full blown depression.
I had missed going to Mass for quite a while.
Then I went today.
God spoke directly to me through the words of The Gospel and the wisdom of the priest.
The Gospel passage spoke about hiding the light that God has given us to shine in what is often a very dark world.
I was convinced that my creative light had been snuffed out.
Not true.
I simply refused to acknowledge that the enemy of our souls was on the prowl seeking to devour me.
Listening to the words of the father of lies brought me low.
I was reminded today that depression can lead to regression.
I could mean moving back to a state where my soul was lost.
Today The Lord reached out to me and assured me that he has not lied to me nor has he taken gifts away.
I have a light to share.
I can not hide in the dark. For everywhere I go The Lord follows.
The Lord is faithful and just to finish the good work he has begun in me. To finish what he started in all of his children.

"Two Minute Drill" (Messages From The Pulpit)

In the world of American Football the last two minuets of the game is commonly referred to as the "two minuet drill."
This drill also acts as a free timeout.
This drill is especially important in games that are close or tied.
The time out is a small period when the coach gathers his team and hashes out the final strategy.
The coach may point out weaknesses of the opposition as well as the strengths of the team he's "in charge" of. What's working and what is not.
Many people are facing their very own two minuet drill. They may be laying on their death bed. They may be contemplating what and whom they are leaving behind.
More importantly they are likely trying to find courage when it comes to who and what lies ahead of them the moment they take their last breath.
Will there be angels, saints, and God? Or does Hell await?
The Bible tells us to be prepared for we know not the hour that your life will be demanded from you.
 There is a saying, "Live every moment as if it's your last." And so we should.
How would you spend your last day?
Would you go skydiving?
Would you have one last party and drink yourself into oblivion?
Would you seek one last sexual encounter (perhaps with a high price prostitute) that will indulge in your greatest sexual fantasy?
Maybe gather with family and/or friends for one last get together?
Or would you quietly prepare yourself to meet your maker? To ask for the peace that passes all understanding?
If so would you look back at your life and regret not spending more time with your creator?
I recently read an article from The Good News (a Christian magazine) that asked the question, (which was based on a true story) if you only had a short time to rescue your most prized possessions from your home which items would you grab?
Many would grab photos and keepsakes that remind them of their loved ones and cherished memories.
Some say they would grab their Bible.
But the writer of the article who had an experience of terrorism in which he grabbed his passport and plane ticket.
The writer went on to say that no matter what you chose to take with you, your character and soul would not be destroyed.
What do your prized possessions say about the condition of your soul?
If you were to rescue your Bible what would you do to show God just how priceless His word is to you?