Fr. Anthony DeMello was jesuit priest who wrote a lot of spiritual books before his unexpected death at an early age. Most of his spiritual insights were focused on the mystical traditions of the East. One of his books is entitled "One Minute Wisdom" which he wrote back in 1985. Here are a few excerpts that are thought provoking. Destiny: To a woman who complained about her destiny as a woman, the master said, "It is you who make your destiny. " But…
Today, January 24th, is the annversary of the death of a great coach and mentor to me, William Taylor. I've published a full account of my high school relationship to this great coach and his profound influence in my life: https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2012/01/william-taylor-1922-2002-coach-and-mentor.html Many of us can point to one person or perhaps several people who played significant roles in our life. People who made the difference at a tipping point in our lives. Someone whose words or actions changed our attitude…
The memorial for my sister Phyllis was held on Saturday January 19th at 6:30 pm at the Anacortes Public Library. Lita and I drove from Gig Harbor to Anacortes to attend 5:00 pm Mass at St Mary's parish for Phyllis. I had also arranged for a previous Mass to be said as well. I don't know what reaction Phyllis would have had if she knew my plans for having Mass said for her, but it was something I needed to do for…
On Friday I was scheduled to have lunch with Mount Vernon attorney friends at the Chucknut Manor in Bow. It's a long drive so I wanted to start out early to be on time. However, I managed to run against a curb while at the ATM in Gig Harbor before I got on the freeway. I had a flat tire. I drove across he street to the Chevron service station at 7102 Stinson Avenue (Maritime Mart) in Gig Harbor where I buy all my gasoline,…
My sister Phyllis died at her daughter Mary Davis's house in Bellingham on January 7, 2013. She was a retired school teacher, but was a great deal more than that suggests. I have previously written about Phyllis and my sister Anita and how extraordinary they both were. https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2008/07/phyllis-ennes-2008-anacortes-patron-of-the-arts.html She was born in Anacortes January 29, 1928 where she graduated from high school with honors. She attended the University of Washington,Western Washington University and Montana State University where she obtained a…
I have often expressed my objection and concern about the involvement of religion in our political American system. I have been vocal about my objection to the American bishops attempt to dictate political outcomes in America by religious influence and intimidation. I have suggested that those bishops and other Christian religions who fail to observe separation of church and state should have their tax exemption removed. See for example, https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2012/10/more-un-christ-like-bishops.html.html Columnist Leonard Pitts has expressed his viewpoint on this general subject…
Why do we celebrate the new year on January 1st? In fact New Year's Day is the closest thing to being the world's only true global public holiday. It's because of the Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar used in ancient Rome which set January 1st as a first day of the new year. The Romans celebrated New Year's Day in honor of Janus. Janus is the God who had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking…
