CTGS Display: The Christmas Tradition

The Christmas Tradition:

Since Christmas of 2003 I've had the amazing chance to bring the Lego Church Project over to Christ the Good Shepherd Parish here in the city of Saginaw, Michigan. Our current Pastor is Fr. Ron Wagner. It is also my home parish. It is a parish that I grew up in.

Though out the years the Christmas display has become one of the longest. Both in the amount of time the Project stays and the number of years it has been going. The first project was Season 4 and this coming Christmas season will be season 19. What a lot of people also don't realize is that for me it is the final display of the current season. I start each season's build around February or March. Then display it though out the entire year. After the Christmas display the project is taken apart brick by brick and the cycle starts all over again. For me this is an extremely important display as I am bringing the project "home". Bringing it to a parish that I love deeply.

Which is why I need some help. I would love to share the word out about this display. I would love to have visitors come check things out. Not only to see my artwork. But also to see the wonderful parish I call my spiritual home. The final display of Season 19 will start around the first or second weekend of Advent and will run till the end of the Christmas Season (around mid Jan). This is my own homecoming and all roads lead to this point. This is the parish I am a member of. It is a parish community that I am proud to be part of. So this is your invitation. If you have never seen one of my projects in person before you are in for a treat! Bring your friends! Bring your family! No one is truly strangers. We are just friends who have not met yet. Below are the details and location:

Christ the Good Shepherd Parish

(St Helen campus)

2445 N. Charles St

Saginaw, MI

Mass times: Sat 4:30pm Sun: 10am

I'm normally at the 10am Mass. But if I know your coming out on Sat. Let me know and I will make sure to stop out. You can contact me at kc8wzm@gmail.com, The Lego Church Project FB page or @kc8wzm on Twitter!

-JM

What can you do to help?

As a general rule I don't like asking for help. The reality is that I am on disability due to a mild form of Cerebral Palsy. My income is fixed and I don't drive. This makes for some fun challenges as far as The Project goes. I get asked by people what can they do to help me out. Below are some of the ways you can help out if you feel God leading you:


1) Helping me secure a display location: If you have a place in mind that might be interested in having me. Talk them and see if they they would like to host me. I have tried in the past cold calling locations but I don't always have an easy time of trying to share with people what I am about and more importantly why I am doing this. I've had many good sites turn me down over the years.

2) Providing Transportation: This one pretty much goes hand in hand with Helping me secure a location. It's one thing to commit to a location for a display. But then I have to figure out how I'm getting there. Not only for the project. But also for me so I can be around for the display. Answer questions and point out other stuff.

For more detailed information you can check out the blog posts "Displays" and "FAQ".

3) Donate unused LEGO: Not every kid turns into an Adult Fan of Lego. Some times those LEGO get tucked away some where never to see the light of day. I can sort out and use those unused LEGO for the project. Next to setting up/proving transportation for displays would be one of the more important things people can do. Getting this type of donation can be extremely helpful and decreases my reliance on Bricklink for some types of parts such as the basic bricks and mini-figures. Drop me an e-mail at kc8wzm@gmail.com if you have LEGO you would like to part with.

4) Share the Facebook Page: The FB page is the nexus for everything connected to the project. It is the location for all the pictures that get posted. I would love to see the page get 500 likes. It is important for me to get the word out that the project exists and as to why it exists. The page allows me to promote my messages of disability awareness and the importance of the Mass/Parish life.

5) Let Media outlets know about my work: Over the past few years I've had my chance to share the story of Lego Church Project and myself to various media groups. Such as news paper, Local TV, blogs, radio and podcasts. Their are many places that the Project would make a good story for. Contact your favorites and tell them you think the Lego Church Project would be a fun story to feature.

6) Monetary donations: I have a collection that spans years. The bricks take a beating. The cost to replace those parts can add up. Donations like this will help me with the future of the project. More information about why I need donations can be found HERE.

Also if you would like to donate via PayPal you can do so: https://www.paypal.me/LegoChurchProject

7) The Amazon Wish List: If you don't feel comfortable with making a direct monetary donation. I have set up a wish list of LEGO sets and other items I can use for the Project. JM's Amazon Wish List!. If you are getting something off the list please send me an EMAIL.

I am praying for some display sites this season. This project is something that needs to be shared so everyone can enjoy it. Thanks for reading and I hope you can help out in some small way.

Also if you get the chance please check out my blog post "My Vision for the Project".

-JM

Lego Church: Help with displays

During a recent display I was asked about where else I will be taking the Project for this season. So far other than a holiday bazaar and the Christmas Display at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, I don't have anything else lined up. I have most of Oct and a few weekends in Nov where I have time but no places to go.

It is extremely hard for me to establish contacts for displays in my area. I can't really call up a parish and see if they would like to host and telling them that they would have to provide transport. Having locations seek me out makes sure that the places I'm going really want me there.

This is where you, the Project Fans, come in. If you know of a location that might be a good display site. Parish or even a single parish event and they would be willing to give me and the Project a ride. Have them contact me.

But also please keep me in Prayer as well. This has been an amazing season and we still have time left before the Christmas Display. Which is the last display of the season.

Below are two links for more information. The first one is about displays and what I can do and what I would need help with. Season one is for other ways to support the project. From donations to sharing the FB page and such.

Thanks to everyone who comes out to the displays and follows me on Social Media.

Displays!

What can you do to help?

-JM

9-13 Reflection

This was posted as a reflection tonight on FB. A reaction to something I saw on twitter.

The Catholic church has been taking a beating lately. More so than even in 2002 when the first scandal broke. It is hard and heart breaking to see the news that keeps coming. I am of the honest opinion that the storm will get worse before it can get better. Faith in leadership is shaken. People want accountability from those leaders. It is hard to want to evangelize about the faith when it seems that the news keeps getting worse and worse. However in order for healing to take place the infection must be purged out. A process that can at times be very painful. But a process that needs to happen. We cannot grow as Catholics with out it.

We who are the laity must do what we can to hold firm to the faith. Above all else that faith is in Jesus Christ. It is though the Eucharist that gives us life as Christ told to us in the Gospel of John. It will not be an easy road a head. More questions exist than their are answers. The answers we have gotten trouble us deeply. Leaders that we count on to guide is as shepherds have in many ways failed us. However despite the crisis at hand. Life moves on. The work of the Church goes on. For all the bad things. Way more good is going on. It is up to us to make sure that those good things are highlighted. That we can help and encourage one another.

I consider myself a "Catholic Evangelist". I share the Catholic faith via the Lego Church Project. I raise awareness for those of us who face disabilities. But The Project is also a prayer for those who need one. To pray for those who have been shaken in their faith. A prayer for healing. A prayer for justice. A prayer for compassion and mercy. Things that we need now more than ever. We will ride out the storm like we always do. We will be stronger for it. The reason why I remain Catholic is very simple: John 6: 68-69: Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

-Till Next Time

How can I remain Catholic?

The question that I often get asked when ever news of another scandal in the church comes to light is "How can you remain Catholic?" It is as if the very notion of being part of this faith would be a challenge for me on any level given the darkness knocking on our door. The answer for me is very easy: Because I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the teachings of the faith. The Mass is an important part of my life and with out the Eucharist I would not have life with in me. I would be cut off from a pure way to recharge my spiritual batteries. The problem is that their is a lot of good that goes on with in the Catholic faith. But it is often over shadowed by those who have become corrupted. Still not all Priests are the evil creatures the media and other anti-Catholics would have you believe. When you look at the history of the current scandal those reports and details go back to almost one-hundred years. It is overwhelmingly heart breaking to know such evil exists in this world and that those who we look up to are the ones committing it. To say that their is anger is way more than fair. Their should be anger. I don't know of any Catholic in the world who does not want our leadership held accountable for their actions. Those who committed such evil and those who did their best to either turn a blind eye or cover it up out right. To be remove if the allegations are proven to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt. What some many not realize is that this is not the first time our faith has been tested. Though out the history of the Catholic Church their have been many crisis that have come up. Many of us were rocked with the scandal in Boston that came to light over fifteen years ago. Yet though these events the Catholic Church has remained. Storms are always going to happen. But leaving the faith over those storms allows the evil to go on unchecked. We must remain firm to Christ even when the ship is being tossed in the rough waters. We must embrace the very fact that the Son of God gave up his very LIFE for us. The least that we can do is stand firm and hold those in leadership accountable for their actions. The more of us who decide to walk away. The less of us their are to stand firm. We are the Salt of the Earth. We are the Light of the World. Stand firm in our faith and we will shine brighter than the darkness that seeks to consume us.

-JM

Important Links!

The Lego Church Project (FB Page)

Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Donations! (PayPal)

What can you do to help?

Prayers for display locations!

The Empty Church: Who Do I Ask?

One of the more challenging problems that people who have a disability face is often being unable to attend Mass due to transportation issues. Bus services is not universal in all areas of the country. Some buses do not run on Sat or Sunday. Or if they do it is not always at a time that allows for Mass. Cab services like Uber and Lyft are another option. But may not be practical for someone who is on a very fixed income. While some non-Catholic churches have their own shuttle service. Parishes creating their own may be out of reach due to issues with insurance and liability costs. Which leaves the only option is to ask someone from the parish for a ride.

For some their is a moderate level of embarrassment in asking for a ride. Their is often a fear of rejection or feeling that we are being an inconvenience. This becomes more of an issue if someone has mobility issues. Another issue to look at is some also face social anxiety. The idea of asking someone they may not know for help is difficult. Unless a person has well established connections with in the parish. The options of who to seek rides from are limited. We simply do not know who to ask for a ride. Who would be willing to help us out.

It is an area of concern that can be looked at more closely with in the parish. To truly be a welcoming community then perhaps we should take the time and effort to help those who have a deep desire to attend Mass. Even if it is something simple as the parish office having a list of volunteers willing to give out rides to those who ask. Taking those with disabilities into consideration. Just because a person is unable to drive or have their own connections to transpiration should a person be excluded from going to Mass. The solutions to the problem can be simple. Still we need to make it easier to answer the questions of "Who do I ask?" and "Can I get a ride?"

-JM

Looking Past

It seems to me that in this current "modern age" their is a major misconception when it comes to those of us who are labeled as having some kind of disability. It is as if the word conveys something far more negative than we often realize. More so when speaking about people who have challenges in this life that are different from our own. The biggest common element in all of this is the idea that people who have a disability do not lead fulfilling lives. That by having some kind of challenge we missing out on all life has to offer us. An over judgmental and at times harsh view where the person sees the challenges someone faces instead of seeing the person as a true human being. They also do not see the struggles that we some times face. Yet our lives are by no means full of agony and suffering.

In my own life I have see this first hand. Even with in the Catholic Church. When people see me they often see a rather giant of a fellow who has a hard time walking. Who is socially awkward and a bit of a chatter box. They do not know the battles that I have to face from time to time. With the balance issues with the Cerebral Palsy. They also do not fully know that I often deal with severe anxiety. Sometimes that itself is due to the on going severe tinnitus. However even with all the challenges that I face daily. I cannot say that I don't lead a decent life. I have many things going for me. Such as being licence as a Amateur (HAM) Radio operator since 2003. My call sign being KC8WZM. Most also don't realize that also sing in the parish choir and have a pretty decent voice. Of course I am known by many as "The Lego Guy" because of my work with The Lego Church Project.

What is important for me that despite my own challenges I do live a pretty decent life. Granted it is far from perfect. But if you were to ask any one you would find that they also have their own challenges. Even if they don't necessarily consider it a disability. I for one would rather be defined for who I am as a person. For a long time ago I made a choice to do what I can to rise above what I face and let my work speak for me. For the most part I have been successful. It is not a matter of taking pride about this. But rather an understanding that above all else I am a child of God. That I have a deep love and passion for the Catholic Faith. Perhaps we should start opening up our hearts and seeing people for who they are. Not for the challenges they face.

-JM

The Empty Church: A Shepherd's Worry

On the Feast of Corpus Christi Fr. Ron of Christ the Good Shepherd opened up his homily with something a little bit different. In his eyes it was not so much of a homily than it was a reflection. It was a look into the heart of a priest about the state of the parishes in the Saginaw Diocese and in many ways the entire Catholic faith as a whole. It was at times sorrowful and a nearly heart breaking reflection on the state of the parishes and the too few priests who are able to serve. Many of them already serving more than one parish community as it is. Fr. Ron was giving us a head up that down the road. Probably sooner than later our Mass time that we have had for ages would probably be changing. He talked about the parishes Pastoral Council and their efforts to evangelize to the surrounding neighborhoods in an effort to try and bring more people to Mass. But also expressed sorrow at the too few people answering the call to vocations. Mind you this was by no means a lesson in self pity. This was not a “woe is me” kind of view. But rather it was shepherd who was probably way more frustrated at the state of things than he has ever let on. For almost ten minuets he poured out his heart to the congregation. For that moment we felt as he felt. It was not necessarily Fathers intention to pass his personal anxieties on to us. However it was probably way more needed than he realized.

Fr. Ron's reflection bothered me heart and soul. For many years I have, with the Lego Church Project, put a deep focus on the importance of the Mass. I use the project to share the faith and to try and evangelize on how important the Mass should be. My Projects are always filled with as many mini-figures as I can because it is not a reflection of the past but rather a reflection of how things need to be. That if we do not make the Mass more than a priority in our lives then we could very well lose our ability to be able to attend and miss out on so much. Fathers words are a reminder that such a reality may very well happen given the state of things in many dioceses.

The answers to the problems at hand will not be easy to find. Mainly because there is no single root cause for what we are dealing with. It is not a simple matter of men and women answering the call to vocations. Or even people attending Mass again. While those would indeed help with the matters at hand they would only be a band-aid over much bigger issues. The reality is that we have lost our way. We do this when we allow the distractions of the world to remove us from the path of Christ. This happens when we don't make an active effort to spend quality time in prayer. Either by ourselves or as a family. Prayer becomes something to do in times of crisis rather than something we do to open up our hearts to the will of God. We tend to water down the importance of our faith by allowing ourselves to embrace the sins of the world. This becomes more of a problem when the “laws of the land” says such sins are OK. We tend to make too many compromises and in the end we put God on the back burner and no longer take our Catholic faith seriously. Such issues remove us from the Body of Christ and the community that becomes the core of our faith.

Homilies like Fr. Ron's show us the passion that our Priests have for the faith and their concerns for the future. It is also a wake up call to us as parishioners. A reminder that we also have ownership in the fate of our communities. Our personal goals should always live for Christ the best the we are able to. We do this by living our lives the best that we can. Making sure that we do not let these distractions take us away from God and by extension the Mass itself. From there our ability to reach out and evangelize will begin to plant the seeds that can help restore our parishes. We should always use our talents to the best of our abilities and to make use of those to help show people how important our faith really is. If we can start from with in our own hearts then perhaps we can open up the hearts of others to come home to the Catholic faith. Even in this current age of so many distractions.

Till Next Time 

-JM

Excuse me while I laugh.

Their are times when I'm way to easily amused. More so when it comes to how people react to me while I'm out on a bike/trike. Today is one of those times.

So Kat and I went up to McDonald's not far from my apartment for lunch. She walked and I took the trike. I had my helmet and sunglasses as well. During our time at the restaurant we had a group of young men show up. They looked like the came from one of the schools in the area. Probably Michigan Lutheran Seminary. They are the only place like that in area that I know of. Didn't think much of it. During the return trip I got a little farther ahead of Kat and was inside the complex. I stopped for a moment trying to decide if I was going to loop back to see where she was at. From behind me I hear "There he is!" and a few moments later I see a car pull up and pass me on the road inside the complex. Sure enough it was the same guy we saw at McDonald's. They didn't stay long and did a turn around and came back the way they came. You have to wonder what was going though those kids heads as they saw me on the trike. I'm 454lbs. I know I look odd while on I'm the trike. I could have cared less if they were ridiculing me. Or found it funny to see someone of my size moving at a pretty good speed. Fact is the trike has been slowly helping me with my walking. Those kids don't know the battles I've had to deal with lately. If they realized that on my old bike I use to put five to ten miles they might turn a whiter shade of pale. Either way I found their reactions kind of amusing. They probably saw me as some kind of side show oddity. But come on people. This is not the first time I've been heckled while on the ride. Sure as heck won't be the last. If they are that shallow in personality so be it. I can get a little bit of a chuckle at their reaction. Anyway if you don't mind I'm going to end the blog post here and go finish laughing to get it out of my system. Because right now I'm just too easily amused.

-JM

The Review: Catechism of the Seven Sacraments

So recently I found out about an amazing book that is coming out on April 4th and talks about about the faith using LEGO style parts.

"Catechism of the Seven Sacraments" is by Kevin and Mary O'Neill. It tells the story of the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic faith by using LEGO. The reader walks along with Fulton as he explains to his friend the history of the Sacraments page by page. Going into the history with amazing illustration using some impressive building tricks.

This book is very much geared to children. However even I as an adult loved the simple but effective explanations given along with the Biblical history and connections. Each chapter moves very smoothly from one section to the next. Everything is very clear cut. Each of the Sacraments is explained in vivid detail. Sharing with us the importance if each one and the direct links to the Bible itself. What is also important is that every term used is explained at the end of the book with an expansive glossary. Their is no questions left unanswered.

The brick work is also extremely impressive. Each scene jumps off the page with amazing detail. You can easily spend more than a few hours trying to figure out how the scenes were built. While the book does use both LEGO and off brand that should not be a distraction given what the goal of the book is. It really was the only way for them to be able to pull such an amazing idea. You feel drawn into the story and at the end get a better understanding of the Catholic faith.

This is a book that is good for any age. It contains a lot of useful information. I found myself learning a lot along the way. Catechism of the Seven Sacraments goes on sale April 4th and is $34.95. Can be ordered directly from StoryTel Foundation.  The Lego Church Project/Praying at the brick was given permission to review a PDF copy.

If you can please check this book when it comes out. You will truly enjoy it. Till Next Time! -JM

A diocese in crisis.

This post was adapted from a FB post that I wrote earlier today. It has been rewritten and expanded from the original content. 

With in the last few weeks. Two major cases of sexual misconduct have come to light in the Saginaw Diocese of which I live in. To say the news is a shock is putting it mildly. As we go about our daily lives we realize that at some point we must face a storm darker than what ever we have faced. One that will test our own resolve to remain true to what we believe in.  Any time someone with in our religious leadership is accused of a crime. It is extremely hurtful to us as a community. Trust is shattered in the blink of an eye. Even if that person is not guilty of the crimes that they have been accused of. That sigma that those accusations carry will remain. The court of public opinion is easily angered and they will want vengeance that instant. Never mind if the person is truly guilty or innocent. That same court will also go after that religious institution. They see that religion as the source of the evil. Even though that is clearly not the case.

When accusations are proven true. They do far more damage to the religious community than those on the outside realize. The damage runs deep and creates fissures and fractures that most cannot see. It plants seeds of doubt. Often times making us question why we follow this religious path. Makes us question why we even stay. Does staying mean we are turning a blind eye? Or by staying are we making a silent stand and making it clear that want action. True change that those seek will not come from the outside.  It does not come from those who chose to leave. But rather it comes from with in. From those of us who have chosen to remain faithful. That change comes from standing firm and not being afraid to speak out when the time is called. If a religious leader is accused of a crime we allow the law to do their job. We let the courts decide their fate. We offer up our prayers to the victims and that God's justice be delivered fairly. We always show mercy and compassion when it is needed. Above all else we use this storm as a way to build up our faith and not allow it to break us down.

My heart has been troubled by the news coming out of the Saginaw Diocese. I have anger that such actions have taken place in our region. However I temper my feelings. I do not presume guilt or innocence of anyone. Instead I will allow the law to do their job and do what I can not to rush to judgement. Despite the grim news this will not change my opinion of the Catholic Church. My faith has always been rooted deeply in Christ. In these times of crisis we need people to step up and not walk away from the faith. As I've prayed on this issue lately I am reminded of a phrase I use: "Surrender to Christ all things." It serves for me as a constant reminder that we are in the hands of God. That during the most difficult storms Christ walks with us. Even when we cannot see the road in front of us.

I want to make something extremely clear: I do not condone evil acts committed by our religious leaders. If they are guilty of the crimes that they have been accused then they must be held accountable. I do not condone any in leadership in either turning a blind eye or trying to cover up those crimes. If they have done so. Let them be held accountable for their actions. I will however stand firm in my faith. For that is what Christ has called me to do. Please pray for the Saginaw Diocese. Keep them in your prayers. The storm that we are facing now. Has only just begun. 

Till Next Time.

-JM

Look Into History: Season 13

Season 13 (2012-2013): This Project was a very interesting build. I was trying to capture some of the feelings of the older seasons. With the massive window so people could look inside and see just about everything. From a pure technical stand point this was the first time I had nearly the full sides with secondary sections. This created the extra challenge of making sure I had all the support pillars in place to help support the upper sections of wall. Unlike last season were the tower was planned as an after thought. The bell tower on this was planned out from the start. 

A few fun things happens with this season. Our Sunday Visitor ran an amazing story on me. Was also the first display at Knights of Columbus Council 4232. A council I would later join as a result of that display. 

It was a rather fun build over all and one of the projects that stand out as a good example of what I do. 

-JM

Look Into History: Season 12

Season 12 (2011-2012): Season 12 came about during a challenging time in my life. I developed a rare neurological condition called "Visual Snow" late in 2010. At the time I did not know much about it. Or how it would effect me down the road. One of my worries was how it would effect my work on The Project. Season 12 was my first project since this condition developed.

This Project is one of my favorites. But it is also one of the most goofiest ones I've built. It goes into some fun directions that worked out well for the time. This was my first attempt having the project off to one side of the board. Which allowed for a bigger "wing" section. Any time you attempt something for the first time. Their are bound to be extra challenges with it. Just because of the over all nature of this layout a few things had to be taken into consideration. One of the biggest issues is with the bell tower itself. One of my personal rules after Season 8: The Project must have a bell tower. When I designed Season 12 I pretty much forgot to add one. The solution was to create a tower that fit into the roof tile section. The tower is big and heavy. But given the unique nature of the build it works.

Considering all that I was dealing with at the time. I have to say I'm really glad the project turned out as well as it did. Gave some good starting points for future seasons.

-JM

Look Into History: Season 11

Season 11 (2010-2011): This Project was a fun build. I had decided to simply reuse the same basic foot print for that I had used on Season 10. However what came from that is something very different from what I was expecting.  I pretty much went all out on this project. I had decided early on what kind of window set up I wanted to do. What added to the challenge of the build was the secret doors that could open up on the sides. Getting them too look like the rest of the section with out making it obvious that I had done something fun. (I did not want the little kids to realize this and open up the walls). But it was very slow building. I had to build each section row by row and had to work on all three window segments all at once. The project wasn't as tall so their wasn't any worry about the gaps being able to support the weight of the roof.

One of the bigger change for that year was the change to the Grand Cross. Replacing the solid yellow Cross with yellow 1x2x2 windows. This worked out for a while and added a neat change to the project's over all look. This also the first season where I added the Roman Numbers to mark the season. This came about because I wanted something to fill the space because on the other side their is a Tabernacle in the center. In fact this idea would be reused later in another season. The numbers have been used in every project sense. However the location has always been depending on the nature of the build.

The roof tiles get a mention because till Season 18 they were the main feature. They were redesigned from scratch after Season 10. I wanted something that captured the feel of the old dome roofs. It was something that I missed about the project and to be honest would have loved to revisit at some point down the road. But the tiles were built up and they worked out rather well for what I needed them for. It served a purpose and did a good job of it.

Season 11 was an amazing build. Some of the ideas carried over into other Seasons. Or in some ways revisited years later. It is the nature of The Project for ideas to be given a second or third look. To see how I can improve on things. Which is always a fun journey.

-JM

Look Into History: Season 10

Season 10 (2009-2010):  It is still hard to believe at that point I have reached ten years of The Project. For me this was a rather fun season. Filled with a lot of ideas and some fun experiments that worked out decently enough. At this point the project was still focused on using what I had on hand. Thus the lack of windows in the back section. This was also the first project to have the Grand Cross used both on the wall and on the floor (of the main entrance).

However this project does feature some design elements that will become staples of later works. In this case the use of the current "Grid" system. The first real use of having the project "centered to the board" which allows me to have two side wings on either side. The roof also used a combo of custom built tiles and base plates giving the roof that neat flat top style.

Over all this was a very good project that held up rather well. Always fun going back into the history of what I have done. Sometimes it can give me direction as to where I want to go.

-JM

Cutting Words

The other day someone got onto my case because I "play with a children's toy". The person felt that I was trying to make myself out to be more important than I am. This isn't the first time I've run into such criticism. Even when you know where it is coming from, in this case a profound lack of understanding, it still cuts into you. My self-esteem hasn't been the world's greatest. This fellow's comments sure as heck did me no favors.

LEGO is the building medium that I use. I've always considered myself an artist who uses what he has on hand. I take what is in effect a blank canvas and create something from my own mind. Just so happens that what I build is in 3D format. Not unlike a 3D printer creating something layer by layer. It is a way for me to express myself in a creative way. In that respect I'm not all that unique. Their are many Adult Fans of Lego. (AFOL). Some of them create stuff that I could never even begin to understand. I don't want to minimize what I do or even my skill level. But their are truly some amazing builders out there. Brothers Brick is a good resource to check out to learn more.

However what separates me from the typical adult fan is what I do with those bricks. I build Catholic Parishes. Rather large and fully detailed parishes. Usually around 47x24x25 (inches). That's about the size of long coffee table or even a kitchen table. Pictures I've posted don't do this justice on any level. These the projects are a massive undertaking. The fact that I can build something like this with in about four to eight weeks is a challenge on it's own. Then I take that project on the road to a few locations in the region and show this to the public. Often times a Catholic Church or other like minded events. I'm also doing this solo. I'm not connected with any LEGO User Groups. The project is built on my own. The only help I really get is with transportation and set up for the displays. With out the kindness of people helping me out my displays would not happen.

Which brings us to the "profound lack of understanding" when it comes to what I do. What makes my work even more of a challenge. I have a mild case of cerebral palsy. This effects me in a lot of ways. Some of it even in the aspect of social interactions. I am extremely hyperactive on a good day. Which makes my attention span very limited. I also don't move around as well as I would like. My balance is not the greatest as it is. So moving around even in my apartment can be tricky. So the fact that I can even sit down and have enough patience to work on the Project. Often times for more than a few hours in a row is rather amazing. The fact that I have the dedication to do this for a full nineteen years and still have the same love that I did when I did my first display? Impressive. I really don't do this for myself. The goal about my artwork has always been sharing and showing that even if you have a disability or challenge that God can and will use your talents. Doing so in amazing and creative ways. That has always been my core message. No matter what else I do during the season. It always comes back to that. God has given me this amazing gift that many people around the world enjoy. I am blessed to be able to share it with others. All the media attention I have gotten in the last few years is just part of that. In this case it isn't so much about me but rather what I am doing and why. Giving hope to those who struggle with challenges even I cannot begin to understand.

The reality for me is that I often struggle with accepting the fact that I have a disability. The world around me doesn't help with this struggle. Many people are often looked down on because they don't fit what society declares as "normal". What is even more depressing is that some people don't fully realize when they make a comment "your artwork is trash and your not important" that those words do hurt. It's not constructive criticism but rather harmful to someone who's self-esteem has already taken a beating. More so when these kinds of comments come from people of the same faith. Those kinds of comments cut deep into the soul. We should be doing what we can do build people up and be encouraging as we can. Not make less than subtle jabs that minimize the value of someone. It is just a total lack of understanding and compassion. We should do more to encourage those around us. To fuel the creative fires of our talents. No matter what path we take with that. If it is for the Glory of God then we should be very supportive. It is one thing to offer up constructive criticism. To help make someone better. But it is something else to be out right mean and extremely judgmental. When that artist has a disability or other struggle such as anxiety or depression that harsh judgement can weaken someone's resolve and make them feel down right worthless.

That is what happens to me. For a bit of time I feel worthless and degraded. It is a very raw feeling when someone puts you down. Even when you have come to expect this from some people. Perhaps we should put more of a focus on trying to build people up. Instead of breaking them apart. Even if we disagree with what they are doing.

Thanks for reading. Till Next Time.

-JM

Look Into History: Season 9

Season 9 (2008-2009): When I look back on the history of my work this one was really the starting point of a style I used for a good number of years. The first full "flat roof". First use of custom built "roof tiles". Along with my first attempt at a double bell tower. You will notice that grid isn't the normal one that I use now days. The center section is wider than the edges because of the way I set the grid up. At the time I was still experimenting with things. Over the course of seasons changes take time to fully be realized from the initial concept. This was a starting point that opened up a lot of ideas. Some that get revisited years down the road.

While Seasons 1-5 were built in Flushing, MI. Seasons 6-8, were built at my first apartment in Saginaw. Season 9 was the first one to be built at my second (and still current) apartment. I had a lot more space to work. Along with a secondary location to take the project when finished.

I think any time I do a project I often wonder what would I do differently. But to be rather honest each work still stands on it's own. Mistakes in the build happen. Sometimes I catch them. Sometimes I don't. But with every building you notice that something is out of place or a vision not fully realized. Season 9 has a few issues. But that is the nice thing about The Project is that for me it is very much a learning experience. A chance to tell that story that often times needs to be told.

Thanks for reading. Till Next Time.

-JM

Season 19: "The Second Prayer"

This year Season 19 is dedicated to three important causes: Prayer for Vocations. Prayer for disability awareness. Prayer for The most innocent.

Today we focus on Prayer for Disability Awareness: We all face challenges in our lives. Some of us face disabilities or other chronic challenges. They effect how we interact with the world around us. How others interact with us.

Lord, help us to show compassion and empathy to those around us. That we would seek a better understanding of the challenges that are faced by those who have some kind of disability or other struggle. Amen.

Till Next Time

-JM

Season 19 "The First Prayer"

This year Season 19 is dedicated to three important causes: Prayer for Vocations. Prayer for disability awareness. Prayer for The most innocent.

Today we focus on Prayer For Vocations: Answering the call to Holy Orders is not an easy one. The number of active priests has dropped off a lot over the years. What you see in this picture is a reflection and a prayer that more would open up their hearts and answer God's call. The Three Priests: One who represents one who is actively serving. One who represents the senior priests who still help out when they can. The last one is one who has just been ordained.

Lord open our hearts that we may answer the call to serve the faith in any way that we are able to. Amen.

Till Next Time

-JM

End of Season 18 reflections

This was hard one to take down. Not from a building stand point. But rather an emotional one. It is always bitter sweet when I take one of the Projects down. A lot of memories tend to flood the heart. This has been an amazing season. I've gone to a few brand new places. Revisited a few. I've done more displays than ever before. I've reached out to people. Had NBC25/FOX66 out at Mt. Zion. In the process I've gotten the time to study the life of Fr Solanus Casey. No matter what I do from here on out. Season 18 will always have Solanus legacy connected to it. He had a personal connection to both of my Grandmothers. So for him to be beatified during the season. It is a deeply humbling experience.

As far as Season 19 goes. I don't have a start date. We have some major renovations to all the apartments in the complex I live in that will be starting hopefully soon. The downside is that throws the date of the build into a bit of flux. I won't have a rough start time locked in until I get a better idea of when my building is going to be worked on. Given everything that they are planning. I don't want to be in the middle of a build. So please keep that in prayer. That God would grant me wisdom on how to proceed.

Thanks to everyone who has given me support for what I do. I am as always deeply humbled by your generosity. Take care and God Bless!

Till Next Time

-JM

Prayer and The Project

Posted on The Lego Church Project FB Page 1-6-18. Also this is Blog Post 100.

With The Project their is always a level of prayer involved. Prayers for the building of the Season. That am able to tell the kind of story that needs to be told. That I am able to be creative as I can while building something solid. For the passion and love I have Christ shines though. Prayers for the displays. That I can find good locations to show case my work. Along with prayers for the transportation to make them happen. Prayers for opportunities to share the work that I am doing. The message of why I am doing this. Though blog posts, social media, and other unique opportunities.

I also pray for our parishes. That more people would come back to the Mass. That our communities would be thriving and active once again. I pray for our Priests and others who help run the parishes. That God would give them deep wisdom. I also pray for vocations to religious life. That those who hear would answer God's call.

Prayer is the binder that holds everything that I do together. With out it such things would not even be possible. As we are about to end Season 18. Please pray for the direction of Season 19. I also would like to thank everyone for your support of what I do. Means a lot to me. God Bless! 

Till Next Time

-JM

Oh Good! Your still here! If you can please Check out "Donations Revisited"! Thank you!

Saints and Challenges

You look at the lives of the Saints. Especially the ones who faced major challenges in their lives. You have to wonder how they were able to face them and still live in a way that even now we use as examples of following the path of Christ. These men and women lived difficult lives and in some cases faced great rejection for the challenges they had. Others were limited as to what they could do. Yet they still are an inspiration to us. Many of them used their suffering to give glory to Christ in all things. It cannot have been an easy life for them. Reading about them draws us into their stories and perhaps renews our strength for when we face our own challenges and struggles. To be reminded that for many of these Saints. Even in their darkest hour. They always had praise for God in their hearts and souls. Lord give me the inner strength to face my challenges head on. To not be discouraged by what limits me. But to be encourage so I can be a light for others. Help me to be strong when I am at my weakest. So can I can give all Glory where all Glory is due. Amen.

Till Next Time

-JM