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

Christmas Eve 2014 Message

This post was originally written back in 2014 for the Lego Church Project FB page and was shared Christmas Eve of that year. It has the same themes as the last two Christmas Related posts. As I've been rereading it. I am reminded of how powerful the message remains. That is why I've decided to add it to the blog. God Bless and Merry Christmas! -JM

Christmas Eve is here. Soon we will be celebrating with our family and friends. Some of us will have company coming over. Others will be the ones traveling to visit. All Christians across this nation bound by a common thread: The celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

But as we gather with our friends and family. Let us take a moment to stop and reflect of the kind of world we live in. Why it is an important time to keep everyone in prayer these days. Our world is filled with chaos. Violence in our streets and across the world. Terrorist groups that seek the destruction of any ideal they oppose. Countries threatening harm to other nations that would stand up for basic human rights and dignity.

In some places with in the world Christians must celebrate in secret. They live in a place where they do not share the same freedoms as you or I have. Their is a constant threat of violence or even death. All because they believe in Jesus Christ.

Much closer to home many families are struggling to make ends meet. They can hardly put food on the table. Let alone gifts under the tree. Some have lost family members around this time. Making the holidays much more difficult time. An elderly neighbor who cannot go out because they have no where to go. Or because they have no one around them. Their are many places where people will be spending time in nursing homes or even hospitals.

Christmas is not only just a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. More importantly it is a time for prayer. For those who are suffering. For those who are struggling. That the violence in this world would end. That those who commit such acts would realize that violence does not solve problems. It makes things even worse.

Christmas is also a reminder that we have the power to turn prayer into action. By giving of ourselves. Helping those around us any chance we get. We can do what God has asked each and every one of us. As we celebrate Christmas, let us look into our hearts, to see what we can do to answer that important call. That perhaps this Christmas we can be the answer to someone's prayer. Which would be the biggest present of all...

Donations Revisited

Support for the Project

The Lego Church Project FB Page

With out the help of others this project would not be where it is at. Thanks to the donations I've received I've been able to do a lot more than I otherwise would. I'm deeply humbled by the kindness and generosity of others. Because of that with the Season 18 project I've been able to obtain new bricks to replace worn out parts. New parts for added details. Base plates and other items to help with the project. I've also been able to provide gas money for transportation.

I get asked all the time if I take donations. I'm on disability. My income is extremely fixed and the cost of living goes up. LEGO is not cheap. Even on the used market. Which is why I accept donations either in direct cash via PayPal or people sending me LEGO directly.

So here is the current wishlist of LEGO and non LEGO items I can use for the project:

Point and Shoot Digital Camera: This is something that I need to replace. Both the cameras are getting worn out and the quality of images is not that good for the LEGO. Cellphone Cameras are nice but don't work as well as I would like.

Sport Style Video Camera: This is more wishful thinking. I would like to shoot some decent video of me working on the project along with going to some of the display locations. I found when using the point/shoot and cell phone cameras the audio quality was horrible. The idea is to create some videos I can post to youtube.

LEGO (link goes to bricklink): I'm always looking to replace existing parts. Almost 20 years of The Project and those parts get put under a lot of stress with the transport. Stuff breaks. Plus I have some "clone" brick which needs to be sorted out and pitched. The poor quality bricks make building a challenge since they don't share LEGO high level of quality.

You can see the full Amazon Wish List and get an idea of what else I'm looking it.

If you have LEGO that you are looking to part with drop me an email to kc8wzm@gmail.com and I will give you my address. Be more than happy to take it off of your hands.

For Money Donations go here: https://www.paypal.me/LegoChurchProject

The "Support for the Project" Goes into a bit more detail about why I need donations along with other suggestions on other ways you can help.

I could also use some major Prayers. Season 18 had seven displays. The most I've ever done with any of my showings. So please pray that some doors open up and locations with transportation can be secured. Would love to get some locations locked in early so I can really build up this season. The Project is as Passion of mine. A gift that needs to be shared with others. A big thank you to everyone who supports me and helps me out. I am forever grateful.

Till Next Time!

-JM


Revised 1-2-18 (near rewrite)

Project Post 12/23

(cross posted from The Lego Church Project FB page)


Christmas is a joyful time. A time to spend with family and our friends. However not everyone is able to see the joy of the season. Sometimes the holidays have nothing more than painful memories. Their are many in this world who are homeless, home bound, or out right alone in this world. They have no one to help them in their time of need. Their are many who are spending the time in the hospitals. Dealing with medical challenges that we cannot even begin to understand.

As we spend time with our loved ones over the course of the next few days. Take a moment of your time to pray for those who are in need. Pray for those who struggle with this season. For those who have no one in their lives. That the Lord would offer them some comfort in their isolation. That as we approach Christmas Eve that we would be joyful at the birth of Our Savior. At the same time be humble in remembering all who are in desperate need. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

-JM

Reflection 12/21

(Cross posted from the Lego Church Project Page).

Christmas is a special time of the year. We spend our days gearing up to spend time with family and friends. For me Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Such a small child was given the power to change the fate of the world.

But Christmas for me is also a prayer. For peace in our troubled world. An end to violence on all levels. For the poor. Those who are troubled with issues of money and of spirit. For those in jails and in prisons. That they would find redemption though Christ. A prayer for the lonely and home bound. A prayer for those who are in nursing homes and hospitals. That Christ with be with them always. Of course a prayer for those who are living with disabilities or other health challenges. That though our suffering Christ would open our hearts to a deeper understanding of the faith. For healing of our minds and bodies.

Christmas is a time where all who proclaim Christ should open their hearts to the will of God and do more to help those around them. To avoid sending the message of God's wrath and condemnation. Instead putting our focus into God's love, compassion, and above all else God's unending mercy.

Merry Christmas to you all.

-JM

Poetry 2

A long time ago I use to write all the time. Their was a fun challenge in taping into my very soul to see what I could find....


The Endless Noise
JM Kraemer

In the stillness of the night,
we long to hear the silence

For in the emptiness around,
such things as quiet do not exist.

A place that can bring peace,
fails to do so in our lives.

Stalked we are always,
By the noise only we can hear.

To hold out hope that someday,
we are freed from this eternal enemy,

This sound that seeks ever slowly,
constantly trying to consume us.

Their is an agony in what we hear,
for us it is a silent cry of despair

Facing a battle head long,
yet knowing for now winning will not be.

A struggle that is daily in our lives,
to be able to enjoy the simple things.

While most enjoy being in a quiet room,
for us it is like being trapped in hell.

Grim is the reality of the fate we always see,
With no real escape from this struggle.

In the stillness of the night,
we long to hear the silence.

In the stillness of the night,
we long for our freedom to do so.

For while you enjoy your quiet,
All that we will ever hear is the endless noise.

Fr Solanus

With in the last few years it is not uncommon for me to dedicate a project to someone who has an open cause for Sainthood. This is done by including a picture or statue that is placed somewhere inside the project. Over they years I have featured Saint John Paul II, Fr. Michael J. McGivney, Fr. Patrick Peyton. I didn't do one for Season 17. Not fully sure why. Wasn't even planning on doing it for Season 18. However God had something else in mind. If I am going to include someone it is done in the early stages so I can make the picture more visible. I want people to see the image clearly so they can get an idea of who I have included. By the time I had the project half way built. It normally would have been "too late" with out some kind of major redesign.

Ever have something placed on your heart in such a profound way that it cannot be easily dismissed or ignored? That was the moment I had when I called the monastery down in Detroit. I suspect the people answering the phones had no idea who I was or why I was asking for a "wallet sized photo". You mention "Lego Church" or "Lego Church Project" and your bound to get a lot of confusing looks. But once again God clearly had an idea in mind. They sent me some pamphlets and sure enough. One of the images once cut and sized would work. The image was a bit larger than normal. But it fit into the frame I built with out much trouble. I decided on the location. Even with the image/frame being bigger than I would have preferred. It still worked! Even with the walls, not even finished, from a distance you could look in the back and see who it was. Also even being over sided it comes across as a bigger than life painting when next to one of the mini-figures. I can't even begin to describe my emotions when they announced that Fr Solanus was going to be beatified. Mind you the Season 18 project build was finished by that point. Clearly God had a plan in place.

Their is a deep connection between Fr Solanus and my family. My late Grandmother, Margret, was a strong supporter of his and knew him in life. I knew about him before most people did. After she passed I got one of the small prayer cards with a small cutting of cloth that had been touched to his tomb. It remains in my wallet and is always with me. So in some ways I have taken up her devotion. It is a cause that I am drawn to more so than others. This past Sat was the Mass for Fr Solanus. I was unable to attend. But that is not what God had planned for me. What I do know is that this has been one of the busiest seasons of the project in a very long time. I firmly believe that Fr Solanus had a direct hand in that.

Soon the Season 18 project will be nothing more than a memory and will be taken down in Jan. Such is the nature of the project. A full life cycle from start to finish. However in this case that will not be the end of Season 18's impact. The image and the frame will be pulled out and a small stand will be constructed that the frame can sit in. That will go on to a shelf where I keep the statue of Saint John Paul II that was used in Season 14. A humbling reminder of the blessings of Christ and away of saying thank you to Fr Solanus for hearing my prayers.

Till Next Time.

-JM

Important display Part 1

I am often humbled by the response I get when it comes to The Project. With each passing year it is something that I always take to heart. The freedom to be able to create something that people enjoy. The Christ the Good Shepherd display (St Helen) is the most important of any display.

The reason for this is because this is my home parish. It is a place where I grew up. I have a lot of history with this place and it is a church that I am proud to be a member of. It is also a celebration of Christmas and the chance to share my love of the faith with others during the season. It is why I try and encourage as many people as I can to come out to this display.

It also the conclusion of the current season and in some respect the prelude to the next build. After this showing their will be no more Season 18. Each year stand on it's own as a testament to the deep Passion I have for the Catholic faith. I pray that you would come out and see this passion during the final display of Season 18. What makes this display even more special is the history. This will be the 15th project I have brought over. So you have the invitation to come on out starting in Dec to see this project and to see a wonderful parish as well. 

Till Next Time

-JM

With each year...

With each year that passes by. I am often surprised by my own ability to create the Lego Church Project. Their is a level of patience that is required. Something that I'm not known for having. Yet sitting down at the bricks can be rather fun. I guess you could say it's organized chaos in motion. If you've ever seen any of the galleries or see me work on the project in person you can tell what that is like.

On a typical day I'm working on at least five or six sections at once. Sometimes going back over and making major changes as I'm building. Of course their is a healthy level of fear involved that I fight with. Will it hold up to the end and will I have enough parts to complete it are the common ones. But it is that fear that drives me even harder. To know that I have a lot of experience so even when something doesn't go according to plan I can still go with the flow.

Keep in mind though I'm doing this because I enjoy it. I find the challenge helps me. I enjoy people's reactions. The joy they get out of seeing what I am doing. I enjoy sharing my story. This project is a yearly gift to the community. Something that needs to be shared with others. Not locked away somewhere. I pray that I always remain humble and thankful to those who support me in what I am doing. It is the fuel that fires the engines of creativity. Allowing me to do what I do best.

Advent is coming up fast. The Season 18 project will be at Christ the Good Shepherd here in Saginaw. This is the last display with this season and for me one of the most important ones. The end of the journey and the prelude to the next. This year however is special. This will be my 15th project that I have brought to this parish in a row. A long standing Christmas tradition. One that I hope and pray you will share with me. You are invited to come out to see what I am doing. To see what God has done in my life. By helping me to build faith. One brick at a time.

Till Next Time.

-jm

Reflection 11-5

Another evening goes by and another attack takes place. Another moment for the various groups to fire up their banter and demand extreme change. Been following stuff unfolding on twitter and to be honest it didn't take long for the anti-religious groups to jump down on those of us who posted public prayers. Those who are anti-guns to demand radical changes to the existing laws. With some feeling that guns are the only problem. I can understand their frustration. It is easier to blame the weapon of choice instead of the darker truth that we are afraid to admit to ourselves: No new laws would have changed anything. The attack in New York proved that point. Evil will use what ever tools it can find to strike in our hearts. Doesn't always have to be a weapon in a conventional sense.

Perhaps the issues at play are not so much about the choice of the weapon. But rather the spiritual bankruptcy we have these days. Perhaps we have opened up the doors in our hearts to a darker evil and have not even fully realized it. In our daily lives. We blow off our commitment to Church because we don't see the benefits of it. We let petty disagreements distract us from Christ and we avoid going to Church because of it. We don't make time for God, for prayer, because things are going good in our lives. Think of it this way. When we have Christ in our life. When we embrace him fully. Evil cannot destroy our spirit. When we go out of our way to push Christ aside. Forcing prayer our of the public circle. Removing Crosses and such. We allow evil to enter into our hearts. Before we can change the nation. We must first change ourselves. To look deeply into our own hearts and realize that above all else we must seek Christ. To find that peace so we can give that light to those who need it most. People want to knock prayer. But doing that won't solve the problems. Showing mercy and compassion even when you disagree with them. Can open up the doors of peace with in us. So that we as a society can become better. To live as Christ would have us live. Though the road is by no means easy one.

Till next time.

-JM

A small favor to ask

My friends I need a small favor. This Sunday Oct 22nd I'm going to be at the Mt. Zion Catholic Community in Flushing, MI for a Lego Church Project display. This is a bit of a home coming for me given that it has been years since I've brought one of my projects out. This is the place where the project that became Season 1 was displayed at. Way before the media attention.

What I'm asking is to share the word about this display. I would love to see a bigger than normal turn out for this display. The Mt. Zion Catholic Community has been a big supporter of my work and it is well worth taking the time to check them out. I have been praying for a good turnout. Their is a good chance I will also be there the following weekend (Oct 29th). But these displays cannot be pulled off with out people coming out and seeing for themselves what God is doing in my life. But it is more than that with this display. It's also a chance to see the Mt. Zion community as well. They have had their own journey in this world and their story is an amazing one. Check out the links provided and see what God is doing for us. If you need more info drop me an e-mail at kc8wzm@gmail.com. -JM

Mt. Zion Catholic Community

Support For the Project

The Mt. Zion display

The Season 18 project is coming out to the Mt. Zion Catholic Community over in Flushing, MI starting Oct 18th. Mass is Sunday at 10:30am. The Community Center is located 8228 N McKinley Rd, Flushing, Michigan 48433.

The display is one that is more personal to me than most. It's a place I don't get to visit often. But it is the first place I ever took one of my projects to. If your in the area PLEASE stop on out and check out the community and the project. Would love to see a lot of people turn out to see on of my projects in person. The pictures are nice. But they don't do this justice. Share the blog post. Get the word out. Would really mean a lot to me.

Till Next Time

-JM

Prayer

I've been wanting to write this blog post for a while. Given how important I feel prayer is in the Catholic life. With the recent events it has opened up the mind and given me the freedom to do so.

Their are many in this world who would tell you that prayer is worthless. They would scream it from the roof tops if they could about how useless it is. They believe that they are empty words that do nothing for anyone. But to me prayer is something more. Those who openly proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior and redeemer believe in something far greater than themselves. They accept that their is more to life than their own desires and wants. They commit themselves to following the teachings and doing their best hold fast to the message and Good News of Christ. We are not perfect. Which is why God sent His Only Son for us. For me prayer give me a deeper focus on what goes on around me. Seeking deep and profound wisdom in the best and worse times of our lives. A spiritual tool against the forces that would seek to destroy us from with in. It is seeking an understanding that we cannot always get from the world around us. More so when fear and anxiety seek to derail us. It is not about providing "magic answers" but rather clarity from a spiritual perspective. Personally I use prayer daily in my walk with Christ. It guides me. Shows me paths that in my own mind I might not always see. It can also give me a sense of peace. Even when I feel like the walls are caving in around me. I feel better over all when I take the time to pray. Not just when things are going bad. But even when times are decent. That is the nature of being a follower of Christ. We live in very troubling times. Events are unfolding that shake is to the core of who we are. This is why we pray. For Peace in our own hearts. Compassion for those around us. Even when they show hatred. Strength to handle things in our lives. The Wisdom to do the right thing. The Courage to face our darkest fears. Because Christ is the light that shines in the darkness. We who are His followers carry that light in our hearts. Surrender to Christ All Things. Even when we are mocked for what we believe. 

Till Next Time

-JM

Reflection for Oct 2nd

  The events of the day have me troubled to no end. Following the social feeds on both facebook and twitter is a lesson in frustration. Everyone seems to have a radical opinion of what needs to be done to stop the violence in our society. We know something has to be done. But we are divided as to what path we should take. The answers are not as simple as some would have you believe. Such things never are. History has taught us much but in the end we sometimes tend to glaze over it to suite our own personal agendas. We should as a nation be shocked and outraged at the violence we have seen unfold. But we should also be reminded that this is a constant cycle where lives are taken every day due to gun violence. Every major city has some kind of issue going on. It is so common place that the only times it gets our attention is when a large number of lives are lost at once. Such as the events in Las Vegas. We have become desensitized to the issues at hand and refuse to hold leadership accountable for the failings that allow the daily violence to continue.  Still it is hard to make sense of the senseless nature of this recent attack. One that shakes me to my core. We have had many chances to look into the issues at play and yet nothing gets done. Until we take a hard look at the issues at hand nothing will.

  Lately, more so given these troubling times, I have felt this deep welling inside my own soul to recite the Rosary every day. More so than  have at any time in my life. A gentle tug in my heart that this is something that I should be doing. But it is also a feeling that has gotten stronger inside me. It is more than a request from Our Most Holy Mother. It is a plea to all who call themselves Catholic. It is our Mother's cry to bring peace in our hearts. A cry to her faithful to honor the faith as we should. A reminder that While Christ is the light of the world. Mary, Our most Blessed Mother, is the Lantern. It is a request from Her that we can no longer ignore and should encourage to all who call themselves Catholic. 

I'm sure at some point I will write more on this. But my heart is too troubled right now. So I close out this reflection with the Prayer of St. Francis:

Make me a channel of your peace. 

Where there is hatred let me bring your love. 

Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord 

And where there's doubt, true faith in you.

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console 

To be understood as to understand 

To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace

Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope 

Where there is darkness, only light 

And where there's sadness, ever joy.

Make me a channel of your peace

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned 

In giving to all men that we receive 

And in dying that we're born to eternal life.

 

Till Next Time

-JM

Reflection for 9/26

Reflections are my personal writings that often start off as FB posts then get posted to the blog. They are my own explorations of how I see the Catholic faith.

"Surrender to Christ all things." That has been a reoccurring expression in many of my reflections over the years. A message, that from my understanding, opens our hearts up to something deep and profound. Most people connect surrender with giving up. As in welcoming defeat from a powerful foe. That is not how I look at it. This isn't about winning or losing. Rather it is acceptance that though our Savior all things are possible. That no matter what storm we face Christ is with us always. In this respect it is not so much of giving up. But rather calling on and embracing something that is stronger than ourselves. It is a constant reminder that when we have reached our weakest moments. Christ desires to walk with us during those times and give us hope. I think the best way to explain what "Surrender to Christ all things" means is to say that it is putting total and complete trust in Christ. Even when we ourselves cannot see the road that we are traveling on. The challenge becomes that it is easy for even me to say that to someone. But extremely difficult to put into practice. The world moves on and the daily struggles of life gets to us. It is hard to see how anyone could put their faith in the Son of God. Yet we as followers of Christ are called to do just that. Even in times when it seems like the storms are trying to drown us. Christ stands on the waters extending his hand to pull us up. It is a powerful image that reminds us of how important Christ is in our daily lives. Surrender to Christ all things. Our fears. Our anxiety. Our worries. Our needs. Our hopes. Everything that would trouble us give to the Savior. Take the time to spend it in prayer. Knowing that by embracing Christ. All things are possible.

Till Next Time

-JM

Reflection 9-25

I see the world around me and often wonder if the world is going to tear itself apart at the seams. But even more so on deeper reflecting, looking back though the very history, did people like me feel the same way about the times they were living in during the past. Wondering how people were thinking during the daily and nightly news reports during events such as WWI or even WWII. The challenges and the fear that came about with the changes to the Catholic faith though Vatican II. Where people just as scared, if not more so, during those crisis as some of us feel right now with the current events? It feels to me that with each generation. New challenges present themselves. Some of those challenges turn into epic controversies that on one hand seem to want to tear the country apart. But at the same time serve as distractions from the greater issues a play. Events not just on a national level. But on the level of the world.

We very much live in an age where information is at our finger tip. We now have access to media that even I never even though of growing up. More so now than in previous generations. So that fear becomes more present and more expressed by the people. We gain access to that fear a lot quicker than ever before. Instead of seeing the news played out nightly or daily in the papers and TV. We can log into social media and have instant access to what is going on around us. Both the good and the bad. Sometimes we can take things out of the proper context and build up with in us a sense of rage and fear when for now a calmer mind is needed.

As I've been pondering on recent events. I've also been reminded of something that I've been known to say. "Surrender to Christ all things." For me it is a reminder that as a follower of Christ. That no matter what happens in the world. The path of Christ always remains true. That in moments of darkness, Christ, is our light. In moments of confusion, Christ, brings clarity. That in moments when we are scared out of our mind. That by surrendering all to Christ we find comfort and an inner peace we otherwise would not have. It is a reminder that while nations rise and fall. Christ remains eternal and unchanging. Even when it feels like the world is changing all around us. I would like to think that someone like me in the past felt the same way as I do now here in the present. That no matter what goes on around us. Surrender to Christ all things.

Till Next Time

-JM

Mini Review: Catholic Hipsters Handbook

The Catholic Hipsters Handbook (Amazon)

This post is a short review of Tommy Tighe's Catholic Hipsters Handbook. The book is more or less a collection of short essays by several authors in addition Tighe's own contributions. The subtitle of this book is Rediscovering Cool Saints, Forgotten Prayers, and Other Weird but Sacred Stuff. Which pretty much explains what you will find with in these pages. Though out the course of reading you will explore various elements of the Catholic Faith. At the end of each segment the various authors suggest a less than well known Saint. Such as St. John Bosco or Fr. Solanus Casey. It goes into the inns and outs of various purely Catholic things. The segments are bite sized but contain a lot of information packed in. Each of the contributing authors present things in a very easy flowing and down to earth writing style while at the same time quietly encouraging the reader to explore the Catholic faith more deeply.

Personally I rather enjoying reading this. I gained some new insight into my own faith and have that desire to explore things more deeply. If you are looking for something to check out this book is very much worth it. Now if you will excuse me I need to go look something up....

Till next time.

-JM

I enjoy this. (Displays)

Doing displays with the Lego Church Project is one of the fun aspects of what I do. Though sometimes it can be a challenge to get the project to a location. Once set up their is the interaction with the people that is always fun. A chance to show what I am doing and sharing it with the community. I really enjoy the social aspect of what I do. Talking about not just what goes into the building. But also sharing the mission of what goes into my reasons. Even for my short afternoon displays that I do sometimes. It is that interaction with people that often fuels the creative fires and makes such things possible. It is something I enjoy. My personal feeling has always been that my talent is a gift from God and that talent should be shared with others. Which is why I'm always looking for places to take the project and to share the message. I am very thankful to the people who have supported me in this journey of faith. Season 18, dedicated to the life of Fr. Solanus Casey, has been one of the busier seasons so far. I'm also on tap to either tie or out right pass my previous record for the most displays in a season. But even I know that such things would not be even happening with out the support of those who believe in me and share that same passion for what I am doing. It is rather humbling given my own limitations to see the look on people's faces when they know I am coming with the project. Even from the ones who have been following me for years. To know that some how I am touching people's lives. It's a good feeling in my own heart to know that people really do enjoy the work I do. That they are looking forward to the next season to see what I am doing. Just as much as I look forward to building the next season and taking it on the road. Thank you for the support you have shown me.

Till next time.

-JM

Support for the Project

About Displays