Sep 21, 2008 | 3:53 PM
Category:
Faith
"God wants me to run for president...American people want faith in their government."
The words of Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential election campaign. Faith chatter has been a part of presidential campaigns for decades, but this year there is more focus on the religious beliefs of the candidates.
*Popular Protestant Pastor Rick Warren interviewed John McCain and Barack Obama in the televised Saddleback Presidential Forum. The candidates were asked questions such as, "What does it mean to you to trust in Christ?" and "Does evil exist?" and "Define marriage."
*Now the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops has invited the two presidential candidates to meet with them before the election. Neither McCain nor Obama have replied yet.
*I have heard voters say they believe Obama is a Muslim even though he has repeatedly said he is a Christian.
*The Chicago Tribune recently reported the history of religious affiliation of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, but later would spend nearly three decades in the Assemblies of God Church and now she chooses to attend non-denominational Christian Churches.
*An anonymous Vatican official was quoted as saying Sarah Palin is "a dream candidate."
*A Pew Research Center poll shows that Catholics and Evangelical Protestants believe they have found a friend in Sarah Palin."
It seems in 21st century America, a candidate better be ready to give an an opinion about everything. Everything. What is their relationship with God? Should their political beliefs line up with what their church and or what the bible teaches? Will God-talk translate into God-policy after the a candidate is elected? What the candidate thinks about the economy or Iraq isn't enough?
Like it or not, religion is is even more deeply woven into the fabric of partisan politics than ever before. Do you like it or not?
Aug 4, 2008 | 2:51 PM
Category:
Sports
I'm home sick today, barely able to walk. Just got back from the doctor who said I have Plantar Fasciitis in the my right heel. Doc suggests anti-inflammatory drugs and he gave me info on stretching exercises which also says if pain is severe (mine is severe) I may have to stay off my feet for several days.
Any suggestions so I can hopefully be back at work tomorrow.
Many Thanks!
Jun 13, 2008 | 7:21 PM
Category:
News
A couple of months ago, my 28 year old son Nick asked if I could fix a broken audio cassette he found in the basement of his mother's house. It was a recording of his mom and I talking to Nick when he was 1, 2 and 3 years old. Precious moments: singing "Rejoice in the Lord", "Away in The Manger", telling knock knock jokes, etc. Finally, I repaired the tape and dubbed the audio onto a CD for a more permanent recording.
I have listened to it several times now and each time tears come to my eyes. Hearing the voice of my three year old son Nicky (the name we called him then) reminded me of what a good little boy he was and what an outstanding man he is. Listening to him at that age immediately took me back to that warm, safe, loving place.
After going through a divorce, Father's Day has been a difficult holiday to celebrate with my two boys. This year I am hoping to take some of that tension away. On Sunday, I am going to give Nick a copy of the CD. Andy is going to get a copy of a 1991 newspaper article that praises his actions on the runway in a father/son fashion show. At age 5, he stole the show with his sunglasses and tough look at the audience.
We are forever connected to our children. Past. Present. Future. Remembering the good times can help get us through challenging times. Dads, build a new memory with your children by giving them a gift for Father's Day! An old picture, letter, book, report card, team cap or uniform, video, audio tape, etc. A new tradition begins!
Please share your thoughts. I will let you know how it goes with my boys.
Happy Father's Day!
PS. Maybe moms could also return the favor next year on Mother's Day.
Apr 15, 2008 | 6:18 PM
Category:
Faith
Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in the U.S He is expected to talk about how the American culture challenges the Catholic faith. Many U.S. Catholics feel they can express viewpoints that are contrary to church teaching because of freedom of speech. But the Catholic church is not a democracy. Rome has been frustrated with the American Church. Any thoughts?
Apr 6, 2008 | 6:44 PM
Category:
Music
Over the weekend I caught the new film, "Shine a Light," the documentary/concert movie about the Rolling Stones. Going into the theater, I had four decades of expectations. When I left the theater, I felt the same way about the Stones as I did when I was in high school. Arguably, they are the world's greatest rock & roll band. (Maybe the world's oldest rock & roll band as well.)
The Stones have gone from bad boys to grandpas not as survivors of rock but as performers who love what they do....and are still doing in their 60s!
Sure, Keith Richards looks like a skeleton wearing eyeliner and Mick Jagger has deep creases all over his face but they are vigorous, energetic, entertaining and they put on a terrific show. Jagger is going to be 65 later this year and he moves around the stage like a 17 year old!
If you’re a Stones fan you will love it. Even if you are not, it’s still a fascinating glimpse into the lives of one of rock's most enduring acts. The group's unsavory reputation and drug arrests are mentioned in the film.
Mick and the Boys are still controversial. A conflict erupted as I was leaving the theater. I heard a man about 50 years old say to his wife, "They're still not better than the Beatles." She then unloaded a string of expletives and said he was stupid and didn't know what he was talking about.
The Rolling Stones still have what it takes!
Mar 12, 2008 | 10:17 AM
Category:
Faith
Pollute the environment?
Manipulate human genes?
Cause social or economic injustice?
All are included on a list of "new sins" issued by the Vatican. Sins for the modern age?
Are these sins?
I'm working on a story about this topic. Would love to hear your comments!
Thanks
Feb 15, 2008 | 7:31 PM
Category:
Entertainment
I know a lot of people who love this time of year because of the abundance of fish fries offered in Missouri and Illinois.
Where are your favorites?
In the past mine have been:
St. James The Greater Church in the Dogtown neighborhood of St. Louis
St. Ferdinand Church in Florissant
Our Lady of the Pillar in Creve Coeur
Toss the bait, maybe I'll bite and give yours a try!
Feb 6, 2008 | 11:52 AM
Category:
News
Catholics grew up receiving ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday. But in recent years more and more Protestant Churches are distributing ashes to their members to prepare for Easter. A Catholic priest last year told me he was getting phone calls from the Pastor at the Methodist Church down the street to get information on celebrating an Ash Wednesday service.
What Protestant churches do you know of that have special services and/or distribute ashes to mark the beginning of Lent.
Also, anyone give up anything or commit to more prayer or acts of kindness, etc. for Lent?
Feb 6, 2008 | 11:50 AM
Category:
Faith
Catholics grew up receiving ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday. But in recent years more and more Protestant Churches are distributing ashes to their members to prepare for Easter. A Catholic priest last year told me he was getting phone calls from the Pastor at the Methodist Church down the street to get information
on celebrating an Ash Wednesday service.
What Protestant churches do you know of that have special services and/or distribute ashes to mark the beginning of Lent.
Also, anyone give up anything or commit to more prayer or acts of kindness, etc. for Lent?
Jan 21, 2008 | 2:21 PM
Category:
Entertainment
I just started reading the book, "90 Minutes In Heaven." If you have read it please let me know what you think. Don't worry about spoiling it by releasing details. I have heard a lot about the book and heard the author interviewed on TV, so I know how the book ends.
Still it sounds like a fascinating story worth reading.
Jan 18, 2008 | 2:42 PM
Category:
News
We are considering doing stories on people who believe they have experienced a miracle. Perhaps its a healing, rescue, direction, etc. Please share your stories and we may follow up by doing a story on FOX 2.
God love you for the work you do!
Jan 15, 2008 | 3:29 PM
Category:
Faith
We are considering doing stories on people who believe they have experienced a miracle. Perhaps its a healing, rescue, direction, etc. Please share your stories and we may follow up by doing a story on FOX 2.
God love you for the work you do!
Dec 27, 2007 | 3:22 PM
Category:
News
Okay, I have been chastised by a couple of bloggers (you cuties know who you are) that I am not blogging enough. It is true, I only have been blogging occasionally. Sometimes it's difficult to find time.
But one of my New Years resolutions is to find more time to communicate with you good people....also to exercise more, lose weight, eat right , etc.
We all work hard and take life pretty seriously, so another resolution is to have more fun and to take care of another. Recently, I had the opportunity to help a stranger clean the snow and ice off her car. It made a big difference in my attitude for the rest of the day. I'm not patting myself on the back, just saying helping someone everyday is the right thing to do.
Love to hear your New Years resolutions!
Dec 25, 2007 | 7:01 PM
Category:
Faith
To all the FOX 2 Bloggers, especially Michelle, Jana and Tommy, thanks for your Christmas gifts and wishes. It has been a true blessing to have your frienship.
I wish you all happiness, health, and success during the holidays. May the New Year bring you your heart's desire.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Dan Gray
Dec 25, 2007 | 7:00 PM
Category:
News
To all the FOX 2 Bloggers, especially Michelle, Jana and Tommy, thanks for your Christmas gifts and wishes. It has been a true blessing to have your frienship.
I wish you all happiness, health, and success during the holidays. May the New Year bring you your heart's desire.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Dan Gray
