Conversations with Ray Martinez

This story was right after Jesus finished the Sermon on the Mount.  A miraculous healing just took place of a diseased man, and Jesus told him not to tell anyone about it.  Well, he did tell many people and crowds surrounded him.  I think you will find this episode chalked full of take-aways and food for thought.  

It's hard to pick one story in my life of the funniest moment of my time.  So, I share a few of them that really pops to the top of my mind that made me laugh so hard, that my stomach hurt.  My adopted mother was a great story teller that always made you laugh about the old days and how they made something out of nothing.

This is a special day for Michele Campana, celebrating many years of success, happiness and endurement through a family of loving children, husband and parents.  One of the most organized moms I know that knows how to bring ecstasy and contentment to people around her.

This really is a comforting story/statement by Jesus about building our house on a firm foundation and not on the sand.  Which is likely to stand firm when a storm comes?  It's comforting to know how Jesus "has our back" when  the storms in our life come.  The cross references helps us understand why Jesus says these things for our edification.

You know how it is when you go out to coffee with friends with no particular agenda, the craziest questions pop up. So, here’s an obvious question. What are your favorite books? I have many favorite books. I enjoy reading. So I’ll just highlight some of the books at the top of my mind that I’ve really enjoyed.  I don't care for fiction, but I have read many of them.  True stories and books are a hallmark with insight for living.

Jesus is teaching about "self righteous people" who may claim they have done so much for God, but their true actions are not reflective of God's love for people.  Some may get to heaven making their case for entrance, but He may say, "I never knew you."  Jesus is good about "giving the bottomline" with plenty of examples to draw a clear conclusion about His message.

I think it's harder to work for your family than it is for the "other guy".  In the family business, much more perfection is required and the learning skills are fast and steep.  My dad taught me how to "hod-carry" and eventually learning how to become a bricklayer.  The school of hard-knocks is a good teaching skill that permanently impresses you to never forget.  Family values and character are molded by not only learning to do a good job, but a better job, and sometimes that's not good enough.

Jesus paints a clear picture of what a false prophet is like.  His colorful analogy of fruits, such as grapes and other fruit trees clearly illustrates what is good and what is bad with prophets.  I like His two prong test...the person prophesying must match the Word, and it must become true.  Well, that's easy enough to identify.  Nevertheless, many people are hoodwinked by fakes.

I was asked to speak to young adults that were placed in a juvenile youth center.  Because of Covid-19, we couldn't be present.  I prepared a youtube video in lieu of being in person.  This is a recording of my presentation.  Sharing words of encouragement  that are peppered with real life stories and events in my life and others. If we change the way we look at things, the things we look at will change.

While in high school, I was involved with an adhoc committee with Student Council and I did write columns for the Silver Quill at Poudre High School.  Much of my activity in High School centered out side of school.  I was also a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America).