Conversations with Ray Martinez

This story surrounds some of our cultural values, especially with my adoptive mom.  She always wanted us to "be as equals" to everyone else.  Mom didn't want us to appear poor, but she certainly wasn't ashamed of our culture. Yet, she didn't want to give anyone cause to gossip about us either.  This story centers around tortillas that helped me become even more proud of my heritage and culture.

While growing up in the orphanage, I learned three important values that have stuck with me all my life.  Those values helped me with decisions in life, how to treat people.  Those values kept me humble.  When I do get upset, I reflect on my early rearing at the orphanage, which gives me calm.  I share three example stories for each value.

I'm often asked what were my favorite TV shows were as a kid?  Well, I'm still a little old school, but I think you will understand why in this podcast and what some of those old television shows taught me in life.  Maybe some of those old shows helped you too.

Some of my favorite childhood toys were very simple, like the stuffed dog that my adoptive parents gave me when they picked me up from the Colorado State Orphanage for Neglected and Dependent Children.  My mother kept for many years.  I found it in her cedar chest when she passed away in 1994.  To this day, I have kept the first toy I ever owned and place it under the Christmas tree every year; the stuffed dog 63 years old now.  Many Other toys I talk about here as well.

This teaching is what Jesus commanded us to do, and that is to love your enemies.  Nevertheless, he teaches us how to love your enemies so you are not holding any grudges or contempt.  Two major steps are explained.  I find His solution rewarding, practical, and doable

How should Christians handle disputes?  I interviewed Thaylor Iron Rope, a devote student of the bible, about this question.  He had some poignant view points and understanding of the Word.  Thaylor has published a book, The Book of Service, that can be found on Amazon, BN, and other online outlets.  Thaylor Iron Rope is a Native American from the Lakota tribe.  His ancestry comes from a line of Native American Chiefs such as Chief Lone Bear, Chief High Hawk, Chief American Horse, and Chief Iron Nation. He is a warrior for sure, but not just a "warrior", but he is a "prayer warrior".  When he prays, there are results.  The Book of Service

When I was a young teenager, I thought it was fun to hop on the train as it started to leave town, then jump off down the road a bit.  One particular ride lasted a little too long and took us on a ride for our life.  Scary, life learning, but it certainly is good to know where your friends are when you are in a bind.

A true story about a family that is still leaving a legacy of their heritage, marked with success.  They are an example of immigrants (Dominick, and Raffaele) that came to America empty-handed, and made something out of nothing.  They arrived with hope and a dream.  They have helped shape the landscape of Fort Collins, CO, initially with a trowel and a wheelbarrow.  The Campana family personifies true character and love for family.  Their work is a portrait of their character through the affinity of their culture.

I was asked that very question.  What did you look forward to as a child?  Many memories, but I share a significant story of why I liked and looked forward to family gatherings.  I always looked forward to school starting, and looked very much for the end of the year too!

The man in the straw hat was a mystery person I met in Southern Mexico while backpacking to an occult where family members were living.  My objective was to convince them to return home.  The man in the straw hat saved our lives. He disappeared in thin air. I think I know who he was; a special messenger on assignment.