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Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Baby Steps | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:58:44 -0000

So, Jenson... Having read all seven of your well-written testimonials on the power of forgiveness, one might conclude that baby steps just won't do when your objective is the salvation of your soul. There's a lesson in asking, seeking and knocking told by your story, too. As well, one's challenge actually listening to the holy spirit within--one's willingness to trust wisdom. To be sure, demons that torment come in many forms! Your willingness to trust the wisdom of forgiveness might have been hastened acknowledging this. Those who torment one's soul (and who hasn't encountered the likes at some point in their life?) suffer some lacking that makes forgiveness but the first step in their healing, should they in fact seek this. They say, "To err is human, to forgive, divine." We might better say, "To forgive is Christian, to heal, divine." Now that you've stepped up to the first challenge and experienced righteous joy, expect the next challenge testing how deep is that righteous joy you are called to be known by...

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Finding Your Passion | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 11:16:54 -0000

If there's anything I could do, it's complete the development of a self-funding political write-in campaign promoting one, and only one, game changing economic demand: a crash program build-out of thorium molten salt reactors obsoleting our hydrocarbon-based energy economy, and in the process bringing Wall Street to its knees, this as payback for their principal part in offshoring significant US industrial capacity and transforming the US from once the world's greatest creditor nation to now the world's largest debtor nation over the past several decades. With record numbers of military veterans committing suicide, I'm assuming part of their despair is fed by an utter lack of opportunity in the post-industrial scrap heap Wall Street and her London partners have made of the United States' economy. Many military veterans I trust can be persuaded to run for political office up and down the line, from the local level of government up to federal offices, doing this as write-in candidates (which is super easy to become). Other veterans, their families, as well as people in the general population will be targeted to become active participants in these campaigns employing such simple means as allows them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. These will help feed the self-funding component that is to be derived from online "shepherding" efforts aiming to bring in additional campaign activists. All who become involved, from the candidates on down, will be essentially doing what they already do online, but with a twist. Much of the development for this effort has been completed, particularly the shepherding component. Still, certain audio components accompanying the email-based shepherding effort need developing, as well as the call-out seeking military veteran write-in candidates. So, I'm close to completing this project, yet time is of the essence. For a comprehensive documentary on thorium molten-salt reactors search for "Thorium Remix 2011."

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Invite Him In | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 22:38:56 -0000

Maybe your tunnel vision aims to aid your ability to see "How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." Maybe you're being trained to focus. Now change the object of your focus. Instead of it being something you alone want, make it something both you and God want as decidedly as you crave food. Maybe you don't know what that is. Consider it a blessing, then. You have found your first new object to focus on with a tunnel vision you know quite well.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Two Fables | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 09:55:55 -0000

If I may make a suggestion per your "wishing him well", do it in a single word: REPENT! Should you succeed at tactfully advising him on how his virtues and character need work--doing this in a manner revealing your desire that God have mercy on his soul--that one word (repent) will shake him to his core, much as Jesus and John the Baptist mercifully intended when reaching for lost souls during their days on earth.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Fulfillment At Work | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 14:50:00 -0000

If you were to believe, as I do, that the internet is the greatest invention since Gutenberg's printing press, then it is rather difficult to even agree that "our culture has really pulled way back from producing beautiful things." Some of the most creative forms of work ever produced came through the employment of language. Not only has dissemination of these works become a whole lot easier and cheaper, but the power to readily enhance them has been made greater (think of notes appearing at the end of each chapter in Scripture, and how easily you can click on links to more quickly develop your understanding). Humankind has barely scratched the surface toward realizing its full creative potential. There is more work to be done than you can shake a stick at, and not enough machines, nor enough energy harnessed to get it done. I disagree with your thesis and find it rather dangerous in fact. Lifestyles you suppose natural necessarily mean capacity to support as many people as live on our planet will be reduced. The path to getting there is unthinkable. I will leave it at that.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | There Are No Personal Acts | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 08:12:56 -0000

Allow me to share a letter I wrote last night to my church's deacon...
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Deacon Tom,

It is not so much that the issue of gun violence incites my ire as the recent tragedy in Parkland, FL invites opportunity to uplift faith in God and bring many a lost, frightened soul--left feeling helpless--back into His Church. I feel your homily of February 17th really said so much, but without really saying so. Whether or not you intended this, the fact that you seemed to be looking for an answer spoke to me, as I am sure it did others, as well. I just happened to respond with desire to take action, and I am confident others will follow because they desire the same. Here we are 2000 years later, and the issue of innocents being slaughtered still has not gone away. We should ask if Pilate heads the N.R.A. because [Wayne] LaPierre's spinelessness toward those who have neither moral conscience nor remorse over the grave condemnation of innocent life via the availability of unnecessary weaponry is truly repugnant.
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In freely choosing not to give united voice to the readily evident appearance that N.R.A. mis-leadership is much like that of corrupt leaders in the Jewish temple society who chose to free a murderer while condemning an innocent man to a brutal death we see how sins of omission can be just as far reaching as today's Lenten reflection on how sins of commission are.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Growing in Virtue | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 20:55:05 -0000

My grandmother lived with severe rheumatoid arthritis--the kind that badly disfigured her extremities. I'm sure she lived with a lot of pain. She didn't let it stop her from doing what she loved--cooking and praying (and definitely not in that order!). She lived until she was 90. That said (and I don't know this for a fact), her physical suffering probably impacted her emotional state more than I could have ever known. Pain forces one to turn inward, and there one risks becoming self-absorbed. The extent to which her dialog with God in prayer kept her from losing spirit I can do more than guess. Just where in that dialog she found strength I do not know. But strength evidently was there to be found, as she remained vital to my grandfather right to the end. So, find what brings you strength in relationship with God. You'll know you've hit the sweet spot if this carries you through your physical challenges. Best wishes in your drive to remain vital.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Are You Listening? | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 07:17:43 -0000

You think loving your enemies is "tough"? (It's not if you are really applying your God-given gift of reason.) Try this one on for size... "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more." (Luke 12:4) This from the One who said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me" and we KNOW where that led. Are you thinking His "suffering" and "crucifixion"? Think instead of His joy! Then your fear will be rightly focused, for then you will "be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." Girl, do yourself a favor. Turn off the news. Well enough you hear it second hand. The fact of the matter is there's more truth to be had in Scripture. That the main stream media is filling you with the wrong kind of fear should be your first clue they're leading you to Gehenna. Take Christ's lead, too, dealing with these, His (our) Father's enemies... Tell them, REPENT! Make it your Lenten commitment to know why they must, for they do so well making God's people hate their enemies and fear them, as well...

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Looking into the Future | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 15:34:24 -0000

Nice insight. Particularly admire your appeal to reason, that most precious, God-given gift we possess, whose ongoing development in pursuit of virtue founded in God's Truth is key to making Christ's yoke easy and its burden light. The example you give speaks of vital truth in God's greatest commandment and there can be no greater appeal to reason than that.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Are You Happy? | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 01:20:19 -0000

Spiritual death is the only form of suffering one need fear. Spiritual life is the only form of joy one ought aspire to. Physical suffering is a given. We all must die in the flesh and there are any number of maladies one might suffer prior to reaching the death of one's body. What physical torments, even unto death, one might suffer defending their spiritual life in Christ cannot possibly surpass the physical indignity Christ suffered.

Even if one were to challenge the Church's position that the Lord's Prayer is merely a collection of seven petitions, and as such does more to foster servants like the one in Christ's parable who was given by his master one talent and, out of fear and a lack of spirit, buried it, that he might return it unused toward more fruitful purposes, still, one could not possibly surpass the indignity Christ suffered were physical persecution to result from this challenge, because rightly fathoming in our time the Father that Christ most succinctly revealed via the Lord's Prayer would be a much lesser achievement than the revelation itself. There's no arguing Christ rightly fathomed our Father and supremely suffered in such a way that cannot possibly be exceeded. No sinner's physical suffering can surpass the suffering of the One who is blameless.

Now, addressing your argument, although Christ's victory is rather more firmly established now than was the case prior to His passion (thereby suggesting foreboding warnings in scriptural chapters you cited had significantly greater portent at the time they were written), the perils--both physical and spiritual--all are advised to watch out for in defense of their spiritual life in Christ remain. So, your argument has that going for it. Yet will all called to spiritual life in Christ be brought to suffer on account of their calling? This does not seem likely. Most, I suppose, will find rest for their souls and gain spiritual life untormented.

And as for apparitions, are these not signs that an evil, adulterous generation seek? This question is from someone who is quite certain Jesus in His human body did not walk on water, yet in His spiritual body He is walking on water this very day.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | A Chance to Turn It All Around | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 22:02:36 -0000

It is so much easier banishing all thought of the past than extinguishing hope for the future, because the present moment is yet another chance to seize virtue formed by God's gift of wisdom to know what you can change and what you can't.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Are You Happy? | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:36:41 -0000

Why do you claim "Jesus promised us suffering"? My read is He promised rest. (Mt 11:28-30) Still, the distinction between joy and happiness you bring up is provocative. Yet on the path to achieving joy could one even reach that objective without moments of happiness? Today's Gospel is a case in point (Mt 16:13-19). Could Jesus have reached the joy he expressed in John 17:13 had Simon Peter not recognized "the Christ, the Son of the living God" that was revealed to him by our heavenly Father? When Jesus declared, "You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church", might we suppose Jesus was happy this piece of the puzzle necessary for His joy to become manifest had fallen into place?

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | This Is Your Time | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:51:39 -0000

Peace be with you, Ginie! Thanks for taking my questions in stride. I asked them as a brother, hoping to empower a sister. Again, forgive me for asking such bold questions without knowing all the facts. Still, your opportunity to be among the few who are chosen remains. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray you take strength in Matthew 11:28-30!

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Our Desire to Please | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:46:03 -0000

Are you taking care of yourself in the process of avoiding arguments with your husband? You say you want to "get along", but if your sense of well-being is being reduced trying, then in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray you give that man the silent treatment by giving all your free time to the Lord in prayer seeking to discover how you might come to believe, and have no doubt, you can please him on an ongoing basis and then some.

If those things you do that he criticizes are your attempts to please him, then stop trying. Those things you do that, indeed, please him, by all means continue, but without conversation because these bring argument. Spend your energy instead in prayer while you continue doing what makes him happy. Should he object to your silence, tell him how you have come to believe you cannot please him on an ongoing basis and that is NOT the reason you became his wife. Tell him you're not thinking straight and you need time to recover your dignity and that you truly believe seeking answers from God, exercising the Holy Spirit stirring within you, will set you right.

You will need to spend more time away from him. You will need to communicate this to him. You will need to assure him, too, that you will not tolerate sexual immorality, neither in yourself nor him. Shun the world. No form of entertainment will pull you through. Seek only those who inspire the spirit of truth within you. You know who tops the list and you know where He speaks, so get 'er done.

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | Perfectly Imperfect | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 19:34:47 -0000

"These things I command you, that you love one another." (John 15:17)
Newsflash, Carol... You belong!

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | This Is Your Time | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:46:39 -0000

Does not your son's aphasia rather beg you exorcise your anger and positively overwhelm him with mercy? As he has suffered a traumatic brain injury would not your spirit be best served adorning your heart and soul with Christ's boundless compassion? Might your son's still being with you possibly be revealing God's mercy toward you more so than toward him? Did not God's only begotten Son unjustly suffer and die so that sinners like us might faintly understand the extent to which our faith can be tested, such that we prove ourselves, indeed, willing to be redeemed? Might your son more likely turn back to God once you adore him like the Christ he is in your life? Is he not in the desert, being made to fast, and so being tempted by Satan as a result? Will you accept salvation being the angel appointed to minister to him?

I beg you forgive me for asking such difficult questions! I do not know the circumstances of your plight and pray you understand I am not replying to you with anything other than compassion for a difficult situation you did not plan on suffering. My heart goes out to you knowing your son does not suffer alone. They say when you're served lemons, make lemonade. That's all I'm suggesting. Christ did not choose to be our redeemer. He was chosen. You might see yourself this way too. As a believer in the Way, do you really have any other choice?

Ginie, I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ you will soon come to thank God for His calling you to become one among the few who are chosen!

Re: Best Lent Ever | Lent Reflections 2018 | An Opportunity | Dynamic Catholic

Tom Chechatka — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 10:35:20 -0000

Here's my two cents, Holly. Before you take to social media read Mark 11:20-24. Then, focus your mind in prayer on the very specific end you desire. For example, "Lord God, I ask in the name of Your Son, Lord Jesus Christ, that I not be sucked into social media. Give me but 5 minutes to share Your Word, then resolute strength to step away [for an hour/until tomorrow/until the Holy Spirit again begs my intervention]." Faith is perfected when in prayer you believe you have received what you ask for. Not believe you will receive it (for this allows doubt to enter into your heart), but rather that what you ask is already a done deal. Then it will be yours...

Re: The Hidden Risk to Sovereign Bonds

Tom Chechatka — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:55:13 -0000

Why not take the logical next step and report how a Ponzified corporate bond market is sapping business bottom lines, freezing needed investment in capital intensive industries, and sucking the life out of a tax system supporting the world's premier credit security whose "value" proposition otherwise has been ascending a mountain of kited derivatives ever since Greenspan became sheriff?

Re: Swedroe: Beware The Death Cross! Or Not

Tom Chechatka — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:06:19 -0000

Not sure why China is such a huge focus for US investors when it's Japan that is in big trouble. There we see REAL currency devaluation, unlike China's measly correction. Sure, China's $5 trillion shadow banking system and/or its huge pile of unregulated credit derivatives are big concerns whose residual effect probably has some bearing precipitating the recent SPX "death cross." Still, Japan is the sinking ship to watch. Likewise, a death cross preceding a prospective black swan event is worth noting nevertheless, because we can, and should, throw out all historical analysis when the foundational mantra driving securities prices all across the spectrum is one with no historical precedent...

"It's the derivatives, stupid."

Re: Randy Credico charged with menacing police officers | Capital New York

Tom Chechatka — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 12:58:26 -0000

Correction: Credico made the 1% Wall Street Sales Tax the cornerstone of his campaign. What NYC needs are bigger, more modern cities throughout New York State competing with the city's abusive fee-based, police state paradigm, the likes of which might motivate real, positive change in NYC without so much as a fight.

Who would pay to build such cities? A nationalized Federal Reserve. Another cornerstone of sound political policy.

The Fed in 2008 marshaled $20+ trillion in credit facilities to backstop the reckless denizens of lower Manhattan. It could be just as easily ordered to buy state bonds financing the construction of new cities. Indeed, it had better be ordered to do so soon, as the several trillion of insolvent mortgage-backed garbage it has taken on its book since 2008 is nothing but a crisis in waiting threatening the very solvency of the U.S. Treasury.

You have to wonder whether this was the very intention when the Fed was created a little over a century ago. Only a fool believes the utter recklessness that brought systemic crisis in 2008 has been mitigated by "the most sweeping financial reform since the Great Depression" (Dudd-Frankenstien).

Re: Excellent Example Of Focused Lead Capture

Tom Chechatka — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 06:15:17 -0000

Good thing you did those screen captures. UpWorthy's home page is now a blur of stories with not a social sharing button or email opt-in form to be found. Good find on the original.

Re: Kings of the Internet | Confessions of a Black Hat - Josh Bachynski

Tom Chechatka — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 14:30:41 -0000

This is an excellent, well-reasoned thread. It very much brought balance to the entire discussion. A "Featured Comment" candidate no doubt.

Re: Kings of the Internet | Confessions of a Black Hat - Josh Bachynski

Tom Chechatka — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 14:17:22 -0000

Bzzzz. WRONG! They're CIA "limited hangouts", just like Ellsberg before them.

http://tarpley.net/2013/06/...

Re: Kings of the Internet | Confessions of a Black Hat - Josh Bachynski

Tom Chechatka — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 11:21:49 -0000

"Paid link networks - a real no-no - but worse I have knowledge of one paid linking network that - when it was 'outed' by Google now openly sell their links for negative SEO purposes 'Guaranteed Google banned links.'"

Everyone's wheels are turning, no doubt. I understand the extortionary climate this capacity seems to breed already is being exploited. Yet the Google banned links "guarantee" this network offers is doubtful. Any new linking coming out of it is unlikely to have negative effect. The damage is done. No need for Google to whip that dead horse.

Re: Islamic State to Putin: We Are On Our Way | News | The Moscow Times

Tom Chechatka — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 08:04:25 -0000

No doubt Putin is quaking over a squadron of pickup trucks covered by jets that might have a tough time finding fuel to fly. The question is whether the Queen and her U.S. Loyalists (#ArrestMcCain4ISIS) are ready for the backlash against their insolvent banking system threatened by the BRICS Development Bank driving this lunatic imperialist legion? http://youtu.be/6tKcTIshuwQ