Archabbey Church

We had about 1" of snow on Saturday night & I took this picture on Sunday after Mass.

This is one side of the school building

My room is in the upper left on the 3rd floor (it has a basement & 4 floors).

A second view of my Study/Computer/Music Room

As first year students we each get 2 rooms - one for sleeping and one for whatever. What a blessing to be able to spread out a little - but I can't get too used to it - next fall this perk goes away!

Inside my Study/Computer/Music Room

First day of classes!

Well, today was my first day of classes. I got a little taste of "Intro to Liturgy", "Aristotle & Aquinas" and "Post-Modernism". This will be a very interesting and growing experience. Tomorrow is "Medieval Church History" and Monday is "Love & Friendship" which will round out my classes.

As I get to know everyone here it is obvious that God works in so many different ways to bring His chosen ones the Good News - and to be a part of the process has been really enlightening so far. Not every minute is in study and/or prayer - but there is a lot of good fellowship time also. Today we had a special lunch for the newly elected Archabbot and my class served the meal. I will also be playing guitar at the Spanish Mass on Friday - I guess I am jumping right in to the mix.

I will try to upload some pictures when I get a chance - it is truly a beautiful place.

Be blessed!

John

A picture of me with one of my guitars!

I was going through some files and found this picture, so I thought I would post it.

I am almost ready to go to Seminary - I will be leaving this Friday/Saturday. Come back to johntheblessed.com often to see what is going on.

How good is God?

We may not know until we get to heaven, but on this earth we get a glimpse through the blessings He gives us and the friends He puts into our lives. Over the last few weeks I am becoming more and more aware of the wonderful way God manifests Himself in my life. In adoration I am overwhelmed with the humility of the path my life is on, in Mass I am drawn to the Eucharist as Jesus is made present to the community gathered, while interacting with friends and family I see the goodness that comes from knowing Christ personally and how He works through others to bless me, in reaching out in ministry I get a small peek at the ways I can serve Him while on this earth.

Last night I was surrounded by friends from the many ministries I am involved in, from just living life and sharing God's message of love and forgiveness, from being in tune with the Holy Spirit and listening to that "still small voice" (that sometimes is a whisper and sometimes is a 2x4 across the back of the head), and from being a part of this "thing" we call life. I was truly humbled, blessed and full of joy at how many people took a few minutes out of their weekend to come by and wish me well on my journey. I can not express in words what it means to me that I know you, the ways your lives have touched mine and the excitement I feel in knowing we will be spending all eternity together praising the One who made us.

Thanks for your prayers, support, gifts and most of all - for your willingness to let God work in your life to touch me.

John