Volume 19: Rest in Father Mike

 

"Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz and you're listening to the Bible in a year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of Scripture. The Bible in a year podcast is brought to you by Ascension. Using the Great Adventure Bible timeline, we will read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story today."

This was the first thing I heard every day for 365 days and I could not be more thankful for this journey through the Bible. Thank goodness I did not shy away from this Podcast because of fear of not being Catholic!!!

On the final day, Father Mike shared that he has never been good at goodbyes, not because he is awkward or afraid of them, but because "I don't have words to honor this moment... I care so much and can't put it into words." And I relate to that - sometimes it is a challenge to put into words what the Lord is doing/has done. 

But in the words of Father Mike, man oh man, what a GIFT it has been. 

Learning the discipline of listening fighting off distractions

Being reminded of the power of simply showing up each morning and pressing play

Slowing down to read each and every header

Having God's Word read over me every day

Praying for a community of strangers

Hearing a consistent voice 

Scripture coming to life

Recognizing connections throughout the Bible I'd never make on my own

Spending time in the Word before the shouts of the world

Reading the 7 additional Catholic books and gaining different perspectives 

I am so thankful for Father Mike's willingness to take the time and effort to record this Podcast. I recognize it is a lot more difficult than simply recording yourself. I am sure there were days that he did not feel like doing it, but he did. And how many lives are changed because of this podcast!!!! As he stated one day, "God is not asking us to be perfect, just faithful."

So may we be faithful! May we show up and allow God to work and move in our hearts.

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The other day, I was Face-timing with my sister, Madison, and she began to tell me a "riddle" she had heard. But before she started, Rory, from across the table, must have given her a look because she stopped mid sentence.

"What?" she asked him. I couldn't hear his response, but Madison answered, "Oh, I didn't think it's offensive.."

I thought to myself, well, goodness, what is this riddle about to be....

After assuring her that she must proceed now that there was build up, she went on:

    "What do you call a book club that is stuck on one book?"

I don't know...

"The Church"

And I immediately thought, that is NOT offensive to me!!! Rather, I'll take it as a compliment!

So may we keep being stuck on our one book! Because whew it is important! And isn't it CRAZY that there will ALWAYS be more to learn. 

While I felt sad not pressing play on my Podcast app this morning, I am very excited for the next journey of reading through the gospels with Emily in 2023! 

May we never lose sight of how lucky we are to have access to the Living Word of God!

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Now a moment to acknowledge that I did not do this alone!!! Shoutout to Debbie for walking alongside me and holding me accountable. I am grateful to have had someone who is very wise to converse about what we were reading or ask questions to. We did it!!!

Here's to the Currys on day 70 of the journey! To Merry Grace for having a strong start! And to Emily who will listen in 2024! 

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To close out the only way that feels right:

"I'm praying for you, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."