Helgeson's Hikes

My New Truck

My new truck was built by a company we didn't bail out.

I bought a new Ford, F-250 Tri-Flex Fuel Truck. It runs on either hydrogen, gasoline, or E85.

I returned it to the dealer yesterday because I couldn't get the radio to work. The service technician explained that the radio was voice activated. He pushed a button on the steering wheel...'Nelson,' the technician said to the radio. The radio replied, 'Ricky or Willie?' 'Willie!' he continued and 'On The Road Again' came from the speakers. Then he said, 'Ray Charles!', and in an instant ' Georgia On My Mind' replaced Willie Nelson. I drove away happy.

For the next few days, every time I'd say, 'Beethoven,' I'd get beautiful classical music, and if I said, 'Beach Boys,' I'd get one of their awesome songs. This afternoon, some guy ran a red light and nearly creamed my new truck, but I swerved in time to avoid him. I yelled, 'Ass Hole!' Immediately the radio responded with, "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States."

Damn, I love this truck!!!

Miraculous Medal Explained

Are you wearing your medal?

The Miraculous Medal explained in this Infographic:

http://denvercatholic.org/the-miraculous-medal-explained/#.Vmx9Q_krLIV

Why You Should Drink Tequila Today

celebrate today with the national drink of mexico – tequila!

Feast of OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

The Blessed Virgin Mary revealed herself to St. Juan Diego in the 16th century near present-day Mexico City, and this apparition became known as Our Lady of Guadalupe. Juan Diego, a humble Aztec peasant, saw the Blessed Virgin dressed as a pregnant Aztec princess on the Hill of Tepeyac on December 9, 1531, the feast of the Immaculate Conception in those days. After a request by the bishop to prove her identity, Our Lady asked Juan Diego to gather roses (which were neither native to the area nor in season) that were growing on the hill and take them to the bishop. Juan Diego did so and placed the roses in his tilma (or cloak). Upon opening the tilma to reveal the miraculous roses, instead there was something even more miraculous present on the tilma—an image of the Virgin Mary. The perfectly preserved tilma is venerated at her basilica and shrine in Mexico City. Our Lady of Guadalupe's feast day is December 12th.

Welcome to the Year of Mercy!

Pope Francis proclaimed a “Holy Year of Mercy” which begins on 8th December 2015 under the patronage of Mary, the Mother of Mercy. The message of mercy has been central to Pope Francis’ pontificate, as it was to that of Saint John Paul II who inaugurated this Sunday after Easter as Mercy Sunday and who canonized the Polish visionary of God’s mercy, Saint Faustina.

Mother Church also sets before us a well-established path so we may unite ourselves to Christ and follow this way of mercy: the path is called the ‘works of mercy.’ The works of mercy help us respond to the generous mercy of God. Many of us will have been taught them from our earliest years and we will return to them in the Holy Year ahead.

The seven corporal works of mercy are:

1. Feed the hungry.

2. Give drink to the thirsty.  

3. Clothe the naked.

4. Shelter the homeless.  

5. Visit the sick.  

6. Visit the imprisoned.

7. Bury the dead.

And the seven spiritual works of mercy are:

1. Counsel the doubtful.  

2. Instruct the ignorant. 

3. Admonish sinners. 

4. Comfort the afflicted.  

5. Forgive offences.  

6. Bear wrongs patiently. 

7. Pray for the living and the dead.

These works mark-out the path by which we must each seek to be merciful ‘as our Father is merciful’ (Lk 6:36).

Growing Up Jewish

Here is something I bet a lot of people don't know, a
wonderful story.........................................................

                            A Grandson of slaves, a boy was born in a
poor neighborhood of New Orleans known as the "Back of Town." His
father abandoned the
              family when the child was an infant, His mother became
a prostitute and the boy and his sister had to live with their
grandmother.

              Early in life, he proved to be gifted for music and
with three other kids he sang in the streets of New Orleans. His
first gains were the coins that were thrown to them.

              A Jewish family, Karnofsky, who had immigrated from
Lithuania to the USA had pity for the 7-year-old boy and brought him
into their home.

              Initially given 'work' in the house, to feed this hungry child.

              There he remained and slept in this Jewish families
home where, for the first time in his life he was treated with
kindness and tenderness.

              When he went to bed, Mrs. Karnovsky sang him a Russian
Lullaby that he would sing with her.

              Later, he learned to sing and play several Russian and
Jewish songs.

              Over time, this boy became the adopted son of this
family. The Karnofskys gave him money to buy his first musical
instrument; as was the custom in the Jewish families. They sincerely
admired his musical talent. Later, when he became a professional
musician and   composer, he used these Jewish melodies in
compositions, such as St. James Infirmary and Go Down Moses.

              The little black boy grew up and wrote a book about
this Jewish family who had adopted him in 1907. In memory of this
family and until the end of his life, he wore a star of David and
said that in this family he had learned "how to live real life and
determination."

              You might recognize his name. This little boy was
called Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. Louis Armstrong proudly spoke
fluent Yiddish!

                AND…Louis Armstrong….in my opinion….sings one of the
nicest songs in the world…..

              *It’s A Wonderful World*