Providential Perspective

 The fruits of a providential perspective are gratitude and generosity.

           https://youtu.be/cYryIjCxj0k         

Repent and Follow

Love the sinner. Hate the sin.

           https://youtu.be/Hhkolp8YYR4         

Prefer Nothing to Christ

Love God alone. Then love God through your neighbor.

           https://youtu.be/mutIKI0TShU         

Right or Left

 May all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

           https://youtu.be/UhTeKDmNtKs         

Hope of Heaven

Don't be surprised by death, but hope for Heaven.

           https://youtu.be/Z9sH1t753A8         

Super Stewards

Do we love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength? Our bank statement can be one indicator.

           https://youtu.be/oilNZmvFYyg         

Carmelite Monks

Carmelite Monks? I thought there were only friars and nuns. Not in Wyoming. In 2003, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the direction of the bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne, two Carmelite priests founded the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery here in Wyoming. I first got to know these boys in 2009 and we've remained close ever since.

Their charism is unique because they've returned to the what the Discalced reformer St. John of the Cross original had in mind. Mainly, that the men of Carmel would be cloistered contemplatives much like their sister counter parts.

It took years of praying and perseverance, but about 10 years after their founding they were able to purchase a substantial amount of land at the base of Carter Mountain near Meeteese WY. I love Carmelite spirituality, but what attracts me most to these boys' way of life is their work ethic. I'm not the only one drawn to the New Mount Carmel though. The Monastery now has 28 members, which is near their constitutional capacity. 

Fr. Daniel Mary of Jesus Crucified M.Carm, the prior and primary founder of the Monastery, is originally from Wyoming. He grew up on a ranch north of Cody and joined a Carmelite order shortly there after. That community eventually decided to go in the direction of the O.Carms, which is an observance of Carmel that is pre-16th century reform. He felt very much called to incorporate the the spiritual wealth of the O.C.D. reformers Ss. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, while still living the eremitical life. I guess providence has agreed with him.

Today the Monastery is a growing concern. Hard hats are not optional around this Kingdom of God construction site. One can hardly imagine the progress that has been made in such a short amount of time. I personally would be surprised if there is anything of this magnitude going on elsewhere in the world.

What's most impressive is that it is the Monks themselves doing most of the work.

In years past, it was the monasteries that were master artisans of the trades. Well the past is back. These young men are master level stone craftsmen. They have been featured in world renown publications for their ability to carve and shape rock using the highest tech computer guided equipment. What I've always loved about visiting the Monks is their joy. Like Dad has said, they are truly happy.

All of the rock they cut is hauled in and is mainly Kansas limestone and Colorado sandstone.

Here, a bandsaw makes an initial pass through the raw material. The boys have to be around to knock wedges in its swath so the weight doesn't bind the blade.

This industrial circular saw cuts the rock down to an even more fitted size. Cuts like this are often used for exterior molding.

Most impressive is this CNC milling machine. This bad boy will work night and day bringing out of the stone whatever the boys drew up and sent to it from the computer.

This mantel is a taste of the detail they are able to produce. Programing the machines is what takes the most skill. Here you can see the faces of happy monks that adorns the fireplace in their recreation room.

Their imagination and ability knows no limits. The Monks are responsible for carving and installing all the rock on all the buildings inside and out.

Here is the finished wall of one of the hermitages. About 25 or 30 of these monastic cells circle the other three main buildings.

The granddaddy of them all though, will be the main chapel. Well underway, she still has a ways to go. Employing gothic architecture, they are able to use steel reenforced concrete girts to replace the need for flying buttresses, while still allowing for massive stained glass windows. I can't even imagine all the stops the boys will pull out for this holy house of God.

Most people know the Carmelite Monks for their Mystic Monk Coffee. This enterprise began in a garage with a single roaster. Today, the boys have erected this roasting house that is closer to the size of a football field than it's not. This time of year it is all hands on deck as they get ready to fill Christmas coffee orders. If you're interested in some check out mysticmonkcoffee.com

To many people the cloister wall is the least attractive part of the Monastery. However, it is the most important. St. Paul calls the Church the Body of Christ, and we are all His members. Most of us are more like the exterior members of the Body; hands and feet so-to-speak. The contemplative monasteries are like the heart of the Church; super important and super protected. I can't see my heart, but I know it's wellness is vital to the rest of my being. It is the same way with the Body of Christ. Contemplative monasteries are vital to the life of the Church. Equally important is that they are hidden and protected from the rest of the world. This is mainly so they are able to progress in holiness in order that their prayers on our behalf may receive a rapid response. I call these boys all the time with prayer requests and you can do the same. That's why they exist.

We were told in seminary that a priest should want to run to the monastery. I believe it to be true. I love this Carmelite monastery of monks hidden in the Rocky Mountains. Their prayer and work is something I can get behind. But, the Lord has called me to be on the front lines in the parish. However, on my first visit all those years ago, Fr. Daniel Mary enrolled me in the Brown Scapular, which is a spiritual participation in the Carmelite charism. So I am a Carmelite at heart.

When Bishop David L. Ricken helped establish Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, he prophesied that from here would come the founding of many monasteries throughout he world. I have little doubt that the results of these monks' labor will bear the fruit of monastic renewal for the Church at large. When you see vocations authentically lived out it's attractive. It inspires one to be the best little toe they can be. If we all stay in our lane and be the fullest member of the Body of Christ possible, through God's grace and holiness of life, imagine how healthy the Church would be.

For more information check out carmelitemonks.org

Narrow Gate

Enter through the narrow gate of contemplation.

           https://youtu.be/hD6e85vMvog         

Ranchin

I'm not going to be sitting around in Heaven. I'm gonna be ranchin!

           https://youtu.be/UZ03B2qXMPg         

Don't Get God Wrong

 He is our Father!

           https://youtu.be/MkZrCoUh1X8         

Ordinary Faith

Extraordinary miracles point out the need for ordinary faith.

           https://youtu.be/WLdqk8s7er8         

Tom Sawyer

Sometimes I think the Lord orchestrates natural disasters just so Dad and I can have fun. Like this dead tree that fell across West Tensleep Creek up at the cabin. What better way to spend the feast of Pope St. John Paul II than in the mountains playing in the water.

She fell within the past few weeks. Nature can take care of herself, but we thought we better get it out of there before the spring runoff turned the cabin into an island.

She would have looked just like this ole girl. About a 100 footer. 

So we chained up White Horse and strung out as much chain and cable as we could.

The first 1/3 was already broke and came right out.

But the last section had to be cut in half and took a little more encouragement.

No match for these mountain sawyers though.

There's two ways of looking at life, through your good eye or your bad eye. I choose the former. Nothing can happen outside of God's will. That doesn't mean everything is easy. But any disaster can become good if we turn to Him in faith and trust. Experience has taught me that every obstacle is an opportunity. An opportunity for God to bring good out of evil and even make life fun.