In my last post I talked about my grandmother's death and how I felt I was given the opportunity that I was praying for. Not only that, I was given an opportunity to do something I feel I do very well - speak in front of a large audience.
I was just reading Romans 12, and verse 6 hit me hard. "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well".
So often I look at someone else and think - 'I wish I could do that'.
Take for example Pastor Tom. I would love to be up there every Sunday morning. I just don't have THAT calling. I wish I did, and not to say I won't down the road, but I have been put into a different situation that I really need to focus more on it. See verse 8: "...If God has given you leadership ability, take it seriously." That's my job - lead others, especially during a very critical time of change where jobs are leaving our business and going overseas. People feel their jobs are on the line...
My point/realization -> I need to find my gifts and build up God with them. I need to spend less time wishing I was gifted with something else.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A Homecoming With The Lord
On February 20, 2008 I walked into my office at 6:10am and received a call that my grandmother (my dad's mom) had just passed away.
I had spent the previous 10 days visiting her in the hospital as she recovered from pneumonia, which eventually led to kidney failure.
I remember leaving work after receiving the call and thinking that the most honorable way of me having closure on her life would to be able to give a eulogy at her funeral. I prayed about it. Is this something that a grandchild should do? Could I even keep it together emotionally to perform it? I knew if I were to do it, I would put 110% into it and it wouldn't be short. I also knew that if I couldn't keep my emotions in, I would not deliver a speech that my grandmother deserved so much.
I picked up my dad and aunt (my grandmother's son and daughter) a couple hours later and drove them to all of the places they needed to go to in preparation of the burial of their mom. As I sat in the funeral home, the director said that there was an option for family members to be involved during the funeral. Two opportunities to read Scripture; one opportunity to give a eulogy. Yes! I took the eulogy because I knew I could include scripture!
I spent 6 hours that day working on the eulogy. I spent another 4-6 hours over the next couple of days fine tuning it. When I was done, I felt as though I had compiled a speech driven straight from my heart, with humor, Faith, and memorable life stories that would honor my grandmother as we celebrated her homecoming with the Lord.
Here are my words to the family and friends of those at the funeral:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Good Morning.
Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted."
My name is Scott Ambroceo and I am Helen's grandson. I am honored to be up here today as we celebrate my grandmother's homecoming with the Lord. I want to share some funny stories and memories I have of my grandmother today.
Nana was born in December of 1910. 1910!
My grandmother was 97 when she passed away. I am 32. There were many years of my grandmother's life that I never knew, so I decided to look online to see what sort of technological advances this country was making during the 1910's. I found a website where all sorts of historical data was recorded, and under "Technology" the following was listed first:
"The Zipper". That's right, the zipper. The first zipper was patented during the 1910's, and I'm not sure what took so long but apparently technology moved slowly in those days, but 20 years later the zipper beat out the button as the official "fly" on pants. My grandmother said to me a couple of times "put a zipper on it". I always thought she was telling me to stop talking, but apparently she was not happy with my button-down jeans.
While technology during my day moved a lot quicker than in my grandmother's early days, I clearly remember going over to her house when I was younger and she never seemed to be home. She was always so busy. She was either:
WORKING: My grandmother worked until she was 91. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to be around younger people and socialize. Just last week when she was lying in the hospital she said to me "you know Scott, kids today just don't have the same work ethic as people from my generation." I told her I agreed with her, but I had no plans to work for another 59 years until I was 91!
DANCING: If she wasn't working, she was dancing. She danced 1 to 2 nights a week right up until she was 90 years old.
GROUP TRIPS: And if she wasn't working or dancing, she was boarding a bus in Canton with other senior citizens, going to the Cape for dinner and a show, or into Boston for the same thing. She loved staying active and loved being able to socialize with people.
But when nana WAS home, funny events took place.
About 10 years ago my brother and I were painting her garage. Now, I never understood why the house was built the way it was. The house was vinyl siding, the garage was wood. So, we would scrape, sand, prime and paint the garage every few years. Well, Bobby and I had hit stage 4 (painting). Bobby was on the ladder painting the overhang of the roof. I was painting the lower points because I thought it was safer not to be on a ladder. Nana was supervising on a chair beside the garage. Bobby can be kind of clutzy, and somehow he disturbed an entire nest of bees. As the bees swarmed him, he jumped. The ladder went one way, Bobby went another. In the process he had thrown the bucket of paint. A new gallon of bright white paint was now airborne and nana was in its flight path. The bucket landed on the lawn, and like an ocean wave, shot across the landscaped lawn. Bobby was on the ground in the formation of a police chalk drawing after a person has jumped out a window and hit the sidewalk. Nana jumped up and shouted "my lawn!". Bobby was like "what about me?!"
Driving with Nana was frightening. Nana had one speed. 50. She would do 50 on the highway, and everybody would pass her. She would then do 50 on the offramp and continue at 50 on the side streets. It was like the Richard Petty Driving Experience. One day nana had to get some groceries at the store. I said to her "I'll drive!". After agreeing, and knowing she could not climb up into my truck, she handed me the keys to her car. I backed out of the driveway, put the car into drive, and it stalled. As I looked into the rear view mirror, some crazy lady was bombing down Dedham Street and came to a screaching stop. BUMP! She rear-ended us. Nana looked at me and said "This never happened to me when I drove!". (Probably because she did 50 out of the driveway)
But it's been her "retirement years" that have been the most memorable for me (her 90's!)
For the past 6-7 years I always tried to get over to her house once a week to just talk. I knew she wasn't working, was home alone a lot, and I would just go over and talk with her and see if she needed anything. Normally I'd just bring her a late lunch/early dinner, and sometimes I'd do her shopping. But for the most part she would just reminisce about the past:
Her vacations - she went on so many trips and loved to talk about them. Cruises, trips to Italy, or just local trips she had taken when she hopped on the bus and just went.
Pictures - she loved to show me pictures of her trips. When she found out that Jen and I were going to Italy on our honeymoon, the next week she had pictures of when she went to Italy and places we should see when we were there.
Sports - she loved the Patriots. Bill Belichick could do no wrong, and even with the latest controversy of the Patriots cheating, nana would say "the other teams are jealous. He never cheated. They just don't like to lose to the best football team in the league".
She always said this one thing to me and I'll never forget it. "I have no regrets in life. I've done everything I've always wanted to do". I always thought that was awesome because in today's environment, no matter how much we have, it seems we always want more. My grandmother was satisfied with everything she did in her life. That's awesome.
In closing, this has been a really difficult week. 2 weeks, really.
I was reading an article from Billy Graham this week, and it was his response to a person who had recently had a death in their family. He described the feeling that I have perfectly:
"Recovering from a loved one's death is like recovering from major surgery. It takes time, and it won't be without pain. But with God's help, and the help of others, you will recover. And ahead of you is the hope of Heaven."
The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, and 4 times he was "in the Spirit". What this means is that the Holy Spirit was giving him a vision. God revealed to John a glimpse of Heaven.
Revelation 21:4 says this about Heaven "He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain".
I had spent the previous 10 days visiting her in the hospital as she recovered from pneumonia, which eventually led to kidney failure.
I remember leaving work after receiving the call and thinking that the most honorable way of me having closure on her life would to be able to give a eulogy at her funeral. I prayed about it. Is this something that a grandchild should do? Could I even keep it together emotionally to perform it? I knew if I were to do it, I would put 110% into it and it wouldn't be short. I also knew that if I couldn't keep my emotions in, I would not deliver a speech that my grandmother deserved so much.
I picked up my dad and aunt (my grandmother's son and daughter) a couple hours later and drove them to all of the places they needed to go to in preparation of the burial of their mom. As I sat in the funeral home, the director said that there was an option for family members to be involved during the funeral. Two opportunities to read Scripture; one opportunity to give a eulogy. Yes! I took the eulogy because I knew I could include scripture!
I spent 6 hours that day working on the eulogy. I spent another 4-6 hours over the next couple of days fine tuning it. When I was done, I felt as though I had compiled a speech driven straight from my heart, with humor, Faith, and memorable life stories that would honor my grandmother as we celebrated her homecoming with the Lord.
Here are my words to the family and friends of those at the funeral:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Good Morning.
Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted."
My name is Scott Ambroceo and I am Helen's grandson. I am honored to be up here today as we celebrate my grandmother's homecoming with the Lord. I want to share some funny stories and memories I have of my grandmother today.
Nana was born in December of 1910. 1910!
My grandmother was 97 when she passed away. I am 32. There were many years of my grandmother's life that I never knew, so I decided to look online to see what sort of technological advances this country was making during the 1910's. I found a website where all sorts of historical data was recorded, and under "Technology" the following was listed first:
"The Zipper". That's right, the zipper. The first zipper was patented during the 1910's, and I'm not sure what took so long but apparently technology moved slowly in those days, but 20 years later the zipper beat out the button as the official "fly" on pants. My grandmother said to me a couple of times "put a zipper on it". I always thought she was telling me to stop talking, but apparently she was not happy with my button-down jeans.
While technology during my day moved a lot quicker than in my grandmother's early days, I clearly remember going over to her house when I was younger and she never seemed to be home. She was always so busy. She was either:
WORKING: My grandmother worked until she was 91. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to be around younger people and socialize. Just last week when she was lying in the hospital she said to me "you know Scott, kids today just don't have the same work ethic as people from my generation." I told her I agreed with her, but I had no plans to work for another 59 years until I was 91!
DANCING: If she wasn't working, she was dancing. She danced 1 to 2 nights a week right up until she was 90 years old.
GROUP TRIPS: And if she wasn't working or dancing, she was boarding a bus in Canton with other senior citizens, going to the Cape for dinner and a show, or into Boston for the same thing. She loved staying active and loved being able to socialize with people.
But when nana WAS home, funny events took place.
About 10 years ago my brother and I were painting her garage. Now, I never understood why the house was built the way it was. The house was vinyl siding, the garage was wood. So, we would scrape, sand, prime and paint the garage every few years. Well, Bobby and I had hit stage 4 (painting). Bobby was on the ladder painting the overhang of the roof. I was painting the lower points because I thought it was safer not to be on a ladder. Nana was supervising on a chair beside the garage. Bobby can be kind of clutzy, and somehow he disturbed an entire nest of bees. As the bees swarmed him, he jumped. The ladder went one way, Bobby went another. In the process he had thrown the bucket of paint. A new gallon of bright white paint was now airborne and nana was in its flight path. The bucket landed on the lawn, and like an ocean wave, shot across the landscaped lawn. Bobby was on the ground in the formation of a police chalk drawing after a person has jumped out a window and hit the sidewalk. Nana jumped up and shouted "my lawn!". Bobby was like "what about me?!"
Driving with Nana was frightening. Nana had one speed. 50. She would do 50 on the highway, and everybody would pass her. She would then do 50 on the offramp and continue at 50 on the side streets. It was like the Richard Petty Driving Experience. One day nana had to get some groceries at the store. I said to her "I'll drive!". After agreeing, and knowing she could not climb up into my truck, she handed me the keys to her car. I backed out of the driveway, put the car into drive, and it stalled. As I looked into the rear view mirror, some crazy lady was bombing down Dedham Street and came to a screaching stop. BUMP! She rear-ended us. Nana looked at me and said "This never happened to me when I drove!". (Probably because she did 50 out of the driveway)
But it's been her "retirement years" that have been the most memorable for me (her 90's!)
For the past 6-7 years I always tried to get over to her house once a week to just talk. I knew she wasn't working, was home alone a lot, and I would just go over and talk with her and see if she needed anything. Normally I'd just bring her a late lunch/early dinner, and sometimes I'd do her shopping. But for the most part she would just reminisce about the past:
Her vacations - she went on so many trips and loved to talk about them. Cruises, trips to Italy, or just local trips she had taken when she hopped on the bus and just went.
Pictures - she loved to show me pictures of her trips. When she found out that Jen and I were going to Italy on our honeymoon, the next week she had pictures of when she went to Italy and places we should see when we were there.
Sports - she loved the Patriots. Bill Belichick could do no wrong, and even with the latest controversy of the Patriots cheating, nana would say "the other teams are jealous. He never cheated. They just don't like to lose to the best football team in the league".
She always said this one thing to me and I'll never forget it. "I have no regrets in life. I've done everything I've always wanted to do". I always thought that was awesome because in today's environment, no matter how much we have, it seems we always want more. My grandmother was satisfied with everything she did in her life. That's awesome.
In closing, this has been a really difficult week. 2 weeks, really.
I was reading an article from Billy Graham this week, and it was his response to a person who had recently had a death in their family. He described the feeling that I have perfectly:
"Recovering from a loved one's death is like recovering from major surgery. It takes time, and it won't be without pain. But with God's help, and the help of others, you will recover. And ahead of you is the hope of Heaven."
The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, and 4 times he was "in the Spirit". What this means is that the Holy Spirit was giving him a vision. God revealed to John a glimpse of Heaven.
Revelation 21:4 says this about Heaven "He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain".
It's comforting to know my grandmother is in a place like that. It's a much better place.
So Nana, I'll see you at MY homecoming with the Lord.
Thank you.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
It's All About the Heart
You know, sometimes being a Christian can really stop me in my tracks. I was sitting in a Bible Study tonight (oh, wait - y'all reading this are in the study)...
Anyways, I'm sitting there not saying much. Not sure why, but there are many times when I am in church or in Bible Study and I am frozen. Not like that "frozen ice cube" I spoke about in my last post regarding Florida - just frozen in deep thought; total concentration; feeling like I am at work and being all analytical in the way I am taking in all the information that is being shared by Tom and the others at the study. My mind tended to wander to all the opportunities I have missed to spread the word of God and for some of the impatience I have been showing lately at work as the hours continue to pile up. As we were discussing "works", I knew my attitude at work wasn't all that great recently and if I am going to be a witness for God, why would anyone want to say "I want what he has" if I have a crappy attitude? I just happened to pull out one of Billy Graham's weekly email devotionals and (like Emeril Lagasse would say) BAM! ...
1 Peter 3:15-16 "In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
So there you go - who is going to ask me where my hope comes from if I am being "weak". If I continue to give the most attention to satisfying my own appetite, I am going to become a person that no one really wants to "know". If nobody wants to know what makes me tick, I am losing those opportunities to talk about God. In this day and age, I can't really bring up God in the work place on my own. I CAN bring it up if someone asks me a question. So why haven't I been making people ask me the question?
I truly believe that all of this starts with the heart. Like we said at Bible Study (this is where people can verify if I was paying attention) anybody can ramble on in words, but if Christ really isn't in our hearts, we are not going to feel badly if we're not raising Him up, being kind to others, etc.
For me, I feel like my heart sometimes needs a jump start (perhaps that is why I get heart palpitations, or maybe it's too much caffeine)...but seriously, I've got room for improvement. I don't think it's the person preaching the words of God that are the most effective at times - it's a very important part of being a Christian - we need great preachers, but how are we acting when we're outside our 1-hour comfort zone (church). Are we as patient with the non-believers? Are we giving them a REASON to ask why we ARE so patient, or are we making those people think that we're no different from everybody else as believers?
Do you think God judges us on the good that we have left undone? Does this get compared to the evil that we have done?
Anyways, I'm sitting there not saying much. Not sure why, but there are many times when I am in church or in Bible Study and I am frozen. Not like that "frozen ice cube" I spoke about in my last post regarding Florida - just frozen in deep thought; total concentration; feeling like I am at work and being all analytical in the way I am taking in all the information that is being shared by Tom and the others at the study. My mind tended to wander to all the opportunities I have missed to spread the word of God and for some of the impatience I have been showing lately at work as the hours continue to pile up. As we were discussing "works", I knew my attitude at work wasn't all that great recently and if I am going to be a witness for God, why would anyone want to say "I want what he has" if I have a crappy attitude? I just happened to pull out one of Billy Graham's weekly email devotionals and (like Emeril Lagasse would say) BAM! ...
1 Peter 3:15-16 "In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
So there you go - who is going to ask me where my hope comes from if I am being "weak". If I continue to give the most attention to satisfying my own appetite, I am going to become a person that no one really wants to "know". If nobody wants to know what makes me tick, I am losing those opportunities to talk about God. In this day and age, I can't really bring up God in the work place on my own. I CAN bring it up if someone asks me a question. So why haven't I been making people ask me the question?
I truly believe that all of this starts with the heart. Like we said at Bible Study (this is where people can verify if I was paying attention) anybody can ramble on in words, but if Christ really isn't in our hearts, we are not going to feel badly if we're not raising Him up, being kind to others, etc.
For me, I feel like my heart sometimes needs a jump start (perhaps that is why I get heart palpitations, or maybe it's too much caffeine)...but seriously, I've got room for improvement. I don't think it's the person preaching the words of God that are the most effective at times - it's a very important part of being a Christian - we need great preachers, but how are we acting when we're outside our 1-hour comfort zone (church). Are we as patient with the non-believers? Are we giving them a REASON to ask why we ARE so patient, or are we making those people think that we're no different from everybody else as believers?
Do you think God judges us on the good that we have left undone? Does this get compared to the evil that we have done?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Feeling Selfish
I wake up every morning at 5:00am. I shower, iron, walk the dog and hit the road no later than 6:00am. I'm at my desk in Boston around 6:30 - 7:00am and it's non-stop from that point until about 6:00pm. I'm usually back home between 6:30 - 7:00pm.
For me, finding time to pray isn't easy. I don't have much discipline, and normally sneak my prayer time in when I have free time. For example: driving to the office in Boston or to the T Station in Quincy.
I find myself praying throughout the day, but I am never setting that "appointment" with God. Why is it that I am never late for work, can manage staff while attending meetings, but can not find the 1:1 time with God that I want?
Mark 1:35 says "The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray".
I'm not saying I need to wake up at 4:30am now, but maybe I should. If I know that prayer is the key that unlocks the faith in my life, why am I not setting aside quality time to invite God to fill me with faith and power?
Matthew 6:7 says "When you pray, don't babble on and on...only by repeating your words again and again".
OK, so while I am making scattered time to pray I am definitely being repetitive in my prayers. And on top of being repetitive, I feel like I am being selfish because I am always asking for something. I'm not giving anything, or asking God "what can I do for you?", it's always a prayer asking for a desired result.
Matthew 6:9-13 is the Lord's prayer. It teaches us how to pray. It isn't a "me" prayer by any means, it starts by praising God's name. It's a prayer that asks that God's perfect purpose will be accomplished in this world. It's a prayer that identifies God as a provider for our needs.
Here's my question: If we are not praying in the formation of the Lord's Prayer, which is specifically identified as "how we should pray", will God discount out prayers? I realize that there are times where we need to pray for something for OURSELVES. But if we are not praising God's name and continue to ask for things we want and are not disciplined enough to give God our undivided attention, why would He WANT to listen and answer my prayers like he would for someone else who is dedicated to spending undivided time with God and prays as we are taught to pray?
I know God answers all prayers, and by no means am I trying to validate my prayer time and prayer "outline", but I feel selfish and realize I need to pray differently.
For me, finding time to pray isn't easy. I don't have much discipline, and normally sneak my prayer time in when I have free time. For example: driving to the office in Boston or to the T Station in Quincy.
I find myself praying throughout the day, but I am never setting that "appointment" with God. Why is it that I am never late for work, can manage staff while attending meetings, but can not find the 1:1 time with God that I want?
Mark 1:35 says "The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray".
I'm not saying I need to wake up at 4:30am now, but maybe I should. If I know that prayer is the key that unlocks the faith in my life, why am I not setting aside quality time to invite God to fill me with faith and power?
Matthew 6:7 says "When you pray, don't babble on and on...only by repeating your words again and again".
OK, so while I am making scattered time to pray I am definitely being repetitive in my prayers. And on top of being repetitive, I feel like I am being selfish because I am always asking for something. I'm not giving anything, or asking God "what can I do for you?", it's always a prayer asking for a desired result.
Matthew 6:9-13 is the Lord's prayer. It teaches us how to pray. It isn't a "me" prayer by any means, it starts by praising God's name. It's a prayer that asks that God's perfect purpose will be accomplished in this world. It's a prayer that identifies God as a provider for our needs.
Here's my question: If we are not praying in the formation of the Lord's Prayer, which is specifically identified as "how we should pray", will God discount out prayers? I realize that there are times where we need to pray for something for OURSELVES. But if we are not praising God's name and continue to ask for things we want and are not disciplined enough to give God our undivided attention, why would He WANT to listen and answer my prayers like he would for someone else who is dedicated to spending undivided time with God and prays as we are taught to pray?
I know God answers all prayers, and by no means am I trying to validate my prayer time and prayer "outline", but I feel selfish and realize I need to pray differently.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
The Green Flag
Welcome!
So here it is – my long anticipated “blog”. To be honest, up until a few months ago, I didn’t even know what a blog was. I remember in the Presidential debates that there was mention of “John Kerry’s Blog”. I figured it was another word for a commercial, or some sort of advertisement. Not being a fan of Mr. Kerry’s, I never looked into it. So then I’m sitting in church a few months ago and there’s mention of the church’s blog. I thought, “why are we running ads on tv?”. Of course I was then distracted for the remainder of the service thinking of Pastor Tom on television asking people to “Come on down!”. Just what we need, another Ernie Boch.
So that’s how I got here. Church. I’m hoping I can spend a lot of time providing new posts (or blogs, if that’s what they call it) to inspire additional discussions and conversations. I normally have a lot to say, so my problem may be that I write too much and people don’t have time to keep up. And, although I am not a shallow man, I don't know how deep I can go here...but we'll see. One thing is for certain, racing will always get some sort of support in my commentary!
The question I keep asking myself: Will my wonderful wife, Jen, accept a response of “sorry, hunny, I can’t do the dishes tonight because I’m working on church stuff” as an excuse?
More to come soon!
So here it is – my long anticipated “blog”. To be honest, up until a few months ago, I didn’t even know what a blog was. I remember in the Presidential debates that there was mention of “John Kerry’s Blog”. I figured it was another word for a commercial, or some sort of advertisement. Not being a fan of Mr. Kerry’s, I never looked into it. So then I’m sitting in church a few months ago and there’s mention of the church’s blog. I thought, “why are we running ads on tv?”. Of course I was then distracted for the remainder of the service thinking of Pastor Tom on television asking people to “Come on down!”. Just what we need, another Ernie Boch.
So that’s how I got here. Church. I’m hoping I can spend a lot of time providing new posts (or blogs, if that’s what they call it) to inspire additional discussions and conversations. I normally have a lot to say, so my problem may be that I write too much and people don’t have time to keep up. And, although I am not a shallow man, I don't know how deep I can go here...but we'll see. One thing is for certain, racing will always get some sort of support in my commentary!
The question I keep asking myself: Will my wonderful wife, Jen, accept a response of “sorry, hunny, I can’t do the dishes tonight because I’m working on church stuff” as an excuse?
More to come soon!
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