Link to the Francesca Martino BLOG

To go to the Francesa Martino BLOG, click here.

Celebrating Garret Miner

I first met Garret at his home in preparation for the marriage of his best friend to my sister several years ago (yeah, I can't remember how many years ago...) - it was my brother-in-law's bachelor party.  Garret left an immediate impression on me... his soft spoken, happy-go-lucky laugh, a cigar in one hand and a drink in the other, hugging Lenny and cutting up with the guys - and yes, I noticed how big he was (your my friend right?  I thought to myself).  There were no "girls" present - just a bunch of friends, laughing, reminiscing, and having fun.

Over the years, I got to know Garret and his family better.  I'm glad to have had the opportunity to see them at Divine Mercy school and church functions and I had always hoped to see Garret make it to a Christ Renews His Parish retreat.  Garret never did make it to the retreat, but I'm hoping that through this site, we can celebrate his faith, life, and memories of a man that left us too soon.

Ann, Garret, Elizabeth and the baby will all be in our prayers as well as the rest of the family.  While his passing was not sudden, it is impossible to prepare fully for the void left by a man with such a big heart.  We'll miss you G.  

To view Garret's obituary, click here. 

Christ Renews His Parish in Palm Bay

B-E-A-utiful!

I had an awesome Christ-filled experience last weekend at the CRHP retreat in Palm Bay. My eternal thanks to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ that made it possible. I look forward to being an intentional Christian in my daily walk and growing in my relationships with my newfound brothers. If you've never been on a Christ Renews weekend, you need to give yourself this wonderful gift... to quote some of my brothers:

"I'm a changed man. People are asking me, what happened to you... you're like, peaceful and loose."

"I'm seeing clearly for the first time in my life."

"After this weekend, I'm in! I want to discover more of my newfound relationship with God."

"I haven't seen or felt this sense of community in 40 years... it was beautiful!"

God is good! Thank you for renewing me once again.

Peace,
Tom

Winter Jam 2007

This was an awesome show… about 7000 people showed up – talk about your worship service! I was able to bring my sister (thanks to my wonderful wife that offered to watch the kids AGAIN) – my sister has been in my prayers a great deal over the past several months and it was AWESOME to have her there. She had never been to a Christian concert (but many secular) and was blown away by the experience!

The good news is they usually have a similar line-up every year and that Z88.3 sponsors a lot of these type of shows throughout the year.

May God bless you and ALL you do.
Be the face of God…

Tom

Father's Day

My Dad was the ideal Dad. He coached baseball and basketball when I was growing up and would help out at the football games from holding the sticks to announcing the game in the booth. I don’t ever remember a time when my Dad wasn’t there when I wanted to toss the baseball around or shoot some hoops. He returned home to be with the Lord on February 19th of 1987 at the age of 51. My prayer for those of you that read this (and your Dad is stilll alive) please stop what you're doing and call your Dad, right now, and tell him what he means to you... share a memory about how he touched your life or one instance that made a difference for you. If your Dad is no longer here, then sit down and write him a letter or take the time to reflect on the good times you shared. During a retreat I attended, I had the took the opportunity to stop and think about those memories and I was amazed at some of the things that became clear to me... why certain things took place... the accuracy of the events... God's hand in why things happened the way they did. I hope that you too might find some clarity in your past, some reconnection in your present, or some rekindling for the future. May God bless you and may you enjoy this Father's Day.

Flag Day

On this flag day I pause to give thanks. Here are some of the things I am thankful for:
To be an american living in a country where I can openly worship God.

• All of the men and women that are serving in our military and who have served to protect our freedom.
• My family, friends, neighbors, and community.
  My health.
• For our leaders. May they do God's will and not bow down to political pressure.
  The times when I see a need in someone else and do what I can to be Christ for that person.
• His longsuffering.
• My brothers and sisters in Christ.
• The ability to pray for my enemy.
• The times I can give thanks during times when things aren't going "my way."
  

The red is for the blood he shed, the white is for his purity, and the blue is for the tear that falls in memory of those who fought for me and you.

May God bless and protect all who serve.

Memorial Day

I just wanted to share a brief post re: Beverly's grandfather. I am proud to be his grandson-in-law on this day (and every day) as he proudly served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. While he survived three wars, he went home to be with the Lord on Christmas day of 1998. Each year we go to the National Memorial Cemetary of Florida in Bushnell, FL to pay him and those who serve the respect they deserve. I'm proud to be an American and to live in a country where I can choose my faith and can practice it openly. May God bless our service men and women and their familes this Memorial Day (and every day). Thank you just doesn't seem like enough to so many that gave so much...

MercyMe Concert at Zellwood

If you didn't make the concert, you missed an awesome show! The grounds were packed with people listening to good music, worshiping, and participating in fellowship. My thanks to God for allowing me to have such a great wife and kids, neighbors, and radio station as I'm blessed with! They also announced that Avalon and Chris Rice would be at the same location for their free 4th of July cellebration.

I've seen Avalon in concert and they're also top-notch talent wise. As an overall group of singers, they are argualbly the best there is. When I saw them for the first time I didn't think I knew any of their songs, but when I heard them, I knew almost ALL of them. If you listen to the Z (88.3 FM) even on occasion, I'm sure you too will know their music. Chris Rice is the same as far as recongnition and his lyrics are thought provoking and cutting edge. This is sure to be another GREAT family concert!

Thanks be to God for allowing us to have the best so close by and to all who make it possible.