Conversations with Ray Martinez

When I was a young teenager, I thought it was fun to hop on the train as it started to leave town, then jump off down the road a bit.  One particular ride lasted a little too long and took us on a ride for our life.  Scary, life learning, but it certainly is good to know where your friends are when you are in a bind.

A true story about a family that is still leaving a legacy of their heritage, marked with success.  They are an example of immigrants (Dominick, and Raffaele) that came to America empty-handed, and made something out of nothing.  They arrived with hope and a dream.  They have helped shape the landscape of Fort Collins, CO, initially with a trowel and a wheelbarrow.  The Campana...

I was asked that very question.  What did you look forward to as a child?  Many memories, but I share a significant story of why I liked and looked forward to family gatherings.  I always looked forward to school starting, and looked very much for the end of the year too!

The man in the straw hat was a mystery person I met in Southern Mexico while backpacking to an occult where family members were living.  My objective was to convince them to return home.  The man in the straw hat saved our lives. He disappeared in thin air. I think I know who he was; a special messenger on assignment.

Some great teaching on what to do when offended.  Jesus is pretty clear about our attitudes and making decisions. In a short summery, Jesus illustrates some key examples and analogies: 1. An eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth 2. If you are slapped 3. If you are sued in court 4. If you are required to carry someone else’s gear 5. If someone wants to borrow from you. * The theme is about our...

Today's teaching is about making vows, promises, swearing, taking an oath, however you want to call it.  Jesus' teaching is relevant today about letting your yes be yes, and your no be no.  If your committed, then your word should be good enough.  Does our practice and behavior lend credibility?  Of course it does, so we build our "word" based on what "we do."  Of course,...

I was asked, what gives me peace of mind?  That gave me a lot of reflection to ponder and condense it into this short podcast.  I took a two prong approach to this discussion; spiritually and from a secular view point. Peace be with you.

Someone asked me what my grandparents were like?  Good question.  I answer that in this podcast, which brought back some treasured memories and yet some unknowns.  I loved my grandmother very much, and I know she loved me.  My biological grandfather was a hard working man, but almost lost his life, looking for work.  Thank goodness for a couple of Salvation Army men who wa...

We will learn today how to captivate our thoughts, especially the tempting ones.  God always provides us a way out of our troubling thoughts, and teaches us how to stay focused on Him.

This study on pride aways reminds me about an old biblical proverb that talks about pride before the fall.  We will learn about the dangers of pride and how to stay rejuvenated and not worried about pride.  Sometimes we offend people and don't realize it.  

We will learn about what are good habits and bad habits, according to the bible.  I find it useful in our everyday life, as a try to relate it to our daily problems or successes.  Habits are good, when used in the right way.

Someone asked me what kind of music I liked or what were my favorites.  I'm all over the board on this one and I explain why.  Our mood at the moment makes a big difference.  Music is good for the spirit.

This is an old story that rings true today about accountability and responsibility.  What we teach our youth today becomes very relevant tomorrow.  As we look around our world today and the kind of chaos we are living in is the direct result of how we guided our youth yesterday.  We keep today from what wasn't done yesterday.