Conversations with Ray Martinez

This was an unexpected event while preparing to deliver a speech to a group of Gideons in Canyon City, CO.  I took a tour of the old Abbey Chapel that used to be a monk monastery many years ago, and later a Catholic High School.  While tour around the old chapel before my speech, I heard bells from heaven.  You will understand more after listening to this podcast.

What a captivating question that made me reflect, not only what I missed, but an experience while in boot camp.  I was mysteriously rescued a couple of times while training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO

Conversations always go all over the board.  In this particular podcast, I was talking with some friends about how we used to travel to school as kids.  This gave me a chance to reflect my first "hand-made" bicycle that my Dad and Hank Chavez built from parts at the City Dump. Riding at the back of the bus was suppose to be punishment, but we found excitement out of the ordeal.

I loved my Grandma Moore.  So, I've chose to share some of my childhood memories and experience with her.  In the stillness of her life, I learned that the less I had, the more I gained with my creative side, and having a visionary mindset of what I could accomplish.

Continuing with my weekly teaching, we are talking today about giving...as one passage talks about not letting your right hand know what the left hand is doing.  Yet, we read about so many people in the bible who gave...so they were known?  Why?  It might have something to do with our motives, and that's what we are learning this week.

In this episode, I share a personal story of defeat and victory.  Coach Hal Kinard played a KEY role in my life as my coach in Junior High School.  His life lesson had an immeasurable impact on my life.  He taught me about having a strong will and being a "can do" person. When I was weak, Coach Kinard made me strong.  This is another example of, what I believe, God using other people to influence...

This is an epic story about how my first job took me to the top job in the City.  Shining shoes, shined a whole new light  on my life with a bright future and a vision that became real.  I'm thankful for the people in my life that encouraged me to be successful. I've always believed that God influenced people to influence me with  with a "can do" attitude .

This story surrounds some of our cultural values, especially with my adoptive mom.  She always wanted us to "be as equals" to everyone else.  Mom didn't want us to appear poor, but she certainly wasn't ashamed of our culture. Yet, she didn't want to give anyone cause to gossip about us either.  This story centers around tortillas that helped me become even more proud of my heritage...

While growing up in the orphanage, I learned three important values that have stuck with me all my life.  Those values helped me with decisions in life, how to treat people.  Those values kept me humble.  When I do get upset, I reflect on my early rearing at the orphanage, which gives me calm.  I share three example stories for each value.

I'm often asked what were my favorite TV shows were as a kid?  Well, I'm still a little old school, but I think you will understand why in this podcast and what some of those old television shows taught me in life.  Maybe some of those old shows helped you too.

Some of my favorite childhood toys were very simple, like the stuffed dog that my adoptive parents gave me when they picked me up from the Colorado State Orphanage for Neglected and Dependent Children.  My mother kept for many years.  I found it in her cedar chest when she passed away in 1994.  To this day, I have kept the first toy I ever owned and place it under the Christmas tree...

This teaching is what Jesus commanded us to do, and that is to love your enemies.  Nevertheless, he teaches us how to love your enemies so you are not holding any grudges or contempt.  Two major steps are explained.  I find His solution rewarding, practical, and doable

How should Christians handle disputes?  I interviewed Thaylor Iron Rope, a devote student of the bible, about this question.  He had some poignant view points and understanding of the Word.  Thaylor has published a book, The Book of Service, that can be found on Amazon, BN, and other online outlets.  Thaylor Iron Rope is a Native American from the Lakota tribe.  His ancest...

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.