Faith
Facing Temptation
This morning I read the meditation from Dynamic Catholic, “Temptations will be with us for our entire life. However, their presence or absence is no indication of personal holiness; how we deal with them is.” Richard J Hauser, SJ. This quote really struck me on a couple different levels. First is the reminder that regardless of […]
So Far, So Good
A friend of mine received his first chemotherapy treatment a couple days ago. I visited with him tonight and was pleasantly surprised to see how well he was feeling. He looked good and was energetic. He even played a few rounds of golf with his son this morning. I had shared a bottle of Lourdes […]
Unique Marvel
Tonight, my mom read a quote from Pablo Casals. It read in part, ” . . . You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. . . . And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like […]
Mothers’ Wisdom
Today my mom got out her “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book. The first entry she read was from St. Teresa of Calcutta. It read in part, “… Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” I said she was a very smart woman. […]
A New Angel
The other morning I received word that a coworker and friend had passed away. I read through her obituary today and reflected on her life. I met the tiny woman when I started working for the church about 15 years ago. Although small in stature, I quickly realized she had a big faith. She shared […]
God is Still Present
Tonight I met with my “Small Church Community”. One of the men had extensive cancer surgery a few weeks ago. He and his wife were able to join the group tonight. They shared how they felt God with them during this difficult time, even as he gets ready to undergo chemotherapy. It was so good […]
Surprise Snow and Safety
Last night before I left to my Bible class, the weather was spitting a rain snow mix, so I decided to drive the suv. When I headed out after class, I couldn’t see anything but white outside of the large glass doors and windows. My classmates and I were all in shock over the 6″ […]
Courageous Martyrs
Tonight in my Bible class, we read through the books of Maccabees. It was an amazing, yet disturbing account of the oppression and martyrdom of the Jewish people. Those who failed to obey the laws of the land and chose God’s laws instead were tortured and died horrible deaths. Probably the most famous story out […]
Diverse God
My Bible class reconvened after a 2 week Easter break. During that time, one young man was Baptized, Confirmed, and received his first Holy Communion as he entered into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. The people who attended commented on what a beautiful celebration it was. It made them really appreciate and rejoice […]
Friends’ Safety
Some friends have been away on a mission trip. With all the tragic events going on around the world, they have been in my mind and prayers. They arrived back home yesterday and stopped by today for a bit. They told us about their trip, the sights they saw, and how they were able to […]
Still Finding God 