Summer seemed like it flew by, didn't it? For many people, school is back in session this week, if it hasn't started already.When I was growing up, school always started after Labor Day. Maybe it was the same for you. Somehow, it seems a bit strange to go for a whole week, then get a three-day weekend. I guess someone knows what they're doing :)Well, now that our rhythm of life has changed a...

Last Thursday night, I had to put my dog Maggie to sleep :( I got her about nine years ago from our local Humane Society, and she's been a faithful pet ever since.When I first saw her, I liked her, but when the kennel folks brought us together, she peed all over the floor. Not a good sign. They begged me to give her a chance. She had been abused by her former owner, and she as very scared...

Well, I am finally recovered from my three weeks of intensive doctoral studies at Catholic University.I've had three or four days to reflect upon the many experiences, and to say it was a powerful time for me would be an understatement.There is much fodder for this blog, so trust that you'll be reading about my adventures over the next several weeks. Suffice it to say that my studies have given...

I'm in my second week of doctoral classes at Catholic University of America. Actually, if you throw in the on-line component (six weeks), I'm more than half way through the semester. Thanks be to God :)One of the real joys of being on campus is that I can visit the National Shrine, which sits on campus. One of the largest Catholic churches in our hemisphere, the Shrine is a remarkable place....

This is a shot of my mom and sister on their last visit to Maryland a few years ago. I've had the chance to take mom to Assateague Island to see the famous wild ponies a couple of times, and that's where this photo was taken.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Holy Week, a time when Christians spiritually prepare themselves for Easter. I hope and pray that these days might be a time of reflection and inspiration for you.Recently, I was at a men's conference, and the speaker said something that really got me thinking about life.He said that there are four main parts to each person's life: physical, mental, social and...

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; the one who seeks, finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:9-10Over the last several days, my church has hosted what we call a Parish Mission. Our parish community gathered each night to hear a spiritual talk, and our presenter...

Spring won't officially get here until March 20th, but the poor bulbs don't know it. Like most of the country, we've had unseasonably warm weather and hardly any snow.Growing up in California, I never really appreciated spring until I lived through my first Maryland winter. Actually, as far as winters go, most of ours aren't too bad. We do get snow, but it tends to not stay around for very...

I hope you had a great Christmas :) In the Church's liturgical calendar, the Feast of St. Stephen, the first recognized Christian martyr, comes the day after Christmas.I don't know about you, but this has always struck me as a powerful statement. The anticipation in Advent gives way to the joy that comes with Christmas, only to give way to the realization that to be a follower of this newborn...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTBR_ctyqQc]Several years ago, I was introduced to the music of Jason Upton, a Christian musician who one day happened to be doing some recording in a studio next to one being used by my good friend George. The next time George and I got together, he told me how moved he had been by meeting this young man and listening to his music. Months later, George...