The Ultimate Love Story… (Part 2)

And so “the ultimate love story” of the Triduum continues…  However, since the crucifixion we have experienced great pain and a wide array of emotions.  We are left a little empty and wondering how love can triumph in the end. As I sat in Good Friday service, I watched others venerate the cross and bring all their pain with them.  …

Power of the Spirit…

After being part of a series of Confirmation talks to our “young church” over the last few weeks, not only did I witness the good that is alive in the youth of our church, but also how much the Holy Spirit is at work.  Confirmation is a special time in which we are reminded why God sends His Spirit to …

Preparing for Holy Week

I want to challenge you to step away from the noise and take intentional time to prepare your heart for Holy Week. This is not just another week on the calendar, this is the most powerful journey of our faith. From the praise of Palm Sunday to the suffering of the cross, you are not meant to simply observe it… …

The Trap of Lent

Yes, you read that title correctly — The Trap of Lent. I can already hear people gasping in reverence: “How can you say such a thing?” Well, because during the first Lenten journey into the desert — when Jesus spent His 40 days fasting and praying — there was a series of traps being set for Him along the way …

One Million Acts of Kindness Week (February 14-20, 2011)

I was very grateful for the pleasure of having coffee this week with my buddy Bob Votruba, founder of One Million Acts of Kindness.   Bob has been a very good friend of mine for many years and it is amazing to watch him put his convictions into action.  A few years ago, Bob decided to give up his comfortable lifestyle …

How Ready Am I?…

Recently, I read the book “Choosing to See” by Mary Beth Chapman.  For those of you that do not know, she is the wife of recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. On May 21, 2008 their 5 year old daughter was accidentally hit and killed by the car of their 17 year old son while he was pulling in their driveway;  …

Watches and Warnings

Oh, snow season in Cleveland, Ohio is filled with so many hours of the weather person telling us about the next snowstorm and all the reasons we are going to inevitably perish when the white stuff arrives.  Upon this news, panic ensues causing the mad rush for people to fill their car’s gas tanks up and long lines at the …

Building a Forever Foundation

After a long travel schedule this Advent—following a very full and demanding fall—I finally forced myself to do something I haven’t done in a very long time: I took a few days off. If you know me at all, you know this didn’t come easily. I tend to be a bit of a workaholic. And if I’m being honest, stepping …

All About Being Human

I am fortunate enough this week to be preparing the liturgy for the ‘Baptism of the Lord’ and it refreshes me for so many reasons… the fact that I said “refreshes” was a pun I had not intended and cracks me up.   But when you get down to it, it’s really all about being human… In praying on the readings, …

Now What??..

2010 is closing out and we have made the conscious decision for a better 2011…so “now what??”. Ask yourself a few simple questions like: What are you going to do with all that the past year gave you? What did it bring you to be thankful for? What did it send your way to learn from? What did it remind …