As we were driving to our house one day with our two grandkids, I asked if they would be interested in doing one of the bible lessons I started with them a couple of months ago. The lessons require them to look up scripture verses. Talan, fresh off a week-long Christian-based summer camp, enthusias...
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I was reading in the local paper recently about the demolition of a local business that has been in a small town for as long as I can remember. I know this business because I would ride my bike around this small town I grew up in and see it each time. It sat in the downtown area; and being a grain...
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One of the Bible passages that has most marked my life is that of the Samaritan woman found in the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Saint John. In it there is a line that has served as one of the guiding lights of my spiritual life for the past 15 years. After the Samaritan woman’s understanda...
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"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; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” ( Luke 11:9-10). What is Jesus talking about when he says to ask...
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In recent months we have had some foundation work done to our home. We had concrete poured and some support beams replaced in our crawl space. I am sure I am no different than the rest of the general population when I say I hate when money must be spent on things you never see. I jokingly told the...
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As I read Karen Muensterman’s article in this column on June 21, I felt a wave of unexpected emotion radiate throughout my body as tears welled up in my eyes. I was puzzled as to why her words had provoked this response in me. As I pondered the thoughts she shared about changes involving two...
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“Behold this Heart which has loved mankind so much!” These words, engraved upon a simple stone plaque, are set into the wall of a small chapel in east-central France. The humility of the chapel bears witness to the humility of the great saints who have graced it by their presence, and t...
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When I got married nearly 32 years ago, I joined Resurrection Parish where my husband was already a member. Resurrection had just been assigned a new pastor: Father Ray Brenner. During the next 16 years or so, I became very active at Resurrection; and as my family grew, my respect and affection for...
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 The lack of historical memory is a serious shortcoming in our society. A mentality that can only say, ‘Then was then, and now is now,’ is ultimately immature. Knowing and judging past events is the only way to build a meaningful future. Memory is necessary for growth.—Pope F...
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I have a treasure of gifts and cards I have received over the years from my wonderful children. I have tried to preserve as many as possible, reliving the moments they were given to me. But one gift has sat on my dresser for many years – a beautiful golden heart-shaped box that I keep special...
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