Treemendous Night in Greensburg, IN!

I spoke at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greensburg, Indiana, tonight. Fascinating city, particularly the tree growing out of the top of the Decatur County Courthouse in downtown Greensburg.

The tree reminds me of the fact that we can grow and thrive in the most difficult of situations. Somehow, someway, a seed landed on the top of the courthouse and somehow it was watered. Paul talked about something similar, "one plants, another waters, but God causes the increase."

Maybe you are that tree in the midst of a difficult job environment. Perhaps you are that tree in a tough marriage. Remember that God can do amazing things with you in the toughest of places. Who knows, maybe one day people will be amazed and blessed by what God has done with you. Pray for me as tomorrow I'll teach the Bible Timeline from 8:30 to 3pm.

For me, to come to Indiana is a kind of a homecoming as my grandparents and my father are from Indiana.

Newark, N.J. Deacons Conference!

This last weekend, Emily and I spoke at the Newark Archdiocese Deacons Convocation. The theme was the Gospel of Matthew. What a privilege it was for me to share the great truths of this magnificent Gospel. Emily shared with the Deacons wives about how their participation in their husbands calling is so very important.

Deacon Jim Tobin and his lovely wife, Elizabeth were such great hosts. Thank you. Deacon John McKenna, who heads up the Deacons in Newark was such a gracious host. His vision for the Deacons is inspiring. Bishop Cruz gave a powerful homily at the closing mass. 

Both Emily and I are very thankful for having had this opportunity. We will continue to pray for all the wonderful Deacons and their wives.

For more pictures visit my facebook page.

Adolescent Mental Health Seminar

For all parents or grandparents of Tweens and Teens, this Catholic Mental Seminar Saturday, November 19 from 9 to noon, will be an eye-opener and a great tool for understanding the young people of today. Please take time to attend at Church of St. Paul in Ham Lake, Minnesota. Information can be found at the Church of St. Paul website. 

The basis of this seminar stems from some dear friends of ours who have experienced the most painful event in their lives: the death of a child to suicide. Here is an excerpt from Anne and Mike Gross's story.

"Last Nov. 1^st, a regular ordinary day filled with sunshine, school, laughter, kids playing, friends talking, dog walking, Halloween candy, making Chili for dinner………….

                                                     Our beautiful 14 year old daughter died from suicide.

To say that this was shocking is  an UNDERSTATEMENT.  She was a girl known for her joy, creativity, kindness, outgoing nature, fun filled heart and magnetic smile!

We are an ordinary Catholic family; lots of children, stay-at-home Mom, a Dad, modest home, eat dinner together every night, take the dog for a walk, family- walks around the lake, attend Mass together  --type of family.

Attended Catholic School, no bullying, drugs, divorce, or abuse…… No piercings, tattoos, black pants with chains,…… you name it, none of this that seems so stereotypical of such a tragedy.

We have learned so very much about the very real condition of Anxiety and Depression.  Just as real an illness as Diabetes, Kidney Disease or Cancer.  Sometimes, despite all the best available treatment and medicines, a person may die from their disease.  Despite Chemotherapy and Radiation, a cancer patient may die of Cancer.

 Our mission is to help bring about an awareness of this illness."

Learn what to look for and know how to help by attending this important seminar 9-noon, November 19, 2011

Walking With God In Prayer!

I woke up early this morning. After having a cup of tea with my wife and a couple pieces of toast, I went on a walk. I find it easiest to talk to God when I walk with him. Do you have a regular time of prayer?

 When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6, they learned something very important. Jesus taught them that prayer is based on a filial relationship with God, and that is why He said, “Our Father.” This morning, I went on a walk with my Father. We went over my schedule, a talk I have to give later today and I also mentioned some needs for my children. It was a good walk.

 The catechism (CCC 2800) tells us that prayer takes on two fundamental dispositions:

1. The desire to become like God. Our prayer should have as it's goal, to be conformed to the image of God. That means that we are headed in the right direction as a result of prayer.

2. A humble and trusting heart that enables us to turn and become like children (Matt 11:25).

 It's going to be a good day. What does your day look like?

Win A Free Pilgrimage To The Holy Land With Us!

Ascension Press has just announced an exciting opportunity for you to go the the Holy Land with Emily and myself, and the best part of it is... it's FREE! 

As I travel around the country, many people have told me about how The Great Adventure Bible Studies have changed their lives. I know first hand what it means to experience the life-changing power of God's word.

In 1985, as an eager young bible enthusiast, I had the chance to go to Israel for the first time. I can't tell you how excited I was to have actually stand on the very ground that the Bible stories took place. I will never forget that first opportunity to stand in Jerusalem at the Holy Sepulchre, walk on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and kneel at the birth place of Jesus in Bethlehem. Since then, I have have led nearly thirty groups to the Holy Land and have witnessed how a pilgrimage has changes thousands of lives. You can see some of the pictures from past pilgrimages by clicking here.

Well, now you can go with us...free. If you have gone through The Great Adventure Bible Studies and they have changed your life, we want to hear about it. Click here for details on how you can win this once in a lifetime experience! With a little creativity, you just might find yourself on a boat on the Sea of Galilee.