Well, I'm moving.Yes, that's right.Today's the day.Every so often, I look at my life and think, "Self, what could we do to shake things up?" :)From now on, you'll find me at my new site, www.snoringscholar.com. I'm importing all the posts from here and trying to tap into the other little things and stuff that need to be moved too.If you read this in a feed reader, you'll need to change your feed to the new website. If you get this through email, then you need to update by clicking here.It'... Read Full Story

I've been asked how it's going. I've been told my blog doesn't really relate how it might really be going. And so, as a "here's where I'm at" with my sabbatical, this week's quick takes will try to tackle that question...--1--The book. The first question after "How's it going?" is "How's your book coming along?" The answer: "Ummmmm." I just don't know how to answer that. You see, I've realized that, when it comes to this project, not only is it in God's hands, but it's a week-at-a-time ... Read Full Story

Do I have your attention?Good, because this week's Catholic Moments is just the thing for you. Deacon Tom (who, by the way, has a brand-new podcast of his own coming out very soon!) talks about the mysterious August snowfall that outlined Saint Mary Major in Rome (Sound like Our Lady of the Snows? Ah-ha! You've been paying attention this week!).In my Mary Moment segment, I reflect on Mary and prayer...not praying to Mary, mind you, but using Mary as a guide to a better prayer life.Then ther... Read Full Story

Love Equals Sacrifice, by Michael Stidham, is less than 100 pages, proof that it doesn’t take a thick tome to inspire thought and reflection.Stidham shares his journey away from the Catholic Church, into the world of business and success, and about the losses he suffered, beginning with his mother and his older brother, in mid-life. Without using fancy language or wasting any breath, he then goes on to tell the story of how he sold his business and became his father’s full-time caregiver.“Th... Read Full Story

Every week, there's something worth celebrating. Sometimes, I look down my nose about it. Other times, I shrug about how small my "successes" are, especially when I think about what I could have done, or should have done, or would have done.But you know what?There's a temptation in my demand for perfection, one that makes me blind to the forest for all the trees (or vice versa).So, every Thursday, along with the fine folks at Faith & Family Live, I sit down and think about what my small... Read Full Story

In my inbox, just today, was an announcement that has me as excited as any news I've received this week...my favorite online deacon is going to start a podcast! Here's the scoop:Has there been a seeming lack of vitality in your faith practice recently? Are you wondering where God is? We understand. It’s okay and it happens to most everyone from time to time. It’s even happened with some of the saints.BUT – you don’t have to accept this as something you can’t do anything about. We have a sugg... Read Full Story

...more people took this approach to the mid-life "I don't love you" crisis that seems inevitable?I'm inspired. I'm heartened. I'm touched. Divorce and love are topics that are dear to my heart, close in a way that few things are. I was never going to marry, you know. I was pretty sure it was an outdated, useless institution for religious types, and I was not a religious type, thankyouverymuch.I'm married now, and I often battle with a demon in my mind, one that whispers about the greene... Read Full Story

Thanks to the comments and a bit more clicking around this morning, I have some more links to share with you after yesterday's post.First, a debunking of that listing I shared yesterday is at PolitiFact. Disclaimer by me and my kind commenter: haven't ever read this site before...Here's a whole page of PDF files related to the proposed bill, including the bill text itself and a summary.Now, that should keep you busy today.Updated to include this column about Congressman Joseph Cao of Louisian... Read Full Story

Over the weekend I came across some information about the proposed health care reform bill. I wasn't going to blog it, because I usually stay away from politics and the like.But this is important.I can't help but feel like the next step, if this passes, will be even scarier.I have quite a few elderly people in my life. I hope to someday be an elderly person. I hope to raise people who will one day be elderly people.This bill will affect everyone. Don't be fooled by the pretty language you... Read Full Story

Within one week, our sheep-showing family had both the county and the state fairs. We weren't able to make it to the county fair, but we made it to the open show yesterday at the state fair.I didn't take as many pictures as in the past, and I left my camera in the barn when we ventured to the Midway. But I think I captured the essence of what the state fair means to me: family and fun.Here are a few highlights of the day, and if you're inclined to see the rest of the pictures, they're here.C... Read Full Story