It Should’ve Been You
Carry your cross. I’ve heard this so many times. And yet there’s the beauty in our faith and in our God – that no matter how many times we’ve heard… Read More »It Should’ve Been You
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Ew Feet
Holy Thursday is coming up this week, where people squirm at the thought of touching someone else’s feet, or someone else touching their own feet. Growing up at our parish,… Read More »Ew Feet
Immaculate Misconception
All too often, people get confused on who the Immaculate Conception is about. Today, December 8th, is the Solemnity for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By that… Read More »Immaculate Misconception
Just This One Thing
We’ve got a little one in the house, and he needs his naps. I need his naps. So, more often than I’d like, I have to remind his siblings to… Read More »Just This One Thing
Can I Help?
There’s a stage in a child’s life where they want to be helpful. Of course, it’s not in the way you want them to be helpful – at least not… Read More »Can I Help?
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
Have you ever had a child (or student) ask you this question? You tell them to do something – or ask – and their response is Why? Now, I’m all… Read More »Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
Sowers Gonna Sow
Many know the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23 in case you need a refresher). Jesus reveals in this parable that the seed is the Word of God and the… Read More »Sowers Gonna Sow
Metabolic Faith
I miss my metabolism. It was one of the greatest things I had because I could eat pretty much whatever I wanted and I didn’t really gain a lot of… Read More »Metabolic Faith
Very Much Obliged
I’ve struggled with “Days of Obligation” for Mass. It seems to have such a negative connotation to it. “I’m obligated to go.” Doesn’t sound very fun. Or exciting. Just sounds… Read More »Very Much Obliged
Church Rat
I try to get to the gym regularly. There was a point where I was going every weekday. Barring colds, I do go at least three times a week. But… Read More »Church Rat
Fonts
I know. Super exciting topic. But I like fonts. I don’t know why, but I have spent way too much time trying to find the best font for different projects.… Read More »Fonts
I Think I Love My Wife
Just kidding. I know I love my wife (by the way this has nothing to do with the Chris Rock movie). And although this can sound cliché, I can honestly… Read More »I Think I Love My Wife
Is There Anything Else to Eat?
“Come to the table, time to eat!” And here they come. Kids come to the table, and almost immediately the complaints start pouring in. “I want to sit there!”“That’s where… Read More »Is There Anything Else to Eat?
Eduardo or Eduardon’t
We went back to Fishwife (remember that post a bit ago?) with the rest of the kids, my mom, and one of my sisters. Eduardo wasn’t there. But the food… Read More »Eduardo or Eduardon’t
The Missing Piece
You know how it is. You settle in to set a puzzle. How do you start? The edge pieces, right? Well this puzzle, we found out early on that we… Read More »The Missing Piece
Lightshiner vs. Shadowcaster
Last week, my article was inspired by my oldest. This week’s is inspired not by one, but two of my kids. My daughter has this Advent reflection/prayer book (no idea… Read More »Lightshiner vs. Shadowcaster
Your Future is Foggy
A little while ago I was driving the kids to school. It was a foggy Autumn morning. We had just recently started to do prayers on the drive to school.… Read More »Your Future is Foggy
Table For2itous
My wife and I celebrated our anniversary a few months ago. We went down to Pacific Grove for the weekend, and on Saturday morning we enjoyed a lovely walk along… Read More »Table For2itous
Lifts and Supports
The other day I replaced the lift supports for the hatchback on our Toyota Matrix (don’t be impressed, it’s crazy easy to do). The originals on it completely died out,… Read More »Lifts and Supports
Can I Get a Witness?
Which way is the right way to witness? I struggle with this constantly – being a disciple, a witness to Christ’s love, message, and mission. Not whether or not I… Read More »Can I Get a Witness?
Anxiously Worried
As has been happening for over eight years, I was putting a child down for nap. For the past few weeks, as I get up from singing a song next… Read More »Anxiously Worried
A Glutton and a Drunkard
I was getting my workout on one day, and noticed a fitness instructor (not surprising, of course). But the only way I knew this person was a fitness instructor was… Read More »A Glutton and a Drunkard
Gratitude = Great Attitude
I am not a joy-filled person. I know there are those out there who know me who would disagree, what with me being such a delight to be around. But… Read More »Gratitude = Great Attitude
New Wine
In today’s Gospel from Mark, Jesus is questioned about His disciples who don’t fast like other spiritual leaders’ disciples (my mother would tell me I could do with a little… Read More »New Wine
Do It
In the Gospel of Mark (10:35-45), two disciples come up to Jesus and Him, “do for us whatever we ask of You.” Whenever I read this passage, I always think… Read More »Do It
BeyBlades
My oldest son loves playing with BeyBlades. He asks me and his mom and his siblings to play that more than anything else (only because if he tries to ask… Read More »BeyBlades
You’re a Good Good Father
This last Father’s Day was one of the best yet. Lots of quality time with the family, and such good food. The reason I share this isn’t to brag, but… Read More »You’re a Good Good Father
Fear of the WORL[or]D
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted (I just looked – it’s been over a year). There are a few reasons why I haven’t written in so long – It seemed… Read More »Fear of the WORL[or]D
For a Laugh or For a Life?
I’ve been struggling with what to do and what to say about everything that is happening right now with the Black Lives Matter movement. Mostly because I’m afraid. But my… Read More »For a Laugh or For a Life?
Helicopter Father
When our first child was old enough to start climbing things (far too soon in my opinion), my wife did some research into different styles of parenting. She found two… Read More »Helicopter Father
Killing Time
In my last post I started writing the phrase “killing time” and it made me pause. I had no intention to write about this. But let’s see where this train… Read More »Killing Time
Being in the Awkward
One thing I liked about having my phone, is that whenever I was waiting for something, I’d be able to use it to pass the time. One thing I disliked… Read More »Being in the Awkward
Written in the Stars
What a time we are in. I know there’s already been so much written and talked about in regards to the quarantine and COVID-19, but last night I was out… Read More »Written in the Stars
Just Keep Praying
I find it harder and harder to believe there are coincidences. The other day I was praying, and, as so often happens in prayer, I remember how much Jesus has… Read More »Just Keep Praying
Clouds
Clouds are amazing. They move and change and come in all shapes and sizes (and colors at sunset). But what makes me appreciate them so much is how much the… Read More »Clouds
The Word of God Fell on Deaf Ears
In Mark 7:31-37, a deaf man is brought to Jesus. This is where silly Jesus comes out and He gives the man a wet willy and spits on his tongue. … Read More »The Word of God Fell on Deaf Ears
I’m Sorry, Who Are You?
As Christians, Jesus calls us to spread His Word to others. We are all called to do this – every one of us – regardless of our profession or stage… Read More »I’m Sorry, Who Are You?
God’s Plan
This is a huge change for me. Sure, I got married.Sure, I’ve had kids…a few times over. Getting married and having kids though – there was a natural flow of… Read More »God’s Plan
The Eucharistic Bridge
Have you ever looked at a bridge? I’m not talking about a little bridge at the park or even the bridge over a highway – I’m talking about a huge… Read More »The Eucharistic Bridge
Ice Ice Baby
The water bottle I have in my office has a “small” opening for when I need to refill it. I say small, because when I go to the fridge’s ice… Read More »Ice Ice Baby
7 Gifs of the Holy Spirit
Wisdom via GIPHY Understanding via GIPHY Counsel via GIPHY Fortitude via GIPHY Knowledge via GIPHY Piety via GIPHY Fear of the Lord via GIPHY
Never Learn
We never learn. I know, I know, “never” is an unfair statement. You’d think that we’d be way better off now than when human beings were first created. You’d think… Read More »Never Learn
Do I Know You?
Wow. I finished a Bible group with a few other young adults a while ago – and, as can happen even after reading the same Scripture so many times over… Read More »Do I Know You?
Avoiding the Mission
Let’s set the stage: My wife was Sacristan at Mass, so we were heading there early. Our son Joshua asked if he could play with Accha (my dad) when we… Read More »Avoiding the Mission
I Love Life
Hey you. Would you lay your life down for mine? More important question for me to ask though is, would I lay my life down for yours? Honest answer: I… Read More »I Love Life
You Know Jesus? You No Jesus
Reading the 2nd reading for Sunday’s Liturgy (1 John 2:1-5A), I can tell why John was the beloved disciple (other than the fact that he was writing about himself). That… Read More »You Know Jesus? You No Jesus
Hail, King of the Jews!
I don’t always appreciate Scripture as much as I should. But when I get a new perspective on a passage or it applies to a current situation in my life,… Read More »Hail, King of the Jews!
Lent is More Than 40 Days
Lent is two weeks from being done. There are many of us – myself included until a few years ago – who look at Lent as the one time a… Read More »Lent is More Than 40 Days
Tithing
On Ash Wednesday a little over a week ago, I tweeted, “If you’re more excited about receiving ashes than the Eucharist, you might be doing it wrong.” As I thought… Read More »Tithing
Smoking Barrel
I’ve always had issues with seeing doctors/nurses smoke. It just didn’t make sense. Like, “Hey, you’re trying to get people to be healthy, and yet you’re smoking?!” What idiots. I… Read More »Smoking Barrel
What is Love?
Parents define what love is for their children. Therefore, you – whether you’re a parent, a child, a teen, an adult, a spouse, whatever – grew up with a definition… Read More »What is Love?
They Will Know We Are Christians
You know this quote by St. Francis? It’s a bunch of crap. Not because St. Francis didn’t even say it (he didn’t), but because it’s an excuse to not evangelize… Read More »They Will Know We Are Christians
My Own Worst Enemy
I want a flat stomach. But you wouldn’t know that if you’ve ever seen me eat. I like unhealthy food and unhealthy portions. And I give into all of it… Read More »My Own Worst Enemy
Converts vs. Cradles
Reading today’s Gospel (Mt 21:28-32), most of us probably do that thing we normally do and think, “Awesome, I’m part of the good group. Yeah there are times I don’t… Read More »Converts vs. Cradles
Who Doesn’t Love Weddings?
When I got married, my wife and I made vows before our family and friends. And although I meant them sincerely when I said them, I had no idea how… Read More »Who Doesn’t Love Weddings?
There’s Regular Awesome and Then There’s Jesus Awesome
In chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke, a man named Simon listens to Jesus and he and his crew catch a ridiculous amount of fish (for the full story,… Read More »There’s Regular Awesome and Then There’s Jesus Awesome
Retreat > Jesus Camp
Do you know what you’re looking at? This was taken at the Diocesan Youth Retreat (DYR) back in June. This was on Thursday night, where over 250 teens and 80… Read More »Retreat > Jesus Camp
What Are You Waiting For?
Retreats are an amazing experience that have the potential to change your life. They also have the potential to, well, ya know, not. I recently helped out on DYR –… Read More »What Are You Waiting For?
“You Are My Son, and the One True King”
You should all know what this quote is from. That’s right: The Lion King. Mufasa says this to Simba from the clouds. Simba has been struggling to come to terms… Read More »“You Are My Son, and the One True King”
Does This Thing Come with a Manual?
After we moved into our house, we started doing research on a washer and dryer. I like looking at customer reviews to see how well they stand up to their… Read More »Does This Thing Come with a Manual?
Pearly White Gates
I recently went to the dentist, and let me tell you, I had an amazing time. Not really. I mean, it wasn’t a horrible time, but it definitely wasn’t something… Read More »Pearly White Gates
Do Not Read This
I use reverse psychology on my son sometimes (Joshua, if you ever read this in the future, you will not like that I did this to you). Some people might argue that… Read More »Do Not Read This
Overwhelmed
Not too long ago, I started taking the calling God has for me more seriously (I know, you’re totally impressed). There’s only one problem: I’m not really sure what God’s… Read More »Overwhelmed
Stained Clothes
It’s hard to avoid. I’ve got my nice clothes on (you know, anything I’ve owned for less than four years). I like the way I look in them, and although… Read More »Stained Clothes
God Bless You?
Sneezes. I really don’t like them. Not because they make snot fly at over 100 mph (which is pretty cool), or that you risk having snot all over the place… Read More »God Bless You?
Caramel vs. Caramel
I’m writing this with some trepidation. I haven’t yet actually searched which one is right (side note: it’s weird to write ‘searched’ instead of ‘googled.’ Just thought you’d like to… Read More »Caramel vs. Caramel
Littering and…
People who litter disgust me. I know. I shouldn’t be judging others. But I feel like out of all the things that people do, littering is one of those things… Read More »Littering and…
Into the Unknown
I can’t tell you how many times I rewrote this article. Starting this blog has been more intimidating than I imagined. I initially thought, “This will be relatively easy –… Read More »Into the Unknown