Let me be clear: Divorce was never, ever an option for my husband and me, nor was it even in our lexicon. But there was a time in our marriage when tensions were high, feelings of affection were low, and things had generally broken down. Communication was terrible, and we had ceased assuming the good intent of the other. For my part, I had lost respect for my husband, whom I felt was not "a real man" (gosh, it's hard to type those words!).

Let’s be real, life isn’t supposed to be easy, and we are supposed to be challenged and face many trials almost every single day. Having those struggles in our life is what makes us stronger, because of that fight we go through to face them.

My parents thought that this would be the best way to receive my faith formation; but in reality, it destroyed it. I was taught textbook religion. Things were forced on me in a way that just drew me further and further away through the years.

No matter if your Dad is at home or not. No matter if you get along with him or not. It is true. You have a Father in Heaven who loves you and wants to know you.

The point of this blog is to share about happiness, pancakes (or any other breakfast item on hand, but preferably pancakes), and a handful of people all rolled into one... which is also known as The Joy Breakfast!

To be Hard as Nails does not mean you have to be a missionary or a staff member. To be Hard as Nails means doing what is right, even when nobody else supports you. It means having courage, authenticity, and obedience.

I asked St. Therese, known as the “Little Flower”, to ask God if He would let her send me a rose so that I would know that the little one we lost was in Heaven. At the time I was teaching Kindergarten. One of my students drew me a picture of a little person holding a flower. I asked her, “What kind of flower is the person holding?” She replied “A ‘roz’”

It was easier for me to say I was fine, I didn’t need help, and to say I forgive than to verbalize what had happened. The day I chose to tell my mom what had gone on, was the day I chose to let it hurt. And it hurt like hell. But it was worth it!

I stood in front of the priest, Fr. Solanus Casey, who asked me “Do you believe in God?”, and I responded with “Yes, I believe in God!”. He then laid his hands on my head and blessed me…

Think about it for one moment... The birth of a little baby boy in a manager. Most would say it is nothing important, just a poor kid from poor parents. But this poor kid was the Savior of the universe.

So how do we get into that spirit of joy and giving so that our holidays might be a season that means more than just “making it through”

I was probably 12 years old when I had my first anxiety attack. The reason? my Mom told me college could cost up to 50K a year. I think it’s safe to say I was motivated more than most kids to make money growing up.

Everyone knows the famous quotation from St. Therese of Liseux, “do small things with great love,”

We all love our mothers. Well, at least we all should love them. I care for my mother deeply, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that we don’t always see eye to eye with each other, as many others struggle within their own families… Regardless of all the arguments my mother and I have, there are many more instances of the choices she made in raising my family with my father, and they truly helped me grow into the man I am today.

If we are willing to suffer and sacrifice for the body how much more should we be willing to sacrifice for the spirit?