Author Archives: drmikedaniels

Let me keep my distance, always, from those who have the answers. Let me keep company always with those who say, “Look!” and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads. -Mary Oliver

This week I share a couple of resources from the new church our family has recently started attending. The above quote from Mary Oliver was included by the pastor in his letter in the bulletin. And this Stewardship Prayer depicted is one that we recite each liturgy. We have been rejuvenated as a family withContinue reading “Let me keep my distance, always, from those who have the answers. Let me keep company always with those who say, “Look!” and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads. -Mary Oliver”

Be tender with God as God is tender with us. – Shemaiah Gonzalez

In her article, “Choosing Joy,” author Shemaiah Gonzalez writes about Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, and his care for those in the formerly incarcerated community, who he calls “homies.” His ministry, Homeboy Industries, is impressive and inspiring. Fr. Greg is a real wisdom figure for me, and I count touring him around my former school amongContinue reading “Be tender with God as God is tender with us. – Shemaiah Gonzalez”

You have to do the best with what God gave you. – Forrest Gump

Today I write to share just a couple video resources that have informed my reflection in recent weeks. I highly recommend investing the time to listen/watch the interview with U2’s Bono- I find his insights into faith and community to be compelling. Also this Sheryl Crow song was new to me, although it is aContinue reading “You have to do the best with what God gave you. – Forrest Gump”

Faith lifts the soul, hope supports it, experience says it must, and love says…let it be! -Elizabeth Ann Seton

(Photo courtesy of Seton Hall University) In the Catholic tradition, today marks the feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who in the United States is celebrated as one of the Founders of the Daughters of Charity. I have had the great fortune to be formed by, and to walk alongside, the Daughters here in CaliforniaContinue reading “Faith lifts the soul, hope supports it, experience says it must, and love says…let it be! -Elizabeth Ann Seton”

As we say yes to the walk of faith, we too can find our place in the greatest story ever told, the story of God’s purposes lived out in and through our simple existence. -Ruth Haley Barton

As I write this post, my children are in the room next to my home office, playing Pictionary together after a relaxing morning of art, backyard basketball, practicing guitars and plenty of time on the phone for our oldest child. It’s great for them to have a break from school and sports’ practices, and IContinue reading “As we say yes to the walk of faith, we too can find our place in the greatest story ever told, the story of God’s purposes lived out in and through our simple existence. -Ruth Haley Barton”

With love and patience, nothing is impossible. -Daisaku Ikeda

Advent is a time of waiting, and I am enjoying this reflective season. Being intentional, spending time outdoors, pacing myself amidst a flurry of activities (both personal and professional) and keeping my daily reflective practice routines have been essential. As I’ve previously referenced, one of these disciplines is an “Advent Attitudes” email from Loyola PressContinue reading “With love and patience, nothing is impossible. -Daisaku Ikeda”

Joy is at the very heart of the Kingdom of God. If we are inviting someone to enter the Kingdom of God, we had better show some joy. -Joe Paprocki

This Advent season I am enjoying daily email reflections from Loyola Press. Apparently author Joe Paprocki contributes to these reflections with excerpts from his book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ. Enhancing my daily prayer practice during the season of Advent is helpful in grounding me throughout these hectic weeks.Continue reading “Joy is at the very heart of the Kingdom of God. If we are inviting someone to enter the Kingdom of God, we had better show some joy. -Joe Paprocki”

The greatest manifestation of the power of God comes when we work together to find ways to be together and do justice together and love together and stand together. —Yvette Flunder

I hope that this Thanksgiving week affords each of us some time to reflect and discern how we can give back, in appreciation for the gifts God affords us. In particular I pray that our common humanity may inspire us to prioritize those in our society in greatest need. As for me, I am mostContinue reading “The greatest manifestation of the power of God comes when we work together to find ways to be together and do justice together and love together and stand together. —Yvette Flunder”