Author Archives: drmikedaniels

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”

[Gratitude] bravely pauses and takes account of life—of everything going on—and chooses to say thank you for the whole of it. Vinita Hampton Wright

I read this brief reflection at the start to my week: Finding Your Perfect Point of Gratitude. It has framed my attempt to approach this week with increased awareness of the everyday blessings that God affords me – and yes, even those which are wrapped up as challenges. Noteworthy experiences include an alternate route throughContinue reading “[Gratitude] bravely pauses and takes account of life—of everything going on—and chooses to say thank you for the whole of it. Vinita Hampton Wright”

Transformative relationships are formed when we exchange pieces of our humanity with each other. -Shawn Ginwright

Tomorrow night I am providing a reflection at the parent meeting for our son’s school on “The Power of Gratitude.” I am pleased to share some of the resources that I am considering. For me it’s all about relationships, rooted in joy, happiness and love. I remain grateful for my mentors along the way, andContinue reading “Transformative relationships are formed when we exchange pieces of our humanity with each other. -Shawn Ginwright”

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity. -St. Augustine

This week I am surrounded by Lasallian educators from around the world. By sharing a common purpose as part of a worldwide organization dedicated to the education of youth, together we learn, grow, and stretch ourselves in how we can best live out our educational mission. I am inspired by our commonalities across such differingContinue reading “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity. -St. Augustine”

If now isn’t a good time for the truth, I don’t see when we’ll get to it. -Nikki Giovanni

This week I was in DC for a conference and I took advantage of some down time yesterday to visit some of the museums. My high school history teacher had the following quote on his bulletin board (which I recall nearly thirty years later!): “How can we know where we’re going if we don’t knowContinue reading “If now isn’t a good time for the truth, I don’t see when we’ll get to it. -Nikki Giovanni”

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. -Harriet Tubman

“Daddy, I’m a big girl and can cross the street by myself,” my daughter said to me last night when I dropped her off at volleyball practice. When I returned home, one of my son’s stated, “Dad, look at my teeth? Aren’t they straighter now thanks to my braces? And I’m even brushing them, too!”Continue reading “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. -Harriet Tubman”