Because even the smallest of words can be the ones to hurt you, or save you. Natsuki Takaya

This week I picked my youngest kids up from overnight summer camp, dropped my oldest off at high school orientation, and squeezed in a hike with all three of them at a favorite trail in Marin County – this one leads to the ocean, and I appreciated a few minutes at the beach to thinkContinue reading “Because even the smallest of words can be the ones to hurt you, or save you. Natsuki Takaya”

Mercy is our attempt at grace. If we can’t be graceful, at least we can be kind. -Kevin Fisher Paulson

Since I last wrote, I enjoyed an eighth grade graduation at home with loved ones in town to join my son in his celebration….then my younger two kids frolicked around in the woods for a week at overnight camp….while both my wife and I took part in various end-of-the academic year programs at work. PlusContinue reading “Mercy is our attempt at grace. If we can’t be graceful, at least we can be kind. -Kevin Fisher Paulson”

Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything. – Gordon Hampton

Yesterday I walked my dog early in the morning, per my daily routine. As my view focused upon the rising sun eclipsing the marine layer on the horizon, I was struck by the beauty and serenity of my neighborhood park. Shortly thereafter I was jarred out of my contemplation by the sight of the bushyContinue reading “Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything. – Gordon Hampton”

One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be (authentic) kind, true, generous, or honest. – Dr. Maya Angelou

I love these weeks that immediately follow the change in Daylight Savings Time. With the extra time each evening, my kids are playing basketball outside for longer periods of time, they’re skateboarding later and their practices are extended just a little bit. It’s as if their childhood reawakens with just a little extra light eachContinue reading “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be (authentic) kind, true, generous, or honest. – Dr. Maya Angelou”

To put faith to work is the source of our hope. -Thomas Groome

Today I share some golden nuggets from a few sources of inspiration. Author Thomas Groome and his work, What Makes Education Catholic: Spiritual Foundations, continue to be the focus of my team’s professional development and group learning. And one of Sheryl Crow’s final songs in her Tiny Desk Concert struck a chord with me thisContinue reading “To put faith to work is the source of our hope. -Thomas Groome”

Silence is not the absence of something, but the presence of everything. -Gordon Hempton

I have been on a bit of a U2 kick of late. Last week I read Bono’s memoir, Surrender. On Sunday evening, my family and I enjoyed viewing “Homecoming” on Disney+. This music documentary includes U2 bandmates Bono and The Edge, along with David Letterman, as they introduce David to Dublin, Ireland, tell stories, andContinue reading “Silence is not the absence of something, but the presence of everything. -Gordon Hempton”

With gratitude, optimism is sustainable. -Michael J. Fox

I have been blessed in recent weeks to take part in meaningful prayer, professional development and growth, and celebration of community with colleagues across the country. Today I share a few resources from some of those gatherings, along with appreciation for the simple things of daily life. My daughter’s wonder at the simple things, theContinue reading “With gratitude, optimism is sustainable. -Michael J. Fox”

With the Lord is kindness, and with God is redemption. -Psalm 130

I was struck when praying this morning reading’s about how Psalm 130 sings of God’s goodness while inviting us to trust deeply in God. I praise God on this day for those with whom I have reconnected in recent weeks. I have traveled each of these past three weeks (and eagerly embrace a couple weeksContinue reading “With the Lord is kindness, and with God is redemption. -Psalm 130”

O God of second chances, thankfully you give us this time during Lent to be filled, directed, and empowered by your Spirit. As we enter fully into Lent, show us what we need to see to more fully follow your Gospel. -Becky Eldrege

Today on this Ash Wednesday I am pleased to share the below reflection from Sr. Norma Pimentel, M.J., the executive director for Catholic Charities of Brownsville, TX, along the U.S./Mexico Border. Also embedded below is a classic Peter Gabriel tune that always makes me think of God’s presence. May these Lenten days of reflection aheadContinue reading “O God of second chances, thankfully you give us this time during Lent to be filled, directed, and empowered by your Spirit. As we enter fully into Lent, show us what we need to see to more fully follow your Gospel. -Becky Eldrege”

When you pay attention to the voice of providence in your life, you cannot but exclaim: ‘My God! It’s been you all the time.’…God is revealed as a trustworthy friend or loving parent, and life bursts out all over with grace. -Br. George Van Grieken, FSC

Every morning when I walk my dog we stop at our neighborhood church. I take a moment to think and offer up a daily prayer each morning at this site with significant meaning- it is where my wife and I were married. Although we no longer attend this same church, it serves not only asContinue reading “When you pay attention to the voice of providence in your life, you cannot but exclaim: ‘My God! It’s been you all the time.’…God is revealed as a trustworthy friend or loving parent, and life bursts out all over with grace. -Br. George Van Grieken, FSC”