Bite-Sized Faith for Parents

You’re gonna miss this

I always get a little teary-eyed when I attend graduation and senior recognition events, especially when they play a slideshow with the pictures of the kids as they were growing up. Probably the tear-jerking-est song I have heard this year is Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This.” The song traces the life of a young girl who is 18 years old and ready to bust out into the world. It... Read More

3 “rules” to help your family grow in faith this summer

Summer is fast approaching and though I am longing for the weather, I’m also cringing at the thought of my twins’ voices raised in constant request of activities, crafts, and more. So, this summer I’m continuing my ‘Year of Intentionality.’ The thread that has been woven through my conversations this year at home, work, and ministry is that to grow in our faith we must be intentional. It... Read More

7 ways to help your kids keep their faith in college

I’ve never been the homesick type, but I wept the day my parents left me at college and, through their car window, I could see they were crying too. Stepping into the unknown independently is one scary transition. I imagine it’s even harder for the parents who have borne total responsibility for the protection of their child until this point. For those parents who have raised their child in the... Read More

Am I good enough to be loved by someone?

As a recent college graduate, I am so not far removed from high school to forget the excitement, anticipation, and flat-out stress that accompanied the weeks preceding each high school dance.  It is easy for young people to let their minds float away from their ever-so-fascinating homework to imaginings of fulfilled dreams and anxious questions.  Will he ask me?  Will anyone ask me? Looking for... Read More

How to teach your kids to make Holy choices

Every Friday, as my students exit my classroom at the end of each period, I shout at them, “Have a great weekend, and make holy choices!”  I’ve said it so many times that the students now respond with, “We know…  holy choices!” as soon as I chime “Have a great weekend!” Holy vs. good There is a reason behind my choosing the word holy instead of good.  People can often mistake... Read More

Was Jesus Catholic?

My mom had great news to share as I walked in the door.  “You’ll never guess what Lucas said,” she bragged. “He said that Jesus is Cath-o-lick.” And she beamed as she said this.  It was as if my four-year-old had found the cure for cancer. “That’s great, Mom.” I replied, trying to keep my tone even. The Director of Religious Education part of me thought, “No, Jesus was Jewish. ... Read More

What faith lessons can we learn from traveling to a developing country?

In the past few years I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to a number of developing countries:  the Dominican Republic, Chile, Bolivia, and Guatemala.  Based on my experiences in these places, we can learn a great deal from the poor of the developing world. Twice I have been able to accompany students from St. Albert High School in Council Bluffs on their annual mission trip to the Dominican... Read More

How Friday the 13th changed my life

Friday the 13th is considered by many to be an unlucky day.  I never really paid particular attention to the date until my life changed forever on Friday, May 13, 2011, with a cancer diagnosis — a cancer that was rare and difficult to treat. Within less than a week, I had already been referred to a specialist at the University of Iowa Holden Cancer Center and began a round of chemo.  Those... Read More

What does March Madness have in common with Holy Week?

For students and their parents, spring is typically a time dedicated to intense studies, countless hours of precious research, and many important decisions.  Most of America, however, has recently been focusing on the all important question…how should I fill out this bracket!?!  It’s “March Madness” and soon college basketball will crown its champion, and offices around the United... Read More

10 Ways to Celebrate Holy Week Well

In the Palm Sunday Gospel story of the Passion, Jesus enters Jerusalem and into his Passion. During the road to Calvary, he struggles, falls, sweats, bleeds. He enters into the Passion. Not out of guilt or obligation, but out of love for our souls. And he says to all of us: “I’m inviting you into the Passion with me.” The gospel also mentions that Peter followed Jesus “at a distance.” At... Read More

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