The “signature product” from my work shop is a Christmas Nativity Stable. I’ve been making them for more than 20 years and often given them as a wedding gift. I patterned it after one made by Judy’s Uncle. As I get older, the challenge of making them increases…..what I used to do a bit more … Continue reading “Thanks For The Help” →

I felt like a light bulb went off in my head this morning, having to do with the  “pruning and discipline of the Lord”. Recognizing the Lord’s hand in your life can make all the difference in the world.   In the Mass readings recently, we’ve been hearing a lot about how the Lord prunes those whom … Continue reading “ Getting A Raw Deal ???” →

Originally Posted April 23, 2020 Perspective is “having a sense of proportion, knowing the relative importance of things”. It helps you navigate thru problems and life, especially in making decisions, in knowing what’s important and what’s not. It helps you know when to “go back to the drawing board and when to pull the plug”.  … Continue reading “Houston, We Have A Problem” →

Originally Posted April 21, 2020 I saw an article recently that probed whether people want to know the future. “For nearly every question, the majority of participants said they wouldn't want to know the answer. The issues ranged from serious to mundane and included when they or their partner would die, what they would die … Continue reading “Knowing The Future” →

I read something in the Magnificat today that struck a cord with me ….. “ In a culture that values autonomy  and self-reliance, we sometimes imagine that we can only call on our own personal strength to shoulder the burden of those we care for and to face our own difficulties. .” (Magnificat: 5-6-21) To be … Continue reading “Do I Trust God” →

“Boy oh boy, do I ever miss the good ole days”. You seem to hear that when things are not going well, and usually from older people…like me.  “Harry, this sure isn’t like the good ole days ….  remember when you could get a gallon of gas for 25 cents and people’s word was their bond. Why … Continue reading “ The Good Ole Days” →

When trouble would announce itself at our door, my mother would frequently say “we live in the valley of tears”. She certainly suffered enough during her lifetime to validate that statement. It seems that everyday, I hear of good friends experiencing some renewed suffering… a reoccurrence of cancer,  the loss of a job, the death of … Continue reading “Don’t Be A Puddleglum” →

From 1865 to the late 1960’s the Baltimore Catechism was the official national catechism for children in the United States. Most older people still remember the question: “Why did God make you ……… “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in … Continue reading “Don’t Quit” →

I have a small woodworking shop in the corner of my garage. When I work there, I know I need to be “careful”. I’m not that proficient with power tools and realize they can be dangerous. I’m especially wary of the table saw. When I get ready to use it, I say a prayer and … Continue reading “Be Careful” →

Originally Posted April 20, 2020 Recently I found myself using one of Yogi Berra’s “Yogi-isms” when talking to some of my elderly friends. I told them…. "I’m not coming to your funeral, unless you come to mine.” Yogi Being a longtime St. Louis Cardinal fan, I usually don’t make a list of other team’s great players. … Continue reading “It Ain’t Over, ‘Till It’s Over” →