The Eden (meaning pleasantness according to Hebrew translation) of life is filled with distracting trees bearing fruits of destruction. In Genesis, we find evidence of a forbidden fruit plucked with prideful hands and it's core twice bitten by teeth stained with disobedience. Yet, our loving and awesome God is still calling women and men from shameful hiding to green pastures to reveal and share our original goodness, divine likeness and immortal image.

                Sisters and brothers, it is an honor to be presented on 30 April along with David Carr, Stuart Priddy, and John Johnson to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders as Transitional Deacons. My journey toward this moment in affiliation with the Archdiocese of Louisville began initially in 2002 and officially in 2005 after completing military service. Answering this call has been a long exodus filled with many mental, physical, and spiritual challenges, yet I still can hear God calling, not only me but the entire Christian Community to a place of holy wholesomeness and sweet salvation.

                God is calling all of us out of a place of fear and confusion to a place of peace and creativity. Listen to this call for us to reject death and accept a spiritual life with God through the vocations of marriage and priesthood. Those who have ears, hear the call for all men and women to bathe in waters of baptism to obtain the garment of righteousness. Some may question why Christianity? Why Catholic? If you would simply take the moment to humble yourself, pray, and believe, you will taste, see, and experience the love of God. Then, you will ask, why not?

                Sisters and brothers, as a convert and witness to the faith, if today you hear God's voice, harden not your hearts. Be attentive, be encouraged, and take courage for God offers provisions for those whom God positions to do the work of ministry. It is my hope that you will join us Saturday, 30 April @ 11:00 at Mary Queen of Peace (Saint Helen's Campus, 4005 Dixie HWY) to pray that God will bring to completion the good work that will begin in David, Stuart, John and me. Come and join us in our petition, "May God give success to the work of our hands."

Faithfilledmom.com

"I was drawing and coloring this picture but I really didn't know what I was trying to create." Anna told me as she handed her artwork to me.

"Well, the yellow looks like the sun, shining down on the green grass, the river and the path. Is that a tree or a bush at the bottom of the page?" I asked her.

"Mom, I think the sunlight is coming from heaven and the "bush" is the fires of Hell. Maybe the path is which way we choose to go in life." Anna replied to me shockingly! Read More 

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."

Pope John XXIII