A Grateful Convert Blog

Words of Encouragement

“I like you.” This is the first thing I heard when I picked up the phone the other day. It was a college friend of mine, Chip, using a line that has been a running joke with us for many years. As it happened, I had experienced a challenging day when he called, and our conversation was a much-needed source of encouragement. Despite the difficulties I had faced that day,... Read More

How Are Things At Work?

“How are things at work?” I’ve asked this question of friends countless times, usually with a sympathetic grin. It’s a question that acknowledges the fact that work is fraught with difficulties. Perhaps an ongoing disagreement with the boss or a coworker. Insufficient hours in the workday. Fear of being downsized. The tough part about work often isn’t the... Read More

My Uncle Wins an Academy Award – and Dies

My uncle, John D. Lowry, was scheduled to receive an Academy Award for his work in digital film restoration on February 11, 2012. He died on January 21, 2012. As a kid, I was always impressed with my uncle, aunt, and cousins David and Julia. They were all extremely gracious – and bright. The entire family had an entrepreneurial streak. Back in the 80’s, my dad and Uncle... Read More

Give It Up for Sacred Heart Radio!

One of the best parts of working at The Coming Home Network International is having the opportunity to meet terrific people when they appear as guests on The Journey Home program. Last year, one of those people was the producer of the Sonrise Morning Show heard on EWTN radio, Matt Swaim. I remember being impressed immediately. Matt is young, articulate, and extremely bright.... Read More

Are You a Team Player?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we truly applied our faith to every aspect of our lives? Take work, for example. Most of us do something every day that could be characterized as work, regardless of whether we collect a paycheck for our efforts or not. Full time Moms, for example, work as hard as any of us – and certainly deserve our profound respect. But can... Read More

The Gratitude List – 2011 (Including Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll!)

As a grateful convert, I’d like to offer a short and completely non-exhaustive list of things and people on my gratitude list for the past year, in no particular order: 1. The marital act. That’s right kids, sex between your parents and blessed by God is the way you came into being. It’s a beautiful thing – and cheap imitations will never measure up. 2.... Read More

What To Do When There’s Nothing Left To Do

In so many aspects of our daily lives, our roles entail doing things. For example, as a guy, I’m hardwired to work in order to provide for my family. I have goals to achieve, emails to answer, action items to accomplish, clients to serve. I prioritize, plan, work, and pray like crazy. Every day. If there’s a need, or a problem, I’m on it. I’ll do whatever I can to take... Read More

Who Needs Faith at Work?

Some people don’t think faith belongs in the workplace. Yet now more than ever, people of faith recognize the need to be faithful all the time, rather than “checking faith at the door.” This approach means effectively integrating faith, work, family, and other important aspects of life. Even when their most deeply held beliefs may not correspond with popular... Read More

Faith at Work Has Arrived!

What a surprise! Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck has arrived! Yes, way ahead of schedule. I’m shocked, thrilled – and completely unprepared. The purpose of this book is to help Christians become better workers, and workers become better Christians. Our everyday work is one of the greatest opportunities we have for growing closer to Christ! At... Read More

Remembering Cardinal Foley

Friday, May 7, 2010 was a singularly memorable day in Lowry family history. It was the day we met a Cardinal. Cardinal John Foley was in town for the commencement ceremony at Franciscan University of Steubenville, my alma mater. My experience there is one of the reasons I’m Catholic today. Cardinal Foley is another reason. Twenty years previously, my Dad, a Presbyterian... Read More

Read More Posts...