A Grateful Convert Blog

More Must-Read Books

Wow, am I ever behind on book reviews. Part of the problem is that so many good books have been released lately. In addition, I’ve been on the road a lot lately with speaking engagements (including a trip to Benedictine College this past week that was an absolute highlight.) So with apologies to the authors, here is a quick list of must-read books to consider for your... Read More

Baby Steps to Humility

The other day, I was driving home from work and pulled up alongside a pickup truck at a red light. A woman was driving, accompanied by a couple guys in the cab. Nothing unusual, right? Moments later, the light turned green, and I gave my car a little extra gas, since I needed to make a left turn shortly down the road. Much to my surprise, the pickup gunned its engine and proceeded... Read More

Something More: An Interview with Randy Hain

In a spirit of full disclosure, I am a Randy Hain fan. As a friend, he has been the source of unfailing encouragement, fellowship, and wisdom. Yet there are many dimensions to the man… Randy is a husband, father, writer, speaker, business leader, and much more. His third book, Something More: The Professional’s Pursuit of a Meaningful Life is packed with insight and... Read More

5 Reasons to Speak Positively about your Spouse at Work

“Sorry, I can’t do it tonight. The old ball and chain gets ticked off if I’m out late.” How many times have we heard derogatory comments like this about spouses in the workplace? Even worse, snide remarks can give way to all-out whining: “My husband is such a jerk sometimes” or “My wife completely lost interest in me after we began having kids.” Sacramental... Read More

Clement of Rome & the Didache

If a fulfilling career consists of working with terrific people, then I must have one of the greatest jobs on earth. After twenty years in financial and executive roles, it has been my privilege since 2010 to work with The Coming Home Network International (CHNetwork), a Catholic apostolate that helps non-Catholic clergy and laity to come home, and be at home, in the Catholic... Read More

The Power of Encouragement

The other day, I was jogging on the treadmill, thinking. It’s one of my favorite places to think. On this particular day, much of the thinking was skewing in a negative direction. As a counter-measure, it struck me that I should instead try to think of happy memories. That’s when it happened. Like a lightning bolt, my aging brain produced a random, obscure and completely... Read More

Along the Way – An Interview with Randy Hain

Among the countless joys of working with The Coming Home Network is meeting the many wonderful guests on the Journey Home program. In certain blessed cases, these individuals have become good friends – among them, Randy Hain. I first came to know Randy through our mutual friend Tom Peterson of Catholics Come Home, who told me about an extraordinary web initiative called... Read More

Looking for a Great Christmas Gift?

We all know that having more stuff doesn’t make people happy. I don’t know about you, but there are a few people on my Christmas list who don’t even want more stuff – they have everything they need, and it’s almost impossible to buy anything meaningful for them. Of course, there are also a couple who want lots of stuff that might not be terribly... Read More

Father Dwight

Blogger and author priest Father Dwight Longenecker is a veritable fountain of spiritual wisdom. Father has a new, weekly free newsletter offering practical help for the Catholic life. It’s part of an initiative for the Year of Faith, called FaithWorks! Articles can be found on subjects such as prayer, forgiveness, worship and authentic Catholic spirituality. You can... Read More

Our Sunday Visitor – Beacon of Hope

One of the great joys of my life is serving on the Board of Directors for Our Sunday Visitor (OSV). On Friday, September 28, 2012, an extraordinary event unfolded in Ft. Wayne, IN commemorating the centennial for the publishing company established by Archbishop John F. Noll. A symposium began the celebration, with speakers Cardinal Francis George (please pray for the Cardinal’s... Read More

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