October 2, 2013

During his acceptance speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2012, former New York Jets running back Curtis Martin recalled the time his abusive father held a gun to his head and pulled the trigger seven times.  No bullet was discharged.  His father then pointed the gun away from his son and pulled the trigger again.  The bullet fired.  Only 15 at the time, Martin believed his father would kill him some day. Though he... Read more

October 1, 2013

“It is [your critics] that are really the losers, for is anything sweeter than the inward joy that comes from thinking well of others.”  That quote was spoken by St. Thérèse of Lisieux who placed great emphasis on focusing on people’s positive qualities, even people who aggravated her. It’s an attitude that resonated with Marc Foley, O.C.D., author of the book The Love That Keeps Us Sane.  He writes, “What has dwelling on your neighbor’s faults ever brought into your... Read more

September 30, 2013

Most girls recall their first date, but 10-year-old Presli Collins had one that was particularly memorable.  That’s because the youngster (and her dad) enjoyed a special night out with NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. Collins has already undergone several painful surgeries for a condition called neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors in the brain, spinal cord and under the skin.  As a resident of Parker, Colorado, one of her greatest joys was watching Tim Tebow when he played with the Denver Broncos.  After... Read more

September 29, 2013

People snickered when 61-year-old Alan Moore announced that he wanted to resume his latent college football career. But the Vietnam veteran and kicker would have the last laugh, as the revival of his high-school dream would lead him to become the oldest player in college football history. Back in 1968, Moore’s schooling was interrupted when he enlisted for Vietnam rather than waiting to be drafted. After leaving the service, he got married, had children and worked for about 30 years... Read more

September 28, 2013

Irritability.  Sadness.  Difficulty concentrating.  Even physical symptoms, like headaches or rapid heart rate.  These are among the symptoms of stress. But there are ways to become the calm, relaxed person you’ve always wanted to be.  Here are some tips to de-stress from Dr. Lisa Klewicki, clinical psychologist and radio personality. ▪ Look for the positive.  Try thinking upbeat instead of worrying about the negative. ▪ Set priorities.  Make a list of “must do” tasks, versus those that are less imperative.... Read more

September 27, 2013

When author Monica Brown first read about traveling librarian Luis Soriano, she felt inspired to write a children’s book about him.  After all, this was a man who braved attacks by snakes and armed bandits so he could carry books to poor children in rural Colombia on his two donkeys, Alfa and Beto.  Promoting literacy and education to kids continues to be his goal. Brown combined her considerable writing talents with John Parra’s beautiful illustrations to create Waiting for the... Read more

September 26, 2013

Businesses looking to hire employees who exhibit “selflessness,” “resilience,” “team orientation,” and “reliability” should seriously consider military veterans.  That’s what a study by the University of Phoenix Research Institute discovered after polling over 800 corporate managers and executives. Caroline Molina-Ray, the Institute’s executive director, told the New York Post’s Chris Erikson that they undertook the study because there was a lack of information about how veterans adjust to a civilian work environment as well as how they’re actually viewed by... Read more

September 25, 2013

As Christians, we are called to carry a cross in this lifetime. The cross changes, depending on our age, circumstance, and vocation. Yet, no matter how heavy it is, we are to lean on Christ and find joy despite the pain. That’s what Jean Biscombe—known as “Ms. Jean” to her Charlotte, North Carolina, pre-school students—did when she was fighting cancer. As recalled by Catholic News Herald columnist Rico De Silva whose daughter was in Biscombe’s class, it was easy to... Read more

September 24, 2013

The powerful documentary The Human Experience earned a Christopher Award in 2011.  It profiled brothers Jeffrey and Clifford Azize, who set out on a trek around the world with their friends to discover the essence of the human spirit. They lived with the homeless on the streets of New York, cared for disabled children in Peru, and visited victims of leprosy and AIDS in Africa. Along the way, they explored questions about the purpose of life and the inherent dignity... Read more

September 23, 2013

Author William Arthur Ward once wrote a “blueprint for achievement” if you want to be a winner in life.  His suggestions are: “Believe while others are doubting. “Plan while others are playing. “Study while others are sleeping. “Decide while others are delaying. “Prepare while others are daydreaming. “Begin while others are procrastinating. “Work while others are wishing. “Save while others are wasting. “Listen while others are talking. “Smile while others are pouting. “Commend while others are criticizing. “Persist while others... Read more


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