Category: Lectio Divina

Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy. (Isaac Newton)

July 13, 2019– One of my most dear friends on the planet is celebrating her birthday today! She knows how to balance honesty and tactfulness better than nearly anyone I know. Perhaps its a gift born of decades as a grade school teacher? What I know for sure is that the Lord did NOT gift me similarly, ha?!! Thank goodness for her stunning example to show me the way. Getting along with people, knowing when to remain silent and when to speak up, and smiling the whole way…these are just a few of her gifts. Meet Ann Hepp! She’s pictured above with some of my other favorite girls on the 4th of July. She’s on the left in the front row in the cute striped shirt.

Ann, who looks beautiful even in yoga pants and ponytail, is the wife of a “salt of the earth” kind of man named Gerry and the mother of two truly impressive young men, Cole and Clay. Her boys are both students at the University of Dayton, and before that they attended Guerin Catholic High School, which is where I first made her acquaintance. She’s incredibly bright, articulate, thoughtful and positive. I count on her prayers and she counts on mine. Her friendship is a treasure in my life.

A gloriously kind soul, Ann is also a remarkably supportive mother to her two sons. Whether she understands their current passion or not, wherever they’ve decided to dip their toes in the water, nearby you will find their mom cheering them on all the way. She’s confident and conscientious as well as thoughtful and loving. Her sons have inherited these terrific qualities from both of their parents. They are her most impressive and remarkable work for the Lord, in my opinion.

A faith-filled, spiritual woman, Ann just flat gets it. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She stops to help, texts to check in, and she offers to assist. She trained her children to interact with the world in just the same wonderful way. She goes out of her way to be a terrific human, which inspires me always to try and imitate her. When she laughs, I giggle. Her giving heart is made of gold. She’s the kind of person for whom you want to return the favor, precisely because you know she isn’t keeping score.

“Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Our good and gracious God blessed me more richly than I could ever deserve with a friend like Ann. She’s a blessing in my life as well as those of all who know her. I’ll be out of town on vacation for her birthday this year, but trust me, we made it a festival by starting the party early before I head out of town! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY DEAR FRIEND! I LOVE YOU, ANN!!

Enjoy the little things and be joyful, for one day you may look back and realize they were actually the things that mattered. (Unknown)

JULY 12, 2019– She simply warms those around her by genuine smile and cheerful nature. Meet Tara Lutes. When I first met her, she was Tara Stapleton, and one of my sister’s most dear friends in high school. We all attended Lafayette Central Catholic together. Therefore, she spent quite a bit of time at the Dykhuizen house with us and I got to know her and fell in love with her positive energy– a trait she has carried along with her always!

These days, Tara lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Ben Lutes and together they have two children, Henry and Meg. She’s pictured here with her daughter, Meg. A couple years back, I got a message from Tara asking if I happened to know anyone in the area that might be looking for a part time job, as her company had an opening. Since I know Tara has a beautiful soul, I felt comfortable sharing the name of my dear friend, Renee, who has been working there ever since. What’s terrific for me is that I can kind of follow Tara from afar through Renee and keep up to speed.

After college, Tara went to law school and then spent several years working for a big law firm in downtown Indy. She gave that up several years ago for other work, but from what I can see, through it all her personality continues to brighten the lives of all around her. What has always stood out for me about Tara is her hospitality, enthusiasm and sunny disposition. She’s thrilled to see you and you can absolutely count on a warm greeting and a big hug!

“There is no personal charm so great as the charm of a cheerful temperament.” (Henry Van Dyke)

Today as she celebrates her birthday, I just wanted to give a shout out to my old friend, Tara! Thank you for the sunny glow you spread to others, sweet woman! Your two children are utterly blessed to call you mom! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TARA!!

There are no traffic jams along the extra mile. -Roger Staubach

The biggest Xavier University basketball fan I know is Danny O’Malia. He’s pictured above, a year or so ago with my son, Nick, who was interning with the Xavier Athletic Department at the time. When he found out that my oldest son intended to become a Muskie when he graduated from Guerin Catholic, Danny reached out with enthusiasm and made sure that the entire Thieme clan knew that he would be pleased to help Nick in any way with his transition. His genuineness and authenticity are impossible to miss!

A former President of O’Malia Food Markets, Danny is busy these days as “Indy’s Trusted Servant” and an expert on good customer service. He definitely lives what he preaches when it comes to treating others with a smile and genuine hospitality as I have never been treated with anything other than utter graciousness by him.

Danny is the husband to a bubbly and beautiful wife named Rita, and together they raised three amazing daughters– Janet, Shannon and Colleen. Over the years, I got to know him through my friendship with them. He has four grandsons who have been on sports teams with my 3 boys at various times over the years, so it has been my pleasure to cheer those fine young men on, alongside Danny and Rita many, many times.

I’ve spent several sunny afternoons lolly-gagging poolside at his Carmel home. Most of those afternoons, I spent the day there knowing full well that neither Rita or Danny was aware I had even been invited, but knowing always that when they did show up, I would get a big sunny smile and a “So great to see you, Shelly!”

I admire greatly the example of kindness, fortitude, faithfulness and unselfishness displayed by Danny during the years I have known him, but especially since the tragic loss of his daughter Shannon. At a time when I know he was mostly broken, he dug in and loved his family, and leaned hard on the Lord… in every possible way. He’s one of the most supportive grandparents around too!

Danny, I am way overdue to express to you how much I appreciate the positivity and kindness you have always shown the Thieme family! You are a treasure to many!! Thank you for the terrific example of faith and the encouragement you provide to those around you– including me!

Sports contribute to the love of life, and teach sacrifice, respect and responsibility, leading to the full development of every human person. -St. (Pope) John Paul II

When my oldest son was in grade school, he came home from school on jersey day and said that his friend, Joseph Zimmerman, was wearing a Colts jersey with a player number he wasn’t familiar with at all. Joe claimed, he explained further, that the player in question had a connection to their family and to the parish, St. Louis de Montfort. My Nick wasn’t at all sure that this was correct and he wanted me to check on that suspicious claim…ha?!!

A few days later I ran into Joe’s mom, Tina, and I told her about Nick’s curiosity over that #76 jersey. Tina laughed and said, “Well, you might know the family actually. He’s just been signed by the Colts and his name is Joe Reitz!” I said, “Like Jane and Dave Reitz? How cool is that?” She said, “Yes, their son is going to play for the Colts.” As you can imagine, this news was a hit with the testosterone heavy Thieme household.

It wasn’t long before Joe began holding sports camps every year at SLDM, and the Thieme boys still have pictures of themselves propped in little frames in their bedrooms with Joe from those fun and memorable camps that were filled with a great message about faith, family, academics and sports. His successful career in NFL football (and before that in college hoops) has been well-documented, and if I’m honest, this part of his life has very little to do with the reason I’ve chosen to write about him today. However, because he is a fairly public figure, his words and example are noticed more than most, I’d argue, which is why the following really matters even more.

Joe and his beautiful wife, Jill, are clearly faith-filled people. They have a large family full of gorgeous toe-headed kiddos, and as they were sitting behind me at 9:30am mass this morning at OLMC, I was unable to get an accurate head count without turning around to stare like some kind of weird stalker. The kiddos range from newborn to maybe 7 or 8 years old, if I am a good guesser? They are active and squirrely, as well as respectful and (mostly) quiet. I see this stunning family week after week, usually sitting a few rows in front or behind us near the front of church. I can hear Joe organizing who will sit where, or employing a gentle but firm “shush”. They’ve got the zone defense working every single Sunday morning.

It’s flat out impressive and inspiring to see a large, young family engaged in their faith and consistently attending mass. If others wonder sometimes if coming to mass isn’t a bit inconvenient or a scheduling hassle, there’s the Reitz clan providing a beautiful witness of how it’s supposed to be done by their consistency.

As much as I love the work Joe has done over the years to help fight homelessness, or to encourage sick kids, or to inspire young athletes, what makes him a true man of integrity and character in my mind is the way he honors the Lord by his faithfulness. A high profile, but humble man who loves Christ and who is present AND PATIENT every single week with his gorgeous pew full of children at mass is just plain refreshing and encouraging. It’s easy to see he’s a wonderful dad who has his priorities in order. NICELY DONE, JOE AND JILL REITZ!!

“Give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths.” (Epictetus)

In the photo above of the beautiful Wagner family, my friend Susan is pictured second from the left in the striped dress. She’s flanked by son Sam, daughter Lily, husband Ethan, and on the right, (holding the sweet pup) is her oldest son, Jack.

Feisty, positive and colorful are words I would use to describe this gorgeous, music-loving mom of three growing children. I met her a number of years ago and her oldest son, Jack, has been a longtime classmate and friend of my youngest, Zach. They will be in the GCHS Class of 2023 together! Susan has been a very present and involved mom with her 3 cuties during their time at SLDM, and she’s contributed in many meaningful ways in both her church family and the community at large. She’s a Butler Bulldog, and I am pretty sure she grew up in Plainfield? My point is, she’s spent some time here in Central Indiana and knows her way around town. She’s always got fun suggestions on things to see and do!

Particularly impressive to me is the time she has spent volunteering at Prevail, a Noblesville-based organization that advocates for the victims of crime and abuse. If you’d like to know more about this terrific place, which offers crisis intervention and restorative support services for adult, adolescent and child survivors of crime and abuse, visit their website at http://www.prevailinc.org. Susan’s got a big, generous heart and with it she blesses many in her path.

Countless are the times Susan hosted a gaggle of smelly, adorable middle school boys before school dances, or to celebrate birthdays and other fun occasions, and always they left her house smiling and very well-fed. Like yours truly, she enjoys cheering on her kids in their various activities and she is a wonderful witness of what a patient and compassionate mom can inspire. Unlike me, however, she does it while looking just so darn hip and adorable that I have just a little bit of an inferiority complex in her stylish presence, ha?

What I love about Susan is that she isn’t content to stay stagnant. She is always growing and blooming in new ways. The last time I spoke to her, she was taking classes to become a certified Pilates instructor. She explained how much it means to her to be able to help others become healthier and reach their own goals when I quizzed her for more information. It made me smile and think how much the Lord must be pleased with her heart. As life changes and the difficulties of the world settle on Susan, she just digs in to the messiness and lets Him help her bloom all the more gloriously as she redefines her mission by saying, “What’s next?”

Thank you, Susan, for all the time you have given to others as well as the example you have shown to all in your path about what it means to be a loving mom. The world needs as many generous souls as it can get, and your witness is more powerful than you might know! Your friendship is a blessing to me.

Every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you’ll never get back. (Unknown)

About a month or so ago, Coach Jeff Schwegman was asked by an (over zealous) umpire to excuse himself from the dugout during a Cadet CYO baseball game at Scecina High School. What makes this so remarkable and honestly quite funny is the fact that he’s one of the most laid back people I have ever encountered. I’m sure he was bugged, but he laughed it off and cheered from behind the fence. About the only times I have EVER heard him being audibly rattled were at sporting events he was coaching. He’s a smiling, positive, humble and genuine guy– but don’t let that fool you into thinking he’s not competitive! Also, he’s a talented musician and fellow country music lover, which is why he’s on my mind today.

This evening, we made plans to take our youngest, Zach, to his first ever concert– Thomas Rhett. His buddy, Ty Schwegman, is the only genuine country music lover among his close friends, so as a surprise for his birthday, we made plans to enjoy this evening alongside the Schwegman family (pictured above in an old photo from left are Jeff, Laine, Ty and Renee). Presently, I am baking cookies and praying the rain holds off long enough for us to get our groove on out at Ruoff Music Center. As I ponder what on earth I might wear for this event, I couldn’t help thinking of Jeff who will not have put forth much effort at all but who will nevertheless look effortlessly hip. He’s just a jeans and leather play-it-cool kinda guy.

Balance is what life is all about, and Jeff seems to me to do about as good a job as any man with holding on and letting go just the right amount to keep the boat upright and sailing in the right direction. His work ethic is impressive, certainly. More importantly, as a father, he’s present, thoughtful and truly compassionate. Jeff can be counted on to make the most “right” choice available at any given moment. He’s married to one of my favorite women on the planet, and as the song says, “there’s a little bit of devil in her angel eyes”. I’m not worried about that though and neither is he. It appears to me that my friend Jeff knows his is a marriage that is going to catapult him straight to heaven if he plays the cards correctly, ha??!

On numerous occasions over the years, Jeff has schlepped my Z-man to and from various events or let him tag along as an extra member of the family. I always marvel at how attentive, aware and considerate he is when dealing with all the children in his life, but especially his daughter, Laine and his niece, Lilah. A standout athlete who grew up with no sisters, he’s remarkably natural and sensitive.

Jeff is a guy who sees the best in others and lives his life in an unselfish and loving way. He likes to laugh and he’s easy to be around. He is one of those people who doesn’t feel the need to point out his goodness, it just shows. So, here I am not getting any younger, my baby is entering high school, and things are feeling very different than they once were. I find that I just prefer to enjoy the ride while surrounding myself with good people who are good to me, to my people and for my soul. Jeff is one of those folks. THANKS FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP, JEFF! YOUR GOOD HEART MAKES ME SMILE!

“…You make plans and you hear God laughing. Life changes, and I wouldn’t change it for the world…” (Life Changes, Thomas Rhett)

The passionate, energetic Dad in the center of this photo is an old friend of mine, Nick Bazan! Coach Bazan is THE BIGGEST CUBS FAN I have ever met, and I have spent most my life with some pretty big fans of the Chicago Cubs…so that’s saying something! He’s pictured here with his beautiful daughter, Bella (at left) along with his wife Crystal (who everyone calls “Ball”) and his handsome son, Dawson.

Coach Bazan spent some time coaching baseball for my youngest son, Zach, who played alongside Dawson on the fields at Skiles Test, which is on the northeast side of Indianapolis. It was without a doubt the most fun my kid ever had playing baseball, because Coach Bazan is one of the most sunny, sparkling and positive people I have ever encountered. He had nicknames for all the kiddos, and he called Zach “All-American”. There was “Lights Out” Ferrucci, Denzel “The Hammer”, Nick “Lightening” Boltz and “Tough as Nails” Bartlett, for instance. The boys were never referred to by the super boring names we parents gave them, always they were called by their nicknames, which made them smile from ear to ear!

He made them work hard, but they also played hard! He and Coach Ferrucci were a dynamic duo out there with teams that were tough to beat! He had a game I am going to call “Hit the Bucket” and at the end of many practices he would give the kids one chance to throw the ball at the bucket from a distance and if you could do it in one try, then there would be a prize– usually $1 or a piece of candy. The boys LOVED that and looked forward to it with glee!!

As this youngest child of mine heads to high school this fall, he’s looking more grown up all the time. He now stands about 5’10 which makes me the shortest of the Thieme family these days. His voice is so darn low that I feel fairly certain he will be in the bass section in that choir class he signed up to try. My babies have grown up and it has me feeling a little nostalgic today, I suppose, and so grateful for so many of the folks who over the years poured out their hearts and volunteered countless hours for other people’s children.

Nick Bazan stands out among those men for his integrity and quality of character. He just seemed to do it all so that the kids received a dose of the same values and experiences sports gave him. His devotion and passion inspired strength and courage in my son to be the best he could possibly be. I am thankful for you, Nick, and want you to know that the Thieme family has never forgotten you, the amazing and generous Coach Ball or those awesome boys of summer at Skiles!! Bella and Dawson are very blessed young people to call you DAD!

Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal. –George Will