He Never Misses

Category: Catholicism

  • Mad about…Andy

    Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not. –C.S. Lewis

    Day 113 of 365: Andy Durnell

    My friend, Andy, is a charismatic dreamer. Madly in love with his two daughters and with his hand in ten different things all at the same time, this is a former Wabash College “Little Giant” who is gifted at encouraging others. He is pictured below with his talented daughter, Sam, who is a high school senior.

    I came to know Andy Durnell through a mutual friend. I had been hobbling around for some time with a bum knee, and that had me grumpy and discouraged. Andy trains all sorts of folks, and I hear he has a special gift with Parkinson’s patients. I have no doubt that he makes a big difference for them all, just as he has for me. Despite my physical limitations, Andy was able to help me build up enough of the muscles around the offending knee that I was able to get moving and live my life much more normally. He’s a great story teller and he distracted me at just the right moments to get me through some of the more challenging sessions. He did such a good job on that bad knee that I actually think it’s now the good knee! HA!

    Articulate, funny and a lover of our good and gracious God, Andy does a lot of smiling, even when his own life has moments of struggle. He chooses affirming words, little golden nuggets of encouragements, words of life. If even on our worst days, those moments when we fail or feel blue, we can use our giftedness to breathe life into the day of another, I believe that is what the face of Jesus looks like. I’ve been the lucky recipient of some of that generously offered sunshine, and I am truly grateful to the Lord for giving me such a friend.

    I’m not sure exactly what Andy’s plan for his own life might look like today, but I do know that whatever his dream is, God’s got an even bigger one. That’s the way the Lord works, after all. He shapes our tiny plans and makes them something much more, and when we keep talking things out with Him, the Lord makes our dreams one with His own for us.

    Andy, God loves your tender, encouraging heart and the beautiful smile you share with those around you!

    “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person a beautiful thing.” — St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

  • Mad for…Rosie

    For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes I him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16)

    On this Good Friday 2019, I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Rosie Zatkulak. She’s the beautiful brunette on the right in this photo. She’s pictured here with her handsome husband and her five terrific children.

    Rosie’s defining quality is her incredible faith. If I know any woman who understands what it means to love and serve the Lord, this is her. In all she does, she exudes warmth and gratitude. It’s clearly born of the understanding that Jesus laid down His life for her. The beauty of her authentic faith is STUNNING. I simply cannot do it justice here. I have never once had a chat with Rosie which did not start or end with a prayer. Her relationship with the Lord is one that inspires me to continue to work on my own. She is a fierce woman of God and a prayer warrior that I am incredibly blessed to call friend!

    She’s fun-loving, humorous, and madly in love with her gorgeous family. She’ll be just the most terrific grandmother! She’s as generous and thoughtful as she is completely silly. We got to know each other better several years ago when I noticed her hobbling around. I can’t recall if she was on crutches or in a wheelchair, but her movement was seriously impaired. I approached her after daily mass and asked her if I could help her get groceries or run errands. She looked at me like I was her guardian angel and immediately said, “Yes!” We promptly went to Kroger together. If you know me, you realize this was truly a work of mercy on my part…because I really, truly LOATHE the Kroger experience.

    God knows what He’s doing though, because I needed the wisdom of a faithful woman, and she apparently needed someone to reach the high shelf at Kroger and to help her dye her hair! HA!!

    Over the years we have shared our joys and our sorrows over many cups of coffee. We’ve laughed and we’ve cried together, but this woman is my sister in Christ, a friend handed to me by the Lord. So, today, on Good Friday when I am overflowing with gratefulness for so much, I just wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU, ROSIE for being a faith-filled treasure in my life! I love you!

    “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything, tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” (Phililppians 4:6)

  • Mad for…Robin

    What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family. –St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

    Apparently, for Day 100 of 365, it’s National Siblings Day! So, for those of you who have been following along my little “Mad for 2019” adventure, today is your lucky day! Today, you get to meet my sister! Above left, there I am, and on the right is my little sister, Robin, aka “Fav Sis”, “Great Robino” or “Robbi Jo” among other monikers. She’s my one and only sibling, which is why we often jokingly refer to each other as “Fav Sis.” Get it? Ha?

    The Great Robino and I are alike in virtually no ways whatsoever. She’s a brilliant science mind, while I am better with adjectives. She’s quiet, while I have volume control issues. She’s exacting and careful with her words and I am….hmmm….more likely to call on colorful language? I’m obnoxiously prompt, and let’s just say Robin is on a more relaxed time frame. In high school, Rob was literally the queen of everything. If they placed a crown on the head of the pretty girl for an occasion, she was the one selected. I was more the class officer type. She’s still as gorgeous as ever, by the way but her hair isn’t as big! The funny thing about Robin was that she never seemed to see it coming. She’s always been very unassuming, kind, and sunny.

    Robin lives in Chicagoland (Naperville, IL actually) and is the mother of two girls, Maddie and Ellie. She’s also the wife of my pretty fantastic brother-in-law, Chris Beck. My incredibly gifted nieces are truly spectacular young ladies in large part because of the thoughtful and loving way they have been raised by my sister and Chris. Maddie is now a high school freshman at nearby St. Francis and Ellie is a 6th grader at All Saint’s. They share the kind and compassionate heart of their mom for sure! I am so incredibly proud of my sis for the way she has conducted her life and how she is raising her girls to be integrity-filled, hard-working and so full of love for others. They are a reflection of her in 1000 ways.

    We don’t often get extended time together, but it doesn’t take long for the laughter to ensue when we are in one place. Few people can draw out the giggles in me like Robin can. I have a “next level” of laughter where I am unable to breathe because I am laughing so hard and I begin to fan myself thinking that will help. Usually, when it happens, that fit of cackling has been brought on by my sister. By virtue of the childhood we shared, we are deadly if teamed together in games like “Catch Phrase”. We seem to be able to read each other’s minds. It creepy. I treasure those silly sister moments.

    Robin is a soft-hearted, intelligent, capable, faithful and thoughtful woman. She was my first friend. We spent endless hours when we were little playing with dolls on a blanket in the yard, and we would sit up staring at the Christmas tree together at 5am hoping Mom and Dad would wake up, so eager were we to tear into our presents. Collectively, I am pretty sure we know all the lyrics to every Christmas song ever, and we do a mean impression of the Lennon Sisters. We helped each other blow out the candles on a lot of birthday cakes over the years and we spent many summers cheering each other on softball diamonds.

    I wish I could say I treated her like she deserved when we were younger, but the truth is, I was a stinker sometimes as older siblings can be. I definitely didn’t always want her at my slumber parties. Later as teenagers, I used to constantly threaten to leave for school without her. I may or may not have made her chase me down the driveway a few times out of frustration. I’m “Type A” a little more than a little and in a totally unattractive way from time to time. Of course now, I realize how short-sighted and selfish that thinking was. You see, Robin, no matter how many miles separate us, is a treasure in my life. She’s a genuine and positive person, a friend for life. I love her without condition and utterly to the center of myself. I am incredibly proud to be her sister! HAPPY SIBLINGS DAY, FAV SIS! I LOVE YOU EVEN MORE THAN I LOVE THE MOVIE “WHITE CHRISTMAS.” 🙂

  • Mad for…Denise

    We become what we love. Who we love shapes what we become. –St. Clare of Assisi

    Observers of people such as myself often find ourselves “spying” on the same subjects. Over time, certain people intrigue us by their personal habits, charming dispositions and winning smiles. Today, I have chosen one of those folks to affirm. While we have crossed paths a little, Denise Lunsford and I are not friends. Nevertheless, her loveliness has drawn me in for a number of years, and this week as she celebrates her birthday, I wanted to share with the world what I’ve observed about Denise.

    By way of a confession, (in a rather Kevin Bacon degrees of separation) kind of fashion, I do know a little more about Denise than a stranger might. We share a mutual friend from whom I have soaked in a touch more knowledge through my queries over the years. That said, the faithfulness and compassionate heart I first noticed in Denise are observations all my own.

    Denise is a loving, loyal wife, as well as a devoted mother and grandmother. Her husband, Paul, is a Deacon for the Catholic Church and he serves at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel where both he and Denise are active members. This commitment on his part is also a very large sacrifice for the Lord that has been undertaken joyfully by Denise. That, folks, is an impressive and lovely gift she has given to Jesus. I quite often spot her at 8am daily masses. She exudes a certain gentleness and peace. I’m sure its that same part of her temperament which suits her well as she serves others by her involvement at the Children’s TherAplay Foundation. A woman who spends her energy for other people’s children is always going to grab my heartstrings.

    When Denise was fighting health issues some time back, many of us were praying for her. Since I strongly believe in the power of prayer, I’m certain they provided her exactly what she needed as she fought her personal health challenges. However, what was so impressive to me as an outsider was how she prayerfully and confidently leaned on the Lord during that time. Perhaps interiorly, she didn’t feel as peaceful as she looked, but the witness that made it to my heart was this one. As I watched and prayed from a distance, I thought to myself…that is a woman who has chosen to take a deep breath and trust in God. Whatever is worrying her right now, she’s choosing to let the Lord have it. Though she must have on some level been stressed out, it’s not what she projected at all. HOW BEAUTIFUL!

    Denise, I am a big believer in the “birthday festival” so I’ve decided to stretch the event out a few days. I hope that your family celebrated you in a BIG way, because your life is absolutely a lovely witness to others in so many ways you can never know. Just by doing you, others are touched by the Holy Spirit. Thanks for breathing a little Jesus in my direction over time! I think you are both inspiring and a phenomenal woman of God!

  • Mad for…Bill

    My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor 12:9)

    Several years ago when our sons were junior high age, I met Bill and Diane Akers. Their son, Drew, was on the SLDM CYO football team with my oldest. They were familiar faces from church and I had watched the family from afar. It was a fun group of boys that year on the gridiron, but nothing of consequence happened to further any relationship there between the Akers and Thieme families. Still, Bill always had a warm, welcoming smile, and that’s what I remember of him from that time.

    Bill is a guy who does for others. He works for the Carmel Police Department. Over the years, Bill has officiated at countless CYO basketball games held in the St. Louis de Montfort gym. I have often noticed him kindly guiding young athletes and explaining the rules to others who seem confused about his whistle. His authenticity and sunny disposition always shines in that setting! He is a faith-filled man, ever present as mass with his family and participating as a liturgical minister.

    When I learned about a year ago that his son, Drew, had been very seriously injured in a tragic accident while on Spring Break in Florida with some of his Ball State friends…my heart felt pierced. Perhaps it’s because my own son is similar in age, or maybe it was the Holy Spirit calling me to prayer. I’m not sure, but I know that getting a call like the one I know they received is truly a parent’s worst nightmare. As they traveled to Florida, I prayed. As they posted updates, I prayed. During the long months of rehab for Drew Akers, he remained a fixture on my prayer list. I know that there were literally HUNDREDS of us prayer warriors who were trying in our own small ways to support this faith-filled man and his family.

    What was incredibly inspiring to me and to many over the long road back for Drew (who is now getting ready to graduate from Ball State, by the way) was the way Bill openly shared his trust in the Lord. He was gracious when prayers were offered, authentic about his worries, and steadfast in the way he leaned on God through it all. It was a very public ordeal, and one that I am certain the Lord used to bring many to Him through the beautiful witness of Bill Akers and his entire family.

    This week as Bill celebrates his birthday, I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for the beautiful faithfulness you shared with the entire community over the last year. You are clearly an incredibly loving husband and father, and I can’t help thinking how obviously Jesus is smiling as He looks at you! I hope your birthday “festival” continues all week! HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, BILL AKERS!!

    p.s, Please tell Lauren we said, great choice kid! BOILER UP!

  • Mad for…Ted

    A strong friendship doesn’t need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part. (Unknown)

    Our roots will always be tangled, and the truth of that makes me smile. Meet Ted Stumpf. In the photo of two pretty handsome guys above, the completely lovely Xavier Plascencia is on the left and my lifelong friend, Teddy Bear, is that tall drink of water on the right.

    When we were kids, our two families were inseparable. All of our summer vacations and every New Year’s Eve were spent together. Ted’s an only child, and I have one younger sister, Robin. The three of us were often left to our own devices for many hours on end, and one of our favorite pastimes when we were little was playing “office”. My poor sis was left in the outer office, permanent secretary of this fictitious corporation, and Ted and I were, naturally, Co-Presidents. Neither of us had any desire to be anyone’s underling, that’s for sure. We were nerdy type A kids, ya think? Honestly, I don’t know why my amazing sis, the great Robino, put up with us and our bossing for years on end. We might have been a tad insufferable. However, we three were always happy being together.

    There were several years of “junior naturalist” certifications from the Kentucky State Park system that were earned in classes we attended, of our own volition, while our parents slept in during trips I will not soon forget. We organized talent shows, plays and other creative adventures each New Year’s eve. What I’m trying to say is that Ted was a groomsman in my wedding because, frankly, I think of him as my brother. I will love him always.

    Ted’s got a BIG personality. On the trolley ride from St. Lawrence Church to the wedding reception destination, it was Theo that decided we should stop for more champagne– like a LOT OF IT. My memories are a tad hazy, therefore, about our arrival, but I do recall my mother and mother-in-law glaring just a tiny bit at our obvious shenanigans. Also, I recall lots of smiling and giggling and fun. That’s my Teddy Bear. He knows how to throw a party, and he knows how to enjoy one!

    He’s a genius in the kitchen, and he can reorganize interior spaces with the furnishings already present, and they ALWAYS look incredible. He’s so intelligent– just incredibly bright! He gives the best hugs and has the most genuine smile. Ted has never shied away from hard work, and he’s a man filled with integrity and warmth. He’s compassionate and caring, the kind of guy we all wish we had as a friend.

    Ted lives near Napa, CA, which is way too far away for me to give him the in person birthday hug he deserves today. So, this little shout out will have to do. Ted? You are precious, and when the Lord counts up his heavenly treasures, he counts you…just like I do! I love you! Happy Birthday, Ted!!

    “…The Lord, your God, has chosen you from all the people on the face of the earth to be specially his own.” –Dt. 14:2

  • Mad for…Jen

    Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering. –Steve Maraboli

    The world needs more sassy extroverts like my friend, Jen Osborn. She and her husband Chris live in Fishers and they have three pretty fantastic kids– Emma, Josh, and Sam. Above, she is pictured with her middle son, Josh, who will graduate from high school this year.

    The quote above I read some time ago and I tucked it aside for today. It speaks pretty loudly to me and it reminds me of Jen. I almost ran a different and very applicable quote with which I am sure most of you are familiar. They are the words of Shakespeare. “And though she be but little, she is FIERCE.” Truer words were never spoken about a human. It’s as if Shakespeare met Jen just before penning them. Ha?!

    Jen impresses me with her mad Excel spreadsheet organization and how driven she is working for the success of the insurance agency she owns with her husband. However, she inspires me by her authenticity, integrity, confidence and gratitude. She seems to attack life with enthusiasm and joy. Being around her makes me smile!

    I’m sure you’ve seen Jen in the gym at Guerin Catholic if you have attended a basketball game there the last few years. If you haven’t met her yet, you really should go introduce yourself because she is a total gem. However, I’d advise you wait until halftime. This gal, not unlike yours truly, is a fairly intense sports fan. If she came to the game, she’s there to see it! Meeting her will be worth the wait, though, because she’s a woman who just never seems to tire and who doesn’t seem discouraged by the struggles of life. She’s simply always hopeful. Numerous times I’ve heard her say things like, “Well, it’s not okay yet, but it WILL BE,” or “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Trust me, your life will be better by making her acquaintance!

    Jen is generous and compassionate, which means her family is truly blessed. Becoming her friend helped me to realize that the Lord invites us each to live the day intentionally and with vibrant enthusiasm. JEN, I am honored to share my birthday with a woman filled with such sunshine! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRIEND!!

  • Mad for…Ange

    God sends us friends to be our firm support in the whirlpool of struggle. In the company of friends we will find strength to attain our sublime ideal. (St. Maximilian Kolbe)

    She sings and shines through both the shadows and the sunshine of life. She’s generous, funny and thoughtful. Meet my friend, Ange Bailey. This week, we are in the middle of her birthday festival, so today I’d like to take a moment to show some love to one of the most gracious women I know!

    I met Ange many years ago. She has two children, Michael and Katie, who are the same ages as my two oldest children. They were classmates of Drew and Nick all the way from grade school at St. Louis de Montfort through the four years at Guerin Catholic. Actually, Drew and Michael are Boilermakers and Pi Kapps together. Ange and I will be headed to Tippecanoe County to share Mom’s Day with the Pi Kapp guys next weekend, in fact!

    I don’t know how many crock pots Ange owns, but I’m not sure she ever has all of them in her home at the same time. If you’ve ever been ill, or mourning, or just in need of some TLC and you live in Central Indiana, the chances are that Ange has cooked you a meal or baked you something sweet and delicious. My youngest son, Zach, actually has cravings for her cake pops which she has been known to assuage out of just plain goodness. She’s a genius in the kitchen, but its her big compassionate heart that drives her to cook! She knows how to walk beside others who need to know they matter and that they are loved. Her witness in this area is stunning and it is beautiful. She inserts herself and her yummy meals without fanfare, but always with attention to detail and a face full of joy.

    In recent months, the weather in her own life has been a bit stormy. At moments when I know that if I had been walking in her shoes, I might have fallen apart, Ange turned to the Lord, to prayer, and to faith-filled friends and family. She was humble enough to say, “I can’t do this by myself”, and so therefore, I have watched with wonder as our good and gracious God has filled her to overflowing with grace beyond reason. She has remained upbeat and grateful for all her blessings. Should this surprise me? It should not. Ange has long been an active member of her parish, serving on the parish council and in various roles, but in my opinion, none have been more important than her role as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. I think it’s her sincere love and devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist that has sustained her.

    To me, Ange is just so inspiring. Her legs got a little wobbly, but guess what? She kept walking. She knew that when we reach up to Him, our Lord is anxious to reach down and carry us close to His heart. A friend like Ange is a treasure beyond words. Ange, I hope your birthday week is filling your cup to overflowing with blessings. I love you, friend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

  • Mad for…Ty

    Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy…The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Ps 126: 2-3)

    See that handsome kid in the center of the photo above? He’s wearing a T.Y. Hilton jersey for a reason! That’s Ty Schwegman, one of Zach’s closest buddies and a terrific young man. Today is his 14th birthday!

    I chose the scripture quote above for Ty’s birthday today because I love the way he laughs and smiles through life! Ty is a silly, outgoing young man who always has a great grin on his face. He’s the younger brother of Laine and the son of Jeff and Renee Schwegman. Tragically, despite the influence of his amazing Godmother, Cindy Lamping (a Purdue women’s basketball legend), Ty was raised by IU fans. His love of the Hoosiers is truly his one large and unfortunate flaw! Ha?!

    As a friend, Ty is top notch. He’s loyal, kind, and he laughs a lot. Few people can make my young “Eeyore” giggle like this kid can. It warms my heart. He’s joy-filled, bright and thoughtful. As a cousin to young Max and Lilah Cruz, Ty is remarkably gifted, supportive and patient. He has a huge heart for others, a quality I have noticed since he was just a little guy. He treats others– no matter who they are– with respect. He seems to be immune to the “I’m too cool for you” phase some young people fall into during this time of life. It would be an easy trap to fall into for a young man who is handsome, popular with his peers, smart and athletic. However, his priorities seem to be faith, family and friends. It’s so refreshing and a pretty awesome tribute to the parents who have raised him.

    Also, Ty’s a talented pitcher and infielder…and wow does he love a big juicy steak. He’s an integrity-filled young man who is a pleasure to have around. Today, on his birthday, I wanted to let him know that I love the way he shines!! The world rings with your laughter! Thank you, Ty, for being such a joy to be around. The entire Thieme family is crazy about you, kid! We can’t wait to cheer you on the next four years as a Guerin Catholic Golden Eagle! #SLDMClassof2019 #GCHSClassof2023

  • Mad for…Lee Ann

    Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see. It is just a tiny spark that whispers ever so softly, “You got this. Keep going.”

    Day 80 of 365.

    Do you see these two glorious sisters basking in sunshine? On the left is one of my dearest friends on the planet, Lisa Houze. On the right is her gorgeous sister, Lee Ann Zwiebel. Today is Lee Ann’s birthday, so I wanted to post a little shout out to her awesomeness as a little gift!

    Lee Ann and I are acquainted just a bit. I’ve spent a few stolen moments with her over the years as our lives have intersected now and then. Lee Ann is a fiery and competitive sports lover, and her game is volleyball– a sport she’s poured herself into over many years. Often, she posts inspiring quotes on her social media and sometimes I write them down. Always, they speak to me about strength, attitude, and being an encourager to those around us. I find her obvious fierceness and positivity to be inspiring.

    Lee Ann is a bright and articulate wife and mother of two. Her daughters, Anna and Lara, are simply some of the very best young people around. It takes a special and devoted mom to raise daughters who are as integrity-filled as these two. She’s supportive and loving, and her children reflect her in their kindness and stunning compassion for others. As women go, Lee Ann is not hard on the eyes. She’s stunningly beautiful. However, what makes her truly gorgeous is her integrity and the quality of her character.

    Do you know what else is pretty fantastic about Lee Ann? She’s joyful and very funny! Her sense of humor is immediately apparent upon meeting her and people who make me laugh are among my very favorite, because laughing is my favorite thing!!

    Lee Ann, I hope your birthday is a fantastic one, because your life is just SO WORTH CELEBRATING in a BIG WAY! Thank you for the sunshine and giggles! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!