He Never Misses

Category: Catholicism

  • Mad for…Mireille

    Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play. –Henri Matisse

    Day 69 of 365.

    She loves life in such a contagious way that, as you can see, it even comes through in a photo of her! Meet Mireille Wannemuehler. She’s a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and a friend to many…to name a few of her most important roles.

    I met Mireille when she was teaching. Now retired, she spent many years as the art teacher at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School. Make no mistake about it, Mireille is as joyful in person as she looks in this photo and also she is a creative genius. She’s a truly talented artist who generously has shared that gift with her parish family over the years!

    Mireille is the owner of an infectious, welcoming smile and one of the absolute best laughs I’ve ever heard. It’s just so incredibly genuine. She’s beautifully gentle and compassionate. She sees the very best in others, and she’s just the most loving mother who raised very impressive young women! She’s charming and she’s one of those people who is the barometer of goodness. Truly.

    Mireille is faith-filled. Her love of the Lord oozes from her without any effort whatsoever. Perhaps without even knowing it, Mireille is the face of Christ to all in her path. I’ve long admired her and have failed to say so….until today!

    Thank you, Mireille, for being a beacon of sunshine for my boys and all the children for all those years at SLDM. Also, though, I find myself grateful for the great gift of being the recipient of your smile so many time….in Fishers and also when we’ve run into you in South Haven, Michigan over the years. You are a truly fine human being and my life and that of my family are so much better for knowing you!!

  • Mad for…Shelley

    The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. -Dr. Suess

    Day 68 of 365.

    A Brooklyn, New York native, Shelley Bethel might be far from home, but she seems to me to be living her best life here in central Indiana! This sassy gal is boldly smart, sunny and a little saucy too! She’s got a smile that’s a mile wide and the warmest hug around. In short, Shelley is a fine human being, mom to Bryson, Jackson and Addy and wife to Mike. Her children are respectful and full of personality. In my book, both of these are signs of excellent parenting. There is just so much to admire about Shelley.

    Though I have only known Shelley a short time, I have a tremendous amount of respect for her for so many reasons. As the mother of 3 very busy children, her energy is tireless. There is ALWAYS a sporting event to attend or a practice to manage. When you add to that the fact that she works a job that never allows a human free time and two of her kiddos are diabetic (with all the added stress and responsibility of managing their health), I find myself a little in awe. I’m sure it’s much, much harder than she makes it look.

    Shelley is a teacher and a tireless advocate for the value of books and reading for children. That’s why I chose the sweet Dr. Suess quote to feature as I attempt to honor her today! If you’ve learned anything about me by now during my little 2019 blog project, it’s that I hold ALL TEACHERS in the highest possible regard. Blessed are the children who find Shelley Bethel leading their classroom!

    Finally, my friend Shelley is a faithful woman and a recent convert to the Catholic Church. She’s pictured above with her pretty terrific sponsor, Lisa Finn. Shelley is prayerful and has a lovely, compassionate heart for others. She’s not afraid to ask for help when she needs it, a quality I admire greatly, because it highlights her authentic humility. I am praying often that her conversion to our shared faith will continue to lead her to the Lord!

    Mostly, Shelley makes me smile and laugh. She doesn’t seem to take life too seriously, and with all of her responsibilities I find that an inspiring witness. THANK YOU SHELLEY, for your fine example of what it means to be a terrific wife, mother, teacher and friend! I hope my little shout out today helps you remember what an utterly beloved daughter you are of our Most High God! Hugs to you, Shelley!!

  • Mad for…Kelli

    A nation that kills its children in the womb has lost its soul. –St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

    Meet Kelli Wilson. As you can see, Kelli is a wife and mother of four young adults. She’s a gal I have admired from a distance for some time. I’ve watched her cheer on her kids and I’ve witnessed her even more in constant motion in her work role at Guerin Catholic High School where she is the Director of Admissions.

    It takes a special, sunny and very selfless person to flourish in this position at a Catholic High School. One must be thick-skinned and just a vigorous person full of energy and positivity in order to succeed. There are so many details to handle and communicate, and even more people who need someone to hold their hand through the process. Without her natural vitality, Guerin Catholic would be missing such an important piece of the puzzle. Her attitude is one of service and selflessness, which makes her a terrific witness to all those around her for how God wishes us to treat others.

    Over the years, I have sent her MANY emails that basically said “SOS”. Kelli always comes through to help in a timely fashion and she seems to wave off the hassle of yet another parent who “missed the memo” that I’m fairly certain she sent me several times already. Her patience and kindness shine!

    I admire Kelli for her genuine smile and authentic warmth, which is always on display. She’s a faith-filled woman and that shows in all she does. She’s been a vocal supporter of justice for all life from conception through natural death, which is both beautiful and courageous. That is why I chose the quote above to honor her today. It’s the one on display on some of her social media, an act which is meaningful and brave.

    Thank you, Kelli, for being a wonderful example in your life of how to treat others. Your trademark smile and warmth always inspire in me a desire to try and be just as hospitable as you are to the Thieme family each time we interact with you! When you treat folks like that, it surely draws families to GC and also to Christ. We are grateful for you!

  • Mad for…Bill

    SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS, BE A CARRIER.

    Bill Grace, left, with his grandson Cooper!

    Day 65 of 365.

    If there was ever a man I should have honored YESTERDAY, on Fat Tuesday, it’s Bill Grace. But, we’re still close enough, so I’m going for it anyway! You see Bill is a Louisiana native, RABID LSU FAN, and Mardi Gras is more than just near and dear to this joyful man. Just like New Orleans itself is such a unique city with its multi-lingual heritage and striking creole cuisine, so is “Mayor Bill” an unforgettable and unrepeatable character!

    A decade or more ago when I met him, I believe he had already proclaimed himself “Mayor Bill” and he remains to this day the Mayor of the Lakes of Hazel Dell subdivision on the east side of Carmel. We lived several years a few door down from the Mayor and the man knows a thing or two he could share with the rest of the politicians out there. He’s a man of both compassion and integrity.

    If smiles are contagious, then Bill Grace is a carrier. He’s funny, genuine, and knows how to enjoy life! He loves to run and he takes an extreme amount of pride in his yard, which is always spectacular. When the snow begins to fall, one can count on Bill to be making his way up and down the streets clearing sidewalks and driveways for others. His thoughtfulness is an impressive gift to the community.

    Bill is a husband to Leslie, as well as a doting father and grandfather. His family has known it’s share of suffering, but Bill always plows ahead with a positive, can-do attitude during any kind of storm. He’s the kind of guy who somehow seems to be able to stand in its midst and remain steadfast. His family is truly blessed by him, and so are all who have spent any time near him. He’s one of the good guys, and those are folks worth celebrating!

    Thank you, Bill, for your simple gift of joy and goodness to those around you. We could all stand to be inspired and share a little more of the same in our own little corner of the world! I think you make such a positive difference in the world and I wanted to say so…even if I am a day late! You, sir, are THE REAL DEAL! Here’s hoping your Mardi Gras 2019 was spectacular! #GeauxTigers

  • Mad for…Deacon Paul

    The joy promised by the Beatitudes is the very joy of Jesus himself: a joy sought and found in obedience to the Father, and in the gift of self to others. (St. John Paul II)

    • Denise and Paul Lunsford

    Day 61 of 365.

    When I first laid eyes on Paul Lunsford, he was speaking to a group of junior high parents, and my children were all still in grade school. He was not yet an ordained Deacon at that time, but he was a man whose joy for the Lord was manifest in the passion with which he spoke of his mission at Guerin Catholic High School. He was both driven and funny, and his booming voice filled the room. His obvious enthusiasm for Catholic education and our shared faith was contagious.

    Deacon Paul is a devoted and loving husband to his faith-filled and terrific wife, Denise, as well as a doting father and grandfather. He’s a quick-witted guy with a self-deprecating sense of humor. If a scoop of vanilla ice cream is good, then Deacon Paul is a chocolate sundae with whipped cream and sprinkles on top. There’s nothing bland about him. He’s courageous, confident and kind. He has a contagious laugh, and when he preaches he uses his smile and warmth to draw folks in with his accessible, articulate style.

    True beauty in a human, to me, is about watching someone talk about something they really love with passion in their eyes. Those are the kinds of people who make impossible things happen. Jesus has used this man over and over to be his face and his hands, because what Deacon Paul is passionate about is our Lord and Savior. Isn’t that absolutely awesome?

    Deacon Paul? Thank you for the passion and enthusiasm with which you live your life. You are a terrific witness about the fact that while we all struggle and make great sacrifices to accomplish meaningful things in this life, our tireless exertion and passionate concern on behalf of our good and gracious God should be joy-filled tasks that leave us perhaps a little sweaty, but smiling broadly. I am grateful to you for your service to our beloved Church.

  • Mad for…Chris

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23)

    Awaken to the B.E.S.T. is a women’s ministry held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel. Awaken offers spiritual and scripture based opportunities for women who desire to deepen and share their Catholic faith in God. As I have previously stated, I might be the last woman in the Carmel deanery to not have attended this enormously successful program. One of it’s presenters is my friend, Chris Moss.

    • Chris, Nick, Bill and Lexi Moss

    Day 60 of 365.

    Chris is the mother of two. Her son, Nick, is a sophomore at Purdue University and her daughter, Lexi, is finishing up her senior year in high school at Guerin Catholic. They are fantastic and character filled kiddos, undoubtedly, because in part, they were loved by a selfless and faith-filled mother. Husband, Bill, is a peach of a human himself who once bought my sons dinner at the famous Triple XXX Restaurant (because he saw their GC clothing) on Purdue’s campus…and absolutely made their day! Nick and Lexi are two blessed young people to be raised in such a loving family.

    I saw the scripture passage above today as I was doing some reading and it made me think to myself about how I am a little short-handed on some of those fruits of the Spirit in my own life. When I contemplated who I knew that most embodied them all, I came up with Chris.

    Chris is a bona-fide Jesus girl, and also just incredibly authentic, kind, and good. She’s funny and self-deprecating, and just the definition of a lovely woman of God. She’s one of those people I know who I’ve always wished I knew a bit better. Her breath-taking smile, and her genuine laughter provide warmth that lights any room she’s in. The Lord knocked, and Chris answered and then He moved right on in. That’s what I see when I look at Chris.

    Thank you, Chris, for inspiring in me a desire to love the Lord by the friendly, welcoming and sunny way you always greet me– and everyone in your path! You, my dear, are the beautiful face and hands of Jesus to so many and you DEFINITELY make your corner of the world a more godly place to inhabit. I’m grateful to call you friend. BOILER UP!!

  • Mad for…Chase

    A sense of humor…is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. — Hugh Sidey

    • Chase Barrett

    Day 59 of 365.

    As I sit here watching the Xavier vs. St. John’s basketball game, I find it impossible not to think of my sports loving oldest son and his Muskie friends down in Cincy. That led me to the decision to write about Chase Barrett today.

    The consummate extrovert, Chase is a clown who’s never met a stranger. He’s gregarious, approachable and unrestrained. He’s a fanatical sports fan with a sense of humor that I simply can’t do justice to here. Knowing he’s down there in Cincy with Nick means I never worry things are dull and I am certain smiling is always going to be part of the situation.

    Everyone needs a friend like Chase, but not because of the reasons I’ve shared above. As fantastic as they are, the thing that stands out to me the most about Chase is his kindness and the quality of his character. Allow me to share with you how I know this.

    Not long after Nick began his studies at Xavier, and long before they became close friends, Nick found himself in no small amount of pain. He ended up in the ER at nearby Good Samaritan Hospital. This young Muskie, Chase Barrett, began texting me from the hospital. What we thought would be a very short visit ended up lasting most the night– it was kidney stones. I was a few hours away, too late to get myself there in time to help. This kid (and another friend, Ben) stayed up all night and reported in often to this very worried mom until I could get to Nick. The compassion and integrity that demonstrated speaks much more loudly than I could about what kind of caring young man he is.

    I could share more about the quality young adult that is Chase Barrett, but I believe it’s clear enough now. Chase? THANK YOU for looking out for my silly son and for being a light, providing sunshine to everyone around you. There’s always a hot meal and a warm bed for you whenever you visit Indy, kiddo. For you, I am grateful! LET’S GO X!!!

  • Mad for…Joey

    “I wish to sow courage, hope and enthusiasm…” -St. Pope John Paul II

    Day 58 of 365.

    Meet Joey Cobb. She’s the mother of Jensen and the wife to Cam. She’s a small town girl at heart who now lives in Carmel. She’s been teaching PE at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School for as long as I can remember. I have been observing her since my 21 year old college junior was a little guy in his navy blue school uniform pants, and also prior to the arrival of her athletic and boisterous son you see pictured above. I swear to you, she’s not aged one ounce in this time. It’s truly unfair.

    The world has this idea of what beauty is, and as you can see from her smile which lights up the page, Joey is certainly that. However, the reason I think she is breath-taking and altogether beautiful has much more to do with the content of her heart and her character. Can you imagine trying to know the names of nearly 500 students? Well, like most elementary schools, SLDM has only one PE teacher. This one is creative, joyful, enthusiastic and fun! Also, she knows her students. All of them. They matter to her and the children know that. She’s genuine and impressive.

    Joey loves country music, cheering for her little athlete, and she loves weekends at the lake. She’s into boating and tennis and laughing. Joey is a joyful person, and a shining light with a lovely disposition. One needs that when attempting to “herd cats”, which is what it looks to me like one must do when teaching physical education to pre-schoolers. Also, she’s got to design meaningful curriculum IN A GYM for hormonal 14-year old 8th graders that leave them in one piece at the end of class. That’s a skill set that crosses a wide swath, folks. It gives me hives thinking about it, if I’m honest.

    Mrs. Cobb has long been a favorite of SLDM kiddos, and it’s not simply because PE is widely considered to be the greatest subject school ever invented (this according to my extremely unscientific survey). It’s because Joey loves the children. You can’t fake that.

    Joey, I’m LOOOONG overdue to say THANK YOU for the kindness you have shown the Thieme boys and many hundreds of families over many years. You, my dear woman, are an altogether beautiful human being! We are grateful for you!

  • Mad for…Kim

    Put yourself in God’s hands; He abandons no one. -St. Andre Bessette

    This is such a sweet photo of Kim Murray with her husband, Pat. Truth be told, I don’t know either one of them very well. Our kids were high school friends who went to a few dances together, though, so we are mildly acquainted. However, I am an observer of people and what I can see from a distance about Kim is crystal clear. We can all see that she is a stunningly beautiful woman with a truly genuine smile. More than that, though, she is a woman of God…a fellow Jesus girl.

    Kim’s the mother of 6 children who very obviously love and serve the Lord, an animal lover, a sweet thoughtful woman, and TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY! Allow me to share with you a little peek at her quiet compassion and faithfulness as I aim to honor her on her special day!

    Some weeks back, I was diagnosed with cancer. Just a few weeks later, we learned this was in fact the wrong diagnosis, however during this time word spread. I ran into Kim at a daily mass we both happened to be attending at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. I went to say hello and assured her of my prayers for her family, and she inquired about the rumor she had heard about me. It was a brief but lovely chat.

    A few days later on my way down the driveway to grab my mail, I noticed Kim in her big pickup truck dropping something off. She explained that she wanted to share some of this “Oil of St. Joseph” that her husband had brought home from a trip to Canada. She explained a bit about the family having a devotion to St. Andre Bessette and that Pat had made a pilgrimage to the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, and that offering prayers through the intercession of St. Andre and St. Joseph might be a powerful aid to me. The gesture was incredibly humbling and utterly filled with faith and compassion. I was truly moved.

    A lover of saints, this surprise delivery also caused me to explore the life of St. Andre, who I now consider a friend. As often happens when I meet new saints, I was captivated by his humility and holiness while I read about his life. His physical weakness or meager background did not deter him from becoming a truly amazing man of God. His story inspired me, and I have Kim to thank for the introduction.

    Your little kindness was not small to me, Kim Murray, and I suspect similar acts of love leave others in your wake feeling like you are also the face of Christ to them as you “do your day”. I am grateful to you for reminding me that when we stoop down to lift up, reach out, pray, drive out of your way for the sake of another, we really are doing the Lord’s work. Your kindness left me feeling that Jesus was walking alongside and I am grateful.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIM!!

    Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40)

  • Mad for…Brian

    Do not lose any time. Do good, do all the good you can ad you will never regret doing it. Forget the services you have rendered to others, but not those rendered to you. –St. John Bosco

    • Brian Thieme, left, with his beautiful family!

    Day 56 of 365.

    Note from the author: Some of you have noticed by now, but others continue to ask, so allow me to explain once again the reason for my daily entries. I decided at the start of 2019 that I would try to inject some positivity into my tiny corner of the world (and social media) by writing a few paragraphs each day about a different person who I think makes a positive difference for us all by the way they live their life. Today, I have chosen Brian Thieme. Read on if you are so inclined.

    He’s a just man, upright, and faithful. He’s the father of five and husband to Sarah. Meet Brian Thieme. Brian is the cousin of my husband, Tom. Along with his son, David, he runs Thieme & Wagner Brewing in Lafayette. It’s been quite a labor of love for the family, opening this spot in my hometown. Brian’s an extremely likeable guy, funny, unassuming and absolute without any sense of entitlement whatever. Like most the Thiemes, Brian knows all about a good beer and he shines in the role of proprietor of the terrific bar because he inherited from his Dad his most authentic good nature.

    What I love about Brian is that he is kind, welcoming and compassionate. He seems to do all the little things in a way that to me glorifies the Lord. He’s lived his faith life in such a way that it’s been beautifully passed on to his children. He’s an active member at St. Boniface Catholic Church, which is located very near his new establishment in downtown Lafayette.

    I’ve watched from my nearby perch as Brian, despite all his responsibilities, has kept an eye on my father-in-law, Tom, his uncle. In my opinion, he’s been this stunningly generous and genial nephew, the one in the extended family who has taken the time to walk alongside Tom during his long fight with colon cancer in this unique and meaningful way. They share a lifelong love of Indy Car racing, and that seems to be the main vehicle for their bonding. What I hear from Toms Sr about their times together is joy. At times, those moments seem fleeting and hard to come by, so it absolutely warms my heart. The time and attention that the very sunny Brian has shared with his Uncle Tom to me cements his legacy as a simple, good man who knows how to witness to his children and his family at large what it means to be the face and hands of Christ to others. WELL DONE, Brian!

    I realize you’re the one who owns the bar, Brian, but the next chance I get, your beer is on me! You are a terrific human! CHEERS!