Category: Positivity

…”No Catholic school can be effective without dedicated Catholic teachers, convinced of the great ideal of Catholic education. The Church needs men and women who are intent on helping to permeate the whole educational milieu with the spirit of Christ. This is a great vocation, and the Lord himself will reward all who serve in it as educators in the cause of the word of God.” –St. (Pope) John Paul II to the NCEA of the United States, April 16, 1979

One of my favorite saints is JPII. He spoke at great length about the importance of helping to form Christ in the lives of others, and he greatly revered those in Catholic education. It’s people like Jennifer Popovich who courageously share their enthusiasm for Christ each and every day that really do give me tremendous hope for the future.

I first met Jennifer when she was pregnant with her daughter, Katie, who is now a high school sophomore. Sheesh! Time flies!! She was my oldest son’s kindergarten teacher, and I admit we got off on poor footing. The Catholic school experience was brand new to our family, and like many first time parents, I was impatient and easily aggravated. When at our very first parent-teacher conference she proceeded to tell me which letters of the alphabet Nick needed to work on, I behaved badly. Rather than notice that the very pregnant Jennifer was likely exhausted after a day of such sessions and might have simply mixed up her paperwork, I was convinced of her ineptness. You see, Nick was already reading by this point and I utterly overreacted. It was a classic “oldest kid” parent move.. UGH!! I have long regretted my crabby behavior that afternoon, but I don’t think I ever apologized.

I tried to learn from my mistake that day and hopefully most of the teachers our sons were blessed to have leading their classrooms over the years felt that we were supportive and kind. You see, Jennifer truly is a talented educator who cares deeply about her students. It didn’t take me long to realize my mistake. When years later she taught my youngest, I noticed how much she encourages her students individuality and speaks to them with respect.

Jennifer is the mom to Katie, who is a sophomore at Noblesville High School as well as the wife to a handsome husband named Bob. She loves full-test Coca-Cola, comfy clothes and snuggling with Katie’s guinea pig, Graham. Since Qdoba and Chick-Fil-A are favorites too, I probably should buy her lunch to make amends and relieve my long-term guilt about our initial interaction? Perhaps a gift card wrapped up with a fresh set of colored Bic pens would be just the overdue peace offering that would help my soul find peace here! Why did I not apologize sooner anyway?

Her beautiful smile, incredible patience and solid sense of humor serve her well in her current role as a 2nd grade teacher at St. Louis de Montfort School in Fishers. Those little ones are incredibly fortunate that they have a teacher who understands the challenges and demands of being in charge of a classroom every single day, but who still seems to find satisfaction in the work she does. What an awesome responsibility!

As JPII said, “not only are the attitudes of teachers crucial for the success of Catholic education, but also the attitudes of Catholic parents.” I’m not sure Jennifer knows what an important lesson I learned from her many years ago. I tried hard to correct course. I’m grateful to you for all that you fostered in my boys and so many children over the years, Jennifer. The fact that I have also watched you be a nurturing and supportive mom to your own daughter left me with nothing but feelings of respect for the high integrity human being that you are!

What led me to write about Jennifer today was a photo I saw of her recently. She was beaming with pride, standing with her daughter. In a climate where morality is often thought to be a matter of personal preference, Catholic School teachers like Jennifer are so incredibly valuable! So, this evening, I wanted her to know that she is a lovely and authentic woman of God! Thanks, Jennifer, for all you do and all you have done, for so many of our kiddos over the years. You are an extra large slice of fantastic pie!

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

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It seems like a million years ago since I roamed the halls of Central Catholic High School, but I will admit to being a member of the class of 1989. Yikes, that’s 30 years ago!! When I noticed that this week one of my old classmates was celebrating a birthday, I decided it was time to honor his awesomeness all these years later.

It’s been three decades since I have laid eyes on this guy in person, but I have been watching from afar and it’s very easy to see that he is a loving dad to two very blessed children and the husband to a lucky gal named Rhonda whom I’ve never met. Witty, kind and generous were always qualities I associated with Scott when we tromped through those old halls at CC, but his defining quality was his creativity. He could draw circles around the rest of us and as a writer, he was a shining star. Even through Facebook I can see that his beautiful kind eyes and winning smile are still very much in tact.

Here’s what I never told Scott. He’s the one who made writing seem cool to me. What he penned, I was drawn into completely. Undoubtedly, it was because of Scott’s lead that I continued to read like a crazy person and dabble a little with my pen or my keyboard in the post high school days. When he used his God-given talent, he was at his shiniest. The Lord loves when we brighten up the area, and I suspect that the current, slightly older version of Scott Haan still sees the world through a lens different enough to make it truly great when explained from his perspective.

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Thanks for showing me that being curious and coloring outside the lines is actually the secret sauce, Scott! I am LOOOONG overdue to acknowledge your fabulousness. We’ll have to adopt the festival approach to birthday celebrations since I am a day late with my greeting, however, I have always been in the “more is more” camp where these things are concerned! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOTT!!

Motherhood is a choice you make everyday to put someone else’s happiness and well being ahead of your own. To teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is…and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong. (Donna Ball)

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Sports-loving moms like yours truly are easy to locate in the stands. You see, I am “gifted” with volume. In good news, you don’t even need to know where I am sitting to find me…? I don’t even realize how loud I am, until my husband gives me the death glare and scolding tone. I usually deserve both, but certainly I do not receive them gracefully. My much more tactful friend, Lisa Oberndorfer, used to hand me a sucker at such moments. She called them “hushers” and I find her strategy both brilliant and effective!! I bring this up today because I really thought I might be the loudest, most passionate mom around…but then I met Kelly Panzer.

A wife to Matt and the mother of Brien and Caelan, Kelly is an Indianapolis native who I think attended St. Mary’s College. She’s incredibly beautiful too, as you can clearly see from her photo above. Her smile is infectious! I first met her when we did hot lunch duty together at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School. We have a truly phenomenal mutual friend, Lisa Houze, who introduced us to one another. Those lunches full of chaos and cute kids sealed the deal for me on Kelly. She never lost her cool and she is a hard worker.

Quick-witted, sarcastic, and just plain fun, Kelly is the center of the action. She’s involved in the everyday lives of her children, and those two sweeties are incredibly blessed to have such a loving mama! She values her friends and is filled to the brim with generosity of spirit. This quality was called to my attention when I watched her help to organize an impressive 50th birthday celebration this summer for our mutual friend. The thoughtfulness and gracious spirit of this woman was impressive and inspiring. Also? This woman can tell a story. She makes me laugh until I am doubled over!

I turned to Kelly once looking to tap into her professional expertise for a friend in need of health care guidance for her very ill father. Her compassion and willingness to do absolutely anything she could to assist made clear to me the quality of her character. She’s a passionate, high-volume, integrity filled PISTOL. If you attend an SLDM CYO contest in which she has a child participating, you’ll know exactly how to find her, ha? Sometimes she’s coaching and sometimes she’s in the stands, but I promise you she’s there, so just listen for the sound of passion. She’s a little fierce on the outside, but interiorly, she’s as warm as folks come. Today is her birthday! Please join me in wishing Kelly a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Thanks, Kelly, for making the world a more positive and exciting place to inhabit by the way you live your life. You are a rock star, my friend!

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Mt. 5: 13-16)

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A few years back, my oldest son, Nick, and his friend Vinny Ferrucci decided to make the trek north on I-65 to catch the Purdue Boilermakers in a home game at my favorite sports venue, Mackey Arena. They were seniors in high school at the time and they brought along their younger brothers, Zach and Anthony, who also happen to be the closest of friends. They sent the obligatory selfies from their upper arena seats, and this mom’s heart was pretty warm and gooey. Those are some phenomenal big brothers!

When they arrived home to tell us about the evening, it wasn’t the exciting game recap they opened with, it was the story of dinner. Nick and Vin decided to take the littles to a landmark for yummy burgers and root beer before the game. They went to the Triple XXX. As they say in West Lala, “It’s on the hill, but on the level…” and really nothing beats the greasy spoon that is this grungy orange drive-in! They were wearing Guerin Catholic hats, and a man with whom they were unfamiliar paid their tab. Maybe they were familiar, but they just couldn’t remember his name? My memory is unreliable. Later, much later in fact, I found out the mystery man was none other than Bill Moss!

Bill is the husband of Chris, and the father to Nick and Lexi. He’s an avid Boilermaker fan whose kids also attended Guerin Catholic High School. He’s a joyful guy with a great sense of humor, and also he’s got a very generous heart. My tiny example above is absolutely reflective of the kindness he shows others ALL THE TIME. I am pretty sure he’s an Indy native because I feel certain he told me once during a game that he graduated from Broad Ripple High School. If I’ve got that wrong, I apologize, Bill.

Here’s what I know for sure. This man is crazy about his family. He demonstrates that by the supportiveness he has shown to those two great kids during the time I have known him, and by the respectful and loving way his wife talks about him behind his back. Bill Moss is a faith-filled guy with a great sense of humor, and he doesn’t take himself too seriously! He’s friendly and welcoming…and the man knows how to enjoy a tailgate party in the parking lot at Ross-Ade.

As you and Chris celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary today, Bill, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that the world needs phenomenal men like you! You are the salt of the earth! Congratulations and THANK YOU for spreading your sunshine to those around you. We think you are a big scoop of awesome! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Be a Catholic: When you kneel before an altar, do it in such a way that others may be able to recognize that you know before whom you kneel. (St. Maximilian Kolbe)

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I met her and was immediately convicted of the fact that this was a mom and wife who is serious about her love of the Lord. Debbie Spech, who I think is originally from the Cleveland area, has a wide and genuine smile. While I have only been around her for a short time, she strikes me as a “fixture” type person as her parish is concerned. Everyone seems to know her, and she knows everyone. If I am wondering who might be able to hook us up with technology help or who might be in the know at the school, she’s my girl. When I’m over at OLMC, if she’s not involved in the meeting I’m attending, I see her taking a walk on the grounds with her kids or her husband, Bob. Debbie Spech is ever present.

Generosity of spirit comes naturally to Deb. This week, for instance, I received a request about recording an upcoming event that the Gospel of Life committee is organizing on medical ethics. When I mentioned that I was involved in the planning for the event but that I will be out of town the day of the talk for my father-in-law’s 80th birthday celebration, she IMMEDIATELY offered to chase down the details and solve the issue. She digs in to help like this as if it were second nature, and I never detect anything but joyfulness on her part for the opportunity to pitch in.

She’s got a beautiful singing voice and she often cantors at mass. Personally, I think that is both brave and amazing. Mass is the place I often run into her where she’s usually with her big, faith-filled family glorifying the Lord. Her joy-filled laugh fills up a room, but it’s her authentic and thoroughly spiritual nature that drew my notice. That’s why I chose the quote above by St. Maximilian Kolbe to honor her today. She’s a gal who inspires in me a deeper faithfulness by simply listening and watching the way she lives her life– engaged utterly in doing God’s work in her home and her parish.

Thank you, Deb, for all the time and talent you share with others. It’s a phenomenal example to those of us in your orbit. I strongly suspect that your family is incredibly blessed to have such a fun, quick-witted, Jesus-loving woman in their lives! I got a text this week from a friend who probably stole this from someone, but it made me laugh. I chose not to take offense to the possible insult to my appearance (ha?) and I hope Deb does the same when she sees this, because I think it applies to her too. It said, “The world has enough women who know how to do their hair. It needs women who know how to do hard and holy things.” Indeed. Getting to know you through our work together on the GOL has been a bit of a “God wink” for me too, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to get to know you, because you inspire me to want to work on my own holiness, and I’m grateful!

The strength of the group is the strength of the leaders. (Vince Lombardi)

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Handsome, respectful, and athletic, Cole Metzger is the top tennis player at Guerin Catholic High School. He’s a junior for the Golden Eagles and to me the undisputed leader of the boys tennis team. He’s not flashy or arrogant. Cole hits the ball hard, and he leads by example.

The son of Todd and Terri Metzger, Cole comes from a tennis loving family of boys. I’ve only known him a short time, but what is defining about him in my eyes is his work ethic. This is a young man who knows all about sweat equity. His positive temperament and natural ability to encourage and coach up the younger guys truly impressed me this season.

Last night, GCHS Boys Tennis Coach, Chris Sciaudone, recognized Cole’s efforts and named him the Golden Eagle Award recipient for boys tennis this season. It was the right choice for a lot of reasons but primarily it was this one. As the top player for GCHS, Cole earned the right by his hard work to play #1 singles this year. When the coach asked him to move to play #1 doubles instead, in an effort to help the team, he was willing. The most powerful tool that leaders have at their disposal is in my opinion their personal example. Cole said yes and he played doubles. End of discussion. I have no idea what conversations he might have had in the privacy of his own home, but when he showed up at the GC tennis courts, he was ready to work no matter where the coaches placed him in the lineup.

I respect this talented kid, and I was impressed all season with his welcoming attitude towards younger teammates like my son, Zach, as well as his example of work ethic, and his terrific leadership. He’s a character-filled kid, and I will be court side cheering him on to victory next year as a senior! CONGRATS, COLE!! That Golden Eagle Award is in the right hands for sure in 2019…a well deserved honor.

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Her name is NOT Sara. Nope. She’s SaraH. I capitalized the H for her today, because I know how attached she is to the very important letter at the end of her name. It makes me laugh, so that’s how I entered her contact in my phone. SaraH Funk. She’s pictured above with her handsome husband. Also, she’s a Jesus girl. They are my favorite kind of girls, and today I shared my God wink with her. You, my dear readers, are the next victims.

The Mother of God is our mother. -St. Anselm

I shared with SaraH that I was telling my long time friend this morning about how I have in recent months become quite the rosary girl. I walk everyday and I move the beads at a pretty fair clip, usually inserting the names of folks I am praying for at the end of each Hail Mary. Also, I shared how bugged I am that I can never remember the darn mysteries of the rosary or the particular day upon which they should be said. Nevertheless, I assured her, I am praying one for her each day. Sometimes, I do so incorrectly but I trust Our Blessed Mother knows how to sort it out. At that moment, my friend pulled from her purse the most beautiful rosary that was made for her by Katie Sahm. The mysteries are right there behind Mary on these round little medallions. I found it spectacular, and quite frankly I had a moment. I was so excited about this beautiful rosary, I really didn’t even hesitate much when she handed it to me as a gift. I really was enamored. What made this day even better is that a few hours later I learned that TODAY is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary! What?! I was utterly gotten. The amount “happy” this made me cannot be overstated. It was one of those “you are so loved” moments from the Lord who knows how to give His children good gifts.

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I promptly shared my BVM moment and glorious God wink with everyone…because well…I have been known to be an overly dramatic force of nature when provoked? Beautiful, energetic, big-hearted SaraH? She’s in Florida on vacation today, but right away, she got it. She responded with appropriate and timely enthusiasm.

She texted me today, “I’m glad we’re becoming friends. Unusual circumstances really, but I’m glad for it.” I couldn’t agree with you more, SaraH. Friendships that begin over love for others are destined for greatness though? That’s what I think!

Sarah is a Catholic school educator at St. Joan of Arc School in Indianapolis, and we have a mutual friend, Janet, who introduced us. A mother of three, she’s a stunningly beautiful woman exteriorly, but her soul magnifies the Lord too. That’s why I just needed to write about her today. I’ve only known her a short time and yet I am certain without a doubt that she tries to trust in the God who loves us all. She is an authentic woman who genuinely wants the best for the others in her path as they deal with the challenges life throws our way. Her two daughters and her young son are incredibly blessed to have such a positive, intelligent and life-affirming woman as their momma!

Sarah has eyes that twinkle and the love she shares with others is an epic, powerful thing to witness. She’s an encourager and a lover of people. SaraH is funny. Honestly? She’s the sauce. The world is a much better place because this faith-filled woman of character inhabits it with us!

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for SaraH, now and at the hour of death. Amen.

One can know a man from his laugh, and if you like a man’s laugh before you know anything of him, you may confidently say that he is a good man. (F. Dostoevsky)

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I dragged my cranky husband a few weeks back to a Guerin Catholic football game at Heritage Christian High School on a Friday night. His work week had been long and he was downright grumpy. What I’ve learned over the course of time is that the only chance we have to shake off a week like that is to do something to distract Tom. I value harmony and am a much bigger fan of “happy Tom” so off we went to the game. My saviors that night included a great guy named Jeff Tabor who owns a glorious, infectious laugh! It was that evening that I decided we have definitely not spent enough time with Jeff and Karen. They make me grin!

Jeff is the husband of a phenomenal woman named Karen and he’s the dad to two terrific boys– Luke and Sam. Both Luke and Sam Tabor are members of the Golden Eagle football team this fall. When we arrived at Heritage Christian for the game, Jeff was standing next to our mutual friend Steve Ferrucci in the top row, and there was just enough room to squeeze in beside them.

His sarcastic wit and genuine smile are my favorite things about Jeff, and I like him despite the fact that he’s a confused man when it comes to college sports. He’s a real, transparent and very funny guy who seems to like the cream and crimson? It’s sad to me, but then no one can be perfect, ha? He wins me over with his kindness. For instance, that night at HC, he tried numerous times to give me his jacket as he noticed I was a little underprepared for the conditions. Needless to say, it was only a few minutes and Tom’s frown was turning the opposite direction after his exposure to the two clowns in the back row. I laughed when Jeff escaped at halftime for a few minutes to go for a beverage and to smoke a cigar. People who don’t try to be anyone they aren’t, who are perfectly comfortable in their own skin like Jeff are rare and wonderful!

I respect Jeff as a father. He’s extremely supportive and I always see him at his sons events, cheering them on. He’s also a charitable guy whose successful law firm has allowed him a lot of choices but who so often chooses to be generous to others with his resources. He’s an Evansville native if my memory serves, but he has lived for some time now in Hamilton County where his sons went to the same grade school (and now high school) as my guys. His youngest son, Sam, is the kiddo I know best and he’s a character-filled young man who is full of personality just like his Dad.

As he celebrates his birthday tomorrow, I just wanted to give Jeff Tabor a little shout out! Happy Birthday to this IU, Colts, Pacers and St. Louis Cardinals fan who knows how to work hard and still be present in a very real way to his family! He’s got a great twinkle in his eye and he’s quick with a smile and a hug. Jeff is flat out authentic and filled with warmth, and he makes the world more joyful! Thanks for sharing your sunshine, Jeff. We’re big fans here at the Thieme house. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEFF!!

Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination. Christ is with you; be not afraid! (St. Pope John Paul II)

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Panera makes a darn fine cup of latte. I had already finished one before 6:30 am today on my travels across town to pick up six dozen donuts and a couple big boxes full of bagels. A morning of reflection was held today at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Intimately, I knew the plans and details for this event, because I am involved in the ministry that organized the event– down to the flavors of cream cheese. Still, despite having read a bit about her background and her story, I was unprepared for the powerful witness of one Mary Lenaburg (pictured above).

Humorous, fierce and irreverant, Mary is nevertheless a passionate woman of God. A wife and mother of two, she shared in a brutally honest way about the mentally and physically exhausting work of caring for her severely disabled daughter. There was a profoundly moving story about their trip to Lourdes that had me laughing audibly and also brought me to tears. I’m not going to tell you more about the story because she tells it better herself, so you should buy her book, “Be Brave in the Scared”.

Here’s what I do want to acknowledge today. I was pretty sure I already believed strongly in the sanctity of all life. I mean, I’m the darn chairperson for the Gospel of Life ministry at my parish for gosh sakes. However, as Mary found her full voice at the end of her talk and passionately pled with all of us to understand how important her daughter Courtney’s life was, an imprint was made on my heart. When we pray those prayers for the sanctity of life from conception until natural death, THIS young woman who was utterly dependent on others for literally everything is who we’re talking about. However overwhelmed we are by our circumstances and no matter how exhausted we might be, I knew walking out of OLMC today a truth I wasn’t convicted of previously. Every one of us needs to trust God, who loves each of us, to be in charge of how long we’re all here and what gifts we are given. We need to live that trust completely and with all the aspects of our lives. He’s not cruel. He loves us.

Today, I sense that a young woman I never met, who was non-verbal, and who died at the age of 23 tried to convince me to surrender to LOVE. Thanks, Courtney, for sending your sassy, beautiful, tough momma to do the talking for you. Love always wins.

“Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3: 20-21)

Courtney Lenaburg, Pray for us.

“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” (Fred Rogers)

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People talk about him behind his back in the kindest way. That’s what I knew about Todd Metzger before 2019. My good friends, Ann and Gerry Hepp, for instance would always say when his name came up, “Shelly, you need to meet him. He’s such a good guy!” Other folks I respected did the same. Take Claudine Kreiner, for instance, whose awesome son has been getting tennis lessons from this guy for a while. She’s expressed to me her deep gratitude for his patience with young Mr. Kreiner. So, by transference, this man I only knew as “Wyatt’s dad”, was dubbed in my head as a solid human. His reputation precedes him.

This summer, my son Drew went to work for the father of his good buddy, Wyatt Metzger. Todd has been generous in his employment of hard working high school kids for as long as I have known his name. I had only a vague awareness about him, having never met him myself. Drew started coming home with a few stories about Mr. Metzger, most of which made me grin. Then, Todd invited our entire family to his place for the 4th of July. This was a blessing to us, as we were all very much missing our annual 4th celebration in Michigan which wasn’t to be this year. Spending the evening with some (mostly) new and a few old friends too was such a generous gesture on Todd and his wife Teri’s part. We had a great time!

Then, came tennis season. Todd Metzger did a LOT of helping out a big group of boys with varying skill sets this fall. I watched him donate his expertise and his time. Patient, competitive and articulate, Todd is an encourager of young men. For instance, when my son, Zach, struggled one match to put the ball away, Coach Sciaudone noticed the deficiency and put Coach Metzger on the job. The very next practice, Todd spent considerable time teaching Zach to do something he’d never previously learned– how to hit an overhead. Zach was excited when he got home, feeling like he really had improved that day. He picked it up quickly because Todd is an excellent communicator with a bright smile, and he was patient. Does Z still need to work on it? Yes! However, someone like Todd who takes the time to help someone improve is my favorite kind of coach.

I am now officially a member of the Todd Metzger fan club. He’s a supportive dad of his boys, a job he and his beautiful wife Teri have done pretty fantastically. They are integrity filled young men because, in part, their father is a wonderful example of the same. Todd’s a human who helps others in a variety of ways… just because it’s the right thing to do. He’s a helper I’m proud to know! Thanks for welcoming my sons into your life, and for being such a good example of kindness to those around you, Todd. We’re all better for knowing you! So, today, I’m giving a shout out to my new friend, Todd Metzger. He’s a giant scoop of awesome sauce!