In the Bible, the book of Ruth illustrates the difference between those who step out in faith and take risks, and those who give into fear, play it safe, and miss God’s best for them. God rewards faith, not fear! What Challenge was the St. John Paul II Life Center Facing? On December 21, 2023,…
Our visit to Medjugorje was much more than we anticipated. We went on this Pilgrimage knowing that Mary, as the Mother of Jesus and Queen of Heaven, is the greatest intercessor to her Son Jesus. Also, Medjugorje is a place where if one opens his or her heart, that person can experience the “enlightenment of…
Pat and I have recently returned from an incredible pilgrimage to Medjugorje and traveled by yacht along the Croatian coastline from Split to Dubrovnik. It was sponsored by the national office of Legatus. We joined a total of 40 pilgrims who were from across America on this journey. Getting to share this adventure while getting…
We all reach times in our lives when we are not sure where to go next. That’s when the excitement of the guidance of the Holy Spirit becomes so evident and so absolutely necessary. Sixteen years ago when Pat and I decided, along with Chris and Sheri Danze, that it was time to take a…
What is the Battle? That is a reasonable question as there are multiple battles raging in society today at the same time, on different subjects – at the federal level, state level and local level. These battles are about issues that have been fought over for decades, some with a new twist these days and…
Can A Dream of a Statue that Recognizes the Dignity of the Human Person Through “Mother and Child” Come True in Today’s America? Some years ago my wife Pat and I were at a Legatus Summit in Florida and on display there were pictures of the beautiful sculptures by internationally known sculptor Timothy Schmalz. We…
Dr. Ben Carson, M.D. world renowned neurosurgeon and co-founder of the American Cornerstone Institute and the Institute’s CEO, Andrew Hughes, today became the two newest members of Austin, Texas-based John Paul II Life Center’s Advisory Boards. They join a distinguished group of individuals from across America as members. “We are blessed to have amazing leading…
This year, 2023, is off to an exciting start! Rather than focusing on New Year’s Resolutions this year I was captivated by the writings in the Word For You Today: “With God all things are possible.” (Mt: 19-26) Many things that are possible remain undone because of doubt and unbelief. So, this year, think “possible.”…
Beginning to think about Christmas gets a power boost as we get into Advent and the four Sundays before Christmas day. Sharing the daily Bible readings of the Mass and the stories in the various daily devotionals we read gets Pat and me in a reflective mood. There is no question that the world changed…
In the Word for Today it references the book War on the Saints, where Jessie Penn-Lewis writes: “The chief condition…for the working of evil spirits in human beings is PASSIVITY….Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pe 5:8) Have…
The reversal of Roe v. Wade marks a new reality. Practically overnight the number of moms in need dramatically increased, nationwide. Texas suddenly has become the epicenter of this new, post-Roe reality and one group in particular—the JPII Life Center—stands apart in generating innovative new solutions for moms in need, and for engaging and educating…
Pat and I attended the Napa Institute Summer Conference in Napa Valley, California, held at the exquisite Meritage Hotel, then went to Carmel, one of our absolute favorite places. More on Napa later, but first to share something that happened to us on the beach in Carmel. When Might a Young Boy Realize The Value…
There’s something of long-lasting, radically impactful importance resulting from the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Dobbs decision that’s not being talked about. That “something” is the now-open potential for genuine respect for women and for providing true and natural healthcare for women. In short, now women should receive the dignity and true healthcare each woman deserves!…
The much-awaited decision of the U.S. Supreme Court case of Thomas E. Dobbs, State Health Officer of Mississippi Department of Health, et al., Petitioners v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, et al. Respondents, herein Dobbs, is expected to be issued in June 2022. There is much public furor by persons on both sides of the issue…
Pregnancy resource centers in Austin are under attack. With the reported leak of an opinion draft in the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization—a court opinion that would overturn the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion and return any decision on the protection of the unborn to the states, abortion…
A quarter of 2022 has passed, and time is racing on. We are in Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter remind us of the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the desert before He came to Jerusalem to die on a cross, giving His life for each of us. Two excellent organizations providing…
So much has happened over the last 30 days and we have so many blessings for which to be grateful. Even so, inner anxiety and pressure to get things done can trigger unfortunate conflicts even among those we love the most. Wiser heads and hearts than ours, and examples from Church history, give us some…
It is here again in the midst of a pandemic, the treatment of which is robbing many people of enjoyment and peace in their lives. But because of Jesus there is HOPE and we must remember that “Jesus Is The Reason For The Season.” Hope: There is ALWAYS HOPE, no matter what Pat and I…
CBJ editor note: At Catholic Business Journal we are committed to showcasing Catholic business men and women who vibrantly live their Catholic faith in business, at work, in their family and in their daily lives. We are so proud to have long featured the articles and thoughts of Catholic businessman extraordinaire, Tim Von Dohlen, who…
The last eight weeks have been amazingly unconventional! Nothing since March 2020 has been conventional. Covid-19 has turned everything upside down and made it topsy turvy. An amazingly unconventional time! From the ways we have operated—and had to pivot and re-think—our businesses, handled employee issues, been unable to visit in person with family and friends,…
