While the temperatures in Los Angeles promise to reach over 80 degrees today, I'm detecting a little hint of holiday spirit in the air with the launch of my latest book project, 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath. Published in conjunction with my wonderful friends at Ave Maria Press, this … [Read more...] about 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath Launches!
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
I'd like to admit up front that I'm not a Tolkien expert. In fact, my knowledge of the LOTR universe is surface at best. So I walked into my screenings of the first two episodes of Prime Video's new series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power with only marginal awareness of the subject matter. … [Read more...] about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin
When you're on a quest to redefine what's humanly possible, the line between triumph and tragedy is razor thin... In the pivotal moments, when life hangs in the balance, what drives the greatest to keep pushing, to stare down fear, to risk everything?Jimmy Chin, Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy … [Read more...] about Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin
Cover Reveal: I Am Earth’s Keeper
Today's exciting news: Cover Reveal! Since it's officially hit Amazon (pre-order here), I wanted to share the beautiful cover for my upcoming children's book "I Am Earth's Keeper" (Paraclete Press). This book was inspired by a photo taken by my good friend David Knowles. When he shared that … [Read more...] about Cover Reveal: I Am Earth’s Keeper
One Message, Two Books
I continue to be amazed at the opportunities I've been given in my life. Frequently, I speak with other creatives about the process of doing what it is we do. I'm usually the first to admit that my writing is a serendipitous gift of grace. I'm currently putting the finishing touches on a new … [Read more...] about One Message, Two Books
Literature Redux
I feel like today's post should begin with a heartfelt apology to my high school Junior Year AP English teacher, Brother Aquinas. Despite his best efforts to teach a rigorous curriculum and to expose us to a breadth of literature, I walked away with far too little knowledge. More interested in long … [Read more...] about Literature Redux
Thirteen Lives
If you're seeking a movie that combines the pulse-racing excitement of a thriller with the inspirational pull of a heartfelt drama, look no further than the new Ron Howard film Thirteen Lives. This true story of the dramatic cave rescue that saved the lives of twelve young Thai soccer players and … [Read more...] about Thirteen Lives
Man of God: 3 Minutes with Yelena Popovic
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with awesome storytellers creating fantastic projects as I’m joined by Yelena Popovic, Writer/Director/Producer of the film MAN OF GOD. Yelena shares about her discovery of the life of Saint Nektarios of Aegina and the journey of bringing his life … [Read more...] about Man of God: 3 Minutes with Yelena Popovic
Introducing “Saints Like Me”!
I'm a bit late to the party with this introduction, because... life... But I'm truly happy to share the newest title in my bibliography. And this new "book baby" is literally a "baby book"! Inspired by the artwork in our bestseller I'm a Saint in the Making, my illustrator Katie Broussard and I put … [Read more...] about Introducing “Saints Like Me”!
Prehistoric Planet
In my mind, today's launch of the spectacular new Apple TV+ series Prehistoric Planet is perfectly timed. The natural history streaming event arrives on day two of Laudato Si' week, the annual celebration of Pope Francis' encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home". As we ponder globally … [Read more...] about Prehistoric Planet
LA Love: They Call Me Magic
Since Daddy died, it feels like I've been away from Los Angeles more than I've been home. On one recent trip, I spent a day of travel binge-watching the new Apple TV+ docuseries They Call Me Magic. A no-holds-barred look at the life of one of LA's brightest stars, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the … [Read more...] about LA Love: They Call Me Magic
On Anger: Heart-Changing Wisdom from Grindelwald
For the past few days, I've been enjoying some family time with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews. It's a change of pace to come to the midwest and not immediately rush to a nursing home to see one of my parents. With Daddy's funeral and our parents' cemetery interment still a few weeks away, … [Read more...] about On Anger: Heart-Changing Wisdom from Grindelwald
Daddy’s Girl
It's been quiet around here for the past month. When I logged in today to try to break my silence with just a bit of blogging, tears splashed across my keyboard and I had to again step away for a while. Those of you who journey with me on social media will understand that the death of Daddy, on … [Read more...] about Daddy’s Girl
Man of God
When I attended a recent screening for the film MAN OF GOD, in theaters nationwide today, I walked in not knowing what to expect. The venue for the event was the beautiful Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. While only a few miles from my home, this sacred spot was entirely new to … [Read more...] about Man of God
Getting Together in Person and Virtually
This weekend, I am in Anaheim for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' annual Religious Education Congress. For as long as I can remember, Congress has been a bright spot in my year: a chance to gather with friends and colleagues from around the country, to catch up, and to be renewed. This year, while … [Read more...] about Getting Together in Person and Virtually
The Adam Project
"I think it's easier to be angry than it is to be sad. And I guess, when I get older, I forget that there's a difference."Young Adam, "The Adam Project" When it releases on Friday, March 11 on Netflix, "The Adam Project" will be an attractive viewing option for families with older children. Chock … [Read more...] about The Adam Project