Goals have been important to me since I was a young boy. When I set a goal, I work hard to achieve it and I remain focused upon it. In May 2009, I began riding a bicycle for the first time since I was a young teenager. When Mrs. tVM and I returned to the …
Author Archives: tVM
Our Greatest Blunder
Redemptorist priest Pat Hawk spent his last day on earth three years ago in 2012. He was a quiet, contemplative man. Although I did not know him well, I did attend several of his open ‘pathless path’ sessions at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Picture Rocks. Father Hawk was a Roshi, a highly venerated senior …
The Final Flight
As we buried my father’s ashes next to my mother yesterday, this will be my final post regarding his passing. While there is much I could write, I will limit it to this. My mother and father are at peace …. Together. I am at peace. My spiritual traveler Mary Ann requested the audio of …
God’s Hall of Fame
My mother passed away in August 2010; she died in the middle of the night in an assisted living facility not far from our home. My father passed away 24 hours ago; he died peacefully in his own bed in this house just like he wanted to. He was two months shy of his 93rd …
For my father …
The Town by the Bend in the River
Several years ago, my friend Gerry told me the story of the star thrower, which I often refer to in posts and general conversation. It is a terrific story with an important message: you can choose to make a difference regardless of the circumstances stacked against you. I have come across another story that I …
The Greatness of a Nation
A few weeks ago as my friend Ch**k was driving down the road chatting with me on his cell phone (VERY safely I must emphasize [and I have disguised his name so he will not get in trouble for driving and talking at the same time]), he was unable to avoid a small Arizona ground …
The Most Beautiful Story I Have Ever Read
In 2014, I have read three books by Minnesotan Kent Nerburn. I know him for his stories on Native Americans. Last week as I searched for new books for the bookstore I volunteer at, I found a book written in 1999 by Mr. Nerburn titled Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, Living in the …
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Jimmy Stewart, Beau and Heaven
Last Sunday, my friend Father Charlie gave a ‘remarkable’ homily about a ‘remarkable fellow.’ His sermon was grounded in the 1927 silent film “7th Heaven.” I did my research and found “7th Heaven” on YouTube. I learned that there is a 1937 remake with Jimmy Stewart. Both versions are available on YouTube. Last night, Mrs. …
Jesus and the Disinherited
I never knew who Howard Thurman was until January 2014. I know it was in January because that is when I posted “A Place for Angels,” a post about Howard Thurman that was well received. I believe in angels just like I believe dog is man’s best friend. That’s reality. I finished Thurman’s book Jesus …