I had such a wonderful day today!  Two special conversations were recorded for upcoming episodes of the Catholic Moments podcast.  The first was with Deacon Tom Fox and Deacon Chuck Stevens for an upcoming show on the permanent diaconate.  Deacon Tom feels like such a special friend - his "Deacon Moments" for the show are like a warm hug once a week!  So it was a treat to have an extended time of conversation with him, learning about his path to his current vocation.  And of course I have been friends online with Deacon Chuck Stevens since even before I had to call him "Deacon"!  I remember so vividly those days when Chuck was in formation and I prayed for him and his family so regularly.  I hope to take him up on his offer to visit him in Canada some day soon.  And be sure to check out his gift to all of us, a new CD entitled "Harvest of Love" available for free download on his website.

Later in the day, I had a great (but too short) conversation with Catholic author, motivational speaker, coach and dad Dave Durand.  Honestly, this was a real thrill since I've been a Dave Durand groupie since the release of his first book, Time Management for Catholics.  When I was at the Religious Education Congress in LA earlier this year, I listened to Dave speak and had him sign my copy of Perpetual Motivation: How to Light Your Fire and Keep It Burning in Your Career and in Life.  Today's conversation was about his latest book, Win the World (Without Losing Your Soul) which is another great read.  Look for that show very soon.


There's nothing like starting your week off with a personal counseling session with two holy deacons and a coach/time management expert.  Following these chats, my workout, and some time in the word and prayer, I wrote in my journal, "I feel new, clean and whole today!"  Some of that motivation came from Jesus' promise in today's Gospel reading:

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning."

I know that His words were addressed to His disciples, but what a joy it is to know that His advocate has been sent to you and I as well, and that the Holy Spirit can be so present in our own lives.  It's our job and our joy to join them in testifying to His great love and many blessings.  Today, that burden feels light and precious.

Stay tuned to the podcast for these conversations and more.  In the mean time, I hope your day was wonderful too!