The Story of a Miracle

If you've read the gospels you have heard the stories of Jesus healing the lame, providing sight to the blind and now I want to share with you another miracle story. Most of you have been a part of this story but I thought I'd share this with you as well. I called in to Relevant Radio and told the miracle story of Mary Claire. You can listen to the story here:  http://relevantradio.streamguys.us/MA%20Archive/MA20131015b.mp3 (jump ahead to 37:40 where I start talking).

Also, here are a few of the pictures from Bella Baby at the hospital. We've taken about 1 million pictures of her between the camera and the iphone we just haven't had time to load them on the computer. But hopefully soon.

The Long Awaited Gift

There are some things in life that God gives us and blesses us right when we ask. There are other things that we want but are never given. And still other gifts which are asked for, and asked for, and asked for and finally God gives! This is the latter.

On October 7, 2013 at 1:56 a.m. Mary Claire Kramer, 9lbs4oz, was given to us. The long awaited gift that Megan and I asked for since our marriage four years ago. The gender was a surprise to us and I cannot tell you the joy that filled my heart when, after 24 hours of labor, the doctor said, "It's a girl! You have a daughter!". I have a little princess. Someone to take to the daddy-daughter dance. A girl to vent all boyfriends who think they are hot stuff! Taking her to college her first year and crying all the way home - because she has left us and because we have to pay for her college. A beautiful woman to walk down the aisle. All these thoughts raced through my mind and then I saw her and my heart melted. And now in the first few days of her life I'm just enjoying her sleeping on my chest and whimpering.

So here are a few pictures of her. Now that she is part of our family I'm sure I'll be posting a lot more photos of this cutie. Enjoy my Mary Claire!

Due Date

Well today is the due date, but no baby yet. We're not too worried though. Megan had a doctor's appointment yesterday and both mom and baby are healthy and well, and that's the most important part.

Besides that quick update I wanted to share with you something I read this morning while praying with the daily readings for today. In the Magnificat the meditation of the day ends with this line,"Many miracles and graces depend on the trust with which they are prayed for and expected". I read it again and again because I realized that is exactly what our child is, a miracle and a grace to us because of the trust from your prayers storming heaven and expecting this child to make it.

So please continue to pray. We have the nursery ready. The car is packed. Our birthing classes are done. All we need now is the baby - and the child will come when he/she is ready.

I'll certainly keep you all updated and send pictures when we meet our sweet child.

Sterotypes

They're not usually PC (politically correct, not personal computer) but they are often right on the money. Think about it.

• Men are strong and do all the work. 
• Tall guys are handsomer. 
• All blonds are dumb
• Women are bad drivers
• All librarians wear glasses, wear their hair in a bun and are old maids
• All black people are amazing at sports

Okay so maybe they aren't always right (but I'm pretty sure the one about tall guys is spot on). In any case my friend sent me this video from some guys (Dude Perfect) who know how to perform some awesome trick shots and know exactly how to stereotype. Watch this video:

Now anyone who has ever played pick up basketball knows that these stereotypes are as good as you can get!

And in case you were wondering, I am Mr. Excuses, Mr. The Tall Guy Who Shoots 3 and Mr. Imaginary Dunker - all rolled into one sweet package!

After the Inital Thoughts on Pope Francis

Pope Francis has been leading the Catholic Church for just over 5 months now and I wanted to share my thoughts after my initial thoughts - the post-initial thoughts.

1. He Makes Himself Vulnerable: Pope Francis loves to keep everyone on their toes - his security detail, the Vatican gardening staff and even the media. He has often given the slip to his security by just going out the back door and stroll down the streets of the Vatican and Rome. He asked that the walls be taken off the popemobile so that he could be closer to us, "the people". The first week in the Vatican he started saying daily mass with his gardening and housekeeping staff. Nope not cardinals, bishops or other dignitaries, he opens himself to the servants of the house - he serves rather than be served. He even keeps the media on edge when he says he won't be able to do an interview, then shows up 10 minutes later and is ready to talk - now that will keep the writing and journalists on their toes!
2. He Preaches Humility; He Demonstrates Humility: The Holy Father says he will pray for you - that's nothing new. But Francis then asks for my prayers too! He has the humility to recognize that he needs prayers more than anyone else. He even asks prayers from the youngest ones. 
3. He Solidifies Through Solidarity: He does have a computer, and my guess would be that the cell phone he does have isn't a smartphone. But even though he himself is not sending out tweets, updating his status on Facebook or posting new pics to instagram, he knows how to unify the Church through solidarity. When he was in Argentina he would give out his cell phone number to all his priests and told them to call him whenever they needed to talk. While he isn't publicizing his papal phone number he still remains open to his bishops and cardinals, and to you and me.
4. He Loves Simply: The best way to tell you how he loves simply is to show you this video. He is leaving an event at World Youth Day and as he gets into the helicopter (after saying his pre-travel prayer) he makes a universal gesture of love. It's cute, and simple.

All in all, I like how Pope Francis has approached the papacy and led the Catholic Church in his first 5 months.  He is clearly a man who lets his actions speak louder then his words. 

What do you think of Pope Francis thus far?

Also, a fun little test. How well do you know the past 3 popes?

In the Silence of Millions

Who is the one person that can silence millions and millions of people with just His presence? Who can make grown men of 80 years old, young teens of 16 and 17, women of all ages and a leader of more than 1.2 billion people fall to their knees?

Jesus Christ.

Adoration is such a beautiful thing. I can't even imagine playing for millions of people, hundreds of bishops, and the Holy Father Pope Francis. But the coolest thing is all of them were crying out to another, to their Father, "Lord, I need you. Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness. O God, I need you".
This videos is from World Youth Day just a couple of weeks ago. I love how when the song finishes no one erupts in applause for Matt Maher but rather they all stay silent for Our Lord. Enjoy...and then go to adoration and tell God how much you need him.

An American Coach in London

Now this is funny. Football is football, right?