As an 18-year-old youth I was a registered Democrat. In my twenties the Peace and Freedom Party took hold of my young, pliable mind. My thoughts were deeply entrenched in the thoughts that liberated and freed my cerebral branches. I had a mind with God in the shadows, a mind on its own path. I was taking in anyone who would listen, not realizing back then that I had a gift to influence others with seeds of toxic ideologies that had taken hold of my soul. I believed in women’s rights and all that their agenda represented. No man was going to rule my life. This mind had only room for self; my views settled comfortably, and they controlled me. I was angry, but not really sure why.
“There is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 16:25
The Republican Party
As far as I was concerned the Republican Party was evil, hated minorities and only represented the rich. My jaded thoughts were steeped in my heart; my entire family were registered Democrats; our thoughts were one; we ate the same manna laced with relativism. We had a picture of President Kennedy in our living room, he was our demigod. Our mother loved him and taught us to respect and love our Commander in Chief. President Kennedy will always rate high in my heart.
Mothers Do Know Best
Our mother always had a political influence on me, and up to her dying day she exercised her right to vote. I loved and respected this lesson that she instilled in all of us. She was a patriot and always rooted for the underdog. I honored her dedication to always be heard.
The Transition
Imagine being part of the Peace and Freedom Party and then becoming a Born-Again Christian (I am now Catholic). This was a paradox and the two forces collided with only one winner. During these formative years at Biola University the Word of God was taking hold of my heart, and I could no longer be angry surrounded with so much peace. The growth in my beliefs superseded all, and nothing was more important than pleasing God. My life was finally on track; this gradual but gentle change caused me to see things in a different light. Understanding the meaning of life, the purpose of why I was born, and how God chose Mike as my helpmate was part of His plan. As I surrendered my will to God, my mind was maturing to understandwhat was expected of me as a Christian.
President Trump
I voted for this man because I knew he would make changes. We may not all agree on the fast pace he is taking, but, in reality, he only has four years to clean up the mess. In the usual manner I will continue to pray for God to guide President Trump in every decision.
Immigration
No bueno
I pray for all undocumented immigrants who have been in our country for many years, the ones who are law-abiding, God-fearing good people. We need to protect them and develop a system that will help them to become citizens. I understand the protest, but what baffles is that they’re flying flags from their countries. Am I wrong to think that Americans like myself feel that this approach is not helping the matter? I can almost guarantee that these protests are organized by Americans, not undocumented individuals. Regardless of our different opinions, immigration must be conducted in a humanitarian manner.
Matthew 3:12 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
12 His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The winnowing fan was a fork-like shovel. It was used to thresh wheat into the air . The kernels fell to the ground while the light chaffs were blown away by the wind. Similarly, that is what is taking place in our country. We have too many American citizens who need aid; we cannot allow foreigners to invade our country and to take advantage of our benevolence. So we leave this to those who were elected to do their jobs.
The Media
It did not take long for the mainstream media to issue half-truths to reflect the minds set off of the liberals. Instead of reporting the truth and giving our newly elected officias an opportunity, they continue to scrutinize and criticize, each executive order, and it’s only the third week! I do watch the news, but as soon as it rears its ugly head, riddled with anger and division, I switch channels. All along I realize that God is in control, and He will see us through this mess. (Titus 3:1-2)
Our Duty
As Christians we are called to pray our elected officials and to trust God. Sometimes I find myself questioning certain policies, but I quickly revert to trusting God. It’s going to take time to stabilize our Godly beliefs. The wonderful thing about this is that all religions are coming alongside of justice and truth.
Romans 13:1 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Obedience to Authority.1 Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for undocumented, law-abiding, God -fearing individuals, that they would be treated justly, especially those who have lived in this country for many years. Lord, guide the hearts of those newly elected officials that may seek Your counsel in every decision they make. Lord, protect those who serve You. Amen.
Mike and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.
As a young bride, I lived in a world of bliss — with God as secondary, because I wanted freedom. In past blog posts, you can read about the years spent protesting against the Vietnam War, along with every far-left political wave that came my way. Then came the wake-up call from God.
God First
God must always be first in a marriage. When He is not the priority, conflict follows — and conflict, left unaddressed, turns into division. Lines get drawn, boundaries get set, and somehow, without prayer, you may survive without ever truly resolving the underlying issues.
In my own case, unresolved conflicts were quietly placed on a shelf, saved as ammunition for the next battle. It took years of maturing — and, more than anything, turning to God — to soften a hardened heart. For a long time, the need to explain every offense dominated: why it happened, how it hurt, and when it occurred. Remorse was what seemed deserved. Instead, God taught forgiveness.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is an essential gift God has bestowed on us.
As an extroverted, unorganized, strong-willed person married to an introverted, Type A personality, the contrast could not be more striking. If life were an orchestra, the trumpet would be playing full blast while Mike quietly drew the bow across the violin. Yet God knew exactly what He was doing — because in an extraordinary way, we balance each other.
Forgiveness is one of the most important elements in a marriage. No matter how deep the offense, where there is love, there is always room to forgive. Of the many times Jesus spoke on forgiveness, the passage that stands out most is Matthew 18:21–22:
Matthew 18:21–22 — New American Bible (Revised Edition)
“Then Peter approaching asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.'”
Truth and Transparency
Never lie to or keep secrets from a spouse. God always exposes the truth — and when it comes to light, a choice must be made: continue in the sin or turn toward forgiveness. That is precisely why God gave us free will. Without genuine contrition, the fall back into sin is almost inevitable.
A word of caution: resist the urge to air grievances publicly, especially on social media. Some things, once said, can never be unsaid. Social media is a powerful platform — one meant to edify and uplift, not to wound or tear down.
Larry and Helen, our best man and matron of honor
Godly Friends
As a couple, only a handful of truly good friends surround us — people who are like-minded, who inspire and encourage. A good friend always wants what is best and will never offer wrong counsel. Trust cannot be placed in someone who is not aligned with godly beliefs. Handle the delicate matters of life with care, and be discerning about who is given access to them. What may not always be visible is this: some who appear friendly may harbor jealousy toward a strong marriage and, whether intentionally or not, offer harmful advice.
Proverbs says it plainly:
Proverbs 18:24 — New American Bible (Revised Edition)
“There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.”
As a young mother, there was a most wonderful friend named Christy — the wife of our pastor during the born-again years. She and her husband Bill had children the same age as ours, and the friendship felt like it would last forever. Then came the move from the San Fernando Valley to Orange County, and suddenly there were no friends at all.
Prayer followed — persistent, patient prayer — and God answered by bringing Larry and Helen into our lives. They were the first married couple to become true friends as a couple. Mike and Larry meet for breakfast regularly; Helen and I exercise together twice a week. The relationship is grounded in God, and the conversations are always wholesome.
Beyond that, Mike has his golfing companions, and there are dear friends from church. My two sisters, Jo and Norma, are often my rock — steady, faithful, always available for prayer. My friend Cindy and I have known each other since high school and have never lost touch; she prays for me, and that gift is returned. Even though Susanna has moved out of state, she remains one of my most faithful prayer warriors.
Every trusted relationship in this life has one thing in common: it is rooted in Christ.
For Better or Worse
From the very first Christmas together, it was clear Mike was a keeper. The gifts he gave were thoughtful and deliberate — a beautiful dress, a pair of block-heeled shoes, perfume. They were the gifts of someone who pays attention. To this day, that same generosity flows from his heart to everyone around him. When it comes to the grandchildren, nothing is held back. Papa will drive miles to track down whatever special something they have requested.
When Sonja was in second grade, Cabbage Patch dolls were the must-have gift of the season. Mike stood in line at Toys R Us to make sure his little girl got hers. When Mikos wanted a particular baseball card, Mike made sure it was found and purchased.
After coming home from the hospital following a battle with COVID, Mike prepared every meal and did everything possible to make the recovery comfortable. When he is under the weather, the care is returned in kind. That is what it means to be a team — and through every trial, the commitment is to remain steadfast, because God does not step aside when things get hard. He walks through it all with us.
Our Blessed Marriage
On January 22, 2022, Mike and I were united through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at our parish, St. Norbert — and the story of how that day came to be is worth telling.
In a previous blog post, “The Long Overdue Wedding,” the full account is shared of what was believed to be a sacramental marriage: vows renewed in Rome at the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, officiated by a dear friend, Father Pat Hussey. It was a beautiful and meaningful moment — but without the proper documentation to validate the original nuptials, it could not be recognized as a valid sacrament in the eyes of the Church.
When Father Leonard Mary brought this to our attention, there was only one path forward: fix it. Despite the fact that the world was still navigating the aftermath of COVID, a wedding was planned — invitations, venue, sacramental preparation, and all. By the grace of God, it came together.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
May every marriage seek Your holy counsel. Comfort those who are hurting, and surround them with people who will guide them toward truth and grace. Bless the couples who have endured — who have chosen, again and again, to stay — for they are a beacon of hope to all who are watching.
Lord, Your first miracle was at the wedding in Cana. You turned water into wine at the request of a mother who trusted You completely. Grant that same miraculous grace to every couple in need of healing — the grace to forgive, to begin again, and to trust that You are still working.
After having to postpone my last scheduled visit with Mario due to illness, I finally drove out to visit him.
Why I Do It
Anytime you do anything for the service of God, the Devil is not happy and will disrupt your work. For me it always comes in the form of a personal spiritual attack. This week the attack was strong and brought me to my knees in prayer. “Why do you go visit Mario so much?” As the conversation got darker, all I could respond was, “I don’t want to discuss this!” But it hit me in a way that made me question my purpose as a Christian counselor. Witnessing the love of Christ to those who need it most is a priority. Besides, I listen to God not man.
Acts 5:29 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
29 But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men.”
I used the fingers on my right hand to pray the rosary until I reached the Norco Rehabilitation Center.
I guess the Devil knew all along that this appointment was going to be one of the most spiritual visits.
I’m not taking the role of Elijah, thinking that I am the only one who can minister to Mario ( I Kings 18:22) but I feel a strong calling to help him readjust to life once he becomes a free man. A person who has known God on a deep level will always rely on prayer, and trusting the Lord will see him through all that is ahead of him. No one can make it without God.
Later that evening I drove to St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda for Adoration and stayed for the 6:30 p.m. Mass.
The Visit
As usual the guards were one half-hour late in checking us in. The weather was going to remain 60 degrees, so I asked for a table in the sun. I quickly asked one of the aides for the “Good News Bible,” then purchased our meals. Two beef and bean burritos, one hamburger, one Santa Fe Chicken salad, two bags of chips a coke for Mario and water for myself. The burritos brought back a fond memory of my high school days. “I used to buy burritos like this at the student store in high school,” I shared with Mario. We split the cheeseburger, and Mario ate the salad.
Service Dog Training
In March of last year Mario signed up for a service dog training program. He had totally forgotten about it until last week when he was approached by two men dressed in business suits who selected him to be part of the program. Mario will either receive a Golden Retriever or a Labrador. The puppy will stay with Mario during the entire time of training. Mario was very excited about this because he has always been a dog lover.
College Courses
Last semester Mario received A’s in all of his classes and discovered that statistics was his favorite and most challenging subject. He is currently taking another load of classes and enjoying his Social Problem class. These classes are taught by local college instructors. He is in his second year of sign language to fulfill part of his language requirement.
Bible Study
I have mentioned in past blogs that many times I get inspired by the homilies at daily Mass. We are blessed with two wonderful, spirit-filled priests at our parish. A recent homily was about Jacob wrestling with God; two weeks ago my blog was about this subject matter.
The study was deep and Mario, who is pretty knowledgeable about the Bible, gleaned new spiritual insight. Genesis 32-33 is about Jacob receiving a blessing. He needed this favor from God before restoring his relationship with his brother Esau. Jacob feared the worse and wanted God to assure him that all would go well. This was a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life, so much so that God changed his name to Israel.
Genesis 32:29 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
29 Then the man said, “You shall no longer be named Jacob, but Israel,[a] because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed.”
We read from Mark 2:1-12 about the paralytic who needed a healing. In Jesus’ words:
Mark 2:5 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”
We know that sin keeps us in the dark and at times causes illness. This is why as Catholics we can be absolved of our venial sins by being in the state of grace,and receiving communion when we attend Mass.
I always encourage Mario to convert to the Catholic faith, but he is still reluctant to make such a big commitment.
Substance Abuse Program
SAP is a program that has made its rounds in prisons, but for the first time Mario is attending the classes. This program educates inmates about substance abuse and the consequences that come with it. The inmates will learn about the addiction cycle and recovery. They will also learn the connection between alcohol and drug abuse. Eighty percent of prisoners suffer from substance abuse. SAP helps inmates understand behavior such as anger, criminal thinking, and habit development.
Some of these programs include addressing dysfunctional family dynamics and issues of domestic violence. Mario is attending these meetings on a regular basis. With all his extracurricular classes, he is getting an earlier release. He wants his parole to be in the state of Arizona to be near his mother and sisters. Please continue to pray for God’s favor over Mario’s life, so that he can live near his family. It’s a lot of bureaucratic paperwork for him to receive permission to live out of state.
California Wildfires
During the devastating wildfires, guess what our California legislators were doing? They were securing $50 million to Trump proof-California. They want to make sure that our state remains a sanctuary state. Our governor is more concerned about the illegals than its citizens.
My Prayer
Please continue to pray for all those people who lost their homes that God will protect them as they navigate through recovery. Lord, may Your hand be upon these hurting souls. Comfort them and allow them to feel Your holy presence through all the ashes. Amen.
I’m Back!
