Carli, St. Thomas & The 4th.

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Tuesday’s game between the United States and England was exciting. Both teams played well and there were moments that had us “holding our breath.” On Sunday we will face the Netherlands for the final match of the Women’s World Cup.

I’m looking forward to seeing Carli Lloyd on the pitch scoring goals. Watch her story here.

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Wednesday was the Feast of Saint Thomas. My brother was baptized Thomas and it turns out the name is appropriate for him.

In Bishop Barron’s “Daily Gospel Reflections,” he writes,

““Modernity has been marked, from its beginning, by two great qualities: skepticism and empiricism, the very qualities we can discern in Thomas: "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

And I think a good amount of skepticism and "show-me" empiricism is called for in many situations and contexts. We shouldn’t be credulous, gullible, or naïve. Sometimes it is indeed good to wipe the slate clean, to clear out old cobwebs and intellectual humbugs, perhaps especially in the area of religion. Indeed, Catholicism has a very rich intellectual tradition, a tradition of questioning, wondering, and seeking understanding.””

It's an interesting reflection that fits my brother. And, yes, I love him and would not have him be any other way. He provides a fun challenge in my life and we enjoy being together.

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Calvin & Hobbes

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"If the first of July be rainy weather,

It will rain, more of less, for four weeks together."

by John Ray,  English Proverbs 

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The June/July AARP magazine has an interesting article, “See You in the Funny Papers.” It is written by Paul Wisenthal. The article tells of Bill’s story of how he created a website that helps students learn to write while creating cartoons. It is called Make Beliefs Comix.”

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My gaming buddy, Mike, was told that it's time to call hospice. His wife, Lisa, writes, "the prognosis is a year or less, during which time he will gradually lose more and more cognitive ability."

Please pray for him and Lisa.

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Happy 4th of July

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Ray Peterson - “Tell Laura I Love Her.” 1960

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Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum," where Kelly is hosting more takes.