Musings of a Catholic Convert

Today I make my appearance on The Journey Home on EWTN (8pm Eastern).  I've been looking forward to this appearance for a long time.  Let me tell you something.  When opportunities for ministry like this present themselves, SOMEBODY is not going to like it.  I've been under spiritual attack for at least two weeks now.  It's not like there wasn't already spiritual warfare going on, but it is palatable these last two weeks.  Around every turn there is an adversary for me to face or a challenge to overcome.  Needless to say I'm tired from all the struggles and I can't claim that all battles have been won.  I trust in God's grace to get me through, knowing also that this appearance must be pretty important for the Gospel or else I don't think I would be attacked this hard.  I'm anxious to see what God chooses to do tonight and I'm happy to be the weak earthen vessel for His purpose. 

I appreciate your prayers.  If you happen to be offering rosaries today, please consider adding me to your intentions.

Thanks.

I spoke with Jim Anderson at the Coming Home Network this afternoon.  We've put a new date on the Calendar.  Schedule your parties for Monday, April 14 at 8pm Eastern.  Barring anything unusual happening, I'll be back in Birmingham for another go at The Journey Home on EWTN.  

I've updated the countdown timer to the right so you won't forget.  

You should also know, should you ever venture to the Birmingham area, that Tavern on the Summit is a great place to eat.  Very friendly and attentive staff and reasonably priced entrees.  Not too hard to find either.  Just off the beltway and less than 10 minutes from Irondale and the EWTN studios.  It looks like there were some really neat stores as well, but we wanted to head home. 

Morning, everybody.  My appearance tonight on "The Journey Home" with Marcus Grodi on EWTN has been cancelled.  I received the call last night from Jim Anderson of the Coming Home Network, that Marcus was ill and would not be able to make the taping today.  He also said that I would be rescheduled sometime soon.  Check back here for updates.  As soon as I'm rescheduled, you'll see the new information here.

Thanks for your prayers.  Pray now for Marcus that he'll get better soon.  

The trip wasn't a total waste (yes-I was already in Birmingham when I learned of the cancellation).  I had my good friend Larry with me to keep me awake and share good conversation.   

Back to work I go.

Oh, sorry that you all had to cancel your "Andy on EWTN" parties.  Just take the banners and streamers down and save them for the next time.   

I am scheduled to appear on television Monday.

I'll be Marcus Grodi's guest on EWTN's "The Journey Home" television program.

The Journey Home airs on Monday's at 7pm Central on EWTN.

Since I got my invitation, people have been telling me that they are going to watch me and that they will be praying for me.  Well, folks, I'm calling in those favors.  I want your prayers.  Why?  Not just because of my nerves, but because of what I feel is riding on this show appearance.  You see, I've been wanting to be on Marcus' show for a while because I feel that the way God has dealt with me over the past 15 years has a message for cradle Catholics, Catholic converts, and even non-Catholics, whether they are exploring the Church or not.  I have seen such a HUGE spiritual change in my life that I want others to know THIS IS POSSIBLE.  It's not psychological, it's not triumphalism, it's not emotional, it's not anything people might seek to use as a label to "excuse away" what has happened TO me and IN me.  The answer is one word - Grace.  Grace, not just a concept of kindness or mercy, but ACTUAL supernatural grace has changed EVERYTHING.  I'll never be the same again.  

How will I convey that to the global audience watching EWTN?  I've been wrestling with this for weeks, trying to shorten my testimony to fit in the allotted time and agonizing over which details have to be left out.  Many of you have read my story before, and many of you have heard portions of my testimony in the various talks and sessions I've delivered over the last five years.  Those posts and those witnesses only barely scrape the surface of what has occurred in my life by God's love and mercy.  And, yes, that's why the book is in the works.  But, back to my request, I want your prayers.  I know and I'm 100% sure that the Holy Spirit is in charge and that He will provide me with the right things to say.  This is His gig, not mine.  I am also 100% sure that God uses the prayers of the faithful to work and move.  After all, we are family, co heirs with Christ and fellow laborers for His Kingdom.  So will you pray for me?  I know the answer, and I appreciate your willingness to support me.  

I feel like I've been mauled by wild cougars or angry leprechaun.  Monday's just are not my day of the week.  However, I am mega super ultra excited about one particular Monday.  March 10 I will have the opportunity to be a guest on The Journey Home television program, hosted by Marcus Grodi.  I'm both excited and nervous about the opportunity.  It has been a little while since I was in front of a camera.  However, I'm trying not to think about the fact that I'll be on a worldwide live television broadcast.  It does me no good to worry about it.  What I have to focus on is being myself and sharing what God has done in my life.

Do you want a sneak preview?  Then I suggest you do one of two things.  

1.  Search this blog for my posts: Why Catholic?

2.  Go to my ministry page where they are already indexed for you. 

I would appreciate it if you prayed for me.  You know, while I'm thinking about prayer, I could use your prayers also for a personal intention of mine.  I can't go into details online, but there are two things I'm praying about that could sure use the prayer support.  Thanks in advance.