Written by Deepu on August 18, 2026
When Did You Peak?
If you ask most adults, they would say they peaked at some point in their life when they were younger (this might be completely false, because I did not ask most adults this question before writing about this, so I’m completely assuming ….and you know what happens since I’m assuming. . .I’m making an ass
Written by Deepu on April 26, 2026
Update
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted. I know, I know, many of you have felt the emptiness and void that I have left you in. The reason (excuse) for my absence this time is that I am a student now at Augustine Institute, working on my Masters in Theology! Its been a big
Written by Deepu on March 29, 2024
It Should’ve Been You
Carry your cross. I’ve heard this so many times. And yet there’s the beauty in our faith and in our God – that no matter how many times we’ve heard a story from Scripture, God can always reveal something new to us. Sometimes it’s because we’re in a different place in our lives spiritually –
Written by Deepu on March 25, 2024
Ew Feet
Holy Thursday is coming up this week, where people squirm at the thought of touching someone else’s feet, or someone else touching their own feet. Growing up at our parish, it was open season – anyone could get in line to have their feet washed and then in turn wash the next person’s feet. I
Written by Deepu on December 8, 2023
Immaculate Misconception
All too often, people get confused on who the Immaculate Conception is about. Today, December 8th, is the Solemnity for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By that title, we should be able to figure out that it’s the Conception OF Mary, not Mary’s Conception of Jesus. But we don’t. And by we,
Written by Deepu on November 21, 2023
Just This One Thing
We’ve got a little one in the house, and he needs his naps. I need his naps. So, more often than I’d like, I have to remind his siblings to be quiet when he’s sleeping. In my mind, I have to remind them more often than I should. I got frustrated with them recently (again),
Written by Deepu on October 27, 2023
Can I Help?
There’s a stage in a child’s life where they want to be helpful. Of course, it’s not in the way you want them to be helpful – at least not in my opinion. Cleaning up after themselves? Doing things the first time they’re told? Nah, those things aren’t helpful. But a 3 year old helping
Written by Deepu on August 2, 2023
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
Have you ever had a child (or student) ask you this question? You tell them to do something – or ask – and their response is Why? Now, I’m all for learning and inquisitive minds. It is beautiful and wonderful to have kids want to learn and see their curiosity thrive… however. This question can
Written by Deepu on July 26, 2023
Sowers Gonna Sow
Many know the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23 in case you need a refresher). Jesus reveals in this parable that the seed is the Word of God and the soil is our hearts. There’s the hard soil, the rocky soil, the soil surrounded by thorns, and the rich soil. I’ve always thought about it
Written by Deepu on June 30, 2023
Metabolic Faith
I miss my metabolism. It was one of the greatest things I had because I could eat pretty much whatever I wanted and I didn’t really gain a lot of weight. But as the years have gone by my metabolism has decreased, and not only have I put on more weight, but it’s much harder
Written by Deepu on June 5, 2023
Very Much Obliged
I’ve struggled with “Days of Obligation” for Mass. It seems to have such a negative connotation to it. “I’m obligated to go.” Doesn’t sound very fun. Or exciting. Just sounds like something the Church forces us to do. Yet the Church doesn’t actually force us to do anything. We choose it. We choose to be
Written by Deepu on May 17, 2023
Church Rat
I try to get to the gym regularly. There was a point where I was going every weekday. Barring colds, I do go at least three times a week. But that doesn’t make me healthy. I eat junk food. I eat big portions. I drink alcohol multiple times a week, and usually don’t keep it
Written by Deepu on May 2, 2023
Fonts
I know. Super exciting topic. But I like fonts. I don’t know why, but I have spent way too much time trying to find the best font for different projects. Or just regular documents. And by spent too much time I mean wasted too much time. I don’t know what it is, but fonts make
Written by Deepu on March 3, 2023
I Think I Love My Wife
Just kidding. I know I love my wife (by the way this has nothing to do with the Chris Rock movie). And although this can sound cliché, I can honestly say that I love her way more than I did when I asked her to marry me, and when I married her, and when we
Written by Deepu on February 24, 2023
Is There Anything Else to Eat?
“Come to the table, time to eat!” And here they come. Kids come to the table, and almost immediately the complaints start pouring in. “I want to sit there!”“That’s where I was sitting!”“Why are we eating this?”“Is there anything else?”“Why can’t we have mac’n’cheese?” Why? Why does this happen almost every single night? We often
Written by Deepu on January 25, 2023
Eduardo or Eduardon’t
We went back to Fishwife (remember that post a bit ago?) with the rest of the kids, my mom, and one of my sisters. Eduardo wasn’t there. But the food was great once again, and the service was wonderful. And yet. Eduardo wasn’t there. It almost made me not want to go back unless he’s
Written by Deepu on December 19, 2022
The Missing Piece
You know how it is. You settle in to set a puzzle. How do you start? The edge pieces, right? Well this puzzle, we found out early on that we were missing an edge piece. We hoped maybe we just kept missing it amongst the thousand pieces, and it would show up at some point,
Written by Deepu on December 13, 2022
Lightshiner vs. Shadowcaster
Last week, my article was inspired by my oldest. This week’s is inspired not by one, but two of my kids. My daughter has this Advent reflection/prayer book (no idea where she got it from, she just started bringing it out at Advent). A few nights ago, the reflection was on God being the Father
Written by Deepu on December 7, 2022
Your Future is Foggy
A little while ago I was driving the kids to school. It was a foggy Autumn morning. We had just recently started to do prayers on the drive to school. I have the kids take turns telling God something they are thankful for, and then they can either ask God to bless someone, or ask
Written by Deepu on November 30, 2022
Table For2itous
My wife and I celebrated our anniversary a few months ago. We went down to Pacific Grove for the weekend, and on Saturday morning we enjoyed a lovely walk along the coast. No particular destination, just out for a walk. As the morning was coming to an end, we started talking about when and where
Written by Deepu on September 16, 2022
Lifts and Supports
The other day I replaced the lift supports for the hatchback on our Toyota Matrix (don’t be impressed, it’s crazy easy to do). The originals on it completely died out, and even if you lifted it up, it would just slam back down. We’ve had this car for about nine years, and I don’t remember
Written by Deepu on February 16, 2022
Can I Get a Witness?
Which way is the right way to witness? I struggle with this constantly – being a disciple, a witness to Christ’s love, message, and mission. Not whether or not I want to be one – I do – but what that means in how I interact with others. As a Christian, I’m called to love
Written by Deepu on February 7, 2022
Anxiously Worried
As has been happening for over eight years, I was putting a child down for nap. For the past few weeks, as I get up from singing a song next to him, Malachi asked me to stay. Most of the time, I tell him I no because I either need to go pick up his
Written by Deepu on February 1, 2022
A Glutton and a Drunkard
I was getting my workout on one day, and noticed a fitness instructor (not surprising, of course). But the only way I knew this person was a fitness instructor was that he was wearing a shirt that said “Fitness Instructor” on it, because he did not have the appearance of being fit. I know, this
Written by Deepu on January 23, 2022
Gratitude = Great Attitude
I am not a joy-filled person. I know there are those out there who know me who would disagree, what with me being such a delight to be around. But in reality – on the inside – I get annoyed, frustrated, angry, and anxious quite easily. Well, of course Scripture has something to say about
Written by Deepu on January 17, 2022
New Wine
In today’s Gospel from Mark, Jesus is questioned about His disciples who don’t fast like other spiritual leaders’ disciples (my mother would tell me I could do with a little more fasting, but for a completely different reason). His response, to me, seems to speak to why the Church started. I’ve seen arguments against Christians
Written by Deepu on January 12, 2022
Do It
In the Gospel of Mark (10:35-45), two disciples come up to Jesus and Him, “do for us whatever we ask of You.” Whenever I read this passage, I always think they sound like a couple of pompous jerks. Like, guys, don’t know you know who He is? Who the hell are you to be making
Written by Deepu on August 2, 2021
BeyBlades
My oldest son loves playing with BeyBlades. He asks me and his mom and his siblings to play that more than anything else (only because if he tries to ask to play videogames that often he’d get to play those even less). Even on Father’s Day (yes I already wrote about Father’s Day here, but
Written by Deepu on July 8, 2021
You’re a Good Good Father
This last Father’s Day was one of the best yet. Lots of quality time with the family, and such good food. The reason I share this isn’t to brag, but because of something I realized in the afternoon when I took some time to pray. I was feeling so loved when I sat down to
Written by Deepu on June 17, 2021
Fear of the WORL[or]D
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted (I just looked – it’s been over a year). There are a few reasons why I haven’t written in so long – It seemed like podcasts were on the rise (Modern Day Disciples anyone?), so does anyone really read blogs consistently anymore?Although I wasn’t working, I tried to step
Written by Deepu on June 9, 2020
For a Laugh or For a Life?
I’ve been struggling with what to do and what to say about everything that is happening right now with the Black Lives Matter movement. Mostly because I’m afraid. But my fear is insignificant. I’m afraid of being rejected by friends and family who believe we are being deceived by the media, or who do not
Written by Deepu on April 30, 2020
Helicopter Father
When our first child was old enough to start climbing things (far too soon in my opinion), my wife did some research into different styles of parenting. She found two types of parenting – American and European. American style is basically telling kids not to climb things and pulling them off of them, mostly because
Written by Deepu on April 20, 2020
Killing Time
In my last post I started writing the phrase “killing time” and it made me pause. I had no intention to write about this. But let’s see where this train of thought goes. Killing time is basically trying to figure out how to not feel like we are waiting. We don’t like to do nothing
Written by Deepu on April 15, 2020
Being in the Awkward
One thing I liked about having my phone, is that whenever I was waiting for something, I’d be able to use it to pass the time. One thing I disliked about having my phone, is that whenever I was waiting for something, I’d be able to use it to pass the time. Exactly. Basically my
Written by Deepu on April 3, 2020
Written in the Stars
What a time we are in. I know there’s already been so much written and talked about in regards to the quarantine and COVID-19, but last night I was out to get some exercise, and I noticed the stars. I was praying while I was walking/jogging (mostly walking), and I kept unintentionally looking up at
Written by Deepu on October 25, 2019
Just Keep Praying
I find it harder and harder to believe there are coincidences. The other day I was praying, and, as so often happens in prayer, I remember how much Jesus has done for me. Not only that God created me, but that Jesus died on the cross for me, and continues to want to help me,
Written by Deepu on October 8, 2019
Clouds
Clouds are amazing. They move and change and come in all shapes and sizes (and colors at sunset). But what makes me appreciate them so much is how much the sky can change because of them. The sky – and the day – can take on a different feel depending on the types of clouds
Written by Deepu on May 18, 2019
The Word of God Fell on Deaf Ears
In Mark 7:31-37, a deaf man is brought to Jesus. This is where silly Jesus comes out and He gives the man a wet willy and spits on his tongue. Just kidding. But not really. Well, maybe a little. Most of the time, when I read these passages in the Gospels where Jesus heals someone,
Written by Deepu on May 7, 2019
I’m Sorry, Who Are You?
As Christians, Jesus calls us to spread His Word to others. We are all called to do this – every one of us – regardless of our profession or stage in life. The teachings of the Catholic Church are vast and detailed. It can be overwhelming, as well as unrealistic to expect every Catholic to
Written by Deepu on March 8, 2019
God’s Plan
This is a huge change for me. Sure, I got married.Sure, I’ve had kids…a few times over. Getting married and having kids though – there was a natural flow of events that led up to that. But I don’t think I’ve made a decision solely based on discernment. Until now. I quit my job at
Written by Deepu on December 4, 2018
The Eucharistic Bridge
Have you ever looked at a bridge? I’m not talking about a little bridge at the park or even the bridge over a highway – I’m talking about a huge bridge over a large body of water. Bridges are beyond fascinating – they’re mind-boggling. via GIPHY I know there’s the physics behind it and I
Written by Deepu on August 20, 2018
Ice Ice Baby
The water bottle I have in my office has a “small” opening for when I need to refill it. I say small, because when I go to the fridge’s ice dispenser to put ice in it, I have to use my hands to guide the burst of ice cubes into the opening – and I
Written by Deepu on June 26, 2018
7 Gifs of the Holy Spirit
Wisdom via GIPHY Understanding via GIPHY Counsel via GIPHY Fortitude via GIPHY Knowledge via GIPHY Piety via GIPHY Fear of the Lord via GIPHY
Written by Deepu on June 11, 2018
Never Learn
We never learn. I know, I know, “never” is an unfair statement. You’d think that we’d be way better off now than when human beings were first created. You’d think we’d have figured out a thing or two. You’d also think, that since Jesus came, died, rose from the dead, left us His teachings, not
Written by Deepu on May 30, 2018
Do I Know You?
Wow. I finished a Bible group with a few other young adults a while ago – and, as can happen even after reading the same Scripture so many times over the years, I felt like I got something revealed to me that I’ve never noticed. And of course, being a part of the Catholic Church
Written by Deepu on May 19, 2018
Avoiding the Mission
Let’s set the stage: My wife was Sacristan at Mass, so we were heading there early. Our son Joshua asked if he could play with Accha (my dad) when we get there. I explained to him that most people aren’t at church that early yet. Joshua said in response, “A lot of people come to
Written by Deepu on April 22, 2018
I Love Life
Hey you. Would you lay your life down for mine? More important question for me to ask though is, would I lay my life down for yours? Honest answer: I don’t know. I’d like to say yes I totally would. But the reality is I have no idea what that situation would be like and
Written by Deepu on April 15, 2018
You Know Jesus? You No Jesus
Reading the 2nd reading for Sunday’s Liturgy (1 John 2:1-5A), I can tell why John was the beloved disciple (other than the fact that he was writing about himself). That man is not pulling any punches here: Those who say, “I know Him,” but do not keep His commandments are liars, and the truth is
Written by Deepu on March 30, 2018
Hail, King of the Jews!
I don’t always appreciate Scripture as much as I should. But when I get a new perspective on a passage or it applies to a current situation in my life, I get excited about it. The title of this post is from the soldiers who mock Jesus as He is about to be put to
Written by Deepu on March 15, 2018
Lent is More Than 40 Days
Lent is two weeks from being done. There are many of us – myself included until a few years ago – who look at Lent as the one time a year to try to be the person God created us to be. And there are more still who look at Lent as some annoying thing
Written by Deepu on February 26, 2018
Tithing
On Ash Wednesday a little over a week ago, I tweeted, “If you’re more excited about receiving ashes than the Eucharist, you might be doing it wrong.” As I thought about this more, I recognized something – there was a time (and still are times) when I was more excited about a lot of things
Written by Deepu on February 22, 2018
Smoking Barrel
I’ve always had issues with seeing doctors/nurses smoke. It just didn’t make sense. Like, “Hey, you’re trying to get people to be healthy, and yet you’re smoking?!” What idiots. I was talking with my dad about this (he is a retired nurse who smokes). He said, “People do what they do.” And then, as much
Written by Deepu on December 15, 2017
What is Love?
Parents define what love is for their children. Therefore, you – whether you’re a parent, a child, a teen, an adult, a spouse, whatever – grew up with a definition of love that might have been different from others. I was sitting with my 9 month old, Ezra, holding him close, and I whispered, “I
Written by Deepu on November 26, 2017
They Will Know We Are Christians
You know this quote by St. Francis? It’s a bunch of crap. Not because St. Francis didn’t even say it (he didn’t), but because it’s an excuse to not evangelize properly.Now first off, I’ll admit I’ve used that quote many times in the past – I thought it was a good way to encourage teens
Written by Deepu on October 17, 2017
My Own Worst Enemy
I want a flat stomach. But you wouldn’t know that if you’ve ever seen me eat. I like unhealthy food and unhealthy portions. And I give into all of it way more often than someone should who wants a flat stomach. Can anyone relate? via GIPHY So do I really want a flatter stomach? Or maybe
Written by Deepu on October 1, 2017
Converts vs. Cradles
Reading today’s Gospel (Mt 21:28-32), most of us probably do that thing we normally do and think, “Awesome, I’m part of the good group. Yeah there are times I don’t follow through with my promises to God, but I am going to Mass so yeah I’m set.” But what if we’re not set? What if
Written by Deepu on August 14, 2017
Who Doesn’t Love Weddings?
When I got married, my wife and I made vows before our family and friends. And although I meant them sincerely when I said them, I had no idea how challenging some of those vows would be to keep (who knew that marriage was hard?!). We’ve had our challenges as we’ve grown as individuals, as
Written by Deepu on July 27, 2017
There’s Regular Awesome and Then There’s Jesus Awesome
In chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke, a man named Simon listens to Jesus and he and his crew catch a ridiculous amount of fish (for the full story, click here) So Simon was a fisherman. But was being a fisherman what he was being called to do by God? Maybe he was called
Written by Deepu on July 16, 2017
Retreat > Jesus Camp
Do you know what you’re looking at? This was taken at the Diocesan Youth Retreat (DYR) back in June. This was on Thursday night, where over 250 teens and 80 leaders knelt before the Body of Christ. It was truly a beautiful night, and although a picture may speak a thousand words, it doesn’t do
Written by Deepu on July 13, 2017
What Are You Waiting For?
Retreats are an amazing experience that have the potential to change your life. They also have the potential to, well, ya know, not. I recently helped out on DYR – the Diocesan Youth Retreat which is put on by the Diocese of San Jose. After the retreat this year (as so happens every year), many
Written by Deepu on June 18, 2017
“You Are My Son, and the One True King”
You should all know what this quote is from. That’s right: The Lion King. Mufasa says this to Simba from the clouds. Simba has been struggling to come to terms with his past, and his dad, although dead, is there for him to guide him. Yet where was Mufasa for all those years as Simba grew
Written by Deepu on May 28, 2017
Does This Thing Come with a Manual?
After we moved into our house, we started doing research on a washer and dryer. I like looking at customer reviews to see how well they stand up to their ads. One of the models for a washer we were looking at didn’t have the agitator in the middle (this is the top-load kind with the
Written by Deepu on April 13, 2017
Pearly White Gates
I recently went to the dentist, and let me tell you, I had an amazing time. Not really. I mean, it wasn’t a horrible time, but it definitely wasn’t something that I’d describe as amazing. But after the appointment was done, man did my teeth feel clean. Now, I’m no saint when it comes to
Written by Deepu on February 9, 2017
Do Not Read This
I use reverse psychology on my son sometimes (Joshua, if you ever read this in the future, you will not like that I did this to you). Some people might argue that it’s not good to do this with your children, and you might be right – but I try to only use it in situations where
Written by Deepu on January 20, 2017
Overwhelmed
Not too long ago, I started taking the calling God has for me more seriously (I know, you’re totally impressed). There’s only one problem: I’m not really sure what God’s calling me to exactly (I know, I’m the only one who feels this way). So what I’ve really been doing is asking God more often
Written by Deepu on December 10, 2016
Stained Clothes
It’s hard to avoid. I’ve got my nice clothes on (you know, anything I’ve owned for less than four years). I like the way I look in them, and although they are super comfortable, I’m always a little on edge when food is around because the risk of getting an irremovable stain rises. And then
Written by Deepu on November 23, 2016
God Bless You?
Sneezes. I really don’t like them. Not because they make snot fly at over 100 mph (which is pretty cool), or that you risk having snot all over the place if you don’t have a proper receptacle, but because I feel like I’m pressured to say, “God bless you,” or “Bless you.” Wait, Deepu…you’re Catholic…don’t
Written by Deepu on October 20, 2016
Caramel vs. Caramel
I’m writing this with some trepidation. I haven’t yet actually searched which one is right (side note: it’s weird to write ‘searched’ instead of ‘googled.’ Just thought you’d like to know). I’ve had this argument multiple times with friends and family. My biggest nemesis on this topic is my wife. She pronounces it, “car-mel,” while
Written by Deepu on July 26, 2016
Littering and…
People who litter disgust me. I know. I shouldn’t be judging others. But I feel like out of all the things that people do, littering is one of those things that you can’t put blame on anyone but yourself. I’m not saying it’s the worst thing that a person can do, but it’s one of
Written by Deepu on June 11, 2016
Into the Unknown
I can’t tell you how many times I rewrote this article. Starting this blog has been more intimidating than I imagined. I initially thought, “This will be relatively easy – I write bulletin articles every week for my parish, which have, for the most part, been positively received. A blog is pretty much the same