1. I can’t stand Oprah. Or Dr. Phil. 2. I still get cold sores on my mouth because years ago I kissed, then slept with, someone who looked just like Jesus. 3. I once stole an animal who was on the brink of death from an abuser. 4. I harbor feelings of hatred towards my neighbor and struggle against wishing their house would catch on fire. 5. I lie to my mother about practically ever major thing in my life. She still thinks I met my husband at work, not thru a dating service. 6. Am I feeling better yet?

Beyond Blues Blog and Theresa crack me up! It is so FUNNY and so TRUE!! I give theresa kudos for expressing her true self to help find her true self. And being a Cathlic to boot boy theresa i am certain lights up her cofessionals. You go Girl!!! If you really do find out what SANITY actually is write and let us know!!!

Theresa, I regularly read your CNS column in our diocesan newspaper, The Post, published in Peoria, IL. The content of your newspaper column is very different from your blog–based only on my reading of this latest post. None of us is perfect. I’m the first to admit that I’m a sinner, but taking a wink-wink, giggle-giggle approach to sin, as if it’s sort of cool, (#11 & 12) strikes me as a bit hypocritical. Either we get it or we don’t. Maybe I’m square because I’m so much older than you (I’m 56). I’m not judging your commitment to your faith or to Christ, but I wonder–do you have to write cool to be on Beliefnet? Diocesan newspapers are conservative and follow church doctrine to the letter. The publisher is usually the local bishop. But the difference between your newspaper column and your blog is striking. Which one is the real you?

my best buddy died 01042007.he was only 2 yrs old.had an operation died the next day.and you say god is here?right now?because he was not with adev on 01042007.he trusted us and we took him to his death.if he never had that operation he would be here.my faith has left me.and i wonder why everyone else can still believe after 01042007.

Oh God, Pamela. I am so sorry. What was the beautiful little guy’s name? You typed “adev”. My first thought was maybe you meant *Dave* but then a second later I wondered if it was just a special Hebrew name. Either way, I am crying with you. Shalom

I thought your insights were great! I have always been a little supicious of the Catholic religion, and I grew up in the 60′s 4 blocks from the University of Notre Dame. I applaud your honesty and candor

I love your column – it’s so funny! And so true about many things! I might try this exercise later.

1) I started smoking right as I entered college. 2) I also started drinking beer in college (legal age was 18 then). 3) Lost my virginity to the man I thought I was going to marry at 20 (is that too old?) 4) Had a nervous breakdown soon after (parents found an entry in my diary that said I took one hit of weed that night), and they promptly put me in the psychiatric ward of a local hospital. 5) Have been “horny” most of my adult life! Thanks, Therese, for letting me do my own exercise! It HAS been liberating. In fact, I haven’t thought of these “indiscretions” in years (except for the nervous breakdown, that was later diagnosed in 2001 as bipolar, and has followed me all my life). Keep up the irreverent humor in your blogs; I heartily enjoy it…

Therese, Do you and/or your Deacon friend take seriously his “absolution” for your “confessed sins”? It is not within the sacramental role of a Deacon ordianed in the Roman Catholic Church to administer the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance/Confession). Your blaze attitude was in bad taste. J. McManus

what i usually do with resentments that confound me is to ask myself what it is that i see or sense in the other person/place/ thing/institution/principle that i cannot accept about myself. recently, a suggestion was floated to list all the things i could think of that i thought i really need to accept. patrick

Your way to handle guilt is Wonderfully refreshing and funny! You are GREAT Theresa!

Your way to hand resentments are also honest and wonderfully refreshing, and funny! as you can see I am a perfectionist and have to do things right, I try to do them right the first, as mky dad taught, but I often screw up! I think sometimes just to fight against that thought! Since I am at work, I better get to work! I read you often, and you are very talented woman, I like reading on you look at depression, because I too, suffer from it. Gotta go! Val

Therese, I enjoyed every moment of your column. It was hilarious!I was watching a church service this morning and it spoke of not feeling guilty of our past or feelings we have but instead to acknowledge them and to move on-we shouldn’t feel beat ourselves up over them-WE ALL HAVE SHORTCOMINGS! Will Ferrell is terrific, and you are absolutely correct Benny Hill was as they say in my neck of the woods, “off da chain”, I remember staying up late and watching him as well-mostly for the women though! Awesome, Awesome, totally awesome column-good stuff! Take care, Edmond.

I really enjoyed your thoughts and I think many of us need to relax and enjoy ourselves more. I am also glad that you have a listening ear that you can turn to regularly. More of us need those as well. But it has always been my understanding that only God can absolve sin. Isn’t that the whole reason Christ died on the cross? He is the only one worthy of such forgiveness. Just a thought.

I don’t care what anyone else says….you keep writing the way you write for your belief blog. I too suffer from depression, alcoholism, mental illness and all that crap. When I finally stop being depressed, resentful etc. from a past mistake I have made (and refuse to repeat that same mistake) I know God has stepped in to help me grow. As for the “absolution” I am sorry but the only one who can TRULY give absolution is God for he does it by taking away the thoughts in your head about what occurred. There is a HUGE difference between religion and spirituality. I believe religion was created by man for the simple fact if it was “God created” why would God have so many different “religions” that in the end all are suppose to do the exact same thing – have you come closer to him. I believe spirituality is God created for it gives God what he wants – your willingness to have faith in him to take care of you as long as your willing to leave it in his hands to direct you for good. I grew up with religion and did all those “requirements” to be of a religious faith. It didn’t stop me from becoming mentally ill, suicidal, an alcoholic, and extremely resentful towards life in general. When it was finally explained to me what spirituality was and I started practicing it I found God stepped in and did for me what I could not do for myself. These days, I combine both. The religious “requirements” help ground me into routine but the spirituality helps me understand what God wants and expects from me. God bless All.

Thank you! I laughed so hard at some of these, especially the one where you dressed up as a priest having an affair-HILLARIOUS! I cuss like a sailor and like it too, so do the majority of my friends. I do like Oprah, and haven’t seen Blades Of Glory, but I think I’ll check it out. Rules of dating-baah,humbug! On a date, or anywhere else, whatever happens, happens.