Praying
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That We May Be One
Jesus’ greatest desire is that all who call themselves “Christian” would stand united, before the world. How we doing there? 😬 I think most of us have to admit “not so good” — and it’s not supposed to be that way! And here’s the thing, it’s okay to not see eye to eye on everything. It’s okay to have disagreements. People of faith can disagree and should be open to even passionate discussions on doctrine and working out the differences between us — because these things matter! We shouldn’t fail to discuss the hard stuff for the sake of unity — because that’s just a facade of unity. It’s not…
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Birthdays and Learning to Forgive
Yesterday we celebrated this girl! She’s grown so much since these pictures were taken, but her smile can still light up a room, and her laughter is contagious. You don’t see her a lot in this space because I decided long ago to try to give the older kids their privacy — but let me tell you, we are so proud of this young woman and just marvel at the ways she’s growing into such a beautiful woman of faith and integrity. She was the first person to ever call me “Mom” and she was part of a very important lesson I had to learn after a very traumatic birth…
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Chickens and Kids (2020 Revamp)
Once upon a time, I decided I really, really wanted chickens. I spent countless hours perusing Pinterest to find out everything I needed to know about chickens. Then I spent countless more hours convincing my husband that chickens were an amazing idea and we could weekend warrior a coop–no problem. Finally, I had him convinced, and the weekend warriors became embattled, broken down, over-worked, embittered serfs, subject to the chicken empire we had established. And on a dark night, just when my husband had lost the will to live, the coop was finally finished! How peaceful it was to watch them scratch and peck, lay beautiful eggs, and come…
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Apparently, My Catholic Blog Was Banned From Facebook and Instagram
Hey guys, as some of you may know, the powers that be banned my Catholic blog from Facebook and Instagram. As you also may know, almost all of my activity was banned from Instagram unless I removed the link to this blog. So the other day, I had to ask myself, do I dig in and continue to fight — or do I give up? And believe me, I’m a fighter by nature. Just ask my inner circle — they could tell you some stories — and Joan of Arc is my patron Saint for Heaven’s sake. Do I think it’s unfair that I was given no explanation for why…
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9 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving for An End to Corona Virus
So I’ve had a lot of time to think as I’ve been painting some walls in my house (#oraetlabora keeping me sane during quarantine) and I had an idea — and I’m really hoping you will join me! This is the idea: Starting today, what if you and I started 9 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving for an end to the Corona Virus? You don’t have to be Catholic or even a Christian to join in. In fact, my guess is if you’re not, that your prayers will touch the heart of the Father just as much as mine do — maybe even more, because you’re taking a bigger leap…
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How Ora Et Labora Is Keeping Me Sane During Quarantine
Hello everybody! I don’t know about you, but the lines for computers are long around here, as all music lessons and classes have gone to livestream or pre-recorded for the foreseeable future. Which means I’ve decided to try to post on Saturdays, instead of Fridays, and also to share one post from the week of posts I’ve shared over on Instagram and Facebook. Some will have additions and be in a longer format, but it’s the best I can do when life is so upside down around here. Stay safe and well and keep praying! I know I am! Without further ado, thoughts on how St. Benedict is helping us…
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Hope Begins With Prayer
This little window in a wall has me thinking about the power of prayer. Prayer is very much like a window that helps us to see beyond the wall of our problems. It is not a denial of the problems in our midst — but it offers us a look at the beautiful thing waiting on the other side it. It gives us hope, even when we have hit a wall. Right now, I am so grateful for the gift of prayer. I know many people are seeing only the problems right now — but prayer is helping me to see beyond the problems. It’s helping me to see the…
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Pray, Hope, Don’t Worry….And Wash Your Hands, too
For what it’s worth, I figured I’d share some of my thoughts on the Corona Virus. But firsts, the facts. Here’s a link to some of the latest facts about the Corona Virus in the US. I don’t know about you, but this is not being reflected in the craziness that is filling the headlines. Having said that, this should be taken seriously. We should actively try to slow the spread so the critical cases can be taken care of and lives saved. So, yes, let’s think of the vulnerable around us and wash our hands and stay home if we’re sick or if quarantines happen — but let’s not…
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To Be Pro-Life is To Love Those Who Have Chosen Abortion
I write this on the morning of the 47th Annual March for Life. Three of my own kids are in attendance and they’ll join likely half a million other people for the largest human rights demonstration in the world. In this increasingly divisive, politically-charged, climate that we find ourselves in, I think that it’s important that we all remember that being pro-life is not about politics — it’s about people — and it always has been. In fact, if you go to the March for Life — you will not find condemnation for those who have had abortions. You will find love — and lots of it! But a regular…
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New Year, New Word
Well hello there, and Merry Christmas! One of my very favorite things about being Catholic is the fact that Christmas isn’t just a day — it’s an entire Season — definitely a huge perk, if you ask me. To be honest, it can be a bit confusing as to exactly how many days of Christmas there are. Some say we have 12 days of Christmas, ending on Epiphany January 6th. Then there’s the “old-schoolers” that celebrate Christmas until February 2nd, with the feast of the Presentation. The Church currently celebrates Christmas until the Baptism of Jesus, which happens to be on January 12th this year — but that date changes…
