Last night, I had a rare evening with my husband. The kids were in bed and we were both awake, though oh so tired. We sat together and watched TV and continued a conversation that we were able to start when he got home before dinner was on the table. This morning, I’m still tired. I know he’s ti...

One of my dear friends asked me to pray for one of her dear friends, and I, in turn, am asking you to join me. From Jane, a foster mom who is struggling to finalize the adoption of Brian and who was hoping and praying to also keep Alex. I don't know that I understand the full story, but I do recogni...

The Week 26 guide for the Online Retreat in Everyday Life is here . Dear Jesus, Let me listen again. You are asking me to let go of the idea that I can somehow master complete control over my life. You invite me to trust you more and let you help me with my struggles. Every time I am willing to admi...

It's Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary, and this week I'm going to share the jumble of unfinished thoughts, things that warrant either their own post or a long discussion over some hot drink (or, given our tropical weather, maybe some lemonade). 1. "Three Things" Jen inspired me to start thinki...

I have a few minutes this afternoon, and I'm catching up on some blog-reading. It's my reward for finishing my parish work while we host our four-year-old friend and nearly niece, Belle. When I found this post, by the lovely Betty Beguiles, I knew I had to share it here, with you. Marriage is near a...

There was no movement. I was alone. The only sound was the creaking of the old church. In front of me was the gold monstrance. I was surrounded by silence. What, exactly, was I supposed to do for an entire hour? Never before had I had an experience like it. When our parish began its Eucharistic Ador...

This is part of my adventure in giving my monthly resolutions focus through a yearly focus. You can read all of my resolution posts here (scroll down for older posts). Mental Focus: Clearing the clutter through home organization I’d like to be getting more done in this area than I am, but I have a...

In my inbox today, via Women of Grace Daily Grace Lines: "By being close to Christ in the sacraments and in prayer, we can fulfill our great feminine vocation: to live out our love for others day by day in faithfulness." Ronda Chervin This after my morning prayer time, which started later than usual...

The Week 25 guide for the Online Retreat in Everyday Life is here . It’s the story of the woman at the well that struck me this week, that stayed with me during my quiet times and came back to me, again and again. I don’t usually like the contemporary English versions of the Bible, but it’s he...

I am sharing this not-as-brief-as-I’d-like outline of my Lent plan here, because I find it helpful when I read about what other people do. Rather than always being the lurker who reads, I wanted to share. Take what inspires you, leave what doesn’t, and, if you feel called to, share your Lenten a...