The final part of a four part series based on a study session with St Bernard and the Four Degrees of Love.
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Saying Goodbye to Papa
Mothers are our universe, but dads make or break us.
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Where is God waiting for YOU?
Where is God connecting the dots of your life? I am finding my faith and writing are starting to intersect with drawing and painting! Comment with your answer!
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The Four Degrees of Love: Part 2
Only a humbled heart can experience gratitude because gratitude it directed to something outside of our own doing.
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The Four Loves: A Four-Part Reflection
Love is such a simple word but has so many meanings. The degrees to which we are loved and we love is not so simple. Let's take it one degree at a time.
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The More Empty, the More Room
While we may not think of being "empty" as a good thing, we must realized that these moments of spiritual and physical "poverty" happen in life. Sometimes this emptiness comes to us like the widow in today's gospel (who gave all she had from her poverty) and sometimes someone like Fr Leger, a Cardinal of … Continue reading The More Empty, the More Room
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Your Role in the Play
From central casting agency. You have been cast in our upcoming production for the following role: “Immigrant.” This is a leading role and an essential character to the story. Immigrant: role description and back story You are journeying to a great destination that will provide you with freedom and peace. You are willing to do … Continue reading Your Role in the Play
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Yearning for the Stable Moon
Last night we ventured out as a small group of friends to an area nearby on a mountain where the Vanderbilt Observatory is tucked at the top of a clearing. Saturday nights once a month, the famous Bluebird Cafe offers live music with some of the originals and best singer/songwriters in this talented place called … Continue reading Yearning for the Stable Moon
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Strengthened By Brokeness
I recently hit a bit of darkness in my spiritual life when I went through several important changes in the late spring/early summer. They were all challenging to say the least, but God is faithful and He led me one step at a time through those dark woods. My friend, "Dred" who is training to … Continue reading Strengthened By Brokeness
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Annoyance is a Luxury
In a culture of comfort we can follow the example of St Junipero in fortitude for mission.
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Time Adds Beauty
It’s never too late. Just before COVID hit I found a book at the library in preparation for our trip to England. I didn’t realize that this book was about to open a new world to me, not just in travel, not just in history, but in illustration. Susan Branch is an artist and writer … Continue reading Time Adds Beauty
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The Gaze
Waiting in the hospital while her husband was in an important surgery, she saw him. He was walking between two armed officers, chains bound his wrists and feet. As he shuffled toward her she noticed his disheveled appearance--tattoos everywhere, long unkempt hair and his prison jumpsuit. Do not avert your eyes....she reminded herself. Last week's … Continue reading The Gaze
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A Big Bowl Of Spaghetti
Being in the world or of the world? It's like a big bowl of spaghetti. So how do we know?
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In the Storm
The storms of our lives are where we need a savior. Will you keep trying to be your own savior? There is a better way. The way of LOVE.
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The Rock: Blunder or Buoyant?
Is Peter written in order to teach us how to be faithful in our humanity? Through blunders and dives, the faith of this buoyant fisherman is the foundation Jesus chose to build his church.
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Good Jesus and The Big Tipper
What do a dazzler, a marathon runner, a male nurse and pizza delivery guy have in common? The powerful name of...
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Recycling For Dummies
Recycling our minds to make the most of the moment we are living.
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Baby Fiats
Baby Fiats are little moments of the day when we can say yes to God. We reflect this week on the fiat of Mary to understand how we can imitate her.
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Amending The Soil
Time to render your spiritual soil...
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Our Hope is in God Alone — The Simple Catholic
A friend's reminder that we need not fear.
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Sanitize Your Soul
Always treat your soul with the same caution you treat your body during the pandemic.
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Care-isms
When we were little, my dad gave us a chance to earn money around Christmas time so that we could buy gifts for others. He called them "Christmas Bucks" and even drew out little dollar bills with funny little pictures on them, cut them out in the shape of monopoly money, and gave them to … Continue reading Care-isms
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Grammy Gabs
Lots of people say Grammy (my mom) is like Mary Poppins, or Auntie Mame, but to her daughters she is more like the guy running the roller coaster ride at the park who loves to say "Buckle up!" and watch as your face takes on a look that lands somewhere between terror and excitement, with … Continue reading Grammy Gabs
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Con-Soul
Con (with ) Soul (Invaluable individual spirit)...walking with someone without trying to "fix" them. That is to console...
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I Showed Up
This week's prayer group called us to focus on those who have been entrusted to our care, and the case of a selfless young woman.
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A Pandemic Love Letter
By meg God is restoring something in you during these days of change...what is it? I decided to write a love letter to God, thanking Him for these challenging times. I will review it in six months and see what I am leaning about my relationship with God, myself and others. Dear Heavenly Father; these … Continue reading A Pandemic Love Letter
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The Vice of Acedia and Our Use of the Media, Part 1 – SpiritualDirection.com
SPIRITUALDIRECTION- explores Catholic spiritual direction advice and how a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human being based on the wisdom's of the Bible, Church and the saints and angels. — Read on spiritualdirection.com/2020/02/24/the-vice-of-acedia-and-our-use-of-the-media-part-1
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The O Antiphons Day 1
Today begins the O Antiphons...join me in rejoicing in these ancient titles of Our God!
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Mr Tom’s Gift of Transportation
Sitting at the booth next to me at the annual Christmas Bazaar, we engaged in warm and friendly chatter. He and she had grandchildren that were in my kids' grades and the kids were all friends. I would see them when I worked in the parish office at the front desk, as they were active … Continue reading Mr Tom’s Gift of Transportation
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One Word of Hope
Sometimes it only takes a word of hope to help someone else. And sometimes, an image of hope and love can speak a thousand...
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These Words From Mother Teresa Will Give You Hope
By Kristine Bruce, founder of "Praying for Our Prodigals" When thinking about my kids who are away from the church, my “prodigals”, I so want to wake them up to the urgency of getting back into the fold of faith. I know many parents feel this pressing desire. I often feel so burdened not only … Continue reading These Words From Mother Teresa Will Give You Hope
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Three Worthy Reactions from the Man in the Tree
Zacchaeus, which means "clean, pure" in Hebrew, may not have seemed to be aptly named to those who knew him. He was a small man with big greed; like most tax collectors during the time of Christ, he was most likely despised for extorting money from people thereby making himself a wealthy man. Choosing physical … Continue reading Three Worthy Reactions from the Man in the Tree
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Gentle Heart
An chapel outpouring for the ones who think they can't, they aren't or they won't.
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A Moral Litmus Test
Why would someone take the hard way around in life? Why would anyone scrape through brambles and climb hills where there is little path and a narrow gate, when there is a wide, paved open road before them? One would assume that the right thing to do is take the easy road. Often a rule … Continue reading A Moral Litmus Test
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Peace and Division
Back to school week for most of us means back to business, including meeting to Encounter Christ in the upcoming Sunday gospel together as a group. Usually one of our well-attended gatherings, we were happy there were a few more than normal in attendance for digesting the challenging nature of this gospel passage. Christ explains … Continue reading Peace and Division
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2019 Draft Picks From a Late August Dream Team
2019 Draft Picks From a Late August Dream Team https://thesimplecatholic.blog/2019/08/08/2019-draft-picks-from-a-late-august-dream-team/ — Read on thesimplecatholic.blog/2019/08/08/2019-draft-picks-from-a-late-august-dream-team/ Thanks @thesimplecatholic.blog for the fun collaboration!
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Scientific Dog #1 And Why Being a Chorus Member Counts Too
Everyone matters in this world. Even the Scientific dogs.
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Blessed by Balloons?
One of the first things I did when I got my own place as a young adult was throw a big theme-party. I love party-planning and making people feel special with little details and creative decor, so I rented the club house, picked up some dry-ice and colored light bulbs, and sent out invites for … Continue reading Blessed by Balloons?
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The Baby In Blue
Born on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, this youngest child of ten came with a special promise.
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Bedtime Stories
When my children were little, we would have what was called a "Book Picnic". Sometimes we would read together in an elaborate "fort" made from kitchen chairs, couch cushions and blankets. Sometimes we would pile all the blankets and pillows on the floor and lay on our tummies together reading our favorite books. My personal … Continue reading Bedtime Stories
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Real Body, Real Blood.
Scientific Evidence of the Body and Blood of Christ.
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Don’t Speak Your Fear
This week's "soul lesson" is brought to you by many revelations through person experiences and conversations over the past week. I encapsulate what I believe I am supposed to have learned.
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The Measure of Love
"The measure of love is to love without measure..." The latest "soul lesson" for me can be encapsulated best by these cute measuring spoons received as the parting gift at a friend's bridal shower, aptly called "The Measure of Love". I have heard both St Augustine of Hippo and St Francis of Assisi credited with … Continue reading The Measure of Love
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Get Out Of The Way
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. --Romans 8:28 While juggling graduations, women's retreats, surprise visitors and more, I worried. I worried about everyone. I didn't want anyone to feel overwhelmed, overextended or anxious. So, I stepped in. In order to soften any inconveniences for … Continue reading Get Out Of The Way
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Dad’s Easter Blessing
Easter this year was the most perfect, glorious day. Our plan was church followed by a lovely meal and precious moments before our almost-college grad and his sweetheart were headed back to school. A stubborn eye infection, nasty medicine, and a migraine kept the joy at bay for me. Nauseated, I … Continue reading Dad’s Easter Blessing
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Kids and Confession Verses Cancer
Changing things up this week, I am introducing you to a blogger who has a huge beautiful family and a wonderful sense of humor. The very name of his blog expresses who he is "Fortitudine", meaning fortitude. And, oh yea...he has brain cancer. But that is a post script, because as all people with this … Continue reading Kids and Confession Verses Cancer
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“Bad Moms” and Fire-Fighting Storks
As we reflected on this Sunday's gospel about the woman caught in the act of adultery, the current headlines involving rich and famous parents trying to buy their kids' way into reputable colleges lingered in my mind. Like the media frenzy in this "bad moms" of college students scenario, I could similarly envision the ruckus … Continue reading “Bad Moms” and Fire-Fighting Storks
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A Day in the Warmth of the Son
The first of spring's warm and sunny days are everyone's joy. They remind us that the sun did not abandon us, but was quietly accompanying us through the long winter days, shrouded by a haze that required our trust in knowing it would come back out again. When our trust is rewarded by those first … Continue reading A Day in the Warmth of the Son
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A Happy Death
This past week we celebrated the Feast Day of St Joseph. St Joseph, is considered to be a great intercessor for Christians, especially in the area of a "happy death". I wanted to deepen my relationship with St Joseph this year, so I attempted to do the 9-day Novena and ask for his help on … Continue reading A Happy Death
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Fighting For the Wrong Side
Life in "Music City" is amazing. There is so much music, art and joy here in Nashville. One of my favorite things about "Music City" that you won't hear about on the radio (except for maybe K-LOVE because it's here too) is that there are so many huge beautiful churches everywhere. Especially as you head … Continue reading Fighting For the Wrong Side
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A Perfectly Placed Stranger
The Case of the Perfectly Placed Stranger Staying in a hotel during a large event, a woman felt as though the Holy Spirit was prompting her to go down to the lobby. She didn't know why, but being the obedient and humble person that she is, she decided to abide this marked feeling. She went … Continue reading A Perfectly Placed Stranger
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Prayer Vs Meditation
As we prepare to enter into silence for the weekend on our annual Spiritual Exercises--a powerful spiritual experience for everyone who attends--we begin to peel away at the thick layers of our daily lives that have been dipped in the glue of social media and applied in layers around our hearts like a paper mache. … Continue reading Prayer Vs Meditation
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Do Whatever He Tells You
"Do whatever he tells you" stamped on a silver cuff bracelet was a meaningful gift from one my beautiful sisters last year for my birthday. The inexhaustible meaning of this line from The Wedding at Cana, continually leads me like a star toward my quest for guidance on how to live my faith. Although, due to … Continue reading Do Whatever He Tells You
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All That I Have Is Yours
HEB 6:10-20 Brothers and sisters:God is not unjust so as to overlook your workand the love you have demonstrated for his nameby having served and continuing to serve the holy ones.We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagernessfor the fulfillment of hope until the end,so that you may not become sluggish, but … Continue reading All That I Have Is Yours
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The Star Precedes
Traveling home for the holidays has always been a debate in our family. On the one hand, we can't imagine not being with loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family members during the holidays. On the other hand, everyone ends up feeling disappointed because it wasn't enough time together, or it was hurried, etc. Every year … Continue reading The Star Precedes
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Encountering Resolutions: The Best of 2018
Celebrating the New Year has always meant a stream of old movies or opening a new book, and of course, getting organized. I guess the best thing about New Year's is the sense of personal renewal we all feel, making resolutions to better people; physically, financially, and personally. I also feel the blessing of renewal … Continue reading Encountering Resolutions: The Best of 2018
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Make Haste Not Bustle
Looking up "haste" on thesarus.com , ("extreme speed, hurry") I noticed an almost perfectly divided list of 43 synonyms that have nearly as many negative connotations as positive. I was thinking about "haste" as I reflected on this upcoming gospel reading for the fourth Sunday in Advent, and I have to ask myself the question, … Continue reading Make Haste Not Bustle
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Watching Verses Waiting
Rounding the second Sunday of Advent, and on the beautiful feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, we held our annual Advent By Candlelight. These evenings of reflection for women during seasons of Advent (and Lent) provide women with a peace-filled fellowship in an elegant, candle-lit atmosphere. Fr Peter Hopkins, LC, joined us this year, … Continue reading Watching Verses Waiting
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Why Wait? Advent and Austen
When I think of Advent, the word "waiting" comes to mind. As we light the first two purple candles this past Sunday and this coming Sunday, we anticipate Christ's return to his people in a time of preparation and hope. The readings of the church these past few weeks seem foreboding, speaking of the last … Continue reading Why Wait? Advent and Austen
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Spiritual Muscle Memory
As a dancer, my daughter spends hours each day developing what is called "muscle memory". Her muscles are being trained to engage together for a specific reactive form that becomes a skill which plays out on a stage as art. Requiring thousands of hours of strengthening particular muscles so they create the perfect ballet form … Continue reading Spiritual Muscle Memory
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Beautifully Broken
Knocking at her door, was a neighbor from a few doors down. She hadn't spoken with him in a while, but he came by to invite her family to a benefit dinner for "Legacy Mission Village". Down the street lived a couple who had fled Rwanda years earlier and settled nearby to make a new … Continue reading Beautifully Broken
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Master, Guest or Servant?
Luke 14:15-24 ’Come, everything is now ready.’ But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. In today's gospel, a man prepared a great banquet and sent his servants out to gather the attendees. With a multitude of practical excuses, they declined. Enraged by the lackluster response, the master of the house again sends … Continue reading Master, Guest or Servant?
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The Thinning Veil
Christ is truly present when two or more are gathered in his name, and we certainly qualified this week as a long awaited reunion took place for several of us. All things come together to glorify God. The difficult but amazing coincidence of several of our members in the past few weeks were no different. … Continue reading The Thinning Veil
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These Belong To You
I once read a beautiful story about a woman who was very attractive. She received many compliments during her days. Graciously, she took each compliment and imagined it was a lovely rose. She envisioned putting each complimenting "flower" to her nose, luxuriating in its sweet scent. Next, she added the "flower" to a "bouquet" of … Continue reading These Belong To You
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The Dry Erase Board
Preparing for a presentation this week, I uncovered an old dry erase board in the garage. I thought if I could get it clean, I could use it for a screen for our power point presentation, as there was no blank area of wall or place in the meeting room on which to project. It was … Continue reading The Dry Erase Board
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“I sing you to me, Mrs. Boss”
I have a problem. I speak a rare language that not many people speak, and as such, I often go misunderstood. It can be lonely, but I can't help it. When I get excited, happy or angry, I just blurt out words..movie lines. After yesterday's Encounter With Christ, where Jesus uses a little child as … Continue reading “I sing you to me, Mrs. Boss”
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Mercy In The City
Preparing the calendar of events for our women's section this year, I shared with our Director of Religious Education, Erin, that I felt the Holy Spirit calling us to focus more on Mission during Lent. I met up with an amazing group of young missionaries this summer, acting the part of the hostess of our … Continue reading Mercy In The City
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The Bread of Life
Commonly called the "Bread of Life" discourse, the upcoming Sunday's gospel passage is part of what is at the heart of the Catholic church; the Catholic Teaching on the Eucharist; the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Difficult for even Jesus' followers to believe (many turn away in the next few passages … Continue reading The Bread of Life
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Membership
Getting ready to head back to school, LB wanted to get a few items to replenish his apartment before senior year begins. "Let's go to the warehouse club...I have coupons!" With that we were off, deliberating through the long isles of bulk grocery and home items, only to find at check out that our coupons … Continue reading Membership
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Caution: Fog Ahead: Reduce Speed and Put on Lights
Six states. Four schools. Three days. Two worn out people. One thousand miles. I have been blessed to have a mother/son adventure with both of my boys to investigate colleges. This summer, it was JD's turn and he was honing in on schools that were "driving-distance". We have always taken long road trips in our … Continue reading Caution: Fog Ahead: Reduce Speed and Put on Lights
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Bloggers Support Bloggers Award
I want to thank Valerie Cullers for nominating me for this award! I love to read Valerie's conversational posts about situations in her life that have lead to inspirational revelations or "life lessons". They are entertaining and meaningful and pair up perfectly with a cup of coffee, like chatting with a friend. Please check out Valerie's … Continue reading Bloggers Support Bloggers Award
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Mediocre Matinee
Quiet, somber, and thoughtful. That's how we all walked out of the movie "The Passion of The Christ". It was one of those movies that people still talk about, because it moves your spirit, changes your heart, and sticks in your mind. People are still talking about the way that movie changed their lives. There are … Continue reading Mediocre Matinee
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God Said No
Cradle Catholic I am a cradle Catholic, which means I was brought up in the church; but for many Catholics this is a catch phrase for "I don't' know what I am doing here" or "My mom made me come". Until I became a young adult, I fit into this category (going to church but … Continue reading God Said No
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Candlelight Events
Elegant and Contemplative When we lived near Toledo, my dear friend Susan masterfully put together "Candlelight" events for Lent and Advent, in which women would come together for a night of prayerful meditation and a formation talk/presentation. Designed around fellowship and homemade desserts, these beautiful candlelit evenings grew to be popular for Catholic women in … Continue reading Candlelight Events
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FROG
My mother-in-law was a beautiful, faith-filled woman who loved and served her family well. When my husband and I were getting ready to be married, I proclaimed a caveat: "I can't be just like her. She is one of a kind. I am not that good!" But when her health began to fail, I wondered … Continue reading FROG
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Bump, Set, Spike
One time I was asked as a parent to take my turn as a line judge for my daughter's very heated volleyball game. Their team had played so well and not scored, and of course the shot of the day came on my shift, and I happened to miss it because I was watching the … Continue reading Bump, Set, Spike
The Domestic Church of Bosco 