Advent

Basilica of St. Francis Xavier

This week I’m sharing photos of the Basilica of St Francis Xavier in Dyersville, IA. This Gothic style church was in stark contrast to the stone and shell grotto and shrines I saw in WI. The parish in Dyersville was formed in the late 1880’s to serve the growing number of German immigrants who had […]

All the Lights

The weather was mild today, so I took advantage of the opportunity and put up some Christmas decorations and lights on the outside of my house. I didn’t do too much, but enough to look festive. Later in the afternoon, my sister and I  bundled up and went to the Electric Safari at the Zoo. […]

Praying With Our Lady of Guadalupe

I participated in the Diocese celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday with a friend. The weather was perfect for a procession from the park to the church. Praying the rosary on the way gave more meaning to the walk. The dancers and colorful costumes really added to the festivities. I […]

Facing Fear

One thing I know that is unsettling to me and keeps me from being still and at peace is fear. I remember hearing the acronym, “False Evidence Appearing Real.” We should change it to “Face Everything And Rise”. That is easier said than done. When I did my road trip this Spring, I will admit […]

Finding Rest

I loved the Gospel reading for today: Matthew 11:28-30Jesus said to the crowds:“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke […]

Lord’s Battle

A friend of mine has been taking care of her 2 toddler grandchildren for a few days now as their parents went out of town. I went over and spent a few hours with all of them today. My friend was pretty tired and I could understand why. The little ones were full of energy […]

Loving Treatment

Today I visited my elderly woman as usual on Mondays. We read the Gospel for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception for Communion. She knew all about it. Her son and his wife brought her with them to another state this weekend so the family could have a baby shower for her grandson. In other […]

Faith and Courage

One of my sister’s friends was a huge blessing and support when we were caring for my mom, particularly during her last year. I had met her and talked with her online as she helped us give my mom some comfort using more natural supplements. In the videos, I could see faith symbols in her […]

A Recollected Spirit

Today I went to a craft fair and saw several friends there. One walked around with me, some were part of the fair, and others had come to shop. It was busy and bustling with people looking, buying, and selling. There were so many different products and so many vendors it was really somewhat overwhelming. […]

Celebrating Sabbath

In today’s meditation on the Hallow app, I heard about a book called, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”, by John Mark Comer. Evidently this book shares wisdom of practical ways to find peace and stillness in the crazy world we live in. The foundation is to practice the Sabbath, which we know as Sunday. From […]