Grateful

God Knows

I was going through my photos today and found a quote by C.S. Lewis that I thought was very fitting as we start the New Year. Maybe we’re making resolutions or trying to overcome something we’re struggling with. For me, it is comforting to know that God knows all about our humanity in the person […]

Great Neighbors

This afternoon one of my neighbors stopped over with her grandchildren. They had decorated some cookies and were sharing them. The woman and the 2 little girls came in while we visited for a bit. The girls were interested in the nativity set and we talked about how today is Epiphany. One of the girls […]

Craft Time

For Christmas, my granddaughter received some new craft kits. We decided we should have craft time, so we got together at my house today. My daughter in law brought a crocheted blanket she has been working on. My granddaughter brought a rainbow unicorn latch hook rug. I got out a diamond painting I have been […]

The Church Pew

Today I visited an elderly friend. While I was there, my 12:00 noon timer went off. Many years ago, my mother said she remembered when she was in school as a child, they would pray the Angelus when the church bells rang at noon. So, I set the alarm. My mom and I and whoever […]

Holy People and Families

The Sunday after Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Family. As a divorced woman, I sometimes cringe at the readings, feeling like they don’t apply to me, or that I have somehow messed it all up already. But today I watched the homily of Fr. Mick Schmitz, which I loved. It made sense to […]

Safety and Peace

At one point, we planned on spending Christmas at the cabin. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. So today I decided to make a trip up there and take care of a couple of things. It may snow tomorrow, so I thought this would be the best time. When I arrived at the top of the […]

Joyful, Grateful, Peaceful

I have had a wonderful week full of Christmas joy, gratitude, and peace. Last weekend my oldest grandson came home for a few days. I decorated the house, made goodies, and hosted Christmas dinner for my family. We played Christmas song charades, laughed a lot, and ate a lot. Before the meal, I led the […]

Search for Shelter

Today’s reflection in the Hallow app was titled, “The Search for Shelter”. They were talking about Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter when Mary was about to give birth. I tried to imagine their state of mind as they knocked on door after door, perhaps praying that someone would let them in. If it were […]

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 […]

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 […]