Present
Replacing the Struggles
Today I came across a prayer that I thought was very relevant to me, and probably to many others as well: Replace the tension within uswith a holy relaxation.Replace the turbulence within uswith a sacred calm.Replace the anxiety within uswith quiet confidence.Replace the fear within uswith a strong faith.Replace the bitterness within uswith the sweetness […]
Expanding Hearts
I have been listening to a podcast based on Father Jacques-Philippe’s book, “Interior Freedom”. Today’s reflection seemed very meaningful to me as my brother and I were just talking about the importance of trying to live in the present moment. Honestly, it takes a tremendous amount of self-discipline for me to live in the present. […]
Passing Along
The intention for Mass at my church today was for my mom since it is her birthday. Our friend who my mom played piano with for so many years came to church with me. The Psalm 27 seemed particularly fitting, especially the response, “One thing I seek; to dwell on the house of the Lord.” […]
Priorities
I have been going to private counseling for about 2 years now and have been so grateful for the help I am receiving as I process trying to care for my parents and watching both of them die. A couple weeks ago I did an exercise in which I went through cards with different values […]
God’s Gone
I went to church with my son this evening for Good Friday service. The priest reminded everyone that this is the only day of the year that the Catholic Church doesn’t celebrate Mass in which the Eucharist is consecrated. The reason is to remember that Jesus was not present on the Earth on this day. […]
Encouraging Wisdom
This morning I had brunch with some new friends from the church. It is an organized group of older, single people who get together for a meal or events a couple times a month. You can just participate in whatever you would like. One of the ladies I talked with is the oldest at 89 […]
Faith Story
Today I listened to Gwen Stefani telling part of her faith story. I felt it was so real and relatable. I connected with her quote of the day: “I’ve learned to look at each situation…and seek to understand where God is at work within it. The one thing I know for sure is that He’s […]
Long Phone Call
I had some things on my mind today and felt I needed help making sense of it, so I reached out to a friend. She called me almost immediately and we talked for over an hour. We shared similar experiences and she did, in fact, help me to sort out the things in my mind. […]
Work of Christmas
A friend shared a quote today that I really loved. Let our work begin. The Work of Christmas by Howard Thurman When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work […]
Cabin Christmas Party
My sister and I continued celebrating the season tonight by attending the Christmas party for residents of the community where the cabin is. There were some people there that we recognized, but we sat with a couple who had only lived there for a few months. They moved from Chicago and were originally from Poland. […]