I’ve found myself feeling pulled in a million directions and failing people at every turn. People who have a legitimate right to my love and attention- friends, parents, children, spouse, neighbors, school administrators… are often cut short and do not get what they deserve from me. This is true also of the orphan, the widow, the … More Give from God’s Strength
This morning on the last block of my run, I saw an old Japanese man shuffling toward me on his own exercise endeavor. Ask just about anyone in this neighborhood and they will know who I’m talking about since he evokes quite a bit of admiration and perhaps even worry. This beautiful man has unmistakably … More High Five the Runner
About three years ago, my little kids are with a babysitter and I fidget, half naked on the bleachers, waiting for this life guarding course to begin. The blue bathing suit just purchased on Amazon feels a little tight around my 40-year-old flab. Quickly looking around, it is obvious that no one else here has … More We Are Lifeguards
“You who so praiseworthily wish to lead an apostolic life, each according to her individual situation, know well enough the world of today to realize that in your battle against unbelief and immorality, natural resources and all purely human means are radically insufficient. What you absolutely need is an intimate union with Christ, and that … More You Are Not Strong Enough
Let’s presume that, my husband and I are in a “conversation” trying to figure out the softball, soccer, dance drop off, pick up, carpool schedule when I hear a little voice in my head saying, “smile at him.” I really don’t feel like it so I cock my head to the side and raise my … More The Nudge of God – do I listen?
I get a lot of eye rolling my direction at Mass. I think the word today is, “cringey”. That’s my singing. I don’t mean to embarrass my kids but, in a way, I can’t help it. Not to sing and praise God would be for the best part of me to die and the shell … More The Birds Sing Out – Why Not You?
The little neon green chairs and the 1940’s white leather bench were like magic in my house. The kids actually sat down to do their homework; their shoes were neatly stowed. Chores were cheerfully being fulfilled, somehow the laundry was already folded and the living room was tidy! With my new furniture acquired from my … More Pinterest Mom Heading for the Cross
While many of us are planting seeds, preparing soil for saplings, feeding established plants, pruning to create new growth and fighting weeds, we can take a tip from the natural world to more clearly understand what is happening in our souls and how to care for those of our children. Perhaps you could sit outside … More Cultivate New Growth
All throughout their lives, we are helping our kids to make good decisions: crossing the street, what sports or activities to do, gifts to give, how to deal with a little sibling, what to wear to a party etc. As the decisions get weightier the decision process can get a little longer. Take heart that … More Decisions
There is only so much you have the capacity to do. No matter how much planning, creativity, staying up late or amazing effort, you can only be in one place at a time, doing one thing. Kids naturally know this limitation. They whine. They call, “Mooommmm”. They expect their things will be taken care of even though … More We are limited
