This summer, I attended a three-day silent retreat. I entered into the retreat with an agenda! I anticipated receiving very clear direction for the next phase of my life as a wife and mom. You see, my family was about to begin a new school year, and it was going to be the first time in 14 years that all six of my children would be in school. I was going to be a stay-at-home mom with no kids at home, and I…
How are you spending Black Friday? I am looking toward this Sunday—the first Sunday of Advent! This weekend, my family and I will set up our Advent wreath, Jesse Tree, and manger scene. But as much as I am looking forward to Advent, the season of hopeful waiting, I am starting to feel a bit anxious about my growing holiday to-do list. Maybe you are feeling the same way—a bit weary before the busyness of Advent and Christmas even begins? The…
I am so excited to be part of CatholicMom.com’s 2016 Advent Guide, a collection of articles and reflections to help you prepare for the Advent season. Today, I shared An Advent Plan for the Weary Woman’s Soul. *** Sitting across the table from a friend, she sensed my tension. After making small talk, she asked, “OK, what are you holding back?” As she invited me to be real and honest, it all came pouring out. How life just seemed really hard,…
With Advent right around the corner, I know there are some of us who are feeling a bit weary before the season begins. We want to enter it fully and prayerfully, but that is coupled with a to-do list that seems impossible to accomplish. My encouragement for you—and me—is to remember that Christ came down at Christmas time to save the weary ones. And it is important to carve out a little safe-haven where we can find rest, refreshment, and…
Have you ever felt a little lost? Have you ever wondered what your God-given purpose really is? A few months ago, that’s how I was feeling—lost and wondering about my purpose. Then, an amazing opportunity came my way. It was a dream come true, and I was excited! I was going to have the opportunity to pursue my heart’s desire, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. But soon afterward, it became quite obvious that the timing was not right. I…
Four more days! Are you feeling anxious to get it all done? For me, that anxiety to get it all done can well up pretty quickly. And “not only to get it all done, but to get it all done perfectly Pin-worthy.” At other times, I can feel like I am giving up, telling myself, “It is what it is. I can’t do anymore. I have nothing left to give.” (Daily Advent Devotional for Women) But the secret to our…
Every year, when I take out our Advent wreath, I cannot help but smile. Not only is the Advent wreath one of my family’s favorite traditions, it also has a story that I enjoy reliving—and retelling—each Advent, for within the story of our Advent wreath is a lesson that I need reminding of each year. In fall 2009, I finally purchased an Advent wreath online. Prior to this, I had made one each year with pillar candles and greenery. But…
This time of year is very full. It is busy, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and as we anticipate the Advent and Christmas seasons. The world tells us we are already behind in our Christmas shopping, but we haven’t even sliced the turkey yet! In the liturgical calendar, we are experiencing a time of fullness, too. We are coming to the close of the month when we honor the holy souls. Yesterday was the last Sunday of…
November is such a beautiful month of gracious generosity and humble gratitude. Thanksgiving Day, which happens to be one of my favorite holidays, is two weeks from today. I am striving to keep this month of November slow, peaceful and focused on my blessings. I am striving to “just say no” to the commercialism and shopping season that seem to begin earlier and earlier each year. Without overlooking the importance of Thanksgiving, I also have come to realize that when…
