The last saint in my mini “Saturday’s Saint” series within this 31-day writing series is St. Bernadette Soubirous. She is a most beloved saint in the Catholic Church, because the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her and asked her to build a grotto for healing in her honor. St. Bernadette was born in Lourdes, France on January 7, 1844. She was the oldest of nine children, but some of her siblings died at a young age, and even Bernadette became sick as…
When my daughter was first struggling with reading and school work, I didn’t know what to think or do. I felt rather helpless that I couldn’t help her understand that cat rhymed with bat. The whirlwind of having six children, eight years apart, is that I didn’t act too quickly to help her. Every child needs some sort of attention all of the time, and this can leave moms and dads feeling overwhelmed, especially when something like a diagnosis of…
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) Today’s Scripture quote can take on many personal meanings within the theme of Dyslexia awareness. I like to think that these amazing kids who don’t quite fit the mold can transform the world with their amazing minds! To think that Dyslexia just might be God’s way of…
Today’s saint is St. John Vianney, one of the greatest parish priests in the history of the Catholic Church. Many might be surprised that he struggled in school, because he is such a beloved priest and saint in our church. But he did, and his story of perseverance is inspiring. Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney was born and baptized on May 8, 1786 in France. He was raised in a Catholic home, and his family was often found helping the poor. During the French Revolution,…
I anticipated another Scripture Sunday today, but I had the privilege of attending a Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota event with my husband and three of my children. It was a chance for the kids to play at a ninja warrior park while parents talked, networked, and learned about Dyslexia and how to help our children who are living with it. Being at the event helped me remember that I’m not alone in this journey. Not only is it a family affair,…
I probably should be writing about St. Teresa of Avila today, as it is her feast day. But today’s saint is St. Joan of Arc. Why? Well, this past summer I was on retreat, and I found this lovely holy card of St. Joan of Arc. I was drawn to it because of the prayer on the back, and I thought, “Wow! St. Joan of Arc is a perfect intercessor for my daughter!” Joan was born in France in 1412….
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:14-16) In many challenging circumstances, this verse from Philippians provides strength and encouragement. The challenge of Dyslexia is no different. There have been many times on this…
“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After he placed his hands on them, he went away.” (Matthew 19:13-15) When I first suspected that my daughter might have a learning disability, like Dyslexia, I wasn’t really sure what to do. I felt overwhelmed,…
On this #WorthRevisitWednesday, I am reposting a reflection I wrote today for WINE: Women in the New Evangelization. I couldn’t help but share this reflection here today, too, because well, you’ll see why … Today, my daughter Olivia celebrates her 12th birthday. I look back on the day of her birth with love and laughter. By mid-morning of that day, my second daughter was born, swaddled in a blanket, and sleeping in my arms. My husband and I looked at…
Have I told you how much I love #WorthRevisitWednesday? You probably can tell by how much I participate in this link-up! Even if I can’t get to this space much in a week, I try to at least check in here on Wednesdays! Today’s post is not far into the archives. In fact, it is posted today on the WINE: Women in the New Evangelization blog. But since it posted several hours ago over there, this is technically a revisited post!…