It was January 1, and I was gung-ho to begin my New Year’s resolution. My plan was to start a rigorous elimination diet in the hope of feeling better. I purchased ingredients to make healthy meals, and I set aside time to cook for the week. I knew it was going to be hard, but I reached a tipping point in my chronic illness and knew I had to try more drastic measures. After a week, I started to regain…
The swirl of thoughts left me weary. What should my focus be? What should my days look like? What is my purpose? The lack of answers, or my fear of failure, left me paralyzed. My present brokenness was all I seemed to know, and despite the pain, it was surprisingly comfortable. And yet, the small flicker of hope deep within my heart convinced me there is a better way. “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall…
My emotions surrounding the New Year swing from excited to nervous. I anticipate with hope the new opportunities and adventures that surround the dawn of a new year. What is in store? What is around the corner? At the same time, I feel timid, because I have made plenty of resolutions in years past that fizzle after a month or two. Will I fail again this year? Recently, I heard some wise words that are helping me think differently about the New…
During the Advent season, the Lord invited us—the weary, worn out, and overwhelmed—to come to Him. He invited us into silence and stillness with short Scripture verses, Christmas hymns, and pondering prayers. In our time with Jesus, we found hope—even in the midst of waiting, because we discovered that we are not alone in our waiting. He is waiting with us. And hope brought joy! The weary world rejoiced indeed on Christmas Day. I pray that this Christmas season has…
I just love Christmas Eve. Attending Mass this evening is my favorite part of Christmas. I become overwhelmed with joy, as O Come All Ye Faithful announces the beginning of this holy day, this holy season. I cannot help but put myself—and all those weary travelers who are with me in Church—right in the Nativity scene. It is as if we are following the star of wonder … we are like the shepherds going to see the Baby in the stable … I…
Today’s post is the second in a four-part Advent series. To read the first post in the series, click here. I am blessed to be over on the WINE: Women In the New Evangelization blog today, too! *** I open my planner and see all of the “to-dos” on my list, many more than usual. Each task, in and of itself, is a delightful privilege to do for my family. As a mom, I know I am instrumental in making the…
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,…
“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) When I first started seeing promotion for this Write 31 Days challenge, I was not sure what my topic would be. I was not even sure I had any business writing for a month straight, because my own personal and mental health was a bit weak. I have been battling chronic illness for about…