It’s Day 4 of Resetting the Rhythms of Life … and we will contemplate weariness a bit longer. Why? Because I think it is something that settles in and can be hard to uproot. So often, our weariness is with us for a long time. We can get used to it. We can forget what it feels like to not be weary. But God doesn’t want us to remain in our weariness. He wants us to remain in Him! And…
Now that we’ve stilled our racing minds and anxious hearts, what’s next? On Day 3 of Resetting the Rhythms of Life, let’s say “yes” to God’s invitation to rest a bit more in Him … Come to Me I don’t want to hold onto those things anymore, the heavy burdens that cause such weariness in my soul. I want You to take them once and for all, Lord. Take the lies, the doubts, the fear, the shame, the perfectionism, the…
This is Day 2 in the 31-day series on resetting the rhythms of life. We are focusing this week on renewing our prayer life. Today, let’s spend a little more time being still with God … Scripture Reading Take a few moments to quiet your heart. Breathe in and out. Read today’s Scripture verse. “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” —Exodus 14:14 After reading the verse once, read it one or two more times. What…
Welcome to Resetting the Rhythms of Life! I’m so glad you’re here! Today, we begin this 31-day series by renewing our prayer life. Maintaining a consistent prayer life is something we all struggle with from time to time, which is why it is a great place to start. And it will help reset everything else, too. Since we are resetting, or renewing, our prayer life, let’s start with 10 minutes (or whatever is realistic to you). What’s key here is having consistent,…
Do not leave the altar without first shedding tears of sorrow and love for Jesus, crucified for your eternal salvation. Our Lady of Sorrows will keep you company and inspire you. —St. Padre Pio I met Our Lady of Sorrows on my first silent retreat. The retreat was led by priests of Miles Christi, who have a special devotion to her. Every time we prayed, we invoked her intercession: Mater Dolorosa, Cause of Our Joy, pray for us. And for one of our daily…
“Close your eyes after Holy Communion,” Father Andrew instructed. “Let yourself feel the loving embrace of Jesus.” The time after Holy Communion is powerful, intimate, and sacred, if we allow it to be. I always try to remain present to the presence of Jesus, believing with all my heart that His precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity now rest in me. As a mom of six, however, I often have to spend this time with one eye open, making sure…
In today’s Gospel, Mary sets out to visit Elizabeth “in haste” (Luke 1:39). Just a few verses back from the Visitation account, we remember that Mary also responds to the angel’s request with a cheerful readiness. Mary does not delay in giving her “yes” to God (v. 38). When God invites me to do something, however, I am a little slower in my response than Mary is. I am grateful for His invitation to be His servant, his handmaiden. But…
It is Saturday. I sit on a bench in the garden, just after dinner. Lush trees surround me. The creek below flows freely. The cool breeze blows as the warm sun begins to set. Everything that surrounds me is full, ripe with goodness, extending up and out. The trees’ branches exhibit a fullness of green. The shining sun just celebrated its brightest day of the year. The gentle breeze rustles the grass and tickles my nose. And the colorful flowers cheerfully…
Opening my inbox, I saw the email waiting for me. I knew what it would entail, before I even read it. Your deadline is approaching. Please submit your article ASAP. Panic set in. I could not even think about adding one more thing to my overflowing plate. In addition to the panic, I noticed that sadness set into my heart, too. I wanted to write that article. I wanted to do it, more than anything on my to-do list. And…
The vocation of motherhood is a beautiful one. In Mulieris Dignitatem, St. John Paul II writes, “Each and every time that motherhood is repeated in human history, it is always related to the Covenant which God established with the human race through the motherhood of the Mother of God.” Wow! To think that every pregnancy points to the Incarnation is nothing less than amazing! As beautiful as motherhood is, it also can be difficult and even painful. [Motherhood] is constituted more…