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,…
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…
A wave of discouragement rushed over me, as I walked out of the doctor’s office. News of another health issue left me down and discouraged. I felt tired of following the breadcrumb trail. I wanted to be done with diagnoses, recommendations, feeling fatigued and in pain. The sadness lingered as I pulled myself out of bed the next morning. It was business as usual for this mom. The children needed me, whether I felt good or not. As I pulled…
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,…
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…
A wave of discouragement rushed over me, as I walked out of the doctor’s office. News of another health issue left me down and discouraged. I felt tired of following the breadcrumb trail. I wanted to be done with diagnoses, recommendations, feeling fatigued and in pain. The sadness lingered as I pulled myself out of bed the next morning. It was business as usual for this mom. The children needed me, whether I felt good or not. As I pulled…
Some days, all I have to offer is one, simple Hail Mary. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.