joy

  • It is a Good Life

    We take for granted the slow miracle whereby water in the irrigation of a vineyard becomes wine. It is only when Christ turns water into wine in a quick motion, as it were, that we stand amazed. St. Augustine. Our 33rd wedding anniversary is coming up the end of May; it seems like yesterday, and…

    Read more →

  • Rejoice and Be Glad

    This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. Psalm 118:24 Laetare Sunday is the halfway mark of the Lenten Season. Laetare means “rejoice” in Latin. It is a time to see that the light of the day grows longer, as it shines brightly and ushers in a feeling…

    Read more →

  • The Light of Christ

    The beautiful Advent season is soon to come to an end. It has been good for me this year to be still and quiet. I did not rush into the busyness of the season but savored the time. I practiced more silence at home with the beauty of soft candlelight surrounding me. The light shines…

    Read more →

  • Thanksgiving

    I offer God my praise and thanksgiving. I am grateful for all He has done for me personally and for my friends and family this past year. In the good times and in the bad times, He was there and continues to be. Thanksgiving is a special time of the year. It beckons one to…

    Read more →

  • Here’s My Heart Lord

    The words echo in my mind, “Here’s my heart, Lord,” lyrics from a song. I listen to this song and make the words my prayer to the Lord. I offer Him my heart, open and with surrender. I offer Him my heart, with trust and hope. I offer Him my heart, with abandonment and joy.…

    Read more →

  • The Life I Live

    Patience, prayer, and silence, these are what give strength to the soul. St. Faustina Patience is accepting God’s timing and not my own. It is living a life where I follow Him with complete trust. Prayer is speaking with God, heart to heart, and having a relationship with Him. It is living a life where…

    Read more →

  • The Gospel reading from Mass this past weekend touched my heart. St. Martha is one of my favorite saints. I definitely see my struggles with anxiety in a new way when I hear the dialogue between her and the Lord. I read this scripture quite often, as it always brings out something new for me…

    Read more →

  • To Jesus Through Mary

    Today, the Blessed Mother is on my mind. I am going on a staff retreat today, a “mini pilgrimage” to visit a Cathedral and Historic Church in a neighboring diocese. Both are named after the Blessed Mother, St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary, Help of Christians. I have been blessed to have many “Mary’s” in…

    Read more →

  • A Quiet Place of Rest

    Come away and find a quiet place of rest. Let the silence envelop you, as it calls you to go deeper within yourself. To cast off the worries of the world and to listen to the inmost stirrings of your heart. My soul is restless until it rests in You. St. Augustine To notice the…

    Read more →

  • Last weekend was the Solemnity of Divine Mercy, which always falls on the Sunday after Easter. It is one of my favorite celebrations of the Church and the beautiful prayers, especially the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, always brings me to tears when it is sung. This year I was especially looking forward to this day…

    Read more →