What is the significance of the Baptism Candle?It’s a symbol of a new life that has just been given by Christ, the “Light of the World,” a light not to be blown out, ever; a light not hidden under a bushel basket or in a box under the stairs...
How is Lent going for your kids? Do they even know it’s Lent? Do they now hate Lent? Are they growing in their Lenten journey? Re-invigorate your kids' Lent with one of these 4 easy, free writing activities. All you need: a child of writing age, a printer and some markers!
Last Sunday, I was up at 6 AM bathing a child who'd had a bed-wetting accident. Between the cooking and day-before-school prep, I had to prepare for 5 needy little bodies for church. In fact, Sundays are the most stressful day of the week for me...
“Everyone tells you to guard your heart, but you can’t. Your heart WILL be broken. But every child you care for deserves your broken heart. All children deserve someone to love them enough to suffer for them.”
Every year, for the Jewish fast of Yom Kippur, my father‘s family fasts from sundown to sundown. As part of the fast, they ask one another for forgiveness--and grant forgiveness--for any wrongs done that year. My father takes part out of solidarity and love for his family, although he is Catholic, because asking and granting forgiveness is always relevant....
Lately, it seems I’ve been scolding my children a lot.
I scold when they’re sluggish. When they fight, whine or procrastinate. When they distract themselves. When they’re too boisterous. All this seems to require me giving a lecture. Yes, my kids need discipline, but what can I do to build them up in goodness? .....
I don't think it was until my second child turned 2 that I suddenly realized, "Hmm, I haven't been praying much." I tried getting up early to pray, but found myself falling asleep over my prayer book. I tried having prayer time during my two girls’ afternoon naps. That worked until the arrival of baby #3.
I wondered, “Was St. Paul actually serious when he said we should ‘pray without ceasing?’” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) I can't even begin, it seems, so I haven’t even gotten to the ceasing part.
"This child's guardian angel loves her very much." She told me with slow and deliberate words. Then she walked away. I knew that her words were true. But I also understood that this special love existed in part because Annie was faithful in her communication with her angel.
I’ve thought a lot about how to be a more impactful voice for my girls than “the voice of the world.” But my challenge has been figuring out what we even mean by “the voice of the world” or “society” or “popular culture,” anyway.
