About a decade ago, when John was finishing up his Ph.D. and we lived in Lawrence, Kansas, I was in a similar season to the one I’m in now. I had left a job before accepting a new one and had some time to spend how I wished. Finances were tight, but we managed, and … Continue reading Running to Mass
I’ve always loved the story in 1 Kings where the widow goes to her pantry and finds that her stores of flour and oil never run out. I’ve probably read it dozens of times, but recently, I decided to read it a bit more closely. I read it last week because I wanted to return … Continue reading The Work of the Ravens
Our Living Room Rendition of Biblical 'Jericho' Thursday started the way most days do. After a luscious hour at my kitchen table with my favorite prayer resources, I was greeted by a half-clothed four-year-old looking for socks and sustenance. Moments later, her brother emerged and asked me the same question he asks every day: “Do … Continue reading Building Our Children Up Takes Energy – Send Carbs, Please.
Last night, after the kids went to bed, John and I watched a ridiculous movie on Netflix and I folded some laundry. It was bliss. There were even a few crumpled kitchen linens in the basket, so I busted out the iron, too. (I love to press our kitchen towels.) The iron was sighing, and … Continue reading Rhythms of Spirit and Service
Shortly before the end of the year, my friend Teri had a journal shipped to my house.It's a brightly colored book full of thought-provoking prompts called “The Wild Unknown.” It was a thoughtful gift, and well-timed. One of its pages suggested naming the season you find yourself in; finding a word that resonates with where … Continue reading Lionheart.
An illustration from Ramona the Brave Thanks to a recommendation from John’s mom, the kids and I have been reading Ramona Quimby books, starting with Ramona the Brave. Joe is especially riveted, Andi – not so much. I think it’s because she’s four, but also because he’s a precocious almost seven-year-old and maybe sees some … Continue reading Slamming the Book
About a dozen years ago, I served a Methodist church in North Kansas City as their youth pastor. Every year this little church would provide a float for the “Snake Saturday” parade. Afterwards, in the church basement, all the ladies – and even a few men – would feed the town corned beef and cabbage … Continue reading St Brigid of Kildare, Pray for Us
It happened again. I was flipping through the liturgical calendar in the back of my prayer book and discovered another noteworthy day – the Conversion of St. Paul. Today! Paul’s conversion was mystical and supernatural. He heard God’s audible voice and was blinded by a flashing light. His turning point confounded him, rendered him blind, … Continue reading Pick Me Up
Lately when I sit down to pray, I not only want the prayer book and my journal nearby, I want some heat. Part of this has to do with spending the past few weeks in northern Wisconsin where it gets pretty cold at night. When I’d get up, often quite early, I could easily have … Continue reading Prayer & Comfort
Alexey Pismenny "The Confession of St. Peter" Today is Inauguration Day. According to social media, I’m supposed to be thrilled and exuberant – maybe went to bed last night in the clothes I would wear for this joyous occasion, but that’s not me. Instead, I am fascinated by another set of “inaugural” days. So that’s … Continue reading Cause for Celebration
