As we wrap up 2025, I am wearing my shirt that has the Magnificat on it.  I am praising God for both the good and the rough times.  How much greater is our God!  

Until 2026, God be Praised!  Always!

Our Grace-Filled Mother

 The Feast of the Mother of God is almost upon us, and I would like to spend some time reflecting on how she is full of grace, and what I am contemplating about her.  I have been trying to pray a decade of the Virtues of Our Lady (see https://marian.org/mary/prayers/chaplet-of-the-ten-virtues-of-the-bvm).  I've got to admit, I love but do not currently have a big, spiritual draw to the rosary, but I like to see Mary as my mom.  In praying the different virtues in this chaplet, I have been seeking to receive inspiration from her.  What was she like, and how can I imitate her in faithfulness and grace?

But what is full of grace?  I think, in the recent past, I associated it too closely to being graceful like a dancer.  Believe me, I am not close to being there as wife and mother, and I don't think the Blessed Mother expects me to do such, gracefully!  (While discerning religious life, I read that she was the perfect religious, and to strive to imitate her....  But at least I don't have to do it gracefully!). 

It wasn't the way she gracefully carried herself, or gracefully wore her flowing veil, as I often picture her.  It is in the virtues she depicts, and in the ongoing perfection, that she fulfilled her duties as Mother of the Most High.  Now this is how I can be inspired by her!  "Mother of God, (then state the virtue of that particular hail mary).)

She is all pure, as in she trusted the angel and in the Word of God, and both acted and pondered all the events of Jesus' life in her heart.  True, I cannnot imitate her perfectly because she is sinless, but I can use her as a model as I too seek to follow Jesus.  I hope, as I continue in meditating on her virtues, that you will join me in contemplating this grace-filled Lady, Our Mother.    

Christmas, With the Holy Family

 In the busy-ness of Christmas, there is also the call to stillness.

Hush!  The little baby sleeps.

Let the Blessed Mother rest, with the little One in her arms.

Joseph stays near, guarding his family,

and angels sing their lullaby to the Savior- the Savior of the world.

So pause from the gift-opening, pause from the rustling.

Let the holy family spend some time in your hearts.

Merry Christmas!

Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice!

 As we approach the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, I reflect on the First Reading of

Isaiah 35:1-6a-, 10.  I would especially like to draw on the phrase "Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!  Here is your God...  He comes to save you."  

It is so easy to be caught up in our troubles and anxieties.  But now is also the time to cry out to those in need, and to heal our own hearts as we rejoice in our hope: "He comes to save you."

Lord, help me to know that these concerns are valid, but that I must not stop there.  Let me see that You, the healer and savior, will provide.  

When we choose to live in a spirit of gratitude, our courage is gained in Christ and we rejoice.  No suffering is wasted, and our hope is restored!

A Quick Check-In

 How is Advent going for everyone?

I still feel caught up in the marathon of prepping kids for the day, fun songs, making meals, squeezing in some housecleaning, and squeezing in- even more so- some "me time."

I hope you are able to take the time to breathe, as much as I am striving to, and live in the Presence of God.  He is ever with us!  To find peace, and make a resolution to keep that peace of soul, even though life can seem crazy, in many ways.  

Life goes on, and so does our relationship with Our Lord.  Let us continue to keep watch with Our Lady and St. Joseph, as they journey to Bethlehem.

Come, Lord Jesus!  Maranatha!