God’s Lenten Preparation for Me
Posted on February 2, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Gina Sternfels
Looking ahead to Lenten preparation, what are you planning to do with God this year? Do you wonder how God is calling you closer to him? Where in life does he want you to focus? Is it obvious or are you trying to figure it out?
Recently, I have been blessed to work with Beth, The Catholic Fasting Coach, and her beautiful community. I am amazed at what I have learned about fasting with her guidance, and I would have thought I should have known more as a cradle Catholic. Read More
The Blessed Mother in the City
Posted on February 1, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Kristen Bourgeois
I spent most of my law enforcement career assigned to the Sixth District (Lower Garden District, Irish Channel, Central City) of New Orleans. I was so very familiar with the neighborhoods: the details of those city blocks, the memories of certain crimes that have occurred. Read More
The daily morning offering is life changing
Posted on January 31, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Greg Zambrano
A typical thought I used to have in the morning was wondering how my day would turn out. I hoped it would be positive and free of issues and trouble.
But, then, I heard a priest talk about praying the morning offering, like religious men and women do when they awaken, and I decided to give it a try. It has changed my life. Read More
The Tree of Life
Posted on January 29, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Ana Borden
We have a massive cypress tree that shades us from the summer sun. By the time fall rolls around, with each breeze, the leaves fall through the end of the year. Our yard becomes topped with a golden-brown layer throughout most of the first half of winter.
God Will Provide
Posted on January 26, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Jenny Dendinger
For years, when my kids outgrew their clothes, I packed them up to store in the attic. What started out as a sensible practice while in the season of having babies, slowly turned into a bad habit. The more I packed and saved, the more it fed my fears of God not providing for us in the future.
I’m not saying that saving my eldest son’s clothes for his younger brothers was wrong. My boys are all two years apart. That was just common sense! In that case, saving was prudent. Read More
Baby Giggles
Posted on January 23, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Sarah McDonald
There are a lot of things to love about having a new baby. There are snuggles and cuddles and smiles and coos, but one thing stands out to me: baby giggles. Read More
What are the hard times preparing you for?
Posted on January 19, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Kristy Solis
A new year is upon us. In the new year, I keep hearing others say, “last year was hard, so hoping for a better year.” Even my young daughters have expressed this sentiment.
It is a great time to reflect on Scripture, which reminds all of us that God commands us to do hard things. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9. Read More
Family Gatherings
Posted on January 10, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Ty Salvant
As we begin the new year, reflect on how your family gathered last year. Was it engaging and fulfilling or frustrating and disappointing? Do you all eat at the same table? Do you meet at the same house? Is it family only or are friends invited? Does your family follow the same routine? Do you leave feeling loved, seen, and appreciated, or do you leave feeling frustrated, invisible, and triggered? Are you going out of obligation or because you enjoy it? Read More
Mediating Magic into Awe
Posted on January 8, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Phillip Garside
Parents of a young child feel the joy of active magical thinking over the holidays. This type of thinking is one reason children have a more direct relationship with God than adults, to whom God or even God’s very existence can become hidden. As a child matures, magical thinking confronts the hard structures that the adult world has fabricated. We tend to train it out of children.
I am here to assure the reader that the magic does not have to end with the season or even with childhood. Read More
The Gift of Time
Posted on January 6, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Charla Misse
When my husband and son ask me what I want for a present, beignets and a bike ride are always at the top of my list. I don’t really want things from them; what I really want is to spend time with them.
When my son was 3, he and I gave my father a homemade coupon for a trip to Brocato’s. My son enjoyed the sweet treats, of course, but was most interested in sitting on Grandpa’s lap behind the wheel and “driving” his (parked) car just outside the parlor. Read More
Thoughts and Prayers
Posted on January 17, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Kim Roberts
Families sat paralyzed in fear watching a regular Monday night football game, not believing what was unfolding right in front of their very eyes in real time, as a young man lay motionless on the field after a routine tackle. We saw the fear, pain and disbelief in all of the players faces. Read More