Let God help you win the game of life

By Vivian Marino

What if I told you that we were going to play a game, and that the name of the game is life? Not Life as in the board game we all know, but instead the real-life game.

This game has three simple rules, but do not confuse simple with easy.

The first rule – When playing, you must walk by faith and not by sight. Unlike the board game of Life, there is no clear road map; you are basically playing blindly. Read More

Receive The Peace of Metanoia in Stillness with Jesus

By Gina Sternfels

My baby is off to college. Yes, he is an 18-year-old, 6-foot 2-inch son who is always my baby!  He towers over me, but that sweet face with big eyes and a radiant smile is still the little one in my arms.

He prayed about where to go and finally narrowed down the nationwide colleges to Ave Maria in Florida. In planning to get him there, I thought we would all move him in. It is not about location, but about getting your child settled in and caring for everything, so it is just right.

The realization that my husband and I could not take the time to travel and move him in was like the rug being pulled out from under me. To keep things simple, it was apparent I should stay home to care for our other son with autism to re-acquaint him with the routine as school was getting started. The little voice in my head wanted to cry and scream out loud that I was going! Read More

Behold

By Greg Zambrano

Towards the end of the Mass celebration, we hear the priest say the word “behold.” It reminds me of Ecce Agnus Dei, behold the lamb of God, and also Ecce Homo, behold the man from John 19:5 when Pontius Pilate presents Jesus after the scourging at the pilar.

The priest is giving everyone a moment to observe, cherish, glance, admire and adore our beloved king and savior. If the priest asks us to behold Christ, let us all do just that. Read More

Sharing our time and talents

By Kristen Bourgeois

The call for volunteers is always happening. But I think the loudest call for volunteers is the one at the beginning of each school year.

Being a parent is a lot of hard work and the thought of adding more things to do can seem daunting. But, with thoughtful discernment to help navigate what things we should say “yes” to, sharing our time and talents is less daunting because this is something God has called all of us to do for his kingdom. Read More

Embracing Charity

By Jenny Dendinger

 

I stared at my phone confused. The message was from a friend offering us free food provided by one of our chapel members. 

The text read, “Call him. It’s not charity. Don’t worry.”

But it was charity. It was absolutely charity.  Read More

New Morning Routine

By Charla Misse

For a few years now, I have prayed over my son before he leaves for school.

We ask for the grace of learning God’s holy will for us, the strength to follow his holy inspirations and the protection of our minds, bodies and souls.  We thank him for all the saints and angels who constantly surround us and intercede for us.

Taking a moment in the morning to put ourselves in the presence of Our Lord and recognize the gifts we have before us, especially the opportunity to learn, work and serve, sets a positive, loving and hopeful tone for the day. Read More

Not everything happens for a reason

By Kristy Solis

As children grow, their human experiences grow as well. My oldest daughter is starting to question the whys of these human experiences in the world. Why was she not nice? Why did he get sick?  Why did she die?

As a parent, sometimes, I simply do not have an answer and cannot even imagine a reason for what just happened. Some will try to make sense of what happened and even say “everything happens for a reason.” Read More

Divine Friendship

By Lisa Janusa

Friendship is described in Wikipedia as a relationship of mutual affection between two people. Encyclopedia Britannica’s definition is a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy and trust for another.

What is the purpose of friendship and are we called to have a friendship with God that is Divine? Read More

Walking with Jesus in the School Halls: How to Be a Light for Others

By Gavin Lewis

As children prepare to return to school, they have a wonderful opportunity to embrace Jesus’ teachings and be a light for others in their school halls. Imagine how the world would be if every student walked with compassion, kindness and love, just as Jesus did.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:16 (KJV). Read More

Who Am I?

By Kim Roberts

My youngest child is about to leave for college. The dorm supplies have been purchased, clothes sorted and packed, paperwork filled out, schedules completed, ID and parking pass are in hand. I guess she is ready.

But, as we quickly approach this milestone, I find myself asking quietly, “What am I supposed to do now?” Read More

Instruction Against Schadenfreude*

By Phillip Garside

“Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and when they stumble, do not let your heart exult, Lest the Lord see it, be displeased with you” – Proverbs 24:17-18a.

When one child has behaviorally missed the mark and another is taking joy in their fall, the parent is now forced to fight a two-front correction. First, there is the initial misbehavior, then there is the gloating child who also needs instruction against the schadenfreude of envy. Read More