This afternoon, I passed by the house of a woman in our neighborhood that I have met only once, but think of every time I drive by. A few years ago she gifted me a small princess cup for my then-infant daughter – I had been perusing a garage sale in her driveway and was about to walk away when she gave me the cup, saying “Your little princess will need this someday.” She has probably forgotten this small act... Read more
Until recently, I have had a pretty laid back policy with regard to toy guns. I didn’t actively seek out any military style play for my children, but when they wanted a wooden musket from Colonial Williamsburg or a police costume with handcuffs and a gun, I didn’t object. My mother bought marshmallow shooters one Christmas (a big pain, in the end, because they shoot marshmallows everywhere!). Nerf guns are popular in our circle of boys, and we’ve had several... Read more
We have just returned from a 1,600-mile round-trip journey, traveling through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia to spend Christmas with family. It was a blessed trip in so many ways, and surprisingly, the two 14+ hour days in the car were totally manageable! Highlights included: *Our 5 year-old proclaiming, “I love you, Jesus!” in front of the manger scene at Christmas morning Mass *Four hours spent at an urgent care clinic on Christmas afternoon, all because of a little... Read more
Red in many ways foreshadowed the Holy Father’s Christmas Eve homily. I often read the Christmas story with a tinge of anxiety…no room for Mary and Joseph! I think of the preparations we make to welcome a new baby and I am amazed at Mary’s abandonment and trust! But I am tempted to think that question only applied two thousand years ago. But the Holy Father, in his ChristmasMidnight Mass homily, poses the same question to us here and now:... Read more
I would like to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas!!!! I hope you all enjoyed a beautiful day yesterday. We did, and in the spirit of Christmas we are doing more celebrating this week. This afternoon we are off to see the Hobbit with our oldest daughter, so it should be a relaxing and wonderful day. And here is a beautiful Christmas Story that I just read on CNN of all places! It is about the unconditional... Read more
There’s nothing like the warmth of the holidays to remind us of God’s great love for us. He sent us Jesus, the greatest gift of all, and continues to love us despite our sinfulness. He reigns over evil. His love conquers all. I am grateful today for the many ways I see God in the hearts of others; the small acts of kindness and love I witness in the world, not just in our little home, but throughout our community.... Read more
When a Christmas ornament breaks around here, I call out “freeze” and that means do not move until I have it cleaned up. This is an important policy because we are often barefooted and I don’t like the idea of shards of glass in little feet. All of the children have learned the drill, and usually whoever drops the ornament is the first to say “freeze.” I love to see my kids stop moving. Right now, I want to shout... Read more
The time is passing and soon it will be Christmas Eve. The hustle and bustle of final shopping and baking and cooking is here. Today, take a short break and refocus on Christ and the quiet of that 1st Christmas night. Go to bed earlier and make time for evening prayer and reflection. Consider giving a little something extra to someone in need. If you haven’t already done so, go to Confession. Prepare your soul for the birth of our... Read more
Beyond a national conversation about gun control or mental illness, what can we do to stop the violence? One small thing -- take the time to notice the people around you. Put down your devices and pay attention. We are not too busy. Read more
Building Cathedrals
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