by Barbara | Jan 7, 2018
What is the deal with Catholics and doughnuts? I have memories of being bribed by doughnuts through much of my young and snarky life, to either behave in or attend extra masses. My father was successful at getting all five kids to join him at daily mass in the sacred...
by Barbara | Nov 22, 2015
As I proceed with my recovery I am currently seeking relief through therapeutic massage. Don't be confused with the massage word meaning I am in bliss, and total relaxation. That I am not. No, therapeutic massage is something quite different indeed. If you have...
by Barbara | Apr 24, 2015
Its been a month since the accident. Each day a new beginning, challenge and opportunity presents itself. What do I do with it? While being hit by a car was never on my bucket list, it has provided me with a way to reach out to others who have experienced or are in...
by Barbara | Apr 5, 2015
It's been almost three weeks since I was hit by a car riding to work. That's the day my life made a hard stop and took a radical step backwards. I am back to baby steps. On one hand it is kind of surreal, on the other hand, it is very real. Each day is a new...
by Barbara | Feb 25, 2015
I meet so many young adults who are "spiritual but not religious." What does that mean? It is like saying I love coffee but smelling it suffices I love to experience nature but I don't leave my house. I love God....but I can't imagine actually going to church and...
by Barbara | Feb 17, 2015
What's the big deal anyway with Lent? Why does it matter, isn't that old school, a practice best left in the Dark Ages? What ever difference does it make to give up chocolate, or candy or beer or coffee? How will that make the world a better place? How will that feed...
by Barbara | Feb 6, 2015
I admire those who can speak the truth in all seasons. Those whom I am bringing to mind have a holy zeal that doesn't allow them to remain silent in the face of untruths. They are bold in their love of the Lord. We are in a time where not speaking up to keep the...
by Barbara | May 20, 2014
Today I am away from all my usual craziness and in my own little corner of paradise which makes this time so sweet. I believe with all my heart that God wishes to pour his peace on us. It couldn’t have been more evident than when we read the account after the...
by Barbara | May 5, 2014
At least one hundred times or more I've said, "We are created by Love for love." While I would love to take credit for such a simple yet profound statement I would be lying and taking credit for someone else's inspiration. Caryll Houselander, a deceased British...
by Barbara | Apr 23, 2014
"What are you discussing as you walk along?" Jesus asks the disciples heading to the village of Emmaus. "Looking downcast," they related the events of the last few days involving Jesus. Their eyes were prevented from seeing it was Jesus Himself to whom they were...
by Barbara | Dec 8, 2013
Everywhere we look there are signs. They point us to destinations, tell us when to use caution, where to go to find something, seek help and so on. What are the signs we find at this time of the year? The weather has changed, the leaves have fallen, brilliant light...
by Barbara | Dec 1, 2013
This is my 54th Advent and it never gets old. It is a time for me to anticipate, renew, and realize the reality of Christ making "all things new." No matter how awful life can get from time to time, no matter how frustrated and seemingly hopeless we let ourselves...
by Barbara | Aug 31, 2013
I really can’t remember the last time that a homily made me squirm in my seat and cast a downward glance at being convicted of my sinfulness. I can’t call to mind ever leaving mass with a zeal and fiery passion to go make a difference that was so hot I wanted to jump...
by Barbara | Aug 24, 2013
"Faith and hope are given to us in prayer. So without prayer, we are unable to love." (S.O.G. Madeline Delbrel) I never thought of it in this way and yet I know it to be true. When we pray we tap into the single greatest source of hope- the Lord. Our faith might be a...
by Barbara | Aug 17, 2013
"Just about the worst thing we can do with Jesus is to domesticate him, to turn him into a nice, harmless figure, simply a teller of tales and wise spiritual teacher. He announces himself as an arsonist: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were...
by Barbara | Aug 12, 2013
Blessed John Henry Newman writes, "You have one work only: to bear your cross after Him." What is our natural aversion to suffering and the crosses of our life? Self-preservation, weakness, wimpy-ness, apathy or out and out refusal? I am sure there are many more words...
by Barbara | Aug 3, 2013
When it finally heats up in Arizona, it seems to drag on well into the fall. Other states might be getting into their light jackets and raking leaves...we are still swimming in sweat and in our pools. Sure there is good and bad to every place on the planet. Some worry...
by Barbara | Jul 28, 2013
Our original intention was not to climb the mountain, rather it was to take the Gondola up and walk down the 3 mile, 3,000 foot elevation change. The $52.00 price tag changed our minds and so did the perky young attendant, "Oh, I climbed the mountain yesterday and it...
by Barbara | Jul 13, 2013
In my previous article (Marriage Changes People) I outlined a hypothetical and all too common scenario observed among young couples today. Decisions made early in their relationship can have an impact on their future marriage. How can we effectively help our young...
by Barbara | Oct 3, 2012
By Barbara Lishko I am a worker in the vineyard of the Lord in a bona fide way; I work at the Catholic Church. That certainly does not imply that only those who work in churches are in the vineyard, no, the world is the vineyard and there is lots to do in every corner...
by Barbara | Oct 1, 2012
Funny story: Enjoying lunch at Beaver St Brewery, our favorite haunt in Flagstaff. I went to use the little girls room and there are the Sunday comics posted inside the stalls. So when I am zipping up I am taking my time and reading the comics....cause I don't think...