by Barbara | Feb 3, 2014
I am not a sports fan. I have what might be labeled a nostalgic affection for the Broncos because I grew up in the Mile High City. We attended a Superbowl party and mingled with the few people we see once a year at this party. For all the hype this event gets, it's no...
by Barbara | Jan 28, 2014
I got a chance tonight to grab a few friends and go see "Gimme Shelter" staring Vanessa Hudgens. I was looking forward to supporting a movie that would tell the story of a young woman's struggle through a harrowing life and teen pregnancy. It would be a movie that...
by Barbara | Jan 10, 2014
Saint Catherine of Siena writes, "...what the devil can't do by himself, he does by using other people..." At times, we humans are attempting to navigate the world in all its storms and confusion on our own. While we are surrounded by the complexity and exquisite...
by Barbara | Jan 7, 2014
A group of us were invited to go see "Mama Mia" live on stage the other night. I remember viewing the movie a couple of years ago and not liking it at some point, but I couldn't remember why. As the musical danced its way into my memory bank, it became increasingly...
by Barbara | Jan 4, 2014
As I worked on some things at home today, I flipped on Catholic Radio and was amazed at how many outstanding websites, quotes, book titles and free useful tips I got. I was inspired, touched in my heart and gifted in more ways than I thought possible. I had to stop...
by Barbara | Jan 2, 2014
What is it we do most in the New Year? Make resolutions, right? Like everyone else, I think the new year is a great time to start again, do over, and reboot. Why I think the new year is a better time than say tomorrow morning or this afternoon is a mystery. Maybe I...
by Barbara | Dec 27, 2013
Well it is the 27th of December and the Christmas trees are piling up over in the empty lot for pick up. Seriously? Here in America it is quickly off to the next major way to make a buck. Many of us observed with disdain as space committed to Valentine's Day and St....
by Barbara | Dec 13, 2013
"Jesus, takes the initiative to meet man through his Mother." (Msgr. Sanchez) As I continue to read, ponder and reflect on the role of the Virgin Mary, I come to love her and honor her all the more. Her fiat was a blank check paid for in tears and with immense love....
by Barbara | Dec 11, 2013
Oh December...why must ye fly so quickly by? I've much to do, no time to sigh. Cards to mail, gifts to buy and chocolate to bake, I'm not gonna lie. Perhaps we might consider, elongating this month, a simple fort nigh'? Why imagine the time it would buy! We could...
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 4, 2013
Arrival of what perhaps you ask . What is so important, am I up for the task? There are presents to buy, wrap and give, I have a life and I've got it to live. It's Christmas after all, what's else matters, Lights and trees, and gifts that flatter. What does it matter...
by Barbara | Dec 4, 2013
Tis the season for sweets to be sure. Amateur and professional bakers and candy makers let visions of possibilities dance in their heads. I am no different and have a particular affection for all things sweet. My training, albeit incomplete was in pastry and it has...
by Barbara | Nov 23, 2013
Trying to come up with an intentional and authentic name for a blog is challenging. It needs to encompass a bit of who we are, and inviting enough for further readership outside of ones own loving mother. I ended up choosing; Poured Myself Out In Gift. It is not...
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 19, 2013
I would like to think that it all started with the “Y” cord, but I know that is not so. Maybe it would be more accurate to state that perhaps it started with the words, why not. We were presenting a marriage preparation class to thirty-five couples the other day, and...
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 6, 2013
I awoke before dawn and was assaulted by the knowledge that today the President of the United States was coming to our little neck of the world. From the moment I heard about his little visit I have been torn, frustrated and angered. Why here, why come to a high...
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 | Jul 13, 2013
"Marriage changes people, she's different now" stated the young man speaking about his new wife. “We lived together for two years, then suddenly”, claims the new husband, “the ring popped on and she changed?” Is she really different, I wonder? Did the marriage really...
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 | Sep 18, 2012
It has happened to all of us...more than once. More times than I can calculate. We think we are helping, but sometimes we are not...and a big 'ol ugly mess ensues. Hurt feelings, lost tempers, words that cannot be taken back. They are out there in the oxygen floating...