It doesn’t take a genius to realize that humans, starting at a very young age, tend to gather stuff. I observed this firsthand with my grandkids and any child I’ve had the good fortune to spend time with. “Mine,” shouts the toddler, and thus begins the desire to...
Reflections
Cry of a Heart
by Barbara | Oct 20, 2024
I know what it feels like to lose a baby through a miscarriage. Not once, but twice. I understand the crushing pain of infertility for years. I, too, have grandbabies that I hope to someday meet in Heaven, who were also miscarried. Even though I never met my own...
Heart of Mary
by Barbara Lishko | Jun 9, 2024
How many times do we make excuses for our sins? “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” (Gen 3:13). Sadly, I am guilty. I’d go so far as to say evil doesn’t even have to lift a finger- I fall easily on my own. Bless me, Father, for I have sinned; it’s been...
Loved and Beloved
by Barbara | May 22, 2023
What memory, if any, do you have of a time you felt completely loved? Not the mushy fleeting feelings of giddiness and butterflies. Rather, a deep abiding love not dependent on conditions. A love given exclusively for your own good. No strings attached. Parental love...
Mary, Mary Quite Extraordinary
by Barbara | Nov 7, 2020
Pray for us oh holy Mother of God! He approached the table where I was seated and took the seat next to mine posing a question about how I knew that Mary really interceded in my life, and could the blessings I encountered really be possible? Perhaps, I could give him...
Female Balancing Act
by Barbara | Oct 8, 2020
As a woman, I wear many hats. Wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, mentor, toilet cleaner, meal maker, dessert creator and consumer. But this is only a few of my hats, and like you, they are as diverse and adaptable as the situation requires. We women know how...
Ominous Words
by Barbara | Sep 3, 2020
“Lord, Lord open the door for us!” But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matt 25:13) I have had my share of bad news as many of you have. Getting a diagnosis which leaves us...
Rebellious
by Barbara | Aug 13, 2020
For a few months now in the daily readings, I have noticed an overarching theme proclaimed through the prophets. Here are a few examples. “Return, O Israel, to the Lord, your God; you have collapsed through your guilt.” (Hosea 14:2) “Unless your faith is firm you...
Exercise Hostage Crisis
by Barbara | Apr 8, 2020
By: Barbara Lishko I know full well that I am supposed to be exercising on a regular basis. I’ve heard all of the arguments in favor of why one should be dutiful to the cause and yet; time after time I let my brain hold my backside hostage. It takes very little effort...
Yes-O-Holic
by Barbara | Apr 2, 2020
I am one of those souls that schools, charities, and hospitals love to see coming. I have a condition, which prohibits me from saying no to most requests for help. I have said it before, and it bears repeating, I am pretty sure that I wasn’t born with the...