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 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 | 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 | 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 | 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...
by Barbara | Sep 25, 2012
I had the opportunity to get away from the heat and step into the mountain air for a few days. There is just something about pines, aspen, and the crisp anticipation of fall…even if it is only an interlude. Colored leaves, cool mornings and fresh breezes that propose...
by Barbara | Sep 20, 2012
By: Barbara Lishko I got the rare chance the other night to watch the Food Network show, Chopped. I have seen the show maybe two or three times. It's an interesting premise. Professional chefs challenge each other to create something delectable and wildly authentic...
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...
by Barbara | Sep 16, 2012
After 11 years in youth ministry, I have officially retired and have set my face in the direction of marriage preparation. I must say it feels good. Good in the sense that God helped set things in motion and I listened. But not only me, the young man who he called to...
by Barbara | Sep 13, 2012
I have a very dear friend I have known since high school. We were both baptized Catholic as babies, raised in Catholic homes, and received all of our sacraments. I was in her Catholic wedding and she was in mine. We are Godparents of each other’s children. Where we...
by Barbara | Sep 10, 2012
By Barbara Lishko "Where did all the time go" we often comment as we wonder out loud. I might say the same thing as I look at my dusty, neglected, first attempt at blogging and my sadly forgotten writing. What's the deal? How could so much time pass by without as much...
by Barbara | Jan 20, 2012
I am attempting to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in bathroom technology, but every time I use the ladies room it is a whole new learning curve. What do I mean exactly? Some places have automatic faucets that turn on when your hands line up within the...
by Barbara | Jan 1, 2012
A glorious day awaits.... although every breath is a new beginning we make quite the deal of the new calendar year as human beings. I guess any day is as good as the next to begin anew in trying to improve ourselves. My mantra is all about accomplishing so much. I...
by Barbara | Dec 24, 2011
Hard to believe that today is the eve of Christmas. Without a deliberate intention of reminding myself frequently I can easily lapse into the "everyday" mode of life. It is so easy for me to get caught up in that. Stuff to do, more stuff to catch up on, people to...
by Barbara | Oct 3, 2011
Today's Gospel is about the Good Samaritan. Everyone knows the story for the most part (Luke 10:25-37). Right? It's a real "feel good" story and I think we all would want a chance to be a Good Samaritan if it ever came about. I believe that this scenario presents...
by Barbara | Sep 25, 2011
I love giving myself as a gift. I feel God has abundantly blessed me and while I joke about NOT being born with the "NO" gene, I do say yes a lot! Friday, my day off...NOT. I said yes to bake in Flagstaff for the NAU Newman Parents weekend. I loved it. Was blessed to...
by Barbara | Sep 9, 2011
Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine. I got to thinking one day about all those people on theTitanic...
by Barbara | Sep 9, 2011
This summer we had the opportunity to do a road trip together again. It would be the seven of us, packed in the old gray Suburban, just like old times. A few years have passed since we have had the occasion for six hours of this kind of togetherness and I was waiting...