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 | 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 | 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 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 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 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...