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 | Dec 16, 2014
This Advent hasn't waited for me to get it together yet. It hasn't paused while I spread myself so thin attempting to buy, sell, close, prepare, shop, wrap, pen cards, post or consider gift giving. It simply has marched onward, ready or not. I keep trying to refocus...
by Barbara | Nov 25, 2014
Why have a national holiday that's very purpose is gratitude oriented? For all intense and purposes it offers folks a few precious hours to stop, reflect, and remember that everything is gift. It is right and good to stop and celebrate each other, the bounty and the...
by Barbara | Nov 6, 2014
“Why do you bring God into every conversation?” This simple question was posed to me recently by someone I love dearly. Let me attempt to explain. How do you not bring the Author of Life into life itself? How can I speak of the reason for my joy, my hope, my strength...
by Barbara | Oct 31, 2014
You don’t know me, and sadly, I don’t know you. Why should you care what another voice among the millions is saying? Because, I believe I have good news. Like so many, your story has crashed into my world, just as cancer crashed into yours. As expected in your very...
by Barbara | Oct 9, 2014
Watching the rhythmic ocean waves hit the shoreline can be calming and I've found reassuring as well. It makes me think about the constancy of God's love for each of us. It is always reaching out for us, consistently, gently. Always beckoning and inviting us that we...
by Barbara | Sep 24, 2014
These five little unassuming words by St. Pio of Pietrelcina, (Padre Pio), are as simple as they are powerful! Pray- God is waiting there beside you, closer than the very air you breathe. Speak, but learn to listen. Ask, but don't be afraid to act. Trust and...
by Barbara | Sep 8, 2014
"If you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, but they do not, then they shall die in their sins, but you shall save your life." Ezekiel 33:8-9 Those...
by Barbara | Jul 25, 2014
I came across a great quote by St. Teresa of Avila, "Leave it in God’s hands, where it belongs." It struck me as do many writings of the saints, of the pure simplicity of that statement. Whether you are Catholic or a Christian of another denomination, one...
by Barbara | Jun 28, 2014
A quote by St. Catherine of Siena that struck me recently was this; "Start being brave about everything. Drive out darkness and spread light. ...
by Barbara | Jun 24, 2014
Fr. Matt was our guest speaker at a recent Date Night, the purpose of which is to enrich marriages. We had an incredible turn out and as I sat there smiling to myself and thanking God, Fr. Matt spoke on some common communication challenges. A counselor had shared with...
by Barbara | Jun 10, 2014
Kind of rhym-mie isn't it? It is part of the "Come Holy Spirit Sequence" said each year on Pentecost. It sounds wonderful and mysterious in Latin, Veni, Sancte Spiritus. The rest of this particular sequence is this: "Where you are not, we have naught, nothing good in...
by Barbara | May 29, 2014
I was doing my morning prayer a few days back when this seemingly sublime quote really knocked me between the eyes, " What gifts do you want to make to future generations through the life you are living now? Wow, powerful huh? It wasn't asking what are you doing now...
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 10, 2014
Tomorrow dawns on the continental U.S. as mother's everywhere are remembered and cherished by cards, calls and candy. Not necessarily in that order or limited to those means of gratitude. I too am a mother and now a grandmother, but it wasn't always so. The road to...
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 | Apr 14, 2014
"Behold this heart that loves so much yet is so little loved." From Jesus to St. Mary Margaret. Imagine the pain of rejection on an infinite level after so great a sacrifice. Jesus further speaks, "When you give me your sins, you give me the joy of being your Savior."...