We are called to be Christ’s light to the world and to spread the Gospel to all, unabashedly. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage and wisdom to do this if we but allow Him in our hearts. Lo! Think also on the graces Our Lord gives us each time we receive Him in Holy Communion to go and spread the one true Faith to all we encounter! The heart of our Faith, the Source and Summit of all we’ve been given, is Our Lord,Himself. He gave Himself on the Cross and in a perpetual re-presentation of His Sacrifice, He gives Himself to us each Holy Communion. We may be tempted by others to think we can believe as we wish, and that this is our truth. But remember this: Christ has given us the Truth, we don’t make something true because we believe it to be so. We don’t make the Body and Blood of Our Lord exist because we believe it to be true. He did this for us, and because of that, we believe. I Believe // A Poem What but as bread, This appears to be Is You, Lord, it’s truly Thee! It is You, Lord, I now receive This is true, not because I believe My belief cannot create Can’t sew a seed, give man a mate Can’t fashion out of dust One who knows You, merciful and just Alone, I am capable of but sin Despite this belief I hold within No, my belief doth not make You to be Nor do You exist because You, I see To You alone this glory belongs To be praised in all earthly songs It is You Who instills this Faith in me You, Who inspires my will to believe Danielle Erwin is a Catholic wife, a homeschooling mother of 5, and loves writing poetry whenever the Holy Spirit inspires her! She has published a book of poetry she wrote after her miscarriages (Holding On: Poems on Coping With Loss After Miscarriage) and a book of poetry on the Catholic Faith (Something More: Poetic Moments With God).   [bctt tweet="I Believe // A Poem #BISblog //" via="no"]

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. // John 10:27 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. // Hebrews 11:1 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. // Colossians 3:1 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." // Luke 11:9-10 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” // Luke 10:41-42 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

So often am I faced with silence when I ask God for help with whatever conundrum I face that day. At the end of the day, I feel like I’m left hanging, still awaiting His answer. I am quick to forget the peace He affords me when I receive Him in Holy Communion, even in spiritual Communion. That peace is His answer. He gives me graces in the silence, and those are my help. It’s in these moments when I rest in His peace, and He answers me with His silent graces. Silent Graces // A Poem Silent graces in fettered words Silent graces, always heard In the hush of prayer unspoken Heard by Bread of Life there broken Even without my word’s noise He hears my pleading voice And in moments when I’m at a loss He hears and responds from His Cross When my heart struggles to stand It beats, but beats like man Struggling to find strength through strife As it grasps for another chance at life Graces given at His word Graces silent, but in action heard When I can’t find words to say He hears me when I silently pray When I seek a tangible response To cater to my deepest wants When even a why would do And I still hear nothing from You It’s in that harsh silence I face The unheard, Your silent grace And when I don’t think I know what to do I look at Your Cross and follow You Even when faced with uncertainty And the answer doesn’t face me blatantly When I’m falling into the pit of despair You remain waiting for me there You pick me up and make me stronger Though I keep asking how much longer Let pass this cup and yet, still Not according to me, but as Thy will For upon my first life’s end When for my spirit You inevitably send I’ll then know the cost Of enduring what I’ve lost And seeing what I’ve gained Is all that will remain When I gaze upon Heaven’s holy faces The result of God’s silent graces Danielle Erwin is a Catholic wife, a homeschooling mother of 5, and she loves writing poetry whenever the Holy Spirit inspires her! She has published a book of poetry she wrote after her miscarriages called Holding On: Poems on Coping With Loss After Miscarriage, as well as a book of poetry on the Catholic Faith called Something More: Poetic Moments With God.   [bctt tweet="Silent Graces // A Poem #BISblog //" via="no"]

You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. // Luke 10:27 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ // Luke 10:8-9 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

In the first few years of my college experience, I’ve learned so much about navigating school, community, and commitments. One of the most helpful things during this process has been finding products that encourage my holistic wellness and promote values that are important to me. 5 Must-Haves for the College-Aged Gal With the new school year approaching, I wanted to offer some of my favorite Blessed is She product recommendations for college-aged women. While it was hard to only pick five, I hope that these beautiful pieces will enhance your life in the same way that they have mine. 1. The Big Planner (Academic Calendar Version) I know it can be a bit of a heated debate, but I’m #TeamBigPlanner all the way. I love that it allows me to plan all components of my day—prayer, school, and work as well as time with friends and time for rest—by tracking my hourly commitments. Truly, I would never be able to keep track of everything going on in my life without it! Beyond that, the prayer prompts remind me to talk to God throughout the day and the theme encourages me to reflect on God’s thirst for humanity, which is what makes the Blessed is She planner my favorite I’ve ever used. 2. Made New Devotional Made New is such a fun study! My good friend and I are currently working through the book together and it’s been the best. I love how relatable and thoughtful the reflections are, helping us to consider where we are tempted to root our identities in external things instead of God. It was especially great since I studied abroad and was off-campus for a full semester, so we were united in prayer through the book, even from an ocean apart. I highly recommend gathering a group of your closest gal pals, brewing some tea, and gathering in the dorm common room to pray through the book together! 3. Encourage Bible Verse Cards Encourage Bible Verse Cards are such a fun, beautiful way to memorize Scripture. During my freshman year, my roommate and I hung them up on our wall as a daily reminder of our identities as beloved daughters of God. Seeing them on my wall everyday has helped me to pray with Scripture more fully. Plus, they make such cute notecards for thoughtful check-ins with friends or bookmarks for class textbooks! 4. Jesus is the Balm Lip Balm I’m not kidding when I say that I never leave my house without a Jesus is the Balm lip balm. Every single purse and backpack I own has at least one in it. Not only does it taste wonderful, but it also has 15 SPF and reminds me of my need for Jesus at all times, which I love! 5. Blessed is She Water Bottle (with stickers) I absolutely love my Blessed is She water bottle, which, of course, features some of my most favorite Blessed is She stickers (hey, Saint Joan of Arc!). It reminds me to drink water and is such a fun conversation starter in my classes, the cafeteria, or my dorm building for people who aren’t familiar with Blessed is She’s ministry and mission. What Would YOU Choose? I can’t recommend these products enough. They have enriched my prayer life and encouraged me to make my college experience about coming to know Jesus in a deeper way, which has been the biggest gift of this season so far. If my first two years of undergrad are any indicator, I’m confident that the Lord is going to continue to work in amazing ways, which I’ll celebrate with my Blessed is She products in tote. What are your favorite Blessed is She resources? Comment below!   Shea Nowicki is a college student, studying Theology and Secondary Education. She is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but is learning to love Midwestern winters. She loves chats over coffee with friends, spontaneous visits to the Adoration chapel and finding new releases in independent bookstores. LITURGICAL PLANNERS Our Liturgical Planners are based on the Litany of Humility. Enter into prayer every day alongside this beautiful Litany. Order your days in His peace. GET YOUR PLANNER

And to another he said, “Follow me.” // Luke 9:59 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I often get asked how I reconciled my dance career to my Faith. I simply say that, at the time, I didn’t. Like many young girls, I was put into twirling at three. Then, at my own request, I enrolled in ballet, tap, and jazz at the age of five. I found I had a natural ability as a little dancer and immediately felt like I had found my calling. Nothing mattered more to me than dance. I accepted any and all forms of critique and demanding training sessions to be the very best. The dance industry certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. If I wasn’t practicing in the studio, I was clearing the furniture in my bedroom for more space, practicing my leg extensions at the kitchen counter, or using the long grocery store aisles to develop the most graceful leaps. My mother still recounts those grocery store days to me. Now, my husband experiences them, too. What can I say? Once a dancer, always a dancer. Motivations and Morality As I matured as a young lady and a performer, I worked hard to be in the more notable classes at my studio. I spent the many following years in the competitive world of dance. Up to this point, there wasn’t anything that I tried out for, or set my mind and body to, that I didn’t achieve in one way or another. Committing myself to being a competitive dancer meant that weeknight rehearsals turned into weekends too, even Sundays. This didn’t bother my family much. While I had received my Sacraments, we weren’t a practicing Catholic family. Reconciling Catholic morals to my dance career was not a thought, even though there was much that could have been discussed about topics pertaining to modesty, body image, competitiveness, female comparison, and priorities. I was often encouraged by others with the motto, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” A Possible Open Door Into my teen years I won many awards, appeared in different ensembles, danced across the country, and was the youngest girl in my high school’s history to have been made the highest-ranking lead dancer on our team. Yet my impending graduation made me feel absolutely lost thinking of a life without dance. I wasn’t sure what I would pursue. During the summer after high school graduation, a friend invited me to go with her to try out for the Texans Cheerleaders. Admittedly, I felt lackluster. As many in this arena know, classically-trained dancers and cheerleaders are seen as very different. From my experience, one is usually turning their nose up at the other. I went forward with this opportunity anyway, thinking this might give my college years the dose of dance that I was looking for. Not only that, but I had spent a brief period of time on a competitive team with a Texans Cheerleader that was on the squad during my audition. I thought I was a shoo in! The Tryout Process I arrived to the very intimidating practice tent (not having done any prior research) in a simple but little tryout number, dance sneakers, and my curls sprayed so tight I had to hammer them down at the end of the night. I was not at all prepared for the city camera crews, news photographers, or mass amounts of women there to try out. As one would expect, the women in the heeled boots and skimpy sequined outfits were the ones that drew the most attention. I knew I was going to have to step it up. So I danced like nobody’s business, flipped my hair with the best of them, and performed with the typical facial technique of mouthing your vowels. While there I began to feel like this was more about looks than about dancing (it turns out I was right). I made it through two of the three rounds when suddenly I saw a trail of Texans football players enter the tent. They sat down at a long table. They instructed us to dance across the field and act as if the players weren’t there. I was cut during this round and experienced my first dance team “failure,” if one could call it that. Not long after, I heard through the grapevine why I didn’t make it. Apparently, I looked too young at the time. They encouraged me to come back in a year or two when my look had matured. To me, this indicated a single standard: a member could not look that young and wear that little. I moved on quickly from not making the team, but struggled afterwards with the feeling of humiliation for putting myself on display like that. A Change of Position Several months later I sat discontentedly in my college freshman political science class doodling on a notebook. I heard God say in my heart, “You need to be a youth minister.” There have been three times in my life where I sincerely felt that I heard God clearly, and this was one of them. And all I could think was, “Have You seen my life, Lord?” This call intrigued and bewildered me. I had absolutely no qualifications and hardly had any relationship with God. In a leap of faith, no pun intended, I reached out to my youth minister to tell him what I had experienced and asked him to help me pursue God’s call. This became the first of many arduously purifying seasons in my life. After months of prayer, study, volunteering, and conversion I became a youth minister at the young age of 19 and I have worked for the Church ever since. Shortly after, I heard an internal phrase that stopped me in my tracks, “See, you can’t live both ways.” God was asking me for a complete surrender! A Singular Focus Things had never been so clear. It was not possible to carry on juggling two contradictory ways of life. One or the other must be true. And I would have never been a youth minister had I been hanging on the wall of some young man’s bedroom in a scantily-clad outfit. The door closed on my dance career, but God opened another! “You can’t live both ways,” became my new motto and was the catalyst for a laundry list of other personal conversions pertaining to modesty, comparison, self-worth, purity, and secularism. Looking back, I can see that my Texans Cheerleader tryout experience was the tipping point that gave way to divine providence. I would either believe what Christ has done for me is actually real and I would fully commit to living this Faith, or I would continue on in discord, picking and choosing whatever felt right in the moment. This didn’t come easily. I looked at almost 20 years of my life lived away from God as a rose bush that needed to be pruned. This was sometimes incredibly painful and isolating from my family. I had to end certain friendships. At times, it felt like I was losing the only self I knew. Old habits die hard, and parts of my secular worldview tried to carry on unfazed for years after I sought total surrender to a life with God. I didn’t completely change overnight. But I was dedicated to pursuing God no matter the cost. New Team, New Training To better the journey and find support in training myself in new habits, I surrounded myself with a phenomenal community of Catholic believers. These people lifted me up and exemplified a faithful lifestyle, including the Saints. I seek daily to approach my Faith as passionately as I did my dance career with intensity, focus, discipline, practice, and love. And when things get hard, I think of how good it is to rest in Christ and allow that to soothe my heart like a balm while I continue to grow and transform. And for those wondering, I still dance but perhaps in a different outfit and with a much healthier outlook on Who I belong to. Has God ever shifted the course of your life with closed and open doors? Take some time to reflect on that today!   Steffani Aquila is the Director of Liturgical Life for the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the owner of His Girl Sunday, a business and blog that helps individuals, families, and parishes live liturgically and build long-lasting, authentic Catholic traditions. She has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and has worked in Catholic high schools as a dean and an honors level Theology teacher. When she’s not doing those things, you can find her reading theological books, hosting feast day parties for family & friends, and dancing down the aisles of Hobby Lobby.   [bctt tweet="Texans Cheerleader Tryouts & Total Surrender #BISblog //" via="no"]

Anywhere can be a place of prayer. We can have a solemn and meaningful time with God wherever we may be. It need not be an elaborate space, as long as we can spend a few quiet moments being closer to Him. But having a small space in our own homes where we can pray and reflect allows our families, our friends, and guests to come together and have a prayer time without the distractions. Ideas for Decorating a Prayer Room Setting the stage for a space that allows contemplation is helpful when forming a habit of deep prayer. Here are some ideas for decorating a prayer room or space in your own home. 1. Decide on Your Color Scheme You may opt for vibrant or pastel colors for your prayer room to resemble the joy and lightness of being with God, or more neutral, earthy tones to create a cozy prayer room with a sense of quiet and peace. Spandex four-way stretch drape curtains are perfect if you want shade for windows but also want natural light and fresh air inside your praying room. If you want more coverage, you can choose velvet curtain drapes. If you don’t have curtain rods installed in your house, you can use sturdy pipe and drape sets to hang the curtains. Use the same fabrics or complement drape colors for the altar backdrop. Create a double draping design for the windows and the altar using valence hangers with chiffon curtain drapes to add a color accent to the room. For a more joyous and vibrant prayer room design, you may use a flower panel backdrop for the altar to surround framed pictures of Jesus and Holy Mother Mary. 2. Place the Altar at the Center The altar is the centerpiece of your prayer room. If you have a rectangular wooden table for the altar, you can just put a table runner on top based on your color theme. If you want full coverage for a plastic table, you may also use a linen tablecloth topped with a table overlay. You may also want to add skirting on the altar table using table clips. Arrange your altarpieces at the center of the table, including spiritual figurines and the Bible. For candles, you may use these candelabras for the altar, or on a separate smaller table. Affordable charger plates can also be used as a candle holder. 3. Add Chairs and Other Furniture You may want to add a couch or just a few chairs lined facing the altar. Some also put personal pews in the prayer room, but these aren’t always available. For kneeling, you may put pillows or you may opt for a carpeted prayer room. For minimal chair decorations, add a white or ivory chair cap to your Chiavari chairs. If you have limited space, use foldable chairs so you can put them away when you have fewer people in the prayer room. Add other furniture such as a wooden or glass prayer closet or even a small container to keep other spiritual materials such as prayer books, prayer journals, candles, etc. You may add other small home decors such as flower vases or figurines. 4. Use Wall Decorations Wall decorations for prayer spaces will be sure to add a personal touch. You may add a wood sign for reminders or a prayer board. Bible verses wall art can also be a beautiful prayer room decor. You may also use vinyl wall floral decorations for the walls. These prayer room ideas are just some of the ways that you can make your daily prayers a little more special. In the end, the goal of a prayer room is to create a beautiful place of worship in your home, a place where your family and loved ones can come together in comfort, without distraction, and with grateful hearts and souls.   Wendilyn Adams is a freelance event stylist for private, corporate small, and huge crowd gatherings. Her eye for putting together decorative pieces, and linens make every event remarkable. She's been in the events industry for 6 years.   [bctt tweet="Practical Decoration Ideas for a Prayer Room at Home #BISblog //" via="no"]

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever. // John 6:51 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come. // Cf. Revelation 1:8 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. // Acts 2:4 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them. // John 17:26 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper