May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings. // Psalm 122:6-7 Love this from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Let me paint the scene: It was a girl’s day out, everyone was grabbing some lunch, and I was stuck in the ordering line having an existential crisis about whether or not to buy a three dollar bagel. To fully understand the scene, let's add some paint to the background. At the time of the scene, I was working as a missionary. This fact and the bakery line crisis were inseparably linked by one reality: money. Working as missionaries, my husband and I were paid, but not very much. We did our absolute best to stay on top of our expenses and budget out our money. We were big Dave Ramsey fans. Missionary Tithing In fact, one of our first big decisions as a married couple had been regarding how we were going to handle our money. This included tithing. Prior to our missionary life, I had not been ignorant of tithing, but had never really practiced it. I had somehow always, falsely, viewed it as something you did once you were “well-established” in a career, whatever that means. Needless to say, when my husband first brought it up in our budget discussions, I was pleased but surprised. Our conversation went something like this: “First, we need to factor in a tithe to our budget.” My pause was long. “That’s a good idea, but, we are missionaries. We are the kind of people that other people tithe to. I didn’t think that really applied to us…” “Gracie, we are tithing.” And the matter was settled. My heart, on the other hand, was the slightest bit unsettled as we graphed out the chart and I watched that 10 percent be subtracted; 10 percent that we absolutely could have used for gas or groceries at the time. But we figured it out and decided to give it a go. A Greater Reliance And slowly we noticed the strangest things start to happen: insanely good deals and discounts would just pop up under our fingers, people started just giving us the exact things that we would be hunting for, waiters and waitresses even started taking care of part or all of our check. I’m not making this up. We were still living simply, but we were simultaneously living very well and found ourselves never stretched or stressed in the financial department. Everywhere we turned, the providence of God was making itself known. Seek First the Kingdom I had never before witnessed some of the words of the Bible as being so true. Thanks to my husband’s leadership, we were seeking first the Kingdom of God, and everything else that we could have been concerned about was being taken care of. Life was still expensive, especially when a baby came along, but with good friends, communication, prayer, thinking ahead, and maintaining that monthly tithe, it was never as tight as we expected. Back to the bakery line. I reluctantly ordered the bagel, knowing that I was hungry and it was a good opportunity to bond with my friends. But I felt a little guilty. After all, we were missionaries. I got my bagel and went to our table. Five minutes later, the last of our friend group walked up, holding two bags. “One for me, and one for you, Gracie,” she says handing me the bag. I look down at my plate. “But, I already got my food.” “It has your name on it, and your exact order, and has been sitting up there for five minutes and no one grabbed it. Two for the price of one, I guess it’s your lucky day!” It was such a small thing, but I knew it had nothing to do with luck. Store Up Treasure in Heaven Let God be the center of your finances, and He will provide for you in the big and small ways. If you don’t already, I encourage you to incorporate a monthly tithe in to your budget. God will bless it abundantly. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. // Matthew 6:19-21   [bctt tweet="Bagels and the Providence of God #BISblog // " via="no"]   Mary Grace “Gracie” Muraski lives and works in the mountains of Colorado with her husband. She is passionate about the outdoors, intentional conversation, and anything involving pasta.

In this Year of the Eucharist, I have constantly been called by Our Lord to visit Him. As a mom of five littles, that doesn’t look like frequent Adoration in our parish’s Adoration chapel. It doesn’t always come in the form of daily Mass. In this state in life, in this moment in time, my desire to visit Our Lord is made manifest in my day-to-day and the attitude with which I carry out my daily tasks. I’m humbled many times as I do these things imperfectly. Adore Him Always Yet, every day, visiting and adoring Him occurs when I’m present with my husband and children. Do I start off our day with morning prayers? How am I leading them to Him that day? How do I react when there’s an argument? What do I do when my Italian nature shows its true colors and I allow my impatience and temper to reign? Do I resign to my weakness and sum of my failures, or do I run, returning to Him, acknowledging and adoring His Eucharistic power? Since our goal in this life is to visit Him permanently and adore Him always in the next, we ask our Lord to keep our feet firmly planted in His will and His way, always returning to Him when we stray. Eucharistic Power // A Poem Here I sit In front of God Holy ground below, my Sinful feet dare trod To honor and adore You In Your presence, Lord Alive I remain because My life, You graciously afford It is for this reason And because of it, I live You created me for You For Your love to give Let me desire none other Than to relish this time To feel my heart beat for You Body and soul, ecstatic and sublime Just being in Your sight Holy Host, powerful be You root myself firmly My being planted in front of Thee All a dream, these moments In Heaven, I wish here to stay A glimpse of the life I desire When death whisks me away My God, omnipotent Host Take me that hour to Thee By Your Eucharistic power Make my dream reality   [bctt tweet="Eucharistic Power // A Poem #BISblog // " via="no"]   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 (Holding On: Poems on Coping With Loss After Miscarriage) and a book of poetry on the Catholic Faith (Something More: Poetic Moments With God).

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed. // Daniel 7:14 Love this from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Their voices enter my room and I become a part of their conversation. My bedroom wall separates us, but I can hear each voice clearly and in turn. First, Mariusz poses a question: "Mass on Sunday… Christ the King or Assumption?” Michael is quick to respond, “Christ the King!” Ann May doesn’t wait long, “Christ the King!” Exasperated and out of turn, Mariusz interjects, “Christ the King?! Same thing over and over and over again!” Larry, being the sensitive man that he is, offers a courtesy, “Um, Assumption?” I chuckled and my attention returned to the space that I was in. The Joy (and Challenge) of Predictability Days later, I continue to let this scene play behind my eyes. I grin as I see it taking place. It is ordinary, but from within it our friends teach. At L’Arche, we have a general routine for each day and a rhythm to each season. Daily, we can all count on eating, cleaning, and praying together. Throughout the year we have an array of shared holidays and our own traditions unique to L’Arche that we anticipate. While traditions are lovely, they can also be exhausting. And while routines create stability, they can also be a bore. So, as I hear the conversation again, and listen to Sunflower House discuss where to go to Mass on Sunday, I can identify with Mariusz. As an assistant, I too crave change; however, some of our core members are more robust. God's Pattern of Routine In G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy he illustrates several scenarios involving routine and invites the reader to question whether our routines are boring or if we who experience them are lacking. In this, I see Mike, Ann, and Larry’s decision to go to the same church every week, at the same time, and to sit in the same pew week after week after week. Again, this silly church debate scene repeats in my mind and while it plays I hear Chesterton’s voice explaining something about routine to me. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to bless monotony. God says every morning, "Do it again," to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may be that God makes every daisy separately, but never got tired of making them. It may be that He has an eternal appetite for infancy. Learning to Lean into Routine I realize that my whole life is made up of routines. My waking hours are scheduled around my sleeping hours. My chores are scheduled around my activities and everything is scheduled around when I eat! I can take a vacation from my daily routines, but they’re always around when I return and they make up the meat of my life. My friends at L’Arche are always teaching me and as I continue to share life with them perhaps I might learn how to relish in routine. Do you balk at routine or do you see the value in it?   [bctt tweet="To Relish in Routine #BISblog // " via="no"]   Taylor Fuller is a newlywed who spent her honeymoon galavanting around Ireland, scoping out Marian Apparition sites, and chasing hairy coo in Scotland. Stateside, she shares life at L’Arche Jacksonville in Florida with her friends with and without disabilities who live together in community.

It can be an elusive chase. We shift schedules, we say "no," we set boundaries, we buy the next product that makes promises. We all long for peace, and we are willing to work hard to obtain it. And those efforts are worthwhile and can bring a steadiness to our days. But true peace cannot be grasped; it is a gift we must receive. The Prince of Peace This title of the Lord from the prophet Isaiah is one of the most beloved for Christ. Not only does it provide a lovely alliteration, but it speaks deeply to the role of peace in the economy of salvation. We want peace; peace is a Person. And that Person is both Peace itself and the One Who holds authority—prince-ship—over it. So if we want lasting, sink-down-into-our-souls peace, we must come to Him daily, allowing Him to give us peace and be our peace. Peace Paupers We understand this well enough, and we believe it. But in trying to live it, we encounter various obstacles. It seems that, at every turn, something threatens to "steal" our peace. We are beggars on this journey, and we often accept any counterfeit "peace" in order to feel a moment of satisfaction or manufactured rest. None of us are exempt from this temptation, which speaks to how incredibly transformational peace is in the spiritual life. The enemy offers us poor exchanges for Peace, and every time we can turn from that to the One Who holds us steady is a victory. An Inventory of Peace So where do we stand in regards to peace, then? Have we taken time to evaluate where we stand in light of the Prince of Peace? The upcoming Advent season is an ideal time to reflect upon how much of our lives we have (or have not yet) handed over to the newborn Prince of Peace. We invite you to pray through the first section of questions before or at the beginning of Advent. Keep a "score sheet" of some sort in a journal or in your Notes app to help you remember. Then, walk with us through Peace Has a Name as we examine all the various aspects of this true Peace into which we are invited. To Reflect on Before Advent On a scale of 1-5, 1 being absolutely no peace and 5 being perfect peace, rank the various areas of your life. Feel free to jot down responses to the questions are you pray through them, too. Relationship with God // Am I at rest in my relationship with God? Am I content in my prayer life and growing closer to Him, or are there areas of distraction and woundedness keeping me from Him? Relationship with others // What is the status of the current relationships in my life? Do I have a thriving community, or am I desperate for just one friend? Do I have friendships that dive below the surface and call me to a higher way of life with Christ? Is there unresolved anger or conflict in my relationships that steals my peace? How do I need to forgive and be forgiven? Relationship with self // How do I view myself? Am I at war with myself over my personality, life choices, confessed sin, shame, feelings of abandonment or self-reliance, or a desire to control? Have I brought my wounds to the foot of the Cross? Am I taking care of my most basic needs so I can operate out of a place of human peace so that divine peace may work through me? Body image // How do I view my body? Am I disturbed in my soul every time I look in the mirror? How do I speak to and about myself? Do I lack gratitude for what my body does for me? Vocation // Am I at peace in my vocation? Why or why not? If I am waiting for my vocation, am I at peace? Why or why not? Regardless of vocation, how am I trying to control that which is out of my control? Am I resentful? Am I ungrateful? Am I unwilling to change for the better? Do I withhold love or forgiveness? In what ways do I feel unrest in this area? Work // To what work has the Lord called me? How do I accept this invitation? Do I labor diligently for His sake, even when I am overlooked or under-appreciated? Am I resisting a prompting from the Holy Spirit to move into a new season of my mission? Leisure + hobbies // Do I rest? Do I make time to enjoy what I enjoy simply for the sake of enjoying it? Am I filling my schedule and my brain with distractions so that I miss opportunities to partake in true leisure? How does this influence my mental space and approach to duty when I don't make time for delight? Once Christmas arrives, revisit this post and pray through the set of questions again. How have your answers changed? Have you experienced more peace in one or more areas of your life? How has the Lord moved in and purified your heart during the Advent season? How can you maintain a proper perspective on peace as you go throughout the coming new year? [elementor-template id="761780"] To Reflect on After Advent On a scale of 1-5, 1 being absolutely no peace and 5 being perfect peace, rank the various areas of your life. Feel free to jot down responses to the questions are you pray through them, too. Relationship with God // Am I at rest in my relationship with God? Am I content in my prayer life and growing closer to Him, or are there areas of distraction and woundedness keeping me from Him? Relationship with others // What is the status of the current relationships in my life? Do I have a thriving community, or am I desperate for just one friend? Do I have friendships that dive below the surface and call me to a higher way of life with Christ? Is there unresolved anger or conflict in my relationships that steals my peace? How do I need to forgive and be forgiven? Relationship with self // How do I view myself? Am I at war with myself over my personality, life choices, confessed sin, shame, feelings of abandonment or self-reliance, or a desire to control? Have I brought my wounds to the foot of the Cross? Am I taking care of my most basic needs so I can operate out of a place of human peace so that divine peace may work through me? Body image // How do I view my body? Am I disturbed in my soul every time I look in the mirror? How do I speak to and about myself? Do I lack gratitude for what my body does for me? Vocation // Am I at peace in my vocation? Why or why not? If I am waiting for my vocation, am I at peace? Why or why not? Regardless of vocation, how am I trying to control that which is out of my control? Am I resentful? Am I ungrateful? Am I unwilling to change for the better? Do I withhold love or forgiveness? In what ways do I feel unrest in this area? Work // To what work has the Lord called me? How do I accept this invitation? Do I labor diligently for His sake, even when I am overlooked or under-appreciated? Am I resisting a prompting from the Holy Spirit to move into a new season of my mission? Leisure + hobbies // Do I rest? Do I make time to enjoy what I enjoy simply for the sake of enjoying it? Am I filling my schedule and my brain with distractions so that I miss opportunities to partake in true leisure? How does this influence my mental space and approach to duty when I don't make time for delight? The Purpose of Peace Hopefully, as you have journeyed through the four weeks of Advent and have come back to reflect on these questions again, you have seen how the Holy Spirit has shaped you again and again into a new creation in Him. Hopefully, you have understood even more deeply that Jesus alone is the Prince of Peace, the One Who can gift us that for which we ultimately long. The primary purpose of peace is to keep us anchored in the truth that we are never alone or abandoned by God. He never once turns His gaze from us. He never once ceases to be concerned with all that concerns us. This is where we find our rest: in the Sacred Heart which endlessly burns with love. We are forever loved, forever desired, and forever cared for. It is in this that our peace is offered and where we can accept to live in it. Are you satisfied with the amount of peace you have in your life or do you long for more? How is Jesus inviting you to accept the kind of peace He offers, the peace which the world cannot give?   [bctt tweet="Am I at Rest? // An Inventory of Peace #BISblog //" via="no"]

You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. // Luke 21:17-19 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Whenever I pack to go camping, it’s inevitable that I will find myself asking the same question. Generally between stops at the store, and cramming sleeping bags, tents, cookware, rain gear, toilet paper, ice, meals and water into the car, I will pause and think: Remind me why it takes so much stuff to slow down and live simply for the weekend? I value the simplicity of spending time in the woods. But if I’m honest, staying home feels like the simpler option. You know this feeling too, I’m sure. Wearing two hats (or more!) for the weekend or as a vocation. Maybe you chose them both, maybe you didn’t choose either: wife and caretaker; working and mom; leader and introvert. Absolutely none of these things are mutually exclusive, but we all resonate with the feeling of having more than one calling at one time. We understand the need to be true to ourselves while being faithful to our call. In other words, we are well-versed in paradoxes. Saint Martin of Tours is a fascinating study in what it means to live in paradox. Saint Martin of Tours Born into a pagan family, Martin began attending a Christian church as a boy and chose to become initiated in the Church against his father’s wishes. Christianity had become legalized only three years before Saint Martin was born. Followers of Christianity were not highly regarded at this time, particularly among people of means. As the son of a military family, Martin was required to become a soldier in the Roman army. After his Baptism in 354, however, Saint Martin declared his allegiance to Christ rather than his commanding officer: "I am the soldier of Christ: it is not lawful for me to fight." In response, Martin was jailed and called a coward. Martin offered to go unarmed to the battlefront, and leaders nearly took him up on the offer but the battle never occurred because their opponents unexpectedly sought peace. Saint Martin was released from military service. Martin the Merciful Among the many marks of his saintly life, Martin of Tours is most famously known as "Martin the merciful" after an encounter with a naked beggar. A Roman soldier at the time, Martin cut his own cloak in two and gave half to the beggar. Later in a dream, the face of the man to whom he had given the cloak was revealed to be Christ. Beautifully, this image is heralded by those in military service as well as those aligned with pacifism. He is celebrated as both patron of soldiers as well as conscientious objectors. In fact, his feast day (November 11th) is also the secular observance of Veteran’s Day in the United States, on which we recognize and celebrate all soldiers living and deceased who have fought on behalf of their country. His unique example made him a bridge between two distinct camps: pacifists and soldiers. His Defense of the Truth Following his military service, Martin became a follower of Hilary of Poitiers and a staunch defender of the Church against Arianism. For this he was beaten and exiled by the Arian Archbishop. In 361 he became a hermit and established a hermitage that attracted many followers. Ten years later, Martin was selected as Bishop of Tours. Legend has it that he was so opposed to this post that he hid in a barn full of geese, but their cackling gave him away. (Thus arose the connection to his title as patron Saint of geese). Despite naysayers who thought him too disheveled to serve as bishop, he rallied and served to eliminate pagan temples and statues, all the while establishing monasteries. Eventually, he established the monastery of Marmoutier, where he could be near Tours while living his call to the monastic life and avoiding public attention. Living the Call of Christ The shrine of Saint Martin de Tours continues to be a popular stopping point for those pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago Compostela in Spain. Martin himself remains an important figure in the tradition of the Church that holds room and celebrates his loyalty and commitment as a soldier, as well as his prayerful discernment to opt out of conflict he could not fight in good conscience. Saint Martin, although raised pagan, chose Christ. While serving in the Roman army, he chose to serve Christ rather than his anti-Christian leaders. In his public role as bishop, Martin found creative solutions to lead while maintaining commitment to his call as a monastic. In your own walk with Christ, have you been challenged to serve with creativity between different callings? How does Saint Martin inspire you to persevere? Let’s pray: Lord God of hosts, who clothed your servant Martin the Soldier with the spirit of sacrifice, and set him as a bishop of your Church to be a defender of the Catholic faith; Give us grace to follow in his holy steps that at the last we may be found clothed with righteousness in the dwellings of peace through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen. Saint Martin de Tours, pray for us!   [bctt tweet="Saint Martin the Merciful #BISblog // " via="no"]

Recently I spoke with a young woman leaving for her freshman year of college. The subject of dating came up. I asked her what she was looking for in a man. Her words—“as long as he’s Catholic”—stirred up mixed feelings in my heart. I was grateful that her Faith was important to her; but on the other hand, I knew she deserved more than that. It has been 11 years since I’ve been on the dating scene and I thought it was hard a decade ago. I can’t imagine what dating has become like now, especially with the “hook-up culture” that seems to be so rampant on dating apps and college campuses. Keeping Standards High While Dating My hope for all single women is to not only embrace singleness and find joy and peace in it, but to wisely navigate dating and courtship in this seemingly-crazy modern culture. Envision the Life You Want in the Future Close your eyes and imagine your life in 10 years. What do you see? Are you in a loving, committed marriage? What kind of man is standing next to you? Does he have a prayer life? Is he supportive of your goals and dreams? Is he involved and attentive to your children? Does he work hard to provide for you and your family? Does he serve in ministry or do you travel the world together on missions? Does he make you laugh? Think about the couples in your life whose marriages inspire you. Marriage might not be on your radar right at this moment, but deciding what kind of marriage you want in the future can help determine what you value and what qualities you’re looking for in a man. You’ll be less likely to settle for a man who isn’t right for you. Find the Right Man in the Right Place Imagine that your future boyfriend is “going out with the boys” for the night. Where do you hope he’s going? How would you prefer that he spend his time with his friends? Hopefully not getting wasted at a random bar and passing out on a couch at 2 a.m. The way he chooses to spend his time is a great indicator of the kind of man he is and can possibly clue you into the kind of setting you can potentially meet him. Get involved with the young adult ministry in your local diocese. Join a club or take a class and learn a new skill. Serve your community by joining a service group. Meet other great ladies in a women’s group who might eventually be able to set you up with a great guy! You can’t always choose where you’ll meet your future spouse (I never thought I’d meet mine at a wedding) but you can definitely avoid the clubs and drunk parties where you likely won’t meet your dream man. Set Boundaries and Expectations Ever been halfway through a date and realize that the guy is subtly hinting at going back to his apartment to “hang out?” How romantic. Just because he buys you dinner doesn’t mean you owe him anything, especially not a quick and meaningless interaction. No matter how charming or attractive he is or how many butterflies are in your stomach, never forget that you are worth more than just a physical connection. You deserve a man who wants to protect your body, your mind, your soul, and your heart. Frankly, the man you date deserves the same from you. You should absolutely expect a man to take you out on a proper date and treat you like the daughter of God you are. You don’t have to treat every date like a marriage proposal, but you should make your intentions clear. If you are searching for a serious, intentional dating relationship with the hopes of a happy and healthy marriage, that should be made clear to him. Any man who is worthy of your time will respect this. Setting boundaries might take a little more forethought. I suggest discussing it with someone you trust before going on the date. Having those boundaries determined and placed in mind will make it easier to stick to them. Consider details like: Will you be picked up or meet at a public location? What time do you expect to be home? How many drinks (if any) will you have? What topics do you feel comfortable talking about? What are you uncomfortable with? Are you okay with holding hands? What other physical parameters should you consider? You Can’t Change Him, Only God Can Many of us can fall into the trap of dating someone who doesn’t agree with our values and hoping that he’ll change for us. How many times have we wished to be that girl on the TV show who captures the heart of the “bad boy” and he suddenly changes his ways for the better? It’s a great plot line; unfortunately, it’s not the story many of us experience. Most of the time, it leads to frustration and heartache. You may even find that a man labels himself as “Catholic” or “Christian” but later realize that means something entirely different to him. You are worthy of a good and godly man! And you have the impact and feminine genius to influence a man to strive for holiness and to improve himself in every aspect of his life. But you cannot change a man’s heart. Only God can. Surround Yourself With Good Friends Get the opinions of trusted friends, family, or even a mentor. Find people who share similar values and ideals, lift you up and encourage you, and speak truth into your life. These people should know and understand you well. They should validate you and help raise your confidence but also inspire you to improve and be your best self. Dating is fun and exciting, but putting the same amount of time and effort in cultivating deep and fruitful community is essential in feeling connected and having healthy relationships. They should also have the ability to communicate their concerns honestly. If your closest circle won’t point out the red flags they see, then who will? If a close friend or family member expresses concern about the man you’re dating, I would strongly suggest that you consider what they’re saying with a spirit of humility. When your heart and hopes are tangled up in a relationship, it might be hard not to jump to defensiveness. In the end, it’s up to you to decide, but it is helpful to hear from outside perspectives. Keep An Open Mind Do you have a friend who rejects every man she meets because she somehow finds something wrong with him? Maybe someone who self-sabotages every potential relationship because he doesn’t meet her impossible standards? When we expect perfection out of a man, we may begin to overlook the wonderful, amazing men who are already in our lives. Perhaps you have a male friend who you never gave a chance before. Maybe you didn't go on a second date with a guy because you weren’t immediately swept off your feet. Let’s consider how we, as women, can be open and receptive to being approached and pursued by men. We have to stay in that tension of holding ourselves up to the high standards that we deserve, without expecting a man to check off every single box on our “perfect man list.” Stay Rooted in Prayer If you want to find a godly man, you have to stay close to God. Immerse yourself into a healthy spiritual and prayer life so that He can reveal to you the kind of love you are worthy of. Seek healing if needed. So much of our past wounds and childhood experiences can shape the way we think we deserve to be loved. Ask God to remind you of your worth and dignity. Pray for your future spouse. He needs the prayers in his singleness just as much as you do! This special time of searching for one another is one that can be filled with incredible blessings. You can intentionally seek to become a better woman, daughter, friend, future wife and mother while he intentionally seeks to become a better man, son, friend, future husband and father. Then, when you two meet, you will be much more ready to join together and strive for holiness and Heaven together. What kind of marriage do you think God is preparing you for? What has your dating life been like and what would you like to change? If you are not single, is there a single girlfriend you can send this article to?   [bctt tweet="Single Ladies, Put Your Hands Up // Keeping Standards High While Dating #BISblog // " via="no"]

A few summers ago I was in my poetry residency for the week. The instructor gave our class a writing assignment: produce a poem about food. That night, I sat for a while looking at a blank page, wondering what to write. For context, I began baking more that summer. I became focused on making the perfect pound cake and sharing it with others. Baking was not a loved hobby but I found a recipe that inspired me. The longer I reflected, the more I felt led to process something vulnerable and write it. I was surprised with what followed, but it was well received by my classmates, which gave me courage and affirmation. Pound Cake // Something was missed mashing together all I wanted. I’m the best darn mother there is, if only I had the kids to prove it: Birthday cakes I never got to make. Brownies I never sent to school in a lunch box. But this cake’s not as dramatic as the frosted layer, not as simple as a cupcake. Centuries old, a no fail 1 pound of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Half and half, vanilla extract, dash of salt, mixed smooth and creamy - bowl to lick! Predictability, control by shaping matter. Pound cake for the dinner party. Pound cake for the new neighbor. Pound cake and coffee. Lemon, chocolate, vanilla pound cake. Serve on paper plate or heirloom china. Dense, sweet, bread like yum. Baked in a bundt, captured on a cooling rack, sprinkled with powdered sugar. Fecundity taken in another direction. Not giving birth to the world, just feeding it. Motherhood in Another Direction Can you hear the longing, the desire, the question, and finally the attempt to soothe this thing that was and has always been within me? I was asking a question, “What does motherhood have for me, a childless woman? Is there more to this desire than simply teaching and nurturing kids in a classroom? Have I missed my moment?” What’s more, I know I am not the only woman who lives out these questions. Childlessness can feel like its own kind of infertility—a sense of loss at never having had the chance. There are many stories, and many of my sisters who carry their own experience of motherhood, with all its deepest joys and sometimes sorrow. But He is the Restorer and when this is handed back to God, He can make it beautiful. In my case, it is taking steps toward foster parent training with an open heart for adoption—and having peace in the process. It is not only waiting for the right time, but then trusting and moving forward in faith. Allowing God to be the builder. Knowing He put the desire for motherhood within me and He will see it fulfilled. How is God speaking to you about motherhood? Where is He asking you to build mother culture? He can be trusted. Our dreams and sorrows find a home in His heart. This is a call for all women, even those who have never felt the desire to have children. The feminine gifts brought to bear in our communities make us all better. Rightly-ordered femininity does not have to compete with or for men, it does not have to demand a place at the table. If anyone changed the view of women in culture, it was Jesus Himself. He was a radical inviter of those typically uninvited. Know you are being invited by Him where you find yourself right now.   [bctt tweet="Childlessness, Pound Cake, + Mother Culture #BISblog //" via="no"]   Jenny Richeson is a Catholic writer who is a lover of language and its mysteries. By day she provides speech pathology and cognitive intervention services to kids. Her main goal in life is to be a speaking stargazer caught up in wonder whenever possible. She makes her home in Kentucky with her husband, Matt. Together they find God in gardening and all manner of outdoor activities whenever they can. Stargazing is a favorite pastime too. You can find out more about her here.

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. // 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Another Advent creeps up and I page through Peace Has a Name before my small group starts it in less than a month. I think back on October of 2017, with our new house barely moved into, one item stood out on the calendar: Nell's small group Sunday night, 8pm. We had no coffee table, no cups out or even spare plates, but this group of women gathered around in my living room and our conversation began something like this: How did you find out about Blessed is She? And you just moved here? From Colorado? I love it! Can we pray together before we jump into the Virtue Study? A group of near-strangers met that night. So What Makes a Small Group Worth It? Five years later, the offshoots of friendship astonish me. One woman asked another to be her child's Godmother. I was the witness for the convalidation Wedding Mass of one. We all sent flowers and wept when another's father passed away. We cheered on still another's new condo purchase and brought meals and fresh sourdough while even another expects her eighth child. Unsure of how to get started? We created a leader guide to give you the boost and content you need: {{download your free leader guide here}} What about a Virtual Group? Is it worth it to join a virtual group? Will the time spent be worth my while? Isn't it always a stretch to do something new? I can't tell you how your life will be changed, but I can promise that it will in some way. When we meet one another in our stories, when we laugh and cry and share, when we read and pray with Sacred Scripture, we are changed. I hope your small group blesses you immensely. We are praying your community grows and brings you closer to Our Lord, the Prince of Peace, this special Advent season.   [bctt tweet="What Makes a Small Group Worth It? #BISblog //" via="no"]

I felt the hard, uneven cobblestones beneath my feet and took in the views all around me with fresh, wide eyes. It was one of the first days of my study abroad program in Rome and I was in awe of the beauty and history all around me. The streets of this historic city were like another world compared to the city I had just left in the Midwest. It was surreal to be walking into whatever church we happened to stumble upon and then see the original artwork of a familiar childhood image. This took place a number of times, but one of the first was when we entered the seventeenth century church Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini (Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins). It wasn’t particularly eye-catching from the outside, but when we went inside we were met with gorgeous paintings in the side chapels, including work by Pietro da Cortona, an Italian Baroque painter and architect. Then the one I was so thrilled to see, an altarpiece of St. Michael the Archangel Defeating Satan by Guido Reni. The Dragon Does Not Prevail I love this piece because it shows the physique of both Saint Michael and the devil. While the devil is being crushed under the heel of the Archangel, he isn’t portrayed as weak. Rather, you can see Satan’s triceps, biceps, even the tendons in his hands flexed in resistance as tightly as he can muster. His muscles are literally rippling. In contrast, you see the serene countenance of Saint Michael, gracefully pulling back his sword to strike the source of all evil. He is fearless. As it reads in Revelation 12:7-8: Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. This is why we ask Saint Michael the Archangel to “be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil” and why many parishes pray the Prayer to Saint Michael after Mass. A prayer written by Pope Leo XIII after he had a terrifying vision of demonic spirits. After witnessing this horrific sight he requested that the prayer be said at the end of Mass so that as we go back out into the world, Christ’s light will shine over the darkness. We can pray this prayer daily, as we intercede for the salvation of all souls and reflect on our own death. In this month that we call to mind all those who have died, let us return to Santa Maria della Concezione again. Beneath which you will find a crypt where the remains of four thousand Capuchin friars adorn the walls. The Chilling Capuchin Crypt in Rome If you enter this crypt you might feel goosebumps raised on your skin and feel yourself chilled. Not just from the coldness which emanates from the cold ground, but also from a plaque which reads, “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.” This quotation is displayed among the bones of friars who have died between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. At the time the church was built, Pope Urban VII commissioned this church with the hopes that it would provide a space for the growing congregation of Capuchins. When the architecture was completed, the remains of Capuchin friars who had been buried nearby were moved to Santa Maria so that all of the Capuchin remains would be together. But instead of reburying the bones, the monks used them as ornamentation in the crypt to be a reminder of momento mori. To remind them that death is imminent. Purification and Purgatory So here we are, reminded that we are not promised tomorrow, but gratefully living in the presence of God on earth today. In this gift of life that we share in today we have the Christian responsibility to pray for the souls in Purgatory. We also share in the great hope that they will soon be greeted by Saint Peter as he brings them face to face with Jesus. All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. // Catechism of the Catholic Church 1030 While there are many unknowns about what Purgatory may be like, we can rest assured that we are on our way to Heaven’s gate. As Pope Saint John Paul II said, Purgatory is not a place but a kind of existence. “Those who live in this state of purification after death are not separated from God but are immersed in the love of Christ. Neither are they separated from the saints in heaven—who already enjoy the fullness of life—nor from us on earth—who continue on our pilgrim journey to the Father’s house. We remain united in the Mystical Body of Christ, and we can therefore offer up our prayers and good works on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Purgatory.” Saint Michael, pray for us! As we remember the souls who have passed from this life on their journey to Heaven let us call upon the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel. We can turn back to the pages of Revelation to recall his great strength and pray the Saint Micael prayer, not only for the souls in Purgatory, but also for our own souls. Saint Michael, be with us as we reflect on our own mortality. Pray for us to have your strength, strength to overcome our own spiritual battles. What is your favorite way to pray for our deceased brothers and sisters?   [bctt tweet="Angels, an Artist, and the Capuchin Crypt in Rome #BISblog //" via="no"]

But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook sins for the sake of repentance. // Wisdom 11:23 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

“Think nothing else but that God ordains all, and where there is no love, put love, and you will draw out love.” This quote from Saint John of the Cross articulates my journey as a foster parent in a much more profound way than I could ever muster up. Loving these children has revealed to me a depth of the Father’s love I had not previously known. Growing up, I had foster siblings in and out of our home. My parents adopted five of my siblings through foster care. They have been such a blessing to us in ways they will never know. I began my own personal foster care journey several years ago and it has been a hold-your-breath, learn-to-juggle, experience tears-and-laughter journey up to this point. My Foster Care Journey There are much more experienced foster parents out there, which makes me perhaps under-qualified to share. But here are 6 (of the many) lessons I have learned from this beautiful journey. The Lord’s timing is providential and even miraculous. After being licensed as a foster parent, I thought I would have a child placed with me that day. I waited in joyful anticipation for a year and a half for my first placement (albeit not very patiently at times during that painful waiting period). I said “yes” to over fifty children I received calls for. Each time I said yes, I would start preparing my home and heart only to be let down when I didn’t receive a call back. Ironically, when my first sweet kiddo came home with me, it was at the start of one of the hardest seasons of my life. My foster son’s presence during that time was astonishingly providential in ways I could have never imagined. As the psalmist says in Psalm 91:1: he that dwells in the secret place of the most high God shall abide in the presence of the almighty. Some of the most beautiful work done in your life will be in a waiting season at the foot of the Cross. Jesus used this waiting period to reveal to me that His timing is inscrutable and His ways are unfathomable. You will get “too attached." I often hear people say they would like to do foster care but “can’t” because they will get too attached. Simply put, I have learned that yes, yes you will get too attached. That is the exact point of all of it: to love someone like they are your own child. Despite a child’s length of stay, attachment is just the beautiful by-product of loving someone unconditionally and without barriers. Every story is unique. Foster care is not a “one size fits all” journey. Some children will reunify with biological parents and some will be adopted; some are sexually abused and some are addicted to narcotics; some will want to call you "mama" and some will hate you; some will come with twenty broken bones and some will come home with you from the hospital at birth; some will need therapy and some won’t; some will come with a pillow case of belongings and some will come with nothing. This is a glimpse into the exponential uniqueness of each child you may encounter. The Lord has been so sweet to help me understand that everyone’s journey as a foster parent will be unique because every child is unique. I was reminded that each child is not defined by any label describing their past or current situation, namely, “a foster child.” They are fearfully and wonderfully made children of God who need to be loved just as Christ loves us. There is someone who loves these children even more than I do. There are times throughout foster care that I have felt like my heart is shattering for these kids. At moments, I have felt like I am in a white, padded, sound-proof room screaming for my child’s voice to be heard, but to no avail. It is in these moments that I drop to my knees and surrender them to a Father who loves them even more than I do. He has not forgotten them and it is here that the only thing I can do is obediently say “thy will.” Loving through foster care is a glimpse of biblical love exemplified by Jesus’ foster father, Joseph. After a court hearing, it dawned on me that, in the eyes of the “system,” my role is inconsequential. The magistrate took a roll-call of everyone in the room. There were probably twenty named adults who were in charge of making decisions for this child. However, when referencing me to the court recorder, I was a “caretaker” present. I was in disbelief. There was not a single other person in the room who knew how many times a night my child woke, what soothed him when he was inconsolable, or where to find the banana teether he loved. II believe it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that some may not have known his full name. I was an unnamed adult with opinions that would never be taken into consideration. I was a walking zombie trying to juggle single motherhood, military life, and all of the demands of foster care. My pride wanted someone to congratulate me for everything I was pouring into this child. When no one cared who I was, I was dumbfounded... and then convicted. It was at this moment the Holy Spirit challenged me to ponder the life of Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. Joseph was never "the hero." In fact, there is very little found in Scripture about Joseph. We know he was obedient, a man of pure character, and a carpenter. Apart from this, there is very little revealed about someone who raised the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I began to imagine Joseph gently reminding Jesus to slow down as a rambunctious toddler running through the streets of Nazareth or teaching Him how to tie His sandals or imparting carpentry wisdom with this gentle spirit. This man was the definition of humility, pouring into raising a Child without the demand for recognition. Jesus stopped me in my prideful tracks to show me foster care had nothing to do with me. It had everything to do with Him and His love for these little ones. The system needs us. There are nearly half a million kids in foster care in the United States alone on any given day. Sadly, the system will fail many of these children due to a lack of resources and being overburdened and underpaid. These children need people to step up and fight for them as foster parents, case workers, guardian ad litems, court-appointed special advocates, volunteers, donators, and prayer warriors. We live in a time where it is hard to hear past the din of society advocating for everything but a wholly-supported right to life. I want to gently encourage everyone to contemplate in holy discernment how the Holy Spirit is convicting us to open our homes, our wallets, and our hearts to help foster children during a time that is in desperate need of the Church to rise up and say, “Here I am Lord, send me.” Any other foster parents out there? What have you learned throughout your journey?   [bctt tweet="My Foster Care Journey #BISblog //" via="no"]   Written by Sarah Falvey.

1,119 pages. This is the page count of my copy of Kristin Lavransdatter. It is well over 200 pages from the longest book in the Harry Potter series. This Nobel Prize winning trilogy which was published in the 1920s is a historical fiction piece set in fourteenth-century Norway. (Author Sigrid Undset donated all of her prize money to charity.) It combines her novels, The Wreath, The Wife, and The Cross, complete with maps of medieval Norway, explanatory notes, and a list of important Norwegian holy days. I’d be lying if I told you that picking up this book would be an easy undertaking. But neither is confronting our sin or receiving undeserved mercy. Both of which this book will ask of you. The Humanity and the Holy in Kristin Lavransdatter What is unique about this novel is how it invites you into a deep experience of the human heart. It is a medieval story complete with elf maidens, chieftains, hearth, and home. It is about kinship and family lineage, exhilarating passion, betrayal, scandal, breathtaking Norwegian landscape, motherhood in its rawest form, holding grudges, learning how to get over our ego and ask for forgiveness, free will, and opening one’s heart to receive mercy. Ultimately, this is a book about grace. What will have you turning page after page is the way that Undset dives into the morality of each character, how their conscience informs their choices, and how they transform over time. But these transformations involve pain. As Gunnulf, one of the priests in the book says, we should “all have the courage to suffer. Who would be so foolish not to accept pain and torment if this was the way to a faithful and steadfast bridegroom who waits with open arms, his breast bloody and burning with love” (page 449). This book is about God’s open arms. Meeting The Characters One of my favorite college professors warned against letting anybody spoil this story. Rather, it is meant to be slowly unraveled with the turning of each page. I respect him too much to defy his words of wisdom. So rather than give you spoilers, I will give you a glimpse of some of the story's important characters. Kristin Lavransdatter: This is a coming of age story with Kristin as the protagonist. You will get to know her from her childhood on to her womanhood. As a child, she holds a deep respect for her father Lavrans and loves him above all. She is his little companion whom he cherishes deeply. In Norwegian culture it was customary to have your last name come from your father. Because Kristin was Lavrans’ daughter, her last name becomes “Lavransdatter”. Lavrans Björgulfsson: Lavrans is Kristin’s father and a hard working, well-respected, and gentle man who is the landholder of Jörundgaard manor. He lives out his Christianity generously and courageously making him a character to pay attention to, learn from, and look up to. Ragnfrid Ivarsdatter: This is Lavrans’ wife who inherited their estate (Jörundgaard) from her father. She strives to live out her vocation as a wife and mother well, but suffers from depression after the death of her young sons and a guilty conscience from sins of her past. Arne Gyrdssön: This is one of my favorite characters in the book. He is a fun loving, childhood friend of Kristin who grows to love her as he becomes a young man. Simon Andressön of Dyfrin: This is the son of a neighboring landowner and the man whom Kristin is betrothed to. He is an honorable man and becomes a good friend of Lavrans. Erlend Nikulaussön: This is the knight who meets Kristin while she is still betrothed to Simon. He falls quickly in love with her after their first encounter. He is good-looking, endearing, passionate, but also hot-tempered and wild. Erlend has been excommunicated from the Catholic Church for being in an adulterous relationship. Gunnulf Nikulausson: Erlend’s brother, a priest, and another favorite character of mine. He is a man who possesses great knowledge and virtue. He isn’t afraid to say things as he sees them and will point out the flaws he sees in others, but he always does so out of charity. A Few Excerpts This book is like a long examination of conscience. As you walk alongside Kristin you will have a front row seat not only to her weaknesses and vulnerability, but also those around her. I couldn’t help but pause to reflect on how I struggle with some of the same vices that Kristin expressed. The Wreath, Part II, Chapter Five “She began looking for evidence that other people, like herself, were not without sin. She paid more attention to gossip, and she took note of all the little things around her which indicated that not even the sisters in the convent were completely holy and unworldly." Kristin also had a tendency to cling too tightly to the world. While she had a fiery passion for her husband and fierce love of her children, she needed to learn to loosen her grip on them. The Wife, Part II, Chapter Two When Kristin spoke of her love for her children Gunnulf says to her, “all other love is merely a reflection of the heavens in the puddles of a muddy road. You will become sullied too if you allow yourself to sink into it. But if you always remember that it’s a reflection of the light from that other home, then you will rejoice at its beauty and take good care that you do not destroy it by churning up mire at the bottom”. In his honest efforts to help Kristin see the light of God’s love he reminds her of the gift He gives us of our free will. “If God wanted to, He could take our souls by force; then we would be completely powerless in His grasp. But since He loves us the way the bridegroom loves the bride, He will not force her; if she won’t embrace Him willingly, then He must allow her to flee and to shun Him.” // Gunnulf to Kristin Yet even in our sin, Christ reaches out to us, inviting us back into His embrace. The Wife, Part II, Chapter Four “And so he would have to put his trust in God who judges a man not according to his worth but through His mercy”. // Thoughts from Simon Andressön I’d include an excerpt from Part III, but I’m afraid it might hint at spoilers, so instead I’ll just say that the third book is a culmination of how Kristin uses her free will and what her pleading with the Lord and her answered prayers brought to her. Will she end up with Arne, Simon, or Erlend? How will the strength of the relationship she has with her Father shape her womanhood? Will her mother ever find true happiness? What does Gunnulf have to say to you that might have you running to prayer or reconciliation? It’s all yours to find out, one page at a time. Have you read this novel before? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Kristin Lavransdatter #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

I couldn't believe it. Looking down at my shaking (and now sparkling!) left hand, then up at the face of my smiling best friend, I realized it really happened: I was engaged. Engagement is a beautiful season in the lives of many women. And, as with every season, we are called to walk through it with God. Praying through Engagement Whether your engagement is a few short months or over a year, this time affords you a unique opportunity to grow with the Lord as you prepare for your vocation. Here are some tips for praying through this exciting time! Praying for Your Fiancé Each morning when I wake up, I put on my engagement ring. One of the easiest ways I remember to pray is to associate it with a habit or something I do naturally, so I've also tried to attach a prayer to this small gesture. When I pick up my ring off my bedside table, I say a quick prayer for my fiancé. It's very short and sweet. I briefly thank God for him and ask the Lord to bless him that day and guide our relationship towards Him. It only takes 30 seconds, but it is a powerful reminder that keeps me focused on the Lord as we journey towards the Sacrament of Marriage. Consider finding a way that works for you to keep your fiancé in your prayers daily. Praying Together The time of engagement can be both a sweet and sometimes stressful season! As you begin participating in marriage prep at your parish, creating guest lists, and planning for your future, a lot is put on your plate. Remember to take time together to pray. One of my favorite things to do is go to Adoration with my fiancé. It's a quiet time out from all the busyness and noise that often fills our lives. Whether it's Adoration, a daily Rosary, or just praying together at the end of the day, try to find time and explore new ways to experience prayer together. Planning with the Lord Tell the Lord everything. From your feelings to your wedding plans. It can feel silly. But the God Who created the universe is intimately interested in every aspect of your life, including your marriage and wedding. As Jesus revealed to Saint Faustina, "I am concerned with every beat of your heart." And He's concerned with every beat of your heart as well. Nothing is ever too big or too small for His attention. A lot is going on in your heart during this time of transition as you are grown, stretched, and refined in many ways. Make sure He has access to all of it. Talk to Him about your hopes, fears, insecurities, and dreams. Tell Him about the caterer you're excited about, your honeymoon plans, and your budget stresses. He wants it all. Give Him the joy of walking through this journey with you. Remain with Him Before you were ever a fiancé, you were a daughter. His daughter. And even now, as you're preparing to journey from fiancé to wife, you still are His daughter! Continue to build your relationship with the Lord by remaining committed to your prayer routine. Spend time with Him in whatever way you enjoy best and allow Him to continue to fill you up and love you in the ways that only He can. Spend time with Him in the Gospels or the chapel (or better yet, try to visit Him more frequently in daily Mass!). You won't regret spending that extra time with Him as you get ready to fully enter into your vocation. No matter what your engagement looks like, the Lord has a personal invitation to intimacy for you. I pray you can take full advantage of this unique and special time to draw closer to Him than ever before. Any other engaged ladies out there? How do you pray with and for your future husband?   [bctt tweet="Praying through Your Engagement #BISblog // " via="no"] Shelby Hennen is a young professional who hails from the Midwestern metropolis of Kansas City MO. She loves a good book, a good chat with a friend and a good taco joint.