“Dear Jesus, help me to grow in the virtues of mercy and trust. Amen.” Little did I know that such a simple prayer would have such drastic results. Truly, it wasn’t until I specifically asked the Lord to help me grow in certain virtues that I realized He does answer our prayers… though normally not in the manner I expect. Growth Takes Time, Effort, and Opportunity The truth is, growing in virtue is not always a walk in the park. The Catechism tells us that a virtue is a habit, or a firm disposition, of doing the good. Virtues are “acquired by human effort” (CCC 1804). A habit is something we develop through repetition. If we wish to grow in virtue, we must be dedicated to acting in a virtuous manner over, and over, and over again, until it becomes almost second nature. Suppose I want to increase my physical fitness. I could walk into a gym, look at all the weights, sign up for a fitness class, do research on Pinterest, read a blog, know all the proper moves, examine different dietary practices to accompany my workouts, and talk about physical fitness, exercise, and muscle gain until I’m blue in the face. But, unless I actually start doing the reps, I’m never going to gain muscle. And doing the reps can be hard. Frequently, this is accompanied by pain and the temptation to give up. The doubt arises. Is this worth it? However, if I ease into a fitness routine, don’t overwork myself, and stay dedicated to performing the exercise steadily and consistently, it is guaranteed that I will gain strength. In this way, I grow muscle. It is the exact same when it comes to growing our virtue muscle. Putting in the Work Frequently, I approach growth in virtue as if I need only ask for it from God and it will magically appear in my life. I perceive virtue as a good quality infused in me if I just pray enough for it. Growing in virtue and God’s grace come hand-in-hand. But we cannot disqualify the work which must be done on our end. We need to learn to lift the weights. And lifting weights is hard. When I asked God to help me grow in the virtue of mercy, I didn’t realize that meant He would give me situations in which I needed to exercise mercy. I didn’t realize that meant I must be hurt, so I could exercise forgiveness. When I asked to grow in trust, I didn’t realize that meant I would be put in the middle of a plan that was frightening and unknown. The only way to become a merciful person was to exercise mercy itself. The only way to learn to trust was to lose control. It was uncomfortable and I didn’t understand at first. But I grew to understand. He Gives When We Ask If you ask Him to help you grow in a virtue, He will grant your request. Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. -Matthew 7:7-8 One of God’s forms of teaching is experiential learning. The Lord Trains Us in the Gymnasium of Virtue I often believe that I know the virtues and areas I need to grow in most, while in reality, God has a completely different plan. After all, our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:8). In what situations do you find yourself being challenged to grow? Perhaps you are experiencing times of impatience in work or at home with a family member. Or maybe you are frequently stressed out about getting your long list of “to-dos” complete. Perhaps God is inviting you to cultivate the virtues of patience or peace. Rather than searching out obscure weights in the gym which we might find more appealing, what are the weights He is putting directly in front of us? The virtues He is testing us in are most likely the ones in which He wants us to grow. Our Lord is the best Trainer. We're Not Alone As a Trainer, He is there with us while we’re lifting the weights. We have no louder encourager and supporter than He who has lifted them all before us. So be not afraid. When the tough times come, start lifting the weights. When the weights get heavier or the reps get longer, just know that He has developed your own unique fitness plan. And in time, your hard work will pay off. Your virtue muscle will have bulked up. In what virtues is the Lord training you right now? [bctt tweet="The Gymnasium of Virtue #BISblog //" via="no"] Mary Grace Tillman, or Gracie, is a student, daughter, sister, friend, and full-time extrovert. If you don’t find her on the nearest soccer field, she is probably lost down some country road with the windows down and tunes blaring. She loves to praise God through music and sports and she strives to live life to the fullest.

Three weeks ago, life felt normal. We went to work and school. We were in usual routines of running errands, cooking meals, praying with our Lenten devotional, and meeting friends for coffee. We worked on house projects. We attended Mass. How Quickly Things Change Because of COVID-19 and the precautions we are taking to prevent its spread, life has turned upside down. In a matter of days, nothing looks the same; everything is different. Schools and businesses are closed. Shelves in grocery stores are empty. Public Masses are suspended. Normal routines have been replaced with new ones. Social distancing is now a reality. And there are many unknowns and uncertainties. As a result, we are feeling a wide range of emotions. It’s OK to Feel Perhaps we are anxious or overwhelmed. We miss our friends, neighbors, and classmates. Maybe we feel impatient, living in close quarters with family members, or frustrated with how others are responding to this pandemic. We long for normalcy. We hunger for Jesus. However we feel during this quarantine, it is important to acknowledge our feelings. It is good to journal about them or process them with a friend. And then we must entrust everything to the Lord—over and over again. God is with Us God already knows what we are enduring and the emotions that accompany these difficult days. His only desire is for us to turn to Him in our time of need and surrender everything to His care. And one way we can do that is by praying with Scripture. When we pray with Scripture, during any time of need, we can be assured that God will speak peace, love, and hope into our hearts. For God’s Word is truly His love letter to each of us. Scripture Verses for Times of Quarantine Here are several Scripture verses to pray during this time of quarantine. When You Feel Worried // "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1 // "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change…" -Psalm 46:1-2 // The entirety of Psalm 91 // "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice … The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:4-7 // "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5-7 [bctt tweet="Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5-7 #BISblog //" via="no"]     When You Feel Isolated // "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:8 // "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'” -Lamentations 3:22 // "O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble." -Isaiah 33:2 // "…do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." -Isaiah 41:10 // "…I have called you by name, you are mine…you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you." -Isaiah 43:1-4 // "Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones." -Isaiah 49:13 When You Struggle to Adjust to a New Routine // "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6 // "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." -Psalm 28:7 // “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 // “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 // "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13 When You Feel Stir-Crazy // “Be still, and know that I am God!" -Psalm 46:10 // "Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." -Psalm 116:7 // "I will satisfy the weary, and all who are faint I will replenish." -Jeremiah 31:25 // "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." -John 14:27 // "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." -Philippians 4:8 When You Grow Impatient or Frustrated // “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy." -Matthew 5:7 // "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:10 // "Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." -Galatians 6:2 // "As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another… forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you... Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body." -Colossians 3:12-15 // "We love because he first loved us." -1 John 4:19 What Scripture verses are comforting you during this time of quarantine? HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. // Ephesians 5:8 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Jazmin De Guzman from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

We're often asked whether we are introverted or extroverted. Well, being quarantined at home all for several days has confirmed that I am an extrovert. Because of “social distancing,” I’m learning how important it is to creatively find ways to maintain connection and community with those I love most. Thankfully, on the day the President declared a national emergency due to the coronavirus, my older brother organized a group chat for our family to check in on each other and to provide support. This included my parents, my siblings, and their spouses. Every day, someone is sending a positive word or a funny meme to help keep our spirits high. Some have shared prayers for a time of quarantine, and others have shared links to view the Mass on YouTube. All of this sharing sparked an idea... A Change of Sunday Community Last Sunday, while public Masses were still taking place in my Archdiocese, my family chose to stay home. Both my husband and daughter had coughs, and even though the Archbishop had lifted the Sunday obligation to attend Mass and encouraged those who were showing symptoms to stay home, it was not a decision we took lightly. This upcoming Sunday, however, most of us will not even have the opportunity to go to our local parishes and celebrate the Mass with our communities, as most dioceses have cancelled public masses. Besides the obvious absence of receiving the Eucharist sacramentally, this is also sad communally, and my husband and I miss our weekly pew neighbors already. However, this unique time is opening a door to praying the Sunday readings with my extended family. A Rare Opportunity My husband and I live a state away from both of our families, so getting together with them is always a cherished time for us. I have three brothers and three sisters, which makes having my entire side of the family together at one time a feat. So while social distancing makes it nearly impossible for me to see my siblings and my parents, I am somewhat used to not seeing them regularly. The fact that we are all now living quarantined in our homes has provided a rare opportunity, and in some ways, a more feasible way for my extended family to virtually come together both in daily communication and in prayer. This Sunday, technology is allowing my family to pray through the Sunday readings together. Skyping on the Sabbath On the homepage of Skype’s video chat page it reads, “In today’s always-on-the-go world, it can be difficult to get groups of friends, family members or coworkers together in one place.” The first half of that sentence now seems almost comical: our “always-on-the-go world” has come to a screeching halt. But the second half has never been more true: for many of us it is impossible to get groups of friends, family members, or coworkers together in one place. Maybe now more than ever, Skype provides a great and free opportunity to video chat using a phone, tablet, or computer. Here are the steps my family plans to take in order to use this resource to pray through the Mass together. Invite + Find Out Who is Available Based on where all of my siblings live, a group chat with everyone would require at least six different devices to be used. Because we want each participating family unit to have a part assigned, I am asking each of them to let me know if they are available at the set time on Sunday morning. Assign Parts Based on how many people you have participating, you can be flexible with who leads what prayer. If there are six different groups joining together, here is an example of how you could separate it out: Have one family choose an opening hymn to lead and sing as a family. This is something that could be e-mailed out ahead of time so that each member of the family can read the lyrics. Have one family choose someone to read the First Reading and the Psalm. Have one family choose someone to read the Second Reading and the verse before the Gospel. Have one family choose someone to read the Gospel. Have one family write general intercessions and pray them aloud. Have one family lead the Our Father prayer and choose and lead a closing hymn. At the end, you could all pray the St. Michael Prayer together. This is a powerful prayer of protection, but it is also extremely appropriate as St. Michael the Archangel is the Saint you can go to in times of sickness, and specifically to pray for our grocers, doctors, and police force. God is Near! Skyping on the sabbath and praying through the Mass readings from the day together is a powerful addition to your attendance of Mass from your home. Use this time of isolation to grow closer to the ones you hold most dear. Sister Miriam James Heidland recently quoted St. John Paul II who said: For people of faith, there are no coincidences, only aspects of God’s providence that we have not yet fully understood. In this time of waiting and uncertainty, let us find comfort in the Lord’s promise in Psalm 91:4, that “His faithfulness is a protecting shield.” You are in my prayers! Persevere! How are you connecting with family and friends during this time of quarantine? Let us know how you're deepening relationships despite the distance! [bctt tweet="Skyping on the Sabbath #BISblog //" via="no"]

To the other saints, the Lord seems to have given grace to help us in some of our necessities. But my experience is that St. Joseph helps us in them all; also that the Lord wishes to teach us that, as He was subject on earth to Saint Joseph, so in heaven He now does all that Joseph asks. I only request whoever will not believe me will test the truth of what I say, for he will see by experience how great a blessing it is to recommend oneself to this glorious patriarch and to be devoted to him. -St. Teresa of Avila   Led to St. Joseph I prayed so hard for a new start at the beginning of this liturgical year. The previous year had been difficult and I was ready, even desperate, to start anew in Christ. After receiving the Eucharist on the first Sunday of Advent, I felt a deep call to consecrate the liturgical year to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, under the title “Queen of the Universe” and to Jesus’ Divine Mercy. I felt such joy and peace as I prayed, “Mary, Queen of the Universe and Jesus, in Your Divine Mercy, I consecrate this year to you.” What I didn’t realize at the time is that, with this prayer, they would soon lead me to their favorite person, St. Joseph. The Consecration to St. Joseph: A Book That Changed Everything A few days before Christmas, my husband and I were given this book by Father Donald Calloway, MIC. A week prior, I had seen Father Don give a powerful talk about the Rosary so I couldn’t wait to start the book. I opened the book and read that we could start the consecration any day, but Father Don recommended starting on dates that ended on a feast day associated with St. Joseph. I looked at the dates and saw that the next day was a recommended date! That little miracle was just one of the many we experienced during our consecration to Saint Joseph. The Newness for Which I Prayed I had made consecrations to Mary, but a consecration to St. Joseph? This was something I never even considered doing. Admittedly, I rarely thought of St. Joseph prior to this consecration. A few years ago, I had given him my vocation as a nurse and had asked his intercession during some shifts, but calling upon him had become a rarity. Yes, I loved him and honored him, but he didn’t come to mind often. That all changed the moment I opened the consecration book. As I read each day’s reflections and prayers, an entire aspect of the Faith opened up to me that I never knew existed. Now I can’t stop thinking about him! What is Consecration To St. Joseph? What is consecration to St. Joseph? Father Don explains that consecrating ourselves to St. Joseph means that: ...you acknowledge that he is your spiritual father, and you want to be like him. To show it, you entrust yourself entirely to his paternal care so that he can lovingly help you acquire his virtues and become holy. Total consecration to Saint Joseph means you make a formal act of filial entrustment to your spiritual father so that he can take care of your spiritual well-being and lead you to God. The person who consecrates himself to Saint Joseph wants to be as close to their spiritual father as possible, to the point of resembling him in virtue and holiness. Saint Joseph, in turn, will give those consecrated to him his loving attention, protection, and guidance.   Now is The Time For Joseph Sisters, our world needs St. Joseph. Now is the time for St. Joseph. In a world where marriage is attacked and broken, we need the strength of Joseph, the father and figurehead of the Holy Family. In a culture that mocks masculinity, we need the manhood of Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons. In a society where purity is attacked and lust is encouraged, we need the chaste heart of Joseph to triumph. As our Church heals from crisis, we need the fatherhood of St. Joseph. We need to run to St. Joseph in this hour of need! We need his protection, guidance, and strength. Now is the time to consecrate ourselves to St. Joseph. [bctt tweet="Sisters, our world needs Saint Joseph. Now is the time for Saint Joseph! #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] After Our Lady, the Greatest of Saints God has given us the gift of St. Joseph. St. Maximilian Kolbe taught that, “with the exception of our loving Mother, Saint Joseph stands above all Saints.” Doctor of the Church St. Gregory Nazianzen explained that, “the Almighty has concentrated in Saint Joseph the combined light and splendor of all the other Saints.” If we have a strong relationship with Our Lord and Our Lady, we understand this. Of course, God the Father would create and ordain the holiest of men to lead, protect, and nurture Mary and Jesus! We are Part of the Holy Family It was fitting that Jesus and Mary led me to St. Joseph after consecrating the liturgical year to them because St. Joseph did the same thing. Deepening my relationship with St. Joseph deepened my love for Mary and Jesus. Father Don writes that we are not part of single-parent spirituality. Mary and Joseph’s hearts are united and full of love for us, their spiritual children. The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father Please consider consecrating yourself to St. Joseph. The book is a thirty-three day preparation that culminates with a consecration prayer on the last day. Each day focuses on an aspect of St. Joseph’s holiness from the Litany of St. Joseph. The book also includes words and reflections about St. Joseph by other Saints, Blesseds, Popes, and Doctors of the Church, along with the wisdom of Father Don. It has a wellspring of prayers, devotionals, and even pilgrimage sites. I have never felt more peaceful, protected, and loved. God is inviting us to have a relationship with His servant, Joseph! It is such an exciting time in the history of our Church! St. Joseph Links Believe me, after consecrating yourself to St. Joseph, you can’t get enough of him! So here are some Joseph-themed resources, devotionals, and sacramentals: This beautiful necklace from The Little Catholic (use code CLAIRE10 for 10% off!) Sleeping Saint Joseph statue Joseph, Patron of the Church wood plaque (my favorite image of the Holy Family) Wedding of Joseph and Mary image (this is my go-to wedding gift) This fun mug from Just Love Prints Have you consecrated yourself to St. Joseph? Do you have a devotion to him? Want to learn more about Saint Joseph, patron of the Universal Church? Check out this incredible video series with our own Beth Davis!   [bctt tweet="The Consecration to St. Joseph #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Small groups are a wonderful way to build community and connect with other women in your area. Many of you have connected with Catholic women through Blessed Brunches or through our Facebook groups. Your online connections have turned into real-life friendships. But if you're finding yourself in a time and space where you can't meet in person with your group either because of the health crisis of our times or because your college besties are graduated and spread out, cultivating close community is still possible! We want to help. How to Lead a Small Group Remotely + Online Once your small group has determined to meet virtually, either temporarily or indefinitely, consider the following factors and tips to make your meetings smooth and fruitful. Three Easy Platform Options 1. Zoom Head to zoom.us and follow the easy login instructions. The video tutorials are right here for those who want more details. It's a free and very user-friendly platform for multiple people to tune in on their computer, tablet, or phone. 2. Google Hangouts Head to hangouts.google.com with your Google account to start a chat or video call. Find the help center here. You need to use Chrome for it. It's also user-friendly and an easy platform for many people doing a video chat on their computer, tablet, or phone. 3. FaceTime Did you know you can FaceTime multiple people? It's called Group FaceTime and has a few requirements like: iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later. You do need people's FaceTime contact (either phone or email) for this option. Three Logistic Tips for Leading a Small Group Online 1. Light on You Don't worry about what your house looks like! Just make sure you have a light either above you or in front of you so you're not back-lit and unseeable. 2. Mute Your Mic Tell your group to mute their mics when they aren't speaking because most of these platforms are sensitive to sound and pick up background noises. 3. Popcorn for Turns When you're taking turns sharing, ask people to call on the next gal so you don't constantly have to mute/unmute yourself. Just "popcorn!" to the next person. Four Flow Tips 1. Begin in Prayer Open in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to come and guide your conversation. You can say a spontaneous prayer or a rote prayer! Also, help shape the time of your meeting by sharing (after prayer) what the flow/format will be and how long you'll run. You may have to steer the conversation and perhaps guide it more online since it's just a different dynamic. 2. Keep Intros Short People can forget that without body language, we all tend to talk longer than we're aware. So remind the women to give a 2-3 sentence intro (or whatnot) so that things can move along. 3. Share Reading Jobs Ask who wants to read aloud the parts of the study you're discussing that day. It's so beautiful to include and hear our sisters' reading! 4. End in Intercessory Prayer Open the floor for everyone to take turns sharing (no need to popcorn! Just unmute and share!) and give it a good 30-50 seconds before you wrap everything up. The delays with muting/unmuting can take a little more time than in-person prayers. Keep Close to Your Community We don't want you to lose your community despite the health epidemic! Hopefully these platforms and tips can help you continue praying and learning with your group. Download our Gathering Guide for even more tips and resources when you sign up as a leader. Hear more about hosting virtual small groups in my video here! Do you lead an online small group? Is your small group meeting remotely for the time being? What are your best tips? What questions or concerns do you have? Let's help each other troubleshoot in the comments below! Nell O'Leary is a recovering lawyer-turned-writer and speaker who loves sewing baby goods while tending to her husband and four kiddos in the great city of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She serves as Managing Editor for Blessed is She and can down a hot cocoa in no time flat. Find out more about her here. She is the editor of our Blessed Conversations Series and guide for the Gift of You course.

In today's uncertain health climate, many of us find ourselves with more time to read than we've had in a long time. Looking around at what to pick up from the library or order online during this time of quarantine? We have you covered. Here are eight books for spiritual reading and seven prayers to bring you peace! Spiritual Books to Read During the Quarantine He and I by Gabrielle Bossis This book by Gabrielle Bossis recounts her dialogue as a mystic speaking with Jesus. She was a lay woman in the 20th century in France. The beautiful and intimate language she shares with the Lord brings a joyful dynamic to our own prayer lives. Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis Each chapter is brief and focuses on how to build a life of virtue and deepen our prayer lives. Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales This provides an overarching plan, approach, and means to live a deep spiritual life even for those living in the world. The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli Dom Scupoli guides the reader through brief chapters that hone in on different aspects of the spiritual life, particular pitfalls, and assistance in spiritual growth. He acknowledges we are never at rest and encourages us not to be complacent. Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Faustina Saint Faustina suffered greatly but was accompanied by Our Lord in her suffering. She shares the story of her mystical experience with the Lord and provides great support for those of us suffering at this time. Story of a Soul by Saint Therese of Lisieux This holy Doctor of the Church wrote her autobiography in the late 19th century, and her wisdom of the "Little Way" offers so much depth for us today. Make your way through her words and stories. Let them soak into your everyday life. Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (New Testament) with notes by Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch This Catholic translation of the New Testament has thorough and helpful footnotes by renown scholars, Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch. Rise Up by Blessed is She If your kids are now at home for the foreseeable future, read through this book on the virtues. It will be edifying for adults and kids alike! WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Prayers for a Time of Quarantine Christian Prayer // Liturgy of the Hours As lay people, we are called to holiness and invited to pray the same prayers of the Universal Church as our religious pray. It's a beautiful combination of the Psalms and readings of Scripture. Saint Alphonsus Liguori Stations of the Cross These traditional Stations of the Cross prayers are lyrical and pair beautifully with the Stabat Mater. These can be easily prayed at home with your roommates or family. Divine Mercy Chaplet This prayer given to Saint Faustina is a brief reflection on Jesus' Divine Mercy and easy to learn! It takes about six minutes to do an entire chaplet using your Rosary beads. Handbook of Indulgences These powerful prayers are for times such as these. Offer them for the Church Suffering. Fatima Prayers Our Lady and the Angel of Fatima gave these prayers to the children of Fatima. What a gift they are for us, too! 12 year Saint Bridget Novena This papally-approved novena provides us with reflections on seven times Jesus spilled His Precious Blood. They're beautiful and poignant. Saint Michael Chaplet This is a very powerful prayer invoking the protection of Saint Michael and the nine choirs of Angels. There are particular promises made by Saint Michael linked to praying this chaplet, including being accompanied by angels to Holy Communion. Litany of the Precious Blood Nothing is more efficacious than Christ shedding His Blood for all of mankind! This prayer is beautiful and gives honor and glory to Jesus. Praying with and for you this Lent and, in a special way, throughout this time of health challenges. What are you reading during this time? Share with us in the comments below! See you in prayer, sister! Looking for more good books to read? Fiction Books Every Catholic Should Read Best Books about Our Lady Books about Human and Divine Love Cozy Books Favorite Autobiographies of Athletes Books Every College Senior Should Read Nell O'Leary is a recovering lawyer-turned-writer and speaker who loves sewing baby goods while tending to her husband and four kiddos in the great city of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She serves as Managing Editor for Blessed is She and can down a hot cocoa in no time flat. Find out more about her here. She is the editor of our Blessed Conversations Series and guide for the Gift of You course.

My nightstand was cluttered with pre-natal vitamins, anti-nausea medication, and five positive pregnancy tests—all little reminders of the small life inside of me. In the span of a few short weeks, these items had become daily staples. When we arrived at our first prenatal appointment, we were overjoyed to see our baby’s picture for the first time. We knew it would be the first of many pictures to come. First day of school portraits, graduation announcements, wedding albums. Even though I was extremely lethargic and hungry all the time, my husband and I were first-time parents filled with excitement for our first OB appointment. The News We Never Wanted But all that quickly changed. I instinctively knew that something was not right or normal during our visit. Outside the exam room, you could hear babies crying as their moms entered and shut their own exam room doors. Inside our exam room was a different story. I had just told the sonographer that he had the best job in the world. Now, barely a few minutes had passed and I could tell there was something abnormal about our baby as my husband and I stared up at the sonogram screen. The silence left room for doubt. The pauses. The lack of explanation. Angle after angle. More prodding. Thirty minutes later we were back in the lobby, waiting to see our doctor again. “I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you all the days of my life.” My husband and I repeated our vows to each other as I struggled to keep any tears from their ducts. When the doctor called us back, he told us that our baby was not developing like he should be, given the expected measurements of a healthy pregnancy. He was 95% sure it would result in a miscarriage but, being a Catholic OBGYN, he told us to pray that God’s will be done, even if the outcome we so desperately wanted was not the outcome that we would receive. I struggled to look at the sonogram image of our baby. To be honest, it would have been much easier to turn away and avoid looking at the screen. Grieving the Loss of My Baby At our second appointment, when the miscarriage was confirmed, we asked our doctor if we could have a printed picture of our baby’s sonogram. Not because it was easy or comfortable to see, but precisely because it was hard. As we looked at our baby’s sonogram picture, I recalled praying with my husband each morning while facing a crucifix that hangs in our apartment. At first glance, the Cross is excruciatingly painful, filled with human frailty and suffering. It would be easier to turn away. In the Cross of Christ there is both joy and grief, life and death, pain and awe. Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross is the most beautiful and holy source of love. There are similar sentiments towards our baby’s sonogram picture—the very first and the very last picture we have. It is filled with both joy and grief, life and death, pain and awe. The image on that sonogram is a reminder of our baby’s beautifully human existence. Divine and Human Comforts Some days the grief is manageable, and others overwhelming. I’m learning more about what Jesus means at every Mass when He says through the priest, “This is My Body, given up for you” (Luke 22:19). One of the comforts that I carry with me is knowing that my baby’s DNA will always be a part of my bloodstream. It's a reminder that his own life is now woven into the very fabric of my life. I like to think that his DNA is now helping to give me life, that his DNA is now a part of the very lifeblood of my existence. Another comfort is knowing that our small family now has one foot on earth and one foot in Heaven. This is why I am so grateful for the Mystical Body of Christ, the Communion of all the angels and saints. We created another soul for God, and it increases our longing to be with him and Jesus at the end of this life. I read a quote from a priest who said, “When someone dies with Christ, their death becomes a resurrection.” I like to think the same is true for our baby. Needed Support for Grieving Families Miscarriage occurs in one in four pregnancies. You likely know (or not know of) a family member or friend who has lost a baby. While it may be common, statistically speaking, the death of a baby will never be normal. Many couples carry a lonely and quiet grief, either out of a fear in letting people know or out of a sense of shame. We do a great disservice to grieving mothers and fathers when loss is met with responses such as, “Time heals all wounds,” and, “You’ll have more babies in the future.” It doesn’t get easier with time; it just becomes different. There is a lot of room for improvement within our culture and our Church (especially in the focus of ministries and resources like this one) for how miscarriage is addressed and acknowledged, especially for grieving families. After our miscarriage, I think I Googled everything I could think of to help me keep one foot in front of the other. The aftermath often involves carrying a silent, invisible cross while simultaneously trying to pick up the pieces of ordinary life. What Helped Us Two things that have helped my husband and I in our ongoing healing were: naming our baby as a way of affirming and acknowledging his existence, and receiving a blessing for grieving parents. If you have experienced a miscarriage, I am so deeply sorry. My heart hurts for you and with you. You have a right to your grief, however that may look for you. Your baby is just as real as any baby, and your loss is just as real as any human loss. Our Little Intercessors To all of the little ones who serve as a great cloud of witnesses, thank you for reminding us that we are on our way Home to you. I do not think that the sorrows and the troubles endured could possibly be compared with the eternal happiness of my children with God. Through (their) intercession, I received a very extraordinary grace. -St. Zelie Martin We're praying for those of you who have experienced the devastation of miscarriage. If you're comfortable, please leave the name of your babies in the comments below—we'd like to pray for you and honor them. [bctt tweet="Grieving the Loss of My Baby #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Brandt is a wife, daughter, high school campus minister, theology teacher, and mom to one little saint above. She loves finding the simple, little joys in life and she’s a big fan of a good worship playlist, medium roast coffee, and the natural beauty of sunflowers. Some of her favorite things include the Litany of Trust, Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’, frozen margaritas, and dancing with her husband in their living room. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world; give me living water, that I may never thirst again. // John 4:42, 15 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Brass and Mint Co. from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Far too many times, I’ve let Sundays be my catch-all days. My “I didn’t have time to get this done yet, so I’ll just do it today” days. Sundays, in my home, have seen the likes of grocery store runs, loads of laundry, and last-minute dinners. The Sunday Special It’s easy to let Sunday slip into the machine of the rest of the week. But Scripture is pretty clear when it comes to the sabbath. In fact, Jesus goes as far as commanding us to keep it holy. Rest. Do not do any unnecessary work. We’ve got the guidelines right in front of us. But often, Sunday can fall into the same pits as Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Keeping Holy the Sabbath As a young girl, I thought “keeping Sunday holy” meant it was extra important to pray a family Rosary or to read about the Saints. And those are great things to do on the sabbath! In my adulthood, I’ve added a few new methods of rest, leisure, and prayer. Read the Gospel before Mass. By reading and reflecting on the Gospel, either alone or with my husband, I am able to participate more fully in Mass. Plus, it serves as a moment of peaceful prayer time in the morning that can set the pace for my day. I like to make it extra enjoyable by pouring a hot cup of coffee and playing Gregorian chant in the background. By creating an atmosphere that feels holy and restful, I am able to invite the Lord in so that He can be glorified in a special way throughout my day. Dress for the King. On Sundays, I try to put a little extra thought and time into my appearance. Not out of vanity, but rather because I think it’s only fitting to swap my joggers for a sharper getup when I’m going to see the King! By dressing up a bit and maybe even wearing a little eyeliner, I remind myself of Who I’m going to see! It makes it feel like a special day. Take a drive. Sunday drives are one of my all-time favorite rituals. This started when I was growing up in a big family, living 25 minutes away from our parish. Often, my dad would take the extra long way home from Mass. Some Sundays it drove us absolutely mad. But I’ve come to cherish those memories, and seek to apply them to my own life. Taking a Sunday drive means more than tacking on a few more minutes in the car. It’s the interior posture of not being in a hurry to get somewhere, noticing the passing sights through the window, and maybe listening to music through the car speakers. Taking a Sunday drive cultivates a spirit of simplicity, gratitude, and rest. Bake. Baking is something I have always loved to do. However, at this point in my life, it’s hard to justify whipping up two dozen chocolate chip cookies every night of the week when it’s just my husband and I at home. So I’ve reserved Sunday as a baking day. I look forward to scrolling through my unending log of pinned recipes and carefully select one to test out. Baking on Sunday is about slowing down and being intentional. It is literally a measured activity; slow and steady. Baking fills the air with a sweet aroma that is both pleasantly hopeful and delightfully nostalgic. Whatever you do, make it routine. I know lots of people who keep their Sabbath holy and restful in a host of other ways besides the methods I employ. What I have found is that the rhythm of Sunday is crucial. It is, and should feel, so different than any other day of the week. Humans are habitual. Certain actions and habits spark certain mindsets and responses. When we put on our gym clothes, we can get in the mindset of breaking a sweat. When we brew the sleepy-time tea, we settle in for bed. In a similar way, building up a Sunday routine can assist in developing a spirit of prayer through our gratitude and rest! Sundays are not meant to be a stressful day of suppressing things we wish we had completed during the week. Rather, they are a sweet gift from God meant to order our days and reset our minds, bodies, and souls. How do you keep holy the sabbath? Share your ideas and rhythms in the comments below! [bctt tweet="Keeping Holy the Sabbath: Why It Matters + How to Do It #BISblog //" via="no"] Bridget Nohara is an Ohio girl who recently moved to Canada after marrying her policeman husband. She is a proud Franciscan University of Steubenville alum, loves low-key outdoor activities (no cliff jumping, please!), enriching podcasts, and cooking without a recipe.

I recently got a Netflix account. I know, it’s been around a while. But I have been trying to avoid it, as I have heard so many people talk about “binging” Netflix. What did that even mean? I quickly found out. Excessive Indulgence I’m a sucker for a good period piece, and the streaming services have no shortage of them. Some virtuous, many not. I found myself watching them for hours at night after the kids went to bed. One night, as I struggled to turn off the TV, I thought, "This is what they mean by binge watching." By definition, to binge includes “excessive indulgence.” Excessive indulgence of anything cannot be a good idea. But I thought that the evenings, after the chaos of putting the kids to bed, was my time and my choice, right? Or is it? Justification I felt myself wanting to watch the next episode of a series like when you read a page-turner and stay up for hours. I found myself tempted to watch during the day, and frequently did. Then I thought, I could be doing so many better things with my time. I rationalized. I work hard as a wife and mom and deserve a little “me time” or “down time.” I got hooked on shows only because my curiosity to see “what happens next” would nag at me during the day. I found myself watching TV while doing the dishes, folding the laundry, and even cooking. Something More In His loving and gentle way, God was calling me to more. To a better use of my time. Anything else is likely more virtuous. Mindless entertainment, which can be good at times, should be in moderation. And perhaps in much smaller amounts. [bctt tweet="In His loving and gentle way, God was calling me to more. To a better use of my time. #BISblog //" via="no"] How to Break the Binge Habit In reality, our time is not our own. It’s His. We are not our own, we are His. If you are stuck in a Netflix rut like I was, I suggest the following: 1. Pray about it. Follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit to take a break or cut back. Ask what He would have you do with your downtime that may be more life-giving to you and others. 2. Get real about your motivations. Are you trying to escape from something? Is there something in need of healing that you don’t want to face? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this you. Chances are you already know. Seek healing. Open His Word, it is living and active and will sanctify and heal you. Seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation if appropriate for your situation. Ask God to show you how to fill your soul and be recharged without “escaping.” He created you beloved, He knows what you need. Ask Him. 3. Run to Him. There is so much goodness our Father is waiting to give us, but we have to be ready to receive it. Are we using the gift of our time wisely? He has better things for you. Turn to Him. At the end of the day, when you feel like you have nothing left to give, before you turn on the TV, pause. Find a comfortable place to sit. Pour your heart out to Him. Open His Word, and be patient. Prune away the inconsequential fillers of time like Netflix or scrolling your phone for the extraordinary. He is waiting. He will open doors of refreshment that we have not imagined. But we must first turn off the noise. Have you broken a binge habit before? What worked for you? [bctt tweet="Breaking the Binge #BISblog //" via="no"] Amy Hobson is a Catholic convert who lives with her husband and three kids in the college town of Norman, Oklahoma. When she’s not taxi-ing everyone around, she loves being outside, strolling book stores, sipping lattes, and living life in community. Her husband calls her an ammeter theologian and her kids think she’s funny. When time and energy permit, she loves to write. Find out more about her here.

Many Americans hail heritage from the Emerald Isle, myself included. Some of my great grandparents (and great great grandparents) on both sides of my family emigrated from Ireland. Growing up, my family had special traditions to keep us connected to the roots of our family history. We cooked certain foods or special family recipes and listened to stories about my great grandparents. The Feast of St. Patrick As an Irish American, I am struck by the importance of celebrating the feast of St. Patrick. If he never went back to evangelize the pagan culture in Ireland, Catholicism may not have taken root and spread. Maybe it's a stretch, but I like to think my Irish relatives were Catholic because of St. Patrick. And, in a way, so am I. Regardless of whether you claim Irish heritage or not, the life and legacy of St. Patrick (like many of the Saints in the Church) have impacted the world we live in to this day. Meaningful Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Here are some fun, unique ways to celebrate the feast of St. Patrick, including some ways the we celebrated growing up. Food Many people associate St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef and cabbage. While it's not my personal favorite, there are lots of ways you could have an Irish themed snack or supper. An easy supper plan is an Irish stew, or Shepherd's Pie. Made often with lamb or beef, it often has a mixture of vegetables and potatoes (a staple in many Irish dishes). Hearty and filling, it is great especially if you are dealing with cold temperatures where you live right now. Our family still swears by great Grandma Lardner’s famous Irish soda bread recipe. Complete with raisins, buttermilk, and caraway, it always pleases a crowd. There are lots of different ways to make tasty soda bread. Whatever you pick, make sure the end result has lots of moisture...and that you have plenty of warm Kerrygold Irish butter on hand. A more traditional (though perhaps less well-known) Irish recipe is Colcannon. Think of this as the Irish version of mashed potatoes mixed in with either Kale or Cabbage. Oh, and two whole sticks of butter! Slainte! If you're serving some spirits, a pint of Guinness or a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey are classic options. Or, if you’re more like me, add a bit of Bailey’s to your coffee this day. If you want to learn a Gaelic toast, heartily belt out Slainte! The word translates to "health" in Gaelic and is a common toast. Culture Watch The Quiet Man I remember first watching this sweet, funny love story filmed in Cong, Ireland with my Dad as a little girl. It is a heartwarming film directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The story follows a retired Irish-American boxer who returns to the home of his childhood to make a new life. Along the way, he falls in love with a spirited, red-headed Irish woman. If you have never seen it, I am certainly not going to spoil it for you. The supporting characters add color and humor in a way that makes you feel like you’re a part of the story. Growing up, it never quite felt like Saint Patrick’s Day until we had a family viewing of The Quiet Man. Enjoy Traditional Irish Music Doesn’t Irish music make you smile and feel light? I am slightly biased, but I do love Irish tunes. Give a listen to some classics like The Chieftains, The Irish Rovers, or The Dubliners. If you want something a bit more modern, I’d recommend Scythian. Prayer Pray for Unity Among Christians Ireland is a country that has been torn apart for many years by hate and religious wars among Protestants and Catholics. It is a country that has known oppression of an occupied foreign military of the British Empire for many years. This is a sad reality of what happens when people allow hate and racism to make us forget the dignity and worth of people who may be different or hold different religious beliefs. The Irish flag even reflects this. The green represents Catholics. The orange represents Protestants. The white symbolizes unity between the two groups. Use the feast of St. Patrick as an opportunity to pray for unity among all Christians. Take an opportunity to learn about the healing, restorative projects Ireland has developed from these awful bloody years known as The Troubles. St. Patrick’s Breastplate This is a popular prayer is attributed to St. Patrick and is one of the most common to Irish Catholic people. According to legend, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects to Christianity. The term breastplate refers to a piece of armor that was always worn in battle. Use this day as an opportunity to pray this prayer. Maybe start your day with this prayer over your morning cup of coffee or include it when you pray grace with your family over dinner. The feast day of Saint Patrick is another opportunity to connect our Catholic Faith to the wider culture and history of the people of Ireland. St. Patrick, pray for us! And in the words of the Irish, Erin Go Bragh (Ireland forever)! [bctt tweet="Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day #BISblog //" username="amoderngrace"]

A married woman must, when called upon, quit her devotions to God at the altar to find Him in her household affairs. -St. Frances of Rome   As a mom, I have struggled with this. Longing for just a few more minutes of morning prayer, before my children wake up. Hoping for quiet and stillness at Mass so I can soak in the grace I desperately need for the next week. This was especially difficult when I was a new mom with young children. “All I want is some quiet time with You, Lord. Is that too much to ask?” I often wondered. Even though my children are older now, new challenges come into play. I continue to struggle with balancing prayer and the duties required of me as a wife and mom. At times, this feels isolating, like I am the only one who wrestles with this. But I know, deep down, that my experience is not unique. In fact, I think it is safe to say that most moms struggle with a lack of their own time to do their own things, including prayer. St. Frances of Rome: A Saint Who Struggled, Too I stumbled upon the above quote from St. Frances of Rome a few years ago, when I was curious about the Saint whose feast day shares my birthday. Her words gave me a tremendous amount of hope. And I soon learned that she was not only advising other women with these words, she was incorporating them into her own life, too. Frances also struggled with finding a balance between living a quiet, contemplative, and prayerful life and being present to the obligations she had to her husband and children. Over the course of her life, though, she learned some valuable lessons that helped her not only be a good wife and mother, but also a holy, prayerful woman of God. Yes, we can be both! And St. Frances of Rome can show us how. God’s Will or Yours? Frances was born in 1384 in Rome. From an early age, she had a strong love for God. By age 11, she decided that she wanted to become a nun. Her father, however, had different plans for her. By the time Frances was 13, he already promised her hand in marriage to the son of another wealthy family. Frances prayed that God would somehow prevent the marriage from happening. She complained to her confessor, who responded, “Are you crying because you want to do God's will, or because you want God to do your will?” She surrendered her will to God’s, but she did so reluctantly. Her husband was a good man who cared about her very much. But her heart was not in the marriage, and she still longed to be a bride of Christ. What made it worse was that Frances was thrown into a very social life. She was expected to attend and host numerous parties while her heart longed for quiet time with God. This took a toll on Frances’ health, and she collapsed from the stress. Close to death, Frances had a vision of St. Alexis, a fourth-century monastic who became a beggar instead of marrying and lived a life of anonymity, even to his family. He told her that God was giving her a choice: to recover or not. Frances responded, “God’s will is mine.” St. Alexis promised Frances that she would live a life that glorified the Lord. You’re Not Alone Frances recovered, but her struggle did not disappear. She was still expected to entertain and go visiting with her mother-in-law. While she was constantly surrounded by people, Frances felt utterly alone. Finally, Frances took a risk and confided in her sister-in-law Vannozza, who seemed to like being social. But it turned out that Vannozza was just a naturally joyful person. Deep down, she wanted to live a devout life, too. Frances and Vannozza became the best of friends and made a plan to balance their devotions with their obligations to their families. They decided that their vocations came first. They renewed their commitment to their husbands and families and worked with joy. But they also attended Mass together and set up a secret chapel in the palace where they could go and pray. With this new commitment, and a sister in Christ by her side, Frances turned more of her attention toward the needs of her own household. She gave birth to two sons and one daughter. She became the administrator of the household when her mother-in-law passed away. Her family flourished under her care. She was faithful to her duties but still managed multiple works of mercy, too. Coming Full Circle Throughout her life, Frances endured war, plagues, the kidnapping of her son, and the early deaths of two children. Eventually, her husband and father-in-law had a deeper conversion, which allowed her to sell her jewels and fancy clothing to give more to the poor. Later in life, with her husband’s permission, Frances started a lay order of women attached to the Benedictines called the Oblates of Mary. The women lived in the world but offered themselves to God and to the service of the poor. After her husband’s death, Frances moved in with the Oblates of Mary and became the superior. At the age of 52, she had the life she wanted at age 11. God just had other plans for her in between. Frances died in 1440 at the age of 56. St. Frances of Rome, Pray for Us! The life of St. Frances is an encouraging one. She struggled with something that I struggle with on a daily basis: balancing prayer and work. And her life story has taught me a lot: I am a work in progress. The Lord loves the time I spend with Him. The Lord also gives me important work to do. I am not alone in my struggle to find balance. Sisterhood is important. One friend can make all the difference. The Lord places desires on my heart, but I need to trust that His timing is perfect in bringing those desires to fruition. Lord, I long to spend time with You in prayer. I also know that you have given me work to do in this world. May I find You, Lord, in every moment of my day, whether before the tabernacle or in front of a pile of laundry. St. Frances of Rome, pray for me. Amen. [bctt tweet="On the Feast of St. Frances of Rome #BISblog //" via="no"]

When despair grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting for their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. -Wendell Berry   This poem, "The Peace of the Wild Things", is one of Wendell Berry’s most popular and beloved poems, and one of my personal favorites. My grandparents have it framed in their kitchen and I stop and read it every time I visit them. I have reflected on it and read it numerous times. But recently, I realized why it appeals to me so much: it is full of Catholic imagery. Worry: A Universal Experience Berry, a Kentucky farmer and writer, is a well-known Christian, and his faith seeps into his work. This poem is no different. Berry begins his poem by speaking to a human experience that, Catholic or not, parent or not, everyone will experience: worry. We have all experienced the insomnia that is the result of late-night worry. Maybe the source of our anxiety was an unexpected diagnosis, an argument with a spouse, or injustices present in the world. Lying in bed feels helpless when we are worried. And, for some reason, wandering about in the night as we think seems more productive than remaining in bed, tossing and turning. Encountering God in the Wild In the poem, Berry wanders outdoors and feels himself surrounded by grace. As Catholics, grace is much more than an abstract concept, it has a very physical component. In the Sacraments, we feel the water poured over our heads, we hear the words of absolution, we taste the Bread of Life. I think the “grace of the world” that Berry speaks of is the presence of God in His physical creation. In Matthew 6, Jesus says: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they?   He continues on a few verses later: Learn from the way the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?   Here, Jesus tells us very plainly we can find grace in the natural world. In fact, I think He is saying it is one of His intended purposes for the natural world. It exists to bring us peace and rest and to ease our worry. How could we not feel His grace when surrounded by something He so lovingly created? The Peace of the Wild Things The magnificent Catholic churches I have seen all over the world were built to draw our attention to something—Someone—greater than ourselves. The splendor of the mountains, the green grass, the flowing stream, are the cathedral God built for Himself at the beginning of time. Just like Berry, I have felt grace present in the natural world. Gazing at millions of twinkling stars in the night has a way of making my problems feel smaller, less pressing, and finite in the presence of something so infinite. He can be trusted with our worries and our cares. Step Outside The next time you find yourself riddled with anxiety and unable to sleep, I hope you will read this poem, and then step outside into the night. I hope you will look up the stars and find hope in those twinkling lights in the dark. I hope each little star you count brings you closer and closer to the caring arms of Our Lord. Just as the love and grace God extends us is endless, so are the ways in which He can extend it to us. Berry’s poem is a welcome reminder that we are invited to “rest in the grace of the world.” [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: The Peace of the Wild Things #BISblog //" via="no"] Bond Strong lives in the mountains of southwest Virginia with her husband, Reece, and their two sons, Willis and Harmon. She owns a locally-focused food, gift, and antique shop. She is a former Methobapticostal, and her conversion story can be found here.

My friend told me he is gay. I love him dearly but he wants me to celebrate him coming out. What should I do? My sister wants to move in with her boyfriend. How do I tell her that’s not a good idea? My cousin swears and takes God’s Name in vain all the time. How do I tell him it bothers me? My friend gets drunk every weekend and hooks up with strangers. How do I tell her she is worth so much more? Called to Love If you have ever struggled with discerning whether you should speak truth in love or remain silent in fear of turning someone away from God, you are not alone. We are striving to be more like Jesus, and we all know people who live their lives in a way that is not pleasing to Him. Knowing His Heart can give us peace and confidence in His truth and allow us to be better examples of His love to everyone we love. We can come to know His Heart by coming to know Him. Every Sin Has a Backstory Have you ever tried to watch a TV show from the middle? Started on season 4, episode 7? Have you ever begun a movie halfway through? Read the end of a book but not the beginning or middle? Starting anything in the middle leaves us with an incomplete picture and missing information. We all sin because we think it will make us happy. So in these instances, the missing information is why someone thinks their sin will make them happy. What life circumstances or events have led them to the belief that immoral choices and behaviors will give them what their hearts desire? Do they even know they are behaving in a way that is not pleasing to God? In these moments, two reactions on opposite ends of the spectrum seem to be common: It does not matter what they know or have lived because sin is sin and it needs to be called out. I cannot judge their behavior because they have had a rough life and do not need me scolding them about their choices. But we are called to be like Jesus. So what does that mean when Jesus Himself responded to sin so many different ways? Jesus’ Response to Sin Two instances in the life of Christ come to mind. The first one is the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). After saving her life from condemnation, Jesus simply tells the woman to go and sin no more. The second one is the story of Jesus in the temple (Matthew 21:12-17). Jesus overturns tables and benches and drives people out of the temple. These are very different reactions to sin. They both reveal love and truth, but they don’t really give insight as to how we should react to sin. Should we simply tell our loved ones to sin no more? Should we walk away because we are sinners, too, like the scribes and pharisees ready to stone the adulteress? Or should we call them out, overturn tables, and rightfully defend God’s honor? Maybe the information Jesus had dictated His response. I cannot speak to what Jesus was thinking, but maybe He knew the woman in adultery had become enslaved to this life (of adultery) because she was seeking love and acceptance. Another possibility is that she thought it was the only way to provide for her needs or the needs of her family. He did not need to explain to her why adultery was wrong, so He didn’t. He simply revealed the love of God through honoring her, keeping her from being stoned, and not scolding her as she had already experienced. As for the money changers in the temple, He was speaking to the very people who went around stoning and punishing people for not obeying God’s law. Here they were disobeying that same law they so pridefully carried out in God’s house. Jesus, firmly reminded them that God’s house is a house of prayer. They needed this kind of intense awakening. Case By Case Love is relational. You do not need to know the backstory of every sin to love the sinner the way they need to be loved. You just need to know there is one. We were created to love and be loved. When we refuse God's love, or if no one has revealed it to us, we seek it elsewhere. We do not always realize immediately that fulfillment cannot be found in a life of sin. Our role is to reveal God’s love to them. How we do that? Love vs. Love There are people who think that standing on a mountain top calling people out for their sins is the most loving thing to do for society. There are also people who think letting people discover for themselves what sin is and staying out of their business is the best thing to do. Who’s to say what is the right way? Well, Jesus is. Jesus calls us into relationship with Him, and through that relationship we can know His Heart and truly love our neighbor. No More Thoughts and Prayers? Through knowing the Person of Jesus, we can come to know His Heart, how He loves, and share who He is with those in our lives. I have heard it said, “No more thoughts and prayers! We need to take action.” Oswald Chambers eloquently says, “God does not exist to answer our prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God.” Prayer is how we come to know Jesus. Only through a relationship with God, that we come to experience through prayer, can we know what actions and words reveal who He made us to be. We cannot fill an empty glass with another empty glass. By filling our hearts with the love of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, He will love through us. Go Make Disciples Let's not be afraid. Scripture calls us to be courageous. Sometimes we are too harsh in revealing God’s love. If that is the case, seek forgiveness. If we do not feel bold enough to speak truth, seek confidence in His truth: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. -1 John 4:18   What helps you discern how to best respond like Christ in the face of sin? What has worked in the past? [bctt tweet="Every Sin Has a Backstory #BISblog //" via="no"] Mary Morasso graduated from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI with a bachelor's in Pastoral Theology. She taught high school Theology for several years but stepped down after giving birth to her daughter, Daniella. There is nothing she loves more than being a mom but she also loves to craft, read, write, sell homes as a realtor, and spend time with family.

I am not feeling particularly good at this "fostering faith" thing right now. I thought I was. But, in our house, we have run into a few recent and significant misunderstandings about Faith which required some good conversation to sort out—things I thought went without saying. Neither of which I am convinced would have come up without prompting. And I’m so grateful that they did! One day at a time. The Importance of Fostering Faith in Our Children We are in the thick of forming our kids in the Faith—spoon feeding, even—and it is becoming more and more clear, even in these elementary school years, that our role is to educate, to promote, and to model that which we do and to explain why we do it. That is my part, large or small. For it to take root, it must be authentic, compelling, repeated, and explained. To be understood by those whom I teach, it must be one concept at a time. Fostering faith in my kids is achingly important to me. It is an invaluable gift I hope to share. For all my preconceived ideas about its simplicity, it poses its own unique challenges. The inherent difficulty of passing on something as valuable as our Faith to those we love does not discriminate between young, old, married, single, convert, widowed, divorced, mother, godmother, aunt, sister, or child. We All Have Influence on Someone Whether you read this as a brand new God-mama to your infant nephew, as a mother of a lapsed Catholic, child caretaker of an agnostic parent, spouse of a non-believer, grandmother to a child(ren) growing up in a home that is no longer practicing their Faith, or the lone holdout of your "cradle Catholic" family...it is important. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought because there is so much to know about our Faith and Tradition. It is simultaneously simple and mind-bendingly complex. Several times in my own Theological higher education I remember thinking: This is so rich! Why am I just hearing it now? Shouldn’t this have been a part of my religious education? Do I have to go to graduate school to really understand these tenets of our Faith? I wish someone would have explained this to me! We All Benefit Even now, in a parish that fosters grade school religious education, alongside adult religious education, I get the sense that there is a chasm between the beauty of the Church and what the faithful recognize as their own. It is no wonder then, that for children learning about the Faith, there is a steep learning curve. Realistically, our children are not the only benefactors of our intentional lives of Christian witness. There are countless opportunities each day to foster the faith of another. This is no less important. After all, we are each, children of God. An important discovery I have made in giving this further attention and prayer is that, while I feel most responsible for the formation of the littles in my care, I am not limited to their hearts. I am invited to touch others with the Good News, too. It begs the question: Who else might be evangelized by the witness I can provide? In turn, if we each took up this call to a public life of faith, how many of those in our sphere of influence would cease to wonder at the motivations of our hospitality, charity, love? So often I assume people "get it," when in reality I wonder if my sometimes-timid acts of faithfulness are chalked up to being a “good person” as opposed to a living an integrated life of faith because I have been quiet where it matters most.     Practical and Purposeful Ways to Foster Faith in Our Kids The challenges are obvious, so let's look at a few simple and tactile ways to begin to foster faith in those we find in our lives (whether kids or not): Ask questions that start with: “Tell me what you know/think about, __________.” // Besides being good, open-ended dialogue, this is an ideal springboard for deeper conversation that gives a nod to what they already do know. It can also be a great way to invite questions. “Tell me something about the Holy Spirit/Baptism/______ that you wish you know more about.” Learn something new and pass it on // It is vital that children see adults as learners, too. Invite them into your own life of faith // Invite them to watch a movie about someone whose faith you admire, attend Mass, bring a meal or the Eucharist to someone who needs a visit, sign a petition, volunteer at the local soup kitchen. Describe how each of these actions are a part of our call as followers of Christ. Read together // Explore daily devotions, stories of Saints or missionaries, the Catholic paper (to pray through current events in the news). Practice meal prayers // At home and in public. Wear reminders of the Faith // Wear your crucifix, miraculous medal, scapular, Rosary bracelet, religious ring/earrings, etc. Let them see it and hold it. Tell them why you wear it. Nominate a child to lead prayer // This could be at dinner, before bed, at Thanksgiving/Christmas or Easter, etc. Invite them to lead both rote prayer and free-form prayer. Bonus points if they get to see you do the same! Listen to media that forms your faith // Listen to podcasts, talks, CDs, books on tape, etc. in the car that give everyone access to the same information, without only being the “teacher.” You Can Start...Now The good news is that we can begin any day, and it isn’t just the kids in our lives who will benefit. As a child, and still today, those whose faith has inspired and taught me the most were impactful because they were authentic. Their love of Christ Jesus was seamlessly integrated into everyday life. And they could tell me why. Because it was a daily practice, it spilled into the lives around them. In turn, there is an invitation to continue to form these faithful habits, or to amp up our commitment to do so (Lent is the perfect season for this). In practical terms, how might we adopt a practice this season that spills into our everyday lives in such a way that not only speaks to the children (children of God) in our lives, but invites conversation as well? [bctt tweet="The Challenges and Opportunities of Fostering Faith in Our Children #BISblog //" via="no"] THE PERFECT BOOK FOR KIDS Rise Up will open up beautiful conversations with your children about the virtues. . This will bring beautiful fruit to your prayer life and to your children's prayer lives. GET RISE UP

For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. // Romans 5:19 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Michelle Slough from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper