As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you. -Saint Teresa of Calcutta Lent is a beautiful time to grow in deeper love with Christ. It is fitting that Valentine's Day falls on the first day of Lent this year. We have just entered into the greatest love story—a divine romance—with the King of our heart. He who loves us so completely wants our love and the chance to love us. Let Him love you this Lent. [bctt tweet="Let Him love you this Lent. #BISblog #AshWednesday //"] Closer to Christ During these weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, the Church invites us to self-reflect and honestly ask God how He sees us and the ways that we can better ourselves for Him. Each Lent we have the opportunity to enter into Christ's passion and suffering in a real and deep way. We have the chance to ask Christ to make our hearts more like His: merciful, attentive, generous, and eager to love. Yet for a transformation to take place within us, we must put in the effort. For our lives to bear fruit, we must plant the seeds and nourish the garden of our body and soul. This may seem overwhelming, but when we realize that Christ is our love and that He is our soul's spouse, we can rest in the knowledge that He will lead us, just as a husband leads a wife. Here are three ways that we can open our hearts and give permission to Christ to lead us to the Resurrection this Lent. [bctt tweet="For a transformation to take place within us, we must put in the effort. #BISblog #Lent //"] Three Ways To Have A Fruitful Lent 1. Delve Into Your Parish Family Our parish is our family and needs the gifts we have to offer. Talk to your pastor or read your bulletin to see what volunteer opportunities your parish is offering this Lent. Introduce yourself to someone you have yet to meet: someone who sits alone every Sunday, a mother in the cry room, or a catechumen. Just as Christ was aided by people through simple acts of love during the Way of the Cross, let us help those within our parish family this Lent. We have the opportunity to be Saint Simons and Saint Veronicas to others. We can help people within our parish carry their crosses, and wipe away their tears and pain. 2. Go to Confession Confession is such a beautiful, healing Sacrament. It allows us to be transformed into vessels of grace. When we leave the confessional, the gifts of grace and peace are bestowed upon us. We become more in-tune and open to the Holy Spirit, who desires us to flourish. Lent is a time of reflection and healing and this is the best way to reflect on our lives and let God heal us. 3. Return to the Scriptures Christ prepared for His ministry in His youth. He was constantly surrounded by the Scripture. He was clearly well-versed enough to teach and amaze others when Mary and Joseph found Him in the temple. Familiarizing ourselves with the Scriptures is a great way to prepare our minds, our hearts, and our souls for what God has in store for us. We can do this by committing to reading the Bible each night, trying our best to attend daily Mass, or bringing a Mass journal with us on Sunday to reflect on each Sunday's readings. There are many Lenten devotionals, and some parishes even supply their own. Reflecting on the Scriptures, and deriving new insights from them, is nourishing to the soul. It is thus because it is the very Word of God, Jesus Himself, that nourishes us. God bless your Lent! What are some ways you strive to grow closer to Christ during the Lenten season? [bctt tweet="3 Ways to Have a Fruitful Lent #BISblog //"]

In my former job, I accompanied groups of young adults to the U.S./Mexico border each year. The point of the trip was to serve as a pilgrimage to learn what it looks like in the only place in the world where “first-world” and “third-world” conditions share a border. Our group spent time on both sides of the border and spoke at length about a variety of issues. One theme that consistently arose was the complex relationship between factories, their workers, and the market creating a demand for fast, cheap goods. The Dignity of Work and the Dignity of the Human Person Inevitably someone would ask the question: “Do we boycott the companies that pay unjustly and don’t maintain safe working conditions?” And always the complicated answer came back: “No. Call or write letters to the companies encouraging fair labor practices and support companies who support their workers. But we need the jobs.” There is an unfortunate but certain need for employment in areas where labor comes cheap that creates a sense of desperation in folks who wish support their families. This is particularly the case in regions where working conditions are poor and human rights violations are high. So much so that very often these folks will endure unsafe, unjust working conditions in hopes of a chance to survive and support their families. These are the types of circumstances that can cause individuals to fall victim to schemes of human trafficking (forced labor or sex). This is not unique to any one place on the globe. It is a weakness that has been exploited for millennia, no more profitably that it is at this point in history. It is estimated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that “human trafficking generates $32 billion in illegal profits per year around the globe, second only to drug trafficking" (source). St. Josephine Bakhita, Slave Today is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. It is intentionally combined with the feast of St. Josephine Bahkita, a native of Sudan who was bought and sold as a slave multiple times throughout her life. This is not a memorial that is remembered for its historical significance. Rather, it is because the practice of slavery remains as much or more of a rampant violation of human dignity to this day. St. Josephine’s story speaks hope into hopeless circumstances. Ironically the name “Bahkita” in Arabic means "lucky"—a name given to St. Josephine after her many abductions caused her to forget her own name. She took the name Josephine upon joining the Conossians in Italy—a group of religious women who Bahkita had stayed with while her owners moved to Sudan. When the family came to collect Bahkita, she refused to leave. The exchange between Bahkita, the family who intended for her to accompany them, and the sisters took three days. Eventually, an Italian court ruled that because Sudan had outlawed slavery before Bahkita's birth, and the Italians did not recognize slavery, by law Bahkita had actually never legally been a slave. In other words, she was free to speak for herself (and to join the order that she had chosen). What We Can Learn from Her Story I feel far from equipped to speak on issues of slavery or human trafficking, or what this experience of liberation must have been like for St. Josephine or anyone who has undergone such an exile. Without undermining the seriousness of her experience with a pat answer to a complex and heart-wrenching practice, there is a part of her story that feels like an invitation for further consideration. Where I resonate with this story is in her discovery and experience of finding herself freed from the clutches that never had true ownership over her, anyway. She must have felt so many intense emotions all at once: relief, gratitude, anger, joy, disbelief. For those who have had a life-altering conversion, who have attended a timely retreat, who have put in long hours with a counselor or spiritual director, who have faced an addiction head-on, you might recognize the wild freedom that is coming to terms with something/someone who has oppressed you, and finding they no longer have a hold in your life. Josephine Bakhita's witness is a lived metaphor for what Jesus has already done in us. There is no circumstance, habit, secret, or shame we may find ourselves in the clutches of that hasn’t already been satisfied by the Blood of our Savior. Our hope is in the One who has suffered, died, and rose out of love for us, who is inviting us into a place of freedom. St. Josephine Bakhita and Human Trafficking Lent begins in less than a week. Maybe the patroness of Sudan and of those affected by human trafficking is a fitting companion for this year’s Lenten journey. Perhaps something in her story has stirred a new sense of courage to journey into the desert and to acknowledge what has wittingly or unwittingly held us captive—that we might choose again for ourselves the One who invites us back into the freedom of unconditional love. Prayer and Action If you want to learn more about human trafficking and how you can help, here are some resources: This is a great visual to help understand the problem and our (unintentional) role in it. Support companies that make an effort to label their product that has been made justly. Check out the USCCB’s 2017 Lenten action for spotting slave-free seafood. 15 ways you can help fight human trafficking. Learn from the U.S. Catholic Sisters Working against Human Trafficking. [bctt tweet="Held Captive: St. Josephine Bakhita + Human Trafficking #BISblog //"]

It’s time for another one of my favorite things ever! Let’s take a current cultural trend and make it Catholic! *applause* Some of you may be familiar with the term “Galentine's Day”. For those of you who are not, this annual event and term was created by the character Leslie Knope of the popular TV series Parks and Recreation. The idea behind Galentines' Day is to get together with your favorite gal pals the day before Valentine's Day and celebrate one another. Leslie puts emphasis on the importance of friendship, community, and empowerment among all the ladies in her life. Sounds like Leslie would love Blessed Is She, right?! Even if you have no idea who or what I’m talking about, the idea is simple: Galentine's Day is a wonderful way to gather the women in your life who inspire and lift you up. Use this day to celebrate how God created you all so beautifully and uniquely, each bringing your own gifts before the Lord. How to Celebrate Galantine's Day Catholic-Style Here are a handful of ways for you to celebrate your own Galentines Day with a Catholic twist! Invite your friends with women saints. Make your own holy cards or pick some at your local Catholic gift shop. Make a simple invitation for your Galentine's Day event and stick the holy card inside. It's a little something to remind your gal pals of their great call to holiness and the all the wonderful examples they have to look to. Start the event with either Mass or adoration. Depending on what time you have the get together, invite your friends to meet you for Mass first. Or if your parish has adoration time scheduled, plan to go visit with Jesus together before you begin the festivities! Do a service project together. Typically, a Galentine's Day gathering is at a friend's house or a restaurant for brunch (or happy hour!). Instead of going out, find a service project that you and all your girlfriends would enjoy doing together. In honor of the Little Flower (St. Therese), do a flower exchange. Have all your guests bring a small bouquet of flowers to the gathering. Then everyone switches flowers with someone else! Do you have religious sisters in your community? Invite them! Religious sisters basically celebrate Galentine's Day every day, so why not include them? Create a Galentine's Day prayer box. Fashion this after an old-school Valentine's box from elementary school. At the gathering, have all the girls slip a piece of paper in the box with a prayer request that they have on their hearts at that time. From there, create a schedule where each one of you takes a turn with the box for a month or so. While that person has the box, they are praying for all the intentions contained within it. Write a Galentine's prayer. A few days before your party, let all the girls know approximately how many ladies will be attending. Invite your gal pals to write a “Galentine's prayer” to pass out to all those coming. Something short and loving! For example: Heavenly Father, I ask that You pour out all Your grace and love upon my sister this day. Amen. Then all the ladies at the gathering walk away with a handful full of prayers from her sisters. Invite them to hang them up in places they will see them often (mirror, closet door, planner, etc.) so that they can constantly be reminded of the love and support they have in this Blessed Is She sisterhood. Keep it simple and fun. As mentioned above, your Galentine's gathering can take place pretty much anywhere! You can meet for coffee, go out to brunch, or meet for dinner. Since Galentine's Day is generally celebrated on February 13th, it falls on Fat Tuesday this year. So you could really go all out with this party for your favorite gal pals, or just keep it simple and sweet. The possibilities are endless! If you have a Galentine's Day get together, be sure to use the hashtag #bisgalentinesday. [bctt tweet="Galentine's Day for Catholic Gals #BISblog //"] Susana Starbuck is wife of a youth minister and mother to four littles five and under. She lives in Phoenix, AZ and enjoys reading a good book, posting her highlight reel on Instagram, and drinking wine. You can connect with her here.

Most of the time when I receive Jesus in a tiny white host, I wish that I could just hold Him in the palm of my hands a little bit longer. That I could stand there in front of the altar and reflect on Jesus humbling Himself so much that He takes on human life, a life like mine. He humbles Himself even more to choose to reside, of all places, in something so ordinary and simple as bread and wine. What amazes me the most - what leaves me in awe - is that He also chooses to reside in me, each time I receive Him and say “Amen” (which translates to "I believe" in Hebrew). The Intimacy of the Eucharist Each time I receive Communion at Mass, I’m able to look down at Jesus and think to myself: “He is asking to be mine.” What mercy He has for me. He comes to me, in all of His incredible glory and in all my own human imperfections, to give Himself to me so that I can be with the Father, as He is one with Our Father. He offers Himself to me, always drawing me closer and closer to a life with Him and in Him. As I walk towards the altar, I am able to experience a temporary glimpse and taste of Heaven, of what it actually means to be in union with God. I am able to walk along the same footsteps of the saints, walking along the same path of holiness that they once walked, receiving the God who connects Heaven and Earth. Letting Him In Clearly, I am not worthy to receive Him but He asks to enter under my roof. If I am being honest, most of the time what is under that roof is messy, in need of repair, and desperate for some serious grace. I fix my eyes on Jesus and think to myself: “Here is God, the Creator of the entire Universe, asking me to make room for Him, wanting me to be like Him, to be all things good and merciful and true.” The words: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof” are so true but Jesus looks at me, in my own weakness and faults, and still chooses me. He is worthy of all of my praise. He is more than worthy to enter under my roof. When we experience a Love so deep and personal like this, we can’t help but be moved with gratitude and thanksgiving. That kind of true, lasting, and good love demands a personal response. We enter God’s dwelling place to become His dwelling place. His Church. His body. Our lives and the Liturgy are connected as we become more and more like Jesus with the grace He has given us. [bctt tweet="We enter God’s dwelling place to become His dwelling place. #BISblog //"] Becoming the Palace of God One of my favorite spiritual authors is Henri Nouwen, who wrote a beautiful book called Life of the Beloved. In this book, he focuses on four words: taken, blessed, broken, and given (described in Jesus’ Last Supper account). Living out the Eucharist, we can also focus on how we are continuously taken, blessed, broken and given. Taken How am I taken, chosen, or “set apart” for God? How does being claimed or known by God affect my daily life, even the mundane, routine, and simple? Blessed How can I cultivate a spirit of gratitude for all the good gifts God has given me? How can I deeply affirm and encourage others to recognize how God claims them as His own? Broken How am I allowing myself to be imperfect, to not “have it all together”? Remember, gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and that includes being gentle with ourselves. How can my brokenness and imperfections be a blessing for others? Given How am I giving myself out of love, right where God has placed me? Everything in our lives points back to this divine communion - a life taken, blessed, broken, and given. This quote by CS Lewis says it best: Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing so you are not surprised. But presently, He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominable and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of-throwing a new wing here, putting an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage; but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself. How have you been taken, blessed, broken, and given in your life recently? Care to share in the comments below? [bctt tweet="Becoming the Palace of God #BISblog //"] Kathryn Gibbs is a young adult, living and working as a high school teacher and campus minister in Dallas, TX. She is passionate about helping young people discover that Catholicism is not about following “rules” and restrictions but more about loving and trusting Our Father’s heart. When she’s not working, you can find her making to-do lists like they are going out of style, sitting in the silence of an empty church, and surviving on lots of coffee. Her favorite prayer is the litany of humility.

The first Christmas I remember receiving Christmas cards addressed to me personally was the year I moved to Denver. Delighted by this very adult practice of sending and receiving Christmas cards, I tore them open with delight when I got home from work each evening, savoring the familiar faces in the pictures and scripts in the margins. The only one I can remember anymore was a hand-drawn depiction of a young, brown family, holding their infant son under the shelter of a graffiti-covered bus stop. It was blank on the back, no further explanation provided. The friend who sent the card was living in the St. Louis Catholic Worker house. She shared that this was the image one of her youth group students drew when asked to create a picture of a modern-day Holy Family. An Unlikely Savior As Catholics, we lean hard into the story of the Incarnation — God made flesh, physically delivered into the muck of everyday life, in the midst of poverty and vulnerability. Perfection amidst imperfections. We reverence every aspect of this story: the Annunciation, the Visitation, Joseph’s dream, the stable, the manger, the swaddling clothes, the unlikely family who received the Savior into their lives with complete humility and trust. On the Feast of the Holy Family, our relationship with this family is certainly worth some further thought. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and Us At this point, our churches are bedazzled with crèches, poinsettias, glittering gold and white garments, cloths, and vestments. Our noses detect the lingering smell of incense. Choirs are singing out the joyful news, all because our God chose us. He chose to come to us in a way that we might understand. Born in a body that we would recognize. Born into a family we could relate to. In our own ways, we re-create the beautiful scene of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus with live nativities, posadas, our mantle crèches, the carefully-chosen designs on our Christmas cards, and in our illuminated yard decor. This practice of remembering is the sacred, holy work of our souls. Our participation in these traditions put us back in touch with the story that reminds us who (and Whose) we are. And yet there is a temptation to perfect the scene, because we are talking about Jesus and family after all, and because we are uncomfortable with the idea that Jesus’ family might have had an un-photogenic moment. In our own ways, we dress up the one who arrived bare. We can focus only on the story’s beauty and neglect the coinciding rawness of the Christ-child’s arrival. In the same way that imagery can distract us from the core of the Holy Family, I have found that it can also call me back to it. Would We Recognize the Holy Family Today? Personally I have found that Salesian Brother Mickey O’Neil McGrath is an artist worth keeping an eye on during this season, especially when my own depictions of Christmas become too glamorous. A talented iconographer, Brother Mickey creates a new icon of the Holy Family each year, many based on events occurring within the year. Some of his most notable works are Syrian Mary, Joseph and Jesus or Resting in Flight. The images are both playful and stirring in their vibrancy and depth. They give a tangible identity to the vague characters we have imagined in our mind's’ eye. The question his work poses is an important one: Who is it that personifies a family on the move? Ostracized? One for whom we might just not be able to make an exception? How are we imagining Jesus’ unexpected arrival this year? Truthfully, I don’t know exactly who this is for me. Are they the ones closest to me in my own family, or those I’ve kept at a distance and struggle to see in a "holy light"? I have a hunch that follow-through on my part with any of these individuals would be both a welcomed gesture and an offering that the Incarnate God might find pleasing. We are only four days into the Christmas season. As we savor this week of celebration, the Spirit seems to be nudging each of us to recognize the Holy Family not in their perfection, but in their flesh. Are there people in my life toward whom I’ve struggled to make an exception? Extend hospitality? Who have arrived inconveniently? Unexpectedly? These are our opportunities for life-altering, unscripted, living nativity moments. Who are the unlikely blessings in your life? [bctt tweet="Unlikely Blessings: Looking for the Holy Family Today #BISblog //"]

Let me tell you a little story. Maybe you’ve heard it before, but stick with me. There once was a lovely couple expecting a baby. For reasons beyond their control, they had to go on a long and difficult journey right before the woman was to be delivered. Now, this couple knew no one in the town to which they were traveling and, due to the woman’s condition slowing them down, they were pretty late to the gathering and couldn’t find anywhere to stay. Again and again, they reached out to people, hoping that they would find a welcome and that their needs would be met. It was getting later and later, and they were losing hope. Enter a humble innkeeper. He was taking care of the guests already overflowing his small establishment when the man and woman knocked on his door. At first, he told them that he, too, had no vacancy. There was no more room in his inn. But then, he saw the woman’s condition and was moved to help them. He had a stable. It wasn’t very nice or clean, but it was shelter. If they were willing to overlook the inconveniences, he was willing to extend his hospitality to these weary travelers. He did this without formality and without concern about how the type of lodging might reflect on him. He saw a need and he generously gave what he had to the strangers. I think we all know how the story ends. What is Christian Hospitality? Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God (Romans 15:7). What do you think of when you hear the word hospitality? Maybe you think of dinner parties or a beautiful home. Restaurants or hotels might come to mind. You’re not wrong! Webster’s Dictionary defines hospitality as "the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers." So, what is Christian hospitality? I’d venture that it is exactly as Webster describes, but done for the greater honor and glory of God. In other words, it’s all about your motive and purpose. Any time you welcome people into your home - no matter how messy or neat, large or small, informal or formal - you are sharing Christian hospitality. But how should you spend your time while others are there? Martha, Martha My husband and I recently hosted a birthday party for a friend. About thirty people attended the gathering at our home. I was constantly flitting around tending to this and refilling that while everyone else ate and talked and laughed. One of our guests, a very sweet deacon, approached me and said, “Have a seat, Martha. Don’t you see that everything is going well and people are having a good time?” Message received. I was so busy trying to make things perfect (and inadvertently placing the focus on myself and how my home was to be perceived) that I had lost focus on the Christ-centered reason for our party (making our friend feel special and enjoying fellowship together). As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her (Luke 10:38-42). The Pros and Cons of Entertaining Not everyone is given the charism of hospitality in the classic sense, and that’s fine! However, we are all called to show love to our neighbor. Jesus told us that whatever we do to the least of his people, we do to Him. Shouldn’t that always be our goal? Sure, welcoming people into our home can be nerve-wracking. Doing so during the joyous chaos of the holiday season can be even more difficult. And what if you are an introvert? Or a tiny army of toddlers makes it impossible to keep your house clean? Maybe you think your home is too small, funds are too tight, or your capabilities in the kitchen are less “Julia Child” and more just “child.” These are all valid concerns; but don't let them stop you from extending Christian hospitality. Just in case the thought of welcoming people in during arguably the craziest time of year makes you break out in hives, let me give you a few easy, helpful hints: Keep some cookie dough in the fridge to bake on a last-minute basis (storebought is just fine, ladies!). Company dropping by? Neighbors bring you a holiday treat and you need to reciprocate? You’re covered! Find a candle or essential oil combination you think smells divine and have it at the ready. Candlelight and homey smells are great for making your house feel welcoming. Keep tasty beverages on hand. Pick up some holiday coffee, tea, and creamer and a nice bottle of wine. That way, you’re prepared to offer any guests refreshment no matter what time of day surprise visits happen! Take just a few minutes each day to clean up your entryway. It’s so much easier to open the door in a confident and loving way when you don’t have to kick seventeen pairs of shoes out of the way. Opening your home during the holidays is an excellent opportunity to practice the corporal works of mercy. You’ll get the chance to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty, sure. But did you think you might also get to provide shelter to the homeless or visit the imprisoned? [bctt tweet="Opening your home is an excellent opportunity to practice the corporal works of mercy. #BISblog //"] Who and How Who are the homeless and imprisoned in our lives? Who are the people - the ones we see every day in our neighborhoods or at Mass - we could offer shelter and love through a simple invitation? Take a look around you. Do you see a new family down the street or in that pew two rows ahead of you? Do you know of someone at work or in your small group that has no family in town? What about the elderly man or woman whose spouse recently died and whose children live far away? Maybe you live on military installation and yours is one of many families who are new to the area. All of these situations offer us the opportunity to extend Christian hospitality to others. None of us needs to feel, though, that inviting others into our home means that we need to be the sole provider of food and entertainment. Here are some ideas of easy ways to open our homes without breaking the bank. Host an intentional open house. This is a great way to reach the margins. Select an afternoon or evening to open your home for people to drop by. Be specific in who you invite and concentrate on one group of people in particular. Some to consider would be the elderly, new families to the school or church, brand new moms, or newlyweds. You can work together with a friend to host it and everyone can bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Host a brunch. Have all of your evenings filled up with parties and concerts and other obligations? Consider an event earlier in the day. Maybe host a Blessed Brunch or invite everyone on your street over for coffee and donuts. Plan a cookie/gingerbread house decorating party! This is a great one for families with kids. Make or buy a bunch of cookies. Set up some tables and chairs (and maybe a drop cloth or two). Ask everyone attending to bring decorating supplies. There will be tons of sugary fun! Really, the possibilities are endless. It just takes some imagination. And remember, when all else fails...Pinterest! Entertaining Angels Think back to the innkeeper. He didn’t have a perfect place for the Holy Family to stay. It wasn’t the cleanest or the fanciest. There wasn't any extravagant entertainment planned in their honor. What he did have was a willing heart and an open door. Jesus asks nothing more and nothing less from us this Christmas. [bctt tweet="What the inkeeper had was a willing heart and an open door. #BISblog //"] Take the time, take the chance, and open yourself to the beauty of Christian hospitality. In showing love to others, you show it to Jesus himself. And, like it says in the letter to the Hebrews... Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2) What are some ways you practice Christian hospitality during the holidays? Let's share ideas in the comments below! [bctt tweet="Entertaining Angels: Christian Hospitality at Christmas #BISblog //"]

Every year my husband, Stephen, and I put our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. It is a tradition from his family we carried into our married life, because my family tradition was: put the tree up a few days before Christmas and leave it there until it becomes a fire hazard, then maybe take it down before Valentine’s Day. His was the obvious choice. We have made it our own by launching a full-on house decoration day complete with John Williams' Christmas playlist, hot cocoa, and feeble attempts to keep our animals from wrapping themselves in all of the garland. Because decorating can quickly become expensive, I’m sharing a simple guide I like to follow when styling for holiday home decor on a budget. How to Create Festive Holiday Home Decor on a Budget 1. Create A Mood Board/Pinterest Board The first step in my decorating process is always a mood board. If I don’t organize all my thoughts and ideas in one space, I’ll end up with 57 different color schemes and a look that is more chaotic than cohesive. It can be fun to make a physical board of images if you have that kind of time, but since I’m usually on the go, my favorite way to do this is through Pinterest. It’s the perfect place to gather looks for seasonal decorating without the added clutter and cost of a physical board. You can find all the inspiration for images in this post via my Pinterest board. 2. Upcycle/ Use What You Have Before purchasing anything, I check our inventory from previous years to see what I already have on hand. This prevents me from impulse-buying glittery knick-knacks from the dollar section of Target (sometimes). It also encourages creativity to design an entirely new look with previously used items. Many of us have more items to work with than we think, and I often find I only need to purchase a few things to complete an entire look. 3. Thrift or DIY After taking inventory, I write a list of items I still need and start shopping at a local thrift store. Other great resources include Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and asking friends and family if they have the needed items. Besides the unbeatable price point, thrifting and borrowing is a great way to shop sustainably in a season that is fraught with consumerism. Also, I know I am really romanticizing the $3 throw pillows with this statement, but I love thinking about the history behind the items I find while thrifting. Sometimes I imagine how they were used and loved by another family and how Stephen and I will make them our own. If you are extra talented in the craft department, there are so many great resources for DIY decor. I am especially loving this DIY card display I found on Pinterest, and it looks super simple to recreate. 4. Purchase When Necessary Despite the treasures to be found from thrifting, sometimes I am unable to get exactly what I need for holiday home decor on a budget. If all of the above tactics fail to keep me from purchasing items at full price, I peruse a few of my favorite stores: Amazon, Target, Dollar Tree, Michael’s and places like HomeGoods and Pier 1. The latter are last resorts, only because they are the most expensive. Let’s be real, if I could afford to, I’d march right over to HomeGoods this minute, buy the entire store, and proceed to live in it. 5. Make it Personal I love adding personal touches to our holiday home decor, tying them in to the overall look. We usually display Christmas cards with ribbon and clothespins, frame family Christmas photos from previous years, and add our favorite prints and a Nativity scene to our display. If you're in need of extra inspiration for your own decorating, you can find more ideas on the Blessed is She Pinterest boards, especially the Dwell in Beauty board. Happy Advent, sisters! How do you decorate your home for the holiday season? We’d love to know in the comments below! [bctt tweet="Holiday Home Decor on a Budget #BISblog //"] Katie Waldow is a wife, youth minister, and blogger living in Ocean City, NJ. You can sometimes find her sipping lattes, often corralling her dog and two cats, always on Instagram. She loves praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and dreams of one day buying an old house and converting it into a coffee shop. You can find out more about her here.

Sometimes, fully living out the season of Advent can seem like a lost cause. With Christmas decorations making an appearance in October and raging consumerism appearing everywhere you turn, it can be difficult to focus on what is truly a beautiful time of anticipation. So when it comes to fruitful and creative Advent activities, many of us give up before we even start. But it's possible to truly have fun during this busy season! 10 Meaningful and Stress-Free Advent Activities To help you (and your family) enter into the possibilities of Advent, I’m sharing ten Advent activities for you to consider adopting this season. 1. Good Old St. Nick December 6th is the feast of St. Nicholas. If you have children, read his story during bedtime on the 5th and have your kids put their shoes outside their doors to be filled with goodies! Some simple and exciting items to possibly include are: holy card rosary small prayer books chocolate gold coins (the traditional gift) If you don’t have kids, you can still celebrate the feast day. Pray about the spirit of generosity that St. Nicholas carried and ask God how you can bless someone else’s life in the same way. Ideas for taking action could be: going through and donating some of your gently used clothes volunteering at a soup kitchen buying someone the first warm meal they've had in a long time 2. Petitions for Baby Jesus Dig through your Christmas decorations and find either an empty manger or a nativity figure of Baby Jesus. Find a special place for it in your house. If you have a little oratory, that would be the perfect spot! Take some time to write down a list of prayer intentions that are on your heart. When you are finished, place your list in the empty manger or at the feet of Baby Jesus. For the rest of Advent, make those petitions your focus and know that the Infant Jesus is holding them close to His Heart. 3. Roses for Mama December has two awesome days celebrating Mama Mary that are wonderful opportunities for meaningful Advent activities. December 8th is the feast of the Immaculate Conception (a Holy Day of Obligation) and December 12th is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Pick one of those days (or both) and bring roses to place at the state of Our Lady at your parish. If you have children, make it a family activity. Let everyone choose their own flower to give to the Blessed Mother. 4. Music for the Soul Around this time of year, many city orchestras perform Handel’s Messiah. Look up performance times and grab a ticket. You could even get a group of your friends together and make it a special outing with dinner before or after the show. Handel’s Messiah is a really beautiful way to enrich your soul and prepare your heart for the upcoming birth of Our Lord and Savior. 5. Christmas Card Prayers The Christmas cards start to arrive around this time. Find a fun way to display the cards as you receive them. Every night at dinner, when you light your Advent wreath candles, pick a Christmas card and pray for that specific family or friend. 6. Care Packages During Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the greatest Gift ever given, think about the gifts you’ll be giving. But I'm not referencing the ones under the tree. Think about the gifts you can be giving those around you who may feel forgotten, or to someone who challenges you (read: is helping you get to Heaven (wink)). Assemble some care packages for the homeless you pass on the street, bake cookies for your garbage man, or pick out a special ornament for that person in the office who lost a loved one this year. When it comes to the potential generosity of this Advent activity, the options are endless. 7. DIY Wrapping Paper As part of your Christmas preparation, host a wrapping paper party. Thrilling, right? But seriously! Buy a few rolls of brown and white craft paper and have your guests bring a variety of paints, stamps, or glitter (if you dare). Make a large batch of hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy and listen to your favorite Advent playlist while decorating the wrapping paper for you each to use while preparing your gifts. 8. Pink Candle Week On Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent), the theme is pink! Have fun with it! Buy pink flowers for your home, eat pink donuts after Mass, paint your nails pink, dress in pink, and so on. The main thing to remember is that whatever “pink” you decide to add to your day, do it with great joy and anticipation of Christmas! 9. Feast of St. Lucy You don’t have to have a Lucy in the family to celebrate this feast day! On December 13th, the Church remembers the saint who lost her eyes and was ultimately martyred for her Faith. Go to Mass and listen for her name in the Eucharistic Liturgy. Then, enjoy a baked sweet in her honor (here's a recipe for Lucy Bread) as is the tradition in Sweden. In the evening, light a candle and ask for her intercession. Get cozy by the fire and read more about St. Lucy and the many traditions of her feast day. 10. Purgatory Advent is a great time to remember those who have passed away, those for whose freedom for Heaven Christ came to earth. During Advent, make a list of the people you know who have died. Bring the list with you to Mass on Christmas Eve and pray that they are now enjoying the Beatific Vision. BONUS! Technically this is for “after” Christmas Day, but be sure to celebrate the octave! As Catholics, the Christmas season only just begins on the 25th. If you have little ones, have them place their stockings out each night of the octave and leave little candies or other small gifts inside the stocking for them to find every morning. This simple tradition reminds them (and us!) that the celebration of Christ's birth continues. What Advent activities or traditions do you practice? Leave a comment and let us know! [bctt tweet="10 Meaningful and Stress-Free Advent Activities //"] Susana Starbuck is wife of a youth minister and mother to four littles five and under. She lives in Phoenix, AZ and enjoys reading a good book, posting her highlight reel on Instagram, and drinking wine. You can connect with her here.

If you sing well, sing loudly in order to thank God for the gift He has given you. If you don’t sing well, sing even louder to remind Him of what He forgot. My choir director and friend, Frank, begins every choir season with this encouragement. And I have a sneaking suspicion St. Cecilia would agree with him. Who exactly was this romanticized woman before she became the patron saint of musicians? And how can we celebrate her life and intercession 1,800 years after her death? Singing in Her Heart to God St. Cecilia was born in second century Rome and consecrated herself to a virginal life as a young girl. When she was forced to marry (another future saint) Valerian, a pagan, it is said that she sang in her heart to God to protect her virginity. She was responsible for the conversion of her husband and his brother. Together, they dedicated their lives to burying all of the martyrs killed by the Emperor Tibertius. While the men buried the dead, Cecilia used her voice to preach the good news of Jesus. She is credited for bringing over 400 people to a life of Faith. Eventually, this evangelization led to her arrest and martyrdom. She was sentenced to be suffocated in the baths, but survived for three days as the fires raged on. Despite the heat, she miraculously never broke a sweat. After that, she was sentenced to decapitation. The executioner made three attempts, but her head was never severed. She lived for three more days, preaching God’s Word all the while. When she finally died, she was buried in the catacombs outside of Rome. In the 16th century, her body was exhumed and found to be incorrupt, even releasing a slight floral fragrance. St. Cecilia is often depicted with a red string or strand of pearls around her throat, flowers in her hair, and with an organ or organ pipes. (source) Celebrating St. Cecilia: Patron Saint of Musicians I’ve been praying, “St. Cecilia, pray for us!” before concerts, either with choirs or by myself, for decades. Her intercession has helped me through tough times and performances that were plagued with sickness, anxiety, and ill-preparation. In addition to prayer, some performers wear her medal on a chain or pinned inside their dresses; some keep one of her holy cards in their folder of music. And there are many daughters of musicians named in honor of this beautiful patroness. While singers and musicians honor St. Cecilia year-round, here are some broader ideas for celebrating her feast day! 1. Thank your parish’s music director. Write a note or stop by the piano/organ after Mass one day. Thank them for the hours and hours they put into practice, for the time spent behind the scenes researching music, and for honing a craft that generally goes unnoticed by most of the congregation. In many parishes, music directors aren’t highly-trained classical musicians or liturgists. They’re just regular people who love their God and feel they can serve Him best through melodies and harmonies. Even if their song choices aren’t ones you’d make, they would certainly appreciate any kind words you can offer. 2. Attend a St. Cecilia Sing in your area. This event was not something I was familiar with growing up. In fact, I had never even heard of such a thing until I was in my late twenties! This concert or singalong is put on by a choir or combination of choirs each year. Don’t have anything like this in your parish? Check around the diocese. Many parishes, mind included, will hold their fall concert in mid-November in honor of St. Cecilia. 3. Jam out to some fantastic Catholic musicians! There are truly amazing Catholic musicians publishing now. A couple of my favorites are the ubiquitous Matt Maher and Ike Ndolo. Others to look into are Emily Wilson, Jackie Francois, Josh Blakesley, and Fr. Rob Galea. 4. Incorporate music into your prayer time. Not interested in praise and worship music? Then I suggest listening to Marian Grace. In their sacred music project, duo Colleen Nixon and Jimmy Mitchell have taken old hymns and given them beautiful, peaceful new settings. Press play, close your eyes, and let them sing in your heart to God. And if you are a lover of Gregorian chant, which is absolutely sublime for meditation, look up the rosary in Gregorian chant on YouTube or any recording by Benedictine nuns. Those ladies know how to sing! 5. Join the choir! OK, OK, OK. I know and I hear you, sisters. “I can’t sing. I don’t know anything about music. I only play an instrument. My kids are too little and I can’t leave them with my husband for the entire Mass.” Here are my answers for you: Everybody can sing. Maybe not well, but if you’re putting your soul into it, it will sound beautiful to God. No problem. Join the choir and you’ll learn really fast. Great! Lots of choirs incorporate different kinds of instrumentalists. From guitars to violins, flutes to drums, trumpets to tambourines (…and now I’ve lost the traditionalists for sure! Sorry, girls!). A good choir director can find a use for anyone who wants to help. OK, that is actually a decent excuse. Here’s what I did each time I had a baby: I would take a couple months off from singing until the baby could make it through Mass without needing to be fed. Then, when I went back, I sang with the choir at the beginning of Mass, sat with my family during the homily and prayers of the faithful, then went back to the choir for the offertory through the end of Mass. I promise you that, if the desire is there, you can totally make it work. So, there you have it! I hope your St. Cecilia day is harmonious in every possible way. And, no matter what else you do, remember to always keep a song in your heart for the Creator. What a symphony He has written in all of our lives! [bctt tweet="Music from the Heart: Celebrating St. Cecilia //"] Do you have a gift for music? What are some ways you use it in praise of God?

I've met my own modern-day St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Mary Jo Copeland is the founder of Sharing and Caring Hands, based in the Twin Cities. Mary Jo began serving the underprivileged on the streets of Minneapolis in 1985 once her twelve children were attending school. With her prayerful guidance, what began as a way to prevent people from slipping through the cracks of systems designed to help them succeed has become the area’s largest ministry serving those who are homeless, hungry, or disadvantaged. The hallmark of her noble work is the practice of physically washing the feet of those who come to receive services from the organization. A Full Life is One Worth Celebrating I met Mary Jo on a college service trip in Minneapolis. She is as sweet and unassuming as you might imagine one in her line of work to be: bobbed hair pinned back, long skirt, and walking shoes. She shared the mission of the organization, its evolution, numbers of volunteer services, and other pertinent information. But, I learned two important things about her in that meeting: Her day begins early with adoration and the rosary. She and her husband go out dancing. Weekly. Of all the life-altering and impactful work she has spearheaded over the last 30 years, her relationship with her husband is what is held most dear. What a witness. St. Elizabeth of Hungary: Wife and Servant to the Poor Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, another woman whose "yes" to the Lord resulted in radical service to the poor of her own time. From a young age, St. Elizabeth was influenced by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and is said to have spun wool to make clothes for those in need. Her best-known miracle occurred while she was secretly bringing the castle’s bread to the poor, hiding it beneath her cloak. On her way, she passed her husband’s hunting party. In an effort to dispel any idea that she was stealing from the castle, her husband asked her to reveal what she held. When she opened her cloak, rather than bread, red and white roses appeared, eliminating any suspicion of theft and confirming for Louis that her charitable work was blessed by God. Certainly within her marriage, Elizabeth is remembered for taking the lead in charitable giving, but was greatly supported by her spouse in so doing. After she was widowed at age 20, she continued to serve by building a hospital and personally attending to its patients. Elizabeth’s life was quite short. She died at the age of 24. Nonetheless, she is remembered for her unlikely tendency toward charity and service, precisely because of her nobility—to which, she responded: How can I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown and thorns and wears it for me! Women Worthy of Imitation Of all the stories of those who have lived holy, God-honoring lives, the stories I like best are the ones no one saw coming. Those people from whom the world believed it knew what to expect. Each of these two women's service to God through service to those on the margins far outweighs what anyone might have imagined them capable of - whether as a mother of twelve or a young widowed princess. These women are kindred spirits. The give of themselves in both the role of the served and the servant. They see an unmet need and they meet it. We recognize these women among us. Maybe it’s your mom, sister, grandma, aunt, neighbor, best friend; maybe it’s you! Maybe it’s the kind of meaningful work you are praying for. Maybe it feels laughable that God could be calling you into the deep waters to do important work. It may have felt laughable for Mary and Elizabeth as well. It is worth mentioning that each woman is known for the groundedness they describe within their marriage. It isn’t that their husbands work(ed) by their side and gave it all up for the greater glory; but that they each recognized and honored the sacred work God had invited their wives to take part in. This is important because there are countless examples of vowed religious women who have worked tirelessly to change the world by their charism, zeal, energy, and enthusiasm. The collection of married women who serve, and serve better because of their vocation as married women, are a quiet minority, and they are worth celebrating. Is your spouse your greatest sideline support system? Do you offer the same support? Perhaps this is the type of marriage for which you are praying—either within your current relationship or a future vocation. What kind of fruits might we see on behalf of the Kingdom if we were to follow the lead of women like Elizabeth of Hungary and Mary Jo, to encourage and be encouraged by those closest to us? [bctt tweet="Celebrating St. Elizabeth of Hungary //"]

I love Thanksgiving. I love the meal planning and preparation, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the football on TV, and of course, the family time! In addition to the big day spent with our families, many of us want to celebrate the gratitude we feel for the friends who feel like family. The friends who understand us on a deep level. The Francis to our Clare, the Ignatius to our Xavier, the Pope John Paul II to our Mama T. Every year I wish I could spend a day of intentional thankfulness with those people who feel like family. God bless the millennials for coming up with "Friendsgiving." What is Friendsgiving? In today's pop culture, there are ample weird trends and tons of random national holidays (I'm looking at you, #nationalavocadotoastday). But there is one evolution in particular I'm happy to support: Friendsgiving! Essentially, Friendsgiving is a traditional big Thanksgiving event, only it's celebrated with your friends. Since Thanksgiving Day is typically reserved for family gatherings, Friendsgivings usually take place the weekend before or after the big day. During this time of year, many of us are caught up in family, job, and education responsibilities that it can be intimidating to even think of adding another event to our calendar (much less planning one). But it is possible to host a memorable and meaningful event without requiring all our time and energy. I'll show you how to put together an easy Friendsgiving with a Catholic twist! How to Host a Simple Friendsgiving 1. Invite Friends Online You can keep this event casual and relaxed by setting the tone from the get-go. You can send paper invitations, but I suggest either creating an event on Facebook or emailing your guests. It keeps everything low-key and low-pressure. And saves a tree or two (go, Captain Planet!). 2. Make it a Potluck Friendsgiving doesn't have to involve the traditional Thanksgiving meal. In fact, I think mixing it up helps the day stand out for your guests. Ask everyone to bring a pot of their favorite soup. Bring some recipe cards to exchange. That way, everyone gets to try each other's favorite family recipes and soak up every last drop with chunks of warm French bread. It also takes the pressure off you, the host, to execute an entire multi-course meal on your own. 3. Make Your Table Cloth an Activity Use brown packaging paper for your table cloth. You can find this kind of paper at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s or on Amazon. It's inexpensive and very trendy. Use chalkboard markers to write your guests' names at their places. Leave crayons on the table for kids to draw. When everyone leaves later that night, it's easy clean up for you! Simply roll up the paper table cloth and discard (sad Captain Planet). 4. Choose Simple Centerpieces If you're feeling fancy and want to create centerpieces, cut some foliage from your yard (or your neighbor's yard) or collect some pretty fall-colored leaves. Sprinkle them down the middle of the table. Add some freshly sliced citrus fruits like lemons and limes, or oranges and dried cloves, or even cinnamon sticks! These items look beautiful and provide a festive fragrance. 5. Practice Gratitude Either before or after the meal, circle around the table and allow everyone the opportunity to express what they are grateful for this year. Use this time to really contemplate where you’re at in life and to acknowledge the ways God is blessing you. 6. Invite a Priest Seriously! Invite your parish priest to attend your Friendsgiving. Priests love to be among their community. Ask your priest to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the past year and to pray a blessing over everyone in attendance. 7. In-Source Entertainment Have any musical friends? Invite them to play an instrument while everyone enjoys dessert and coffee. Ask if they're willing to lead the group in a few songs of thankfulness to God before everyone departs for home. November and December are undoubtedly busy seasons. However, I hope that this Friendsgiving guide makes it a little easier for you to host and celebrate those friends who are family. [bctt tweet="How to Host a No-Stress "Friendsgiving" #BISblog //"] Have you ever hosted a "friendsgiving"? Think you might try it this year? Let us know about your plans in the comments below! Written by Susana Starbuck. Find out more about her here.

I’m an introvert through and through, but I’m also created for fellowship and connection. In my adult years, this yearning in my heart for connection with other women has pushed me to do what I otherwise might have shied away from—hosting gatherings in my not-so-magazine-worthy home. Turns out, it’s not so hard, or scary, to open up my imperfect home to other women in love. With a fresh pot of coffee, hot water and tea bags, and a love-filled welcome, friendships are born and nourished. You never need a formal reason to open your home or apartment for fellowship, but I’ll give you a great reason to do so this Advent! It’s time for the Blessed is She Advent Gathering, coming December 2! The 2017 Blessed is She Advent Gathering I’m eagerly planning my retreat already, and I want you to host one with me. With me? Absolutely. Solidarity, sisters. Because here's how it works: The gathering will be “live” on the website on December 2. So at that time, women who are gathered to watch and pray together will be celebrating this fellowship together in spirit, despite geographical distances and time zone differences. You can virtually attend with one friend or with fifty. Either way, we'll all be together. Let’s get started planning! Go refill your drink and let’s make plans for a beautiful, simple, gathering with friends in December. How to Host the Advent Gathering 1. Be Willing My first tip is to simply say “yes” to hosting or co-hosting with another woman locally. Co-hosting has been a great way for me to feel more comfortable planning events like this one. A few years ago, one of my friends (whom I met through Blessed is She) co-hosted with me. We each invited a few more friends. Since we already knew each other, the pressure of meeting all-new women or the worry of not knowing who to invite was relieved. Even though you can purchase the retreat and participate on your own, the fellowship with a small (or large!) group is so rewarding. Many of my dearest friendships have grown from these kinds of gatherings. The Lord really does want to bless us with friends. This is a great opportunity for authentic community with your sisters in Christ! 2. Access the Event I love that Blessed is She has done the hard work of planning a retreat for me. While I love getting women together for spiritual growth, planning a retreat is not my forte. You can sign up for the Advent Gathering here, and you'll be emailed your very own hostess guide. On December 2, you'll be able to watch the talks live. You'll hear from our very own Director of Ministry Advancement, Beth Davis as well as our Spiritual Advisor, Father John Parks. These talks will be dynamic and inspiring, inviting us into the heart of the season. 3. Review the Guide Once you receive the hostess guide in your email, take a few minutes to read through it. The guide will answer any questions you have. If you have further questions, you will have time to email the team before your gathering. (Don't worry, discussion questions will be shared from the event on the live stream! We will have plenty to talk about.) 4. Spread the Word Decide where you’ll host (your home, a friend’s home, your parish, etc.). Invite your friends, your mom, your sisters. Maybe extend the invitation to a neighbor or coworker. Encourage your friends to bring a friend with them. Since December is the season of parties, plan to send the invitations soon so you have priority on the calendar! Invites can be as simple as a phone call, an email invitation, or a Facebook event. If you’re feeling ambitious, send cards in the mail! 5. Plan Your Space This part is my favorite, but it’s not necessary. Truly, all you need is the willingness to host and a welcoming smile. My home is a busy one filled to the brim with children; it’s not perfected for Instagram or a magazine. My decorating is low-key. Maybe yours is, too. Keep it simple, give it your special touch. When I prepare, I wipe the table and kitchen counter and light a few candles. During the Advent Gathering, my Advent wreath will be a centerpiece on the table, and a few other holiday decorations will be strewn throughout the house. Twinkling lights are a sweet and simple touch. Finally, I always love to display fresh flowers around the house, so a quick stop by the floral department a day or so before the retreat will be on my to-do list. What about food? Food prep can be overwhelming at times. Personally, I like to have food at gatherings, but again, it’s not necessary! You can choose what works best for you and your group. You can skip food and stick with hot drinks. You can invite your friends to bring a dish to share and have a potluck lunch/brunch with your retreat. Or, if baking is your love language, then delight your guests with your favorite recipe for a winter morning. I like to go the potluck route, and I provide the hot drinks. Usually guests enjoy bringing something to share and it relieves me of the burden of doing it all. 6. Press Play Your guests have gathered, your food and drinks are prepared, and now you are ready to sit and watch the talks. Follow the instructions in the guide and welcome the Holy Spirit to lead your group into a prayerful time of fellowship. Relax. Pray. Share. Rejoice. Enjoy! A note about the theme The theme for the retreat is “Out of Nothing” from the Latin Creatio Ex Nihilo (creation out of nothing). The talks will focus on God as Creator from the beginning of the world, to our own personal beginnings, and to new beginnings with Him in our spiritual journey. Out of nothing, the Lord created in love. Out of what little I have to offer, the Lord will cultivate friendship and faith with the women who gather with me. Do you want to host, but are afraid to step out in faith? Let me encourage you, sister. You do not need to have or do anything special. The only requirements to host the Advent Gathering are willingness and a smile. God created our amazing world from nothing, and Blessed Is She has created this beautiful retreat for you already. All you need to do is say “yes." Sign up for the Advent Gathering here [bctt tweet="The only requirements to host the Advent Gathering are willingness and a smile. //"] Will you be hosting or attending an Advent Gathering this year? Let us know your plans in the comments below! Gina Fensterer is a Colorado native at heart, but the West Coast beach life suits her just fine. She currently lives in small coastal area of California with her husband and six children. She finds daily life to be more than enough to practice virtue, and sometimes blogs about raising up saints at Someday Saints. She loves the Jesus prayer, coffee at any time of day, homemade salsa, photography, and sleepy toddler snuggles.

"Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us." My southern son stumbles over the Italian name in the adorable way only toddlers can as he concludes our nightly prayer. He may confuse a few syllables, but he generally understands that this man, this almost-Saint, is special to our family. During our engagement, my husband and I chose a patron saint for our marriage and future family. Today, I'm sharing how you can find a patron saint for your family, too. Why Does Your Family Need a Patron Saint? When we are confirmed in the Catholic faith, it is common to choose a patron saint. Ideally, we choose a saint we admire, someone who possesses the type of virtue we want to spend our lives cultivating. Perhaps this saint has similar interests or has experienced similar life events. Maybe they are strong in an area we feel weak. Traditionally, we even take this saint's name as our own. This saint, in return, is charged with praying for us in a particular way throughout our life. Choosing a patron saint for your family works the same way. When we're living with a group of flawed people, we are all likely to need specific intercession to help us love one another in the midst of familial chaos and imperfection. Having a patron saint for our families can create a family bond, provide a special intercessor when trials arrive, and illustrate a masterpiece of faith and love to admire and emulate throughout our lives together. Additionally, choosing a patron saint is a great exercise for those who aren't married but who are living with other people. I've chosen patron saints with housemates in the past and saw wonderful benefits in our personal and spiritual lives. If you're living with friends, siblings, or parents, try choosing a patron saint for your household! How to Find a Patron Saint for Your Family You're ready to find a patron saint for your family, but there are so many to choose from! While this is a good problem for the Church at large, it can be difficult to narrow your options to a saint who will really resonate with your entire family. I suggest following these steps to find your patron saint. 1. Ask the Lord The first step is probably the most obvious: pray about it. Ask Jesus if there is a certain saint He has in mind for your family. Whose intercession would be most beneficial? Whose example would be the most influential? Take this petition to Mass, to adoration, to your rosary, to your prayer time as a family. Be patient with the Lord and explore His promptings toward certain saints. 2. Look at Your Individual Patrons Another way to select a patron saint for your family is by noting your family members' patron saints. Is anyone named after a saint? Who are the confirmation saints in the family? Perhaps there is a running theme or a certain saint that strikes everyone. 3. Observe Your Family's Experience, Devotions, and Interests Perhaps your patron saint will find you via your family's individual life events and enjoyments. Has your family been through a trial during which you relied heavily on a certain saint's intercession? Maybe your struggle with fertility, unemployment, lack of community, illness, or moving will bring forth your patron saint. Does your family have a shared devotion? Your love for the Liturgy of the Hours, the Sacred Heart, or Divine Mercy may lead you to your patron. Does your family share a hobby? Activities like sports, education, travel, reading, and cooking have been enjoyed by saints for centuries. Look to your family's shared human experience and you will find several saints there waiting for you. Using a guide like this one can be helpful when locating patronages and saint biographies. 4. Pray a Novena Once you have an idea of who your patron saint might be, pray a novena to that saint as a family. Read about the saint's life and explore their virtues together as a family. This will help solidify your confidence in that particular saint's patronage while immersing your family in their life, stories, miracles, and legacy. 5. Let Chance Decide But what happens if you still can't decide on a patron saint? If there is a divide in the family over who should be your patron, if there are pillow fights occurring and a stalemate encountered, you have a couple of options: If you've narrowed it down to a few saints, but just need help with the final decision, write their names on separate pieces of paper, say a prayer for guidance, and draw from a hat. Use a tool like the Saint's Name Generator to randomly select your family's patron saint. Say a little prayer together beforehand to be open to whomever you select. You can also do this at the beginning of each year to select a saint for your family to learn about and imitate during that year. Ultimately, you can't go wrong! So don't stress if you're not able to agree and don't worry about selecting "the perfect saint." All the saints are perfect for your family because the saints' intercession is perfect. This should be fun and valuable for your family, so enjoy the process and relish your family's patron! The Other Saints You Need in Your Life Having community is vital. We need people who understand who we are and want to become, what we struggle with, and where we hope to spend eternity. We need friends who encourage us in our pursuit of holiness and happiness. And just like we need our inner circle of friends on earth, we also need an inner circle of friends in heaven. We would be wise to cultivate friendships with the saints along our journey of life. If you want to learn and chat more about saintly friendships, virtually attend our workshop tomorrow night! It's called Finding Your Tribe, and we will be discussing the 10 types of saint-friends every woman needs. I hope to hang out with you there! Does your family have a patron saint? Who is it? [bctt tweet="How to Find a Patron Saint for Your Family on the #BISblog //"] Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She works from home as an editor and social media manager while raising her children and laughing with her husband. Although she now spends most of her free time away from the internet, past adventures are still on her blog. You can find out more about her here.

Do you feel like there is a saint in the Church who just "gets" you? Maybe it's your confirmation saint or a saint you discovered while going through a particular trial or a saint you read about on the internet. Maybe, that saint found you. Meeting the Pope About a month ago I hung this piece of artwork in the living room of my newly-purchased home. Purchased over 15 years ago as I trekked my way through Toronto, Ontario on my very first excursion to World Youth Day (WYD), it is a simple image of the man I was going to see: Pope John Paul II. He was coming to meet us, the young Catholics of the world. I was there. And I was ready. That is to say, I thought I was ready. My wide-eyed college-aged self had no grasp of the pivotal role those days would play in my life as a fledgling young adult in the Church. I didn't quite know why I was drawn to this dear faithful man. Maybe it was knowing tidbits of his story and struggle under Communism and Nazism in his home country of Poland. Maybe it was his passion for theater and the outdoors and so many other beautiful things in life. Most of all, it was his enthusiasm for Jesus Christ. He had a joy and a passion for Christianity that was so authentic and attractive. He had a joy that I craved in my life. And I wanted to know why he had it. A Discovery of Hope One early Sunday morning in Downsview Park, Toronto, I sat in the pouring rain and braved the driving wind alongside close to a million other Catholic youth, waiting for the Holy Father to arrive for Mass. I was very wet, very cold, and, to be completely honest, a bit miserable. But in a moment of sheer beauty, the rain ceased and the sun broke through the clouds just as the Holy Father arrived and began Mass. My young, tender, Catholic heart was in awe as he preached a homily that felt like it was written just for me: You are young, and the Pope is old, 82 or 83 years of life is not the same as 22 or 23. But the Pope still fully identifies with your hopes and aspirations. Although I have lived through much darkness, under harsh totalitarian regimes, I have seen enough evidence to be unshakably convinced that no difficulty, no fear is so great that it can completely suffocate the hope that springs eternal...Do not let that hope die! Stake your lives on it! We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son. Photo Credit: Toronto Star Those few days in Toronto, including that ever-memorable Sunday in the rain, changed me. They set the stage for every good and hard and beautiful moment in my life over the past decade and a half: cross-country moves, new jobs, and new friendships. They've sustained my during doubts about Christianity and the deaths of loved-ones; through disappointments, upsets, and personal and professional struggles. Each event was a return, in a manner of speaking, to that moment of communion with the Holy Father. Three years after that World Youth Day experience, I had graduated from college and moved to Washington, D.C. One rainy April evening, I was hurriedly getting ready to attend a concert at the Kennedy Center with some friends from church when we heard that John Paul II had died. How beautiful and fitting that the performance we were scheduled to see was Mozart’s Requiem Mass. Together, in a crowded concert hall among both believers and non-believers, we quietly prayed for his entrance into heaven. Be Not Afraid! Two years later, I was enrolled at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family (a school that JPII himself founded) studying marriage, family, and bioethics. Two years after that, I taught at his namesake high school, Pope John Paul the Great. And in that time, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the same disease that was JPII's heavy cross for over 10 years. All the while I discovered that the spirit of this gentle saint was with me during those hardships and transitions. I took comfort in the knowledge of his love for young people, in his exhortation throughout his papacy to “Be not afraid,” and the confidence that if we move through life clinging to the cross of Christ, we can know with certainty that we will never be left alone. That little pencil sketch that I bought for $10 at WYD also moved with me - through four different homes in D.C. and two different homes in Minnesota before it recently landed in my living room in Minneapolis. Fifteen years later it speaks the same message to me: “Be not afraid, Karen.” Be not afraid. The whole of human existence boils down to those four words of Christ. It is at once that simple and that challenging. There is nothing, nothing that cannot be endured with the love of Jesus. [bctt tweet="There is nothing, nothing that cannot be endured with the love of Jesus. #BISblog"] Many details from those days in Toronto have faded from my memory. But those three words, spoken in a gentle Polish accent, have remained. As we prepare for the upcoming feast of Pope St. John Paul the Great, I pray that they will remain with me, and with you, to the end of our days. Have you ever attended a World Youth Day? Do you have your own stories about Pope St. John Paul II's influence in your life? Please share them with us in the comments! Karen Schultz hails from the Land of 10,000 lakes, where she is often found in or near one of them. As a doula, lactation educator, and FertilityCare Practitioner, she finds joy in helping women to embrace the gift of their bodies. Downtime is found in quiet adoration chapels, farmers markets and gardens, listening to bluegrass music, and embracing the diversity of Minnesota’s seasons. You can find out more about her here.

My affection for sweet and sour chicken did not begin until a few years ago. In simpler times, I preferred macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, and the occasional peanut butter and cheese sandwich (yes, with cheddar cheese). Then, just as I began to increasingly discover the depths and dark crevices in my soul, I felt myself drawn to sweet and sour chicken. An inexplicable coincidence? Possibly. Or perhaps the sauce’s contrasting flavors resonated with the blend of good and evil I encountered in myself and my surroundings, and perhaps this resonance sparked craving for the food. Chicken mysteries aside, the weight of evil I find in my soul can be lifted by the Sacrament of Confession, but I have often struggled with this sacrament. Picking apart the threads of intricate and tragic human messiness can become an exercise in stress if I am not careful. Such stress probably occurs when the sacrament becomes more about me than about God. Sometimes it is difficult to see the priest as a representation of Jesus; more often it is simply myself and my shortcomings that concern me. Peaceful Confessions A resource that recently has helped re-orient me toward confession is “Stars of Comfort,” a collection of retreat talks delivered by Father Vincent McNabb. Not surprisingly, several of the reflections focus on confession as a means of union with God, but the focus is emphatically on how good God’s love is for us, if we just muster courage to accept it. He writes that when a soul can see what is right but fails to do it (as when one should go to Confession more frequently, yet fails to do so), that soul has let its eyes wander from the goodness of the object it should desire. He says, “If we see a background of merely human anxiety, we are doomed, but seen against the background of the love of Jesus Christ, everything else becomes almost invisible.” Almost invisible. These words stuck. Father McNabb spoke them in June of 1940, amidst the havoc of World War II. I think of that era’s turmoil and the turmoil I encounter today: political unrest, cultural concerns, interpersonal conflicts, emotional wounds, and so on. What an incredible power it would be to truly see all this as almost invisible, unable to unsettle me or cause even an ounce of fear. And it is possible, I have to admit. For didn’t John of the Cross, Francis of Assisi, Thomas More, and Edith Stein, among others, live as if the turmoil surrounding them was almost invisible? Saints witness to the ordered peace borne from intensely encountering Jesus’ merciful love, the transformation possible if I don’t look away from love’s goodness. Counting and Clear Vision When fear dominates, my vision needs renewal. I can tend to see an examination of conscience as a reversal of Browning’s famous words, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” In my mind, the words become, “How have I lost thee? Let me count the ways,” and thinking of sin becomes counting the ways I have allowed God to be lost to me by choices to disorder my days. And yet, as Fr. McNabb reminds me, Confession is not only about counting, but also about re-seeing the goodness of God and the mercy He desires to give, a mercy so vast it makes anxieties dissolve into near invisibility. So, I am learning to view Confession as less about my losses and more about my response to love. By surrendering my sight to the goodness of the Word, my response zooms in to the center of the cosmos. [bctt tweet="Confession is about re-seeing the goodness of God and the mercy He desires to give. #BISblog"] A Sweet and Sour Soul Relating the realities of love, loss, sweetness, and sourness to the spiritual life is not an original idea, I’ve learned. In his poem “Bitter-Sweet,” George Herbert speaks of how his experience of God ranges from anger to love, from being cast down to being lifted up. He concludes with a promise of faithfulness: And all my sour-sweet days / I will lament and love. Just as love and loss are intertwined, so are sweet and sour, and eating sweet and sour chicken (preferably with a friend) remains a satisfying act. That the craving stems from increased knowledge of good and evil in my soul may be whimsical speculation. But I am glad I have thought of it, for now when I dunk fried chicken into scrumptious sauce I will think of how each anxiety and hurt, however sharp, can find its proper place in relation to mercy, and how each fades into invisibility the more I accept Jesus Christ’s love as life’s truest background. Can you relate to this desire to view all of yourself against the backdrop of Christ's merciful love? Savanna J. Buckner is an M.B.A. student at the Saint John Institute in Denver, Colorado. Previously, she spent two years as a missionary teacher at a junior college in Belize, followed by a year of teaching preschool and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in northern Virginia. She loves film, philosophy, and art, and especially enjoys reading Evelyn Waugh, Czeslaw Milosz, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

I vividly remember the day my mom handed me a book on St. Therese the Little Flower. As a professional reader at age 11, it did not take me long to devour it. It was the first time I felt a real connection with a saint. St. Therese's story taught me valuable lessons in patience, love, and humility. Since that time, she has always been one of my favorite saints. Each year on her feast day, I make sure there are fresh flowers displayed throughout our house. Last year, I wore a flower crown on her feast day and made one for each of my daughters to wear as well. It was whimsical way to celebrate the Little Flower’s feast and to teach my children about this wonderful saint. Today, I'm sharing my simple flower crown tutorial so you can incorporate this tradition into your celebrations, too! Flower Crown Tutorial for the Feast of St. Therese You can make these flower crowns a few days in advance or on the actual feast day. It would also be a great project to complete with your children any time you teach them about St. Therese throughout the year. Another fun way to celebrate St. Therese's feast day is to invite some girlfriends over to tackle this flower crown tutorial together over wine and dessert! No matter when you make these or with whom you make them, this is a great activity to help cultivate your relationship with this lovely saint or to simply remind you to do everything lovingly and joyfully. 1. Gather Materials You can find these materials at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Walmart, or pretty much any crafting store. I've provided links from Amazon who prefer to do their shopping in their PJs ;) Flowers (real or fake) Floral tape Floral wire Wire cutters 2. The Wire Cut enough floral wire to wrap around your head. Make sure there is a little extra at both ends in case you need to adjust. 3. Floral Tape Cut off about 6 inches of floral tape. 4. Flowers Cut the flowers off but leave 2-3 inches of stem. 5. Adding Flowers Line up the flower at the top of the crown (what sits at your forehead). Take the floral tape and begin wrapping the stem of the flower to the wire. 6. More Flowers After the first flower is on securely, add another flower behind it. The six inches of floral wire should get 2-3 flowers on the wire before you need to cut another piece. 7. Completing The Circle Repeat step six until your crown has the desired amount of flowers! You can wrap them all the way around, make a half circle, or just do a little cluster on one side. Get creative! 8. Celebrate! Wear your flower crown on the feast of St. Therese. Share a picture on Instagram and use the hashtag #bislittleflower so we can see your beautiful crowns! And that’s it! If you decide to do this activity please share on social media! I’d love to see your finished crowns! Have a blessed feast of St. Therese! Written by Susana Starbuck. Find out more about her here.

On the 29th of September the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels Rafael, Gabriel, and Michael. For centuries this holy day was called Michaelmas, the day the faithful went to Saint Michael's Mass. You may know Saint Michael the Archangel from Revelation, where we read about him throwing Satan out of Heaven and leading God's war against evil, and you may be familiar with his prayer, which I have often said when I get the heebie jeebies. But personally, it was only recently that I discovered the fun feast of Michaelmas and its traditions. As my friends, family, and I have kept the day we have even added a few modern twists to the celebrations. If you're looking for some ideas of how to celebrate, here's a list to help you out. Some of the ideas are super easy and some will take a bit more effort but no matter your season of life there should be something for you. It's all in how you say it Let's start by making sure we're saying it correctly. Michaelmas is pronounced "mick-el-mess." If you weren't saying it the right way, don't worry. I was pronouncing it wrong for years. Blackberries The legend goes that when St. Michael threw Satan out of Heaven, as described in Revelation 12, the devil landed on a blackberry bush, which he then spit on and cursed. Therefore, blackberries are to be picked and eaten by Michaelmas, or before the devil gets a chance to spit on them. Treat your friends and yourself to a bottle of blackberry wine or buy some fresh blackberries and put them on your oatmeal, bake them into a pie or cobbler, or top your angel food cake with them for a double nod to the feast day. Dress for the day My friend Molly hilariously pointed out that in many pictures of Saint Michael it looks like he's wearing leggings. So in honor of the feast day pull on your favorite pair, be sure to wear a top that covers your bum, and then take a picture and share it with the hashtag #leggingsformichaelmas. Thank a Police Officer Saint Michael is the patron saint of police officers and so I can't think of a better day to stop by your local police station with a yummy treat to thank them for their service. Tell them that it's their feast day so you brought some food for feasting and let them know that you are praying for them in an extra special way on Michaelmas. Feasting for the Feast Day A traditional Michaelmas dinner includes roasted goose and carrots, both of which are "in season" in late September in Britain. It's a bit harder to find goose nowadays so I like to roast a chicken, stuffed with onions, garlic, and herbs; surrounded by potatoes and carrots; and seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper. I add fresh baked bread and my family feels like royalty. Gather with your family or invite some girlfriends over to enjoy the feast with you! If you don't have time to bake bread, chop carrots, and roast a chicken don't worry; we've also feasted on rotisserie chicken, hot and fresh from our local grocery store, and a bag of frozen carrots. Sacraments and sacramentals Last but not least, lean into your faith. Display a Saint Michael holy card in a prominent location in your home. Attend Mass. Say the prayer to Saint Michael. Choose one, two, or all of these ways to live out your faith in an intentional, joyful way and enjoy the fact that our Catholic faith is beautiful, true, and fun. Happy Michaelmas to you! [bctt tweet="A Step-by-Step Guide to Celebrating Michaelmas:"] Written by Bonnie Engstrom. Find out more about her here.