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

Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, in one of his essays, relays his experience in Auschwitz. A Jew was being executed while the rest of the camp watched aghast. As he hung on the gallows, struggling in the throes of death, an onlooker muttered under his breath, “Where is God?” At that moment, Wiesel says, a voice within resounded, “There, on the gallows, where else?” There is something especially galling about the innocent being killed. Our hearts freeze when we hear news of lives lost by the ruthlessness of indifference. Yet, what is it about men and women, who though stripped of everything, except the bare reality of existence, can find in such darkness, a flickering flame of hope? How is it possible for hearts to burn with intense charity, even as mercilessness hangs as thick as a fog? The Feast of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Maximillian Kolbe, patron of prisoners and living testimony to the shining light of Christ amidst the darkest moments of human history. When the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, Maximilian Kolbe was serving as a priest. He was immediately arrested and taken to Auschwitz where he was stripped of any vestige of his former life, his habit taken away and replaced by a prisoner’s striped uniform. One day, in 1941, in retaliation for the escape of a prisoner, ten men in Maximilian’s cellblock were chosen randomly to be executed. One of those men cried out, “What will happen to my wife and my children?” Moved by his plight, Maximilian volunteered to take his place and the substitution was allowed. What followed were weeks of unimaginable horror. The prisoners were stripped naked, forced into a bunker, and deprived of food and water. Two weeks later, impatient that prisoners were not dying fast enough, Maximilian and four others were executed by carbolic acid injections. Leading to this death, eyewitnesses recounted Maximilian’s countenance as one bright and radiant, burning with unparalleled zeal as he sang hymns and encouraged fellow prisoners. This same light is infused in our Baptism. This light does not take us out of this world, to some illusionary shores of safety. This light propels us forward in courage, into the shadows and gallows of our modern Auschwitzes, so we can cast light, so we can show the way home to those lost in darkness. Prophesying Hope This May, I visited my mom for the first time in two years. During the pandemic, her dementia had steadily progressed. Though I’d seen glimpses of her delusions while we video-chatted, nothing prepared me more for what I would see face-to-face. She didn’t recognize me. Her once exuberant countenance was now consumed by confusion, the plaques and tangles of dementia not only choking away old memories but also piercing her dignity, even her very soul. My dad described it as the "most bitter and most humiliating of all chalices"…. yet not in the absence of Hope. Sometimes the weight of our world can feel like the darkness of Auschwitz. Immersed in some unfathomable tragedy, hanging under excruciating gallows of life, we might find ourselves like Elie Wiesel’s comrade, wondering where God is. We may look at our demented loved ones, and wonder if suffering has any meaning at all. We may be tempted to settle, to compromise, to extricate pain from what seems opposed to our immediate, temporal happiness. In such times, St. Maximillian calls on us to prophesy hope. It is hope that enabled him to trustingly walk forward, even in the face of death. It is hope that grounded him in the promises of Christ. It is hope that protected him from the temptation of thinking life's tragedies are but random coincidences, outside of Providence—only hope in the Risen Christ. This season has unleashed hope for me in new ways. It has taught me to speak life even over what seems dry and dead. It has given me courage to see beyond the frail body of my mother to a vision of God flooding her with eternal consolations. I believe that my mother, even at her foggiest, remembers that day follows night. The light is stronger still. This is hope. Greater Love, Everyday Those few days at home were a catalyst for change. I discovered the gift of the present moment. With unexpected medical complications and continual changes in daily routine, my spiritual life was tossed upside down. I had no time for quiet mornings or personal prayer. I felt exhausted wondering if an active spiritual life was even possible for those plagued by such sicknesses. Until I saw my dad. His daily sacrifice for my mother, being fully present to her needs, taught me that our seasons, though devoid of religious activities, could still be richly inundated with spiritual fruit. His faithfulness encouraged me not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed. His witness inspired me to see everyday as an opportunity to practice “Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). What does it mean to "lay down our lives"? We may be tempted to recall heroic acts of Saints like Maximillian Kolbe and wonder if such holiness is even possible in our everyday moments? We may wonder if serving our spouses and children even counts, as these take place in the confinement of our own home. Yet these are the very places Christ calls us to "lay down our lives," and practice "greater love." Each day of our lives contains within it the possibility for sacrifice. Each day is an opportunity to lay down my need to understand why things happen the way they do. I can lay down my fears about being validated by what I do. I can lay down my desire to prove my worth, and lay down my pride that begs me to build walls. Each day, I can lay down my life. Each day, I can practice greater love. Sister, where is Christ calling you to greater love? Perhaps in sleepless nights while you soothe a fussy child? Perhaps patiently responding to repeated requests from your teenager? Perhaps giving up free time so your spouse can have his? Remember, Maximilian’s greatest acts didn’t emerge from a vacuum. Like Mary, his fiat was perpetual, a result of a lifetime of being conformed to Christ through prayer and sacrifice... each day. Only by consistently practicing self-denial by taking up his cross daily could Saint Maximilian be conformed to Christ to such a degree that, in that pivotal moment, he was able to imitate Christ on the Cross, laying down his life, so another might live. No More Night Sister, we live in a world where Rachel weeps for her children, where loved ones go mute and where sickness leaves us shell shocked. Our tendency is to become so overwhelmed in the aftermath of these horrors that we lose sight of the sky above infused with heavenly light, reflecting Him Who willingly went to "the gallows" on our behalf, He Who, in the place of unimaginable horror, proclaimed peace to the prisoners. It is this Risen Christ that Saint Maximillian Kolbe radiated and followed. It is this Christ whose unceasing whisper beckons us, re-directing our earthly pilgrimage toward shores of our lasting city, where one day, “night will be no more,” for God Himself will be our light (see Revelation 21:23). For those in Christ Jesus, the last word will always be light. As for now, we lament, we stand in the gap, we press on forward, we turn to Saint Maximillian Kolbe, we pray for greater love, we lay down our lives.   [bctt tweet="Saint Maximilian Kolbe // A Prophet of Hope #BISblog //" via="no"]

Happy feast of Santa Chiara! Saint Clare, who was a dear friend of Saint Francis, was born in Assisi, Italy in 1194. After living a profound, deeply Christocentric life, she died in her monastery, San Damiano, on August 11th, 1253. Saint Clare founded a religious order, helped the poor, healed the sick, and wrote some of the most alluringly beautiful letters I have ever read. The Letters of Saint Clare I have always been drawn to letters. I love receiving them (I treasure my husband’s love-letters to me that he wrote during our dating and engagement!) and I love the art of writing them. There is something extremely powerful about taking the time to express, share, and entrust our hearts, minds, and souls to another person. As a history major, I loved reading historical letters, in particular the letters of Saint Francis de Sales to the faithful. I have recently been captivated by another Saint’s letters, today’s patron, Saint Clare of Assisi. The Recipients Saint Clare wrote to two different women named Agnes: her younger sister, Saint Agnes of Assisi, who followed Clare to Saint Francis just sixteen days after Clare left her home, and Agnes of Prague, a princess who desired to imitate the life and poverty of Saint Clare. Saint Clare wrote other letters, yet the wisdom Saint Clare imparts in her letters to these two Agneses continues to help us grow in our faith today as women of Christ. Christ As Lover These letters read like a prayer and they are a beautiful way to contemplate the depth of love a Saint has for Christ. That is precisely what stands out to me when I read Saint Clare’s letters: she speaks of Christ as our great Lover. It may be alarming to us to view Christ in this romantic way, yet intimately cleaving to Jesus as our first and greatest Love follows the great traditions of our Faith. When we follow Saint Clare’s instructions of cultivating a romantic love with Jesus, our faith and trust in Him will grow. We see the magnitude of this romantic love in her fourth letter to Agnes of Prague when Saint Clare writes to the princess: “As you contemplate further His ineffable delights, eternal riches and honors, and sigh for them in the great desire and love of your heart, may you cry out: Draw me after You! We will run in the fragrance of Your perfumes, O heavenly Spouse! I will run and not tire, until You bring me into the wine-cellar, until Your left hand is under my head and Your right hand will embrace me happily and You will kiss me with the happiest kiss of Your mouth.” These passionate words are reminiscent of those we find in the interactions of the bridegroom and bride in the Song of Solomon. This nuptial love between God and His people can be traced back to Creation, culminates at the Cross, and remains steadfast in His Saints. We, too, no matter our vocation—single like Princess Agnes, religious, or married—are called to this intimate, spousal relationship with Jesus Christ. Intimacy With Christ On her feast day, I encourage you to pray with the letters of Saint Clare. As you do, ask yourself these questions: Do I view Christ as my first and greatest love? What is holding me back from an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ? Fear? Past injuries to my heart? Lack of trust? Name what it is and present it to Christ. Do I realize Jesus wants an intimate relationship with me? Lord, we desire to be embraced by You and to run tirelessly to You so that we may find complete rest in You. Jesus, increase our trust in You. Increase our love for You. May we allow You to romance our hearts and thereupon begin the greatest love story of our life. Amen! Saint Clare, pray for us!   [bctt tweet="The Letters of Saint Clare #BISblog //" via="no"]

As the process of selecting Confirmation Saints looms near at our house once again, I find myself doing a lot of name-dropping in case anyone is looking for inspiration related to choosing a patroness with some moxie. “Saint Rita,” cough, cough. “Mary Magdalene was the first one that the Risen Christ appeared to…” “My grandpa told me there are so many Theresas (Avila/Lisieux/Benedicta of the Cross!). Ask for their help and someone will hear you!” “Saint Edith Stein,” wink wink. Thinking Outside the Box Since I have learned her story and begun reading about her life, Edith Stein (Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) has quickly moved to my short list of favorite female Saints. Edith exudes deep self-awareness, intelligence, introspection, friendship, discernment, suffering, and selflessness. She was ahead of her time, and speaks a much-needed truth to all of us living in the context of a society that has boxed up what it is to be a Catholic woman and left us all short-changed. Edith was highly intellectual. Many credit her study of philosophy as the training ground for her deep spiritual life. But it was the lived witness of her friends and the Saints that helped to move her from her head to her heart. Edith Stein's Conversion to Catholicism I’m a sucker for conversion stories and Edith’s is a good one. She was born into a devout Jewish family in Germany, in 1891. She lost faith as a teenager, in part because of the conflict she had observed in World War I. For a time, she served as a nurse, but later pursued her doctorate in Philosophy. While studying, she was surrounded by Catholic friends. After witnessing a friend who had been widowed and grieved with hope, Edith’s curiosity was piqued. Later, after picking up a book about the life of Teresa of Avila, she decided to become Catholic. Out of respect for her mother, whom she did not want to grieve by formally leaving the Jewish faith, Edith continued the very unusual business of lecturing and teaching at the university (at a time when doing so was nearly unheard of for women) before being received into the Catholic Church. These years may have afforded her the opportunity to give great attention to the themes that she spoke of so eloquently. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross' Take on the Feminine Genius Each woman who lives in the light of eternity can fulfill her vocation, no matter if it is in marriage, in a religious order, or in a worldly profession. This idea, for her time, was really quite remarkable. To some, it still is. Women have a vocation to bring the light of Christ to the world—a task that can be done from the cloister, the cry room, or the university. Her language is so beautiful and encouraging that it invites deeper reflection and offers hope to women in all stages of life to be attentive to her particular calling within her circumstances. Edith Stein spoke highly of the unique gifts the women in particular brought to world through their many vocations The woman’s soul is fashioned as a shelter in which other souls may unfold. Because of her unique role as an educator and mentor, alongside of her devotion to the Blessed Mother, Edith came to understand the particular abilities and opportunities that women have to nurture those around her. The world doesn’t need what women have, it needs what women are. The Fullness of Who We Are Edith was an eloquent advocate for women knowing and bringing the entirety of themselves into all that they did. Bringing her entirety to her day and age must not have been easy, living in the rising tide of Nazism, though it may be how she learned to attend to particular circumstances. Already in a letter dated 1933, she described her Holy Thursday prayer in this way: I told our Lord that I knew it was His cross that was now being placed upon the Jewish people; that most of them did not understand this, but that those who did would have to take it up willingly in the name of all. I would do that. At the end of the service, I was certain that I had been heard. But what this carrying of the cross was to consist in, that I did not yet know. Her Witness in Death Being a Jewish convert to Catholicism in Nazi Germany, and having the well-known name as a presenter of the time meant that Edith attracted the attention of the Nazis. The Carmelite order made efforts to conceal her whereabouts and transferred her and her sister Rosa to a convent in the Netherlands. However, on July 26th, 1942 the Dutch Bishop’s conference condemned Nazism across the nation and, in response, all Jewish converts were arrested. Edith and her sister were among nearly one thousand Jews transported to Auschwitz that day. They are believed to have been killed on August 9th, 1942. Maximilian Kolbe is often the first Saint that comes to mind as the martyr of the Holocaust, but Edith (now Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) also experienced the horrors of the day. Each bore witness to Christ and to hope in the midst of deep suffering and despair. Each gave their lives along with their Jewish brothers and sisters. With the Lord, Nothing is Wasted Her remarkable and meandering story illustrates the deep attentiveness of the Lord to our unique callings and the ways in which nothing is wasted. Edith’s life offers a tremendous witness to embracing our own callings in a way that offers a refreshing take on the universal call to holiness. To what particular circumstances are you being asked to bring your entire self? How might Edith Stein’s example help inspire you to do so?   [bctt tweet="Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross + the Feminine Genius #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

The Catholic Church highly values education. In fact, it was the efforts of Christians and professed religious throughout history who made major advances in the fields of mathematics, science, and many others. Additionally, it was the actions of Catholics that brought about the education of the masses. Prior to their collective efforts spanning centuries, only the rich could afford to educate their children. It should come as no surprise then that many of the canonized Saints within the Church possess college degrees. Saints Who Went to College If you or someone you know and love is off to college, check out these Saints who could serve as heavenly intercessors throughout your post-secondary studies! The Saints below were heavily influenced by their educators and those they met during their studies. Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and Saint Peter Faber Francis Xavier was a rich young man in his twenties who was highly interested in athletics (specifically the high jump). He attended the Collège Sainte-Barbe of the University of Paris. His worldly goals were of great contrast to that of Ignatius of Loyola who enrolled at the school at the age of thirty-eight in order to gain the skills necessary to found the Order of Jesus. The pair became roommates, but Francis regarded Ignatius as a fool and ridiculed his attempts to help students spiritually. Peter Faber was a third roommate of the pair. Contrastingly, Peter was intrigued by Ignatius’ message and converted. Francis Xavier later followed suit after some soul-searching. All three men are credited with founding the Jesuit order. This trio would be great to turn to when seeking holy, supportive friendships. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Also known as Saint Edith Stein, she became a leading philosopher of the 20th century. She studied to obtain her degree from the University of Breslau (now Wroclaw University) and the University of Göttingen. Though her dissertation on empathy awarded her a doctorate with summa cum laude (the highest honor a school could bestow), the university rejected her qualification for a teaching office at the institution based on the fact that she was a woman. She worked as an assistant to her mentor professor until the summer holiday during which she came across the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila. Those pieces eventually led to her conversion to Catholicism. Not long after, she entered the Carmelite order. This philosophic Saint would be a great intercessor for women pursuing degrees in male-dominated fields. She would also be great for all those seeking the fullness of Truth. Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago At age thirteen, faith-filled Carlos was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a crippling digestive issue. His ailment was so depleting that it took him until the age of twenty-one to earn his high school diploma. Seven year later, he enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico to continue his education. Once again, his health failed him and he was forced to withdraw near the beginning of his sophomore year. Carlos did not accept defeat. His grades had been excellent, so he continued to study and learn on his own. For the next fifteen years, Carlos sought knowledge as he could, but always with the goal of using it to serve the Church. His passion was evangelizing and catechizing, and he was one of the first people to translate the Latin prayers into Spanish so that his local community would understand them better. This determined Blessed is a great example to those who start school on a non-traditional timeline, or those who have health issues that foil original plans. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Gianna was the tenth of thirteen children within the Beretta family. Generous service and virtue were values that were instilled by the Beretta children from a young age. In fact, Gianna’s parents strongly encouraged their children to obtain professional degrees at a high level, not to gain a level of prestige, but so that they could be of service to their communities. Gianna chose to study medicine at the University of Pavia, but she was not a natural student. She greatly struggled through her classes, but she persevered to become a pediatrician serving the small town of Mesero. Gianna can be called upon as an intercessor for many reasons, including by those who truly struggle to obtain their degrees. Blessed Zepherin Namuncurá Zepherin was the son of a Mapuche Chief who was sent to a military school in order to better advocate for his native people. Unsurprisingly, he was not well received and transferred to a mission school run by the Salesians. While he did experience more acceptance in the faith-filled environment, some of the students were not without their prejudice. However, others loved him and compared him to Saint Dominic Savio. Through it all, Zepherin grew to love Catholicism, one of his favorite devotions being the Rosary. He enrolled in the minor seminary in Viedma, Argentina (the equivalent of going to college). He desired to bring the Faith back to his people and was such a good student that he ranked second out of his whole class. Sadly, he died of tuberculosis before finishing his degree. This courageous Saint can be called upon by all those attending schools where they feel like “outsiders.” Transforming the World Saint Catherine of Siena famously said, “If you are who you should be, you will set the world on fire.” In a similar fashion, political activist Nelson Mandela claimed, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As followers of Jesus, we would add certain elements to that sentiment: Christ and His grace. While God can use anyone to change the world (and often uses the weak to lead the strong), there is no doubt that educated Christians have contributed considerably to bringing the Gospel message to our cultures around the world. Do you have a favorite Saint who attended college? Add to our list in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="Saints Who Went to College #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

Pope Francis declared the 4th Sunday of July as the world day for grandparents and the elderly, coinciding with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne. Sure, there is a hallmark holiday of sorts in September, but this feast does well to put it into context. What a beautiful opportunity to take stock of the elders in our lives who have had a lasting impact on us, and continue to offer wisdom and love in the way that the Lord called this holy pair to demonstrate. There is much to love about Saints Joachim and Anne: They are married Saints whose feast is celebrated together. They are the parents of the Immaculate Conception. Their tremendously important role in paving the way for Christ, is primarily behind-the-scenes. Grandparenthood: A Unique Calling “If I knew having grandkids could be this much fun, I would have had them first.” If I had a nickel for every time I have heard the expression, I would have a tidy little sum. I love to hear the delight in the voices of those in the company of the next generation. There is a different emphasis, after all, a privileged role, that grandparents have. Rather than reinforcing bedtimes, driving carpool, and cooking dinner, they are in the unique position to be present without an agenda in a way that parents simply cannot. I love the variety of names that Grandparents are known by: Gigi, Pops, Nana, Grandma, Grandpa, Gram, Grammy, Granny, Oma, Opa, Bapa, Papa. These terms of endearment are often spoken from the mouths of babes and worn with tremendous pride. Joachim and Anne each wear the title of Saint, but they were called by other names, too! Multi-Dimensional Figures For this reason, it is worth imagining Saints Joachim and Anne not just as Mary’s mom and dad, but as Jesus’ grandma and papa. Brother Mickey McGrath created a wonderful image of Jesus with His grandparents. When I heard him speak about it, he mentioned imagining the child Jesus having a sleepover at their house. Pure joy! As I have gotten older, I have met grandparents in a variety of roles. Some are raising their grandchildren. Many don’t see their grandchildren as often as they would like. Some are faithfully present, while others take little interest. Some keep a running tally of the growing number or their brood, while others yearn to meet their children’s children and grieve that void. In many cases, older neighbors, godparents, teachers, or friends simply become adopted into the role, regardless of relation. The Gift of Grandparents In a culture that has lost much of its reverence for the wisdom of older generations, and in light of this feast, we are in a unique position to celebrate those in our lives who walk or have walked with and nurtured us, as well as those who hold out those precious gifts to our own children. If the nurturing of a grandparent isn’t your current experience, invite the Lord to bring someone into your life who might. If perhaps you are someone holding onto the ache for grandchildren (or, what’s a couple more?!), invite Jesus to make clear a family in need of time and energy you might desire to share with them. Within the Context of a Family The fact remains that the God of the universe took flesh and did so in the context of a family–not just parents, but aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. The Holy Family is not as distant as we sometimes believe. They are as available to us as our own relationships–chosen or otherwise. Let’s glorify God in these important connections! Prayer to Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, Grandparents of Jesus Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, you were ever faithful to God, trusting in Him in your lives and while you prayed for a child. Your patience and perseverance in prayer are an example to me. I ask that you pray for me, that I may be ever faithful and trusting in God. May I always keep my focus on Him and trust in His timing in my life. May my love for God and my faith in Him never waiver, no matter what happens in my life. May I appreciate the faith of others (like you two) and be inspired to a deeper faith. May my life of faith in God be richly blessed. May I know, love, and serve God with all of my heart. Saints Anne and Joachim, thank you for your example of faith. Thank you for your wonderful daughter, my spiritual mother Mary. Thank you for the love of God and the faith you inspire in me. Grandparents of Jesus, pray for me. Amen. (source) Who have been influential grandparent figures for you and how might you honor them today? How might you be called to step in as a grandparent, or reach out to someone who is particularly good at nurturing the faith for you or your family?   [bctt tweet="Jesus' Grandma and Papa #BISblog //" via="no"]

Imagine it is a hot day, one of those time-stands-still-sweat-pouring-out-of-you kind of days. You go to reach in your bag for the thermos you filled with ice and cold water for your trip. Your hand scrummaging through your purse, at first calmly, and then anxiously as you begin to realize the possibility that in the midst of all of the mayhem, you left the thermos on the countertop. Phew! At last, your hand touches the metal container and a sigh of relief escapes your lips as you open it up for a big gulp of cold, refreshing water. It is in those simple moments that my heart is filled with gratitude and I often cannot help but say a prayer, “Thank You, Lord, for water.” Sister, let us think together today about the ways that we can help our homeless brothers and sisters to experience a similar relief in the midst of the hottest days of the year when death numbers rise due to overheating and dehydration. Intentional Homeless Outreach in the Summer As I offer you four tips for homeless outreach this summer, I invite you to consider the words of Our Lord in the Gospel of Matthew on which the judgment of the nations will be founded: I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. // Matthew 25:35-36 Tip Number One I think we have all been in a scenario similar to the one I asked you to imagine. There is nothing like a nice cold drink on a blazing, hot day. So how do we maintain both ourselves and others less fortunate than us hydrated? Go ahead and buy some extra bottles of water the next time you do your shopping. Estimate how much is needed for your household and then include some extra for the homeless you may meet or seek out in the coming days. If you don’t own a cooling bag already, do yourself a favor this summer and purchase one. Usually, the cooling packs that go in the freezer are included in your purchase of the bag. It will be a game-changer for you in the heat. Not only will it be useful for your usual trips to the beach or sport events, but you can also use this simple bag to be able to offer the homeless in your area a cold beverage to drink. If you are going for a ride around town, keep the bag close to you in the passenger seat in order to be able to easily reach over at a red light where homeless men and women can often be found on a hot day. If you are more like me and take the train everywhere, find a drawstring cooler bag that is small enough to fit in your backpack or purse or simply make one using a jumbo sized zip lock bag and a gel cooler pack. Then you can have close at hand one cold drink for yourself and one for the thirsty stranger you may meet along the way. Coconut water or lightly sweetened lemonade may be a great alternative to plain water! Tip Number Two If you and some friends are gathering for a night at the movies or a stroll through the city, or you are the mom on duty for drop off after the kids’ game, consider packing some sandwiches beforehand which you are able to keep in a cooling container or can quickly hand out (so as to avoid any food spoilage if left out in the heat). This is not something only for the summertime, of course, but here is the tip for this season: add some fruit or extra vegetables! Because the summer’s heat can lead to dehydration and the electrolytes lost through sweating should be replenished, the human body needs more than water to remain hydrated. Throw in a small container with pre-cut pieces of strawberries, melon, or banana. Add avocado slices in some of the sandwiches you prepare. Include a yogurt that has been kept cool throughout the day–and don’t forget the disposable spoon! One thing to remember here is that any fruit that is to be given to our homeless brothers and sisters should be fresh, as spoiled fruit can lead to stomach problems and we are hoping to make their summer better, not worse. The fruit should be peeled and cut into smaller pieces since you cannot guarantee they are able to bite down into a whole fruit. I still remember the disappointment in a man on the street to whom I offered a whole apple once. "I can’t eat that,” he said, in spite of his hunger. As he opened his mouth to tell me this, I was able to see why: he was missing his front teeth. Tip Number Three Because of the constant sweat our bodies are producing during these hot days, one of the privileges we have that may often go overlooked is the opportunity to change into a new set of clothes. We can go home after an afternoon run in the sun, shower, and put on fresh-smelling, breezy clothes. One way that you and I may consider helping our homeless brothers and sisters during these months is by providing them with extra T-shirts or breezy dresses and wide pants. If you have the means, you can go to your local clothing store and purchase some items or simply go through your closet and set aside summer clothes that are in good condition. Divide them in bags according to size and sex and have them in the trunk of your car ready to be given away when a need presents itself. Or perhaps you can drive them down to the local homeless shelter or even to your parish which may be a place frequently visited by those who are homeless. Tip Number Four Maybe, like me, you need a little more motivation than the powerfully provoking words of Jesus in Matthew 25. The best way to remedy this is to get another friend involved. You can also create a day activity for your children and your friend’s kids as well. Why not make it a big family affair? I once was a babysitter for a lovely family that held a camp in their home every summer. There was always one day of the week that the children were tasked with preparing sandwiches and cold drinks for the homeless and delivering it to a nearby soup kitchen. A fun idea to get others involved is to set up a weekly, free lemonade stand in a part of town where the less fortunate can also have access to a delicious, homemade drink. The point is, we are stronger in numbers. If you are not so brave so as to go up to a stranger and offer them a cold drink or a meal, think of someone who is! Ask them to join you one afternoon a week for this endeavor. Perhaps you can propose some of these ideas to your local prayer group or women’s group and could even work through a relevant study together. Maybe your pastor would be willing to make an announcement on Sunday calling for those interested to see you after Mass. The possibilities are endless, we really have only to take to heart Jesus’ words: “You did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). What will you commit to doing this summer for those in need?   [bctt tweet="Homeless Outreach During the Summer #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

Welcome to our series on the beautiful midlife season! We will explore all the blessings, challenges, and changes that accompany this time in a woman's life, from the physical, to the relational, to the spiritual, and more. Come with your questions in the comments! Recently, I was listening to a podcast on the topic of discernment, excited to learn new tips and tools. About halfway through the hour-long podcast, I turned it off in frustration. “This doesn’t have anything to do with me,” I thought. The podcast was about vocational discernment. Then, I celebrated that fact. “This podcast has nothing to do with me!” After years of discernment, and initial years of settling and adjusting to my vocation, I have finally reached a point of contentment. Many of us, after ten, or twenty or thirty or more years into living our vocation reach that sweet spot of content, but not yet perfect. Life experience has matured us in leadership and life skills, and we are living and embracing the fulness of our spiritual motherhood. The Spiritual Shift of Midlife In our early life, our prayers are often turned to hopes and dreams, discernment of God’s will, and filled with hope. Later in life, our prayers turn toward our final goal of Heaven. Friends and family have passed on and we begin to evaluate our life from an eternal perspective. In the sweet spot of middle life, as our earlier prayers have been answered in one way or another, we settle into life routines and our prayer shifts again. Prayer becomes more focused on our day-to-day events, learning to surrender to His will. Even though we have reached a point of contentment, blessed and beautiful as it is, it presents its own unique heartaches and challenges. Our parents are becoming elderly, new worries and fears emerge as children age, and we try to navigate how to balance the service of others and our own needs and desires. Sometimes it’s hard to put words to our experiences when we are trying to pray about them. Prayers for the Midlife Season Here are a few prayers from our friends, the Saints, who have done this before. Let us to turn to them when our own words are not there. When I am in Authority O Good Shepherd Jesus, good, gentle, tender Shepherd, behold a shepherd, poor and pitiful, a shepherd of the sheep indeed, but weak and clumsy and of little use, cries out to You. Teach me, Your servant, therefore, Lord, teach me I pray You, by Your Holy Spirit, how to devote myself to them and how to spend myself on their behalf. Give me, by Your unutterable grace, the power to bear with their shortcomings patiently, to share their griefs in loving sympathy, and discretely to help them according to their needs. Taught by Your Spirit, may I learn to comfort the sorrowful, to strengthen the weak, to be weak with those who are weak, to be indignant with those who suffer scandal, to become all things to all in order to save all. Place true, just, and pleasing words in my mouth, so that they all may be built up in faith and hope and love, in chastity and lowliness, in patience and obedience, in spiritual fervor and submissiveness of mind. I commit them into Your holy hands and loving providence. May no one snatch them from Your hand, nor from the hands of Your servants unto whom You have committed them. May they always persevere with gladness in their holy purpose, unto the attainment of everlasting life with You, our most sweet Lord, their Helper, who live and reign to ages of ages. // Saint Aelred of Reivaulx When I am Busy How is it God, that you have given me this hectic busy life when I have so little time to enjoy your presence? Throughout the day people are waiting to speak with me, and even at meals, I have to continue talking to people about their needs and problems. During sleep itself, I am still thinking and dreaming about the multitude of concerns that surround me. I do all this not for my own sake, but for yours. To me, my present pattern of life is a torment; I only hope that for you it is truly a sacrifice of love. I know that you are constantly beside me, yet I am usually so busy that I ignore you. If you want me to remain so busy, please force me to think about and love you even in the midst of such hectic activity. If you do not want me so busy, please release me from it, showing others how they can take over my responsibilities. // Saint Teresa of Avila When It’s Hard to Keep Going O my Mother, Mary Most Holy, obtain for me holy perseverance and the love of Jesus Christ. When I’m Grieving Lord God, we can hope for others nothing better than the happiness we desire for ourselves. Therefore, I pray you, do not separate me after death from those I tenderly loved on earth. Grant that where I am they may be with me, and that I may enjoy their presence in heaven after being so often deprived of it on earth. Lord God, I ask you to receive your beloved children immediately into your life-giving heart. After this brief life on earth, give them eternal happiness. Amen. // Saint Ambrose When I'm Worried O my God, Trinity whom I adore, help me forget myself entirely so to establish myself in you, unmovable and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity. May nothing be able to trouble my peace or make me leave you, O my unchanging God, but may each minute bring me more deeply into your mystery! Grant my soul peace. Make it your heaven, your beloved dwelling, and the place of your rest. May I never abandon you there, but may I be there, whole and entire, completely vigilant in my faith, entirely adoring, and wholly given over to your creative action. // Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity When I Want to Complain Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue. Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all. Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks. Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor. Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. // Saint Faustina When I Need the Holy Spirit's Help and Presence Spirit of God, come upon me as You came upon the chaos of the world, as you came upon the Virgin Mary to create in her Our Lord. // Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity The Lord is just as faithful to us now as He was when we first began this journey with Him. We may hear Him less, but hopefully, we know Him more. In this season of life, He is working to make us saints in concrete ways. Our day-to-day life, even when what was once exciting but now may be mundane, is glorifying Him. Rest in the love He has for you, the sweet tender love of being known now, today, for who and Whose you are.   [bctt tweet="The Midlife Series // Prayers for the Season #BISblog //" via="no"]

Welcome to our series on the beautiful midlife season! We will explore all the blessings, challenges, and changes that accompany this time in a woman's life, from the physical, to the relational, to the spiritual, and more. Come with your questions in the comments! When I was pregnant, there was an endless flow of advice and tips from fellow moms about what to expect and how to best get through the pregnancy years. Now that those days are over, I am entering into the next phase of my female life. However, I rarely hear anyone talking about perimenopause, the time leading up to actual menopause. Women normally start getting symptoms in their 40’s, although some start even earlier. Saying Goodbye to More Babies For me, before there were any discernible physical changes, there was the emotional hurdle of facing the fact that I was most likely not going to have any more children. There were no more chances to give my only daughter a sister. And my youngest son would never be a big brother as he hoped to be. Longing for a child was not a new feeling, having gone through miscarriages and secondary infertility in my child-bearing years. I was lucky that, through it all, I was still able to bear four healthy children, and three of them after the ripe old age of 35 (as my doctor pointed out.) I knew I was blessed, but I still needed to allow myself to grieve the loss of any future children. The Pleasure of Having Older Children Our Lord consoled my heart and gave me the grace to accept His will in my life. Eventually, the longing for a baby faded away and I was able to concentrate on the pleasure of having older children. I watched in wonder as my little ones began to grow into young men and women with their own distinct personalities. On the practical side, my husband and I were able to have spontaneous dates without worrying about a babysitter. My daughter and I started to take girls weekends away as we developed a mother-daughter friendship. My workload lightened with so many abled bodies in the house. Family trips were much easier without diapers, bottles, strollers, and the missed-nap-meltdown (although there may be a teenage version of it, but that’s another story). Frankly, I love this new phase of motherhood and the possibilities it holds. Physical Changes in Perimenopause Some of the common symptoms of perimenopause—irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, headaches, sleep issues, mood swings, etc.—read like a hormonal horror story! Honestly, now that I know my body will no longer be making babies, I am ready for my period to go away for good, but I’m not looking forward to any of the negative symptoms. From what I have observed, perimenopause is as varied as menstruation is for women. While I had minimal PMS, I had friends who suffered greatly from symptoms. Likewise, I have spoken to many friends who are years younger than me who have started experiencing symptoms that I have not. However, as if in anticipation of this blog post, a couple of months ago, my period started becoming irregular and the other day I woke up feeling hot and had to take off my blankets. My sleeping pattern has been off and I’ve been feeling overly emotional lately. Like anything in life, we all have to deal with inconveniences. When we were on our periods we made sure we had back up supplies, meds for cramps, and extra chocolate on hand. In preparation for hot flashes, I can dress in layers and keep a bottle of cool water by my bed. I’m extra careful to stick to a sleeping routine and incorporate more exercise into my day. And with all things, if symptoms get severe, I’ll talk to my doctor about options. In the Bedroom The same way our bodies change after having a baby, there is a learning curve as our bodies age. The physical relationship with my husband needed some adjusting as well. On a practical side, utilizing items like lubricant or different positions helped with physical discomfort. Likewise, while I sometimes may need a little more time to “get into the mood,'' there is more freedom to relax knowing that we won’t be interrupted by crying babies or little ones trying to open the bedroom door. Plus, at least for me, I’ve reached a point in my relationship with my husband that I feel comfortable sharing these things with him. Being vulnerable and honest with each other brings us closer together. Plus, a sense of humor can ease up many things. A New Chapter This is definitely a new season in my life and I’m still navigating the waters of perimenopause. Sometimes it feels like I’m experiencing the hormonal changes of pregnancy but without the blessing of a baby at the end. However, it helps when I shift my perspective. These are more than just physical changes. They affect my body, emotions, and spirit. I’m looking at this as a season of life that holds new adventures and the freedom to explore more possibilities. One chapter may be closing, but I am excited to see what God has in store next.   [bctt tweet="The Midlife Series // Navigating Perimenopause #BISblog //" via="no"]

Welcome to our series on the beautiful midlife season! We will explore all the blessings, challenges, and changes that accompany this time in a woman's life, from the physical, to the relational, to the spiritual, and more. Come with your questions in the comments! The Middle Ages is a period of time in European history that began with the fall of the Roman Empire and continued through to the Renaissance. Much like the historical time period, the middle ages in human development brings with it a leaving behind old ways, and invites a newness of thought and priorities. The term "renaissance" actually means "rebirth." Similarly, this time between the ages of 40 and 60 can best be navigated when viewed as a time for rediscovery, recommitment, or rebirth of the self. Midlife Myths One of the phenomena in American culture most associated with being middle-aged is the mid-life crisis. This psychological crisis is stereotyped often as the middle-aged man who divorces his wife of 25 years, picks up a young trophy wife, and buys a flashy sports car. Although some of us may know individuals who show some of these behaviors, more commonly the middle years force us into a healthy examination of our own life—including our bodies, goals, and achievements. The crisis occurs when our expectations of our life don’t meet with reality and we reject the chance to grow and, instead, we regress. Another popular notion of mid-life is the empty-nest syndrome. This refers to feelings of life dissatisfaction following the raising of children. A couple devotes their life to a very child-centered way of living and once the children are gone, the couple finds themselves without a sense of purpose or even a sense of self. In reality, many families find themselves with adult children at home, still desiring that their children be more independent. In both these scenarios, the dissatisfaction comes from a disconnect between expectations of reality. Many had idolized visions of what life would look like when they reached midlife, without taking into consideration normal human development. Midlife Psychological Changes As we enter the middle years, there are fundamental things about our body and mind that change. We see changes in hormones and subsequent changes in sleep, hair loss/greying, sex drive, cognitive challenges, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and hearing and vision difficulties. Some also struggle with unfulfilled dreams leading to further disappointment. All of this can lead to isolation, depression, an increase in stress, and general feelings of dissatisfaction. Living All of Life for the Beloved The reality of midlife can be beautiful, especially for those who strive to live a life in Christ. In the early years of adulthood, it is easy to be focused on physically providing for and caring for others, leaving little time or energy to spare. Midlife brings with it a different set of challenges, but those too can be opportunities for greater spiritual growth. In fact, there is little stability in religious identity in midlife; only about 20% of individuals remain stable. The other 80% split relatively equally between those who see a decline in their faith versus those who see an increase in their faith life. The trajectories for faith development seem to be influenced by the events experienced (for example, the death of a loved one or children and family dynamics). The biological changes can also act as a catalyst for deeper spiritual growth and a renaissance of our spiritual selves as we examine our lives, even our own mortality, and we make changes in order to grow closer to and in deeper intimacy with Our Beloved. Being Aware of and Attentive to the Shifts Having an awareness of the biological and social changes of midlife gives us a chance to be intentional about how we respond. These responses are influenced by our attitude, which in turn will either help us to navigate this stage successfully or not. For instance, if we see that we are experiencing cognitive difficulties, rather than letting the changes discourage us we can start to be intentional about using our brain more (not less) and trying to challenge it in new ways. If we notice our bodies are hurting from inactivity, we can commit to moving more intentionally during the day. When we notice our metabolism changing, we can change our diet to meet the metabolic needs of our stage in life. One of the first changes I recognized was a problem with my sleep. I committed to regular sleep times, spoke with my doctor, made lifestyle changes, and adjusted my attitude such that sleepless time at night became quiet prayer time that I embraced. A Great Gift Midlife brings with it social, emotional, physical and even spiritual challenges. It can also be a time of internal quiet, reflection, and recommitment to what really matters. Our vision of health shifts away from vanity to longevity. We gain wisdom given as a gift and practiced through decades of living. Consider approaching midlife as a time of renewal, or even a rebirth, rather than rebelling against nature. Find the beauty in this time and embrace your continued growth of mind, body, and spirit.   [bctt tweet="The Midlife Series // A Renaissance of the Self #BISblog //" via="no"]

Welcome to our series on the beautiful midlife season! We will explore all the blessings, challenges, and changes that accompany this time in a woman's life, from the physical, to the relational, to the spiritual, and more. Come with your questions in the comments! As designed by God, our lives and our bodies go through changes that are unavoidable. Just like with the weather, each season of our lives brings with it its challenges and delights. Change can sometimes bring with it anxiety and uncertainty. The good news is that, throughout all those life changes, we can be sure that Our Lord is by our side, guiding us and showing us the way. Preparing for those inevitable changes is also a good idea. A New Phase of Motherhood As I write, my family is getting ready to go through a big change as our oldest daughter, Bella, just graduated high school and is leaving home for college this fall. And even though my husband and I have been preparing ourselves for this change, I know that her absence will not be easy. I will miss her sweet smile the most! Bella has been my go-to for help the last few years, driving her siblings around and picking up groceries at the store. She has such a giving heart. I will also miss those late night talks when she comes home from being out with her friends. And the phone call that comes everyday right at 6 p.m. when she's done with her part time job and is about to come home. Her first question is always, "What’s for dinner, Mom?" And as Bella moves on to the next phase of her life, I pray that God will give me the peace of mind that comes from knowing that He loves her so much more than I could ever love her. And out of that love for her, He will watch over her and guide her steps. He has beautiful plans for her life, just like He has beautiful plans for each and every one of His beloved children. A New Phase of Daughterhood Last month, while I was in Brazil visiting my parents, I had some time to reflect on how much their lives have changed. My dad is 95 years old and has had dementia for the last 7 years. Thankfully, for now, he can still shower and dress himself (although I did notice that he has a hard time buttoning his shirts). He does need to be watched to make sure he doesn't wander off onto the streets. Dad can no longer shave by himself, for fear that he may get hurt, so my siblings arranged to have someone come to the house to shave him once a week. It's hard to watch a man who, before dementia took over his mind, had so much to say. He could recall stories from 50 years ago and tell them like they just happened yesterday. Now, he is reduced to just sitting there with a blank stare on his face. I hate this terrible disease and what it has done to my dad’s mind! My mom, who is 84 years old, still has a mind as sharp as ever. Unfortunately, her physical health has been declining in the last few years. Without a doubt, being dad’s primary caretaker has taken a toll on her health. Remembering all the sacrifices they both made to care for their large family of eleven kids made me want to be there for them even more. As I was getting ready to leave Brazil after my two-week stay, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty that I would be leaving my elderly parents. Knowing that my husband and kids were anxiously waiting for my return made me feel a little better. I always say that half of my heart is here in the United States with my husband and our kids and the other half is in Brazil with my parents and siblings. And so is the life of the immigrant. My Own Midlife Change Our bodies go through a lot of changes during menopause. There are extreme shifts in hormone levels. We may not sleep well because of the hot flashes and may also experience mood swings. In the last few months, I have noticed that I have begun my midlife change with missed periods. I have to be honest and say that this part about missing periods is all bittersweet for me. It’s a sad realization that my body will no longer be able to collaborate with God in bringing more babies into the world. The hot flashes are very real. My husband and I used to sleep with the temperature in our room at 74 degrees. Now I’m finding that I need it to be around 70 degrees to help alleviate those crazy middle of the night hot flashes. Moving Forward in Peace With all that is going on with these mid-life changes, I feel ever so blessed to be exactly where I am. In the last few years, God has done miraculous things in my life. He used my amazing, holy pastor to completely heal me from the trauma of the sexual abuse I suffered as little girl. At 52 years old, I find myself with a new found purpose: to allow God to use me and my story to heal those who are still hurting from all types of trauma-induced wounds. I'm getting ready to publish my third book, Healed and Restored: A Journey through Trauma, Resilience and Transformative Healing. My heart is filled with gratitude. I am grateful that God who has been kind enough to look upon His lowly servant with eyes of mercy. Just thinking about what else God may have planned for me in the years ahead fills my soul with joyful anticipation. I have heard about many who get to this point in their life and still don’t know what their true purpose is. I am privileged to be in a season of giving back and encouraging others. And I have a strong feeling that my life story has truly just begun. A Prayer for the Season As you read this, you may be going through a tough season, dealing with crisis you didn’t anticipate, or a major life change that is shaking your foundation. Try to focus on the positive and thank God for bringing you this far. The same God who was there for you in the past is also present in the here and now, and in all the changes in between. Dear Heavenly Father, help me to let go of any fear and anxiety and replace them with a bigger trust in You. Amen. Here are a few excerpts from the Litany of Trust that relate to this season, too: From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute, Deliver me, Jesus. From anxiety about the future, Deliver me, Jesus. From the false security that I have what it takes, Deliver me, Jesus. From discouragement, Deliver me, Jesus. That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation, Deliver me, Jesus. To lean on You, Jesus, I trust in You. That my life is a gift, Jesus, I trust in You. That You will teach me how to trust You, Jesus, I trust in You. That I am Your beloved on, Jesus, I trust in You.   [bctt tweet="The Midlife Series // A Foot in Two Seasons #BISblog //" via="no"]

Welcome to our series on the beautiful midlife season! We will explore all the blessings, challenges, and changes that accompany this time in a woman's life, from the physical, to the relational, to the spiritual, and more. Come with your questions in the comments! It was my 46th birthday. There wasn’t much festivity, because it was a Wednesday. And midweek birthdays can be hard to pull off in a busy family of eight, with school and sports and youth group activities. I knew we would celebrate over the upcoming weekend, and I really was fine with that. So why did I feel so sad as I crawled into bed? Feeling melancholic about my birthday threw me for a loop. I have always enjoyed my birthday, and age has never bothered me. I entered my 30s and 40s without any desire to be younger than I was. And in fact, I tended to look forward to the year ahead—older (and hopefully wiser)—with contentment. What made turning 46 so different? Why did I “feel” my age in a way that actually made me feel old? And what brought about a sadness about life that I had not felt before? Entering Midlife Over the next few months, my husband and I had several conversations about the shifts we were experiencing in our own lives, in our marriage, and in our family. Both of us felt a little shaky and uncertain, as if our lives suddenly felt foreign to us. We noticed that what used to work didn’t work anymore. Our normal rhythms and routines no longer felt smooth. Rather, we were hitting bumps in the road and falling into some pretty wide potholes. Moreover, our communication was becoming irregular and unintentional. And we were missing out on opportunities to grow into this new season of life together. While we didn’t have many answers, we surrendered to the fact that we had entered midlife. And we wondered: now what? More to Midlife Than a Crisis Doing a simple internet search, the most common terminology surrounding the mid-life season is "crisis." Isn’t that awful? And discouraging? Why does this season of life (and not others) have to be referred to as a crisis? And is the crisis inevitable? Perhaps midlife is described as a crisis because it feels like it comes out of nowhere. One day, life is going along as it has been for the last 20 years. And the next day, life feels very different. The shift, however, happens over time. But the busyness of life distracts us from the changes that are occurring. I personally notice midlife changes in three areas of my life: Motherhood Marriage Mission Motherhood As my children graduate from high school and move into adulthood, my school-aged children are increasingly busy with school, friends, and part-time jobs. All of them still need me, but that need is different and certainly more infrequent. And while I am still called to be available, I also have more time on my hands. Time that used to be filled up so easily now sits ready for something… But what? Marriage I look across the table at my husband, and I can’t remember the last time we had a deep conversation about something other than kids, schedules, and finances. Who is this good and godly man? I want to reacquaint myself with him, but I don’t know how. It feels like there is too much to say and not enough time to say it all. Mission And then there are the goals that are still unmet. The book I have not written. The places I have not visited. Will they remain dreams? Is it time to dream anew? What is God’s call for me? And is anything preventing me from fulfilling it? From Crisis to Gift Facing opportunities to rediscover myself, get reacquainted with my husband, and redefine my motherhood feels both exciting and overwhelming. But where do I begin? How is this going to work? Recently, I was reminded that dryness in prayer is simply God’s way of preparing the soul for a deeper experience of Him. Like a farmer tills the soil before He plants a new crop, the Lord clears the landscape of our hearts before beginning a new work in us. Similarly, God uses dryness in prayer to heighten our awareness of Him or rekindle our desire for Him. On that newly-toiled plot of land, we may not see a lot of development, but the hidden work of the farmer is vital to the growth of the new crop. Similarly, midlife may feel like a desert or a newly-cleared plot of land, but that dryness or emptiness is simply God’s way of preparing us for something more. He is inviting us to pay attention to who He is and what He is doing. He is showing us that He is the answer to our questions, and our needs and desires will be met in Him. This perspective allows us to perceive midlife not as a crisis, but as a gift. We read in Ecclesiastes 3:1: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” It goes onto say that God “has made everything beautiful in its time. This confirms that midlife is not a crisis. Rather, it is a time and matter under Heaven. It is an intentional season to enter into “for such a time as this” (see Esther 4:14). And it becomes the catalyst for God to till our hearts for something new. Do You Not Perceive It? How do we make the shift from crisis to gift? How do we recognize the beauty of this season? Here are four ways I am learning to embrace midlife as a gift and recognize the blessings along the way. 1. Pray With Scripture In addition to the Scriptures cited above, here are a few verses to take to prayer during this season of life. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. // Isaiah 35:1-2 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. // Isaiah 43:18-19 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. // Philippians 1:6 2. Pay Attention While we are meant to be present to our midlife moment, it is also a time to observe where we’ve been and contemplate the direction we are going. Be grateful for the past. Reconcile wounds that I have inflicted or received. Invite the Lord to write straight with crooked lines. Be still and know that He is God (see Psalm 46:10). Hope in the Lord, even if I can’t see what He’s doing yet. Renew Your Vocation While life is no longer what it used to be, God invites us to reclaim our identity in Him and discover new ways to live that out. Be mindful of new ways to love and support adult children. Regarding time, focus on quality over quantity. Ask my husband to go for a walk. Write him a love note. Register for a silent retreat. Settle into quieter, more contemplative prayer. Let’s Journey Together I am encouraged to not shy away from talking about midlife. It can be weird and raw, because it is such a new season for me. I have nothing figured out, but I am learning as I go. And we can walk together, side by side, with the Lord as our guide, leading us through the gift that is the midlife season.   [bctt tweet="The Midlife Series // So Much More than a Crisis #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

Flos Carmeli is Latin for “Flower of Carmel.” As a child, I was under the impression that Our Lady of Mount Carmel was actually pronounced "car-a-mel." It made sense to me that Our Lady would be named after a delicious, smooth, and decadent rich candy. After all, she is the sweetest mother. Sweet as Caramel Instead of enrolling me in summer camp or something else that I deemed worthy of my time as an adolescent, my mom took me to church with her for nine straight days during the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We sang hymns to our Blessed Mother, prayed the Rosary, attended Mass, and at the conclusion of the novena, we enjoyed a parish-wide potluck. Those hymns still awaken my inner child. I can still see the printed novena booklet with the stamp on the back that says not to remove it from the church. That time spent praying to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and getting to know her more intimately each summer is one of my most treasured memories now. I was able to savor the Faith in a way that I didn’t know would impact me later in my adult life. Generational Devotion It wasn’t until much later that I realized my mom’s commitment to the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is because she was named after her, as was her mom. Both of them have Carmen in their names. My Grandma’s full name (God rest her soul) was Maria del Carmen and my mom is Carmen Elizabeth. Again, I never really connected the dots in my youth. Maybe you have a devotion in your family with a connection like that, too? My Grandma had a great love for this title of Our Blessed Mother and passed it on to my mom who passed it onto my siblings and me. What a priceless family heirloom prayer can be! Our family hasn’t been one to pass down handkerchiefs that great grandparents wore tucked into their suits or wedding rings that belonged to great, great grandmothers, but devotions like the one to Our Lady of Mount Carmel have remained. Everything that has been passed onto us is in the form of prayers, traditions of the Catholic Faith, and family celebrations (with the exception of tamale recipes). O gentle Mother, who in Carmel reigns, share with your servants that gladness you gained and now enjoy. // Flos Carmeli The Brown Scapular Our priest held the tradition of enrolling all the first communicants in the brown scapular. I have worn one ever since. My brown scapular has been an armor for me through some of my most trying moments as a teenager, young adult, and now as a wife and mother. I remember reading in the Pieta book that was given to me as a first communion gift, “whosoever dies clothed in this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire. This is Mary’s Promise made to Saint Simon Stock, July 16, 1251.” Those words aroused a great fear within me. Did that mean I could never take it off? What about when I showered? Did it have to wear it then, too? Clothed in Grace As my knowledge of the brown scapular grew I realized that Our Blessed Mother wasn’t after the nuances I was hung up on as much as wearing it reverently as a way to be clothed in her maternal intercession. For example, in my early twenties when I wanted to enjoy a night out on the town, Mama Mary would remind me not to wear clothing that didn’t honor my feminine dignity. There was no way to hide my scapular with a tube top or spaghetti strap shirt, so I ditched the outfit. Just that subtle brown cord sticking out of my clothing reminded me to be respectful towards myself and honor Our Blessed Mother. In a way, wearing the brown scapular has reminded me to WhomI belong. My brown scapular is a hidden sign to the world but a visible sign to me of my relationship with Mama Mary. A famous 18th century preacher once said, “The scapular is a bone fire set ablaze by a spark from the heart of Mary.” Our Blessed Mother stops at nothing for us to be close to her just like her Son. Some people get tattoos to demonstrate their love for Mary, but when you look closely, the scapular is more than that and is given freely. Enrolling in the Brown Scapular If you have never been enrolled in the brown scapular or are unclear about how to wear it (as I was when I was first enrolled), the Sisters of Carmel have an extensive FAQ that will provide you with peace of mind. If you would like to learn more on how to incorporate Carmelite spirituality into your daily prayer life or read the lives of Saints that practiced the Carmelite way, check out this blog post. One day through the rosary and the scapular, I will save the world. // Our Lady to Saint Dominic Third Order Carmelites One of my favorite aspects of our parish-wide novena was seeing the new third order Carmelites become enrolled in what looked like a very oversized brown scapular. Each year, a new group of women would line up in front of the altar and profess their vows, committing themselves to live out Carmlite spirituality. It was very powerful for me to see these women witness their desire to grow in holiness despite already being married and some of them being grandmas, too. Here is some additional information about third order Carmelites: Questions and answers about lay Carmelites What does "third order" mean? Discerning the third order Carmelites What is the life of a Carmelite if not one of contemplating, adoring, and loving, God incessantly? // Saint Teresa of the Andes More about the Flos Carmeli Want to learn even more about Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Carmelites, and the brown scapular? What the scapular isn’t. Why wear it. A closer look at the Carmelite rule and timeline. Videos If you are a visual person and enjoy a quick video or two these will help you understand various aspects of the brown scapular. Fr. Mark-Mary and Fr. Gregory Pine explain how the scapulars work and the different types that exist. Learn about the origins of the brown scapular. Flos Carmeli Prayer O beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful vine, Splendor of Heaven, holy and singular, who brought forth the Son of God, still ever remaining a Pure Virgin, assist me in this necessity. O Star of the sea, help and protect me! Show me that Thou art my Mother. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee! Mother and Beauty of Carmel, Pray for us! Virgin, Flower of Carmel, Pray for us! Patroness of all who wear the Scapular, Pray for us! Hope of all who die wearing the Scapular, Pray for us! St. Joseph, Friend of the Sacred Heart, Pray for us! St. Joseph, Chaste Spouse of Mary, Pray for us! St. Joseph, Our Patron, Pray for us! O sweet Heart of Mary, Be our salvation! Amen. Do you have a devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel? How did that come about in your life?   [bctt tweet="Flos Carmeli #BISblog //" via="no"]