By the time I thought of her, my pillow was soaked. The darkness disguised my tears but I worried my unbridled sobs would wake the household. In just a few weeks, my entire life had turned upside down. There wasn't an aspect of my mind, heart, or day that was not burdened by the new crosses that were gifted to us. But perhaps the most heart-wrenching cross was that, in the turmoil and uprootedness, I couldn't see the Lord. I was blinded and deafened by the tornado of circumstances that arrived in an instant, requiring my focus on the survival of those placed under my care. I railed against Him in grief, wondering why He had withdrawn the grace of His consolation at such a disastrous time. As the storms raged, I grabbed onto whatever I could and boarded up the windows of my heart. In those days, I longed for the past: times when things were easier, more normal, and less tumultuous. I longed for the comfort of the world, for a false sense of security, for "taking matters into my own hands." I longed to go back. Those unrealistic and unhealthy desires bore the kind of fruit you can imagine. [elementor-template id="707561"] Despite the lack of consolation, I knew the Lord was present and attentive to me. I also knew that standing before Him raw was better than not standing before Him at all. So as I lay in bed, shrouded in the darkness of room and heart, I cried out to Him. Then, in prayer, I thought of her. I first thought of the Israelites in the desert, wandering toward the Promised Land after being set free from slavery. I thought of how they railed against Moses because they were thirsty, hungry, tired and unsure. "Surely, Lord," I wept that night, "surely there was an Israelite woman who longed to go back. Surely there was one woman who had a decent life in Egypt, who enjoyed the produce of the land and the predictability of the days. Yet, she stayed. She chose to remain with You in the desert, in the discomfort, and in the unknown all for love of You and trust in Your promise. Surely she wept in her tent at night, longing for Egypt but longing for You more. She's the one I need to befriend and pray for me." I don't know who that Israelite woman is, but I hope I get to thank her in Heaven someday. My external circumstances didn't change. My longing for the past didn't disappear. But with the example and prayer of my friend in the desert, I trusted that He was leading me somewhere beautiful. Choosing to remain with Him in the desert gave me strength, confidence, and peace to endure the elements of my environment. // Are you looking back to a time when things were "easier," more predictable, or more controllable? How is the Lord inviting you into a deeper trust and surrender in this new place? // How has the Lord brought you through the desert in the past? Remember those moments and hold fast to them as anchors. His promise is sure, and He does not lead into the desert without the plan of the Promised Land.   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // My Friend in the Desert #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

I was caught off guard by the surge of my heart when the prospect of returning to the classroom emerged. The four years I had previously taught were some of the most strenuous (albeit rewarding) of my entire life. Truth be told, I was somewhat relieved when my husband’s job took us to a remote town with no Catholic school in which I could teach. Three years in a 9 to 5 office job had been a reprieve—especially because there was no work to be completed outside those hours. Thus, when our next move took us to a city with a Catholic high school, I was taken aback by my own excitement when offered a position to teach Theology once again. Surprise struck again in the first few months of school, but not in a positive way. Everything was different, the biggest difficulty pertaining to the students. A generational shift had occurred, and I was struggling to connect. Suddenly, I was remembering my previous place of employment with rose-colored glasses. Making matters worse, COVID-19 arrived in America that spring giving an entire new meaning to the term “grueling.” Fast forward twelve months and public opinion of teachers shifted from “heroes” to “villains.” Between the piling demands and diminishing respect, I found myself anxious for days past or a way out. [elementor-template id="707561"] One day, while reading through the Scriptures pertaining to Jesus’ agony, I was transfixed by the mob which came to arrest Him. They were armed, angry, and looking for the Scapegoat. Faced with the darkness of the moment, the disciples turned and ran. That instant, God used my imagination. Abandoned, Jesus turned to me with a face longing for my faithfulness and asked, “Do you also wish to go away” (John 6:67)? Cut to the heart, I remained. “What was good about your last school was Me and your reliance upon Me,” God corrected my weary soul. Focusing on His Word, another passage of Scripture came to mind: Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually! // 1 Chronicles 16:11 For two years, I wasted time and energy longing for the past and pining for a future free of suffering. I did not encounter grace there. However, armed with this verse to ground me in the present moment, my assurance in His mission for me has been restored. // Have you ever doubted a decision you made prayerfully once faced with its difficulties? // Have you allowed public opinion of you or your profession to sway your focus on what you know to be God’s plans for you?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Do You Also Wish to Go Away? #BISblog //" via="no"]

I gave her one last hug before she walked into the next chapter of her life. As I drove away, it finally hit me that my years of raising her were over and that a new phase of mothering an adult had begun. Over the next several weeks, I mourned my daughter’s absence from my daily life. There was one less place to set for dinner and one less child in the pew with us at Mass. I was excited for her and all that the Lord was doing in her life. But I also missed her. At one point, while reflecting on 18 years of motherhood, I began to think about all the things I would do differently if I could. I spiraled into regret, and I struggled to find my way back to the present moment. Thankfully, my annual silent retreat came about a month later. During a weekend of prayer and spiritual direction, the Lord showed me the error of spending too much time looking back, especially with regret. The reality is that no matter how much I dwell on the past, I cannot redo it. I can't take back my less-than-ideal mothering moments and the harsh words I spoke into my daughter’s tender heart. I cannot relive the good times either. And there were plenty of those to celebrate and praise God for, too. Moreover, focusing too much on the past (especially in a state of worry and regret) left me unable to appreciate the present moment. It hindered my ability to settle in and remain attentive to where God had led me, right here, right now. [elementor-template id="707561"] Returning to the present moment resulted in my ability to once again accept Christ’s invitation to remain and abide in Him. I renewed my prayer life. I became mindful of ways to love and support my adult daughter. I began talking to my husband about midlife and what that meant to us. [bctt tweet="Returning to the present moment resulted in my ability to once again accept Christ’s invitation to remain and abide in Him. #BISblog //" via="no"] The words of Jesus rang true in my ears: Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. // John 15:5 Remaining in the present moment meant I no longer glanced back or inward on myself. Rather, I lifted my gaze toward God, who took my regret and made “all things new” (see Revelation 21:5). He restored my motherhood by making “a way in the wilderness” (see Isaiah 43:19). Because mercy is deep and "He works all things together for those who love Him" (see Romans 8:28). This, my sisters, is what Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade calls the “sacrament of the present moment.” And today, I invite you to consider what that means in your own life. // How is God calling you and how will you respond to His invitation to remain in Him in the midst of a major life transition? // Are you clinging to past regrets or confessed sin and defining yourself by those things?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // What I Would Miss #BISblog //" via="no"]

As I sat in the back of the empty desert chapel, I remembered I was not alone, but with Jesus. I let my tears fall and with them, my grasping for the future. I had left the convent only some months before, accepting that I was not called to the religious life as I had thought and planned for years. My heart was brimming over with hopes for the future and a longing for marriage that had returned almost with a vengeance. So what in the world was I doing miles away from home, in a desert-village in southern Ethiopia? I didn’t have all of the answers but I knew He had called me to this mission, for this time. Yet, I was at a loss about what to do with this deep-heart longing. I was torn between surrender and a tantrum. Would I ever meet anyone? What was I supposed to do with all of this aching for love? Then I remembered some dramatically simple yet powerful words I heard from a retreat director. I was told to not be afraid of the ache and to make peace with it. In short, I was to reconcile myself with the immense longing in my heart for true intimacy and love. To the measure I could make peace with this longing, I would discover that ultimately it is the Lord alone who can satisfy—starting in this life and then fully in Heaven. [bctt tweet="To the measure I could make peace with this longing, I would discover that ultimately it is the Lord alone who can satisfy—starting in this life and then fully in Heaven. #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="707561"] I could no longer only sit in my ache with my eyes on the future. I had to begin to live from the ache. Instead of throwing myself a pity party for not yet being married, having seemingly “lost” my religious vocation, and being far from any future dating prospect in a foreign country, I had to make a decision. If I died today, unmarried and sourly single, I reasoned, could I say that I still gave my best to Jesus? Would I give all of myself, here and now? I decided my answer would be a “yes.” I would not let myself run ahead with daydreams but, instead, remain right where the Lord is with me in the ache. And it was precisely in this season, as my two years in that beautiful country were coming to an end and I held onto a newfound trust in His timing for my life, that Peter showed up. As a Dominican from the U.S., meeting a German in Ethiopia was not what I had expected. But I would not change anything about the Lord’s generous providence and learning to remain with Him in the present. // Can you perceive how His faithfulness has been with you and is with you even now, in this present moment? // What longings is the Lord asking you to lean into and to surrender to His care?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Living in the Longing #BISblog //" via="no"]

My family was invited to a celebration with some extended family members I had not seen in many years. I was uncertain about extending the olive branch. The hurt from the past started to surface like debris brought up by the ocean's waves. Hurts that belonged to other family members, hurts that I had heard of or witnessed, began to rupture the wounds I thought were healed years ago. I relegated myself to carrying the yoke of my past, acknowledging the weight but not knowing how to reduce it. Different scenarios played out in my head: How would I be perceived? How would my husband be received? What about my kids? Would they be warm towards my children or would they pay the price for the distance that had formed over the years? I grappled with additional anxiety because my mom, who often helps us navigate these particular family dynamics, was away in Mexico at my grandmother’s bedside. My siblings and I follow my mom’s lead when we interact with these family members. She shields us from the tension as we make our rounds with cordial greetings to family members. Now she was not here to buffer the tension. While my heart raced as I strategized worse-case scenarios, my kids were incredibly excited to meet family they had never met before. Their joy was no match for the unease I felt. Ignoring the invitation was not an option, even though the apprehension consumed me. I knew this offering of peace was from the Lord and I wanted to humbly obey. I felt Jesus ask me to trust Him and remain in His peace. [elementor-template id="707561"] There were not many words exchanged at the celebration, other than, "How have you been?" and, "I'm so happy you are here.” The kids played happily with dogs they had never met before. They giggled with delight as their faces were licked repeatedly. I imagined so much pain, yet none of it manifested in the worst-case scenarios I envisioned. My sleepless nights resulted from my refusal to acknowledge that I missed these family members and so deeply yearned for them to be in my life. My good name may have been swept up in the inheritance of family dysfunction, but in that moment, the past became a vibrant rainbow after a severe thunderstorm. I remained in the moment, which passed all too quickly. Jesus makes all things new, even the ruptures in our families that cause us intense pain. Today, I invite you to welcome the olive branches in your own life and families that will lead you to a greater freedom. [bctt tweet="Jesus makes all things new. #BISblog //" via="no"] // Are you being asked to foster familial bonds even though there has been pain in the past? // How is Jesus inviting you to surrender any wounds by remaining with Him in the pain, trusting Him to heal?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // An Olive Branch #BISblog //" via="no"]

I tend to keep a constant running checklist and I like to accomplish those tasks ASAP. Sweeping the floor (again), making returns, scheduling appointments… the list goes on. My last Lenten observance was aimed at being more present to my spouse and especially my children. For example, in those weekday morning hours when my to-do list threatens to turn my head away from the captivating eyes of my son and daughter and toward texts to reply to, events to plan, and emails to send. It didn’t come as a surprise on Ash Wednesday, then, when after putting my phone in a removed, designated spot, my morning was suddenly more peaceful. When I chose to be more intentionally present with my children and remain with them, I experienced the grace to let go of the list. Then, the day immediately following Easter Sunday, I justified having my phone beside me all day because I "just had too much that needed to get done." The day didn’t go well. Shocker. So today, I try again and again to focus more on my family than on my tasks. Phone or no phone, to-do list or not, being in the present moment can be hard. Duties do not disappear and they must be carried out responsibly; but I have learned that lists should not be checked off at the cost of losing patience. [bctt tweet="Duties do not disappear and they must be carried out responsibility; but I have learned that lists should not be checked off at the cost of losing patience. #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="707561"] One of the blog posts I read regularly is Christy Wilken’s The Work of Motherhood. She speaks of motherhood as sanctifying, writing that “what matters is not how perfectly our days are going according to plan, but how perfectly we are surrendering our plans to Him.” God is God, and I am human. It should seem obvious to surrender my plans to Him. So while I am still working on it, I know that, when I choose to remain, He will bear much fruit, and the fruit will be good. Without me you can do nothing. // John 15:5 When I brush past God, it is as though I am grasping at the fruit on the tree to try to fill my basket before the rainstorm. It is like I am swatting Him away, refusing His help in an effort to pave my own way. In reality, the fruit that I pluck by myself is withered and bruised. // How has surrendering your plans to Jesus born fruit in our own life? // Do you find yourself distracted and fretful when your priorities are misaligned? Have you experienced the opposite, positive fruit?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // The Peaceful Present #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

Growing up with five siblings, I always envisioned raising a large family of my own. I pictured myself like my grandmother, surrounded by a dozen children and finding my vocation and joy in serving the little hands and hearts that would fill my home. Yet the reality of my life is much different. My husband and I have experienced secondary infertility for the past six years. I encountered every emotion possible as I mourned the loss of my dream of a large family. Over the past six years, there were many moments when I grieved the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental suffering that comes with infertility. I have also lamented over my family’s future, especially when I am asked when my son will “get a sibling” by curious family, friends, and strangers. [elementor-template id="707561"] In a breakthrough of God’s grace, I found peace and even joy through remaining with Jesus in the present moment of suffering. When I started praying for God’s perfect will to be done in my life instead of simply praying “for another baby,” peace and joy arrived. [bctt tweet="When I started praying for God’s perfect will to be done in my life, peace and joy arrived. #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] There is freedom in that prayer. It compels me to absolute trust in His perfect will and the acknowledgement that His will for my life is what I truly desire, even more than a child. Painful at moments? Yes. Challenging? Absolutely. But knowing that even though I don’t have a child remaining in me, I do have the King of my heart remaining in me (see John 15:4). This is a life-giving reality. Though you may not experience secondary infertility, you may have experienced the mourning of a loss of a dream. Are you still clinging to that dream? I encourage you to surrender that dream over to Him. Give Him your broken heart, too. He wants it and only He can make it whole. Begin praying for His perfect will to be done in your life and you will find that His plan is better than any dream you could ever imagine. // What dreams have you had to surrender to the Lord? // How did handing them over give you the freedom to move forward in peace?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // Surrendering a Dream #BISblog //" via="no"]

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. // Proverbs 4:25-26 When I pray with this verse, I typically apply it to comparison of myself or my life with others, or to the moral life, or to God's plan for my life. All of these are appropriate applications, but lately, when I sit with this verse, I'm compelled to contemplate the sanctity of the present moment. My feet are quick to stray from the path of the present moment. Maybe yours are, too. But if we keep our eyes looking "directly forward," where is our focus? On Christ. If we remain fixated on His Holy Face and how He comes to us in the present moment, our path will be straight. Picking Apart the Past, Fearful of the Future So often we can become enraptured by both the past and the future. It's as though the enemy and/or our concupiscence would like us focused on anything but where grace is offered to us: in the present moment. We pluck through the past, reliving regrets or failures. We stay stuck in shame over confessed sin. Or perhaps we look to the past with longing, to times when things were easier, or made more sense, or we were “better.” The Israelites faced the same temptation when they wandered in the desert. To Moses they said, “Were there no burial places in Egypt that you brought us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt? Did we not tell you this in Egypt, when we said, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? Far better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” // Exodus 14:11-12 The Israelites desired to turn back to the former life they knew in Egypt after Moses led them out of slavery. They perceived their lot was better there, even though their future full of hope was with God, even in the desert. And we fret over the future. We want to know how, when, and where. We lose sleep and confidence in the Lord by clinging to control and fracturing over fears. Jesus knew this about our human hearts and reassured us that there is nothing in the future that is not already foreseen and cared for by Him. So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. // Matthew 6:31-32 Neither of these directions bring us the peace of staying straight on the path with our eyes fixed on Him. Being obsessed with the past or the future turns our gaze inward and we become consumed with self. Now, understand this does not condemn reflection upon the past to glorify God, remember His faithfulness, or to learn from our mistakes and experiences (we dedicated an entire series to this sort of reflection). It also does not suggest that we forsake praying about and planning for our futures so we can be good stewards of the life and resources God has given us. These are good and holy practices. But you know when you reach the tipping point. We can feel the difference in our souls between calm contemplation that compels us to prayer and stomach-churning anxiousness that compels us to distraction. And it is this kind of preoccupation that deters us from receiving what God has for us in each and every moment. Holiness is in the Present Moment Countless Saints preached on the reality of the present moment. Perhaps so many emphasized the fact that grace is available for the present moment because our human condition easily betrays it. So we know that holiness lies in the present moment. In His presence. When we fix our eyes straight ahead and on Him, we stay aware of His presence. This is exactly what Jesus tells us during the Last Supper. Remain in me, as I remain in you. // John 15:4 Peace and purpose and power are found only when we remain by His side, next to His Heart. It is in this hope and call that we embark on this year's summer series, REMAIN. [bctt tweet="When we fix our eyes straight ahead and on Him, we stay aware of His presence. Peace and purpose and power are found only when we remain by His side. #BISblog //" via="no"] [elementor-template id="707561"] Remain Summer Series Over the course of the next ten days, our blog team will share stories from their own lives in which they were tempted to look back or look ahead and the heart-chaos that resulted from that. We will see how the choice to remain with the Lord instead brought about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We invite you to join us for this special summer series on the Blessed is She blog. Whether you are in a season in which you are looking back or looking ahead rather than remaining in the present moment with Him, this series will provide you with empathy and encouragement, inviting you to turn to prayer instead turning inward. Together, let's look directly forward, not swaying to the right or the left—the past or the future—knowing that the One upon Whom we look will always make our way straight, straight to His Sacred Heart. Will you join us for this summer series? Do you find yourself in the throws of being tempted to stay stuck in the past or fretting over the future?   P.S. Grab this free wallpaper for your phone or computer to remind you of your focus during this summer series (and beyond)!   [bctt tweet="REMAIN Series // An Introduction + Invitation #BISblog //" via="no"]

When my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade, she was already fighting an uphill battle with reading. The way in which she was being taught at school was not working. And by the time she entered tutoring, she essentially had to start over. She was an extremely hard worker, so the progress she made over the next few years was astounding. It was inspiring to watch. Thankfully, she had a wonderful support system that enabled her to believe in her ability to succeed. But as I watched my daughter grow in her reading skills and in the virtues of diligence and industriousness, I also saw weariness creep in from time to time. She often asked, “Mom, why is something that is so easy for others so hard for me?” A Holy Card Introduction One day, I found a lovely holy card of Saint Joan of Arc. I admit, I knew very little about Joan, but I was drawn to the image on the front. Then, I read the prayer on the back, and I knew I had just met the perfect intercessor for my daughter. I purchased the holy card and gave it to my daughter, introducing her to this warrior Saint who would pray for her and fight alongside her. My daughter quickly latched on to Saint Joan, and she has remained her saintly friend ever since. That was six years ago. This year, my daughter chose Joan to be her Confirmation Saint, and they continue to have a close connection. A Warrior Saint Saint Joan of Arc is well known for her bravery. Just as she fought for the Church and her country of France, she now fights for my daughter and for anyone facing a personal battle. All of us could use a little bit of Joan’s warrior prayers, couldn’t we? She remains a beautiful example of someone who stands up for what she believes in, yet abides perfectly in God’s Divine Will. Unfortunately, there is a long history of misconceptions about Joan. While French Catholics adopted her as their patroness, along with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, she has remained controversial in the political realm. Yes, the French love her, but the English do not (Shakespeare even portrayed her as a witch and whore in his play Henry VI). Due to her courage and willingness to fight for something she truly believed in, she has been dubbed a hero by radical feminist groups that fail to understand the fulness of Saint Joan of Arc. Yes, women need to “Joan up” from time to time—to speak our minds and raise our voices over injustice and the reality that the world is fallen and sinful. But there is a context in which to do it. And that context is known and pursued in the Truth of our Catholic Faith. Saint Joan knew this well. The Life of Saint Joan of Arc Joan was born into the peasant class of France in 1412. She could not read or write. Yet she knew her Catholic Faith well and her relationship with Jesus was profoundly deep and personal. Before any heroic activity she accomplished in her teens, she was first and foremost a daughter of God. Her love for Jesus came first, and out of this love came gifts of deep faith and incredible strength. It was her relationship with the Lord that fueled everything she did. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI likened Joan to “the holy women who stayed on Calvary, close to the Crucified Jesus and to Mary his Mother.” From a young age, she had visions of Saints Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria, and Margaret of Antioch. At first, the messages were personal, but when she was 13 years old, the Saints asked her to fight the English army from French territory and bring the Dauphin to Reims for his coronation. The image mentioned above depicts Joan during one of these heavenly visits. As Benedict describes, “her immediate response, her ‘yes’, was her vow of virginity, with a new commitment to sacramental life and to prayer: daily participation in Mass, frequent Confession and Communion and long periods of silent prayer before the Crucified One or the image of Our Lady.” This interior preparation led her to two intense years of public mission. She petitioned to visit the French Royal Court and she convinced the army to let her be by the king’s side as it was the Lord’s will. She predicted outcomes of the war and continued to persuade officials that she was necessary for the war’s success. Facing False Accusations Ultimately, during the Hundred Years War, Joan led French troops against the English. Her recapturing of Orleans and Troyes allowed Charles VII to be crowned king in Reims. Joan was captured the following year and sold to the English. Later, she was placed on trial and falsely accused of heresy and witchcraft. She was condemned for wearing men’s clothing, yet her only reason for wearing it was to protect her virginity. The judges were French clerics, who were on the politically opposite Joan. She attempted to make an appeal to the pope, but it was denied. According to Benedict, “this Trial is a distressing page in the history of holiness.” On May 30th, 1431, at the age 19, she was burned at the stake. She asked that a cross be held high, that she “may see it through the flames.” As she was being burned, one English soldier heard Joan’s screams and her repeated invocation of Jesus’ holy Name and he later lamented: God forgive us: we have burned a saint. Twenty-five years later, her verdict was nullified, and her innocence and perfect fidelity to the Church were restored. She was beautified in 1909 by Pope Saint Pius X, and on May 16th, 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized her. A Saint Who Keeps Them Guessing Saint Joan of Arc invites us to a high standard of Christian living: to make prayer the guiding motive of our days; to have full trust in doing God’s will, whatever it may be; to live charity without favoritism, without limits and drawing, like her, from the Love of Jesus a profound love for the Church. // Pope Benedict As Saint Joan becomes increasingly popular, it is important to know who she truly was. We need to understand what it truly means to “Joan up”: Joan was illiterate. But she knew God and her Faith exceptionally well. She was strong. But went to extreme measures to protect her virginity and remain pure of heart. She was brave. But she was also respectful. She was a warrior. But she was also obedient to the teachings and tenets of the Catholic Faith. She took action. But only after listening to the voice of God. Saint Joan of Arc did amazing things. She saw through the confusion and chaos of her times, making her a perfect role model, intercessor, and advocate for our times. But before she did anything, she first and foremost loved the Lord. Only out of that love could she know the Faith and see the Truth with a purity of heart. This is why she was victorious and why she will always fight for those who seek her intercession according to the Will of God. A Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc Saint Joan of Arc, patron of France, my patron Saint, I ask you now to fight this battle with me by prayer, just as you led your troops to victory in battle. You, who were filled with the Holy Spirit and chosen by God, help me this day with the favor I ask [say intention]. Grant me by your divine and powerful intercession, the courage and strength I need to endure this constant fight. Oh Saint Joan, help me to be victorious in the tasks God presents to me. Amen.   [bctt tweet="Saint Joan of Arc // Humble Maiden, Courageous Warrior #BISblog //" via="no"]

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

I love to read: Scripture, spiritual reading, lives of the Saints, novels, and my new favorite, narrative nonfiction. Growing up, I was the kid who read the Reader’s Digest front to back. Some of my dearest friends were Anne Shirley and Nancy Drew. As I grew older, I was drawn to spiritual reading, many works drawing me into prayer. Sometimes, we want to read something light and easy. Although summer is not a liturgical season, it is often a season of renewal. It is a time to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, vacation, and often, go to the beach. You may have heard the term "beach reads," which refers to books that are enjoyable to read while you're meant to be relaxing. You can find dozens of lists of beach reads classified by being light and easy reads. Though light and easy, we don’t always want fluff. Sometimes, we want light, easy, and fulfilling. This seems to be a very narrow criteria! Summer Beach Reads for Catholics I have compiled a list of what I would consider to be Catholic beach reads. These books are engaging, easy to understand, and best of all, draw you deeper into faith. St. John Paul II: His Five Loves by Jason Evert This biography of Pope Saint John Paul II is framed in the perspective of what he loved, written by someone who loved him. John Paul II’s life was so full that it is hard to capture, but this book makes him easily approachable. The Bones of St. Peter by John Walsh This true story reads like a mystery. It tells the story of the discovery of Saint Peter’s bones under Saint Peter’s Basilica. This is a history, but told in an approachable way. Jane Austen’s Genius Guide to Life by (BIS friend) Haley Stewart I have long been a fan of Stewart’s podcast and was thrilled when I saw this book as I am a huge Jane Austen fan. Stewart frames Austen in a Catholic perspective. She links the main characters to virtues and then ties in Our Lady in a masterful way. If you love Austen like I do, or even if you are a casual fan, this one is for you. I also recommend her other book The Grace of Enough. Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Von Trapp If you love The Sound of Music and haven’t read the true story, this book is for you. Maria Von Trapp is an inspirational writer in her own right, having written multiple books about life and faith. To hear the story from her perspective is delightful. Spoiler alert: the engagement is very different from the movie. Chiara Corbella Petrillo: A Witness to Joy by Simone Troisi You are not likely to forget the picture of Chiara Petrillo when you see it: her evident joy while she wears a patch over her eye. This book tells the story of her life and marriage. I walked away feeling like we could have been friends, as we are about the same age. There were so many pieces of this book that I loved: the witness of her marriage (including the struggles) and her heroic battle with cancer (including a striking similarity to Saint Gianna). You might need tissues, but you will finish with a full heart. He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek Father Ciszek has an incredible story of survival in Soviet prison camps after World War II. He tells that story in With God in Russia, which is also a great read, but not exactly a light read. In He Leadeth Me, Father Ciszek shares the journey of his prayer during the 23 years he was imprisoned. It is honest; and in a situation you think would lead to despair, Father Ciszek shares a story of hope we can learn from. [elementor-template id="704005"] Hiking the Camino: 500 Miles With Jesus by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR Whether or not you are interested in hiking the Camino, this book is a great read. I felt like I learned many spiritual lessons without having to get the blisters of the walk! Father Dave shares both the physical and spiritual side of the Camino pilgrimage, in an engaging and humorous way. I also recommend Father Dave’s books on the spiritual life. Searching For and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacque Philippe This little book manages to be both simple and profound. I love all of Father Philippe’s books, but this one is my favorite. He gives practical guidance for facing anxiety with the Lord’s help. The Gathering Place did a podcast episode on this book, so don’t just take my word for it! The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis Overlook my inclusion of seven books in a single recommendation. Perhaps you read this series as a child. But do not write this off as a children’s series. In reading or re-reading it as an adult, you can deeply enter into the allegory of Narnia as Heaven and find yourself learning about yourself from the characters. If you have only read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, read the rest. If you read the series as a child, read it again! My favorite of the series is The Last Battle, the last of the series. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis At the risk of fan-girling C.S. Lewis too much, this allegory kept me pondering Heaven long after I put it down. Told as a fictional journey that could be read in a day, it’s a profound insight into our humanity, surrender, and holiness. I had long avoided this book because the premise and genre are not my typical preference, but now it is one I return to frequently. The Hidden Legacy by Carrie Sue Barnes This lovely multigenerational fiction novel by Catholic author Carrie Sue Barnes is a refreshing, clean story that weaves the journey of faith that will keep you reading. It smoothly weaves the journey of a granddaughter entering into her grandmother’s story during World War I. Reading is a Delight I often give thanks to the Lord for reading. From characters who reveal myself to me to books who introduce me to Saints who become friends, I find reading consoling. It resets my heart. Combine that with time away, and what a true gift it can be! I hope you can find a gift among this list! What are some favorite Catholic books that you would consider to be summer beach reads? Share your recommendations in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="Summer Beach Reads for Catholics #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Many times, I run through a day with so much on my plate between homeschooling and errands and keeping the house afloat. I wonder why I don’t always feel His presence, or why I feel devoid of Him in my heart. It dawned on me that I do hear Him: He is that whisper when I catch my breath, the whisper when I hug my family and tell them “I love you,” the whisper in the silence while I’m washing dishes or folding laundry. He is the "small whisper" (see 1 Kings 19:12). He quiets my active mind with His gentle whisper, reminding me that He is there. God’s Whisper Just singing along With the same ol’ song Ain’t nothin’ wrong But it don’t feel right I felt fulfilled That was up until I stood still Day was silenced by the night God’s a whisper on a busy day Forgotten Word I need to say Yeah the Lord hits me that way Through a whisper on a busy day He’s there reminding me Of the overlooked beauty All that I fail to see In my blindness Gently He turns my head For my sins, He bled Died on the Cross in my stead In His merciful kindness God’s a whisper on a busy day Holy Word I need to pray Yeah the Lord hits me that way Through a whisper on a busy day Amidst the craziness of it all He reminds me to answer His call Through a whisper on a busy day His Spirit breathes the Word I need to pray Yeah the Lord guides me the right way Through a whisper on a busy day   Danielle Erwin is a Catholic wife and homeschooling mother of five. She has authored a book of poetry on miscarriage after she miscarried two of her own babies and is currently working on publishing her book of poetry on the Catholic Faith.   [bctt tweet="God's Whisper // A Poem #BISblog //" via="no"]

Ciabatta bread, fresh from the oven, is one of my family’s favorite foods. It transforms an average meal into a feast, especially when served with a small plate of olive oil and shredded parmesan, and, of course, a glass of wine. Our Family's "Rosary Ciabatta Bread" Recipe I wish I could remember where I found this particular recipe. The ingredients are ordinary ones, the rise times are fairly typical, but perhaps the biggest trick is in the knead, which takes a total of fifteen minutes. We’ve nicknamed this recipe "Rosary bread," for this reason. While the kitchen mixer is busy kneading the dough, there’s plenty of time to recollect your thoughts, to pray about what’s on your mind and heart, and yes, to slip a Rosary into the mix. (Not literally, of course.) How to Make Rosary Ciabatta Bread The essential steps to most any bread making are easy enough, but today I'm seeing a connection between the wholesomeness of homemade bread, and the holiness of a domestic soul. First of all, take a look at the ingredients. What do we put in the mix for the batch of bread? Common, readily-available ingredients such as yeast, water, sugar, flour, oil, and salt. And in the mix of ingredients that make up our everyday life, what ordinary things are tossed in? Rocking the baby, balancing the checkbook, preparing meals, running errands, and much more. The big responsibilities and mini must-dos that are required in fulfilling our domestic vocation are the ingredients added into our lives. These things, measured out and poured into our days, are part of our recipe for personal holiness. Second, the ingredients need to be kneaded. You want the yeast to reach every bit of dough. We need to be needed, too, but we also have needs. In our prayer times, we pray for ourselves, others that are closest to us and those faraway, and for the world at large. Our prayers spread throughout creation, and stretch to the heights of Heaven. Today’s woman—the homemaker, the mom with a mission, the woman in small business or high stress career—can she declare her “need time?” Just as the yeast permeates the batch, prayer penetrates our hearts, opens our minds, and causes our souls to rise. Thirdly, the dough requires a rest time. This enables the yeast to do its work, which in turn affects the overall quality and texture of the bread. And so it is for us: our rest time energizes us, opens our imagination, inspires us to soar. Do we take time to rest? To wonder and ponder, to pray and play? Find time to relax, to withdraw “from the crowds" as Christ did. When, where and how do we make time for that? A spontaneous visit to the Blessed Sacrament, a scheduled Eucharistic Adoration hour, or perhaps a silent Ignatian retreat are just a few options. Fourth, after being shaped into loaves, the bread dough is ready for the oven. And for us, after being shaped by prayer, things definitely heat up for us. We are asked to do more, to give more of ourselves. This is when our prayer is put into action. Committed to a goal, with purpose declared and defined, we schedule some type of time slot for things to be formed and finished. What challenges must we face in order to develop our personal talents and creative interests? What hard things must we endure in order to get the end product, whether tangible or intangible? B e patient, but work for the result. Trust God in the process. He asks us to invest our talents, to produce good fruit for his kingdom, all for his great glory and the salvation of souls, including our own. And finally, enjoy the feast! Fresh bread shared with others fosters community. There are so many groups and gatherings, Bible and book studies, podcasts and websites dedicated to bringing women together. These places, as well as our own circle of family and friends, provide support and encouragement. We are called to share our gifts, to be a source of heavenly leaven that makes souls rise, and to invite others to the feast. Are we celebrating in heart, rejoicing in God’s love by sharing the Gospel message? How are we bringing the bread of life to others? Rosary Ciabatta Bread Recipe Ciabatta, aka "Rosary Bread" Total time: approximately 2 hours 1.Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant yeast in 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the yeast and let it rest until foamy. 2.Combine 3 ¼ cup of flour with ½ teaspoon of salt in a large mixer bowl. Add the yeast liquid. Knead at low speed for 10 minutes. 3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and continue kneading for 5 minutes at low speed. 4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes. 5 Shape into a rounded loaf and set on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Let it rise for 45 minutes. 6. Cut small slits into the top of the loaves. Optional: sprinkle with water and top with 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds. 7. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes Let us know if you make this Rosary ciabatta bread! How did it turn out? Did you get to pray your Rosary?   Laurie Schmitt, a veteran homeschooling mother of nine and grandmother of two grandprizes, is the author of Catholic historical fiction books for children, including Lepanto’s Lady (Our Lady of Victory and the Battle of Lepanto), Champions of the Rosary (Our Lady of Good Help and the Peshtigo Fire) and Giorgio’s Miracle (Eucharistic Miracle of Turin). In her writing, she aims to tell tales that weave truths of Catholic tradition and teaching, seeking to evangelize and catechize the next generation of saints. Picture books are coming soon! You can find out more about her here.   [bctt tweet="Rosary Ciabatta Bread Recipe #BISblog //" via="no"]

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. // John 14:27 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Some nights—and for a few of us, most nights—are restless and sleepless. Whether our lack of sleep is due to anxiety, a crying baby, a sick child, or a reason unknown even to ourselves, we may find ourselves wide awake at night. Over the past two years I have experienced sleepless nights in an intense way. Up most of the night, I am anxious and restless during a time when I should be peaceful and rejuvenated. What Can I Do When I Can’t Sleep? There are a few ways that I have sought help in trying to sleep: Confession Reform Wellness Prayer Turning to the Saints Ceaseless Intercession It is this last way that I would like to share about. The Saints are God’s gift to us. The Saints “do not cease to intercede with the Father for us” and lead us closer to Christ, the source of all grace (see Lumen Gentium 49). They strengthen us in our journey towards our heavenly home, instilling in us the hope of the Resurrection through their life story, witness, and prayer. The more we call upon their intercession, the more we realize how active and effective their friendship is.     Saints to Turn to When You Can't Sleep Here are some Saints to turn to when you cannot sleep at night. These Saints, each in their own unique way, encountered God during the night. They teach us how to endure nightly trials, sufferings, and wakefulness through their trust and intimacy with the Creator of nights and sleep, God Himself. The next time you are unable to sleep, ask the intercession of one (or all!) of these Saints. Saint Joseph God spoke to Saint Joseph at night. God instructed Joseph to “get up...” and act in his dreams (see Matthew 2:13). Is God asking us to do something that we have been putting off? Is God instructing us at night to do something? Do we allow ourselves to have enough space and silence during the day to hear God’s will? Or is the only space and silence that we are giving God to speak happening at night? Let us ask Saint Joseph to quiet our hearts to hear God’s will for us and to act if He is calling us to do something... something that will keep us up at night until we do His will. Saint John Bosco Another dreamer was Saint John Bosco. There is a book entitled Forty Dreams of Saint John Bosco that shares his dreams and how he spiritually interpreted them. In one dream, Saint John Bosco saw tumultuous waters, filled with battling ships. Yet there was one strong and mighty ship. On the water appeared two columns with images atop of each: one of Our Lady, Help of Christians; and on the other column, Jesus in the Eucharist. With all its might and strength, the large ship steered itself towards the two columns and finally anchored itself to them. That is when peace comes. If we are anxious, tired, frustrated, or scared when we are awake at night, let us turn to Our Lady and Jesus in the Eucharist, make a spiritual communion, and ask them to anchor us in the reality of their love for us. Saint Mary Magdalene Awaken early to greet the Resurrected Christ, Saint Mary Magdalene is the nightly watch-woman. “Upon my bed by night I sought him whom my soul loves…” (Song of Solomon 3:1). While others slept, the apostle to the Apostles was awake and ready to receive the grace of encountering Christ in the quiet early hours. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati This Blessed in Heaven would spend entire nights in Adoration. One night, while kneeling and adoring Jesus in the Eucharist, Frassati became completely consumed in prayer. A witness saw that hot wax from the candles he was kneeling beside began dripping on him and Frassati didn’t even notice. He didn’t even flinch. When we are awake at night, let our first thought be of Jesus, who asked His disciple in His deepest agony, “Could you not watch one hour?” (Mark 14:37). Saint Faustina Kowalska Saint Faustina would spend hours up at night undergoing temptation and spiritual attacks. Let us repeat her words, “Jesus, I trust in You” each night. Let us trust in Him that He is with us, that He loves us, that He is stronger than any temptation we encounter. And even if our bodies cannot rest, let us rest in that love He has for us. Who are your favorite Saints to turn to when you can't sleep? Let's get our own litany going!   [bctt tweet="Saints to Turn to When You Can't Sleep #BISblog //" via="no"] MARY SHOWS US THE WAY Just as a mother might pass on a beloved family tradition to her daughters, Mary shares the recipe for growing in virtue with us. This study on Mary's Virtues will breathe new life into your everyday, beginning right in Mary's home. GET HOME STUDY