How often we lean on our Lord and ask him to stay with us. To abide in us. We cry this out to him when we're struggling and on our knees asking Him to stay with us through a trial. We may even find ourselves saying it when we have a prayer answered just to stay in that moment for a little longer—scared for the moment of joy to pass. -Padre Pio, Stay With Me prayer for after receiving Holy Communion Reflect It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Lead + Stay #BISblog #BISrests //"] Curated by Antonia Lisica. You can find out more about her here.

It was a wedding reception I’ll never forget. It’s not that it was particularly grand. In fact, it was a simple and lovely affair in a modest, windowless church basement. We in the bridal party joined dozens of friends of the couple who had arrived just after the wedding to help set up for the reception. As I watched, billowing white curtains went up around the perimeter of the room to hide stacked chairs and boxes, strings of lights were hung to create a delicate, twinkling, canopy above, and fine china was gently laid at each place. And as I jumped in to assist, I couldn’t help but think of the profound words I’d just heard. “Your marriage is not just for you,” the priest had pronounced in his thoughtful homily. “It is for your family, friends, neighbors.” I looked around, and saw this truth in spades. Wedding Season and the Single Woman Wedding season is upon us. Chances are, you’ve got Save the Dates plastered all over your fridge, car rides and flights planned to ceremonies all over the country, and maybe even a bridesmaid dress or two hanging at the ready in your closet. And, if you’re single, this could be a complicated season that brings many layers of emotions, from joy to sadness, hope to despair. From one single lady to another, here’s some encouragement for making the most of it all. 1. Embrace the joy. For starters, a wedding is meant to be a joy-filled affair. What an honor it is to share in the joy! When attending weddings, I often offer up a prayer like this: Lord, fill me with joy as I celebrate the union of these friends of mine. Whatever the current state of my heart, He always answers. I revel in the celebration with my fellow guests, give thanks for the couple’s devotion and commitment, and recall my favorite memories of their story. At Catholic weddings, we have the chance to rejoice in the beauty of the Sacrament, drink in the graces of the Mass, and marvel at the gift of our Faith. No matter your state in life, a wedding is a foretaste of that joyful marriage feast, that blessed Heavenly invitation that awaits us. As you watch the joining of a man and woman in marriage, remember the spousal love that Jesus has for you. It's the love of the Bridegroom for you, His bride. Let that love fill you with joy. 2. Serve generously. At every wedding you attend, your presence is a gift to the couple. You are a witness to their love. And whether you’re fixing the bride’s train at every turn or sitting alone in the back row, you have a chance to serve. Can you offer to hold a baby to let her parents have some fun on the dance floor? Keep an elderly couple company? Commend the bride and groom’s parents for raising such wonderful children? Strike up a conversation with a wallflower? Introduce old friends to guests you’ve just met? Show gratitude to the hardworking staff? I find that when I’m living in the moment and looking for ways to be a gift, I enjoy weddings immensely. 3. Avoid comparison. As a single person longing for marriage, I know it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparison when watching a bride walk down the aisle. To avoid that wily thief of joy, I find that it helps to practice gratitude throughout the wedding day, to redirect my focus to the happy couple, and to look for the ways that their union is in fact a great blessing to me. “Rejoice always,” writes St. Paul. “Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). If, however, envy creeps in, remember that God is always ready to receive your hurting heart, if that is what you have to offer Him. When I’ve been tempted to compare, I remind myself: It’s not about you. But take heart... 4. Remember that you matter. You are a unique and irreplaceable member of the Body of Christ, and you matter greatly. Every wedding guest watching the couple pronounce their vows is not only a witness to the love that led them down the aisle, but ought to remain a friend and support throughout the couple’s married life together. My friends’ marriage isn’t just for them, as that priest wisely said. It is for the whole Church, and it is for me. If one part of the body suffers, all suffer with it. And if one part rejoices, all share its joy. This can be seen so clearly at a wedding celebration, where the couple’s love already gives life to those around them, buoying their spirits, bringing hope to a suffering world. As the bride and groom have just committed to standing side by side through good times and bad all the days of their life, they will rely on the support and encouragement of friends like you along the way. So, this wedding season, I pray that you will be blessed with deep joy, and that you will remember your great worth, ring or no ring. After all, we’re destined for a Heavenly banquet. If you're single, do you struggle with wedding season? How do you find ways to be joyful even when it's hard? [bctt tweet="Navigating Wedding Season as a Single Woman #BISblog //"] Emma Dickinson resides happily in the City of Brotherly Love (and triumphant sports fans). In her spare time, she enjoys reading too many books at once, training for her first triathlon, and hosting dinner parties. You can find out more about her here.

The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the church and to the whole world. -Pope St. John Paul II It is commonly repeated from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life’” (CCC 1324). With this in mind, it is no surprise that the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. [bctt tweet="The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life'. #BISblog //"] The Feast of Corpus Christi Pope Urban IV declared the Solemnity of Corpus Christi a universal feast in 1264. He requested that great Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, compose the liturgical texts for this feast day. Aquinas is known for his Summa Theologiae and for showing the natural harmony between faith and reason. It was a timely request. It came during a time when many scholars debated Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist. Aquinas on the other hand, provided the philosophy behind his definition of transubstantiation. He wrote that God extends his action “...to the whole nature of being” and that, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: ...the whole substance of the bread is changed into the whole substance of Christ's body, and the whole substance of the wine into the whole substance of Christ's blood. Hence this is not a formal, but a substantial conversion; nor is it a kind of natural movement: but, with a name of its own, it can be called "transubstantiation". -ST III. Q75. A4. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said about Aquinas, "The beautiful hymns that the liturgy of the Church sings to celebrate the mystery of the real presence of the Body and Blood of the Lord in the Eucharist are due to his faith and theological wisdom." These hymns include texts which Aquinas wrote for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi such as Adore te Devote, as well as the Tantum Ergo, both of which are often sung during Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. Eucharistic Processions In addition to the beautiful hymns that our Church sings to celebrate the Real Presence, we also have the tradition of Eucharistic processions. Processions are an ancient tradition which have taken place from the Old to the New Testament. From the Ark of the Covenant in the Old to the procession of Jesus on Palm Sunday in the New. The Council of Trent encouraged the tradition of processions in order to emphasize the Catholic Church’s belief in the True Presence. In medieval times, whole towns and cities would participate in the procession, including nobility and military guards. As the Eucharist passed by the townspeople’s homes, they would kneel outside of their homes in reverence. This custom provides us with a great opportunity to give a public witness of our Faith. It reminds us that as we walk with Jesus before us, we are also walking with Him on our earthly pilgrimage to Heaven. Bringing Christ Enfleshed with Us Everywhere Benedict XI said that the tradition of the Corpus Christi procession gives us the opportunity to “immerse [Christ], so to speak, in the daily routine of our lives, so that he may walk where we walk and live where we live.” This Solemnity, I will be evaluating how well I am immersing Christ in the daily routine of my own life. Are you aware of Jesus’ presence in your walk and in your home? If not, ask Him how He wants you to bring Him into your daily routine. Ask Him to make His presence known to you as you walk with Him each day. Remind Him that He is invited into your home. Happy Feast of the Most Precious Body and Blood of Jesus! [bctt tweet="Corpus Christi: The Secret of the Day #BISblog //"] THE GREATEST GIFT In this study on the Eucharist, we explore the truth that Jesus is the answer to your every need. Join us as we explore John chapter 6 to learn how the reality of the Holy Eucharist applies to our lives. Discover what a gift He is. GET THE GIFT STUDY

Growing up, I went to Catholic school. I was involved in my church—Friday nights were youth group, Thursdays were worship group rehearsal, Sunday nights were Adoration and Confession, etc. Because of this, most of my friends, especially my closest friends, were, like me, staunch Catholics. This can be super beneficial, especially when we’re struggling in Faith. Close Catholic friends help us to grow in holiness, push us to discover God’s will for our lives, and support us in our spiritual ups and downs. Broadening Friendship But when I went to college, I found that most of the people I met weren’t anything like my “church friends” from home. In fact, most of them weren’t religious at all. If you’ve had a similar experience—maybe in the workplace or in a new city—then you know what I mean. I was more than a little out of my depth. Catholics around me were talking about fostering Christ in my friendships. But in most of my friendships, I was the only religious one. How was I supposed to have “holy” friendships if most of my friends weren’t religious? How to Foster Holy Friendship with Non-Catholics Although all friendships are different, and friendships with non-Catholics certainly have a different dynamic than friendships with Catholics (for example, my non-Catholic friends don’t typically accompany me to daily Mass or send me encouraging spiritual reflections on bad days), there are ways to bring Christ into friendships, even if only one person in the relationship is Christian. [bctt tweet="There are ways to bring Christ into friendships, even if only one person is Christian. #BISblog //"] Speak Honestly One experience that I had with new, non-Catholic friends was repeated inquiries about my Faith. Why did I believe in Jesus? What did the Church say about this or that issue? At first, I found this overwhelming. I felt like I had to represent the whole Church with my limited experience and theological knowledge. But before long, I realized that if I resolved to be honest about my faith and my relationship with God, the Holy Spirit could use my faith to clear up others’ misconceptions about the Church. By seeing my joy, they could encounter Christ, even if indirectly. One friend even told me, “I thought the Church was just about repressive rules until I met you.” Give of Yourself “There is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend,” Jesus tells us. While He was speaking about His Death and Resurrection, the same goes for all our earthly friendships. If we’re willing to do what He would do in our relationships, we can be an example to them of what real Christianity looks like. This can be as simple as sending a friend a “good luck” text message before a job interview or a big exam, or as big as helping them through a family crisis. It can be a kind word shared when they choose to confide in you, or making sure they get home safe if they’re walking late at night. Whatever it is, being willing to give of ourselves—our time and our talents—in friendships is a sign of a holy, healthy relationship. Learn from Each Other There was a time in my life where, any time I spoke about my Faith with others, including friends, my aim was to “convert” them to my opinion and beliefs. Although we have a missionary Faith, this tactic usually isn’t effective, and I’ve seen it harm many perfectly good friendships. While we should always be honest and open about our Faith, a better way to foster holy relationships is to share and listen with mutual respect. By discussing spirituality with non-Catholic friends, I’ve learned a lot about different ways people’s beliefs develop. By speaking with friends who grew up Catholic and no longer practice their Faith, I’ve also learned what the Church needs to do better and how, unfortunately, some people (especially young people) fall away from the Church before they encounter Jesus. The truth is, a friend is far more likely to see Christ in you if you listen to them and love them than if you try to evangelize them for the sake of winning an argument or getting them into RCIA. Being Christ to All Our Friends Ultimately, Jesus calls us to be His Hands and Feet on earth. One image that helps me immensely in how I choose to live out this mission in my daily life, especially in my relationships, is that of the monstrance. When the host is placed in the monstrance, all of our focus is on Jesus, not on the beautiful container that holds Him. As Catholics, we should strive to live the same way. No matter what we do, everything should come from the intention of showing others Jesus: His love, His mercy, His grace, His freedom. [bctt tweet="No matter what we do, everything should come from the intention of showing others Jesus. #BISblog //"] In friendships, we may desire for those close to us to know Christ like we do. That’s a totally valid desire. As Catholics, we hope that one day all people may join us in the Paschal Mystery in Heaven. But sometimes, the more loving thing is to meet people where they are. If they ask about our Faith, we should answer them honestly. We shouldn't hide what we believe, but we should also respect what others believe and why. Sometimes the missionary work of loving people as Christ did is far more effective than what we typically think of as evangelization. How do you foster holy friendship with people who aren't Catholics or Christian? What's been your experience? [bctt tweet="Fostering Holy Friendship with Non-Catholics #BISblog //"] Katherine DeCoste is a student of English and History at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. When she isn’t writing papers or studying for exams, she spends her time playing music, writing poetry, and striving to serve the Lord in small things.

My friend and I chatted over chips and salsa and margaritas. She sighed and confided, "I just wish I had a better understanding of my place in the Church, as a woman, and particularly as a working single woman. I'd like to be affirmed in the value I bring to the mission of the Church." We talked more about this, and I eventually recommended she read Mulieris Dignitatem. Later that night, she texted me screen shots of particular passages that were touching her and wondered aloud, "Why hasn't anyone told me about this until now?" The Role of Women I'm afraid my friend isn't alone in her sentiments. Many modern women often feel like they're in the dark when it comes to their role in the Church. And while Mother Church has been explicit about the dignity and vocation of women throughout the ages, particularly in the last century, sometimes we need to see it in action. We need to see women around us living the beautiful roles to which they're called. We need to see the truth of the Church lived out in the daily lives of strong, holy women around us. At a time when our culture is confused about and hostile toward authentic femininity, it can be challenging to remain confident and clear about our mission and purpose as women. God's creativity is endless, and a marvelous thing about women is that living that mission and purpose will look endlessly different. Our personalities, passions, callings, vocations, and service are varied. But all come from the same source: the Heart of God. So no matter what our particular life's calling is, all women are called to find and use their voice for His greater glory. [bctt tweet="All women are called to find and use their voice for His greater glory. #BISblog //"] A Woman's Voice I was privileged to recently witness breathtaking examples of such strong, holy women using the particular voice God gave them in a film just released by Salt and Light Catholic Media. A Women's Voice is a documentary highlighting several various Catholic women throughout the world. These women range in ethnicity, race, age, socioeconomic scale, vocation, work, and personality. Each illuminate the Church's vision of womanhood. Throughout this documentary, we are introduced to a professor, a religious sister, the mayor of Bethlehem, a mother of quadruplets, missionaries at an apostolate, a CEO, a journalist, and more. We are given a sneak peak into their interior lives, discovering how Catholicism influences and drives their daily tasks. They are each convicted in their calling and are able to bring such passion, focus, and success to their varied work because of their trust in God. At one point during the documentary, a women declares: Every Christian has a place in the Church. [bctt tweet="Every Christian has a place in the Church. #BISblog //"] A Moment of Enlightenment and Encouragement If you've ever felt like you're not quite sure what your place is, this documentary is for you. If you are confident in how the Lord works through you, but you could use some encouragement, this documentary is for you. As I watched these women tell their stories—filled with both tragedy and triumph—I was filled with a sense of awe, respect, and a renewed desire to serve and grow right where the Lord has placed me. The insights these women provide, by virtue of their suffering and their courage, moved me to uncover what God has for me in the every day work He has given me. Most notably, my husband heard me holler "Yeah!!!" several different times while watching the documentary. I was so inspired by these women and encouraged by their example, I couldn't help but let out a battle cry (just watch the trailer, you'll see what I mean). Additionally, it's a stunning piece of visual work and the music is masterfully created and curated. A Woman's Place I won't spoil the ending for you, but the documentary concludes by defining where a woman's place is in the world and in the Church. It's incredibly moving, comforting, and inspiring. You can find the documentary (I highly recommend it!) and an accompanying study guide here. This would make an excellent activity for your small group or for a wine and cheese night in your home. It's so important that we continue to nurture the understanding of our great dignity and vocation as women, and it's fruitful when we do so in community. This film is a magnificent tool in which to better understand our unique and irreplaceable callings as unique and irreplaceable women, what it means to be a woman in the Church and in the world, and how we can best support one another as we all journey toward sainthood. [bctt tweet="Women in the Church: A Review #BISblog //"] Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She is the Blog Manager for Blessed is She. She also works from home as an editor and social media manager while raising her children and laughing with her husband. Although she now spends most of her free time away from the internet, past adventures are still on her blog. You can find out more about her here.

I’m sure I am not alone in thinking that the winter of 2017/2018 will go down in history as the longest winter ever. Well into April, freezing temperatures and snowfall upon snowfall plagued our sisters all over North America making us wonder… Will summertime ever arrive? Are we destined to freeze forever? But we know better than that, don’t we? We know that our good and gracious God isn’t stagnant and neither is the world He created. We believe that: For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) And now, here we are at the end of May. The school year is wrapping up. Grocery stores are having sales on everything from charcoal to hamburger buns. And sunscreen has made its inaugural appearance on your shopping list. A Mother's Prayer for Summer So, take a moment with me now, will you? As we sit on the precipice of another summer and all the fun and beauty it brings, join me in prayer. A prayer of thanksgiving and hope and protection for all of our sisters, our families, our friends, and the adventures that summer will bring us. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Dearest Father… You are the Creator of the seasons and the Master of the sun. With winter now past and spring in full bloom, we thank You that, once again, You have brought us from glory to glory. Out of the cold of the snow into the refreshing rains of springtime, You have faithfully been with us. When we didn’t think we could take one more snow day or one more chilly night, You sent us sunshine. When everything in nature seemed brown and lifeless, You made things to grow and bloom. We thank You, Lord, for the cold that makes us appreciate the warmth and for the rains that make the sun appear even brighter. Many of our families were touched by illness this winter, Lord, so we thank You for healing and for the restoration the warm weather brings. And because of the studies and activities and obligations that have kept us hopping for months on end, we thank You for the promise of rest, relaxation, and the slower pace of summertime. Jesus, our Brother… Journey through the summer with us. Be with us as we sink our toes into the sand, hike through the mountains, and play on the playgrounds. Laugh with us when our kids’ goggles are too big and bathing suits won’t quite cover their little bottoms. Sit with us on porch swings and poolsides, beaches and bicycles. Run with us in the sunshine and sit with us in the shade. And, Jesus, when the days of rains come or the heat gets to be too much, rest with us. Wherever our summertime quest takes us, never let us forget to find You in all things. Remind us that You are always with us, no matter where we roam. And inspire in us a desire to seek You out in every new place, new church, new destination. Because in finding You, we find our home. Spirit of Mercy… New adventures and increased family time are so much fun, but can honestly be a bit taxing at times. Please help us to show Your mercy and love to our children, no matter what excitement they undertake. Keep them safe in the water and wherever else they venture. Help us to be brave when they want to try new things, be it sleep-away camp or a new sport. Please, Holy Spirit, let them not forget every single lesson they learned in school last year. Lead us not into too much screen time, but deliver us from the complaints of boredom. Inspire in us some extra creativity to fill the long days, and grant us peaceful rest through the nights. Bless our families and friends and communities, this summer, Lord. Amen. [bctt tweet="A Mother's Prayer for Summer #BISblog //"]

The main battle in prayer is perseverance. As St. Teresa of Avila notes, the devil does all he can to get souls away from faithfulness to prayer, using every possible or imaginable excuse: it’s pointless, you’re not worthy to pray, you’re wasting your time, you’ll pray better if you put if off till tomorrow, there’s this urgent thing you must really do now, it would be a shame to miss that fantastic TV program, what are people going to think of you, etc. St. Teresa explains that it is natural for the devil to put up a stiff fight on this point, for someone faithful to prayer is quite certainly lost to him.That person may still fall often, but after each fall he or she will have the grace to rise up again even higher than before. -Fr. Jacques Philippe, Thirsting for Prayer Reflect Nothing good comes easily. You have to lose things you thought you loved, give up things you thought you needed. You have to get over yourself, beyond your past, out from under the weight of your future. The good stuff never comes when things are easy. Shauna Niequist Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. I recommend praying with “Take Courage" by Bethel Music & Kristene DiMarco. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Over + Onward #BISblog #BISrests //"] Curated by Patty Breen. You can find out more about her here. This post contains an affiliate link, which means Blessed is She will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through our link. Thank you!

When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. -Henri Nouwen Life never unfolds as we plan it. Somehow those girlish dreams of our childhood vanish as reality sets in. We don’t imagine our lives to include loss, suffering, or loneliness. But the truth is that we cannot fully embrace the human experience without these trials. Inevitably, suffering happens–whether it’s raising a child with a rare disease (as in my case), or caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s, or repairing your broken heart after a divorce. Shortly after my daughter, Sarah, was born with Apert syndrome, God presented me with a choice: victimhood or victory. I saw myself on the convergence of two distinct paths, and I knew that whichever path I chose would lead to either destruction or joy. Before making my choice, however, the Lord said with the tenderness only He can give: “Victory cannot come without the Cross.” In a world with so much brokenness, including our own, how do we possibly navigate the landscape of tragedy and discover the triumph of healing? There is a way. It is actually through our brokenness, not instead of it or in spite of it–but through it and because of it. [bctt tweet="Victory cannot come without the Cross. #BISblog //"] Finding Yourself Again After a Trauma or Tragedy First, we have to remember that nothing is wasted on God. If you are anything like I am, you probably look in retrospect on your younger years with a lot of guilt and shame, wishing you’d never faltered the way you did. You might have some regrets and wish those mistakes had never happened or that you could redo certain parts of your past. But the reality is that God can and does redeem our mistakes. Every sin we commit, no matter how heinous, can transform us in a way that life without any sin would not. As we grow in holiness, we become remorseful for our sins. And when that happens, God invites us to hand every shameful, horrid thing into His hands. When it passes through His hands, it is redeemed. The key is that we have to make this an intentional act, sometimes multiple times a day. It must become a habit, which means we have to practice this “handing over” time and time again. It’s no small feat to discover your authentic identity as a beloved daughter of God when you have been battered and broken, sometimes as a victim of trauma or abuse. Even the sins of others against you can be redeemed when you pass them into God’s hands and heart. Pray to forgive yourself and those who have hurt you. Then you will, gradually without noticing it, become the woman you always knew you were. Healing Cannot Occur Without Entering the Pain The world will tell you (in so many words) that you should avoid your suffering at all costs. We might adopt the societal worldview that suffering is a form of punishment. As a result, we turn away from it, reject our crosses, and find ourselves fighting against something that is intended to purify and sanctify us. If it’s true (and it is) that God uses absolutely everything–every misfortune, broken relationship, tragedy, oppression, etc.–for our ultimate good, then we have to shift our perspective about suffering. When Sarah was born, I had to wrestle with the reality that I was being called to live out what I had always been taught about redemptive suffering. It was time for me to truly learn how to suffer well. The longing for wholeness and healing is ubiquitous. But most of us want to bypass the arduous work of entering into our pain. We’d rather simply skip facing what hurt us and go straight to the inner peace. If you truly long for wholeness, though, you have to accept your brokenness and allow it to change you from the inside out. Henri Nouwen wrote: Healing is not a step away from the pain, but a step toward it. Know that pain is your teacher, and if you listen to what it tells you, you will begin to walk your own Calvary alongside Jesus and the Blessed Mother with greater surrender and trust. [bctt tweet="Accept your brokenness and allow it to change you from the inside out. #BISblog //"] Becoming a Blessing to Others Through Vulnerability What is it about becoming vulnerable to others that is so frightening? For me, it is an intense fear of rejection, criticism, or ostracism. I seldom have the courage to be myself, without pretense, in a group of total strangers. Even writing on this subject is an act of extreme vulnerability. It’s tough stuff. Our brokenness is an opportunity to bless others, however. If I am practicing the act of handing over my pain and misery to God through prayer and then trusting He will make whole what has become damaged and shattered, I will also grow in a deeper awareness of the brokenness of others. And I won’t want them to feel alone in their own journey. What I’ve learned, ultimately, is that my very personal and unique form of brokenness is an invitation to accompany others who are suffering a similar journey. It’s to show them that there is beauty and, yes, joy in our sorrowful seasons of life. When I live as a daughter of the Resurrection, I don’t shove aside the necessity of the Cross, nor do I present suffering as the ultimate end. Our goal is always, always new life. Allow Jesus to bring you to resurrection through your brokenness. Press your wounds into His wounds. Console Him when you are lonely. And then you will learn that to suffer well is to love well. Are you going through a period of brokenness? Have you been able to find the blessing in it? [bctt tweet="How Your Brokenness is Blessed #BISblog //"] Jeannie Ewing is a Catholic spirituality writer who focuses on grief, redemptive suffering, and waiting. Her books include From Grief to Grace and Waiting with Purpose. You can learn more about her here.

When The Blessed is She team first discerned and decided that the theme of the Blessed is She retreats for 2018 would be Wild, I had no idea just how much it would live up to its own name. Why Wild? In large part, Wild was inspired by a verse from St. John’s Gospel where Jesus tells a would-be follower named Nicodemus: The wind blows where it wills… so it is with everyone born of the Spirit. -John 3:8 There’s something so attractive and, well, wild, about the kind of life Jesus describes. A life of adventure and docility to the Spirit. It’s the kind of life I want to live, and we hoped the retreat would invite other women to live with the same freedom and joyful abandon Jesus promised. So we opened ourselves up to allow the Spirit to send us wherever He willed, planning to host a retreat in every region of the United States represented in our online community. But the Holy Spirit had something more in mind for Wild. The Wind Blows Where it Wills One email invitation to host a retreat abroad became a lively Facebook thread in the Europe regional group. Next, I met a group of hungry, holy Irish women. We prayed together for God to bless and bring revival to their home country, whose strong roots of Faith have begun to atrophy dramatically in recent decades. We prayed together again, if it was His will, to host a retreat in Ireland. And we kept praying. Nudges from the Holy Spirit Then Jenna’s (our founder) daughter brought home a handmade holy card of Our Lady of Knock. And I ran into a guy wearing an Irish flag on his t-shirt at the grocery store. Then I chatted with another young Irishman at the airport while we waited for our orders. These are only a few of what feels like a hundred more coincidences, or confirmations, depending on how you look at it. As big and unbelievable as it it seemed, we began to believe that God was indeed calling us to bring a retreat to the Emerald Isle. The Bishop's Blessing But the greatest confirmation came when we met with our ministry’s spiritual director, Fr. John Parks, Vicar of Evangelization for the Diocese of Phoenix, along with our local Bishop, Thomas Olmsted. On the feast of St. Brigid of Ireland, our beloved Bishop listened attentively to our discernment, affirmed the call, and sincerely encouraged us go and serve. That settled it. We were going to Ireland. The Lord's Mission to Ireland I was already in touch with some amazingly generous and talented Blessed is She sisters in Dublin who helped us to better understand the religious climate in our new host city. We began to view this call to Ireland as a mission rather than an event. So while the ticket sales do cover some of the cost of putting on a retreat, there are additional, more costly things to consider. Like plane tickets from Arizona to Dublin for our team, lodging, and international shipping for requested bulk items like planners and Advent journals as well as decor and swag bags. Our desire is to provide the same retreat experience for the women of Ireland (and all over Europe!) that our U.S. sisters have within driving distance. I am confident that the Holy Spirit, known by the ancient Celts as the Wild Goose, wants to be unleashed in Ireland in new and transformative ways. I believe with all of my heart that God desires to use this retreat to invite the women into a dynamic relationship with Him. Will You Join Us in this Mission, Too? By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to be missionaries, and we want you to go on mission with us. The call the Lord has given to us has been given to Blessed is She. It's given to our entire community. As a part of this community, this call belongs to you, too. The grace of this mission and this retreat is offered to you. Whether you attend the retreat (you’re all invited!), pray intentionally for the women who will attend and for their beautiful country, or if you purchase this gorgeous, custom-made Wind necklace from Pink Salt Riot to financially give to the mission. One hundred percent of the proceeds for the Wind necklace go to fund the Ireland retreat. Even if you can't join us physically in Ireland, you can help make this mission financially possible by purchasing this necklace. Wear it as a reminder to pray for the Dublin retreat, to pray for the women of our international Blessed is She community, and of Christ’s invitation to you to live a life of freedom led by the Holy Spirit. Have you purchased the Wind necklace yet? Feel free to share a picture and tag us on social media to let us know! [bctt tweet="Be a Missionary to Ireland (Our BIS Retreat) #BISblog //"] Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, a recently retired youth minister, and the Director of Ministry Advancement for Blessed is She. She is passionate about teaching women how to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus and speaking hope to weary hearts. Her favorite things include being an aunt to her five fantastic niece and nephews, the Saint Name Generator, and whatever book she’s currently reading. You can find out more about her here.

I absolutely love reading the stories of the Saints. Their lives and adventures are breathtaking. Sometimes even unbelievable. They traveled the world, went to great lengths to serve the poor, dedicated their lives to foreign missions, performed miracles, and climbed mountains (just to name a few). But when I read these incredible stories of the Saints’ great lives, I often end up thinking to myself, “I could never have those kind of saintly adventures. I don’t have the time, the money, or the means to take a break from my responsibilities to travel or try something new.” Ways to Find Daily Adventure with the Saints Those obstacles might be a reality for many of us. But when we look at the habits and examples of these five Saints, we can find daily adventures that help draw us closer to the Heart of Jesus. Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati This young saint desired to attend Mass every single day and went to great lengths to make it happen. He didn’t want to wake his family when he left for Mass so early in the morning. So he tied a string to his hand and ran the other end out his window so their housekeeper could pull the string at 4 a.m. when he needed to wake up and sneak away for Mass. The nearest Catholic Church to his home in the mountains was 8 miles uphill. He hiked it every morning so he could make it to Mass before his daily activities. What zeal for the Eucharist! Our Daily Adventure Try to carve out an hour this week to attend a daily Mass. There’s extra adventure and joy if you bring someone along: your kids, your husband, a coworker, a friend you haven’t seen in awhile. Pier Giorgio always said, “Verso l’alto!” which means, “To the heights!” How fitting that the Mass is the source and summit of our Faith! Bl. Chiara Luce Badano In 2010, this Italian teenager became the first member of Generation X to be beatified. Chiara was outgoing, smart, athletic, and so adventurous that she dreamed of becoming a flight attendant. Something I love about her (and relate to) is that she loved to hang out in coffee shops to read, write, and spend time with her friends. Our Daily Adventure Like Chiara, take some time this week to find a new coffee shop or bakery you’ve never visited. Branch out. Go to a different part of town. You could bring your Bible along for some lectio divina amid the glorious smell of coffee beans. Or meet up with a friend for a long-overdue coffee date. Pope St. John Paul II John Paul II is arguably the most adventurous Saint I know. He camped, acted in plays, played soccer, traveled, and skied from his youth even through his years as a Cardinal. During his papacy, he traveled the distance of earth to the moon three times! The one thing he did more than travel was write. He wrote works of fiction, poetry, exhortations, letters, homilies, and more. If you totaled up everything that John Paul II wrote, it would equal more than 20 Bibles (he averaged 3,000 pages per year during his time as pope). Our Daily Adventure Follow John Paul II’s example, and spend some time writing. There are infinite adventures to be found through writing. Try composing a fictional story, a thank you letter to someone who has impacted you, or a prayer of thanksgiving for how God is working in your life this week. Our words, too, can make a difference, inspire others, and be an adventure. St. Bernard of Bontjoux This Saint was a priest of Northwest Italy, known to many as the “Trail Angel of the Alps.” He founded a ministry and built a hospice in this dangerous mountain range. St. Bernard is the patron Saint of backpackers because dedicated himself to the service of those two traveled and hiked the Alps. He and his fellow missionaries saved lives of travelers by offering them food, clothing, and shelter. Our Daily Adventure Just as St. Bernard dedicated his life to helping travelers succeed at hiking the Alps, we can assist someone we love in accomplishing one of their dreams or goals. It’s an incredible thing to check an item off of our own bucket list, but it’s even more special to help someone we love accomplish one of theirs. Provide resources, make time, or go along with a family member or friend to help them turn a dream into reality. Thérèse of Lisieux The Little Flower is well-known for her motto: “What matters in life is not great deeds but great love.” The way she always put others before herself and the simple way she prayed shows us that we can do ordinary things with extraordinary love. Our Daily Adventure Plant small reminders of your love for those you care about. Think of it like a scavenger hunt! Write a cute note on the back of your kids’ shampoo bottle, find an old picture of you and your best friend and snail mail it to her, fold your husband’s laundry, or leave a flower on your coworker’s desk so she finds it the next morning. No matter how small our little adventurous gestures are, it’s the immense love we put into them that counts. Have you tried any of these adventures? How did they go? What daily adventures can you draw from the lives of other Saints? [bctt tweet="5 Ways to Find Daily Adventure with the Saints #BISblog //"] Jordan Schmitz is a wife, youth minister, social media manager, creator of Defy Designs, and Kansas native (she does believe there’s no place like home, but doesn’t own any ruby slippers). She fell in love with Jesus, adventure catechesis, and her future husband at Camp Tekakwitha. You’ll most likely find her Bible journaling and drinking an iced vanilla latte in her hammock.

In our culture, sleep is one of the most intimate things we do. Sleeping around people requires a level of trust. Anyone who has had their face drawn on at a childhood sleepover or their stuff stolen while curled up on an airport floor knows that falling asleep leaves us extraordinarily vulnerable. This vulnerability is why women choose our sleeping companions carefully. Trust and Vulnerability Literally sleeping with someone is not something we do casually. It is reserved for those we feel closest to: a dear friend, a sibling, a spouse. When I give chastity talks to young women, I often discourage napping together. Being horizontal and sleepy with someone you are attracted to often compromises the ability to make good decisions. Especially when thinking about romantic love, we often say things like “I don’t want to sleep alone forever.” Once, I was arranging overnight accommodations for my family coming to visit me at my missionary community. We only had single beds. My dad, a loving but not-very-sentimental guy, asked if there were any larger beds. He doesn't like sleeping without my mom next to him. The Ache of Sleeping Alone As a single woman looking toward a vocation of marriage, sleeping alone has often felt like the physical embodiment of what was missing in my life. I desire someone I love enough to sleep with. This fact was frequently highlighted each night as I fell asleep alone, full of despair. I have had a full size bed for the last several years. Although I only use one pillow I always have two on my bed. After a particularly difficult break up in which we had both discussed marriage in a serious way, seeing that second unused pillow was a stab to my grieving heart. After imagining the head that could have occupied it, that empty pillow rankled. The Spirituality of Sleeping Alone Recently, I was speaking with a nun who told me about retiring to her cell to sleep each night. I hadn’t brought it up, but I believe the Holy Spirit was speaking through her. She told me that no matter how strict the level of poverty a religious community adheres to, each member is given her own “inner room” for sleeping. Rather than that being lonely, she described it as beautifully intimate time to be alone and vulnerable with her lover, Jesus. This idea has changed my perception of sleeping by myself. Rather than seeing it as a time of loneliness, I began to reframe the experience as one of deep intimacy with my heart’s Love. While I believe that I am called to marriage, my first and deepest love will always be Christ. As I would be about any other important relationship, I am always looking for ways to strengthen my love and commitment to Jesus. When you really know someone, you can be together without saying anything. Apart from sitting quietly in Eucharistic Adoration, I had never figured out a way to do that with Jesus. Sleeping in the Peace of Christ Reframing my sleeping as alone time with Jesus was powerfully comforting. It didn’t even take that much imagining. It was almost as if that nun’s words helped me to recognize that Jesus had been there all along, waiting for me to notice Him. Going to bed alone, seeing that second pillow, waking up in the middle of the night, and sleeping in on the weekends all have a deeper meaning for me now. Imagining this as time with my Love in which we can be together without speaking, sharing something vulnerable, has resulted in a sincere deepening of our life together. Single ladies, do you find this aspect of life difficult? How can you transform it in to a time of intimacy with God? [bctt tweet="The Spirituality of Sleeping Alone #BISblog //"] Chelsea Piper is passionate about the religious formation of youth and young adults, despite it being a conversation-killer at rooftop parties and family get-togethers. She spends her time attempting to (and generally failing at) keeping houseplants alive.

When you set a goal to eat healthily and turn to resources to help you do so, one theme you’ll see repeatedly is that the green smoothies and salads you reach for during the week don’t count for much if you then spend all weekend splurging on milkshakes and French fries. Weekends make up 28% of the year, and that number can easily make or break your healthy lifestyle and the results you see from it. Spiritual Weekends In a way, Advent and Lent are like our spiritual “weekends.” Not in a relaxation sense (because I don’t think anyone would call the weeks leading up to Christmas relaxing!), but in a sense that as significant as they are, they make up the minority of the year. These seasons are essential to our Faith lives in the same way that weekends are essential to our health and sanity. The meaningful traditions, extra activities and resources from our parishes, and constant reminders of the promises ahead make it a little easier to remember to pray, fast, serve, and worship. I look forward to these seasons eagerly. I know that, with some effort, they’ll be seasons of renewal and conversion in my heart. Enter the Beauty of Ordinary Time This year, May 21st marked the return to Ordinary Time in the church calendar, which, aside from a few special feast days, will last until the first Sunday of Advent, December 2nd. Sounds far away, doesn’t it? The USCCB has an enchanting description for Ordinary Time: The Sundays and weeks of Ordinary Time… take us through the life of Christ. This is the time of conversion. This is living the life of Christ. Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation, a time in which the mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ. This is the time for conversion? The seasons of beach vacations, road trips, burgers on the grill, sunburns, fireworks, back to school shopping, brand new schedules, and pumpkin spice lattes? Yes. We are called to conversion daily—not just in seasons of spiritual highs—but in the everyday, the mundane, the busy…the ordinary. [bctt tweet="We are called to conversion in the everyday, the mundane, the busy…the ordinary. #BISblog //"] Seeking Conversion During Ordinary Time I know many of us begin Advent and Lent by reflecting on how we want to make that season particularly special and meaningful. As we lean in to Ordinary Time, let’s do the same. Here are a few ideas to take to prayer. Receive the Sacraments more often. Experts say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so Ordinary Time provides an abundance of time to create some new routines. If you have a hard time making it to Mass every week, commit to attending every Sunday. If you faithfully meet your Sunday obligation, see if there’s a daily Mass you can attend once or twice a week (don’t forget to check the Mass times of other nearby churches, not just the parish you belong to, for something that may work best with your schedule). Go to Confession every few months when you remember? Put it on the calendar once a month for the rest of the year and then stick to it. The more we receive the Sacraments, the more graces we receive to live our Faith. I think it’s safe to say we could all use a little more of that. [bctt tweet="The more we receive the Sacraments, the more graces we receive to live our Faith. #BISblog //"] Read a little bit of a spiritual book each day. I say “a little bit” intentionally—exactly what that means is up to you. But I firmly believe that little by little progress adds up. This reading time could look like anything from studying Summa Theologica during your hour of morning prayer to keeping a copy of the Diary of St. Faustina in your glove compartment so you can read a section or two while sitting in the carpool line. There are books out there on practically anything you can think of regarding our Faith. Dedicate a few minutes of your day to increasing your knowledge of whatever topics intrigue you. Check out a few lists in the Blessed is She archives to get you started: Best Books About Mary My Favorite Books About Saints 10 Great Books for Catholic Converts Do a Marian consecration. Pope St. John Paul II himself said, “[St. Louis de Montfort]’s teaching has had a profound influence on the Marian devotion of many of the faithful and on my own life.” Our Blessed Mother’s sole desire is to bring us to her Son, so consecrating our lives and wills to hers is a deeply meaningful way to lead us closer to Jesus. Marian consecrations last 33 days, ending on Marian feast days (the next one coming up goes from June 13-July 16). St. Louis de Montfort’s Preparation for Total Consecration to Mary is the “original” and best-known consecration, while I also love Father Michael Gaitley’s 33 Days to Morning Glory. Note: the former is incredible, but more time-intensive. So make sure you can carve out about 20-30 minutes per day before committing to it. The latter takes just 5-10 minutes. You are encouraged to renew your consecration every year. So don’t be afraid to do what works for you in your current season of life. Change it up in the future as needed! Fast regularly. I was in my early twenties before I realized that fasting wasn’t “restricted” to Lent. On the contrary, denying myself in order to redirect my heart toward the Lord is something I desperately need throughout the year. Consider choosing one day per month to fast. Or simply practice giving something up (dessert, technology, unnecessary spending, etc.) intentionally every once in awhile. During Lent, I gave up social media and repeated, “For love of you, Jesus,” whenever I was tempted to check in online. It always made my sacrifice feel easier. I have every intention of carrying that practice into Ordinary Time when I make small fasts from time to time. Pray the Rosary daily. Pope Pius XI said: If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors. By praying the Rosary daily, we join in a habit of countless saints who have gone before us. The graces that Mary pours out on those who pray the Rosary daily are second only to those we receive by attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Feel overwhelmed by the prospect of praying the whole Rosary every day? Start with just a decade per day, split the decades up throughout your day, or pray alongside a podcast or YouTube recording. Whatever you need to do to make this habit happen! [bctt tweet="If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country...recite the Rosary. //"] Join (or start) a group. Think back on some of the most significant moments of your faith life. Do they involve retreats, mission trips, or Bible studies? Mine too. God uses our communities and our acts of showing up so powerfully! Consider joining a Bible study, ministry team, or prayer group in your area and commit to attending faithfully. Nothing in your area fit your schedule or desires? Step out in faith and start something! Hosting a Blessed Brunch can be a wonderful way to connect with other women in your community. Let’s not allow the fervor of Easter fade away as we walk through this upcoming season, sisters. Pray with me that the Holy Spirit will set our hearts on fire for the Lord and continue to fan that flame all throughout Ordinary Time. I’d love to hear some of your hopes and plans for the season ahead in the comments below! [bctt tweet="Seeking Conversion in the Beauty of Ordinary Time #BISblog //"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Have you ever felt like you need a cheerleader? A friend who knows how to speak courage, hope, peace, and possibility to your troubled mind as you agonize over details beyond your control? (Yes.) This is the antithesis of the sometimes destructive inner-monologue we can have with ourselves when things get hectic. It is the peace Jesus wishes for us, and yet it can feel so out of reach. Unfortunately it’s not the first tool I reach for in my own toolbox, and I recognize the need to hear it from another source when I have to make that scary appointment, analyze the likelihood of reconciliation between family members, and assess how I’m parenting during a difficult phase of kiddos. The list goes on. St. Rita and Hopeless Causes In the month of May, we celebrate the feast of St. Rita. "Rita" (Margherita) has been a patroness on my journey since college where I became fixated on the word "hope". It was in the name of the organization with whom I finished my senior year internship, and it has followed me around, showing up when I’d least expect it, like roses in a novena to St. Therese. Ironically, St. Rita is the patron saint of hopeless causes (along with St. Jude). The intercessory yin to my yang. She earned this title in a myriad of ways. At her parent’s request, she entered an (unfortunate) arranged marriage rather than religious life. Later, after her husband’s murder, she prayed that God would take her two sons so they would not be tempted to perpetuate a feud and avenge their father’s death. Her sons each took ill and died within the year. This was a turn of events she both mourned and celebrated, as it meant her sons hands remained innocent of the evils she feared. Having lost both sons and her husband, she decided to return to the idea of joining the Augustinian monastery. Only after reconciling the feuding parties was she offered admittance to the monastery. St. Rita Can Relate to Us Rita was an eclectic mix of things in her lifetime: daughter, wife, mother, peacemaker, and nun. Spiritually, St. Rita’s deep prayer life is akin to many prayerful mothers, which is why she is known as the patroness of so many familial issues. The ones that feel hopeless. Rita is celebrated as a woman who persevered in prayer on behalf of her family and one who knew hardship. Her influence, it was believed, impacted her husband and sons for the better. At her husband’s funeral, she publicly pardoned those responsible for his death. For one waiting with bated breath for any variety of outcomes, St. Rita's prayerful reputation is added strength and nourishing balm to my waiting spirit in a handful of scenarios. St. Rita and Honeybees Once I began keeping bees, I was reminded that St. Rita is often depicted with bees in iconography. This imagery is due to an event where a swarm of white bees surrounded her on her Baptism day, some even in her mouth, yet she remained unharmed. Since her death, a colony of bees has taken up residence near her grave, and has been seen between Easter and her feast day. This is fitting imagery in a lot of ways. As a beekeeper, I have a soft spot for honeybees and the metaphor they provide for the Christian life. Turns out, the Church does too. From cathedrals to candles, from vestments to the Easter Vigil Exsultent, the church honors, depicts, and implements honeybees into its representation of life offered for others. Common words, like the "cell" in a monastery, derive from the cells of a hive. It's a group of celibate worker bees, supporting one another for the survival of the whole. The high altar in St. Peter’s Basilica is covered in bees. St. John Chrysostom once shared in a homily: The bee is more honored than other animals, not because it labors, but because it labors for others. This is especially true for all men and women living holy lives, whose example and spirituality are lives offered for others. It is life-giving, hope-sustaining nourishment when we offer ourselves for the good of another. That we might too, bear fruit. St. Rita, pray for us. [bctt tweet="St. Rita: Hope and Honeybees #BISblog //"]

My husband often jokes that our life revolves around my planner. He's completely right. Like most of you, our lives are full of good things like family, work, appointments and commitments, community events, volunteering, and self-care. In the midst of it all, there are the daily tasks that need to be complete to keep our home and family running. Like trash day. All of this requires some planning. Are We Overwhelmed or Stewarding? When we step back and examine everything we need to do in a given week and everyone who relies on us for something, it's easy to feel entirely overwhelmed. We can feel defeated by a week before it even begins. This is how I feel 60% of the time. But the other 40%, when I take a deep breath and place my heart in the hands of the Lord, I have a different perspective on my to-do list. Instead of seeing my responsibilities as a source of stress, I try to see the blessings in them and turn them into opportunities for praise. Do I need to make a doctor's appointment for a sick kid? Praise God for doctors and the ability to help my child in this way. Will a grocery run and preparing meals in advance take an entire day? Thank you, Lord, for giving us food that nourishes us. Is it a busy workweek full of meetings? I'm so grateful to have good work I enjoy. Should I do something about the post-apocalyptic scene that is my house? Praise Jesus I have a roof over my head and rooms to clean. It sounds simple (because it is), but this subtle shift in approach changes the entire way I plan and organize my week. I understand that preparing for a week is not managing stresses but stewarding blessings. God has entrusted me with these responsibilities, and it is my duty and joy to steward them well. And I steward them best when I'm intentional about setting aside adequate time and energy for them. Once I settle into this attitude of praise and stewardship, I'm ready to organize my week in the joy of the Lord and the light of the Holy Spirit. [bctt tweet="Preparing for the week ahead is not managing stresses, but stewarding blessings. #BISblog //"] Everyone's Different This is well understood by most of us, but it's worth mentioning here: we're all different. How we plan, organize, think, and operate is as varied as the responsibilities we each have in our lives. Knowing our personality, temperament, energy level, and priorities is vital when it comes to finding a system for planning that best suits us. What works for me might or might not work for you. I have a girlfriend who lovingly rolls her eyes at my weekly planning because so much structure and forethought would reduce her to tears. She operates best on a moment-by-moment basis (which would reduce me to tears) and her life is so joyful, she gets all of her things done, and she's a saint in the making. So find what works best for you and yours. The Father gave you a unique brain and heart and personality, ask Him how to best steward the time and responsibilities you've been given. Here's what works for me. How I Organize My Week Sundays are typically my weekly planning day. It's a slow day for my family and my husband is home all day. After Mass and breakfast, I usually pour another cup of coffee and sit down with my planner while the others play. I use the Blessed is She weekly planner, so first, I open it to the new weekly planning page. I take note of the verse of the week and write it on the chalkboard in our kitchen. This is always our Scripture memory verse for our homeschooled pre-schooler (and the adults!). Then, I use the To-Do column to brain dump. I write it all down. Appointments to be made, errands to run, things to buy, closets to organize, etc. I also look at the goal-setting pages to determine any progress I can make on larger goals and habits this week. I get it all out of my brain and onto the to-do list. In the quiet of my heart, I set my prayer intentions. Next, I make note of calls or emails to make. Phew, I already feel better. Planning Our Priorities Then, I flip to the weekly layout (don't worry, we'll revisit the rest of the weekly planning page in a moment). I usually plan my week in waves: First, I fill in time-definites. These are regular-occurance things like my husband's work schedule, appointments, meetings, classes, and so on. Anything that happens at a certain specific time that week goes on the schedule first. Next, I schedule and organize the things that absolutely need to get done but aren't tied to a specific time. For us, these are things like daily prayer and time with the Word, my work hours a weekday Mass, Adoration, read-aloud times, time at the gym, date night, and the items and errands on my to-do list form the weekly planning page. This step also includes the more random occurrences like play dates, nights out with friends, and family events that are happening that week. This wave involves everything that is more flexible and can happen on several different days/times. I'll then make note of any feast days we want to celebrate with more gusto. I write down any supplies we need or materials I need to organize for that feast day. I love The Lazy Liturgical for simple but meaningful liturgical living ideas. Then, I plan our meals. I take a look at each day and determine what meals will work best that week. I do most of my cooking in the crockpot in this season of life, but if we have a free afternoon one day, I might take my time with a meal that requires more chopping, sautéing, and baking. This is also when I flip back to the weekly planning pages and record meals and the grocery list for the week. Getting on the Same Planner-Page Once the week is filled in, I sit with my husband and go over everything with him. We find that we operate best when we're on the same page for the week. We are more generous with one another when communication and expectations are clear. So he jots down appointments, my work schedule (when he'll have the kids), his to-do's from my large to-do list, and times of prayer and exercise.  The Last Step is Important Once everything is completed, I look at what kind of week it's going to be. Is it a calm week where not much is happening? Then I'll determine to try to catch up on some sleep at night. Is it a busy week that's going to stretch us thin? I'll make a note to be extra affectionate with my husband, to look my children in the eye longer, and to add an additional time of prayer (especially when I don't feel like there's any time left for prayer). Is it a week that's throwing us off our typical routine? I'll remember to be more patient with my children and to plan good snacks and activities in advance to help with any meltdowns. Including my own. Knowing what's coming helps me to cover any deficits. I jot down these thoughts and prayers on my weekly planning pages to remind myself when everything is falling apart (wink). Finally, I say a prayer over our family and our week, understanding that the week will absolutely not go according to my beautifully color-coded schedule. I surrender it all to Jesus, and make an act of faith and trust that His plans are better than mine. I ask for a heart open to the Holy Spirit's movements, a heart that is more concerned with God's calls than my list of phone calls to make. Then, we get on living. Do you plan your weeks or days? What's your system? Do you have the Blessed is She planner yet? I would love to hear what works (and what doesn't work) for you. Let's talk about it in the comments below! LITURGICAL PLANNERS Our Liturgical Planners are based on the Litany of Humility. Enter into prayer every day alongside this beautiful Litany. Order your days in His peace. GET YOUR PLANNER

The soul of a woman must therefore be expansive and open to all human beings; it must be quiet so that no small flame will be extinguished by storm winds; warm so as not to benumb fragile buds; clear, so that no vermin will settle in dark corners and recesses; self-contained, so that no invasions from without can imperil the inner life; empty of itself and also of its body, so that the entire person is readily at the disposal of every call. -Edith Stein Reflect Each of us has a mission on earth. It is simply a question of seeking how God can use us to make His Gospel known and lived. St. Marie Eugenie Milleret Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Mission + Purpose #BISblog #BISrests //"] Curated by Cassie Everts. You can find out more about her here.

Waiting, waiting, waiting. It seems like we are always waiting for something. Waiting for the red light to change, waiting in the checkout line, waiting for Lent to end, waiting for Christmas to come, waiting to get married, waiting to hear back on a job offer... Always waiting. I can tell you a thing or two about waiting. Waiting on My Husband I spent the first few years of tender young adulthood as a student and a missionary in Mexico. Upon arriving home, I assumed God would reward my generosity by gifting me with a husband. Immediately. A year later, two years later, and still not even a single date. Three years later, I landed my first boyfriend. And then another and another, all for short periods of time, for the next seven years! Finally I got engaged, then I broke off the engagement. At long last, I met, courted, and married the love of my life at 32 years of age. I know it might seem pretty simple and straightforward or perhaps even fairytale-ish, but that was far from the case. My husband and I met on Catholic Match in May of 2011. His profile stated he lived in Cincinnati but he had just moved back to his native country in South America a few months prior. Nevertheless, we were both serious and the relationship moved forward. After a couple months of daily communication, I decided to take a month-long leave of absence from work to go to Peru and get to know him. The month flew by as we talked and ate together, kissed and held each other. It all seemed so surreal. He even proposed! But as time always does, it passed, and I had to return home. More Waiting... Cue the endless waiting. Since he was not yet a U.S. citizen and had been in the country on visas, he now needed another visa to reenter the United States. I applied as soon as I got home, but had no idea how long it would take. I was separated from my fiancé by almost 4,000 miles and an unknown amount of time. After six and a half interminable months, he finally arrived. We got married two weeks later and were pregnant two months later. And now we are waiting again… waiting for our fourth child to be born. There are such beautiful milestones along the way: that first ultrasound, the first flutter, the first kick, when you find out if it’s a boy or a girl, perhaps a baby shower, but all the while, those 40 weeks seem endless. I've Finally Learned the Secret to Waiting Why do we have to wait so often? What fruit does it bring? What are we truly waiting for? I have to believe it is a training of sorts for our hearts and a temperance of our desires. What do we wait for the longest? Our eternal home. What do we desire most deeply? The complete happiness of Heaven. The more we wait, the more God has the opportunity to refine us and purify our desires. So whether your waiting rewards you with a wonderful marriage, a beautiful child, or your dream job, remember it is just “wait”-training for the eternal reward of Heaven. Are you in a season of waiting right now? How is God moving in your life even in the midst of uncertainty or stress? [bctt tweet="Waiting in Faith #BISblog //"] Tami Urcia is wife and mother to her small army of boys. She works full time in Catholic communications and is a freelance translator and blogger. She loves tackling home projects, keeping tabs on the family finances, and finding unique ways to love. Tami spent early young adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree. Her favorite things to do are spending time outside with the kiddos, quiet conversation with the hubby, and an occasional break from real life by getting a pedicure or a haircut. You can find out more about her here.

Have you ever found yourself standing in the light of the refrigerator in the middle of the night, postpartum body and emotions at extreme levels, crying into a delicious dessert that some kind soul brought you? Yeah. Me neither. Just kidding! I totally have. But maybe for you it wasn’t dessert. Maybe it was that perfect sandwich your mom made for you with just the right amount of mayonnaise when you were home from college. r perhaps, when you think about critical “food moments” in your life, you think about the amazing turkey and mashed potatoes that your grandmother made for Thanksgiving each and every year. Do you enjoy cooking? I certainly do. By no means do I make anything glamorous, though. I’m a pretty down-home cook, but I find great joy in making things that make people happy. There’s not much that pleases me more than having a bunch of people settled around my kitchen table, happily chewing away. And that feeling when I deliver dinner to a brand new mom so that she and her family can enjoy a home-cooked meal while still in the throes of those newborn days? It’s priceless, I tell you. Jesus Feeds Us... In the John 21:15-19, Jesus asks Peter repeatedly if he loves Him. And every time Peter assents that, yes, he does love Jesus, our Lord gives Peter the same directive. He tells him, “Feed my lambs,” or “Feed my sheep." Right then and there, I feel like Jesus established a path of ministry. He understood our human need for and enjoyment of food and what it means to us to share it with one another. And, in His goodness, provided a way for us to minister to each other. Think of all the times in the Gospels when Jesus shares a meal with His followers. The miracle of the loaves and fishes, cooking fish by the seashore from the disciple’s recent catch, breaking bread on the road to Emmaus and, of course, the Last Supper. Jesus knew that to be our best selves, to be open to whatever life has to offer, our bodies need to be fed, as well as our souls. ...and Commissions Us to Feed Each Other Sisters, that is something we can do for each other. It is a gift, an extension of the work that Jesus Himself did on this earth. We can minister to each other and provide for each other’s needs simply by sharing a meal. Isn’t that amazing? Something so simple can have such a profound effect on another person’s life. Think back over your life. I’d wager that many of your strongest and most important memories have food tied to them. Think about the times you felt most cared for in your life. I bet someone took care of your physical needs as well as tending to your heart. So let’s look for opportunities to minister to someone around us, someone who needs a little extra care. You never know when a simple meal or cup of coffee can turn someone’s whole day around. Chocolate Eclair “Cake” To get you started, let me share with you that life-changing, middle-of-the-night dessert that my friend Diana delivered to me ten years and two babies ago. Ingredients 2 boxes of French vanilla instant pudding mix 2 cups cold milk 12 oz. whipped topping, thawed 1 box of plain graham crackers 1 can of ready-made chocolate frosting Instructions Whisk the pudding mix and milk in a bowl until thickened. Fold in the whipped topping. Cover the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with ⅓ of the graham crackers. Don’t worry if you have to break them up to completely cover the bottom. It’s OK! Spread ½ of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Then, completely cover that with another layer of graham crackers (again, breaking them into pieces is fine). Repeat that last step with the remaining pudding mixture and another layer of graham crackers. Remove the plastic lid and the seal from the can of frosting. Lay the plastic lid loosely over the opening of the can and microwave it for about 30 seconds, or until the frosting is of pouring consistency. Pour the liquid chocolate deliciousness over the top layer of graham crackers and spread evenly. Chill for about 12 hours before serving. (Truth be told, I’ve chilled it for way less time than that and it’s totally fine. The longer it sits, though, the softer the graham crackers get which makes it more like the consistency of an actual eclair.) Serve to hungry humans and let the love pour in! Food as Ministry I could talk about the spiritual importance of feeding people all day. In fact, I'm teaching a Blessed is She workshop about that very topic on May 22nd at 9 p.m. eastern. If gathering people around the table to nourish their bodies and spirits is something that is important to you (or if you want it to be a part of your life), I'd love for you to join me! You can save your spot right here. I hope to see you there! Do you approach food as ministry? What are some of your favorite ways to extend hospitality toward others in this way? [bctt tweet="Food as Ministry #BISblog //"]