Recently, I’ve been fascinated by documentaries about the ocean and the life that inhabits it. I’ve learned so much about God’s creations—the intelligent dolphins, the majestic humpbacks, the misunderstood sharks, and the mesmerizing cuttlefish. Many of the creatures in the sea have extraordinary survival capabilities. Certain types of sharks are able to survive months on end without food. Other species work together to survive, such as the octopus and the grouper who hunt together to find food. Sea lion mothers fiercely protect their young and fight for survival in the cold arctic air. However, one of the things that has piqued my interest has been learning about the marine life residing in the Mariana Trench. The Trench The Mariana Trench is the deepest natural trench in the world. The tiniest of creatures find their home here, withstanding extraordinary amounts of pressure and living without a single ray of light. They survive against all odds. Learning about the ocean has opened my eyes to greatness of our Savior, in some new way. It got me thinking: if God can take care of the creatures and plants on the earth, then He can surely take care of us. More than Just Surviving It’s easy to sometimes feel like we’re just surviving. Surviving another day at the office, another bill to pay, another heartbreak. It’s easy to feel as though we’ve been overlooked when we see another person seemingly thriving, yet we’re struggling to understand God’s plan for our own lives. What if we believed God orchestrates everything perfectly? That all His plans are to allow us to not only survive, but to thrive? Like each and every one of His creations, He has equipped us with everything we need to face the situations at hand. Why do we doubt that He knows what is best for us? No matter how dark things get in the “trenches” of life, we need to remember that God has an unimaginable plan for us. He sees everything: the past, present, and future. He knows our needs. God knows the deepest desires of our hearts. He wants us to trust that He has designed each and every one of us perfectly and uniquely. He wants us to thrive. Why do we often worry or grow anxious when we cannot see the big picture? Trust in His Promises When we start to surrender to Him and trust that He will guide us through the stormy seas, something happens. We begin to find a peace in our hearts that only He can bring. We begin to see ourselves and others in a new light. His love for us is as vast as the ocean. As someone who likes having a plan for everything and worries when the future is uncertain, I can often lose sight of His promises. But then, I remember that verse in Matthew: If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?   [bctt tweet="An Ocean of Promises #BISblog //" via="no"] Sasha Knock is a native Arizonan. A daydreamer and a glasses-half-full kind of girl, she has a passion for inspiring people through her lens. When she’s not behind the camera, she can usually be found spending time with her family and friends, exploring the outdoors, traveling to new places, delighting in thrift store treasures, and quoting movies on a regular basis.

          There is a difference between living a life that is organized and living a life that is ordered. Plenty of people strive to live an organized life but one that isn’t necessarily ordered toward a specific end. On the other hand, a person who’s life is ordered may or may not be organized, depending on the person. What is the Difference? There is a lot of buzz about organization in todays world. There are numerous methods, meticulous planners, and charts upon charts. Many people are looking to methods such as the KonMari method to help them organize their lives. Organizing ones life is a noble—and some may add, necessary—thing to do. However it only makes sense inso far as the context of the end, the why one is organizing. If the end is simply organization without a greater purpose in which organization serves, no matter what method one uses, it won’t stick. The Importance of Order Ordered lives are essential. What do I mean by ordered? In the beginning when God created the world, He created man with an innate order in his being. Man was created in relationship to four things: God creation himself other humans In the garden, harmony was present because man was ordered the way that God intended. But after the fall, man became master of himself in a new way. He thought he could do better than God at ordering his life and so he decided to chose for himself what he thought was the highest good and what was less important. In turn, man actually lost his self mastery to all the temptations of the world. Food, passions, and feelings now rule man. Man does not even realize that he is no longer master over himself because he is getting what he thinks he wants. He is driven with desire for things of this world that are of little consequence to mans actual end. Self-Mastery God’s desire for man is to be master over himself, as man “is the only creature on earth which God willed for itself” (Gaudiem et Spes 24). It is something innate in our dignity to be able to be master over ourselves. In order to regain this mastery we must reorder our lives to reflect God’s design. To order oneself means to put oneself under something or someone else; in this instance, God. Only by putting ourselves under the protection and guidance of God will we be able to reclaim our status of master over ourselves and creation as God commanded in the garden.     How to Be Properly Ordered Here are some practical ways to put oneself back in order. Under God Make a daily act of surrender to God’s will, such as: Lord, You know better than I what is good for me. Come soften my heart to be able to say, I surrender my will to Your merciful and loving Heart. Take me as I am and place in me Your will in place of my own. I trust You, Lord. Help me trust You more. I love You, Lord. Help me love you more. Amen. Bring your daily decisions to God in prayer. Ask God what He would like you to focus on in a particular season. Over Ourselves Prioritize your schedule and life to reflect your final end. For example: prioritize prayer and the Sacraments, time with your family and friends, and so on. Recognize any addictions you may have, whether it be food, social media, television, always needing to be right, etc. Make a plan of little steps to help you break free of those things that have their hold on you and your will. Practice the discipline of fasting and recognize that denying yourself something is still a free decision of your will. Next to Our Neighbors Choose with your will to serve those closest to you out of the love in your heart, whether that means making dinner for your family without grumbling or choosing to take time out of your day to listen to someone who needs to talk. Identify where you are being selfish instead of serving others in your relationships and actively work to change your approach. Look each person you encounter in the eye and act in a way that lets them know their dignity. Over Creation Recognize that you were created to have dominion over the earth, plant a garden and tend for it, or buy a houseplant and look after it. Take care of the piece of earth that has been entrusted to you to take care of. Behold the beauty of creation that the Creator made for you to enjoy. These are just a few ways to begin to order one's life. The real task is in the everyday; every intention, every act, and every word. Begin today by asking for God’s help to undertake this transformation. What are some ways that you see your life in order with God’s design? How can you reorder your life to be more in harmony with His plan? [bctt tweet="Ordered vs. Organized #BISblog //" via="no"] Laura Jean is a student, creator, and a lover of beauty, pursuing a masters degree in marriage and family in Austria. She blogs about her adventures, hobbies, and how God is pursuing her heart as she balances her life between two continents. You can find out more about her here. 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 For Your Prayer Life Deepen your daily prayer life with a planner built around the Liturgical Year. Shop the Catholic Liturgical Planner →

Since my early childhood, my has family raised a handful of sheep each year. I have fond memories as a girl, wandering to our back pasture to feed the sheep leaves from our apple tree. I loved to watch them peacefully chew their cud, to pet their soft ears and to run my fingers through their thick wool. In growing out of these childhood days and into my Faith, I am drawn to the biblical metaphor that I am a sheep belonging to the Lord’s flock. This beautiful biblical imagery of sheep found throughout Scripture is humbling and profoundly insightful into humanity’s need for an intimate relationship with God. Imagery of Sheep in Scripture Scripture is layered with images of sheep. From Isaiah 40:11 to Psalm 100:3 to John 10:1-18, sheep are portrayed as slightly defenseless. They need constant care and love from their shepherd. These verses tell us that a good shepherd will do anything for his sheep to ensure that they are protected from harm. I am so touched when I ponder these verses. Even as a meek and needy sheep, the Lord gave His life to show me His ceaseless care, love, mercy and compassion. Drawing Parallels We are often foolish. We act rashly and sometimes stray away from God in moments of fear and distress. But we are also deeply complex, loving, nurturing, and playful. We desire to feel deeply loved. Likewise, sheep are often clumsy. But they are also calm and peaceful, gentle and nurturing. Sheep, like children, are curious, active, and social. They bound about and play with one another. They are communal and they thrive on being surrounded by their own kin. A sheep who is left alone becomes greatly troubled and distressed. In isolation, our own hearts, too, become troubled and afraid. God shows us in these parallels between sheep and humans that even in our mistakes and shortcomings He recognizes our strengths, our beauty, our longing hearts. He sees our need for community and desires to lovingly shepherd us as His flock. Discovering a Relationship of Reliance Many Scripture passages depict sheep as vulnerable and fragile. They require constant protection and guidance from a trustworthy shepherd. Mark 6:34 reminds us: “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”   Though a sheep’s need for constant shepherding is perhaps a weakness, it is also an opportunity for a relationship of reliance to grow between a sheep and his shepherd. Likewise, recognizing our own fragility and need for direction as humans allows us to respond fervently to the Lord’s invitation to rely on Him. We weren’t made to endure life’s trials on our own. In our weakness, as we look to the Good Shepherd for guidance, comfort, and safety, we are made stronger and holier. Discovering this relationship of reliance can be humbling but also extremely comforting. The Lord tells us through this metaphor that He feels our pain. We don’t need to feel lost because He is there to lovingly comfort and instruct us. Freedom in Relationship John 10:27 tells us that: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”   The imagery in this verse demonstrates a relationship of freedom and companionship between a sheep and his shepherd. A shepherd does not put a halter on his sheep and drag them from pasture to pasture. Rather, he wisely guides them, and the sheep trustingly follow him. We, too, have freedom in our relationship with God. When we stop listening to all the other noises in our lives and allow ourselves to respond to God’s voice, we follow Him because we know in our hearts that He is the ultimate Source of everything good. The Lost Sheep Luke 15, the Parable of the Lost Sheep, narrates a shepherd’s joy in finding his one lost sheep. A good shepherd cares for his sheep. He becomes greatly troubled when one goes astray. He desires to protect them. A shepherd seeks to lead them to verdant pastures, rushing streams, and cool shade, away from predators. This parable isn’t just poetic. It is real and intensely symbolic of our relationship with the Lord. The Lord becomes concerned for us when we stray away from Him. He seeks to draw us back into relationship. Like the lost sheep, the Lord treasures every moment we commit to returning our lives to Him. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He knows our hearts. He wants to guide us and console us during our daily struggles, to shelter us from life’s perils. The Lord is My Shepherd Psalm 23 encapsulates the essence of the human experience. We sheep sometimes walk in darkness. We need sustenance, comfort, and safety. There is a need for restoration in our souls. Only the Lord, our Good Shepherd, with His limitless love and light, can offer us this life of abundance. Be Like Sheep in His Flock Instead of seeing our relationship with God as abstract, internalizing this biblical imagery brings our connection to God to an earthly level. This poetic metaphor of sheep found throughout Scripture is an opportunity for us to tangibly understand the Lord’s tenderness and His desire to be in an intimate, loving, and protecting relationship with us. When I return home to visit my parents, I still love to wander out to the pasture and feed the sheep apple leaves and watch them graze. When I close my eyes and imagine myself resting by still waters, like a sheep in green pastures by a stream, I feel overwhelmed by the Lord’s incomprehensible grace and mercy. I am a sheep and I belong to His flock. What more could I need? [bctt tweet="Belonging to His Flock #BISblog //" via="no"] Mercedes Shirts lives in Idaho, land of the potatoes, with her husband, bulldog, and cat. When not indulging in a good read and black coffee, she enjoys eating street tacos, running, and listening to Texas country music. You can find out more about her here.

There’s a scene in the 90s flick Mrs. Doubtfire that has always broken my heart. Miranda (played by Sally Fields) is having a heart-to-heart with Mrs. Doubtfire, who is actually her ex-husband, Daniel (Robin Williams), in disguise. They’re discussing Miranda’s failed marriage when she confesses, “I was working all the time, and he was always between jobs. I hardly ever got to see the kids, and on the nights I'd try to get home early to be with them, something would go wrong. The house would be wrecked and I'd have to clean it up. He never knew, but so many nights I just cried myself to sleep.” Mrs. Doubtfire [crushed]: Really? Miranda: The truth is, I didn't like who I was when I was with him. I would turn into this horrible person. I didn't want my kids growing up with a mother like that. When I'm not with Daniel, I'm better. And... I'm sure he's better when he's not with me. Mrs. Doubtfire [fighting back tears]: Well, you never... I mean, did you ever say anything to him, dear? Mad at God Part of the reason their marriage fell apart was because there was a lack of communication. Miranda never communicated her frustrations and thus, Daniel never knew how serious the problem was. But God is not like Daniel; He’s omnipotent and all-knowing. When we’re upset with Him, He already knows. He even understands our reasoning better than we do. Still, it’s important to communicate what He already knows for two reasons. It keeps our own hearts and minds invested in the relationship. It helps us to hear Him speak, eventually resolving our feelings. The Saints attest that we need daily prayer the same way we need daily food and water. Prayer is nothing but conversation with God—conversation that keeps us connected to Him. And we can’t simply can’t fake prayer or “go through the motions” or that relationship will suffer. God will always be there, but we will be pulling ourselves from Him and getting distant. If we want a true relationship with Him, we have to be our true selves in prayer, even if that self is angry. Honesty leads to intimacy, understanding, and restoration. Bible Verses to Pray When You're Mad at God “That’s nice,” you might be thinking sarcastically. “I’ve already been doing that. That’s exactly why I’m mad at Him. He’s not answering. He’s either forgotten about me, or He doesn’t care.” Guess what? You’re not the first person to feel this way. The Bible is full of people with experiences just like yours. Check out these words spoken by the prophets and psalmists who felt the same way you do. Verses Sympathetic to Your Feelings \“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and thou wilt not hear?” Habbakuk 1:2 \“How long, O Lord? Wilt thou forget me for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all the day?” Psalm 13:1-2 \“My soul also is sorely troubled. But thou, O Lord—how long? I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.” Psalm 6:3,6 \“Why dost thou stand afar off, O Lord? Why dost thou hide thyself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1 \“How long, O Lord, wilt thou look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my life from the lions!” Psalm 35:17 \“How long, O Lord? Wilt thou hide thyself for ever? How long will thy wrath burn like fire?” Psalm 89:46 \“How long, O Lord? Wilt thou be angry for ever? Will thy jealous wrath burn like fire?” Psalm 79:5 \“Why dost thou forget us for ever, why dost thou so long forsake us?” Lamentations 5:20 \“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?” Psalm 22:1 \“I say to God, my rock: “Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my body, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me continually, “Where is your God?” Psalm 42:9-10 \“Lord, if I argue with you, you are always right. But I want to ask you about some things that don’t seem right. Why are wicked people successful? Why do people you cannot trust have such easy lives?” Jeremiah 12:1 God wants our hearts in whatever state they may be. It doesn’t make you a bad person to be angry with Him. He can handle your anger. He wants to heal you, to rectify your hurts. And He will, even if it takes time. Just be honest with Him. Verses to Reassure You of His Nearness and Goodness While it might make you feel better to know you aren’t the only one who has been angry with God, it doesn’t make waiting any easier. Thus, I propose the following verses to help reassure you in your waiting. \“The Lord is near to all who call upon him…” Psalm 145:18 \“I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born.” Isaiah 66:9 \“He reached from on high, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.” Psalm 18:16 \“...I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you…” 2 Kings 20:5 \“You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” Psalm 56:8 \“...consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to [come].” Romans 8:18 \“He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 \“What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand.” John 13:7 \“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 \“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 Why God Makes Us Wait According to St. Augustine, God uses “waiting” strategically and purposefully. The Dominican friar observed that through silence, God invites us to ask, and ask, and ask again. Using this process, God transforms our hearts. The spiritual process resembles the biological phenomenon of building muscle. In order for the muscle to expand, it must first experience micro-tears caused by exertion (or pain). The same is true of our hearts. In order for them to grow, and accept the great gift God has in store, they need to expand. Thus if you feel a “hole” growing in your heart, God is creating it for a purpose. The bigger the hole, the bigger the gift that will fit inside it. So find comfort in that, and return to these verses time and time again to help ease your journey and restore your hope. [bctt tweet="Scripture Verses to Pray When You're Made at God #BISblog //" username="grace_swap"] HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” // Luke 10:25-37 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Brass and Mint Co. from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

The other day I was rushing to get somewhere when I was stopped by a red light. A very long red light. Heart-pumping, brain-whizzing, grip on the steering wheel clenching, I felt certain the world would end if the stoplight didn’t turn green that instant. I watched enviously as cars whizzed by wondering when it would be my turn, wondering if the light was broken, wondering how much longer I could possibly wait as all of humankind seemingly passed by at an unimpressive 40 miles per hour. That’s what it feels like with God sometimes. An agonizing, monotonous wait. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. -2 Peter 3:8 God's Time Certainly, God’s timing is not my own. I have known this for some time. While I try not to begrudge it, there are moments in my prayer life where I feel the same urgency I did that day at the stoplight. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. -Matthew 7:7   Stop at a red light and it will turn green. Presto. Prayer answered. I feel like that Scripture should come with a Bible-sized addendum outlining exceptions, exclusions, and caveats to explain the time gap between asking and receiving. Because sometimes the wait with God feels like an eternity. Especially when we are constantly reminded of life’s brevity, encouraged to make the moment count, and are certain that we know exactly what’s best for us. With all that going on, why would we wait? How could He ask us too? Why can’t He just give us the signal we want? Doesn’t He want us to get the show on the road so we can do all the great things He created us to do? The Most Faithful at Red Lights Yet so often, we wait. As much as this sometimes frustrates me, it’s also when I feel the most faithful. We have a choice with God. It’s like the lyrics from that song by the Clash, “Should I stay or should I go?” We don’t have to wait for God’s answers to move forward. We can rely on ourselves and plow ahead. It may be like dodging cars at an intersection after running a red light: reckless, dangerous, and selfish. Yet it’s our choice to make. Waiting for God to answer our prayers requires patience, trust, and faithfulness to His will. It’s hard. We don’t know how long it will be before we get an answer and we aren’t guaranteed the answer we want. We get annoyed when Garth Brooks sings, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” Still, it’s at this crossroads when we decide if we are going to be faithful to God as He remains to us. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. -Proverbs 3:3   A Different Light I could have chosen to run the red light that day to put an end to that agonizing wait. Even though it would have been dangerous, I would have felt more in control than I did waiting helplessly for the light to change. But in all my gritting and grunting, in all the ways that my need felt paramount, urgent, and imperative, I knew it was best for me and for others that I wait Our faith journeys may not always be smooth. We may encounter bumps along the road, breakdowns, and long waits. But then our faithfulness will get us where we long to go—in an entirely different kind of light. [bctt tweet="Waiting at Red Lights #BISblog //" via="no"] Lara Patangan is a freelance writer and mother of two boys. She is currently working on publishing her first book about her mid-life mission to do works of mercy. You can find out more about her here.

A few years ago, I was busier than God wanted me to be, let alone expected me to be. I was doing what most of us do—more than God calls us to do. God has one expectation of you: to live your life as a disciple of Christ and follow Him. But for some reason, we have these false expectations that are either placed on us by ourselves or the world. We compare ourselves to others, commit to more than we have time or the ability to accomplish, and listen to the lie that our worth and identity is found in what we do versus our relationship with God. So how do we gain 20/20 vision on God's expectations rather than the expectations of others? Let's explore a few areas that cause us to have blurred vision and distract our gaze on Christ. Expectations and Comparison Fact: Jesus didn't meet the expectations the world had of a Savior. He was a carpenter's son who engaged in relationships with unclean sinners, performed miracles and healed on the Sabbath, and was condemned to death on a cross. So, why do we think we will meet the expectations the world has for us? Being a Christian will never look the way someone else expects being a Christian to look. The mission may be the same for all of us (to live as a disciple of Christ), but the way we are called to live out that mission will look different. So why do we compare ourselves to the mom who had a baby a month ago and already looks fantastic in her athleisure leggings, or the sister who just got engaged while you haven't been on a date in years, or the co-worker who got the promotion over you? Falling for the Lies Comparison has been around since the Garden of Eden when the snake compared man to God, and Eve fell for his lies. We continually want what someone else has, even if what they have isn't God's will for our life. Even St. Paul faced comparison to Apollos and had to defend the ministry God placed on his life. Paul wrote, "For someone will say, 'His letters are severe and forceful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.'" (2 Corinthians 10:10). Did they honestly expect St. Paul to be amazing at everything? If Paul preached as powerfully as Apollos, would he have written the life-changing letters he wrote to the Corinthians, Romans, or Galatians? These letters and many more provide us limitless opportunity for contemplation and a greater understanding of the early Church. There was nothing within or absent from St. Paul that God didn't place or omit in him for a reason. The same is for you and me! God didn't place something within you or omit something from you for any other reason than he knew you didn't need it to accomplish His mission in your life! Just like Eve, we grasp at what God knows we don't need to accomplish His will. We compare ourselves to others and fail to see all God has given us to do one thing; be His disciple and follow Him. So, stop looking around, scrolling, or comparing yourself and begin gazing on the face of Jesus in the Eucharist and ask Him to reveal to you how you resemble His face as well as His Sacred Heart. Just Say No! If you are a child of the '80s, you remember the "Just Say No!" anti-drug campaign with our then First Lady, Nancy Reagan. There was also the incredible fried egg in a pan advertisement that showed us what our brains on drugs would look like. But the phrase, "just say no" is forever fried (pun intended) in my mind. You have probably heard it before: saying yes to something means you are saying no to something else. Everyone loves when we say yes to a party, a committee, a volunteer position at church, work, or school. No one wants to hear "no," but "no" needs to fall from our lips more than "yes." People expect to hear "yes," but your "yes" is not always what is right for your spiritual, mental, and physical health. You don't have to be a people pleaser. You only have to please your heavenly Father. One way to shed the guilt of other's expectations is to ask yourself if what you are saying yes to will leave you time to make your relationship with God primary. If the answer is nope: Just Say NO! The world will try to tempt us with fame, success, wealth, promotions, and the likes. But we must remember that if our identity comes from people, it can be stripped by people. If it comes from success, it can be stripped by failure. If it comes from something on the outside, it can be stripped from something on the outside. Therefore, make sure your "yes" is a "yes" and your "no" is a "no." Only then will God's glory be revealed, and His mission in your life fulfilled. Relationship Comes Before Identity A few years ago, my identity was defined by what I did rather than Whose I was (God's, of course). It became clear to me when I scrolled through my photos that the majority of them were of me at work. Very few were of me with my family, friends, or people who mattered to me most. What I put out into the world was an image of a very busy woman who was serving God through a beautiful ministry. But on the inside, I was someone defined by the conferences I was invited to speak at or the talks on the main stage I was asked or not asked to give rather than being a beloved daughter of God. Incredibly, something as simple as an Instagram account caused me to reorder my life from the inside out. I was too consumed with outside appearances, and that destroyed me from within. Shauna Niequist wrote in Present Over Perfect, "I don't know a way to remake anything without first taking down the existing structures, and that's what no does—it puts the brakes on your screaming-fast life and gives you a chance to stop and inspect just exactly what you've created for yourself, as difficult as that might be." You see, the world will tell us that what we do is more important than who we are. Then, maybe, if and when you have time, you can make time for your relationship with God and others. If I could place a sound effect in this blog, it would be a screeching tire sound or nails on a chalkboard to get your attention! Our relationship with God should be primary, above all other things, and all relationships in our life should flow out of our relationship with God. This relationship then forms your identity, not external worldly things. Then, and only then can we fulfill the mission God has for our life; to follow Him as His disciple. Let Go of Expectations God wants you to follow Him. When you follow Him so intimately that you are covered in the dust from His sandals, allow Him to clean you up. God does not expect you to be perfect! Therefore, give yourself a break. Receive the one thing He hoped to provide you from the beginning of time: eternal life with Him. Parents, bosses, church leaders, friends, family members, your in-laws, and spouse will always have expectations of you. Most of the time, it's hardest to live up to the expectations we place on ourselves. Therefore, the next time you are overwhelmed and feel as though you can't get anything right, find a quiet room or adoration chapel, list the expectations you face, and ask God a few simple questions: Do You expect this of me or from me? Is this expectation needed to accomplish the mission you have for my life? Do you struggle with living up to the expectations of others? How do you stay focused on God's expectations instead? [bctt tweet="How to Be Centered on God's Expectations Rather than the Expectations of Others #BISblog //" via="no"]

I remember when my mom bought me my very first planner. I was in the 6th grade, and since I was going to have to keep track of homework for different classes, she bought me a small floral planner for that year. From that moment on, the planner became my absolute favorite back-to-school item to shop for. While my day-to-day schedule has changed quite a bit from my Texas History homework and awkward junior high dances, I still love to keep my plans for each month all in one spot. I Wished for a Catholic Planner Over the years I have tried a lot of planners. A lot. While many of them worked just fine, at the end of the day I was always wishing for something that helped me incorporate my faith life. There were several lovely options made available by our Protestant sisters, and while those were a step in the right direction, they began to make me wish a Catholic planner existed…. I’m sure you can guess what happened next. Not long after I found myself wishing for a Catholic planner, Blessed is She announced the arrival of their Catholic planner. Since that very first planner was released, I have been using the BIS academic year planner every year. I don’t ever see myself using anything else. As a mom of five (three of which will be in school this year!), working part time, and the wife of a youth minister, I find that I need my planner almost more than when I was trying to keep track of assignments in college. How I Use + Why I Love the BIS Academic Year Planner I know some of you may be on the fence about the BIS Planner or wondering what really makes it so spectacular. So I’ve decided to walk you through it and mention all my favorite features, as well as give honest commentary on the areas I don’t use very often. The Pocket Who else always has loose papers on the kitchen counter? You know what I’m talking about. Save the dates, receipts, bills, grocery lists, etc. When you open the planner, the first thing you see is a pocket for all those papers that need a home! At the end of each week, I go through the pocket to see if there is anything to get rid of or add to it. The Saints Would Approve The front page says “Made For The Modern Catholic Woman,” but I can think of several saints who I’m sure would have enjoyed this planner. The Vital Front Pages The first few pages of the planner break down every aspect and show you how to get the most out of the pages. This is so incredibly helpful! Wondering when a certain feast day is? Don’t worry, there is a whole page listing the major Saint feast days of each month. Plus, those same feast days are on the monthly and daily spread as well, which saves you some time of having to write them in yourself. I can still remember watching my mother lay out her calendar and the Church calendar every year and transferring everything over by hand! Following the list of feast days is a very important list of Holy Days of Obligation, as well as start days for certain novenas. Also in the beginning are a few pages of prayers that the BIS team pulled together just for you! Sometimes I can’t find the words when I pray, so I’ll flip to those pages and just let the Holy Spirit guide me to the one my soul needs to speak. The Full Spread Now we’re getting to the heart of the planner (*rubs hands together excitedly*). Since this is the academic planner, we open up to a full spread of the month of August. Monthly Spread Monthly spreads are color-coordinated liturgically. Like I mentioned above, they contain all the major feast days. There is also a Saint quote at the top of each monthly spread. I love using the quote as a small guided meditation to focus on throughout the month. Finally, each monthly spread has a space dedicated for important notes in the “don’t forget" section. I use this if I need a reminder to schedule something that maybe I can’t put on the calendar just yet because something else is pending. Weekly Planning A lot of planners will just jump straight into the daily layout immediately after the monthly spread. Not this planner! Before jumping into each week, there are two whole pages dedicated to meal planning, a grocery list, goals, prayer intentions, a to-do list, and open notes. A Scripture verse at the top reminds that we can do all the planning you want, but at the end of the day, we must hold fast to God and His Word above all else. Weekly Layout Then we dive into the week! Each day is marked by time (starting at 6:00 a.m so you early early risers may need to write in a 5 a.m.). I’ll admit, this is a part of the planner that took the longest to get used to. I originally liked my planner lines unmarked because things change and I’m a bit of a control freak. I don’t like it when my day doesn’t match my planner, but that’s a different blog post for a different day. I have gotten much better at using the times as a simple guideline. Now, I can’t imagine using a planner without them! To-Do List Each day also has a small to-do list section which is so helpful when, at the beginning of the week, I find that I have a crazy amount to get done. The smaller lists on each day allow me to take things in bite-sized pieces. It also gives me space to add in things as they come up (because they always do). The Most Important Things to Do Underneath the smaller to-do list on the daily spread is a section for you to check-off. Have you loved your body, mind, and soul today? I’ll admit this is not a section I use very often. However, that’s probably an indicator that I am not loving on those things each day, which is something I’m trying to change. Gratitude Finally, at the end of each day, there is a section to record your gratitude. This section is perhaps the most underrated portion of this whole planner. How different is your day when you have gratitude on the forefront of your mind? In the chaos of life, it’s easy to see all that we “think” we’re missing. The gratitude section of this planner helps you remember that everything you need is right in front of you. The Notes Section The end of the planner contains a few extra pages for notes and another wonderful pocket for all those papers that you need to keep. An Act of Self- and Family-Care I love taking time on a Sunday afternoon to sit down with some Topo Chico or a glass of wine and work through my planner for the week. I like to use colored pens to help brighten things up, but that’s just a personal preference. While this planner is full of wonderful things, at the heart of it, it’s quite streamlined. In its simplicity, it allows the owner to make it fit their vision. So whether you’re a stickers and washi tape person, or a black ink only person, this planner is for you. Whether you’re a small business owner, an empty-nester, a college student, a mother of ten, or a young adult, this planner is for you! Susana Starbuck is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is wife of a youth minister and mother to four littles five and under. She lives in Phoenix, AZ and enjoys reading a good book, posting her highlight reel on Instagram, and drinking wine. You can connect with her here. 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 For Your Prayer Life Deepen your daily prayer life with a planner built around the Liturgical Year. Shop the Catholic Liturgical Planner →

Something I left with after attending Franciscan University of Steubenville was a great love for community and the understanding of its importance. I experienced profound healing, joy, and mirth from the people that I met there. I grew and flourished as a woman during my time at the University both through the classes I took and because of the Christ-centered friendships I made there. I clearly saw that people are the heart of life and the body of Christ here on earth. The Kingdom of God Present on Earth It was easy for me (even as an introvert!) to make friends at Franciscan University. There were so many opportunities to encounter beautiful people: at daily Mass that was offered three times daily, through ministries, intramural sports, and in the dormitories. Christ remained at the center of our friendships and I felt on fire with His life and love because of it. I saw that through people filled with the Holy Spirit, the Kingdom of God is made present on earth. A Time of Loneliness After graduating with a degree in History and Theology, I decided to become a nurse. I had wanted to become one since being a young girl and witnessing my brother suffer through cancer. I applied to nursing schools in my home state of New York and ultimately decided to go to a college in Buffalo, New York. The first thing I did when I unpacked and settled into my new dorm room was Google “young adult groups in the area.” Nothing came up. After Mass I asked a priest if there were any groups or gatherings for people my age. He said he didn’t know of any. The school I went to was Catholic in name but felt very secular. I began to feel lonely and I felt my faith life suffer from lack of a community on fire with the Faith. Where Two or Three Are Gathered I was thrilled when my friend Jessica—my closest friend from Franciscan University—told me she was returning to her hometown of Buffalo to settle there with her husband. When she arrived, we went out to breakfast and I shared something that had been on my heart for the past year of nursing school. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Since I was young, I have had a strong devotion to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. I first learned about him when I was twelve and my mom handed me his prayer card, asking me to pray for my brothers through his intercession. I’m not going to lie, after seeing his handsome, Italian face, my first thought was, “Thank God I’m Catholic!” This man in Heaven changed my life. I began researching him and reading more about his story. He loved the poor and would go after school to help them in the Italian slums. He was adventurous, he loved horseback riding, hiking, and mountain climbing. Yet he showed Christ’s love even within his adventures. He would invite his friends to pray the Rosary on hikes, and even though he was the strongest, he’d walk with the slowest one in the group. His friends would say of him that, “Our parents can’t get us to go to Mass, our teachers couldn’t either, but Pier Giorgio could.” When I Googled him I saw that there were young adult groups throughout the United States in his honor. I told Jessica that I wanted to create one of those groups in Buffalo. She loved the idea and we spent the rest of the morning planning and organizing. The First Meeting Jessica knew some people were interested in attending, and I invited my friend Lauren from nursing school. Our first Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati meeting was a group of eight, meeting in a local Irish Pub on February 12, 2012. Our “homework” for the next meeting was for each of us to invite and bring at least one person to the next meeting. At our following meeting, a week later, we had sixteen people. Frassati WNY Frassati Western New York is still flourishing. Members continue to meet on a weekly basis and have been since 2012. It’s where I discovered some of my dearest friends and where I met my husband Mike. It’s the place where I have grown in my faith through community and friendship. Do Not Be Afraid If you are feeling lonely, isolated, and in need of a faith community, don’t be afraid to start making the changes yourself and create a young adult or women’s group. People will come! I promise! Every single person here on earth desires community and deeply desires the true, good, and beautiful. Don’t be afraid to cast your nets into the deep for a beautiful catch! Tips For Creating A Young Adult Group Consistency is key! Meeting once a week, though difficult, has been a blessing and reason why we grew! People knew they could count on a meeting every week and we were able to build strong friendships and trust by meeting weekly. Have a leader and core team, with each person having designated tasks. Meet with your core team monthly. Address any problems that arise with charity and patience. Advertise! I made Frassati business cards and would leave them in the back of churches and hand them out to people who I met! Create (and follow!) a mission statement. Here is ours: “Frassati Western New York is a place for Catholic young adults (18-35) from any parish in the Buffalo Diocese to form friendships founded in Christ, grow in their faith and enrich their lives through adventure, prayer, and acts of charity.” In addition to our weekly meetings, we would plan adventures (like a hike) and acts of charity (like volunteering at a soup kitchen), usually on Saturdays. Have a clear start and end time of meetings. Respecting people’s time is essential. Have a plan for meetings. We would open with a prayer asking Blessed Pier Giorgio’s intercession, read the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel, discuss the Gospel, have a speaker give a talk, and end with sharing prayer intentions followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Start an e-mail list and Facebook group to reach members and advertise the upcoming meeting. Have a spiritual mentor, a priest, religious sister, or someone strong and knowledgeable in their faith who would like to attend and participate in the meetings. Reach out to new members who come to the group. Sit next to someone new each meeting. These ten tips from Jessica are great, too, for starting a young adult group specifically through your parish! Keep your prayer life strong and Christ at the center! You Can Do It! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions if you are interested in starting a young adult group in your area. Do you attend a young adult or women’s group? Do you feel like you have a strong community of faith that you are a part of? Or is this something that is lacking in your life? Please comment below! [bctt tweet="How to Start a Young Adult Group #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]

Celebrating its 243rd birthday today, the United States of America’s history is brief compared to most other countries. In such a short amount of time, though, our country has been blessed by a handful of Saints. These men and women not only achieved sanctification through their holy lives, but were also instrumental in bringing Catholicism to America and spreading it throughout the country. It is because of these Saints, some born in America and some who immigrated, that we have many of the institutions Catholics in the United States are best known for today: parochial schools, hospitals, services to the poor, and so much more. Praying for The United States with American Saints In celebration of the Fourth of July, here is a look at five American Saints whose intercession we can ask for our country and our role in it. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American-born Saint to be canonized. It's one of a handful of “firsts” she is known for. Born in 1774, she was raised Episcopalian and enjoyed a life of privilege in New York society. She married a wealthy businessman and they had five children. Their seemingly-charmed life began to collapse around them in 1798, when Elizabeth’s father-in-law passed away. Elizabeth’s father died three years later. Two years after that, her husband filed for bankruptcy and his health began to fail. Elizabeth accompanied him to Italy in the hopes of relieving his symptoms of chronic tuberculosis, but the disease took his life while abroad. The sweet consolation of her time in Italy was that her eyes were opened to the beauty of the Catholic Faith by her husband’s Italian colleagues. She was especially drawn to Mary, having lost her own mother as a child, and to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Upon her return to America, she entered the Church. Then she opened a school for girls in order to support her family. The backlash from her community following her conversion was so severe that the school struggled greatly. She ultimately relocated her family to Emmitsburg, Maryland and founded another school, followed by a religious order, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, which was focused on caring for poor children. Her organizations were the first Catholic parochial school in the country and the first congregation of religious sisters started in the United States. She served with both until her death at the age of 46. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, patron of Catholic schools, pray for the Catholic schools, religious education programs, and all parents who are striving to teach their children the Faith here in America. Pray that all educators may hold firmly to the teachings of our Faith and pass them on to our country’s children with care, expertise, and the utmost dedication to the Truth. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini St. Frances Xavier Cabrini began her adult life as a teacher in Italy. She dreamed of being a missionary but was continually rejected by religious communities due to her poor health. Her bishop, recognizing her holiness and zeal, encouraged her to start her own order. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her work caught the attention of Pope Leo XIII. It was he who encouraged Mother Cabrini to go “not to the East, but to the West” to further her mission work. She and six sisters traveled to New York City. Despite arriving without money or adequate lodgings, they began their work in high spirits. They opened multiple orphanages and a hospital, all focused on serving the many Italian immigrants. They spread their efforts to Chicago, and eventually throughout the country and even into Nicaragua, establishing 67 institutions in her 67 years of life. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, help us to lovingly welcome and meet the needs of immigrants. Help us to see them as Christ does and to serve as a witness of God’s love for them. Intercede for all politicians and those who create laws and legislation surrounding immigration, that they may always put the dignity of the human person first. St. John Neumann Born in the now-Czech Republic, St. John Neumann moved to New York in 1836 after completing seminary. He was ordained there and made pastor of the entire New York frontier, covering 100 square miles. One of only 36 priests for 200,000 Catholics, he threw himself headfirst into serving as many of them as he could. He spent the majority of his time traveling between the rural villages and towns, meeting with and serving the German and Irish immigrants. A gifted linguist, he spoke English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, and Gaelic so he could hear confessions in any of those languages. Longing for deeper community, he joined the Redemptorists in 1842. This gave him the opportunity to minister to even more immigrants, particularly in Baltimore and Pittsburgh. In 1852, he was named bishop of Philadelphia. A great focus of his ministry was education. He increased the number of schools in his diocese from two to nearly 100. St. John Neumann, pray that we too may experience your tireless zeal for teaching and sharing the Gospel. Help us to remember that our greatest opportunities for mission work may be right here at home—within our own houses and communities. St. Katharine Drexel Born an heiress to a wealthy and influential family in Philadelphia, St. Katharine Drexel lacked for nothing during her childhood. By the grace of God, her family was not only privileged but incredibly holy and generous. Her father and stepmother modeled a dedication to prayer and a commitment to the works of mercy. Blessed with the opportunity to travel, she accompanied her father West. There she saw firsthand the desperate hardships Native Americans faced. This had a lasting effect on her. After their father’s death, Katharine and her sisters went to Europe together. There they had a private audience with Pope Leo XIII. She told him about her desire to live a contemplative life, as well as the plight of the Native Americans she had witnessed. Upon urging him to send missionaries to their aid, the pope responded, “But why not be a missionary yourself, my child?” Katharine became a nun in 1891. She added a promise “to be the mother and servant of the Indian and Negro races” to her vows. Over the next 40 years, she used her inheritance to found and help maintain an astounding 145 missions, 50 schools for African Americans, and 12 schools for Native Americans through her order, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. St. Katharine Drexel, inspire us to always keep our eyes opened to the needs of the marginalized in our society. Pray for us to have the boldness and courage to reach out and meet the needs of those who are in need and to serve where no one else is serving. St. Theodore Guerin Born Anne-Therese Guerin, St. Theodore Guerin spent the first 25 years of her life with her family, first assisting her mother during her father’s many months at a time at sea. When tragedies took the lives of her father and two of her brothers, leaving her mother unable to cope, she then took over the maintenance of the household and the care of her younger sister. At age 25, Anne-Therese’s mother finally accepted her desire to enter religious life and gave her her blessing. After nearly fifteen years of serving some of the most challenging missions in the area, the new Bishop of Vincennes, Indiana asked for a group of sisters to form a mission in the Indiana wilderness. While St. Theodore Guerin did not volunteer due to her health, her participation was personally requested by the sister in charge. So she boarded the ship for America in 1840. The sisters arrived to a single, crowded, broken-down home in the middle of the woods that was to serve as their temporary home. They got right to work, despite the difficult pioneer conditions and harsh winters that the French sisters were unaccustomed to. Persevering through great hardships and persecution from within and outside of the Church, St. Theodore Guerin boldly led the founding of schools, orphanages, a free pharmacy, and a new motherhouse for the Sisters of Providence. St. Theodore Guerin, pray for us, that we may always lovingly accept the tasks appointed to us by the Lord. May we, like you, have the strength to carry them out in service to others, remaining steadfast in faith despite the trials and sufferings that may arise. Lord, Make Us Saints! Thankfully, this list is nowhere near exhaustive. There are many other American Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God throughout our relatively short history. Especially on this Independence Day, we thank God for the examples of these holy American men and women, and pray that we may someday be counted among them! Do you have a special devotion to any United States American Saints? Let us know who and why below! [bctt tweet="Praying for the United States with American Saints #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to look around at the state of our chaotic world to see the reality that evil and the Devil do, in fact, exist. Violence, hatred, crimes against women and children, abortion, racism. These and many other sins against God and the dignity of the human person reveal evil is something we deal with and wrestle with this side of Heaven. Satan is a true spiritual being whose entire purpose is to hurt and destroy us. How the Devil is Portrayed in Our Culture Far too often, the devil is portrayed comically or humorously as dressed in a red costume with a pitchfork and pointy horns. That is the furthest thing from the truth. Rarely does he manifest himself in these dramatic ways. Most often, his ways are much more sneaky and sinister by appealing to our desires and passions for comfort and pleasure. He plays on something that is initially good, and twisting and turning it into something so far from the truth that we hardly recognize it. At the end of June, the USCCB released a new book, Rebuking the Devil. It features a survey of Pope Francis’ important teachings on the history of the devil, his empty promises and works, and how we can actively combat him. The Holy Father comes out blaring in the Introduction when he addresses the question if the devil really exists. Spoiler alert: he does. He writes, “Make no mistake about it: there is a devil. He is alive and active in today’s world and shows no signs of letting up.” Shocking Stats I was shocked to read some startling statistics on how many Catholics view evil and the devil. Only 31% of all adults and 17 % of Catholics thought the devil to be a “living being” rather than a “symbol of evil.” That is heartbreaking! The growing trend reflects more and more people view the devil as a symbol rather than an actual being. Rebuking the Devil The preceding chapters look at a wide range of Pope Francis’ homilies, Angelus addresses, tweets, and speeches on specific elements on who the devil is, his attributes, and how we can fight evil and sin in our own lives. Throughout the book, the Pope uses a variety of cultural references and clever puns such as “snake-tactics” and “fake news” to get the point across of the reality of the devil. Who the Devil Is Chapter One carefully looks at the devil, his existence, and his attributes. It is like a detective guide to help a believer be on the look-out so they do not fall for the “snake-tactics” in their own lives. Before he was elected Pope, in 2010, then Cardinal Bergoglio stated in his book On Heaven and Earth, “his greatest achievement in these times has been to make us believe he doesn’t exist.” On a certain level, that can help one understand why evil flourishes. The devil is a not a character to be taken lightly, his whole purpose is the destruction of our soul, which is why we as believers needs to always be on guard. How the Devil Lurks Today + How We Can Fight Chapter Two addresses how the devil acts specifically in the world today. Sacred Scripture reminds us that Satan is the prince of darkness, the father of all lies. In this chapter, the reader is presented with what the Holy Father has to say about how the Evil One operates in his efforts to influence and destroy us. Chapter Three looks at what we can do spiritually in our defense against the devil and evil. To follow Jesus as His disciple, we know it is a constant returning to Him. And if we wish to follow Christ with our whole heart, we know the devil will challenge us and want to throw us off course. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2015) reminds us, “The way of perfection passes by the way of the Cross." And later on, “There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle.” The battle we wage with Satan is in our defense against his empty works and promises. Christ Has the Final Victory The conclusion ends on a hopeful note reminding the reader of the strength and might of St. Michael the Archangel who sent Lucifer and his angels back to Hell where they belong. While Satan was a fallen angel, we know that St. Michael the Archangel and his angels defeat Lucifer resulting in their expulsion from Heaven. We know that the traditional prayer to St. Michael the Archangel specifically seeks protection against Satan. For many centuries, the Catholic faithful have called upon St. Michael to protect and defend them from the devil’s influence. In more recent years, many more bishops and priests have reinstituted the Prayer to St. Michael prior to the dismissal of the Mass. What Do We Do? Well the first thing we do not hide and cower in fear! We acknowledge evil and the reality of sin and Satan in our world. We commit ourselves to personal holiness. For it is our personal holiness and seeking to become more like Jesus in all things is what will not let Satan win. Jesus defeated Satan for all time by dying on the Cross for our sins. Let us recommit ourselves, our families, and our world to loving protection of St. Michael the Archangel, who will always defend us in battle and watch over us. I hope you will take time to explore and read through this new book from the USCCB. It is a sobering, important read for Catholics in today’s world. [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Rebuking the Devil #BISblog //" username="amoderngrace"]

I don’t know about you, but I find it fairly simple and rather exciting to live out the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. There are so many tangible ways to naturally integrate these seasons into everyday living—in my prayer life, in my home, and with my family. During Advent and Lent, I enjoy praying with a devotional to prepare my heart for the extraordinary miracles of Jesus’ birth on Christmas and resurrection on Easter. During the dark evenings leading up to Christmas, my family gathers around the Advent wreath. The light grows brighter, as we anticipate His coming. During Lent, a simple prayer table focuses our attention on Christ’s passion and death—all He endured for our salvation and what we can offer Him in return. When Christmas and Easter finally arrive, I am ready to enter into the celebration. On Christmas, I arrive in Bethlehem, ready to receive the Christ Child in my heart. And on Easter, my entire being rejoices in the hope of new life in the Lord. But what do I do when the calendar turns to the day after Christmas? Or when the 50-dayl ong Easter season is over and life returns to normal? How do I live liturgically during Ordinary Time? Order Our Days in His Peace There are two periods of Ordinary Time in the Church calendar. One is the short time between the end of Christmas and the beginning of Lent. The longer stretch of Ordinary Time—the one we’re in now—begins after Easter and ends just before Advent. Ordinary Time comes from the Latin ordinalis, which means “showing order.” In many ways, we practice “showing order” when we intentionally commit to prayer during Advent and Lent. We get into the habit of daily prayer and reflection, so that we can continue that practice during the everyday, ordinary times of our lives. But perhaps Ordinary Time still feels too expansive to make meaningful. Perhaps we need more tangible ideas to live liturgically during Ordinary Time. The good news is that our faith can remain alive and active, even during our most “normal” days. Throughout Ordinary Time, the liturgical color of green gives us hope, just as green in nature symbolizes new life, growth, fullness, and fruitfulness. Also, there are plenty of beautiful feast days and Catholic customs that we can integrate into our everyday, ordinary lives. How to Live Liturgically During Summer's Ordinary Time Since we are in the midst of that longer stretch of Ordinary Time, here are four ways to live liturgically during June, July, and August. Pick one or two to incorporate into your summer routine, and slowly add more over time. 1. Keep praying. While we may not have a beautiful devotional to pray with each day, allow the time you spent with your Advent and Lent prayer journals to be a springboard for a daily prayer habit. One way to do this is by meditating on the daily Mass readings. You can find the readings, along with a daily Gospel reflection, right here. I am always surprised by how often the daily readings speak directly to my personal circumstances. It’s like they were written just for me! Keep a journal close by to jot down verses that are especially meaningful to you. 2. Discover a new devotion. The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which culminates on the June 28th feast day. Since the Sacred Heart of Jesus is present on earth in the Blessed Sacrament, visit a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel on this feast day. Perhaps this will slowly turn into a weekly Holy Hour. Another custom involving the Sacred Heart of Jesus is enthroning your home, which simply means inviting Jesus into your home and giving Him authority over it. To learn more about this process, click here. 3. Become friends with the Saints. July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus. St. Catherine of Siena lends us a beautiful prayer to incorporate into our daily prayer time: Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy: flow upon us. Precious Blood, Most Pure Offering: procure us every grace! Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of Sinners: atone for us! Precious Blood, Delight of Holy Souls: draw us! Amen.   Also, many Saints have feast days in July. This long summer month is a great time to befriend them! Here are a few ideas: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (July 4) is a favorite among young-adult Catholics. In his honor, go on a hike and spend time with God in nature. Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16) gave St. Simon Stock the scapular. Learn more about this sacramental and the protection that it offers through Our Lady’s powerful prayers. Sts. Joachim and Anne (July 26) are the grandparents of Jesus. Through their intercession, say a special prayer for your grandparents. If they are still living, plan a visit, give them a call, or send them a card. St. Martha (July 29) and her siblings Lazarus and Mary were good friends of Jesus. Ask for Martha’s intercession when your to-do list is causing you to be “anxious and troubled” (Luke 10:38-42). 4. Grow in your relationship with Mary. August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We honor Mary’s heart, because it remained purely attentive to the will of God and devoted to her Son, Jesus. Here are a few ways we can grow in our relationship with Mary, especially this August: Pray a daily Rosary. Start small by praying one decade a day and slowly build up to one Rosary per day. Display a beautiful statue or picture of Mary prominently in your home. During the summer months when nature is in full bloom, place flowers near your Marian image. After all, moms love flowers from their children! Celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption on August 15 with Mass and a special dessert. Consecrate yourself to Jesus through Mary. Anything but Ordinary Ordinary Time may be the longest liturgical season, but it is anything but mundane and boring. It is a great time to order our days in Christ’s peace. In addition, feast days, rich traditions, and Catholic customs ignite our faith, so we can live prayerfully, intentionally, and liturgically all throughout the year. How do you practice liturgical living during the ordinary days of summer? [bctt tweet="Ways to Live Liturgically During the Ordinary Days of Summer #BISblog //" via="no"]

For freedom Christ has set us free. // Galatians 5:1 Thank you for these beautiful free wallpapers from Brass and Mint Co. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

One of the beautiful things about being a millennial is that I have never known a world without Mother Teresa. I didn’t know much about her when I was a child, but I knew she took care of poor people in India. I had just turned eleven when she died. As I came of age, she was beatified and then canonized. Now, I have a little girl whose middle name is Theresa (spelled with an “h” to also honor my mother-in-law of the same name). For many of us, St. Teresa of Calcutta has always been a light in the darkness of our world. Somewhere along my journey in the Faith, I learned that Mother Teresa struggled with depression. I haven’t borne this cross myself, but in recent years, I’ve striven to accompany a couple of dear, faithful women who are living with postpartum depression. In hopes of inspiring and encouraging them, I sought to learn more about this “Saint of darkness.” I went to my favorite avenue for spiritual book recommendations—my regional Blessed s She Facebook group. Mother Teresa's Private Writings The ladies of the Northeast delivered quickly and in chorus. I was to read Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the “Saint of Calcutta”. Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C., whose commentary puts Mother Teresa’s letters in context, is well qualified to do so. He joined the Missionaries of Charity Fathers when they were founded in 1984, and later served as the postulator of Mother Teresa’s Cause of Beatification and Canonization. Darkness While Mother Teresa wasn’t diagnosed with depression in her lifetime, she did experience decades of darkness and emptiness. Fr. Kolodiejchuk describes it as, “profound interior suffering, lack of sensible consolation, spiritual dryness, an apparent absence of God from her life, and at the same time, a painful longing for Him.” Time and again, in fact, she struggled to even put into words her pain and suffering. She served Jesus despite her struggle, and really, through it. In accord with a private vow she’d made to never refuse Jesus anything, she consistently strove to respond to God’s will with a smile, even when it was only on the outside. That may sound strange, and she often worried she was deceiving her sisters with an expression of happiness that didn’t live much below the surface. However, she discerned that her near-silence on the state of her interior life was a sacrifice she was being asked to offer up. She didn’t speak openly about her struggle and wanted her letters burned (clearly, that didn’t happen). The spiritual poverty she experienced opened her to more fully experience the poverty of those she and her sisters served. “It often happens,” she wrote, “that those who spend their time giving light to others, remain in darkness themselves.” Her Particular Call to Sacrifice I don’t mean to suggest that those suffering depression should eschew counseling or treatment in the name of holiness. Mother Teresa’s situation was carefully guided by a series of devoted spiritual directors. She wasn’t trying to be strong or suck it up or anything of the sort. Rather, in every moment, she actively participated in serving Jesus in the Missionaries of Charity (what she called “His work”). In doing so, she was sustained, even when she felt so alone and empty. Through the guidance of these spiritual directors, she was able to see the redemptive potential of her pain. “(A)ll the desolation of the poor people, not only their material poverty, but their spiritual destitution must be redeemed, and we must have our share in it,” she writes. An Understanding of the Human Soul She wanted so much to bring souls to Christ. Fr. Kolodiejchuk writes, “Mother Teresa understood the anguish of the human soul that felt the absence of God, and she yearned to light the light of Christ’s love in the ‘dark hole’ of every heart buried in destitution, loneliness or rejection.” The purpose of her suffering was not to purify her from her sins so much as it was suffering of reparation. In a way unique to her vocation, she endured Christ’s pain at Calvary, His thirst for souls, and His Mother’s agony. She didn’t see it for years, but her thirst for God was evidence of His presence. One of Mother Teresa’s spiritual directors, Father Neuner, commented, “No one can long for God unless God is present in his/her heart.” Catholic Life is Full of Joy and Suffering And so we are left with an image of a woman who was closely united with Christ, who lived with joy, peace, and serenity. But those qualities did not come without suffering. What a benefit it is for us to see a contemporary example of the depths and reality of the spiritual life, as painful as hers was. We need to acknowledge that this Catholic life is not all rainbows and sunshine. In doing so, we recognize the reality of many followers’ journeys and hopefully we can encourage one another to persevere and trust in His love. Mother Teresa had a beautiful soul, but not beautiful in the sense of unbroken or shiny and showy. In her words, “Suffering in itself is nothing; but suffering shared with Christ’s Passion is a wonderful gift.” A Model of Radical Obedience While her missionaries lived charity so fully and beautifully, I learned that even more compelling in this Saint was her obedience. She loved Jesus, even when she didn’t feel it. She is described as being “totally, passionately, madly in love with Jesus.” Jesus in the poor, Jesus in the Eucharist. She wrote, “I want to love Him as He has never been loved before—with a tender, personal, intimate love.” It seems to me, that’s exactly what she did in her time on earth, and I know it’s what she continues to do in eternity. Have you read Come, Be My Light? What impacted you the most? [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Come, Be My Light #BISblog //" via="no"] Lindsay Schlegel is a daughter of God who seeks to encourage, inspire, and lift up the contemporary woman to be all she was created to be. She's the author of Don't Forget to Say Thank You: And Other Parenting Lessons That Brought Me Closer to God, as well as shorter nonfiction and fiction pieces, both online and in print. With joy, she speaks about recognizing God's voice and living the truth therein. Lindsay lives in New Jersey with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their kids. You can find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

It feels like the worst thing ever to have a heart that feels a lot. Particularly in high school, there were times that I would see leaders in the Church who weren’t acting in the fullness of leadership and I would cry. I could see hearts and souls that were just becoming part of the system only to leave unaffected because of laziness or lack of focus or vision. I continued to see unfulfilled needs beyond high school, and I got frustrated. Why isn’t this person doing this thing, this thing, or this thing?! Then I would get frustrated with myself for being so affected, for being sensitive, emotional, and too much. No More Frustration The proper response here isn’t blame. It’s also not frustration at yourself for daring to feel. For having your heart entangled with the wellbeing of others. That’s something we get from our Father—His heart is moved with pity for us. So, there’s a place for this heart movement. And it can be powerful. The fact that it’s so powerful is affirmed by how attacked and distorted it can be by the enemy. He doesn’t waste his time. He goes after the big stuff, the high stakes. I realized pretty quickly that I had a choice. I could be bitter and I could blame. Or, I could intercede, dream, and create. In this life, you are going to see needs. You are going to see needs and you are going to see mountains of lack. You are going to be disappointed by leadership, by community, and by people in general. There will be crises, scandals, and wounds that come from people who should have been something, and weren’t. You will see opportunities missed, productivity traded for laziness, and maybe sometimes even a disregard for the greater good. There will be frustration. There will even be heaviness, there will be disappointment, and maybe even tears. And you have a choice to make. You can choose to get so wrapped up in all of the shortcomings, being frustrated with why people aren’t doing what seems obvious. Or you can make peace with what is out of your control. You can make peace with people’s faults, even as you make peace with your own faults. And you can choose to be unafraid to step into needs. Be Part of the Solution You’re created to be a solution. Start something. Develop something. There’s a reason that you’re sensitive to needs, there’s a reason that you notice needs. There’s a reason that you have passion, there’s a reason that you are sensitive to specific needs. You were created for such a time as this. You don’t need to wait until you have the degree, are set in your vocation, or know what you want to do in your life. Follow the needs that you see, and dream so big that it hurts. Again and again in Scripture, we see examples of the unlikely candidates being called into mission, beyond what made sense or how capable or ready they felt. At the beginning of time, God knew everything that was going to be going on in the world when you came around. He placed you here for a reason, and the enemy doesn’t want you to know that. The enemy wants you to get stuck in bitterness and despair, declaring that nothing can be fixed or changed and clinging to blame. You were created to bring reach places that other people have deemed unreachable. Moving in Our Call This isn’t a call to start some war against a greater political system. I’m not about starting a rebellion. I’m about moving in the fullness of our call. I’ve seen move how they are called to on mission. It awakens apathetic hearts to get in the game. You are capable, and you have power and authority in Jesus. You have the power to change lives. I think sometimes we’re afraid to move for the sake of unity. While the Lord speaks in peace and prudence, there are times that you are going to make the apathetic uncomfortable by your passion. And you can’t withhold for the sake of preserving comfort. If you want to change the world, you’re going to have to die. You give up your “right” to be comfortable. If you see a need, there’s nothing helpful or productive about becoming bitter towards whomever “should” have been fulfilling it all along. We cannot afford to partner with bitterness. We can’t afford to partner with blame. Acknowledge the need, yes. Maybe even be affected to the point of grieving it. And then ask the Lord how He’s calling you to step into it, to dream into it. Or maybe how you’re called to empower someone else to bring abundance into it. Look for the Need, and Act If you see a need for worship, start a worship night. If you see a need for community, start investing in people and bringing them together. Let it be messy and let Him be glorified. It’s scary to step into need when you might fall. But the bigger the risk, the bigger the victory. Really, it’s not risk at all, when you’re moving where He calls and seeking to glorify Him. We have to let go of our vision of success for His plan. We have to give up control for grace. Let’s not shut down our hearts, sisters. Let’s be affected by needs and let’s move. The time of revival is now, and it starts with your “yes.” [bctt tweet="To the Women with Big Hearts on Mission #BISblog //" via="no"] Anne Marie Schlueter is studying Communications and Theology at Ave Maria University. She's passionate about worship, dreaming big, and breaking out of comfort zones, and can usually be found shoeless. You can find out more about her here.

At some point, we’ve probably all faced the accusation that Catholics can't claim to serve the poor while building expansive (not to mention expensive!) cathedrals. While our bishops are dressed in fine clothes and golden jewelry. If we would truly follow Jesus’ command and sell all that we have, we could feed the poor. And in our own lives, should we really justify our own use of gold or silver? On the surface level, it’s a fair assessment. It can feel impossible to talk about Corporal Works of Mercy when we are standing in the midst of what seems to be the pure opulence and overindulgence of cathedrals throughout the world. Or even within our own lives. I certainly encounter this as a Catholic jeweler. But I think the question of building cathedrals—literal or figurative—actually goes much deeper. A Scriptural History of Extravagance There are a few Scripture verses that may come to mind in thinking about the role of extravagance: the golden calf, serving two masters, a camel passing through the eye of a needle. However, worshipping wealth is one thing. Understanding the inherent value of something is another thing altogether. The reality is that Scripture overflows with references to gold, silver, and gemstones of every kind. Exodus is filled with details on the creation of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant out of gold, silver, and bronze. In fact, gold and silver are mentioned approximately 200 times in the Old Testament each. In Exodus we also find: And they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. -Exodus 24:10   Imagine the beauty of a sapphire. The facets of light that capture our imagination. We experience the same childlike awe at a beautiful gemstone as we experience at a sunset, because it’s an incredible representation of God’s artistry. It’s important that the comparison is not only to something beautiful but also to something that is prized and expensive - heaven is more than just a beautiful place but also a prize that exceeds all the money in the world. How expensive is a pavement of sapphires? Even just one square foot would range in the millions of dollars. The references to diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, gold, silver occupy the pages of Scripture. God inspired these references for a reason. The inherent value of certain physical materials is part of God’s vocabulary of creation. Formed deep within the mantle of Earth under extreme temperatures and pressure, diamonds are raised to the surface by deep-source volcanic eruptions. God is really telling us something important when it comes to His creation of gemstones. It speaks to our own value in the eyes of God more than most other things found on earth. We are His gemstones. Throughout Church History Think of another example in the history of our Faith. One of the most famous jewelry purchases in the history of the world was St. Catherine Laboure commissioning the famed goldsmith Adrien Vachette to create the Miraculous Medal. Why would Our Lady request this piece of jewelry if purchasing gold or silver is at odds with serving the poor? And let us be honest here. Commissioning the original piece would have come at some cost. The labor of a highly-respected artisan and the materials themselves would not have been a “cheap” order. In this vision of Our Blessed Mother, Mary would not lead us astray. Instead, she shows us that outward expressions of our faith can lead us to new graces. Mary is not asking us to superstitiously put our trust in a medal; rather, she is asking us to use this medal to remind us daily of our Faith and also to share our Faith with the world. Some Things are Precious Think of wedding rings. Although alternative materials are available, most couples continue to be drawn towards rings of gold or platinum. I don’t think this is vanity. It is born from the unspoken belief that some things are more precious than others. When we gaze upon the monstrance, we are not surprised to see it crafted out of precious metals. In fact, we would be surprised to see Our Lord hosted in any other way. While nothing can come close to being valuable enough to host our Lord, we certainly would feel shock at a monstrance made of cheap plastic. Likewise, I think a silicone wedding band strikes us as unfitting for the weight and importance of sacramental marriage. This is not about stretching ourselves to spend more than we ought on jewelry or about being overfocused on the status we might gain through fine jewelry. It’s about understanding that God regularly uses the language of created materials to speak to us. The Beauty of Cathedrals I don’t think it’s a coincidence that our most beautiful cathedrals are overflowing with this: gold paint, bronze statues, gemstone shapes. These things are beautiful and beauty brings our hearts to God. He is beauty itself-the source of all that is good, true, and beautiful. We can worship anywhere we find the Eucharist. But just as we learn better in a classroom than in a crowded bar, the beauty and splendor of cathedrals prime our hearts to connect on a deeper level, using a language that can’t be spoken in words but only through the experience of precious art. If you’ve traveled anywhere in the world with a magnificent cathedral, you know that it’s a language that speaks to the faithful and non-faithful alike. Lines form around the buildings to get a taste of what God has to offer. Money Isn't the Problem I spent the last 10+ years of my career as a nonprofit executive before returning to the family business of jewelry. And, as anyone in nonprofit will tell you, money is not the problem. Yes, nonprofits need money to do their good works. Money plays a role. But all the money in the world won’t solve the underlying issues that most nonprofits are working to resolve. Hunger isn’t just about buying more food. It’s about access, generational poverty, physical geography, and a number of other complicated issues. As with so much else, it’s about issues of the heart and about issues of sin on a larger scale. So should you sell your possessions and give to the poor? Maybe. That isn’t my question to answer. It’s a personal conversation between you and God. But I will venture to say eschewing all our precious items and deciding to stop the construction of cathedrals it isn’t “The Answer” to helping the poor. That answer is found in community, in prayers to heal our hardened hearts, and in sharing the Good News to others. I personally feel we do best to share the truth about God when we begin with beauty. Pope Emeritus Benedict says it best: True knowledge is being struck by the arrow of Beauty that wounds man, moved by reality.   When we see something beautiful, it wounds us. We cannot be the same (at least not in that moment) and we must acknowledge there is something true beneath it. I say we build more cathedrals, we create and share more beautiful Catholic art, and we create a pathway of sapphires to lead people to God. [bctt tweet="More Precious Than Gold #BISblog //" via="no"] Angie Ross is a convert to the faith and a consecrated artist. She and her husband are regularly refining gold, silver, and themselves in the crucible while raising their four children in Orlando, FL. You can find out more about her here.

The end of last summer for us was marked by a miscarriage and topped off with sick kids, so feelings of weakness and despair were frequent. A friend had invited me to a get together at her house with snacks and prayer—children welcome—but I lamented to her over the phone that I didn't feel comfortable bringing my phlegmy offspring around anyone else's. "Do a drive by," she said. "Your kids can stay in the car and we'll pray with you outside." Drive By Prayer So I sat in my car one August morning with sniffling, coughing little ones strapped in their car seats behind me. I'd arrived a little early, so we waited in the stillness of her neighborhood as the trees surrounding us silently surrendered to the approaching season change. Then, the sound of car engines crept into the quiet. I looked up to see my friends' cars processing down the street toward us, one after another. They were coming from daily Mass in their minivans and SUVs. One by one, they passed by me like tanks proceeding into battle. These women were older than me, with more children and more years of experience navigating the trenches and scaling the illustrious mountains of motherhood, all with Christ as their gentle but fierce Commander-in-Chief. Watching them exit their vehicles gave me goose bumps. I felt like I was witnessing warriors dismount their mighty steeds. They eagerly motioned for me to join them on the driveway. As I approached, I felt truly honored to have these fighters in my corner. They embraced me, and immediately, my friend opened her Bible and filled my wounded, worn-out heart with the exquisite peace that only the Spirit can give. 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 Here We Stand Amid the Battle As a Christian, I'm aware of the war taking place around me. I'm aware that we battle not against flesh and blood, and so we wield neither firearms nor blades. St. Paul notes that our fight is against principalities and rulers of the darkness, and they're seeking to sap our strength and gladness and guide us into a pit of despair. We are lured to this pit in all sorts of ways, sometimes through faults of our own, such as pride or too much time comparing ourselves on social media. But often, it is simply the natural occurrences of this life that leave us weary, overwhelmed, and easily led to this pit of hopelessness. It's at the edge of that abysmal pit where I sat dipping my toes into the darkness that day. Weakness and hopelessness were winning, that is until my fellow warriors approached. We Do Not Fight Alone More seasoned in the battle than I, they knew what I needed and how to provide it when I felt little more than loss. They arrived at my side, not with questions of how they could help, but armed with the fierceness of fellow soldiers certain of how to assist me, certain of victory. I hope one day I can be that courageous companion to a dejected friend. Not for the sake of valiantly arriving in my minivan, but to provide the soul nourishment and reassurance that we are called to offer one another throughout this journey. We are all weak at times, and it is then that the strength of Christ is able to shine most brilliantly through others. Unveil the Frailty It’s tempting to conceal our distress, our weakness. We often make jokes about the trials of parenthood and marriage. But it’s rare to vulnerably admit to a friend, a family member, or a spouse in all seriousness that we are teetering on the edge of despair. Or even flat-out swimming in it. It’s okay to be weak. It’s okay to be human, especially amidst difficult circumstances such as the devastation of a miscarriage. I was thankful that I’d revealed to my friend what I was going through so that she could act and encourage me to find a way to be present for their prayers. I’m not advocating for victimizing ourselves. I think we should carefully consider to whom we expose our hurts and only do so for the sake of receiving support, not attention. But this battle is not one to be fought alone. If we’re going to walk in peace despite the pandemonium that comes with marriage, motherhood, and life in general, we must surround ourselves with others who will nourish our spirits with their faith. And also some laughter and wine. Not Alone Despair is one thing, but despair without friends to confide in is tough stuff. I once went through a rough bout of postpartum depression while living in a brand new city. Every day that my husband left for work, the loneliness was palpable. And so I prayed not just for companions, but for soul sisters to rely upon. You know what? God totally knocked it out of the park. My social circle now is even richer in love and virtue than the one I had before the move. Don’t shy away from asking God to send you friends, or from reaching out to someone who may be in need of one. Companionship is one of the Lord’s specialties, among many others, and He longs to fill our deep-seated need for it. Say a prayer today for women experiencing loneliness and despair, that they will make soul-nourishing connections with those who can lift their spirits. [bctt tweet="Drive By Prayer #BISblog //" via="no"] Liz Pardi is a New York born, Virginia raised, Ohio dwelling freelancer. She spends her days, learning, laughing and running her way through this journey with her superstar spouse and their charming little ones. Although it's rare for her to stay awake through an entire movie, she uses significant scenes from film to relay insights on faith, marriage and parenthood on her blog. You can find out more about her here.