The priests and parishioners at St. Stan’s have preached God’s love for generations. In this blog, I use their teachings to grow and thrive
(while homeschooling, working from home and staying healthy)

Giving up my busy mind for Lent
My head is full today, for no other reason than that it’s a Wednesday, and there were lots of meetings – it was a normal day. My introverted self is tired from talking to people all day, from feeling a lack of control over day-to-day work things. I’m happy that my fourth grader went backContinue reading “Giving up my busy mind for Lent”

Holding a lost friend in love
A dear work friend of mine died by suicide almost five years ago. I woke up thinking about him today and just wanted to use this space to hold his memory in love for a moment. I love that he showed up for me today. At first it seemed random, but I remember that yesterdayContinue reading “Holding a lost friend in love”

Yes, I Do Need Mercy
Sin has always seemed like such a loaded term to me, reserved for violations of the ten commandments and things I should feel deep shame for. I don’t steal or kill or lie, and so when I think of going to confession or calling myself a “sinner” it feels extreme and even a little silly.Continue reading “Yes, I Do Need Mercy”

For When You’re Not At Your Best
Last week was hard, and I’m kicking myself for losing my temper with my kids. On Thursday, I was taking Anna and her friend skiing. We both needed to get our work done before we could go, plus I needed to help Will get organized for the day. Anna was needy as I was tryingContinue reading “For When You’re Not At Your Best”

We Are Called… To Act With Justice
I told you earlier this year that I’m committing to shifting my volunteerism from charity to activism. I’d like to focus more on alleviating the causes of suffering at a systemic level. I am slowly discerning what this looks like. I think it might mean pivoting from food packing events and reading support in myContinue reading “We Are Called… To Act With Justice”

When Will These Voices Integrate? When I Let Them
My fourth grader’s reading teacher challenges the kids to be aware of their “reading voice” and their “thinking voice” when they read books. That is, the part of the brain that’s reading the words, and the part that’s analyzing them at the same time. I overheard this on a Google Meet call recently and itContinue reading “When Will These Voices Integrate? When I Let Them”

An Epiphany Coup Attempt
Today is Epiphany. I’ve been planning this specific excerpt from Father Clay for today, but I had some doubts about its timeliness this afternoon: the US Capitol has been breached. The Confederate flag was flying there. I believe in the rule of law, regardless of party, and today’s unfolding events are so very disturbing andContinue reading “An Epiphany Coup Attempt”

Resolving to Let Go of Some Tar in 2021
This reading from Father Clay started out as a response to Pixar’s movie Soul and then also became a meditation to work through a really unsettling conversation I had this week. And also, I think it’s a good one for New Year’s Resolution season. I’m going to try to do all three here. Soul: TheContinue reading “Resolving to Let Go of Some Tar in 2021”

Christmas Reminder: God is In Us All
For a lot of people, the Christmas season is not the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time of loneliness and isolation and time when feelings of alienation and shame make themselves known. I like this Christmas letter from Father Clay, reminding us that God is in all of us. Merry Christmas. HoweverContinue reading “Christmas Reminder: God is In Us All”

Let Christmas Happen
I watched Father Dennis’s homily on Facebook this weekend. It was so timely for me, as he talked about the difference between making Christmas happen versus letting Christmas happen. He talked about his mother, who had nine kids, many born right around Christmas, always being so pregnant and yet working so hard to make ChristmasContinue reading “Let Christmas Happen”
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