making sense of life in the details
As it often does, my Jesus Calling devotional pointed me to a verse today I’d heard multiple times, but never really considered. Today, it was Psalm 20:7: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. The times I’ve trusted in a horse are limited... Continue Reading →
In the past several weeks, it has become clear that American Catholics have both a new opportunity and responsibility to do something with which they may not have a lot of practice: spiritual discernment. In the time since the obligation and practice of mass attendance was suspended in March, individual Catholics have relied on their... Continue Reading →
“In all honesty, I have to say she was sent to me by the Holy Spirit.” My friend, Bob, was talking to me about the incredible care he’s receiving in hospice, and specifically the care he’s receiving from his CNA, Paulette. Paulette came here from Jamaica 33 years ago, raised five children, and worked hard... Continue Reading →
I sang a recorded mass for Pentecost, the first mass at which I’d ministered in months. In choosing the music, I considered all of my favorite Holy Spirit songs, but kept one on the shelf: O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God. In a time of pandemic, we’re keeping our breaths to ourselves, or... Continue Reading →
I was walking in one of my favorite places just now when I saw this wooden chapel birdhouse. It’s not the first time I’ve noticed it. In fact, I’ve taken hundreds of pictures of it over the years, in every time and season. Sometimes the leaves are green and full as they are today. Sometimes... Continue Reading →
I spent the afternoon away from home, walking and praying and asking God to speak into my next steps. There is so much up in the air. I’m a preschool music teacher who doesn’t yet know if the schools will open in the fall, or whether there will be funding for my programs, or whether singing... Continue Reading →
I am astounded by phlox. You know, the tiny little perennial flower that pops up in bright pink, purple, and white this time of year on hillsides and rock walls. We planted a couple of small bits on our patio around some larger planters four or five years ago and each year it comes back... Continue Reading →
I hadn’t run consistently in a while, but today I ran 2.23 miles in honor of Ahmaud Arbery , the 25-year old man who was shot and killed while running outside Brunswick, Georgia on February 23. As I ran, I thought about what it would be like if this were my last run, my last... Continue Reading →
I was watching this video last night and was about half-way through when I burst into tears. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U It’s a collaboration of over 65 churches and Christian movements in the UK, their music ministers calling down blessings over their country. And if you watch their faces, you see their connection to the Holy Spirit,... Continue Reading →
I’m a Catholic and my heart is broken, again. An audio recording of a meeting between Catholic bishops and President Trump reveals a modern-day exchange of silver. Catholic school funding + defense of the pro-life cause = political support and Catholic votes. Never mind this administration’s horrific, bungling, and careless late response to the pandemic,... Continue Reading →
