-
An Antidote to Our Self-Obsessed Culture
Have you ever willingly done something extreme or difficult for the sake of building your body’s resilience? Today, people add ankle weights at the gym, wear weighted vests on walks, and even plunge into ice- cold water—all in pursuit of strength and vitality. These practices stand out because we live in a world where most people avoid discomfort at all costs. In that sense, those who choose it for the sake of growth are worth the admiration. Discipline of the Body vs. Zeal for the Soul Just the other day, I overheard my husband and my…
-
I Quit Social Media
What I learned after three years away A few months ago, after years of being off of social media, I tried logging back into what I thought was my permanently deleted Instagram account. To my surprise, it was easily recovered. Suddenly, years of old memories were right there, archived and waiting. Part of me wanted to throw the phone across the room—like Frodo having the One Ring slip right back into his pocket, dangerous and tempting as ever. The other part of me was curious. I started scrolling through old family videos and posts I’d so…
-
On Loss and Finding Meaning in Suffering
I wrote this post on my old blog, almost ten years ago. I felt called to update it, add a bit, and share it again here today in hopes that these words will bless someone who needs to hear them. This reflection came during a season of loss that ultimately taught me to trust the Lord more deeply with my life. For anyone who has walked through this or is currently walking a similar road, please know that you are in my prayers. Unexpected News A couple of months ago we unexpectedly found out that we…
-
Learning to Live in Seasons
Sometimes, clarity comes not through striving—but through surrender.If you’re discerning a shift in your vocation, or wondering if it’s okay to let go of something meaningful… this is a gentle invitation to breathe, to listen, and to let the Lord lead you in your season. When my fifth baby was born, I quit my job. While technically part-time, I worked upwards of 40 hours a week during busy seasons. The hours fluctuated, but the circumstances stayed the same for the eleven years I served as an RCIA leader—I poured my heart and soul into that work.…
-
Peace Isn’t Found in Comfort–It’s Found at Mass
The world feels chaotic. We’re inundated with information, change, anxiety, and uncertainty. If you’re searching for peace—real, lasting peace—there is a place to find it. Whether you’re Catholic, curious, or just spiritually exhausted—there is a place where Christ Himself waits for you. Go to Mass. Here’s why it matters, why it’s essential, and why now is the perfect time to begin again. When the World Feels Overwhelming In so many conversations lately, especially with friends and family, the topic inevitably turns to how chaotic the world feels. For a while, it seemed like the overwhelm was…
-
How Daily Rosary Prayer Changed My Life (And What It Taught Me)
Have you ever wanted to pray the Rosary but felt too distracted, too busy, or just not “holy” enough? That was me. For years, I struggled to connect with the Rosary. But everything changed when I committed to praying it daily. In this post, I’ll share how the Rosary transformed my prayer life—and three lessons that may help you too. My Story: From Reluctance to Joy Thinking back, I believe it was in 2018 when I first began praying a daily Rosary. At the time, I had no consistent habit of praying such a long prayer—just…
-
The Sanctifying Power of Family
With five kids in tow, my husband and I have heard just about every comment imaginable about the size of our family. From “You have your hands full!” to “You do have a TV… don’t you?”—and plenty in between. (You can imagine how gracious I feel after that second one.) Wherever we go, we’re something of a spectacle: kids grouped together, ranging from ages one to eleven, always a little loud, usually sticky, and never boring. But the question we get the most is this:“So… are you done?” My husband knows how much I cringe at…
-
Discovering Charisms and The Catholic Commons
A few weeks ago, I walked into a charism workshop not quite sure what to expect. I left deeply moved—challenged, affirmed, and a little in awe. I had always known God gives us gifts, but I didn’t fully grasp that He gives us supernatural charisms—ways the Holy Spirit wants to work through us, uniquely, for the good of others. It was a very eye-opening experience—thinking and praying about the fact that God equips each one of us with certain gifts for sharing with and building up His Church. We are not called to use them for…
-
Five Truths About Starting Over with Grace
For a long time, I loved capturing small moments in words and photos. Reflecting in written words on the quiet, ordinary, and sanctifying moments in life has always been a sort of prayer to me. I mostly did this on social media (Instagram), but when that began to disrupt those daily moments of life, I knew I needed to withdraw. At the time, it was a calling for more silence—both in my own head but also in what I share. When things start to become too curated, the beauty of the ordinary tends to disappear. I…
The Catholic Commons
Sacred conversations for ordinary days…
The Catholic Commons 