Faith | The Practicing Catholic

Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry (Part 2)

Thursday, February 27th, 2014 | By Lisa Schmidt

Back on September 23, the feast of St. Padre Pio, I issued a “worry list” challenge and invited readers to join along. The challenge consisted of writing out a worry list. I came up with five big things that were, so to speak, keeping me awake at night. I placed that worry list in the back of my Bible, a symbol for placing my worries in God’s hands. I marked my calendar three months forward, December 23, with a note to check back on my worry list. I also promised to check back here. I did indeed check back on my worry list on December 23. But I did not check back here. Please allow me to close the loop here and now. . . . → Read More: Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry (Part 2)

What “I Know My Limits” Really Means

Monday, February 24th, 2014 | By Lisa Schmidt

My social media feeds blew up several days ago with friends near and far sharing their disgust over words an Iowa lawmaker spoke on the floor of the Iowa House. The lawmaker at the center of the kerfuffle is Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell who stands in opposition to a bill here in Iowa banning telemed or webcam abortions. In response, many prolife media outlets naturally issued stories with headlines reading, “Lawmaker says crying baby is reason for abortion!” Or, “Democrat Legislator: A Colic, Crying Baby is a Good Reason for an Abortion.” And while I agree they were right to call out Wessel-Kroeschell on the colic comment, it was another word that caught my attention. What was that word? Limits. . . . → Read More: What “I Know My Limits” Really Means

Even Papa’s Peace Doves Get Pecked Sometimes

Tuesday, February 4th, 2014 | By Lisa Schmidt

“Christians who are afraid to build bridges and prefer to build walls are Christians who are not sure of their faith, not sure of Jesus Christ,” Pope Francis. Bridge building can be hazardous, huh? Just take a look at what happened to the peace doves Pope Francis released while, ironically, praying for peace in the Ukraine where violent protests have raged since late November. The moment provided a bit of inspiration for my latest piece at CatholicMom.com. . . . → Read More: Even Papa’s Peace Doves Get Pecked Sometimes

The Lost Art of a Handwritten Note

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014 | By Lisa Schmidt

A couple of weeks ago I received a beautiful Christmas card in the mail. Its loveliness was outmatched only by the thoughtful handwritten two-page plus letter found inside. It read, in part, “This year I’ve vowed to send a handwritten note to special people in my life to let them know how I feel about them. Of course, it’s all good stuff!” (Whew. Exhale. Safe to proceed on…) The letter continued with my friend sharing heartwarming thoughts about our friendship and shared experiences.

Receiving that letter was the bright spot of my week, a week where I vowed to spend less time online. I’ve learned that, at times, I lean a . . . → Read More: The Lost Art of a Handwritten Note

A Stewardship Prayer for the New Year

Friday, January 10th, 2014 | By Lisa Schmidt

January is traditionally the time to make New Year’s resolutions. For Christians, it’s also an ideal time to take stock, reassess, and recommit to a life lived for and in Jesus Christ. Let’s take advantage of this time of year to become closer to the Lord. Pray with me? . . . → Read More: A Stewardship Prayer for the New Year

Am I Playing My Drum for Jesus or Myself?

Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 | By Lisa Schmidt

Is there a hobby, gift, or talent that has changed your life? Ever had to let go of it only to discover God was calling you to share the gift differently? It’s the question I pose at the end of my latest column for CatholicMom.com. I would be honored if you clicked on over and joined the discussion. . . . → Read More: Am I Playing My Drum for Jesus or Myself?

The Narrative Behind the Nativity Scene

Monday, December 16th, 2013 | By Lisa Schmidt

Do stories and traditions accompany your Christmas decorations? I just returned from a visit to my mom’s house where we enjoyed reminiscing about how our family Nativity came to be. . . . → Read More: The Narrative Behind the Nativity Scene

Does Your Parish Celebrate Bambinelli Sunday?

Thursday, December 12th, 2013 | By Lisa Schmidt

Each year on the Third Sunday of Advent children gather with their families in St. Peter’s Square in Rome for “Bambinelli Sunday.” It’s an Italian Catholic family tradition in which handcrafted babies or “bambinelli” destined to represent the Christ child in the family’s Nativity scene are blessed by the pope. . . . → Read More: Does Your Parish Celebrate Bambinelli Sunday?

Our Advent Wreath — A Haiku

Monday, December 9th, 2013 | By Joel & Lisa Schmidt

We’re joining the Advent wreath link-up at CatholicMom.com and sharing a few photos of our wreath. Oh and we wrote a haiku, too! . . . → Read More: Our Advent Wreath — A Haiku