What a privilege it was to write a reflection for the My Sisters the Saints book club over at CatholicMom.com. The book, written by Colleen Carroll Campbell, has really touched, comforted, and challenged me. In fact, the night after I finished reading Chapter Two, the chapter I was assigned to write about, I couldn’t sleep. I toss and […]
Is it Hello, Facebook or Goodbye, Facebook? Where I wrestle with the good, bad, and ugly.
Ever been asked that question? I was. Once. And my response tanked. That question and the reaction it provoked in me actually played a role in a “rebirthing” experience of my own. There’s a back story, and I share more about it in my latest post for CatholicMom.com (find it by clicking here). And the […]
Psst! You. Yes, you. Have you heard? Christmas is nearing. See. I know, I know. I hear your collective groans through this digital space. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet. Shoot, it’s not even Halloween yet! What’s the rush, Schmidt? How about you prayerfully enter into Advent before mentioning Christmas! Touché. But may I please have some latitude […]
We recently watched the documentary TINY: A Story About Living Small on Netflix and can’t stop thinking about it. No, not contemplating packing up and moving into a tiny house like the one pictured above any time soon. But we are left pondering how to live “small” in the space we occupy. It’s the topic of my latest […]
Joel and I were recently reviewing stats from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 2013-14 study of permanent deacons. Take a guess — what’s the average age of deacons in the United States of America? How many are in their 40s like Joel? I won’t spill the beans here, but if you’re curious, head on over […]
Some political issues remain simply political until they visibly impact the lives of those around us. Then suddenly we recognize them as issues of human dignity. My latest column for CatholicMom, a “World View Wednesday” post, revisits one such situation: immigration reform.
Truth be told, immigration reform was once just a bunch of talking points that affected a group of people. But then something happened to shake that up. Immigration reform became no longer just about “those people,” but rather, a topic that deeply affected people I knew — fellow parishioners and community members.
It’s two days late and several dollars short of anything worth value, but hey, here’s another round of 7 Quick Takes Friday.
“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.
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.