June 26. My birthday. June 26. St. Josemaría Escrivá’s feast day. June 26. A landmark day for Supreme Court rulings on same-sex cases. June 26, 2003: the United States Supreme Court declared a Texas law unconstitutional that made it a crime for two persons of the same-sex to engage in intimate sexual conduct. June 26, […]
The Vocation of Dusting (+ a birthday giveaway!)
“Dusting is important for saving the world.” ~ Leila Lawler & Elizabeth Foss Dusting? Dusting. That was the quote from the Chapter 3 Summer in the Little Oratory podcast that most caught my attention. And it also brought back to mind a story filed away in my to-blog-about-one-day folder. Finally, a reason to talk about DUSTING! The story […]
The Sound of Music + a Giveaway — two of my favorite things!
Good news. In honor of tonight’s airing of The Sound of Music LIVE, we’re giving away a Sound of Music poster, T-shirt, and the soundtrack album featuring Carrie Underwood. All you have to do is two things, and these two things must be done by 11:59pmET TONIGHT.
Take 5 with Lino Rulli (and Win a Copy of His New Book)
Lino Rulli is just plain funny. So funny, in fact, that he almost runs the risk of not being taken seriously. However, in his latest book of humorous anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, he engages and entertains, yet enlightens and evangelizes. I recently welcomed the opportunity to interview Lino about Saint, and he didn’t disappoint. Following the interview, learn how to win a free copy of the book.
Kicking off the “Small Steps” Blog Tour
I am honored to host the blog tour kickoff for the newest book in the CatholicMom.com Book series, Small Steps for Catholic Moms, by Danielle Bean and Elizabeth Foss. It’s a perfect prayer companion for busy moms. Learn more about this terrific spiritual companion and enter to win a copy!
“Secrets” of the Singing Dominican Sisters
The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Here was the plan.
Last Tuesday morning I was scheduled to interview Sister Maria Suso with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. You may recognize the sisters from their multiple interviews on The Oprah Winfrey show or maybe even from The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy. Locally, our Des Moines readers might make the connection that Miss Laura Downey, now Sister Mary Esther, made her solemn profession of vows with the Dominican Sisters of Mary.
Well, here’s what happened …
Me Time, Jesus Time and Tips from Vinny Flynn
One might think that when a man is called to deacon formation, the journey leads him and his family closer to Jesus and His Church. True enough. However, the demands of this journey have provided a plethora of opportunities for our family to get really good (read, bad) at being busy. Many of the spiritually strengthening devotional practices that were once a regular part of my life have given way to the all-consuming formation process. I’m running around performing acts of service like Martha yet still feeling hungry for something deeper.
It all came to a head one recent evening while eating dinner with my family — a fist pounding on the table and tears streaming down my cheeks kind of encounter. At that point, Joel insisted it was time to walk away from the diaconate, if only to get me OFF. THE. LEDGE!
Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious — You Are a Beloved Daughter of God
A few months after my dad passed away, I was hustling through Walgreens to buy a pair of pantyhose. I had to be present at an event about that minute, and of course every last pair of hose I owned had holes in places too obvious to ignore. The neighborhood Walgreens and their it’ll-get-the-job-done brand of hosiery saved me once again. As I hurried to get out of the store, a man approached me from behind and said, “Hey, how are you?” I turned around and the man then replied, “Oh, I thought you were my daughter. You look a lot like her. Sorry to bother you.”
Review (and Giveaway+) of Christopher West’s New Book
Holy Mary! Now this is a giveaway! In honor of a local gal writing this review of Christopher West’s new book “Fill These Hearts” and our prize vault getting a little full, we’re hosting a MEGA giveaway open to our central Iowa readers only.
Quick Takes Friday
Another round of 7 Quick Takes at The Practicing Catholic.