While reading the daily Mass readings on the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, I was struck not so much by Saul’s dramatic conversion rather by Ananias’ faithfulness and obedience. St. Ananias reached out to me so forcefully that I declared him my February Saint of the Month right then. Here’s what he’s teaching me about developing a close relationship with the Lord.
It’s that time of the year when many of us enlist the help of an online saint generator to randomly select a saint who journeys with us throughout the year. Rather than journeying with one random saint this year, I’ll walk with at least twelve. Think of it as a saint of the month club. My January saint of the month is Elizabeth Ann Seton – daughter, wife, mother, widow, friend and the first American-born saint.
In honor of his feast day, here’s a thought-provoking prayer titled “Be Satisfied With Me,” attributed to St. Anthony of Padua.
“Now Saul was consenting to his execution.” That line from today’s first reading from the Acts of Apostles is bugging me a bit. So much that I’m putting my first thoughts out here for your comments. As the reading goes, we walk alongside Stephen as he implores the people, elders, and scribes to stop rejecting Christianity. The … [Read more…]
Let’s consider this post another one in the #WhyILoveMyHusband series. Here’s why. Our oldest child Lucy lost her first tooth one year ago right around Christmas. It almost caused a minor meltdown (me, not the kid) because it was just one more thing to add to my to-do list during a season that can be already hectic with … [Read more…]
Anne of Green Gables said, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Me too, Anne! Here are ten things I love about the month of October.
Joel helps us prepare for this Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word with a reflection on the Mass readings.
— 1 — I received an email early this morning that read, “Blessed Feast of St. Benedict!” Yay. St. Benedict is my man. Party on, Schmidts! Wait, what? I thought his feast day is July 11. So I turn to my favorite monks’ website and learn there are actually two feasts of St. Benedict on … [Read more…]
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! We’re celebrating here with an Irish-inspired Soup & Stories post from our dear friend Pat Gohn who among her other talents hosts the Among Women Podcast. In today’s post, Pat shares a bit about her Irish heritage, how the Breastplate of St. Patrick prayer comforted her while battling breast cancer, and passes along a recipe for St. Patrick Irish Cheddar soup. Any recipe that calls for Kerrygold Irish Cheddar immediately catches my attention!
But back to that prayer for a moment. Most of the stanzas of the prayer begin with the words, “I arise today.” Imagine what it means for someone staring down a potentially life-threatening illness to pray those words. Everybody knows somebody who is battling something. Consider sharing the prayer with that person today.
Here we are marching quickly through the first quarter of 2014, and I’ve yet to host the official-yet-unofficial oath of office for my 2014 spiritual board. So here and now I present to you my 2014 Spiritual Board of Directors: seven saints reaching out to me, inspiring me, and uniquely supporting my vocation as wife and mother.