God is teaching me the difference between worldly waiting and faith-filled waiting. I was recently diagnosed with a pulmonary condition that could eventually be life-threatening....

Silent Prayer in Advent

Reflections Marina Berzins McCoy

Many Advent hymns feature the idea of silence: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent,” or, “My Soul in Stillness Waits.” And then there is...

Imperfect but Hopeful

Reflections Gretchen Crowder

I walked into the Sunday evening Mass a few weeks ago with quite the ragtag group of little boys. I had been in and...

Savoring the Season

Reflections Rebecca Ruiz

The crisp morning air greets me as I rush out the door. Gentle rays of sunlight bounce off yellow-draped trees. Fallen leaves crunch underfoot,...

Gratitude Leads to Generosity

Reflections Vinita Hampton Wright

When we develop an outlook of gratitude, we train ourselves to perceive the world in terms of abundance rather than scarcity. I am grateful...

How Do You Want Others to Remember You?

Reflections Vinita Hampton Wright

Let’s consider our own legacy—what people will remember about us when we’re gone. You might need pen and paper for this. If you died today,...

Shining in Their Smiles

Reflections Gretchen Crowder

I consider one of the greatest blessings I have right now to be watching my three little boys grow up. And it is a...

Making Friends

Reflections Rebecca Ruiz

My son began attending a new school this month. As we pulled up to the front entrance, he was wondering aloud whom he would...

Befriending a Rat

Reflections Gretchen Crowder

In our urban backyard, we have a chicken coop constructed just right to fit our five, almost full-grown chickens. My animal-loving family promises me...