I’ve had quite a bit of time this week to ponder quite a few things – some relevant to day to day life, others to my spiritual life, and still more that are tied to my life and journey in general – and I keep finding myself coming back to this one, singular, complete thought (not something new, but a reminder, so to speak): There are no coincidences. Life is not random; full of chance encounters and events. If we carefully contemplate our life, all of our choices and the many paths and pursuits we’ve dabbled in, we must admit to ourselves that God has His hand in every aspect…
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Shrine Trippin’! Our Lady of Lebanon
For those who know me, all you have to do is read the title of this blog and you grasp that this visit was a no-brainer for the first of my epic Shrine-Tripping plans! For those who do not know me — I am very proud to reveal my 50% Lebanese heritage. Although I am certain that my mother would also claim that heritage after so many years of marriage to my father – we will stick with specifics here – not wishful thinking: 50% Lebanese! Our Lady of Lebanon National Shrine is so close to home that I was actually dumbfounded that I was not familiar with it at…
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Your “Sparkle”
I was gifted this trendy little ‘sign’ this past Christmas – note what it says – “Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle”! Like so many other catch-phrases, logos, slogans, and pep-talks, it seems to imply that you have a special sparkle, no matter who you may be, and that you shouldn’t let anyone put a damper on that. Let it all hang out — shine baby shine — you be you! Perhaps there’s something to be said for that. It certainly sends a positive message in a manner of speaking. Not long ago I was inspired to actually hang it up (it had previously been relegated to a shelf with…
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God is Good
I have been a bit absent from the blog for the past week or two. I am sorry to confess that there are times when life really distracts me from what I yearn to do! But despite the pressures, problems, appointments, and everything else going on, I have been reveling in the abundant evidence around me each day that God is great and good. I must admit that I am in quite a peaceful and serene place at this point in time — hoping that doesn’t change — but let’s not assume that this is coloring my perception! 😉 I have found quite a bit of joy in the simplest…
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Holy Family, Latrobe
A big thank-you to Holy Family Parish in Latrobe for inviting me to speak at their parish breakfast this morning. I enjoyed meeting you all and having the opportunity to speak one on one with many of you. I wanted to show off your beautifully restored church and show everyone who happens across my blog what breath-taking places I get to see on my guest-speaking journey.
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The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
This day – AKA Corpus Christi, is all about proclaiming and celebrating our belief and faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This particular feast dates back to the Middle Ages and was joyously celebrated with a procession through the streets with the Eucharist held high in a monstrance visible to all – believers and non-believers alike. Last year, the National Catholic Register published an article entitled “Corpus Christi Processions are Making a Comeback” — and personally, I hope that they are right; not only about Corpus Christi processions, but others as well. Kudos to your parish if it has always embraced or plans to (in the…
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33 Days
I needed to take just a moment to congratulate the wonderful group of people who made their consecration to our Blessed Mother last night at the completion of the 33 Days to Morning Glory Parish Group Retreat. I was so blessed to get to know these people over the last six weeks, to hear their thoughts, their trials and triumphs, their insights, and their experiences along the way. It was definitely an adventure in faith that I will never forget and that will always remind me that THIS is exactly what I love doing and where I need to be. My life is all the richer for having had this…