Post-Cana: Ways to Foster a Meaningful Marriage
It was another Saturday night in our house: The kids were asleep, the dog had been fed, the dishes were done. Finally, it was just…
Want to Raise Little Saints? Tell the Saints’ Stories
When I was a child, we had a beautiful, leather bound compilation of saints on our bookshelf, complete with illustrated pictures of haloed figures in…
Because Words Matter: The Importance of Sharing Your Gratitude With Others
As a teacher, the start of the school year means many things: student documents to read, a classroom to unpack, and an inbox brimming with…
Seeking Understanding: The Gifts of Having a Questioning Faith
How does a tractor work? Why is a fork called a fork? Where do lightning bugs go in the daytime? How many teeth does a mouse…
What My Family Learned From Inviting Our Local Priests to Dinner
The invitation started with a LEGO set. My 7-year-old came downstairs to show me his newest brick creation, a castle-like structure inspired by his latest…
Children and the Church: Recognizing the Welcome
My husband is in the Army Reserve, which means that, coupled with his civilian work schedule, he is gone at least one weekend a month.…
Does It Spark Joy? Applying Marie Kondo’s Lessons to My Faith Life
“Does this item spark joy?” I asked myself for the hundredth time, holding an old but well-loved T-shirt in my hands. Like many people around…
When ‘Only’ Is More Than Enough: How Beans and Rice Became Our Weekly Dinner Tradition
It was the end of another typically hectic day in our house. I was running behind schedule, my husband was running late, the baby’s nose…
A Meaningful Mess: Lent in the Season of Little Ones
It was 8 p.m., and the bedtime battle was still underway. My 4-year-old was crying for me to bring him water. My 2-year-old was crying…
Fully Exposed: Fighting Fear Through Stand-Up Comedy
“Just don’t let them sense your fear,” the young man holding a clipboard told me, “Oh, and try not to touch the mic with your…
