Homeschool Nugget

Anyone who has ever seen my children’s nursery will know that I am a huge Beatrix Potter fan. So, this little button just tickled me pink. I thought I would share. Happy Tuesday!

Listen to the Light

Candles blessed, now strike the match. Read Isaiah by the light of the flickering flame. Remember. Rest. Ready yourself.

Advent is more than a preparation for a single day of the year. It is more than a remembrance of one day long ago in Bethlehem. Advent is a time to intentionally realign our minds to the kingdom of God—to prepare our hearts to witness Jesus in Scripture, in Sacrament, and in the faces of all people. Advent is the time to listen to the Light.

What is He whispering to you this year?

Is it trust?
Compassion?
Surrender?
Humility?
Courage?
Gentleness?
Forbearance?

Remember Him.
Rest in Him.
Ready yourself. He is coming.

He is Emmanuel, God with us.

Listen.

Advent Wreath Devotional

For the past few years, my family has utilized the following devotional around our Advent wreath. The structure is simple: Each night before dinner, we light the candles, read a passage of Scripture, say a prayer, and lift our voices in song. The prayers and passages are shaped around the symbology of the candles, which represent hope, peace, joy, and love. The devotions are brief enough for our young children to bear in the witching hour just before supper but spiritually rich enough to give all of us something to contemplate as we spend a few minutes together in adoration of Our Coming Lord.

Frankly, I cannot remember where I originally found these prayers, and so to whomever I may be plagiarizing, my apologies. I hope, given the circumstances, you will not mind if I share these words with the world. In all things, grace. To God be the Glory. (And if you recognize them and know where they are from, please let me know so that I can give proper citation!)

I hope that this Advent devotional may bless some of you as a way to center your family in prayer this holy season. It has been a blessing to us.

A Rite for the Beginning of Advent at Home

LEADER: As our nights grow longer and our days grow shorter,
we look on these earthly lights
and remember God's promise to our world:
Christ, our Light and our Hope, will come.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned….
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders,
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Is. 9:1-2, 6-7

ALL: O God, rejoicing, we remember the promise of your Son. As the light from this candle shines forth, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, brightening our way and guiding us in truth. May we resolve, this Advent season, to be a light of Christ to those around us. May all other brightness of the holiday be dim in comparison with this gift of Jesus in our lives.
Amen.

The first candle is lighted.

Daily Devotionals for the Advent Wreath

First Week (Hope)

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Ps. 62:5-8

Jesus, you are Emmanuel, God with us. You are our rock, our refuge, and our only hope. Through your sacrifice, we are reunited to our Father in Heaven. We praise you, and we thank you for being our hope in this world. Amen.

Sing first verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Second Week (Peace)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Ph. 4:6-7

Lord Jesus Christ, only joy of every heart, grant us your peace. Teach us to trust in you, and not to concern ourselves with the things of this world. Help us to be instruments of your peace in this broken world. We look with joyful hope to the coming of your kingdom where peace will reign forever. Amen.

Sing second verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Third Week (Joy)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Ph. 4:4-5

Father, we rejoice in your merciful love. We thank you for adopting us into your family, and for the gift of your precious son, Jesus. We wait in anticipation for the celebration of his birth. We rejoice for the gift of your Holy Spirit who dwells in and among us, and who daily draws us nearer to you. Amen.

Sing third verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Fourth Week (Love)

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Cor. 13:12-13

Father God, all things are in your hands, come and show us the way to salvation. Lead us, your children, into your eternal kingdom where we may know your love completely and fully love you in return. Daily draw us into your presence that we may be more and more aware of your love. We thank you this day for the truest demonstration of your love, the giving of your son Jesus to us, that we might dwell with your forever. Amen.

Sing fourth verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

On Christmas Eve, sing the final verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel. 

Joyful Parenting in 10 Daily Choices

Have you ever wanted to be a more joyful parent? Yeah, don’t we all? Including lovely mother, author, speaker, blogger, and all-around-beautiful-lady, Ann Vos Kamp. In my opinion, she’s got a good foot in the door already, though.

If you haven’t already read it, you need to read Ann’s Joyful Parenting Manifesto. I know it’s not Scripture, but it is gospel truth. Ann is full to bursting with the Spirit, so take her humble thoughts, meditate on them, and inscribe this list on your heart. Then, print out her handy-dandy free printable download and tape it anywhere in your house where you might need a reminder. I’m slipping a copy into my homemaking binder and on the homeschool wall right now.

Have a blessed weekend.

My Advent Calendar

For me with my personality and especially with two young children, simplicity is essential to enjoyment of just about anything, and Advent is no exception. However, I know from experience that even though I may desire a streamlined, trimmed-down, Christ-centered holiday, it’s easier said than done. It’s so tempting to get distracted, to try to bite off more than we can chew (literally and figuratively), and to get lost in the array of traditions and treats and obligations that seem to clutter the holiday atmosphere.

I’ve pared down, revamped, and prioritized, and what’s left are those traditions that I feel are worthwhile and meaningful to our family. Then, the trick was figuring out how to make sure we fit it all in without being overwhelmed. The answer? The Advent Calendar! And, this year, it’s doing double-duty.

We open our calendar first thing in the morning, so it doesn’t contain any candy. Instead, each day, my children will find a task, an event, or a treat (non-edible) to help us prepare for the Nativity of Our Lord—while keeping me on track for Christmas!

All my planning is finally completed, and with Advent quickly approaching, I thought now would be the time to share with you all. May you have a blessed season filled with the true meaning of what—and Who—is to come.

Advent Calendar 2010

In November:

• Shopping for all baking, candy, and projects
• Make Advent wreath
• Prepare Advent calendar
• Bake Grasshopper Squares (up to 3 weeks before Caroling Party)
• Bake Spritz (up to 3 weeks before Caroling Party)
• Invites for caroling party
• Complete purchasing/making of gifts
• Wrap gifts
• Take family Christmas photo
• Write Christmas cards

Throughout Advent:

• Good Deed Manger cotton balls (Each child gets a bag of cotton balls next to their bed. When they perform good deeds, they get to take one of their cotton balls and put it in the “manger”—ours is a doll bed—to make Baby Jesus more comfortable. After Midnight Mass, we’ll lay their baby doll in the crib to symbolize the Christ Child.)
• Read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. When the children are older, we will also be able to work through this study in homeschool.
• Read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
• Advent Wreath devotions (check out Monday’s post for more on this!)

First Sunday in Advent: November 28th:  Stir-Up Sunday - Can mincemeat and make fruitcake

November 29th: Deck the Halls!

November 30th: Deck the Halls! Finish any last minute Advent Preparations (set out wreath, children’s advent calendar, prepare baked goods for caroling party, etc.)

Day 1 of Advent Calendar (W): Set up Good Deed Manger

Day 2 (Th): Bake Peppermint Meringues 

Day 3 (F): Make popcorn and cranberry garland for tree; prepare eggnog, slice and bake
checkerboard cookies

Day 4 (S): Christmas Tree Cutting & Caroling Party; decorate Christmas tree 

Day 5 (Sun): Write letters to St. Nicholas; Make Sugar Plums and Prepare “Purses” for St. Nicholas’ Day

Day 6 (M): St. Nicholas Day; Weed clothes and toys to donate 

Day 7 (T): Make Gingerbread mobile

Day 8 (W): Make Peppermint Patties

Day 9 (Th): Make scented pinecones

Day 10 (F): Go shopping for Christmas Charity giving

Day 11 (S): Read The Nutcracker (This is also the day I am going to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker with a dear friend. I am so excited—and I can’t wait until Sophia is old enough to come, too!)

Day 12 (Sun): Bake Julpepparkakor and prep Lussekatter

Day 13 (M): St. Lucia Day; Take a drive or walk through the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights displays in honor of the Saint of Light

Day 14 (T): Make Swedish Gingerbread House

Day 15 (W): Bake Seven Layer Cookies

Day 16 (Th): Make Peppermint Bark

Day 17 (F): Make Fudge (5th Wedding Anniversary!)

Day 18 (S): Watch The Muppets Christmas Carol (Yeah, I needed something that would be easy for our friends to pull off with the kids while Brian and I enjoy our weekend getaway in the city!)

Day 19 (Sun): Light a fire and roast chestnuts while watching A Charlie Brown Christmas

Day 20 (M): Attend Living Nativity performance

Day 21 (T): Bake Christmas Cutouts

Day 22 (W): Decorate Christmas Cutouts

Day 23 (Th): Advance prep for Christmas Eve Smorgasbord and Christmas Dinner (menus to follow in upcoming posts)

Day 24 (F): Midnight Mass

Day 25 (S): Put Baby Jesus figurine in the manger – the Christ Child is here!

To My In-Laws

Thank you for giving me the gift of your son.

For giving him life, bringing him to earth, and raising him right.
For feeding, clothing, and loving him.
For training him to be honest and honorable and hard-working.
For giving him strength, which is the meaning of his name.
For all the little things and the big

and then for letting him go
and welcoming me into your lives.

It has been 27 years since you became parents.
Thank you for welcoming the life I hold so dear.

Happy birthday, Brian. I love you.

Blessed to Be a Blessing - Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

“All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors.” - John Calvin

Today is the feast of my patron saint, St. Elizabeth of Hungary!

We celebrated again this year with our traditional (and delicious) Hungarian Coffee Cake. Yum!

I find it providential that St. Elizabeth’s feast is always the week before Thanksgiving. It seems appropriate that, in this affluent nation of ours, we celebrate the feast of a princess who gave back so generously from out of her copious blessings to the poor, just prior to celebrating our own blessings from the Lord. What a gift to remember that there is a reason for all this blessing beyond our own happiness—the joy and great service of stewarding some of those blessings on to others who are less fortunate.

Dear St. Elizabeth, you taught us by your example to live in gratitude, with open hearts and open hands. Pray for us, that our hearts and hands may be always open to all God’s children. Amen.

Proverbs 31 Reflections: Verse 18

“She enjoys the success of her dealings; at night her lamp is undimmed.”

Today, you’d be pretty hard up not to have electricity available at night, but in the days of Solomon, it was a prosperous family, indeed, that was able to keep their lamps burning brightly after sunset.

In this verse, we stumble across something subtle but intriguing: the Proverbs 31 wife is enjoying her blessings. It’s seems so simple that we might be tempted to just gloss over it, but sometimes I think we struggle with simply enjoying our blessings in our present culture. Why else would there be so many self-help books on the subject? And why would blogs like Ann Vos Kamp’s Holy Experience strike such a poignant, previously unmet chord in the lives of so many women?

So, as Thanksgiving approaches, and we look back on a year of blessing and challenge, let us relish and enjoy in gratitude. And, if you’re not feeling particularly “successful” this year, take a little time to reflect on why that might be. Perhaps you could turn over a new leaf this year? Or maybe you just need some new perspective to see successes where maybe you haven’t before.

Work hard, prosper, give thanks, and enjoy. God bless.

Picture Credit: Woman Working by Lamplight by Jean Francois Millet

Something Sweet at Creative Minority Report

Love the blog. Love this. Check it out. For once, it has nothing--absolutely nothing--to do with politics ;-)

Veteran’s Day

To those who sacrificed so that I might enjoy the freedom to serve my God in my home in this great country, which, though young and still finding its feet in so many ways, was born from the genius of high ideals, I thank you.

I pray that you enjoy all the blessings of the sacrifice you so freely and worthily made.

My thanks go especially on this day to Morgan K. and Sean B. who served during the War in Iraq. Welcome home, boys!

And to my father-in-law, Lyle, and my Uncle Dennis who received divided gratitude at the time for their service in the Vietnam Conflict. My gratitude to you both and my admiration for you is wholly undivided.

To those who find themselves living war-torn lives, whether soldiers or civilians, you are in our prayers and in our hearts. May you experience true freedom, and may you come to know peace.

A Type of Mother

As an artist (and free thinker) there are few things I hate more than stereotypes. Now, archetypes are another matter entirely. I must confess, there is something about archetypes that resonates with me deeply.

Nobody wants to be a stereotype, pigeon-holed into a life that goes against the grain of their minds and hearts. No one should have to cookie-cutter themselves to conform to what goes against their conscience or nature. I am under the distinct impression that our loving Creator loathes stereotypes and is repeatedly disappointed when we attempt to squeeze ourselves or others into them. To do so is to sell humanity short and to undermine His vision for the uniqueness of every human life and soul.

But, I think God understands and utilizes and admires and enjoys archetypes.

I can’t believe it is all just cultural bias or brainwashing that ingrains archetypal images and feelings in us. If it were so, then archetypes such as “home” and “man” would look entirely different from culture to culture, across times, and around the world. Instead, what is so striking is how similar they are from place to place and age to age.

Our post-modern Western society isn’t a big fan of types of any hue. Individuality is key—even if it is inauthentic. Tradition is shed even at the expense of personal happiness or self-realization. So long as we’re unique and can stand out from the crowd, that’s what matters. And, is it any wonder that so many people feel lost? For how can we define ourselves but in relation to type? No, we do not want to be stereotypes, but we can only ever move so far from the archetypes of our lives. To push ourselves beyond these bounds is merely to land in a void of confusion and aimlessness.

We yearn for archetypes, and one archetype that we each yearn most deeply to touch (whether we admit it or not) is that of Mother. Every child—newborn or grown—longs to experience the archetypal love of Mother. It is in our very nature; everything from psychology to art speaks to this.

So, what happens when a society undervalues the Maternal Type and urges its young women to strive for something “better?”

What happens is a younger generation who is left yearning, yearning for something that their own mothers are fearful, unmotivated, or unequipped to give them. Yet, in the very depths of every child’s soul is this longing, this need for Mother Love.

Lord, let no one ever say I was a stereotype, but oh! For my children’s sake, let me be a Type of Mother.

Image Credit: “Picking Wildflowers” by Hermann Seeger

A Simple Centerpiece for November

In the summertime, I’m a sucker for the glorious cut flower bouquets at unbelievably low prices that appear in buckets at farmers’ markets all over the Puget Sound. But, other than the famous Pike Place Market downtown, most have closed their…well, not doors (tents?) until spring. And anyway, there aren’t many flowers left regardless.

Besides, though cut flowers are beautiful at any time of year, November tables beg for something a little…drier? Heartier? Well, in any case, autumnal.

This is a simple centerpiece that I can throw together year after year and, somehow, never gets old. The cornucopia I picked up at a JoAnn’s clearance years ago. The little glass votive holders are actually leftover from our wedding reception centerpieces (I think they were originally from Michael’s). So, all that’s new this year are the dried corn and the walnuts, which were easily obtained out my local grocery store, and the beautiful beeswax candles. The best part? Anything that can’t be kept until next year can be eaten!

With all the planning and purchasing that the holidays always seem to entail, it’s nice to have a reliable, enjoyable standby that can grace my table without breaking—or even bending—my budget.

What’s on your table (decoratively speaking) this month?

November Learning Baskets

Here are our book lists for the month. Each Monday morning, I rotate the books in the children’s learning basket. Usually, I will also place a little something next to the basket that goes along with our theme, such as this statue of a pilgrim mother and daughter that I found for $0.99 at our local Value Village. Currently, we also have a mobile made of leaves that we collected and preserved in orange beeswax hanging above our table.

And no, I’m not breaking the budget by homeschooling our kids. All but one of the books listed below is being taken out of our local library! If we discover a book through our Learning Baskets that is a real favorite, then I put it on a wishlist for future gifts or for future school years and budget for it. But, I like previewing books before I purchase them. I hope these lists will give you and yours some fun ideas to explore, too!

WEEK ONE – Pilgrims
In November by Cynthia Rylant
Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims
Pilgrims of Plymouth by Susan E. Goodman
Sarah Morton’s Day by Kate Waters and Russ Kendall
Samuel Eaton’s Day by Kate Waters and Russ Kendall

WEEK TWO – Native Americans

Tapenum’s Day by Kate Waters and Russ Kendall
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B. G. Hennessy and Lynne Cravath
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie de Paola
The Gift of the Sacred Dog by Paul Goble
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

WEEK THREE – Turkeys

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper
All About Turkeys by Jim Arnosky
A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting and Diane de Groat
Little Tom Turkey by Frances Bloxam and Jim Sollers
A Thanksgiving Turkey by Julian Scheer and Ronald Himler

WEEK FOUR – Thanksgiving

The Importance of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood and Greg Shed
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh and Helen Sewell
Squanto’s Journey by Joseph Bruchac and Greg Shed
Over the River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child and Christopher Manson

WEEK FIVE – Soup

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak
Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
Soup Day by Melissa Iawai
Mouse Soup by Arnold Lobel
The Cabbage Soup Solution by Erika Oller

Prayers for All Souls

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

De Profundis

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.
I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;
And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.

Prayer for All the Deceased

By Thy resurrection from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath dominion over those who die in holiness. So, we beseech Thee, give rest to Thy servants in Thy sanctuary and in Abraham's bosom. Grant it to those, who from Adam until now have adored Thee with purity, to our fathers and brothers, to our kinsmen and friends, to all men who have lived by faith and passed on their road to Thee, by a thousand ways, and in all conditions, and make them worthy of the heavenly kingdom.

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: "Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

Tuesday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus that was shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, particularly that soul which is in the greatest need of our prayers, in order that it may not long be delayed in praising Thee in Thy glory and blessing Thee for ever. Amen.

A Prayer for a Deceased Father

O God, who hast commanded us to honor our father and our mother; in Thy mercy have pity on the soul of my father, and forgive him his trespasses; and make me to see him again in the joy of everlasting brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ghost Toast

A fun and easy treat for Halloween, All Saints, or All Souls Day. You might also consider it for Pentecost or any other feast honoring the Holy Ghost.

You can poach or scramble eggs and pile them inside the ghost with the little cutout on top, or you can fry eggs inside the ghost in a frying pan. Whatever your creative “spirits” desire!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Saints…

In honor of the Feast of All Saints today, I thought I would share with you a few of my nearest and dearest canonized friends and role models.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary



When I was in Kindergarten, my school put on a pageant for All Saints’ Day. We were each supposed to be our patron saint. Well, there’s no St. Bethany, in case you didn’t know, which meant I got to choose my patron. My teacher told me I could choose among the saints whose names were most similar to my own and suggested St. Anne or any of the St. Elizabeths. I asked her to tell me each of their stories, and well, what little girl wouldn’t have jumped at the chance to choose a real life princess for her patron saint!

St. Elizabeth of Hungary and I go way back, and I have always been encouraged by her prayers and spurred on by her generous example of charity toward the poor. She used all of her blessings to be a blessing to others. I hope that, someday, I can look back on my life and say the same.

Read more here.

St. Therese of Lisieux



If she hadn’t kept a journal, we might know nothing of the unassuming life of this humble but brilliant soul who spent her short years on earth in the home of her parents and then in a cloistered convent as a Carmelite nun. The thing that has always impressed me so much about St. Therese is that she never let her smallness diminish her. She strove to serve God completely, valiantly, and marvelously in whatever small task was set before her, whether it be fulfilling her obligation to wash a floor, overcoming the temptation to gossip or say something unkind to someone, or simply being fully present in her prayer time. Therese is a saint for the everyman (or woman), and I think we could all do with taking a leaf out of her book.

By the way, she’s also passionate about prayer! While she was alive, she said that she looked forward to death because of all the good she could do in praying ceaselessly in the presence of God for those of us still journeying down here. So, don’t just emulate her, invoke her! She’s a prayer warrior I always want in my court.

Read more here.

St. Thomas More



How do I even begin to explain why I love St. Thomas More? I think it may be safe to say that his life and martyrdom have inspired me more than any other saint apart from the Blessed Mother. Not only was he brilliant, just, humane, generous, and humble, he possessed insurmountable integrity. I have always admired integrity above all things. Perhaps that is to my detriment, as there are many other (arguably worthier) qualities and virtues, but there it is. Whenever I have been faced with a situation where I know I will suffer for standing my ground, I think of St. Thomas More, and I am spurred on to courage and the defense of a clear conscience.

Read more here.

Bl. Pope John Paul II



John Paul II reigned as pope throughout my childhood. At the time, I admit I rather took it for granted that such a holy, kind, humble, brilliant man was the head of the Church. I guess I sort of assumed that all popes had to be that way, otherwise they wouldn’t have become the pope. History tells another story, of course, and in time I learned this. Pope John Paul II inspired me during his life by his profound love of humanity, his passion for knowledge, his deep but humble faith, and his zest for living. Now, I covet his holy prayers and look forward to the day when I can thank him for the example he set for me and for my entire generation of believers.

St. Monica



St. Monica is for me a pillar to cling to when the winds blow hard. She endured decades of heartbreak from her faithless husband and children. Yet, she bore up under it not with bitterness but with hope and with prayers that would, ultimately, move mountains and guide a wayward child on the path to sainthood. For anyone who struggles with the pain of desiring that a loved one would come to know the Lord, St. Monica is here. She has shed your tears. She has prayed your prayers, and she prays beside you now.

Read more here.

I would love to hear from all of you. Which saints have inspired you the most in your earthly pilgrimage? Do you have any stories of intercession from a particular saint? If you could meet only one saint when you got to Heaven, who would you choose and why?

A Blessed Feast of All Saints to you!