Libraries hold magic for Shemaiah. Not only are they doorways to new stories and worlds & characters, but as a bookworm, she feels at home being surrounded by books and fellow readers. For her, the library is more than a place — it’s an opportunity for community.
Read MoreListeners remember the foretelling of the Christ Child in the Old Testament as we hear references to those holy texts. We sense the longing of those waiting for Christ. That longing mirrors our own
Read MoreWe have become experts at pointing out what is wrong.
I understand — for good reason. Things have been messed up.
But isn’t it exhausting? Living like this? Pointing out all that is wrong?
Read More"Depression and anxiety started to fade away. I could see God at work in the world around me more clearly. I started to realize so clearly that physical, mental, and spiritual health were all related. And I was happier."
This month Grotto Network shares stories of FIRSTS. I am the first in my family to own a home.
Read MoreIf you don’t know by now, I read A LOT.
People keep asking me what I’ve been reading lately so I thought I’d put them down in one post to share.
Read More"Once we know we are loved, it is easy to choose joy."
My new reflection for Loyola Press on Father Gregory Boyle new book!
Read More"Hospitality is not about changing people or bringing them to your side but about creating a space where they can be their authentic selves, the person they were created to be."
Read MoreConversation exploring the need to prioritize, make, and seek beauty in our everyday lives, beyond the walls of museums and concert halls.
Read MoreSeptember 30-October 1, I was able to attend and present at the Catholic Imagination Conference in Dallas on my upcoming biography on Catholic writer, Brian Doyle.
Read MoreI watch as we partition ourselves into factions. Segregating ourselves more and more, until we push out those different than us. And then I watch, as they stop trying to be part of the community. They stop trying to be part of the Body of Christ.
Read MoreThe future is not promised: That is a big lesson for 13-year-olds, who think they are indestructible.
Read MoreHumility is a concept that is difficult to define. We often think of it as an antithesis to confidence. But this is simply untrue. Many of our favorite leaders in history or in our own lives are treasured because of their humility. I think of St Teresa of Calcutta and her work with the poorest of the poor in India. Or an old boss who always said it was the interns who did most of the difficult work on a project, not him. There is an openness in humility. A flexibility to learn something new. A teachable spirit. Humility allows us to listen. And ultimately, humility is connected to God’s sovereignty.
Read MoreThe Collegium Institute and Dappled Things invite you to join us for this online event which will bring together a diversity of voices to explore the need to prioritize, make, and seek beauty in our everyday lives, beyond the walls of museums and concert halls.
Read MoreIf you’re interested in making space for beauty in your daily schedule, here are a few easy places to start.
Read More“Serenity now.” Instead of saying this as intended—in a calm, tranquil, meditative manner—Frank screams it, very likely skyrocketing his blood pressure even further. The effect is hysterical, and I realize, I am laughing, too, at myself.
When I am anxious or frightened, I call out to God, and much like Frank Costanza.
Read MoreTouched by the reaction from my jr high classmates on this essay I wrote on our math teacher. A call to prayer for our own children caught in today’s spiritual crossfire.
Read MoreWe can see like Jesus by knowing him. How can we see as he does if we do not spend time with him?
Read MoreThrives on moments where storytelling, art and faith collide.
Goldberg is much more practical than many of the texts that I have read. She gives you much to hold onto.
If you know me, you know I love encounters with strangers. Here is one that left me encouraged.
First time writing for Catholic World Report. I have wanted to tell this story for a long time. Read my essay on the theology of the body as it pertains to our last moments here on earth.
I had the honor of chatting with Melissa Wilkinson on the Anchored with Purpose podcast! We talked about my journey to Catholicism, the difference between happiness and joy and encouraging each other.
I must pinch myself that I am part of this collection from Ignatius Press ! It comes out next month but is available for preorder now.
How easily we forget that we are, at every moment, shaped with care by a Creator. Artists, however—who know intimately the blood, sweat, and tears of the creative process—can help us sense how marvelous it is to be created: the patience, the detail, the joy. In this essential collection, thirty-one Christian artists from various disciplines, from music to poetry to film to sculpture, offer personal essays on the strange experience of following God’s lead by making beautiful things.