A number of events had transpired that began the transformation of my heart, and the beginning of my call to dedicate my life to Jesus, including an Ignatian experience of deep prayer and the loss of my dear husband. What…
How did I come to be at the very first Hope’s Garden Home? (Part I) A number of people have asked me how I came to be at Hope’s Garden Home. I have to admit, I would have asked myself…
When I was young, if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I would tell you “an artist” which was a bit ironic because I had trouble coloring within the lines and I couldn’t draw…
My garden, once a sanctuary, was trampled upon by those closest to me – my own family. Years of betrayal and anguish left me feeling forsaken and utterly all alone. I tried to navigate life all by myself, but I…
In the Byzantine Church during the first three days of Great and Holy Week, we celebrate a special service known as ‘Bridegroom Matins’ (morning prayer). In some churches, they celebrate this service in anticipation, meaning the night before, making the…
Mark 10:17-27 includes the beautiful comment about Jesus looking at the rich young man. “Jesus, looking at him, loved him.” We know from other instances, that Jesus’ look of love can change people. At Peter’s third denial of Christ, when…
Reflection on John 3:22-30 “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.” “He must increase; I must decrease.” These lines from John 3:22-30 open before us the inner contours of poverty of spirit. This and the…
The ministry of Hope’s Garden began as a response to the need of women who struggled to regain their trust in Jesus after experiencing dysfunctional or toxic relationships. The goal is to gradually introduce the women to the spirituality of…
There exists a dichotomy in regard to our relationships to other persons. While we are all infinitely complex and unique, we are, simultaneously, infinitely the same. Just as we have complex lives with an incalculable number of details that only…
