Christmas Wonderings
...sit in pure, quiet adoration of the Beauty that is ever ancient and ever new held within the person of a sweet, newborn baby.
In the Silence of Mary’s Womb
Sink deeply into the profound peace and safety of Mary’s womb with Jesus through this guided visualization.
Overcoming Darkness with the Light of Love
Today, as many March for Life in Washington DC, Laura speaks to those choosing life after the unthinkable violation of rape.
Christmas Wonderings
When each of my three children were born and the midwife lifted them up for me to see and placed them on my chest all I could do was stare at them and whisper, “Oh my God. Oh my God.” This was the only prayer I could formulate and articulate: a prayer of thanksgiving, of amazement, and disbelief at the tiny, heartbreakingly beautiful little person we were blessed to be entrusted with. The night of the first Christmas, before the heavenly host sang their Gloria, before the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, and before the wise men brought their gifts, there…
Feeling New
What does it feel like when you’re new? It’s like your first pair of shoes: squeaky clean and ready to go, but they don’t quite fit yet. It’s like the first snowfall of the season: fresh and unblemished but frigid. When you’re new, it’s as if you are walking in to your first day of freshman year all over again, except you’re not. You’re older now and supposedly a bit wiser, but you feel like that awkward, bumbling teen who doesn’t know where she’s supposed to go or how to act in order to fit in. When you’re new, what…
Beautiful Brokenness
“I hope nothing’s wrong with this one,” my friend brazenly blurted after my pregnancy announcement during our monthly women’s Bible study. A few cringed following her comment, and I caught their discomfort in my periphery. Somehow, as calloused and cruel as that statement could be, I knew my friend was well-intentioned, so I politely thanked her and changed the subject. Still, my heart was torn in the aftermath of her blunt statement. It wasn’t even like she attempted to package it with consolation or preface it with an explanation. It was just spewed out of her mouth without warning or…
Tangible Movements of Grace
There are moments when I simply don't know how I'm going to get through it- the stacks of dirty dishes, the floor that seems to be perpetually covered with crumbs, the endless needs of 3 small children. Sometimes, when I'm faced with these moments of overwhelm, I remember to pray; sometimes it's a memorized prayer, repeating an encouraging quote or Scripture verse over and over to myself, and most times it's a spontaneous "Lord, help me!" There are moments when I am overcome with gratitude- when I hear all 3 children singing happily together from the next room, when…
Motherhood: Full of Grace?
“This is SO not graceful right now!” I thought to myself as I leaned half-way into the back seat of my sedan attempting to put my 1 year old in his car-seat with one hand while simultaneously pulling my shirt down and my pants up with the other. I have found myself thinking similar things as I walk waddle, up and down dormitory halls doing nightly rounds, or squat to clean up the ever present goldfish crackers from under the kitchen table, or chase my son around for 10 minutes simply trying to get him dressed. Motherhood is not graceful. Motherhood…
Foundations, Faith and Fighting for Little Souls
Eight years into this parenting gig and suddenly I'm keenly aware of how experiences outside our home have an impact on our kids, and how truly important the influence of family and the Church is. Sure, we've struggled with parenting challenges – going from one kiddo to three in an instant (if you're the parent of multiples, you know nine months in utero is no preparation at all). Sleepless nights, tandem infant feedings while a toddler demands attention, and the run-of-the-mill things every parent deals with. We all face trials of one kind or another. Yet what I realize now:…