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As the Morning Rising: Mercy is a river : Mercy is a river Mercy is a river That sows itself In splashes Providing water For the thirsty Who are terrified of t...

Today I take one last stroll through "Prayerful Thoughts of St. Ignatius of Loyola," this time searching for wisdom in the face of my friends' deep suffering. ©Rick Schroeppel/Getty Images Please join me in prayer at Praying with Grace .

It’s February! …That special time of year dedicated to the heart — The month known for being “American Heart Month” ever since 1964 — And that has Valentine’s Day at it’s very center! Our call to take time out this month for matters of the heart, and for seeing the big picture for us, as individuals, and for our country as a whole... Would you know the Signs of having a Heart Attack?... LORD, that we may become centered once again for sake of body, mind, and soul. >> Click Here to Read More at: The Way To Nourish For Life >>

The cycle was the same. Everytime I’d go into the bathroom, I’d see this little Japanese Beatle crawling out of the drain. I’d turn on the faucet, and I’d wash that little bug down the drain. After the 5th time, I gave up. That tiny bug won the right to not drown and be washed away. Persistence. Read more at Prayerfully Yours

As the Morning Rising: When Mercy's Work Is Done : St Brigid used rushes to make a cross when giving instruction in the faith to a dying man and St Patrick used the shamrock when teaching...

Lent is around the corner again. My Facebook feed has been full of discussions about Lent and articles with this, that or the other Lenten recommendation. It’s amazing how many ways there are to “live Lent”. And each way has both die-hard supporters who see the spiritual value of that particular path through Lent, and critics who see the potential pitfalls. For an example of what I mean, take a look at  an article Simcha Fisher wrote a few years ago  – I think she did a pretty good job of showing some common approaches to Lent and the very real benefits and potential drawbacks of each. I don’t think there’s one “right” way, or even “best” way of living Lent. I believe there are as many ways of living Lent as there are people. Although we often approach Lent programmatically, I prefer to see it as a journey, or dialogue between the soul and God. A dialogue is hard to copy or recreate, because it depends largely on the heart and mind of the people involved. A dialogue can have a

WOW! What a week! The love of God blanketed our region like a 24 inch coating of snow! Oh wait- that was snow! And we are still feeling all of that love even now! My child is having eternal “snow days”, and as I write this blog, will be home again tomorrow. Because of this, I have had a chance to sit by the fire and think about all that I learned last week at the Something Greater Interfaith Forum-”Exploring the Mercy of God” . I hope you find it inspiring as well.

Beautiful Souls: A Series on Parenting Pt. 1 ~ A Day in the Life Holiness in the home is the source of much grace.  When we make an effort at holiness, such as attending Mass, participation in the sacraments, seeking out a fully Catholic education, teaching our children how to work and learn, preparing them for First Communion, and teaching our children about the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as other tenets of the Scriptures, we will, in turn, receive much grace. This blog series is written as meant to encourage converts and reverts alike to continue seeking out holiness in your home, with a special Parenting Concentrate added in for good measure! ;) read the rest at Picture a Skyline

What are you doing for Lent?  I'm getting fit!  Every Lent I look for a new experience and this year I decided to focus on my health. I'm at the age where my rock star idols are  dying in bulk .  Though I'm in good health now, as I approach my 64th birthday, I think about my immortality just a little bit more. You can read the article and view the photo gallery at Being Catholic ... Really .

Politics and Religion It’s that time again folks, where politics and religion collide! Today marks the beginning of the 2016 Presidential electoral process. The great state of Iowa, the first in the nation, conducts their Iowa caucuses today, to determine who will get Iowa’s electoral votes for the Democratic and Republican parties. Now the race is really on! Have you been watching the political news? The Republican candidates are cutting each other’s throats with trash-talking and degrading language. One candidate is famous for spouting racial, cultural and gender bias against the citizenry. The Democratic candidates are no holy saints either. They try to set themselves apart from each other with negative “policy” commentary that somehow spills over into personal insult. What’s the kicker? Read more...

It was my mother who first taught me something so profound that I could never forget it .  She said even though I may make my Morning Offering alone by the side of my bed or in bed I was not alone. Nor would I be alone even if I became a hermit and lived in the middle of some distant desert or a prisoner locked up in solitary confinement.  My prayer would always be made in with and through Jesus and so with all other living Christians wherever they were. She quoted the  Our Father  to press her point home. When we petition the Father we do not petition him for ourselves alone as the prayer makes abundantly clear – it is – ‘ Give US this day our daily bread and forgive US our trespasses as WE forgive those who trespass against US and lead Us not into temptation, but deliver Us from evil Amen. ’   She taught me further that praying to the Father in Jesus also means praying with all those who have died and who are now alive again in him. That means with Mary and Joseph, with St Peter an

As the Morning Rising: St Brigid, Pray For Us : St Patrick's Church Ringsend Dublin St Patrick, pray for us St Peter's Cathedral Belfast St Patrick&#39...

Unresolved grief is a relatively new concept in mental health circles. Secular doctors are beginning to realize it is the root cause of many emotional problems.  In Catholic terminology, unresolved grief occurs when we cling to those we who have died, refusing to surrender their souls to God or embrace our new relationship to them in the Mystical Body of Christ. A Catholic psychiatrist facilitates a group of faith-filled men and women who are learning how to grieve and release their forgotten ancestors to God, as well as miscarried and aborted souls in their family background. The change in these people, some who have been in therapy for decades, is miraculous.  Even ‘Normal’ Catholics Need therapy Tragically, few Catholis discover the root of their spiritual malaise because often it means seeking psychological help continue reading

'There was a lush cloister garden,' I wrote several years ago, 'and it was separated from the streets by high walls.  My plan was to sit with Bible and journal and gather together scattered threads of thoughts and prayers.  The sounds of traffic around?  No problem.  I looked upon those as bits of minor background noise.  I would spend the day with God, in peace.  An ideal set up for serenity. That is, until the band. From a campus nearby, there were sudden sounds of an outdoor concert.  A LOUD outdoor concert.  I sat in the garden surrounded by trees, statues, birds, and THUD THUD THUD THUD THUD.  Thud thud thuds out of context, setting my nerves on end.  Suddenly, ordinary street sounds began to unsettle me.  How long had there been planes flying overhead, one after another, and so close-by?  The city seemed filled with sirens.  Voices shouted, just outside the enclosure walls. Oh dear.  However could I pray?...' (continue)

Last week I talked about why I don't try to be someone I'm not: more specifically, why I don't insist that God equip me with what's trending in charisms. Also spirit-filled administrators and loose cannons . ( January 24, 2016 ) That Sunday's second Scripture reading got me started: 1 Corinthians 12:12 - 30 . Today's second reading, 1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:13 , picks up on the next verse: " Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.... " ( 1 Corinthians 12:31 ) I could stop there, and claim that everybody should start clamoring for "the greatest spiritual gifts." I've talked about cherry picking before. It's a bad idea.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,   in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face,   let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.  SS 2:14                                                                                                                                                       Our God desires to see our face   turned to Him in prayer. He longs to hear our voice lifted in heart-felt praise. When we read and reflect on God's Word   prayerfully, we provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We experience Jesus move from the background of our life to His rightful place in the foreground. I would love you to continue to participate   in these twice weekly Retreats. I write on Sundays, and a volunteer from a small team writes on Wednesdays. The Gospel is taken from the Liturgical Calendar. You can also access the 10 Minute Daily Retreat via  Facebook  or by  downloading the App. The Retreats will pa

As the Morning Rising: Snowdrops - The Footsteps of St Brigid, and Brigid... : http://www.kildare.ie/kildareheritage/?page_id=8 http://www.stbrigidsparishbelfast.org/ Snowdrops - The Footsteps of St...

I met Opal when she was 99 years old and in hospice. I was working as a volunteer in hospice with my dog Pixie. Opal and I struck a friendship up immediately. Opal could barely speak, but we communicated well. We laughed and talked. We both had a love of Sacred Scripture, and she had a quilt covered with beautiful verses on her quilt. We had our own Bible Study using her quilt. We’d laugh so much out of the joy of knowing each other.   I told her that people would wonder if we were really having a Bible Study because we laughed so much.  Read more at Prayerfully Yours

Beloved Come away, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains. SS 8:14 Read on Blog: http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/ *Please continue for one more day for a brief prologue.

Elisha Refusing Gifts from Naaman , Pieter de Grebber, c.1630 Private collection [ Web Gallery of Art ] Gospel Luke 4:21-30 (New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, Canada) Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the

Once in a while, when I’m bored, or curious (or need a good introduction to a blog post!), I browse through the “ Days of the Year ” website. I never cease to be amazed at the variety of celebrations on the calendar. In February, people will be celebrating Stuffed Mushroom Day, Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, World Nutella Day, and Gumdrop Day. Mouth-watering, right? February also includes Thank Your Mailman Day, Take Your Child to the Library Day, and Extraterrestrial Culture Day. If I followed my taste buds here, I’d probably be advocating for World Nutella Day; if I succumbed to my inner geek, I’d go with Extraterrestrial Culture Day. But, given the proximity of Lent, the lack of known alien life, and my focus on marriage and family life both in my job and at home, I’ll rise above the tasty and bizarre, and focus your attention on February 14. This year, February 14 is both Valentine’s Day and World Marriage Day. The two focuses actually go pretty well together, so here are a f

I see Him walking on the road ahead of me. There are millions of people following Him, trying to seize His attention. I keep running towards Him. I fall often, but, in spite of the crowds, I get up, seeking only Him. Before I come near Him, He turns and looks at me. He’s smiling at me with great love. He motions for me to join Him and walk with Him. We walk together on the road. As we walk, He looks at me, and His eyes are full of love, mercy, and peace. He smiles at me. Read More at Prayerfully Yours

Humans sleep , which shouldn't be surprising. Just about all critters with brains sleep: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish — even insects and nematodes experience something like sleep. Poets and playwrights have written of sleep.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

Lover O you who dwell in the gardens,      my companions are listening for your voice;      let me hear it.  SS 8:13 Read on Blog:   http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/

Australasian Christian Writers: Introducing Susanne Timpani, Debut novelist. : Jenny Blake here, I am happy to bring you an interview with  Susanne Timpani who is releasing her debut novel on Feb 12th In my home... Books available https://www.booksinstock.com.au/twice-stolen.html

A few years ago, a daily writing prompt asked writers if they could only take five objects from a burning house, what would be the most difficult things for them to leave behind? Well really, the only objects I consider to be important are photos of family, my computer, passport and ID, a Bible and bank card, assuming I am wearing my wedding ring and gold cross like always. That’s it. As for regrets, I really do not think my heart is in things. Since I was a little girl, I have felt content with what I have materially. Even now, when my adult kids ask me what I want for Christmas, I pause for a moment, with a blank mind.  I have to search to come up with a list. Rather a strange state to be in because this is not the result of spiritual striving, fasting or prayer, it is just how I am. Living with little people has only strengthened an innate tendency to enjoy the little things, to be grateful to be alive and in communion with the Spirit. continue reading

As the Morning Rising: Right Beginnings : Right Beginnings The old church building is gone and a new one is in its place. There are echoes of footsteps on once-familiar paths trace...

  Beloved: If a man offered for love      all the wealth of his house,      it would be utterly scorned.  SS 8:7 Read on Blog: http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/

WHAT IS SPOON THEOLOGY? IGNORE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW. CLICK HERE IF YOU DO

Grandma and Timmy’s Story of Hope Timmy was waiting by the front window for Grandma to arrive. “Will she remember me?” thought the little four-year old. Timmy remembered Grandma’s sweet perfume, and soft cheeks. He loved her laugh. He was bursting at the seams waiting for her arrival. Then, he saw the car pull up in the driveway. Daddy ran around from the driver’s side and opened the passenger door. There was Grandma! The wait was over! Timmy ran out the front door and dashed into Grandma’s arms. He hugged her tight, never wanting to let her go. “Grandma, it’s so good to see you,” Timmy said excitedly. “I’ve missed you!” It was only after getting his hug, that Timmy noticed something different about his Grandma. ... Read more...

When we read the parable of Jesus about the sower and how some seeds ended on the footpath, and others on rocky ground, and others among thorns and only a few on good ground, we think of the Word of God spread amongst many who would not listen. But let's consider who is the sower? Is it God teaching us? Or Jesus preaching throughout the Holy Land? Or the prophets and Disciples? Or is it someone else? Please CLICK HERE

All right, so you're not God. We can pretty much agree on that. I'm guessing that if you were God, you'd have changed your life around a bit, made things a little easier on yourself, on some loved ones, and even on some worthy strangers. Would you have made things more difficult for some others too? If you're like me and if I were being Honest, I'd have to say I'd have probably definitely made life more difficult for some who I think "deserve" to have life made more difficult! I'd claim to be a Just God, but perhaps I'd be more of just a revenge god! Would you have played with the timing of events a bit too? Would you have opened your eyes to the future of your Marriage before saying "I do" perhaps? Would you have kept working outside your home despite wanting to stay home with your children so you wouldn't be in such financial despair now? How differently could you have made world history turn out if you had j

Beloved: Many waters cannot quench love,      neither can floods drown it.  SS 8:7 Read on Blog:  http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/

My sister goes to Florida to escape the dark, dreary days of winter in Cleveland, Ohio. The Florida sun makes her feel better physically and mentally. Not everyone can move to Florida during January and February. So what can we do to shake off the dull sadness that might cloak us at least occasionally during these months? Surprisingly, I've learned that the great St. Thomas Aquinas provided some practical answers, including taking a bath and sleeping! Granted, we will not experience perfect happiness until we move to heaven, where "God will wipe every tear" from our eyes. (Revelation 21:4) Still, we can take steps to stay reasonably happy on earth. Click to continue

Living Catholic artist, Ladislav Záborský was sentenced in Slovakia for treason to seven years imprisonment in 1954 but was released on Christmas Eve 1957. His crime? He painted Christ as a worker in 1949.  His other religious art was labelled corrupt. While imprisoned, Ladislav felt as if his hands were nailed to the cross because he could not paint but only seek God in the depths of his soul.   He felt as if he was crucified because he could not walk where he wanted to.  In poems written after his release, Ladislav expressed the deep spiritual transformation which occurred during his imprisonment. The result of his inner crucifixion meant he no longer fulfilled his own desires but only sought God and His desires. continue reading

©Medioimages/Photodisc/Getty Images "Not only among men, but not even among angels is there anything more noble than glorifying the Creator." -St. Ignatius of Loyola Join me at Praying with Grace to read more Ignatian insights into the glory of God.

As the Morning Rising: Mercy : Mercy Make a meal for someone who lives alone, or have a chat with them over a cup of tea. Eagerly read one or two pieces of...

Beloved: for love is strong as death,      jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire,      a most vehement flame.   SS 8:6 Read on Blog:  http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/

We know that Lent is a time for praying, fasting and giving.  However, those three words have a multitude of meanings for each of us. What I have come to realize as I peruse the plethora of ideas on what to do for Lent  that can be found online and in print, is  that what makes for a meaningful Lent for me, may not have as much, or  any, meaning for you.      We are each uniquely and wonderfully made by our God.  And we are each called in unique and wonderful ways to serve Him. So how can you excel this Lent?     I don't have any new ideas that haven't already been shared.  What I do have are some suggestions to help you discern what you could  do this Lent:  Be authentic .   Don't compare yourself to what others are doing in their Lenten journey.  If giving up one simple thing (sodas, chocolate, meat, etc.)  is what works in your life and allows you to more deeply enter into this season, then do not judge yourself harshly because your friends are giving up something which

Beloved: for love is strong as death,      jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire,      a most vehement flame.   SS 8:6 Read on Blog:  http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/