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Gina Sandmann Verduzco

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I just love the promise of spring. The bluebonnets are blooming, announcing the arrival of a season filled with new growth and spectacular beauty. The highway medians are daily changing canvases of color, shifting from soft blues to bright reds, deep magentas to vibrant yellows and tiny splashes of white. I love driving anywhere around here this time of year, eagerly searching for the next set of blooms.

I often talk about the seasons of our faith and prayer, and if you are in this season of hope, growth, brightness, and warmth, I am so happy for you. This is the fun part, filled with joy and beauty, but it is not the only fruitful season.

Throughout the winter, our bluebonnets have been growing. I planted the seeds in October in terrible soil – just the slightest hint of dirt over pea gravel where the playscape used to be – and it was exactly what they needed to thrive.

On the hillsides of Austin, the plants have been growing, almost unnoticed, for months. This time of quiet, invisible growth is key to the beauty that will burst out in spring.

So whatever season you are in, basking in the warmth of spring or enduring a winter of waiting, know that your faithfulness matters. Even if your prayer consists of just showing up and being silent because you can’t find anything to say, your efforts are not wasted.

In winter our roots grow deep, and in spring, God allows His beauty to shine through us.

May God bless you, no matter what season you are in. #spring #prayer #beauty

I just love the promise of spring. The bluebonnets are blooming, announcing the arrival of a season filled with new growth and spectacular beauty. The highway medians are daily changing canvases of color, shifting from soft blues to bright reds, deep magentas to vibrant yellows and tiny splashes of white. I love driving anywhere around here this time of year, eagerly searching for the next set of blooms.

I often talk about the seasons of our faith and prayer, and if you are in this season of hope, growth, brightness, and warmth, I am so happy for you. This is the fun part, filled with joy and beauty, but it is not the only fruitful season.

Throughout the winter, our bluebonnets have been growing. I planted the seeds in October in terrible soil – just the slightest hint of dirt over pea gravel where the playscape used to be – and it was exactly what they needed to thrive.

On the hillsides of Austin, the plants have been growing, almost unnoticed, for months. This time of quiet, invisible growth is key to the beauty that will burst out in spring.

So whatever season you are in, basking in the warmth of spring or enduring a winter of waiting, know that your faithfulness matters. Even if your prayer consists of just showing up and being silent because you can’t find anything to say, your efforts are not wasted.

In winter our roots grow deep, and in spring, God allows His beauty to shine through us.

May God bless you, no matter what season you are in. #spring #prayer #beauty

It was a tough week.

A few of my directees faced some pretty significant and difficult situations, we had some medical appointments for my daughter that were challenging for her body, and I threw my back out.

As I was out walking, trying to loosen up my back and ease the pain, it made me think - life is hard sometimes. But often, we have to go through the hard to get to the good.

So, if you are in the hard, especially in this time of Lent and sacrifice, I want to encourage you to keep going, embrace it, and trust that this is how God is getting to the good.

*Personal Update* - my back is doing better, and my daughter has recovered well from the testing day - we received some really helpful information from it. God is so good.

It was a tough week.

A few of my directees faced some pretty significant and difficult situations, we had some medical appointments for my daughter that were challenging for her body, and I threw my back out.

As I was out walking, trying to loosen up my back and ease the pain, it made me think - life is hard sometimes. But often, we have to go through the hard to get to the good.

So, if you are in the hard, especially in this time of Lent and sacrifice, I want to encourage you to keep going, embrace it, and trust that this is how God is getting to the good.

*Personal Update* - my back is doing better, and my daughter has recovered well from the testing day - we received some really helpful information from it. God is so good.

Sometimes we try to make Lent a big thing with a long list of stuff that we are doing or giving up. But really, Jesus just wants us to approach Him on the cross and be close to Him. #saintquote #catholicspeaker

Sometimes we try to make Lent a big thing with a long list of stuff that we are doing or giving up. But really, Jesus just wants us to approach Him on the cross and be close to Him. #saintquote #catholicspeaker

A little reminder this Ash Wednesday. It's not about how much you give up.

A little reminder this Ash Wednesday. It's not about how much you give up.

What a beautiful way to start Lent, giving an Ash Wednesday retreat! #lent #ashwednesday

What a beautiful way to start Lent, giving an Ash Wednesday retreat! #lent #ashwednesday

What a beautiful and blessed day we had at the day of prayer retreat on Saturday. It is a gift to work with people who want to to share God‘s love with the world and do so in such a welcoming and beautiful way. Thank you for having me, Mary Queen Catholic Church! Friendswood is as lovely a place as I thought it would be. 😁🥰🙏

What a beautiful and blessed day we had at the day of prayer retreat on Saturday. It is a gift to work with people who want to to share God‘s love with the world and do so in such a welcoming and beautiful way. Thank you for having me, Mary Queen Catholic Church! Friendswood is as lovely a place as I thought it would be. 😁🥰🙏

Here is what I am doing for Lent this year…

Here is what I am doing for Lent this year…

Lord, what do you want me to bring to the cross on Good Friday? This is the question I’m asking God as I discern my Lenten practice this year. #Lent2025 #AshWednesday #catholic

Lord, what do you want me to bring to the cross on Good Friday? This is the question I’m asking God as I discern my Lenten practice this year. #Lent2025 #AshWednesday #catholic

Are you in the Houston area? I would love to see you at the retreat I’m leading tomorrow. Register here! https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

Are you in the Houston area? I would love to see you at the retreat I’m leading tomorrow. Register here! https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

Lent is so much more than 40 days of sacrifices and focused prayer.

Start off strong this Lent with a day-long retreat. I would love to see you there! More informationhttps://www.austindiocese.org/events/march-5-ash-wednesday-retreat

Lent is so much more than 40 days of sacrifices and focused prayer.

Start off strong this Lent with a day-long retreat. I would love to see you there! More informationhttps://www.austindiocese.org/events/march-5-ash-wednesday-retreat

I have no idea what I’m going to do for Lent this year. Do you?

I haven’t thought about what I’m doing for Lent that much, but when I do, I generally go through a list of options and try to pick one. Then it hit me that I’m doing it all wrong.

This week, I had several conversations about everyday decisions. In each conversation, I asked, “Have you prayed about it?” Every time, the answer was a laugh followed by a “no,” but it was clear that the answer should have been a “yes,” because that “yes” could bring far more peace than the “no” ever could.

That’s when I realized I was doing the same thing.

Have I been praying about what to do for Lent? Nope!

But I should, and I will.

Rather than deciding for myself, I’ll ask God to place something on my heart that He desires from me.

What would God like me to sacrifice in order to stand at the cross on Good Friday and receive the sacrifice given for me? What will help unite me more fully to God’s will or grow in holiness? Approaching Lent this way feels so different, doesn’t it?

Without prayer, it’s all about my effort. With prayer, it’s about my surrender and God’s grace, and that is so much more appealing, don’t you think?

Have you prayed about what to do for Lent? What is God putting on your heart? I’ll let you know when I hear something… #prayer #lent #ashwednesday

I have no idea what I’m going to do for Lent this year. Do you?

I haven’t thought about what I’m doing for Lent that much, but when I do, I generally go through a list of options and try to pick one. Then it hit me that I’m doing it all wrong.

This week, I had several conversations about everyday decisions. In each conversation, I asked, “Have you prayed about it?” Every time, the answer was a laugh followed by a “no,” but it was clear that the answer should have been a “yes,” because that “yes” could bring far more peace than the “no” ever could.

That’s when I realized I was doing the same thing.

Have I been praying about what to do for Lent? Nope!

But I should, and I will.

Rather than deciding for myself, I’ll ask God to place something on my heart that He desires from me.

What would God like me to sacrifice in order to stand at the cross on Good Friday and receive the sacrifice given for me? What will help unite me more fully to God’s will or grow in holiness? Approaching Lent this way feels so different, doesn’t it?

Without prayer, it’s all about my effort. With prayer, it’s about my surrender and God’s grace, and that is so much more appealing, don’t you think?

Have you prayed about what to do for Lent? What is God putting on your heart? I’ll let you know when I hear something… #prayer #lent #ashwednesday

I love college visits. Seeing my children in their element - excited to share their lives and the world they live in – brings me such joy. Connecting with them on an adult level but still having the special bond of a parent and a child is wondrous. Watching them find their way in life and in faith is a crazy, beautiful ride, and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

When my children were finishing high school, I often felt like I was running out of time to teach them everything they needed to know. There was so much life ahead, and they had no idea what was coming.

Eventually, I realized that even if I told them everything, they weren’t really listening, and they wouldn’t really get it anyway. They need to experience life, face challenges, and discover those lessons in their own time.

My job is to lay the foundation and give them the tools they need. Faith, hope, and love seem to cover it, and holding them in prayer helps to deliver it.

If you have a highschooler (or even a college kid), I hope this helps you take off some of the pressure and enjoy the journey.

Here are some highlights from our East Coast tour this week

-       The excitement of College Gameday at the women’s basketball game (I don’t have a picture of our leaving the game in sorrow…)
-       Congaree River National Park, with its fascinating floodplain. I was struck by how the heat from the decaying leaves and wood cooled when the water from the overflowing river covered them – nature in action! Watching God’s creation at work is always stunning to me.
-    Angel Oak – this is the most impressive tree I have ever seen. It’s humbling to stand beneath the spreading branches and feel the weight of its 400 years.
-       Date night and Mass in Charleston while “working from home” for the week – an empty-nesting perk!

#parenthood

I love college visits. Seeing my children in their element - excited to share their lives and the world they live in – brings me such joy. Connecting with them on an adult level but still having the special bond of a parent and a child is wondrous. Watching them find their way in life and in faith is a crazy, beautiful ride, and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

When my children were finishing high school, I often felt like I was running out of time to teach them everything they needed to know. There was so much life ahead, and they had no idea what was coming.

Eventually, I realized that even if I told them everything, they weren’t really listening, and they wouldn’t really get it anyway. They need to experience life, face challenges, and discover those lessons in their own time.

My job is to lay the foundation and give them the tools they need. Faith, hope, and love seem to cover it, and holding them in prayer helps to deliver it.

If you have a highschooler (or even a college kid), I hope this helps you take off some of the pressure and enjoy the journey.

Here are some highlights from our East Coast tour this week

-       The excitement of College Gameday at the women’s basketball game (I don’t have a picture of our leaving the game in sorrow…)
-       Congaree River National Park, with its fascinating floodplain. I was struck by how the heat from the decaying leaves and wood cooled when the water from the overflowing river covered them – nature in action! Watching God’s creation at work is always stunning to me.
-    Angel Oak – this is the most impressive tree I have ever seen. It’s humbling to stand beneath the spreading branches and feel the weight of its 400 years.
-       Date night and Mass in Charleston while “working from home” for the week – an empty-nesting perk!

#parenthood

What are your Lent plans? I would love to journey through Lent with you through by book and video series on Holy Week. You can pre-order here: https://amayzinggraces.com/shop#wthw-video-lessons-pre-order or follow the link in my bio. #Lent #HolyWeek #prayer #ashwednesday

What are your Lent plans? I would love to journey through Lent with you through by book and video series on Holy Week. You can pre-order here: https://amayzinggraces.com/shop#wthw-video-lessons-pre-order or follow the link in my bio. #Lent #HolyWeek #prayer #ashwednesday

Need an idea for Lent? Check out my new videos series Walking Through Holy Week! #lent #ashwednesday #holyweek #prayer

Need an idea for Lent? Check out my new videos series Walking Through Holy Week! #lent #ashwednesday #holyweek #prayer

I’ve got some exciting things coming up! If you’re in Texas, check out these events. I’d love to see you there!

Day of Prayer retreat – March 1, 8:30-2:30, Mary Queen Catholic Church, Friendswood, TX

https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

And don’t forget my Ash Wednesday retreat at Cedarbrake in Temple, TX on March 5 – 9:00-3:00

https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp653abc4620b9d/user/guest

Let’s get ready for a powerful Lent this year!

I’ve got some exciting things coming up! If you’re in Texas, check out these events. I’d love to see you there!

Day of Prayer retreat – March 1, 8:30-2:30, Mary Queen Catholic Church, Friendswood, TX

https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

And don’t forget my Ash Wednesday retreat at Cedarbrake in Temple, TX on March 5 – 9:00-3:00

https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp653abc4620b9d/user/guest

Let’s get ready for a powerful Lent this year!

It's here! You can now pre-order the video series for Walking Through Holy Week!
https://www.amayzinggraces.com/shop#wthw-video-lessons-pre-order

It's here! You can now pre-order the video series for Walking Through Holy Week!
https://www.amayzinggraces.com/shop#wthw-video-lessons-pre-order

Join me for a Lenten Day of Reflection at Mary Queen Church in Friendswood, TX on March 1. Follow the link to register: https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

Join me for a Lenten Day of Reflection at Mary Queen Church in Friendswood, TX on March 1. Follow the link to register: https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

Are you looking to go deeper this Lent? Join me for a video series that goes along with my book Walking Through Holy Week. Pre-order coming soon! #lent #holyweek

Are you looking to go deeper this Lent? Join me for a video series that goes along with my book Walking Through Holy Week. Pre-order coming soon! #lent #holyweek

I am so excited to share my online Lenten retreat with you, Walking Through Holy Week! This introduction to the course will tell you exactly what is included and how it can help you enter deeply into Lent. Pre-registration will launch soon with special early-bird pricing. #lent #onlineretreat #catholic #prayer #holyweek

I am so excited to share my online Lenten retreat with you, Walking Through Holy Week! This introduction to the course will tell you exactly what is included and how it can help you enter deeply into Lent. Pre-registration will launch soon with special early-bird pricing. #lent #onlineretreat #catholic #prayer #holyweek

Lent isn't far away and I have a great opportunity for you to enter deeply into Lent this year. Stay tuned for a big annoucement tomorrow! #lent #catholic #ashwednesday

Lent isn't far away and I have a great opportunity for you to enter deeply into Lent this year. Stay tuned for a big annoucement tomorrow! #lent #catholic #ashwednesday

Join me at @sjnaustin on February 1st for the women’s retreat, Mary’s Yes. Optional Mass begins at 8:45 and the retreat will go from 9:30-2:30. More information at the link in my bio! @thatcatholicdesign

Join me at @sjnaustin on February 1st for the women’s retreat, Mary’s Yes. Optional Mass begins at 8:45 and the retreat will go from 9:30-2:30. More information at the link in my bio! @thatcatholicdesign

It was a beautiful day to cheer on our daughter at the Houston Marathon. She did great! I’m so proud of all of her work and determination that brought her to the finish line. 🏃��‍♀️❤️🎉🏅

It was a beautiful day to cheer on our daughter at the Houston Marathon. She did great! I’m so proud of all of her work and determination that brought her to the finish line. 🏃‍♀️❤️🎉🏅

We know what connection is. Our hearts long for it and God is the only one who can fill that desire for connection. #catholic #catholicspeaker #prayer

We know what connection is. Our hearts long for it and God is the only one who can fill that desire for connection. #catholic #catholicspeaker #prayer

The fire is my favorite place to wait for the stronger skiers at the end of the day - not a bad spot! #skiing #catholicspeaker #catholic

The fire is my favorite place to wait for the stronger skiers at the end of the day - not a bad spot! #skiing #catholicspeaker #catholic

What a blessing to attend SEEK this year and meet such amazing people! God is good. focuscatholic #SEEK

What a blessing to attend SEEK this year and meet such amazing people! God is good. focuscatholic #SEEK

It's almost Christmas and I have a gift for you in this busy season. Take a minute right now to stop and pray. #pray #christmasgift #c#catholicspeaker

It's almost Christmas and I have a gift for you in this busy season. Take a minute right now to stop and pray. #pray #christmasgift #c#catholicspeaker

My girls grew up going to my parents’ house for a week every summer for Grandma-Grandpa camp. All the grandchildren came as soon as they were old enough, and parents were never allowed

Grandma-Grandpa camp held many treasures each year: daily swims, high tea with Grandpa wearing his tux and all the girls wearing their Sunday best, make-your-own pizza and outdoor movie night, and the reading of the classic book, “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey. They are the simplest of traditions, yet they occupy a special place in each of their granddaughters’ hearts.

When my oldest daughter moved to Boston with her husband, it was a special treat for the two of them to visit the statues of the “Make Way for Ducklings” ducks in Boston Public Garden.

When my husband and I visited in early November, one of the stops on our tour was to see the statues of the ducks and how they were dressed for the season. I don’t know who dresses them up, but they always have something going on. Sometimes they waddle around in Celtics uniforms, sometimes in coats and hats, and for our visit, they were still in their astronaut Halloween costumes. It was a highlight of our trip.

Traditions are so simple to create, and the gifts they bring last forever. My girls have so many ways to remember and connect with their grandparents, and their love for each other reaches across the years and the miles. The things they did together didn’t require a lot of money, but they did contain a lot of love and joy.

In the end, isn’t that what really connects us anyway? #AmayzingGraces #Catholic #Catholicauthor #Catholicspeaker

My girls grew up going to my parents’ house for a week every summer for Grandma-Grandpa camp. All the grandchildren came as soon as they were old enough, and parents were never allowed

Grandma-Grandpa camp held many treasures each year: daily swims, high tea with Grandpa wearing his tux and all the girls wearing their Sunday best, make-your-own pizza and outdoor movie night, and the reading of the classic book, “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey. They are the simplest of traditions, yet they occupy a special place in each of their granddaughters’ hearts.

When my oldest daughter moved to Boston with her husband, it was a special treat for the two of them to visit the statues of the “Make Way for Ducklings” ducks in Boston Public Garden.

When my husband and I visited in early November, one of the stops on our tour was to see the statues of the ducks and how they were dressed for the season. I don’t know who dresses them up, but they always have something going on. Sometimes they waddle around in Celtics uniforms, sometimes in coats and hats, and for our visit, they were still in their astronaut Halloween costumes. It was a highlight of our trip.

Traditions are so simple to create, and the gifts they bring last forever. My girls have so many ways to remember and connect with their grandparents, and their love for each other reaches across the years and the miles. The things they did together didn’t require a lot of money, but they did contain a lot of love and joy.

In the end, isn’t that what really connects us anyway? #AmayzingGraces #Catholic #Catholicauthor #Catholicspeaker

Last year, I began Advent with a morning run and rosary. Almost immediately, my reflection landed in the Garden of Gethsemane—a surprising place to be at the beginning of Advent. Yet, it felt fitting for much of what I was experiencing at the time.

Our family had been navigating significant health challenges, and my heart echoed Jesus’ prayer, “If it is possible, please take this cup from me.” Like Him, I had to stay in the garden, wrestling with the weight of my prayer, until I could say with trust, “Your will be done.”

In that sacred place, I discovered a profound truth: we are never alone. Jesus walks with us, sanctifying our suffering and offering hope even in the heaviest of moments.

Our lives don’t always reflect the holiday schedule. The season of preparation and joy for the world may be a season of sorrow and suffering for us.
Yet Advent reminds us that every journey—whether marked by joy or suffering—leads to the promise of salvation.

This Advent season, we prepare for the birth of our Savior, but the reason for His birth goes through the garden and the cross to the resurrection. Heaven is open to us, and wherever we are on that journey, let us use this season to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in whatever way we need. #advent #hope #suffering #christmas #Catholicspeaker #AmayzingGraces

Last year, I began Advent with a morning run and rosary. Almost immediately, my reflection landed in the Garden of Gethsemane—a surprising place to be at the beginning of Advent. Yet, it felt fitting for much of what I was experiencing at the time.

Our family had been navigating significant health challenges, and my heart echoed Jesus’ prayer, “If it is possible, please take this cup from me.” Like Him, I had to stay in the garden, wrestling with the weight of my prayer, until I could say with trust, “Your will be done.”

In that sacred place, I discovered a profound truth: we are never alone. Jesus walks with us, sanctifying our suffering and offering hope even in the heaviest of moments.

Our lives don’t always reflect the holiday schedule. The season of preparation and joy for the world may be a season of sorrow and suffering for us.
Yet Advent reminds us that every journey—whether marked by joy or suffering—leads to the promise of salvation.

This Advent season, we prepare for the birth of our Savior, but the reason for His birth goes through the garden and the cross to the resurrection. Heaven is open to us, and wherever we are on that journey, let us use this season to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in whatever way we need. #advent #hope #suffering #christmas #Catholicspeaker #AmayzingGraces

Today we wear pink! The third Sunday of Advent is joyful because we are getting close to Christmas. I challenge you to do something that brings you joy each day this week AND bring joy to someone else every day this week. #joy #Guadete #advent

Today we wear pink! The third Sunday of Advent is joyful because we are getting close to Christmas. I challenge you to do something that brings you joy each day this week AND bring joy to someone else every day this week. #joy #Guadete #advent

I’m working on an exciting project that I can’t wait to share with you! Any guesses?

I’m working on an exciting project that I can’t wait to share with you! Any guesses?

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Karen May

Inspirational Catholic Writer and Speaker

based in Austin, Texas

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