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My parents write a book! This is a great read (and gift) for the grandparents in your life, you can purchase it here: https://a.co/d/bivADbG

My parents write a book! This is a great read (and gift) for the grandparents in your life, you can purchase it here: https://a.co/d/bivADbG

My parents wrote a book! This is a great read (and gift!) for the grandparents out there. Check the link in my bio to order!

My parents wrote a book! This is a great read (and gift!) for the grandparents out there. Check the link in my bio to order!

Have you ever wondered about discernment? Get the answers to these questions and more when you listen to my podcast interview with @pilgrimpeople and make sure to join me for the Pilgrims of Hope women’s conference (link in bio) on July 26th.

Have you ever wondered about discernment? Get the answers to these questions and more when you listen to my podcast interview with @pilgrimpeople and make sure to join me for the Pilgrims of Hope women’s conference (link in bio) on July 26th.

This is my adoration playlist and I wanted to share it with you. Feel free to listen on your headphones in adoration or in the car while driving to adoration.

Find it here!
http://bit.ly/4lmGOKl

This is my adoration playlist and I wanted to share it with you. Feel free to listen on your headphones in adoration or in the car while driving to adoration.

Find it here!
http://bit.ly/4lmGOKl

Has your faith been shaken by the Texas floods? You’re not alone.

Has your faith been shaken by the Texas floods? You’re not alone.

My heart is breaking for all those who are affected by the Guadalupe River floods.

In our family’s circles, we know of two children who have been returned home to their parents, and one child who is in the arms of her heavenly Father. We know some of the counselors who were working at the camp and brought many children to safety, but are mourning the loss of the ones they couldn’t. Our faith brings us hope and comfort, but the pain of letting go is immense and something that cannot and should not be denied. There is so much grief for those who remain and for those who must sit by and wait in the rain that continues even now.

Please join me in praying for the safe return of those who are stranded and for the comfort of the families who have lost children in this horrible event.

My heart is breaking for all those who are affected by the Guadalupe River floods.

In our family’s circles, we know of two children who have been returned home to their parents, and one child who is in the arms of her heavenly Father. We know some of the counselors who were working at the camp and brought many children to safety, but are mourning the loss of the ones they couldn’t. Our faith brings us hope and comfort, but the pain of letting go is immense and something that cannot and should not be denied. There is so much grief for those who remain and for those who must sit by and wait in the rain that continues even now.

Please join me in praying for the safe return of those who are stranded and for the comfort of the families who have lost children in this horrible event.

What do you say when someone apologizes? People often say “It’s okay”, but that may be conveying the wrong message. There is a difference between acceptance and agreement. Watch to hear more! #forgivness

What do you say when someone apologizes? People often say “It’s okay”, but that may be conveying the wrong message. There is a difference between acceptance and agreement. Watch to hear more! #forgivness

We’ve had a really busy May and June. Between graduation, travel, friends and children in town, and my husband’s crisis-level workload, there hasn’t been much downtime.

We’ve had a lot of fun, and I am so grateful for all of it (maybe not the work schedule, but even that isn’t so bad because my husband’s specific skills are desperately needed and making a difference). But today, I am grateful for a quiet house, a restful evening, and an empty calendar.

I love the busy and bustle when there are lots of people and activities going on, but sometimes I just need a day to stop, rest, and watch the world go by. Today is one of those days, and tomorrow, I will be ready to go again. For that, I will also be grateful.

Tell me what you’re grateful for in the comments - I’d love to hear what is bringing you peace and joy today!

We’ve had a really busy May and June. Between graduation, travel, friends and children in town, and my husband’s crisis-level workload, there hasn’t been much downtime.

We’ve had a lot of fun, and I am so grateful for all of it (maybe not the work schedule, but even that isn’t so bad because my husband’s specific skills are desperately needed and making a difference). But today, I am grateful for a quiet house, a restful evening, and an empty calendar.

I love the busy and bustle when there are lots of people and activities going on, but sometimes I just need a day to stop, rest, and watch the world go by. Today is one of those days, and tomorrow, I will be ready to go again. For that, I will also be grateful.

Tell me what you’re grateful for in the comments - I’d love to hear what is bringing you peace and joy today!

The Pilgrim Center for Hope Conference is just around the corner, July 26 in San Antonio! I’ll be giving two talks and would love to have you there. Link to register in my bio. @pilgrimpeople

The Pilgrim Center for Hope Conference is just around the corner, July 26 in San Antonio! I’ll be giving two talks and would love to have you there. Link to register in my bio. @pilgrimpeople

1) ‘Tis the season
Summer is filled with holidays, vacations, school-aged children at home, and hot, sunny days drawing us outside and into the pool. The different pace of summer can inspire us to enter into a different season in our prayer lives.

Here are some ideas that you might try:

Add a prayer practice you’ve been hearing about
Spend 5 minutes each day in prayerful silence (schedule it and set an alarm)
Go to Adoration once a week
Join or start a summer Bible study
Go to confession once a month
Pray one of your regular prayers slowly, reflecting on the words you are saying
Start a prayer journal

Ask God to help you choose something and follow through with whatever He places on your heart.

2) Pray a morning offering
Say a prayer before you get out of bed in the morning - maybe even before you open your eyes!

One of my favorite ways to wake up with prayer is a simple offering – “Lord, I give this day to you. I welcome you into everything I do, everything I say, and every thought I have. Bless me and help me to receive all that comes my way with grace. Amen.”

It takes less than thirty seconds, but when it comes from your heart, it changes things!

3) Take the pressure off
If you are inspired to start a new practice, give yourself grace as you begin. No one runs a marathon the first time they put on running shoes.

If an hour in Adoration is more than you can do, start with 30 minutes. Or 15. If you can’t pray an entire rosary without a young child needing your attention, do one decade at a time and sprinkle it throughout your day.

Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good. There is still plenty of summer left to get in a good prayer rhythm and I hope these ideas can help out. #prayer #summer

1) ‘Tis the season
Summer is filled with holidays, vacations, school-aged children at home, and hot, sunny days drawing us outside and into the pool. The different pace of summer can inspire us to enter into a different season in our prayer lives.

Here are some ideas that you might try:

Add a prayer practice you’ve been hearing about
Spend 5 minutes each day in prayerful silence (schedule it and set an alarm)
Go to Adoration once a week
Join or start a summer Bible study
Go to confession once a month
Pray one of your regular prayers slowly, reflecting on the words you are saying
Start a prayer journal

Ask God to help you choose something and follow through with whatever He places on your heart.

2) Pray a morning offering
Say a prayer before you get out of bed in the morning - maybe even before you open your eyes!

One of my favorite ways to wake up with prayer is a simple offering – “Lord, I give this day to you. I welcome you into everything I do, everything I say, and every thought I have. Bless me and help me to receive all that comes my way with grace. Amen.”

It takes less than thirty seconds, but when it comes from your heart, it changes things!

3) Take the pressure off
If you are inspired to start a new practice, give yourself grace as you begin. No one runs a marathon the first time they put on running shoes.

If an hour in Adoration is more than you can do, start with 30 minutes. Or 15. If you can’t pray an entire rosary without a young child needing your attention, do one decade at a time and sprinkle it throughout your day.

Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good. There is still plenty of summer left to get in a good prayer rhythm and I hope these ideas can help out. #prayer #summer

An excerpt from a reflection on hope that will go out to my newsletter subscribers. I will be sending this out on July 1 so sign up today! Subscribe here or at the link in my bio: https://mailchi.mp/e438074efd02/subscribe-on-email-list

An excerpt from a reflection on hope that will go out to my newsletter subscribers. I will be sending this out on July 1 so sign up today! Subscribe here or at the link in my bio: https://mailchi.mp/e438074efd02/subscribe-on-email-list

He’s a teenager, and it shows 😂, but every time I ask for his intercession he pulls through! #carloacutis

He’s a teenager, and it shows 😂, but every time I ask for his intercession he pulls through! #carloacutis

June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This quote is from 1928, but still applies just the same today. #sacredheart #jesus

June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This quote is from 1928, but still applies just the same today. #sacredheart #jesus

I will be speaking at the Catholic Pilgrim's for Hope Women's conference this July! Please join me for an awesome conference on July 26 at the Norris Conference center in San Antonio. Follow the link to register!
https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/events/conferences/womens-conference/event-registration.html

I will be speaking at the Catholic Pilgrim's for Hope Women's conference this July! Please join me for an awesome conference on July 26 at the Norris Conference center in San Antonio. Follow the link to register!
https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/events/conferences/womens-conference/event-registration.html

A few other highlights from the trip! Our Lady of Fatima and a copy of Christ the Redeemer statue (like the one in Brazil and a Golden Gate-like bridge)!

A few other highlights from the trip! Our Lady of Fatima and a copy of Christ the Redeemer statue (like the one in Brazil and a Golden Gate-like bridge)!

We attended a wedding while in Portugal and it was beautiful! The white peacock showed up just before the wedding, and I swear he announced the start of the wedding and the arrival of the bride.

We attended a wedding while in Portugal and it was beautiful! The white peacock showed up just before the wedding, and I swear he announced the start of the wedding and the arrival of the bride.

More pictures from our Camino pilgrimage last week. I carried your intentions with me each step of the way. #camino

More pictures from our Camino pilgrimage last week. I carried your intentions with me each step of the way. #camino

Our last day on the Camino! We didn’t plan to make it to Santiago de Compostela, so this is a preview trip, but it was our favorite day of the four. The ocean was beautiful, but today was spent in the forested hills and on tiny streets through the middle of towns along the way, and it was just what we needed.

We started with prayer, a rosary (where my daughter realized that her bracelet with the weirdly unbalanced number of beads was a rosary bracelet 😂), and a prayer to St Michael in St Michael’s church. It felt appropriate since several of the intentions I carried today were pretty significant.

The simple act of walking as prayer, especially as you grow tired, deal with heat or cold, and your legs start to ache, reminds me that we are called to continue on the journeys we are given in our lives, bringing Christ with us, doing the hard things to get to the good things, and believing that there is a home prepared for us at the end of it all.

Thank you for your prayers for us along the way. I definitely felt them. And thank you for trusting me with your intentions. I hope you felt my prayers as well.

May God bless you on your own Camino, wherever it may lead. 🙏❤️

Our last day on the Camino! We didn’t plan to make it to Santiago de Compostela, so this is a preview trip, but it was our favorite day of the four. The ocean was beautiful, but today was spent in the forested hills and on tiny streets through the middle of towns along the way, and it was just what we needed.

We started with prayer, a rosary (where my daughter realized that her bracelet with the weirdly unbalanced number of beads was a rosary bracelet 😂), and a prayer to St Michael in St Michael’s church. It felt appropriate since several of the intentions I carried today were pretty significant.

The simple act of walking as prayer, especially as you grow tired, deal with heat or cold, and your legs start to ache, reminds me that we are called to continue on the journeys we are given in our lives, bringing Christ with us, doing the hard things to get to the good things, and believing that there is a home prepared for us at the end of it all.

Thank you for your prayers for us along the way. I definitely felt them. And thank you for trusting me with your intentions. I hope you felt my prayers as well.

May God bless you on your own Camino, wherever it may lead. 🙏❤️

We had a small miracle on Day 3 on the Camino.

We started the day in a beautiful church, praying for all the intentions we have been given, followed by a rosary, and the St Michael prayer, but today we had an urgent request that I happened to get because I texted a friend at 1:45am her time.

She had just gotten a phone from her son. His wife is 27 weeks pregnant and going into labor. We prayed throughout the day with each update we received. This baby was coming; he was coming in the next day or two at most; and finally, the contractions were under control.

What a blessing to be a part of such a moment of reaching for hope, peace, and grace and receiving such a clear blessing. I hope it is a sign that all of your intentions that have been with me on this journey are being answered with such grace as well.

Today is our last day. I’ll be praying for you 🙏❤️

We had a small miracle on Day 3 on the Camino.

We started the day in a beautiful church, praying for all the intentions we have been given, followed by a rosary, and the St Michael prayer, but today we had an urgent request that I happened to get because I texted a friend at 1:45am her time.

She had just gotten a phone from her son. His wife is 27 weeks pregnant and going into labor. We prayed throughout the day with each update we received. This baby was coming; he was coming in the next day or two at most; and finally, the contractions were under control.

What a blessing to be a part of such a moment of reaching for hope, peace, and grace and receiving such a clear blessing. I hope it is a sign that all of your intentions that have been with me on this journey are being answered with such grace as well.

Today is our last day. I’ll be praying for you 🙏❤️

We are walking the Camino! Mass at the Church of St Anthony to offer prayers for intentions people have sent me, then 19 miles on the Portuguese coastal route. (Actually 13 miles - some of us thought it would be a great idea to walk 6 more to our hotel. We drove to dinner!)

Offering every step for the intentions that start my day. Comment or dm me if you would like me to pray for you 🙏

We are walking the Camino! Mass at the Church of St Anthony to offer prayers for intentions people have sent me, then 19 miles on the Portuguese coastal route. (Actually 13 miles - some of us thought it would be a great idea to walk 6 more to our hotel. We drove to dinner!)

Offering every step for the intentions that start my day. Comment or dm me if you would like me to pray for you 🙏

It is heating up in Texas y'all! Summer is coming fast. Are you ready? What is your favorite season?

It is heating up in Texas y'all! Summer is coming fast. Are you ready? What is your favorite season?

Did you hear Pope Leo's name in the Eucharistic Prayer for the first time in mass last weekend? It was so exciting! What a blessing to witness this time in Church history. Did you pay attention to that moment?

Did you hear Pope Leo's name in the Eucharistic Prayer for the first time in mass last weekend? It was so exciting! What a blessing to witness this time in Church history. Did you pay attention to that moment?

❤️ Y’all, these girls! ❤️ Four years ago, they connected through the University Catholic Center @ut_catholic, and have been friends ever since. We have been so blessed to have them become part of our family.

We have had this friend group over for dinners, brunches, Easter egg hunts, and pickleball, and they have been delightful. The joy and laughter that fills my house when they come fills me up to overflowing every time.

They encourage each other, strengthen each other, cheer for each other, and pray for each other. I am so grateful for these friendships that have stood the test of late nights, heartaches, exams, and the occasional camping trip.

Now it is time for them to move into the next phase of their lives as they graduate from the University of Texas, and I will miss them terribly. They know they have a place here whenever they want, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for each of them. I know they will make a difference in the world.

I love you, Bootlegs!!

(Not pictured are the two young men of the group, who are just as important to me as these young women. Congratulations, everyone!)

❤️ Y’all, these girls! ❤️ Four years ago, they connected through the University Catholic Center @ut_catholic, and have been friends ever since. We have been so blessed to have them become part of our family.

We have had this friend group over for dinners, brunches, Easter egg hunts, and pickleball, and they have been delightful. The joy and laughter that fills my house when they come fills me up to overflowing every time.

They encourage each other, strengthen each other, cheer for each other, and pray for each other. I am so grateful for these friendships that have stood the test of late nights, heartaches, exams, and the occasional camping trip.

Now it is time for them to move into the next phase of their lives as they graduate from the University of Texas, and I will miss them terribly. They know they have a place here whenever they want, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for each of them. I know they will make a difference in the world.

I love you, Bootlegs!!

(Not pictured are the two young men of the group, who are just as important to me as these young women. Congratulations, everyone!)

I can’t believe it’s been four years. Y’all, it goes fast!

We are so proud of you, Jenna! You’re an alumni now 🤗 👩‍🎓

Congratulations!!!🎉🎉🎉

I can’t believe it’s been four years. Y’all, it goes fast!

We are so proud of you, Jenna! You’re an alumni now 🤗 👩‍🎓

Congratulations!!!🎉🎉🎉

Last weekend we did the Wine Country Century Bike Ride - 62 miles in the bag! We’ve been trying to get to this ride since 2020 and this year we not only made it but we finished it!

Okay, Mike was always going to finish it - I was planning on riding in the sag wagon for the last bit, but the tailwind, gorgeous scenery, and encouragement from my husband in the last half helped overcome the exhausted muscles. Knowing there was a big downhill at the end was the only thing that got me up the last hill, though! What a beautiful day.

Thank you so much to our friends who hosted us for the weekend and invited us to do this ride with them!!

Last weekend we did the Wine Country Century Bike Ride - 62 miles in the bag! We’ve been trying to get to this ride since 2020 and this year we not only made it but we finished it!

Okay, Mike was always going to finish it - I was planning on riding in the sag wagon for the last bit, but the tailwind, gorgeous scenery, and encouragement from my husband in the last half helped overcome the exhausted muscles. Knowing there was a big downhill at the end was the only thing that got me up the last hill, though! What a beautiful day.

Thank you so much to our friends who hosted us for the weekend and invited us to do this ride with them!!

How I saw the white smoke as it happened: I had missed the first two votes of the morning, so I went onto the Vatican website to see if somehow I missed the election of our new pope. Sure enough, the smoke had been black, but there was a live feed at the chimney That I could watch since the next boat was supposed to be within half an hour. So I did, and I kept watching because there was a family of seagulls wandering around making a cameo appearance by the chimney, Mama feeding the baby something remarkably large she had been storing in her stomach. Watching in disbelief at the young bird eating something 80% its size, I saw white smoke start to pour out of the chimney - we have a pope!!!

How I saw the white smoke as it happened: I had missed the first two votes of the morning, so I went onto the Vatican website to see if somehow I missed the election of our new pope. Sure enough, the smoke had been black, but there was a live feed at the chimney That I could watch since the next boat was supposed to be within half an hour. So I did, and I kept watching because there was a family of seagulls wandering around making a cameo appearance by the chimney, Mama feeding the baby something remarkably large she had been storing in her stomach. Watching in disbelief at the young bird eating something 80% its size, I saw white smoke start to pour out of the chimney - we have a pope!!!

I love all the drama and excitement about the Conclave to select the next Pope. I also firmly believe that no matter the intrigue or what cloak and dagger moves may be present, the Holy Spirit is completely in charge of the outcome.

My daughter and son-in-law might even have a chance to be present for the white smoke and announcement of 'Habemus Papam'!

What do you think? Are you following the conclave? Are you excited or nervous?

I love all the drama and excitement about the Conclave to select the next Pope. I also firmly believe that no matter the intrigue or what cloak and dagger moves may be present, the Holy Spirit is completely in charge of the outcome.

My daughter and son-in-law might even have a chance to be present for the white smoke and announcement of 'Habemus Papam'!

What do you think? Are you following the conclave? Are you excited or nervous?

I did the Austin Catholic trifecta last week - confession, rosary, and Mass - all done over the lunch hour. I have to say, today I felt it. The things I had been carrying just lifted as soon as I brought them to Jesus and the priest started to speak, sharing comfort, guidance, and most of all, forgiveness.

God is so good and so gracious. I love the gift of the sacrament of reconciliation as we hear the words, “Your sins are forgiven,” and turn to the open arms of Jesus who has been waiting to heal us and draw us in.

If you haven’t gone to confession for a while, please go. Don’t be afraid. Just go. Don’t make big things small or small things big, just bring it all, leave it there, and go home lighter and filled with grace.

I’ll be praying for you.

I did the Austin Catholic trifecta last week - confession, rosary, and Mass - all done over the lunch hour. I have to say, today I felt it. The things I had been carrying just lifted as soon as I brought them to Jesus and the priest started to speak, sharing comfort, guidance, and most of all, forgiveness.

God is so good and so gracious. I love the gift of the sacrament of reconciliation as we hear the words, “Your sins are forgiven,” and turn to the open arms of Jesus who has been waiting to heal us and draw us in.

If you haven’t gone to confession for a while, please go. Don’t be afraid. Just go. Don’t make big things small or small things big, just bring it all, leave it there, and go home lighter and filled with grace.

I’ll be praying for you.

Although the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed due to the funeral of Pope Francis and upcoming conclave, his love for the Eucharist always inspires me!

Although the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed due to the funeral of Pope Francis and upcoming conclave, his love for the Eucharist always inspires me!

Some campfire fun in Pedernales.

Some campfire fun in Pedernales.

Camping pics from Pedernales (pronounced Per-den-alice for those who want to sound like locals 😁)

I love time outside and especially campfire conversations, and this weekend hit the spot.

Camping pics from Pedernales (pronounced Per-den-alice for those who want to sound like locals 😁)

I love time outside and especially campfire conversations, and this weekend hit the spot.

When Pope Francis was elected pope, there was an interview with him in America magazine that framed his whole papacy.

It was an incredible article, and the part that struck me the deepest was his view of the church as a field hospital. We are not supposed to stay in our beautiful churches tending to the well.

The church is called to the battlefield, tending to the wounded, bringing healing, hope, peace, and a balm that will help to make them whole. His entire papacy was directed this way.

He went out to the edges to find those who needed to find the way home. He went to those who had been removed to help them to receive the love and forgiveness of Jesus that we will celebrate in six days on Divine Mercy Sunday.

He was so often misquoted, maligned, and misunderstood, and it saddens me that so many of the sound bites left out some of the most beautiful teachings and encouragement that we really needed to hear.

May he rest in peace. #popefrancis @franciscus

When Pope Francis was elected pope, there was an interview with him in America magazine that framed his whole papacy.

It was an incredible article, and the part that struck me the deepest was his view of the church as a field hospital. We are not supposed to stay in our beautiful churches tending to the well.

The church is called to the battlefield, tending to the wounded, bringing healing, hope, peace, and a balm that will help to make them whole. His entire papacy was directed this way.

He went out to the edges to find those who needed to find the way home. He went to those who had been removed to help them to receive the love and forgiveness of Jesus that we will celebrate in six days on Divine Mercy Sunday.

He was so often misquoted, maligned, and misunderstood, and it saddens me that so many of the sound bites left out some of the most beautiful teachings and encouragement that we really needed to hear.

May he rest in peace. #popefrancis @franciscus

It was such a pleasure speaking on the @catholiclink_en podcast to talk about the Holy Week liturgies. Follow the link in my bio to listen in and be prepared to change your plans for tomorrow because you will want to go to Holy Thursday Mass after this episode!

It was such a pleasure speaking on the @catholiclink_en podcast to talk about the Holy Week liturgies. Follow the link in my bio to listen in and be prepared to change your plans for tomorrow because you will want to go to Holy Thursday Mass after this episode!

It surprises me how easy it is to make the story of Easter just that – a story. For those who want to enter more deeply into the story, I am sending out a special Holy Week reflection to my email subscribers tomorrow. Follow the link to sign up: https://www.amayzinggraces.com/subscribe

It surprises me how easy it is to make the story of Easter just that – a story. For those who want to enter more deeply into the story, I am sending out a special Holy Week reflection to my email subscribers tomorrow. Follow the link to sign up: https://www.amayzinggraces.com/subscribe

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, let's prepare for the beginning of Holy Week together. #palmsunday #holyweek

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, let's prepare for the beginning of Holy Week together. #palmsunday #holyweek

How has your Lent been? Do you feel like you failed? Do you feel like you have grown closer to Jesus? It’s not too late to go all in. Holy Week starts this Sunday and I want to invite you to enter into this beautiful week through my video series on Walking Through Holy Week. It’s 6 sessions, 10 minutes each, a perfect, small addition to make Holy Week that much more meaningful.

How has your Lent been? Do you feel like you failed? Do you feel like you have grown closer to Jesus? It’s not too late to go all in. Holy Week starts this Sunday and I want to invite you to enter into this beautiful week through my video series on Walking Through Holy Week. It’s 6 sessions, 10 minutes each, a perfect, small addition to make Holy Week that much more meaningful.

I am praying the Angelus each day this Lent. Take a minute to stop and meet God in prayer.

I am praying the Angelus each day this Lent. Take a minute to stop and meet God in prayer.

I have another Lenten Day of Prayer coming up at St. Mary of the Expectation in League City, Texas on April 9th. If you missed the retreat in Friendswood, or if you want to come again, I would love to have you! #lent #retreat @stmaryexp

I have another Lenten Day of Prayer coming up at St. Mary of the Expectation in League City, Texas on April 9th. If you missed the retreat in Friendswood, or if you want to come again, I would love to have you! #lent #retreat @stmaryexp

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

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Karen May

Inspirational Catholic Writer and Speaker

based in Austin, Texas

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