“Hail, full of grace,” said the angel to the young woman. And Mary was perplexed. She pondered the greeting. I’ve spent a lot of time pondering this greeting too. It comes up every Monday and Saturday as the assigned meditation of the rosary. And I also heard it four times between Advent, Christmas and a… [Read More]
The Presentation of the Lord; a story
I woke up early, long before my usual time. I could feel morning coming on as Yeshi slept deeply; still and warm between Joseph and me. He was on my arm, making it numb, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed these moments of silence and warmth listening to Joseph’s and the baby’s breathing. I moved… [Read More]
This Child is Destined
Jesus was approaching the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, snuggled in the arms of either His mother Mary or His step-father Joseph, and the Holy Spirit was waiting, filling Simeon who had also come to the Temple that day. A not quite two-month old Jesus was presented as the law commanded (Leviticus 12:2-4), and the joy… [Read More]
“I am Crowned” the Assumption and Coronation of Mary
To me a cup was given Myrrh and mara, burning my hands Deeply I drank, losing myself in love I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the Valley From my Sun-filled body came a river of grace Tying my feet I have grown wings Radiant and chanting, I will go to… [Read More]
Where Is Jesus?
A mother and father bring their small child to a shopping mall on an extremely busy day. They take turns keeping their eyes on the little boy and holding his hand as they move from store to store and then to the food court with a few bathroom breaks in between. Mommy suddenly glances around… [Read More]
Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary [Audio]
Join us in the Joyful mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Each mystery is led by one of our contributors. The First Joyful Mystery THE ANNUNCIATION – Shawn Chapman The Second Joyful Mystery THE VISITATION – Brit Echtenkamp The Third Joyful Mystery THE NATIVITY – Cristóbal Almanza The Fourth Joyful Mystery… [Read More]
Friendship with Mary: Teresian Prayer and the Rosary
The rosary has been a part of my spiritual life since I learned it from my first husband, Blaze, during our courtship, years before I was ever Catholic (or Christian at all.) It became a natural part of my daily life over the years and has grown and changed with my prayer life. As… [Read More]
Making the Rosary Fun for Kids
It’s never too early for children to learn how to say the Rosary. Here’s some documented evidence: That was my younger daughter when she was just two-and-a-half years old. I didn’t know how (or have any desire) to say the Rosary until well into my 30s, so let’s not make the same mistake with the… [Read More]
Chaplet of the Child Mary
The Chaplet of the Child Mary (to be prayed on ordinary rosary beads) written by me in honor of Our Lady’s Birthday Make the sign of the cross and pray the Sh’ma, a prayer the little Mary would have grown up reciting every day with her Jewish family and community. Hear, O Israel: The… [Read More]
3 Ways for 3 Days: How to Grow Spiritually During the Easter Triduum
Easter Triduum 2014 is upon us. It begins this Thursday evening. Yes, THIS Thursday, April 17, 2014. Are you ready? Are you sure? Okay, Pop Quiz time! I promise, it’s not too hard. Pop Quiz 1. What does the word Triduum mean? Answer: Three days. 2. When does Lent officially end and the Easter Triduum… [Read More]
A Little Story About the Rosary, Love Stronger Than Death, and the Communion of Saints
It was almost my wedding anniversary and my husband, Bob, had just died a couple of weeks before, of Brain Cancer. I dreaded that “birthday of our marriage” even more because I remember how terrible it felt last time that first wedding anniversary after the death of my first husband, Blaze. I knew that it… [Read More]
Beauty of Truth Podcast – Ep 18 – What is a sacramental?
Ep 18 – What is a sacramental? Questions What is the difference between a sacrament and sacramental? What can a sacramental do? How is this not idolatry? Catechetical Moment CCC #1670 Living the Truth How can we use sacramentals to bring ourselves and others closer to Jesus? Hosted by Casey Truelove and Cristobal Almanza Feedback… [Read More]
The Rosary, Inc
The Rosary, Incorporated – a crazy new business venture? Nope! I’m talking about the Rosary, incorporated in to our LIFE! During this time of Lent, as we revamp our prayer lives, let us give some attention to the rosary! How we can incorporate the rosary into our lives so that praying it is more practical,… [Read More]
Rosary lost, devotion found.
Are there any statistics on how often the average person loses things? Particularly small things? Because I’m pretty sure I’m double that. Just ask my mom. (Just kidding, Mom!) Speaking of, I don’t think I told her that I had lost my Rosary. Ok, I admit I have several rosaries (and more than enough twine… [Read More]
