Creating Space

Wandering on the 4th of July

Our country has come along way since, July 4th 1776, even though we seem to be in constant political debate. I wonder how “we the people” have changed. Were the people of 1776 consumed with money, sex and power, and fueled by their self-will? Our forefathers had intended freedom for our nation, yet I imagine they also desired freedom for all people from their internal struggles.

Two days prior…

Carve Out Time For Those You Love

This summer my sister invited our entire extended family to her lake house in Michigan for our annual family reunion.  My parents have 9 children, 28 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. This year we were 32. It was bitter sweet, as this was the first year at the lake after losing my father in February. We slept in bunk beds, cots, on the floor, in the closet and even in tents. Some of our…

Distracted by the Phone

Dental appointments are often a long process, especially with 5 children. My goal has been to always keep each person busy and quiet while we wait for each of our procedures. I remember a few years back, in an effort to keep them quiet; some of the kids would read a book or color. Now each of us has collected the plethora of electronic gadgets: Kindles for books; iTouches for music; iPhones for…

Benefits of Family Chores

A marriage invariably brings together two individuals who are skilled in different ways. Some are gifted in nurturing, others are adept in managing finances. One may have culinary expertise or even a natural inclination for decorating. Yet, another is gifted at craftsmanship to handle the home repairs. My father was the consummate worker, a plumber by trade, but he could also fix anything, and he…

Extending Compassion, Losing a Child & Evangelization

With tears in her eyes a friend approached me in the parking lot after mass. She was reaching out to comfort me and express her concern for our family celebrating our first Christmas without our dads. She knew that both my husband and I lost our fathers this last year. We moved into a conversation that caused her to ask “where has all the compassion gone?” This has been a common question that…

Henri Nouwen The Return of the Prodigal Son

Lent started for me, after having just finished reading The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen.    Henri Nouwen’s reflection of Rembrandt painting is an amazing journey and a worthwhile read.  My brief reflection doesn’t accurately portray the impact this book has had on my spiritual journey, yet I wanted to share two takeaways.

I grew up in a large close-knit family of 9…

All Souls Day, Reflection On A Lost Child

My son came home from school the other day in a bad mood. He was picking on his sisters, reluctant to begin his homework, and grumpy about any after school snack I offered. I’ve learned to give him some time before trying to figure out the reason behind his irritability.  That night, when I tucked him into bed, I asked “Why such a long face?”  He said that at school that day, his teacher had…

Do you know anyone who feels overcommitted in their life or overscheduled with their family? Have you laid your head down at night and thought, “I need to find more time in my day.”? Matthew Kelly, a best-selling author and international speaker on both business and Catholicism, explains how our culture has shifted: “We have taller buildings and shorter tempers, we have bigger houses and smaller…

Summer Festivals, BBQs, Picnic, 10 Tips to Invite People to Your Parish

Last summer at the Downers Grove Rotary Festival, St Mary of Gostyn hosted a lively booth to celebrate our 125 Anniversary with our local community.   The Crowe Family loved having their photo taken with our Pope Francis cut-out.   It’s our mission to go out into the world and share the good news.  We are called to invite people back home to participate in God’s love. Summertime is the perfect…

Educational benefits of travel for youth

This morning I sat down to begin my workday and found Grania’s final speech for her sophomore speech class, opened on the google drive.  She presented early this week on how she feels travel is a form of education.    With her approval, I thought I would share – this was her draft, her notes, subsequently added to notecards.   This wasn’t a final product/document turned in for grading, thus she…

Two American women share an exchange about their unlikely friendship. Political differences alone would cause most to toss this friendship aside and yet something undeniable is keeping them connected.

According to Wikipedia the definition of friendship is:  a relationship of mutual affection between people. While there is no…

Looking For A Valentine’s Day Gift?

The top drawer of my bureau containing my undergarments is overflowing, as many women might relate to. Yes, my weight has fluctuated having had 5 children, but it was those same 5 kids who put shopping for personal undergarments very low on my priority list. I wore only the necessities and the criteria was comfort and versatility. Any need was  often filled during a quick run through at Target,…

Adoption Is A Gift

Almost 30 years ago my sister and brother-in-law came home from the hospital carrying the most darling little girl swaddled in a pink blanket.  My sister was a teacher and had been trying for years to have a child.  During the summers she had a job working as a waitress and would often share her desire to be a mother and the hope of adoptions with the local patrons.   Through a friend of a…

Why Would God Call Me TO Skincare Business?

Why in the heck would call invite me into a business of selling skincare?   Tune into day with my interview with Christina M. Weber, MS, Speaker, Christian Women Entrepreneurs Coach, and Licensed Clinical Marriageand Family Therapist.  Christina coaches Christian Women Entrepreneurs how to confidently do God’s will by changing messages and patterns that block them from earning more money in less…