What it feels like when prayers are answered.

I’ve always made mention of the general rule that God always answers prayers. Sometimes the answer is just “no.” But yesterday, I had a prayer answered. . .one that I prayed for diligently for a long while. And I feel rather nonchalant about it.

Prayer and atheism

I am always coming across good little anecdotes or making up my own in regards to various religious topics. I thought I’d jot a couple down here while they were fresh on my mind. Storytelling is an invaluable tool. I think Jesus just might have been on to something by using parables (sarcastically stated).

Gaude et laetare

Life’s been hectic, to say the least. I haven’t completely settled and, being back home, I’m committed to seeing people in person more so than checking up on the Internet. 

Since I’ve been away, Easter has passed. It was glorious, as always! I managed to get to confession

Finding fuel

Lately, the absence of the Eucharist in my life is weighing me down.

Just like one of the ten virgins waiting for the master, I am sometimes afraid that without the Eucharist, I have no oil for my lamp (Matt. 25:1-13). 

Mother is such a lovely word

Last night I got to spend a beautiful hour in Eucharistic Adoration after spending a day of fasting. I can’t quite express the inner joy I found from this.  It really let me focus, particularly on my absent mother.

Finishing the race

2011 is almost here and every major social and news website has some article about the “year in review.” But why look in the rear view mirror? I’ve got a nice, clean windshield right in front of me.

Bittersweet Nostalgia

It’s funny what you remember about your ex-husband. We’ve been separated for over a year (divorced almost a year) and the things I remember about him are strange. I am not sure why he’s been popping into my memory this past week but someone once told me that when people randomly pop into your thoughts, it’s a good time to pray for them.

Passing Quietly in the Night

I heard the news this weekend that a dear soul passed away.  I hadn’t spoken with her in several years (over a decade), but she was the sweetest woman I had ever met thus far and very motherly to me when I lived abroad.

I prayed a couple of rosaries in her honor and a Divine Mercy chaplet.  According to her daughter, she was very faithful and she did not suffer.  There is such an idea of mercy in that thought.

Pieta of Michelangelo

My Gift

What I cherish and what I take. . . and what I’d give for what I forsake.

Yesterday (September 8) was the birthday of the beloved mother of Christ.  Prior to this, I had a serious bout of self-reflection when discussing the sacrament of confession with a nun and about how I’m lacking contriteness about something in my own life.

Prayer Requests

I don’t have much to write about at the moment.  I haven’t had time to reflect much, unfortunately.  I am always praying, though.  I am going to begin a Novena to St. Joseph this coming week.  Here are a few things I will be praying for (feel free to add some intentions, if you wish, in the comments or by email if you know it):