As a parent rearing kids in the faith, you can’t help but wonder what words or actions will be ingrained into their minds, whether you were intentional with them or not. You plant seeds that you hope will one day grow and pray they’ll open their heart to God at some point in their life. (I see this in the way I was raised by my own parents. Bless them.) Sometimes it may take many weeks or even years. But then there are those sweet moments where kids take you by surprise, giving you glimpses of proof that they do see you and are learning from you, even at such a young age. After family prayer time some time last week, James wanted to hold the holy water bottle after seeing it on top our mantel/altar space. I gave it to him, curious as to what he would do next. Without any prompt, he did his version of the Sign of the Cross with the holy water bottle, and then proceeded to “bless” the forehead of his little sister, his red car (hehe children are the best), Jon, and me. Jon and I just looked at each other in pure joy at our little guy. It was such great encouragement for us.
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I’m certain that God gives us parents these kinds of moments because He wants us to know that we are doing a good job, despite how we think we are doing, especially if we think “we are not doing enough.” But we are! So in those more trying moments when doubts find a way in, just remember that even your kids can teach you in those joyful moments that you, Mom and/or Dad, are doing enough.
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I’m sure there have been some beautiful and encouraging moments you’ve experienced with your kids - think about it and hold them@deeply in your heart... and share by commenting below, if you want! 💛
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Happy Monday! June is flying by and Father’s Day is right around the corner. Last week, my husband, Jon, and his good friend Derek had an incredible opportunity to interview the Diocese of Arlington’s Bishop Burbidge on their podcast @badcatholicdads.
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They touch on a wide variety of topics, from Bishop’s vocation story (including when the Vatican called him about becoming Bishop), stories about his own Dad, his favorite things, and more. He also leaves off with beautiful advice to dads that we could all use as well.
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While the majority of my following are women (😉🙌🏽), I’m sure many women know of plenty of men (regardless of vocation and age) who can benefit from this. Check out their Instagram, which will lead you to the episode. Trust me on this - not only does the Holy Spirit powerfully speak through this holy and humble spiritual father, Bishop Burbidge, but we are reminded of how everyone’s vocation is linked together... and what a tremendous gift that is to the world. .
St. Joseph, pray for us!
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Yesterday was chill day at home. There were no set plans other than chores that needed to get done and cooking meals. The free time during the kids’ naps was spent not just fine-tuning my craft, but actually enjoying it. For once. Often times I fall into the trap of not truly appreciating my work because to me, I don’t view it as perfect. Ever since design school I’ve noticed my habitual attitude towards my work or even my final product. When people would compliment my work I would respond with “it’s okay”, not in a humble way but in dissatisfaction so that was my blunt answer (...even if I did a hell of a job!). I have learned that I am my own toughest critic and this year I’m continually working on being satisfied with the process and knowing that there is beauty that lies within my messy drafts, sketches, and doodles because in all actuality, it IS a part of the final product. My work is not just “okay”; ALL of it is a product of the gifts that God gave me. .
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#sayyestotheCreatorspirit (thanks to @roseharringtonart) is the reminder I’ve been needing for months. Not only have I been in a creative dry spell for various reasons but I’ve also been dealing with bouts of discouragement. But, praise be to God, He knows who I am and how I think and in response, He blesses me with inspiration and encouragement in unexpected places, and often, too, especially as of late. Ultimately it goes back to just saying YES to utilizing the gifts He gave me and trusting that what I create, perfectly or imperfectly in my eyes, is still a gift returned to Him. I am reminding myself that the ‘fiat’ I utter in other areas of my life should be the same ‘fiat’ I utter in my artwork. Just say yes to the Creator spirit. 💙
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“The family, like the Church, ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel radiates.” —St. John Paul II ☀️ Happy birthday to our Saint Papa! These days I am especially grateful for his teachings on the domestic church, as his words inspire and challenge me in my vocation. I probably quote him the most in my art pieces, too... 😆 only and truly because I want to share them with families that may not have come across these words already or could use reminders and encouragement! JP2, we love you! Pray for us! #saintjohnpaulii #familiarisconsortio #thishouseyourebuilding #domesticchurch
Love it!