The Nest
From our nest to yours, this weekly blog shares the truth of God’s love, the sanctity of human life, and the beauty of God entrusting us to one another.
Seasons of New Life
Just as Christ sanctified the waters of Baptism by His very participation in the River Jordan, so too did our Lord, by entering into humanity through the womb of a woman, sanctify both the dwelling place of the unborn and the family that receives new life.
Why did Jesus become small?
Why did Jesus become small? He is the author of all life, the science of generation, and the power that begets all things, yet He made Himself small so that through the womb of His mother, He could enter into the vulnerability of man.
The Red Sea flows through our toes.
They see the impossible before them like the Israelites when they stood before the Red Sea. Frightened and overcome by despair they can’t think past the barrier before them—there is no way forward that doesn’t destroy me… With their toes on the water’s edge and the Egyptians closing in, do you remember what Moses told the Israelites?
Start Advent off right.
This Advent, give your children what they are searching for, one day at a time. Give them a starting point, context, belonging. Our Jesse Tree helps you to teach your children that the Story of Salvation is their family story, and it isn't over yet! That God has a special mission for them to share in His holy work. And, made in the image & likeness of God, their identity within His family is sacred.
Struggling vines make the best wine.
Wines from well-nourished vines lack the flavor for a successful vintage. It's the struggling vine that places energy into producing fruit for the sake of survival. The sweetest grapes attract birds that ensure the seeds of the crop spread. It is the suffering vine that considers life after death, that places the most value in the fruit it gives to the world and gives its suffering purpose.
the scandal of purple hair
I have met some of the best humans on the planet while doing pro-life work, but I’ve also met some of the most arrogant and narrow-minded. For most of us, our pro-life efforts are rooted in the truth of our faith, but sadly not everyone does this work by the light of Christ.
Hustle like Martha, pray like Mary
Mary and Martha helped me to understand that God is there when our ministries are thriving and when they are hanging on by a thread. He is there to make business decisions with, to laugh with, to cry with… He is there to rehash all the moments you’ve struggled, and He is ready to wrap you in His arms when you sob and explain to Him all the reasons you are unworthy and unable and unbelievably overwhelmed….
Urgent Matter
If you had one day left to live, what would you do? …Every now and then we'll stumble across a meme that reminds us of what Jesus did on His last day, He washed feet. But I’d argue He didn’t just wash feet, He chose to wash the feet of 12 men, one of whom was Judas. Judas.
“What do you want me to do for you?”
“Well, imagine it…He is asking you. Our Lord loves us so deeply that He desires us to have exactly what we need to flourish. He wants to lavish us with His good gifts, His grace, His love, His virtue…
hiking and voting…oddly similar.
As long as the right to simply live is dependent on any subjective want or need, we will never be able to orient ourselves within our community with confidence that our journey toward our heavenly home will find a successful end. We will constantly wander in a gray area, a sort of disturbance in the magnetic field that throws us off course.
the 20/80 rule
I’m sure everyone has heard of the 20/80 principle—20% of people do 80% of the work. I have found it to be frustratingly true. How many of you in church ministry see new faces volunteering each week?
God’s will be done.
After parking, Evelyn made her way across the front of our building to the abortion clinic next door. As she passed, our sidewalk advocates asked her if there was anything they could do for her. Evelyn requested prayers with the caveat that they did not pray she chose life...
sing a little louder
I don't know about you, but some words stop me in my tracks. I am glad they do. I don't want to say, nevermind pray, something I don't mean.
the death of a child.
Today's blog was going to be many things, because there is so much to say. To explain that my heart has been scooped up by Rose Hawthorne is an understatement
alone and unseen.
Today, I would like to share a true story that exposes a painful wound that aches within communities throughout our country.
wounds on and off the battlefield.
Many, many years ago I worked for a military organization. During this time, money was tight. I was working full-time with two littles in daycare, and at night, I went to school to finish my degree. My husband was gone. He was always gone. Training. Deployed. Gone.
the hem of Christ’s garment
A few weeks ago, an older gentleman called our outreach center. He used oxygen at home to relieve his labored lungs but was unable to use his portable oxygen concentrator because his power was disconnected at home.
Our Scars
There we stood before an image of Mary called the Black Madonna. I sank to my knees and recounted the legend of this mysteriously warm and weathered painting. Her eyes gazed upon me as I meditated on Saint Luke's steady hand, brushing her image onto this piece of wood that served as the tabletop in the Holy Family's home
A Mother and 2 Sons on Either Side of a War
Mary's greatest desire is to help us draw closer to her precious Son; her love for Him is overwhelming.
I struggle with the Rosary.
I have always struggled with saying the Rosary. My mind wanders… How do I keep focus?
I pledge to joyfully reawaken a culture of life in my domestic church!
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