Become the change…Our Brownies show you how

Become the change…Our Brownies show you how

I am so proud of our little Brownie troop. We started out this year on a Girl Scout “Journey,” one that required us to tell our story — and to change the end of someone else’s story, or at least make the story better for them. After going through a series of ideas, everything from book drives to food drives, our girls voted to make Mother’s Day gift bags for the almost-two dozen teenage mothers who live at Albany residences run by Community Maternity Services, an agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. (more…)

25 random things about me, as if you asked

25 random things about me, as if you asked

This is “25 Random Things,” a Facebook meme that was circling around back when I first joined Facebook. It was kind of fun to do, so I thought I’d share it again here. What would be on your list of 25 Random Things? Feel free to share some in the comment section. (I’ve updated ages and dates on this list in parens since it was done almost five years ago.) (more…)

Marge Fenelon on motherhood and “Imitating Mary”

Marge Fenelon on motherhood and “Imitating Mary”

Today I’m honored to be hosting Marge Fenelon and her blog tour for Imitating Mary: Ten Marian Virtues for the Modern Mom (Ave Marie Press). We’ve got a great interview with Marge here, and as if that’s not exciting enough, there’s a book giveaway involved. Just leave a comment on this post, and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Imitating Mary. I’ll choose a winner at random when the tour ends on May 1. (more…)

A little honesty from the back row of yoga class

A little honesty from the back row of yoga class

I returned to yoga class this week after a long hiatus, and while it was sooooo good to be back on my mat, it wasn’t without its challenges. But probably not the challenges you would expect. When it comes to my Y-based yoga classes, my struggles have less to do with balancing and strength poses and more to do with other people. I know, that’s probably not something I’m supposed to admit when I’m trying to reach some higher level of spiritual development, but I think a little honesty is a more direct route to that spiritual place than total denial and the inner wailing and gnashing of teeth. If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, I guarantee you know what I mean. Hear me out… (more…)

You are beautiful and beloved. Do you believe that?

You are beautiful and beloved. Do you believe that?

Too many people — women, men, adults, children — simply don’t feel they’re good enough. Whether it’s about physical appearance, financial health, or social circles, we often focus on what we see as our flaws and weaknesses and measure ourselves against some unrealistic ideal or a mirage of our own making. In this episode of Guided by Grace, my co-hosts and I tackle the issues of self-esteem, self-image, and how to reach a place of joyful self-acceptance. (more…)

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