Jesus and Me: It's Personal

Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, March 22, 2012

Thursday, March 22

We are so quick to forget what God has done in our lives! Just like the Israelites. Moses led them out of Egypt, and yet the second they experience any hardship, they turn back to their idolatrous ways. How often are we blessed in some way, but then as soon as things get a little rocky, we forget the amazing things God has done for us, in us, and through us?

Something to chew on... READ MORE 

Curveballs Come

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Faith on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

2011 was a rough year for our family. Blessed, incredibly so, but rough. Baby twins are not for the faint of heart, and much of the year was a blur for me.

When 2012 began, my husband and I breathed a sigh of relief, because this was going to be our year. This year life would be simple and predictable - and easier as the twins got older - and we’d be able to relax and enjoy our little family.

Except... READ MORE 

Thankful For: Encouragement

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Tuesday, November 22, 2011

“And so I tell you, whoever is reading this and needs to hear it. Don’t quit. Retreat, yes. Surrender, never.”

We’re in a season when my husband and I refer to Sunday Mass as “the most exhausting hour of the week,” and this article, “Mass with a Difficult Child,” was exactly what I needed to read. It’s by blogger and mother-of-six (and, I believe, F&F reader and commenter) Michelle Reitemeyer, and it’s lovely.

“The goal is to have antic-free children. We call them mature adults.”

I laughed, I nodded, I felt consoled after reading. I hope you will too.

First Year Struggles

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Marriage on Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A while ago I got an email from a reader asking for advice on thriving through the first year of marriage.

My first thought: Whoa. I am not the right person to be asking!

My husband and I have a wonderful marriage now. He is my partner in the best sense of the word. I love him and wouldn’t want to live without him. But our first year… well, it was a little rocky.

I think I honestly expected our marriage,... READ MORE 

Ordinary People

Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Tuesday, May 25, 2010

I wonder what you think of this short essay on everyday people.

It began as a comment on a blog post, but left such an impression on the blogger that he separated it into its own post.

In it, a manager reflects on his work force, and finds that he admires the people around him deeply, though each lives with a serious cross or dysfunction.

One example:

“I have one Moslem woman who is the sole support... READ MORE 

Wake Up…

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Faith on Tuesday, March 23, 2010

They say it’s dangerous to pray for patience, because God will give you opportunities to build your patience, and you won’t get to choose what they are.

I’ve got my own new corollary to that idea: it’s dangerous to make a resolution to do better penance (and declare it publicly!), because God just might send you some serious opportunites. Ones you don’t want, at all.

Last night at 11:00 I was in the... READ MORE 

Is He Home Yet?

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Homemaking on Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Because of my new resolution to be joyful, I’m noticing the less joyful parts of my life more clearly.

For example, between 4:00 and 6:00pm each weekday, I’m not very joyful.

Those last two hours before my husband gets home from work are the most challenging of my day. During those two hours I’m the most likely to watch the clock, most likely to feel impatient with my children, most likely to wish... READ MORE 

Do You Love Winter?

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Just me on Thursday, January 07, 2010

Now that Epiphany is over and the celebration of Our Lord’s Baptism is almost here, our Christmas celebration is winding down. This means it’s time for me to face something I dread.

(There should be ominous music playing here.)

WINTER.

I realize it’s already been winter for a while, especially here in Michigan, but during Advent and Christmas I find winter appealing. Soft falling flakes and frigid... READ MORE 

Feeling Better and Moving Forward

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Wednesday, June 17, 2009

What a difference some perspective can make!

I was so discouraged after last night, but today three things have happened that have helped me feel better:

1) I read the comments that you all left me on my post,

2) I read a great post at Conversion Diary: “Tips for surviving (and thriving) in the baby/toddler phase”, and

3) I had a very helpful talk with my husband.

First of all, thank you so much for... READ MORE 

Surrendering Our Wombs

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Faith on Wednesday, March 25, 2009

As I’ve mentioned before, Bryan and I went through two-and-a-half years of actively trying to conceive before I became pregnant with our first child.

That waiting period was a spiritually fruitful time for me, at least by the end of it.  At the beginning I did a lot of flailing.

Writing helped, and so did corresponding by email with other Catholic women who were dealing with similar struggles.

I made... READ MORE 

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