everyday Ann

living the ordinary seeing the extraordinary

Instilling Hope in Our Children

Prior to mom life, I was a producer in Catholic radio for eight years. It was my job to know the news, to keep up with the headlines and be aware of what was breaking. Every day I searched, scrolled and skimmed through news stories looking for what would make compelling and valuable content. The show I worked on presented the latest news and issues of the day through a Catholic lens.

Five kids later and there are days I feel like a hermit. Days I don’t leave the four walls of my house, other than school pickup when my children are not virtual. The T.V. is off during the day, other than the rare occurrence of Daniel the Tiger or Curious George. I might hear of breaking news when my husband comes home from work, or see headlines when I sign in and out of my email or do a quick scroll through social media.

It may sound like I am out of touch with reality. Perhaps, I am. Some may say I have my head buried in the sand. I realize that it is important to be knowledgeable, because this is the world in which we live. To be aware, so we can raise up these intentions in prayer. While there is value in being informed with what is happening in our world and society, I think there is a certain amount of peace that comes with not consuming and being consumed by the news.

To be honest it prevents me from becoming so discouraged, which allows me to be more present. Because within these four walls are little souls dependent on me. Dependent on my care, attention and love. Little souls that are innocent, full of joy and a beautiful promise of the future. It is my job to protect that, nourish it and shape it. It is my job to give hope, through my prayers words and actions.

Do not let your hearts be troubled.

John 14:1

The fear of what the future holds does indeed frighten me if I allow it to. I look at my children and wonder how I can keep them from experiencing the ills, heartache and evil that surrounds us. Having them all join monastic life or living with me until they are forty is not the answer, although I have contemplated both options.

My oldest children are at the age now where they are becoming more aware of what is happening, they hear things at school, they can read billboards or hear pieces of conversations. It is my responsibility to present them information honestly, but at an age appropriate level in terms they can understand without instilling fear. Easier said then done.

Do not fear: I am with you;
Do not be anxious: I am your God.

Isaiah 41:10

How can I as a parent ensure my children always have hope, now and as they continue to grow older. I like to remind them that God has a purpose for their life, that only they can fulfill. God created them for this time, this moment in history with a specific mission, unique to them and no one else. Set apart, equipped to do His will.

Foster and encourage the habit of praying in thanksgiving. It is easy to present our intentions to God, I feel like my list of petitions are endless. During evening or night prayers, ask the children to also pray in thanksgiving. It can be as simple as being thankful they didn’t have homework or that they have a warm bed to sleep in.

Be sensitive to the news you and your spouse discuss around the children. It is easy to fall into the habit of talking about the news of the day at the dinner table, but it may not be the best time. There are even conversations that my older sons want to have, sometimes as soon as they get in the van after school, that need to wait until the younger children are not present.

During dinner ask the children to share something good about their day. How did they see God’s love? Perhaps through a friend’s kind words, a classmate’s helping hand or a stranger’s smile. It fosters their awareness that God is always present in our lives, active and showing us His love. No matter what may happen, God is here and will take care of us.

Above all, it is up to me to model hope. When uncertainty arises, troubles occur and the future seems daunting. My words and actions need to speak of God’s faithfulness, His providential care and His unending love. Because we know how the story goes, we know how the story ends! In there lies our hope.

Hold fast to the hope that lies before us.

Hebrews 6:18

In This New Year

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The countdown happened at 8:30pm at our house, complete with sparklers, fountains and noise makers. We rang in the New Year with kids laughing and yelling “Happy New Year!” Prior to the brief party we went around the dinner table and shared two highlights of 2020 and two things that were challenging from the year. During our family prayers that evening we decided to skip intentions and instead to solely pray in thanksgiving for all of the blessings we had received in 2020.

There is no doubt 2020 was difficult and challenging. It stretched most of us in new ways, even at times what felt like to our limit. What we knew as the norm was done away with and we had to adapt to a new lifestyle mixed with fear and uncertainty. Not knowing when things would be “normal” again.

It was a year we saw our Churches closed, attended Mass virtually and longed to receive the Eucharist once again. Spring breaks and vacations were cancelled. Visits with family and friends became limited and sparse. Easter was celebrated with only immediate family in our homes and we all learned of zoom and virtual meetings.

A year of mourning what was loss and longing for what was taken from us. It was a time filled with more stillness and less busyness. More being and less doing. More time together to be present and less going through the motions. Truly a year of change and challenges.

In the trials and difficulties, I can look back and see many blessings. While so many plans were put on hold, new ones were formed. Memories made that perhaps wouldn’t have been otherwise. It was a time to become intentional in our relationships.

A few highlights from 2020 were celebrating each of my children’s birthdays. Family movie nights and eating dinner around the campfire. Day trips and stay-cations. Visiting family and going camping. Watching Kolbe and Ethan play baseball and the joy it brought them. Celebrating 13 years of marriage. Being invited as a speaker to two virtual conferences and being a guest on EWTN.

As I look ahead to the New Year 2021, as I set goals and plan I realize the vast uncertainty of life. Reflecting on that reality can cause unrest and anxiety, but the underlying truth is one that can and does bring comfort. Our lives are guided by the Holy Spirit if we allow it to be, our dreams whether they go according to plan or not are under God’s loving and providential care. In that truth is where joy and hope is found. There our hearts can truly be at peace no matter what this new year may bring.

Wishing you all a most joyous Christmas season and a blessed New Year!!

Lasting Joy in a Fleeting World

I am sitting down to begin writing this post on the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. These days it seems I can never get everything written and complete in one day without someone needing me before anything is finished. And here I find myself already Thursday, almost to the Fourth Sunday, first now finishing this. So this is life with little ones!

Gaudete is to rejoice, to have joy. To have joy, because Our Lord is near. To rejoice, because the birth of our Savior is drawing close. Joy, because our redemption is at hand. God made man, to save the world. To save us from our sins and to redeem mankind.

It is joy in hearing Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. Joy in Mary’s fiat, yes to the Lord’s holy will. Joy as Mary held the Christ child for the first time and pondered his beauty. Joy in the angels announcement to the shepherds. Joy in the Magi’s gifts.

The readings from Mass, were filled with calls of joy. Not mere happiness that is fleeting, but authentic joy. Joy that radiates from our hearts. Joy that comes from a relationship with Christ. Joy that is not shaken by circumstances.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It was just a short two weeks ago that I had the privilege and gift of going to Birmingham, Alabama. While I was there I made a visit to a beautiful Shrine 45 minutes north. Hidden in the back country, down winding roads, miles of white fence with cattle grazing, lining the way. It was there the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament was found.

The beauty found within this Shrine was breathtaking. After walking around the grounds and the inside of the Shrine, we returned to the main Church to spend some time in prayer. As we knelt down, beautiful voices could be heard on the other side of the altar. Voices in song, in prayer. Voices filled with joy and complete love of God. The Shrine is home to the Poor Clare Nuns.

As I sat there and prayed I couldn’t help but think of the sacrifice, devotion and love these women were filled with. While it may seem hard to comprehend as we live in this world, going through our day to day task, taking care of our family, our children, tending to our jobs. It was true joy that I heard. Although, they are removed from the worldly distractions we so often find ourselves facing they were filled with an immense joy.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.

Luke 1:46

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul

Isaiah 61:10

This time of year can easily distract us. Trying to fill our hearts with things that are fleeting or only bring happiness for a brief moment. I know I have found myself getting swept up in the worldliness of the season, instead of keeping my focus on the One who brings true joy. Joy that will not leave. Joy that permeates our hearts even when the pleasures from this world are removed.

The struggle has been real for me these last couple of weeks to want the house perfectly decorated, all of my Christmas cards in the mail and every task on my to-do list crossed off now. While these are beautiful gestures, when I have allowed them to become my focus I lose joy. When I base my day on what gets accomplished rather than was my heart turned toward Christ, it becomes difficult to rejoice.

True joy is not defined or contained by circumstances, decorations or presents or whether my house has toys scattered about or baskets of laundry to fold. While we may all have things on our Christmas list, the happiness won’t carry us through the year or difficult challenges we may face. What the world offers is fleeting. It is joy in knowing Our Savior that will accompany us, remain in our hearts and never leave.

A Small Miracle

This past week I have been doing multiple interviews on my book, Nursery of Heaven, sharing my story and God’s faithfulness! With the book being self-published, the marketing is left up to the authors and well ultimately the Holy Spirit who has been taking me for a ride. I was honored to be part of some filming last week, which God-willing (if I make the final cuts) can share more details in the future.

My hope in every interview and promotion of the book is to bring at least one person healing and hope. I want to share this beautiful story with you, (permission has been granted for use) because no matter what our work God can use it and unknown to us, lives may be touched!

Back in February I attended a women’s conference as a vendor, I hesitated going because of the drive (which was located in a different state) and there being no guarantee that I would actually sell any books or break even on the event. I packed up and went anyways with baby Briella as my companion and my amazing mom meeting me to help out.

We had just finished setting up and Briella needed a quick diaper change before things began. When coming out of the bathroom a woman commented on my baby. Somehow our conversation led to us knowing mutual friends, to the book and to her sharing her own story of loss through miscarriage.

Longing to have closure and remembrance of the baby she never held, Grace Cecilia, this past Fall she called the hospital for what would be a year old copy of her baby’s ultrasound from November 2018. She asked them to call back if they had a copy and to which she never received a return call. She shared with me how much she wished she had an ultrasound picture.

She walked back with me to the vendor tables and purchased the book for a dear friend, but a few days later told me that when she got home she read almost the entire book in one day. After reading the book, she felt God tell her to call the hospital again and ask if they had the ultrasound of her baby Grace, now 15 months after the fact.

They called her back and told her no, after a heartfelt conversation. Then later that afternoon she received a voicemail. The message was from a nurse who went into the ultrasound archives and found the pictures! The nurse explained that normally they purge the pictures after one year, but here after 15 months they had appeared!!

This beautiful woman shared her story with me and many others, because she wants people to know that it doesn’t matter your baby’s age, they existed. They had a life no matter how short, God had a purpose for their life and he has a purpose for yours!

On Thursday I will be presenting at a virtual mom’s meet up and I would love for you to join me!! Register here!

Happy Easter!!

He is Risen, Alleluia!!

Squeezing in my Easter post on the last day of the Octave of Easter, just in time and we are still celebrating!! The anticipation of joy was palpable in the children on Holy Saturday as they counted down the hours and “one more sleep” until Easter. They were more than willing to help me with all of the food preparation and last bits of cleaning.

It was a race who would be the first one awake Easter morning to say the “A word” Alleluia!! They came to the conclusion that of course it would be Mom awake first, making Grandma’s pecan rolls and “trying” to get them right this year! (Well, in the haste of food preparation I managed to again botch the recipe forgetting the pecans which are quintessential to pecan rolls! Thankfully, Aaron saved the dread and rescued the long awaited rolls back to their original state.)

Easter morning was cloudy and rainy, but that did not diminish the joy bursting from our four walls. Kolbe ran around on the driveway yelling, He is Risen, Alleluia!! And all four of the kiddos stood on the front porch ringing bells and singing in solidarity with what our Bishop had asked, for all of the churches and families to join in ringing bells at noon on Easter.

The search for the risen Jesus followed Mass, with hunts for their baskets and eggs. They even got a surprise zoom visit with my parents and some of their cousins. At the end of the day, Kolbe said, “Although this Easter was so different with no family gatherings and Mom forgetting the purple table cloth, somehow this was still the happiest Easter ever!” (On day two of Easter, I did remember the purple table cloth!)

No truer words could have been spoken. Thankful for the faith of a child to reveal such profound wisdom. For we are an Easter people and despite quarantine, hardships and setbacks nothing can take that joy from us if we allow it to penetrate our hearts!! Let us keep on rejoicing!!

We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song! St. John Paul II