Imagine it’s Christmas Day. Your family is gathered around the dinner table—laughter, stories, the clatter of silverware on plates. But your sister isn’t joining in. She has just returned home from college out of state. You notice how quiet she is, detached from the...
In my book and elsewhere, I usually write about how to meet more people, get more dates, and enter a marriage-minded dating relationship. Today, though, I’m going to share some advice for when that relationship doesn’t go so well. Before I got married, I went through...
Lust is more than a personal weakness or a private struggle—it is a direct assault on the sacredness of the human person, on marriage, on family, and ultimately, on the very image of God. Among the seven deadly sins, lust uniquely wounds not only the soul of the...
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are my kryptonite. I tell myself I’ll just have one or two, but somehow the wrapper count tells a different story. There’s just something about that perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter—it’s like the culinary version of harmony. I...
Chicago. Autumn of 2025. The air turns crisp as September surrenders to October’s embrace, leaves ablaze in reds and golds, whispering secrets of harvest and renewal. Baseball fever grips the heartland—the “October Classic” looms, where underdogs dare to dream and...
Two years ago, after I’d been in my current job for several years, I felt I’d finally get the promotion for which I’d longed. In my mind, I deserved it. And, based on subtle clues from my boss and others, I thought it was coming. I told my family it was coming. I was...
And it came to pass, as he was going to Jerusalem, he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain town, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off; And lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, master, have mercy on...
Every parent knows the well rehearsed reasons why it’s important to give a routine for small children as they go to bed. Rest of course is very important for health. Most parents know firsthand what it’s like to deal with a young one the next day when they don’t get...
In recent decades, we have received a sign that fills us with joy but also makes us think. It is the fact that several spouses have been beatified and canonized, not separately, but as married couples. I think of Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of Saint Therese of...
October is full of some powerhouse saints. Can you guess these saints? Tip: All of the answers are listed as "St.", not "Saint." You'll get the answer wrong if you type out the word saint so be sure to abbreviate it for the sake of winning this fun game. Challenge a...
Kristina is a Catholic artist and illustrator, small business owner (Painted Sanctuary, LLC), wife of Paul, and mom to five wonderful humans ages 10 down to 10 months. She paints at her kitchen table, in the middle of the chaos of motherhood. She adores watercolors and is very drawn to creating contemporary, faith-inspired art that flows from her relationship with Jesus. Creating art has been a deep source of personal healing for her after she experienced severe partum anxiety after multiple pregnancies. Through her art she hopes that many people will encounter the deep goodness and love of God.
