MISTY'S MORNINGS

About a year ago I wrote a piece called "Comparison Kills Contentment" for publication at Catholic Mothers On-line. (Angie has re-vamped the entire site at CMO and I encourage you to stop by to see what is new and read some of those terrific posts.) As the entire world embarks on the whole new year, new you theme again this January, I thought you may need a reminder of what I consider to be the best source of renewal  . Just for today, don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.  Be content.  Simply be at peace with who you are in this very precious moment.  Just be. Believe it or not, that is enough. My sister just texted me from the airplane. She and her husband are on their way to Germany to tour the Christmas markets – for the fifth time. Bring me a  lebkuchen,  I think as I close my phone and open the mailbox. The first Christmas card of the season has arrived. I haven’t even made one yet and was thinking I might ski...

A few weeks ago my youngest son and I had a an unexpected conversation about growing old, death and Heaven.  It led me to recall a promise Jesus made and asked us to believe in.  Please read the story and the promise where I am sharing it at Catholic Mothers On-line today.

I love finding new apps for my devices  and I especially love it when they are free.   Today I am sharing a list of five  of my recent favorite free apps  at Catholic Mothers Online .   Please click over to read about them and then  share your latest app finds  with us in the comments.  I can always use more apps!

Moments of Gratitude ~my month of vacation in my home state full of many more moments than I can share in this small space ~finding enough coffee grounds left in the cupboard this morning to be able to make a full pot of coffee (after standing in the coffee aisle yesterday and not purchasing coffee because I was certain I had an extra bag) ~a break in the heat wave ~air conditioning ~doctors, nurses, medicine and x-rays ~friends who welcome me home Beauty in the Ordinary honeybee at the farm From the Kitchen farmer's market shopping Stopped at the Farmer's Market yesterday and picked out some lovely scented strawberries.  On the docket: strawberry jam .   I am also looking forward to grilling some chicken and veggie kebabs this week.  Plus this post from last summer is also calling out to me.   As for baking, I have missed out on three Baking with Julia recipes and so must get back on track. I believe the next recipe on tap...

A recent trip to the beach prompted some poem-thoughts about motherhood in my spirit.  I am sharing the poem I wrote in full at Catholic Mothers Online today.  It is called Lighthouse .   I hope it resonates with you in some way today.

My sister just texted me from the airplane. She and her husband are on their way to Germany to tour the Christmas markets – for the fifth time. Bring me a  lebkuchen,  I think as I close my phone and open the mailbox. The first Christmas card of the season has arrived. I haven’t even made one yet and was thinking I might skip it this year altogether. Opening her lovely card, I read that my friend has moved to a new home and lost 35 pounds in the last year. I am happy for her. Really,  I am . Please read the rest over at Catholic Mothers Online     where I am guest posting today.  Thanks!

Please join me over at Catholic Mothers Online where I am sharing my solution to holiday stress.  I would love to hear your stress-busting ideas as well.