In the Quiet

Just because someone says they want to marry you does not mean that they are capable of a lifelong commitment. Love isn't supposed to feel like an additional full-time job. Actions speak louder than words. Every. Time. Getting angry with God led me to healing.  Life is hard. Trust is everything. If you can't trust someone, it's really hard to love them unconditionally. Cowardice is a despicable trait. Uber is safe. I wish they didn't have my phone number though. Trusting God is everything. Mother Mary WILL take care of you. This world is not overpopulated. Taking care of yourself is imperative. As in, you do not have a choice. Sooner or later, your non-stop go mode will stop you in your tracks. Spiritual direction is not the same thing as talking to a professional mental health professional. Take care of yourself spiritually AND mentally! Carmelite spirituality is unique and beautiful. I still enjoy building Legos, coloring, and making sticker colla...

To my sisters in Christ: It is time to respect yourself. Do you know who you are? You are a beloved daughter of the most high God. You are worthy. Do you believe that? Do you respect yourself enough to not be dating someone just for the sake of having a boyfriend? Do you respect yourself enough to not wear skin-tight clothing for attention? Do you respect yourself enough to not tolerate abuse, be it sexual, emotional, verbal, mental, or physical? Do you respect yourself enough to take care of yourself spiritually? Do you respect yourself enough to be mindful of the content that you expose yourself to every day, through media of all kinds? Do you respect yourself enough to take care of yourself? Do you respect yourself enough to distance yourself from people who are ruining your relationship with Christ? Do you respect yourself enough to surrender all your worries to Jesus? Do you respect yourself enough to listen to the opinions of others, but ultimately decide with G...

Dear Friends, Joy is a tricky virtue. It is one that you must have despite all circumstances. It is harder than it looks. It is different than just happiness. It is more than just a feeling. It is a way of life. To live joy is to live the life of Christ, which is vibrant, rich, and full of strength from Him. When you practice joy, many trials come. To grin and bear it is kind of missing the point. You know deep down that Jesus is still there. He is still watching you. He wants to be so close to you. Will you let Him? Jesus longs for you. Did you know that? He thirsts for you. "I thirst," He said on the cross with parched lips and a dying body. Happy Easter to all of you. Peace, Stephanie