Nighttime conversations with children and God January 15, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window The wonder of the Bible reading might be that—even though he’s tired and half-asleep—Eli realizes that God is calling Samuel and tells him how to respond the next time he hears the voice. Eli tells Samuel to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
The saint you need for January January 13, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window In the dreariness of January, we might be feeling kind of meh. Well, it turns out there’s a saint for that.
Guide us to thy perfect light January 6, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Some days we might be like the shepherd in the fields, meeting God unexpectedly without warning. Other days we might be more like the wise men, following a star, looking for God and answering his invitation to be with him.
Head into the adventure of the New Year December 29, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window As we prepare to begin a new year, I know that the days might not seem all that different on the other side of midnight on January 1. But they also await us with wonder, holding new opportunities and new discoveries.
Christmas gifts and memories in the making (7 Quick Takes) December 28, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Commentary, Open Window What a whirlwind Christmas is every year! When our children were younger, I felt more pressure to make sure Christmas was magical. Celebrating Christmas with teens means this season is still magical, but in a different way.
The missing apple December 28, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church God will give us our daily bread. He will ensure that we are not alone, and that we are equipped with the faith and the strength for whatever we might face.
No room at the inn but joy abounds December 20, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window When we got off the plane, we found out a snowstorm had canceled all the flights to the East Coast.
Power of presence December 11, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Commentary, The Domestic Church This Advent and Christmas season, the time is right for us to rediscover that familiar story and experience God’s presence in a new way, knowing we are exactly where we need to be.
So, this is Advent December 10, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window That day when I had that sudden thought, the child who would become our younger son was newly born and not far away. Only God could have known that.
A new baby for Advent December 7, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window There is nothing like that wait for the baby to arrive, especially in those final hours before the birth.
A masterpiece on my windshield November 27, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I went outside, slipped into the driver’s seat, and glanced up to discover that the windshield was covered. Instead of the frost I’m used to seeing, however, the glass was enveloped in a beautiful, delicate pattern of ice.
Thanksgiving Food Stories (7 Quick Tastes) November 24, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Sometimes when we’re planning the Thanksgiving menu, someone will say, “But of course, it’s not about the food.” It’s about being together. Yes, yes, naturally. But the food stories tell us so much about the traditions and the people we love.