On this Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, I’m still carrying the grace of having recently walked through its Holy Door—an act of pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year, as a pilgrim of Hope.
Continue reading “A Pilgrim of Hope at the Mother of All Churches”
We live in a world that rewards independence, self-reliance, and performance. Especially in the West, we’re taught to look out for number one, to keep our guard up, and to measure our worth by success. But over time, this way of living hardens the heart. We become efficient but emotionally distant, strong but spiritually brittle. And in this climate, the fruit of gentleness feels like a foreign language.
Continue reading “Show Us the Way: Cultivating Gentleness in a Hardened World”
In a world that often feels loud, fast, and unforgiving, kindness and generosity are more than virtues—they are radiant echoes of Christ. They soften the edges of our days, interrupt cycles of fear and anger, and remind us that love is never wasted. But how do we cultivate this way of being when the world feels overwhelming? One answer: gratitude.
Continue reading “The Chain of Gratitude”
Five years ago, I launched Smitten with Goodness on All Saints’ Day with trembling hands and a heart full of longing. What began as a personal journey—working out my salvation with fear and trembling and seeking a deeper understanding of my faith—has become something far greater than I ever imagined. A quiet offering has become a place of encounter.
Continue reading “Five Years of Goodness: A Celebration of Grace”
Tonight, the world flickers with jack-o’-lanterns and laughter. Children dress in costumes, doorbells chime, and the air hums with mischief. But beneath the revelry, a deeper mystery stirs. October 31 is not merely Halloween—it is All Hallows’ Eve, the sacred vigil before the Feast of All Saints.
Continue reading “All Hallows’ Eve: A Night for the Luminous”
“Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25)
Continue reading “The Goodness That Waits”
Sometimes my heart aches with longing—for the Spirit to fall, not just on me, but on all of us. There are moments when the lyrics of Bright City’s Come Holy Spirit feel less like a song and more like a cry from deep within:
“Come Holy Spirit, fall on us. Burn like a fire, living flame of love.”
Lately the Lord has been helping me get real with myself. It’s only by knowing myself in a deeper way that I can deepen my relationship with God, and know my true need. It’s the opportunity to grow in humility, thinking of myself less, and allow divine love to stir the generosity in my heart.
Continue reading “Staying in My Holy Lane”
During a recent conversation, a friend shared something tender and transformative: that in prayer, God had revealed to her that she is a Daughter of Grace. The phrase lingered in my heart, stirring reflection. What does it mean to live as a Daughter of Grace?
Continue reading “Daughter of Grace: Living Beyond the Ledger”
A new study reveals a quiet but troubling shift: daily reading for pleasure in the U.S. has dropped more than 40% over the past two decades. In 2003, 26% of Americans read on an average day. By 2023, that number had fallen to just 16%. Researchers warn that this decline isn’t merely cultural—it’s deeply personal and potentially harmful. Reading is linked to improved mental health, deeper empathy, and stronger cognitive function across all age groups. It’s not just entertainment; it’s nourishment.
Continue reading “Choosing Depth Over Distraction”
Smitten With Goodness 