Joy isn’t what happens when life goes perfectly. It’s what happens when you know you’re loved perfectly, even when life’s a mess.
Chris Stefanick, Living Joy
The journey of Smitten With Goodness began with a simple question. What does it mean to love?
Continue reading “Finding Perfect Precious Love”
Today’s post, on this second Sunday of Lent, is written by a guest contributor Melanie Boutiette. Melanie is my sister, mother figure, and friend. I am pleased to introduce you to her and an article from her blog Just Beloved, Words of Encouragement for you!
I love to garden. I love digging my hands in the rich soil, planting beautiful flowers, and transforming a once barren area into a beautiful bed or landscape. The whole yard is filled with a variety of flowers and plants. I especially love the front of the house. I have an English garden there that once was just an ugly plot of ground after disease destroyed all the bushes and plants. To look at my yard right now in the dead of winter, you cannot tell that I love to garden.
Continue reading “Pruning Hearts”
Today’s post is written by a guest contributor Jacquelyne Rocan. Jacquelyne has been a spiritual sister to me throughout the years and I am pleased to introduce you to her!
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and I find myself recalling this time last year. While there were certainly reports of the new coronavirus circulating in more and more communities, I celebrated Ash Wednesday in 2020 in many of the same ways that I have always marked that day — attending Mass, receiving ashes on my forehead, fasting, and setting in place plans for experiencing a holy and spiritual Lenten season. This included plans for additional prayers, readings, and attending Stations of the Cross. I marked times for all of the Holy Week services on my calendar — the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday service, and Easter Vigil Mass. It was important to me to fully participate and prepare by attending these services, as much as I could (especially through many years of serving on the RCIA team in my parish). My Lenten and Easter seasons have felt incomplete when I have been unable to prepare and attend the Easter Triduum services.
Continue reading “Hope is Not Canceled”
I recently listened to organizational psychologist Adam Grant’s podcast about Givers and Takers where he breaks down three personalities and offers simple strategies to promote a culture of generosity in the workplace. It was validating to know that the givers win out in affecting positive culture and increased results. Go figure!
Continue reading “Are You A Giver Or A Taker?”
We can all unite in the goodness of prayer…..
Continue reading “Help Build A World Of Equal Dignity”
Fasting is amazingly popular in our culture today if you are seeking to shed some weight or reap the debated health benefits. A google search provides an overwhelming amount of information. On the other hand, not much is written about fasting as a tool for our spiritual growth. This time-tested practice is a proven method for shedding the weight of self-will and the evolution to our lower self. Today, I challenge us see how fasting trains our soul for goodness and the higher purpose of love. I have mentioned previously, God prunes our hearts through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, as we unite with Him.
Continue reading “Fasting For The Love Of It”
A few years ago, I realized that I had a divided heart. I was being drawn closer to spiritual love and less satisfied with the worldly things that took up much of my time and attention. During this time of discerning and yearning, I contemplated what love means and its transforming power and goodness. Love is a superpower each of us holds within us. It is the true essence of who we are and how we are called to treat each other yet we have strayed away from love. It is an action we are called to perform. Love, for even our enemies, is the key to the solution of the problems of our world. This radical philosophy, so much of what Martin Luther King, Jr.’s advocated for in his platform of nonviolence and love of our enemies, resonates for me as I contemplate love.
Continue reading “How Much Simple Love is in Your Heart?”
It is officially the Advent season, December 1 and the countdown to Christmas begins. Like lent, Advent is a penitential season in addition to a time for hope, joy, peace and love. We prepare to enter into our need for a savior. But first, I must feel that I need a savior.
Continue reading “The Truth is, I Need a Savior”
Our world was made from love and goodness as we are assured in the origin story of Genesis. Throughout time, God ensures us that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome the light.
Continue reading “Is Your Heart Full of Hope?”
Picture a pre-COVID time when we might be having a cup of coffee, or more likely a glass of wine together and catching up on life. What would you say if I asked you what is your why? Why do you think you were put on this earth during this moment in time?
Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Continue reading “Are You Living Your Why?”
Smitten With Goodness 