Trouble Brings Me Back
Bad news hit like a cannonball: a massive, unexpected tax bill on top of triple tuition and soaring costs. Jenn and I spun scenarios, fear rising — until we realized we hadn’t prayed. Trouble exposed what I was trusting. When God is first, I’m steadied; when outcomes are first, I’m tossed. Trials can grow endurance (James 1:2–4). Today, I’m learning to wear the world loosely and run back to him.
Prayers of Hope For Peace Over Your Thoughts
Prayer changes things — especially us. When we bring our worries, regrets and need for control to Jesus, he doesn’t just listen — he leads. His peace moves in quietly, clearing out the noise, shifting our thoughts toward truth. The world may still be spinning, but deep inside, we’re anchored. That’s the power of communion with God. Not flashy, not loud. Just steady. Just holy. Just enough.
The Story of Silent Night
At the heart of Christmas traditions lies “Silent Night,” a carol that has transcended centuries, cultures and languages to become a global symbol of peace and hope. Its origins in a small Austrian village — crafted by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber — carry a quiet magic, blending lullaby-like melodies with profound theological depth. Whether sung in a candlelit church or played in bustling malls, “Silent Night“ invites us to pause, reflect and long for tranquility.
The Arts of Slowing and Paying Attention
The rhythm of December offers a gentle reminder: some of life’s deepest treasures are only found when we slow down. Advent invites moments of stillness, a chance to sit with longing and hope. Like the stark beauty of winter trees or the quiet of early morning light, waiting can reveal the unseen — reshaping hearts and preparing us for the promise of new life.
A Word To America: Peace And Be Still
In the wake of an election deepening national divides, the call to trust God grows clearer. Political storms may rage, but God never panics. He wasn’t surprised by the results, and his peace remains unshaken. As citizens of heaven, we’re invited to anchor our faith in him, knowing his kingdom will outlast every earthly trouble.
What’s It Like Inside a Trappist Monastery?
What does life inside a Trappist monastery offer to those of us on the outside? In “A Matter of the Heart,” Brother Paul Quenon shares over 50 years of journal entries from his quiet life of prayer and contemplation. With a poet’s touch, he reflects on life’s mysteries and a spiritual calling shaped by solitude, stillness and the pursuit of inner peace — insights that resonate well beyond the cloister.
82 Percent Up
Are you feeling the weight of fear and uncertainty? Fear has shaped our national mood and has been hanging over us for years. We’ve been conditioned to worry, but what if that was changing? Imagine loosening your grip on worry and moving toward peace — toward trusting Jesus more than the chaos around you. Can you see yourself embracing a shift, one where fear gives way to a deeper sense of hope and calm in him?
Reconciliation: Peace With All People
Reconciliation is when two people come together to understand a past conflict or hurt. It matters to God, and he has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
Inner Peace, Like Happiness, Is An Inside Job
“I can’t legislate world peace. I can’t press peace on my neighbors or parishioners. But if I can become peaceable enough within myself, maybe that will both help me and others, too.”