James doesn’t want to go to Mass. At two and a half he doesn’t want to do most things, even the things he actually does want to do. “I not want to go to CHURCH!” His words start in a growl and end in a scream that echoes down my spine. What do I say… The post Almost Heaven appeared first on Mothering Spirit ..read more

I used to travel light, A backpack slung over my shoulder, A brush, spare clothes, hopefully a toothbrush. The shoes on my feet—worn and dusty as they were, Would suffice for all occasions.  Now I grimace as I wedge yet another pair of socks Into the increasingly stuffed bag. Our trips require spreadsheets, checklists, safety… The post Packed Tightly With Love appeared first on Mothering Spirit ..read more

Come ever-present God and be with me. You alone know and understand all that is before me. Come help me trust in you.  Slow my pace to see you; quicken my senses to hear you. Guide my steps to follow you and your ways; let there be a cadence of grace with me.  I need… The post A Prayer for the Mental Load appeared first on Mothering Spirit ..read more

The house is quiet, except for the clothes thumping in the dryer. Everyone is sleeping as we approach the midnight hour. The decorations are up. The friend party has been celebrated, and the family party is next. Cakes are ordered, recipes are chosen, groceries are purchased, gifts are wrapped. In another half hour, our son… The post A New Decade Dawns: Celebrating a Child’s Birthday with the Weight of the World appeared first on Mothering Spirit ..read more

A Prayer For The Mothers Who show up to the playground Armed with pretzels and patience Ready for whatever the day brings Unafraid of tantrums or tears Who gently rub sunscreen Onto their children and yours Calling, “Stay where I can see you!” As you sit nursing the baby Who offer an extra diaper When… The post A Prayer For The Mothers appeared first on Mothering Spirit ..read more

As a disciple of Jesus and a mother, I am surrounded by a cloud of biblical witnesses who, as mothers like me, lead me to the author and perfecter of faith (cf Hebrews 12:1). An undertaking as momentous as motherhood must be a team sport. Not only is the necessity of community and connection for… The post Grandmothers, Saints, and Group Chats: The Women Who Mother Us Through Motherhood appeared first on Mothering Spirit ..read more

Bless you for noticing. Noticing the small space in your day to write and create. This opening that’s barely noticeable in your hurried day is here. So what do you do? Bless you for the messy scribbles on the backs of receipts, half-used post-its, and old grocery lists. Bless you for the voice memo— the notes you send yourself when a flash of clarity arrives, but you aren’t at a desk. Bless you for continuing to write while answering questions, feeding little mouths breakfast, folding mountains of laundry, commuting to and from work. Bless you for the time when life finally slows you down eno ..read more

The leaves fell from the sentinel-like silver maple trees that lined our streets. What were they guarding exactly? I’m not sure. But I loved them the second I saw them. November arrived, and with it, the promise of snow. Everyone retreated inside their homes while we, the new kids on the block, looked out the window. We were full of eager anticipation for what this new season would bring.  Buying a home in November isn’t exactly ideal, though I daydreamed anyway. But I questioned if that neighborly hope would be more of a wistful dream. What if those silver maples, so picturesque, harbor ..read more

A Prayer for Vacation Bible School or Summer Camp God of delight, Bless our week together, our playing, singing, learning, and creating together. Open our ears to hear your word. Open our eyes to see the needs of our world. Open our hearts to serve with love. May we grow in love for you and for each other as we listen to your call in our lives. Amen. Copyright © 2017 Laura Kelly Fanucci from To Bless Our Callings: Prayers, Poems, and Hymns to Celebrate Vocation This post contains an affiliate link. The post A Prayer for Vacation Bible School appeared first on Mothering Spirit ..read more

O Infinite Father, you hold together all things by your word. You are creator of all the living and uphold them in your hand. By your very breath you sustain; You carry humanity. It is a holy and heavy task you have granted me— to care for and raise your littlest and most vulnerable ones,  my children. My heart is burdened and my mind overwhelmed.  When I look at the world I find no peace. There is war and famine and disease Dangers and accidents Hundreds upon thousands upon millions of potentials to harm to my children. Each lurking in the shadows like a lion waiting to pounce and ..read more