Hands folded in prayer outside.

How I Pray

Most days, I start my day with a morning walk, and as I walk, I usually work through this reflection. It’s a nice way to focus my attention outside myself, to remember and pray for those around me, to foster joy and gratitude, and to look for where God is active in my life.

photo of a stone church with a cross on top and a belltower to the side

Spiritual and Also Religious

I do not identify as spiritual but not religious. I do think organized religion is the most valuable means of furthering spiritual growth. For me, however, the problem comes in the next step: which religion?

a person's hands folded in prayer holding a rosary

A Modification to the Hail Mary

About two years ago, I ended up accompanying a friend of mine to the hospital. Once the paramedics showed up, there really wasn’t anything for me to do other than hang around, wait, and pray.

Cal Newport's book Digitial Minimalism next to a smartphone with headphones attached

Conversation Office Hours

This year, I tried something new as my Lenten practice: conversation office hours. I came across this idea while reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.

the cover of the March 2020 issue of The Atlantic

After the Nuclear Family

If you’re at all interested in kinship, family structures, or intentional community, you’ve gotta check out David Brook’s cover article in The Atlantic titled “The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake.”

A burning candle resting on a brown table

Light a Candle & Say a Prayer for Someone

It’s painful to think back on all the people I’ve loved and lost touch with, but it’s important that I do this, that we do this. All these people were important pieces of the social fabric of my life.

a yellow mosque with a huge open space in front of it

We Need to Talk About China

Right now, in Xinjiang, China’s far western province, roughly one million people are being detained in extralegal internment camps (the state calls them “re-education centers”). Those detained are mostly Uyghers, a mostly-Muslim Turkic ethnic group.

a doctor smiling at a patient sitting on a bed with a blanket on her lap

Guest Post: Advent Birthing

I love the imagery and symbolism of pregnancy and birth during this time of Advent, because it is so rich with meanings and also of course because I love accompanying women as they prepare and work to bring new life into the world.