If last week we started at the table, this week we turn our hearts to the quiet places, those little pockets of time that invite us to pause, to listen, and to pray. Because here’s the thing: in Ordinary Time, it’s not the calendar that keeps us rooted, it’s the rhythm. And there’s no rhythm more ancient or more anchoring than the rhythm of daily prayer. Why We Pray Daily As Christians, prayer is one of the most important things we do. It’s how we are united to God. It’s where relationship grows, where we are formed, and where God meets us, in the midst of our very real, very ordinary lives. Prayer causes us to pause, to turn, to remember. It reorients our hearts to who God is and who we are in Him. And when we pray daily, as individuals, as couples, or as families, we create a spiritual pattern that draws us back to God again and again. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. When we set a rhythm of daily prayer, something powerful happens. We remember. We’re renewed. And we are gently unified in our love and service to God. An Ancient Rhythm The rhythm of daily prayer is not new. We see it all the way back in Deuteronomy 6 , when Moses gives the Israelites instructions as they prepare to enter the Promised Land: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might… You shall teach these words to your children… and talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” This became the foundation for the Jewish practice of praying morning, noon, and night , a rhythm Jesus Himself would have followed. When the early Church formed, they continued this pattern. Over time, it became known as the Daily Office , from the Latin officium divinum — divine duty. And while that may sound formal, the idea is profoundly simple: regular prayer isn’t something we squeeze in when we feel like it. It’s a spiritual rhythm that shapes us over time, like water gently forming stone. What Does the Daily Office Look Like? The traditional Daily Office follows a gentle, meaningful structure: A Psalm of praise to begin A Reading from Scripture A Hymn or Song of Worship Personal Prayers The Lord’s Prayer A Collect to close (a composed prayer that draws everything together) If you’ve ever read Morning or Evening Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer , you’ve experienced this. It’s not flashy. It’s not complicated. But it’s deeply grounding. When we enter into this rhythm, we step into something far bigger than ourselves. We join with the ancient Israelites, the early church, and generations of Christians who have sought the Lord through structured, steady prayer. Bringing the Daily Office Home Now, how do we actually do this in the home? What does it look like in real life, especially if we have kids, jobs, distractions, and noise? Here’s what it looked like in ours when our children were at home: On most mornings, before homeschooling began, we gathered around our kitchen table. We lit a candle. We reminded ourselves with our bodies that this moment was different. That this time was holy. My children would quiet (a little!) when the candle was lit. The soft glow told them something special was happening. It wasn’t magic, it was a marker. It helped their hearts and mine settle into the moment. Here’s what it looks like now: I wake up early and pray Morning Prayer on my own. When my son, who has special needs and is home with me during the day wakes up, we pray Morning Prayer together. In the evening, the whole family gathers to pray together before I go to bed. Practical Tips for Families If you’re just beginning a daily prayer rhythm at home, here are a few tips that have helped us along the way: Choose a time that works for your family For us, it was in the morning. For you, it might be at bedtime, or before dinner. The goal is consistency, not complexity. Use atmosphere to your advantage Children are wired to respond to beauty. Light candles. Dim the lights. Play soft sacred music. Even young children sense that something meaningful is happening. Let older children help They can light the candles, read Scripture, or lead the prayer. This gives them ownership and helps them grow in faith and responsibility. Offer quiet hands for littles We’ve given toddlers a Jesus picture book, a soft rosary, or even a tray of dry oatmeal to play with while they listen. It’s not perfect. But it’s real. Keep expectations low and hearts open It will never be flawless. Someone will fidget. Someone will spill. But God is not waiting for perfect. He is already here, shaping hearts through the simple act of showing up. A Gift to Help You Begin If you’d like to begin this rhythm of daily prayer in your own home, I’ve created a simplified Family Prayer Guide for Ordinary Time. It’s drawn from the structure of the Daily Office, and it's designed to be gentle, accessible, and beautiful. You can download it at the link below. Use it in the morning, before dinner, or at bedtime, whatever fits your season. My hope is that it helps you begin a new rhythm of connection with God, one that roots your family in His presence, day by day. So this week, I invite you to pray. Not just when things feel urgent, or on Sundays, or when the house is finally quiet, but as a daily practice. A holy rhythm. Because in these ordinary moments, we are being formed. And in this long green season of slow, steady grace, the simplest habits, lighting a candle, reading a psalm, whispering the Lord’s Prayer, become the very places God meets us. Let the slow work continue.

There’s something sacred about the kitchen table. Not just on feast days or special occasions, but in the ordinary hours of an ordinary Wednesday, when someone’s late, the toddler only wants toast, and there’s a spill under someone’s chair (again). Even in that chaos, or maybe especially in it, God is present. And He’s teaching us how to see Him in the breaking of the bread. In this first day of The Slow Work of God , we’re starting at the table. Because that’s where discipleship often begins, not with a grand gesture, but with daily bread. The Table as Holy Ground Eating together as a family, a couple, or a community is one of the most powerful daily rhythms we can practice. In the midst of our busy lives, gathering around the table provides sacred, intentional time to pause, connect, and reflect on God’s goodness. This isn’t just something that “feels nice” or “brings people closer together.” God designed His people to live this way. We see this pattern again and again in Scripture, and one of the clearest examples comes in Exodus 13:1–16. After delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt, God established special days and rhythms for His people to remember His faithfulness, and they weren’t confined to synagogue rituals. These holy days included real, shared experiences: food, storytelling, and family gatherings. "When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites… you shall keep this service in this month. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord… And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.’” —Exodus 13:5–8 Do you see what’s happening? God wove the remembrance of salvation into the meal itself. He didn’t just say, “Remember this in your heart.” He said, “Sit down together. Eat this food. Tell the story.” This is why the table is more than a place to eat. It’s a place to encounter God. To pass down faith. To say, “This time matters. These people matter. And most of all, God matters.” The Atmosphere of Holiness In our home, we’ve found that simple choices can create a sense of sacred space. The dinner doesn’t have to be fancy, sometimes it’s a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, but it’s not the food that makes it special. What makes it holy is that we carved out the time . We say, “This is important. This is what we’re going to do. We’re going to eat together. We’re going to talk. We’re going to experience holy time.” We don’t allow phones at the table, not from the children or the adults . No distractions. For one hour, this is God’s time. We play a gentle playlist in the background, light candles, and turn off the other lights. The effect is quiet magic. My children still love the atmosphere, especially the candlelight. It’s a visual cue that says: This time is different. This time is holy. And for the next hour, we talk, we laugh, and we eat. As I look around, the soft glow of the candles reflects on every face, and what I see is a newfound sense of wonder. This is what eating together does: it takes the chaos and rush of our lives and forces us to slow down. It gives us, not just any kind of time, but God’s time. Print out one of these beautiful prayer cards for your table. Small Practices, Deep Roots You don’t need to turn dinner into a liturgy (though you certainly can!). But here are a few simple ways to eat with intention this week: Light a candle before meals I cannot emphasize enough the effect a candle or candles has at the dinner table. It immediately marks the moment as holy and sacred and brings a different atmosphere to the meal. Say grace slowly Choose a prayer that means something to your family and pray it together before each meal. This creates a beautiful sense of tradition and meaning. Here’s a free PDF I created for you with beautiful, traditional prayers before a meal. Print them up, fold them in half and they will stand on your dining or kitchen table - Ask one meaningful question Try: “Where did you see beauty today?” or “What are you thankful for?” Bake bread together Let your kids knead the dough, smell it baking, and break it open warm. It’s a slow and sacred act. Host a Sunday meal It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Make space for someone new or someone in need. Hospitality is always holy. Whether you’re gathering around a picnic table, the kitchen counter, or a cloth-covered dining room table, remember: the sacred isn’t reserved for feast days. It’s waiting right here, in the rhythm of your everyday meals. In these ordinary moments, we taste the holy. Next, we’ll talk about prayer in the summer season. But for now, light a candle, put away the phones, and break bread with the ones you love. Let the slow work begin!

Summer has arrived with all its golden light, long evenings, and the quiet hush of a slower pace. School is out, routines shift, and life feels just a little looser around the edges. It’s the season of bare feet and backyard dinners, library bags and lingering mornings. And in the Church, it’s also the beginning of something quietly beautiful: the season of Ordinary Time . Ordinary Time doesn’t come with a calendar full of feast days or the built-in structure of Lent or Advent. It’s the long, green season—unhurried, uncelebrated by the culture, and often overlooked. But I’ve come to love this season more and more. It’s where real discipleship takes root. It’s not about preparing for something else. It’s about growing right where you are. In a world that’s always rushing toward the next thing, Ordinary Time invites us to stay awhile. To let our faith stretch out and grow slowly. To recognize God not just in the high holy days, but in the everyday routines of meals, prayers, work, and rest. So this summer, I want to invite you into something special: Living the Green: Embracing Ordinary Time at Home Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of reflections and practices to help you bring the beauty and depth of Ordinary Time into your home. These are not grand or complicated things—just small, intentional rhythms that create space for faith to flourish in the middle of your real, ordinary life. Here’s what’s coming: Daily Bread: Eating Together with Intention How can our meals become sacred spaces of connection, gratitude, and joy? Praying the Day: Simple Rhythms of Summer Prayer From morning walks to evening candlelight, we’ll explore ways to weave prayer into your summer days. Feasting in the Ordinary: Celebrating Saints & Seasons You don’t need to go all out—just a few small, meaningful ways to mark the liturgical year in the heart of summer. The Green Grows Slowly: Teaching Kids Faithfulness Because growth takes time—and our children need to see that the quiet work matters too. Sabbath & Play: Rest as Resistance Let’s reclaim rest and delight as spiritual practices, not luxuries. Household Discipleship: Building a Rule of Life How might your family’s rhythms reflect your values and call to live as followers of Christ? Each post will include simple ideas for your home, theological reflection, and ways to get your family involved. Some will have downloads, checklists, or printable prayers to tuck into your planner or display on your kitchen bulletin board. Because here’s the thing: Ordinary Time is not about waiting for something better. It is the better. It’s where Christ meets us in the everyday and makes it holy. So join me. Let’s open our homes and our hearts to the slow, steady grace of Ordinary Time. Let’s live the green together. Sign up for the newsletter if you haven’t already so you don’t miss a post. And if you know someone who might love this series, send them this way—I’d love to welcome them into the journey. With gratitude and green growing things, Ashley

This Sunday, we begin a new liturgical season - Ordinary Time. As we step into the season of Ordinary Time, often called the season after Pentecost or Trinitytide, it is important to remember that there is nothing “ordinary” about it. This season, which follows the great feasts of Easter, is not a time of lesser importance but rather a time of deepening, an invitation to live out the mysteries we have just celebrated. The liturgical calendar is not simply a cycle of remembrance, but a path of formation, shaping us into a people who carry Christ’s presence into the world. Ordinary Time, then, is the season in which we learn to walk as disciples, growing in faith, hope, and love. It is also the longest season of the Church year, taking up three-quarters of the liturgical year. The word “ordinary” does not mean common or unimportant; rather, it comes from the Latin ordinalis , meaning ordered or numbered time, a season marked by the steady unfolding of Christ’s teachings in our daily lives. Throughout salvation history, God has not only revealed himself in extraordinary moments but also in the steady rhythm of daily life. From the Israelites wandering in the wilderness to the early Church learning to follow Christ in their communities, the people of God have always been called to faithfulness in the midst of the ordinary. This is the invitation of Ordinary Time: to cultivate holiness in our daily routines, to recognize the presence of God in the seemingly mundane, and to continue growing in our spiritual journey. This season is marked by the color green, a symbol of life and growth. Just as the natural world flourishes in the sunlight, Ordinary Time is a season for us to flourish in the light of Christ. It is a time for discipleship, a time to be nourished by the Word of God and the sacraments, a time to allow the seeds of faith to take deep root in our souls. During the great feasts of Christmas and Easter, we rejoice in Christ’s coming and his victory over death. But in Ordinary Time, we are invited to ask: What does it mean to live as those who belong to him? The Gospels proclaimed throughout Ordinary Time center on the life and ministry of Jesus, the way he taught, healed, forgave, and called people to himself. We hear his parables, his miracles, his conversations with the disciples, and his commands to love, serve, and follow him. Through these stories, we are drawn into his way of life. Just as the first disciples walked with Christ, we, too, are called to walk with him in our daily lives, to take up our cross, and to be transformed into his likeness. St. Augustine reminds us: You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.Augustine, Confessions Ordinary Time is the season where we learn to find our rest in God, not just in the great moments of celebration, but in the quiet, consistent faithfulness of daily life. It is in this time that we are formed, strengthened, and prepared to bear fruit in due season. Yet, in the modern world, this season goes unnoticed. We move from celebration to celebration, feast to feast, but struggle to embrace the steady, patient work of discipleship. However, the Church in her wisdom gives us this time, not as a pause, but as a gift. In a culture that craves constant excitement, Ordinary Time calls us to something deeper: a life rooted in Christ, where even the smallest acts of faithfulness become an offering to God. Let us, then, reclaim the beauty of Ordinary Time. Let us commit ourselves to growing in the faith, to deepening our prayer lives, and to recognizing the presence of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities. As we journey through this season, may we remember that every moment is an opportunity to draw near to him, to love as he loves, and to live as his people in the world. And so, with Christians throughout the ages, we pray: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!Psalm 103:1 For even in the ordinary, we find the extraordinary presence of God. Excerpt from my latest guidebook - The Liturgical Home: Ordinary Time Ways to Celebrate Read Acts 1 and 2 about the early church flourishing after the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you anew and help you to flourish and grow. Buy my latest liturgical guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Ordinary Time ! It gives you everything you need to celebrate the season of Ordinary Time in your home. All of the feast days, their significance and meaning, traditional recipes and ways to celebrate from around the world, and devotions for the special days. You are going to love it! Decorate your home with all things green! I love this beautiful muted green table cloth with cream flowers (It also comes as a runner ). These adorable green gingham napkins , striped napkins , or linen napkins . You could also add a throw pillow like this or this . Fill a jar or vase with green herbs or branches from the backyard. May God bless you and your family during this season of Ordinary Time!

Summer is here! The season of sun-kissed days and unstructured time, where the long, warm evenings invite us to linger a little longer. However, the freedom of unstructured time can be a double-edged sword. Without a normal routine, we can start to feel disoriented and disconnected, drifting through our days without truly connecting to our faith or each other. As we find ourselves in Ordinary Time, it’s a wonderful opportunity to establish new rhythms that bring our faith into the heart of this relaxed season. To help, I wanted to introduce a new series, Establishing New Rhythms in Summer: Embracing Ordinary Time . Over the next week, we’ll explore how we can bring our faith into the heart of this relaxed season, establishing new and easy rhythms that draw us closer to God and strengthen our connections with each other. Ordinary Time is a beautiful opportunity for us all to grow, reflect, and deepen our faith in meaningful ways. What's Coming Up This Week Over the next week, we’ll dive into specific ways to establish these new rhythms through different aspects of our daily lives: Eating Together : We’ll explore how sharing meals can become sacred moments of connection and gratitude. From picnics to farm-to-table feasts, we’ll discover ways to make our meals more meaningful and faith-filled. Prayer : We’ll look at creative ways to integrate prayer into our summer routines. Whether it’s morning praise walks, evening campfire Compline, or keeping a summer prayer journal, there are many beautiful practices to explore. Celebrating the Liturgical Year : Embracing the liturgical year can feel daunting, but summer is the perfect time to ease into it. We’ll discuss simple ways to observe feast days and saints’ days, incorporate liturgical colors into our homes, and engage in family projects that celebrate our faith. Embrace the Season Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary. It’s a time for growth, reflection, and deepening our faith. By establishing new rhythms of eating, praying, and celebrating the liturgical year together, we invite the sacred into our everyday summer moments, making this season truly extraordinary. So, join me this next week as we begin this journey to bring more intention, connection, and faith into our summer days. Let’s savor the slower pace, delight in our meals, deepen our prayers, and celebrate the liturgical year with joy and creativity. Here’s to a summer filled with faith, family, friends, and the joyous rhythms of Ordinary Time!

In the season of Ordinary Time, there is something so fulfilling about finding joy in the simplicity of everyday moments. And what better way to savor the sweetness of this season than by celebrating with fresh fruit? I've already shared some recipes on figs and now I'm adding peaches to the list. As peaches come into season, I thought making a real, honest-to-goodness homemade peach pie would be fun. I even made a lattice top which I never do! My daughter and I were watching "Zoe Bakes" on the Magnolia Channel the other day. Does anyone else have the Magnolia Channel? We absolutely love it! There's something about it that is so calming and peaceful. We especially love Zoe Francois' baking show. She is the master of baking and the homemade peach pie she made looked incredible. She demonstrated a technique called fraisage where you create thin sheets of butter throughout the crust. As the crust is cooking, the thin sheets of butter steam which causes the dough to puff and get very flaky. Her crust was the most incredible crust I had ever seen! You could see the layers and it looked so good! I decided to go all in and make Zoe Francois' Perfect Peach Pie . There's a certain magic in the art of creating a homemade peach pie and this recipe was no different. From the crust to the filling, to the lattice top, this pie was a labor of love. There are a few more steps than an ordinary peach pie but, trust me, it's worth every extra step! I have never had a peach pie or a pie crust this good before! I hope you'll set aside some time and give it a try! As we continue to move through the season of Ordinary Time, let's celebrate the beauty of everyday moments and the abundance of nature's gifts. This homemade peach pie is a wonderful expression of gratitude for the simplicity and sweetness of our life in Christ. So, roll up your sleeves, make this Perfect Peach Pie, and enjoy the flavors of Ordinary Time. Perfect Peach Pie Ingredients: All-Butter Pie Dough 4 1/2 cups (563 grams) all-purpose flour 2 1/4 cups (495 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces 6 tablespoons (75 grams) granulated sugar 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/2 tablespoons vodka (or white vinegar) 3/4 cup ice water Pie Filling 8 ripe peaches 1/2 cup (100 grams) raw sugar 1/4 cup whiskey, bourbon, or rum, or 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pinch kosher salt 1/4 cup cornstarch Egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) Sugar for sprinkling Directions: To make the all-butter pie dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour. Continue to do so until some of the butter is coating the flour, with large pieces of butter still intact. Once combined, add the sugar and salt, and use your fingers to work it into the flour and butter. Add the vodka to the ice water, then drizzle over the dough 3 tablespoons at a time, tossing with your hands until it just comes together in a shaggy dough. Turn your dough out onto the counter (or onto a chilled marble or tile slab if you have one). Pile the dough into a long rectangle and use the heel of your hand to smear the dough away from you to create long “sheets” of butter. This technique is called fraisage. Using a bench scraper, fold the dough on top of itself and continue pressing until the dough comes together into a log, folding a few more times. Do not overwork the dough. The goal is to make long, thin sheets of butter throughout the dough. Once formed into a log, cut into 2 pieces and form each into a disk. Wrap each in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour. To make the pie filling: Peel the peaches by cutting a cross on the base of each peach. Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently lower the peaches into it. Flip after a few seconds. After they boil for a minute or two, remove the peaches and submerge them in ice water. Now the skin will slip right off. Cut the peaches in half, remove the pit, and cut the peaches into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Combine the peaches, raw sugar, whiskey, and salt in a large bowl and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This releases the juices from the peaches. Strain the peaches over a bowl and mix the juices with the cornstarch. In a saucepan, cook the cornstarch and peach juice mixture, whisking constantly, until it is thick and translucent. Add the thickened juices back to the peaches in the large bowl and toss. Refrigerate the peaches while you roll out your pie dough. Make the pie: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of the pie dough to fit the diameter of the pie dish (the dough should be about 1/8-inch thick). Fold it into quarters so you can more easily pick it up and unfold it over a 9-inch pie dish. Ease it into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Now you can fill it with your peaches. Create the lattice top with the second disk of dough by rolling it out to a 1/8-inch-thick disk and use a fluted pastry wheel to cut it into 2-inch-wide lattice strips. Layer the strips to create the lattice. Trim off the excess dough, then roll and crimp the edges. Place the pie in the freezer until completely chilled, at least 20 minutes. (You can also wrap it well in plastic and return it to the freezer until you're ready to bake.) Preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush the top of the pie with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Place on a baking sheet (in case the juices bubble over). If the pie was frozen, it goes into the oven frozen (don’t defrost it) and will just take much longer to bake, and you will probably need to tent the crust with foil. Bake the pie for 25 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375°F and continue baking until the filling is bubbling and clear. This can take anywhere from 45 additional minutes to 1 1/2 hours (if it was frozen). Tent the edges of the pie with aluminum foil if they start to brown before the middle is done. Cool the pie completely. Serve with ice cream and candied bacon if desired.

One of the most significant habits we formed as a family was morning prayer. Note: It doesn't have to be morning prayer if that does not work for your family. It can be at lunch, after dinner, or before bed. Whatever works best for your family. When I was a young homeschooling mom, I was trying to find a way to lead my kids in prayer in the morning. My husband, the good Anglican priest that he is, suggested doing morning prayer and I was like, “Uhhhh, no”. Morning prayer? Why on earth would I do morning prayer with kids? What could possibly be more boring? How could the Holy Spirit be involved in something like morning prayer? (Did I say all of this to my husband? Why, yes, yes, I did.) My husband is a very gentle and patient man. He listened to my protestations and assured me that he heard me. But then, as he was walking out of the room he dropped this bomb, “I grew up in a school where we did morning prayer every day. Do you know what it is like for a little boy’s heart to hear and to recite these words every day, 'the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting and his faithfulness endures from age to age' or 'for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.'" I started morning prayer with the kids the next day. Starting the day off with morning prayer (or ending it with evening prayer), set our hearts and minds on God's goodness and faithfulness. There is something so powerful that happens when we set a rhythm of daily prayer and we pray the same thing together. It reminds us of who we are in God, it renews us and it unifies us, as a family, in our love and service to God. And if you are worried about the origins of morning prayer , know that it is biblical! You can read my whole post on the biblical origins of daily prayer here but the basis for it is found in Deuteronomy 6 when Moses gives the Israelites instructions to guide them and keep them as they entered the promised land - 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” At the end of this passage, the Israelites were told to teach their children diligently morning, noon, and night. With these words, the Jewish practice of praying morning, noon, and night was instituted. And when the early church started, this practice continued and they prayed in the same way as well. This ancient Christian practice of praying morning, noon, and night is known as the “daily office”. The name comes from the Latin officium divinum , which means “divine duty.” It begins with a psalm of praise that the family says together, a reading from scripture, singing a song of worship, personal prayers, and the Lord’s Prayer and concludes with a collect (a composed prayer). If you would like to incorporate this beautiful habit into your family’s life, I created simplified forms for a family to use based on the experience of our family over the years. Choose a time that works best for your family; there are forms for prayer in the morning, at Noonday, early evening (right before or after dinner), and at the close of the day (right before bed), prepare your family for this new thing that you will be doing and begin! I hope that these family prayer forms will be a blessing to you and your family!

One of the most significant habits that we formed as a family was to do morning prayer. When I was a young homeschooling mom, I was trying to find a way to lead my kids in prayer in the morning. My husband was like, “What about morning prayer?” and I was like, “Uhhhh, no”. Morning prayer? Why on earth would I do morning prayer with kids? What could possibly be more boring? How could the Holy Spirit be involved in something like morning prayer? (Did I say all of this to my husband? Why, yes, yes, I did.) My husband is a very gentle and patient man. He listened to my protestations and told me that he heard me and then, as he was walking out of the room he dropped this bomb, “But think about this, I grew up in a school where we did morning prayer every day. Do you know what it is like for a little boy’s heart to hear and to recite these words every day, “the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting and his faithfulness endures from age to age” or “for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.” I started morning prayer with the kids the next day. And if you are worried about the origins of morning prayer , know that it is biblical! You can read my whole post on the biblical origins of daily prayer here but the basis for it is found in Deuteronomy 6 when Moses gives the Israelites instructions to guide them and keep them as they entered the promised land - 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” At the end of this passage, the Israelites were told to teach their children diligently morning, noon and night. With these words, the Jewish practice of praying morning, noon and night was instituted. And when the early church started, this practice continued and they prayed in the same way as well. This ancient Christian practice of praying morning, noon and night is known as the “daily office”. It begins with a psalm of praise that the family says together, a reading from scripture, singing a song of worship, personal prayers, the Lord’s Prayer and concludes with a collect (a composed prayer). If you would like to incorporate this beautiful habit into your family’s life, I created simplified forms for a family to use based on the experience of our family over the years. Choose a time that works best for your family; there are forms for prayer in the morning, at noonday, early evening (right before or after dinner) and at the close of the day (right before bed), prepare your family for this new thing that you will be doing and begin! I hope that these family prayer forms will be a blessing to you and your family!

Happy first day of July! This is such an exciting month in the Liturgical Year as we continue along in the season of Ordinary Time (which is anything but "ordinary"). During July, we really get to slow down and develop deep habits of rest and growing in the Lord. I can’t wait to celebrate it with you! Here’s an overview with helpful links: June 22nd - The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene June 25th - The Feast of St. James, the Apostle Current Season: Ordinary Time During the month of July, we continue our journey through the season of Ordinary Time. Here is a helpful article overviewing the season: The Season of Ordinary Time And check out my latest guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Ordinary Time . It gives you everything you need to know to celebrate the season of Ordinary Time in your home. July 22nd - The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene, the “apostle to the apostles,” holds a unique and honored place in the life of the Church. Once healed and restored by Christ, she became a devoted disciple, remaining with Him through His Passion and being the first to witness His Resurrection. Her story is one of transformation, love, and unwavering faithfulness. On this feast, we’re invited to remember that no past defines us more than God’s mercy, and that we, too, are called to proclaim the joy of the Risen Lord with boldness and love. How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene with Spice Cupcakes Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene with Chai Tea Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene with Books Since Mary Magdalene brought spices to the tomb, make these amazing Spice Cupcakes! July 25th - The Feast of St. James, the Apostle St. James, often called “James the Greater,” was among the first disciples called by Jesus and one of the three apostles present at key moments like the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. Known for his bold spirit and zealous heart, James was the first of the apostles to suffer martyrdom for the faith. On this feast, we’re reminded that following Christ may require courage and sacrifice, but also that Christ draws near to strengthen those He calls. St. James invites us to live our discipleship with conviction and hope, trusting that the journey, though costly, leads to glory. How to Celebrate the Feast of St. James the Elder Make the traditional Spanish cake for the day - the Tarta de Santiago. Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions!

Welcome back, friends! Summer is here! No more school and no more routines which sounds like a good thing! But without a normal routine, we can start to feel disconnected, drifting through our days without truly connecting to our faith or each other. To help, I introduced a new series, Establishing New Rhythms in Summer: Embracing Ordinary Time . Over the next week, we’ll be exploring how we can embrace these new laidback rhythms of summer while also establishing easy rhythms that draw us closer to God and strengthen our connections with each other. Today I wanted to focus on the rhythm of Celebrating the Liturgical Year . Embracing the rhythms of the liturgical year can feel intimidating, especially if you're just starting out. However, summer, with its slower pace, is a perfect time to ease into these sacred celebrations. Remember, you don't have to do everything at once. Start with what feels manageable and build from there. The goal is to bring the beauty and rhythm of the liturgical year into your home in ways that enrich your faith journey without overwhelming you. To help you and your family establish a new rhythm of celebrating the liturgical year in the midst of summer, here are some easy ideas: Print This Liturgical Calendar I've created a Liturgical Calendar for you beginning with where we are now and running for a year. Print out the calendar, add the dates to your own family calendar, and hang it in a prominent place in your home. That way everyone will know what’s coming up and you can be prepared when it does. Start Small One of the most approachable ways to integrate the liturgical year into your summer is by starting small with feast days or saints’ days. Choose a few that resonate with you or your family and create simple traditions around these celebrations. For instance, on the Feast of St. James (July 25), you might prepare a special meal inspired by the cuisine of Spain, as St. James is the patron saint of that country. On the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6), consider a family hike to a scenic overlook, reflecting on the mountaintop experience of Christ's transfiguration. These traditions don't need to be elaborate. Simple activities like special prayers, meals, or crafts can make these days meaningful. For example, on St. Mary Magdalene ’s feast day (July 22), you might gather wildflowers and arrange them in a vase, honoring her role in announcing the Resurrection and symbolizing new life. Incorporate Liturgical Colors Another way to bring the liturgical year into your home is by incorporating liturgical colors into your decor. Ordinary Time, marked by the color green, signifies growth and new life in the Church. Add green elements to your dining table, prayer space, or home altar. Green tablecloths, candles, or even a simple bowl of fresh green apples can serve as visual reminders of the ongoing spiritual growth we experience in Ordinary Time. Threshold Green Floral Table Runner 14" x 72" $16.00 Threshold Green Floral Table Runner 20" x 90" $18.00 Ombre Green Candles 10 inch, 4 pack $9.99 White Serving Bowl $10.99 Family Liturgical Projects Engaging in family projects related to the liturgical year can make these sacred rhythms tangible, especially for children. Crafting symbols that reflect the season or saint you're celebrating can be a fun and educational way to deepen your family's faith. Consider creating a family prayer space with items that reflect the current liturgical time. This could include a cross, icons, candles, and seasonal decorations. For a project, you might craft a wreath with green foliage to symbolize Ordinary Time or make a banner depicting a saint whose feast day you’re celebrating. Another idea is to make a liturgical calendar together. Use this as a visual tool to track the Church’s seasons and important feast days. Decorating the calendar with drawings, stickers, or other art supplies can help everyone, especially children, understand and anticipate the liturgical year. Embrace the Season Remember, you don't have to do everything at once. Start with what feels manageable and build from there. The goal is to bring the beauty and rhythm of the liturgical year into your home in ways that enrich your faith journey without overwhelming you. Summer, with its more relaxed pace, offers the perfect backdrop to begin this integration. Here’s to a summer filled with faith, family, and the joyous rhythms of the liturgical year!

Happy second day of July! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year as we continue along in the season of Ordinary Time (which is anything but "ordinary"!). June 22nd - The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene The first feast of the month is the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, a faithful follower of Jesus and the Apostle to the Apostles. June 25th - The Feast of St. James, the Elder On this day we celebrate James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, a fisherman who was one of the first disciples chosen and who later became an Apostle ! Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions! Helpful Links: Current Season: Ordinary Time Flourishing With the Holy Spirit: Embracing the Season of Ordinary Time   The Season of Ordinary Time   The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene with Spice Cupcakes Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene with Chai Tea Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene with Books The Feast of St. James, the Elder How to Celebrate the Feast of St. James the Elder

The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is a momentous occasion in the liturgical calendar, honoring two significant figures in Christian history. These apostles played pivotal roles in spreading the Gospel and shaping the early Church. We celebrate both men on the same day since they were martyred around the same time in 67 AD. St. Peter holds a significant place in the history of Christianity as one of the foremost apostles and a central figure in the early Church. Initially, he was a fisherman and one of the first followers of Jesus. He was bold but also impulsive. He was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and walk on water but also denied Jesus three times. After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter became one of the main leaders in the early church. He was chosen to be an Apostle and spent his last years in Rome where he led the Church through persecution. He was martyred and crucified upside-down at his request because he said he was not worthy to die as his Lord did. He was buried on what is now known as Vatican Hill and St. Peter's Basilica was built over his tomb. St. Peter's pivotal role in spreading the Gospel and his unwavering faith, even in the face of persecution, continue to inspire Christians around the world. His example reminds us of the power of God's Holy Spirit to transform ordinary individuals into courageous witnesses of the faith. St. Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the development of Christian theology. He was initially a zealous persecutor of Christians but underwent a profound conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ. From that moment, his life was completely transformed, and he became one of the most influential figures in the early Christian Church. St. Paul's extensive missionary journeys, recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, took him throughout the Roman Empire, where he boldly preached the Gospel and established numerous Christian communities. His letters, known as the Pauline Epistles, form a significant portion of the New Testament and provide deep theological insights into the nature of salvation, grace, and the role of faith in Christ. St. Paul's teachings continue to shape Christian theology and guide believers in their understanding of the faith. His unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, enduring hardships, and establishing vibrant Christian communities makes him an important figure in Christian history. Ways to Celebrate : Read Luke 22:54-62 and Acts 4:8-13 . Discuss the difference in Peter. What happened to him that transformed him? Read Acts 9:1-19 . Discuss the difference in Saul. What happened to him that transformed him? Since St. Peter was a fisherman, do something with fish: eat fish, go fishing, have a snack of goldfish crackers, or play a “Go Fish” game! Since St. Paul was a tentmaker, do something with tents: have your kids make a tent using sheets and blankets, set up a tent in your yard, or make these cute "tents" made with graham crackers and chocolate (see recipe below). Graham Cracker and Chocolate Tents 3 Tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 Tablespoons water 2 packages of graham crackers Place the chocolate chips and water in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir and then continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Break graham cracker sheets in half. Cover a square with melted chocolate and set it down. Place two other squares on top of the square covered in chocolate and let them come together to form a teepee. Hold the teepee together and spread melted chocolate where they join together. Set aside and allow the chocolate to harden. Serve on a plate with goldfish crackers and enjoy the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul!