by Kathy Vestermark
My daughters did an amazing and courageous thing today. They put aside their pride, their desire not to stick out in a crowd or be different, and their fear and put on the virtues of fortitude, obedience, charity and friendship.

Rating: 4.0/5

by Kathy Vestermark
Love is in the air, or is it consumerism? The stores are teeming with sweethearts purchasing roses, cards and chocolates. The economy will see a temporary boost in the service industry with all the date night reservations at fine eateries, and movie ticket sales will spike on this day for the latest romantic release. These are all good things, but lacking one critical point of reference -- this is a Christian Feast Day! Unfortunately, the culture has essentially lost the true meaning of the Feast of St. Valentine.

Rating: 4.0/5

by Kathy Vestermark
I have always thought that when Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better part by sitting at His feet and listening, He was telling her that praying meant stop, sit and listen -- this illustrated to me a true reflection of a prayerful spirit. It was an ideal that I could never quite seem to consistently achieve. But today, I am pondering the words of St. Benedict of Nursia, "He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands."

Rating: 4.7/5

by Kathy Vestermark
I met her at a party. She seemed friendly -- her face appeared kind. She overheard me mention "redemptive suffering" to a friend. I was using it in more in jest than in a serious theological tone because my friend was describing a set of circumstances that were not ideal, but funny nonetheless. "What is redemptive suffering?" she asked.

Rating: 4.3/5