Author Archives: 8thigl

Each year during high school, my daughter participated in forensics.  As a forensics’ mom, I was trained to judge competitions.  I was taught to rate the performances by what “drew me in”; and, conversely, by what “drew me out.”  For example, when the participant chewed gum and made no eye contact, it was difficult toContinue reading “Post #7 August 6th: “What Draws You In?””

Dear Readers, A few weeks ago, I sat before a panel of people consisting of two professors and my cohort classmates. The time had come for me to defend my final paper for my master’s degree. That day, my usual nerves were nearly absent, and I thought: “I’ve got this.” As it turns out, myContinue reading “Post #6: “What’s Your Finite?””

Dear Reader: I have come to believe that we mostly live in the margins between despair and desire.  We all despair that which we suffer; no one is exempt.  Whether a life-altering disappointment or momentary displeasure, it is natural to seek that which is beyond the pain – a place that surpasses mere endurance, aContinue reading “Post #5: What is your heart’s desire?”

April 12, 2021 Dear Reader, If this blog post’s title sounds familiar, give credit to Dorothy Day (1897 – 1980), who co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement, including the Catholic Worker paper.  Dorothy Day was largely unfamiliar to me until I read her autobiography, “The Long Loneliness”.  Her story was highly engaging. I easily pictured aContinue reading “Post #4: What’s in a name?”

April 4, 2021 Dear Reader, Easter blessings to all.  Today, we are offered a reality beyond the colored eggs and chocolate bunnies to the wonder and awe present before us:  Jesus, who, through His Cross and Resurrection, transformed us back into lovely realities as seen through the Father’s eyes. Today, I remember those before meContinue reading “Post #3: Who is your credible witness?”

March 28, 2021 Dear Reader, For a while, I have sought to understand the meaning of God’s grace. After all, given that our faith is an unmerited gift of grace, finding its purpose seemed a must.  I have encountered grace’s mystery; it drew me to use my quest to know and left me searching forContinue reading “Post #2: What is Grace?”

Dear Reader, Of life’s pressures lived and endured, this is undoubtedly unique – writing my first blog post.  I’ll begin with a little bit about me.  My early life consisted of family, farm, and faith. As the youngest of eight, I enjoyed the playful teasing from older siblings and hand me down clothes.  Hard workContinue reading “Post #1”