Jan 4
So the doorbell rings at 7:45 p.m. tonight and sitting on our front porch is a tiny little package from an undisclosed location in Mobile, Alabama. Addressed to me. I open it, and inside is the rooster you see here, with a pig on top of its head. Needless to say, I was somewhat freaked out, assuming some nut job had located me. Not that any of you are nut jobs. With all due respect. Read more
Body. Mind. Spirit. They’re all connected. If you think that diet you’re on has nothing to do with the prayers you’re saying — or not saying — think again and read on. I’m offering lots of goodies on this topic in this week’s issue of OSV Newsweekly.
The main story in the In Focus section includes a feature on the mind-body-spirit connection with practical tips from experts and a list of resources. The related essay talks about this connection from a personal perspective — mine. I also wrote this week’s “Openers” column, but that one is open only to OSV subscribers. Read more
Do any of you out there collect things, purchase things, ask for things, only to store them away in a closet or drawer for a day you imagine will be special enough to deem them worthy of use? Case in point: my collection of handmade soaps, beautiful bath gels and loofahs, body lotions, and more. I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to this stuff because I’m always waiting for some magic moment when all the planets will align and I will know for certain that THIS is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice, and use special soaps! Read more
How are you waiting today? Are you rushing from store to store trying to finish up your shopping? Are you preparing food for a big family dinner? Are you wrapping gifts, or cleaning house? Read more
Need a little less crazy in your Christmas season? Today I’ll be talking about restoring some sanity to your life — over at Huffington Post. I’ll start you here and link you there:
Chances are that right about now the Christmas season is getting the best of you. At least that’s how it’s going at my house. Just last night I suggested to my husband and kids — amid the fighting over who opens which door on the Advent calendar and who hangs which ornament on the Christmas tree — that maybe we should just pack it in and pretend there’s no Christmas this year, which is kind of missing the whole “reason for the season” in a pretty glaring way. So we tried to regroup and declare a do-over on the lead-up to Christmas. Read more
The Times Union featured me on the front page of the Capital Region section today. Here’s the story, with a link:
Delmar author works to make spirituality a part of life in a secular world
By Kristen V. Brown
BETHLEHEM — In early November, Delmar resident Mary DeTurris Poust flew to Baltimore to address a conference of Catholic bishops on a topic of the utmost urgency: social media.
“Today, like it or not, I think Facebook is the new parish hall,” Poust, a veteran Catholic journalist and blogger, told the bishops, who would convene the next day for the annual U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Read more
I was sitting in my office this afternoon, trying to ignore the constant buzzing, droning sound of the neighbor’s leaf blower, when I remembered a section of Everyday Divine that focuses on the power of repetitive motion, specifically raking. So I thought I’d share it here for all those folks who will be piling and hauling and bagging leaves this weekend. And if you happen to be among those getting a little snow, there’s something for you as well. Read more
Nov 6
Do you need something to take you away from all the partisan sparring? A little spiritual lift to whoosh through your soul like a cleansing breeze? A bit of grounding to help you deal with the chaos of day-to-day life, not to mention Facebook? Look no further. Read more
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| A mild storm in upstate New York |
Although New York’s Capital Region was spared any serious weather issues due to Hurricane Sandy, I have lots of family and friends facing really difficult times ahead. No power, trees down, houses damaged. Today I’m sending out prayers to all of them and everyone else whose lives have been turned upside down by the storm.
So often, when things like this happen, we find ourselves questioning. Why? Why here? Why me? Why not me? All of that made me think of a passage from my new book, so I thought I’d share it here today even though my book will not be released until one week from now. Read more
Oct 24
Many of you know that I am a huge St. Francis de Sales fan. I am continually amazed by the way this 17th century bishop speaks so profoundly and relevantly to our modern times. I thought I’d share a quote that speaks to me in a particular way these days.
Ponder these words:
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” — St. Francis de Sales
Now, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and simply be for just two minutes. It will bring a sense of calm to whatever it is you’re doing right now.
I am a mother, a wife, a chronicler of life, and a believer who understands that this journey leads us ever closer to God, even when I feel as though I'm standing still. Read moreLinen Theme by The Theme Foundry
Copyright © 2013 Mary DeTurris Poust. All rights reserved.
