Montana

   

In October of 2024, Brian, Riley, and I took in the sights of Montana. I had never been there before and now I will tell everyone and anyone that they should visit. It is one of the most beautiful, expansive, friendly places I’ve ever been.

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Fall had just begun and I drove Brian and Riley crazy asking if we could stop every other minute to take pictures of the leaves.

The sky had more stars that I’ve ever seen. And it was so quiet.

   

Riley turned 14 in February and he is officially taller than me, now.

We found one of his favorite author’s books (Ben Hatke) at a bookstore in Montana and it made my day – which consequently made my day.

  

Riley is so fun to adventure with. I’ll never forget Montana and our time together there!

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Tripping Over the Saints :: Guest Katherine Bogner – Episode 34

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Katherine (Katie) Bogner joins us again! You guys – she has a new book out – All About Lent! This is the perfect book to teach your children about the Biblical roots of Lent and Holy Week.

About Katie:

Katie Bogner is a Catholic school teacher from Central Illinois who is passionate about equipping parents, catechists, and teachers to share the beauty and truth of Christ and His Church with children. She is the author of the books Through the Year with Jesus and Through the Year with Mary, as well as All about Advent & Christmas and We Have a Pope. Visit her website, LookToHimAndBeRadiant.com, for free lesson plans, printables, and other resources for teaching the faith.

 

 

Connect with Katie here:

@katherine.bogner

LookToHimAndBeRadiant.com

Resources:

All About Lent

Through the Year with Jesus

Through the Year with Mary

All about Advent & Christmas

We Have a Pope

https://stpaulcenter.co/saints-lent

@stpaulcenter

@emmausroadpublishing 

Free Printable:

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Tripping Over the Saints :: Guest Kristine Bruce – Episode 33

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Kristine and I met through Praise Writers! She is one of my co-authors in The Cloud of Witnesses. It was a joy to talk with her and learn more about Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, who I had never heard of before. She has a story that will leave you counting how many times she truly tripped over her! She also has a beautiful apostolate and has a passion for praying for our prodigals. Join us as she shares her story!

About Kristine Bruce:

Kristine Bruce is a cradle Catholic born and raised near St. Louis, MO. She had the amazing privilege of attending middle school at the Academy of the Sacred Heart founded in 1818 by St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.

Kristine has been called to support, encourage, and pray with Catholics whose loved ones have left the Church. Every Friday, she shares messages of guidance, prayer, and hope to uplift and strengthen Catholics amid the trials of wayward loved ones. For a touch of comfort and connection (and even her all-time favorite cookie recipe!), visit PrayingForOurProdigals.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources:

https://www.prayingforourprodigals.com/

Visit the Shrine of St Philippine – https://rscj.org/shrine

Learn more about her in Cloud of Witnesses or this link: https://rscj.org/shrine/her-life

Free Printable:

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TRIPPING OVER THE SAINTS :: KATE ESCHBACH WITH GUEST MEGAN HJELMSTAD – EPISODE 32

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I was introduced to Megan by my dear friend, Claire Dwyer. Claire texted and shared that Megan had a Saint story that needed to be heard.

This work of sharing stories of encounters with the Saints is a privilege and gift! The Lord in His goodness overflows with stories of His friends at every turn. Join me as I speak with Megan Hjelmstad about St. Jude.

About Megan Hjelmstad:

Megan met her hockey-loving husband while attending the United States Military Academy at West Point.

They have both served for over fifteen years in the Army and Army Reserve. They are blessed with three beautiful children, all of whom play hockey (like dad) and love talking about Jesus (like mom).

Resources:

Offer it Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering

Free Printable:

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Reflecting and noticing

I can be really good about racing ahead into the next thing. I like to get all the boxes checked and watch items fall off my to-do list.

But as I get older, I realize when I do that, I miss the good stuff.

I miss seeing all of the times He showed up in ways I didn’t notice at the time.

 

My word of the year in 2024 was surrender.

When He gave me that word, I had no idea how meaningful it would become.

I thought it was all about my dreams for accomplishments – personal accomplishments – that I was surrendering.

As my hands opened in obedience, it became far more.

He didn’t want what I was going to do.

He wanted to show me what He could do with my obedience.

The color of the world changes completely when you give every moment to Him.

In 2024, I surrendered what I thought family was supposed to look like.

I surrendered my timelines.

I surrendered my dreams.

I surrendered all the things that I thought might make me a saint.

I just want Him – my every moment, my every thought, my every breath.

I may have a long journey ahead, but I will wake up each day with the hope of surrender.

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