List of the most popular hashtags for theme #CATHOLICBLOG

Satan loves clean shoes. He loves when we sit down on our bed and don’t move. He loves when that extra episode we just recorded dips into our prayer time. He loves when we convince ourselves that NOTHING WE DO OR ANY STEP WE TAKE WILL CHANGE ANYTHING. Stay where you are, Maclaine. Don’t bother them. It shouldn’t be this hard. A gross and sick lie wrapped in gorgeous comfort. I’m done with it. I hope you are too. Get your shoes dirty, where them down to the sole, and go spread the news Satan hates to hear. #acatholicconvo

“Humility does not equal brokenness, Maclaine.” Important words from my counselor. Sometimes we wrap ourselves in self-proclaimed humility in order to continue the neglect and plug our ears when Jesus tells us to love ourselves. We must strive for confidence. This means forgiving yourself after God has forgiven you in the confessional. Living as a victor, not a victim. God provides freedom, not chains. Join me in removing the chains that we’ve put on ourselves. Jesus’ mercy and love is the key. #acatholicconvo

I’m here to remind you of the beautiful truth that God can perform small miracles. That having hope in Him does not mean waiting to pass a billboard on the highway that says, “THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO. I’M GOD TALKING TO YOU.” . For a while, my faith lived for those signs and miracles. The ones that had a life changing story. But in the process, the glory began to be put on the event, not the lesson that was taught. Jesus wants to wow you with a small flower, a simple word from a friend, or a humble bible verse. We don’t live for the story, we live for the Writer. . #acatholicconvo

Again Mary, allow me to ask for your prayers. The Mother of God is closest to His sacred heart, wanting my needs to be heard. When you invited your Son to perform His first miracle, you confidently told the servants to obey Him. Just as in the Wedding at Cana, you tell me, “Do whatever He tells you”. You show me how worth it serving Jesus is, how much fruit it will bear. How doing whatever God asks of me will allow me to bear light. So I light this candle, invite the Holy Spirit, and have you place my heart at the foot of the cross as Jesus receives it so tenderly. . #acatholicconvo

"Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.” - St Teresa of Calcutta If it’s not light, it’s dark. I’ve worked a lot on noticing whether my words are making Jesus smile when He hears them, or making Him cry. I spent many years joking about Him, speaking however I wanted to for a laugh, and pushing Him out of my mind to say negative things. But I desire to keep decorating my speech and the words I say with flowers to deliver to the foot of the cross. Words that honor His life. #acatholicconvo

teach me your ways of gentleness and strength

For a moment try to imagine when God created Mary. Not during a specific time or moment, but eternally pondering the woman Jesus would grow in. I imagine Him thinking into existence her perfect strength to compliment her perfect gentleness. Sculpting her arms to perfectly cradle her Son. Allowing her life to have as much hope as it did heartbreak. She was not unreachable, rather, she was radically available in ways I have often told God I would not be. Sweet Mary, please help me to be open to being more like you. I imagine your crown as Queen of Heaven looks especially beautiful today. Sending my love and my little flowers I have for you. #acatholicconvo

St. Ann, you who trusted in God's will and gave birth to the Blessed Mother, pray with us for the ministry of Catholic family life and keep all families close to you. -- excerpts from the novena to Saints Anne and Joachim • "Anne is the blessed barren woman, happy mother among mothers, from whose pure womb came forth the shining temple of God, the sanctuary of the Holy Ghost, the Mother of God!" -- St. Jerome • "Joachim and Anne, how chaste a couple! While leading a devout and holy life in your human nature, you gave birth to a daughter nobler than the angels, whose queen she now is." -- St. John Damascene • Grandparents of Jesus, pray for us! #thecandidcatholic

Jesus forgive me for the ways I’ve gripped Your arms to hold you still. I’ve bruised You. Forgive me for the times I’ve pushed You back into Your place, not allowing You to stretch my comfort level. I caused You to trip. I’m sorry for yelling at You, for not letting You lead me into the unknown. By forcing You into a box I’ve put You on the cross once again. Please be patient with me. You are love and so many times I limit You because my mind can not comprehend the love You are. Please be patient. #acatholicconvo