“To live is to be slowly born.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Sunflower Seeds

Celebrating Everyday Spirituality

Ash Wednesday – the beginning of praise

By Sr. Mary Valerie Schneider
February 18, 2015

You’ve probably heard the saying “Inch by inch, life is a cinch. Yard by yard life is hard.” As I start my Lenten journey I take a deep breath and wonder how I’ll ever persevere through 40 days. But 40 days are only one day forty times; however, that still doesn’t make Lent a “cinch.” The day-by-day taking up of my Lenten resolutions reminds me that my whole life is just one day after another day. Begin your Lenten journey today, making just this one day a day to praise and thank God. Then tomorrow continue your praise and thanks. Day by day your life will become one big sacrifice of praise to the glory of God.

2 Responses

Kathy says:

February 18, 2015 at 1:32 pm

Staying in today helps me remember to enjoy this moment with God. We shall always chase tomorrow if we try to live there.

Reply
Marie Kathleen says:

February 18, 2015 at 2:34 pm

My Lenten morning prayer: “Fill my heart TODAY; reach out through me TODAY.” Your reflection prompted me to add the word TODAY. Thank you! May we be blessed as we journey together day by day through Lent.

Reply

Latest Blog Posts

On Second Thought

By Sr. Mary Valerie Schneider
September 17, 2026

Recently I wrote a blog about first thoughts upon waking—thoughts of Jesus and thoughts of our own. The thoughts dealt with things to do, wishful thinking, people we know now as Biblical characters. Although I submitted the blog, I felt there might be criticism about not including prayer, thanks, and

By Sr. Mary Valerie Schneider
August 31, 2026

On Tuesday, September 1, the Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation. Although you may have commemorated this day last year with the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, we now have official texts from the Discastory for Worship with prayers and readings in

Meet Sr. Valerie

As Sisters of Notre Dame, Mary is a model for us as we seek to experience and express God’s goodness and provident care in the unfolding of each day. Join us on the journey!

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Upcoming Events

Weekend retreat at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Pulaski, PA

October 11-13, 2024

Retreat with the Sisters of Loretto, Nerinx, KY

September 8-13, 2024

Retreat at Lial Renewal Center, Whitehouse, OH

August 11-18, 2024

Retreat at Heartland Center for Spirituality, Great Bend, KS

April 14-19, 2024

First Friday Club in Youngstown, Ohio

April 4, 2024

Visit Amazon
Book Store

Visit SND Sitee