- By Melannie Svoboda SND
Today we’re going to have a short lesson on a phrase found many times in the Bible: “Gird your loins.” Before sending Jeremiah to be a prophet, God tells him, “Gird your loins” (Jer. 1:17). God also tells Job, “Gird your loins like a man” (Job 38:3). These examples are
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, so I wanted to do something with a Lenten theme. That’s when I decided to reach out to my friend, Sister Kathleen Glavich, SND, a well-known writer and fellow blogger. A while ago she posted a reflection on her blog (“Catholic Faith Corner”) about the
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
This week is the 14th anniversary of “Sunflower Seeds.” It was on February 13, 2012 when I posted my first reflection, and waited nervously to see if anyone would read it–besides a few of my friends. To mark this anniversary, I am giving away five free copies of my latest
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
(Remember: Enter the contest to win a copy of my booklet, “Walking with Mary Through Light and Darkness.” See the directions at the end of this blog. I hope you will take a chance!) Pope Leo XIV was elected Pope on May 8, 2025. I know exactly where I was
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
The subtitle of my blog “Sunflower Seeds” is this: “Celebrating Everyday Spirituality.” Today I’d like to suggest how even a rudimentary understanding of DNA can affect our everyday spirituality. More than that, it can influence the way we pray and our appreciation of our Creator God. (NOTE: I am no
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
As you know, I have many favorite writers. I’ve quoted multitudes of them in this blog. Today I’d like to tell you about three more: Amy Ekeh, Kathy Hendricks, and Greg Kandra. Amy Ekeh (pronounced Ay – kay, a Nigerian name of Igbo origin) is originally from Texas, currently living
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
When I use the word prayer, I mean talking to God. And listening to God. In other words, conversing with God. Years ago a friend came up with this definition of prayer which I like very much: Prayer is being with someone I love–and who loves me! With that in
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
I believe one of the greatest gifts in my life has been music. I thank my father for handing down to me his great love for classical music. I thank my mother for playing the piano and singing with her lovely alto voice–especially in church. I thank both parents for
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
I made my annual retreat a few weeks ago during the first week of Advent. I told you I would share a little of my retreat experience with you. So, here are a few thoughts accompanied by some pictures I took of my indoor and outdoor surroundings. The setting. I
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
(This reflection is an adaptation of a blog I posted on Dec. 22, 2014. For most of you, it will be new.) Every Christmas I recall a certain school-crossing guard I saw many years ago when I was ministering at the Jesuit novitiate in Detroit, Michigan. I never met her
