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Stay Awake: A Hallmark of Christian Spirituality

By Melannie Svoboda SND | March 27, 2023 | 11

Several years ago, a priest friend and I were discussing this question: What are some of the hallmarks of a genuine Christian spirituality. Almost immediately, he gave me one. “Stay…

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“When Breath Becomes Air”: A Book Review

By Melannie Svoboda SND | March 20, 2023 | 8

If you’re looking for an autobiography that weaves together great literature, fascinating medical science, a love story, and one that explores the meaning of life, then this is the book…

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An Open Letter to the Woman at the Well

By Melannie Svoboda SND | March 13, 2023 | 14

(I wrote today’s reflection for Give Us This Day, March 2023 issue, published by Liturgical Press. The reflection is based on this past Sunday’s gospel of Jesus encountering the woman…

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Quotations about Jesus

By Melannie Svoboda SND | March 6, 2023 | 5

One of the goals of Lent is to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus. To help all of us to do this, I have once again visited my vast collection…

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A Few Words about Complaining

By Melannie Svoboda SND | February 27, 2023 | 13

Are you a complainer? Or do you follow of the rule: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”? Do you find yourself avoiding complainers?…

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Lenten Reflection: From “The Chosen”

By Melannie Svoboda SND | February 20, 2023 | 21

Have you watched any of the episodes of “The Chosen”? It is a multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. The show has received high praise in some circles…

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Bishop Peter Storey: A Candle at Midnight

By Melannie Svoboda SND | February 13, 2023 | 6

Recently I watched an interview with Bishop Peter Storey, the former president of the Methodist Church of South Africa. Bishop Storey, who is white, lived under South Africa’s brutal system…

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A Prayer for February

By Melannie Svoboda SND | February 6, 2023 | 3

Good and gracious God, It’s February. I don’t mean to be disrespectful (after all, you are the Author of All time), But February is definitely not my favorite month of…

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What Good Are Fruit Flies?

By Melannie Svoboda SND | January 30, 2023 | 16

I was praying in my living room a few mornings ago, sitting comfortably in my chair with my journal on my lap, when all of a sudden out of nowhere…

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God Gives Matching Grants

By Melannie Svoboda SND | January 23, 2023 | 14

Most of us are probably familiar with the concept of “matching grants.” They can work in a variety of ways. If we contribute $100 to a non-profit like PBS, for…

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About Sister Melannie Svoboda, SND

Sister of Notre Dame, teacher, student, author, speaker, spiritual companion, retreat facilitator, listener, friend, poet, farm girl.

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About Sunflower Seeds

Every Monday I’ll post a short reflection, a simple musing on some aspect of spirituality— the everyday kind of spirituality that includes things like walking in the park, slicing an onion for the casserole, caring for a child, studying for an exam, reading a line from scripture, laughing at a joke, or mourning a significant loss.

Along the way I welcome your questions, comments and insights too. After all, we’re all in this life—this spiritual life—together!

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Recent Posts

  • Stay Awake: A Hallmark of Christian Spirituality
  • “When Breath Becomes Air”: A Book Review
  • An Open Letter to the Woman at the Well
  • Quotations about Jesus
  • A Few Words about Complaining

Upcoming Retreats and talks

July 6-13, 2023: Six-Day Preached Retreat

“A Celebration of Hope”

Villa Pauline in Mendham Borough, NJ

sponsored by the Sisters of Christian Charity

Visit their website for details: https://scceast.org

 

 

 

 

About the Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon, Ohio

The Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, belong to an international congregation of more than two thousand apostolic women religious. We are one in mind and one in heart for the transformation of the world in Christ.

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  • Catholic Faith Corner
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  • Grace to Paint
  • In the Hands of the Potter
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  • SND Express Blog
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