A Dwelling Place for Jesus

Dear Diary,

Today is Monday, May 4, the fourth day of Mary’s beautiful Month of May. 

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and the four of us went to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass—Robert, Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. Mini stayed close beside us and seemed to know it was a holy morning.

Father LeRoy read the Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” Father explained that loving Jesus is not only saying we love Him, but listening to Him and obeying Him. Father said that when a soul keeps Jesus’ word, God comes to dwell there, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost help make that little heart a home for Heaven.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said that love and obedience belong together. She said Our Lady shows us this better than anyone, because her whole life was one quiet yes to God. Robert said it was a good thing to remember, especially during Mary’s Month of May.

Tonight I am thinking about how Mary always kept God’s word in her heart. She did not make a show of her love. She gave God her quiet yes, again and again. I hope I can learn from her and make my own little heart more ready for Jesus.

Evening Prayer: Dear Jesus, please make my heart Your dwelling place. Holy Ghost, help me remember Your words. Dear Blessed Mother, in this Month of May, teach me to love your Son with a faithful heart. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

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Today’s Holy Gospel Reading

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

In My Father’s House

Dear Diary, 

Today is Sunday, and it is the third day of Mary’s month of May. I like thinking of that when I wake up, because May feels like a whole month of flowers placed before Our Blessed Mother.

At Holy Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Father explained that Our Lord was comforting His apostles because He loved them and knew they would be afraid. Jesus did not tell them that the road would always be easy, but He told them something better. He said He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house.

Father LeRoy said Heaven is not strange to those who love Jesus. It is home. And Jesus does not only point to the way, like a sign on the road. He says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Father said that means if we stay close to Jesus, we are already on the right road, even when we do not understand everything.

After Mass, Sister Mary Claire talked about it some more. She said Thomas asked how they could know the way, and that was a very human question. Sometimes I feel that way too. But Jesus answered so plainly that even I can understand it. We do not have to make up our own way to Heaven. We follow Him.

In the afternoon, Mini and I walk down to Indian Creek with carrots from the root cellar for Shaggycoat. Those Iowa carrots must taste extra good after being tucked away all winter, because Shaggycoat loves them so much. He comes out near the water and holds one in his paws, chewing away as if it is the finest feast in Plymouth County.

Mini watches him very carefully, but she is polite and does not bother him. The creek is quiet, and the little water sounds make me think again of Jesus saying there are many dwelling places in His Father’s house. I think maybe He knows every safe place, from Heaven itself down to a beaver’s creek bank, and every little soul that wants to get home.

Tonight I am glad Jesus tells us not to be troubled. I am glad Our Blessed Mother walks with us in May, and every day, helping us keep close to Him. If Jesus is the Way, and Mary takes our hand, then I think even a little farm girl can make it home.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, please quiet my heart tonight.
Help me not to be troubled or afraid.
Keep me close to You, for You are the Way,
the Truth, and the Life.


Dear Blessed Mother Mary,
on this third day of your month of May,
take my hand and lead me to your Son.
Bless Sister Mary Claire, Father LeRoy, Robert, Mini, and Shaggycoat by Indian Creek.
Amen.


Love,
Kathy

_______________________________

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 14:1-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.”

Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”

Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also knoFather. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing hisyou, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”
works.

“Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else,w my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to
The Gospel of the Lord.

Seeing The Father Through Jesus

Dear Diary,

This morning began at 31 degrees, and it felt like winter still had one cold hand holding on to Littlemore. I looked at the trees and hoped the new leaves had not frozen in the night and set their beauty back, especially now that May has begun and belongs so sweetly to Our Blessed Mother.

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s. Mini came along with us and sat very nicely, though I think she was glad when the church began to feel a little warmer. Sister Mary Claire brought homemade chocolate cookies for Father LeRoy and Robert, which made the morning seem less cold right away.

Father LeRoy read the holy Gospel from Saint John, where Philip asks Jesus, “Master, show us the Father.” Father explained that Jesus was teaching something very deep and wonderful. When we look at Jesus, we see the goodness, mercy, and love of the Father. Jesus is not just a messenger talking about God from far away. He is God the Son, and He shows us the Father’s heart.

Father said that sometimes people think God is distant, but Jesus came close to us. He spoke, healed, forgave, blessed children, comforted sinners, and gave Himself for us. Sister Mary Claire said on the way home that every word of Jesus is like a window into Heaven. Robert said the part about asking in Jesus’ name made him think we should pray with more trust and less fretting.

I thought about this being the second day of Mary’s Month. Our Lady knew Jesus better than anyone, and she always leads us to Him. If I want to know the Father, I must stay close to Jesus; and if I want to stay close to Jesus, I can ask Mary to help me.

Tonight I am praying that the leaves will be all right, that May will grow warm and green, and that my heart will grow too.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, show me the Father by keeping me close to Your Sacred Heart. Dear Mary, on this second day of your month, help me trust your Son more and ask in His name with a loving heart. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

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Today’s Gospel Reading
John 14:7–14

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus said to his disciples: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

A Place Prepared

Dear Diary,

Robert picked the three of us up as usual and right on time for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s. Mini came along very properly, and I was glad, because the Gospel today was one that made my heart feel safe and quiet.

Father LeRoy read from Saint John, where Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Father explained that Our Lord spoke those words because He knew His disciples were afraid and confused. Jesus was going away, but not because He was forgetting them. He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house.

Father said heaven is not like being lost in a strange place. It is a home prepared by Jesus Himself. That made me think of Sister Mary Claire setting a place at the table, making sure everything is ready before I sit down. Only Jesus prepares a place with a love much greater than that.

On the way home, Robert said he liked that Jesus did not just point to the road, but said, “I am the way.” Sister Mary Claire said that means we do not have to figure out heaven all by ourselves. We follow Jesus by believing Him, loving Him, obeying Him, and staying close to Him in prayer and the Blessed Sacrament.

I thought about Thomas asking how they could know the way. I am glad he asked, because sometimes I feel that way too. But Jesus gave the answer for all of us: He is the way, the truth, and the life. Tonight, that feels like enough.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, when my heart is troubled, help me remember Your words. Keep me close to You, because You are the way to the Father’s house. Prepare my heart for heaven, and help me walk with You every day. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

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Today’s Gospel Reading

John 14:1–6

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.”

Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”

Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Kathy’s Quiet Hour

Dear Diary, 

This morning Robert picked us up as usual and right on time for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s — Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. It was a quiet ride, and I was glad to begin the day with Jesus.

Father LeRoy read the Gospel where Jesus speaks after washing His disciples’ feet. He said Jesus was teaching us to be humble and to serve others, because even Our Lord knelt down like a servant. Father said it is not enough to understand Jesus’ words. We must try to do them.

On the way home, Robert and Sister Mary Claire talked about how Jesus sends people in His name. Sister said Father LeRoy is one example, because he brings us the Mass, the Gospel, and the sacraments. She said a good teacher or a kind Christian friend can be sent by Jesus too, when they help us know Him better. That made me want to be quicker to listen and kinder in little things.

Mini stayed close all evening, and I thought how nice it is to love faithfully in small ways.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, make me humble and helpful. Help me to receive You in those You send, and to follow Your words with my whole heart. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Today’s Gospel Reading

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Jesus Came as Light

Dear Diary,

Today Robert picked us up for Church, and Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I were glad to go to St. Mary’s together. Mini stayed close, and everything felt quiet and peaceful, like Littlemore was listening.

Father LeRoy read the Holy Gospel from Saint John. Jesus said, “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” Father explained that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. That made my heart feel very safe.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said that when Jesus speaks, He is giving us the words of the Father. His words are not ordinary words. They are words that lead to eternal life.

I thought about how a lamp helps a person walk through a dark room without being afraid. Jesus is much more than a lamp. He is the true Light. I want to believe Him, listen to Him, and follow His light every day.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, Light of the world, shine in my heart today and always. Help me listen to Thy words, obey them with love, and never choose darkness when Thou art calling me into Thy light. Please bless Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Today’s Gospel Reading

Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.

Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.

And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Kathy’s Diary Gospel Page

The Gospel for Tuesday, April 28, 2026 is John 10:22–30.

Dear Diary,

This morning started at 38 degrees, and it felt like winter had come back for one last look at Littlemore before going away for good. The grass looked cold, and Mini hurried along as if she thought spring had forgotten its manners.

At Holy Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel where Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.” In his homily, Father said that belonging to Jesus means learning to know His voice, not only when everything is easy, but even when the air is cold and the world feels uncertain. Jesus does not speak like a stranger. He speaks like the Good Shepherd, and He holds His sheep so safely that no one can snatch them from His hand.

I thought about that after we came home. Mini knows our voices so well, and she can tell when I am calling her with love. Father LeRoy said our souls must become that way with Jesus. We have to listen for Him in prayer, at Mass, in the Gospel, and in the quiet little moments of the day.

Tonight I am glad Jesus did not say His sheep must be clever or brave all by themselves. He said they hear His voice and follow Him, and He gives them eternal life. That makes me feel safe, like being held in hands that never get tired.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, Good Shepherd of my soul, help me know Thy voice and follow Thee every day. Hold Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Father LeRoy, Mini, and me close in Thy hands, and never let us wander far from Thee. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Today’s Reading — John 10:22–30

At that time the feast of the dedication was kept in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. The Jews therefore came round about Him, and said to Him: How long dost Thou hold our souls in suspense? If Thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them: I speak to you, and you believe not: the works that I do in the name of My Father, they give testimony of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep.

My sheep hear My voice: and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them life everlasting; and they shall not perish for ever, and no man shall pluck them out of My hand. That which My Father hath given Me is greater than all: and no one can snatch them out of the hand of My Father. I and the Father are one.

I am The Good Shepherd

Dear Diary,

This morning it was 53 degrees when Robert picked up Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me at the mailbox for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s.

At Mass, Father LeRoy read today’s holy Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” Father said that Our Lord did not only say He would watch over His sheep, but that He would lay down His life for them. That made the whole church feel very still to me, because it means Jesus did not love us from far away. He came close to us, knew us, and gave Himself for us.

Father LeRoy explained that a hired man runs away when danger comes, because the sheep do not really belong to him. But Jesus never runs away from us. He sees every wolf that frightens our souls, every temptation, every sorrow, and every danger. He stays. He guards. He calls us by name. Sister Mary Claire said that is why we must learn His voice in prayer, in the Gospel, and in our conscience, so we will not follow strange voices that lead us away.

On the way home, Robert said he liked how Father LeRoy explained that Jesus laid down His life freely. Nobody forced Him. He gave His life because He loved us. Sister Mary Claire said that is one of the most beautiful parts of the Gospel, because Our Lord is not only strong enough to save us, but loving enough to want to save us.

I held Mini close and thought about sheep knowing their shepherd. Mini knows my voice even when I speak softly, and she comes running when I call her. I hope my soul can be like that with Jesus. I hope I will know His voice right away, and not wait until I am lost or frightened.

Tonight I am thankful that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep, and He knows me too.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, my Good Shepherd, please keep me close to You. Help me hear Your voice and follow You every day. Do not let me run after strange voices or wander away from Your love. Watch over Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Father LeRoy, Mini, and all Your sheep tonight. Amen.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 10:11-18

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Good Shepherd Sunday

Dear Diary,

Robert picked the three of us up for church this morning—Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me—and we were glad to be together for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s. Mini sat close and behaved so nicely, as if she knew it was Good Shepherd Sunday.

Father LeRoy read the holy Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus says that the sheep know the shepherd’s voice and follow him because he calls them by name. He said Our Lord was teaching us that He is the Shepherd who knows every soul. Jesus does not frighten us or trick us. He calls us lovingly, and He walks before us so we will know the way.

After Mass, Sister Mary Claire explained it some more. She said Jesus also called Himself the gate for the sheep. A gate keeps danger out, but it also opens to good pasture. That made me think how safe it is to belong to Jesus. He is the way in, the way out, and the One who gives life to our souls.

On the way home, I thought about Mini too. She knows my voice right away, even if I only say her name softly. If a stranger called her, she would not trust it the same way. Sister said our souls should be like that with Jesus. We must listen for His voice in prayer, in the Gospel, and in the Church, and not run after voices that lead us away from Him.

This afternoon I thought I would have to keep waiting for Sister to translate the next prayer for me, because old German words take time, of course, and Sister never hurries holy things. But then she surprised me. She came to my desk with her gentle smile and said she had something ready after all. It was the 23rd Psalm, though in the old German Catholic Bible it is called Psalm 22.

I could hardly believe it, because that is the very psalm about the Lord being my Shepherd. Sister had written it in simple English for me, so I could understand it and record it in my own little voice. She said sometimes Our Lord gives a person just the right prayer on just the right day, and I think He did today. It felt as if Good Shepherd Sunday had followed me all the way home from St. Mary’s and right into my room.

So I set the tape recorder on my desk, smoothed the paper with both hands, and practiced the words softly. Mini lay nearby, with her little ears listening, and I thought how beautiful it is that Jesus can lead souls with a voice quieter than the wind in the grass.

Tonight I feel glad that Jesus knows His sheep by name. Even little me.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, my Good Shepherd, thank You for calling me by name and staying close to me. Help me know Your voice and follow You. Keep me safe at Your gate, and lead me always to the green pasture of Your grace. Bless Sister Mary Claire, Father LeRoy, Robert, and Mini. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

He Stays With Us

Dear Diary,

This morning was soft and cool, about 58 degrees, with a quiet sky over the fields. Robert picked us up as usual and right on time at the mailbox, and Mini hopped right up onto my lap like she always does. We rode down the gravel road to St. Mary’s in Littlemore, and everything felt still and peaceful, like the day was waiting for something important.

At Holy Mass, Father LeRoy talked about something that stayed with me all day. He said Jesus didn’t just promise to help us from far away… He promised to stay with us. Not an angel, not just a memory—but Jesus Himself. That made me sit up a little straighter in the pew. I tried to imagine that… that the same Jesus who made everything and conquered death is still right here with us.

Father said that means we are never really alone. Even when things are hard, or we feel worried, Jesus is right there, watching over us, thinking of us, and helping us. He said Jesus knows all our little thoughts and sees even the small things we try to do for Him—and that He is pleased when we try.

On the ride home, Sister Mary Claire explained it in a way I could understand even better. She said, “Kathy, if Jesus is truly with us all the time, then every moment matters. Even the quiet ones.” Robert nodded and said it’s like having the best protector you could ever imagine riding along with you always.

I held Mini close and looked out at the fields. Everything looked so ordinary, but it didn’t feel ordinary anymore. It felt like Jesus was there too… in the fields, in the sky, even right there in the truck with us.

I think if I remembered that more, I wouldn’t worry so much about little things. I’d try harder to be good too, knowing He sees and cares.

Tonight, I want to remember that He didn’t just promise to come back someday—He promised to stay.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

thank You for staying with me and never leaving me alone.
Help me remember You are near, especially when I feel small or worried.

Please watch over me tonight and help me love You better tomorrow.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy

His Power Is Gentle

Dear Diary,

It was a lovely day today, soft and bright, and just right for going to Holy Mass. Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and Mini came along too, sitting so nicely like she always does.

Father LeRoy talked about how Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth—not just because He is God, but also because He became man and gave His life for us. He said Jesus doesn’t use His power to force anyone, but instead waits for us to love Him back freely. I liked that part very much. It made me think of how kind He is, even though He could do anything at all.

On the ride home, Robert, Sister Mary Claire and I talked about it some more. Robert said how comforting it is to know that nothing can happen to us unless Jesus allows it, and that He is always watching over us. It made the fields look extra peaceful somehow, like everything was being gently taken care of.

I’ve been excited because Sister Mary Claire helped me understand a morning prayer from the old book, and I made a little recording of it on the tape recorder. It felt special saying the words out loud like that.

Mini is doing just fine—she was very good in church and seemed happy all day.

It was a quiet, beautiful day, and I feel very safe in Jesus’ care tonight.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

You are so strong and so gentle at the same time.

Help me to trust You with my whole heart and to follow You freely because I love You.

Please watch over us tonight and keep us safe in Your care.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy

A Gentle Morning with an Old Prayer

 

Dear Diary,

Last night I made another recording from this very old prayer book—the one Sister and I have been working on together. It was printed such a long, long time ago, back in 1776, in a place called Augsburg in Germany. The pages are worn and soft now, and all the words were written in German, so Sister has been helping me translate them.

This little prayer is called a Morning Prayer, and I like to think someone else once said these same words long ago, maybe just starting their day like I was this morning, trusting God the same way. It makes me feel like we are not alone when we pray…like our voices are joined with theirs somehow.

I think I would like to remember this prayer each morning, the way it was written so long ago, and try to mean it more each day.

Dear God…

I praise You…Father… Son… and Holy Ghost.
I come before You…
with a humble heart…
because You are…
my true… and living God.

I believe in You…
because You are always true.

I hope in You…
because You are full of mercy.

And I love You
more than anything…

because You are…
the greatest good.

Amen.

Jesus Always Keeps His Promises

Dear Diary,

This morning was chilly, about 52 degrees, and the air felt fresh when we walked out to the mailbox. Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and Mini came along, sitting close to me like she always does. The fields looked quiet and a little gray in the early light, like everything was just waking up.

At Holy Mass, Father LeRoy talked about how Jesus always keeps His promises. He said that when Jesus told His disciples He would see them again, He truly meant it—and He did just what He said. Father explained it in a simple way so I could understand: he said Jesus never forgets, never changes His mind, and never breaks His word. Not even a little promise.

That made me think. Sometimes I say I will do something good—like be patient or say my prayers better—but then I forget or get tired. Father said even the smallest good thing, like giving someone a cup of water, matters to Jesus and will never be lost. That made me feel comforted, like even my little efforts count.

On the ride home, I held Mini and thought about how kind Jesus is to remind us that being merciful and helping others will lead us to heaven. Father said we shouldn’t be afraid all the time, but instead remember that Jesus wants to reward us and help us do good.

I want to try harder to keep my promises to Jesus, just like He keeps His promises to me.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for always keeping Your promises, even when I forget mine.
Help me to be faithful in little things, and not give up when I feel tired.
Please forgive me for the times I have not done what I said I would do.
Make my heart steady and true, like Yours.
And help me remember that even small acts of love matter to You.

Amen.

Love, Kathy

The Lord's Prayer 

Quick Trip to Indian Creek

Dear Diary,

This morning at Mass, Father LeRoy talked about how Jesus told Peter that one day he would follow Him even all the way to the cross. Peter loved Jesus very much, but he was still a little afraid because he remembered how he had failed before. Father said Jesus didn’t tell him this to scare him, but to comfort him, and to show him that his love would grow strong enough to carry even a heavy cross.

On the ride home, I kept thinking about that. Father said there are two kinds of crosses—ones we choose for love of Jesus, like little sacrifices, and ones that come to us that we didn’t choose at all. Those are harder, but they count so much when we carry them patiently. I tried to understand that in my own little way. Maybe it means being cheerful when things don’t go just right, or waiting quietly when I want something very much.

And oh, I am waiting! I am so excited to make more tape recordings of prayers, but I have to wait for the mailman to bring my new tape cassettes. I keep listening for his truck and watching down the road. I’m trying to be patient about it, offering that waiting up to Jesus like Father said. Maybe even that can be a little cross.

Before dark, Mini and I hurried down to the cave. The air was getting cool and still, and everything felt quiet like the day was folding up. Shaggy Coat was there by the water, and when he saw us, he didn’t run away. I knelt down very slowly, and he let me pet his little head. His fur felt soft and damp, and I gave him a carrot which he took so gently. It made my heart feel so warm, like a tiny secret friendship.

Walking back, I thought about Peter again. Maybe loving Jesus means staying close to Him, even when things are hard or when we don’t understand everything yet. Just like following a path through the woods, one step at a time.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

please help me to love You like Peter did, even when I feel small or unsure.

Teach me to carry my little crosses patiently and to offer them to You with a quiet heart.

Bless the mailman on his way, and thank You for the joy of small things, like kind animals and peaceful evenings.

Stay close to me, dear Jesus, and help me always to follow You.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy,

The Lord's Prayer 

The Circling Year

Dear Diary, 

This morning the sun came up soft and golden over the pasture, and Mini and I sat on the old bench watching the cows. The sky looked so wide and quiet, like it was holding a secret. I kept thinking about what Father LeRoy said—how Jesus asked Peter, “Lovest thou Me more than these?”

I tried to imagine Jesus asking me that while I sat there. Not in a big, scary way—but gently, like the sunrise. “Kathy, do you love Me?”

And I thought… I do love Him. But sometimes I love other things too—like being comfortable, or having things go my way, or not wanting to do hard chores. It made me feel a little small, like Peter must have felt. Not sad exactly, just quiet inside.

The cows didn’t hurry. They just kept grazing, peaceful and steady. And it felt like maybe that’s how love should be—simple and steady, not loud. Just doing what needs to be done, because you love.

I reached down and scratched Mini behind her ears, and I whispered, “Jesus, You know I love You.” I think that’s the best I can say right now. And maybe tomorrow I can show it a little better.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

When You ask me if I love You, help me answer with my whole life.

Teach me to choose You in the little things, even when it is hard or quiet or unseen.

You know my heart—please make it love You more.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy

 A Little Prayer to our Dear Mother

Third Sunday After Easter

 
Dear Diary,

It was a cool morning, and the air felt soft and a little quiet, like it was thinking about something. Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and we all rode to Church together—Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. Mini sat so nicely, just watching out the window with her little ears up.

When we got to St. Mary’s, we went inside and it felt warm and cozy with the wood stove gently burning. The soft crackling made everything feel safe and peaceful. I held Mini close for a moment before we found our place together.

Father LeRoy talked in his homily about how Jesus told His disciples that they would have hard times, even while the world around them seemed happy. I’m not sure I understood it all at first, because it sounded a little sad to me.

But then Sister Mary Claire whispered to me that even though things can be hard when we follow Jesus, He puts a quiet kind of joy inside us that no one else can see. Not the loud, laughing kind—but a peaceful, hidden joy that comes from loving Him. That made it feel different to me, like the hard things weren’t empty after all.

Father said that God sees those hard things as very precious, even if the world doesn’t understand. I tried to think about that while I knelt there, and I asked Jesus to help me believe it.

On the ride home, I held Mini and looked out at the fields. Everything looked so simple and still, but I started to think that maybe those hidden joys are like little gifts tucked inside ordinary things—like sitting close together in the truck, the warmth after the cold, or even just knowing Jesus is near, even if I can’t see Him. It felt like a quiet happiness, the kind you don’t have to say out loud.

Tonight, I want to try to carry my little crosses without complaining, even the small ones. Maybe Jesus will tuck that quiet joy inside them.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

please help me understand You better,

even when things feel hard or confusing.

Put Your quiet joy in my heart,

and help me trust that You are always near.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy

The Prayer Jesus Taught Us

Dear Diary,

This morning Sister Mary Claire had me record the Our Father. Before I began, she reminded me that it is the prayer Jesus Himself taught us, which is why it is such a beautiful way to begin the day.

She said it gives God first place before all our work and worries. It also teaches us everything we truly need to ask for—our daily bread, forgiveness, and help to stay close to God.

When I recited it, I tried to say it slowly and with love. It made me feel peaceful to think that Jesus gave us this prayer Himself.

Tonight I am thankful that my recording was just the Our Father. It is a simple prayer, but it holds so much.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for teaching us the Our Father. Please help me to pray it with love and mean every word. Keep us safe tonight. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Jesus Is So Gentle

Dear Diary,

This morning Sister Mary Claire and I walked down to the mailbox, and Robert picked us up as usual and right on time. Mini came along too, trotting beside us like she belonged to the whole trip. It was a quiet sort of morning, and I felt glad we were going to St. Mary’s.

At morning Mass, Father LeRoy talked about the holy women meeting Jesus on the path after He rose from the dead. They were hurrying along, trembling and full of love, and then all at once Jesus came to meet them. Father said that Jesus was so gentle with them. He did not speak in any hard way at all. He just said, “Fear not,” and let them come close to Him and hold His feet and adore Him.

I kept thinking how good Jesus is. He knows when people are afraid, and He does not pull away from them. He understands weakness and does not scold us for it. Instead, He comes close and gives us the courage we need. That made me feel peaceful inside, because sometimes I feel little and unsure too, and it is a comfort to know Jesus is so kind.

Father LeRoy said that Jesus still says “Fear not” to us now, especially when we stay close to Him in prayer and in Holy Communion. I thought about that for the rest of the day. It seemed to me that if I bring my worries to Jesus and lay them at His feet, then He will help me bear them. He is not only our Lord, but our Friend too.

When we came home, I still had those sweet words in my heart: “Fear not.” I want to remember them whenever I start feeling troubled.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for being so gentle and good to me. When I feel afraid or weak, please help me remember Your sweet words, “Fear not.” Keep me close to You and teach me to trust You more every day. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Our Lady in God's First Plan

Dear Diary,

This morning after we prayed the Morning Office, Sister Mary Claire explained something beautiful to me. She said Our Lady was never an afterthought with God. He had her in His loving mind from the very beginning, even before the earth, the mountains, and the waters were made. She was part of His first dear plan for Jesus and for the whole world.

While she was telling me this, I kept thinking about our old cement statue of Mary standing on the porch under the light. It has been in our family a very long time. Long ago it stood in the courtyard of a closed convent in Boston, where it had already been watching and waiting for about eighty years. That made Sister’s words feel even sweeter to me. The statue seemed like a quiet reminder that Our Lady has been lovingly remembered for a very long time by so many hearts.

I thought how lovely it is that before there was even a Littlemore Farm, God already knew His Blessed Mother and had chosen her for something holy. The porch light shone down on that old statue so softly, and it made me think of Mary standing peaceful and steady in God’s plan from the very beginning.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank Thee for giving us Thy dear Mother in Thy first loving plan. Dear Mary, keep me close to thee tonight and always lead me to Jesus. Amen.

Love, Kathy

Morning Star

Dear Diary,

Today Sister Mary Claire and I worked on our little writing about one beautiful part of Matins, where Our Lady is called the Morning Star. Sister said that this is such a dear name because the morning star shines when the sky is still dark, but it tells us that daylight is coming. She said that is how Our Lady is for souls. She does not take the place of Jesus, who is the true Light, but she gently leads us to Him.

I liked that very much, and it made the prayer seem even sweeter to me. It felt like one little part of Matins opened up all bright and lovely, just from stopping and thinking about it awhile. Mini stayed near us while we worked, and once she looked up at Sister as if she were listening too.

It was a quiet and happy kind of study, and I felt thankful for that one shining thought from the prayer.

Love, Kathy.

Learning About Matins

Dear Diary,

This morning Sister Mary Claire explained Matins to me, and I liked it very much because it feels like the quiet beginning of the whole day.

She said it is like waking up our hearts for God. First, we ask for help to pray, and then we ask Our Lady to stay close and help us speak kindly and purely. Sister said when we say, “make speed to befriend me,” it means we are asking Mary to come quickly and take care of us.

Then we say the Glory be, which reminds us everything is for God—the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

There is also a hymn where we call Mary the Queen of Heaven. Sister said Jesus is our King, and Mary is like our gentle Queen who helps us and brings our prayers to Him.

I liked best when she said Mary is like the morning star that points to the sun. She helps us find Jesus.

At the end, we give everything to her and ask her to help us get to heaven someday.

It made me feel very safe, like starting the day with someone who loves me.

Evening Prayer

Dear Mother Mary, please stay close to me tonight and help me love Jesus more tomorrow. Amen.

Love, Kathy.

Recording Our Lady’s Prayer - None

Little Office of the Immaculate Conception

Dear Diary,

Today Sister Mary Claire and I spent a good part of the day recording the Second Part of The Little Office of the Immaculate Conception. It felt important and peaceful all at once, and Sister wanted me to say the words carefully and understand them too, not just read them out. I liked that, because prayers feel warmer when you know what they are really saying.

One prayer especially stayed with me tonight. It called Our Lady the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of Jesus, and even the Mistress of the world. Sister explained that this does not mean Mary is above God, of course, but that God has given her a beautiful place of honor because she is His own dear Mother. And when the prayer says she forsakes no one and despises no one, it means Mary never turns away from us just because we are little or sinful or ashamed. She is always kind enough to look on us with pity and tenderness.

Sister said the prayer is really asking Our Lady to do what loving mothers do best—take our poor needs to Jesus. We ask her to beg forgiveness for our sins and to help us stay close to Him. And the part about celebrating her Immaculate Conception means being glad that from the very beginning God made Mary so pure and lovely for His great plan. Sister said when we honor that gift with true devotion, we are also asking for the grace to reach Heaven ourselves one day, not by our own goodness, but by the grace of Jesus.

I thought that was so beautiful. It made me feel that Mary is not far away in Heaven doing grand things only for saints. She is near us, and gentle, and ready to help even with the prayers of an ordinary girl at a little table with a recording machine. I was glad to think that maybe if I pray slowly and lovingly, Our Lady might hear my voice too and smile a little.

Mini stayed nearby through it all, sometimes watching us as if she understood this was not just talking but praying. By evening I felt tired, but in a good way, like we had done something worth doing.

Evening Prayer

Dear Blessed Mother, please keep me close to Jesus tonight.

Pray for my sins to be forgiven, and help me love purity, gentleness, and goodness more and more.

Thank you for never turning away from poor little souls who need you.

Lay your mantle over Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me, and lead us safely toward Heaven.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Recording Matins

Little Office of the Immaculate Conception

 

Dear Diary,

This Sunday afternoon I finished recording Matins from the Little Office of the Immaculate Conception, and I felt very thankful when it was done. It took a long time because I am so particular about it. Sister Mary Claire helped me all along with the cues and showed me where to pause, where to soften my voice, and where to say the words more clearly. I kept wanting to rehearse certain parts over again until they sounded just right.

It was slow work, but good work. Sometimes I would think I had it, and then Sister would gently have me do that little part once more. I did not mind, because such beautiful prayers ought to be said carefully. When I finally finished Matins, it felt like I had set down a small bouquet for Our Lady.

Mini stayed close by through all of it, watching in her serious little way. Once she gave a deep sigh and curled up as if she thought prayer recording was very tiresome business. But then when I started again, she lifted her head and listened so hard that I told her she was my littlest helper.

Now Matins is finished, and Prime shall be my next project. I already know it will take some time too, because Sister says good prayer should never be rushed, and I believe that is true. So I mean to go on the same way, one careful part at a time, until Prime is done too.

Dear Blessed Mother, please help me pray slowly and faithfully, and let every word I say be for Jesus. Amen.

Love, Kathy

Jesus and His Blessed Mother

Dear Diary,

Today I thought about how Our Lord must have shown Himself first to His Blessed Mother after He rose from the dead. The Bible does not say it plain, but it feels so right. She loved Him more than anyone and stayed faithful even at the Cross, when everything was so sad and dark.

This morning when I went to the chicken house, I reached under dear Omelette and found a beautiful brown egg still warm beneath her feathers. I held it so carefully in my hand and thought how lovely it is when something quiet and hidden turns out to be full of life and sweetness. That made me think of Our Lady waiting in sorrow, still believing, even before the joy of seeing Jesus came.

Then I imagined the moment when Jesus came to her, not suffering anymore, but full of glory and life. All her tears must have turned into happiness. The same dear Son she had loved and held was now shining in heavenly beauty.

It makes me love Our Lady very much to think of her joy. She trusted Jesus through all the darkness, and then she saw His victory. I want to stay close to Him like that too, in happy times and sad ones both.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Blessed Mother, please teach me to trust Jesus always and stay close to Him, just as you did. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Jesus Kept His Wounds

Dear Diary,

Today’s meditation made me think about how Jesus rose from the dead all full of glory, and still kept the holy wounds in His hands and feet. I kept picturing them not looking sad anymore, but shining like lovely signs of His love. It makes me feel that He never wants us to forget what He suffered for us, and how very much He loves us.

Sister Mary Claire said His wounds are like victory marks now. That thought stayed with me all day. If Jesus kept His wounds in Heaven, then they must be very precious to Him. They tell the whole story of His mercy.

Later on I made a quick trip to the cave with Mini to check on my beaver friend Shaggycoat and to make sure the cave was secure. All was well, thank goodness. The cave felt quiet and safe, and it seemed like a good place to think about brave things. I wondered if I am as brave as I ought to be in little hard things, like being patient, obeying quickly, or offering up small troubles without complaining.

The saints loved to think about the wounds of Jesus because they wanted to stay close to Him no matter what. I do too. I want to love Him not only when things are easy, but also when something costs me a little.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Jesus, let Your holy wounds remind me how much You love me. Help me be brave in little hard things, and teach me to love You back with all my heart. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Kathy is very busy recording all of your Favorite Prayers

The Angelic Salutation

Dear Diary,

Today at school Sister Mary Claire taught me something lovely about the Hail Mary. She said it is such a little prayer, but it carries a whole great deal inside it. Part of it comes from the angel’s own words to Mary in the Bible, and then part of it is us asking Our Lady to pray for us.

Sister said the name of Jesus sits right in the very middle of the prayer, and that is just where He belongs—not only in the Hail Mary, but in everything. I liked that thought very much. She also said when we pray “now and at the hour of our death,” it means we can ask Mary to help us in our everyday life, and also at the very end, when we will need Heaven most.

It made me think the Hail Mary is small enough for a schoolgirl to learn by heart, but deep enough to keep teaching her all her life.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Blessed Mother, please help me pray the Hail Mary slowly and with love, and always bring me closer to Jesus. Amen.

Love, Kathy

What I Learned Today at St. Mary’s School

 

Dear Diary,

Today at St. Mary’s School, Sister Mary Claire taught me that the Our Father is not just a prayer to hurry through because we already know it by heart. She said it is really a way to help us live.

I liked that it begins with “Our Father,” because that means God is not just my Father all by myself. He is our Father, and that means we belong to Him together. It made me think how life is not supposed to be only about what I want.

Then Sister said when we pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are asking that heaven’s goodness might come even into our regular days. Into school days and church days and even chore days.

The part about daily bread stood out to me most. It made me think that God wants me to trust Him for today. Not to be so full of worry about every tomorrow. Just to ask Him for today’s help and today’s strength.

Sister also said that when we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others, it means we have to let go of our hard feelings too. That part is not always easy, but it is good and true.

And at the end, when we ask not to be led into temptation, it means we are admitting that we need God to help us stay good. We cannot do it all by ourselves.

So I think the Our Father is a prayer for the whole day, not just for church. It teaches us to love God, think of others, trust Him one day at a time, forgive, and ask for His help.

Love,

Kathy 

The Cornerstone of Faith

Dear Diary,

I knew I was in trouble when Sister Mary Claire said we ought to scrub the old schoolhouse behind St. Mary’s. It has been closed for years, so it was a mighty dusty job.

Mini kept us company while we worked, and at the end Sister gave me her very first school handout about the Resurrection. She said the lesson came from her old meditation book, the one she inherited from a nun sister in Ireland. I noticed Sister had written #1 in the corner, and that made me think this was not just one of Sister’s passing whims.

Dear Jesus, help me do hard jobs with a cheerful heart, and bless Sister Mary Claire and little Mini. Amen.

Love, Kathy.

Take a Deep Dive

At the Foot of the Tabernacle

Dear Diary,

After all the joy of Easter Sunday, today slipped in very softly.  Sister Mary Claire and I walked to St. Mary’s, and everything felt so still and quiet after the gladness of yesterday. The church was now empty and wrapped in a hush. The little red sanctuary lamp burned softly, and I knew that Jesus was just as truly there in the quiet of today as He was in all the joy of yesterday.

I thought how people are always glad to be near the ones they love, and that must be why Jesus made a way to stay near us in the Blessed Sacrament. He did not want to leave us all alone. That made me feel very small, but in a good way, because it means He thinks of us and cares for us even in all our littlest needs.

I told Him about the things in my heart and thinking of Sister's little German Prayer book, I wrote what I remembered of the ask and seek prayer.

Dear Jesus,

You told us to ask, to seek, and to knock—and that You would answer us. So here I am, asking You with my whole heart.

Please give me a real love for You—a love that is gentle and strong. Help me love You not just with my words, but with the way I live, and the little things I do all day long.

I want to keep loving You always, and never stop.

Amen.

And today, I offer You everything I do—joined with all the goodness of Jesus, Mary, and all the saints.

Amen.

Easter Sunday

Recorded at Littlemore

Holy Saturday

Dear Diary,

Tonight felt very quiet, almost like the whole world was waiting. Sister Mary Claire and I thought about Jesus resting in the tomb, and how Holy Saturday is the still day between the sorrow of the Cross and the joy that is coming. The Church keeps this day in silence and waiting, holding close both grief and hope.

Mini stayed near us again, sweet and faithful as ever. She seemed to fit right into the hush of the evening, and having her close made me feel comforted.

Tonight I prayed and asked Jesus to help me wait with love and trust. Holy Saturday feels like a day for being still, for staying near Him, and for believing that even when everything seems quiet, He is still at work. Tomorrow is Easter, but tonight I want to stay close to Him in the silence.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

stay near me in the quiet of this holy night. Help me wait for You with love, peace, and trust.

Bless Sister Mary Claire and bless dear little Mini tonight.
Keep us close to Your Sacred Heart, and make us ready for Easter joy.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy