Part 1: The Messy Arrival & The Keyhole Perspective So… we made it. January 2026. Somehow. Barely. Maybe you’re currently dodging “New Year, New You” ads like they’re unwanted phoneContinue reading “Second Breakfasts, Tiny Keyholes, and the Sacred Roar”
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Blessed Are the Second Thoughts: Confessions from a Competitive Heart
I did not go to Benet Hill Monastery to find myself—we had already met and were getting along just fine. I went because I was ready to listen—to God, toContinue reading “Blessed Are the Second Thoughts: Confessions from a Competitive Heart”
Let’s Light This Fire 🔥
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road…”— Luke 24:32 From Head to Heart: My Walk to Emmaus Experience Not long ago, IContinue reading “Let’s Light This Fire 🔥”
Of Pot Roast, Playbills, and Powerful Women: Why This Night Meant So Much
A Night of Laughter, Pot Roast, and Sisterhood at Candlelight This past weekend, my husband and I went on a double date with our dear friends to the Candlelight DinnerContinue reading “Of Pot Roast, Playbills, and Powerful Women: Why This Night Meant So Much”
Becoming an Oblate: A Sacred Yes to What’s Next
Signing my Oblate commitment—one joyful yes at a time My home monastery has a newly promoted caretaker. I’m officially a professed Oblate! (And yes, I am the only caretaker—no competition here.) Continue reading “Becoming an Oblate: A Sacred Yes to What’s Next “
From My Mother’s Hands to Mine: A Serving Tray’s Lesson in Stewardship
At least once a month, our family gathers around my kitchen table. It is a simple rhythm of renewal and connection — a way for me to weave the GospelContinue reading “From My Mother’s Hands to Mine: A Serving Tray’s Lesson in Stewardship”
Broken and Blessed
Sometimes a single question can open a flood of knowing.When my Spiritual Director asked,“Where is God meeting you in your pain?”The tears came before the words.Tears for the ache inContinue reading “Broken and Blessed”
Falling, Failing, and Finding My Next Step
Mile 8. I was deep into my long run when a quiet thought crossed my mind: I’m really tired. But I dismissed it. I had many more miles to go,Continue reading “Falling, Failing, and Finding My Next Step”
Welcome
Growing up, our small family of three would gather nightly around the dinner table, breaking bread together and sharing our days. My job was to set the table—napkin and forkContinue reading “Welcome”
The Time Is Now: Benedictine Wisdom for Rebuilding Our World
Today’s world feels heavy—with division, disconnection, and fear. It’s easy to feel paralyzed, asking, “What can I do?” But the good news is this: We don’t have to figure itContinue reading “The Time Is Now: Benedictine Wisdom for Rebuilding Our World”
From First Class to Faith: The Benedictine Sister Who Skydives into Life
The phone rang, and the moment I picked up, a voice burst through the line with infectious energy: “Aaaaallooohaaa, Raechal!” Not exactly the quiet, solemn greeting I expected from aContinue reading “From First Class to Faith: The Benedictine Sister Who Skydives into Life”
Listen
A little over 53 years ago, my mother decided to name me Raechal with an unusual spelling. She did this for two reasons: 1) it looked pretty and 2) soContinue reading “Listen”