I'm learning to redefine success by leaning into our ultimate goals as parents: to help our children become saints.
Measuring Success in a Busy, Messy Family
Author: Lorelei Savaryn
Hi, I'm Lorelei, Catholic convert and debut author of middle grade contemporary fantasy The Circus of Stolen Dreams, which released Sept 2020 from Penguin Random House/Philomel! I'm a former classroom teacher and instructional coach. I live outside Chicago with my husband, 4 spunky kiddos (who I homeschool) and our dog Saint. I love spending time with my family and eating anything chocolate.
My Goal for This School Year
Homeschool Beginnings I started homeschooling our school-aged children in March, 2020. I know I am not alone in this timing, though we had planned to start homeschooling in the fall, so I had a bit of a jump on researching curriculum and thinking through what this shift might look like for our family. I also … Continue reading My Goal for This School Year
“Ask a Catholic” #1: “I’m happily Evangelical, I’m not sure I see the relevance of learning about Catholics at this point in my walk of faith.”
Hello and welcome to our new series, "Ask a Catholic!" This is a spot where you can ask us anything about Catholicism, and we are happy to answer. I've been looking forward to this so much, especially since so many of my friends are Protestant/Evangelical. Firstly, as a way to reduce the misunderstandings between us. … Continue reading “Ask a Catholic” #1: “I’m happily Evangelical, I’m not sure I see the relevance of learning about Catholics at this point in my walk of faith.”
For Moms Who Feel Like They’re Failing
Option two is the voice that tells me there have been many quiet saints made of mothers throughout time, most of whom we’ve never even heard of. It tells me that this calling can purify me and build me into an example of holiness for my sake and the sake of my children. It’s the option that tells me I’m not a saint yet.
Learning to say “I Forgive You”
I know now very deeply how it feels to know you are forgiven by hearing it said. I know how much it has the power to heal.
Bringing Christmas Into Lent
During a year where there has been less ‘togetherness’ than we’re used to, it feels especially profound to draw near to those we love in prayer in this intentional way.
The Night I Wore Make-Up After Months Without
The other night, JP and I were doing something that required us to leave the house, and, since leaving the house is a special occasion these days, I decided to put on a bit of make-up, which hasn't happened, I don't think, since maybe Thanksgiving?
Learning to be Present
If you find yourself listening to the running commentary in your own mind, struggling with negative thoughts or worries or fears, if you are feeling like your life is somehow a mismatch for the things you feel are truly important, this might be a good resource to check out!
What We’re Teaching Our Children About Prayer
I understand prayer a lot differently now, I think, in part, because I understand God differently.
Meet Saint (Maker) Savaryn! (& Reflections on 2020, too)
Because of this, one of my biggest take home messages of the year has interestingly been an intense reaffirmation of how often the most worth-it things are not the easiest.
This Catholic Family 