This past year, our family of 6 started doing what I can only suppose would be a childlike version of Ignatian contemplation with our kids before bed. We don’t have a better term for it other than a “story prayer.” But the kids LOVE it, especially our 3 year old who would much rather jump on the bed than pray.

It’s kind of like a guided meditation, I suppose. But in it, they always meet the Child Jesus. I tell them that Jesus can be whatever age they want him to be in this story, but more often than not, they prefer Jesus to be their very own age (3, 5, 7, etc).

In these stories, they might be playing by a creek with Jesus, wondering through the woods looking for cool nature items… sometimes getting themselves into accidental scrapes where the kids might want to lie or pass blame, but in which the Child Jesus gently models virtue.

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus + Catholic Valentine’s Day Gifts that spread the Love of Christ!

As I stare at the frayed ends of all my tiny detail brushes, I realize it’s time to call it quits on what has perhaps been the hardest paintings I’ve completed to-date. I repainted the flames on the Sacred Heart of Jesus four or five times. Maybe more…I honestly lost count as I added layer upon layer of paint. I probably spent more time painting just the flames on Jesus’ Heart than I did on the entire heart of Saint Joseph, lilies and all.