These words have been echoing in my mind and heart ever since I heard this simple yet powerful prayer from Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart during the Pray 40 Challenge on the Hallow app this Lent. Three short lines… but they hold so much meaning. The first time I encountered Mother Olga was when she spoke at the National Eucharistic Congress 2024. I remember being deeply struck by her presence — her faith, her strength, and the clarity with which she spoke about belonging completely to Christ. That witness stayed with me. So hearing this prayer repeated during the Pray 40 reflections has felt especially powerful. Empty me. Empty me of ego, pride, distractions, and the constant pull to control everything. Fill me. Fill those spaces with Your grace, Your peace, Your Spirit. Use me. Let my life become an instrument of Your love. Over the past couple of years, the Surrender Novena has become a regular part of my prayer life. “Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything.” When I heard Mother Olga’s prayer, it felt like a beautiful companion to that same spirit of surrender. Because before God can truly fill us, we have to allow Him to empty us first. Lent is such a grace-filled season for that kind of interior work — clearing out what clutters our hearts so there is more room for God to move and transform us. This little prayer has become something I return to throughout the day. Lord, empty me. Fill me. Use me. Join me in praying these simple words today. And consider joining the Pray 40 Challenge on Hallow during Lent. It has become a beautiful rhythm of prayer and reflection during this sacred season. Link in the comments.

This prayer from Saint Thomas Aquinas stopped me in my tracks this morning. It was totally in line with what has been stirring in my heart. What strikes me most is how little this prayer is about doing more—and how much it is about being rightly ordered before God. Grant me Lord... A watchful heart, not distracted by vain thoughts. A noble heart, not pulled down by unworthy attachments. A firm heart, not broken by adversity. A free heart, not mastered by disordered passions. This feels like such a gentle yet clear invitation to let God purify not just our actions but also our affections. To notice where our hearts have grown divided, cluttered, or tired—and to bring those places honestly to Him. And then the second movement of the prayer feels like a beautiful response to that surrender: “A mind that knows You… an eagerness that seeks You… a wisdom that finds You… a life that pleases You… a perseverance that expects You confidently.” That word expects keeps echoing for me. Not striving. Not proving. But trusting—anchored in hope. Reading the daily Scripture readings from Mass, along with these reflections from Daily Gospel Association, has become the anchor of my morning prayer time. Before the day gets loud, before decisions and distractions creep in, I ground myself there—in the Word, in the rhythm of the Church, in quiet attentiveness to what God may be inviting me into today. If you’ve been longing for a steadier, more prayerful start to your mornings, I can’t recommend this practice enough. Here's a link to their website where you can subscribe to receive the daily readings and reflections via email—or you can download their app and have them right at your fingertips. 🙏 What does your daily faith rhythm look like right now—and what helps you stay anchored when life feels full or scattered?

Over the last few years, the Lord has quietly placed this motto on my heart. Not as a call to focus more on myself in a prideful way—but as an invitation to care for myself so I have the vitality and energy to live out my vocation. Not self-care or self-love in the way our culture often talks about it, but caring for who we are because we are created in His image and likeness, and called to use what we’ve been given well. Be More — by recognizing and developing the talents God has entrusted to us. Make More — live an abundant, impactful life Give More — of our time, talent, and treasure, with intention and joy. This is the heart behind my upcoming kickoff workshop:✨ Staying Strong So You Can Serve ✨ We’ll reflect on the gifts God has given us, the habits He may be inviting us to leave behind, and the kind of strength He’s calling us to build so we can live our vocation more fully—at home, at work, and in the world. This will be an interactive session with a companion workbook. Check your calendar. I hope you can join us live. 📅 Staying Strong So You Can Serve - Thursday, February 12 - 7 pm CT 📍 Here's the link to join the workshop on Zoom. You will get a confirmation email and a reminder the day of the workshop. I’d love to know as you read this:👉 Which part—Be More, Make More, or Give More—is stirring in your heart right now?

It’s frigid here today (-17° 🥶), which means outdoor workouts are a hard no. So I’m adapting—adding more cardio, met/con, and strength workouts I can do at home to keep my routine moving forward. And honestly, that’s such a good reminder for all of us. There will always be obstacles—weather, injuries, busy schedules, low energy days. The women who stay strong over time aren’t the ones with perfect conditions…they’re the ones who learn to adjust the plan without giving up on the goal. This week I was reminded of that again: - A friend is dealing with a knee flare-up and can’t do weight-bearing exercise right now - This summer, when I had a foot injury, I learned firsthand that you can get a great workout seated So this morning I did a little research and found excellent seated, standing, cardio, and strength workouts that meet you right where you are—whether you’re just getting started or already very active. I'll post some links to a few YouTube Channels for your review that have workouts for women at all fitness levels. ✨ The most important part isn’t finding the perfect workout✨ It’s getting started✨ And then showing up consistently, even when you have to modify Small, steady effort adds up—especially in this season of life. 💬 Tell us in the comments: What are you doing right now to stay active or adapt around an obstacle? You’re not behind. You’re building momentum. And if you’d love a little extra structure and friendly accountability… 💪 Join us for our Community Watch Workouts. We meet on Zoom, press play on a short strength workout together, and simply show up—no pressure, no perfection required. It’s a great way to stay consistent and feel supported. 👉 Here's the link where you can register for the Zoom series. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8 am CT. https://www.skool.com/livingyoungerlonger/calendar?calDate=1771949096 💬 Chime in below—what are you doing right now to stay active or work around an obstacle?