RAFFLE THIS SATURDAY, August 15th! Once again, I'm raffling off an original oil painting, "Peace, Be Still," to benefit Our Lady of Hope in Chatawa, MS. $1,000 value.

TICKETS: $25 each, or 5 for $100

TO PURCHASE:

1). Venmo: @Kitty-Cleveland (only way to purchase a ticket if you won't be there. Last 4 digits of cell: 5676);

2). Check and cash tickets available at the event this weekend.

The anointing on this priest and the truth of his words had me in tears!

Here is important information about the flowers, live-streaming, etc., for our 6th anniversary celebration on August 15, 2026:

FLOWER DEDICATIONS: To donate roses in honor of your loved ones, please go here: https://givebutter.com/flowers-for-the-solemnity-of-the-assumption-august-15-2026

REGISTRATION: To join us in person for any part of August 14-16, please register here: https://ourladyofhopems.com/august-15-2026

LIVE-STREAMING: If you would like to watch the celebrations from the comfort of your own home and/or at your leisure, please email Ceci for the free link (she is 100% handling this). Her email is [email protected]

INTERVIEW WITH FR. MICHAEL VOITHOFER: If you haven't watched it yet, please scroll below on Locals to watch our conversation. He had me in happy tears! So anointed! Can't wait for you to hear him at our celebration.

SIGN-UP FORM FOR VOLUNTEERS (we need the village!): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4DA4A828A3FC1-64913652-august

ALTERNATIVE ...

Years ago, a priest friend told me about a woman who came to his community to ask for help. She ended up sitting with the sisters and talking for eight hours straight. For the first time in her life, she had found people willing to receive her story – she had never been listened to before. Healing happened as a result of that gift of time and attention, a true gift of love.

I received an email this morning from socialite Holly Holden, which had lovely tips for becoming a gracious listener (I know I have room to improve!). I hope this inspires you:

🌸 The Three-Second Pause: Allow a brief, thoughtful pause after someone finishes speaking before jumping in. (Gosh, I need to work on that one!)

🌸 Ask for Feelings, Not Just Facts: Inquire about how an experience felt rather than focusing on rigid details.

🌸 Be a Listening Ear: Resist the urge to jump in with advice or solutions—sometimes a friend simply needs a caring ear, not a cure.

🌸 Give the Gift of Presence: Offer your full, undivided ...