Selected Articles and Reflections
For many years, I have written articles, educational materials, Bible study resources, and reflections on faith. The selections below include published magazine articles, devotional reflections, and educational resources that have been meaningful in my faith journey.
The Hallelujah Chorus
By Donna Curtiss
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
— Matthew 6:26
As this verse unfolds outside my window, my prayer echoes that of my feathered friends. Our shared joy comes from the prospect of a new day. Our intent is to praise our Creator all day long.
There is quite a concert taking place in our backyard. A variety of birds are chirping, trilling, and tweeting the old-fashioned way. They are somehow in concert with one another. The volume increases as more birds awaken. With very little imagination I hear:
Thank You, Lord.
This is the day the Lord has made.
Jesus, thank You, Father God.
The view outside my window is a diorama of life. The birds praising God for food, shelter, and family; their hearts full of gratitude for making it through the night. From experience I know that the only time this praising will stop is nightfall or with the presence of the hawk that also inhabits the neighborhood.
Clutching my prayer journal and coffee, I quietly enjoy watching a mama bird feed two of her young; quieting their incessant chirping for just a moment with nourishment. As I begin to write, I cannot help but liken the blank journal page to this fresh new day.
Knowing how important we are to God, I continue to pray:
Yes, my Jesus, I believe I am valuable to You, and I pray that like the birds of the air I will spend my day praising You, echoing the grateful hearts of my feathered friends.
Even while I’m praying, I wonder what will divert my focus from praising my God unceasingly. Will it be work? A friend or family member? Chores around the house? It is then that I realize I have already lost my focus to these musings.
Thinking that we must make our Father God smile a lot, I resume my prayers and safeguard my day by asking Jesus to help me keep my focus on Him.
For in the end, every day offers us a choice: to become distracted by the noise around us, or to join the Hallelujah Chorus already rising from creation itself.
Divine Mercy Chapel
By Donna Curtiss
The story and significance of a Holy Hour of Adoration in the Divine Mercy Chapel. it is a message of hope, mercy, and love. It is available for download in English and Spanish. First published in Agua Viva Magazine, August/September 2014 issue.
Unknowingly Entertaining Angels
Ever since Sister told us in first grade that we each had a Guardian Angel and I immediately but ever so discreetly moved over in my desk chair to make room beside for mine, I’ve been fascinated by angels.
Additional Reflections
Additional articles, educational resources, and reflections on faith, family, and everyday grace will be added as they become available.
Donna Curtiss 