Category: Catholic Psychology
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Obedience and the Blessed Heart: A Catholic Perspective on Love, Will, and Offering
Obedience and will—where does it begin? One of my favorite subjects to write about is happiness. It is a cornerstone of the entire industry that supports my livelihood: the practice of psychotherapy. People yearn for happiness, but when they focus their will solely on that end, they fail to realize they are setting their psyche…
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Nurturing Grace: The Divine Equation of Love
Soul Eat’s Living Bread,Strong Spirit gives gentle rest,Grace falls upon me.~Thomas C. Maples The Divine Equation: From Vertical Ascent to Inner Wellspring When Christ gave us the Great Commandment, He established the divine equation for love, proclaiming the ultimate truth—a truth that can be closely related to Nuturing Grace in our daily lives. Embracing and practicing…
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Seeds of Mercy: A Gift Once Given, Twice Received
Seed of Mercy Sewn The darkest hour now breaks Fall light will guide me ~Dr. Thomas Maples A Seed of Mercy Sewn Have you ever done something that caused you profound guilt or shame? In those moments, seeking mercy can bring comfort and hope. This is a uniquely human experience. We possess a conscience built…
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Love: The Essence of God’s Plan
I’ll Follow Your Call Libations of LoveLike a Fall Dew ReflectionI’ll Follow Your Call Love and the Alphabet of Virtues In the alphabet of virtues, this is the one I most looked forward to writing: Love. What a gift we have been given. For it is in the very act of loving that the gift of giving is as…
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Embracing Kindness: A Source of Hope
To Spring darkness fadesKindness falls on open heartFaith will guide the way~Dr. Thomas Maples Miracles are possible in a world where kindness is the primary focus. Acts of kindness can bring about positive change, but only if we cultivate their presence individually. It is only then that we can lay the foundation for truly miraculous…
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Joy: The Search for Light in Dark Times
Sunrise breaks the dark Slow drawn shadows slip away Joy calls open heart Joy: How to Find Light in the Dark There is much emphasis placed on joy these days. However, in its singular emphasis, I often find this focus to be a major impetus for deeper spiritual, emotional, and physical development. Do we inhabit…
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Finding Spiritual Grounding Through Integrity
Integrity callsUpon quiet mind and sacred heartthe peace of grace falls~Thomas C. Maples A Call to Integrity The honesty of the upright guides them; the faithless are ruined by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3 How much honesty and integrity do we see today? In this day and age of duplicity, how often do we truly come…
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Finding Unshakable Hope in Today’s World
Unshakable HopeMy eyes wonder unto theeGod my guiding light ~Thomas C. Maples The Shaken Nature of Hope Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. ~Desmond Tutu In a world often overshadowed by division, what serves as your guiding light? As I grow older, I’ve come to understand…
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Ecstasy and the Art of Inner Bliss
Ecstasy Delights Haiku Ecstasy delights. Passion burns in winter’s night. Soul’s fire sets within. ~Dr. Thomas Maples Ecstasy Delights The Joys of Living Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough. Emily Dickinson Got Joy? How can we find the simple joys that an internal ecstatic state brings? Is it possible…
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Inner Bliss: A Psychology of the Self-Discovery
A gentle spring kissThe ocean breeze gently guidesSmall steps, inner bliss~Dr. Thomas Maples He loves me, he loves me not? She loves me, she loves me not? Ever wonder what finding inner bliss feels like? I believe this exercise in patience may hold a clue for those who yearn to create that inner most sense…