travel
The best travel locations for vacations or workplace locations around the country and the world.
The Woman Behind the Name
I used to think being known was a gift. Then I watched a woman walk into a room and become invisible the moment her husband’s name was called. One minute, she was herself—sharp-eyed, quick-witted, full of stories. The next, she was “the wife of,” a footnote in someone else’s narrative. Her degrees, her work, her dreams—all folded neatly into parentheses.
By KAMRAN AHMAD19 days ago in Journal
Daily Liturgy: January 20, 2026 – Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on God’s extraordinary insight into human hearts and the gentle ways He calls us to serve Him. In the first reading from 1 Samuel, the prophet Samuel is sent to anoint the future king of Israel. When he sees Jesse’s sons, he is impressed by their outward appearances, but the Lord reminds him, “The Lord looks at the heart.” Samuel anoints David, the youngest son, a humble shepherd, chosen not for what the world sees but for what God perceives within. This reading teaches that God often works through the seemingly ordinary, calling forth greatness in ways that defy human expectation. The psalm echoes this theme, celebrating the faithfulness and guidance God grants to His chosen servants, reminding us that God’s perspective is always higher, wiser, and deeper than our own.
By Sound and Spirit19 days ago in Journal
Discover the Hidden Wonders of the Everest High Pass Trek. AI-Generated.
There is a trail in the Himalayas that promises adventure, awe, and memories that last a lifetime. The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most thrilling journeys you can take in Nepal. It goes beyond the classic Everest Base Camp trek, taking you over three high passes, each offering incredible views, serene villages, and a chance to experience the heart of the Himalayas. If you are ready to discover hidden wonders, this trek is calling your name.
By Olivia Flores21 days ago in Journal
Making Time for God: Daily Prayer in a Busy Life
Life is busy. Work, family, errands, and responsibilities often fill every corner of the day, leaving little space for reflection or prayer. Yet daily prayer is one of the most powerful tools a Catholic has for staying grounded, cultivating patience, and experiencing God’s presence in every moment. Finding ways to integrate prayer into a busy life is not about creating a rigid schedule; it is about building habits that allow moments of connection, however brief, to become transformative.
By Sound and Spirit21 days ago in Journal
Understanding the Sacraments and Why They Matter
The Catholic Church teaches that the sacraments are more than rituals or traditions. They are encounters with God, tangible ways to experience His grace and presence in our lives. Each sacrament has a unique purpose, a moment where faith becomes visible, and life meets the sacred. Understanding why the sacraments matter is an invitation to see how God works in both ordinary and extraordinary ways.
By Sound and Spirit21 days ago in Journal
I Held a Zoom Call With Everest Behind Me (No Filter). AI-Generated.
I heard a goat bell outside my window while sending a file to London. This is my life now. Three months ago, I was in a gray cubicle in Seattle. Today I'm working from a teahouse at 12,500 feet in Nepal.
By Samikshya Girii21 days ago in Journal
What Is Your Favorite Bible Verse?
Sometimes a few words from the Bible can change the way we see the world and guide the way we live our lives. One of my favorite verses comes from Isaiah 61:3. It says, “I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes of despair, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” These words have carried a lot of meaning for me over the years. They have been more than inspiration. They have been a guide for how I try to show up in the lives of the people I care about.
By Sound and Spirit22 days ago in Journal
Learning to Surrender Control to God
Surrender is one of the most misunderstood ideas in the Christian life. For many people, the word itself triggers resistance. It sounds passive, frightening, or even irresponsible. We are taught to plan carefully, protect ourselves, and stay in control. Faith, however, introduces a different way of living, one that asks us to loosen our grip and trust Someone beyond ourselves.
By Sound and Spirit22 days ago in Journal
When You Want to Pray but Do Not Know What to Say
One of the quiet struggles many people experience in their faith is not doubt, but silence. Not God’s silence, but our own. There are moments when we sit down to pray and realize we have no words. No polished thoughts. No clear requests. Just a sense of heaviness, confusion, or fatigue. It can feel like prayer requires language we do not possess.
By Sound and Spirit22 days ago in Journal
Italian Cuisine After UNESCO: A Responsibility for the Future
When UNESCO added Italian cuisine to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2025, the announcement sparked familiar gestures of national pride. Yet beneath the celebratory tone, something quieter lingered. Heritage recognition is not merely a tribute; it is a request for continuity. It implies that a tradition is fragile enough to require protection and valuable enough to deserve it.
By Cristian Marino22 days ago in Journal
Stanislav Kondrashov: How Social Media Is Quietly Changing the Way We Experience Travel Photography
Travel photography has always been about more than images. At its best, it captures atmosphere, emotion, and the subtle details that define a place beyond landmarks and guidebooks. Yet the way these stories are created and shared has changed dramatically in recent years. Social media platforms have not simply introduced new tools; they have reshaped the language of travel photography itself.
By Stanislav Kondrashov 23 days ago in Journal
