Colleen C Orchanian

Colleen Orchanian is an author, spiritual director, podcaster, and retreat leader. She is retired as Adult Formation Director and Director of Religious Education. She lives in Blairsville, Georgia with her husband, Tom, and son, Tommy. There's more! Check it out by clicking READ MORE.

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Slow Down!

Slow Down!
Nov 20, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

Rushing is a normal response to time pressures, even though it's not very effective. I know that from experience, yet I often find that I, like the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, am hurrying in mind and body. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down and breathe.

Grace Abounds

Grace Abounds
Nov 13, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

I have been thinking about grace, and how the unlimited grace God makes available to each person. These days I can recognize grace in my life. I have the grace of a long marriage, the grace of motherhood, the grace to serve in different ways in my church, and the grace to do this podcast and write books. It's crazy the amount of grace in my life – like an explosion of grace.

What's On Your Plate?

What's On Your Plate?
Nov 06, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

I often invite people to join a group at church or attend a retreat or event, and sometimes the response I get is – My plate is too full. I know that feeling. There have been many times in my life that my plate has been overflowing and I'm feeling a lot of stress. I want the world to stop for just a bit so I can get caught up. Unfortunately, I have never been able to make that happen, so I have to find another way to deal with the load.

Spent

Spent
Oct 30, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

I told a friend that I was doing a retreat near her home and she suggested we meet afterwards. Then she asked – Do you think you'll be too tired? That would make sense. It takes energy to lead a retreat. When I was in the training business, I led corporate workshops and was usually exhausted at the end of the day. But when I finish a retreat at church, the opposite happens. I am energized. It takes a while for me to settle down afterward. It's not until much later that I feel spent.

Believe. Teach. Live.

Believe. Teach. Live.
Oct 23, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

My father was a deacon in the Catholic church for many years before he died. I remember his ordination and the words the Bishop said when giving Dad the Book of the Gospels: The bishop placed the Book in Dad's hands and said, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” Those words apply to all believers.