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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So What?

So What?
Jan 15, 2025 by Colleen C Orchanian

Many years ago my husband was feeling neglected because I worked a lot. I had a consulting business and it was normal to work 60-hour weeks. One day he accused me of making work more important than him. I disagreed and said confidently, "No I don't. I have my priorities written in my day planner and you're at the top of the list." His response: "So what? When you have to choose between me and work, you always choose work."

His challenge, "So what?" was valid. All the words we say, all the words we write, if they aren't backed up with actions, are meaningless. Our conversation changed my choices – not overnight, but over time. I needed someone to point out that I was missing the mark.

Don't we all need that sometimes? Especially us Christians.

En Garde!

En Garde!
Dec 27, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

Six-year-old Noah loves sword fighting. He has no idea of the rules. He just likes to bang swords together. He shouts En garde! and then we begin. Sometimes he has a shield as extra protection. He loves a good fight.

I, too, have a shield and sword and sometimes love a good fight. Other times I don't want to fight but I'm drawn into it by someone else. They say or do something that provokes me and I respond. 

That Doesn't Make Sense

That Doesn't Make Sense
Dec 18, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

I'm reading a book called Humility Rules by Fr. Augustine Wetta. The subtitle is St. Benedict's 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem. The title doesn't seem to make sense. How can humility lead to self-esteem?

Battlefield

Battlefield
Dec 11, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

I had friends over for dinner to get input on my next book about spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare is the daily battle we fight to grow in holiness and save souls – ours and those of the people we love. The battle part comes from the devil trying to prevent that from happening.

The Bucket List

The Bucket List
Dec 04, 2024 by Colleen C Orchanian

Maggie likes to make bucket lists. She's 14. That seems a bit young for a bucket list, but it works for her. She has one for every season. It usually has things like having sleepovers with friends, taking pictures at a pumpkin patch, going to the pool at least 5 times, taking a trip to the beach, etc.

I've never written a bucket list, but Maggie got me thinking about a different kind of list – a Spiritual Bucket List. A regular bucket list is usually things you want to do before you die – places to go, experiences to have, and so on. A spiritual bucket list is similar – what spiritual experiences do I want before I die?