Alexandra Bochte

ALEXANDRA BOCHTE, JD, MA, is a theology student at Marquette University. She works as a mental health therapist helping children and families with trauma. She enjoys reading and writing about history, suffering, and spirituality.

Gifts of the Spirit: Fear of God

Let us think about the number seven. God created the world in seven days, the Israelites were to cancel their debts and free their slaves every seventh year, Peter was told to forgive 77 times seven, and Naaman the Leper was told he would receive...

Following the Greatest Shepherd

The celebration of the Fourth Sunday in Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, is such a wonderful celebration for all, but most especially for those suffering from depression, grief, and the darkness of myriad other sufferings. The Evening Prayer in the...

The Stress Food of Eternal Life

Ever heard of stress eating? Using food to cope with anxiety and stress has become its own epidemic in the United States. Food is so easily at our finger tips that it has become a “go to” for stress management. Sometimes we are aware of...

Eyes on the Lord; Not on the Waves

Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord save me!” The second time...

Thirsty Ground

As a lover of plants, I often find myself apologizing to my wilty friends after forgetting to water them. They look sad and droopy, and almost seem to call out for help. Or maybe they are glaring at me with disgust as they recall not too long ago...

Time to Go Fishing

“As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea, they were fishermen.” Matthew 4:18. Simon was enjoying a nice quiet day out on θάλασσα, the...

The Power of Now

The conveniences and immediate gratifications of the twenty-first century have brought many benefits to our lives. With just a couple clicks we can have groceries assembled for us, we can send a message and receive a response in a matter of seconds...

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

It is another Monday morning. The weekend was great but not long enough. The hustle and bustle of the day has begun. You are rushing to get off to work to avoid the morning traffic. You have driven to work so many times that the sights pass by...