Spiritual Woman

What makes a school Catholic?

2009-11-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting article on what makes a school "Catholic":

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/education/ed0395.htm

Book Review: It's a Wonderful Imperfect Life

2009-11-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

I originally posted this review in July. Joan Webb is currently doing a blog tour for this wonderful book. I enjoyed it so much and I feel it could be such a help for other women, that I am re-posting the review!

It's A Wonderful Imperfect Life: Daily Encouragement for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right
By Joan C. Webb
Ventura, CA: Regal, 2009

If I had the money, I would buy a copy of “It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Devotional Readings for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right” by Joan C. Webb for every woman that I know. We all try so hard to do it all and get so down on ourselves when we discover that simply isn’t possible. Webb offers reassuring words based on scripture and rooted in her own experience to tell us that it is all OK. It is alright to let go of some of the pressure that we put on ourselves.

The 163 one-page devotions are divided into sections focusing on relationships, emotions, bodies, life-work, service, churches, culture, dreams and spirituality. If one particular area is troubling you, you can focus on just that section, or you can read it cover to cover as I did. Each page has something worthwhile to offer. For example, Devotion #1, “Smiling Here,” Webb invites us to recall a time we made a blunder and to laugh about it! As she reminds us, “I goofed. No big deal! It doesn’t make me less valuable.” In Devotion #30, “You Mad at Me?” Webb challenges us to stop taking on other’s moods. Women tend to feel that we are the reason someone else is upset or to feel that we must cure it. “The next time a loved one is in a bad mood and you feel the urge to ‘take it on,’ step back emotionally and ask God for wisdom.” Devotion #151, “Management Contract with God,” reminds us to turn over control of our lives to God. “Working for our ultimate good, He counsels us how to heal past damage, overcome self-defeating habits and experience contentment as we trust him for the future.”

“It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life” has much to offer for any Christian woman trying to do it all. I think it would take a lifetime to learn all these lessons, and even Webb admits she is still working on them, but the ability to pick up this book, take a deep breath, and stop and reflect and let go for a little bit is a great gift!

In Search of Wisdom

2009-11-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

“Wisdom” is a term we use frequently. We all want to be wise. Indeed, wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We refer to the “Wisdom Literature” in the Bible. There is even a book of the Bible entitled “Wisdom.” Yet, wisdom often seems hard to come by. How many people do you know who are truly wise? What is wisdom and how can we cultivate it in our lives?

Webster defines “wisdom” as “knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment or insight.” There are two main components to that definition – knowledge and action. It is important to note that both are needed. One can not simply be aware of the right thing to do. One must also do it. A wise person lives an authentic life. He or she integrates belief and behavior so that there is no disconnect between the two.

The wisdom we seek is one based in God. As such, it often flies in the face of what the world considers wise behavior. Society at large measures wisdom (and so many other things) in terms of monetary success. For the Christian, Jesus is the ultimate model of wisdom. St. Paul emphasizes that in light of the cross, “God has shown up human wisdom as folly.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) We seek the wisdom that leads to eternal life, not the wisdom that leads to a large bank account.

The Book of Proverbs offers much instruction on what it means to possess this type of wisdom. It is a “how-to” manual on how to live wisely. According to Proverbs, wisdom begins with “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7). This type of fear is a profound reverence and awe of God the Creator. That awe leads to respect for all of God’s creation. Loving others as ourselves will flow naturally out of that respect. Caring for the environment will as well.

“The wise listen and learn more.” They seek out guidance. (Proverbs 1:5) A wise person is willing to put in the time and effort to discover what is right and true. One can not have right behavior without a well-formed conscience. There is a duty to learn what God teaches, and not simply rely on one’s own feelings and desires. A wise person is willing to acknowledge that others know more and to learn from them.

There is both and ethical and spiritual component to wisdom. The ethical aspect concerns the actions a person makes. It is perhaps how a wise person will be most recognizable. However, a wise person is also engaged in a relationship with God. We were made to know, love and serve God. A wise person will do all of those things. True wisdom comes from God and a person cannot be truly wise without acknowledging and submitting to that higher power and intelligence. May we always seek to become wise in the way of God.

Book Review: An Amish Christmas

2009-11-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County
by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Barbara Cameron
Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2009

Looking for some sweet, heartwarming stories to lose yourself in this holiday season? An Amish Christmas may be just what you are looking for. Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Barbara Cameron, each established authors in their own right, have teamed up to write three novellas guaranteed to touch your heart and provide some quality leisure time. The three novellas, "A Miracle for Miriam," "A Choice to Forgive," and "One Baby" all take place in the same Amish community, focusing on different characters within it.

"A Miracle for Miriam" focuses on Miriam and her struggle with her own self-worth. Can she believe a young man who once cruelly rejected her is honest with his intentions and interest now? Can she forgive him for his insensitivity? Can she believe that she is beautiful and worthy of love?

"A Choice to Forgive" centers on Lydia, whose husband died two years before. When her husband's brother, her first true love, returns after 18 years away, she is forced to face their past together and the truth of what actually happened all those years ago. Can she forgive both her husband and her brother for the choice that they made?

"One Baby" features Sarah and her husband David. Sarah miscarried a baby the previous Christmas Eve and her heart is still heavy with grief. When this Christmas Eve finds them housing a very pregnant English woman and her husband who were stranded in a storm, she must face her own pain and anger at God and find the courage to help the lost couple in their own fear.

These three stories deal with forgiveness and trusting God. They both entertain and instruct. They are well-worth spending some time with this Christmas season. There is also a very useful reading guide in the back of the book for personal reflection or use in a book group.

How Spiritual Direction has Helped Me

2009-11-06T18:08:00.000-08:00

Long-time readers of my blog (to whom I am eternally grateful) have heard this story before, but Patricia-Ann Constance-Wilson Perkowski of http://www.spirituallivesofwomen.com/ asked me to share my story of spiritual direction for her site, so I am sharing it here as well. Patricia is offering on-line spiritual direction, which I think is a wonderful idea. I had looked for an on-line spiritual director when I was first searching for one and had come up empty. It is nice to know that there is that option if I need it.

In 2003 I was the mother of two small children and in the midst of an identity crisis of epic proportions. I loved my children very much, but I had stopped working when I became pregnant with my second child and I missed that sense of purpose. I was a woman with a master's degree who felt very unfulfilled. I didn't know what God wanted of me. I felt so very lost. I had heard of spiritual direction when I was doing my graduate work in theology, but still wasn't quite sure what it was or if it would benefit me. As someone who has suffered from depression, I had gone through traditional counseling, but always found it frustrating that God couldn't be part of that conversation. I always tried to frame my life in terms of what God wanted from me. Sometimes, that was very difficult to figure out. That moment was one of those times.

I saw a notice for an open house at a local Center for Spiritual Direction. I nervously went, my 2 1/2 year old son in tow. Everyone I met was so nice, and I was so very desperate for someone to help me. One woman was willing to meet with me late in the evenings after my children were in bed. I could just go once and see if it was something that was right for me. I felt such a sense of peace the first time I went. It was such a relief to have a God-centered conversation about everything that was going on in my life. I looked forward to my monthly conversations so much.

That first spiritual director truly helped me with the process of discernment. Through that process came the call to start writing about my spirituality to try to help other women also struggling with integrating their lives and their faith. It is one of the few times in my life I truly felt called by God to do something. The idea came to me and I knew it was something that I had to do. I have been doing just that for the past six years. My first project was a book, "Letters to Mary from a Young Mother" which shared my experience of the pregnancy and birth of my older son combined with prayers to Mary. I then began a newsletter and website. It was such a joy to be able to share my faith with others and I hope that I have helped others in the process as well.

Over the years, I have had three spiritual directors, each one providing me the help that I needed at the given time. I truly believe that God provides the spiritual director that you need at a certain moment and that the Holy Spirit is there in the process. I still look forward to my monthly meetings. I still have much to figure out as I walk this journey of life. I heartily recommend spiritual direction to anyone who is interested in exploring their relationship with God on a deeper level or who is struggling to discern what God wants from them.

Unfulfilled Desires

2009-11-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

At Bible Study this week, my friends and I were discussing “passions” – those things that we feel strongly about. According to Quentin Hakenewerth, S.M., “a passion is emotional energy which is attached to some goal or object. Passions help us become lively and resourceful persons.” However, we need to attach this energy to something that is worthwhile. “Saint John gives us three criteria for recognizing passions which are harmful and ego-centered: those which 1) pursue pleasure for its own sake; 2) crave possessions for their own sake; 3) covet status, titles, or rank to build up our image in the eyes of others (cf. 1 Jn 2:16).” On the other hand, one can never be too passionate about those things that come from God – “love, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (cf. Gal 5:22-24).

Everyone has something that gets their inner fires burning, and thankfully, these things generally coincide with gifts that have been bestowed upon them from God. The combination of our talents and our passions is the fuel which keeps us going in life. It is the impetus for civilization and relationships and contributions to society. The women whom I am lucky to call friends are all passionate people, yet when we got to the question “Describe a passion you have, for example, a desire to achieve some goal or work on a particular project which gives you lots of energy. What can you do to develop this passion?” the room became eerily silent. We are all mothers, and homeschooling mothers at that. There are so many things we would like to do, some desires admittedly more noble than others, yet they are squashed by a lack of time. There is only so much “emotional energy” that one can muster after a full day of parenting. Even when the energy is there, the time and opportunity are not.

It is true – we mothers do have ample opportunity to practice things like love, patience, kindness, generosity, and self-control. Motherhood is a noble pursuit. I know some women who were truly made to be mothers. I, however, am not one of them. I love my children with all my heart and do all I can for them. They were given to me by God and I treasure the gift and acknowledge the responsibility. I was called to homeschool, despite my initial reluctance. It was definitely the right decision for our family. I’m trying to be the very best mom I can be. I know that I am lucky to have this opportunity. Yet, I am more than that. I am more than the person who takes care of the kids and cleans the house (and I admit, I don’t do that chore particularly well). God gave me other gifts. I was also blessed with the opportunity to obtain an advanced education.

Like my friends, I do try to make use of my passions and talents to contribute to the world at large. It is always in small doses, however. I’ve had older mothers assure me that the day will come when I will get the opportunity to make more use of my gifts. That may be true, or it may not. There is no guarantee that I will live to see that day. Even if I do, there may very well be other people who will need my time and attention – sick parents or caring for grandchildren, for example. The future is a great unknown. All I have is today and the circumstances I find myself in. The unfulfilled desires are frustrating. I sometimes wonder why God made me, what my purpose is in the big scheme of things. I have to trust that he knows better than I do my reason for being here. All I can do is keep going, praying and trying to do the best I can with the time I have. Another wise woman at Bible Study (I told you I was lucky to be among these women!) reminded us all of the importance of acceptance. I need to work on that. I need to be happy where I am and let God take care of the restlessness in my heart.

The Importance of Play

2009-10-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

I read about The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally in Home Education Magazine today. While I haven't read it, this seems like a book I could agree with wholeheartedly. I have long maintained that children today do not have enough time to play, to engage their imaginations. Most children have lives that are structured from dawn to bedtime. David Elkind writes that "in our fast-track society 'play is being silenced'" and that it is all too easy to forget that "children can play safely without adult organization; they have done so as long as people have been on earth."

One of the things that I love about homeschooling is that my children do have more time to play and cultivate their imaginations. David spends much time playing with his Legos, creating imaginary worlds and new creations. Isaac loves to skip around the house telling stories. He is often lost in his own little world. When we go to Bible Study on Fridays, they get to play with a whole group of boys. Today they were busy digging a huge hole in my friend's backyard (she had given her OK). While we adults might be called to help if someone gets hurt or is crying, for the most part they are on their own to work out their own disputes and decide on the rules of their games. They play with kids both younger and older than themselves and learn teamwork and cooperation. It is a beautiful thing to see and they are the better for it. I am very lucky to be able to live this homeschooling life with my children.

My Favorite Painting of the Annunciation

2009-10-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite painting of the Annunciation. A copy of it used to hang in my spiritual director's office. It always seemed so inviting. The angel Gabriel is so calming - just a bright glowing light. Mary seems like the young human girl that she was - timid, uncertain where the road would take her. The colors are so warm. I always felt like I could be part of that painting. A couple days ago, I was flipping through the pages of "Antiques" magazine and came across this painting in an article about the artist - Henry Ossawa Tanner. This painting was completed in 1898. I was so excited to see the painting again and to be able to find it so that I could share it with you. I hope that you like it as well.

"Through the Open Window" still running on the Catholic Fiction Blog

2009-10-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that "Through the Open Window" is still running on my Catholic Fiction Blog. Chapters 1 - 7 are now up! More is up every day. It is a great story and an easy read! Check it out here:

catholicblogfiction.blogspot.com

Million Copy Give-Away of "Chili and Chocolate Cake"

2009-10-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Christian writer Joyce Schneider has written a few books on life. Most authors want to SELL a million copies of their books. She wants to GIVE AWAY A MILLION COPIES of her first book in E-Book Format.

Chili and Chocolate Cake is not your average inspirational book; and is as unique as the title. The author shares her message of forgiveness, restoration, and hope for hurting women-- especially those who have experienced the loss of a child through abortion, miscarriage, or stillborn birth. This book is a shining testimony to the power of God to heal the broken heart. Author Joyce Schneider's dramatic life and the miraculous change from a tortured young women to a great woman of God will encourage every reader. God even used the stability gained from preparing chili and chocolate cake to weave the thread of His grace throughout her troubled life. Get ready for an outpouring--from the barren days of the past, to springs of living waters; rivers that will refresh long after you close the pages of this book.

Just click on the link below for the details on downloading the E-Book.

http://www.alifedecision.org

Book Review: Uncommon Trust in God

2009-10-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Uncommon Trust in God: The Recent History of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Springfield
by Kathleen C. Keating, SSJ
Sisters of St. Joseph, Holyoke, MA 2009

"Uncommon Trust in God" was written to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, Massachusetts. Almost every Catholic life (and many non-Catholic lives) in this part of the world has been touched by a Sister of St. Joseph. Best known for their work in education, in recent years they have expanded their outreach and become fully dedicated to social justice issues wherever they may find them. Sr. Kathleen Keating, Ph.D. reflects on the past twenty-five years of the SSJ's history in this book.

The study is interesting in many ways. For those from the Springfield, MA area, this book is a trip down memory lane. Readers will recognize many of the names of the sisters profiled in these pages. They will smile at reflections on the SSJ Craft Fair which for twenty years was a mainstay of the Columbus Day weekend. They will remember schools and principals and new buildings. They will acknowledge programs and places that continue to make the world a better place. They may recall how a special sister or two touched their lives forever. Those who attended Elms College will find the appendix on that institution particularly fascinating. Sr. Kathleen Keating is a former president of the school and offers a tremendous amount of insight on its recent history.

From a broader perspective, it is a look at a congregation of religious sisters and how they adapted in the years after Vatican II. Sr. Kathleen examines how their lives changed in terms of how they lived and worked and governed themselves and carried out their mission. There were definitely growing pains, but Sr. Kathleen and most of the other sisters agree that the changes were for the best. They have learned to cope with an aging population and declining membership. They have found ways to continue to be relevant to the world. They have found ways to raise money and utilize their properties in order to care for their own. Through it all, they have retained their "Uncommon Trust in God."

Perhaps the greatest tribute to the Sisters of Saint Joseph is in the words of Bishop Timothy Harrington who spoke at the Sisters' 100th Anniversary Celebration:

"Each Sister of St. Joseph is a teacher. They teach by example, by that mysterious power that goes out from them like a light from a lamp, heat from a fire, and perfume from a flower. They teach by their presence in classrooms, in soup kitchens, in shelters for abused women, in their tireless advocacy for the poor, for human rights all over the world and here at home on behalf of America's new migrants and immigrants . . .They teach us when they ask, 'What are you as a Christian doing . . . ?'"

"Uncommon Trust in God" is a wonderful book for anyone interested in the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield or those who wish to learn more about religious sisters over the past twenty-five years.

To purchase a copy, please send $24 ($20 plus $4 shipping) to:

Sr. Kathleen Keating
Mont Marie
34 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040

Halloween and All Saints Day Projects

2009-10-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm busy planning my CCD class for this Sunday, which happens to fall on All Saints' Day. Lisa Hendey over at Catholic Mom has some great resources for anyone looking to do something special for Halloween or All Saints' Day:

http://www.catholicmom.com/halloween_projects.htm

Lord, Help Me to See You

2009-10-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Jesus said to [Bartimaeus] in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus said to him “Go; your faith has saved you.” And at once his sight returned and he followed him along the road.” Mark 10:51

This week’s Gospel is one of many illustrations of Jesus’ power to heal. These miracle stories usually share some common elements. The person approaches Jesus with firm conviction that Jesus can fix whatever it is that ails him or her. Jesus then performs this service, healing not only the body but also the soul. Lastly, Jesus comments on the person’s faith. It is the faith that saves the person. The person believes.

I am reminded of Jesus’ words to Thomas in the Gospel of John “You believe because you can see me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29) Obviously, those of us who practice our Christian faith 2000 years after Jesus walked the Earth fall into the second category, but believing without physical proof is not always easy. I've heard it said that faith is a gift given from God. That may be true. Perhaps some are given a greater capacity for faith than others. I think that all are capable of some measure of faith, however. God would not have created a person and made him or her incapable of believing in God. That doesn't make sense, especially in light of the fact that our main purpose for being is to know, love, and serve God. Therefore, it has to be possible to intellectually choose to have faith, to believe even when one doesn't have the feeling of belief. St. Therese did this in her last days. She doubted there was a heaven. Yet, she still chose to believe. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta did this as well. She had no consolation from prayer, yet she continued to pray and continued to believe in her mission from Christ.

I have heard so many takes on this Gospel. We all have blindness in our lives that needs to be removed. We are blind to the beauty of the world around us. We go through life with blinders on - looking, but not really appreciating the magnificent creation around us. We are blind to the needs of others. We focus on our own needs and wants and somehow miss how we can help those who share our lives who are in pain. We are blind to our own faults. We choose to overlook the shortcomings in ourselves, but are quick to point out the failings in others. Oh yes, we are all blind in some way.

Sometimes, however, I think that our greatest blindness is our failure to see God in our everyday lives. A spiritual director that I once had used to ask me "Where was God for you today?" It is such an important question, and one that we often overlook. We get so busy in the minutia of life, in the chores and the work and the responsibility, that we fail to notice God amidst the rhythm of daily life. Then, when the world comes crashing down around us, we wonder "Where is God?" God is there all the time, in both the good and the bad, but we need to open our eyes and quiet our hearts to see. We need to choose to believe even when we don't feel like it.

Dear Lord, please help me in my blindness. Help me to see you in each and every day, and to acknowledge your presence in my life. Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief.

"Through the Open Window" now on Catholic Fiction Blog

2009-10-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that starting today, the full novel "Through the Open Window" by Anne Faye will be serialized on my Catholic Fiction Blog. Read the first chapter at http://catholicblogfiction.blogspot.com/2009/10/through-open-window-by-anne-faye.html

You may also purchase the book at https://www.createspace.com/3403879

In Education, Sometimes Less is More

2009-10-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

The trend in traditional education these days is that more is better - more hours, more days, more instruction. The local Catholic elementary school lengthened the day by an hour this year. The students (including Kindergarteners) now get out at 3:30. Most get home around 4 pm. Those who play sports or having evening activities have to be out of their homes by 5 pm. After these activities, they have to go home and do their homework and then get ready for bed (probably too late to be fully rested to get up the next day and do it again). These children have no time for imagination. Almost every moment of their day has consisted of structured activity.

I am not anti-school. I'm glad that there is the option of free education in our country. I strongly support Catholic schools. I know several teachers who are dedicated and hard-working and go in every day and do the very best that they can. However, they simply cannot provide every child what she or he needs to be the best she or he can.

Homeschooling is incredibly more time-effective than traditional schooling. Children who are homeschooled have the time to pursue their own interests and the down-time to fully develop their imaginations. I see this every day with my own children, but I also witnessed it the other day in my friend's daughter. She is 10 years old. The other day, I was sitting at the sidelines of soccer practice doing some of my own work and she came and sat beside me, notebook in hand. She was working on writing a story. She had committed herself to working on it 10 pages every day. She sat there diligently writing, happy as could be. She was on page 73 when the practice was done. All I could think was that if she were in traditional school, she would never have the time to do this. She might have the idea for the story and even the desire to write it, but she wouldn't be able to, because her life would be filled up with things that other people think are important.

Homeschooling gives children the gift of time. Contrary to what the educational experts seem to think, sometimes, in education, less is definitely more.

Book Review: "The Angelic Way"

2009-10-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Angelic Way: Angels through the Ages and Their Meaning for Us

By Rabbi Rami Shapiro
New York: Bluebridge, 2009

Angels have captured the imagination of humanity since the beginning of time. Rabbi Rami Shapiro seeks to examine and explore the mystery of angels in his new book, “The Angelic Way: Angels Through the Ages and Their Meaning for Us.” He uncovers the shared myths about angels that exist in all the major religions of the world and contrasts and compares them. He emphasizes that myth does not mean “made up.” Rather, a myth may very well be rooted in reality. The purpose of a myth is to “bring about a transformation in the person wrestling with that myth.” Angels are meant to transform us, to bring us into closer contact with God, our Creator. Angels help lead us away from the notion that we are separate from God, an individual unto ourselves. They show us our interconnectedness with all the other beings on Earth and indeed, with God Himself.

Shapiro’s study is fascinating. While he does spend a great deal of time explaining the Jewish understanding of angels (understandably so), he does a very good job of researching how angels are portrayed in all the major religions of the world. The commonalities are striking. He also shows how the understanding of angels has changed over time. His chapter on “Satan, the Fallen Angel” is particularly interesting. He shows how the concept of Satan has developed through the ages. The idea of Satan predates Jesus by over a thousand years and has its roots in Zoroastrian mythology where he acts in opposition to God. In contrast, the Hebrew Scriptures present Satan as one who acts at God’s command or as “agent provocateur” (witness the book of Job). Satan can only suggest things. People choose to act. It is only in Christianity that Satan becomes capable of possessing people and forcing them to act.

Shapiro also devotes considerable time to exploring how angels have appeared as humans, the archangels, and the angel of death. He also delves into “the ascended ones” – humans in the various faith traditions who have been granted access to the next realm and then return to help those still in this realm. Elijah in Judaism, Mary in Christianity, and Muhammad in Islam all fall into this category. Shapiro’s last chapter is devoted to “Lectio Divina and the Angelic Way” to invite readers to meditate on the angelic myths and learn from them.

“The Angelic Way” is very interesting. While some of Shapiro’s ideas are dangerously close to Pantheism, there is still much to be learned from these pages. Perhaps the most important lesson is that angels are for all of us, regardless of our religious tradition.

"Through the Open Window" is now available!

2009-10-21T18:16:00.001-07:00

I am helping spread the word about a debut novel from Anne Faye, a friend of mine. "Through the Open Window" tells the story of Lucy Lyons, a woman trying to escape her past. Content to work as a librarian and live alone with her dog, all she wants is a simple life with no complications. When she decides to take the plunge and begins to write a novel during National Novel Writing Month, she gets much more than she bargained for. Her writing will not only force her to face her own secrets, but will also put her in the path of a handsome artist who shares her love of the written word. “Through the Open Window” is an engaging Catholic novel about the secrets we all keep and the hope for second chances.

It will be available soon on Amazon, but for right now is available here: https://www.createspace.com/3403879

If you are interested in writing a review for your blog or Amazon.com, please contact Anne at AnneMFaye@gmail.com. A limited number of review copies are available.

Also, please help spread the word by sharing this message! Thank you!

Good article on End of Life Issues

2009-10-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

Thankfully, this isn't an issue I've had to face in my life yet, but I'm sure at some point I will be struggling with these decisions. U.S. Catholic has a very good guide on End of Life Issues:

http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2009/10/let-your-conscience-be-your-guide

Letting Go of the Dreams of Our Youth

2009-10-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Letting Go the Dreams of Our Youth ~ By Dionna Sanchez

Hardly anyone lives the life they dreamt of or expected to live when they were younger. We all have those visions of perfect spouses, dream jobs, luxurious homes, and adoring friends. Then reality hits and we are disillusioned as we struggle to adjust.

I’ve come to realize that it’s important (if not vital) that we learn to let go the dreams of our youth. We need to grieve what’s been lost. If we lose a parent and don’t have grandparents around for our babies – we need to be able to grieve the dreams we had of loving grandparents who lavish our children with love and gifts. If we dreamed of having children and find that we can’t – we need to be able to grieve that fact.

Just because our lives don’t turn out the way we dreamed they would be doesn’t mean they can’t be fun, enjoyable, or even bring us great joy. It’s okay to grieve the loss of something in your life; as long as grieving it doesn’t become a lifelong thing but allows you to move on and embrace what you have been given.

I was given a wonderful husband. He has taught me so much and he loves me unconditionally. I am so blessed to have him in my life. And yet he was married before me. I ended up becoming a full-time custodial stepmom at the age of 23. We never had time to just be newlyweds without a child around. And there were other dreams I had that didn’t quite line up to God’s will for me either. It doesn’t mean I love my husband or my stepson any less to be able to mourn the loss of certain ideals and dreams that I had in my heart. In fact, it truly allows me to love them more. For if I hold onto the “wishes” and the “what if’s,” then I’m only holding myself back from my reality. A reality that has touched my soul and made me a better person.

You can’t go back and change life. You can’t live the way you dreamt of living if certain people, circumstances and “fate” change the course of your life. It is what it is. But you CAN reconcile some things within your heart. You CAN grieve over what was lost so that you are able to hold tenderly what was brought to you instead.

It’s okay for us to have dreams. We encourage our children to have dreams. But we need to realize that often life has detours and God may have other things in mind for us. It’s what we do with these changes in course that truly matters.

For me, I wouldn’t be half the woman I am now without the change in course that God brought into my life. I’m thankful for the lessons and growth He has showed me through the different direction He took me in. And I’ve found in the process that new dreams have replaced the old ones – better, more passionate, and cherished dreams. I’ve chosen to make the most of my life and to see what God sees in it… the good, the beautiful, the rich, and the memorable. It’s every bit (if not more) better than any of my dreams could have ever been.

~ Dionna Sanchez tries to be transparent with other women in the hopes that it will encourage and inspire. Visit her blog weekly at http://beautyinthestorm.blogspot.com or follow her on twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/DionnaSanchez

"Pick Me!"

2009-10-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him,
"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."
He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?"
They answered him, "Grant that in your glory
we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. Excerpt from Mk 10:35-45

I think that all of us can see ourselves in James and John in this Gospel. It is only normal to want to be chosen for the place of honor. We want to be acknowledged. How many of us have waved our hands and yelled (or at least thought) “Pick me! Pick me!” at some point in our lives? I’ve been there more times than, in light of this Gospel, I care to admit.

The Bible Study group I belong to is currently making its way through Growing in the virtues of Jesus: The Marianist method of virtues for use in groups
by Quentin Hakenewerth, SM. The very beginning of the book invites the reader to develop one’s true self and set aside one’s ego self. According to Hakenewerth, the ego is the part of us that believes we are the source of our own worth. “When we live out of our ego, we feel worthwhile only to the degree that we can attribute to ourselves – or get others to attribute to us – some achievement, merit, or credit.” Our ego is always searching for the next vote of approval. Hakenewerth shares a story of a religious sister who encountered a four-year-old girl at a Family Renewal conference. The sister asked the little girl what she had learned that day. “Oh, we learned about the old self and the new self,” the little girl responded. “When I am selfish, that’s my old self. And when I love others, that’s my new self.” The little girl had it all figured out.

This is the message of today’s Gospel. To follow Christ we must be the one who serves. We must put our own ego aside. We must stop looking for the accolades and the approval of the world. Rather, we must find our worth in the only One who matters. Our worth comes from God from the very moment of our conception. He made us. That is the source of our value. Instead of seeking the praise of the world and longing to be put on a pedestal, we need to seek to serve, to be “the slave of all.”

Of course, as with so many things in following Christ, knowing it does not make it easy to do. Our ego will continue to rear its head until the day we die, but we can take steps to move in the correct direction. We can take advantage of opportunities to put others first. Those opportunities abound in everyone’s life. We need only make the right choice. Instead of yelling “Pick me!” we can demonstrate “I choose to serve.”

"Sweet Dreams" by Katherine Valentine to be serialized on Catholic Mom

2009-10-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Lisa Hendey wrote today to share this exciting news:

We are thrilled to announce that on Monday, October 19, CatholicMom.com readers will have the first opportunity to read the brand new novel Sweet Dreams, by noted Catholic author and CatholicMom.com contributor Katherine Valentine.

Many of you join me in my great admiration for the work of this wonderful Catholic novelist. Katherine Valentine’s widely read novels explore God’s response to our prayers in times of need. They include: A Miracle for St. Cecilia’s; A Gathering of Angels; Grace Will Lead Me Home; On A Wing and A Prayer; The Country Fair and The Haunted Rectory. All can be found in major bookstores and on-line.

Be sure to join us on Monday morning, October 19 at 10 am Pacific time to begin reading Chapter 1 of Sweet Dreams here on the website. New chapters will be added weekly as we enjoy this delicious new novel together! Please tell your book loving friends and join me in thanking Katherine Valentine for this wonderful new addition to the literature she has created.

http://new.catholicmom.com/2009/10/16/new-katherine-valentine-novel-to-appear-free-online-at-catholicmom-com/

Book Review: "Moms Go Where Angels Fear to Tread"

2009-10-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Moms Go Where Angels Fear to Tread: Adventures in Motherhood

by Joan Wester Anderson
New York: Guideposts, 2009

Joan Wester Anderson,
New York Times best-selling author of "Where Angels Walk," has turned her attention to motherhood in "Moms Go Where Angels Fear to Tread: Adventures in Motherhood." Anderson is the mother of five grown children. As such, she has much wisdom and experience to impart to those of us still in the trenches. For example, "If you rely on God's help and second on your own good instincts, you'll be happier for it."

Anderson regales her audience with humorous tales of her own experience of motherhood that will have fellow mothers nodding and laughing in agreement. Anderson tackles such topics as attempting to remodel a house, the stress that is the month of February (how can such a short month cause so much trouble?), sending children to school for the first time, taking children to the doctors only to have them be miraculously healed in the waiting room, and watching a child perform onstage for the first time. Anderson concludes each chapter with a wise quote regarding the topic at hand. One of my favorites was from Father Ron Rolheiser: "A mother rearing children . . . is forced, almost against her will, to constantly stretch her heart. For years, her time is never her own, her own needs have to be kept in second place and every time she turns around a hand is reaching out and demanding something. She hears the monastic bell many times during the day and she has to drop things in midsentence and respond, not because she wants to, but because it is time for that activity and time isn't her time, but God's."

"Moms Go Where Angels Fear to Tread" is an enjoyable romp through the experience of motherhood. It will both make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings.

Novena Prayer to St. Joseph

2009-10-12T15:30:00.001-07:00

St. Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor
of all who love and venerate you.
I have special confidence in you.
You are powerful with God and will
never abandon your faithful servants.
I humbly invoke you and commend myself with all
who are dear to me to your intercession.

By the love you have for Jesus and Mary,
do not abandon me during life
and assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious St. Joseph, be my guide,
my father, and my model through life
that I may merit to die as you did in
the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
I am confident that your prayers on my behalf
will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

Through Christ, our Lord, Amen

Book Review: "That Book Woman"

2009-10-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

I read "That Book Woman" by Heather Hansen (pictures by David Small) to my two boys yesterday and just fell in love with it. This work of fiction was inspired by courageous work of the "Pack Horse Librarians" who were known as "Book Women" in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. These women would travel through all sorts of weather to bring free books to families to read. Every two weeks they would come to take back the old ones and bring a new set. In "That Book Woman" the main character Cal really doesn't see the point of "The Book Woman" or books in general. By the end of the story he has changed his tune. He swallows his pride and asks his sister to teach him to read and he discovers the magic of books. As someone who loves books and the magic of the written word so very much, I was touched by the message of the value of literacy. I was also impressed by the lengths these women went to in order to share books with these rural communities. This is a wonderful book to share with your children!

St. Teresa on Prayer

2009-10-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

October 15th is the feast of St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church. A 16th century Carmelite who worked to bring reform to that religious order, she is a well-known mystic who was blessed with intimate union with God. In 1577, she was encouraged by a superior to pen a book on prayer in order to instruct her fellow sisters. As a result, the Interior Castle, one of the greatest theological works of all time, was written. St. Teresa writes, “I began to think of the soul as if it were a castle . . . in which there are many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions. . . The door of entry into this castle is prayer and meditation.”

It is important to note that while St. Teresa’s words were originally intended for those living a consecrated religious life, her teachings have meaning for each of us. Few of us will ever reach the summits of union with God that Teresa experienced. Those of us who live in the world are called to a different way of life and have different obligations. Yet, all of us are invited into a deep relationship with God. Our entire reason for being is to know, love, and serve God. Everything else: our relationships with others, the work of our hands, and the mark we leave on the world, flows from that. Prayer is the key to that relationship with God.

St. Teresa shares what she had been told by a very learned man – “Souls without prayer are like people whose bodies or limbs are paralyzed: they possess feet and hands but they cannot control them.” Without God’s assistance, we are truly powerless. St. Teresa offers great encouragement to the person beginning to pray in earnest. “All that the beginner in prayer has to do . . . is to labor and be resolute and prepare himself with all possible diligence to bring his will into conformity with the will of God.” She also knows that there will be times when we fail in our efforts. “If, then, you sometimes fall, do not lose heart, or cease striving to make progress, for even out of your fall God will bring good. . . .Provided we do not abandon our prayer, the Lord will turn everything we do to our profit.” However, it is important to acknowledge that we can never deserve anything from God. We can never earn His favor. All of His gifts are freely given. We need to love God without any selfish motives. We should not desire to receive consolations in prayer. Yet, “where there is true humility, even if God never grants the soul favors, He will give it peace and resignation to his will.”

She also offers encouragement to those of us who get distracted while praying. “Do not imagine that the important thing is never to be thinking of anything else and that if your mind becomes slightly distracted all is lost.” It is still important to struggle through and keep praying. It is only through such dedication that God will give us “the strength which fits us for service. . . The Lord leads each of us as He sees we have need.”

As we celebrate St. Teresa’s feast day, let us reflect on the way she pointed us to God, and invited us into deeper communion with Him. Through her teachings on prayer, she helps instruct us on how to progress in the spiritual life.