tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21180483863131761662024-03-13T09:41:52.973-05:00More Than EnoughSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.comBlogger506125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-69848891429365785362015-06-05T14:17:00.001-05:002015-06-05T14:17:50.602-05:00Come on over!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently had the chance to transfer my blog to WordPress, and I jumped at it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Introducing ... <a href="http://sarahdamm.com/">sarahdamm.com</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More Than Enough was not available as a domain name, and I really did not know what to rename my blog. So, I kept it simple and went with my name. I am OK with this, and I may add a tagline that would serve as a blog name.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My goal is to have this blog be a platform for my writing. It is something on my heart to develop, even though I have no idea where this will take me (if anywhere).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you will join me over at my new space. It is still a work-in-progress, so please be patient, as I transfer my bloglovin' and other social media connections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Come on over!</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-21794854718158110712015-05-18T11:46:00.006-05:002015-05-18T11:46:56.622-05:00Daybook :: Simply Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spring has sprung in Minnesota! We have had a lot of rain, the grass is greening up and the flowers are blooming! Today is cool, though ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thanking God for ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;">* His message and His messengers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;">* opportunities for growth and a reclaiming of my life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;">* a supportive and patient husband</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Lord recently spoke to me through this Scripture passage during a talk by <a href="http://comeintotheword.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Christmyer</a>. It was like I was hearing it for the first time ... When we walk by sight, our eyes remain on our problems and those problems take up our entire field of vision. But when we walk by faith, we see beyond our problems to a more eternal perspective. Similarly, on retreat a few months ago, Fr. Caesar told me to look up, even on a cloudy day, and know that the sun is shining beyond the gray clouds. He encouraged me to not focus on the gray clouds but see the sun shining beyond the clouds. That is walking by faith, and not by sight! Thanks be to God for His clear message and for sending me His messengers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Gray hooded sweater</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Jeans</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reading ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* My Bible and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934217166/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1934217166&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=R4M5AAFMHG5HJ5II" style="font-weight: bold;">The Bible Timeline Guided Journal</a> </i>by Sarah Christmyer. The journal guides you through the story of salvation history by reading the 14 narrative books of the Bible in 90 days (or as long as it takes you). I went through <b><a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/catholic-bible-study">The Great Adventure Bible Study</a></b> 10 years ago, and it was amazing! I have done some additional studies, too. However, I really want to read the Bible on a more regular basis and enter into Lectio Divina, praying with Scripture. This is slow-going, but I will keep pressing on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0529100754/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0529100754&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=TRBYSTZ2Z6XRD2ER" target="_blank"><b><i>Fly a Little Higher</i></b></a> by Laura Sobiech. This is a beautifully poignant book about a mother walking with her son Zach, as he lives with terminal cancer. It is a powerful message of surrender, trust and hope. She prayerfully gives her son back to God and asks Him to transform her sorrow into something good. The answer to her prayer is amazing, as Zach's life continues to influence millions across the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* Up next: <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594715998/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1594715998&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=2MWLSRIZUA4K2YJO" target="_blank">Unleashed: How to Receive Everything the Holy Spirit Wants to Give You</a></i></b> by Sonja Corbitt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have set a reading goal on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">: 15 books in 2015. I know it's not a lot, but I am working on small steps and being realistic in my real life. Are you on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">? If so, let's connect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* Summer plans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* A summer routine</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the table ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* Simple meals for busy spring days</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plans for the week ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* Last full week of school!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* Haircut</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* Field day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* Cleaning out the garage</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Praying for ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my husband</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my children (by name), as they end the school year</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* peace and unity in the home</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* for clarity</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-25797352712126143052015-05-14T19:48:00.003-05:002015-05-14T19:48:27.740-05:00Faith-based Ideas for a Fun Summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>One idea for staying connected to our faith during the summer months is to visit a local shrine or find one near your vacation spot. Here is my family at the living Rosary of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Two Inlets, MN.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two weeks from today is my children's last day of school. Summer is right around the corner. While sifting through summer camp brochures and swim lesson schedules, I wonder how to intertwine our Catholic faith into our summer plans. With a break from religion classes and youth group meetings, how can I help my family keep connected to our faith in fun ways?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently chose <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2015/04/camp-provides-summer-fun-in-catholic.html" target="_blank">Catholic Youth Camp</a> for my oldest daughter, and we are excited about it! But that is only one of six children and one of 12 weeks of the summer season. So, what are we going to do for the rest of our time?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/05/14/faith-based-ideas-for-a-fun-summer/" target="_blank">Over at CatholicMom.com, I share seven ideas to keep our faith alive and active this summer.</a> Perhaps some of my ideas will inspire your family. And please come on over and share your ideas, too!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JRCoVu6MMaA%2FVVVBYfRoAAI%2FAAAAAAAAG44%2F9lT9kpzJDl4%2Fs640%2F1186761_231635360318747_273318683_n.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JRCoVu6MMaA%2FVVVBYfRoAAI%2FAAAAAAAAG44%2F9lT9kpzJDl4%2Fs640%2F1186761_231635360318747_273318683_n.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-65143553952868644392015-05-01T09:22:00.002-05:002015-05-01T09:22:47.995-05:00Revisiting May Day<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>From the archives ... A repost from <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-day.html" target="_blank">one year ago today</a> ...</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy May Day, friends! Today begins a month-long devotion to Our Blessed Mother, Mary. Around the Web and blogosphere, it is encouraged to honor Mary with pictures, quotes or reflections throughout the month! I plan on doing this, and I hope you will join me! If you do, please be sure to leave a comment, so that I can visit your post!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think it is so fitting that today also is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, who was such an essential part of the life of Jesus and Mary.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is what Pope Francis (as Jorge Mario Bergoglio) said about St. Joseph:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>What is said about Joseph can be summarized like this: accept the mission from God, let yourself be led by God, embrace the hardship and danger in order to save the Savior. Joseph saves Mary's reputation, the lineage of Jesus, the integrity of the Child, his rootedness in the land of Israel ... Joseph is also saved from an isolated life, from a life that would have been perhaps less turbulent, but that would have lacked the consolation of carrying God in his arms.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here is our Mary altar from a couple years ago. It reminds me to dig out some decorations and recreate this once again! Having a Mary altar in the home this month is so simple and yet such a delightful space to enjoy. (And you can be sure it will put a smile on the faces of Jesus and Mary ... and Joseph, too!)</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-54988454218015322422015-04-23T08:24:00.002-05:002015-04-23T08:24:11.590-05:00Camp provides summer fun in a Catholic setting {Plus a camp discount for readers!}<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As my children count down the days until school is over for another year, I am starting to look ahead to the months of June, July and August. Typically, I feel a sense of panic, as I wonder what I am going to do to keep six children of varying ages occupied for three months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the most part, my children are still young enough to be happy with afternoons running through the sprinkler and eating popsicles on the front porch. But the structure that swimming lessons and VBS provides is a good thing, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This summer, in addition to our traditional summer plans, we will embark on a new summer activity. A weeklong, overnight camp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are plenty of camps and summer programs available these days, but it was important to our family to find something that is not only fun but faith-based as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In Minnesota, we have a very unique summer camp that not only gives kids a fun week of outdoor activity, crafts and games. It provides all of that (and more) in a Catholic setting. It's called <a href="http://www.cycamp.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Youth Camp</a>, and we're giving it a try this summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we embark on this new adventure, I thought it might be nice to share a bit about CYC here on the blog, just in case other families are looking for a quality Catholic camp for their children. Even those who do not live in Minnesota, perhaps a quick Google search will help you find something similar in your area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is a recent interview I conducted with CYC Camp Director Natalie King. In addition to giving us a great sense for CYC, <b>Natalie has graciously offered my readers a discount on camp, too!</b> See below for details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tell us a little bit about <a href="http://www.cycamp.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Youth Camp</a> (CYC).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CYC is Minnesota's only Catholic resident camp. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are a traditional overnight camp in a faith-centered environment. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Started in 1947, this will be our 68th summer. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are an independent camp (not part of a parish or diocese) and draw kids from all over the state and even outside of Minnesota. Campers range from seven to 14 years old, and we also have teen programming for 10th-12th graders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Describe the camp setting on Big Sandy Lake.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CYC sits on 17 acres of land. We have 12 camper cabins that are rustic but perfect for kids looking for a traditional outdoor experience. Our main lodge is the biggest building in Aitkin county and houses our dining hall, main bathrooms and lots of common space. We have a beautiful sandy beach, a boating bay for canoes and kayaks, an archery/slingshot range, a great campfire circle, an arts and crafts barn, and a gorgeous chapel which was built in 1924.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What does a typical camp week include?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Camp runs from Sunday-Friday. On Sunday, kids meet the other 11 campers and two counselors in their cabin, take a tour of camp, select their activities for the week, go to chapel and end the evening with a campfire. During the week, cabins do many activities together, and campers get to sign up for individual activities to specialize in (i.e., archery, art, canoeing, fishing, dance, drama, sports, swimming, cooking, choir and nature). They divide up with other boys and girls in the same age group to do each activity for one hour each day. We also have morning and evening chapel, meals, rest time and evening activities. W</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">e celebrate Mass once per week. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The days are busy but so fun! A typical day is detailed on our <a href="http://cycamp.org/Parents/Daily%20Schedule" target="_blank">Web site</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>What makes CYC camp unique from other overnight camps?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At Catholic Youth Camp, campers experience God in everything they do. CYC has so many fun activities but what makes us really special is our close knit community. There are a lot of great camps out there, but CYC is a place where kids will belong. They will not just have fun, learn new activities and make friends, but they will have the opportunity to grow in faith and get excited about their faith in a different way than they might experience in church or at school. CYC is the place to be if you love having fun and are excited about (or even just curious about) your faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What is your favorite part of being the CYC director? How long have you been in this position?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been the director for eight years, and I <i>love</i> my job. My favorite part of camp is hearing feedback from kids and parents that CYC is a place where they feel like they belong. I love that we have a community that makes everyone feel welcome. I also love kayaking and of course eating s'mores!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tell us about the volunteers and camp counselors that you recruit for camp.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our staff members are 19 years old and older, and they love kids, the outdoors and their faith. Our staff is cool and fun. They love movies and music and sports, but they also </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">are </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">passionate about being Catholic. Often when we look at famous athletes, movie stars and musicians, it can be tough to find positive role models for kids. At CYC, our staff members are young, fun, cool, </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> they are positive role models. CYC staff members help kids see that being excited about their faith isn't just for adults, faith can be part of their lives, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Is there anything else you would like to share with families who might be considering CYC this summer?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CYC is a small (averaging 70-100 campers per week) community that helps every camper succeed. You don't have to be Catholic; everyone is welcome. CYC is not a Bible camp, in that kids won't necessarily learn about the Bible or teachings of the Church. But kids will come home excited about prayer, curious about learning more about their faith and feeling positive about being Catholic. Also, they will have a ton of fun in all of the activities. They can sign up with a buddy and be in a cabin together, or they can come on their own and meet new friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How can someone register for CYC?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Visit our <a href="http://www.cycamp.org/" target="_blank">Web site</a> for more information. We also are on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. Feel free to call me at 651-636-1645, with any questions. If you decide to register, <b>we are offering <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">More Than Enough</a> readers a $25 discount.</b> When you register, create an account and sign up. When you check out, use the code MTE15 (the initials of the blog), you will receive the $25 discount.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Photos courtesy of Catholic Youth Camp.</i></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-49954783925568902232015-04-22T16:58:00.000-05:002015-04-22T16:58:08.862-05:00Children's Book Shares the Easter Story in a New Way<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's still Easter! How do you continue to celebrate during the 50 days?</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One simple way that we keep the hope and joy of the Resurrection alive is by reading the Easter story in various books.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940209137/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1940209137&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=63NVOQZCHH66QTZB">God’s Easter Gifts</a></i></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940209137/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1940209137&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=63NVOQZCHH66QTZB" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> by Brenda
Castro is a delightful new children’s book that I recently added to our
seasonal book basket. I had the pleasure of </span><a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/04/22/childrens-book-shares-the-easter-story-in-a-new-way/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">reviewing</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> it over at </span><a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/04/22/childrens-book-shares-the-easter-story-in-a-new-way/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">CatholicMom.com</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Please click on over to read more about a wonderful new Easter book!</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-20646370243373227752015-04-10T12:48:00.001-05:002015-04-10T12:48:17.030-05:00Five Ideas to Celebrate the Easter Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you probably already know, Easter is not just a one-day holiday in the Catholic Church. It is a 50-day season of celebrating and meditating on Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, the event on which our entire faith is centered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During the Octave of Easter, which is the eight days between Easter Sunday and Divine Mercy Sunday, it is as if each day is Easter Sunday! If you are reading the daily Gospel readings each day, you probably already have noticed that all of them are related to the various accounts of the Risen Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fifty days is a long time to celebrate something. But when we recall that what we are celebrating is the most important aspect of our faith, we are grateful that in the Church’s wisdom, we are given ample time to focus on what the resurrection means in salvation history as well as what it means to us, personally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We do not have to keep the party going for 50 days, though! After all, most of us have jobs, school and chores to attend to, not to mention the upcoming spring sports schedule and various family commitments to incorporate into the daily routine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But if we can sprinkle a few key celebratory moments into our normal schedule, then perhaps we can still maintain a spirit of Easter between now and Pentecost Sunday (May 24). And perhaps celebrating the Easter season will allow our faith to become an even more intricate part of our everyday life, well into Ordinary Time and beyond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/04/09/five-ideas-to-celebrate-the-easter-season/" target="_blank">Over at CatholicMom.com, I suggest five simple things to do this Easter season to keep the joyous celebration of Christ’s Resurrection alive in the hearts of you and your family. </a>Please click on over! And also join the conversation by sharing some of your favorite Easter activities.</span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-24151032618875222232015-04-05T19:30:00.000-05:002015-04-05T19:30:55.189-05:00Happy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">—St. John Chrysostom</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-1534281675772272712015-03-25T09:01:00.000-05:002015-03-25T09:01:42.081-05:00#WorthRevisit :: Drink Deeply and Be Filled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.altusfineart.com/living-water-2/?sort=bestselling"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Living Water</i> by Simon Dewey</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Since the Gospel reading about the Woman at the Well</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"> (John 4:5-42) is very common during the season of Lent, I thought I'd add this re-post to the<a href="http://reconciledtoyou.com/2/post/2015/03/worthrevisit-perceived-injuries.html"> #WorthRevisit blog link-up</a> today. I love this Gospel story; it is </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">one of my favorites.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">The story of the Woman at the Well reminds me of the sacrament of Confession. Jesus meets the woman where she's at, and He loves her, even with all her failings and shortcomings. Like the Woman at the Well, Jesus meets us where we're at, in what we're</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"> struggling with, in the sacrament of Confession. All we have to do is open up to Him, and His mercy, grace, love and peace will overflow like living water onto our parched souls.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Once in a homily, our pastor talked about Jesus' gaze at this woman, and He reminded us that when we look upon the Lord in prayer, He really is looking back at us. Sometimes, I forget that, when my prayer is dry or when I feel like He is being silent and not responding quickly enough to my pleas. Well, perhaps He is being quiet, but that doesn't mean He's not present, not gazing lovingly into my eyes. I have to remember to be still and be with Him a bit more when I pray.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2009/03/drink-deeply-and-be-filled.html">I wrote about this Scripture passage five years ago</a>, but I am reposting it again today. I hope the message of God's love will bless you in some way today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">God bless you, dear friends, as we near the holiest of weeks!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">This image was a focal point on my retreat—</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2009/02/weekend-of-prayer.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Be Filled</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">—a few weekends ago. A small card was taped onto the retreat journals that were handed out. Large posters with this image on it surrounded our meeting room. And every time I gazed upon it, I saw myself. I was the woman at the well. I was the woman in need of a drink. I was the one who Jesus was looking so intently at with those eyes of love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Can't you just picture yourself as the woman in this picture? Yes, we all know it really is the Samaritan Woman at the Well. But couldn't it really be any one of us?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Here is this woman, encountering Jesus. At first, she does not understand Him. Maybe she does not feel worthy of talking with Him, for she is a woman after all, and a Samaritan woman at that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">He offers her water, life-giving water, that she may thirst no more but be filled completely.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">And even though she reveals her past to Him, He doesn't turn away. Rather, with mercy and love, He draws her closer unto Himself.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">It is clear she has faith in the One who is to come, and when He tells her He is the Messiah, she cannot help but tell everyone around her about Him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">And so it is with me ...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Sometimes I feel like I can't possibly be loved by Jesus. My sin is too big. My fear is in the way. My past mistakes are haunting me. I am bound by a spirit of regret, anger, despair, doubt.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Jesus does love me—and each one of you, too. Our faith tells us this, Scripture reveals this to us, the Church teaches this, and so it is true. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">He wants us to come to Him like that woman did. He wants us to sit at His feet. He wants that time when it is just us and Him. He wants us to believe that we are that important to Him, because we are. He wants to fill us with life-giving water—the Holy Spirit—to banish once-and-for-all our sin, our fear, our doubt, and be redeemed by His overflowing mercy and love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Like on my retreat, I hope to meet Jesus this Lent at the well. To drink deeply of His mercy, healing, forgiveness, love, grace and peace. To come back again and again for more. He wants to pour out lavishly upon me, upon all of us, if only we ask and are open to receiving Him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">I hope to do this to receive. But also I hope to do this to sacrifice with Him, as He journeys to Calvary. May I love with Him by taking up my own cross along side His. That in the suffering and loss I may also experience Resurrection in the most fulfilling way possible. Deeply. Purely. Completely. Lovingly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">And then after I do this, like the Samaritan woman, may I share this faith, this truth, this love with others—my family, my friends, anyone God places in my life—so that they may drink deeply, too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">This Lent, and for years to come, let us be like the Woman at the Well, so we may thirst no more.</span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-24404148643492247282015-03-22T17:57:00.002-05:002015-03-22T17:57:30.541-05:00Daybook :: Doesn't Feel Like Spring {Plus Giveaway Reminder!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quite a difference from two weeks ago, when I wrote my last daybook post! It is cold and cloudy, and it doesn't feel like spring. My children are disappointed in this weather, because this week is spring break for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thanking God for ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A sure sign of God's love for me ... even when I started the day on the completely wrong foot. Yes, that is a whipped-cream heart in my coffee that I didn't even try to make! I know it was from God, reminding me of His love and mercy. He definitely knows how to speak to me—through my coffee, of course!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A very powerful experience on my annual Spiritual Exercises retreat. I have been attending the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola for about five years now, and each and every year, t</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he message God has for me is always just what I need. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The format is familiar, and I love the routine and rhythm of the prayers, times of meditation and even the silent meals. Every year, it is one of the best weekends of my year. (I recently wrote about the Spiritual Exercises on <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/01/08/spiritual-exercises-offer-real-resolutions-for-2015/">CatholicMom.com</a>, and specifically the <a href="http://www.mileschristi.org/activities/spiritual-exercises/">Priests of Miles Christi </a>who present the retreats all over the U.S. Check it out! You just might find a retreat close to you!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Watching my daughters work hard on their swimming and enjoy the opportunity to compete in their first swim meet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Spring break ... Even if we're staying home and it's cold, it's nice to have a break!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A new four-month health and fitness class I am taking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Perseverance, mercy and joy ... The three key words I took away from my Spiritual Exercises retreat. (More later ... maybe.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been using this prayer book almost everyday for five years. It's from my Spiritual Exercises retreat. But just last weekend was the first time I ever read the following prayer. And it was just what I needed.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Act of Confidence in Divine Mercy</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (of St. Claude de la Colombière)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Lord, behold a soul that is in the world so that Thou may exercise Thine admirable mercy to make it shine before heaven and earth.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Others glorify Thee by showing, through fidelity and constancy, the power of Thy grace and how sweet and generous Thou art to those who are faithful to Thee. As for me, I will glorify Thee by manifesting how good Thou art to sinners. In me Thou will show that Thy mercy is superior to all our malice, that nothing can exhaust it, and that no relapse, however shameful and culpable it may be, should make a sinner lose hope in Thy forgiveness.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>My beloved Redeemer, I have offended Thee gravely. But it would be worse still if I add to my offenses the horrible outrage of thinking that Thou art not so good as to forgive me.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>In vain Thine enemy—who is also mine—sets new snares for me daily. He may cause me to cast away everything except the hope I have in Thy mercy. Even though I fall a hundred times, and my sins were a hundred times more horrible than what they are, I will always continue to hop in Thee.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Green sweater</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Navy and white stripped maxi skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Floral scarf</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reading ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* My Bible and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934217166/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1934217166&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=R4M5AAFMHG5HJ5II" style="font-weight: bold;">The Bible Timeline Guided Journal</a> </i>by Sarah Christmyer. The journal guides you through the story of salvation history by reading the 14 narrative books of the Bible in 90 days (or as long as it takes you). I went through <b><a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/catholic-bible-study">The Great Adventure Bible Study</a></b> 10 years ago, and it was amazing! I have done some additional studies, too. However, I really want to read the Bible on a more regular basis and enter into Lectio Divina, praying with Scripture. So, this Lent I am focusing on it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Sarah also is offering a <a href="http://comeintotheword.com/?page_id=11">series on covenant with God this Lent</a>, specifically by musing on the first readings of each Sunday Mass and how they take us on a journey through God's plan to save us. They have coincided perfectly with my Bible reading, reinforcing themes of God's love and His desire to save us. They have enhanced my Lent, for sure!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935940619/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1935940619&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=CDBYFWZYYA26TKLW">Momnipotent</a></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Danielle Bean. I am reading this book and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/theology-of-the-body/study-for-women" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">accompanying study</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">with five wonderful women. We only have one session left. The message has been just perfect for where I am in my motherhood. It has been much more thought-provoking and self-reflective than I expected. I have loved it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689101&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=D6U4OZPKSXY4RH55">The Thief</a> </i></b>by Stephanie Landsem. This is the second book in her Biblical fiction series, and it is just perfect for these final weeks of Lent! I recently interviewed Stephanie for an article on <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/03/12/fiction-series-breathes-new-life-into-beloved-gospel-stories/">CatholicMom.com</a>, and I am currently hosting a <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2015/03/fiction-series-breathes-new-life-into.html">giveaway</a> for her newest release, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689128/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689128&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=SPRAZQAWB742NVQ5">The Tomb</a></i></b>. It is not to late to enter! I will be announcing the winner Wednesday, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have set a reading goal on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">: 15 books in 2015. I know it's not a lot, but I am working on small steps and being realistic in my real life. Are you on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">? If so, let's connect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Plans for Holy Week and Easter (lots to do here!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* My <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2015/02/yarn-along-40-cross-prayer-shawl.html">40-Cross Prayer Shawl</a></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the table ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have a few Paleo meals on the menu from</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://emeals.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">eMeals</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">. I also got the Paleo cookbook, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0989487504/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0989487504&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=YAAUHXODXXYPWPEX">Well Fed 2</a>,</i></b> for my birthday, and I plan to make Sunrise Scramble and Cincinnati Chili this week!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>My sweet little St. Patrick's Day girl, and we're not even Irish!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plans for the week ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Haircuts for the boys</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Easter dress/outfit shopping—What do we have? What do we need to get? This will also serve as attire for our upcoming parish directory photo!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <i>Cinderella</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Confession and Eucharistic Adoration</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <a href="http://www.siena.org/Called-Gifted/called-a-gifted">Called & Gifted</a> workshop this weekend</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Praying for ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my husband</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my children (by name)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* family and friends, especially those who have asked me to pray for them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* the souls in purgatory</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am linking up with Jenny at <a href="http://www.thelittlestway.com/daybook-online-journal-spring/">The Littlest Way</a> today!</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-31981270243501266012015-03-19T09:58:00.000-05:002015-03-19T10:06:24.889-05:00Fiction series breathes new life into beloved Gospel stories {and a GIVEAWAY!}<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Solemnity of St. Joseph! In honor of this very special day, I thought it would be fun to host a giveaway! Hooray!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last evening, I had the pleasure of attending the release party for <a href="http://www.stephanielandsem.com/">Stephanie Landsem</a>'s third </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">novel <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689128/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689128&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=WHGWSBGYXFJYXP4Q">The Tomb</a></b></i>. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was my very first book release party, and it was a real treat! Located at</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> the historic Lowell Inn in Stillwater, Minn., f</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">riends, family and fans gathered to have Stephanie sign our new books, and to enjoy scrumptous appetizers and amiable conversation. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was fun to be out and about in the middle of the week to support my new friend's amazing accomplishment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I met Stephanie on an icy evening in January at a meeting to plan the </span><a href="http://womeninthenewevangelization.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WINE: Catholic Women's Conference</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. I am grateful that God placed us at the same table that evening, because not only was I introduced to an incredible woman of faith and joy, but I also was introduced to a beautiful book series that breathes new life into beloved Bible stories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stephanie is the author of the Living Water Series, which comprises of three Biblical historical fiction novels. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451688857/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451688857&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=WQVFIB66MQ5S2E3X">The Well</a></b></i>, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stephanie's</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> debut novel, is about the woman at the well. <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689101&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=R6XUI3NEVBCT4PF7">The Thief</a></b></i> centers on the healing of the blind man and also integrates the story of the good their crucified with Jesus. And <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689128/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689128&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=WHGWSBGYXFJYXP4Q">The Tomb</a></b></i>, which just released March 17, is a story about Martha, Mary and Lazarus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recently read </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451688857/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451688857&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=WQVFIB66MQ5S2E3X">The Well</a></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, and I found it to be an absolutely beautiful story about faith, love, hope and surrender. It is adventurous, moving and inspiring. I could not put it down, and I did not want it to end, as I read the last several pages through my tears of overwhelming emotion for the characters that Stephanie so deeply developed. What I loved most of all was her beautiful way of writing a story about unconditional love so strong that we are willing to sacrifice our own hopes and desires for the good of another person and for the glory of God. </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1173827716?book_show_action=false" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Click here for my full review of <i>The Well</i> on Goodreads.</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(I plan to start <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689101&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=R6XUI3NEVBCT4PF7">The Thief</a></b> </i>today, because I was told by two women I sat with at the book party that it is a great book to read during Lent and Holy Week! Plus, I think a solemnity such as this deserves some refreshing activity, like getting lost in a good book. Don't you?! And I cannot wait to have the chance to read <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689128/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689128&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=WHGWSBGYXFJYXP4Q">The Tomb</a></i> ... maybe during the Easter season! It is already receiving rave reviews!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, Stephanie and I met for coffee, partly for fun and partly so that I could interview her for an article I wanted to write for <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/03/12/fiction-series-breathes-new-life-into-beloved-gospel-stories/">CatholicMom.com</a>. It was so interesting to learn about her writing journey and a little more background behind her books. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I encourage you to click on over to <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/03/12/fiction-series-breathes-new-life-into-beloved-gospel-stories/">CatholicMom.com</a> to learn more about her and the Living Water Series! You will be glad you did, I promise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that I have had a chance to introduce you to Stephanie and her books, I'd like to give you the chance to win a copy of her brand-new novel, <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451689128/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1451689128&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=WHGWSBGYXFJYXP4Q">The Tomb</a></b></i>! Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below, and please share this giveaway with your friends! I will announce the winner next Wednesday, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="79ad01db2" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/79ad01db2/" id="rcwidget_y6i5ytwp" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-55574262388412463742015-03-09T15:29:00.001-05:002015-03-09T15:29:18.754-05:00Daybook :: Birthday Edition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BkGbh5D9Lg/VP3KPeYPJBI/AAAAAAAAGz0/8akXcKuFLOA/s1600/IMG_2169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BkGbh5D9Lg/VP3KPeYPJBI/AAAAAAAAGz0/8akXcKuFLOA/s1600/IMG_2169.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Flowers and a flourless chocolate cake for my birthday!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunny and bright! We are having some lovely spring-like weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s! Yay!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thanking God for ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Another year of life. Today, I turn 39 years old. I have always loved my birthday. It isn't as big of a deal to me as it used to be. But it's not because I dread getting older; I really don't. I just think I am passing the excitement onto my children and letting them take over the hype and fun of birthdays. It teaches them to be generous, not just for my birthday, but for each person's birthday in the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* For the excitement that birthdays bring to my children. It is fun to watch them have fun coming up with their own ideas of how they want to honor the birthday person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A lunch date and shopping with my mom and youngest son</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Introducing me to a new saintly friend: <a href="http://truthhimself.blogspot.com/2015/03/angels-surround.html">St. Frances of Rome</a>, whose feast day is today.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thinking about ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the <a href="http://womeninthenewevangelization.com/">WINE: Women In the New Evangelization</a> conference last month, speaker <a href="http://www.pattyschneier.com/">Patty Schneier</a> encouraged us to celebrate the feast days of our family members. For years, we have done this with the saints we are named after. Our list of patron saints is long in our family of eight! And it is a special part of who we are as a Catholic family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But Patty also encouraged us to know about the saints whose feast days are on our birthdays. So today, I am learning about St. Frances of Rome! A wife and mother!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out this quote from St. Frances: "A married woman must often leave God at the altar to find Him in her household care." Wow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another connection to her already: Our family's devotion to our Guardian Angels has been growing lately. Our awareness of them in our lives, with us wherever we go. More specifically, the angels' role in the Mass ... We watched a fantastic animated film <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00930LING/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00930LING&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=IBABGATTNHHQZ4OE">The Greatest Miracle</a></i></b> that illustrates the unseen that takes place during Mass. Well, St. Frances of Rome was given the gift of seeing her guardian angel in bodily form, because her faith was so great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I feel like God just introduced me to a special spiritual mother! And I can't wait to get to know her even better! What a blessed birthday gift! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">St. Frances of Rome, pray for us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Black cowl-neck top</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Jeans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Black shoes with NO socks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* New highlights in my hair, including some small brighter red pieces positioned for subtlety!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Reading ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* My Bible and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934217166/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1934217166&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=R4M5AAFMHG5HJ5II" style="font-weight: bold;">The Bible Timeline Guided Journal</a> </i>by Sarah Christmyer. The journal guides you through the story of salvation history by reading the 14 narrative books of the Bible in 90 days (or as long as it takes you). I went through <b><a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/catholic-bible-study">The Great Adventure Bible Study</a></b> 10 years ago, and it was amazing! I have done some additional studies, too. However, I really want to read the Bible on a more regular basis and enter into Lectio Divina, praying with Scripture. So, this Lent I am focusing on it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Sarah also is offering a <a href="http://comeintotheword.com/?page_id=11">series on covenant with God this Lent</a>, specifically by musing on the first readings of each Sunday Mass and how they take us on a journey through God's plan to save us. They have coincided perfectly with my Bible reading, reinforcing themes of God's love and His desire to save us. They have enhanced my Lent, for sure!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935940619/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1935940619&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=CDBYFWZYYA26TKLW">Momnipotent</a></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Danielle Bean. I am reading this book and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/theology-of-the-body/study-for-women" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">accompanying study</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">with five wonderful women. We only have two sessions left. The message has been just perfect for where I am in my motherhood. It has been much more thought-provoking and self-reflective than I expected. I have loved it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158617908X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=158617908X&link_code=as3&tag=morthaeno03-20&linkId=5GHJCAWYFRC5TQ36">The Accidental Marriage</a></i> by Roger Thomas. I am reading this along with a book club through <a href="http://catholicmom.com/accidental-marriage-book-club/">CatholicMom.com</a>. And it's definitely not to late to join! We'd love you to have you read with us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Taken from the book description: <i>What does heroism look like? When does friendship become too costly? Do we ever truly touch one another, or are we doomed to walk alone forever? Can love survive trials, or does it inevitably wither and die? <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Accidental Marriage</span> is a contemporary story that explores these questions through vibrant, sympathetic characters whose struggles and triumphs illustrate that love doesn't always look like you would expect.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have set a reading goal on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">: 15 books in 2015. I know it's not a lot, but I am working on small steps and being realistic in my real life. Are you on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">? If so, let's connect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A new schedule ... I have been struggling with this lately! I keep falling into old habits that really don't work anymore. <b>What do you do when you need to change things up a bit?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* My <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2015/02/yarn-along-40-cross-prayer-shawl.html">40-Cross Prayer Shawl</a></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the table ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My husband made <a href="http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/03/recipe-paleo-chicken-pad-tai.html">Paleo Chicken Pad Thai</a> for my birthday last evening. It was delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a few Paleo meals on the menu from <a href="https://emeals.com/">eMeals</a>, including spaghetti squash and meatballs, Asian burgers and chicken gumbo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plans for the week ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Momnipotent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Adoration</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2015/01/spiritual-exercises-offer-real.html">Spiritual Exercises retreat</a> this weekend</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my husband</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my children (by name)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* family and friends, especially those who have asked me to pray for them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* the souls in purgatory</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am linking up with Jenny at <a href="http://www.thelittlestway.com/daybook-online-journal-life-is-busy/">The Littlest Way</a> today!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5557426238841246374%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-t-h0WuqjVQA%252FVP3KsDVRi7I%252FAAAAAAAAGz8%252F7msewnv5CYQ%252Fs1600%252FIMG_2170.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3282px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5557426238841246374%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-t-h0WuqjVQA%252FVP3KsDVRi7I%252FAAAAAAAAGz8%252F7msewnv5CYQ%252Fs1600%252FIMG_2170.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3282px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-78149429800783975662015-03-02T12:21:00.002-06:002015-03-02T12:39:44.873-06:00Lent Around My Home: Reclaiming My Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maK9XojT-oc/VPSg6FDN6VI/AAAAAAAAGxM/xyPfU4uECyk/s1600/IMG_2142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maK9XojT-oc/VPSg6FDN6VI/AAAAAAAAGxM/xyPfU4uECyk/s1600/IMG_2142.jpg" height="320" width="160" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When my children were quite young, in fact when I only had half of the children I have today, I felt compelled to find ways to make the Catholic faith come alive for my children. More than simply attending Mass with them each Sunday, I wanted to teach them to pray, introduce them to the saints, and celebrate the liturgical seasons within our domestic church. I wanted to bridge what they saw and experienced at church and how we lived at home. I didn't want church and home to be separate. Rather, I desired family life and faith life to be integrated and intertwined with each other. My hope was (and continues to be) that living out the Catholic faith would be a natural and central part of their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think it started with a little gem-of-a-book called <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guiding-Catholic-Preschooler-Kathy-Pierce/dp/0879733926/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425313469&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=raising+your+catholic+preschooler">Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler</a></i></b>. I found such valuable information in it, especially when I had a whole crew of toddlers and preschoolers. Then, when I started blogging, a whole world opened up to me! Blogs and blogs of Catholic moms sharing ideas about how they honored feast days, decorated their Catholic home, and utilized recipes to celebrate the Faith with their children. The Catholic blogging world is a well-spring of ideas from simple to extravagant and everything in-between. (A</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nd now other avenues of social media, like Pinterest, make that well-spring even deeper!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I took what I was reading about and learning about from other Catholic moms and I really got into decorating our home for the liturgical seasons, planning crafts and activities, and organizing feast day tea parties. I am not overly crafty or exceptional in the kitchen, but the spirit with which I did these things as well as the experience my children had was what mattered most to me. When I look back, these are some of the most cherished memories that I have with my young children.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrcl2d6KWkg/VPSiFZjXk-I/AAAAAAAAGxo/yqaTnJT2vMs/s1600/lent%2Bcalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrcl2d6KWkg/VPSiFZjXk-I/AAAAAAAAGxo/yqaTnJT2vMs/s1600/lent%2Bcalendar.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Free download for this calendar courtesy of <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2014/03/lenten-calendar.html">Shower of Roses</a>.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But then I went through a season of burn out and being overwhelmed to the point of depression, and I lost my ability to keep up with it all. I could barely keep the house clean and groceries in the pantry, let alone remember to plan a feast day dessert. It was a hard and difficult time for me. One of the saddest parts of barely being able to do the bare minimum to survive is that you lose a lot of what brings you joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And that was it; I lost my joy. Doing the basics only to survive took everything out of me. It's what was needed to survive, but it wasn't what brought joy to my life. And I was sucked dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn't really know what to do to get my joy back. I was at a stand-still for a long, long time. Even when I came out of the deeper part of my depression and felt ready to reclaim joy in motherhood again, I didn't know what to do or how to do it. I was rather paralyzed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I lost the joy of doing the special things I did as a mom, it was almost like I forgot how to do them all together. I felt like I was behind on so much, that I really didn't know where to begin again. And I certainly couldn't begin with what I loved, could I? I mean, what about the room that needed organizing or the papers that needed sorting?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the meantime, my children were growing up quickly, and I no longer had a bunch of toddlers and preschoolers. Now, I have a gang of school-aged children, my youngest already four. How do I do what I did but for different aged children?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Lenten acts of kindness ideas courtesy of <a href="http://familyatthefootofthecross.blogspot.com/2010/02/lenten-acts-of-kindness.html">Family at the Foot of the Cross</a>.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, I was blessed to hear a very motivating talk by Catholic speaker and author </span><a href="http://www.pattyschneier.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Patty Schneier</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> at the WINE (</span><a href="http://womeninthenewevangelization.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Women in the New Evangelization</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">) Catholic Women's Conference. At the end of her talk, she gave some very practical tips for living out the Faith on a daily basis. Two tips that Patty gave were things I used to do in those "glory years" of my young motherhood but that fell by the wayside during my rough patch. One was to know and celebrate the feast days of our children, not only the saints they are named after but also the feast days that fall on their birthdays. The second tip was to decorate our home in ways that exemplify our Catholic faith, so that no matter who comes into our home, they will know we're Catholic. One specific detail Patty talked about was decorating for the different liturgical seasons, such as Lent. She told us how much she enjoyed this, and she especially liked decorating for Lent with her purple cloth draped on the mantle and images displayed from a calendar of </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Christ-Widescreen-Jim-Caviezel/dp/B00028HBKM/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1425317816&sr=1-1&keywords=the+passion+of+the+christ">The Passion of the Christ</a></b></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> movie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Patty's talk was so convicting, I truly believe God used her to speak directly to me on what to do to get out of my rut. I resolved to return to my former ways of honoring the liturgical seasons, starting with this Lent. I looked to see what I had on hand, I searched Pinterest for new ideas, I made a trip to Hobby Lobby, and I made a plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cannot tell you how therapeutic it has been for me to decorate little corners of our home this Lent. I found joy that I have not experienced in quite some time. I rediscovered that I enjoy beautifying our home with little touches here and there. I have thought a lot about Our Blessed Mother and how nicely she must have kept their home in Nazareth. She must have cared so much about making things warm and cozy for Jesus and Joseph. As I thought about Mary, I determined that I want to have that same care for my own home, to take pride in my work around the house, rather than thinking of it as drudgery and almost pointless because it gets undone before my very eyes. I am nowhere near a good homemaker. I do the tasks of a homemaker, but I don't take much ownership in my work, which I think I should. Maybe, God willing, my little Lenten decorating projects will be a good step toward embracing my work and my vocation just a little bit more. Maybe, just maybe, that joy I had lost will continue to emerge through rediscovering the tasks that used to bring me such life, peace and contentment.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And all the while</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, reintroducing my children to our traditions of celebrating the Catholic Faith in our domestic church.</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-64467005607463383492015-02-25T10:42:00.001-06:002015-02-25T10:42:05.304-06:00Yarn Along :: 40-Cross Prayer Shawl<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This past weekend, I picked up another knitting "work-in-progress" project ... One that I intended to knit <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2014/04/yarn-along-making-progress.html">last Lent </a>but one that remains incomplete. Hopefully, it won't take me three years to finish, like <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2015/02/yarn-along-its-been-long-time.html">my dear husband's scarf</a>! Maybe I'll even finish it this Lent; I am half-way through, after all! The pattern is a handout from a local yarn shop, and the yarn is <a href="http://www.berroco.com/yarns/vintage-chunky">Berroco Vintage Chunky</a> in "tide pool" blue.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWq1KKiLWiM/VO36-tOVYHI/AAAAAAAAGwc/Jc8UD37ssRQ/s1600/prayer%2Bshawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWq1KKiLWiM/VO36-tOVYHI/AAAAAAAAGwc/Jc8UD37ssRQ/s1600/prayer%2Bshawl.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am currently reading the Bible, with the help of </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Timeline-Guided-Journal-Adventure/dp/1934217166/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424879886&sr=1-1&keywords=the+bible+timeline+journal">The Bible Timeline Guided Journal</a></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> by Sarah Christmyer. It guides you through the story of salvation history by reading the 14 narrative books of the Bible in 90 days (or as long as it takes you). I went through </span><a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/catholic-bible-study" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Great Adventure Bible Study</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10 years ago, and it was amazing. I have done some additional studies, too. However, I really want to read the Bible on a more regular basis and enter into Lectio Divina, praying with Scripture. So, this Lent I am focusing on it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the kids, mainly my girls, I am reading <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Such-Time-This-Stories-Retold/dp/1433680467/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424879812&sr=1-1&keywords=for+such+a+time+as+this">For Such a Time as This: Stories of Women from the Bible, Retold to Girls</a></i>. So, I guess they are getting a little Bible study, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For more Yarn Along inspiration—pretty projects and good book suggestions—visit </span><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2015/02/yarn-along-216.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Small Things</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-33943019042373862872015-02-19T12:51:00.001-06:002015-02-19T12:51:24.245-06:00Small Success Thursday: Beginning Lent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />It's always so hard for me to believe when Thursday rolls around! The week can't possibly go by that quickly! But here it is, Thursday again and time to share our small successes of the week with others over at <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/02/19/small-success-thursday-feeling-off-this-lent/">CatholicMom.com</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am not consistent about posting in this link-up, but I really </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">do</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">like it! We need to celebrate our victories, even the small ones, from time-to-time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. <b>I put away my winter decorations and started decorating for Lent.</b> I used to be really good at putting out some physical reminders of this holy season, but the last few years have been less-than-ideal. This weekend, however, I heard an inspiring talk by Catholic speaker <a href="http://www.pattyschneier.com/">Patty Schneier,</a> and she encouraged me to get out my purple fabric and put together a couple of focal points for Lent. And I did! (Photos to come.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. After I received ashes yesterday morning, I ran a few errands. Two people working at shops that I visited commented on my ashes. One was clearly Catholic, and we had a joyful conversation about Lent and remembering to <i>not</i> eat meat on Fridays and the like. The other one was clearly not Catholic, but he was very respectful and admitted he loved this time of year because of the fish sandwich sales at the various fast-food restaurants. Ha! <b>Either way, these conversations reminded me that I don't need to be afraid to wear my faith (even as a big black smudge on my forehead) and to share it when opportunities arise.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. <b>I continue to follow the <a href="http://whole30.com/">Whole30</a> plan.</b> I had a couple of challenging days, because I was gone all day on Saturday and then it was Mardi Gras, but otherwise, I have been on track! I am not necessarily feeling better (yet), due to some health issues, and the weight is coming off sloooowly, but I am hopeful that in the long run, this will be life-changing for me. My cravings have diminished, and I am cooking a lot more, which has blessed my family tremendously! I am extending this eating plan through Lent, so I guess it's now a Whole40!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b><b>Your turn: What are your small successes this week? </b>I'd love to celebrate with you! And for more Small Success inspiration, please visit <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/02/19/small-success-thursday-feeling-off-this-lent/">CatholicMom.com</a>!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-5z4pbKM8LlE%252FUw-s15K_EnI%252FAAAAAAAAF9s%252FPpctwMj2nvU%252Fs1600%252FSmall-Success-Thursday.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-5z4pbKM8LlE%252FUw-s15K_EnI%252FAAAAAAAAF9s%252FPpctwMj2nvU%252Fs1600%252FSmall-Success-Thursday.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-5z4pbKM8LlE%252FUw-s15K_EnI%252FAAAAAAAAF9s%252FPpctwMj2nvU%252Fs1600%252FSmall-Success-Thursday.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-5z4pbKM8LlE%252FUw-s15K_EnI%252FAAAAAAAAF9s%252FPpctwMj2nvU%252Fs1600%252FSmall-Success-Thursday.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-21300731851679545842015-02-16T10:20:00.000-06:002015-02-16T10:20:30.987-06:00Daybook :: It's Almost Lent<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Outside my window ...</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>God sent us a Valentine one morning on the way to school. It came in the form of a pink and purple sunrise. Thank you, Lord! We love you, too!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thanking God for ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* The chance to go out for tea with my husband on a Sunday afternoon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* An extra-long weekend and staying in pajamas for longer than usual</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* An amazing, first-ever <a href="http://womeninthenewevangelization.com/">WINE: Catholic Women's Conference</a> with more than 900 women—a sold-out crowd, inspirational speakers, beautiful music, prayer, confession, laughter, Mass with the bishop and sisterhood</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Photo courtesy of Sharon Wilson and WINE.</i></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thinking about ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* How I am going to get back-on-track with <a href="http://www.whole30.com/">Whole30</a> today. I was gone all day on Saturday, and it was hard to follow the program. I did OK through lunch, but dinner and dessert were off program. I have to say, though, that two full weeks of eating this way has really been a blessing, and I plan to continue through Lent (at least).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Lent! What will be my focus? I am limiting so much food as it is, I probably will focus on prayer this Lent and spiritual reading ... and being more focused in my vocation. How will I encourage my children? I found this lovely FREE <a href="http://store.heraldentertainment.com/index.php/free-my-lenten-prayer.html">printable</a> to share with them. I hope to read more with them, too. What ways can I visually make our home a reminder of this special season we will be in?</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wearing ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Plaid PJs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A red fleece sweatshirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Red slippers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Reading ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Momnipotent-Not-so-Perfect-Catholic-Motherhood/dp/1935940619/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422889307&sr=1-1&keywords=momnipotent">Momnipotent</a></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Danielle Bean. I am reading this book and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/theology-of-the-body/study-for-women" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">accompanying study</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">with five wonderful women. The message of this book is a must for moms! It is filled with truth and encouragement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* I purchased several books at the conference this weekend, and so my stack of to-read books has grown even taller!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Ow8S9y1_o/VOIYGBXmqkI/AAAAAAAAGvk/EVVSSE9j41g/s1600/IMG_1909-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Ow8S9y1_o/VOIYGBXmqkI/AAAAAAAAGvk/EVVSSE9j41g/s1600/IMG_1909-2.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have set a reading goal on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">: 15 books in 2015. I know it's not a lot, but I am working on small steps and being realistic in my real life. Are you on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">? If so, let's connect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Creating ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A grocery list</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A Lenten home</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Lenten plans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A writing schedule</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All I can say is that I really have to go to the grocery store!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plans for the week ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Momnipotent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Ash Wednesday Mass</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Adoration</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Grocery shopping & cleaning</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Praying for ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my husband</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my children (by name)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* family and friends, especially those who have asked me to pray for them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* the 900+ women who attended the WINE conference, that their hearts were drawn by God's love and sent on fire to share Him with others</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am linking up with Jenny at <a href="http://www.thelittlestway.com/daybook-online-journal-lent-begins/">The Littlest Way</a> today!</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-4060526254599418572015-02-12T18:36:00.000-06:002015-02-13T08:50:04.112-06:00Two Faith-based Books Delight Children, Parents Alike <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As a mother of six, I am constantly on the lookout for good
books for my children. Whether they are colorful picture books for my
preschooler, classic tales to read as a family or lengthier novels for my tween
daughter, my hope is to surround my children with books, so that they will
develop a love for reading and an appreciation for quality literature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not every book that comes into our home is a winner. These
days, parents have to sift through a lot of books that are either too silly or
too inappropriate for our kids. This is why I truly appreciate trustworthy recommendations
from other moms, who are on the lookout for good books for their children, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, I am returning the favor and recommending two books
to you. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From one mom to another.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The first is the third book in the </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Sisters of the Last Straw</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> series, </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00OD6D72U/catholicmom/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_1968491462?_encoding=UTF8&redirect=true&tag=catholicmom&pf_rd_p=1968491462&pf_rd_s=smile-campaign&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00OD6D72U&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1DPQ9T07YE9JCHBNHKDR">The Case of the Stolen Rosaries</a></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> by Karen Kelly Boyce. The second is </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1940209048/catholicmom">Miraculous Me</a></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> by Ruth Pendergast Sissel</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please click over to <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/02/12/two-faith-based-books-delight-children-parents-alike/">CatholicMom.com</a> for my full reviews!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And while you're there, be sure to check out the <b><a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/02/12/last-call-for-this-weeks-super-big-book-giveaway/">Super Big Book Giveaway</a>! </b>It's not too late to enter, and there are a lot of really great books to win ... some would be excellent for Lent!</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-43441207942311586322015-02-11T08:23:00.001-06:002015-02-11T08:23:07.006-06:00Yarn Along :: It's Been a Long Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's been since August that I posted </span><a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2014/08/where-oh-where-has-week-gone.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">anything about knitting</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. It's been since April since I </span><a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2014/04/yarn-along-making-progress.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">linked up with Ginny's Yarn Along series</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. I even had to check to see if she still hosted it! (She does!) It seems like no matter how I hard I try, there are certain things in my life that I just can't incorporate into my current routine. Knitting used to be a more integral part of my life, but somewhere along the way, I lost it, and it's been hard to get back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This Christmas, I did finish a knitting project that has been on my knitting needles for a <i>really</i> long time. Like maybe three years! Can it be? Yes, it can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I set out to knit <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beagle-scarf">this scarf</a> for my husband, because my plan was to give something hand-knit to everyone in my family for Christmas. I left my husband's gift until last, because I knew he would be more understanding than my five year old, if it didn't get finished by the BIG day. But I was confident that it would ... or at least it would shortly after Christmas ... at the latest. That was 2011. And I technically didn't begin his scarf until after the new year.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KStzZroUmjE/VNtlJJGJ0bI/AAAAAAAAGuI/W1YAIwegVaQ/s1600/yarn%2Balong_greg%2Bscarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KStzZroUmjE/VNtlJJGJ0bI/AAAAAAAAGuI/W1YAIwegVaQ/s1600/yarn%2Balong_greg%2Bscarf.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In Advent 2013, <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-yarn-along.html">I shared my continued progress with the scarf</a> that had been on my needles for nearly two years. I was bound and determined to finish it. Nope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, in the fall of 2014, after not knitting anything for several months, I picked it up, bound and determined <i>again</i> to finish it. And this time, I did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This pattern was relatively easy to work through, fairly repetitive but with enough changes to keep it interesting. The <a href="http://www.berroco.com/yarns/vintage">yarn</a> is soft and cozy. It ended up being a few inches shorter than the pattern suggests, but it is still plenty long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that it is done, I can move onto a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sothia">shawl</a> for my mom. I just hope it doesn't take me another few years to finish it! Hopefully, one of these days, knitting will click again for me, but until then, I will keep plugging along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for books, I recently finished a beautiful historical fiction, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Well-Novel-Living-Series/dp/1451688857/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1423627945&sr=8-2">The Well</a></i>, by Stephanie Landsem. My full review is on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1173827716?book_show_action=false">Goodreads</a>, so please take a look. This is one in a trilogy, and it truly is a must-read! It actually would be very suitable for Lent, which begins next week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am not sure what book I will dive into next. I have a few that I am part-way through, but nothing that I have sat down to read cover-to-cover. I am considering <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Thief-Novel-Living-Series/dp/1451689101/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y">The Thief</a></i>, which is the second in the trilogy that I just mentioned. I also am looking for a good spiritual gem for Lent. Any suggestions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more pretty projects and good book suggestions, please visit today's <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2015/02/yarn-along-214.html">Yarn Along</a> at Small Things. Hopefully, I will participate in another Yarn Along soon! Until next time ...</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-41402948862119172082015-02-10T10:56:00.001-06:002015-02-10T20:53:58.664-06:00Experiencing Lent Through Our Five Senses<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a mom, I try hard to make spiritual experiences as tangible as possible for my children. I do not want them to think of God as a far-away being but rather Someone who is near, next to, within and all around. I know that it is not always necessary to <i>feel</i> close to God in order to <i>be</i> close to God, but having some tangible experiences can help our overall relationship with the Lord. I think that's one reason God gave us our five senses. To truly be able to experience Him and the gifts He gives us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With Lent only a week away, I started wondering how I could make it more hands-on for my children. <b>What books will we read? What sacrifices will we make? How can we measure our Lenten goals? How can we make sure our Lent begins with love?</b></span><br />
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My thoughts turned to those five senses, and I began brainstorming ways my family can truly experience Lent through sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. My hope is that Lent will not be some dreadful season of not eating our favorite foods but rather a time that helps us recall Jesus, how much He loves us, and how we can be closer to Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are a some of my ideas for experiencing Lent through our five senses:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Create a focal point.</b> Over the years, I have found it helpful to create a prayerful corner in our home that changes with the liturgical seasons. It is so easy to do this during Advent and Christmas with our Nativity scene as well as during May with a Mary altar. For Lent, our space is simple, yet it sets the tone for the season.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Post a calendar.</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Create or print out a calendar for children to mark the days of Lent. Or make a Lenten paper chain, similar to the ones used during Advent. Something that keeps track of the days of Lent can help the season not feel so endless for children (and adults alike).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Light a candle.</b> During family prayer times, light a candle. The flame draws children into the special quiet time for Jesus. When praying the stations of the cross, light 14 votive candles, and blow one out after each station. During the stations, it will get darker and darker. At the end, talk about what the darkness represents in relationship to Jesus' death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Turn it off.</b> In this day and age, we are bombarded with noise wherever we go. The ping of a text message, the buzz on the radio, the TV in the background. Make a conscience effort to enter into silence, so that you can hear the sound of God's voice this Lent. Perhaps that means not listening to the radio in the car or limiting media in some way. Do not be afraid of the silence; God often speaks to us with a whisper!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tune in.</b> Listening to sacred music, like Gregorian chant or Latin hymns, can be a peaceful part of Lent. Play a beautiful CD such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lent-Ephesus-Benedictines-Queen-Apostles/dp/B00HAH7HG6/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1423417786&sr=1-1&keywords=lent+at+ephesus">Lent at Ephesus</a> by the <a href="https://music.benedictinesofmary.org/content/lent-ephesus">Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles</a> during breakfast or homework time. It can also be a great way to unwind at the end of the day, especially if you are sacrificing TV this Lent.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Listen up.</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Speaking of sacrificing TV, if that is your family's plan for Lent, perhaps it makes sense to invest in some faith-based audio CDs for the gang to listen to. These CDs provide hours of entertainment to children and teaches them valuable insights into the Catholic faith, too. Some of my family's favorites include </span><a href="http://www.catchat.ca/audio-series" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cat Chat</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.holyheroes.com/Glory-Stories-Audio-CDs-s/61.htm" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Glory Stories</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taste</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Go meatless.</b> As you know, on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, the Church asks us to abstain from meat. It can be challenging to know what to cook for a family when you are used to eating meat as the main portion of your meal. Now is the perfect time to try out some new meatless recipes. <a href="http://catholicmom.com/category/meatless/">CatholicMom.com has a Meatless Fridays feature with numerous recipes.</a> Pick out a handful to try during Lent!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Practice solidarity.</b> One small way to show true compassion for the poor around the world is to participate in <a href="http://www.crsricebowl.org/">Operation Rice Bowl</a> or another similar program. (I am aware of the controversy surrounding Catholic Relief Services, and it is something I am trying to understand better.) My main point is that by donating money to a global or local charity or by serving at a soup kitchen, we can </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">support the well-being of the poor and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">grow in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sacrifice a favorite food.</b> This is a common Lenten practice, but it can be very challenging, because we are creatures of habit. I have found that when we decide to sacrifice a favorite food as a family, it is especially meaningful. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In addition, making a sacrifice together allows the family to encourage one another when challenges and temptations arise. Lastly, it can help to designate a specific intention for our sacrifice. Or if you have more than one person or purpose to pray for, consider having a different intention for each day of the week and add them to your Lenten calendar (above).</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Smell</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Use incense.</b> Every Sunday night, my husband lights a charcoal and selects some incense to use during our family rosary. We have a <a href="http://www.catholicgiftsandmore.com/long-handled-incense-burner/p/GC817/">simple incense burner</a> that is easy to use at home. The incense marks the prayer time as special and set apart from everything else we do throughout the week. I love the aroma that permeates the entire house, and I get wrapped up in meditating on the rising smoke symbolizing our prayers rising up to the Lord (Psalm 141:2).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Clean the house.</b> Lent is a wonderful time to do some heavy-duty spring cleaning. It is an outward sign of the interior cleansing the Lord is doing in our hearts during this penitential season, and it also is a great way to incorporate almsgiving by making donations of our gently-used belongings to local charities. Plus, a clean house smells so good! It will definitely give us a sense of hopeful anticipation for Easter!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Touch</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Read a book.</b> I usually select a spiritual book to read during Lent. I find it so helpful in my prayer and my focus during this special time of the year. I like reading a "real" book with a cover and paper pages that I can feel in my hands and highlight when needed. I am very much considering reading <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616368942/ref=x_gr_w_bb_t4_a?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_t4_a-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1616368942&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent</a></i></b> by Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> </span>Here is a </span><a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/02/best-catholic-books-for-lent-2015.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">book list</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jean Heimann</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> that lists some great suggestions, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Put books in a basket.</b> Books are wonderful tools for our children to learn about our Catholic faith. With the different liturgical seasons and feasts, often I rotate our books to highlight certain themes and saints. Here is a list of some of <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2011/03/lenten-reading.html">our favorite Lenten books</a>. Do you have any to add? Oh! And I can't forget <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Risen-Jesus-Reflections-Families/dp/0764820745/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423419610&sr=8-1&keywords=sarah+reinhard">Welcome Risen Jesus</a></i></b> by Sarah Reinhard, which is a great daily devotional for families, and <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amons-Adventure-Family-Story-Easter/dp/0825441714/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1423419672&sr=1-1">Amon's Adventure</a></i></b>, which makes a wonderful family read aloud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Cling to beads.</b> A beautiful practice to adopt during Lent is praying the Rosary and/or the Chaplet of Diving Mercy on a more regular basis. Begin with a decade a day to pray one Rosary per week. Or if you already pray the Rosary as a family, why not add a day during Lent? Or add the Chaplet in the afternoons? Also, <a href="http://www.marian.org/mary/prayers/sorrows.php">Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary</a> (chaplet) is a perfect devotion for Lent, because it focuses on the sorrows that Our Blessed Mother endured. Praying with our Rosary beads allows us to tangibly keep track of our prayers. They give us a sense of security in knowing God hears our prayers. <b>I have heard that when we are holding our Rosary beads it is like holding Our Blessed Mother's hand while we pray!</b> What a beautiful idea to contemplate and share with our children!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The purpose of this post is not to make you think that you have to do ALL of these suggestions! On the contrary, this list is meant to get you thinking about what will work for your family. </span><a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2014/02/preparing-for-lent.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am a big advocate for keeping Lent as simple as possible.</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> What I hope to convey is that Lent does not have to be an abstract idea but rather something tangible that we can truly experience in our everyday lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is certainly not a complete list! <b>Do you have other ideas for using our senses to experience Lent? If so, please share them in the comments!</b></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-49367009633981550392015-02-09T10:53:00.001-06:002015-02-09T12:45:42.301-06:00Daybook :: Books, Recipes, Prayers & Plans<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Outside my window ...</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The sun is shining brightly! While much of the country is blanketed in snow, there is a lot of grass showing here in Minnesota. It is 21 degrees, as I type this out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thanking God for ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A wonderful night out with my husband Greg ... Two weeks in a row!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Our Catholic school and a successful benefit banquet this weekend</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* My <a href="http://momnipotentstudy.com/">Momnipotent</a> study group</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">What a fun surprise to see some familiar faces when I opened up the Catholic Services Appeal brochure this morning! Fr. Moriarty, our school's superintendent, gave us a heads-up at the school fundraising dinner on Saturday night, calling us "the poster family for the CSA." But we really had to see it to believe it!</span></span></i></span></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thinking about ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span><a href="http://whole30.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Whole30</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;">! I'm on Day #9. So far, so good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* How I can get my writing to be a more consistent part of my day? As well as exercise and housekeeping. I need some better routines, I think!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Lent! It's a week away! I am working on a Lenten post, which I hope to share tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wearing ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Black yoga pants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* White T-shirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Blue hoodie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* I just realized I am wearing the same outfit I wore last Monday, except for my T-shirt color! Ha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Reading ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* I just finished <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Novel-Living-Water/dp/1451688857/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422888875&sr=1-3&keywords=the+well">The Well</a></b></i> by my new friend <a href="http://www.stephanielandsem.com/">Stephanie Landsem</a>. It is a Biblical historical fiction novel that centers on the Bible story about the woman at the well. It is absolutely wonderful, and I highly recommend it. A full review can be found <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1173827716">here</a>!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4ahkWoXzyY/VNjhuBkAIwI/AAAAAAAAGtU/SB-IpK1Mk_M/s1600/current%2Breads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4ahkWoXzyY/VNjhuBkAIwI/AAAAAAAAGtU/SB-IpK1Mk_M/s1600/current%2Breads.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starts-Food-Discover-Whole30-Unexpected/dp/1628600543/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422889058&sr=1-1&keywords=it+starts+with+food">It Starts With Food</a></i></b> by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig. This is a book all about the <a href="http://whole30.com/">Whole30</a> program, and it's very interesting! I am reading bits and pieces when I can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* I am trying to come up with a book or two to read for Lent ... Any suggestions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have set a reading goal on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah">Goodreads</a>: 15 books in 2015. I know it's not a lot, but I am working on small steps and being realistic in my real life. Are you on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah">Goodreads</a>? If so, let's connect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Creating ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Valentine's for my husband and children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Yummy Whole30 recipes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A better sleep routine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>On the table ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More Whole30 recipes. My go-to source for Whole30 recipes has been a blog called <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/">The Clothes that Make the Girl</a></i>. She has authored two cookbooks, but I found a magazine of her recipes at Barnes & Noble, and that has been a wonderful resource (picture above)! Yesterday, I made her <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2010/02/02/greek-beef-stew/">Cinnamon Beef Stew</a> that was delicious, and I also slow-cooked some <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2012/02/23/5-spice-slow-cooker-pork-ribs/">pork ribs</a>, which I had never done before. We will enjoy those tonight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plans for the week ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Getting the Valentine's Day decorations out (this was on my list last week and it never happened!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Momnipotent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Zumba</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Adoration</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <a href="http://womeninthenewevangelization.com/">WINE: Catholic Women's Conference</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Praying for ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my husband</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my children (especially for their health)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Opm57lJSCA/VNjhuD1HSmI/AAAAAAAAGtY/5JvFTHleFEE/s1600/lego%2Bboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Opm57lJSCA/VNjhuD1HSmI/AAAAAAAAGtY/5JvFTHleFEE/s1600/lego%2Bboy.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* family and friends, especially those who have asked me to pray for them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* all of the details of our upcoming WINE: Catholic Women's Conference</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am linking up with Jenny at <a href="http://www.thelittlestway.com/daybook-online-journal-revelation/">The Littlest Way</a> today! Hop on over and visit some other lovely daybooks!</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-63877350553296845902015-02-02T09:55:00.001-06:002015-02-02T09:55:25.423-06:00February Daybook<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Outside my window ...</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The sun is shining brightly! There is very little snow on the ground. It is about 5 degrees on this Monday morning. Happy Feast of the Presentation of the Lord!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thanking God for ...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* My husband who is so patient with me, especially when I am in denial that I am crabby and tell him that he is the one who is crabby. Oy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* The quiet. Whenever I can get it, I am grateful for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2015/01/meditation-on-last-day-of-christmas.html">My Eucharistic Adoration hour.</a> It is not quite a natural part of my week, as I still have to remember to go. But I love it. And I know it will only become more routine in time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* A fun evening with Greg as well as my friends <a href="http://patentsgirl.blogspot.com/">Margaret</a> and <a href="http://pinewoodcastle.typepad.com/">Tracy</a> and their husbands!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of <a href="http://patentsgirl.blogspot.com/">Margaret</a>.</i></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thinking about ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* How I failed my main January goal of losing two pounds. Totally failed. Not to make excuses, but January was a really tough month for me, so I know why I failed. But I am not beating myself up! I am starting again this February with <a href="http://whole30.com/">Whole30</a>! I'm on Day #2.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* How I can get my writing to be a more consistent part of my day. As well as exercise and housekeeping. I need some better routines, I think!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Just starting to think about Lent. It's only two weeks away, you know!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I saw this quote hanging on the wall of my doctor's office. It really spoke to me.</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wearing ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Black yoga pants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Gray T-shirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Blue hoodie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* My hair is now long enough for a ponytail!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Reading ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Novel-Living-Water/dp/1451688857/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422888875&sr=1-3&keywords=the+well">The Well</a></b></i> by my new friend <a href="http://www.stephanielandsem.com/">Stephanie Landsem</a>. This is the first book in a trilogy of historical Biblical fiction. I am only on chapter 3, and I already really, really like it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starts-Food-Discover-Whole30-Unexpected/dp/1628600543/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422889058&sr=1-1&keywords=it+starts+with+food">It Starts With Food</a></i></b> by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig. This is a book all about the <a href="http://whole30.com/">Whole30</a> program, and it's very interesting! I am doing this for weight loss but also for some health issues I am battling. It is giving me some hope that I can feel better!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Momnipotent-Not-so-Perfect-Catholic-Motherhood/dp/1935940619/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422889307&sr=1-1&keywords=momnipotent">Momnipotent</a></i></b> by Danielle Bean. I just started this book and <a href="http://ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/theology-of-the-body/study-for-women">accompanying study</a> with five wonderful women. The message of this book is a must for moms! It is filled with truth and encouragement!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QETskHbpj1A/VM-ahxLcneI/AAAAAAAAGqo/x1-QuDSpvRc/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QETskHbpj1A/VM-ahxLcneI/AAAAAAAAGqo/x1-QuDSpvRc/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have set a reading goal on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah">Goodreads</a>: 15 books in 2015. I know it's not a lot, but I am working on small steps and being realistic in my real life. Are you on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2414810-sarah">Goodreads</a>? If so, let's connect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Creating ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* February goals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Yummy Whole30 recipes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Better habits</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>On the table ...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, I tried a crazy combination for breakfast: <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2012/06/05/tuesday-10-stuff-put-eggs/">homemade mayo and dill pickle on top of eggs</a>. Two of my girls wanted to try it, so I gave them each a bite. One of my girls does NOT like eggs at all, and she LOVED these eggs! She even asked to have them this morning for breakfast! Score!! We had <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/">Chocolate Chili</a> last night before the Super Bowl, and m</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">y clan gobbled it up! Tonight, we are having </span><a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2012/10/16/slow-cooker-italian-pork-roast/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Italian Port Roast</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, and I am making mashed cauliflower (at least for me, but I will certainly share it with whomever wants to give it a try)!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fgl2y4tfl8/VM-asuZm_rI/AAAAAAAAGqw/8eI5ec7okro/s1600/doing-the-w30-IG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fgl2y4tfl8/VM-asuZm_rI/AAAAAAAAGqw/8eI5ec7okro/s1600/doing-the-w30-IG.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plans for the week ...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Getting the Valentine's Day decorations out</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Momnipotent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Coffee with a friend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Zumba</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Adoration</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Grocery shopping & cleaning</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Praying for ...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my husband</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my children (especially for their health)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* family and friends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* my dear friend Deacon Tommy, who passed away yesterday ... Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord ...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXR5jMm6aL8/VM-a2VFuG9I/AAAAAAAAGq4/a-ksSDzWQBw/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXR5jMm6aL8/VM-a2VFuG9I/AAAAAAAAGq4/a-ksSDzWQBw/s1600/IMG_2429.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Poor dear was pretty sick last week. So sick that he passed out on the hallway floor! Feeling so much better this week. Praying for continued health for my family.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am linking up with Jenny at <a href="http://www.thelittlestway.com/daybook-online-journal-good/">The Littlest Way</a> today!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3464638996746554358%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D4%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F--Fgl2y4tfl8%252FVM-asuZm_rI%252FAAAAAAAAGqw%252F8eI5ec7okro%252Fs1600%252Fdoing-the-w30-IG.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3151px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2118048386313176166%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3464638996746554358%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D4%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F--Fgl2y4tfl8%252FVM-asuZm_rI%252FAAAAAAAAGqw%252F8eI5ec7okro%252Fs1600%252Fdoing-the-w30-IG.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3151px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-70237118172309199592015-01-21T15:50:00.003-06:002015-01-21T15:50:47.526-06:00#WorthRevisitWednesday :: Grandpas<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Today, I thought it would be fun to participate in #WorthRevisitWednesday, co-hosted by <a href="http://reconciledtoyou.com/rty-blog.html">Reconciled to You</a> and <a href="http://theologyisaverb.com/">Theology is a Verb</a>. It was kind of fun to look back in the archives and find a post I had completely forgotten about! <a href="http://morethanenough7.blogspot.com/2010/01/grandpas.html">I first wrote today's repost FIVE years ago this month.</a> I had five of my six children at that time, and their ages were 7, 5, 4, 2 and 2 ... No wonder I say in the post that I don't get out much!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">We haven't been out much lately. It's been a bit too cold to be bundling up kids and toddlers to run in and out of stores or other places. But last week was warmer—high 20s, low 30s, a real heat wave in this part of the USA. Especially for January. So, one day, we ran to SuperTarget, which gives out free cookies, and to the library.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Normally, when I go to the library with my twins, I go just to pick up the books I have on hold. In and out. I wait to bring the older girls there, to spend time browsing, when we can leave the two two-year-olds at home. But on this particular trip, we lingered just a bit, because we ran into a friend from church and her three daughters.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">God's timing is always wonderful, I think. If I hadn't gone out that day or I hadn't run into my friend, I wouldn't have been blessed with two wonderful encounters with grandpas. Both within five minutes of one another.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">My own grandpa died when I was only three years old. I have one memory of him, and I cherish it, along with several photos. I never had the opportunity to meet my other grandpa. Since I didn't have the opportunity to cultivate my own grandfather-granddaughter relationships, grandpas have always had a very special place in my heart. I am very fond of grandpas. Perhaps my notion of grandfathers is a bit idealistic, like a Hallmark movie. But maybe not, in light of my recent encounters with these two grandpas.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><b>Encounter #1:</b> For anyone who has several children, you've probably heard, and are tired of hearing, "Boy, do you have your hands full" spoken to you every time you go out in public. It's like stating the obvious, but not in a positive way. I've also had worse said to me, like "You're crazy" and "Why?" But every time the "hands full" statement is spoken to me by a complete stranger, I smile and try to respond in the most upbeat way possible. As far as the other two comments, I think I just smiled ... speechlessly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Well, as we were walking out of the library, this grandpa was walking right behind us, smiling, as he watched me and my kids. I looked back at him and returned the smile. And then he said one of the sweetest comments about my family: <i>"What a great collection of little people you have there."</i> Wow! He completely won my heart! After I thanked him, he waited for me to pack everyone into my van and get them buckled in. Then, he asked if he could help me put my double stroller in the back of my van. I didn't really need help, but he was just so kind that I said, "Sure." I showed him that it folded up, and he was most impressed. He helped me lift it into the back. Then, I told him to have a good day, and we parted ways. He never stopped smiling.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><b>Encounter #2:</b> I still had one more child to buckle in and also had to pass books back to the kids to look at on our drive home, when another grandpa pulled up next to me. This time, as I was pulling out, he motioned for me to roll down my window. And he asked me for help. He was afraid he was going to fall, so he needed me to help him turn around and get to flat ground. You see, in the north where it snows a lot, the snow plows don't always get all the snow and ice off the streets and parking lots. Solid chunks of slippery, salty masses are left. They melt and refreeze over and over again. This grandpa had parked right by a very uneven piece of ground. So, he was rather stuck. I asked him exactly what he needed me to do, and he simply said, "If I could just hold on to you until I can get to the sidewalk." No problem. I was so honored to be available to him. I helped him turn around and walk away from the uneven terrain. As we were walking arm-in-arm, he held his cane and his library book to return in a Christmas gift bag in his other hand. And he told me that it gets hard when you get old. "And I'm only 94," he said cheerfully. His brother is 96 and his sister is 89, in case you were wondering =) Once he got to the dry, flat sidewalk, he thanked me, we parted, and I told him to have a wonderful day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">As I drove away, I couldn't help but think of my own grandpas. The one I barely knew and the one I never knew. And I thanked God for these little encounters that left me grateful on so many levels ... and that naturally increased my fondness for grandpas.</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-69425208962113888262015-01-20T12:01:00.001-06:002015-01-20T12:07:24.578-06:00Embracing the Ordinary<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">—E</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 1.1;">cclesiastes 3:1—</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Christmas decorations are finally put away, and I admit, my house looks a little bare, a little ordinary. In the cloudy darkness of January, I definitely miss the twinkling lights of our Christmas tree and garlands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have never truly welcomed the season of Ordinary Time, the way I welcome Advent, Christmas and Easter. Even Lent has this very clear purpose of repentance necessary for Easter. As much as it is hard, I understand its importance. But Ordinary Time? How do I welcome and embrace something that is so ordinary?</span><br />
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Most of my life, I honestly haven't given Ordinary Time much thought.</span><br />
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But recently, I have started to reflect on the importance of Ordinary Time—the longest of the liturgical seasons—especially as we enter into it after the celebrations of Christmas and Epiphany.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After Christmas, I usually look forward to getting back into my regular routines. Time with my family, making memories and having fun is so enjoyable. However, after two full weeks off of school, after eating too many Christmas cookies and Dove chocolates, I feel the need for normal. As much as I miss the sparkle of Christmas, I do long for routine and order that tends to get lost in the celebration of the Christmas season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, if I long for a return to the ordinary routines of life, why have I dismissed the liturgical season of Ordinary Time for so many years? I am not sure, but somehow, Ordinary Time has never really been part of my desire for order or my annual goals. I have learned to integrate the seasons of Advent, Lent, Christmas and Easter into my personal prayer and family activities. But Ordinary Time? What is there to integrate with this season? Why do we have it? What is its significance?</span><br />
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This weekend, we had a visiting priest at my parish, because our pastor is leading a pilgrimage in the Holy Land. As part of Father's homily, he explained something about Ordinary Time that I had never heard before but that really changed my perspective on this ordinary season.</span><br />
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As I already knew, he explained that Epiphany is about the manifestation of Jesus to the entire world. Every year, during the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany, we get the chance to renew our belief in who Jesus is and why He came into this world as a tiny babe. In Father's explanation of the different liturgical seasons, what was new to me was how Ordinary Time relates to Christmas and Epiphany.</span><br />
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Ordinary Time comes from the Latin <i>ordinalis</i>, which means "showing order." Therefore, <b>Ordinary Time is when we as Christians order our lives in relationship to the manifestation of God! So, if Christmas and Epiphany reveal to us who Jesus is, then Ordinary Time helps us discern what we are to do in light of this reality!</b></span><br />
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Perhaps this isn't news to you, but a lightbulb certainly went on for me! This explanation has given me new insight into this ordinary season that is all about "showing order."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, I am always grateful for the renewed experience of Christ's birth in my heart and in my family. Through prayers and devotions, Christmas carols and stories, my faith in the Christ child coming to dwell among us is reignited. My love for Him grows, and I strive to make enough room in my heart for Him to have a place to rest His little head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The celebration of His birth is so tangible and beautiful. I cannot help but cry tears of joy at the words of <i>O Come All Ye Faithful</i> on Christmas Eve, as if it was <i>the</i> Christmas Eve all over again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">n light of my new understanding of Ordinary Time, I now wonder: I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">f the celebration of Christ's birth is made manifest to the world each and every Christmas, what am I to do with the very real encounter with Christ being born to save me, you and the entire world?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, according to the true purpose of Ordinary Time, I am to order my days in a way that lives that manifestation out! I am to look at my life, all the various aspects, and discern how to live a life that is as authentic, joyful, hopeful and loving as possible. Easy? No! But definitely worth the effort. Because the effort hopefully will bring me closer to God and His will for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ordinary Time lines up perfectly with the tradition of New Year's goals, however, rather than doing what we want or what we think we <i>should</i> do, <b>setting goals within Ordinary Time invites us to ask the Holy Spirit to guide our resolutions.</b> We ask the Lord to show us how our desire to be healthier, to be more productive, to spend more time with our family can lead us to making a greater commitment to being God's handmaid. <b>In light of the manifestation of Jesus at Christmas—that very real encounter with Him being born to us—how can we in turn say <i>YES</i> with more generosity, gratitude and joy?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ordinary Time lasts a short time this year before Lent begins (Feb. 18) and Easter follows. But when Ordinary Time returns, after the Holy Spirit comes to ignite the flames of our hearts on Pentecost, it gives us a chance to hit the reset button again, as we hit the mid-way part of the year! Ordinary Time after Pentecost allows us to look at those goals we set in January, and recommit or readjust them accordingly. Then, we can carry on with the ordering of our days, until Advent begins again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Catholic Church gives us the liturgical seasons for very specific reasons. It might seem easy to understand the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. It is very important for us to have periods of fasting, repentance, celebration and prayer. Ordinary Time also is extremely important, more important than I ever realized. It allows us a pretty lengthy time to work on our goals, to-dos and routines. Not just any goals, though, but ones that are shaped by our faith and guided by the Holy Spirit working in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b><i>But all things should be done decently and in order.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b>—1 Corinthians 14:40—</b></span></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-59521084086188573362015-01-11T13:47:00.003-06:002015-01-11T13:47:53.520-06:00Meditation on the Last Day of Christmas<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we close out the Christmas season today with the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, I remember the beginnings of my weekly Holy Hour, which I started in Advent. I was struck by the placement of the nativity scene under the true Presence of the Blessed Sacrament upon the altar and Christ Crucified above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This infant Jesus, who the shepherds knelt down before in adoration and praise! This newborn babe, who the magi traveled to find, to honor and to present gifts fit for a King. There He was before me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This tiny Jesus who I just wanted so much to pick up and hold in my arms, is the same Jesus that Our Blessed Mother and Sts. John and Mary Magdalan stood before at the foot of the cross with reverence, strength and gratitude. Would I be brave enough to stand with them? I sure hope so. Because Jesus on the Cross is the same Jesus in the manger. Could I embrace the cross as much as I could embrace the Babe?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, Jesus—the same Jesus yesterday, today and always—waits for me to be like the shepherds, wise men and saints, and to worship and adore Him. Present in the Holy Eucharist, He is in my Chapel just as much as He was in the manger and on the Cross. And He invites me to be with Him in His poverty and vulnerability; to be with Him in His glory and majesty. Just like He asked the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to stay and pray with Him for one hour, so He asks me to do the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am growing to love my Holy Hour. To spend that time in adoration, unity and conversation with the Lord. It is quiet. I share. I try not to talk too much. I listen. I write something that comes to mind. I gaze at the One who gave His life for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus. Jesus. Praise You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I pack up Christmas for another year, I am grateful for one aspect of my Advent and Christmas seasons that will not be put into a box. And that is my Eucharistic Holy Hour. Every week, I get to come and adore Him. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Christ the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">+++</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"The baby Jesus is ... a tremendous strength ... Out of the overflowing abundance of his love, Christ, the Son of God, chose to pass through a little infant's helplessness, the only state in which someone is totally given over into the hands of another ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That is how our God first appeared, and he wants to be contemplated and adored in this state not only by the lowly but also by the great, for he accepted the adoration of both shepherds and wise men, and he even led them by a star into the presence of this little baby without grandeur or majesty ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I look at the crib and the little infant Jesus in the straw, and the shepherds and the Apostles and all those who started what was in fact something great, I think to myself that our poverty and our weakness are the very things the Lord desires, so that it can be he alone acting through us; we are only the instruments, which he can handle without putting up the least resistance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In his immense love, Christ the Beloved willed to take the only form capable of reaching the hardest hearts, those hearts most closed in on themselves, most weighed down by guilt and pain, those who would have been broken by his cross or frightened by his majesty."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">—Little Sister Madeleine of Jesus</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118048386313176166.post-90470445675238739912015-01-08T16:45:00.001-06:002015-01-08T16:45:29.194-06:00Spiritual Exercises Offer Real Resolutions for 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dMmQej3OTE/VK8IPIXA25I/AAAAAAAAGpI/kPiGNWKSbXw/s1600/8653862_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dMmQej3OTE/VK8IPIXA25I/AAAAAAAAGpI/kPiGNWKSbXw/s1600/8653862_orig.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Try to leave here
changed into someone else,” said Fr. Paul. “A change noticeable to others.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fr. Paul’s words spoke to
me deeply; it was as if God was speaking directly to me. The words confirmed that
I was exactly where I was supposed to be: on my fourth retreat of the Spiritual
Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Even though the weeks and months prior to
the retreat had been spiritually dry and desolate, God, in His merciful love,
had invited me to spend some extended time with Him again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The words about change
also brought me back six years ago, when my husband Greg went on his first
Spiritual Exercises retreat. Then, I was vaguely familiar with what “spiritual
exercises” meant and who St. Ignatius was. But in reality, I didn’t really know
much other than he was in silence for an entire weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I will never forget
what happened after Greg’s retreat. You see, Fr. Paul’s words became reality for
me, when Greg arrived home after his retreat. As he walked through the door, and
I made eye contact with him, it was obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something was different about him. He hadn’t even said a word, but I
could tell he had changed. Whatever happened to him during those silent
spiritual exercises with God transformed him. He was a new creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the next week unfolded,
Greg shared with me how life changing the Spiritual Exercises had been for him.
I learned more and more about the work God did in his life that weekend. I was
in awe and amazed! I was grateful to God for bringing my husband even closer to
Him. And as the weeks turned into months, Greg remained faithful to the
transformation that God made in his heart by working on the “resolutions” he made
on the retreat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Greg encouraged me to
attend a women’s retreat of the Spiritual Exercises, but I’ll admit, I was
slightly apprehensive. I longed for the silence and the deeper intimacy with
God, but I was a bit nervous about the “exercise” that took place on one of
these retreats. Exercise in the form of meditation, reflection and prayer. Exercise
in the form of contemplating sin and going to confession. And when my weekend
finally arrived, I was downright nervous about what God had in store for me.
Would it be hard? Would it be painful? Would it require a gardener’s shears to
prune and prune some more?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To find out about my own experience on my Spiritual Exercises retreat and to find one in your area, please join me over at <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2015/01/08/spiritual-exercises-offer-real-resolutions-for-2015/">CatholicMom.com</a>!</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01530114345117741249noreply@blogger.com0