Dana Gioia’s 99 Poems New & Selected is a varied collection of well-crafted pieces that also demonstrates understanding of what it means to be fully human, skillfully expressing private experiences in a universal way. Gioia’s selections are organized topically. Fifteen poems are new while the rest are selected from his previous four collections. The sections include Mystery, Place, Remembrance, Imagination, Stories, Songs, and Love. The Catholic Heart From the arrangement alone, I felt a connection with Gioia. I knew he was a Catholic writer but, had I not, the themes of his poetry felt as familiar as a Scripture meditation or Sunday Mass reading. I relate to him as both a fellow Catholic and writer. In The Dyer’s Hand, W.H. Auden suggests questions to ask when reading a poem. Some of these include: Here is a verbal contraption. How does it work? What kind of a guy inhabits this poem? What does he conceal from the reader? What does he conceal even from himself? Gioia writes about ordinary things of life but applies craft and mystery that gives a glimpse of something beyond the veil. In doing this, he tells us about himself. The Ritual of Poetry In his craft book, Auden says “a poem is a rite, hence its formal and ritualistic character. Its use of language is deliberately and ostentatiously different from talk ... Poetry can do a hundred and one things, delight, sadden, disturb, amuse, instruct—it may express every possible shade of emotion” (page 58, 60). An example is in Gioia’s poem "Pentecost", written after the death of his son. In it he writes: Comfort me with stones. Quench my thirst with sand I offer you this scarred and guilty hand Until others mix our ashes. This powerful lament is certainly different from talk. Not only is it sad but also sensory as it seeks to express and honor the life of his dead son as well as the process of grief. Art Form and Heart Form Then again in "A California Requiem", Gioia confirms that he is a poet of place and nature mourning the loss of land to real estate development. We read: My blessed California, you are so wise You render death abstract, efficient, clean Your afterlife is only real estate And in his kingdom Death must stay unseen. This one was a favorite and I read it many times silently and aloud. I kept asking myself why I liked it so much, why I wanted to laugh and cry, why I wanted to share it with others. The conclusion I came to is that this piece does many things I want to do in writing. As for structure, there are ten syllables in each line and it is written in quatrains. It also has a specific scansion to it that was difficult for me to identify. But, I know enough to realize this is part of the appeal. The combination of stressed and unstressed word syllables gives it predictability and rhythm. In The Dyers Hand, Auden instructs “rhymes, meters, stanza, forms, etc., are like servants. If the master is fair enough to win their affection and firm enough to command their respect, the result is an orderly and happy household.” On sound level and form alone, this is a great poem. With further reading this piece also instructs through the line “Teach us the names of what we have destroyed” then disturbs and surprises through “We cannot ask forgiveness of the earth/For killing what we cannot even name.” His Poetry Tells Me Something about Myself Additionally intriguing was "Vultures Mating" because it aroused conflicting emotions. First, vultures are gross and ugly and I don’t care about them. But Gioia used an observation of these birds to tell me something about life that I do notice and think about which led me to enjoy the piece: "The stink and splendor of fertility arouses the world.” Then later: “Desire brings all things back to earth/charging them to circle, stretch, and preen.” And again in the line: “yearning to burst, to burn, to blossom, to begin.” The use of alliteration and imagery tells me about myself, my desires. The vultures demonstrate that desires encompass a lot in the human psyche and can be beautiful and unattractive. As a person of faith, I look for messages like this that teach about the natural world and longings, where to go with what is wanted, how to know and seek the good. As a writer, I also look for unique language to express human experience. Where Are We Going? I did not like the topics of some of Gioia’s poems simply because I don’t have a natural interest or prior knowledge of Novalis as a person or the horror film Nosferatu. Since I don’t expect to love every work in a collection this was not a disappointment. When first reading "Meditation On A Line From Novalis", I was bored compared to the excitement from some others. When analyzed further, I realized this poem is celebrating someone who came before by writing about him and I liked that. Particularly noticed was the same line at the end of each stanza: Where are we going? Home, always back home. Auden says “this (poetry in a democratic society) forces the poet to constantly search below the external surface which is palpable to the senses in order to read the inner soul.” Similarly, I often ask myself where I am going with my writing. That may mean with the next piece or in a broader context, as in, what I am going to do with this? Sometimes, I even wonder if I really know how to write. I don’t overreact to this because doubt is part of being human. I like this specific poem because it’s lucid. The piece repetitively asks a question then gives an answer. This technique gives a meaningful border to the words and gave me something to ponder and consider after the details were forgotten. Passing the Baton Gioia’s collection is like reading not only a poet but also a philosopher, a saint, a simpleton, a sinner. It’s reading someone who possesses a weighty and whimsical heart, a mastery of language. I took the opportunity to read his essays Can Poetry Matter? and The Catholic Writer Today during this study of Gioia. In coming to understand his insight into poetry, faith, and culture, I felt as if he was exhorting and passing the baton to a younger generation of faith based writers. Catholic imaginative literature as expressed through poetry is a worldview I would like to express well. For this reason, studying Dana Gioia’s poetry and letters both and now and in the future will keep me connected to a community that will enhance my understanding and writing life. I am grateful for the gift. Any other poetry fans out there? Have you read Gioia?   [bctt tweet="The Catholic Influence in Dana Gioia's Poetry #BISblog //" via="no"]   Jenny Richeson is a Catholic writer who is a lover of language and its mysteries. By day she provides speech pathology and cognitive intervention services to kids. Her main goal in life is to be a speaking stargazer caught up in wonder whenever possible. She makes her home in Kentucky with her husband Matt. Together they find God in gardening and all manner of outdoor activities whenever they can. Stargazing is a favorite pastime too. You can find out more about her here.   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

I have a dear friend who is a master when it comes to liturgical living. She is creative and intentional and I'm convinced that crafting is her charism. I am so thankful for her because, not only is it a joy to witness someone using their God-given gifts for His Kingdom, I also get to steal her wonderful ideas. Because, as it stands, crafting is not my charism, but I love celebrating the liturgical year. It is especially important to me to weave the life and calendar of the Church into our family culture. I want my children to grow up with the church's rhythm as their constant, and I think that part of that is celebrating the liturgical year. My personal favorite way to do this is to live liturgically through the lives of the Saints. Their diverse histories, customs, and abiding devotion to Jesus and the Church all drew me in. Their witness inspires my desire to be like them in holiness, ever loving the Lord more and more. A Massive Family One of my favorite things about the Communion of Saints is how different everyone is. The Catholic Church is truly universal in all her ways. The Church is for everyone and every place, for every background and every experience. We are blessed, as Catholics, to have such a large family who loves us and prays for us. No matter our particular life circumstances, there is a Saint in the family who has been through similar and come out holier for it. What a gift.   Saints Around the World Wanting to pass on this love of the Saints to my children, I've gathered various resources on the lives of the Saints over the years, but none have I loved so much as the new book from Meg Hunter-Kilmer, Saints Around the World. This gorgeous hardcover book holds over 200 pages of stories about Saints. The books highlights some Saints that are already beloved by many Catholics and many Saints who will be introduced to many of us for the first time. We have been using this book as a part of our homeschool mornings and, truly, it has been so much fun. We have learned so much about our brothers and sisters in Christ, and I cannot wait to continue using this book throughout the years to not only teach my children but myself. What I Love There is a lot to be loved in this book. Here are some of my favorite aspects: The illustrations: I am a big fan of Lindsey's work with Almond Rod Toys, so I was thrilled when I saw that she was the illustrator. The illustrations are warm and engaging. Under each illustration of each saint, you will find a description of the various elements, why they're included, and what it tells us about the Saint. The format // For each Saint, you will find their feast day, when they lived, and how to pronounce their name. The maps: You will also see a map of the world with a star located where that Saint lived. This has sparked many conversations with my kids about culture and geography and it has been a blast. Finally, the stories of the Saints found in this book showcase their extraordinary holiness in the midst of their ordinary lives. The Saints are presented in their authentic imperfections and their inspiring perseverance in love and service of God. A Book for Children and Adults As much as I love having this book for my children, I equally have loved having it for myself. It's been a blessing to our days, and if you have not yet gotten a copy for yourself, please do so!   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Saints Around the World #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

I scrolled through Facebook until a Disney meme caught my eye. It was a picture of a Cruella de Vil driving with clenched fists, bloodshot eyes, and frizzy hair. The caption read: “Me trying to excel in my career, maintain a social life, drink enough water, exercise, text everyone back, stay sane, survive, and be happy.” I chuckled to myself, thinking, "Sounds about right." We Know We are Made for More Many of us can relate to that meme. We know we are supposed to be healthy, pursue virtue, and follow God’s will for our lives. It is a lot to balance, but we know that those are the things necessary to thrive. But how do we do it all without turning into a Disney villain? At the time I saw that meme, I was beginning to discover the hard way what I needed to do to thrive. After being diagnosed with a chronic disease, I realized that I needed to live a more balanced life. But every time I started, I felt like I would go two steps backward. I would quickly give up new habits out of exhaustion, confusion, and burnout. This only left me more confused and burnt out. Then I heard a line from Matthew Kelly that got me thinking: “Our lives change when our habits change.” I realized that habits were the key to beginning to thrive and have life to the full as Jesus wants us to (see John 10: 10) The Way God Designed Our Brains Our brains were designed by God to live by habits. This adaptation helps us to reserve energy for other aspects of our lives. One study found that 45% of our daily activities are habits. Without habits, we would experience and decide on what to do anew every day. This would quickly tax our brainpower and willpower. For example, we would have to decide our morning routine, driving routine, and more before work. This would mean that by the time we began work, we would not have as much mental capacity to do our work. Life would be very difficult without habits! Many thinkers have also believed that habits are the foundation of success. One of the oldest and most famous quotes in this area comes from Aristotle: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. To progress in any area, we need continuous effort. That is why professional athletes work out or practice nearly every day. Musicians practice regularly. Writers and other creative people work regularly. Habits are much better suited for progress and growth than inconsistent actions. Habits can be helpful in every area of life, including health, virtue, and vocation. These five books will help you to discover ways to make and break long-lasting habits. What is a Habit? If you want to know more about the exact components of a habit, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is the book for you. In this book, Duhigg dives into the research behind habit components and formation. He also explains how to create habits for both individuals and organizations. One key takeaway from this book is an explanation of the three parts of a habit: The Cue // This is what triggers your brain to go into habit mode. The Routine // This is the actual habit. The Reward // This is what makes your brain crave repeating the habit. Duhigg explains that one of the best ways to make and break habits is to keep the cue and reward, but change the routine. What is the Best Way to Create a Habit? Unsure of how to create a habit? Have you tried traditional ways to create good habits, only to give up? These next books are for you. There is a lot of debate in the psychological community about many aspects of habit formation. Personally, I do not think there is one correct way to create habits. I think that each of us has a way to create habits best suited to our personalities and circumstances. These books offer lots of options. Atomic Habits Atomic Habits by James Clear was published in 2018 and millions of copies have been sold. The main focus of this book is the creation of systems and relying on those instead of goals to make things happen. These systems should be made up of small habits that push you towards becoming the person you want to be. Another helpful takeaway from this book is the Four Laws of Behavior Change. This includes making it: obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying to complete the new habit. This book is helpful for those who struggle with goal-setting or habit formation. This is also the best book on the list for breaking bad habits. Mini Habits Mini Habits book was published by Stephen Guise in 2013 and quickly became a bestseller on Amazon. This book was inspired by Guise’s famous one-push-up challenge. After struggling to make exercise a habit, he decided he would only force himself to do one push-up. He would not make himself do anything else after that. He found that making the bar so low motivated him to do more. He then began using this technique in all aspects of life. A mini habit is too small to fail and only doing this small thing counts as a “win” for the day. Guise has found that this motivates people to do more, and tricks them into forming larger habits. For example, having to only write 50 words a day has motivated Guise to write 1000 words most days. This book is helpful for those who struggle with summoning the motivation to do more. It is also helpful for those who need easy wins after failing to create good habits. Elastic Habits This book is the sequel to Mini Habits. Guise found that he struggled with having no set way to measure the extras he did after mini habits. He then created elastic habits and found them to be even more successful. Elastic habits have three levels: mini, plus, and elite, and can have many options in one level. The key here is that even only doing the mini level counts as a win for the day. But if you want to, your extras are measurable as a plus or elite win. I have found this strategy even better than mini habits because it challenges me to do more without worrying about failing. This book will be helpful for those who like the idea of mini habits, but who thrive on more structure. But, I highly recommend reading Mini Habits first! How Do I Fit in a New Routine? You may want to create a whole new routine and may be wondering how to fit that into your already busy schedule. The Miracle Morning has an answer for you (but don’t skip this part if you are not a morning person!) This book was published in 2012 by Hal Elrod and has been translated into 37 languages since. The Miracle Morning is made up of the best practices we need to thrive, like exercising and reading. It then allows you to fit in those activities before starting your day. While some of these elements may not be for you, the whole idea of The Miracle Morning is still very helpful. Elrod also includes some very helpful tips for becoming a morning person. Lean Into How You Were Created Habits are a great way to use the brains designed by God to create ways to thrive in all areas of life, as He wants us to. I pray that these books will be helpful to you in discovering ways to have life to the full. Do you have any other suggestions? Have you had success with any other habit-building strategies?   [bctt tweet="5 Books to Read for Making and Breaking Habits #BISblog //" via="no"]   Abby Albrinck is a graduate student in clinical psychology. She also writes about health, virtue, and vocation. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and playing music at Mass. You can find out more about her here.

On the night before He suffered, Jesus prayed for His disciples, who were "in the world" but who belonged entirely to Him (see John 17). This call of radical discipleship in the midst of an anti-Christian world is possible only by God's grace, and The Daughters of St. Paul are swimming in it. You have probably encountered social media content from The Daughters of St. Paul on Twitter or in their viral TikTok videos. They know that the world desperately needs Jesus and they have a keen sense of how to communicate the Good News to those who might be distant from the Church (for whatever reason). They have been beautifully bringing the Truth of God's Word in 240 characters or less, and now they've been given a little more page space to tell their own stories of the wonderful works of the Lord. Millennial Nuns is a new book from The Daughters of St. Paul that explores what it means to be anchored in the spiritual life while ministering to a port-less culture. Real Stories of Real Women We are well-versed with the stories of religious Saints who were convicted of their calling to religious life in their childhood and early teens years. The stories shared in Millennial Nuns will be the saint stories read by future generations. We get a real glimpse into individual Sister's call to the religious life: one while trying to write a college history paper, one while flipping through movies on the television. These stories of conversion are relatable, moving, and insightful. In the course of two chapters I found myself laughing out loud and tearing up. This is the way of life, and it's put on beautiful, purpose-driven display in the writing of the Sisters. Not Shying from Suffering One thing that struck me in this book was how honest the Sisters were about recent or current sufferings. Their life did not magically become perfect once they took their vows. They still dealt with familial struggles and losses, the challenges that come with living in community, and their labors to cultivate the unfamiliar fields in which God has placed them. They are real about their own sufferings and the sufferings they encounter in the lives of those they serve. They paint a realistic picture of what serving Jesus in 2021 looks like. A Look Into the Heart of the Person Each of the chapters in the book is written by a different Sister (including Blessed is She's Sister Maria Kim-Ngân Bùi). She shares a bit of her story (past and present), her unique experience, blessings, and challenges in living out the Lord's specific call on her life in this specific vocation. Each Sister also shares a bit about her interior life. But further—and what is even more captivating—is how evidently the fruit of that interior life overflows into every word she writes. We catch glimpses of each Sister's unique spirituality in the way she writes about prayer and in the way she writes about hand-lettering on social media. Through this intentional presentation, it is easy for each of us to see ourselves in these stories and to ponder: what is God asking of me? Contemplatives in Action The Daughters of St. Paul, funnily enough, are not actually nuns. Since they are contemplative religious in active roles in the world, they are religious sisters. But the heart behind #millenialnuns is evident and is perfectly expressed by the co-founder of The Daughters of St. Paul, Venerable Mother Thecla Merlo: How beautiful and holy it is to communicate Jesus, whom we want to always carry in the center of our heart. Millennials Nuns deserves a spot on your TBR list—in fact, bump it up to the top. And then let us—and them—know what you think of it. You know they'll be on Instagram.   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Millennial Nuns by The Daughters of St. Paul #BISblog //" via="no"]

When I look at the lives of the Saints, I see an ocean of personalities, vocations, experiences, and spiritualities. I marvel at the creativity of God and His goodness in giving us such varied souls. There are, however, a few things that all the Saints share in common. It is not limited to this, of course, but I have noticed that all the Saints have a deep love for a devotion toward: The Eucharist Our Lady The poor While this love and devotion manifested differently in their lives, these were hallmarks in their hearts. Works of Mercy The third thread strikes me in particular and calls me to a deep examination of conscience. Am I loving the poor? Am I devoted to them? Who are the poor the Lord has placed in my life? As I work through this examination, I am so thankful for the guidance I've received in a book called Simple Mercies. Its author, Lara Patangan, has lived out the mission of mercy for years and has a wealth of wisdom she now offers readers in this thorough but approachable book. Making Sense of the Calls Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Where do we focus our energies? Where should we start? What exactly do they mean? In Simple Mercies, Lara offers us a friendly hand to show us the Gospel call and conviction to serve the poor, in whatever poverty they find themselves. She shares her own personal experience of God's mercy, the catalyst in the Works of Mercy. She conveys in the Introduction: For most of my life, mercy felt above me, like something I could never reach. IT was like the incense used during holy days that rose to meet the cherubs at the tops of cathedrals. It was an enigma. I never took the time to contemplate what it meant, how it's shown, or its source from which salvation hinges. Now I understand that mercy never rose to the spires of churches; it descended from the heavens, reaching down to each of us. Mercy is forgiveness, do-overs, compassion, and kindness. I have been on the giving and receiving ends of these things my entire life, but I didn't always recognize them as mercy. Her honesty and candidness help us to understand the point and purpose of the Works of Mercy: receiving mercy from God and letting that reception overflow into our interactions with others. Even more, she gives us concrete ways we can begin practicing each work of mercy in our own lives. For each work of mercy, she offers ideas for us to live it: in our homes in our communities in our personal relationships with God For Group or Personal Study The reflection questions Lara includes at the end of each chapter make this book perfect for either group or personal study. I would love to read this with a group of women and discuss how we each feel the Lord calling us to live the different works. Jesus' Merciful Love Simple Mercies directs us to the merciful love of Christ that animates and inspires any act of mercy we perform. It is only by Him and through Him that the Works of Mercy transform the world, one act of love at a time. Want to dive into the Works of Mercy with me? Which work of mercy is on your heart the most right now? [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Simple Mercies: How the Works of Mercy Bring Peace and Fulfillment #BISblog //" via="no"]

Like many cradle Catholics, my introduction to Mary came at an early age. I was given a beautiful Rosary on my first communion, learned the Hail Mary in Kindergarten and my parents have a statue of Mary on our front lawn. But also, like many Catholics, I would say my understanding of Mary and her role in both the Church and my life personally did not come until much later in life. For many non-Catholics and Catholics alike, Mary can seem like a bit of a conundrum. Non-Catholics will often argue that the focus of our spiritual lives should be Jesus alone and that honoring anyone else distracts from Him. Many Catholics struggle with the idea of relating to the perfect woman who gave birth to the Son of God. I’ll be the first to admit, it can be difficult from her limited appearances in Scripture to understand who exactly she is. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary Enter Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre. It is rare to find a book where your mouth is literally hanging open in awe at the end, but I promise you that this is that book. With extensive research and a clear personal love for Our Blessed Mother, Brant masterfully guides the reader through Catholic Marian doctrine. Looking back to Scripture, ancient Jewish writings and the Catechism, Brant leads the reader on a journey throughout history to shed light on who Mary is in God’s plan and why she should matter so much to us today. Mary in the Old Testament Mary’s role in Salvation History can be traced back to the very beginning and our fathers in faith. First and foremost, Mary is the new Eve. Her fiat and her yes to the Father directly contrasts the disobedience of Eve in the Garden. In this yes, she, like Eve, becomes the mother of all the living—namely those who have been brought to new life by the death of her Son. Pitre also points to the Old Testament to show us that Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant, the vessel that is home to the living God. Perhaps the most striking comparison Pitre makes, however, is the least well known: the idea that Mary is the new Rachel. Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, the favorite wife of Jacob. After bearing Joseph, Rachel goes on to deliver Benjamin and dies in labor. Not to spoil the most impactful part of the novel, but when you look at the story of Joseph, contrasting him to Jesus and Rachel to Mary, there becomes an interesting connection one can make between the younger son, Benjamin, and the beloved disciple. As many Biblical scholars have pointed out, the author of John’s Gospel refers to John as the Beloved Disciple, so that the reader may imagine themselves in that role. If this is the case, seeing Mary as a new Rachel and ourselves as a type for Benjamin provides an incredible look at who she is as our own Mother. Why it Matters The second half of the story dives into Marian teaching, fleshing out why Catholics believe certain teachings about Mary that, at first glance, may not seem to have roots in Scripture. Pitre focuses on three main teachings: the perpetual virginity of Mary, the painless birth of the Messiah, and Mary’s role in the Kingdom of God as Queen Mother. This section is particularly helpful for dispelling common misconceptions about Our Lady. After all, Scripture directly references Jesus’ "brothers", so how could Mary have been a virgin all her life? To find the answer to this and other popular Marian questions, Pitre forces readers to look backwards into the Old Testament. While some might question the importance of these different pieces of doctrine, Pitre reminds his readers that the truth matters. The more we learn the truth about Our Lady, the more we know and understand about Jesus. “Behold your Mother” Pitre takes us to the end of the journey, where we meet Mary at the foot of the Cross. It is here that he challenges the reader, now knowing all that they do about the Blessed Mother, to enter into a personal relationship with her. And he is able to give a very compelling reason why you should: Why would Jesus willingly suffer the excruciating pain it would have caused Him to pull Himself up by the nails in His hands to utter these words…. ‘Behold your Mother’? These words He speaks to the Beloved Disciple are words He speaks directly to you and me, dear sister. He gives us the most precious thing in the world to Him, His Mother, to not just to honor but take as our own loving Mother. In accepting this great gift, we not only gain a relationship with our Mother, but in doing so, draw infinitely closer to Jesus Himself. I hope you will read this book if you are curious about Mary and I hope you will welcome the Lord’s invitation to get to know His Mother, accepting her as your own. In the words of Pitre, when it comes to learning more about Mary: ...you will discover something amazing and precious. She is already there waiting for you. You will find that Mary was loving you long before you ever learned to love her. Such as it is with mothers. When a mother gives birth, she can see her child long before the child can even open its eyes to see her. What questions do you have about Mary, the Mother of God? Feel free to ask in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary #BISblog //" via="no"]   Shelby Hennen is a Catholic young professional who hails from the Midwestern metropolis of Kansas City, MO. She loves a good book, a good chat with a friend and a good taco joint.

Just as it took me a couple of years to settle in to motherhood, it took me some time to settle in to homemaking. Neither motherhood nor homemaking came naturally to me, and it has taken a lot of hard work, grace, and intentionality to find my rhythm in both. To be honest, I did not even realize homemaking was a "thing" I was first married. I thought that chores and projects were "house work" and to be relegated to moments when you could no longer stand the mess. But homemaking? That's entirely different. Since discovering the art of homemaking, it has become a great source of joy in my heart and life. It brings me happiness to serve my family in this way and it allows me to push myself, to challenge myself to learn new things, and to conquer fears. Homemaking is an Art Homemaking really is an art, and that means there are a variety of expressions. Your homemaking does not have to fit in a certain box. It is unique to you and your family—what a gift! And whatever your style of homemaking and however much joy it brings you, there are times when we all grow weary of the task and need some fresh inspiration for the journey. Kimberly Hahn—wife and mother of six—has walked the road before us and has come to guide and encourage us in her book, Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker's Heart. When I heard about this book, it shot straight to the top of my TBR list. My homemaker's heart needed some refreshment, and it finds it's best motivation in the Word of God. I know this book will help you find the same, too. Graced and Gifted Graced and Gifted examines six different aspects of the woman in Proverbs 31 and draws inspiration from her example: She Works with Willing Hands She Brings Her Food from Afar She Rises While It is Still Night She Provides Tasks for Her Maidens She Considers a Field and Buys It She Girds Herself with Strength Kimberly has the captivating ability to draw us deeply into Scripture while also showing us how the Word applies practically to our lives and circumstances. She spreads before us a feast of hard-won wisdom, hard-learned lessons, and hard-worked strategies and ideas. The Heart of the Matter But lest you think this is merely a manual of housekeeping and schedule-making, Kimberly is clear about the purpose of homemaking from the very first chapter when she quotes her own mother: Relationships are at the heart of homemaking. The purpose of homemaking isn't to have the cleanest house on the block or to receive praises from friends and neighbors when they enter your home. It's not to earn the title "most hospitable" or even to be the house where your teenager and all her friends want to hang out. The purpose of homemaking is to honor God by tending to the hearts of those entrusted to us. If this does not remain our motivation and our prize then our labor is in vain. A Bible Study or Solo Study Each section is followed by a list of questions for both personal reflection and a small group setting. It would be so much fun to do this amongst other homemakers in your parish, friend group, or BIS small group. Whether you read through this with a group or slowly through the year to keep you inspired and encouraged, Graced and Gifted will be a true gift to your homemaker's heart, no matter what your homemaking looks like.   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Graced and Gifted by Kimberly Hahn #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. // Isaiah 43:1 God Calls His Children By Name Throughout Sacred Scripture, God calls His children by name because He knows their names. He knows them. Being known by God, and thus called by name, is an intimacy that demonstrates the Father’s care, concern, love, and affection for His chosen ones. In the Old Testament, God speaks the names of Abraham, Moses, and Samuel to address them directly, to express that they are chosen, and to articulate His specific plans for them. In the New Testament, Jesus calls Zacchaeus out of a tree. He speaks Martha’s name when He shows her a better way. He tenderly says Mary’s name, so she recognizes Him as her Resurrected Lord. He vulnerably asks Peter if he loves Him. These stories were real encounters between God and His beloved people. But these stories also capture another reality. They show us—you and me—that He calls not only them, but us by name, too. After all, we are His daughters, His precious ones. And He delights in us. God Calls Us By Name, Too Yes, God calls us by name, and we belong to Him. He loves us, created us, and is constantly refining us. So, of course He knows our names and uses them when He speaks to us, in all kinds of circumstances: To get our attention To console and comfort us To give us a mission To invite us to love Him more fully and deeply Can you hear Him? In this noisy world, sometimes it is hard to hear God whispering our name. But He is. And when we spend dedicated time with Him in prayer, reading and reflecting on His Word—His love letter to us—we begin to hear Him more easily, more clearly.   New Devotional for Catholic Women To help us along, WINE: Women In the New Evangelization has published a new women’s devotional. Edited by Kelly M. Wahlquist, Allison Gingras, and Alyssa Bormes, Called by Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women is the collaboration of 80 unique contributors who are active in the WINE ministry. Its purpose is to remind Catholic women that Jesus calls each of us by name and invites us into a personal, unique relationship with Him. Called By Name is rooted in Scripture and encourages the cultivation of a daily prayer habit. This collection of Scripture verses, reflections, prayers, and encouragements help us enter into the Word of God and begin contemplating how the Lord speaks to us—personally, tenderly, affectionately, and boldly. Each of the 365 daily devotions (plus one for leap year) is organized into three components: read, reflect, and respond. Read Every day’s devotion begins with a Scripture passage to read and ponder. While the Scripture verse is included, those praying with this devotional may want to read it with a Bible in hand, to easily linger in God’s Word, as the Holy Spirit prompts. Reflect After meditating on the Scripture passage, reflect on the words of a sister in Christ. Each reflection is personal and genuine. Some are lighthearted, while others are heart wrenching. No matter what, you will feel drawn in and connected to others on the journey. Respond Lastly, it is your turn. God has called. Now, how will you respond to His invitation? A short prayer and a call to action conclude each day’s devotion. Getting the Most Out of Prayer In addition to the daily devotional, WINE has also curated a bundle that provides everything you need to get the most out of your daily prayer time. The bundle includes a journal to guide you through praying with the day’s specific Scripture verse. It provides plenty of space to capture your thoughts for each daily reflection, as you grow in your relationship with the Lord. The bundle also includes a bookmark, 24 journaling stickers, and a vinyl Called By Name sticker to decorate your phone, laptop, or water bottle. A Daily Companion Called By Name is the perfect daily companion for women seeking to connect with the Lord and live each day in the light of His love. Open it on any day of the week and be inspired. Pray with it everyday of the year and be transformed. Because through a regular prayer practice, you will hear God speaking personally and intimately to you by name. Because, after all, you truly are His.   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Called By Name #BISblog //" via="no"] HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

“What does worthy of wearing mean to you? Almost five years ago, my friend-via-Instagram, Nicole Caruso, posed this question. It was the first time I recall hearing the phrase “worthy of wearing” and it immediately gave me pause. I was less than two years into motherhood at the time. In my case, that included a rocky transition from working in an office to staying at home with my son, and often feeling a little bit lost in the process. I had always loved fashion and personal style, but time and time again, I found myself reaching for workout clothes over the floral tops, statement earrings, and tailored dresses that made me feel most like myself. Day by day, my confidence steadily decreased, as did my sense of contentment with my season of life. Nicole’s thought-provoking question felt like a much-needed wake-up call. Did I feel worthy of wearing clothes that made me feel good? Did I feel worthy at all? I brought these questions to the Lord and found so much comfort uncovering His gentle answer: yes, I was worthy. Over the next few years, Nicole’s reminder to women that they were worth dressing in a way that upheld their dignity and brought them joy caught on like wildfire. It went from a popular hashtag to, now, a beautiful coffee table book. The Heart Behind Worthy of Wearing Worthy of Wearing, releasing on May 25, is divided into three sections: We are Worthy of Wearing Personal Style in a Catholic Context How to Curate a Worthy Wardrobe This progression leads the reader from the heart behind the movement, to why it should matter to Catholic women, to the practical, step-by-step tools to bring a “worthy wardrobe” to life. Nicole says: Worthy of Wearing is a movement to teach you how to show up for yourself so you can carry out the mission God put on your heart at your Baptism…[it] is a mindset that gives you permission to embrace and celebrate your inherent beauty. Throughout the first section, she brings us alongside her journey to uncovering this mission. From her preteen attempts to fit in, to the thrill and inspiration she found working in New York City, to the way early motherhood challenged her feelings of self-worth, anyone could find something to relate to in her experiences. Applying It to Your Own Style Thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter encourage you to apply the wisdom Nicole shares to your own life. As you reflect on them, you’ll uncover not only an updated and practical view of your style in your current season of life, but also, most importantly, a reminder of your worth as a beloved daughter of God. Nicole shares how to own your story, invite God into this process, and identify how your clothes truly reflect (or don’t reflect) the best, most authentic version of yourself. What This Means for Catholics As modern Catholic women, we experience a tension that we each have to discern: how can I live my Faith while also being an active and relevant member of society? I appreciated the way Nicole dedicated a whole section of Worthy of Wearing to this topic—one I sometimes feel I wrestle with daily. She goes right to the heart of the question: can I be a faithful Catholic and care about fashion and style? Her bold and resounding answer: yes. Nicole says, “Our role as Catholic Christian women is to save souls by representing Christ in our calling and making our devout life look attractive...When you embrace certain aspects of modernity (within the bounds of Catholic teaching), you make the Gospel attractive. You demonstrate that anyone can turn his or her life to Christ and still make a difference in the world.” In the World, Not of It Through her experiences of witnessing vibrant women—from the members of a Bible study in New York City, to the founders of Verily magazine she worked alongside as Beauty Editor—Nicole provides vivid examples of women who are “in the world, but not of it.” Complementing this idea perfectly are the joyful, beautifully styled, full-color images of women throughout the book—all Nicole’s real family members and friends. Nicole also addresses true beauty, the difference between style and fashion, a refreshing perspective on modesty, and the importance of first impressions in evangelization. This section of the book was admittedly my favorite. It challenged me to consider the way I present myself as part of my witness (remember how Saint Perpetua pinned up her hair before her martyrdom?). Practical Tips for Curating Your Wardrobe A lifelong magazine enthusiast, I will never shy away from a fun list of closet must-haves. When it comes to her practical tips for curating your own “worthy wardrobe,” though, Nicole takes an entirely different approach. You won’t find a list of must-haves anywhere in this book. Instead, Nicole guides you through the challenging work of identifying what is not working about your wardrobe, identifying the aesthetic that is truly “you,” curating a collection of clothes like a stylist, and much more. Before diving into her wealth of styling knowledge and advice, she gently invites you to consider the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs you may have in your season of life. While the continual shifting between topics like clothing and beauty to prayer and the Sacraments may sound jarring, Nicole brings them together seamlessly. I appreciated the way faith never feels like an afterthought throughout the book—it is always the core of the conversation. Editing Your Wardrobe This section dives deep into the practical, nitty-gritty information that can help you curate a wardrobe that truly reflects your style and works for your season of life. Nicole covers everything from measurement ratios to clothing categories, and textiles to makeup. With this information at your fingertips, you’re invited to follow Nicole’s steps to editing your wardrobe and then participate in a 30-day action plan, building the habit of dressing intentionally. Embracing Your Worthiness Even though I’ve been encouraged by Nicole’s ministry for years now, I closed her book with a renewed sense of excitement. From the approachable and joy-filled photos, to the practical tips I knew I could apply immediately, Worthy of Wearing delivered inspiration on so many different levels. I know it is a book I’ll return to again and again. What does worthy of wearing mean to you? To dig into this question, find Worthy of Wearing at Sophia Institute Press and follow along with @worthyofwearing on Instagram.   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Worthy of Wearing #BISblog //" via="no"]

I am personally convinced that, when, some time in the future, the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time. // Pope Benedict XVI My favorite college course was an ethics class taught by Dr. Maria Seifert Wolter that I took when I studied at Franciscan University’s Kartause. Sadly, it was one of the first times I had taken a philosophy course in my entire life! Those weeks of studying ethics encouraged me to think in ways I never had before, or never had pushed myself to think before. It was challenging, exciting, new, and filled my soul in a unique way that no other class had. Discovering Dietrich During the last few weeks of the course she taught us about one of her favorite philosophers, Dietrich von Hildebrand. I left the semester with a desire to learn more about him. During that Christmas break I read his biography The Soul of a Lion along with his writings too, like, The Heart and Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love. The Power of Philosophy He came to mind again a few months ago and I ordered his memoir My Battle Against Hitler. There is something so special about this man, something to be respected. Not just his intellect, but also his virtue. Named Hitler’s Enemy Number One, Dietrich Von Hildebrand stood for and proclaimed truth in season and out of season. The fact that a philosopher was labeled the primary enemy of National Socialism shows the power of philosophy, the power of the love of wisdom. My Battle Against Hitler reads like a thrilling movie and I hope it is made into one soon, mostly because I want people to know more about this great man and his incredible life. Reading his memoirs that were written during such a pivotal time in history made me realize how few people know about this great philosopher! Someone I Could Follow John H. Crosby, the founder of Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Legacy Project, writes of him: Dietrich von Hildebrand was a philosopher I could follow. His heroic struggle against Nazism fired my imagination; his single-minded love and pursuit of truth presented me with a vivid embodiment of the true philosopher; and his passion for music, literature, and art taught me that life without beauty is impoverished and inhuman. I couldn’t agree more! Dietrich von Hildebrand teaches us truth through the way of beauty. He fully lived out the goodness and virtue that he taught. I am always left inspired and yearning for more after reading his writings. Born Into Beauty A devoted Catholic convert, Dietrich von Hildebrand was born in Florence in 1889. With a sculptor father, Dietrich was born into beauty and surrounded by it during his childhood. That love and reverence for beauty continued throughout his entire life. Von Hildebrand began studying philosophy at the University of Munich in 1906. Influenced by philosophers Edmund Husserl and Max Scheler, von Hildebrand became a leading philosopher in ethics, phenomenology, epistemology, and aesthetics. One of the most pivotal hallmarks of von Hildebrand is that he sought to answer, “the crucial questions of human existence by looking first to the nature and dignity of the human person” (source). Conversion Dietrich von Hildebrand converted to Catholicism in 1914 and remained a devoted Catholic. He said that the beauty of Christ and the Saints are what attracted him to our great faith. Catholicism influenced not only his writings but his way of life. He lived out the truth, beauty, and goodness that he so powerfully proclaimed. The truths that Dietrich found and taught in both philosophy and Catholicism allowed him to combat National Socialism during the Second World War through his strong voice and writings. Von Hildebrand opposed anti-Semitism and National Socialism so vehemently that he had to flee Europe for safety. Leaving A Legacy By 1940, von Hildebrand was settled in New York City and began teaching at Fordham University. It is there that he met his second wife, Alice von Hildebrand. He is the author of many books and writing and his ideas on marriage influenced the Second Vatican Council’s teaching. A Challenge Philosophy can be intimidating. Yet don’t dismiss it for that reason! Delve in! Ask questions, research, work through it, and challenge yourself! As Catholics, we are blessed to boast that we have the heritage and beauty of Dietrich von Hildebrand, a great philosopher who championed the dignity of every human person. In every age it is important that we continue to be seekers and lovers of wisdom, that we become philosophers. Start with this great philosopher, Dietrich von Hildebrand. Read his books and his other writings. Check out The Hildebrand Project! I promise you that your life will be deeply enriched if you do! Have you ever read von Hildebrand? What is your favorite of his works?   [bctt tweet="Dietrich von Hildebrand // The Philosopher Every Catholic Should Know #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Christ Jesus, high priest of the new and eternal covenant, taking human nature, introduced into this earthly exile that hymn which is sung throughout all ages in the halls of heaven. He joins the entire community of mankind to Himself, associating it with His own singing of this canticle of divine praise. For He continues His priestly work through the agency of His Church, which is ceaselessly engaged in praising the Lord and interceding for the salvation of the whole world. She does this, not only by celebrating the Eucharist, but also in other ways, especially by praying the Divine Office. By tradition going back to early Christian times, the Divine Office is devised so that the whole course of the day and night is made holy by the praises of God. It is the very prayer which Christ Himself, together with His body, addresses to the Father. // Vatican II, Sacrosanctum concilium, 83-84 Something New The first time I prayed the Liturgy of Hours I was in a small chapel with about ten people in college. I woke up early one morning after seeing a sign in my dorm’s hallway stating the time and place to meet to pray. Someone handed me a thick prayer book with ribbons. For the next fifteen minutes the most beautiful thing happened. Though I was completely lost and not on the right page the entire time, I felt part of a community, I felt the unitive power of prayer. I felt part of something great and beautiful. The Prayer of Our Church The more I learned about this great prayer of our Church, I realized by praying the Liturgy of Hours I am part of something great and beautiful. The Liturgy of Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is the daily prayer of the Church. The purpose is to give God His due worship throughout the hours of our day. As a natural result of this, like all proper worship, we become sanctified, too. The Words and Wisdom of God The USCCB has a beautiful description of the Liturgy of Hours: “The [Liturgy of] Hours are a meditative dialogue on the mystery of Christ, using scripture and prayer. The dialogue is always held in the presence of God and using the words and wisdom of God. Each of the five canonical Hours includes selections from the Psalms that culminate in a scriptural proclamation. The two most important or hinge Hours are Morning and Evening Prayer. These each include a Gospel canticle: the Canticle of Zechariah from Luke 1:68-79 for Morning Prayer (known as the Benedictus), and the Canticle of Mary from Luke 1:46-55 for Evening Prayer (known as the Magnificat). The Gospel canticle acts as a kind of meditative extension of the scriptural proclamation in light of the Christ event. Morning and Evening Prayer also include intercessions that flow from the scriptural proclamation just as the Psalms prepare for it.” A Transformative Prayer Uniting ourselves as a Church in prayer is powerful. The Liturgy of Hours is the prayer of Mother Church. After years of praying the Liturgy of Hours I have strengthened my relationship with God. Through the Divine Office I am more aware of the importance of our liturgical seasons and the beauty and Scriptural bounty found throughout the year. I am closer to the Saints through reading their writings on their Feast Days. I am continuously touched by the witness of the Church Fathers, whose prose has transformed my heart. These are just some of the many fruits that I have experienced from praying the Liturgy of Hours. From personal growth to uniting myself with the Church, I have grown deeply as a person through this prayer. Ultimately, I pray because God is worthy and deserving of our worship. There are many fruits that come from this proper worship and each is a blessing and a gift. Helpful Resources, Tips, and Links A Liturgy of Hours set is an investment. If you are open to a second hand set, talk to your pastor or a religious community in your area to see if they have a set you can have for free. You can also ask local bookshops if they have a discounted Set available for you to buy. You can purchase your own Liturgy of Hours Set here and use code CLAIRE for 15% off this set and your entire order. The Saint Joseph Guide for the Liturgy of Hours (code CLAIRE for discount) is something I use daily when I pray the Divine Office. It gives the page numbers for each of the five “hours” every day of the year and includes the page numbers for Feast Days, too! It’s always on my Christmas wish list! This Burrowshire Podcast Episode, ‘How and Why to Pray the Liturgy of Hours,’ is so informative and lit a spark in my heart to be faithful to praying the Divine Office each day. Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum concilium, section on the Divine Office (83-101) is worth reading. The USCCB explanation of the Liturgy of Hours is one of my favorites! A Layman’s Guide to Liturgy of the Hours by Father Timothy Gallagher is a great resource (Discount code = CLAIRE). I use the DivineOffice App not only to pray the Liturgy of the Hours on the go but also for ribbon placement if I ever am a little lost and don’t have my Saint Joseph’s Guide available. Don’t give up! Invite your parish priest over for dinner and Evening Prayer, asking them to spend some time teaching you the Liturgy of Hours. Or, watch this amazing instructional video on YouTube. Start small. Don’t feel pressured to pray all of the five hours starting out. Start with Morning or Evening prayer. I have found that the more I pray the Liturgy of Hours, the more I desire to! It truly orders your day towards God. Do you pray the Liturgy of Hours? How has it changed your spiritual life? Do you have any tips or resources that have helped you? Share in the comments below!   [bctt tweet="A Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]

“She’s such a good person? Why does she have to suffer?” “I don’t want to go through this pain. I am afraid.” Suffering is something that no one wants to endure. It is scary, lonely, difficult, and painful—whether it is physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional. But suffering is part of life in this fallen world; it is completely unavoidable. Jesus suffered. Mary suffered. The saints suffered. And at some point, all of us will suffer in one way or another. This may sound like a harsh reality. Perhaps it is. Suffering Can Lead to Redemption But the Lord does not allow our suffering to be meaningless. Rather, the mystery of suffering offers redemption. It invites us to participate in the salvific work of the Cross. It leads us to Heaven. And our own suffering also helps others in their ongoing conversion toward Christ. We see evidence for this in Sacred Scripture: “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” // Romans 5:3-5 “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” // Colossians 1:24 “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” // Romans 8:18 And the Catechism of the Catholic Church confirms these truths: By his passion and death on the cross Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to him and unite us with his redemptive Passion // CCC 1505 Moreover, “suffering can also have a redemptive meaning for the sins of others" (CCC 1502). We Are Not Alone Of course, even redemptive suffering is difficult. In the midst of it, we can grow weary and can even lose our faith. The Lord knows that we cannot endure any type of suffering alone. Nor does He want us to. He invites us to entrust our sufferings to Him so that He can give us the grace we need to suffer well, to unite our sufferings to His, and to remain hopeful in the redemptive promises attached to our personal suffering. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” // 2 Corinthians 12:9 Books about Suffering In addition to Scripture and the Catechism, which offer a plethora of encouragement in the midst of suffering, there are wonderful books that offer guidance and support, too. They explain the redemptive nature of suffering. And they extend comfort and consolation, while enduring personal suffering. Understanding Suffering The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis considers a universal question: “If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow suffering?” With compassion and wisdom, Lewis answers this question and offers hope to a world in desperate need of healing. Suffering: The Cross of Christ and Its Meaning for You by Dom Hubert van Zeller demonstrates how the 14 Stations of the Cross teach us how to transform our failures into victories, as well as how to ease another's suffering by emulativing Mary’s compassion at the foot of the Cross. This book explains the purpose of suffering, and through Christ’s Passion, we can learn how to bear our own crosses with patience and perseverance. Learning From Others He Leadeth Me is the true story of Father Walter Czizek, who was captured by the Russian army during World War II and falsely convicted of being a Vatican spy. He spent 23 years in Soviet prison and labor camps. Through his complete reliance on God's will, Father Czizek endured extreme hardships and lived to tell others of the fortitude he found in prayer, which gave him an inner peace amidst the horrific evil that surrounded him. Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza is her personal account of surviving the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Most of Immaculee’s family was ruthlessly murdered, but she survived because of a local pastor’s courage and kindness. For three months, she and seven other women hid in his cramped bathroom. During those long, terrifying days, Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, especially the Rosary. She emerged from the bathroom hideout with a love so strong she was able to forgive her family’s killers. Entrusting Ourselves to God Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness by Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and Blessed Claude de la Colombière is a spiritual classic that invites readers to “be still and know that” God is in control, and He will never send us a trial too difficult to endure. But we must learn how to surrender to God’s will, which will ultimately help us to attain serenity in this world and salvation in the next. Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade explains that true abandonment to God is a trusting, peaceful, and childlike surrender, which is guided by grace. This book encourages readers to be present to the moment by accepting our everyday obstacles with patience, humility, and love. Discovering Hope and Healing Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Father Jacques Philippe discusses the reality that we live in an age defined by agitation and discord. Father Philippe invites readers to respond to the upsetting situations that come our way by embracing the Gospel. Using concrete examples from everyday life, readers discover how to overcome fear and grow in confidence in God’s loving care for us. Interior Freedom by Father Jacques Philippe leads readers to discover that even in the most difficult circumstances, we possess a freedom that no one can take away, because it originates from God. Throughout this book, Father Philippe unfolds a simple but important theory: our interior freedom is in exact proportion to our growth in the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. This Lent and Beyond A spiritual book about suffering is the perfect companion to our upcoming Lenten journey, although these books can be read and contemplated at any time of the year. Spiritual books on suffering contribute to our understanding of the greatest suffering ever endured: the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. They also help us more fully unite our own sufferings with those that Jesus and Mary endured on Mount Calvary. And the wisdom gained within the pages of these books aid us in easing the sufferings of others. Have you read any of these books? What are your favorite books about suffering through the lens of faith?     [bctt tweet="Books about Suffering (through the Lens of Faith) #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Clive Staples Lewis, popularly known as C.S. Lewis, was not only an incredibly influential writer during his lifetime, but has continued to draw thousands of readers over the years. He was born in Ireland in 1898 and grew up surrounded by book lovers. One of his favorite authors was Beatrix Potter. He later tutored at Oxford where he was part of a small discussion group called “The Inklings” with J.R.R. Tolkien. A C.S. Lewis Booklist He wrote dozens of books during his lifetime, spanning the course of three decades. Here are some of his most well known works: The Screwtape Letters (1942) The Screwtape Letters is a classic when it comes to fighting off the whispers and lies that the devil so consistently and stealthily breathes into our ears. It is written in the form of letters between the high ranking demon, Screwtape, and his nephew and tempter-in-training, Wormwood. Throughout the correspondence Screwtape is coaching Wormwood on how to gain the soul of a new Christian. The way he is instructed to tempt the young man is simple, yet effective. Bring fully into the consciousness of your patient that particular lift of his mother’s eyebrows which he learned to dislike in the nursery, and let him think how much he dislikes it. Let him assume that she knows how annoying it is and does it to annoy...and of course, never let him suspect that he has tone and looks which similarly annoy her. Fun Fact: Lewis dedicated this book to his friend J.R.R. Tolkein. The Great Divorce (1945 ) This book is an allegorical tale in which the writer is aboard a bus on a journey from Purgatory to Heaven. He makes this journey as a transparent being, a “ghost”, yet his surroundings are all solid. So solid that he is unable to bear the weight of a leaf or walk among the sharp blades of grass. He won’t be able to engage with creation until he accepts the paradise that God designed. It isn’t that the ghost had a negative assumption of what a leaf or a blade of grass is like, it’s just that it was a mere shadow of how it is in Heaven. Our earthly reality makes it impossible for us to really fathom what Heaven is like. If the ghost prefers his idea of what his surroundings are like, and refuses to try to comprehend God’s reality, he can choose to return to the “grey town” where he began. However, if he chooses to go back, what started out as Purgatory, will become his decided hell. Some ghosts prefer returning to this place because there they are in control of their own lives. As Lewis wrote: There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened. Chronicles of Narnia (1950-1956) Lewis wrote and published The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1950. Little did he know that he would continue writing to make it a seven book fantasy novel series. The story takes place in the land of Narnia where there is magic, mythical creatures, and talking animals. The protagonists are human children from earth who traveled to Narnia through a magic wardrobe. Here they follow the direction of Aslan the lion, who describes Narnia as “always winter and never Christmas.” With Aslan’s help, the children courageously fight to keep Narnia from falling permanently into the evil plans of the white witch who froze the land into a one-hundred years winter. Of all Lewis’ books, The Chronicles of Narnia has sold the most copies. Fun Fact: Lewis dedicated The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe to his godchild Lucy Pevensie who he based one of the characters after. In the front of the book he wrote her a letter, saying: I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. Mere Christianity (1952) In this book, Lewis so powerfully explains how the foundation of all Christian faiths can bring unity among us. Even the Wall Street Journal wrote about Mere Christianity: “It is not surprising that Lewis’s time-proven views are still flourishing while most other mid-20th-century works are nearly neglected.” He tackled a variety of topics including moral law, our disposition toward sin, and the Trinity. He did this keeping in mind that it needed to be easy to understand for the general reader, rather than highly philosophical. He wrote: If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. Fun Fact: The four books in Mere Christianity were broadcast on a BBC radio series during World War II. This series of 15-minute talks by C.S. Lewis was titled, “Right and Wrong: A Clue to the Meaning of the Universe.” You can tune into one of the 15-minute talks here. The Four Loves (1960) As I mentioned in a previous post about books on divine and human love, this book is the source of one of my favorite quotations, “To love at all is to be vulnerable.” Lewis shares great wisdom on the different categories of love as well as how they play out in our everyday life, writing about them with their Greek names. Affection storge: This is the cozy, comfortable kind of love that we experience in familiar and fond places whether that be the home we grew up in, our place of worship, or our college community. Friendship philia: Lewis calls this kind of love the most fully human. It is the kind of love we share with another when we find something in common. Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one'. Romantic eros: This love gives us a glimpse of what being in the presence of Eternal Love will be like. It is the kind of love that dies to self and anticipates the needs of the other. It is an image of God’s love for the world. Charity agape: This is where we ought to live, for the Beloved and as the beloved. We learn to have charity through the other three loves, but we are created to know and love God Himself. Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose. If love is to be a blessing, not a misery, it must be for the only Beloved who will never pass away. A Grief Observed (1961) After just four years of marriage, Lewis’ wife, Joy, died from cancer. This book was written after her death, and is a must read for anyone suffering the loss of a loved one. In this book Lewis will mourn with you: “I not only live each endless day in grief, but live each day thinking about living each day in grief.” He will question God with you: “Can I meet her again if I learn to love you so much that I don’t care whether I meet her or not?” He will also find comfort with you, despite the unknown: “When I lay these questions before God I get no answer. But rather a special sort of ‘No answer.’ It is like a silent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His head, but not in refusal or in waiving the question. Like, “Peace, child; you don’t understand.” By the end of his book, Lewis didn’t find all the answers. But he did find consolation in knowing his wife died with a spiritual peace. This is what I love about Lewis. His humility and honesty. He isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, and even when he doesn’t fully understand the answer, his faith persists. Whether you are looking for a fantasy novel, a book to pray and meditate with, or one with a more philosophical angle, the writing of C.S. Lewis is a great place to find what you are looking for! Have you ever read the work of C.S. Lewis? Which one of his books is your favorite?   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // A C.S. Lewis Booklist #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

This past Lent was the most transformative one I’ve experienced. It coincided with my Ovarian Wedge Resection recovery. During those forty days, Christ healed me not only physically, but spiritually. By Easter morning, I was made totally new. A few hours before Lent began, I asked God what He desired for me to sacrifice. Since I was laying in bed recovering, I felt like I didn’t have much to give. How far from the truth! Christ accomplished His greatest work when He was immobile. I started reflecting on what I was holding back from God and things that I to which I'm attached. Social media came to mind, specifically Instagram. The Call and Sacrifice I use Instagram as the main platform for evangelization for my ministry, Finding Philothea. I fought the idea of fasting from it. What would I do as I laid in bed recovering? Wouldn’t I be lonely if I fasted from it? Bored? Wasn’t I meant to continue to evangelize throughout Lent? God’s answer penetrated my heart: He could do more with my silence. And He did. Replace With Beauty I decided to fast from Instagram. It was one of the best decisions I made. When we fast from something, we should always put something good in its place, as a priest once instructed me. So I replaced the time I normally spent creating content or scrolling on Instagram with spiritual reading, specifically Saint Faustina’s Diary and Bishop Barron’s Word On Fire articles. Those two resources set my heart ablaze. I felt like I had been spiritually starving and now my cup was overflowing with beauty, truth, and goodness. I couldn’t get enough. As I continued with my spiritual readings, my prayer life naturally increased. The knowledge of God’s love for me that both Saint Faustina and Bishop Barron revealed flowed gently into a deepening of my love for Him. Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear I realized how much I had been holding back from our loving and trustworthy God. I discovered how many fears I had, especially the fear of suffering. Physical suffering scared me and I had been trying to avoid it at all costs. I had been afraid of the pain of surgery before my Ovarian Wedge Resection and as I lay recovering I was scared for my heart to continue to suffer with the cross of infertility. I was full of fear. I discovered Saint Faustina’s own journey with suffering and the deep joy she found in it. She wrote of not only comforting Christ but saving her own soul and other souls through her suffering. She wrote that God revealed to her that if angels could be jealous of men it would be for two things: the Eucharist and their ability to suffer. Yet because of my “yes” to Christ at the beginning of Lent, I had opened the door just enough for Christ to enter into my heart. Grace began to pour into my life. I Surrender A few days before Lent ended, I sat on my bed and looked at the San Damiano crucifix that hangs in my bedroom. I saw the suffering Christ, hanging, dying, for me. I looked at Him and repeated, “I surrender.” I told Him I surrender to all He has in store for my life. I said yes to the infertility, if that is what He willed for my life. I said yes to the suffering, if that is what His plan was for me. The most profound peace and joy I have ever experienced immediately flooded into my entire being. That joy has continued to grow as I surrender each day to Him and His will for my life. There is freedom in the surrender. There is joy in knowing that our suffering has merit. [bctt tweet="There is freedom in the surrender. #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] The Power of The Holy Spirit Looking back, I know that it was the Holy Spirit Who prompted all of this. It was the Holy Spirit, the Love between the Father and the Son, Who was inviting me to participate in that Divine Romance. The Holy Spirit blows where He chooses (John 3:8) and I know He was breathing new life within my heart. It was the Holy Spirit Who was inviting me to silence, to retreat, to learn, to discover, to pray. It was the Holy Spirit Who gave me wisdom and understanding, Who planted the seeds of my surrender. Come, Holy Spirit, we pray; and He comes rushing in, powerfully, gently, overwhelmingly. He invites, we give permission, and when we do, He overshadows, and our life is forever changed. [bctt tweet="Come, Holy Spirit, we pray; and He comes rushing in, powerfully, gently, overwhelmingly. He invites, we give permission, and when we do, He overshadows, and our life is forever changed. #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"] Ask The Holy Spirit To Be With You I don’t know what God has planned for me this Lent. I do know it will be beautiful. Beauty is found in the sacrifice, in the suffering that always leads to new life. The Death and Resurrection of Christ prove this—the most beautiful reality in this world has ever seen was on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This Lent, I encourage you to join me in asking God what He wants you to sacrifice and what beauty He desires you to replace that sacrifice with. Each time we fast we build upon past fasts. That is why it is so important to fast. We are better able to hear His call and His voice. We are disciplined to say “yes” to His invitations. Ask the Holy Spirit to be with you. Set A Fire Blessed Is She’s Lenten Devotional, Set a Fire, does just this, it helps us invite the Holy Spirit to be with us as we journey toward the Cross and Resurrection. We are never alone in our Faith! We have the Great Advocate, the Holy Spirit, with us. The Holy Spirit transforms us in our sacrifice, in our suffering. Let Him breathe new life within the darkest recesses of your heart, your body, your mind, your soul. Give Him permission to breathe, to move, in you. You are loved by God, you are Spirit-filled, you are called to greatness. The way we live out that call is, like Mary, to say yes and let the Holy Spirit overshadow us. Great things are in store for us this Lent the moment we decide to do this.   [bctt tweet="How the Lord Has Gently Purified Me #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

This Lent, we are inviting you to offer your hearts over to the Holy Spirit to experience the transformation of His fiery love. In Set a Fire, we explore the themes of purification and transformation alongside Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, and through the love of the Father. Meet the Writers Our writers have brought these stories from their lives to the page, offering inspiration and encouragement on the journey for the rest of us. We challenge you to pray with and consider this question as well: how has the Holy Spirit touched and transformed you? The writers of the 2021 Lent devotional share their responses below! Jenna Guizar // Founder & Creative Director of Blessed is She It was a hot day in Phoenix, and I stepped outside to let the heat soak into my cold, air conditioned skin. I headed to Adoration and stepped foot in the chapel, the Blessed Sacrament poised as if He had been waiting just for me. I sat and soaked up His presence—my Lord and my God! I meditated on His peace and His love, and I couldn’t help but recognized the transformation happening inside of my soul. It was just like the AZ sun after sitting in the A/C all day long, how much I appreciated the Lord warming my stony and cold heart. And He does that again, every single moment of every single day. It’s not (always) a big, extravagant moment. It’s the little surrender to allow Him to warm us, to purify us, to transform us to look more and more like Him. Little surrender, bit by bit. That’s all this journey is.   Olivia Spears // Blog Manager & Writer for Blessed is She Most of the Holy Spirit's movements in my life have been subtle and quiet. Consolation, Wisdom, and Courage are ways He often moves in my heart, inviting me to come closer to Him in order to better hear His voice. But there have been moments in which the Holy Spirit has moved like a mighty wind rather than a whisper, and these moments of healing—physically, mentally, and emotionally—can only be described as Divine. He is my Advocate not only in my daily struggle against sin and for virtue, He is my Defender in the midst of my greatest storms. I want more of Him, every day.   Tricia Tembreull // Writer for Blessed is She When I think of the Holy Spirit, memories of youth ministry retreats, parent retreats, and silent retreats fill my heart. Then there are the moments when I had to take a leap of faith and felt I fell onto the wings of the Holy Spirit as I jumped. The Holy Spirit is my counselor, my comforter, my encourager, and my motivator when I am resistant or complacent in my relationship with God. When I look back at my life, I recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit every step and move I’ve made: big or small. When I look forward, I trust He is guiding the way. And when I am still and present to the moment, He is the wind that brushes my hair on my cheek.   Elise Howe // Writer for Blessed is She I am certain I fail to notice all the countless, boundless ways the Spirit leads me each and every day. One particularly memorable moment was my first experience of Eucharistic adoration at a conference on the Vigil of Pentecost. That experience of the Spirit filling the room as I worshiped Jesus alongside many sisters and brothers in Christ was overwhelming. Life-altering. It both challenged and inspired me to really ponder what my faith meant, and to pursue the Lord in a new, more whole-hearted way. What a gift.   Mary Catherine Craige // Writer for Blessed is She The Holy Spirit has brought me peace, life, and healing. This experience has been a transformation with my health and in so many aspects of my life that has brought me a deep sense of peace that, even if there are challenges, I am ok. What a gift to have the presence and transformation of the Holy Spirit in our lives!     Sarah Ortiz // Writer for Blessed is She I have most especially seen the Holy Spirit stretch, grow, and bring life to my heart in my relationship. If I hadn’t been inviting Him to enter and meld my heart to Christ’s, I would never be able to forgive those who have hurt me. Any damage that has happened at the hands of a human would have left me as just that: broken. In trusting the Holy Spirit to move, I have found healing and growth.   Ginny Kubitz Moyer // Writer for Blessed is She I love how the Holy Spirit is all about movement. In the Scriptures the Spirit is often shown as a dove, or wind, or a flame, dancing and moving and shaking things up. That's been true in my life, too. Over the past many years, the Spirit has led me down surprising paths, both personally and professionally. For example, an idea for a writing project that seemed crazy to me several years back has ended up bearing fruit in unexpected ways. I've found that the Spirit is full of surprises and, if we're willing to play along, we're in for a wild and grace-filled ride. Share Your Story? Now we want to hear from you! Let us know in the comments how the Holy Spirit has transformed your heart and life. And if you want to hear more of these women's stories and to pray alongside thousands of other women in the Holy Spirit this Lent, be sure to grab your copy of Set a Fire (or the Lent bundle!). We can't wait to hear your story, and we can't wait to see what God writes with your life next.   [bctt tweet="The Heart Behind Our 2021 Lent Devotional #BISblog #bislent //" via="no"]

During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we reflect a lot on "a weary world." The world, at all points in history, has been tired from sin and striving and aching for the the rest and renewal that comes from an encounter with Jesus Christ. As if on cue, this Advent season has gifted us with a new, year-long devotional from author, YouTuber, and Blessed is She devotional writer, Emily Wilson Hussem. Awaken My Heart We are all familiar with the hustle of life. The pushing and the pulling and the running and the juggling until something breaks—and most of the time, it's us. We know well the deep desire for intimate prayer with the Lord, and the disheartening realization that yet another day has gone by without intentional prayer. In a new way this year, we're still weary. We might not be "doing" as much, but we are still pushing, pulling, running, and juggling. It might look different, but the soul-fatigue feels very similar. This tiredness of soul often ushers in a numbness, a coldness, an apathy. And it's to the woman who is experiencing this that Emily Wilson Hussem seeks to pray with in Awaken My Heart. New Graces In this devotional, Emily focuses on a different topic each week. In her unparalleled way, Emily shares personal stories from her own life while incorporating wit and wisdom that can only come from a heart that's united with the Lord. You can start this devotional any time, but of course one can't help but think of the upcoming new year as a wonderful opportunity to begin. Each week, Emily shares a story and reflection, a few questions to take to prayer, and an original closing prayer. I love that this format gives us the space to pray through each week's chapter throughout the entire week. There's no rush; no falling behind; no checking boxes. Just relationship with God. A Great Gift for the Women in Your Life While you're getting a book for yourself, pick one up for the women you love! This would be a great gift for sisters, moms, friends, godchildren, and those you've sponsored for Confirmation. In fact, this could be easily used in a small group, as the questions lend themselves well to both individual contemplation and group discussion. As we look to the start of a new year, let's resolve to be less-weary. Let's resolve to stop so much striving and to begin claiming our rest as daughters of God. Let's begin now, and let's begin here. Have you read this book yet?! What did you think?   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Awaken My Heart: A 52-Week Devotional #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

When my oldest son turned two, I made him a three-car train cake out of banana breads baked in different-sized rectangular loaf pans. I even carved out a space for a Teddy Graham conductor in the engine. As I was crafting it, my husband and dad made good-natured jests on my progress. Once they were in another room, working on their own project, my mom leaned in to reassure me. It was okay if they didn’t get it, she told me. This was what mattered. What she meant was not that I had made something Pinterest-worthy (I don’t think we knew what Pinterest was then), but that I had spent time and effort to create something that would make our son smile and that he would eat with delight. Something that would make him feel special. Something that told him—in quick bread—how much I love him. Even if he wouldn’t necessarily remember this particular celebration later in life, that act of love was going to make a positive impact on him. The Spiritual Nature of Home My mom’s sentiment that day eight years ago came back to me as I reflected on Theology of Home II: The Spiritual Art of Homemaking by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering, with photography by Kim Baile with Dori Greco Rutherford. What I was gifting my son with that train cake was an expression of what it is to be home. And now I can see that there was a powerful spiritual element at work in it that too often flies under the radar. As I read this book, it occurred to me (editor that I am), that the text could have been printed as a typical 6-by-9-inch paperback, all black and white. Instead, it’s this gorgeous hardcover, filled with intentional, beautiful photography that begs you to slow down and appreciate the work in your hands. There’s a wonderful interplay between the words and the images, so that the form and content together convey more deeply the message of this book. That message is the far-reaching value of generously inviting those around us to fully belonging in our homes. Realizing the Importance of Home This year, most of us have spent a lot more time in our homes than we used to. Remember when toilet paper was hard to find? One theory I’d read to explain that suggested that many people were so used to spending the majority of time outside their homes, they didn’t know how much their families or roommates used in a week! When toilet paper isn’t an issue, there is something lovely, familiar, and comforting about being truly at home. We all long for it in one way or another. But perhaps we aren’t all aware of how to build that, how to engage in what the authors call the “spiritual art” of making a home. [bctt tweet="There is something lovely, familiar, and comforting about being truly at home. But perhaps we aren’t all aware of how to build that, how to engage in the “spiritual art” of making a home. #BISblog //" via="no"] Perspective, Not Prescription This book doesn’t give specifics on how to do that. You won’t find interior design tips or recipes for brunch. That’s because this book isn’t a how-to; it’s a why. Why do we need to recover this art of homemaking? What purpose does it serve? First, we need to expand the idea of what “homemaking” is. It’s cooking and cleaning and folding laundry, yes, but more importantly, it’s the heart behind all that. It’s about being fruitful and receptive, generous and loving. It’s about making space in our lives to serve others, especially those closest to us. The seemingly mundane tasks of homemaking have gotten a bad rap in recent decades as mindless drudgery. But when we add a spirit of service and a love for others back into the equation, we start to see a celebration of what it is to be feminine, what it is to discover and live a variety of vocations. Home is for Everyone As I read, I wondered which of my friends I would share this book with. It resonated with me because it is written from a Catholic point of view and often makes reference to marriage and biological motherhood, all elements of my vocation. But I also appreciated the ways in which it reflects on spiritual motherhood and the positive ripple effect of homemaking that extends beyond one’s family. Homemaking is about welcoming, loving, knowing, and seeing the other within the home, whether that’s all day, every day, or in the time that’s not spent working outside the home. When the authors speak from experience, they don’t make known whose voice is being expressed. And when they invite other women to share their stories, they are women with a variety of experiences. Ultimately, this book isn’t about specifics; rather, it’s a rallying cry to start valuing what’s worth valuing in our lives, and so properly ordering all the rest. Have you read this book yet? What was your biggest takeaway?   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // Theology of Home II #BISblog //" via="no"]   Lindsay Schlegel is a daughter of God who seeks to encourage, inspire, and lift up the contemporary woman to be all she was created to be. She’s the author of Don’t Forget to Say Thank You: And Other Parenting Lessons That Brought Me Closer to God, as well as shorter nonfiction and fiction pieces, both online and in print. With joy, she speaks about recognizing God’s voice and living the truth therein. Lindsay lives in New Jersey with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their kids. You can find out more about her here.   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!