The phrase “liturgically correct” is one of my favorites in the English language. I like how it looks, how it sounds, and what it means; that is, roughly, “in line with the Church.” I strive to live a life and cultivate a home that is liturgically correct, but it’s still kind of a new thing to me. To be honest, I didn’t know what living liturgically meant until I was an adult. Growing up, we had Advent calendars, but they tracked time from December 1 to 25, no matter the year. One had a cute little mouse hopping from day to day under an image of Santa Claus. Another had small ornaments that attached with Velcro to a quilted tree. The idea of preparation and anticipation was there, but it didn’t go as deeply as I’ve come to learn it can. The Catholic All Year Compendium You don’t have to be Catholic to find it ludicrous to have Halloween candy on shelves in August and Christmas decorations up November 1. A lot of folks are sick of ubiquitous bunnies and elves before the relevant holiday rolls around. And there’s good reason for that. Scripture tells us there is a season for everything—a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). There are times to rejoice, but they are best understood and enjoyed when they follow times of fasting and repenting. Likewise, fasting and repenting are best suffered through within the context of hope in what’s to come. Diving into Centuries of Tradition The Catholic Church has a ridiculously rich tradition of feasts, fasts, prayers, and more, much of which isn’t currently part of popular culture. I, for one, would love to see liturgical living stage a comeback. But where to start? I’d say with Blessed is She devotion writer, Kendra Tierney’s, recently released book, The Catholic All Year Compendium: Liturgical Living for Real Life. Those last two words—“real life”—are the key to the beauty of this book. It is so incredibly well researched, but it doesn’t read like a treatise. Instead, it’s one family’s journey of digging into the Faith, uncovering traditions—including the all-important reasons they exist—and incorporating them into contemporary life. If you were wondering if living liturgically is possible today, the answer is right here. And it is a big, fat YES. A Life Meant to Be Shared Humans, for the most part, thrive in community. Liturgical living encourages that. Even when we are in our separate homes, we are all on the same page as to when we’re fasting and when we’re feasting. In doing so, we become more aware of being part of something larger than ourselves—this one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Church is not a building, it’s people. It’s living. It’s life. The rhythm of the seasons in the Church’s year provides ample opportunity to get together, too. Sometimes we need to be alone in our inner rooms. But other times, we need to eat together, decorate together, remember and be inspired together. We were created to love and to be loved. In a time when more and more people are lonely and searching, liturgical living shows itself as the primary response to the deepest needs of our souls. [bctt tweet="Humans thrive in community. Liturgical living encourages that. Even when we are in our separate homes, we are all on the same page as to when we’re fasting and when we’re feasting. #BISblog //" via="no"] The Great Catholic Bookshelf At the time of this writing, this book has only been out for a few weeks. But I’m convinced that until the traditions of the Church are popular knowledge, this book needs to be on every Catholic family’s shelf. A lot of other people feel this way too—the first printing sold out before the book was officially released! It’s clear, then, that liturgical living is something our hearts long for, like the hind longs for running water. We live in bodies, in the world. But the physicality of our lives is not something separate from God; rather it’s a means of connecting with Him. Our homes, our meals, our celebrations can, and I would argue, should be imbued with the reality of the Incarnation, of God’s mercy and grace, so that every Catholic home is a place where God’s love is real and tangible. [bctt tweet="Our homes, our meals, our celebrations should be imbued with the reality of the Incarnation...so that every Catholic home is a place where God’s love is real and tangible. #BISblog //" via="no"] Being the Change Venerable Fulton Sheen said: Who is going to save our Church? Not our bishops, not our priests and religious. It is up to you, the people. You have the minds, the eyes, the ears to save the Church. Your mission is to see that your priests act like priests, your bishops act like bishops and your religious act like religious. Staying close to Truth with a capital T and loving and living the Church’s traditions are, I think, a large part of what’s going to get us through the dark time we’re in right now. We, the people, are the Church, and the way we live each day has power. We can build up the Church or we can tear it down. Major changes need to be made at a certain level, and that is important. But important, too, is how we each manage the time we’re given on this earth. Important, too, is what we choose to celebrate and how our rejoicing is manifested. Important, too, is acknowledging the history of our Faith that goes back to Christ Himself and is still alive today. Liturgical Living Looks Different for Everyone For some of us, that’s going to mean cookies shaped like Our Lady of Guadalupe. For others, it’s going to mean visiting graveyards in the days following Halloween. God is reaching out to each of us in His own way, in a way relevant to the way He made us. How beautiful, how good, how true! Liturgical living happens in the single life, consecrated life, married life, no matter your vocation. Grab a copy of The Catholic All Year Compendium and discover what that means for you. Have you picked up this awesome resource yet?! [bctt tweet="The Catholic All Year Compendium Review #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. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

I was alone. I did not know about the blogs or books available. My closest friends were still single. The only person I knew who had had a miscarriage what a classmate of mine, who openly shared her story, the day before I miscarried. We called the church. The pastor walked us through the steps of grief and blessings of the Church with a sincerity and sensitivity. He used the advice of Rachel’s Vineyard as a guide. He did not know any other resources himself. The resource has come. Grieving Together: A Couple’s Journey through Miscarriage, by Laura Kelly Fanucci and Franco David Fanucci, has everything I can imagine a book dedicated to the emptying grief of miscarriage needs. My miscarriages happened seven and nine years ago. We have been through darkness and crises since then, and the previous losses faded to the background. I thought I knew everything I needed to know. The authors share Scripture verses that reach into the very depths of my heart. God was with me. Grieving Together In the first chapter, which addresses the biological mechanisms behind miscarriage and medical terminology, I learned what type of miscarriage I had experienced. There are so many questions, and once ushered out of the doctor's office, so many of them go unanswered. We pack them away with the keepsakes we designated, the Mass card with the baby’s name on it, the hospital record from when the bleeding started. The rest of the book is dedicated to understanding the aftermath of the tragedy and the hope that is our call. Marriage and Child Loss Compounding the loss of the child is the loss of unity sometimes experienced by the couple who cannot reconnect in their grief. Grieving Together takes a unique position as a joint effort by also reaching out and sharing the perspective and experience of the father of the child who has died. While I am taken back in memories, for the first time in years, I ask my husband questions about his experience when we lost our babies. Yes, he still thinks about them. We discuss grief and the series of crises that shaped our lives for two years. He shares simply and succinctly where the anger was for him and how he felt we coped. How we were together on it. We gave ourselves space to do what each person needed. We knew we would grieve differently. It is not possible to anticipate how one will act or what one will need. The Fanuccis do not try. Instead, they bring awareness to the possible differences and allow the stories to speak for themselves. Not Alone The stories! Yes, with each chapter is a couple’s story, told from both perspectives. Sometimes jointly in one narrative, sometimes separately. Stories of unwanted-but-accepted-with fear-and-trembling pregnancies, stories of longed-for-then-lost pregnancies, stories of a miscarriage followed by healthy births. For all the diversity of experience out there, the Fanuccis collected a compelling set of stories. I found echoes of my own story there, again and again. When I read a story from woman who experienced miscarriage, a prenatal diagnosis and infant loss, I thought to myself how not-alone I felt. Every story is unique, but maybe my normal, is more normal that I have realized. The authors consider how the shared experience of miscarriage can strengthen the relationship between the mother and father. Allowing our unique grief, my husband and I met each other so much more honestly than ever before. Not alone… Offering Support The third part looks outward to friends and family with recommendations on how to support those who have experienced a miscarriage. Every October, pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, the blogosphere is inundated with advice on what not to say to someone in grief. The authors take is a step further and higher by acknowledging the intention of the speaker, digging into the meaning of common cliches and offering concrete examples on how to better convey that same heartfelt meaning: to be able to tell the person who is grieving, you are not alone. Spiritual support offered includes Saint stories, prayer resources, prayers and rituals of the Catholic Church. At the end, there are 20 more pages of resources for those who grieve and those who wish to support, including the parish. In Heaven, online, in person, I am not alone. The questions after each chapter, seeing how powerful they have been used in an online Facebook group have me thinking, maybe I could host a small group and use this book. We are not alone. Who in Your Life Needs this Resource? Perhaps It's You? Grieving Together, published by Our Sunday Visitor, is now for sale. To get a taste of this remarkable little book, Our Sunday Visitor is offering a free e-book with excerpts from Grieving Together, an amazing resource for anyone asking that question of how to support those who are grieving with comfort and not cliches. Have you read this book yet? What are your thoughts? How has it helped you grieve your own loss or grieve the loss of someone you love? [bctt tweet="Grieving Together: A Couple’s Journey through Miscarriage #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Anne Casey is a graduate of Divine Mercy University, freelance writer, housewife, and mother of four children. Her weekly newspaper column “Here’s to the Good Life!” and blog focus on art, psychology, consumerism and the importance of local community. Find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Every year, around this time, I start to feel a bit weary. The fatigue I feel toward the end of the calendar year can be likened to how a runner feels at the end of a long race. I want to end well, but I’m just so tired. It doesn’t help that a “hustle and bustle” feeling in the air makes me think I’m constantly behind on my ever-growing to-do list. The countdown to Christmas can, indeed, feel like a marathon! But I really don’t desire the days and weeks leading up to the birth of Jesus to be a swirling blur. I also don’t want to fizzle out before Christmas arrives. Rather, I long to savor the journey and wait with joyful hope. I want to carve out time to prepare my heart—not just the gifts, decorations, and cookies. I’d like to celebrate the last month of the year, wrapped in the joy of Christmas. Praying Advent One way I’m sure many of us will savor our December days is by praying with this year’s Blessed is She Advent Devotional, Bearing Light. In addition, there are several lovely Advent traditions, such as lighting the Advent wreath and placing ornaments on the Jesse Tree, that keep Jesus at the heart of the holidays. There are also wonderful Advent- and Christmas-related books written by Catholic authors that help us remember, “all is calm,” even on a blustery winter evening. Curled up by the fire or cozied up to the lights of the Christmas tree, these books can help us remain present to the season of Advent, while we anticipate the joy of Christmas. Our Advent Book List Whether you are looking for a lighthearted romance or a story to read aloud to your children, here are six Catholic books to enjoy, as we slow down, savor the Advent season, and try not to rush Christmas. Fictional Fun Every year, I look forward to watching holiday-themed movies on the Hallmark Channel. Sure, they are formulaic and predictable, but they are also sweet, warm, and perfect for unwinding after a busy day of Christmas prep. Well, Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk surpasses any romantic Christmas movie I have ever watched. And it isn’t predictable at all! The novel follows Dan Malone and Emily Kowalski’s relationship, as it begins in the Christmas tree lot that Dan owns. At the moment, Dan is recovering from a very toxic relationship, and he vows to never date again. Emily is sweet, genuine, and kind. But her lack of self-confidence causes her doubt her chances of ever dating, let alone marrying. As much as Ornamental Graces is fun, romantic, and enjoyable, it is also deep, thoughtful, and inspiring. Themes of faith, forgiveness, and unconditional love abound and teach us how essential these qualities are in relationships. It also gives us a beautiful portrayal of why Christ came to earth at Christmas—because we needed Someone to rescue us from sin and despair in order to fully live in His light and love. Pondering in Our Hearts Whenever I receive my new Magnificat in the mail, I immediately turn to the back in search of reflections by Caryll Houselander. Often featured in this monthly periodical that provides the daily Mass readings, her writing is deep, personal, and poignant. That is why I had to include her book, The Reed of God, on this list. First published more than 50 years ago, The Reed of God is a spiritual classic that depicts Mary, the Mother of God, as an empty reed or vessel waiting to be filled by God. Houslander’s vision of Mary’s humanity helps us realize that Mary is with us, eager to show us how to say “yes” to God. The Reed of God is a beautiful and reflective book that you can slip into your bag and bring with you to Eucharistic Adoration. Yes, you definitely want to savor this one! Biblical Encounter While Jesus’ early years are often considered “hidden,” six moments depicted in Sacred Scripture encourage us to reflect, imagine, and ponder His childhood: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, the flight into Egypt, and finding Jesus in the temple. What would it be like to walk beside Mary from the Annunciation to the time when she finds Jesus in the temple? What was life like for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph? How would knowing Jesus as a child impact your faith? Gaze Upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ’s Childhood through the Eyes of Women offers a prayerful and creative journey through Advent and Christmas. Written collaboratively by 11 authors, this book invites readers to encounter Jesus and Mary during His infancy and childhood. Gaze Upon Jesus blends Scripture reflections, a discussion on six key virtues, and visio divina (a way to pray with sacred art). Woven throughout the book is a fictional narrative that invites readers to enter the story of Jesus’ childhood in an imaginative way. Family Devotion If you wonder what to do or say when gathering around the Advent wreath with your family, look no further than Welcome Baby Jesus by Sarah Reinhard. This simple booklet is designed to guide you and your family through Advent, by experiencing the joyful anticipation that leads to Christmas. Each day includes a Scripture quote from Sunday’s Gospel reading, a brief reflection, and an action to complete. This little book is practical, prayerful, and so helpful in cultivating family devotion. With each passing Sunday, your Advent wreath will grow brighter, and your family will more fully appreciate the true meaning of the season. Bonus: Read Aloud Fun for the Whole Family Grade School The Strangers at the Manger by Lisa Hendey is part of her imaginative five-book series, Chime Travelers, in which twins Patrick and Katie encounter various saints through “chime” traveling. In The Strangers at the Manger, a new family joins Patrick and Katie’s parish. There is something different about the Perez family, but Patrick and Katie are not sure how to respond to them. Suddenly, a church bell chimes, and the twins find themselves traveling to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph. As they spend time with the Holy Family, Patrick and Katie learn firsthand how to welcome the stranger and share from the heart. Middle School Destination Bethlehem by Sharon Altman and Christine Winkelman is about Isaac and Jediah’s adventures, as they travel through Ancient Palestine, during the census. Yes, the same census for which Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem! As the story unfolds, the boys find themselves at the heart of the Nativity story and gradually realize the birth of the Messiah is at hand. This book consists of 24 chapters (December 1-24). Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger and builds anticipation for reading the following one, which proves to make it a fun read aloud for the entire family. What are you reading this Advent? What are some of your favorite seasonal books? [bctt tweet="Catholic Books to Savor this Advent #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Sitting down with my children and opening one of our treasured Advent and Christmas picture books has become a dear part of our seasonal family traditions. There is something magical in seeing familiar illustrations and hearing beloved stories that add to the enjoyment of the preparation of Advent and the celebration of Christmas. This list is only a small taste of the great literature in the Christmas genre of children’s picture books, but I especially love these Advent and Christmas books for children and hope they can be the beginnings of your family’s festive library. For a full list of our favorite picture books for Advent and Christmas, click here! Advent and Christmas Books for Children An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Palocco A tear-jerking and poignant story of family and its importance at Christmas. Frankie is a young boy living with his large family during the Depression as they wait the return of their father bringing Christmas oranges before Christmas Eve. Frankie learns the important lesson of giving to others in need while recognizing that family is irreplaceable. The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg On a dark night in November, a stranger visits a small town. His motives are mysterious, although the townspeople hope he will be useful to the inhabitants. But the children of the town have a secret wish. Little Lucy befriends him, and he reveals his true identity and shares the legend of the candy cane. The Way to Bethlehem by Inos Biffi This book tells the stories of the events surrounding Christmas—from the Annunciation to the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. Country Angels by Tomie dePaola Tommy dePaola is unmatched in his heartwarming holiday books. This book is just as engaging and captivating as his other works, and presents the message that even the smallest angel has great significance. Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett A fresh take on a classic tale, this tells the story of an overly-confident gingerbread man who rolls through town, taunting everyone he comes across. Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett This book is so much fun to read as a family! The multi-character chase of the gingerbread baby will leave your whole family laughing. The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie dePaola Families of Italian descent will especially love this Christmas story of an old Italian women who never gives up on her search for the Baby King. Babushka by Sandra Ann Horn You might cry while reading this book, which relays the story of Babushka, who gives away all her gifts she's prepared for the Christ Child on her way to visit Him. What she learns in the end is that what she gave away to others, she gave to Him. A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith You know the donkey who carried Our Lady to Bethlehem? This is the story of the child of the donkey and its search for its mother. What it finds is a blessing beyond the baby donkey's imagining. The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman Most of us are familiar with this legendary story. How wonderful it will be to introduce it to the children in your life this Advent and Christmas season! A Little House Christmas Treasury by Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House fans, rejoice! This collection of Christmas stories from the Ingalls family will make you want to cozy with your little by the fire and disappear into the holiday spin on the classic books. Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola Everyone's favorite characters from the Strega Nona books return for a holiday feast! Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert E. Barry This light-hearted tale with adorable vintage illustrations is a hit with children young and old. Mr. Willoughby is a wealthy man whose giant tree ends up blessing everyone in the neighbourhood. Just the right dose of fun for long winter nights as you await to decorate your own Christmas tree. The Miracle of St. Nicholas by Gloria Whelan In invaded Russia, a grandmother shares stories with her grandchild about Christmastime of old. This compelling picture book is inspiring and beautifully-illustrated. The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola All of Tomie dePaola’s Advent and Christmas books for children are winners, but I especially enjoy this tale of Mexican Christmas traditions surrounding the poinsettia. A young girl sacrifices for her family and offers her humble gift to the Christ Child on Christmas Eve and the entire town witnesses a beautiful miracle. Room for a Little One by Martin Waddall A gorgeously illustrated book for younger children that focuses on the Nativity scene. I really appreciate its simplicity in telling the story from the perspective of the animals and the wonder they have toward Christ. The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden Rumer Godden is one of my favourite Catholic novelists, and this Christmas tale she wrote for children packs the same spiritual punch of her adult stories. Ivy is a young orphan who longs for a family for Christmas, while Holly, a beautiful doll left in the story window, wonders if she’ll ever be loved by a girl. The story of Christmas love will warm heart. The Donkey’s Dream by Barbara Helen Berger A lovely story of Mary’s journey to Bethlehem from the perspective of the donkey who carries her. This book is especially beautiful in that the donkey describes Mary using different Marian titles and their corresponding image. A wonderfully unique book that looks at the Nativity through the importance of Mary. The Night of Los Posadas by Tomie dePaola This story brings together the past and the present in a moving tale of community, family, presence, and Christmas miracles. The Baker’s Dozen by Aaron Shepherd A beautiful tale of the goodness of St. Nicholas and how he helps the town baker learn that “baker’s dozen” is a symbol of mercy. Lushly illustrated, this is perfect for celebrating the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th and teaching your children the generosity of this beloved Saint. Who’s That Knocking on Christmas Eve by Jan Brett Like Tomie dePaola, every Christmas book written by Jan Brett is worthy to be owned and enjoyed year after year. This is a sweet tale of children in Norway and the mischievous trolls who knock on their door on Christmas Eve. Enchanting fun for even older children as the magic of Christmastime swells from the pages. The Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie dePaola Written by Catholic dePaola, this picture book is perfect for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th. Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones A poetic book telling of the jubilation of all creation at the birth of the Savior. The beauty of every creature celebrating the arrival of Christ is moving to think about as Christmas preparations near a feverish pitch. Papa's Angels by Collin Wilcox Paxton A lyrical book with a music-driven plot, this unique story of Christmas in Appalachia is a delight for the entire family. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski Jonathan Toomey has a gift for woodworking, but he never smiles. He's a bit of a mystery to the rest of the town as he mourns his lost wife and child. One day, he is approached by a widow and her son, requesting nothing short of a miracle. The transformation and connection that happen captures the spirit of the season. Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson An endearing tale of a mouse learning the meaning of Christmas shows how we all need to make room for Christ as the true meaning of Christmas. A perfect tale for young children who will probably ask you to read this book over and over again this Advent! What are your favorite Advent and Christmas books for children? We're always looking to add to our list. Let us know in the comments below! [bctt tweet="Advent and Christmas Books for Children //"] Christy Isinger is a wife and mom to five lovely, loud children and lives in northern Canada. When not homeschooling, she is a devoted reader of English literature from Jane Austen to Agatha Christie. She writes about the beauty of faith, life, and the home at her blog and is the co-host of the Fountains of Carrots Podcast. You can find out more about her here.

Some of the women who write the daily devotions you find in your inbox every morning have also crafted books about everything from liturgical living to coping with anxiety from a Catholic perspective. If you're looking for books written by the women you've come to know and trust, we've compiled a list of books written by Blessed is She team members! Books Written by Blessed is She Team Members Grieving Together: A Couple’s Journey through Miscarriage by Laura Kelly Fanucci Drawing from real-life experiences of parents who have experienced this heart-breaking loss, Grieving Together: A Couple’s Journey through Miscarriage is a companion through the common questions, crises, and grief that arise after the death of a child. The book offers Catholic resources for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss, including Scripture, prayers, official Church rites, and theological teaching that speaks to the toughest questions surrounding the loss of a child: Why did God let this happen? Is our baby in heaven? How could this suffering be part of God’s plan? Unlike resources that focus only on mothers, Grieving Together also speaks to the unique concerns of fathers and offers a practical and compassionate guide through grief to help couples grow together through their loss. Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting by Laura Kelly Fanucci In Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting, Laura Kelly Fanucci sees the Catholic sacraments through the smudged and sticky lens of life with little ones. From dinnertime chaos to bath-time giggles to never-ending loads of laundry, Laura stumbles into the surprising truth of what the seven sacraments really mean: that God is present always, even in the messes of motherhood. A spiritual memoir of parenting’s early years and a sacramental theology rooted in family life, Everyday Sacrament offers an honest, humorous, and hopeful look at ordinary moments as full of grace. To Bless Our Callings: Prayers, Poems, and Hymns to Celebrate Vocation by Laura Kelly Fanucci To Bless Our Callings: Prayers, Poems, and Hymns to Celebrate Vocation is an ecumenical collection that supports the callings of everyone within the Christian community. This valuable resource of over two hundred prayers, blessings, poems, and sacred songs from diverse Christian traditions speaks to the heart of vocation's richness. -Part I (Ages and Stages) gathers prayers for children, teens, young adults, and adults in mid-life, later, and older adulthood. -Part II (Work and Profession) offers blessings for traditional professions and overlooked occupations--from nurses to truck drivers, janitors to lawyers, salespeople to stay-at-home parents. -Part III (A Year of Blessing) highlights times to preach and pray about vocation throughout the church year and cultural calendar. Drawing from research with hundreds of Christians in congregations across the country about their sense of God's call in their lives, the book fills the gap between Christianity's rich theologies of vocation and people's pastoral needs in living out their callings. To Bless Our Callings is a perfect resource for catechists, musicians, worship leaders, spiritual directors, retreat leaders, campus ministers, and chaplains. The Lazy Liturgical by Jenna Hines The Lazy Liturgical is a liturgical living guide for individuals and families that don’t have the forethought to plan an elaborate celebration. None of the ideas require any planning or special materials; just crack open the book, and start celebrating the Church year! 30 Days to Calm by Jenna Hines Everyone knows someone who suffers from some sort of stress, anxiety, or panic; it may even be you. Spend the next 30 days adding techniques and information to your toolbox, so the next time anxiety arises, you’ll have the skills to be calm. Presented in a journaling format, readers interact with the text each day for maximum learning. Taste and See: Experiencing the Goodness of God with Our Five Senses by Ginny Moyer Taste and See: Experiencing the Goodness of God with Our Five Senses shows how the things we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste are evidence of God at work in our lives. With short, down-to-earth essays and focused prayer exercises, the book encourages readers to recognize the senses as five powerful entry points for the divine to become known to us. Random MOMents of Grace: Experiencing God in the Adventures of Motherhood by Ginny Moyer How do you maintain an active spirituality when your life is consumed by the many demands of motherhood? With honesty and humor, the stories of Random MOMents of Grace: Experiencing God in the Adventures of Motherhood show how there is grace to be found even in the messiest, silliest, and least dignified moments of parenthood. Mary and Me: Catholic Women Reflect on the Mother of God by Ginny Moyer She’s the world’s most recognizable mother, but how does she speak to women today? Mary and Me: Catholic Women Reflect on the Mother of God shares the stories of forty-six women, from their twenties to their nineties. All of them share their candid thoughts on Mary, reflecting on the often-surprising ways that she speaks to their lives. The Catholic All Year Compendium: Liturgical Living for Real Life by Kendra Tierney With wisdom and humor, mother and blogger Kendra Tierney shares how her family celebrates Catholic seasons and feasts—from Advent and Christmas, through Lent and Easter, to Pentecost and beyond. She provides ideas for stories, activities, foods, and decorations that will help you to celebrate your Catholic faith with your family and friends without expertise or much advance planning. A Little Book about Confession for Children by Kendra Tierney Everything you and your child need to know about the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confession) can be found in this informative little book with charming four-color illustrations. Perfect for preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, this little book is sure to be used over and over again. Traditional Catholic Prayers for Awesome Catholic Kids Series by Kendra Tierney My Superhero Prayer Book, My Fairy Tale Prayer Book, and My Woodland Prayer Book; 23 Traditional Catholic Prayers in the Magisterium-approved translations, decorated with vibrant, fun, full-color illustrations. Have you ever read any of these books? Which of these is next on your TBR list? [bctt tweet="Books Written by Blessed is She Team Members #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

As a bibliophile and as a Catholic, I have spent my life searching for the best Catholic fiction. Not books that are necessarily explicit in their Catholicism, but good books. Books that are beautiful and that elevate one’s heart to the Good and Beautiful Himself. Fiction Books Every Catholic Should Read Most people are familiar with Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, as well as C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, but here are 6 other fiction books that you can add to your TBR list: Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder follows the life and romances of Charles Ryder over a twenty year period. This includes his friendship with the Flytes, a family of wealthy English Catholics who live in a mansion called Brideshead Castle. Brideshead movingly shows the ways in which grace can affect different people and the many ways in which God can draw souls, even those undeserving, to Himself. The novel is gorgeously written, the story haunting, and a book that has left me better for having read it. The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor Is a list about Catholic Fiction even complete without Flannery? Flannery O’Connor is a Catholic Southern-American writer known for her sass and violent tales of grace. While O’Connor also has two novels, her short stories really represent her as a writer (and bonus, some you can read in one sitting!) She writes dark and oftentimes bizzare stories full of ironic humor—making them a bit difficult for some to stomach. However, O’Connor’s works spins powerful tales of redemption. O’Connor believed that violent, or extreme situations, reveals our essence revealing the Truth in things. Her stories are reminiscent of the Cross, in that violence brings about healing for the characters. The Brothers Karamozov by Fydor Dostoevsky If you are like me, the thought of reading a 700+ page Russian novel might overwhelm you. But The Brothers Karamozov is worth it. Some of the greatest thinkers of all time lauded the novel (Einstein called it “the supreme summit of all literature”) and our three most recent popes referenced it in homilies and encyclicals. Considered by many the greatest book ever written, The Brothers Karamozov is a family drama centered on a coarse and vulgar father and his three sons. It tackles the fundamental question of how to live best one’s life in an engaging way. The Brothers Karamozov contains a wealth of beauty, making it a must read! The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene As a new mom, it’s been awhile since a book has kept me up late reading. But this novel is a real page-turner! The Power and the Glory tells the story of one of the last priests living in Mexico during the 1930s when being a priest was considered an act of treason. The priest is hunted both by the sins of his past and a paramilitary group wanting his execution. With no other priest to hear his confession, our main character—the unnamed "Whisky Priest"—fears death. This book powerfully and timelessly scours the depths of the human soul and of God's mercy. Do yourself a favor and read it. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley When we think of Frankenstein’s monster (yes, that is actually what he is called), we think of a bumbling, grunting, square-headed creature. And when we think of his master, Dr. Frankenstein, we think of a mad scientist hidden in a lab somewhere. But this couldn’t be further from the truth in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In this novel, the mostly sane Dr. Frankenstein obsesses over the progress of humanity; while Frankenstein’s monster has intelligence and personality, and a sincere desire to please his creator. Frankenstein’s monster shows us what life would be like to have a creator who didn’t care for his creation, illustrating to us the gift we have in a Creator who loves and delights in us. East of Eden by John Steinbeck You may have read Of Mice and Men or The Grapes of Wrath in high school, but may be less familiar with this title by author John Steinbeck. East of Eden retells and reshapes the Book of Genesis. Set in Salinas Valley, California, this story follows two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—who have reenacted the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel for generations. It centers around the idea found in Genesis 4:7 that, “You may turn away from evil and do good.” East of Eden presents humanity in all its radical freedom, freedom given by God, and illustrates that this freedom has dire consequences. It shows how the way you use your freedom affects, not only yourself, but those around you for generations to come. Have you read any of these books? Which has been your favorite? And what's next on your list?! [bctt tweet="Fiction Books Every Catholic Should Read #BISblog //" via="no"] Carissa Pluta is a wife, mother, bookworm, and blogger currently living as a missionary in Birmingham, Alabama. She has Bachelor's Degrees in English and Communication Arts and has a deep desire to create and cultivate beauty in everything she does. Carissa enjoying hiking, Paul Simon, and drinking copious amounts of herbal tea. You can learn more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

We were supposed to graduate college, get good jobs with health benefits or go to graduate school, then get really good jobs, secure income, pay off debt, begin our 401K, rent a house then buy a house, pay off debt, marry, buy life insurance, work, have one or two children, know how to pay for those children, know how to pay for the groceries to feed those children. If we wanted to marry early, there should be a plan in place to have children later. Hmm… They were good virtues, I am sure. The highest virtue was security. The second highest was success. We did not do it right. Marriage and Family Life: Not What We Expected We had hoped to marry out of college. I delayed my entrance to graduate school so we could hold the wedding. We knew intellectually, waiting to have children was the right thing to do, but we still jumped up and down with joy when we learned I was pregnant. As cradle Catholics of the John Paul II generation, we were on board with using NFP (Natural Family Planning, also called Fertility Awareness Methods). The moment she was born, I wanted her laying beside me. I wanted to be home with her. I slogged through those last classes ready to get back to my little girl. Out of money, we returned to California to the hope of picking up the jobs we had when we left. It did not happen. But every month something always came through. More children came. We embraced each one. I worked off and on while my husband grew his music business. Four kids. Below the poverty line. Living in a beautiful house we rented from my parents. Baby in the hospital. Pregnant again. We were definitely not doing it right. Letting God Be Enough Though I would not trade one moment (except that first trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond when we got married), I wrestled over the years with our decisions in the face of society’s admonitions. I knew in my heart it was right. We were trying to follow God with each step. It just seemed so crazy. Enter Haley Stewart and her farm without a flushing toilet. Enter her new book, The Grace of Enough. Witness the spotlight on the thing I did not know: we are not alone. This is a generational ache for more than we had. Some of us were lucky in our youth. Our parents did everything they were taught was right, but something was lacking. In The Grace of Enough, Haley Stewart puts her finger on it by pointing the finger at Pope Francis. The Grace of Enough In Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si, he writes: Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded. We have created a “throw away” culture which is now spreading. The actions of consuming, and perspective that things are prized for their usefulness, can infiltrate our relationships, the way we spend our free time, the way we eat, our whole life. The Stewart family felt the generational ache. As an answer, they took an opportunity for Haley’s husband to intern on a farm. They sold the house, packed up the family, moved into 650 square feet and learned to use a compost (that is, non-flushing) toilet. But this is not her memoir. Tagging memories from that year, Stewart examines ideas surrounding the values of beauty, the home, shared meals, hospitality, communities, authentic intimacy in marriage (specifically the use of Fertility Awareness Methods in place of artificial contraception), and valuing interpersonal relationships in family life over income. She is extremely well-read. But unlike other equally-sound Catholic works, rather than quoting Aquinas, Aristotle, and obscure Church Father ad nauseam, we get quotes from Jane Austen, Chesterton, and Harry Potter. Both are good, but this might be more fun. The Throwaway Culture The anecdote to a throwaway culture is not to give up everything and move to a hermitage, but to live mindfully. To engage fully with our environment and the blessings in our lives. It is the Little Way with the Canticle of the Sun and the whole reason art and literature exist. Life should be savored, not just for pleasure, but because it is good. Behold, it is very good. Hayley’s book is an invitation to follow that command: to behold. Being Good Stewards We are stewards. The distractions and noise of our present-day society, the never-ending go when we try to meet these assumed basic goals of home-owning, can leave us filling empty. As much as this book felt like the culmination of so much of my writing and goals for living, as much as I felt validated, supported, not alone in our decision to follow our Catholic instincts, this book also challenged me. Giving gifts are a love language for me. I was raised with recreational shopping. The bank account told me so this morning. Both a companion and a challenge to take the next step in intentional living, I look forward to sharing this book with others and whole-heartedly recommend it to you. Have you read The Grace of Enough? What did you think? Let's talk about it in the comments below! [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: The Grace of Enough by @HaleyCarrots #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Anne Casey is a graduate of Divine Mercy University, freelance writer, housewife, and mother of four children. Her weekly newspaper column “Here’s to the Good Life!” and blog focus on art, psychology, consumerism and the importance of local community. Find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I welcome its familiar comforts: rustic colors, crunching leaves, savory soups, and cozy layers. The season of autumn also signals a fresh start, with the beginning of a new academic year. The new season of fall and the new school year bring promise of new growth, new opportunity, and new discovery. And as this newness swirls among the falling leaves and blows freely in the fresh autumn air, I am reenergized to continue the lifelong pursuit of learning and growing, especially when it comes to my faith. Reading that Inspires Faith The beauty of the Catholic Faith is that as we continue to grow, God invites us to go deeper. He reveals new truths and invites us to explore new mysteries. We will never exhaust the depths and heights of our Faith, and we will never get to the bottom of the stack of books we could read to help us fall more and more in love with the Lord and His Church. So, whether we are still in school or it has been years since we stepped foot into a classroom, God encourages us to continuously learn, grow, and discover. He inspires us to dive deep into the areas of prayer, Scripture study, Church teaching, and authentic Christian living. While there are many excellent Catholic books out there, I highlight four to consider this autumn: two fiction and two non-fiction—all filled with truth, goodness, and beauty. This fall, let’s dive into good books that draw us closer to God and teach us something new about our Faith at the same time. 4 Catholic Books to Fall in Love With This Autumn Chick Lit Many women have been burned by fiction, especially "chick lit." So, I was overjoyed to discover Catholic Philosopher Chick Makes Her Debut by Rebecca Bratten Weiss and Regina Doman. It follows former fashion writer Catelyn Frank as she travels to Texas to start her doctorate program. This clean, fun novel will accompany your favorite pumpkin drink quite perfectly. But that is not to say this book is mindless reading. On the contrary, Catholic Philosopher Chick is intelligent and witty. The transcendentals of truth, beauty, and goodness as well as gentle lessons on the feminine genius are woven throughout the storyline. College-age and young-adult women will identify with protagonist Catelyn’s struggles, but women of all ages will appreciate the imperfect ways she strives for holiness. Deep and Poignant As leaves turn from green to gold to brown, and as darkness fills the air, fall gives us more time indoors for deeper reflection and quiet contemplation. A good book for “such a time as this” is Rachel’s Contrition by Michelle Buckman. It is a fast-paced novel filled with loss, grief, mystery, love, healing, and hope. It begins at a very dark time in Rachel Winter’s life. In the first few chapters, we learn about her broken childhood that leads to destruction and despair. But as the story progresses, Rachel’s life begins to be restored through the unlikely help of a teenager named Lily and the powerful presence of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. This novel includes difficult and mature scenarios and raw emotions, but it also portrays the truth that redemption is open to everyone. Fall Into Organizing More often, we associate organizing and cleaning with the season of spring. But autumn is also a wonderful time to declutter, as we shift our wardrobes and prepare our homes for the upcoming holidays. One book that can guide us through this effort is Making Room for God: Decluttering and the Spiritual Life by Mary Sperry. This organization book explores the relationship between our stuff and our Catholic beliefs. Each chapter includes details on the author’s own journey (and struggle) with decluttering, to encourage us along the way. While Sperry draws wisdom from the Bible, liturgy, Fathers of the Church, lives of the saints, and Church teachings, she also offers practical elements to help us declutter our homes once and for all. ‘Tis the Season for Saints Autumn ushers in the Catholic tradition of honoring the Saints in Heaven with the Solemnity of All Saints (November 1st). We also remember those who have gone before us on All Souls Day (November 2nd). Because of these special holy days, autumn is a wonderful time to learn more about the saints. Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration From Our Sisters in Faith by Melanie Rigney explores the eight Beatitudes Jesus taught by introducing us to women saints who exemplified specific Beatitudes during their lives. Readers quickly discover that there are multiple ways to approach spiritual poverty, meekness, mercy, and peacemaking. And the diversity of the saints in this book allows readers to connect with one or another in very personal ways. Blessed Are You gives a hopeful, encouraging message to follow the Lord right where you are at this moment. And to lean on your sisters in faith to inspire you along the way. Back to School Bonuses For those who are searching for quality Catholic fiction for children, here are three bonus suggestions for Catholic kids of all ages. Grade School Sisters of the Last Straw is a four-book series by Karen Boyce about a group of misfit nuns with bad habits. In each book, they try to overcome their faults, bear with each other, and work on virtue. At the same time, they find themselves in the middle of a mystery to solve. This series is fun and funny, demonstrating that sisters are real people, too! These books also teach young readers to see one another with greater compassion. Middle School A Single Bead by Stephanie Engelman is a beautiful story about the power of prayer through the eyes of 16-year-old Katelyn. It begins on the anniversary of her grandmother’s death, which caused her mother to enter a deep depression. Katelyn discovers a single bead from her grandmother's Rosary. This begins a quest to find the other missing beads. A Single Bead is filled with themes of family, prayer, faith, and hope. High School The Perfect Blindside by Leslea Wahl is about Jake Taylor, a young Olympic snowboarder, and Sophie Metcalf, a high school junior. They are new friends, who find themselves mixed up in a mystery that they must work together to solve. It is a wonderful tale of romance, mystery, faith, and fun. What are you reading this fall? Please share your current read in the comments section below. [bctt tweet="Fall in Love with Catholic Books this Autumn (Plus Ideas for Kids!) #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Last winter I was in a rough spot. I felt broken in my life and my relationships, and that if I couldn’t do something “world changing” then I wasn’t living out my Christian duty the right way. I brought this feeling and many other struggles to Confession with me one Saturday, thinking that the only way to be satisfied with what the Lord is currently doing in my life is to lay everything before Him, feel His grace and love, and receive some sound advice. As I poured my heart out to my priest, these words slipped out of my mouth: “I just feel like I don’t know who I am.” Shocked, I realized that was the truth. Knowing Who We Are Who am I? Who is this woman that God shaped and molded as part of His creation? I felt like this quiet girl from a small town in Michigan needed to be setting the world on fire in order to get approval from God and feel some kind of satisfaction from life. Eyes filled with love, my Priest looked at me and said, “Only God knows who you are and what He plans for you." Suddenly his expression changed. He caught me off guard by asking, “Who is your favorite saint?” I can state facts about a lot of different saints, but I never felt deeply connected to anyone in particular. I could only respond with a helpless, “I don’t know." Meeting St. Thérèse He asked me if I knew St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I vaguely remembered something about roses and Carmelites, but that was it. Father continued, “God is making her present in my mind very strongly. I feel that she is so close to you, it’s like she is standing right behind you”. My eyes widened. A Saint? Close to me? I didn’t think I was worthy of such patronage. He told me to pray to her and listen to the gentle whispering of what this great saint brings to my heart. As I left Confession, I saw a wall hanging of St. Thérèse that I never noticed before. She looked determined, holding bunches of roses (my favorite flower). A quiet resolve burned in her eyes and I could tell she was truly a woman who lived close to the Lord. I resolved to learn what I could from her. Story of a Soul That is the beginning of how I discovered this beautiful Saint. Not long after I received a gift of her autobiography Story of a Soul. Compiled of two sections dedicated to her sisters and one to the prioress of the Carmel, Thérèse delves into the story of her life. I found a connection between myself and this small, quiet French girl. She longed to complete every task for the Glory of the Lord and developed her own “little way.” St. Thérèse is a woman who seemingly lived an ordinary life as a young girl and later a Carmelite nun. But her humility, steadfast love, and knowledge of her own shortcomings put her far above the rest. She followed Jesus by doing the smallest tasks with grace. In her teaching I have found peace in how I can live my life for God. Sainthood Isn’t Easy When I used to think of Saints many years ago, I would imagine heads crowned in bright golden halos with eyes lifted to God. I imagined a life filled with peace and prosperity. Because they had such a close relationship with God, surely they never faced any hardships or troubles. Wow, was I wrong! From the very beginning of Story of a Soul (and from the lives of many other Saints), we learn that Thérèse's life as a child was filled with great suffering. Some of these trials might be some that you face, too sisters, such as the death of a family member, life-threatening illness, and finding out the path God plans for you in life. From the first part of her autobiography I learned that the early life of most Saints are filled with hardships and tears. What makes them great is what they do in the aftermath of despair that makes them truly great. It is so simple, but sometimes so hard to do at the same time when feeling lost, confused, and even angry. Lean on Jesus, and lean on Mary. It is that time you feel great love the most. Vocation of Love Have you ever really thought about the concept of love? I find myself meditating a lot on what it means to give and receive this beautiful virtue. To really get a grasp on what love entails, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 outlines the basics. But at the same time, those basics are tough to uphold all the time! We all have moments when our patience is pushed over the edge or when we angrily snap at a family member for words they said in haste. In our darkest moments, and also with the stress of daily life, love can be hard to uphold. St. Thérèse realized this. She knew what a daunting task vowing to do everything in love can be. Yet at the same time she proclaimed love as her vocation in life. Even when other nuns at the convent talked about her behind her back, when she was made to do the most menial tasks day after day, when she confronted sickness with no cure: she showed love. The Little Way I was amazed at her resolve. What was her secret? St. Thérèse shows that the closer you are to the Lord, the more strength and peace he will give you to show His love. Because of her strong faith and close communion with God, He used her as a vessel to pour out His divine love on Earth. She didn’t do anything that attracted the crowds of thousands, either. She simply created The Little Way. The way of those who are ordinary people with ordinary lives. Those who want to serve God their loving Father through their littleness and simplicity and love. In other words, St. Thérèse knew that she was not capable of great sacrifices or of performing great and mighty works. Rather, she chose to remain as a child in the eyes of God. She performed all of her duties with love and obedience, no matter how small and insignificant they were. The Story of a Soul is a Love Story For those looking for a genuine love story, the autobiography of St. Thérèse tells the story of how one heart drew ever closer to the gentle heart of God. He drew her in with all the shortcomings of human nature and simply showered her with His affection and watched her blossom. St. Thérèse is an inspiration for daily life and her philosophy is one that many people can imitate. This Saint helped me to fall deeper in love with the Lord. I now realize that God made every single person with a purpose in mind. The challenge comes in recognizing His love that surpasses all understanding, and then being motivated by it to do good in the smallest of ways. As St. Thérèse herself once said that we are beautifully and wonderfully cared for by a compassionate God. I think of any small act done in love as a bouquet of flowers being offered to the Lord. Every day my own love story is still growing, and so is yours. I understood that every flower created by Him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enamelled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, Our lord's living garden. -St. Thérèse Have you read Story of a Soul? What was your biggest takeaway from it? [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Story of a Soul #BISblog //" via="no"] Kayla McBride is a Nursing student at the University of Michigan. Like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, she believes her vocation is one of love, and strives to show the love of God to others in her daily life. When not studying you can find her involved in her Christian sorority, spending hours at a local coffee shop, or reading anything from Jane Eyre to the Hunger Games (preferably with a strong cup of coffee)! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Women, more than men, in their desire to give relationally, tend to want to give without taking. Women want to suffer their boundaries in the name of love and let the well run dry. Writers and influencers abound in the discussion of self-care. But how? And why is it so hard? It's OK to Start with You In It’s OK to Start with You, Julia Hogan, a young female psychotherapist in the Chicago area, shares the answers and her understanding of the difficulties in this Christian self-help book. Her title makes it clear what this little book is about. It seeks to teach me it’s OK to start with myself. Her message answers the predicted objections that self-care is: self-centered, egotistical, and a waste of time. Who Should Read this Book? Naturally, there are benefits for everyone (any good author would say so). The book speaks primarily to those who have been taught to put others before themselves (a Christian principle). It addresses how this mentality can morph into trampling on ourselves to do so. It’s reflection questions would serve amazingly well as a women’s small group or book club activity. While self-help books abound in the secular market, we have needed to grow the pool of Catholic female experts giving us advice. The Author's Experience and Expertise Written to the reader, Hogan, a graduate of the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, draws from her expertise in working with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. While these books usually contain questionable nuggets, I find Hogan’s theories and foundation entirely sound, albeit for the two or three references to being “the best version of yourself.” More accurately, she generally speaks to one’s authentic self, true self, best self. Hogan’s informal yet still professional style of writing helps her meet her personal goal that it would be short, clear, free of a lot of psychobabble, full of examples, and something the reader can refer to again and again. She does this exceptionally well. I could refer to cognitive processes, irrational beliefs, etc. Yet she takes each psychological concept and explains it deftly without ever touching the technical terms. Not all passionate professionals can get out of their own head so successfully. Through and Actionable Throughout this little book, her writing impressed me with its clarity, conviction and insight into motivation. Hogan has heard it, seen it, worked with it and now shares it with us. I love to read these lessons that I feel sure are ones the therapist has taught again and again. They lay so well on the paper. Finishing the book, I found no stones unturned. She works so easily addressing the obstacles and excuses. By the end, one feels the only way is forward. For the person excited to act, she even cautions. Take it slow in order to take it successfully. An appendix at the end offers examples of self-care plans and further reading. Do I Start with Me? Her words identified my weak spots as I read. They arrested my heart and called out the dark areas where the inner critic had the advantage. I took the quiz, made a plan and have found, she was right. The act of doing something about it shuts the inner critic up and I am better for it. It is a remarkable little book. It is excellently written and worth returning to, again and again. Have you read It's OK to Start with You? Is self-care something you struggle with? [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: It's OK to Start with You #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Anne Casey is a graduate of Divine Mercy University, freelance writer, housewife, and mother of four children. Her weekly newspaper column “Here’s to the Good Life!” and blog focus on art, psychology, consumerism and the importance of local community. Find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Unique and unrepeatable, that’s you! Maybe at some point along the way though, you’ve forgotten this. Or, it’s possible that some of us have never heard this about ourselves before. Is There Anyone Like You? If you have time today, get out those old baby photos of yourself. Have you seen a baby lately that looks just like you? Maybe close, but not exactly! When you’re out about for coffee or lunch, really look around you. Do you see one person with the same exact mannerisms or facial expressions? Does anyone have your voice? Can they make those crazy sounds you can make? You know this already, but you will find that not one person will look exactly like you, nor do they have the same voice, the same gifts and talents, not even the same intellectual capacity. If you look around you again tomorrow, you won’t find anyone who is just like you either. Truly, you are unique and unrepeatable! I want this message to be something we all know in the very depth of our being. More importantly, Christ and His Church desire you to know this so deeply about yourself that you can’t help share it with others! Join voices like the Sisters of Life, who are one of the loudest and most effective voices of this truth in the United States today. Cardinal Dolan even knows it! You Have a Purpose! The Sisters' prayer is fueled by reverence and gratitude for the unique and unrepeatable gift of each human life made in the image and likeness of God. At every opportunity, the Sisters of Life remind the people they encounter that they are unique and unrepeatable—each and every one of them. Never before and never again in the history of the world, will there be another you. You have a purpose! The Sisters have many apostolates where they spread this message. Recently, the Sisters of Life published a children’s book titled Look Again, Thomas! to affirm this truth once more. The book exists to bring the message of the dignity of the human person to children and adults. It does this through colorful illustrations and simple language with a deep message that can’t be missed. Look Again, Thomas! This book is inspired by Angelo, a boy the Sisters of Life have been blessed to know. The main characters are two neighbors, Angelo, who has Down Syndrome, and Thomas. Thomas would always pass Angelo when he would ride by his home on his bike. But he usually didn't have time to stop. Thomas thought there was something different about Angelo. He was always thinking and was too quiet. One day though, Thomas and Angelo went on an adventure “to see what [they] can’t see.” On their adventure together, Angelo showed Thomas how to always look at things one more time to really see what they truly are. The leaf may not be a leaf but a chameleon! The pond isn’t just water, but it’s full of colorful fish! Each snowflake isn’t the same, they’re all different! Helping Us Look Again Through Angelo, Thomas learns that God made each one of us different, special, and as His beloved treasures. Thomas comes to realize that to see someone as God sees them, you have to look inside the person and not just at their outer appearance. It’s on the inside that we see someone’s goodness! I hope each one of us can be an Angelo to a Thomas; to teach others how to see properly in this life. May we never miss a moment to remind someone of their great worth. Others will be different from you, but that’s okay. And, it’s okay—no, it’s beautiful—that you’re different too! God loved each one of us into existence as unique and unrepeatable persons. Not just on the inside but also on the outside. Spread the word! Grow and Inspire If you are looking for faith-filled and inspiring story for yourself, a bedtime read for your children, or a gift to your niece and nephew, Look Again, Thomas! is it! Also, if you’re travelling to New York any time soon, be sure to look up the Sisters of Life! They offer amazing retreats throughout the year. You may find your Angelo there! [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Look Again, Thomas! #BISblog //" via="no"] Amanda Zurface resides in Pueblo, Colorado, where she serves as the Vice-Chancellor for the Diocese of Pueblo. She also serves as the Catholic Content Specialist for Covenant Eyes. Amanda holds a License and MA in Canon Law and a BA in Catholic Theology and Social Justice. She is the co-author of Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture, Confident: Helping Parents Navigate Online Exposure and Transformed by Beauty.

I have to admit, I am new to the Jennifer Fulwiler fan club. I recently discovered Mrs. Fulwiler through the Fountains of Carrots podcast. I was immediately sold on her proposition that motherhood (or anyone’s vocation) does not require us to give up our passions or deny our talents while answering God’s call. In her new memoir, One Beautiful Dream, Mrs. Fulwiler shares the personal account of writing her first book while raising six children. Throughout the book, her writing dreams and plans are paused by positive pregnancy tests, poo-pocalypse, ringing doorbells, and the Resistance. Despite my own pauses, I devoured One Beautiful Dream in less than 24 hours (including the five-and-a-half hours of sleep allowed by my teething first-born). Jennifer uses evocative anecdotes that illustrate the frustration and pain she feels as she begins her journey of self-discovery. Beginning with the Green Bean Lady, I was engaged and ready to cheer her the finish line readers knew she would cross. After all, this book is her second! Regardless of your own vocation, Fulwiler’s exploration of faith, vocation, and a communal dream rather than a personal one is poignant and much-needed in our self-serving culture. Is the Way We Do Motherhood Normal? Like many, Fulwiler begins parenthood with visions of beautifully-kept homes, clean, well-mannered children, and a firmly-held belief that she and her husband could do it all on their own. If there is any number one message from Fulwiler’s journey that should be shouted from the rooftops, it is her husband’s revelation in chapter 22: Never in human history have parents raised kids in isolation. Never. People always had their clans or villages or tribes or whatever to help them. Fulwiler’s own revelation occurs later when she is finally able to present her beloved grandfather, Papaw, with her first book. Fulwiler uses her grandfather’s deep love and pride in his granddaughter to illustrate that when we allow others into our lives to help us pursue our passions, they are given the opportunity to be a part of a big, beautiful dream as well. God has not called us to live and struggle in isolation. God does not demand that we do it alone. Letting People Help Fulwiler illustrates her own family’s growth as they welcome grandparents, friends, babysitters, and strangers into their fold. They accept their generous offers of help, support, food, and even monetary donations. Fulwiler pushes through her own pride to realize that rejecting another’s offer or refusing to ask for help effectively shuts down that person’s own opportunities to pursue what they love to do. In our own lives, we are called to be both Fulwiler and the greater community. Whatever the season of our life, we have a role to play in the clan or village or tribe that we are part of to help a new generation of young Catholics. The Importance of Friendship Fulwiler shows this through her friendships with a variety of wonderful, hardworking women. She has friends with similar passions as her own. Women who love their children deeply but also feel fulfilled by working on creative projects that take them away from their families for periods of time to write, think, or whatever else they need. But she also shows us the women who aren’t sacrificing when they bake with their children. They feel the most alive and delighted by the handmade ornaments they made with their little ones. And all of these women have something to offer that could help change the world, little by little. They only need to overcome the Resistance that interferes with the pursuit of their beautiful dream. Resistance I was struck by how well she identified her past mistakes and struggles throughout the memoir. She clearly marks the places where the Resistance rose up and tried to prevent her from writing. Fulwiler identifies the Resistance as the evil we all know is present. It interferes with our own abilities to do what we have been called to do. She explains that the Resistance is the envy we feel as scroll through social media feeds. It is the small voice the grows louder as we listen to our insecurities. It is our pride that makes us feel like we need to do it all on our own rather than seek help from those around us. What is Your Blue Flame? Just like Fulwiler, we each have our own blue flame that God has given us. We don’t have to dim that flame or put it out when we enter a season of life that does not seem ideal for what we love. She points out that St. Teresa of Calcutta’s organization could have arguably helped more people if they had not taken time for themselves each day. But there is a deep truth in taking time for yourself so that you can serve others. How can you give another person water if your own bucket is dry? How can we serve others if we have nothing left to give? A Must-Read Within a few hundred pages, readers grow to know this tall, fighter of a woman who refused to believe that her vocation required her to be miserable in order to be a good mother. Her life lessons, from how to turn preteens pranksters into free babysitters and always grabbing the most important items first in the grocery store to how NFP is a lifestyle, not a contraception, are engaging and valuable. Whatever your blue flame, Jennifer Fulwiler is here to reassure you that with God’s grace and an inclusive and open heart, your dream can be much bigger and more beautiful than you ever imagined. Have you read One Beautiful Dream? What did you think of it? [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: One Beautiful Dream #BISblog //" via="no"] LeAnn Wood is a former summer camp director turned middle school teacher. She is a regular consumer of YA literature and coffee. When she isn't busy with her own little family, she enjoys writing about intentional praying and living on her blog. You can find out more about her here.

I remember when I felt a miscarriage all the way to my bones. It opened up a world of fear. What if I cannot have children or carry children? Then, I had Miriam, and she was perfect. I thought that was the end of miscarriages for me. When it happened again, I felt a wild grief. I read Grace Like Scarlett by Adriel Booker as part of her volunteer launch team. I can now say that this a book that needs to find its way onto our shelves and into our hands as we support each other through grief. While reading, images of women I knew who bled and suffered flashed through my mind. Women who had no more children following a miscarriage. Those who were afraid to name their babies as they ran from their grief. Those who lost their faith when they lost their child. And those who went on to have other children and, surrounded by that blessedness, dwelled little on the little ones they lost. How many of us are out there! How different we all are! Have you ever encountered a book on miscarriage? I haven’t. That is why this is a book we need. Sharing Our Grief Like the women of Jerusalem, Adriel comes alongside those of us who suffer in grief and says, “You are not alone. I have suffered too.” She makes her message accessible. We cannot know exactly what someone is experiencing. It is awfully hard to prescribe what the person should do with her grief. Adriel shares the grief of her three miscarriages. But she takes her message to the next step by emphasizing how important is not to compare our grief to another person’s grief, either in order to pity ourselves more or minimize our suffering. Suffering is suffering, and she gets that. Even though the grief I feel most is from my stillborn daughter and not from my miscarriages, the book became a healthy window for me to take time and look back. It actually became the avenue by which I am beginning to explore (with some trembling) the divide that exists in my life from before my medically-complex son and stillborn daughter to now. Safe and Understood When I opened the book, curious to see how a Protestant woman would write on the topic, Catholic images sustained me in my grief process. Immediately in Chapter 1, Adriel warmed me up by relaying a story of a friend who became a nun. Her love and respect let me know this was an author with whom I am safe. It is a vulnerable topic, so we need to feel safe. Adriel dives in. Her language begins direct and gritty in those early chapters. I think the particulars of death stain our memories so deeply that, for me, this bluntness helped. It mirrored the way I experience my experiences, but in ways not shared in polite society. Her writing softens after that because it would be far too much intensity for an entire book. Suffering is normal, Adriel tells us. But that at the Heart of God is love for us and a desire to help us. She identifies that God works with us to help us, the key word being with. It won’t happen magically without us leaning into our grief. Grace Like Scarlett Gets to the Heart After reading her story and her advice, in Chapter 6: A Thousand Shades of Grief, she brings in brief testimonies of other women of their feelings and their miscarriages. In this way, she makes it a book in which anyone who has suffered a miscarriage can find herself. Shame Chapter 7: The 18-inch Journey focused on shame. This hit home, for me, in a particular way. Relaying other testimonies, she illustrates the wide variety of shame we women feel in pregnancy loss. For me, it once was the question of whether I could carry a child. Subsequent, easy pregnancies answered that question. A new shame grips me now. Yes, I can carry and deliver babies easily. But I feel I cannot make healthy babies. I have three healthy babies, but the “unhealthy” ones outnumber that, now. It is irrational, but that is how shame works. Jealousy To work through our shame, Adriel gives voice to those jealous thoughts we dare not speak. I envied women with sick children because theirs lived for a time and mine did not survive delivery. This jealousy gets us nowhere with regards to the other. Rather, it points us back to ourselves and where our wounds are most. Space to Breathe To the reader, Adriel poses a reflection question at the end of each chapter. Ever aware of the uniqueness of each women’s journey, she seeks to give the reader space to sort out her loss, grief, and hope separate from Adriel’s words. In the end, Adriel writes the path I walked. These times of crisis are opportunities for grace. And God’s grace comes. He comes as surely as we will let him. Have you ever suffered a miscarriage or infant loss? I am so sorry. Have you read this book? I encourage you to reach out to other women for solidarity, prayer, and support. [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Grace Like Scarlett #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Anne Casey is a graduate of Divine Mercy University, freelance writer, housewife, and mother of four children. Her weekly newspaper column “Here’s to the Good Life!” and blog focus on art, psychology, consumerism and the importance of local community. Find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

As August begins, are you planning one last road trip or weekend getaway to the beach or cabin? Before the kids head back to school, we often desire to soak up the sun and savor the last days of summer. Even if we don’t have school-aged children, we can still have a back-to-school mindset as fall approaches. For autumn seems to be the season when we return to a more organized routine, while summer permits more leisurely activities and lingering moments. So, before we get back to “normal,” we jump at the chance to enjoy these last weeks of summer refreshment with one last getaway. If you find yourself packing your bags for an August adventure, may I suggest including a good book to enjoy? And instead of just grabbing the latest bestseller, why not consider reading a book that is not only captivating but also nourishing of our Catholic Faith? Over the last several years, I have had the pleasure of connecting with a variety of authors who are committed to creating quality Catholic fiction. These authors are smart, innovative, and passionate about storytelling. And in turn, they have published some of the best and brightest novels around. These authors offer something for everyone, no matter what your favorite genre. And I just know you will be pleasantly surprised with their creativity and imagination, while staying true to the Catholic Faith. 5 Catholic Novels to Read This Summer So, along with your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen, pack one of these Catholic novels for your end-of-summer getaway. Fairytale Revisited When you were a little girl, did you enjoy Snow White and other princess fairytales? If so, you will appreciate The Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman, the first in a series of retold fairytales. It is set in modern-day New York City. Blanche and Rose are sisters in high school, and they meet a young man named Bear, who rescues their mom from a swerving car. He looks to be poor and even a bit shady, but they soon discover there is goodness hidden beneath his dirty clothes and matted dreadlocks. He continues to visit them frequently, and friendship blossoms. As the story progresses, mystery unfolds. This fast-paced novel includes action, adventure, a sweet romance, and honest portrayals of good versus evil. Biblical Fiction Have you wanted to dig deeper into the New Testament stories but haven’t known quite how to do it? May I suggest reading The Well, the debut novel by Stephanie Landsem? Set in the small Samaritan village of Sychar, The Well is about a young girl named Mara who is shunned from the community. This is because of the sinful past of her mother, Nava, who is the woman at the well found in John 4:1-42. Life begins to change in Sychar when two men arrive. The first man, Shem, is wealthy, worldly, and drawn to Mara’s beauty. Then, there is Jesus, who miraculously cures Nava of her depressive state and forgives her of her sins. Nava’s encounter with Jesus causes quite the uprising in the small Samaritan town, and the people still want to stone her for her past actions. Mara thinks the best way to prevent the stoning is to ask Jesus to return. So, she sets out to find Jesus, with the help of Shem, and their journey brings them more adventure, love, heartache, and sacrifice than either of them could imagine. While this story is fictional, the Biblical narrative remains intact. Landsem’s creativity allows us to enter the Biblical scene and draws us closer to Jesus’ authentic love. Tasteful Romance If you enjoy a good romance, you will love Stay With Me by Carolyn Astfalk. You will love it even more, because it begins in a grocery store. Rebecca is shopping with her niece and nephew, and Chris is stocking shelves. Their encounter leads to a first date and a delightful courtship. As they get to know one another, they realize they come from vastly different backgrounds. Chris is a convert to Catholicism and comes from an intact, loving family. Rebecca is an innocent young woman who is on her own for the first time, away from her overbearing father. While they clearly care for one another, can they come together on matters of trust and faith? Can their true love for each other sustain them through mistakes and misgivings? Stay With Me is a fun, enjoyable read that has you rooting for Chris and Rebecca all the way until the very last page. It also is an honest look at dating, courtship, human sexuality, and marriage. It puts names, faces, and emotions to the Catholic Church’s teaching on human sexuality that St. John Paul II coined as “Theology of the Body". Mystery and Suspense If you are looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your beach chair, then look no further than Anyone But Him by Theresa Linden. What would it feel like to wake up one day and not remember marrying your husband? And what if all you recalled were negative feelings you had for him? This is what happens to Caitlyn Summer who wakes up one morning and only remembers her disdain for Jarrett West. How could she possibly have married him? As the story progresses, we discover why these two are together in the first place, how they rekindle their love, and how nothing is impossible for God. Anyone But Him is brimming with suspense and mystery. This is the type of novel that you can’t help but read “just one more page,” even late into the night! In addition, Linden weaves the Catholic Faith into the storyline beautifully, and moral topics, including abortion, are carefully and thoughtfully articulated. Recreated Classic If you grew up loving classic novels, you will be pleasantly surprised by Unclaimed: The Memoirs of Jane E, Friendless Orphan by Erin McCole Cupp. It is the first of three installments in a trilogy that takes the timeless classic, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, on a futuristic spin. When we first meet Jane E, she is an unclaimed embryo in an unloving foster home setting. Upon seeking emancipation, she is taken halfway around the world where conditions are grueling. Jane E, then, settles into yet another world—a hidden residence underneath the desert—where an absentee employer hires her to tutor a child he has taken in. Even if you haven’t read Jane Eyre, you will appreciate Unclaimed, for Jane E is heroic and persevering. She faces the challenges that come her way with acceptance, grace, and determination. Time to Rest and Read! While there are many more Catholic novels to enjoy, this is a great place to start. Stories with Catholic themes are a wonderful way to weave our faith into the everyday, ordinary parts of our day…and our vacation. They inspire us in our own faith journey and are also an easy way to share our faith with others. Have you read a really great novel by a Catholic author that we could add to our list? If so, please share it with us in the comments. [bctt tweet="5 Catholic Novels to Read This Summer #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

It’s often said that Flannery O’Connor is one of, if not the best Catholic writer of the twentieth century. In her thirty-nine years before dying of lupus, she published two novels, thirty-two short stories, and a number of essays and reviews. And yet, after “Catholic,” the word most commonly used to describe O’Connor’s work is probably “grotesque.” Her characters aren’t saints, far from it. Ugly people do ugly things. Nothing is tied up with a neat little bow, to say the least. O’Connor knew that her fiction isn’t exactly beach reading. She recognized that her work would require a certain amount of training to appreciate. But that’s the first thing I love about her. She wasn’t writing to please the masses. She wrote to shed light on reality, to show how things really are and, in effect, to help us wake up. Mystery and Manners If you’ve tried to get into O’Connor’s fiction and struggled, let me assure you that you are not alone. However, that doesn’t mean that there is to be no Flannery in your life. Mystery and Manners is a dynamite collection of essays, speeches, and other occasional prose that will convince you that this bespectacled Southern woman is all she’s cracked up to be. Writing about Writing The essays that first interested me were those on writing. It’s immediately apparent that this is a woman who knows what she is about and that Christ is the center of her life. (In a recent trip to her childhood home in Savannah, I attended Mass at the cathedral which she often looked at through her parents’ bedroom window. She attended Mass there daily.) When she writes about writing, she’s dealing with so much more: what forms the writer’s worldview, the human condition, and the significance of vocation. Take this, from “The Fiction Writer and His Country”: The writer can choose what he writes about but he cannot choose what he is able to make live, and so far as he is concerned, a living deformed character is acceptable and a dead whole one is not. The Christian writer particularly will feel that whatever his initial gift is, it comes from God; and no matter how minor a gift it is, he will not be willing to destroy it by trying to use it outside its proper limits. I love the term “proper limits”—what a game changer. What if we understood that the trying situations we find ourselves in are not intended to impede us from what we want so much as to guide us to what God needs of us? A rejection letter is less of a “no” and more of “that’s not quite right; try again.” As a writer, this encourages me. As a human, even more so. With a heart centered on Christ and willing to see the realities of my own faults and my need for mercy, Heaven is a possibility. Challenging the Culture How many times have you flipped through the channels or offerings on your favored streaming service and bemoaned the lack of anything worth watching? Our gal Flannery would be appalled at a good deal of what’s out there. But she wouldn't be surprised. In the same essay, she writes: Redemption is meaningless unless there is cause for it in the actual life we live, and for the last few centuries there has been operating in our culture the secular belief that there is no such cause. If O’Connor’s writing is grotesque, it’s because she saw humanity with a clearer lens than most of us do. There wasn’t any sugarcoating, but not because she was cynical or intentionally disparaging. For O’Connor (again from this essay), “the meaning of life is centered in our Redemption by Christ and what I see in the world I see in its relation to that.” We need grace because we’re fallen. It’s often said that there’s no Easter Sunday without Good Friday. O’Connor was willing to look at things that too many of us shy away from. Things that are ugly, things that don’t make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, things that culture today neglects to acknowledge for what they are. But these things are real consequences of the Fall. And more importantly, they are the places from which we reach for grace. In them we have the opportunity to accept redemption through Christ. [bctt tweet="If O’Connor’s writing is grotesque, it’s because she saw humanity with a clearer lens than most of us do. #BISblog //" via="no"] From Birds to Books The other essays in this collection approach a variety of topics, from education to her beloved birds. There is a distinct voice, a clear intention, and a woman I really wish I’d had the chance to high five. If you’re a writer, I’d recommend reading these essays for the clarity of O’Connor’s vision. If you’re an artist, read them to appreciate the gift of your craft as an opportunity to give God the glory. Even if you’re neither, I beg you to read these pages for their honesty, humor, and humility. In order to build the Kingdom, we need a realistic view. Mystery and Manners offers that, as well as hope that all is not lost, as it sometimes may seem. Have you read Mystery and Manners? What did you think? [bctt tweet="Mystery and Manners Review #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. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

It is like I was born again in the slowness of that hospital room. It was easy to be mindful and open and feel since the feelings were overwhelming and could easily swallow me up. Of late, away from crisis, as work increases and volunteer opportunities arise revealing to me the tribe to which I belong, I learned about Dr. Bottaro’s book. I first thought, “I write about that all the time, this could be helpful for my writing.” Then, second and more sheepishly, “I probably need that.” It is a self-help book, a how-to book in the practice of mindfulness, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. My life is no longer the slow-pace waiting for my baby to wake up, but a wide array of choices I can make. Coming to Chapter Four, “Telling Ourselves Stories,” I felt he was speaking to me. It feels like time and schedules drag me along, especially on the weekends. Overwhelmed, my life feels cluttered and fractured and never quite enough. What am I missing? Prayer and attendance to the present moment. But Is It Really Catholic? I think The Mindful Catholic may be one of the best non-fiction books I have read. The theology is sound and used to a purpose. For those Christians uncomfortable with now-common practices that have their origin in Eastern spirituality, Bottaro astutely defends a unique Christian tradition behind the mindfulness practice. The introduction, a little longer than expected, lays an important foundation to introduce the reader to mindfulness. “Mindfulness is awareness of the present moment, God is the present moment. He defined himself as ‘I am who am.’ God sees all as a present moment, and it is our goal to see as he sees.” Dr. Gregory Botarro earned his degree at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, now Divine Mercy University, where I also studied. DMU approaches psychology in a revolutionary way, integrating theology, philosophy, and psychology, bringing in professors who are experts in their fields. Bottaro utilizes the Catholic-Christian Meta-Model of the Person (CCMMP). This approach is the foundation and strengthens everything he has to say. What I Thought of The Mindful Catholic Like a good psychologist and therapist, Bottaro provides clear and concise summaries, in the beginning, of what we will learn, and as the chapters roll on, periodically of what we have learned. I like this technique as it grounds the learning process. The author introduces himself and his credentials to the reader. Throughout the book, we gradually learn who Bottaro is, some of his habits (he hates traffic), about his wife’s labor and delivery (she is amazing), and in (my opinion) the best chapter on acceptance, about the tragic circumstances this young professional faced in his family. He makes it clear he practices (and needs) this thing of mindfulness he preaches. There are certain analogies and explanations therapists will use again and again. I feel Bottaro is walking us down a well-worn path, one he knows well. His examples are clear. His analogies accomplish their goal of illustrating points in a thorough way. Bottaro does not waste words. I do not want an author to be my buddy. I bristle a little when writers refer to me as “friend” because it takes a lot to earn my trust as friend. An author should teach me something. How to Be Mindful of God in the Present Moment The practices begin in the traditional exercises of mindfulness and then develop into something wholly unique bringing in the core concept of mercy while staying true to the parameters of the psychological process. It is written from a Catholic perspective, but not a book about Catholicism. In every chapter, Bottaro lays the foundation with Catholic thought. He identifies obstacles that may arise and lends a hand to the reader to approach those obstacles, offering them a better way than the one our defenses may have formed. He wisely repeats concepts again and again. Throughout the day, I catch myself calling me back to the present moment with my children, “doing versus being,” I say inside myself. And I look at them and attend to them in the way in which I have fallen short of late. Mindfulness in the Big Moments When Bottaro comes to Chapter Five, “Acceptance,” his writing comes alive. The previous personal anecdotes might have been removed without too much impact, but as he tells the story of his mother’s death, Bottaro begins to write with passion and exhortation. He describes acceptance and you know he has felt it. I have felt it, too. “The path of acceptance is the one you walk with peace, but peace does not mean the alleviation of suffering…" “This awareness will certainly take in painful realities, but it will also keep you open to seeing the deep beauty that lies inherently in all of life.” Bottaro wisely visits the importance of mindfulness in natural childbirth. Even though it holds brief focus, a book on mindfulness would be incomplete without it. As soon as I finished The Mindful Catholic, I wanted to pick it up again and dive deeper. I picked up this book for its usefulness to my profession but found in it a treasure for my heart. My plan is, now, to go back through it and practice the exercises after each chapter. I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Further Reading from Dr. Bottaro! If you loved The Mindful Catholic, you'll want to check out the newest book from Dr. Bottaro and his wife, Barbra, called Sitting Like a Saint. In a busy world, we’re all looking for things that can make our lives simpler and less stressful. Mindfulness is a scientifically proven way to do it. In this new book, the Bottaro's offer easy tips and tricks, and introduce you and the kids to some of the great Saints of the Catholic Faith, helping your children to not only use mindfulness to enhance learning at school and at home, but become happier while doing it. [bctt tweet="The Mindful Catholic Review: Mindful in an Authentically Catholic Way #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Anne Casey is a graduate of Divine Mercy University, freelance writer, housewife, and mother of four children. Her weekly newspaper column "Here's to the Good Life!" and blog focus on art, psychology, consumerism and the importance of local community. Find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

We are a people of busyness. We measure the worth our days by our productivity, how well we fill our social calendars, our five-year plans. Life is parsed, analyzed, and evaluated through a never-ending stream of projects and checklists. In Gilead, author Marilynne Robinson turns this idea of the good life completely on its head. Her novel is a remarkable meditation on faith, hope, and the beauty of existence, even in the midst of suffering. The Profound Themes of Gilead John Ames, a Congregationalist minster living in the tiny backwater town of Gilead, Iowa, is dying. He decides to write a letter to his seven-year-old son, telling him everything he thinks the boy should know about life. It’s both a chronicle of the Ames family history and a meditation on the present. And although Ames has borne many heavy crosses throughout his life and toiled in obscurity, he reflects on the whole of his existence with gratitude and wonder. He is a contemplative soul, and it is his habit of contemplation and prayer that allows him to live a fruitful life and recognize God’s loving providence in everything. Ames’s love letter to his child reads like a guidebook to the way to live a peaceful, meaningful life—and the keys are gratitude, wonder, and faith. Delight in God’s Creation John Ames has a remarkable ability to contemplate the natural world and unearth the glory of the mundane. For him, nothing happens by chance; all of creation is imbued with meaning. Our God is a God of the physical as well as the spiritual. He has given us this good earth to enjoy. Ames fully appreciates this. The most ordinary of surroundings fill him with wonder, such as when he exclaims: I love the prairie! So often I have seen the dawn come and the light flood over the land and everything turn radiant at once, that word "good" so profoundly affirmed in my soul that I am amazed I should be allowed to witness such a thing. A drop of rain, the rays of dawn, even the mysterious darkness of night, are all things of wonder for Ames. They are gifts to be valued and taken care of. Most importantly, they are signs of God’s presence, of His gratuitous love, of a telos in our lives. To recognize this love, though, we must be willing to sit still and let it touch us: But the Lord is more constant and far more extravagant than it seems to imply. Wherever you turn your eyes the world can shine like transfiguration. You don’t have to bring a thing to it, except a little willingness to see. Only, who could have the courage to see it. Delight in the Goodness of Being Ames recognizes that existence itself is a tremendous gift from the Lord. He loves the people around him not for anything they do, but simply because they exist. He knows their value lies in the fact that God made and sustains them. This appreciation manifests itself in a particularly poignant way whenever Ames writes about the pure delight his family inspires in him. His love for his wife and son flows from an absolute amazement in the simple fact that they are. Ames tells his son, ...but it's your existence I love you for, mainly. Existence seems to me now the most remarkable thing that could ever be imagined. These are humble people, and on the surface there is nothing particularly remarkable about either one of them. But Ames never takes them for granted. He sees the splendor of their souls. Trust in God’s Providence Even in the Midst of Uncertainty and Suffering Ames has led a long and difficult life. He has endured the tragic loss of those dearest to him, a long dark period of loneliness, and misfortune brought on by friends. It would have been easy for him to become restless and bitter. Instead, he learns to see God’s hand in the tumultuous and dry periods of his life. He knows that only the soul that casts aside resentment and trusts in God to provide is truly free. Recalling the many years he spent on his own, bereft of any family, Ames acknowledges that, painful as that time was, God was with him through it all. Now that I look back, it seems to me that in all that deep darkness a miracle was preparing. So I am right to remember it as a blessed time, and myself as waiting in confidence, even if I had no idea what I was waiting for. Ames is also tempted to worry about what will become of his family after he dies. He is poor and wishes he could have provided more for them. He wishes, too, that he could have seen his son grow to manhood and guided him along the way he should go. But instead of succumbing to anxiety, Ames places this burden in the hands of the Lord. He is confident that God can work for good even in a difficult situation such as this, and peacefully entrusts his little boy to the Heavenly Father’s care. That is how life goes—we send our children into the wilderness. Some of them on the day they are born, it seems, for all the help we can give them. Some of them seem to be a kind of wilderness unto themselves. But there must be angels there, too, and springs of water. Even that wilderness, the very habitation of jackals, is the Lord's. Gilead: A Final Review By the book’s conclusion, the reader is left with a sense of deep peace. It becomes clear that a truly well-lived and beautiful life is not measured by productivity and achievements. John Ames’s goodbye letter to his son opens our eyes to the necessity of resting in God, of simply being, and of taking the time and silence to quiet our hearts and let Him do the work of healing and transforming our souls. Have you ever read Gilead? What are your thoughts? Let's talk about it in the comments below! [bctt tweet="Gilead Book Review #BISblog //" via="no"] Maria Bonvissuto is an editor who lives and works in Washington, DC. In her spare time she reads voraciously, plays classical guitar, and spends hours discussing the good, true, and beautiful with her friends. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!