For as long as I can remember, I have been a paper lover - stationary, stickers, journal, planners, etc. One of my favorite times of the year was when I got to shop for new school supplies - bouquets of sharpened pencils. Sigh. ;-) Things haven't changed so when the new Blessed Is She Liturgical Academic Planner 2017-2018 came out I was giddy with excitement. It is the perfect combination of beauty, organization and liturgical goodness! The planner is beautiful just as it is and can be appreciated by those who like a clean, streamlined look with a touch of lovely hand lettering. However, it also endears itself to those who want to embellish their planner with washi tape, stickers or drawing. Whichever team you're on, this planner is sure to please. Currently, I use a bullet journal for lists and long term items but I use the Blessed Is She Planner for my day to day living and organizing. Since I am a fan of personalizing a planner to make it your own, I'll share with you how I use and decorate mine. We'll start at the beginning. On the inside cover I made a planner dashboard. I have a photo of my hubby and kids, post its, and a holder for my magnetic book markers. A new feature in this year's planner is a pocket for papers, notes and things. I added some washi tape and stickers to decorate it. On the other side I store stamps and a note card that I need to send out to a friend later this week. Next comes the year at a glance and a list of holidays and holy days of obligation. There is a Dates to Remember section and a compilation of some of the Blessed Is She team/writers' favorite prayers. Also new this year, is the How to Pray the Rosary section. Next we move to the first calendar view. Since this is the Academic version, it runs from Aug 2017 to July 2018. My life revolves around my kids' school schedule so for me this is the new year, rather than January 1. As you can see, I love to add stickers and washi to my calendar. I also only use erasable pens, since I MUST be able to erase! An awesome feature of the monthly view, is the listing of the saint of the month. For August it is St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross who happens to be my chosen saint of the year. There is also a monthly prayer printed at the top of the page. This is a beautiful way for all of us in the BIS sisterhood to pray together for one another. The days of the week have the saint of the day and holy days of obligation are marked by golden squares. I love how this helps me incorporate the liturgical year into my day to day life! If you aren't a fan of decorating and are curious to see the calendar without embellishment, here is a sample. The weekly overview has sections for To Do's, a grocery list, meal planning, prayer intentions, weekly goals, call/email/follow up, as well as a large notes section. I divided my notes section into three more ares - more To Do's, blog/writing, and a smaller notes section. My Elizabeth and Darcy magnetic book markers add some extra love to the page. On Sundays I work on my weekly spread. I'll do a brain dump and write down everything that is on my mind to get it out of head and onto the page. I put the important items in the main To Do column and the tasks that aren't pressing in the secondary To Do list. Then I go over my tasks and assign then a day that I need to have them done. When Monday comes I know which items I need to focus on first before anything else. For my meal planning, I first look in my fridge and freezer to see what items we need to eat before they expire. Then I look at my schedule that week and see which days I'll have time to make a longer meal and which days I have appointments or swimming lessons in the late afternoon. I assign those days easier meals or plan to use the slow cooker. Once I've narrowed those things down, it is easier to figure out what to make and when. In the prayer intention areas, I list those people who have asked for prayers. Here's a tip that has helped me - when there is a prayer request on Facebook or Instagram and I promise to pray for the person, I take a screen shot of their request. Later in the evening before I say my night prayers, I look at the screenshots and write down the intentions. That way, I don't forget! Although, I like to use my Notes section for more lists, you can use that area for anything you'd like! For example, here I used it to write a short prayer. (Note: This and the next two photos are from the current January 2017 Planner notes page.) Another idea would be to have a memories page with highlights of your week. You could add photos, ticket stubs, funny things you child or your roommate said to you or journal your thoughts. Or you could also use that section to start a fun list such as movies you want to watch or books you'd like to read. You can add a magnetic book marker, paper clip or a book dart for quick reference and add to it throughout the year. Next is the weekly schedule with daily time slots for appointments and tasks. I keep track of the places I need to be or work I have to do. Each day has the liturgical feast day listed and it also has a section for tasks to complete that day; a tracker to check off if you've cared for your body, soul and mind; and a section to write something that you're grateful for that day. On my monthly and weekly calendar I like to color code my items. I use purple for daily or regular activities, green for school, orange for my MIL, blue for medical appointments and red or pink for outings and parties. In the back of the planner is a new added section - lined note pages for your own notes. Love that! I hope you enjoyed this peek into my planner. I'd love to see how you use your Blessed Is She planner! Post a photo on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #bisplanner. Happy planning! Written by Bobbi Rol. Find out more about her (and her planner supplies) here. This post was originally published at Revolution of Love.com. Reprinted here with permission. LITURGICAL PLANNERS Our Liturgical Planners are based on the Litany of Humility. Enter into prayer every day alongside this beautiful Litany. Order your days in His peace. GET YOUR PLANNER   For Your Prayer Life Deepen your daily prayer life with a planner built around the Liturgical Year. Shop the Catholic Liturgical Planner →

As a mom of three little humans, I found myself reflecting on how my perception of my own mom as changed over the years. As a little girl—she was the provider, fixer, and all-around superwoman who somehow knew everything and could make everything better. As a teen—she suddenly went from knowing everything to knowing nothing (not sure how she lost all that knowledge). I struggled to find my own voice and identity separate from her. Now as a mom, she has miraculously regained all her knowledge and then some! I see with new eyes how her life is defined by giving herself in service to others. From sanity-saving babysitting to unsolicited house cleaning, she gives without counting the cost and embodies love through sacrifice. Just as my view of my earthly mom has changed and evolved over the years, so has my view of my heavenly mom, Mary. As a little girl, she was just the pretty statue in the church. As a teen, she was literally the “Hail Mary,” someone to cry out to as a last resort (to pass a test, or get out of trouble, or get whatever I had to have at that particular moment). As a young adult, Mary often seemed as an impossible standard of holiness and perfection— unreachable and unrelate-able. But now Mary (through the help of Scripture) is becoming real and irreplaceable in my vocation as a wife and mother. In John 19, Jesus tells the Beloved Disciple (and us) to “behold your mother.” And that is what I want to do—to behold her, to really see her—more than a pretty statue or impossible standard, to see Mary as my mom who meets me (and you) exactly where we are: Thoughts to Ponder Are you struggling to hear and accept God’s plan for your life? Does what God is calling you to seem impossible? Look at Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). She boldly, yet humbly accepted God’s will despite not knowing where her “yes” would lead her. Do you feel isolated and alone? Are you desperate for community and sisterhood? Look to Mary at the Visitation (Luke 1:39-45). She went “in haste” to serve and rejoice with her cousin Elizabeth. Mary service allowed Elizabeth to confirm and celebrate everything God was doing in both of their lives. Do you find yourself questioning God’s plans—looking around and thinking God surely wanted more/better than this for you? Think about Mary at Jesus’ birth. (Luke 2:1-14) She was tired, dirty, and laying the newborn Savior of the world in an animal trough. She had to wonder if this was really what God wanted for His Son, yet she trusted as she got to be the first one to look into the Savior’s eyes and feel His tiny heart beat. Are you worried and anxious? I’m sure Mary can relate. After all, she did lose the Son of God for three days! (Luke 2:41-52) Her worry at the Temple allows her to relate to the worries and burdens that plague or hearts and minds so often. Is there is seemingly hopeless situation (big or small) that needs nothing less than divine intercession? Mary took it upon herself to bring the need of the bride and groom at Cana to Jesus’ attention. (John 2:1-12) Her bold request brought about Jesus’ first miracle and the beginning of His public ministry. Are you broken hearted? Does the weight of grief and sorrow make it hard to breathe? Bring that pain to Mary standing at the foot of her Son’s cross. (John 19:17-30) Her heart is pierced as her Son’s hands and feet are pierced. She understands and stands with you in your sorrow. Are you rejoicing today? Are God’s promises coming to fruition in your life? Picture Mary as the joyful matriarch on Pentecost as the church was born from the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-13) What was promised to her by the angel Gabriel so many years before was unfolding in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. To behold Mary is to behold her Son, Jesus. She will always draw us closer to Him. My favorite title for Mary is Theotokos, “God Bearer.” As she physically bore Christ into the world at the first Christmas, she continues to bring Christ to us through her divine motherhood. As a mom, my gratitude for my earthly mother grows each day. As God’s daughter, may my gratitude for my heavenly mother grow each day as well. [bctt tweet="As God’s daughter, may my gratitude for my heavenly mother grow each day as well."] Written by Lisa Garcia. Originally from Georgia, Lisa now lives in Arizona with her husband and three little girls. Before kids, Lisa was a youth minister and worked for Life Teen in Catechesis development. Now she is raising her own youth group and supporting her husband’s ministry in Life Teen. When not trapped inside by Arizona’s heat, Lisa loves hiking, skiing, and all sorts of outdoor adventures.

Simple words from this week's readings: He said, "come." (Matthew 14:29) Do you trust Him enough to follow? What does following look like for you? Grab this free wallpaper designed by Tara of Frameworthy Designs below! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

As Catholic women, we are blessed to have a supreme model for womanhood in our Mother Mary. She always points us to Christ. So the more we learn about her, the more we ultimately learn about Him. But sometimes learning about Our Lady can feel intimidating or overwhelming. After all, there is so much information available about Mary, her life with Christ, her virtues, devotions to her, and more that deep diving into her legacy can seem daunting. But have no fear, sisters! I've set out to offer you some of the best books about Mary, broken down into categories so you can really discover that for which you're searching. Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list. But these books will give you a good foundation to continue you're learning about Mary. So whether you're already highly devoted to the Blessed Mother or you're still trying to figure out this whole why-does-Mary-even-matter thing, there's something here for you. Marian Books for Beginners These books provide a basic overview about Our Lady and her role in the life of Christ and the Church. They are especially great for converts, reverts, or anyone who doesn't feel like they know much about Mary. Introduction to Mary by Mark Miravalle: A look into how the doctrines of Mary affect us on a personal level, and how we can explain our veneration of Mary to our friends and family. Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn: Popular convert Scott Hahn takes a biblical angle in this book as he builds upon the scriptural and historical revelation of Mary and applies them to the Marian doctrines. The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander: A spiritual classic, this beloved book approaches Mary in her humble and vulnerable humanity, reflecting on what really makes her so admirable in the hearts of Christians. Behold Your Mother by Tim Staples: Having waded through the high waters of Protestantism's rejection of Mary, Tim Staples points to the scriptural basis for Marian doctrines and explains the reverence for Mary in simple terms. Meet Your Mother by Mark Miravalle: Hesitant about this whole Mary thing in the first place? Start right here. This book was written primarily for people with little to no knowledge about Mary. It's truly and introduction and an invitation. Books about Marian Apparitions The books listed here explore the supernatural phenomenon of (approved) Marian apparitions throughout the ages. These books would be great for anyone desiring to know more about the appearances of Our Lady and the messages of hope and conversion she bears. See How She Loves Us by Joan Carrol Cruz: A wonderful summary of 50 approved Marian apparitions, this book touches on lesser known apparitions as well as the most popular along with the miracles that accompany them. Fatima for Today by Fr. Andrew Aposotli, CFR: This books details the events of the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal. We examine the messages Our Lady delivered and what they mean for us 100 years later. Guadalupe Mysteries by Grzegorz Gorny and Janusz Rosikon: Read the story of Mary's appearance to St. Juan Diego and the scientific findings of the infamous tilma imprinted with Our Lady's image. Books about Mary in Relation to the Church A delicious cluster of insight, these books would be considered more "intermediate" Marian material. They take a deeper look into Mary's life and role in the Universal Church. These Marian books are ideal for anyone ready to strap on their theological and philosophical hats! Mary and the Fathers of the Church by Fr. Luigi Gambrel: Curious as to what the early Church fathers thought about Jesus' mom? Read the works of 30 fathers to glean wisdom from the genesis of the Church. The World’s First Love by Blessed Fulton Sheen: If you've ever heard recordings of Bishop Sheen speak, then you are aware of what kind of beauty and eloquence awaits you in his work on the Mother of God. This book will simultaneously stretch your brain and inflame your heart. Under the Mantle by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC: Looking at other Catholic pillars of faith like the Eucharist, Divine Mercy, the Sacraments, and authority, Fr. Calloway shows us how Mary's maternal role and intercession affects the entire fabric of Catholicism. Keeping Mary Close by Mike Aquilina and Fr. Frederick W. Gruber: Another trip back to the time of the early Church, this book explores the evidence of Marian devotion from the first days of the Church through the writings, traditions, and art of the time. Mary: The Church at the Source by Hans Urs von Balthasar and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (the future Papa Benny!): This book presents a view of Mary as both a representation of the Church at large and the mother of every believer, birthing Christ into their hearts. Books about Marian Spirituality This category is full of books that aid the Christian in growing in relationship with Mary. They're wonderful resources for all of us as we seek to model the faith, hope, and love of Our Lady. Mary and Me by Ginny Kubitz Moyer: A beautiful resource from a Blessed is She devotional writer, this book is comprised of reflections from 30 different women on how Mary speaks to the modern female experience. You'll find comfort and camaraderie as these modern-day women reflect on Mary's presence and influence through their greatest trials and most glorious triumphs. True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort: A true Marian classic, this book has been beloved for centuries for its wealth of Marian insight and its encouragement to consecrate ourselves to Jesus through Mary. Walking with Mary by Edward Sri: Follow Mary from the beginning of Christ's life to His death on the Cross, drawing from the few yet mighty biblical passages in which she stars. John Paul II's Book of Mary compiled by Margaret Bunson: This book is a delightful compilation of Pope St. John Paul II's writings and reflections on Our Lady's maternal beatitude and his great personal love for her. Take it to the Queen by Josephine Nabisco: Ok, so this is technically a children's book. But we can all benefit from its beautiful illustrations and metaphors. Be enthralled by this tale that displays the reason for Mary's intercession in our lives as Christians. Books about Marian Consecration Preparation for Total Consecration by St. Louis de Montfort: The most popular path of Marian consecration, this prayer book leads the reader to a deeper understanding of Our Lady and seeks to ignite a desire to offer everything they have and are to Jesus through Mary. 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley: This Marian consecration (and my personal favorite) takes us on a journey through the Marian spiritualities of four Catholic saints: St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and Pope St. John Paul II. It is profound yet easy-to-understand and embrace. Total Consecration to Mary according to St. Maximilian Kolbe: Here's the preparation for consecration as formulated by St. Maximillian Kolbe, a major Mary-lover. Marian Prayer Books The Imitation of Mary by Alexander De Rouville: This book reflects on Mary's entire life from childhood to assumption and applies it to our life and circumstances. It is quite valuable for the Catholic woman seeking to live and love like Mary. A Year with Mary: Daily Meditations on the Mother of God by Paul Thigpen: A year's worth of reflections centered on the writings about Mary throughout the ages, this devotional is sure to enrich both your mind and your soul. Mother Mary by Paraclete Press: You'll love this coloring book full of pictures and scriptures representative of the Mother of God. Meditate on her life and wisdom while coloring and expressing your heart through creativity. A Book of Marian Prayers by William G. Storey: Swim through moving Marian prayers centered on Christ from the time of the early Church to modern day. The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort: Do you want to increase your love and devotion to the rosary? This books explains in detail how and why the rosary can be a most-powerful tool for reflecting on the life of Christ through the eyes of His mom. Never Enough Mary The wonderful thing about Mary is, like Christ, we can never know enough about her this side of heaven. As St. Bernard of Clairvaux said: Of Mary, there is never enough! We could spend the rest of our lives in study of hers and never exhaust the depth of its richness. The books listed here are just a taste of the vast resources we are blessed with in our modern era. There are many more books, encyclicals, studies, and devotionals written in honor of Our Lady. I can't wait to discover them all with you, sisters! [bctt tweet="We could spend our lives in study of Mary's and never exhaust the depth of its richness."]     What’s your favorite book about Mary? What else would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below! This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Champion, Wisconsin, isn’t a place you’d expect to find much. It lays a long stretch of cornfields away from nearby Dyckesville and Algoma. Somewhere close is a town named Alaska. I haven’t been there, but I’ve seen the signs. Nestled into these fields is the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. Growing up in Green Bay, less than an hour away, “The Shrine” was a place I knew existed, but I didn’t know much else. I always thought it seemed a little kooky to think that in 1859, the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mary!!) would have appeared to some Belgian farm girl. My own grandma grew up a rural Belgian girl, and Mary definitely didn’t appear to her. When I was in college, though, the apparition at what is now the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help was approved, making it the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the United States. While I still hope someday to visit Lourdes, Knock, and Fatima, I am happy to visit Champion for now. Here are the quick facts: In 1859, a woman dressed in white with flowing blonde hair appeared to Adele Brice three times. Adele was in her late 20s, living with her parents, and she was unsettled. She sought advice and at the third apparition, asked the woman, "In the Name of God, who are you and what do you wish of me?" The woman responded: "I am the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same." Soon, a chapel was built on the spot, quickly joined by a convent and a school. Pilgrims soon began to visit, and women joined Adele to live simply following the rule of Third Order Franciscans. Twenty years later, while Chicago burned at the other end of Lake Michigan, an even larger firestorm erupted in Northern Wisconsin. The Peshtigo Fire swept over 1.2 million acres of land, killing thousands, and remains the most devastating fire event in American history. The firestorm had winds over 100 miles per hour and temperatures reaching 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. As a kid, I had a book about the fire, and even the barest facts boggled my mind. While the fire began to swell throughout the Door Peninsula, where Champion and its shrine are located, Adele refused to leave the chapel grounds. She and her companions processed around the grounds, begging the Blessed Mother for her protection. After the fire died down, the surrounding land was burned, but the chapel grounds and all those who had sought refuge there were untouched and unharmed by the flames. Today, the Shrine retains much of its local charm, tucked away in its remote home, even as it becomes better known in the wider Catholic world. The grounds are quiet, with a handful of devoted pilgrims each day, rather than the throngs of tourists found at many other shrines. The Chapel, the Crypt, and the Stations garden are especially lovely in the warm months, when it is possible to wander the grounds and reflect on Our Mother Mary, wrapping us in her mantle as she did on the night of the firestorm. Brigid Hogan is a midwestern graduate student who finds peace in lakes, the Mass, and fiction when she isn’t ensconced in schoolwork. Find out more about her here.

It's the Transfiguration of the Lord this week. In the second reading, 2 Paul 1:17-18, it says: "This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Do you listen to the voice in your own life? To His voice? His voice is a lamp that shines in the dark places of your life. You can download this free wallpaper by Erica of Be a Heart below.   Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

MJ of Pars Caeli enlisted her daughter to help her design this beautiful wallpaper. Her daughter painted, and then MJ handlettered on top. It is SO beautiful. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart. 1 Kings 3 You can download it for your phone or desktop for free below! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

The perfect sunny wallpaper for summertime by the amazing Emily of Emily Rachelle Designs. The righteousness will shine like the sun in the kingdom of the Father. Matthew 13:43 You can download it for your phone and desktop for free below! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

A mid week surprise of the most beautiful wallpaper by Marie of Fawnly Prints. The sufferings of the present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed to us. You can download it for free below! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I used to think I knew exactly what went into stable, solid relationships with other people. I thought I knew how to have a healthy, emotional relationship with a guy. I believed I was a pretty faithful friend to those in my life. Then life happens. I began to see major cracks in how I did relationships. All of this led me to see how I was dragging around past wounds and trauma into my current relationships. I saw how easily I would return to controlling and manipulative ways in relationships as a coping mechanism. Enter Boundaries. Ladies, this is a book every single woman needs to read. It has been a GAME CHANGER in my life and personal healing. But let's back the train up a little bit. Why does a boundary matter in life and relationships? A boundary is a property line; the line divides where your yard ends and your neighbor's begins. More specifically, a personal boundary distinguishes what is your emotional or personal property, and what belongs to someone else. Now you cannot see your own boundary, but you definitely can tell when someone crosses it. When another person tries to control you, tries to get to close to you, or asks you to do something you don't think is right, you should feel some sense of protest. That is how you know your boundary has been crossed. Boundaries say, "I belong to me and you belong to you." Boundaries matter because they keep us emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically safe. They protect us and help us trust and listen to ourselves. Boundaries keep the good things in, and bad things out. When we don't have clear limits, we can unknowingly expose ourselves to unhealthy and toxic influences and people. YOU and only YOU are responsible for what is inside your boundaries. It is important in your relationships to be clear about your expectations and boundaries. Not in a controlling or manipulative way, but to be honest with others and yourself. Think of it this way: you have a neighbor who keeps his yard a total mess . . . lawn unkept, dog poop and trash everywhere, and smells that could kill an elephant. If you randomly went into your neighbor's yard and started cleaning it up yourself you would be trespassing, going into a place you are unwanted, and trying to clean up a mess that wasn't yours to begin with. That is living life without boundaries: going somewhere uninvited to "fix" a mess that isn't yours to fix. If someone else is controlling your love, emotions, or values, they are not the problem. Your inability to set limits on their control is the problem. Boundaries are the way to keep yourself safe and strong. [bctt tweet="Boundaries are the way to keep yourself safe and strong. #BISblog"] What are boundaries? used to define the limits in relationships in place as trust is rebuilt in relationships healthy responses to when another person hurts you your protection against repeated harm life-changing tools to be implemented in all relationships the opposite of becoming responsible for another person's problems or issues What aren't boundaries? methods of forcing behavior ways to control another person used to emotionally disconnect ways to avoid dealing with pain manipulation of other people or situations punishments taking responsibility for another person/their issues Three kinds of boundaries: personal, relational, and internal Personal boundaries are about how YOU respond to yourself. Your own triggers, trauma, and emotional responses may sometimes lead you to unhealthy ways of coping. Relational boundaries are set and lived out in all your relationships outside a significant other (spouse, parents, family, friends, co-workers, in-laws, etc). Your relational boundaries define how much emotional (or physical) space you need between you and others to feel safe. These boundaries define how you will respond when others act or refuse to act. Internal boundaries are a little more tricky to explain. This is an example that works for me: Imagine inside your body is this invisible zipper, only you have access to it as the owner of your physical body. You can control how much it is zipped or how little it is zipped. Only you can control how much you allow in to affect your emotions, feelings, and mindset. Internal boundaries are your own personal safety mechanism, your own zipper. My therapist has said to me many times before, "Patty, in that situation were you emotionally zipped up? Did you protect yourself before seeing or talking to that person or getting into that situation?" What she was helping me realize, is that I have the power to control how much I let other's words and actions affect me. What does this look like in real life? When implementing boundaries in your relationships, I have found these three steps helpful and practical in my own life: Identify the people or situations in life you may need a boundary with. For example, you have a difficult sibling or parent you realize you need to deal with. Identify the boundary pushing behavior. You are very uncomfortable how your brother often tries to guilt trip you into helping or doing things for him. You feel intimidated and unable to express how this really makes you feel. Then, identify and name what your boundary will be. The next time your brother Art tries guilt tripping you will share with him how that makes you feel. “John, when I hear you say you are annoyed I can’t visit that weekend. What I think is you don’t understand how busy my life is with grad school right now. And about that, I feel frustrated.” Another example: You have a co-worker who constantly hangs out at your desk through out the day while you are trying to get your work done. She likes to gossip about other co-workers, and you feel you don't feel comfortable, not to mention, distracted from your work done. You could say, "Sarah, when you stop by my desk regularly to chat and gossip what I think about that is that you don't see I'm trying to get my work done. And about that I feel frustrated and annoyed." Or perhaps you have a mother in law who constantly gives your children gifts you are not comfortable accepting. You could say, "Judy, when you give gifts to the kids Derek and I do not approve of in our home, what I think is that you don't respect our role as their parents trying to keep them safe, and about that I feel frustrated." Use a sound bite when you're uncomfortable When using boundaries, it is important how to talk with someone who is not emotionally safe or doesn't respect your defined boundaries. This is called a feedback format or what I like to call "my sound bite." That way, if I feel nervous or anxious in how to respond, I can go right back to this tool. The point is that you are trying to fully listen to the person, even if you'd rather punch them straight in the nose. Here is what you say bit by bit: "When I heard you say . . . ." Repeat EXACTLY what the person said word for word. By repeating what they said, you protect yourself from being accused or manipulated because you are repeating the words they just uttered. Simply repeat whatever the person said. "What I thought about that is . . . ." You are now stating your perceptions, thoughts, interpretation of what that individual said to you. "And about that I feel . . . ." Share your emotions on how what he or she said made you feel (anger, fear, joy, passion, pain, shame, guilt, love, joy, or guilt). Whether you are married or single, we all desire healthy, safe relationships. These are some tools I have found helpful in my own life and I hope you will be empowered and encouraged by them as well! If you're looking for more specific help, there is also Boundaries in Dating, Boundaries in Marriage, and Boundaries With Kids. The principles are very much the same, but more tailored to these specific life situations. We all desire meaningful, life-giving relationships in life. Healthy boundaries are an important tool for us as women to keep ourselves safe and have strong relationships. So let's go out there and have healthy relationships! Written by Patty Breen. Find out more about her here.

Hi, My Name is MaryRuth and I am addicted to saying "YES." I grew up in a congregational church where everyone had a role and most people had two or three. I was in the choir and played the organ (poorly) on occasion. I ran the Christmas play one year, was on the youth leadership council, the search committee for the new pastor, and even worked for a short spell as the church secretary. My parents were stewards and deacons and the congregation really was the working body of the church. When I converted to Catholicism, I was a stay-at-home mom of two and had just finished up my PhD. I was on fire for the Faith and ready to leap into action to serve in God’s church. Parishes love people like me. The Church asks and asks and asks, and people like me (and maybe you too?) say yes, yes, yes! It is natural for both church staff and ministry heads to depend on a small percentage of parishioners to serve, but this can lead to burnout rather than fulfillment. If you find yourself serving out of obligation rather than out of joy, it may be time to step back and reassess your commitments. Here are seven points to consider when looking at your commitments to ministry work. 1. Do a skill assessment on yourself What are your gifts, talents and charisms? What do you dread doing and what type of work brings you joy? I like to cook, so I serve with the Meals for Moms at our parish. That would be a horrible fit if I was a horrible cook! I hate phone calls, asking for money, and meetings for the sake of meetings. That said, I run a pretty decent meeting, am fairly organized, am good at consensus building, and can write up pretty great timelines for projects. I would be a horrible secretary, but I am a good project manager. 2. Find the right ministry What do you love? Are you looking to serve the poor or minister to the sick? Look at existing ministries to see where you fit. If nothing strikes you, spend time in prayer and see if the Lord is asking you to start something new. 3. Assess your level of giving How much time are you able to give? What type of time are you able to give? Do you work best on a project or event basis where you can give in one big spurt, or are you looking to give on a consistent basis? Our Vacation Bible School team is made up of a group of moms whose main service is the yearly VBS. It is what we do. We gear up in April and start working hard through June and July to deliver a stellar experience for 200-300 children. And then we don’t talk VBS again until the spring. Most of the women are able to give in that four-month spurt. We aren’t ministry heads running a full-time ministry, although some of us were at one time. This season of life requires something different. For a short time we live and breathe VBS, our kids play for hours together while we plan, they attend or volunteer in the program and it works for us. What works for you? Are you looking to jump in to commitment or do you need to baby-step into something? Do you have a few hours each week to serve or a large chunk of time to help something grow and develop? 4. Delegate and expand your reach Because parish ministries frequently have the same people doing the same things, many of parishioners are able to stay on the fringes. We don’t do ourselves, or our community any favors when we keep all the joys of service to ourselves. Find new people, get to know them and discover their talents. Bring them into a life of service in the church and share the work with others. Help them fulfill their baptismal call to serve. Often all you have to do is ask. 5. Be willing to change Recognize that a change in your life situation may necessitate a change in your ability to give of your time and talents. After starting our mom’s ministry and serving as its facilitator for five years, I realized I needed to turn it over to someone else. I was pregnant with my fourth little one. Although I wasn’t going to be able to give at the same level, I wanted to see the ministry that I loved and believed in thrive under new leadership. It needed someone who had the same passion and had a little more time. So I found someone, trained her, and moved on. I found another ministry that needed some help getting started and I was able to commit limited time while still serving in beautiful way. The ministry is bigger than you. It is God’s ministry. Be willing to change things up and be open to walking away when He is ready for someone else to step up. 6. Pray, Pray, and Pray The Marthas of the world often spend much time doing and less time being. We live by our to-do lists and thrive in the busyness, but we are less adept at sitting in the Word and listening to God. I know I am overextended when Jesus wakes me up early for our little chats. When I fall asleep exhausted before I say my goodnights to Him, He wakes me up before that alarm goes off and we have our prayer time together in the dark of the early morning. It took me a while to realize that was what was happening, but once I got over my irritation of being awake when my mind said I should be asleep, I was able to appreciate the sleepless mornings as a great opportunity to talk with Him, to listen to Him, and to re-prioritize. If we are truly doing the Lord’s work, don’t we need to check in with Him on regular basis to make sure we are on track? Don’t wake for Him to wake you up. If you are serving God through your work, shouldn’t you talk with Him about it? He is your boss after all, so carve out a little time one-on-one to talk with Him. 7. Be okay with saying No There are a few things I love doing for the parish school, and a few things I will never do. I love being in the classroom so helping with Literature Studies and Art Masterpiece are highlights of my year. Helping with Field Day or Chaperoning the Zoo trip—definite NO! I know what my time, talent, interest, and patience will allow, and I am fine with saying NO to the things that don’t work out. My NO gives others the chance to say YES! We all have 24 hours in the day, and we are all called to serve the Lord and His good and holy Church. You can best serve Him by being intentional. Don’t rush to say yes to every request. Instead, assess your skills, time availability, and interests. Be okay with saying no and recognize that your God has created you for a unique purpose. Pray and listen to His direction. Be ready to act when called because He desires great things from and for you. [bctt tweet="Be ready to act when called because He desires great things from and for you. #BISblog"] Written by MaryRuth Hackett. Find out more about her here.

We love this wallpaper made by Tara of Frameworthy Designs because it reminds us not only in the verse from Sunday's readings to take rest, but also in her beautiful artwork. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest" - Matthew 11:28 You can download it for your desktop or phone for FREE below! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

At nine months postpartum, I was using the excuse of still nursing my youngest to not pay much attention to what kind of food and how much of it I was putting into my body. I blamed my crankiness on being tired from mothering three children ages four and under while managing a freelance writing and editing business. I was convinced that unless I ran six miles a day (not possible) and included kale in every other meal (double not possible), that was how it was going to be. I tried to ignore what I perceived as vanity and thus cultivated a sense of spiritual guilt. I was made in the image and likeness of God, so shouldn’t I love my body as it was, no questions asked? Really, the burden was more than pounds on the scale or inches at my waist. I was unhappy with the state I’d let myself get into. I didn’t want to play on the floor with the kids, because it meant tugging up my jeans to a place they wouldn’t stay. I stayed up too late, reading or watching TV, trying to find something that would fill the hole I was living in, and woke up tired again the next day. The time I spent in the morning worrying about what I’d wear made me crabby and late. A friend’s Facebook post was the tipping point that made me realize that how I felt, how I spent my precious time on earth did matter. The message was something to the tune of, “If not now, then when?” My mind, my body, and my soul are all connected, and I needed to find a way to recognize and honor that. It was time to make some changes. With the same friend as an accountability partner, I started eating healthier and I devoted just seven minutes each morning to exercise. These shamefully obvious changes were manageable, and they made a difference. Yes, my body is a gift from God, a temple of the Holy Spirit. I should be grateful for it, no matter its state. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be taking good care of it, too. My physical renewal ran parallel with a spiritual renewal. I learned this is true self-care: honoring the body I was given as a daughter of God, not to fit into a dress I’d deemed the right size, but so that I could better serve my Creator and God in my vocation. When I was fed with what I needed, I could give more of myself. I wanted to give more of myself. I wasn’t looking inside as much anymore, and so my attention was drawn outward. A lot of what I learned about myself and what I need to do to maintain my physical health translates into what I need as a spiritual being. [bctt tweet="My physical renewal ran parallel with a spiritual renewal. #BISblog"] Avoid Fillers We are what eat, or better, we are what we consume. Saint Ignatius of Loyola started to navigate a relationship with Christ when he realized how empty he felt after reading stories of knights and honor and how much better he felt when reading the lives of the Saints. When I made more time in my life for spiritual reading (I added ten minutes with a book after my seven minutes of physical exercise), I likewise found my desire to serve enriched. Spending less time on the couch meant I was more discerning about what movies and television shows I was making time for. I reflected on the books I was reading and started making more prudent choices. I limited the supposedly news websites I was clicking to. I got rid of the junk and replaced it with something that would encourage and inspire me. When I discovered the daily Decalogue of Saint John XXIII, I wanted to high-five him. He wrote, “Only for today, I will devote ten minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.” Amen. Make It Part of Your Routine A gym membership does no good if you never make it inside. Likewise, the Holy Mass, Confession, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and spiritual books can’t have an effect in my life unless I chose to engage with them. If you want to see a change in either component of your life, you have to make a change first. Connecting spiritual and physical wellness into a single activity can make a shift in scheduling less overwhelming. For me, it was that time in the morning. Five minutes to stretch, two to plank, and the next ten spent reading. It was all one motion, one action flowing easily into the next, a more serene breed of circuit training. For someone else, it might be a run without earbuds in, so that God’s voice can come in more clearly. Or maybe it’s a midday walk to a nearby church for a visit with the Blessed Sacrament. It could be spiritual music in the background while following a workout video on YouTube. Choosing produce from a farmer’s market—or straight from the farm—can be a spiritual experience in itself, a way to feel more connected with the world we live in. Live in Seasons Road races work for me as an incentive to make time to workout. Whether it’s a 5K or a full marathon, signing up for a race is a commitment to spend my time differently and to sacrifice other activities to give my all to my goal. A race is something in which my family, especially my husband, can support me, both in the training and at the finish line. The seasons of Lent and Advent function in an analogous way in the spiritual life. They are more intense training periods intended to break our lesser habits and set our eyes back on the prize. Not all of life needs to be so focused. Rest periods are important to growth, as well. Balance is key, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Whether it’s from a running coach or a spiritual director, guidance from someone with more knowledge and experience can help us see strengths and weaknesses we may not be able to see in ourselves. Don’t Go It Alone Though the spiritual journey is a personal one, it’s not one we are intended to walk (or run) alone. The accountability of a gym buddy can get you in the door, and a friendly sense of competition can have you both pushing yourselves a little further, working a little harder, because you know you’re not alone. Different stages of life, like different stages of training, are best served by different relationships. A prayer group, a virtual book club, letters or texts to check in with a friend you’re praying for, or whom you’ve asked to pray for you may fit for you right now. Let’s not forget the Saints, that great “cloud of witnesses” fist-pumping for us from on high, ready to intercede for us at any moment. The Blessed is She regional Facebook group one of my favorite prayer communities. Every time I “love” a post, it’s because I’ve said a Hail Mary for the petition. It’s a moment outside of myself that draws our Mother Church a little closer together. Give yourself permission to find the encouragement—and the challenge—that inspires you to be your best self. Remember Your “Why” Various situations in life have thrown me off course both physically and spiritually in the time since I started this healthier leg of my life journey. What keeps bringing me back to my habits is the feeling of wholeness and readiness that my morning routine, in particular, yielded. Life gets busy, and there can be too many day-to-day details to keep track of sometimes. I’ll eat whatever’s in the drawer, as long as it seems it will fill me up for a little while. I tell myself that chunk of dark chocolate in the afternoon, a TV show to fall into in the evening, or another midday social media check to see if I missed something is a reward—or consolation prize—for how I’m enduring the day. If I’m being honest, these aren’t rewards, but rather escapes from the challenges I face, from my fears of inadequacy or failure as a mom or writer. In a stressful moment, when, with God’s grace, I have forgone one of these indulgences, God consistently fills the space I’d thought was empty with His love. Why am I surprised by this, that when I make room for him on my plate, he completely fills the space, and then some? God wants more for me than physical health or beauty. He wants me to drink the living water, to feed on His body and blood, to care for my body—this blessed temple of the Holy Spirit—with what will really nourish me. These are whole foods, face-to-face conversations, good books, and the quiet stillness of prayer. In both realms, the difference was made not as much in what I chose to forgo as it was about what I chose to take in. How will you honor that today and take in the sustenance that will open the eyes and ears of your heart to the Lord? He is calling you to His table for the most important, life-giving meal you can imagine. [bctt tweet="He is calling you to His table for the most important, life-giving meal you can imagine. #BISblog"] 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.

In good times, I will sing the goodness of the Lord. In bad times, I will sing the goodness of the Lord. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Let's continue to remind each other of God's goodness in our lives and be a joyful people filled with His love. This weekly wallpaper is from Erica of Be a Heart. You can download it for your phone or desktop for FREE, below! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Welcome to the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood, ladies. Let that pour over you, literally. Let the Most Precious Blood of Christ flow into your life and wash away your anxieties, your fears, your sins, and your distrusts. May you be left with only joy. Let's use that joy to celebrate the liturgical year more fully. There are so many wonderful celebrations this month; let's get to it! Saint Thomas the Apostle (July 3) You may know him better as Doubting Thomas. Although he is often known for his disbelief, Saint Thomas was one of Jesus' beloved. He is also the patron saint of architects. Seek out an area of your neighborhood with lovely buildings. Drive around and appreciate the gift that God gave the creators of these structures. Fourth of July Sure, this isn't on the liturgical calendar, but it's a day of festivity in the United States. Whether you are a citizen or not, ask Mother Mary to pray for the United States of America and for the freedom and dignity of all people throughout the world. Saint Maria Goretti (July 9) At the age of 12, Saint Maria Goretti died a martyr after a suitor pressured her to be impure, and upon her denial, he killed her. Take time to read an excerpt from Theology of the Body today. Reflect on the ways in which you are called to be pure in your own life. Whether you are married, single, religious, or otherwise, God has a beautiful plan for your body. Saints Louis and Zelie Martin (July 12) Ah, newly minted Saints. Saints Louis and Zelie are the parents of Saint Therese of Lisieux. Louis was a watchmaker, and Zelie created beautiful laces. Tap into your creative side today. Head to the craft store and become inspired. Choose a project that you've always wanted to try. In doing so, contemplate on how the process of creating brings you closer to the Creator. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (July 14) Saint Kateri was a Native American Mohawk, and she is the patron saint of environmental issues. Taking care of our planet is so very important—so much so that Pope Francis wrote a letter on the topic entitled Laudato Si. Today would be a great day to read his thoughts. You can also take time to contact your representatives with any concerns about environmental legislation. Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16) Mother Mary is the patron of the Carmelite Order. Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Therese of Lisieux, and Saint John of the Cross are all well-known Carmelites. This order was gifted the brown scapular from Blessed Mary, and those who venerate it are promised to be saved from the fires of Hell. You can be enrolled in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular by any priest. Call yours today to set up a meeting. Saint Mary Magdalene (July 22) Traditionally, Saint Mary Magdalene is known as a sinner who found favor with Christ. She gives us great hope in Jesus' Divine Mercy. She also is a beacon for the importance of women in the Church. Pope Saint John Paul II reflects on the importance of women in his Letter to Women where he addresses "the essential issue of the dignity and rights of women, as seen in the light of the word of God." Read his letter today. Saint Christopher (July 25) Saint Christopher's life is actually known as a legend, but many people see him as the patron saint of travelers. Do you have a case of wanderlust? Where have you always wanted to visit? Plan that trip today! Or, if you're like most of us and money/work/family/school make it difficult to travel, plan a day trip for this summer. Go somewhere in your own neighborhood or state. Enjoy God's beauty in your backyard. Saints Anne and Joachim (July 26) Parents to Our Lady and grandparents to Our Lord. Pretty big titles for this humble pair. Do you still have grandparents in your life? How about an elderly neighbor? Take some time today for these images of God who are often marginalized in our society. Saint Ignatius of Loyola (July 31) Saint Ignatius was on a lifelong journey of learning. He founded the Jesuit Order, and they dedicated themselves to education. Another practice they employed was the Daily Examen. During your prayers tonight, pray a Daily Examen to help you take stock of your day. Consider making this a nightly habit. [bctt tweet="Liturgical Living in July for the Everyday Woman:"] What other ways to you plan to live liturgically this month? Please let us know in the comment section below. Written by Jenna Hines. Find out more about her here.

  People are always amazed by the idea that here in Costa Rica, there is an active volcano virtually in my backyard. We can sit on our porch with coffee and watch the plume of smoke from its crater grow wider and longer on days when it is erupting, with little worry of danger. But ever since we arrived here, I have been more mesmerized with the notion that in a nearby city, Cartago, Costa Rica, the seat of the diocese in which we serve as missionaries, stands a breathtaking Basilica, and inside that Basilica stands a tiny black statue surrounded by a grand golden monstrance. The statue is a Madonna and child, and it is an approved Marian apparition in the Church. On a regular basis, our family walks the aisle of this beautiful place, kneels before that image, and prays. We walk the path to the miraculous spring of healing waters that flows there and wash ourselves, praying for own intentions and those of others for whom we have promised to pray. Mary, the Mother of God, appeared in a place that is virtually our backyard, and we get to visit her regularly. That is so much more spectacular than any volcanic eruption! Our Lady of the Angels is the patroness of Costa Rica. She was so named in honor of their patron, Saint Francis' Basilica in Assisi, by the missionary Franciscan friars who pastored the area in the 1600s when the apparition occurred. This small, doll-like image in black stone was found by a young girl on a rock when she went out to the woods to collect firewood for the days’ cooking. She hid the doll in her room, only to find it missing the next morning. When she returned to the woods to complete her day’s chore once again, the figure was back where she had found it the day before. This cycle continued for three days, with Juanita hiding the figure more carefully each evening, and always finding it gone from her room and back on that same rock in the morning. Fearful of what this could mean, she brought the little figurine to her parish priest, who recognized it as an image of the Madonna and child and began to suspect something heavenly was at work. He placed the figure in the tabernacle and said Mass, praying for revelation. When the Mass was finished and the tabernacle opened, the figure had once again disappeared and was found on the rock in the woods. A church was built there and the apparition was eventually approved by the Church. To this day, Our Lady of the Angels, or the Negrita (Little Black One), is highly revered by the Costa Rican faithful. We have heard countless tales of miracles in the lives of friends and their families through her intercession, and witnessed a few of our own in the lives of friends we have brought to visit this holy site. On her feast day, August 2, each year, millions of people visit the Basilica to venerate this miraculous mother and intercessor. A traditional pilgrimage on foot is traversed by many people from every corner of the country to pay homage to this mother whom they honor as protectress and guide. In the years that we have lived in Costa Rica, we have witnessed many of its most spectacular sights, but the opportunity to pass regularly under the blessing of this beautiful apparition of our Mother Mary is beyond compare. As missionaries to the indigenous peoples here, we had the opportunity take a village of families on pilgrimage to the Shrine and introduce them to her for the first time. No ocean view, monkey sighting, scarlet macaw in flight, or even erupting volcano, can compare to the seeing the spark of recognition in the eyes of someone meeting his/her heavenly Mother for the first time. It is truly a holy spectacle I will never grow tired of marveling over. Written by Colleen Mitchell. Find out more about her here.

The lazy days of summer are finally upon us, bringing with them a chance to slow down and catch a good book. Whether you’re a bookworm, history buff, or you’re just looking for a good read to tote along on your next vacation, this list is for you! Here are ten faith-filled [or simply inspiring] books with a historical bent to keep you company. Some are fiction, some are memoirs or [auto]biographies that read like fiction—all are a fantastic way to feed your soul and literary appetite at the same time. 1. The Road to Jerusalem (Medieval Sweden, 1150) Opening with the birth of a boy named Arn, this is the first book of a trilogy set in the world of the Knights Templar and Crusades. The Road to Jerusalem follows Arn's boyhood as he leaves his family to be raised in a monastery, learning the skills of civilization and swordbearing before setting out on his own in the world. But he finds himself sorely unprepared for the secular world, coming of age in a drastically different setting that leads him on an unlikely path to knighthood. The book and series as a whole are an adventurous and intriguing look into family dynamics and monastic life, bringing some realism and fascination to the Medieval Era. Content: Somewhat clean. Cultural references to imbibing and clan warfare, allusions to adult content. 2. Silence (Japan, 1640s) Made popular by the recently released film by the same title (reviewed on the BiS blog here) this is not a novel for the faint of heart or weak of faith. Rather, it delves deep into the most distressing and beautiful moments of faith—sometimes one and the same. Based on true events, Silence is the story of a priest and his fellow missionaries seeking to shepherd a recently-discovered remnant of underground Christianity in hostile Japan. In the midst of strife and martyrdom, this incredibly written story explores the depth of persecution, doubt, and weakness—contrasted with the belief and hope, strength and sacrifice of a simple people tortured for their commitment to Christ. Content: Heavy in detailed graphic descriptions of violence and brutality toward the innocent. 3. The Invention of Wings (Civil War Era, 1860s) Though it hit the top of the charts a few years ago, this inspiring story is one worth telling and re-telling—especially for those who have missed or forgotten it. Based on true events and characters, this fictionalized account of an activist during the Civil War is arresting for all of the right reasons. Written by the same author who wrote Secret Life of Bees, it centers on the relationship of a slave and her owner-turned-abolitionist throughout their lives in the deep South. Sue Monk Kidd expertly weaves together the lives of two girls—once friends—both prisoners of their circumstance, and both unwilling to accept that their reality is acceptable. What was once a virtually unknown true story of feminine strength and dignity is now a truly hope-laden journey through the depth of human evils and the height of human good. Content: Mostly clean language. References to crimes against women, racism, descriptions of torture and brutality toward innocent people, brutality toward children. 4. Anne of Green Gables (Canada, early 1900s) There’s a lot of hype surrounding the new TV miniseries, but when’s the last time you hunkered down with any of the actual Anne books? If it’s been awhile—or never—I entreat you to pick up a copy and seriously lose yourself in the delights of the Victorian era with the heroine of the century. L.M. Montgomery builds characters that are deep, strong, and realistic yet endearing; our protagonist Anne is both painfully real while embodying all the best of feminine strength. For the best experience, stick with the series through Book 8 and give yourself the gift of journeying through all the charming changes of the era along with the maturing and ever more endearing Anne in all the heartrending, adventurous, beautiful seasons of her life. Content: Very clean. Isolated references of cruelty toward children and allusions to domestic violence. 5. Orphan Train (United States, early 1900s) An alternating perspective novel set in modern day America with flashbacks to the early 1900s, this tale centers on the moving relationship between two women unpacking their childhood ghosts. It's also a jarring narrative of the little-known enterprise that existed at the turn of the century, when orphans on the East Coast were shipped across the country by train to families willing to take them—just as Anne experienced in Anne of Green Gables though most were not as fortunate as she was. Orphan Train peels back the layers of history to reveal the plight of these children and the spirited ways in which they both adapted and attempted to rise above their condition. Content: some language, some adult content, references to or brief depictions of crimes against women and children. 6. In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer (World War II Era, Poland: 1938-1945) This is a haunting, beautiful, poetic, and riveting memoir; one I couldn't believe wasn’t fiction. Set in Poland during the Second World War, this is the incredible story of a young Catholic medical student-turned-prisoner-turned-renegade whose faith and experiences, one after another, lead her from fear and trembling to action and heroism, right under the noses of the Nazis. Though less graphic than other World War II novels I’ve read, this story shook me more deeply than most because of the knowledge—never far from mind—that every unbelievable experience was true, and had to be believed. Impeccably written, with unspeakably painful realities and poignant moments of redemption. Content: Clean language. References to crimes against women, depictions of antisemitism, descriptions of torture and brutality toward innocent people, some brutality toward children. 7. The Shadow of His Wings (World War II Era, Germany/Italy/Africa: 1938-1945) A reads-like-fiction account of a German seminarian drafted into the German Army during WWII, this memoir is jaw-dropping from start to finish. Written in his own words, Father Goldmann tells how his carefree, somewhat reckless childhood propelled him towards a vocation as a priest. Once drafted into the army and eventually forced to serve in the SS under Hitler, Father Goldmann's unwavering faith continued, lit by a burning desire to serve God in whatever circumstance he found himself. Through persecution from his own compatriots, daring missions, imprisonment, and possibly the most unlikely path to ordination ever, this priest both survived and led countless souls to Christ. I truly couldn’t put this one down. Content: Clean language. Occasional descriptions of brutality and war scenes, minimally graphic. 8. Lilac Girls (World War II Era, France/Germany: 1938-1945) If you’ve read and liked other WWII novels like The Book Thief, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale, I highly recommend this read! This novel follows three women whose lives are inextricably woven together by the brutal realities of war. A fictionalized account based on real people and eye-opening true events, it’s another little-known story of the darkest aspects of the Holocaust set against the incredible human spirit that prevails. Like other all-but-forgotten testimonies, it’s simply a story that begs to be shared. Content: Occasional mild language; some casual treatment of fidelity in marriage; torture and crimes against women, depictions of antisemitism, not overly graphic. 9. A Man for Others: Maximilian Kolbe the "Saint of Auschwitz" (World War II Era, Poland: 1938-1945) Possibly the most well-known story of the Holocaust in Catholic circles, this biography is cited by some as the best account of Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s life and ultimate martyrdom at Auschwitz. Although a more factual read and the least novel-esque on our list, this captivating biography weaves in true accounts from those who knew the saint personally. Many know of Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s sacrifice and death, but know far less about his incredible, far-reaching accomplishments that spanned his life prior to his martyrdom in the concentration camp. This book captures the fullness of the man behind the saint, and the scope of his lifelong work that is just as compelling as his saintly death. Content: clean language, accounts of torture and death. Not graphic. 10. He Leadeth Me (Cold War Era, the Soviet: 1947-1960s) This is the memoir of an American missionary priest who was serving in eastern Poland when World War II broke out. Captured by the Red Army and accused of being a “Vatican Spy,” Father Ciszek survived for 23 years in the worst conditions of Cold War imprisonment that Russia had to offer. This little-known story is a stirring, outstanding read. But even moreso, it's a simple yet phenomenal spiritual companion if you’re journeying through your own difficult season of suffering. Content: Clean language. Occasional descriptions of brutality and war scenes. Tell us, have you read any inspirational fiction or memoirs lately? Written by Megan Hjelmstad. Find out more about her here.