Spiritual Reading

I just started reading about St. Catherine of Siena and so far I'm really pleased with the writing style of this book. It's an easy and enjoyable read, without being too simple. A perfect choice for spiritual reading while in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Each chapter starts with a quote and while not all of them are from St. Catherine, this one was, and I loved it so much I couldn't resist sharing.

"To the servant of God, every place is the right place, and every time is the right time."

The Loser Letters

I didn't think I'd make it through the first chapter of The Loser Letters because I thought I wouldn't be able to get around the writing style...but I was wrong. It's actually pretty good & I wish I could say why, but I can't seem to formulate what I want to say, so I'm going to post part of a review that was made on Amazon.com to help give you more insight as to what the book is about. I definitely think you should read it.

"The Loser Letters, Eberstadt's first published work of fiction, draws on a long satirical tradition from Juvenal to The Screwtape Letters. Eberstadt's protagonist, a young woman named A. F. Christian (as in, "A Former Christian"), details the journey of her enlightened abandonment of her "cradle Dullness" (namely, her Christian faith) and her adaptation to atheism. Christian writes excited, star-struck letters to the self-described so-called "Brights" of the New Atheism, in which she gushes about the Brights' superiority while candidly evaluating the weaknesses that limit the New Atheism's ability to win new converts. With this device, Eberstadt delivers a gripping story line with a chilling twist at the end and, in the process, administers a smackdown of the New Atheism."

Happy Feast Day

"Sisters, be careful where you look, where you go, and with whom you convene. There is always danger in what we see becoming the occasion of offense against God and our vow." ~St. Rita

When I chose St. Rita as my Confirmation saint, I had no real information to go on. Paul and I were in the car, on our way to Sacramento where I would be Baptized, Confirmed, and receive my first Holy Communion. Selecting a saint was something we only thought of hours before leaving, so Paul printed out a list of saints with brief descriptions next to the name, it was actually one word next to each name, telling what they were the patron saints of.

St. Rita was listed as the patron saint of loneliness, and though it may sound sad, that's exactly what drew me to her. So without knowing anything else I decided on St. Rita of Cascia. I'm almost glad I was under pressure otherwise I might have had more trouble choosing a saint.

Once I started reading about her life I realized how perfect it was, not because we are so much alike, but because she is exactly who I should try to emulate. All of St. Rita's strengths are my weaknesses, and because of that I believe we are a perfect match.

I have since realized that she is more commonly known as the saint of the impossible, and after reading her life story I know this to be true. I've read 3 books on St. Rita and I really feel that this one is THE BEST, you should read it. I'm not sure if EWTN will be showing the movie called Saint Rita with Vittoria Belvedere, but if you have not seen it and plan to, DON'T!! Or if you do, watch it with the understanding 98% (my opinion) is not accurate. This movie is very far removed from the true life of this amazing saint, the directors definitely took a great deal of poetic licence.

Happy feast day St. Rita!!

Convert Stories

Reading Rome Sweet Home has inspired me to read more convert stories, and rather than buy new books I asked Paul what he had & he gave me Surprised By Truth. Even though I did not experience most of their struggles with Catholic teachings, since I had no strong previous religious background, I love hearing their stories.

So far I have only read 3 of the 11 convert stories in this book, and so far I think it's great. All 3 started out as Protestant ministers (or studied to be), and the further they dived into studying came to the realization that the "Catholic faith is the faith of the Bible."

I feel that reading these types of convert stories are very helpful to all Catholics as way of studying apologetics too. I do not spend as much time studying apologetics as I should, and I've found their stories are pretty helpful in this area.

Card Making

I loved the picture & prayer so much from yesterdays post that I decided to make my own Holy Cards out of it.

First I created the prayer with a color background with my photo shop program, then I printed the picture & prayer in wallet size photos. Once I cut them out I just glued them together.

I have Holy Cards everywhere, I love to use them as book marks too

Gelassenheit

more from Amish Peace

Gelassenheit is a foundational value in Amish society that has no direct English translation. The best way to understand its richness and its meaning, is through synonyms: yieldedness, humility, calmness, composure, meekness, aplomb, tranquility, imperturbability, serenity, poise, sedateness, letting go, the opposite of self-assertion, a gentle spirit, submitting to God's will.

Gelassenheit is caught, not taught. The very first thing Amish children learn is that there is always a higher authority to yield to--older siblings, parents and grandparents, the greater good of the community, and God.

Gelassenheit stresses humility over pride and esteems others above self. It means helping others, never doing it for brownie points, never trying to get something for yourself in return.

"Christ is the best example of Gelassenheit. He provided the ultimate example of it when He, the Creator, yielded his life for the created."

Painting above is by Susie Riehl, her story is also in the book.

Reflections On Simplicity (from Amish Peace)

Some questions to ask yourself, aswell as some advice. All from one of the books I'm reading.

What's your perspective on the things you value? Do they mean more than they should?

How do you define a successful life? Have you ever asked yourself, "What does that definition of success cost me?"

God's Spirit often guides us by giving us a lack of peace about a certain decision.

What does your clothing express about you?

How much time is spent on your clothing needs? How much of it is on your clothing wants? What's the difference?

Reading Goal for 2010

I've never been a big reader and I always wished I were, so last year I decided to read books mostly for entertainment value, with story lines that weren't too challenging, and I think my plan worked.

Now I find that I enjoy sitting down to read a book, and I love that feeling. If I begin to read something now, that seems like it will NOT hold my interest for long, it seems easier to keep on reading, and then I'm usually hooked. I used to give up on books after the first or second chapters.

This year I read a lot of Wanda Brunstetter novels. Her books are very easy to read, but enjoyable all the same. My favorite read of the year was Trianon: A Novel of Royal France . If you have not read it, you should.

I've decided to challenge myself a bit more in 2010, so I came up with a reading plan. Here goes:

Political: 2 Books

Spiritual (saints, etc.): 4 Books

Apologetics: 1 Book

Historical: 1 Book

Read 4 Fun: 7 Books

The last category is already in my Amazon wish list, but I need help with the other four. If you could recommend a book or two I would greatly appreciate it.

Book List for 2009: **recommended

• A Sister's Hope **
• A Sister's Test **
• Rome Sweet Home **
• A Sister's Secret **
• The Crossroad
• The Postcard
• A Cousin's Prayer
• The Hope Chest
• Plain & Fancy
• Trianon: A Novel of Royal France **
• Looking For A Miracle
• A Merry Heart
• The Bishop's Daughter **
• The Quilter's Daughter **
• The Storekeeper's Daughter **
• A Cousin's Promise
• The Great Brain
• Shattered Dreams

Amish Peace

Lately I've been reading a lot of novels about the Amish written by Wanda Brunstetter & a few by Beverly Lewis, and I've really enjoyed it. Really they are love stories with a more wholesome setting, and I'm a sucker for love stories.

Today I just started a book called Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and so far I love it. Each chapter is a small story about an Amish person or family (real stories) telling about the benefits of their simple yet hard working lifestyle. At the end of each chapter are some questions for the reader, and suggestions on how to live a simple life in our modern & very busy world.

I know, I know, what's with all the Amish books? In fact, when Paul saw I bought this one he asked "are you planning to go Amish?", of course he was kidding. While I would love to visit Amish country I have no wish to join their community, I do enjoy reading about their culture though.

It's amazing what all can be accomplished in a single day & pretty much all meals are made from scratch. Prayer is encouraged for every little decision, which to me just serves as a reminder to ask God for help, always. Men & women have their roles, and that's that!! Nowadays (for the most part) we modern folk are not brought up knowing the difference. We are taught that men should help with the dishes & a woman should want a career because being a wife & mother isn't good enough.

Over time I will make little posts with the reflection questions in the book, but not yet. Here are some pictures I found online.

A Cousin's Promise

I have never been a great reader, no matter how much I wish I was. I am constantly started new books without completing them. Lately I've been trying to choose reading material that is more education than entertaining, but they don't always seem to hold my attention for very long. Truth is, I love stories!! Especially romantic stories, but it is very difficult to find a romantic book (maybe I don't look hard enough) that isn't full of vulgar acts & language.

Until Now.

I just finished A Cousin's Promise and I loved it!! I can't wait to read the next book. If I had a 12 or 13 year old daughter I would let her read it.

Have you read any good books lately? Can you make any recommendations??

Quotes That My Sweetie Would Like

"A room without books is like a body without a soul."

— Marcus Tullius Cicero

"I have always imagined that Paradise will be some kind of library."

— Jorge Luis Borges

"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book."

— Groucho Marx

"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them."

— Lemony Snicket

"No furniture is so charming as books."

— Sydney Smith

Bad Reading Habits

Since January 1st I have started 4 books, but I have yet to finish one. Now, this does not mean that they aren't good books, it's just what I do. My goal is 10 books this year, so I think it is time to set more time aside for reading.

I hope to have completed 3 of the 4 by may.


If anyone has a book they would like to recommend to help me reach my goal, I'd love to hear about it.

Be Positive Every Day

Life is a mixture of moments-

some happy, some sad,

and most in-between.

Make the most of each day

as it happens.

Don't listen to those whispers of doubt;

ignore any voice that says

you can't do something.

You're worthy,

and you can go as far

as you dare to dream.

Life will lead you

according to your perceptions.

Let your viewpoint be filled with hope,

and keep your eyes focused

on the positive.

~ Barbara J. Hall

Pick n' Pen

Today I received an envelope in the mail that contained a letter from my aunt Jo Louis and a book called Pick n' Pen, the letter explained the book. This book is a collection of poems from John A. Sutter Junior High School and the cover was created by my mother when she was 14 and it includes a poem that she wrote as well.

I was so impressed when I read it, I called her to let her know and she told me the story behind it, but I'll let her tell you that if she so wishes. Maybe she will share the first part of the poem, which the school wouldn't publish.

I finished a book. Whoo-hoo!!!

Well I finally finished A Bold Fresh Piece Of Humanity. I started the book on the plan trip to France, and I nearly completed it on the trip, I only had 3 more chapters to go.

Once we got home of it took me forever to pick it the book and finish it and I'm so glad that I did. I have now read 7 book this year, and if anyone knows anything about me then they would agree that that's REALLY REALLY GOOD!!

I just never took the time to sit and read before, now I rarely leave the house without a book. I often find that I'm in the middle of three books at a time, and that works for me.

Please do not let the fact that it took so long to finish A Bold Fresh Piece Of Humanity lead you to believe that the book is boring and not worth reading, that couldn't be further from the truth. I liked the book very much. Over the election period Paul and I watched a lot of The O'Reilly Factor and since he seemed like an interesting guy I thought I'd give his book a shot, and I highly recommend it. If you don't have a clue who he is, I suggest watching his show on FOXnews for at least a week, If you like him, you'll love the book, if you don't like him it might change your mind.

Our Sunday Drive

My husband and I drive about 40 minutes to Mass and 40 minutes back home every Sunday. I really like our time in the car together, I get to talk about anything I want, as much as I want, and he has to listen. LOL! But most of all I enjoy our conversations, we have some of the best on our way to Mass. I really learn a lot from him, and I think he's sometimes amazed at what I already know and how I look at things.

The part I must say I enjoy most is the reading time. I drive and Paul reads. Right now we are reading Mother Angelica, and so far it's been a wonderful journey. Reading this book together is great because it gives us things to talk about (not that we/I need help with that) that may not have come up other wise. We do read other books on our own, but we always have something we read together, which helps bring us closer to each other. I highly recommend this for any married couple. And I highly recommend reading the story of Mother Angelica.