tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61138918978777918932024-03-13T03:57:43.903-04:00Through My "I"sCrafts, Book Reviews, Musings, and Inspiration from a creative Catholic mom of all boysAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.comBlogger337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-35171722222295741382016-07-26T20:55:00.000-04:002016-07-27T07:36:13.374-04:00When Calls The Heart Deal!!!<div dir="ltr">
I've been given the opportunity to share with you one of the best deals I've heard about in a long time!</div>
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It is time to pre-order the <a href="https://www.fishflix.com/when-calls-the-heart-complete-season-3-dvd-box-set-christian-movies.html" target="_blank">"When Calls The Heart" Season 3 Box Set</a> and Fishflix is offering an awesome deal for "When Comes The Heart" fans (AKA #hearties)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5WC2Bc_OXRVEMtVc9pmS1PyF50f2ZhWtT1Y4wih2MmVvsax-mIgwXv8wqK1Lnt0oosRTj8pNmP9M_wObckZmg55A9r0NFZWctvMs0bVBodpuJg1IqhaIlNz9c2Gyg-43aMQ4pkA5Qp6k/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5WC2Bc_OXRVEMtVc9pmS1PyF50f2ZhWtT1Y4wih2MmVvsax-mIgwXv8wqK1Lnt0oosRTj8pNmP9M_wObckZmg55A9r0NFZWctvMs0bVBodpuJg1IqhaIlNz9c2Gyg-43aMQ4pkA5Qp6k/s320/Untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";">This 10 DVD set contains both the film versions and the TV episode versions. This gives you the option of watching the series as 10 hour-long episodes or as 5 feature films! You can test your observation skills by trying to spot the little differences between the two viewing options. </span></div>
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The Season 3 Box set also includes 3 bonus disks! Disc 8 features the typical bonus material that is included in most boxed sets, BUT Disc 9 was created especially for the fans! It features footage from the #hearties gathering in Vancouver. The 10th disc is a trivia game (I LOVE trivia!) </div>
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But here's the best deal of all: If you preorder season 3 by October 11th, Fishflix will send you season 1 as a gift for FREE!<br />
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Fishflix is the perfect place to find all of your favorite <a href="https://www.fishflix.com/when-calls-the-heart-complete-season-3-dvd-box-set-christian-movies.html" target="_blank">Christian movies</a>! Check out the site today!</div>
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-Alicia</div>
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P.S. I have been offered a free item in exchange for my honest opinion!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-36833393742133029852016-06-17T14:49:00.001-04:002016-06-20T12:14:31.702-04:00Review: VeggieTales: puppies and guppies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.fishflix.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.fishflix.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouufvP9GlYCKq6K7tKiuGKiK-ipwNpM8B65daYOomDzt051j7rwFkOECz7JNLNZmh5MWNNuUg6SQQBmaX6f9j3kfELg82ySq4_KBfzuegBfr2tx-a2KGw4xyhOF3Onc4guYrErnDQgPwo/s320/6770_vtpuppiesguppies_lg.jpg" width="219"></a></div>
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I was contacted by the people at <a href="https://www.fishflix.com/" target="_blank">fishflix Christian DVDs</a> and asked if I would be willing to review one of their many <a href="http://www.fishflix.com/" target="_blank">Christian DVDs</a>. I was more than happy to accept.</div>
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When I open my mail box and found <a href="https://www.fishflix.com/christian-movies-veggietales-puppies-and-guppies-dvd.html" target="_blank">VeggieTales: Puppies and Guppies DVD</a>! I was so excited because all of my boys have enjoyed Veggie Tales when they were young.</div>
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My youngest son and I pulled out the laptop and put the movie in. This is a new version of Veggie Tales that I didn't even know existed but I'm so glad that I do now. Even though my one year old is a little young for Veggie Tales, he watched bits and pieces (especially the songs!). I also enjoyed watching it and my ten-year-old came in and started watching it with us.</div>
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It's a little different from the classic Veggie Tales yet it still has all the important elements. There's a great moral to the story, there are fun songs, and there are familiar characters.</div>
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I would definitely recommend puppies and guppies to anyone looking to add to their Veggie Tales collection or start
a new one.</div>
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Go to fish flix.com and order one today! And if you sign up for the email list, you can get a $5 coupon! Visit <a href="http://www.fishslix.com/5gift">www.fishf</a><a href="http://www.fishslix.com/5gift">lix.com/5gift</a> or text 5-GIFT to 44222!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-80585631974172124572016-05-25T08:27:00.001-04:002016-05-25T08:33:11.210-04:00THE GREAT BABY FOOD EXPERIMENT: Intro<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Hello again! I'm back! I want to introduce you to my newest experiment...</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have a TON of baby food in my cabinet! My 16 month old son is no longer interested in eating it as-is because he wants to feed himself finger foods all the time. Well, with almost 100 jars of baby food in the cabinet and 6 containers of baby cereal, I decided to go online and see what ways I can find to use it up.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Follow me in the next few posts and see what I did with this hoard of baby food...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaicYJScuzkolQZo6DZcoGm1F1C5ZYbYSrYXC9Ub_fr1mJdi8SslFo-AavTD8xlTDaymkt6RGG7PBJsJwiTZPx0h6phf1GWPyJWeYeeFRo_FhO1yR2Ha-dufQtm1DK9hAv83cwg-shLO1b/s1600/1464179500716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaicYJScuzkolQZo6DZcoGm1F1C5ZYbYSrYXC9Ub_fr1mJdi8SslFo-AavTD8xlTDaymkt6RGG7PBJsJwiTZPx0h6phf1GWPyJWeYeeFRo_FhO1yR2Ha-dufQtm1DK9hAv83cwg-shLO1b/s640/1464179500716.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-64630452817103177002015-06-08T17:41:00.001-04:002016-05-25T08:33:35.710-04:00baby food organization tipToday I wanted to post a quick idea for organizing baby food. A friend of mine have me a ton of food for my little guy but some of it expires this month, some in 2015, and some in 2016. I went through my sticker box and found some old Valentine heart stickers that were perfect for the job. I went through and put the ones that are about to expire in the cabinet and then placed a heart sticker on all the ones that expire this year. Then I placed then in a box under my cabinet. Now I can tell at a glance which ones to use first.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-55479232420985394842015-05-08T09:15:00.001-04:002015-05-08T09:15:45.174-04:00Thoughts on Leviticus 11-15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I've been MIA for a while now but since losing my mother in February and having a baby in January, life has been hard. Now that I am enjoying my Summer Break, I joined a Bible study at <a href="http://www.womenlivingwell.org/" target="_blank">women living well blog</a>. I joined late but have been reading my daily reading and then one from the beginning to catch up. Now, on to my observations:<br />
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Basically this week's readings have been all about cleanliness/legal purity. This is pretty dry reading art first glance but makes you think about purity in the world today.<br />
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Morally, we are still so unclean but luckily our lamb has been sacrificed for us. When sin, we are offered instant forgiveness. In the Catholic tradition, we choose to confess our sins to a priest. We are not bound by church teaching to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation for all sins, only those that directly defy the ten commandments. All other songs can be forgiven through personal and private confession although many choose to congress those to a priest as well. This may leave you wondering: Why do Catholics confess to man?<br />
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According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "only God forgives sins" and "since he is the Son of God", he "has authority on earth to forgive sins. Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name" (CCC #1441). In 2 Corinthians 5:20, St. Paul tells us "... we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God".<br />
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Also, remember in Matthew 16:19, Jesus says, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.". This means that Jesus transferred his earthly authority onto man (specifically Peter) just as in Isaiah 22:22 when the keys to the Davidic kingdom were transferred. The key is a symbol of authority.<br />
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So basically we believe that Jesus handed over his earthly authority to man. One of his main actions while on earth was to forgive sins, therefore we believe that he ordered that some men on earth continue this action in the form of a sacrament administer by a priest.<br />
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On a personal level, it is very refreshing to confess sins in the sacrament of Reconciliation. The act of actually having to SPEAK the sins committed is very hard. We can explain them away and make excuses for ourselves in our heads but when it's actually spoken, we have to face it. Also it is freeing. If you read much about human psychology you have probably heard of the importance of speaking about fears and anxieties because sometimes this fees a person from thier internal thoughts. This works for speaking sins as well. Lastly, when we speak to another person who we know will not judge us and will offer advice on how to begin the healing process for this particular sin, it makes us love God even more.<br />
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On my way home from my first reconciliation in 2006, I Sat in my car and suddenly a light went off and I realized and spoke aloud, "I just talked to Jesus!". That's what it's all about!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-32722203701980069522014-01-05T07:58:00.001-05:002014-01-05T07:58:26.465-05:00Review: Passion and Purity<br /> <a style='float: left; padding-right: 20px' href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/479809'><img alt='Passion and Purity' border='0' src='http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1387704847m/479809.jpg'/></a><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/479809'>Passion and Purity</a> by <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6264'>Elisabeth Elliot</a><br/><br /> My rating: <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/631056221'>4 of 5 stars</a><br /> <br/><br/><br /> At first I was not too impressed with this book, thinking it would be something that I could not relate to. By the end of the book I learned why so many Christian women refer to Elisabeth Elliots books in their own writing. I found this book informational and a generally fun read, learning how she lived a life of celibacy waiting for the "ok" from God. It is a great insight into the struggles of abstinence in real life.<br /> <br/><br/><br /> <a href='http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/631056221'>View all my reviews</a><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-55204654927562282012013-11-23T12:52:00.000-05:002013-11-23T12:52:25.337-05:00Book Review: The Catholic Prayer Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although I am a fairly devout Catholic, I am not a good pray-er. I have been struggling with this for a while and have tried reading tons of different books on the subject of prayer. As a convert, I do not have the background of growing up with praying parents who added memorized prayers to my arsenal to Heaven. Well, now I have finally found a resource to help me learn some traditional Catholic prayers!</div>
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The Catholic Prayer book is a wonderful resource full of prayers for every life event and trouble that a person could go through. There are traditional prayers from the Bible, the Magesterium, and Fathers of the Church. There are also prayers of famous Saints included in this lovely little book. This is one of the most exhaustive resources I have ever seen in the area of Catholic prayer.</div>
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This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program
from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more
information on <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/Catholic-Prayer-Book-p1033021/">The Catholic Prayer Book</a>.
The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/first-communion-c21/">First Communion gifts</a> as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/year-of-faith.cfm">Year of Faith</a>.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-81621047650911530662013-10-01T17:41:00.002-04:002013-10-01T17:41:54.368-04:00Book Review: Saint Francis of Assisi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If your children are anything like mine, you probably have trouble teaching them <i>anything </i>about the Catholic faith without their eyes glazing over and their shoulders slouching. Kids today are more interested in the colorful media that is constantly vying for their attention.<br />
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In the book, Saint Francis of Assisi: Messenger of Peace, kids will find not only the story of a great Saint of the Church, but a fun graphic novel as well. The illustrations are fabulous and the book is appropriate for children of all ages. As a matter of fact, I gave my copy to my 13 year old son who is going to choose Francis as his Confirmation saint this year. I think that graphic-novel loving adults will also get much enjoyment from this 80-page book.<br />
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Not lacking in information, this graphic novel is not the thin comic book of yesteryear. With 80 pages full of colorful illustrations, all readers will feel satisfied. I recommend this book for children and adults of all ages, especially Confirmation students or RCIA students who enjoy the graphic novel approach.<br />
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This review was written as part of the<a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/reviewers/reporting.cfm#" id="FALINK_3_0_2"> Catholic book</a> reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/st-francis-assisi-messenger-peace-p1055927/">St. Francis of Assisi: Messenger of Peace </a>.
The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your <a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/reviewers/reporting.cfm#" id="FALINK_2_0_1">seasonal</a> needs such as <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/first-communion-c21/">First Communion gifts</a> as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/year-of-faith.cfm">Year of Faith</a>.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-21414870387888355222013-09-02T08:01:00.001-04:002013-09-02T08:01:15.382-04:00Book Review: Road Trip to Redemption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes I wonder if all of my talk of Jesus and God and Christianity is really getting through to my children. As a religious education teacher, I was often frustrated with the lack of relationship that tweens and teens have with Jesus and I rarely hear my own children refer to a Jesus as someone close to them. This worries me a lot.<br />
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This also worried Brad Mathias who authored <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141436394X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=141436394X&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Road Trip to Redemption: A Disconnected Family, a Cross-Country Adventure, and an Amazing Journey of Healing and Grace</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=141436394X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />. His life was in shambles until God took over. After reuniting the Mathias family, God alerted Brad and his wife that their middle daughter was in grave danger from her depression. Unbeknownst to them, she had suffered a traumatic experience and kept it all a secret. Finally, God sent the Mathias family on a road trip where each of them would find their personal relationship with their Savior.<br />
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At first this book just looks like a chronicling of the Mathias family's experiences. After reading and digesting, this book is a push to all parents to find that one thing that will make God real to your child. Once you have that thing in place, there is better footing for the future of your child's religious formation. My favorite parts were the journal entries, which are unedited. These gave a true glimpse into the lives of the family members as they went through their spiritual metamorphosis. If you are concerned about your child's relationship with Jesus, no matter your religious denomination, I recommend that you buy a copy of this book. <br />
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I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review. <br />
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Other great resources:<br />
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Buy it now: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141436394X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=141436394X&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Road Trip to Redemption: A Disconnected Family, a Cross-Country Adventure, and an Amazing Journey of Healing and Grace</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=141436394X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CKTX2-xXFM0" width="420"></iframe><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-30800138088474500302013-08-28T18:27:00.002-04:002013-08-28T18:27:36.442-04:00Book Review: Come and See Bible Study: Exile and ReturnI am on a mission. I have been looking for an affordable and easy to understand Bible Study that is Catholic. I used to love the "God's Word Today" monthly booklets where I would read a little each night so that by the end of the month I had read and digested a whole book of the Bible or Bible topic. Unfortunately, these are no longer being sold so I have been searching for something that was just as easy and something I comprehended just as well.<br />
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The Come and See Catholic Bible study is more in-depth than something like the little magazines I used to read but when used as individual study, I found that it is just as simple and even more comprehensive. With this study, you read a little and then answer some questions about the material. When used as a group study, I can imagine that many doors are opened within the group setting and the individuals get even more insight. As an individual, I appreciated that this study covers readings from the Bible and the Catechism. At the beginning of each section there is also a little introductory information, making it a wonderful aid for private study as well as group study.<br />
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The Exile and Return package is awesome! I have been wanting to read the "Catholic" books of the Bible and this gave me the perfect opportunity to get started! I haven't finished my study but I am pleasently surprised at what an interesting book Tobit has turned out to be!<br />
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Head over to the Catholic Company site and grab a copy of <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/come-see-exile-return-p1021033/">Come and See:Exile and Return-Bible Study</a>! You won't be sorry!<br />
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This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program
from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more
information on <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/come-see-exile-return-p1021033/">Come and See:Exile and Return-Bible Study</a>.
The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/first-communion-c21/">First Communion gifts</a> as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/year-of-faith.cfm">Year of Faith</a>.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-45574015513613190272013-08-04T12:04:00.002-04:002013-08-04T12:05:37.409-04:00Book Review: The Letters<code><center>
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I just finished reading "The Letters" by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I have read a couple of her <a href="http://through-my-is.blogspot.com/2012/10/book-review-life-with-lily.html">Life with Lily</a> books and a couple of books from the <a href="http://through-my-is.blogspot.com/2013/01/book-review-and-giveaway-lesson.html">Stony Ridge</a> series so I was excited to dig into her newest series, The Inn at Eagle Hill.<br />
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The series starts with this story about a widow named Rose Shrock. She decides to turn her basement into a bed and breakfast to earn some extra money and ends up with a few surprise visitors. The lives of the Shrocks as well as those who visit the Inn are changed as new friendships are forged and the true meaning of love is discovered.<br />
<br />
I think this was my favorite book by Suzanne Woods Fisher so far. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. The characters are well-developed and I love that some of the Stony Ridge characters are brought back into the book for cameo appearances. I don't think any book by Suzanne Woods Fisher would be complete without Jimmy Fisher. I was glad to see that he has matured- but not too much. A very enjoyable read! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-737583674236938082013-08-01T15:08:00.000-04:002013-08-01T15:09:12.148-04:00The New Evangelization and You: A Challenge Week 1<br />
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In my review of a wonderful, wonderful new book out by Greg Willits of NewEvangelizers.com, <a href="http://through-my-is.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-new-evangelization-and-you.html">I mentioned that I planned to begin a personal challenge</a> to work on my own evangelization skills over the next 52 weeks using the ideas suggested in his book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616365153/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616365153&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">The New Evangelization and You: Be Not Afraid</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1616365153" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />".<br />
<br />
Today begins the challenge with week #1 and a simple task of identifying the sixteen documents of Vatican II. I already have the list printed and many of the documents printed and placed in a binder because I read much of the material during Lent.<br />
<br />
The best places to find the sixteen documents are at the <a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/">Vatican website</a> or <a href="http://www.ewtn.com/library/councils/v2all.htm">EWTN</a>. Here is a list of the Documents:<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">1. <i> Sacrosanctum
concilium</i>, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 1963. <br />
</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><br />
<br />
2. <i> Inter Mirifica</i>, Decree On the Means of Social Communication, 1963. <br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
3. <i> Lumen Gentium</i>, Dogmatic Constitution On the Church, 1964. <br />
</strong><strong><br />
4. <i> Orientalium Ecclesiarum</i>, Decree On the Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite,1964.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
5. <i> Unitatis Redintegratio</i>, Decree on Ecumenism, 1964.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
6. <i> Christus Dominus</i>, Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops In the Church,<br />
1965. </strong><strong><br />
<br />
7. <i> Perfectae Caritatis</i>, Decree On Renewal of Religious Life, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
8. <i> Optatam Totius</i>, Decree On Priestly Training, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
9. <i> Gravissimum Educationis</i>, Declaration On Christian Education, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
10. <i> Nostra Aetate</i>, Declaration On the Relation Of the Church to Non-Christian<br />
Religions, 1965. </strong><strong><br />
<br />
11. <i> Dei Verbum</i>, Dogmatic Constitution On Divine Revelation, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
12. <i> Apostolicam Actuositatem</i>, Decree On the Apostolate of the Laity, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
13. <i> Dignitatis Humanae</i>, Declaration On Religious Freedom, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
14. <i> Ad Gentes</i>, Decree On the Mission Activity of the Church, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
15. <i> Presbyterorum Ordinis</i>, Decree On the Ministry and Life of Priests, 1965.<br />
</strong><strong><br />
<br />
16. <i> Gaudium et Spes</i>, Pastoral Constitution On the Church In the Modern World,1965.<br />
</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I suggest that anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith choose at least one of these documents that looks interesting and print it out. Read over it and think about what the Council had in mind when writing the document and think about how it applies to the world today. This would be a great step towards a better understanding of the true teachings of the Church.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-7505947147827316332013-07-22T18:36:00.000-04:002013-07-22T18:36:00.665-04:00Adventures In Odyssey ACTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For moms with kids in school, the most hectic months of the year are usually September and May. The end of the school year involves parties, playoffs, and final projects. The beginning of the year has moms and kids feeling overloaded with shopping trips, sign-ups, and new schedules.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Establishing healthy, positive routines is a tough job. Too often, music lessons, sports practices, and after-school clubs can overshadow the routines that build family and healthy habits—both physically and spiritually. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One of the great new Adventures in Odyssey products released this year is 90 Devotions for Kids, aimed at kids 8 to 12. This soft-cover book draws you in with illustrations, puzzles, and kid-friendly applications. It also includes a daily Bible verse, daily challenges, words of encouragement from different AIO characters, and more. Even if your kids aren’t already Adventures in Odyssey fans, they’ll enjoy these daily devotionals, and get to know the Odyssey crew along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This devotional, and the edition coming this fall (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">90 Devotions for Kids: Life Changing Values from the Book of Matthew</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">) are great tools to help your kids put a regular pause in their day for Bible reading, prayer, and thoughts about God. If you start now—by the first day of school, you’ll already have a spiritual component scheduled into your kids’ routine. After that, everything else will hopefully just fall into line! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Leave a comment below by August 1st to win your own copy! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-17942833772117757002013-07-21T16:22:00.000-04:002013-08-04T12:06:17.929-04:00Book Review: The New Evangelization and You<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://static.trinityroad.com/prod/250/new-evangelization-you-be-not-afraid-1111933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.trinityroad.com/prod/250/new-evangelization-you-be-not-afraid-1111933.jpg" /></a></div>
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Are you confused about all this talk of the “new
evangelization”? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Are you looking for new ways to know your faith, live your
faith, and share your faith?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Or are you a non-Catholic or fallen away Catholic who is
thinking of coming into the fullness of Christ?</div>
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Are you breathing? </div>
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Well, if you fit into any of the above categories ;) then
Greg Willits newest book is for you! As the new director of Evangelization and
Family Life Ministries for the Diocese of Denver, he lives out the New
Evangelization everyday. As the founder of several apostolates such as
rosaryarmy.com, New Evangelizers<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, That
Catholic Show</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Catholics Next
Door</i> podcasts, he is an expert on the nuts and bolts aspect of actually living
out the New Evangelization and this book is truly a blueprint for you and I to
do the same.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This book is full of Greg’s signature goofy style that makes
him approachable and loveable while his knowledge of the subject makes him a
reliable source. This is the perfect mix for the average person who wants to
know what he or she can do to grow the Church. My favorite part of the book is
at the end when Greg lays out 52 ideas each of how to know, live, and share
your faith. The idea is for the reader to attempt to try some of them. He
advises that you don’t try all of them at once but he wanted to offer enough
ideas for everyone.</div>
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This book has inspired me to start my own <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/new-evangelization-you-be-not-afraid-p1111933/">The New Evangelization and You</a> Challenge where I am going to attempt to post weekly on
my blog one thing from Greg’s book that I have tried. I hope that this will
keep me motivated and accountable and encourage others to try it too. So, head
over to the <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/new-evangelization-you-be-not-afraid-p1111933/">Catholic Company</a> and grab a copy of this awesome new book and join
me in knowing, living, and sharing this beautiful faith that we are blessed to
have!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-71183720867755967142013-07-19T15:24:00.002-04:002013-08-04T12:08:33.698-04:00Incredibly Easy MONKEY BREAD!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0Ci5fRVCpNMXBTNzCUTEDXh8wQEZeReyDb9Edfjbc1h9rVKeWlG87stsSWfaGXyulZZ-0EJwqGV8VjC6FX81kKA5EqLKt8xcWY_vhuNaGtYGWWRZYjqAyTGKtfC_B5ZsvkaoOd_rceD2/s1600/monkey+bread+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></div>
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My mom had some leftover cheap canned biscuits that she bought at the local Food Depot a few weeks ago and she asked me if I knew what to do with them. I thought it would be fun to make some monkey bread. We looked online for recipes and put them all together and created our own very simple "eyeball" recipe that can be made almost completely by kids. I doubled the recipe and let my two youngest boys have thier hands in the kitchen and they did an excellent job!</div>
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Ingrediants:</div>
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4 cans of cheap canned biscuits</div>
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1 stick of margerine</div>
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about 3/4 cup white sugar </div>
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about 1/4 cup brown sugar</div>
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about 1 tbsp cinnamon</div>
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cooking spray</div>
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2 gallon zipper bags (1 per child) </div>
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bundt pan</div>
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butter knife</div>
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something to melt and mix the butter in</div>
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cutting board or clean surface to cut on</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeQtha8OS5fLtPMaya2SrKsAG2NTIw8swOPQkH4tKJ0arw1POjDJ5ft7CObv5oHPN-d4XBDTpuTf-OyVE2Q3tyRcTUxWTsn8BPHGLCCd9udjAUjHQ5A5KhTxW8ezCmeJgL1ky7Hy-SdJQ/s1600/103_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeQtha8OS5fLtPMaya2SrKsAG2NTIw8swOPQkH4tKJ0arw1POjDJ5ft7CObv5oHPN-d4XBDTpuTf-OyVE2Q3tyRcTUxWTsn8BPHGLCCd9udjAUjHQ5A5KhTxW8ezCmeJgL1ky7Hy-SdJQ/s1600/103_6945.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first open one can of biscuits and spread them out. Do not open all of the cans at once because the biscuits like to spread when the air hits them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlMXCG_jjrIY5p1wR00CbOFVEFHWxGdE-nNzEUSftxatHNsYt9b84j-zGoqb7XE_nZqxvLdPzzI3BxJgux31TI7xKI-z1S7HSO0xynIyxQqFsDi1Ck8R7c71vNRdW4d2ggNCDE8si_8T_/s1600/103_6942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlMXCG_jjrIY5p1wR00CbOFVEFHWxGdE-nNzEUSftxatHNsYt9b84j-zGoqb7XE_nZqxvLdPzzI3BxJgux31TI7xKI-z1S7HSO0xynIyxQqFsDi1Ck8R7c71vNRdW4d2ggNCDE8si_8T_/s1600/103_6942.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">using the butter knife, cut each biscuit into four pieces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUskfZSXR8rx3qloOx-ZEhFV4xJHIWzzQ1fN9V2rnHtbClqT-owEJM8vbIBYBhuV1QlEKa3zBR5_0Jl4Cz5h4iW-1NXe6ecWfXN8sYyfeLpCjca-mw921zjpV8Td2rCsBVMulPDrZG6PxY/s1600/103_6963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vIJSwVHfIMT0P5RsL00SawZg4eCrY16hwhz4r2hmAWboLBtFsKdkBH6RRhl-xXasek214kj-I92oGCZ_-s3968Z6IBRgzZ3rgaC6lik5o7GLvzAz3I5Usd8Er-WBvhtFZaXaywxrX3Ix/s1600/103_6944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vIJSwVHfIMT0P5RsL00SawZg4eCrY16hwhz4r2hmAWboLBtFsKdkBH6RRhl-xXasek214kj-I92oGCZ_-s3968Z6IBRgzZ3rgaC6lik5o7GLvzAz3I5Usd8Er-WBvhtFZaXaywxrX3Ix/s1600/103_6944.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">place the pieces in your zipper bag for shaking later.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO_fqP635JV0SU6k5pDEVw5bXBwrNQpM-rJ7fMyyQpKZsVSJBO00TdTSMQX1ConXJ484qRa3C1DXT_uq1gj8yIc6AV2Rjdl0bbkydAnG9D9UyNnD5ZX-H5WXtDntsbMRRy7oiI43_N0N1/s1600/103_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO_fqP635JV0SU6k5pDEVw5bXBwrNQpM-rJ7fMyyQpKZsVSJBO00TdTSMQX1ConXJ484qRa3C1DXT_uq1gj8yIc6AV2Rjdl0bbkydAnG9D9UyNnD5ZX-H5WXtDntsbMRRy7oiI43_N0N1/s1600/103_6948.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">between each can of biscuits, we added a few shakes of cinnamon and a little sugar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wYYuPLdMshX9q53UXMWks4pznMbBdTadDCS5KnPVqn_5HpSyUmXObe_7ph1lFdNT6ZQrtUJo_Wfot1sZlHg_nZPKP4H0DD666OOMSZUDI16X8X-bwpn8e_UGiRQfX8ZScyxc4HeQUpNc/s1600/103_6950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wYYuPLdMshX9q53UXMWks4pznMbBdTadDCS5KnPVqn_5HpSyUmXObe_7ph1lFdNT6ZQrtUJo_Wfot1sZlHg_nZPKP4H0DD666OOMSZUDI16X8X-bwpn8e_UGiRQfX8ZScyxc4HeQUpNc/s1600/103_6950.JPG" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after adding the cinnamon and sugar, do the cinamon and sugar dance to mix it all together!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwuAeSWBb4MGHwphdEXYoel6-Imtv7DtGvYZNpLd2oha4a0AaeHGDiQoHtnJ3jQzu_4ja-ps1cZDvy9WQypCTD1DDsioDXaDJwXAr-s1U8FDimXu67DOt8mZuxKsYAMJsYg1l_mW2OZUM/s1600/103_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwuAeSWBb4MGHwphdEXYoel6-Imtv7DtGvYZNpLd2oha4a0AaeHGDiQoHtnJ3jQzu_4ja-ps1cZDvy9WQypCTD1DDsioDXaDJwXAr-s1U8FDimXu67DOt8mZuxKsYAMJsYg1l_mW2OZUM/s1600/103_6951.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">place the stick of butter in a microwave safe container and microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Take it out and stir in about 1/4 cup of brown sugar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiZCUh3Y4yNdRiXc_rALZt4R7tvigFQGi8j8wAiX7mK9uFlMDCjDpFu9FjNum9qJP_SifGWI-ZY8rLAqyvXSHZtVJAbf5ahs5Rm6C7sGceuUB3OL307LKLUgWEzt0dkk-w2Yqn739LR-I/s1600/103_6953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiZCUh3Y4yNdRiXc_rALZt4R7tvigFQGi8j8wAiX7mK9uFlMDCjDpFu9FjNum9qJP_SifGWI-ZY8rLAqyvXSHZtVJAbf5ahs5Rm6C7sGceuUB3OL307LKLUgWEzt0dkk-w2Yqn739LR-I/s1600/103_6953.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">place all the biscuit pieces in the pan and then pour the butter mixture over the top. Place in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8Om-mdXp5rxgEFCc4PeDhHZr7x2zlLJhUVbXSsP1jAB6Ad1zQbUn1d_UBOiABSlHlr892juE3Jh52pYote87GCt0tNTvANhCvMghFl3E77-bP2iL3XigpGGtQ2VZR5U82SRfJ9XHJ727/s1600/103_6959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8Om-mdXp5rxgEFCc4PeDhHZr7x2zlLJhUVbXSsP1jAB6Ad1zQbUn1d_UBOiABSlHlr892juE3Jh52pYote87GCt0tNTvANhCvMghFl3E77-bP2iL3XigpGGtQ2VZR5U82SRfJ9XHJ727/s1600/103_6959.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yummy golden delicious MONKEY BREAD! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KSORC6pSugzrfdFVyJpR70LhRviAc33Lp9TI5VuB9NHcmHhBP61374Ptc0rHMbvcsqX5_SXoYnUNG9u-ga3OE_zzd9BiRci2g1rSufR-XGmAFmAmyP1lHhaoXNPfAauVNLO668QygCtF/s1600/103_6961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KSORC6pSugzrfdFVyJpR70LhRviAc33Lp9TI5VuB9NHcmHhBP61374Ptc0rHMbvcsqX5_SXoYnUNG9u-ga3OE_zzd9BiRci2g1rSufR-XGmAFmAmyP1lHhaoXNPfAauVNLO668QygCtF/s1600/103_6961.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T8SfmDWweqtvR3gByez20EGxzDaWyUefaqYljINnQDS0aDGiJBGjKSxBTnFf-DRZnAkX-8wuK7miUXN5LQjIfA5ClJTC-Fy-QTNxQnQLT6TiwIQcsa7em6NSTDIP-YsmGX999NtYWtE_/s1600/103_6963.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T8SfmDWweqtvR3gByez20EGxzDaWyUefaqYljINnQDS0aDGiJBGjKSxBTnFf-DRZnAkX-8wuK7miUXN5LQjIfA5ClJTC-Fy-QTNxQnQLT6TiwIQcsa7em6NSTDIP-YsmGX999NtYWtE_/s1600/103_6963.png" height="286" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can also add other things to your monkey bread like nuts or fruit or anything that you'd like. My oldest son wants some with cinabon icing on it! I saw a recipe for it on Pinterest I want to test out!</td></tr>
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<br />
Was this easy enough for you? Give it a try and let me know what you think!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-907737777419878512013-07-17T22:11:00.001-04:002013-08-04T12:06:17.938-04:00Book Review: Ragged Hope<code><center>
<b>Enter Today - 7/15 - 8/1!</b><b><br />
</b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/raggedhope">
<img alt="Ragged Hope Cynthia Ruchti Abingdon Press" height="170" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/RHBlogButton.png" width="170" /> </a></center>
</code><br />
<br />
<code>This book is a book about dealing with the choices that other people make when they have a huge affect on your life. It profiles several different people, all with different stories, and all true stories. Each person had to deal with some extraordinary change in their life by no fault of their own. Each chapter had a reflection where you were comforted if you were dealing with a similar situation or where you are inspired to help someone who is in this situation if you are not. The short chapters and true stories made the book read easily, almost like a chicken soup-esque book but with more soul.</code><br />
<br />
<code>I thought the book was interesting and the idea was magnificent. When I saw the title, I immediately thought that this book would be something that I could use in my own life since I have a few things going on that are no fault of my own. What I found was a great collection of stories. What I wanted was some situation-specific advice as to HOW to pick up the pieces and move on. The author covered the story from the what happened to the conclusion that the person left it up to God but she left out the meat in the middle that I was longing for... how can I move on when I am suffering because I watch my parents health deteriorate while they are raising my free-spirited sisters children? How can I not feel hard feelings towards my nephews mother who has not let us see him in over 6 years? How can I not hurt every time I think of my cousin driving in the wrong lane of the highway and killing an innocent child? These questions went unanswered. I recommend this book as inspiration to keep moving if you have already found that peace but if you are still searching for it, I suggest you find a book that is a little more in-depth. </code>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-90483939438143885672013-07-17T21:55:00.000-04:002013-08-04T12:06:17.936-04:00Book Review: A Big Year For Lily<code><center>
<b>Enter Today - 7/16 - 7/27!</b><b><br />
</b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/a-big-year-for-lily-suzanne-woods-fisher">
<img alt="A Big Year for Lily Suzanne Woods Fisher Mary Ann
Kinsinger" height="170" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Lily3blogbutton.png" width="170" /> </a></center>
</code><br />
<br />
<code>As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I am a big fan of "bonnet books" and also of the Life with Lily series. Although the Life with Lily series is intended for young girls, I enjoy reading them and letting the little girl inside of me imagine what life would be like on an Amish farm. Through the adventures of Lily Lapp, a young girl can enjoy wholesome Christian fiction that is entertaining as well.</code><br />
<br />
<code>As with the other Life with Lily books that I have reviewed, this book captivated my child at heart. I breezed through the pages, curious to see what trouble Lily would find herself in as she grew another year older. She is as outspoken and ornery as ever as she makes the transition from being a baby to being a young lady. Although she is excited for the changes, she soon begins to begrudge the extra responsibility. Grab a copy of this book for your favorite little girl and you will make her very happy! </code>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-78303374776788729542013-06-26T23:00:00.006-04:002013-06-26T23:01:47.354-04:00Book Review: Raising God-First Kids in a Me-First World<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://bks5.books.google.com/books?id=xTK2MQEACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE72uRdId7ryiytKuO1UP6dHwuIgD0OhA_ea-p_V2ToLGpjNPDZ4Bk07lnJFys-OUwCaCPLKRsP9qQt2lcYfIIal8XzaJN4ISG1tbn052Ss4yVasGJ4zQMeaGriF5NrgcEtnJQqtp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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In a world where technology is taking the place of face to
face conversations and where daytime television teaches our children everything
there is to know about sex, many parents are looking for a resource to help
raise our children into moral Catholic adults in this post-modern culture.
Barbara Curtis has the answers. Before her untimely death, this beautiful woman
of character wrote this book about Catholic parenting in the 21<sup>st</sup>
century. In a relatable and simple manner, she takes parents through some of
the moral-sucking situations that plague us today and show us how to navigate
through these waters with our children’s morality intact. As a mother of twelve
children, four of which have Down’s syndrome, Barbara was an experienced mom.
Through her stories of her life before her conversion to the Catholic faith,
readers will know that Barbara is trustworthy because she had been in those
same places we have been. Like one girlfriend speaking to another, mom’s will
feel the love coming from the pages of this book (and mourn her passing as I
did). </div>
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As I began reading this book, I started feeling a great
sadness that this mom, who was so full of love for her family, is no longer
here on Earth. I wished that she could have written more books because this
book was so relatable and I felt as if I knew her by time I finished the book. One
of the main reasons that I love this book is that there are no fancy rules
about how to be a good Catholic mom. She discusses things like good parenting,
limiting media, and teaching about sexuality with your children but she doesn’t
turn it into a legalistic and time consuming practice that is so complicated
that you want to give up after two days. She offers advice like an older friend
who has been where you are and wants to make your life a little easier than hers
was. Although this is a good read for all parents, because some of the topics
are somewhat common sense for those of us who have been parenting for a while,
I would recommend this book for parents who are in the beginning of the
parenting journey or who are new to the Faith. </div>
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This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program
from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more
information on <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/raising-god-first-kids-me-first-world-p1004947/">Raising God-First Kids in a Me-First World</a>.
The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/first-communion-c21/">First Communion gifts</a> as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/year-of-faith.cfm">Year of Faith</a>.
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-66485291668209018212013-06-26T18:15:00.003-04:002013-06-26T23:02:09.580-04:00Lawn Chair Catechism: Week 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week’s
<a href="http://catholicmom.com/2013/06/26/lawn-chair-catechism-session-5-grace-and-the-great-quest/">Lawn Chair Catechism</a> discussion is about Chapter four of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1612785905/catholicmom">Forming Intentional Disciples</a>, “Grace and the Great Quest”. In this chapter, the author discusses
the validity of the Sacraments when the recipient is not spiritually ready. It
is a very interesting look at this topic and enlightening as well. I never
really thought about it until reading this chapter but now I think it is
something that should be discussed at the parish level often.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I read
this chapter, I thought back to my own reception of the first Sacraments of the
Church- Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. I was SO ready to become a
Catholic that I had a few sleepless nights worried that I would die before I received
them (I later found out that I was “Baptized by desire” and had nothing to
worry about). After I received the Sacraments, I felt a little let down,
worrying that I missed something because it seemed like life got harder after
that. After battling these negative feelings and feelings of emptiness, I
realized that when we receive the Sacraments, we are placing a huge target on
our backs for the Devil. We NEED the grace that we receive from the Sacraments
to move past that initial spiritual battle of going from an un-baptized “heathen”
to a true Christian. If the disturbing information in Chapter Four is true,
then it is no wonder we lose so many new Christians and Confirmed students.
They aren’t properly disposed to receive the Sacraments and therefore, they don’t
receive enough grace to make it through the initial battle! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have two
sons who are receiving Sacraments next year. My oldest will be Confirmed and my
youngest will receive his first taste of Jesus in the Eucharist. I think my
youngest is ready. He reads his children’s Bible and even carries it to school
daily. He is interested in having a relationship with God and tries to follow
the Commandments as best he can. My oldest son, on the other hand, enjoys
Religious Ed and follows the motions during Mass but doesn’t show a personal
devotion to our Lord like my youngest son does. I will be working with both
boys to ensure that they are prepared for their Sacraments but, after reading
this chapter, I am going to be diligent to ensure that they are properly
disposed to receive them as fully as possible.</span></div>
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<![endif]--><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-72139419790826439972013-06-19T14:50:00.002-04:002013-06-19T14:50:18.431-04:00Lawn Chair Catechism Week 4<br />
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This week's chapter from the <a href="http://catholicmom.com/2013/06/19/lawn-chair-catechism-session-4-the-fruit-of-discipleship/">Lawn Chair Catechism Study</a> is called "The Fruit of Discipleship". The chapter discusses in detail about two parishes that have flourishing vocations, abundant financial support, and active parishioners. I seriously looked to see if either of them were nearby so I could move there! That is where I would want to be, wouldn't you? Well, I am hoping maybe I can get my parish looking more like those after I finish this study. I am hoping God will equip me so that I can get others as fired up as I am!<br />
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<b>Can you recall a “before” and “after” time in your life, when you became a true disciple of Jesus Christ? </b>There is definitely a "before" and "after" but I'm not exactly sure when it was. There was so much growing that I've done over the period of time since I've become a Catholic that I am not sure when the "after" showed up. I do know that I was on fire before I was even baptized. I remember drooling in anticipation for the day that I could receive the Lord in the Eucharist.<br /> <br /><b>What success stories can you share in your parish? </b>We haven't had one in quite some time but we used to have a woman's retreat every once in a while and it seemed to draw a lot of women of the parish together. Also, when we had a Women's Group, there was some movement towards growth. Right now the Knights of Columbus are the most successful at finding and living out discipleship in our parish.<br />
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<br /><b>In what areas is Christian discipleship not yet the standard for ministry?</b> Sometimes it seems that our parish wants to stay locked into itself. Pope Francis says <i>"The Church needs to come out of itself and start moving toward the
peripheries of society. Obviously, when you go out, there will be
accidents: “But I prefer a thousand times more a Church that is damaged
than a Church that is sick from closing in on itself. Go out, go out!”</i> Our parish needs to go out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-89570049398420858152013-06-18T15:30:00.003-04:002013-06-18T15:30:51.860-04:00ACTS Summer Adventure GIVEAWAY!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Children are spending more and more time in front of TVs, iPads,
computers, and video games. That doesn’t leave much room for kids to dream up
their own visual images—like the ones that fill their minds when they hear a
great story! Rather than passively receiving images, kids actively engage in
making images themselves when they hear a good story. Their imaginations are
enriched and stimulated, and the material becomes more personal and memorable. </div>
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Adventures in Odyssey is all about great stories—and the
power of the imagination. The beloved audio dramas are heard on over 700 radio
stations, and AIO has recently expanded to books and devotionals—including The
Imagination Station series, a fast-growing line of early chapter readers. You
can check them out by downloading a <a href="http://www.tyndale.com/blog/index.php/voyage-with-the-vikings/">FREE e-book</a>
of Imagination Station #1: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Voyage with
the Vikings</i>!</div>
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This summer, Adventures in Odyssey encourages kids to write
their OWN stories, as they join in ACTS: A Call to Serve! AIO is helping children
use their imaginations to serve their family, community, and world this summer—maybe
by sending a care package to a missionary or baking cookies for the local fire
department. Check out <a href="http://www.whitsend.org/acts">www.whitsend.org/acts</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for details and a chance to win fabulous prizes,
including a mission trip with a parent to Costa Rica!</div>
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More important than prizes are the stories your child will
tell about the creative ways they served others, and how they grew as a result.
And what they come up with really might change the world! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOkgDripi1k1HqO3IatETGfo0ndh-04mths-LRu7GPEf-P2fpCsm5RGwYL0-PvAZ7p_MJT-O1RSttaFoTThn5w7YRppLGaqWelKN5reKuN6JPwyxhml1TmpHPAsMOXFopzTZ485Df4KvE/s1600/Matthew+with+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOkgDripi1k1HqO3IatETGfo0ndh-04mths-LRu7GPEf-P2fpCsm5RGwYL0-PvAZ7p_MJT-O1RSttaFoTThn5w7YRppLGaqWelKN5reKuN6JPwyxhml1TmpHPAsMOXFopzTZ485Df4KvE/s1600/Matthew+with+app.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A Creative Story
of Service</u></b></div>
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Fourteen-year-old Matthew, a dedicated Adventures in Odyssey
fan and natural tech whiz, was inspired by a trip to the Apple store to create
a smartphone app for his church. Since then, he has created 21 apps for different
ministries, including his local pregnancy resource center, Joni and Friends (an
international ministry for people with disabilities), and even an “Adventures
in Odyssey Fan News” app! Matthew used his God-given talents and imagination to
bless others through technology. Which of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your
</i>kid’s unique gifts are waiting to be unleashed for God’s use?</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Giveaway</b></u> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">This month, Tyndale Publishing has given you the opportunity to win 3 new books! Imagination Station #1, #2, and #3! All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address on this post by July 1st! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-68048587156293766242013-06-17T12:34:00.000-04:002013-06-26T18:47:07.343-04:00"Anything" Bible Study- Week 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/"><img border="0" src="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0334.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Anything</i> Bible Study Week 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Monday</span>- </span><span style="font-size: small;">Today's verse is one that should be very familiar to Catholics- It is Luke 1:37-38 where Mary accepts her mission to be the mother of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the book</b>: "The very thought of doing <i>anything</i> demands everything. We have to face our fears. If we believe he is real, if we believe he has an eternal heart, we have to face the fact that a God like that may mess with our temporary comfort..." (Jennie Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg.53)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the catechism</b>: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#494</a> At the announcement that she would give birth to "The Son of the Most High" without knowing man, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary responded with the obedience of faith, certain that "with God nothing will be impossible": "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." Thus, giving her consent to God's word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus. Espousing the divine will for salvation wholeheartedly, without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and to the work of her Son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with him and dependent on him, by God's grace..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My observations</b>: After reading today's verse, I looked online for the definition of a handmaid. Most of the dictionaries said that a handmaid is a female servant; a subservient person. Some of the synonyms for handmaid are house girl, housekeeper, and maidservant. When meditating on these words, I began thinking of the duties of a handmaid. She is to keep the house- cook, clean, and look after the house of the mistress. In the book of Genesis, the handmaid, Hagar, was used to produce a child for the barren Sarah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now, what did Mary offer to do for God when she proclaimed she is the "handmaid of the Lord"? I think she offered to perform all of the duties I mentioned above. Later in the Bible, we will learn that the Christian Church is the bride of God. Well, she cannot have children of her own so she used Mary to produce <i>the child </i>who would start it all. Mary looked after the Christian Church, serving it by raising Jesus from a boy so that he could save us all from sin. She later served the Church after the death and resurection of her son by proclaiming the Good News along with the disciples. Mary was most definitely a handmaid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now I wonder how I can become a handmaid? Well, I suppose I should follow Mary's example and serve the Christian Church as a slave to the will of God. Whatever he asks of me-<b><i> anything</i></b>- I should be ready, able, and willing to do it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Tuesday</span>- </span><span style="font-size: small;">Today's
verse is 2Corinthians 4:1-18. St.Paul is telling us to look to the invisible and not the visible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the book</b>: "Then she said a line I will never forget: 'You have to thank God for the seemingly good and the seemingly bad because, really, you don't know the difference.' The hardest things in her life have brought her the deepest relationships. The hardest things have become the things that define the most beautiful things abut her. The hardest things in her life have given her more of God." (Jennie
Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg.59)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the catechism</b>: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#227</a>[Faith in one God] means trusting God in every circumstance, even in adversity. A prayer of St Teresa of Jesus wonderfully expresses this trust:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Let nothing trouble you/ Let nothing frighten you</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Everything passes/ God never changes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Patience/ Obtains all</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Whoever has God/ Wants for nothing</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">God alone is enough</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My observations</b>: Momentary afflictions are only making us stronger Christians. The more we trust in God, the stronger we become. When I read this passage, I was depressed because I have so much stress in my life right now. My dad has cancer and is having some complications due to the treatments he is recieving, I am getting burnt out from going to school online for the past two years, and then I have my daily work of caring for my children and living off very little income. This was getting too hard for me. When I read this passage, it opened my eyes to see that I need to look ahead and take one step everyday- one foot in front of the other- and soon it will all be in the past. I ask you if you are reading this to also take your worries and give them to God and place one foot in front of the other until it all passes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Wednesday</span>-<span style="font-size: small;"> 2Peter 3:9 says "The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard "delay", but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the book</b>: "He calls the shots on what happens to us in this short stint here. He calls them, whether we want to let him or not. Our faith must remain greater than our pain and fears." (Jennie
Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg.61)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the catechism</b>: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#30</a>"Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice." Although man can forget God or reject him, He never ceases to call every man to seek him, so as to find life and happiness. But this search for God demands every effort of intellect, a sound will, "an upright heart" as well as the witness of others who teach him to seek God..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My observations</b>: The Lord does not delay his promise, he gives us time to get right. He wants <i>all </i>souls to repent, he doesn't want anyone to go to hell. He is trying to give us time so that we can seek him and repent of our ways. We just have to be willing to do our part, even when we don't understand what He is planning for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Thursday</span>- </span><span style="font-size: small;">Today's verse is from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the book</b>: "We know from Jesus' strong commands to love even our enemies that he is not advocating neglecting our relationships or those who depend on us. He is saying, '<i>Wake up! This pursuit of me may cost you everything you hold dear, everything you love here. It may cost even your life. And until this life gets small, really small, you won't truly follow me. Because loving this life too much will affect your love for me. It also will affect what you are willing to do for me.</i>'" (Jennie
Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg.68-69)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the catechism</b>: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#2844-</a> Christian prayer extends to the <i>forgiveness of enemies</i>, transfiguring the disciple by configuring him to his Master. Forgiveness is a high-point of Christian prayer; only hearts attuned to God's compassion can receive the gift of prayer. Forgiveness also bears witness that, in our world, love is stronger than sin. The martyrs of yesterday and today bear this witness to Jesus. Forgiveness is the fundamental condition of the reconciliation of the children of God with their Father and of men with one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My observations</b>: Loving and forgiving one another, including our enemies is important. If it wasn't, Jesus would not have spent so much of his precious time on Earth preaching about it. I think Mother Teresa really sums it up in this quote:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>It is not</i></span><i> enough for us to say "I love God". I also have to love my neighbor. In the scriptures, St John says that you are a liar if you say you love God and you do not love your neighbor. How can you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your neighbor whom you see, whom you touch, with whom you live? And he uses a very big word, "You are a liar." It is one of those words that is frightening to read, and yet it really is true.<br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Friday</span>- <span style="font-size: small;">In today's verse, also from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells us to give up our possessions (Luke 14:33). In today's consumer driven culture, this is a tough pill to swallow.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the book</b>: "In Luke 14 Jesus had a large crowd following him. I am sure he was thinking something like,<i> You are following me now because it is easy, but you do not know that following me may cost you your lives</i>." (Jennie
Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg.68)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>From the catechism</b>: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#2<b>544</b></a></span><b> </b>Jesus enjoins his disciples to prefer him to everything and everyone, and bids them, "renounce all that [they have]" for his sake and that of the Gospel. Shortly before his passion, he gave them the example of the poor widow of Jerusalem who, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on. The precept of detachment from riches is obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.<br />
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<b>My observations</b>: In today's culture of more, more, more, this passage is really hard for us to follow. It seems that it is engrained in us to want more of everything. No matter how much we already have, it is never enough. During Lent, I often try to live out this passage by setting goals to decrease what I own or to decrease spending on unnecessary items. This is truly something that we should be working on daily, year round. We need to fight society's "yes yes yes" with a resounding "no no no".</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">Come back next week for Week 4 Reflections!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-25491113036140309252013-06-12T10:06:00.001-04:002013-06-12T10:08:54.322-04:00Lawn Chair Catechism: Week 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week at <a href="http://catholicmom.com/">Catholicmom.com</a>, we are reading a chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612785905/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1612785905&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1612785905" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
entitled, "We don't know what normal is". You can tell I have not been reading ahead because I kind of touched on this last week when I said that I think many cradle Catholics get overwhelmed because they don't know what to do.<br />
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When I first became Catholic, I became a Catholic mom of three boys, too. This means that I had to learn about my faith and then play "catch up" with my boys, especially my son who received his First Communion not too long after I became a Catholic. When I asked for suggestions of books to learn about this subject, everyone came up blank. When I looked online for information and ideas, there was little to be found (that's when I found Catholicmom.com, one of the few great resources!). No one seemed to know how to help me find normal. Now I know why...<br />
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I am not completely comfortable talking with others about my relationship with God. I am a fairly introverted person so talking about things of the heart doesn't come easily to me. I share things like books and facts that I learn in an attempt to share my relationship, though. I am also an avid Facebook evangelist, with tons of "shares" going on my timeline on any given day.<br />
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According to the book, the following actions are considered "normal" (there are more in the book!):<br />
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. . . It is NORMAL for lay Catholics to<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span> <span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;">be excited Christian activists</span></span></b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span><br />
. . . It is NORMAL for lay Catholics to<b> <span style="color: blue;">be knowledgeable of their
faith</span></b>, the Scriptures, the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Church,
and the history of the Church.<br />
. . . It is NORMAL for lay Catholics to <b><span style="color: blue;">have fellowship of other
committed lay Catholics</span> </b>available to them, to encourage, nurture, and
discern as they attempt to follow Jesus.<br />
. . . It is NORMAL for the local parish to <span style="color: blue;"><b>function consciously as a house for formation</b></span> for lay Catholics . . ..</blockquote>
So, basically, it is normal to be Scott Hahn! Just kidding! But this does sound like a dubious list for us regular Cathy Catholics out there. If you look over the list and think about it, it isn't as bad as it looks.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Being excited </b></span>should be easy, especially if you do all the other things listed.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Being knowledgeable</b></span> includes being intentional during Mass and actually paying attention, reading good Christian/Catholic books, reading or at least referring to the Catechism, and learning about the lives of the Saints. I can say that I have most of this covered- for now. It is something we should always be watching to make sure we are not slacking in this area.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Having fellowship</b></span> with other committed lay Catholics can include any fellowship opportunities at the parish level and also making friends with fellow parishioners. I have this one licked, too! I'm three for three!<br />
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The local parish should <b><span style="color: blue;">function as a house for formation</span> </b>of lay Catholics- our parish has a Bible study but I cannot attend because one is during the day when I work and the other is after Mass when I have three tired and hungry boys who have already attended Religious Ed and Mass. We used to have Bible study during Religious Ed and I attended then. I think my parish has a little work to do in this area...<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">How are you doing at being "normal"? </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-4035935416036549282013-06-10T14:48:00.002-04:002013-06-12T09:38:37.458-04:00Book Review: Winning the Discipline Debates<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbB2rAMGPgPlVlxfgXxucx34zr5eM8ciDTplMn61Z-uz1EkxJeJADZwmXwoxwUYIELS8Vkv7iojSMVe3yESxP-DNBobMreLNCm6yc8z5ZdUvYenNFKka2_Xhj3cLYcKc1TkWhPOOILLKN/s1600/winning-the-discipline-debates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbB2rAMGPgPlVlxfgXxucx34zr5eM8ciDTplMn61Z-uz1EkxJeJADZwmXwoxwUYIELS8Vkv7iojSMVe3yESxP-DNBobMreLNCm6yc8z5ZdUvYenNFKka2_Xhj3cLYcKc1TkWhPOOILLKN/s1600/winning-the-discipline-debates.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dr. Ray is an awesome Catholic clinical psychologist who has
his own TV show, radio show, and has written several books on parenting. I am a
fan of all of the above so I was psyched to see that this book was up for
review. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Winning the Discipline
Debates</i> is a book like no other. Dr Ray actually takes 25 different
discipline scenarios and walks the reader through them, word for word. During
each scenario, he inserts his advice and funny anecdotes that he is known for,
making the book not only educational but fun as well. In one scenario, I
thought that it was possible that Dr. Ray actually saw me with my boys in
Wal-Mart one day and decided to use it for material because it was an exact
reenactment of many of our trips to Wal-Mart.</div>
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So, as a mom to three boys ages 7-13, do I think this book
is useful? Definitely! I think Dr. Ray covered a wide array of discipline
debacles and showed parents a new way to settle disputes so that there are less
in the future. Are all of the answers easy and what we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">want</i> to do as parents? No, but they are what we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need </i>to do as parents in order to raise
them well in a backward world. This book is written by a Catholic clinical psychologist
but this book is not geared only to Catholic parents. Parents of all faiths
(and none) would benefit from this book and enjoy it. Buy it today!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This review was written as part of the Catholic book
reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find
more information on <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/winning-discipline-debates-p1004915/">Winning
the Discipline Debates</a>. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all
your seasonal needs such as <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/first-communion-c21/">First Communion
gifts</a> as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/year-of-faith.cfm">Year of Faith</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6113891897877791893.post-30852185968855875042013-06-10T14:03:00.001-04:002013-06-14T13:47:50.992-04:00"Anything" Bible Study- Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/"><img border="0" src="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0102.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></u></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/category/anything/">Anything</a></span></span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><i> </i>Bible Study Week 2</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Monday</b></span></span>- Today's reading was Psalm 118. The SOAP verse was Psalm 118:6- "The Lord is with me; I am not afraid; What can mortals do against me?"<br />
<br />
<b>From the Book:</b> "I loved God, but I loved un-invisible people more. I worshipped them." (Jennie Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg 35)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>From the Catechism: </b><a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#154</a>- Believing is possible only by grace and the interior helps of the Holy Spirit. But it is no less true that believing is an authentically human act. Trusting in God and cleaving to the truths he has revealed are contrary neither to human freedom nor human reason. Even in human relations it is not contrary to our dignity to believe what other persons tell us about themselves and their intentions or to trust their promises to share a communion of life with one another. If this is so, still less is it contrary to our dignity to "yield by faith the full submission of... intellect and will to God who reveals," and to share in an interior communion with him.<br />
<br />
<b>My Observations:</b> Today's verse makes me think of all of the trust we put into other humans and that we lack to put in God. If we read Psalm 118:6, we know that God "has our backs" and we should fear no human- is that what we do? No. We fear failure, we fear hurting our loved ones, we fear letting people down. We don't fear failing God, hurting Him, or letting Him down- but we should. Even the catechism says that we naturally <i>want</i> to place our trust in God as much as we put it in other people so why don't we?<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Tuesday</b></span></span>- Today's verse was Deuteronomy 6:1-9. The SOAP verse is Deuteronomy 6:5- You shall love your Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.<br />
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<b>From the book:</b> "It's only God who moves my heart. He chases me down and lures me back to him; while I am running to everyone else, he runs after me. God brings me back to the place where it fares well with me; reminding me he is my husband. There is no spinning, no fear, only perfect acceptance and peace." (Jennie Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg 38)<br />
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<b>From the catechism:</b> <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#2093</a>-Faith in God's love encompasses the call and the obligation to respond with sincere love to divine charity. The first commandment enjoins us to love God above everything and all creatures for him and because of him.<br />
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<b>My Observations</b>: Today's verse instructs us on <i>how</i> to love God. With all our heart, soul, and strength. To me, this means that when we don't<i> feel</i> like loving God, we should do it anyway. When we are<i> too tired</i> to love God, we should do it anyway. When we feel <i>too far away</i> from God, we should love Him anyway. Sometimes it will be easy and sometimes it'll be a conscious effort, but it is something that we are told we must do.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Wednesday</b></span></span>- Today's verse is Hosea 1:2-11. This is when God tells Hosea to take a prostitute for his wife and God says that He feels sorry for the house of Judea so he will save them but not through man...<br />
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<b>From the Book: </b>"Money and a god latte protect us from a lot of things. It is to easy in this country for blessings to become rights, for stuff and money to become what calls the shots in our lives. And before we know it, God's gifts have replaced God himself." (Jennie Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg 44)<br />
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<b>From the Catechism: </b><a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#602</a><b>- </b>Consequently, St Peter can formulate the apostolic faith in the divine plan of salvation in this way: "You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers... with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake." Man's sins, following on original sin, are punishable by death. By sending his own son in the form of a slave, in the form of fallen humanity, on account of sin, God "made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" <br />
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<b>My Observations: </b>God tried to save Israel in the Old Testament but they refused to be saved. Finally, He took it into His own hands and saved us through Jesus Christ. Israel chose false gods above the true God just as we do in America, putting wealth and notoriety above God.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Thursday</b></span></span>- Today's verse is from the book of Hosea. Hosea 2:14-17 talks about how God wants to change the things that the harlot desires into things that repulse her.<br />
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<b>From the book: </b>"The ironic thing about believing in God and supernatural things is that the invisible stuff is actually the most trustworthy, the most stable. So the concrete things we can see and touch, they become the wind, they become the things we try to catch, and over and over, they pass through our fingers and souls, keeping us empty. But when I take my empty self to God, he feels familiar and stable and more like concrete than wind." (Jennie Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg 46)<br />
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<b>From the catechism:</b> <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#1428</a>- Christ's call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians. The second conversion is an uninterrupted task for the who Church who, "clasping sinners to her bosom, is at once holy and always in need of purification, and follows constantly the path of penance and renewal." This endeavor of conversion is not just a human work. It is the movement of a "contrite heart", drawn and moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God who loved us first.<br />
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<b>My observations: </b>I chose these quotes to share with this verse because I believe that once we move to our second conversion, God makes many of those things that were once so desirable to us into "rank growth" that we no longer want to strive towards. We, along with God's merciful love, move towards those invisible things that are trustworthy and stable.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Friday</b></span></span>- Today's verse, Proverbs 21:1, is a beautiful analogy of how we should make our will- "like a stream... in the hand of the Lord". <br />
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<b>From the book: </b>"Somehow I thought most of my life following God was not supposed to be too costly. Following God is flat costly. It always has been. It doesn't make sense to us, but since this life, these few years, are not the climax from God's perspective, he's okay throwing a little wrench into the short plans we have to be normal here." (Jennie Allen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ENBBAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ENBBAQ&linkCode=as2&tag=scrugglespage-20">Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=scrugglespage-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ENBBAQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, pg 47)<br />
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<b>From the catechism:<a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#"> </a></b><a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">CCC#2826</a>- By prayer we can discern "what is the will of God" and obtain the endurance to do it. Jesus teaches us that the one enters the kingdom of heaven not by speaking words, but by doing "the will of my Father in heaven."<br />
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<b>My observations:</b> In order to make our will like a stream, moving and flowing along with the will of God, we must realize that following God is, indeed, costly and that we must pray, pray, pray. Prayer along with willingness should lead us to more peaceful lives (not necessarily easier, though) knowing that we are following the will of God, who knows where we are headed.<br /><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check back Monday for Week 3 Observations!</span></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593522588133048222noreply@blogger.com0