Recent Reads: The Miting

"The Miting" by Dee Yoder tells the story of Leah, a seventeen year-old Amish girl who has questions about the Amish lifestyle in which she has been raised.  She is not seeking the English life, but rather she is reading the Bible (a forbidden act) and developing her own faith.

"The Miting" is not the typical Amish fiction that I have read in the past... this story involves someone who leaves the faith, enters another church, waivers on that decision, pays the harsh consequences by being shunned in her own home, and then ultimately is forced to make life-changing decisions.   It wasn't a flowery picture of the fairy tale Amish life, but a gritty and realistic-feeling story about what it's really like to live with the multitude of rules and restrictions that the Amish must follow.  I appreciated that this wasn't a fairytale with a "perfect" ending. I was quickly drawn into this story and found myself considering things that I didn't know before-- like why can't an Amish girl read the Bible for herself?  

All in all, this was an excellent read and I will be looking for future books by Dee Yoder.

Get your own copy: The Miting by Dee Yoder will be available for FREE May 19 and $1.99 May 20-31 on Amazon Kindle! 

Disclaimer:  I was given a free copy of "The Miting" in exchange for posting my honest review during Kregel Publishing's Blog Tour of the book, May 19-23.  I will also post this review on Amazon and Good Reads.

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here. 
I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.

Pray without Ceasing

graphic courtesy of GospelGifs

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

-- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  NRSV

This scripture has been on my mind a lot lately.
 

Lisa Copen of Rest Ministries wrote a great devotional on exactly this same topic recently: How do you pray without ceasing if the laundry is waiting?  She articulates exactly what many people struggle with-- how can you take the time to pray when you have so many pressing responsibilities?

When I was a kid, I had a great CCD (catechism) teacher who explained it to us like this: "God doesn't care where or how you pray, just talk to him.  Talk to him at school while you're in line for the water fountain, while you're walking to class. "   I'm sure she didn't realize it at the time, but those words would be forever burned into my memory.   And more importantly, that's what I started doing.

From the time I was in junior high, I've always just "talked" to God throughout my day.   I see someone hurting or I feel stressed about something, and my auto-pilot response is to offer up a quick prayer-- "God be with her.  She's really struggling with ______."   or for myself, something along the lines of, "Please, God, help me find the right words (or what to do, etc.)."


There are the bigger issues, of course. I have a long prayer list these days, in addition to the many small daily concerns and struggles that I pray about:

• for continued healing of my sister, fighting brain cancer
• for continued healing and strength of a friend who was in a tragic farm accident
• for the marriages of two special couples-- friends who are struggling
• for a friend's mom who is in ICU
• for a friend who is under a huge amount of stress
• for my husband and children
• for myself, in regards to my job situation

I struggle a little more with the second part-- being thankful in all things.  But I also have a lot to be thankful for, from the little everyday blessings to the bigger things in life... and I'm trying to stay focused on those!

I'm linking up with:

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here. 
I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.

Recent Reads: Wish You Were Here...

Wish You Were Here: Travels Through Loss and Hope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was familiar with Amy Welborn's writing through various blogs and Catholic sites. I didn't actively go searching for this particular book, but when I stumbled across it at the library, I grabbed it immediately. I was not disappointed... in fact I stayed up late, woke up early, and finished the entire thing in less than 12 hours. I found myself crying along with her at parts.

This is a beautifully written, very personal story of two journeys: one physical, one spiritual. Readers accompany Amy & three of her children on a trip through Italy just months after her husband's sudden death. Everything she experiences reminds her of her late husband, and she writes both of the beautiful scenery and the internal dialogues she has related to her grief. It is a beautiful journal of a grieving soul... trying to find joy again in her life, constantly reminded of what was lost, but ultimately clinging to faith.

I was the assistant teacher this past winter in a college course entitled "Aging, Death, and Dying". This is a book I will recommend to future students. It articulates exactly what it's like to feel the suffocating weight of grief even as you try to press forward and make sense out of what to do with the rest of your life.

View all my reviews at Goodreads

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here. 
I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.

3 Reasons I Love Catholicism

1.) Traditions & History.   First, let me say, I know that we are supposed to trust in the Lord and not lean on man's traditions.  I get that. It's a confusing issue when you talk to Protestants and Catholics, but we believe that our traditions are taken from Scripture.

 The way we Catholics do things is traditional... some would say even old-fashioned... and has been handed down for generations.  Who else in this modern age of instant messaging would rely on white smoke for a major announcement?   I love that.   I love knowing that our ancestors sat around and waited for that same white smoke after they attended a mass that was very similar to ours.  I love knowing that every year at Easter the music becomes joyful again (my favorite time of year in the church), and that every year on Ash Wednesday you can identify your fellow Catholics on the street by their "dirty" foreheads.  

Sometimes I feel like I'll never have enough time in my life to learn about all the beautiful-- and the not-so-beautiful-- history of the church.

2.)  The Mass.   The older I get, the more I understand what each and every piece of the mass means.   And I love that I have this universal bond with Catholics everywhere-- I could walk into a Sunday mass at any parish and fit right in.

The mass gives us an opportunity each and every week to hear Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms... all right there, tied together for us. 

I attended a long service at a church of another Christian denomination a while back, and after sitting for more than an hour during the sermon, I found my mind wandering and my attention drawn more to the church's decorations than to the minister's message.  It was then that I finally understood why we Catholics sit, stand, and kneel.   Sitting for long periods allows your mind to wander, whereas in a mass you are fully engaged in worship- physically moving, verbally responding, etc. 

3.)  There have been Catholics studying God's word for hundreds of years.  All those years of Bible scholars and great leaders (and some not-so-great) have led the church to where it is today.  When I am not sure about something I am reading in my Bible, I can turn to the church's teachings to explain it.  I could spend every moment of my life studying the Bible and still never have the understanding that has been passed down through the church.

There are those who don't think that Catholics are true Christians... others mistakenly believe that we worship Mary, that we added extra books to the Bible, and that we're not true Christians.   None of those things are true, of course.  I feel like I am defending my faith more and more lately, but still, I'm proud to be Catholic!

Link up with Micaela at California to Korea to share your own reasons!

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

Recent Reads: Deeply Loved

Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus  is the kind of book we all need during Lent... forty days worth of different ways to connect with Jesus.  I enjoy having a quick chapter to read each day.  I started this book after Lent was already underway, but I had no trouble reading several chapters in one evening.

I enjoyed reading the daily reflections and anectdotes to illustrate the real-world applications of the spritual practices.  Many of the practices I have heard of, but there were some new ideas, too.   I appreciated the author's real-world take on some things: for example, she encouraged mothers of young children to find little pockets of true quiet time when they can, by driving without the radio on, or by re-thinking those few quiet moments in the shower.  That's something I can really do, as opposed to other books I've read that push for long meditations or retreats.

Each chapter ends with a check-box to mark off after you have tried the day's spiritual exercise described in that chapter.  I was a little put off by that, as some of the spiritual practices will appeal to some readers, and some will not.  I got more out of the book by reading each day's practices and adapting the ones that fit into my life right now.

Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press in return for posting my honest review. 

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.
I accept review items with the understanding that I will post an honest review.

Seven Quick Takes 3/15

I have a rare day off without any appointments... so until the kids get home from school, I have a few hours to myself.  I plan to catch up on blogs and tackle a few cleaning projects around the house. Clearly you can see which of those things I wanted to do first... LOL!

--- 1 ---

I, like many others around the world, watched this week's conclave and election of Pope Francis with excitement.  I love all the old-school traditions that go into the election process: no electronics, the secret ballots, the smoke signals.  When Pope Francis was announced, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy that I truly did not expect.   After all, I knew nothing about the man before that moment, yet I felt very emotional, filled with such a feeling hope and joy.  I pray that Pope Francis' humility and grace will be just what our church needs to overcome some of the issues that face us today.

--- 2 ---

I'm a little confused as to why neither of my children, students in a Catholic school, had more in-depth lessons over the last few weeks on how the Pope would be selected, what a conclave is, etc.   Sure, they got to watch some of the announcement on tv at school, but really?  Nobody could work this huge moment in history into a lesson plan??  My mini-lessons over supper each night were ok, but I was just surprised they didn't do more at school.  I'm guessing it had a lot to do with it being the end of the quarter and having standardized testing coming up next week, but still.

--- 3 ---

So, Google Reader is closing.  This was disappointing news, as I have used & enjoyed this service for several years now.   I'm taking Messy Wife, Blessed Life's suggestion and moving to Blog Lovin'.  I'm taking it as an opportunity to weed out the blogs that I no longer read regularly and to cut down on my overall number of subscriptions... something which is long overdue!   

--- 4 ---

News flash: bathing a 65lb. dog is a very wet venture.  She's currently sprinting through the house in her traditional after-bath craze.   The next hour or so will be filled with her racing around, rolling on her towel, and me repeatedly trying to brush her.   I'm glad she enjoys her baths- I don't think I could keep her in the tub if she really wanted to get out!

--- 5 ---

Speaking of news, while I was typing this, I saw one of my husband's best friends being interviewed on the local news.  Isn't it funny how that's always a little thrill to see someone you know on tv?  :)

--- 6 ---

This.  YES.  I can't even tell you how many times I've had this conversation already!

Thanks to http://www.phatmass.com/ for the great graphic!

--- 7 ---

Tonight's meatless meal:  I'm finally getting around to trying one of the very first things I ever pinned on Pinterest: this crockpot Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup.  The kids and I will have grilled cheese sandwiches with it, and DH (who isn't Catholic) will probably have a cold meat sandwich with his.  Tomato Basil Soup is one of my favorites, and adding Parmesan seems like it should only make it better, right?  I guess we'll find out tonight!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

Recent Reads: Catholic and Confident

Catholic and Confident is 95 pages of entertaining and thought-provoking discussion on why we should stop being "couch potato Catholics" and get out there to share our faith.  It's written for people like me, who want to share their faith, but don't always feel comfortable doing so.  The author has heard all of our excuses, from offending people, to not having Scripture memorized, and he points out that none of those are good reasons... we are still called to share our faith. 

Each chapter ends with reflection questions.  Unlike many books I've read, these questions were actually useful, and I found myself thinking about them before I moved on to the next chapter. 

I really enjoyed this book- so much so that I stayed up late and finished the whole thing in one evening.  It's a short book, and I have a feeling it's one I'll want to re-read in the future.   I finished the book with a feeling that I'd just been challenged, and I like that challenge.  It seems especially timely given that Pope Benedict has designated 2013 as the Year of Faith.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for posting my honest review as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Catholic and Confident, or check out their great selection of limited-time Year of Faith gifts and resources.

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

Support Hobby Lobby!

The HHS mandate kicks in on January 1st.  The owners of Hobby Lobby have been fighting this mandate, because they believe that they should not be forced to pay for contraception for their employees.  The owners have made the difficult decision to pay the $1.3 million dollar per day fine, rather than give in and go against their beliefs.  

Luckily, it appears that they have chance.... on Saturday the seventh circuit blocked the HHS mandate.for a small business in IL... meaning that Hobby Lobby should, logically, be afforded the same protection. There are many expensive and long court battles to come before this will all be resolved.

January 5th has been designated as a day of support for Hobby Lobby.  Stop in to your local Hobby Lobby that day and make a purchase.   If it's not a store you'd normally visit, rest assured-- their Christmas clearance and cheap home decor aisles will have something you'll want.  Hobby Lobby happens to be one of my favorite stores, and this was long before the HHS mandate came up!

Read more here: Support Hobby Lobby, Here's How (Patheos blog).

You can also click HERE to email a note of thanks and support to the Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby.

I'll be happy to spend a little money there on January 5th.  I hope you'll join me!

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

Prayers for Connecticut

I have never been one to turn away from the news or to bury my head in the sand when there's been a tragedy.  And I can't remember ever really getting this emotional over a news story that didn't directly touch me.

Not this time.  I intentionally did not watch tv during the day yesterday (my day off) after I read online about the Conneticut school shootings.  When I finally watched some of the coverage last night with my husband, the tears just wouldn't stop.  Such heartbreak for those families. 

My kids are in 4th and 1st grades. If we lived there, they likely would have been in that school.  Even thinking about it today, the tears are threatening again.

Please pray.  Pray for the victims families, the survivors, and the emergency personnel-- the police, squad, and other folks who "work" a scene like that.  None of those peoples' lives will ever be the same.

All the controversy that is online about the gun control laws makes me angry.    I find it terribly disrespectful that these debates are breaking out in the comments sections of nearly every news article I've seen online. FWIW, I firmly believe that making stricter laws about guns only keeps them out of the hands of law abiding citizens.  But that debate can wait.  Right now, we need to focus our thoughts and prayers on the people involved in this tragedy.

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

National Check In to Mass Sunday

It's National Check In to Mass Sunday! 

The idea is to attend mass as usual, than use your social media accounts to remind everyone that you are exercising your religious freedom to do so.   We want to remind everyone that our religious freedom is at stake in this election, right here in the country that was founded on religious freedom.    Just last week the Pope reminded us that religion is personal, but it shouldn't be private. 

Join us to remind our friends and family that we enjoy exercising our First Amendment right to attend mass and worship in the way we choose!  Twitter hashtag: #CHECKINSUNDAY.

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

Standing Up... from my couch

I wanted to go to a Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally today.  However, I am miserable with a cold, and the notion of standing outside in the cold air with a pounding headache while listening to rally speeches and shouting is just a little more than I can handle right now.  I'll have to have my own rally here at home, with my hot coffee and my warm blanket. 

The HHS Mandate forces religious employers to pay for contraception for their female employees.  For the Catholic church and many other religions, this violates a basic tenant of their faith.  (Of course there are Catholics who will readily tell you that they believe in contraception and even abortion, but this is not in line with church teaching.)

Here's a well written summary of how the HHS Mandate threatens religious freedom.

I've had the "separation of church and state" argument more times recently than I can remember... even here, in a comment on my last post.   This is not a matter of the church trying to force something on the general public.  Remember, nobody forced these people to accept a job for a religious organization, and nobody is saying that they can't use contraception... they're just saying that their employer should not be forced to pay for something that they find morally objectionable.  Women are free to work elsewhere or to pay for their own contraception.

Healthcare is a touchy issue.  As the mother of two children with medical needs, I understand this as much as, if not more so, than the average voter.   However, I can not stand by and watch as  the government tries to tell my church what to do.

p.s.  I've removed the option to be an anonymous commenter from my posts. I always welcome comments and discussions that differ from my own views, but I won't approve hateful "attack" comments from people who won't even sign their own names (you know who you are).  Not all anonymous comments are hateful, but enough were that I've chosen this option. Thanks for understanding.  

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

Go read this: Time to Grow Up

Have you read this post: Time to Grow Up  at Catholic Mothers Online?   If not, go ahead and click over to read it... I'll wait.

OK, Back?  Read it?   Good.   Because I don't have a lot to add, unless you count cheering at my computer screen and holding back on my desire to forward that post to everyone I know.

Amberly has three excellent points that she proposes we all follow:  don't whine, dress appropriately, and make use of the talents God has blessed you with.   And really... that pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?   It doesn't matter what your political persuasion is, what your attached/single status is, how much money you have, or how you spend your days.  What matters is the choices you make within those circumstances.

Every day we are bombarded with political arguments, images of half-naked celebrities, and talking heads arguing about how they think our leaders should do things.  Wouldn't it be nice if everyone played by these rules?

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

40 Days of Prayer for the USA

Have you seen the Catholic Sistas "40 Days of Prayer for the USA"?   Each day they will provide a prompt/ topic about something or someone in our country who needs our prayers.

I hope you'll join in this event.  You can download the entire list HERE, or join the event on Facebook HERE.  (Having the daily prompt pop up on my Facebook feed is a great reminder for me!)

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.

Prayer Request: Schuhmacher Family

You know how sometimes you need to see the grace with which someone else handles their challenges to give you perspective on your own?  Well.  Meri Schuhmacher has always done that for me.  I don't know Meri, but I have been a faithful reader of her blog, Our Diabetic Life, for quite some time now.  If you're not familiar with her, she is the mother of four boys, three of whom have Type 1 Diabetes.  She can guesstimate carb counts by phone, mentally keep track of the basals of all three boys, and more... your basic Superwoman D-mom.  

Right now, this Supermom's family needs our prayers. Meri's husband Ryan recently received a diagnosis of brain cancer.  He has numerous brain tumors and it's a grave situation.  

The DOC  (*Diabetic Online Community) is wrapping it's arms around the Schuhmacher family. You can follow the Schuhmacher Family's Miracle on Facebook.  You can donate money to help with their medical bills.  And most importantly, you can lift this family up in prayer.  They are a family of strong faith, and Meri has written that they are already feeling a sense of calm and choosing to focus on hope. 

I am cross posting this post on both of my blogs because I want to spread the word and prayerfully support the Schuhmachers as much as possible. 

 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy here.