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Jul 19, 2021
Faith&middot Life&middot Resources

5 Catholic Books for Busy Women: Nurturing Your Faith When You’re Running on Empty

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you completely spent by the end of the day?

Do you go, go, go, until all of a sudden it’s bedtime?

It can be difficult to do any kind of self-care when you are working full-time or when you have young children.

I am so tired at the end of the day.
So reading a book is often the last thing I want to do.

Or I want to read, but I’m so tired, my brain is not exactly in the place to comprehend thick texts that have been written by a very wise Harvard professor.


However, there have been a few lately that I have really enjoyed reading, even after a long tiring day!

Catholic Books for Tired Moms

These are not parenting books. . . .although I should probably be reading those. These books help us grow in faith with the Lord through His Sacred Heart, His Mother and the Saints.

The first I recommend reading is:

Consecration to Saint Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father

Personally, I enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t start it in a true effort to “consecrate” myself to Saint Joseph. Honestly, I just love Saint Joseph and was curious to learn more about him. I was not disappointed. I learned a few things about our faith that I don’t recall ever learning about before!

I love how this type of book is set up. Day one – read these pages . . .then Day 2, here are some more pages. This worked for me since it was a short read and gave me time to scroll social media before I passed out from total exhaustion.

Your Blue Flame: Drop the Guilt and Do What Makes You Come Alive

“The Glory of God is man fully alive.”

Saint Irenaeus

Every one of us has a blue flame–a special skill, a personal passion, a gift or talent. But when caught up in life’s busyness, it’s too easy to make a habit of suppressing our most joyful contributions to the world.

I actually read this book last summer. I remember being on vacation with my in-laws and after reading one page – going over to my sister-in-law, handing her the book and saying, “you have got to read this”! It was a great, inspiring story that made me say, “no way” as I read it!

Called By Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women

So a little disclosure here – I wrote two of the three hundred sixty five devotions 🙂

This devotional was put together by the women who run WINE (Women in the New Evangelization) . . . I mean, how could I not be a part of such an awesome Catholic ministry!

This daily devotional follows the liturgical seasons and includes major holidays and some feast days. You can begin your reading journey at any point in the year. As with all WINE offerings, you are invited to read, reflect, and respond using lectio divina. Each day includes

  • a Bible verse or passage for meditation;
  • daily reflections;
  • a closing prayer to focus your heart on an important truth or goal; and
  • a tangible action you can carry out each day, such as volunteering, going to Confession, or donating clothes to charity

A Painted Rosary

In full disclosure, I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You might notice that this post actually has more than 5 books listed. One reason for this is because this book, is more a prayer aid than a read.

Praying the Rosary is such a gift in my life that feels like constant running and perpetual overwhelm. It gives my mind time to slow down and be still. But, there are always distractions. This book was created to help us focus on the mystery and the meditation. It’s also a nice visual to hand to a hyper child during a family Rosary!

A Painted Rosary cleverly pairs a modern and sleek design with the richness of traditional sacred art to transform how you pray the Rosary. Increase prayerful focus and deepen your meditation as you become immersed in the 20 mysteries of the Rosary through paintings from the 11th – 17th centuries. With limited distractions and containing just enough content without being overwhelming, A Painted Rosary is designed to be used while praying. 

Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life

This is an easy read with such comforting reminders of how much Jesus loves you. When Emily came out with this book, I reached out to her and said, “Please, can I review this book!”

In Secrets of the Sacred Heart, Emily Jaminet—executive director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network—weaves personal testimony, teachings, and reflection questions while exploring and applying each of Christ’s promises.

This book is set up like the Consecration of Saint Joseph book . . .Day 1/Promise 1; then next day, next promise, etc. This again is great for a tired mom at the end of a long day.

 Exploring the Catholic Classics: How Spiritual Reading Can Help You Grow in Wisdom (Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women #2) 

I read this book a while back and I have to include it in the “books for busy moms” post!

The Catholic classics are full of wisdom, advice, and inspiration to enrich the lives of modern women, and Exploring the Catholic Classics is a great way to access that wisdom and apply it to your life.

Tiffany Walsh introduces readers to carefully selected excerpts from each spiritual classic and offers her own insights before inviting you to respond to reflection prompt

A chapter of this book inspired the post Saint Francis De Sales’ 5 Practical Tips for a Better Day (free printable included)

What books do you recommend?

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Journal for tweens and teens

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I’m Amy Brooks, I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals 🙂

Will you stop and pray with me? Any special inten Will you stop and pray with me?

Any special intentions?
Cheers to Friday! 🍷 I was SO EXCITED when a while Cheers to Friday! 🍷
I was SO EXCITED when a while back THE @stephanieweinert Stephanie Weinert tagged me in her #7quicktakes #sevenquicktakes #fridayintroductions post.

I’m jumping in today! 

1. I recently took my own “headshots”. The first photo is one of MANY photos I took. It was super windy that day. If you need professional photos… give it a try - you can save a ton of $ this way! I used a tripod and my phone!

2. I see a lot of people posting photos of 2016. In 2016 I heard Gianna Emanuela (daughter of Saint Gianna) give a talk. I remember thinking, “her Dad sounds like a saint too!” I got to meet her. My husband and oldest son met her and asked her to pray that we could adopt again. 40 weeks later our twins were born!

3. Gianna Emmanuela is doing all she can to help the world see how holy her Father was. She has made prayer cards with Ecclesiastic approval. I’m asking Pietro Molla to intercede for a special intention. I will post more about this soon! He is such an inspiring man!

4. I have two guilty pleasures. I love getting my hair done and every once in a while I get a box from Stitch Fix. My coat was in one of those boxes.

5. I can’t remember all the pictures I chose for this post. I’m super forgetful. It’s not my age, I’ve always been this way. Saint Anthony is busy with just me most of the time.

6. We are taking our Christmas tree down this weekend. I loved our tree so much this year. My husband, all 3 children and me picked it out. We all agreed upon it and it really is so perfect.

7. I’m not so great at tech. I don’t know how to go back and see which pictures I posted without deleting this whole post. I promised after this post I would play a @saints.alive.pod episode for my daughter. I’m off to listen to another episode for at least the 3rd time. Hoping a new one comes out soon 😉 

Thank you for reading all that! I’m so grateful you’re here! Tell me something about you!!!

Thank you Stephanie for tagging me months ago? ago… This is how behind I am on everything!
Who wants friends that pray behind your back!? Who Who wants friends that pray behind your back!?
Who wants friends that will pray with you and for you?
Let’s bless one another and pray as much as possible!!!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

#Catholicfriends #praymoreworryless
Small prayer groups can be so powerful! I had so Small prayer groups can be so powerful!

I had so much fun attending this Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish gathering!

Even though it was dark before it began…
Even though it cold and raining…
Even though life is so incredibly busy…
These ladies left their homes to pray together and share some time to just be themselves!

Jessica Benfield leads this Prayer Wine Chocolate group in Pennsylvania.

Do you want to lead a parish Prayer Wine Chocolate group?
If yes, comment below!

I can help you make it happen!!

Come Holy Spirit!

#prayerwinechocolate #Catholicfriends #missionarydisciples #newevangelization #PraytheRosary
1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption 1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption Prayer…this prayer saves lives!
2. Get more young people copies of Be Yourself Journals! Wondering about identity is normal and common… these books has guidance, answers and it’s fun to use!
3. Establish more Prayer Wine Chocolate parish groups. Women desire friends they can pray AND laugh with!

Which number- or numbers- do you think I should focus on most?!!???

Please comment! I need your help!

Seriously, I have ADHD.

#Catholic #prolife #Catholicfriends #Catholicfellowship #Catholicmom
Would you love a girls’ night out with women who s Would you love a girls’ night out with women who share your faith, but you aren’t quite sure how to make that happen?

If you’re seeking Catholic friendships without losing fun, a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is exactly what you (and other women in your parish!) didn’t know you needed.

And now, starting this kind of group at your own parish is easy, with the Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit! You don’t need to be an event planner, have a background in theology, or know a whole bunch of people in your parish to get started — you just have to be willing to say “yes” to the Lord’s invitation to get the ball rolling, and we’ll walk you through the rest!

We created a digital kit which you can get BUT grab the FREE resource first (huge thank you to Jessica from @sallykpub who designed it, to @vacationlearning_blog who inspired the movement and @dellamadonnarosaries who sponsored it)

COMMENT FRIENDS if you want to learn more!!

This isn’t a formal Bible study that’s intimidating or involves lots of homework you don’t have time for. It’s simply a low-prep, easy to run, and inviting format to gather Catholic women together in fun, conversation, and prayer. Your future faith friends are waiting to meet you — the Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit will help you make that happen!

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I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christ I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christmas Eve then any other day of the year.
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💧 —> 🍷 
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A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift! Ide A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift!
Ideas of what to include:
1. A copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls 
2. A zipper pouch
3. Two or more stickers 
4. A fun pen
5. A holy card 
6. Washi tape
7. Set of fine tip markers, gel pens and/or colored pencils.

Would you add anything!?
I would have LOVED this as a kid…you?

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Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls! I’m sti Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls!
I’m still so excited and grateful I was given the opportunity to write this book!!!
#catholicmom #catholicsonline #catholicchristian #catholic 
Thank you @whispersofloveandfaith Tammi for your recent review!!

“ I bought one of Amy’s journals for my daughter when she was 12. Each page encourages them to be the best version of themselves. I love how this journal appeals to both the introvert/extrovert and the artistic/non-artistic. There’s so much for everyone in this journal.”
This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼 Thanks to my daughter This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼
Thanks to my daughter for helping me make this reel!

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Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and gr Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and grateful for the moments that slip in between.
Happy Sunday!
Merry Advent!
God bless you!

#Catholicblog #Catholic #catholicsofinstagram #catholiccontent
Getting to know God better and learning who you ar Getting to know God better and learning who you are in His eyes can be fun and exciting!

The Be Yourself Journals offer a guide that help 9 to 13 year olds learn introspection and personal prayer.

Order from me this week and get a free surprise gift!
Also available on Amazon and other online bookstores!

Up level this gift by adding gel pens, washi tape and other fun stationary for girls… for boys, include a fidget pen!

Let me know if you need the link or if you have questions!

If you bought one before, share your thoughts in the comments so others can read them!

Thank you for your support!

#Catholicgift #Catholicgifts
Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!??? When I was Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!???
When I was a “tween” I longed to fit in with the other girls that shared my interests… but, I was not welcomed.

It hurt. It hurt a lot.

I wondered why… why did they not want to be my friend?
Why wasn’t I considered “cool”?

I asked my mom… and her advice to me was, “Just Be Yourself “.

I know she wanted to help me… but I wish she not only said that, but handed me this book too.

That is why I wrote it.

God DOES have plans and talents unique to every person… but when we are young we are still discovering His call for us.

My Catholic faith saved me.

The wisdom of Our Lord and the Saints that surrendered their lives to Him are so helpful.

And the best part… learning this can be enjoyable!!!
If you know a young girl around the ages of 10 to 13 who is struggling… give them this book!

Buy it from me this week and I’ll mail it with a sticker and a holy card!

I highly recommend you add fun pens, markers, washi tape and other things found in a journal kit!
She’ll love it… and you will too!

Move over mean girls… our God is bigger than that drama!

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One person will WIN all of these and more! Enter t One person will WIN all of these and more! Enter to win NOW! Contest ends Dec.1

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When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a sil When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a silver and blue medal fastened to my school uniform with a pin. My mom put that medal on my uniform. I don’t remember asking any questions, but I still think that blue was so pretty.
Fast forward about 9 years, and another memory surfaces… my Dad took our family to a church in a neighborhood we had to drive to. I remember parking across the street and entering the front doors of the @miraculousmedal Shrine. I recall the pads of paper placed on the marble in front of the different statues. These little memo 📝 pads were notes to God, asking Our Lady to intercede for us. I loved that I could write an intention but that one of the suggestions was “for a Catholic boyfriend” I was 15, I checked that box.
But honestly, I wasn’t a “Mary” person when it came to prayer.
Any personal prayer addressed Jesus or God.
10 years later my friend’s Mom gave me a Miraculous Medal keychain. I put it on my keys and life went on…

And over a decade later… it was that shrine I went to with this big idea about a Catholic gift guide and a giveaway.

But confession, many times in between those years each and every time I was going through something hard,I visited that place.
I poured my hearts desires on those little memo papers.
I asked Our Blessed Mother to pray for me.
I begged God to answer my prayers.

And He did.

Without me knowing the details of the Miraculous Medal.
But that time I went in there with the gift guide and giveaway idea… I was asked if I was only going to write one blog post.

That question inspired a second.
I researched the Miraculous Medal and read that Our Lady promised graces, especially to those who wore it around their neck.

More graces? Yes please 

I wrote a post…” 5 Reasons Why I wear a Miraculous Medal and maybe You Should Too”.
Church Pop @churchpop asked if they could publish it.
It went viral… at least viral for me.

And a few weeks ago, I brought about 30 women there for a retreat.

I didn’t pursue Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal… I pursued her Son.
My pursuit was sloppy.
Like any mother, she couldn’t resist helping me a little.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you
No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generos No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generosity and power.

#Hope #yearofhope #empireofhope #Godismerciful
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