• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Prayer Wine Chocolate

a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

  • Home
  • Wine and Chocolate
  • Faith
  • CSMI
  • Adoption
  • Life
  • Prayer Journaling
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Donate a Be Yourself Journal
  • Catholic Coloring Pages
  • Shop

Oct 26, 2016
Catholic Influencers&middot Faith&middot Life

Writers I Have Come To Know, Admire and Respect: Blog Spotlight Series; Part 1

About a year and a half ago I really knew nothing about blogging.  A friend of mine suggested I look into it . . . and I shrugged it off.

Then a few months later I bought an e-book and started talking to other bloggers.  My interest was sparked, and it has opened up a whole knew world for me!

I truly believe in the saying (attributed to Saint Catherine of Siena):

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world ablaze!”

Waterman Perspective Fountain Pen in Black

Here are some bloggers I believe are setting the world on fire by being just who they are meant to be! Check out their blogs if you have not already!

Annie Deddens (Catholic Wife, Catholic Life)

Facebook page: Catholic Wife, Catholic Life

“What’s your blog about?”

The name basically says it all: It’s about being a Catholic wife and living an authentic Catholic life 🙂 So I write a lot about marriage, about love & service — about how to live & love authentically in the world we’re living in. I also write about prayer and how to get through hard things. Because there are so many hard things we’re all dealing with. I sort of hope that my blog reminds people that they’re not alone in their suffering — that someone else is walking this path with them, and that there are good things, too — beautiful things, even, in the midst of our pain and suffering.

anniededdens.jpg

“What do you like most about writing?”

My favorite thing about writing is when someone reads what I’ve written and says, “Me too. That happens to me too. That’s my experience too.” That’s when I’m reminded more than ever that we belong to each other and that we’re not all that different. I love that reminder and that connection.

“What type of wine is your favorite?”

I’ll go back and forth between a glass of pinot grigio and a glass of merlot. Mmmm!

“What is your favorite chocolate?”

I’m not a huge chocolate lover, but if I had to pick one, it’d be dark chocolate. Especially if it’s covering cashews 😉

“What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?”

I absolutely love the Memorare — my husband & I pray it together all the time. And my favorite quote is this one by Bl. Chiara Luce Badano: “I have nothing left, but I still have my heart, and with that I can always love.”

Douglas Johnson (Doug on Tap)

Facebook page: Doug on Tap

What is your blog about?

My wife is a well known pro-life speaker and advocate. Most of my blog posts are pro-life related and include stories about our journey into the pro-life movement. That, and I love giving commentary regarding current pro-life related issues.

Also, my blog is about my adventures as a stay at home dad. We have 5 children, and as of right now, my wife is pregnant with twins. Our oldest is our nine year old daughter then we have four boys ages 4,3,2,&1. No matter what I am writing, I like to be as honest and unfiltered as possible. I try to use as much humor as possible in my writing. When it comes to parenting, a good sense of humor is your best friend. That, and feeling like your not the only one going through the same type of craziness with your family.

DougJohnson1.jpg

What do you like most about writing? 

I really enjoy writing as a creative outlet. Even if it’s just writing a movie review that only ten people are going to read, it is fun having the opportunity to express myself. The part I enjoy most, though is being a story teller. I believe my wife and I have a good story to tell when it comes to our journey from a pro-choice life to a pro-life conversion and everything in between.
The best thing about writing is when people tell you that you have inspired them or they like knowing there is someone out there they can relate to. Comments and interaction are the ultimate complement. It’s very fun and somewhat humbling to have an audience.

 What type of wine (or beverage) is your favorite?  

I am primarily a beer drinker. Stouts are my primary go to beverage, but I do love wine.My favorite wine right now is an Australian Shiraz called The Stump Jump. When I have had a rough day, I tend to skip the beer and go straight for a big glass of wine and a bowl of  queen olives.

What is your favorite chocolate (or dessert)?  

I love inexpensive dark chocolates. Dove and Ghirardelli are my faves. But, If you ask me what is the best desert, I have say nothing beats a perfect brownie. Hot gooey dark chocolate brownies with chocolate chunks inside. I could eat an entire pan and not feel in the slightest bit guilty.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

This prayer pretty much sums up my primary job as a parent. Be balanced and loving. I am honored to be a parent and I do not take this vocation lightly.

O God the Father of mankind, who hast given unto me these my children, and committed them to my charge to bring them up for Thee, and to prepare them for eternal life: help me with Thy heavenly grace, that I may be able to fulfill this most sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give and what to withhold; when to reprove and when to forbear; make me to be gentle, yet firm; considerate and watchful; and deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence, and the excess of severity; and grant that, both by word and example, I may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety, so that at last I may, with them, be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true home in heaven, in the company of the blessed Angels and Saints.

Leana Bowler (Rosaries and Rainbows)

Facebook Page: Rosaries and Rainbows

What is your blog about?

rosariesandrainbows.jpg

As a joyful mother of four precious blessings and one little saint in heaven, I blog about our Catholic faith, motherhood, marriage, and everyday life with a lot of humor and a lot of heart.

What do you like most about writing?

I love writing because I get to share what God puts on my heart and prayerfully be an encouragement.

What type of wine (or beverage) is your favorite?  

My favorite beverage is coffee, coffee, coffee. I call it my mommy fuel.

What is your favorite chocolate (or dessert)?

My favorite chocolate is dark chocolate.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

My favorite quote are the words of Our Lady, “do whatever he tells you.” Words to live by!

Do you have a blog you love to read, or a writer that you love?  Tell us about him or her!

Share
Tweet
Pin8
Share
8 Shares
Previous Post: « #StormtheHeavens Praying for Phil’s Healing and Allowing the Lord to Heal All of Us
Next Post: Seek and You Shall Find: What I Found On The Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Retreat »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christina says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:31 am

    What a great list! So many great bloggers out there, I love following new people!

    • Amy says

      October 26, 2016 at 9:59 am

      Thanks Christina! I really need to take time each day to read more!

  2. Candy Hartmann says

    October 26, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    Thanks Amy. I look forward to Part II.

  3. Kirby says

    November 5, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    So fun! I also love to hear about why people gave their blog the name they did. I think I’ll have to send my husband Doug on Tap’s link. 🙂

  4. Jessica Kong says

    December 30, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Love this list! I love finding new blogs to read through 🙂

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

Free Resources for Lent

Free Resources for Lent

Free resources

Free resources

Shop Prayer Wine Chocolate Gifts

Shop Prayer Wine Chocolate Gifts

GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals @catholicsonline

When I was growing up my friend used to invite me When I was growing up my friend used to invite me to go to “fellowship” with her at their church. That was not a word or idea I was familiar with… 

Later I was taught that faith is a gift… but I didn’t truly understand that until it was faith that was keeping me hanging on…
Having friends to share prayer intentions with and who will not only pray with you but laugh and become your community is priceless,
5 Stars: Highly recommend!

Want more information? Comment friends below!!!

#Catholic #faithandfriendship
Let us pray together for our priests! In the name Let us pray together for our priests! In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Saint Teresa of Avila is credited with this quote: “Behind each priest, there is a demon fighting for his fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them”.

The parish I have been attending for over 20 years has always been blessed either such wonderful priests. I am so grateful, and if I’m being honest, quite sad to see this one go on to another assignment.

Let us fervently pray for all Catholic priests… for they truly help us know and love Jesus Christ more.

God bless Father Windle … and @irishclan7 we loved the ice cream truck at his farewell. Our twins had actually made up a song they would sing on pancake breakfast days… perhaps one day I’ll convince them to sing it for you or for Father Windle 😉 

If you’ve read this far, comment the name of a priest you are praying for!

#Catholic #Saintquotes #catholicpriest #Catholicpriests #Catholicparish
Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off yo Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off your order from @shininglightdolls 

I catch my daughter using these books often! She’s 9 but has loved them for a couple years now!

#Catholic #Catholicinfluencer #Catholicgifts
If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from heaven… it might say this!

Only about 7 Saints were highlighted in the Be Yourself Journal…. Saint Maria Goretti was one of those Saints.

Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!

Comment below if you want me to read the other letters!

#Catholic
Is your child nervous about starting at a new scho Is your child nervous about starting at a new school in the Fall?
Do you want chapter books that are great for beginners and have an element of familiarity th?
If yes, I highly recommend this series by @mariarileyauthor Maria Riley!

My son read the Saint John Bosch book together and we both enjoyed it!

Maria… what are the other titles in the series?
Parents, Godparents, Grandparents and super Aunts… get these for the 1st through 3rd graders you know!

Follow @catholicsonline @prayerwinechocolate and @mariarileyauthor for more posts like this!

#Catholicfiction #Catholickids #Catholicmom #catholicteacher #CatholicsOnline
I think every page is my favorite 😍 Do you have a I think every page is my favorite 😍 Do you have a favorite page of the Be Yourself Journal? Or is this your first time seeing it?

Tag your friends with daughters!

#CatholicChristian #girlbook #tweengirl #Catholic #girlmom
What if we combined prayer journaling with junk jo What if we combined prayer journaling with junk journaling???

Let’s find out together with @wendytownley on Saturday morning!

Join us for a fun workshop- and put some time to be pray and be creative on your calendar this weekend!
Want more info? Type JOURNAL in the comments!
Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling i Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling in love with prayer on a whole new level!!
Join @wendytownley and Amy Brooks @prayerwinechocolate to learn more!

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #prayerjournal #junkjournal #jesusjournaljunkies
Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME!
So thankful @allentowndiocese hosted and organized this beautiful day with the help of Trials to Triumph (T3) a foundation that helps families in the area and created a beautiful space to pray, reflect and enjoy the company of others.

Some highlights:

🙏Over 60 women prayed the Rosary together and I used Julia Miller’s @freshrosary Praying the Promises Rosary guide to lead each mystery. Julia several women came up to me afterwards to ask where they could get a copy… the said it really moved them ❤️

🤗One woman said, “I have no Catholic friends!” to which I responded, “You do now!!” THIS the beauty of Prayer Wine Chocolate! 

🏫 I got to see an old friend from college and it was so much fun catching up with her! Her name is Maria which was one wink from the Blessed Mother - but definitely not the only one!

♥️It was the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I shared some stories about IHM nuns… I had met with all but one of the group that resides at our parish convent. The one Sister that missed our gathering… well her Mom and sister attended this event! This place is about an hour and a half from my house! What are the odds??? 

Signal graces are so cool.😎 

I hope women who attended start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group in their parish!

Want more information? Comment below!

#Catholic #Catholicfellowship #catholicwoman #Catholicwomen #Catholicretreat
Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( I mean, the guy deserves a coffee break or something… I’m constantly dialing his number!!!).

My unofficial patron Saint of finding a parking spot is SAINT POLYCARP!
 Years ago a coworker (fellow teacher, we taught in a Catholic High School together) told me she always asks Saint Polycarp to help her find parking and he never lets her down.
Her reasoning…she said, and I quote:

“No one is asking him for anything!!!”

All I’m saying is …it works.
Try it.

#CatholicSaints #patronsaint #Catholic #Catholics#CatholicsofInstagram
A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Cho A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering…

Our Lady ended up at the table with us before we began to pray the Rosary.

And as if it was perfectly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit… she was located at the head of the table.

That night was so incredibly fun. I remember thinking about how Bishop Barron once said;

“The flag of the Holy Spirit is JOY”.

That is what that night felt like to me. The Holy Spirit was there and moving!

Thank you Jessica (@sallykpub ) for successfully running a PWC group during the 2025-2026 year!

Thank you Betsy (@vacationlearning_blog ) for pioneering this adventure!!!

Comment below if you want more information about this parish ministry!!!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #Catholic #Rosary
Life has been extra busy lately. Here are a few mo Life has been extra busy lately.
Here are a few moments I’d like to share with you ❤️

1. I recorded, edited and published a reel. I have many on my to do list but responsibilities have pulled me in so many directions lately. I really enjoy making reels. I hope to publish more soon!

2. I thought about backing out of the shore (that’s Philly for beach) field trip and keeping my son home too. I had fearful, anxious thoughts the days and night before. I’m so glad I didn’t cave to them. My oldest son had a fantastic day with his classmates. The chaperones and teacher had a great day too. I think God gave us all a mini retreat. I am so grateful ☺️ 

3. Colleen discovered @thelandmark.cafe serves @sevenweekscoffee a week before the trip and suggested we go there. I suggested we pray a Rosary on the beach. These kinds of friendships make all the hard things in life so much lighter. Plus, we bought matching sweatshirts. ❤️ you @colleeenm 

4. I was an assistant track coach this Spring! My daughter wanted to run and we even convinced her older brother to sign up too! This is extra special to me since this was a sport I participated in and coached for years before motherhood. I’m excited to see my children continue to put their best feet forward on the track and in the field events too.

5. I was a disgruntled, unenthusiastic assistant coach when I first received the Paper Plate Award assignment. As I took on this work, I truly began to enjoy it. I realized how little I do just for the sake of creativity and leisure. This assignment was a gift. I’m super proud of my surfboard and must give credit to YouTubers who make it possible for me to draw anything 

6. My husband had a birthday last week. He took off from work and we had lunch at Panera Bread while the kids were in school. It was lovely and delicious!

7. This year when I chaperoned the Churches and Cheesesteaks field trip I did NOT get a flat tire. This makes for a happier chaperone. I think I ate a Pat’s cheesesteak but it may have even Geno’s. Either way… good. I don’t mind being a tourist in my hometown of Philly. Honestly, I quite enjoy it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#7quicktakes #fridayintroductions
We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn’t help to listen when I overheard…

One young woman to another wearing a baby..
“Look at his white hair!!!”

Mother wearing baby: I know, we picked out his name before he was born and when we came out we looked up what his name means and is means “white hair”

Other woman: No way!!!

Baby wearing Mama; “The Lord knows!”
Other woman: He sure does!”

Me to friend who also overheard this; “Oh I LOVE ❤️ this place!!!”

The Lord indeed knows!
Praise the Lord!

The Lord knew that I would be planning to make a reel for @sevenweekscoffee … but I didn’t know @colleeenm would have told me about this coffee shop that serves Seven Weeks Coffee and it just happens to be where we were taking our 8th graders on their class trip!

The Lord knew…
He also knew it would be the day of @thelandmark.cafe ‘s soft opening!

We got to order brunch and I must say not only the coffee was delicious but so was the GOAT Omelette!

Thank you @sevenweekscoffee for sending me some coffee! Thank you @thelandmark.cafe for an incredible experience and an amazing Golden Hour iced coffee!#catholic #catholicwoman #prolife #catholicwomen #catholicmom
Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June 13th???

Let’s celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary together!

We will pray the Rosary, sip wine and enjoy snacks and I’ll share how this ministry will unite our hearts to our Blessed Mother and ultimately to the Heart of Jesus!

#boulderridge #ImmaculateHeart #Allentown #Catholic #Catholicretreat
“Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an “Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an evil to fear.”

I am delighted to share this book written by @emilystimpsonchapman with you!

On Mother’s Day I enjoyed a few moments of silence and solitude on my deck with a cup of coffee and this hardback book that I think is absolutely perfect for a coffee table.

Since I’m a total history buff and definitely appreciate a glass of wine 🍷 I couldn’t say yes fast enough when I was offered a review copy of this book!

I so appreciate Emily’s introduction which I devoured and even took notes (yes, that is me relaxing) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

My top bucket list wish is to go to Italy one day… so the first chapter is helping me write my dream itinerary.

If you are looking for more Catholic inspired content or even a gift for a friend… I highly recommend this book.

Let me know if you have it or read it! 
If you want the link… let me know :)

Tag a friend who would LOVE this book!
Cheers!!! 🥂 

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #Catholichome #Catholicwoman #prayerwinechocolate
It’s that easy. Share your intentions; Pray a Rosa It’s that easy. Share your intentions;
Pray a Rosary tonight;
Enjoy some wine and chocolate.
Cheers!
It’s still Easter!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholicreels #Catholicwomen #catholicfriends
Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude.
I would ever write a letter to a friend and immediately start talking about myself… and yet I wanted to dive right in there when praying to the Creator of heaven and earth?????

Prayer journaling truly helped me in many ways. This was the first way.

I needed to be more grateful.
Some days are really hard… but there is always something to be grateful for.

Shifting my attention was something that I needed; not only spiritually but mentally and emotionally.

Do you use a journal to pray?

Share your thoughts 👇🏼

#prayer #prayerjournaling #prayerjournal #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts
Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering! A Prayer Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is, at its foundation, a Rosary group that incorporates time for friendship and fellowship.

Why start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group?

—>You want more Catholic friends but don’t know how to find them . . .

—>You want more Catholics to return to the faith, and you are looking for ways that will help them feel welcome!

—-> You are in a busy stage of life so a Bible study is not ideal, but you still want to gather with other Catholic women for faith and fellowship

If you are interested in starting a parish group, 
Comment FREE 
for a FREE resource that will help you talk to your Pastor about the benefits of having a Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry in your parish!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholic #Rosary #faithandfriendship
Infertility is a part of my life story… But so is Infertility is a part of my life story…
But so is hope, prayer and miracles.

One thing I know helped me through those dark, hard years were reading miracle accounts of others who had faced this same struggle.

I loved reading miracle stories about women and couples longing for a child or children.
The accounts that shared grief, despair and uncertainty but ended with a dream come true… oh how I rejoiced with them!

Reading these true stories gave me hope… if it could happen for others… why not us.

It felt like an eternity… but it wasn’t.

God gave us our miracle… then He did it again (and again).

It really is true… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Don’t give up.
One day, someone will want to hear your miracle story too…

#infertility #lovethemboth #talkaboutadoption #believeinmiracles  #nevergive
Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Cho Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear and resources to support my shopping 🛍️ spree 😂 
Seriously though:
No show socks from @sockreligious LOVE

A Miraculous Medal necklace is my favorite accessory besides my wedding ring of course.

My house needs more crucifixes and @houseofjoppa has some beautiful options 

I love candles and the Easter set from @paxrosashop really caught my eye

My favorite coffee mug is from @thelittleroseshop and I’d love another!

I could go on and on… Comment what you would add!

#Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholic #prayerwinechocolate
Follow on Instagram

Footer

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2026 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316