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a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

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About Amy Brooks

About Me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Most posts contained links that allow me to earn commission if you shop through those links.

I am a 44 year-old wife and mom to three AMAZING children!  My husband and I became parents through the blessings of adoption after our journey through infertility. I am a dreamer, a believer and a constant work in progress. I am all about setting goals and going for it.

I believe in life’s abundance, the Lord’s love for each and every individual and that every day is a new beginning that can be filled with hope.

For as long as I can remember, my faith has been my parachute, bridge, comfort and lens.

I always dreamed about becoming a wife and mother, but the journey to those destinations were not the routes I had envisioned. As I traveled here, I had the opportunity of losing myself in my passion for teaching, the honor of coaching many young athletes in track and cross country and the privilege of earning my Master’s Degree in History.

I recently wrote and published a book,

 Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls

I love coffee. I love chocolate. I LOVE wine.

I truly appreciate a comedian that makes me laugh without making me feel uncomfortable. I am a sucker for romantic comedies. I wish my house was cleaner and I wish I were more organized. I’ve been a runner since I was in eighth grade, although lately my motivation needs a boost.  I absolutely love history and my Catholic, Christian faith.  Living right outside of Philadelphia, I try to be a “tourist” in my home town as much as possible!

Listen to Leah Darrow interview me on her podcast: Do Something Beautiful!

I am passionate about relationships (with the Lord and the friends and family He has given me), adoption, and the pro-life movement. I strongly believe that love and truth will find a way, and I often ask God to make me an instrument of His peace.

I believe in miracles. I hope the stories I share give hope, laughter and a renewed sense of gratitude for all of life’s gifts.

About Prayer, Wine, Chocolate

What is “Prayer, Wine, Chocolate”?

The name Prayer, Wine, Chocolate surfaced from a group of my friends who got together regularly for the Rosary . . . and wine and chocolate.  We once were reminescing about all the intentions we had prayed together for and how many prayers were answered and thought, “we could write a book”.  We discussed what the title would be and prayer, wine, chocolate seemed like the perfect fit.  We never wrote the book, but I did start this blog! (Read more: Rosary Group and The Origins of Prayer, Wine and Chocolate)

Prayer, Wine, Chocolate is a blog about my Spiritual Journey to Motherhood and Beyond.

I originally started the blog to share how my husband and I were networking to adopt a second child.  Since money is and was tight, our second adoption journey did not involve an agency.  Our second adoption became our second and third adoption . . . and I learned that faith is the most important aspect of the journey. I thought that what I would share would be organizations to connect with and the best ways to network, I discovered connecting with Our Lord through prayer and growing closer to our Blessed Mother far surpasses our own plans and to-do lists!

Pursuing Adoption Without an Agency: What We Did Right

Here more about our adoption journey on the Infant Adoption Guide Podcast 

I share stories of faith and seek to inspire everyone who reads my writing.  I feel like the Lord just wants us to grow closer to Him and that so much joy and hope comes from that relationship.  I believe Catholics can learn a lot from other Christians – especially how to embrace fellowship.

At Prayer, Wine, Chocolate I try to invoke unity among all people and spread a love for the culture of life. I strongly encourage Catholic fellowship.  I believe both our faith and lives should be celebrated!  At the same time, I have faced depression – I want people to know that God wants all of us to hope for a better future and believe that He will provide.

Prayer, Wine, Chocolate is also about my love of wine and pairing it with food.  I hope to write more about wine in general; pairing wine with food, and wine tasting.  I dream of one day traveling to Italy!

I am extremely interested in freelance writing opportunities and writing sponsored posts. I enjoy reaching out to people through articles, videos and social media platforms.

I am available to lead Prayer Journaling Workshops 

and give talks on topics such as

 The Power of Prayer in the Pro-life Movement (the Spiritual Adoption Prayer)

Prayer Journaling

Considering Adoption to grow your family? What you need to know to get started

Finding Yourself and Your Mission through Your Interests and Ta lents.

How to “Be Yourself” – Who you are meant to be and why you are so important!

– if interested, email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com.

If you would like to know more about my family’s adoption journey; or are looking for support or answered questions about infant domestic adoption; check out our adoption support group on Facebook: The Rose Garden: Adoption Support Group for Catholic Christians.

I look forward to getting to know you on this exciting adventure! Please feel free to email me anytime at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com Looking forward to hearing from you! 

What is “Prayer, Wine, Chocolate”?

About CatholicsOnline.net

Catholic Social Media Influencers started as a group I created on Facebook, and has now grown into a website called CatholicsOnline.net.   Much more is in store for the future with this amazing group of both men and women who write, own businesses, create products and more.  If you are interested in working with our group, which is an extremely supportive community, and if you are a “Catholic Social Media Influencer”; please contact us!

If you are a business or organization seeking exposure through our influencers, here is the best way to get in touch: Contact Catholic Social Media Influencers

If you are a media influencer and would like to be included in the directory, apply here: Become a member and listed in the Directory!

Advertising Disclosure:

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 Some pages on this site or in our emails may contain advertisements or affiliate links for which I am compensated (not only Amazon). I try to keep these relevant and few in number, but they help me to continue to provide this service.

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Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

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GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

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 🙂

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of th In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to live.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 
Amen.

#catholicsocialmedia #catholicsonline #prayerwinechocolate #Catholicinfluencer
Boys truly like these books and magazines!! #Catho Boys truly like these books and magazines!!
#Catholickid #Catholicschool #Catholicmom #faithbooks
You are the average of the five people you spend t You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," popularized by Jim Rohn, suggests that your mindset, behaviors, and success are heavily influenced by your closest  circle. These individuals shape your habits, energy, and future by acting as a reflection of your own choices and environment. 

I don’t know who Jim Rohn is, but my guess is Saint Francis DeSales would agree with him.

#Catholic #Saintquote #Catholicfamily #Catholickids
I DARE you to join me… I DARE you to join me…
“What does God want me to do??!!!@ Ever ask this “What does God want me to do??!!!@

Ever ask this question?
I feel like I’ve been asking it my whole life.

Some of the best advice I have gotten have been from Saints.

God has a plan for each of us. We are all called to holiness… but we do not all go by the same path (wise words from Saint Katharine Drexel).

The quotes I included in the Be Yourself Journal are actionable, doable and clear.

Want to know what other quotes or advice are inside? Comment MORE and I’ll share more!

#Catholic #Catholicfamily #Catholicjournal #saintquote #Saintquotes
Prayer for Private devotion. Years ago I heard Sai Prayer for Private devotion.
Years ago I heard Saint Gianna’s daughter give a talk and I thought, “her dad sounds like a Saint!”
I’m happy to see her inviting us to participate in the work of promoting the glorification of his soul.
You can report graces received through the invocation of his help by writing to:
Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla Foundation
4502 36th Ave. NE, Reile’s Acres
Fargo, ND 58102 

#Catholicmom #Catholicdad
If you know the next line, comment below ⬇️ I’m If you know the next line, comment below ⬇️ 

I’m thinking I need to pray this one more often…

#praymore #loveGod #catholicsofinstagram
Want to host one? Want to start a parish group? C Want to host one? Want to start a parish group?

Comment ONE TIME or PARISH and I’ll send you more information!

Want a friend or friends to help? Tag them and share in your stories!!!

#Catholicwomen #PrayerWineChocolate #Catholicfriends #Catholicwoman #CatholicChristian
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of th In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

“Go home and love your family.” ~ Saint Teresa of Calcutta 

Share so more people pray!
Type Amen if you prayed!
Comment BABY if you want the free printable prayer Comment BABY if you want the free printable prayer!
Let’s pray together now!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph
I love you very much.
I beg of you to spare the life of______ (choose a name)
the unborn baby I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion.
Amen.

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

#quickprayers #Catholicmom #Catholic #Catholicwoman #ComeHolySpirit
Pray a 23 second prayer for the unborn and be AMAZ Pray a 23 second prayer for the unborn and be AMAZED by our Awesome God!
Praise be the name of Jesus!
Venerable Fulton Sheen, pray for us!

#prayfortheunborn #nationaldayofprayer #marchforlife #lovethemboth #FultonSheen
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!

#Catholic #GNO #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #catholicmom
I LOVE this shop!!! @novenaroseco Whether you’re I LOVE this shop!!!
@novenaroseco 
Whether you’re looking for a personalized gifts, practical gifts with just the right dose of holy humor or a group of gifts for your Board of Directors you will be pleased with the work and options made available by Jennifer and John!

Give @novenaroseco a follow and remember them when you’re shopping 🛍️!

#Catholicpriest #Catholic #Catholicgifts #catholicbusiness #personalizedgifts
Jesus, Mary and Joseph I love you very much . . . Jesus, Mary and Joseph
I love you very much . . .
 
#HolyFamily #JesusMaryandJoseph #Catholicprayer #itsawonderfullife
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.
Jesus wants us all to be with Him… and He’s fun. He loves a birthday party… and a wedding 😉 
💧 —> 🍷 
Should I write more details?

#SaintNick #istillbelieve #christmasisaseason #catholicsofinstagram
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