• 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

Jun 5, 2018
Faith· Resources· The Little Things

My Cute Summer Bag Is Not Just For the Beach

 

This post contains affiliate links.  See more information on my About Me page.

I am soooooo happy the warmer weather is here,

but I am going to miss the structure the school year provides.

I’m looking forward to time on the beach, at my favorite park (it is so peaceful there), morning coffee out on the deck and time at Eucharistic Adoration.

Eucharistic Adoration has been on my mind and heart lately, and I am thinking a regular scheduled visit would be one way to put structure in our family’s summer vacation.

Five Presents You Can Open in His Presence is a blog post I wrote about Adoration

 

Not only do I see value in time away from a screen; I see value in time close to Our Lord.

As a mom of 3 young children ( my oldest is 5), I don’t get much down time.

And, I must admit, the smart phone culture has sucked me in.  I must confess, I look at my phone more than a healthy amount.

That distraction creates a lot of noise in our lives.

The problem I am facing, and maybe you and your family are facing too, is that I can not hear God if I do not hear silence.

The value of silence is so important.  This video, The Value of Silence (click to watch video), featuring Father Mike Schmitz is short and full of information and wisdom!

So, I want to be intentional and really enjoy my time with Jesus.

I started thinking about creating an Adoration Bag – or Prayer Bag and I got really excited!

A bag I can bring to Adoration and use to prayer journal, meditate, read – or possibly not open at all.

A bag I can bring out on the deck with me in the morning with my coffee.

A bag I can bring to the beach if I ever get there alone.

A bag I can bring to the park while I enjoy God’s creation.

My bag was made by RoseSewsbyJennifer check out her Etsy shop!

As part of my excitement about the idea of a prayer bag, I started to brainstorm: what I would put in my bag?

and what would be put in my husband or a teenager’s or even my 5 year old’s prayer bag.

This is what I came up with!

Here are my suggestions for what to put in your Adoration/Prayer bag!

Women:

A prayer journal

I actually love to use an old fashioned composition book (or as I call it a Marble Notebook)

Looking for a more guided journal?  Check out: 10 Best Journals for Busy Women

Inspirational coloring pages – here’s a free one from me if you subscribe to Prayer Wine Chocolate: Love is kind coloring page

Colored Pencils

A pen that writes nice

A book about faith (the ones on my summer reading list are):

The Rosary : The Prayer that Saved My Life by Immaculee Ilibagiza

The Other Side of Beauty by Leah Darrow

One Beautiful Dream by Jennifer Fulwiler

The bag: Tote Bags by RoseSewsbyJennifer

The idea of a “prayer bag is not just for women”!  Here are some suggestions for men, teens and children too!

Men:

A blank journal

A sketch book

Pen and pencils

Spiritual Readings

(A Manual for Spiritual Warfare;

The Catholic Hipster’s Guide)

Bible

A pocket Rosary

The Bag: Vanlison Crossbody Bag

 

 

Teen and Tween Boys:

A blank sketch book 

Boys, from my experience, do not enjoy writing as much as girls.  Encouraging a young man to sketch what he sees in the chapel will help him quiet his mind.

 

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first described this phenomenon as flow: a few moments in time when you are so completely absorbed by an activity that nothing else seems to matter.

Perhaps it won’t be a long moment, but some time to forget whatever might be stressing him out or worrying him . . . will go away.  The hope is in that moment of silence, He will hear God’s voice; or at least, walk away spiritually, mentally and emotionally refreshed.

Lectio Divina for Teens: Reading God’s Messages to You 

 

Although I am still working on a boy’s version of Be Yourself; this book (Lectio Divina for Teens) may be a great tool for your son or God son this summer.

This prayer journal is all about learning to “read” God’s letter to you in the Scriptures, using an ancient prayer method known as lectio divina. In the pages of this journal, you’ll get a crash course in lectio divina, and then you’ll have a chance to practice it yourself.  The seven guided meditation sessions provide readers with the following pre-selected readings – some topics include “Depend on God”, True Friendship and “Seek the Lord”. The full text of each reading is provided right in the journal. In addition, the introduction walks readers through the process of lectio divina using Psalm 23, and a list of additional Scripture texts is provided in the back of the book so that readers can choose their own readings for the seven blank guided journal entries.

A Bible

A Battlebeads Rosary


The bag: CrossBody Bag

Teen and Tween Girls

The Be Yourself Journal

Full of prayer prompts and coloring pages galore.  Some content is light, some is more deep.  Depending on a her mood, she can choose what to do that hour.  I strongly believe the freedom to go anywhere in the book will make her prayer experience more fruitful.

Lots of gel pens and colored pencils.

Pictures, scrapbook supplies and stickers.  The Be Yourself Journal has a two page spread that encourage girls to design their own prayer room; the back of the journal is blank so that it can be personalized and there are quite a few pages that encourage pasting photographs.  For some, this may not be an “adoration activity”; for others, it may be a way that helps Adoration be a time of peace and creative prayer.

An illustrated faith kit and supplies from DaySpring.

I love this Canvas Tote bag from DaySpring and a cute pen and pencil pouch

You can also order a cute zipper pouch from RoseSewsbyJennifer – tell her what pattern you like and she will make a custom one for you!

A Bible

A Rosary Bracelet

The bag: Tote Bags by RoseSewsbyJennifer

I am still brainstorming for what I could put in my 5 year old (who is turning 6 this week!) bag.  Do you have any suggestions??? Please, share!

 

 

 

 




Share324
Tweet
Pin30
Share
354 Shares
Previous Post: « Dear Beautiful Woman Longing to Be a Mother
Next Post: Color Your Summer Happy and Faithful (the Ultimate Guide to How, Why, What and When) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joey says

    June 5, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    We love Lara Casey’s write the word for kids journal! As well as Val Mari papers prayer journals (adults and kids)

    I love the rosary coloring book as well!

    And lots of pretty pens for the littles (and me too)

  2. Alicia says

    June 6, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Great lists and the first two books on your TBR list – I have read them both and you are going to love them. They are such great reads!

    • Amy says

      June 6, 2018 at 9:10 am

      Awesome! Thank you Alicia!!

  3. Chloe says

    June 7, 2018 at 9:22 am

    I love the idea of a bag for adoration – normally I stumble into adoration with my arms full of books!

  4. Maria Cecilia says

    June 7, 2018 at 9:51 am

    Wow.. I love it. The bag is super cute! Great ideas. Thank you so much!

  5. Anni says

    June 10, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    I allow my son to take a composition notebook to Mass with us – I will extend that to Adoration this summer. He also takes his ChewsLife finger Rosary, and we pray it together – just the decade. He’s also been allowed to take a couple books with him – when he was younger, they were any book he wanted to read, but he knew I would only read his faith-based books. Other families I’ve known have brought the Saints books from (I think?) St. Joseph’s Press? The small books, each featuring their own saint…

    For me, I have had (until it broke last year, and I stopped attending Adoration because my kids got too disruptive) a pencil pouch. It held my Rosary and Rosary book, a pocket-sized book with a pen that I loved – whichever one I loved that particular day, a finger Rosary, headphones, and a couple prayer cards. Then, I also take my phone and listen to whatever music stirs my heart with the headphones, on days that I need to listen to some music; other times, I sit quietly and just soak up the Presence without listening to music. The music I play is always worship and praise – or, a fantastic version of the Tantum Ergo and Salutaris by a religious community of sisters.

    These are all great ideas! Thank you for sharing… Your bag is super cute, too!

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

10 Free resources

10 Free resources

10 free resources for subscribers!

10 free resources for subscribers!

GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

God is GOOD! The Jen Fulwiler Show in Philly was s God is GOOD!
The Jen Fulwiler Show in Philly was so much fun!
I am so grateful my friend Amy went with me and I got to see Betsy from @vacationlearning_blog too!
Jen Fulwiler @jenniferfulwiler is so gracious! And what a joy to meet @jordzmakin !
So… a total miracle occurred because I went to this show!
I want to share it with you…. But I want to talk to my husband about it first.
Here’s some encouragement for you though… if you long for friends that share your faith/ that share a passion for our incredible, awesome God- pray that God sends you those friends!
Pray that God sends you Catholic friends!!!
He will!!!
#Catholicfriends #GodisgoodAllthetime
Let’s get together IRL! I opened an email today Let’s get together IRL!
I opened an email today from someone who said she was bummed that this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat is sold out… IT IS NOT!
I wrote back and gave her all the details! Let me know if you want details too!
Also… I am loving my new gray (grey?) Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirt! Available in the shop!!!
FINALLY, Sweater Weather! 😜
#Catholicwoman #sweaterweather
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.
#Godfirst #prayunceasingly
I started reading it because Donnie was my favorit I started reading it because Donnie was my favorite New Kid and I’m a big fan of Mark Wahlberg-within pages I was reading it because it’s truly an incredible testimony. God bless you and your family @jimbow36 ! 

#ad I was given a copy of this book by @osvcatholic in exchange for an honest review. 

#Catholic #CatholicChristian
Pray, hope and don’t worry “ Saint Padre Pio # Pray, hope and don’t worry “ Saint Padre Pio
#Pray #hope #dontworry
Can you tell I’m wearing a “Catholic “ scarf Can you tell I’m wearing a “Catholic “ scarf? It’s from @studio_senn and it’s so perfect for Fall! Last year I tied it to my purse and that looked great too!

What makes me it “Catholic”?
The scarf has a pelican design. The pelican has been a Christian symbol for centuries.

The pelican was believed to pierce its own breast with its beak and feed its young of its blood. It became a symbol of Christ sacrificing himself for man – and because of this was frequently represented in Christian art.

What a beautiful reminder of Christ’s love and potential conversation piece!

This news of the Pelican was completely new to me when I was introduced to this scarf!
Did you ever hear about the Pelican being a Christian symbol?

Studio Senn sent me this scarf last year at my request. I wanted to include it in my Christmas gift guide. Did you see it there?
 
#theology #catholicfashion
Interested in attending this year’s Prayer Wine Interested in attending this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?
If yes, sign go up for my newsletter! I am about to send an email today with details!!!
Let’s gather together to pray and rejuvenate our souls!

Photos taken by @nadiapittmanphoto 
#Catholic #catholicretreat
Matt and I watched Nefarious last night. And when Matt and I watched Nefarious last night.
And when it was over we sat in silence for a noticeable amount of time.

If you are unfamiliar with the movie, it’s a fictitious story but at least one Catholic exorcist has stated that is really does depict the intelligence of demons and the way a person can become possessed. 

The same exorcist said the other recently released movie, The Pope’s Exorcist, is NOT a good or true portrayal of demonic possession.

Friends, we need the Sacraments.
We need prayer.
We need to fast and we need to be aware of what our culture claims to be acceptable or harmless.
The battle is real.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…

#Catholic #Catholiccontent
Check out @catholicsonline for more info #Catholic Check out @catholicsonline for more info
#Catholics #Catholicinfluencers #catholicinstagram
We almost didn’t go. There were a score of reaso We almost didn’t go. There were a score of reasons that cited being responsible. I’m so glad we went.
#CSLewis #Catholic
Hi friends! For those of you that don’t know, my Hi friends! For those of you that don’t know, my name is Amy Brooks and I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog about 7 years ago!
I’m so happy to know that you also enjoy Prayer 🙏 Wine 🍷 and of course Chocolate 🍫!
I sent out a newsletter to subscribers today. In case you missed it, here’s a glimpse of what was in the newsletter:
1. Today’s my birthday 🥳 so I put all digital products in my shop on sale!!!!
One day only- don’t miss it!

2. I read Jim Wahlberg’s book The Big Hustle in one day! I mean, it might have been a slight hustle on my part when I asked OSV to send it to me (I had one poster hung up in my room as a teen- that poster was Donnie Wahlberg) and I’m a huge Mark Wahlberg fan (have you seen Father Stu yet?!???) but WOW. I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. Much of what he shared about his family- was very close to home. I also have to share that there is an incredible community that helps addicts that I heard about twice this week. Not only from Jim Wahlberg’s book, but also Father Donald Calloway’s testimony- it’s called Communita Cenacola. I highly recommend we all get to know more about this organization.
@jimbow36 @fr.donaldh.c 

3. I’m booking speaking events! I already have one booked for 2024! If you think I could inspire your community in some way, let’s chat! Just send me a message, I’m happy to talk 🙂

4. Anyone going to see Jen Fulwiler in Philly? Perhaps it could be a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering?! Let me know!
@jenniferfulwiler 

Some photos taken by @nadiapittmanphoto 

#Catholic #Catholicsonline #catholicinfluencers
Currently in the Top 100 on Amazon’s Children’ Currently in the Top 100 on Amazon’s Children’s Inspirational Books category!!!
Let’s celebrate with a SALE!
If you want the Bible Study Guide I wrote that pairs perfectly with this book for only $10.00 comment SOLD and I’ll send you a message! 
(Regular price is $39.50!)
#Catholicyouth #catholicidentity
Take a deep breath. Now thank God for that! What w Take a deep breath. Now thank God for that!
What was the last thing you ate or drank and you thought, this is good?! Thank God for that!
Who was the last person you smiled at? Thank God for her or him!
#Catholic
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.
#CatholicChristian
We have mixed feelings about the start of school 😂 
But on a serious note…
When I started to blog… when I first began “Prayer Wine Chocolate “, my husband and I had one adorable little boy and the dream of a bigger family.
Now look! This week our 3 children started another school year!
I thought I was going to share a checklist about how to adopt without an agency… and God showed me how much more important it is to share the gift of faith and the importance of prayer.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!
And I just love how His mother- Our Blessed Mother- revealed her presence and love along the journey too.
Being a Christian is not easy at times… but this life is only the beginning…
Here’s the checklist:
✔️ Keep praying and dreaming BIG
✔️ Keep asking others to pray for you (on earth and in heaven)
✔️ Believe and stay faithful- our faith is a gift. The Sacraments are a gift. The Rosary is a gift. Wine and chocolate- also gifts
✔️ God’s power and love are greater than we could ever imagine.
Let’s keep praying together!
Drop you ur intentions in the comments… and let us pray for one another!
#keeppraying #JesusisLord #ChristtheKing #MostSacredHeartofJesus #DivineMercy
Being a good Christian… a good Catholic Christia Being a good Christian… a good Catholic Christian, requires confidence in Christ! Let’s help build confident young women who are assured they are LOVED!
#beyourselfjournal #Catholicmom
Buy a copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Buy a copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys from me today and get the Boy’s Bible Study (digital download) for FREE!
How? Type SOLD below and I’ll send you a message!
Can’t wait to give away this awesome Bible Study to a few people today!!!
#Catholic #Catholicyouth
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 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 darkness, light;
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 love.
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.
For the majority of my teaching career, I began every class with this prayer.
I started doing this because I heard a story about how one high school for boys had a problem with a growing number of fights happening between students. As a way to battle this, the administrators started praying this Peace Prayer every day over the school’s intercom system.
The results were dramatic- no more fights.
Perhaps we should all pray this prayer more often…
#Catholic #Prayerjournal
Friends- and family- enter the G I V E A W A Y S ! Friends- and family- enter the G I V E A W A Y S ! 
One thing I have always loved doing is hosting one every year around Christmas! I love gathering Catholic gifts and sharing them with you! I love sending out a huge box of gifts to a winner each year!
This year - I entered and WON a contest hosted by the sweetest blogger @conservamome !!
We won these tickets and had the best time as a family at @hersheypark and @hersheyschocolateworld !
I was so sad to leave!!!
What a blessing it was to see our children enjoying the rides with us and with one another! The loved @zooamerica too!
It was such a great day! Oh - 😂- and one of the workers noticed my shirt on that new Reece’s ride/experience… and watched him read my Prayer Wine Chocolate shirt and react with a smile 😂 
Love it!
Milton Hershey and I actually share the same birthday.
Him and his wife probably struggled with infertility… they actually started a school and home for orphans that still is open today.
Anyway- enter the G I V E A W A Y S! They help small businesses- and you might actually WIN!
Thank you Elia and Hershey!!!
#chocolateworld #Catholicblogger
1. Plan a DAYTIME date! I don’t know about you, 1. Plan a DAYTIME date! I don’t know about you, but I get tired pretty early. See if you can use a personal day from work and visit a winery or go into a quaint town for lunch.
2. Get tickets to see a comedian! Matt and I have seen @brianregancomedian and @officialkathleenmadigan in the past… @keithalby is on our list - we hope to see his show LIVE one day too!
3. Go “leafing” I asked my husband for an idea- this was what he said 😂 
4. Fire pit and stargazing.
5. Movie night! I highly recommend Father Stu. I actually still want to see Nefarious but that’s probably not the best date night idea… leave your movie suggestions below!
#Catholicwife #Catholicmom
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2023 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316