• 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
  • Coloring Pages from BE YOURSELF A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Shop

Mar 21, 2018
Faith· Life

Dear Beautiful 13 Year Old Me . . .

 

This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my About Me page for more details.

Not to long ago, Lindsay Trezza from Just Love Prints posed a question on Facebook.  She asked,

What advice would you give your middle school self? 

I thought, well, I wrote a whole book to answer that one.  But I thought, maybe I should seriously consider this question, shorten my answer from 100 pages … and give the world a peak into the Be Yourself Journal and the motivation behind it.

Being 11, 12, 13 and beyond is etched into my memory and heart in all sorts of ways.  It is and was and will always be a difficult age.  Some of us struggle more than others, but most of us do not realize how much our peers are experiencing the same growing pains.  We tend to learn years later how we had more in common with our peers than not.

But at the same time, there is a beautiful innocence at this age.  I remember the questions I had, the music and colors I was attracted to and the dreams I dreamt.  As a teacher, I truly enjoyed teaching 9th grade the best.  So much hope, purity and joy can be found in most children that age.  I have a special place for them in my heart.  The Be Yourself Journal is a gift to young girls that age.  A tool to help them see the joy and light in their own life and a manual to help them navigate their growing relationship with the Lord. Plus, there are lots of added elements that make it fun and enjoyable.

If I could speak to my middle school self, I would say:

I know you don’t think you are beautiful, but, you are beautiful.

How many times have you heard, “you look just like your mom”?  For some reason, you hate hearing it – because you don’t see it.  But the truth is, other people do see it.  And when you look at your mom, you see a beautiful woman.  You might be jealous that her teeth are straighter than yours, but please – minor detail.  You’ll get braces, chill with that.  Every woman sees flaws in themselves.  Happy women don’t focus on them. No matter how gorgeous a woman is, she loses her sight of that beauty when she begins to compare.  Models bring themselves down by comparison.  Not feeling pretty enough because of envying others will never bring joy and happiness.  Know that you are “wonderfully made” and radiate a beauty only you can radiate.

 

Be grateful for all the little things.

I know you wish for things and pray for things and don’t see the answers you long for, BUT -that breath you just took – that was a gift from God.  Thank Him for it. That beautiful Japanese Maple outside on your front lawn, thank God for it. When you’re walking to school and it’s not raining, that God for the nice weather and the time to just “be”.  Take those moments to truly thank God for His creation.  It doesn’t take much time to say, “Thank you God for ________”.  Give God that time and attention.  When you are grateful for the little things, joy becomes more common in life.  Breathe and thank God he gave you life. I know you think it could be better – but a grateful heart focuses on the good.  Gratitude will open the door for joy, peace and happiness.

The Be Yourself Journal includes a mini gratitude journal!

The only thing you need to worry about is how much you are loving the people closest to you. 

A page from Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls (Love Section)

You worry about a lot of things. Padre Pio, a great saint, stated simply, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”  The Lord wants you to love – and that simply means, be kind and patient.  Be kind and patient with your parents, your siblings, your teammates and your classmates.  Mother Teresa once said if we want to bring peace to the world, we should go home and love our families. Give compliments every day. Tell your mom what food you enjoyed at dinner and tell her she did a great job making it! Find something to praise in each of your family members daily. For now, that is your God given mission – to love the people He has placed around you. All the other things that worry you – tell Jesus in a simple prayer.  Say, “Dear Jesus I am upset and worried about ______” and then try your best to leave it in His hands.  It’s not easy, but do your best.  The Lord does not want you to occupy your mind with worries.

Speaking of loving your family, go color with your sister.

First of all, you have a sister – what a beautiful gift to be grateful for!  She is a love and she’s six – I bet she has a coloring book.  Ask her to color with you.  Spend time with her and spend time coloring.   Not only will you make your sister happy, you’ll learn to relax a little. Maybe.  Try not to abort mission when she asks you to play a board game you hate.  Remember, kind and patient – repeat that, “kind and patient”.

One of the twenty coloring pages in the Be Yourself Journal (Saint John Paul II quote)

Don’t give up.

As your future self, I am happy to say, you do not need me to tell you this.  Your perseverance in continuing to play sports when it seemed like “it wasn’t your bag”, your constant dreaming of life getting better and the way you hold onto your faith enables you to flourish, excel and achieve great things.  You did this right.  Encourage others to do the same.

Be generous with forgiveness

Courtesy of Reconciledtoyou.com

People are going to hurt your feelings.  Some of those people are family members.  Others are the “popular” students in school and athletes and teammates.  Forgive them – even if they are not sorry.  There will be times in life when you won’t have to be forgiving someone new or for a new thing every single day.  Unfortunately, this time period of your life will make you feel like this is expected often.  It’s not fair, but it is what it is.  Forgiveness is not just your duty as  a Christian, it is also a gift that frees up space in your heart for more joy.  Grudges are heavy burdens- don’t carry them. Remember, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him . Ask Him for help when it is difficult. And be generous with forgiving yourself as well.

The Be Yourself has a number of “Saint Spotlights” (modeled after Senior Spotlights in some Yearbooks). These pages have a letter from the saint with advice and encouragement. Other saints featured include Saint Therese’, Mother Teresa, Saint Elizabeth of Hungry, Saint Katharine Drexel and Saint Catherine of Siena.

God made you on purpose and for a purpose.

You were created to fulfill a mission only you can fulfill.  Every time you trust the Lord – even when you don’t understand “why???” – you get closer to seeing it.  You have no idea right now how important, powerful and influential your example and witness to your faith is – it would blow your mind.  Trust me, your effort to do God’s will and be the best version of yourself is not in vain.

When thinking about your life and how to “be yourself” remember: everyone is called to holiness, but our roads look different. We do not all go by the same path.  We are called to love.  We are called to bring God’s peacefulness to the world.

Dream about your future with hope and keep your heart open.”

Taken from the Saint Spotlight page featuring Saint Katharine Drexel

 in the Be Yourself Journal

One day you will look back and see just how your blind obedience was the hand of God:

My Stupid Talent Was a Great Blessing

It’s okay to enjoy life!  Embrace imagination, creativity and the talent of others!

Right now you probably have a few favorite songs, a celebrity crush and some dreams and goals.  That is great!  As long as those things don’t lead you to sin, enjoy!  Smiling can be contagious, embrace the talent of others!  The people that write the songs you enjoy, the tv shows that make you laugh and the clothes that you’d love to wear are using the talents that God has given them – celebrate it with them.  There is more to life than that boy you want to have a crush on you.  There is way more to life than feeling popular.  Don’t let what you don’t have be a distraction to all that brings joy, peace and inspiration.

A page from Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls (Prayer Section)

This page is followed by two pages with a bare bones illustration of a room. Girls are encouraged to have some fun with room design while thinking about how they prefer to pray.

 

Need a letter for your daughter to read, consider Dear Beautiful Girl Trying to Find Herself

Not sure your daughter would journal, here’s some tips: How to Get Your Tech Loving Teen to Prayer Journal

The Be Yourself Journal and Relics by Rose necklace

Would you like to view the entire journal?  Check it out at Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls ( scroll down and watch the video at the bottom of the page).

Consider giving the Be Yourself Journal as an Easter gift!  Pair it with some fun and inspiring journal supplies.  These products from DaySpring are a perfect addition!

Illustrates Faith Journal Supplies from DaySpring



Share138
Tweet
Pin95
Share
233 Shares
Previous Post: « 21 Confirmation Gifts That Are Holy, Trendy and Look Great in Easter Baskets Too!
Next Post: The Chocolate Retreat You Don’t Want to Miss! »

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!

prayerwinechocolate

Dear Lord, help me to be who you want me to be and Dear Lord, help me to be who you want me to be and set the world ablaze!!!
#CatholicScripture #Catholicreels #Catholicprayers #quickprayer #Jesusandcoffee #Morningprayer #Showmetheway
On vacation; just happen to be staying in a house On vacation; just happen to be staying in  a house next to a church that organizes an incredible celebration for the feast of the Assumption every year! 

My mother once mentioned to me that being near the ocean on this holy day is extra special.

And the day was extra special because I ran into an old friend… Sister Lisa!

20 years ago I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Sister and a lovely group of high school girls. I hold those 2 weeks in a very special place in my heart.
God is good.

Have you ever done anything like this ? Tell me in the comments!!!

@yellaphant I mentioned you and Sister says hi!!!

#MotherMary #Oceancity #Blessingofthesea #Catholic #starofthesea #praymore #believe #godisgoodallthetime
#GoodmorningJesus #Catholic #Sunday #RomanCatholic #GoodmorningJesus #Catholic #Sunday #RomanCatholic #catholic
There is so much I’d love to tell you about the There is so much I’d love to tell you about the 12 year old girl who colored these pictures. 

But, I hear in my heart those moments in Scripture where “Mary pondered these things in her heart”. 

What I was assured of this week by the example of more than one “junior high student “ is this…. 12 year old girls still love to color.

I mean, let’s be honest… I still love to color.

In honor of these young souls… coupled with the belief that every seed of faith we sow matters… 

the 20 coloring pages from the girl’s Be Yourself Journal are on sale this week!
I hope they bring you and others joy and hope!!!
Post pics when they are done and tag me!!!!
I’d love to see them!!!

#catholiccoloringpages #Catholicjuniorhigh #Catholicmiddleschool #ClassicalCatholic #Catholicyouth #youthministry #Catholicart #Catholicquotes
Even Jesus had a rough day when He was 12! Meet yo Even Jesus had a rough day when He was 12!
Meet your child exactly where he or she is with the Be Yourself Journals!!!!
Link in bio!
#tweengirl #parentingtweens #CatholicChristian #Catholichome #catholicinstagram
You and I both know that the Rosary is not just fo You and I both know that the Rosary is not just for white haired Grandmas… but how do we convince our friends and loved ones to embrace this powerful prayer and meditation on the life of Our Lord Jesus?

Honestly, with me in my 20’s… it started by being a gathering of broken hearts.

I was lonely, another friend was going through infertility, another was stuck in the past so much it affected her daily life… another found herself facing an unplanned pregnancy.

When you hit rock bottom, you grasp at anything that could possibly pull you up.

For us, that was the Rosary.
How? One friend suggested it because her Mom had a rosary group she attended for years. Another (me) said “yes, let’s do it”.

If you have a friend who is deep in sorrow… go to her with a Rosary and offer to pray with her.

If this is a person who may be reluctant, bring wine. Offer one glass and two listening ears.
The Lord and His Mother will do the rest.

If you want more guidance, check out my Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide! Link in bio 🙏🍷🍫.
#Rosary #PraytheRosary #prayerwinechocolate #bissisterhood #Catholicfriends #Catholicprayer #Catholic #Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholicwomen
Saint Padre Pio, pray for us! #prayhopeanddontworr Saint Padre Pio, pray for us!
#prayhopeanddontworry #PadrePio #servegodwithlaughter #Catholicmeme #Catholicmemes #Catholicwife #Catholicmom
Do you have dietary restrictions but would like to Do you have dietary restrictions but would like to attend the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

In the past I have received messages inquiring about the food that is included in the registration cost of the retreat.
This year, I’m happy to announce that the vineyard serving our lunch is extremely accommodating for those who have strict diets.

Here’s what’s on the menu for the 2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat:

The 'standard' lunch is a duet of sandwiches -- half turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato, muenster & honey mustard, and half a baguette sandwich with tomato, mozzarella, and basil oil. 

Accompanying the sandwiches is a seasonal mixed greens salad with dried fruit and cheese (and sometimes nuts are included as well). 

If anyone has an allergy to nuts or cheese we serve their salad without it of course. 
Also, for dairy allergies, they would receive a full turkey wrap WITHOUT cheese (and none of the tomato-mozzarella baguette).

Gluten-free guests receive tuna salad on a bed of greens.

Vegetarian guests receive a full tomato-mozzarella baguette (and no turkey wrap).

Vegan guests receive a roasted vegetable and hummus wrap.

Still have concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Limited spots are available! Register soon before the event sells out! Link in bio!

#Catholic #Catholicretreat #Catholicwoman #SaintGianna #ourladyofczestochowa
2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat registration op 2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat registration open…
#prayerwinechocolate #Catholicretreat #Catholicdayofreflection #dayofreflection #Catholicwoman #Catholicmotherhood
God created so much for us to enjoy! How amazing i God created so much for us to enjoy!
How amazing is it that all of creation was created for us?!

I hear “God loves you” often. 

I believe that God loves us more than we can imagine.

However, sometimes I forget to contemplate the magnitude of that truth.

When I was writing the first Be Yourself Journal, I came across this in the catechism and I had to include it in both the girl’s and the boy’s journals:

“God created everything for man but man in turn was created to serve and love God and to offer all creation back to him…

the heavens and the earth, the sea and all the rest of creation exist for him.”

This summer, our family is taking time to indulge and embrace just a sliver of this incredible gift.

In what ways do you enjoy God’s creation? Share your favorite ways to enjoy nature in when comments!
#Allofcreation #Catechism #Catholicteaching #Catholicteacher #Catholicinspiration #InstaCatholic #bissisterhood #Liturgical #Catholicmom #beyourselfjournal
Rejoice in God’s creation today!!! Share what yo Rejoice in God’s creation today!!!
Share what you are rejoicing in below!
#Catechism #Catholic #Biblequotes #readyourbible #bibleinayear
God's love for each of us is unimaginable. It's so God's love for each of us is unimaginable.
It's so intense.  It's so real.  It's just as much for you as an individual as it is for any other person.

When I was in my early 20's, I would often to go a neighboring parish for daily Mass before I went to work as a camp counselor.

The old priest would constantly remind us of this verse and express to each person in the pew how much God loves us.

It touched my heart.
I want it to touch yours too.
#Godsloveisreal #Scripture #Biblequotes #Catholicblog #Catholicspeaker #Catholic #Catholiccontent #CatholicChristian #instainspiration
Just sitting here laughing at my own jokes 🤪 Al Just sitting here laughing at my own jokes 🤪
Always remember Rule #6: Never take yourself to seriously! 
#Catholicblog #Catholiconline #prolife #Catholic #Catholicsocialmedia #Catholicwoman
The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held i The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held in 2016.
That year participants visited the place where Saint Katharine Drexel lived, worked and prayed for most of her life. Shortly after that retreat the property was sold and Saint Katharine Drexel’s Shrine was moved into Philadelphia where it continues to be today.

Since 2016, Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreats have been held almost every year. We’ve visited the National Shrines of Saint Gianna, Padre Pio, Our Lady of @czestochowa_shrine and have participated in an out door Mass on the grounds of a vineyard.

In the past, we have visited one shrine and two vineyards.

This year, we will visit two shrines and one vineyard.

So far, each person who has registered has been to a previous Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat.
I’m so grateful that this event has become a day women look forward to!

Space is limited! The Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat has sold out each year!!!

Feel free to ask questions in the comments.
Reserve your spot today!
Link in bio 🙏🍷🍫❤️
#Catholicretreat #prayerwinechocolate #Catholic #Catholics #Catholicfriends #Walkingwithpurpose #praytheRosary #Catholicmass #Catholicshrine
So excited… REGISTRATION is now open for the Pra So excited… REGISTRATION is now open for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!!!!
🙏 🍷 🍫 
Link in bio!!!
#Catholicretreat #Catholicwomen #Catholicfriends #bissisterhood #Catholicfellowship #prayerwinechocolate #Retreatinpa #visitbuckscounty #Catholicmom #Catholicblog #Catholicwife #ourladyofguadalupe
Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is a grea Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is a great way to encourage your son to write this summer!!
Link in bio; also available on Amazon, at @osvcatholicbooks and @barnesandnoble online!
#Saintquotes #Catholicmom #Catholickids #catholicyouthministry #CatholicChristian #Catholicbooks #Catholicjournal #Catholichome #catholiceducation #catholichomeschool
My husband Matt gives each of our children a bless My husband Matt gives each of our children a blessing before they go to bed at night.
I asked him if his parents did that … and he said, “no”.

He said that his father would bless him with holy water in church, so he was doing that with our son one day and the priest who said Mass saw him do it. The priest then told Matt, “you know, a parent blessing his or her child is one of the few blessings a lay person has the authority to give.” 

Since then, he has given them a blessing almost daily.
The words he uses as he makes the sign of the cross on their foreheads are:
“God bless and protect my son (daughter)
Keep him (her)safe, good and holy and protect him (her) from all evil, Amen.”
I might have to ask him or the kids what I’m missing or if I messed that up a little… but you get the idea.
Bless your children!

I read that a blessing realigns our world with heaven by acknowledging all is a gift.

Do you bless your children? Did your parents bless you?
#blessing #Catholic #Catholicmom #Catholicparenting #gentleparenting #Catholicchristian #prayerwinechocolate #Catholicdad #hallowapp #coffeeandprayers
Type the next line of the prayer in the comments! Type the next line of the prayer in the comments!
#praymore #praywithoutceasing #prayalways #Catholicprayers #Catholicsaints
Hi there!!!! I am so happy you are here and we ar Hi there!!!! 
I am so happy you are here and we are connected on “the gram”!

My name is Amy Brooks… and I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog with the intention to share how my husband and I grew our family through adoption-without signing up with an adoption agency.

I also wanted to create gift guides that had Catholic gifts on it.

I share this today because my word of the year is “laugh” and when I thought of posting a “Friday introduction “ I immediately recalled the saying:
“Want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!”

What starting this blog has led to- through the grace of God- has been amazing!
I realized that I had what @jenniferfulwiler would call a blue flame inside of me - writing.
Once again, I have to laugh because my English grade in 8th grade was so bad my dad pulled me off the soccer team and when I started college I had to take a remedial English class. God has reminded me over and over again that through Him all things are possible!

One of the greatest experiences in this journey has been meeting incredible people who love the Lord and who are truly kind and compassionate. It was through meeting @windhovering Jerry Windley-Doust that motivated me to write the Be Yourself Journals that our now published by @osvcatholicbooks . I also have been extremely blessed by the community of Catholic Social Media now known as @catholicsonline . If you are trying to evangelize or minister with the help of social media, I invite you to join us! 

I’m the oldest of 5. I asked my brother to give a speech at my wedding reception because I think he’s so funny that he truly could be a stand-up comedian. He ended up giving a speech so touching, I published part of it one boy’s Be Yourself Journal. He also cracked everybody at the wedding up 😂.

Somewhere in this group of pictures there is a picture of my parents. In that picture, my dad has his face painted. One of my siblings overheard him talking about him having this done as a “once in a lifetime experience “! 😂 He’s 72… apparently last weekend was his first opportunity to have this done.

Ps. My younger son recently asked me if I had water when I was a kid. He then asked me if soap was invented yet.
SUMMER JOURNALING can be fun!! I have 2 Be Yourse SUMMER JOURNALING can be fun!!

I have 2 Be Yourself: a Catholic Journal for Girls in stock and only a handful of the boy’s journals in stock!

I’m jumping on the #smalloverprime specials and anyone who purchases (or donates) a journal in the next 24 hours will get the coloring pages download for free!!!
That’s 20 inspirational quote coloring pages!!!! And trust me- they are fun for all ages!

Plus… this is the last day you can get the Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide for over 40%off! 

Links are in my bio!
Happy Summer 😎🍉🕶🌻☀️!
#Catholiccoloringpages #Catholicinspiration #shopCatholic #Catholicjournal #boysjournal #kidsjournal #booksfortweens #Catholicwoman #Catholicfellowship #Catholicretreat
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Catholic Ads

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2022 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316