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Jul 13, 2017
Resources

Don’t Take My Word For It: 9 Inspiring People Share Incredible Stories of Faith, Joy and Hope

Don't Take My Word For It- 9 Inspiring People Share Incredible Stories of Faith, Joy and Hop

Just a few days ago I published a letter titled Dear Beautiful Woman Who Stopped Going to Church.

That letter got me thinking that there are many people out there that might be considering returning to their faith, or turning toward faith for the first time; but may need to hear the words of someone who was once in his or her shoes.

So, I asked around and got some suggestions.  Some of these books I have read.  Some I now want to read! Check out this list, and consider reading one that tugs your heart!

All of us could grow closer to God.  He thirsts for us – all of us!

Here are some resources for those searching for a reason to return to their faith, their church or a more focused prayer life!

Highly Recommended:

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Something Other than God: How I Passionately Sought Happiness and Accidentally Found It

 

Jennifer Fulwiler tells her story of how she came from a atheist background but eventually found faith and joy.  I have yet to read this book, but it sparked my interest – especially since it is described as “often funny” and I love a good laugh.  Many people have told me they loved this book.  It is on the top of my “to read” list.  I hope you pick it up and read it as well!  Let me know what you think of it when you do!

 

Books written by my friends!

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Rising With Roses

Dr. Monique Ruberu shares how most of her life she was a “cafeteria Catholic” where she picked and chose which parts of the faith she would accept and embrace.  Her marriage almost ended . . . then came a huge change which she shares in this book.

 

 

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Once I Was Blind

The author, Kimberly Cook, explains that this book is written for:

 those who are outside the Christian faith, outside the Catholic Church, or simply feeling distant and questioning if God is really here . . .

Once I Was Blind is a fascinating story about one man’s search for truth.  He left the Catholic Church and tried out many other faiths.  He spend some time engaging in occult practices.

 

The Book that was recommended over and over again:

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Rome Sweet Home

Scott Hahn was a Presbyterian minister and militantly anti-Catholic … until he reluctantly began to discover that his “enemy” had all the right answers. Kimberly, also a top-notch theology student in the seminary, is the daughter of a well-known Protestant minister, and went through a tremendous “dark night of the soul” after Scott converted to Catholicism. Their conversion story and love for the Church has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of lukewarm Catholics and brought them back into an active participation in the Church.

Authors I have read and highly recommend

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 Immaculee Ilibagiza

I loved Immaculee’s Led By Faith.  My friend Anni from A Beautiful Camouflaged Mess of a Life highly recommends Our Lady of Kibeho.  Anni says the book is:

a gentle reminder that there is something bigger than us out there.

Immaculee’s first book is the incredible story of how she survived genocide.

Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

I am currently reading Immaculee’s  The Rosary: The Prayer That Saved My Life. 

Talk about an inspiring personal testimony!

Immaculée Ilibagiza believes that praying the rosary spared her from being slaughtered during the horrific 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which her family and more than a million other innocent men, women, and children were brutally murdered.

Nearly two decades later, Immaculée continues to pray the rosary every day and marvels at how she is constantly renewed and richly rewarded by this glorious prayer. It has helped her in every possible way, from strengthening her faith to changing heartache into happiness and landing her a dream job . . . and that’s just for starters.

Description of book from Amazon

Michael Gaitley

33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration

Personally, I always empathized with non-Catholic who could not understand the devotion many Catholics give to Our Blessed Mother.  I honored her, but my prayers mainly began with Dear Jesus or Dear God.  I prayed the Our Father much more than the Hail Mary.  I found 33 Days to Morning Glory to be fascinating.  So much about Mary as our mother makes more sense to me now.  In the past couple years I have grown closer to her and I truly believe she walks us toward her Son in a very special way.  If you wonder about why Catholics hold Mary in such high esteem – or you want to grow closer to her – I highly recommend this book.

Simply Inspiring Catholics

Leah Darrow

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Leah is a former America’s Next Top Model contestant. As a Christian speaker she urges her audience to not settle for popular culture’s distorted idea of beauty but to discover how their natural desire for beauty is a good thing, revealing a deep desire for God.

Currently, Leah has two books published; and a very popular podcast.

Leah Darrow: From Top Model to Role Model 

The Other Side of Beauty: Embracing God’s Vision for Love and True Worth

Father Mike Schmitz

Father Mike has a unique, relatable story of his own personal road to the priesthood.  He also has an incredible way of explaining Church teachings that simply make sense.

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Surprised By Truth: 11 Converts Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic

When I asked my colleagues for suggestions for this post, several of them named the author/editor Patrick Madrid. This book provides eleven personal accounts of conversion and has a ton of great reviews!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anni says

    July 13, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    I thought of one more: “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” by Brant Pitre!! Loved, loved, loved it!! And, it tackles the intricacies of the Eucharist, which is often a difficult Teaching for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

    Great list, though!

    • Amy says

      July 13, 2017 at 11:12 pm

      Thank you Anni!!!

  2. Kathryn says

    July 14, 2017 at 12:02 am

    Also Bishop Robert Barron’s Catholicism series is a must!!

  3. Alicia Potvin says

    July 14, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Well, my TBR pile just got a little bigger – LOL. Thank you, I am always looking for great inspiring reads

  4. Sara @ To Jesus Sincerely says

    July 14, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    Does the Fr. Mike one have photos? 😉 Totally kidding of course…

  5. Michelle says

    July 14, 2017 at 11:08 pm

    Thank you for the inspiring summer reading ideas!

    • Amy says

      July 15, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Thanks Michelle! I need to get reading some myself!

  6. Lindsay says

    July 18, 2017 at 11:16 am

    I’ve heard great things about Rome Sweet Home – I definitely have to check it out! Thanks for the reminder!

  7. Ginny says

    July 18, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    Left to Tell is amazing!

  8. Kate says

    July 18, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    This is such a great list! I love the variety of perspectives you shared. Adding them to my to read list!

  9. Lexie says

    July 18, 2017 at 11:34 pm

    Similar to Leah are Nicole Weirder (personal friend of mine) and Kylie Bisutti! Protestants but similar stories. Check them out 🙂

  10. Brittany Fryman says

    July 19, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    You know I love a good book suggestion. I am really interested in reading Rome Sweet Rome since my husband is not Catholic and it would be great to read from the perspective of someone who didn’t understand the church.

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GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

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!
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FINALLY, Sweater Weather! 😜
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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. 

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Pray, hope and don’t worry “ Saint Padre Pio # Pray, hope and don’t worry “ Saint Padre Pio
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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?
 
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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 
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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…

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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.
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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!)
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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!
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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
Just sitting here holding onto every last moment o Just sitting here holding onto every last moment of summer ☀️!
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