This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I had the honor of interviewing John Kinuthia, a Catholic Speaker, Confidence Leadership Coach and Podcaster, on a Facebook Live video.

You can watch and/or listen to the interview by clicking here: Awaken the Saint Within You: An interview with John Kinuthia

John’s Ministry, Awaken the Saint Within, was inspired by the book written by Tony Robbins, Awake the Giant Within .

This phrase, Awake the _______ Within, seemed to keep popping up in John’s life . . . and it got him thinking.

Isn’t our first calling to be holy? To be a Saint?

So, as Tony Robbins seeks to offer effective strategies and techniques for mastering your emotions, your body, your relationships, your finances, and your life; John found his mission was different.

With Awaken the Saint Within Ministries, John Kinuthia offers strategies and techniques to find God’s desire in your heart and encourage you to go on a mission to find God’s will for you and embrace it each and every day.

John encourages us to love God. He motivates people to change in order to know Jesus better and follow Him in total trust and confidence. Even when things are not going well.

John and I spoke for about an hour. You can listen and/or view the whole conversation here: Awakening the Saint Within Us Interview

These tips were just some of the advice John gave all who would listen.

3 Tips to Awaken the Saint Within

1.Take an honest look at what is the first thing you do in the morning

One act John inspired in my own life since this conversation, is to pray a prayer of thanksgiving for my husband each morning before I get out of bed. John had us really thinking about loving God more and how to evaluate how much we actually love God above all things . . . he asked a simple question:

“What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?”

When I asked myself this question, I quickly realized my answer was not “pray”.

It was not to thank the Lord that I woke up or for the family that is in my home.

He asked it gently. It made me think – and he made all of us aware that awakening the Saint within us is very possible. Small steps can truly move us closer to Our Eternal Father!

2.Make a daily commitment to get to know God better

John reminded us that a personal relationship with Jesus is a daily commitment.

My reaction to John was to ask him, “but how? How do we get to know God better?“

When you wake up, say a spontaneous prayer. For example: “Lord Almighty, good morning! Please remind me of my mission today!”

Read Scripture!

We can’t text God or call Him on the phone – but we can listen to Him and hear His will in Sacred Scripture. Don’t know where to start? Kinuthia recommends the Gospel of John – Chapter 17!

Again, back to number one – make God a priority each day. Feed your heart and soul first every morning. Even if it is with a short prayer like:

“Lord, I thank you, I believe that you are here.”

3.Do not define yourself by what you do NOT have

“Saints don’t compare themselves with other Saints.”

John made this statement and made me think of the saying, “comparison is the thief of joy.”

John advises us to take a good look at what we are thinking about. He advises us to have true confidence in Christ.

Having true confidence in Christ requires us to:

*lay down your life for Jesus

*be grateful for the little things

*know that you area beloved child of God

John is a big advocate of prayer journaling. Writing what you are grateful for is an awesome daily practice.

When you have a negative thought – find the positive side of it.

Change your thoughts and fill your heart with gratitude.

John gave so many more practical tips in our interview! I strongly recommend you listen! We discussed preparing for Mass; how do deal with suffering, what to say to a teen who claims Mass is boring and more. Here is the link to listen: Awakening the Saint Within Us

Let’s re-cap!

1. We are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind! Talk to God first thing upon waking up each morning! Ask Him to remind you of your mission and thank Him for the people in your life!
2. Put effort into your relationship with Christ. Read Scripture, be grateful, prepare yourself for Mass – and lots more suggestion on the video!
3. What you lack does not define you. Think of all you have been blessed with and find your identity in those blessings!

This Facebook Live Video was the first of many! Don’t miss the next one! Subscribe to PrayerWineChocolate and Follow Prayer Wine Chocolate on Facebook!

Want to Awaken the Saint Within a Young Person?

Check out the Be Yourself Journals – one for Girls and ONE FOR BOYS!

The post 3 Ways You Can Awaken the Saint Within You! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Group of Loving, Passionate, Talented Women Want to Give You the gift of HOPE, HEALTH AND HEALING!

We are all created by God and called to something.

He has blessed each of us with our own feminine genius, and it is our job to share it.

Join the Ladies from “Ladies Love Life” to hear about their “Yes” and begin to reaffirm your own.

Each speaker will provide you with a small, impactful story and 3 points that they wish you to take on your journey to hope, health, and healing.

Awesome, I want to attend, what do I do!!???

Go to: zoom — https://bit.ly/3cL2Oek
Password: 465254

See more details on this Event Page: YES! May Your Yes Bring Hope, Health and Healing

Conference Begins Friday, May 1st at 4:00 pm!

Speakers include:

Abby Johnson

Dr. Monique Ruberu

Amy Brooks (yes, me!!!)

Each day starts at 4pm to 7pm on zoom — https://bit.ly/3cL2Oek
Password: 465254

The idea of this FREE ONLINE Conference came from Dr. Monique Ruberu (Author of Rising With Roses)

I asked Dr. Ruberu a few questions about the Conference and she was happy to discuss the event and share it’s mission, goals and hope for all who attend!

The first question I asked Dr. Ruberu was:

Why did you decide to organize it?

Dr. Ruberu: I felt called to ask amazing women to allow God to speak through them and help other women..

The intention of this conference is to provide an opportunity to give a “Yes” to Him… even if we are insecure about how this YES would impact others.

Which talk is your favorite so far?

They are all such amazing, authentic, soul surrendering shares… I honestly can’t say that one is better than another. Every story is so important!!!

Who are some of the speakers?

Abby Johnson, Paula Peyton, Toni McFadden, Amy Brooks, Cecilia Escobedo, Rachel Guy, Suzanne Guy, Hyacinth Hermida, Karen Rinehart, Karen Cruess, Cherilynn Holloway, Jenna Mary, Emily Colmenar, Sara Bible, Jeannine Peters, Miranda Smith, Monique Ruberu

What do you think women will walk away with once they attend?

I hope that the women will be filled with hope, good health and healing.

The first talk will be around 4 pm EST.

The topic is Hope is Essential: 3 Ways to Cultivate Hope in Your Life

Somehow, I ended up being scheduled for the first talk of the Conference!

I’m so excited!  Pour yourself a glass of wine and let’s start happy hour together!

We’ll chat about:

*tricks we can use when we feel ourselves falling into despair

*what to do when we feel overwhelmed

and

*discuss all the strategies we can utilize to cope with life when it’s not going well at all.

My wish is that you will smile, laugh and know that you are not alone.

You will walk away with something useful – I promise!!

Here are more details about the Conference!

Awesome, I want to attend, what do I do!!???

Go to: zoom — https://bit.ly/3cL2Oek
Password: 465254

Friday at 4:00 pm EST

I am so excited and can’t wait to see you there!!!

The post Say Yes to Hope, Health and Healing: A Free Virtual Conference appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This article contains affiliate links.  See my “About Me” page for more details.  

How will you relax this summer?

Do you have plans that you are excited about?

I’m hoping to sit, relax and color this summer – and I am so excited to announce that we are now selling the 20 coloring pages from the Be Yourself Journal as an instant download!

You can purchase all 20 Coloring Pages for $5.00 until Friday, June 22nd.  The price will then go up to $9.00!

I wanted to let all my subscribers know before the sale was over; and I wanted to show you what most of the pages look like!

If you want to color, but don’t know how you could find the time, when you could make the time, why you would bother or what you would color – this post is especially for you!

I am so happy “adult coloring” is in, but . . . when do adults find the time?

1. Bring Prayerful Coloring Pages to Eucharistic Adoration
2. Going on vacation?  Spend some down time coloring!
3. Have a daughter or niece who enjoys coloring?  Spend some time together with these coloring pages!
4. Host a Sip and Script Party
5. Have a cup of coffee with Jesus . . . and crayons

How do people find the time?

I know I wonder!  Last night I colored after I put the twins to bed, but while our 6 year old was learning how to play horseshoes with my husband.  I think there are two tricks that can make coloring possible for extremely busy adults.

The first trick – don’t expect to get a page colored in one sitting – expect to work in chunks.

The second trick – don’t buy “adult coloring books”.  I find that these are WAY TO INTRICATE.  Sure, you might not want to color a picture of Cookie Monster, but you also don’t need 17,000 small spaces to color in order to see a beautiful flower. One of the reasons why I wanted to make the Be Yourself coloring pages available to purchase is because I believe they provide a happy middle ground. Some are very simple, some provide intricacy, but not to the point that it could take years to finish one page.  And all of them, provide a prayer or Scripture verse to meditate upon.

Why color?

If you think or feel coloring a prayer or a Scripture quote is a great way to pray, consider this quote from Saint Francis De Sales:

Everyone of us needs a half an hour of prayer each day; except when we are busy, then we need an hour.

What should we color?

I am hoping the 20 pages from the Be Yourself Journal fit your prayer needs and your coloring style!

Here are some of the pages you can purchase for $5.00 until June 22nd!

And finally, don’t forget that it’s fun!!!

Enjoy yourself!  Feel the nostalgia!  Embrace the stress relief!

Here are some of my favorite tools to use while I color and pray!

Illustrated Faith Journal Pens

A cute folder to hold your coloring pages

Prismacolor Colored Pencils

The post Color Your Summer Happy and Faithful (the Ultimate Guide to How, Why, What and When) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

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

As a teacher, I often thought about how the life of Jesus is difficult for teens to really relate to

and, as a Christian, not always easy to model behavior after.

When we look at Scripture, we see Our Lord as a 12 year old in the Temple . . . then we don’t really see Him again until the Wedding at Cana.

The years between 12 and 29 are quite a mystery.

I wondered:

“how could I help teens understand how they could be more Christlike, when they really don’t know what Christ was like as a teen?”

I remember voicing this concern out loud once.

I can’t remember to whom I voiced this concern to, although I think it might have been a priest.
I remember being given the advice to pray about it.

I’m sure I did in a very informal way.

I do believe that there is a small part of Scripture certainly that speaks volumes to teachers, parents, even to another junior high aged students themselves.

In Luke, Chapter 2, we see Jesus at age 12.

Jesus, as a 12 year old, displays characteristics that a pre-teen and young teenager have today:

• He sought independence
• He didn’t understand why He could not have the freedom He sought
• He had wisdom to share

The end of Luke, Chapter 2 is a perfect reflection for parents with teens!:

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.  After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.  Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.  After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.  When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”  And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them.  He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.  And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

Luke 2:41-52

I taught this age group for 14 years.

I remember starting to really “bash heads” with my parents around this age.

Even though I am not yet a parent of a teen, this little nugget of Scripture sends me lots of reassurance and hope because:

1. 1. Even Jesus asked “why” instead of saying I’m sorry.
   2. Even Our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph didn’t understand him at times.
   3. Even Mary gave Jesus the “mom look”.  Okay, so I can not prove this. . . but -Jesus answers a question with a question, then the writer says He was obedient to them.  I’m pretty sure there was a mom look between Mary and Jesus after his “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”. This is not based on any theological knowledge . . . but, I’m just sayin’.  Probably got the mom look. She probably also had more than one glass of wine that night.
   4. Even Jesus sought independence that is meant for an older age.
   5. Even Jesus had to obey His parents.

So Mommas (and Poppas), remember:

1. When your teen “answers back”, try not to take it to personally or engage in an argument.  I know you would much rather hear, “Yes Mom” or “I’m sorry I upset you or scared you”. 

But . . . Jesus was missing for THREE DAYS!  Mary was probably on the verge of a heart attack.  Look at Jesus’ response!  The “talking back” might just be the age.  Try not to get to emotional about it.

2. When you just don’t understand your teen – whether it be what they said or what they just did – find peace in the fact that Our Lady and Saint Joseph have been there. 

It says it right there in Luke “they did not understand what he said to them”.

3. When you give that mom look and you just want your teen to know that he or she needs to obey you – perhaps bring up this post. 

Even God had to obey his parents.

4. When your teen is seeking freedom and independence that he or she is not ready for, it’s okay – and it is important- to set boundaries.

It is clear by this passage that this is not a new challenge for parents. However, the challenge has certainly escalated in recent times with the prevalence of smart phones and social media.  Study after study is revealing what our guts naturally tell us – these young men and women are not ready for all the freedom that new technology offers.  Increased loneliness, depression, abuse, and bullying are just some of the problems teens can not seem to get away from, and can be directly tied to their phones. 

*******How to Get Your Tech Loving Teen to Prayer Journal   ***** this post I wrote might help if you need some ideas . .  .

Do you have a rule or routine with smart phones and social media that works in your family?  If you do, please comment about it under this post!  I am SURE other parents need and desire ideas . . . because ultimately . .

5. A twelve year old’s (and a 13, 14, 15, 16 year old’s . . . ) duty is to obey his parents.

Jesus COULD have said, “I know I’m right, I know these men don’t know what I know . . . ” He could have said many things, but, he didn’t.  He obeyed his parents.

I realize parenting this age group has a lot of complicated moments.  But please, keep praying for your child and praying with your child!

Take time to just breathe and as Mary, Our Mother, to help you think and act calmly and lovingly.

Ask the Holy Spirit to give your child wisdom and Our Loving Father to give him or her courage and strength to listen to that wisdom.

And if you have to, remind your child that even God had to listen to His parents!

No wonder why Mary encouraged Jesus make more wine for the first miracle!  Parenting is hard!

If you have a daughter who is a young teen – or soon will be: these posts might also help:

Dear Beautiful 13 Year Old . . .

Dear Beautiful Girl Trying to Find Herself

Also, Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls might be a good tool for both you and your daughter to bond and talk about identity and one’s God given mission.

The post The Scripture Passage That Is Perfect for Moms of Teens appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

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

Saint Gianna’s feast day is April 28th.

3 Ways St. Gianna Leads Us Closer to Jesus

1. Her Intercession

Recently during a visit, I noticed something on the floor of my parent’s house.

I picked it up and saw that it was a pair of Saint Gianna holy cards folded in half.

My son said, “Oh, those are mine”.  He quickly took them and placed them in his coat pocket as he passed by me . . . not sure when he finally stopped.

I couldn’t help but wonder why those holy cards were in his pocket, but, it brought back a vivid memory.

Without sharing to much of our son’s story, I can tell you a St. Gianna holy card spent at least 6 weeks attached to his hospital bed as a newborn.

When he was about 4 years old I heard from a nurse that took care of him in that NICU that her and some other nurses “didn’t think he would make it”.

Thank God I didn’t hear that then.  I knew he was sick, I knew he needed prayers.

I knew St. Gianna was a doctor and a mother.  I had holy cards that had touched her gloves.  I taped one behind his hospital bed name sign.

I asked everyone to pray, and I fell in love with the most wonderful baby boy in the whole world.

Even though I knew a little bit about St. Gianna and how her life ended as a young mother, I didn’t know much about how she viewed her faith and what wise words she had stated while living in this world.

Then I listened to her daughter, Gianna Emmanuela, speak about her “saint Mom” and I realized how far I am from where God wants me to be.

What I’ve come to learn, is that not only is St. Gianna a powerful intercessor, but a wise mentor.

Her words are relevant and full of truth.

Her simple but wise words are helpful to anyone living in the modern world with the hopes of going to heaven one day.

Her witness to true Christianity has inspired her daughter to dedicate her life to her mother’s memory and legacy – even though she only “knew” her for about a week.

Having that physical rectangular holy card helped me.  Attaching it to my son’s name sign was a prayer itself.  But I know that when I asked others devoted to Saint Gianna to pray for “a sick little boy in the NICU” that they prayed too.  They asked St. Gianna to intercede for him.

2. Her Wise Words and Christian Witness to our Modern, Fast-paced  Life

Her simple but wise words are helpful to anyone living in the modern world with the hopes of going to heaven one day.

I love how Catholic artisans have made it possible for us to place reminders of St. Gianna’s wisdom around our homes and in our work spaces.

“One earns paradise with one’s daily task”

Saint Gianna Molla

“The Secret of Happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all He, in His goodness, sends to us day by day.”

“Whatever God Wants”

3. Her Example and Witness As a Holy Wife and Mother

In the book, Saint Gianna Molla: Wife, Mother, Doctor, Pietro Molla shares his personal insights of the heroic witness, love, sacrifice and joy of his saintly wife.

It is clear he truly loved and admired his wife.  These words take on a whole new life if you have ever heard their youngest daughter, Gianna Emmanuela, speak about her “saint Mama and holy dad”.  She knew her mom only for a week, but truly learned her mother was a model Christian.  Gianna Emmanuela shares letters written between Gianna and Pietro in the work:

The Journey of Our Love: The Letters of Saint Gianna Beretta and Pietro Molla. 

As the book description states:

“From balancing work and family life, to dealing with a long-distance relationship, to parenting, to coping with illness and death, Gianna and Pietro conquered it all. But none of it was accomplished without tremendous trust in each other and in God.”

The transcribing of these letters into a book was done by Gianna Emmanuela.

Gianna Emmanuela has dedicated her life to preserving her “saint mom’s” legacy.  She now travels the world asking for help in the
St. Gianna Restoration Fund Project, also known as the Ponte Nuovo Project.

5 Lessons I Learned From the Daughter of a Saint

The Ponte Nuovo Project’s goal is to honor and promote knowledge of Saint Gianna and her spirituality as well as to spread devotion to her by restoring, as a place of pilgrimage and prayer, the place where she lived as a spouse, a mother, a doctor, and a Martyr to Life in Magenta (Milan), Italy.

Each of the St. Gianna inspired products shown in this article can be purchased by these small business owners who have agreed to give 15% of their profits between now and May 13, 2018 to the St. Gianna Restoration Project.

We thought this would be a great way to honor St. Gianna and allow you to also have something physical to remind you of her great example and how much it means to truly love our God and be His child.

Want more information about the project?  Click here: PDF Document describing The St. Gianna Restoration Project

Want to donate directly to the project?  Click here: Make a donation to the St. Gianna Restoration Project

Saint Gianna is a special saint that can influence both the young and the old.  Here are some kid friendly St. Gianna products:

I know that physical holy card I placed on my son’s hospital bed wasn’t a magic wand.  But having something that physically reminds us of what our life should be about . . .well, it’s helpful.

I don’t know why those holy cards were important to my son, perhaps it was nothing.

But, I can only imagine how important the St. Gianna Restoration Projectis to Gianna Emmanuela.  I’ve read that it was very important to her father as well.

How wonderful would it be to the future of our world to have this place and Saint Gianna’s holy example preserved!

A group of incredibly talented artisans, who are devoted to St. Gianna, and myself, would like to help in our own little way.

Each of the St. Gianna inspired products can be purchased by these small business owners who have agreed to give 15% of their profits between now and May 1, 2018 to the St. Gianna Restoration Project.

We thought this would be a great way to honor St. Gianna and allow you to also have something physical to remind you of her great example and how much it means to truly love our God and be His child.

The small business featured in this article that will be donating a percentage of profits to the St. Gianna Restoration fund are:

Annunciation Designs

SaongJai Catholic Shop

Trendzilly

Just Love Prints

Books Faith Life

The Little Catholic Box

Want to browse more Catholic shops and support Catholic Artisans?  Check out Catholics Online: A Directory of Catholic Social Media Influencers

Did you see what happened that time I went to interview Gianna Emaneula? 5 Lessons I Learned From the Daughter of a Saint

Want to connect with others devoted to Saint Gianna – join the Facebook group Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, Pray for us!

The post 3 Ways St. Gianna Leads Us Closer to Jesus appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

1. From Our Lord in Scripture

2. From Our Lord in His revelations to Saint Faustina

Let us all remember that Jesus desires our trust in Him, in the New Year and all the days of our life!

Jesus, I trust in You!

3. From Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, reminding us that Jesus gave us His Mother to be Our Mother too.

4.  From a quote attributed to Saint Catherine of Siena:

This has been a personal prayer of mine – and I truly feel like it has been answered many times!!

Lord, help me to be who You want me to be . . . and set the world on fire!

5. From a hymn written by John Becker:

Wishing you many abundant blessings in 2017!  May your faith grow, your hearts be happy and may laughter fill your homes every day!!!  God Bless You!!

Love and prayers,

Amy

The post Five Perfect Prayers for the New Year appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

As a young “middle-schooler”, one of my best friends used to say she couldn’t play that night day or evening because she was going to “fellowship”.  Sometimes, she would even invite me and I would go.  If that never happened, I’m not sure I would have any place for that word in my vocabulary.  Even before seeing the above mentioned article, I wondered if Catholics even used that word!

Catholics need fellowship!

Friendship and faith is an awesome combination!  Here a some ways that I have encountered faith and fellowship in my spiritual journey:

Combine a Shrine Tour with a Wine Tour

Somewhere near you is a church, monastery or shrine that would be a nice place to visit and pray.  Afterwards, head to a local vineyard or winery (want to find one near you – use this website: Closest Winery)

If you would like to visit the Saint Katharine Drexel National Shrine before it closes – or would just like a day of fun, faith and fellowship – join us!  There are still some spots open!!  Get more information here: You’re Invited: The First Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Retreat! {And Giveaway}

Find a Young Adult Group

The Philadelphia area has a few of these.  I found one in my twenties that was about a 40 minute drive from my apartment.  I am now aware of one that is much closer – and even though I am not really a “young adult”; these cool younger folks invite me to some of their events, and I never  out of place!  If you are in the Philly area, check out: Fire of Faith  Another one that is starting out in the Philadelphia region is Loving Our Life.  This group is about to burst because it is starting groups at all five A Baby’s Breath Pregnancy Centers.

If you can’t find one in your area, consider starting your own!  Contact the Philly ones – they are happy to give you tips on how they started!

Start a Rosary and Wine Night

A few friends of mine started one when we were in our 20’s . . . but it was inspired by our friend’s mother who took us to one of her rosary nights. We started these nights because we wanted a place to share our hearts’ troubles, and because it was the last season of Friends and we wanted to watch it together :)We probably did introduce the wine part – but we talk so much at these nights, we barely get done our first glass!  Friends ended years ago, but our Rosary nights still keep us connected and make our friendships extra strong.  If you are not totally sure about this idea, check out this post! Five Reasons to Start a Rosary Group If you like the idea of combining prayer, wine and chocolate, check out thsi post: How To Throw a “Prayer and Pair” Party! {With a FREE Printable!}How To Throw a “Prayer and Pair” Party! {With a FREE Printable!}

Throw a Prayer Journaling Party!

Prayer journaling can be an extremely intimate and personal activity – but it also can combine adult coloring with prayer and meditation.  I recently started leading these parties, so I wrote a post about how you can host your own!  Check out: How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ Party: Prayer Journaling with Friends

If you live in the Philadelphia area, and would like me to come to your home or parish to guide one of these awesome gatherings, contact me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com.  I’d love to come and help!  Plus, it gives me some time to color and prayer journal – I love it!

Morning Mass and Coffee

Some of you amazing folks already attend daily Mass.  That is so beautiful, and something I would like to attempt – or at least try to go more often.  If you attend morning Mass – ask someone else there to grab a cup of coffee after!  You don’t have to talk about the readings or homily!  Just enjoy each other and that cup of amazingness!

Find or Start a Book Club

As luck would have it, a nearby parish has a mom’s group that meets the first Tuesday of every month.  This mom’s group is called The Saint Gianna Mom’s Club, and meets to discuss a book.  This year, we are reading Divine Mercy For Moms.  If you are not a mom, or are a working parent, starting your own book club might work better!  Plus, if you start your own, you can FINALLY read that book you have been wanting to read.  Have a night out on the calendar is a nice added bonus as well!

Volunteer with a Pro-Life Group or the Saint Vincent de Paul Society

It wasn’t until this past year that I became more active in the Pro-Life movement.  I have found that so much love and service is out there for women who truly desire to choose life, but feel like it really isn’t an option.  If this is not what you are passionate about, try the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  This group takes the Gospel message of charity to so many people in need!  It’s amazing the friendships that can develop when we serve others together!

Do you have an idea about sharing faith and fellowship?  Please share it with us!

The post Seven Ways Catholics Can Mix Faith and Fellowship appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

It’s not that I don’t have an answer.  I do.  It’s just not the kind of answer that makes people think, “oh yeah, she’s totally normal (read sarcastically!!!)”

Ya see, “any word . . .” means:

“Have you heard anything about what was – or could still be – a possible adoption match?”

The short answer is, “not really.”

But the inside my head and heart answer is “not from the woman we met with, but God is answering me, and being a little “loud” about it.”

In the past day, week, month and year I have seen, witnessed and experienced these amazing “signs”.  Maybe they are called “signal graces”  [I will be googling signal graces later, but my gut tells me that term is a better way to describe what I have experienced].

God keeps showing me and telling me:

 My timing is perfect”

This week I have felt this message being “louder” in a sense.

There are things in the works I only once dreamed of . . . and I hear God saying, “this before baby . . .”

And my heart leaps with gratitude.

Here is just a small example of what has been happening A LOT lately . . .

Today I went somewhere on a whim . . . and received something just a few days ago I realized I needed (or at least really wanted).

Let me explain . . .

On Sunday I am having a “prayer journal party”.  I actually have a much cooler name for it, but bottom line, friends are coming over and I am hosting a “How to ‘Prayer Journal’ Class”/ let’s have a girls’ day with wine, adult coloring and – if the guests feel comfortable -prayer journaling.  I volunteered to lead a class on how to journal at a local crisis pregnancy center next month, so I am going to discuss some ideas I have with my guests coming over on Sunday.  Plus, I am getting some much needed time to do what I never have time to do.  Pray.  Pray in a way that brings me peace and joy.

My thought this week was . . .I have all of these holy cards to offer – but no Jesus holy cards! Recently, I started a new prayer journal.  I left the first page empty because I want Jesus to be on the first page  . . . just like He was in my first prayer journal.

Plus, I want to have pictures of Jesus to offer the women I guide through my version of “prayer journaling”.

So, today, in between going to the Post Office and getting ice cream with my son; I stopped at that crisis pregnancy center with two never used baby items that had been sitting in my basement for 4 years.  I stopped in to say hi and give my donation.  I mentioned to the volunteer there that I was leading the next class and if she had any holy cards she didn’t need, to please donate them.  She responded,

“I think there are some in that drawer behind you.”

I opened the drawer and saw tons of pens, markers and other stationary supplies.  This was clearly a stationary supply cabinet.

On top of all those markers, pens and other stationary supplies was a stack of holy cards wrapped in a rubber band.  They were all the same.  They were all Jesus.  And they were the exact holy card I had on my first page of my prayer journal from the year 2000. Just bigger.

Then a client walked in for an appointment.  She just happened to need the two things I brought in as a donation.

Then my son and I went to get ice cream at the dairy farm.  I had a strong feeling, since it was a nearly 100 degree day, that the cows would not be out. Honestly, that’s a huge reason why we go there to get ice cream. It makes it a fun event, “let’s go see the cows and get ice cream” is a very fun event for a four year old (and this city girl haha)!  The cows were not out, but we bought ice cream and ate it.  As we went to leave . . .the cows started to walk out of the barn and onto the pasture.  We stayed a little longer.  My son counted them.  It was very exciting ;).

To me, God was saying . . .

Yes, it is Me and yes, I am reassuring you.  Trust Me.  I am really good with timing.”

So, in answer to “any word . . .”

No . . . but I heard a lot of “words” before that ended up being just words.

I’ll just keep looking up and believing . . .

God’s timing is perfect

Interested in other times God showed off His timing skills?  Check out:

5 Lessons I Learned from The Daughter of a Saint

God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle {Free Printable}

Hear, Listen, Understand: St. Katharine Drexel’s Prayer for America

The Most Humble Chocolatiers

The post God and His Timing appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

And honestly, let’s talk about happiness for a minute.  We’re all searching for it.  We all desire it.  We’ve all experienced it and want more.  But some things only bring temporary happiness.  In fact, most things only bring temporary happiness.  For those of us blessed with the gift of Faith, we know true happiness, peaceful joy comes from one source: Our Loving Lord.

So, in my search for peace, joy and yes – happiness-  I’m making the switch.  I’m trading in My Stitch Fix for the one subscription box that will lead me to the Lord – and allow me to have a smile in my mailbox along the way!

Here are the Five reasons why I’m Trading in My Stitch Fix for the Happy Catholic Box:

1. That cookie.  What cookie you ask?  Well, the first month I tried the Happy Catholic Box, there were quite a few amazing gifts in the box, but by far my favorite was Little Portion Bakery ‘s St. Clare’s Breakfast Cookie.  I never knew these amazing – I choose to call them healthy – treats existed.  Had I never gotten the Happy Catholic Box, I may have never found them.  They.are.amazing.  Were you expecting a more spiritual, inspirational number 1?  I’m sorry, I need to tell the world about this cookie.  Now that I got that off my chest, I can move on to the next reason.
2. My Five Senses were both pleased and gave Praise.  I don’t know how they are doing it, but the aroma that arose from the boxes when I opened them were amazing.  The first box had that cookie.  It smelled and tasted as though it was just baked in my kitchen.  Somehow, it really did smell and taste that fresh.  This month, the tea from Mystic Monk coffee was pleasant and offered instant aromatherapy.  I did not realize you could send smells through the mail – unless you spilled perfume.  Not only did I see a beautiful presentation of gifts – for me- I smelled sweet aromas, tasted an amazing cookie, and I will be tasting some awesome, delicious coffee.  The last box had a music CD in it that allowed me to hear such soothing, worshipful, and peaceful music. And one box had amazing lip balm – made by nuns – that made my chapped lips feel healed.  I am amazed at how the Happy Catholic Box tickled all my senses!
3. I’m supporting faithful Christians.  Each box has had some awesome products made by humble monks and nuns.  Mystic Monk coffee is phenomenal and made by a cloistered Carmelite community in Wyoming.  They sustain themselves and their Christian vocation through the making and selling of coffee. My purchase of the Happy Catholic Box not only supports Catholic religious vocations, but Catholic artists, musicians and writers.  People who give their time and talent back to God with much love and passion.  I feel good about that.
4. The Box and it’s beautiful gifts remind me to spend time with the Lord.  There is a physical presence that reminds me to pay attention to my relationship with Christ.  The box comes in the mail, the objects in it don’t vanish – but stare at me until I do something with them.  The makers of the box also include “challenges” and “spiritual aides” that allow me to think, reflect and do! From the Lenten Commitment Card to the Confession and coffee challenge  I am encouraged to grow in my faith, and provide an example for my family and loved ones.
5. The Nostalgia. Each box has some treasures that make me smile and remember such simpler times!  The first box I received had a gorgeous bookmark.  Do you remember bookmarks?  I love it!  This past box had an Easter Card that I can choose to send to anyone.  A real letter/note written by me to a friend.  How awesome was it when we wrote notes to our friends in high school?  Do you remember that?  I am honestly hoping they send me stickers in the next one!  Does anyone make Catholic stickers?  I might have found my next business venture – somebody get on that ;).

I highly recommend you give The Happy Catholic Box a try, a spin or a whirl!  What an awesome way to put a spark in your prayer life!  It’s also a great change to the typical Easter/RCIA gifts, and a wonderful surprise to send friend in the mail.  Let’s not just be Catholic, let’s be HAPPY Catholics !

Want one?

You can order one with this coupon code – CHOCOLATE for $5 off your first box!

You can also win a free one!  Enter by clicking here:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Getting there as early as I could and staying until late in the evening, and eventually sleeping there every night was how we spent our first weeks together as mother and child.

I asked the doctors every day, “When can we take him home?”

Visiting the sick can be challenging.  Finding the time to give in our very busy lives,  taking into account when the sick person desires a visitor,  and the health of ourselves and our young sidekicks that may be joining us on our visit are all factors that must be taken into account.

But when we visit the sick, we give our most precious commodity – our time.

That is LOVE.  Dropping all our routines, everything on the perpetual “to do” list, and giving our time, our presence and our attention is love in a very true and real form.

Love is not easy sometimes, is it?

When I reflect on this work of mercy, I don’t like what I see in myself.  I realize that I am selfish when it comes to “my” time.  How lucky am I to be healthy?  How lucky am I to have time to do anything I do each and every day?  Reflecting on this I realize that this is something I need to work on – I need to be more generous and giving with “my” time.

My Grandmother has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and I really need to visit her more. I love visiting her and I know she enjoys the visit too.

But what about the friend who is getting cancer treatments?  There are days when they are not “up” for visitors.  Send a text or give a call and ask, “Are you up for a visit?”.  If they are not, send them a card.  My good friend Traci who beat breast cancer said she really appreciated the friend that sent her cards (and my random visits).

Do you know a sick person that could use a visitor?  Will you join me and sacrifice some time this week to reach out to the sick and offer a visit?

Have you been sick and appreciated visitors?  What advice would you give?

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