When Jesus was asked, what is the greatest commandment, He responds:

“Love the Lord Your God with all Your Heart and love your neighbor as yourself.”

I often think I have this one down . . .

most of the time.

But then, I must confess, besides that one hour a week I spend at Sunday Mass . . . there may not be a whole hour where I don’t ask . . .

“Where’s my phone?”

I once heard a priest say:

“tell me what you think about most and I’ll tell you who your god is”.

In context, he was explaining how he responds when someone informs him that he or she is an atheist.

But I’m guilty of looking for my phone so much that sometimes I’m actually on it while I’m looking!

I often wonder if

technology and social media have become a false god

Perhaps I  should I pray it stops being a false god?

And I am an adult who lived for many years without the cell phone being a thing.

I can not help but think of tweens and teens today.

They see the adults in their lives on phones and tablets all the time!

As a teacher, I could not believe how much we were encouraged to use technology in the classroom.

As someone who remembers the “god of popularity” often interfering with my decision making; I can easily see the freedom a cell phone allows becoming intertwined with this high school reality.

Apps like snap chat and worse – the ones the adults don’t even know exist – make a difficult age even more challenging.

But back to me, the adult, who should be setting a good example.

I’m so guilty of looking for my phone more than I think about how I’m responding to God’s grace.

What if I looked for God’s grace or my Bible as much as I look for my cell phone?

One thing I learned this Lent is that the weaknesses I find when I examine my conscience are often shared with others.

The irony that the “Walking Dead” and Zombie shows are so popular right now just makes me shake my head.  Are you in a public place – look up and look around.  Even in my car I notice it.

We are hooked and I am right there with everyone else.

So, I wrote this prayer for me, but if you find you are having the same struggle . . .

Let us pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to Love Your Eternal Father above all.

Please send me the wisdom to know how much screen time is too much

and the strength and will-power to provide the example others need to witness.

Help me to socialize with my immediate family inside my home more than people outside of it.

Remind me of the beauty of Your Heavenly Father’s creation and the peace it offers my mind and soul.

Help me to use technology to spread the Gospel, help the needy, encourage respect for the earth and promote human rights.

Help me resist the temptation to look down at my phone when I should be looking up.

Amen.

“Love the Lord Your God with all Your Heart and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Ok, so I put my phone down and gave God my attention.  Now, onto loving others.

5 seconds later . . .

“Why don’t “they” get it?”

or, “Why doesn’t he get it????””  or “Why can’t she see what I see??”

 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

I Peter 3:8

It hurts my heart to see so much division in the land that I love. 

I observe the huge us vs. them mentality in our culture, and it makes me sad.

But the truth is, it’s not just “out there”.

Whether it is in our community or in our families

We need to pray for unity – without the motivation of a disaster.

It is amazing how tragedy unites Americans.

From 9/11 to a natural disaster, we join hands in the face of tragedy.

But do we really need to keep experiencing tragedies to get the message?

God wants us to love one another; not constantly debate one another.

There are several news stations that make millions of dollars to keep this divide going.

Let us pray that Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life reveals His will in obvious ways when it comes to all the “hot” topics.

And especially, help us to  remember this in our own homes.

As I write this and I can’t help to see the plank in my eye.  So forgive me.

Please pray for me too.

I CONSTANTLY want my side to be heard and understood.

Hmm . . . maybe I should do more hearing and understanding worry less about “my side”.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

You are the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Help me to actively seek Your Way.

Help me to see Your Truth clearly,

Help me to ask for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit before engaging in such serious conversations.

And Lord Jesus, help me to listen in prayer and stillness

Help me to truly seek to console and understand in a way that demonstrates Your patience and kindness.

Help us all to truly live out the words of Your prayer

“Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

Help all of us show more sympathy, and more brotherly love.

Help us demonstrate tender hearts. 

Please Lord, give me a humble mind.

Lord Jesus, help us all, but help me especially to be consistently compassionate and eager to serve others with love.

Amen.

Now that I have expressed an empathetic ear, let me get back to what I’m supposed to MY list.

“How does this benefit me?”

Me, Myself and I and my Goals and My Dreams and My . . . my  . . .

Our Opposition to Humility is intense!

I have goals.  I have dreams.  I have bills.

Being a “responsible adult” provokes the question of how I spend my time.  How I spend my time will either help me achieve my goals or won’t.

There are only so many hours in a day and I, like you, am busy.

But one way to know and love God is to “be still”.

And I often find that I can’t.

And in this case, can’t means won’t.

If I could just dedicate some time to be still and give God my attention, I might be reminded that

the Lord wants me to ask much more often

How will this help someone else?

I’m queen of writing a list.

But when I look at that list, perhaps I should ask myself how those chores or errands benefit my husband and my children.

I often think – after I choose chore over play – or I give into frustration instead of diligently trying to be patient –

“that’s going to come back around to me, and I’m not going to like it”.

I want my children to witness a work ethic, I want them to see me clean up so hopefully they will value a tidy home . . . but I also want them to really witness love in action.

I want them to learn to listen without doing something else.

  I want them to visit the sick and lonely. 

I want them to be patient with one another.

If I want this from them, I need to model it.

Brian Regan, one of my favorite comedians, has a skit where he mentions the “me monster”.

In the middle of his joke he asks “what is it about the human condition that we get something out of that?”

Our human condition does drive us to think of ourselves.  Jesus knew that and that is exactly why he worded the greatest commandment the way He did.

Love the Lord Your God with all Your Heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

We naturally care for ourselves.  We need to be healthy to best care for others. But we often take ourselves too seriously.

I remember when I was a teacher being in one of the many meetings educators tend to have.  We watched a video and the narrator said, “don’t forget rule #6”.  Rule # 6 was “Don’t take yourself too seriously”.

But what about MY LIST????

My children are little.  Yes, they need to see and observe washing and folding.  They will learn a lot from watching me.  But they also need hugs.  They need undivided attention when they are trying to explain their thoughts and feelings.

My grandmom who is on hospice may not even know I’m there – but I still need to visit her.

There is already a prayer for this.  It’s called the Litany of Humility.

I know I need to pray it, because when I look at it I think – “it’s to long, I don’t have time to pray this”

Enter in Rule #6.  Really, Amy, you don’t have time to pray this? Pray it.

The Litany of Humility

O Jesus! Meek and humble of heart, Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed

Deliver me, Jesus

from the desire of being loved

from the desire of being extolled

from the desire of being honored

from the desire of being praised

from the desire of being preferred to others

from the desire of being consulted

from the desire of being approved

from the fear of being humiliated

from the fear of being despised

from the fear of suffering rebukes

from the fear of being calumniated …
From the fear of being forgotten …
From the fear of being ridiculed …
From the fear of being wronged …
From the fear of being suspected …

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I …
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease …
That others may be chosen and I set aside …
That others may be praised and I unnoticed …
That others may be preferred to me in everything…
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

Amen

Here is a free printable version of these prayers: Prayers for Living the Greatest Commandment

Even if we love God with our whole heart, we will never love Him as much as He loves us.

God loves us more than we could ever possibly imagine.

Our God knows that we are capable of love though.

We are capable of putting Him first.

But we are often tempted not to put Him above all else.

It is that temptation that we give into that makes life more complicated.

When we put Him first we are able to love others with the greatest compassion, kindness and integrity.

Please pray for me …. and let me know how I can pray for you <3

Cheers and prayers,

Amy

Like printable prayers?  See more in https://www.prayerwinechocolate.com/11-quick-but-powerful-prayers-free-printable/

The post 3 Questions That Keep Us From Living Out the Greatest Commandment appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Catholic Social Media Influencers  are men and women who write, own businesses, create and inspire.  They love to hear from you, pray for you and celebrate the gift of life with you!  Please sign up for their newsletters, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!

This article contains affiliate links.  We make a small percentage from any purchases you make.  Thank you for your support!

Samantha Stempky

I’m a wife and mom of one young son, and I have a “bleeding heart” for women and Catholicism. Have you ever heard people say they think Catholic teachings are anti-woman? I like to befriend them. I help women explore and understand their femininity and what the Church actually teaches about women, so they can be empowered to more freely and authentically be themselves and offer their feminine strengths to the world (the world is starving for it!) My day job working in finance in downtown Chicago fuels my passion to further advocate for mothers in the workplace and society generally.

Where can you be found on social media?

Website: FemCatholic.com

Facebook: @femcatholic

Instagram: @femcatholic

Twitter: @femcatholic

What type of wine is your favorite?

I love a good Rose wine! (“Three buck chuck” from Trader Joe’s is a fav… shhhh!)

What is your favorite chocolate?

All chocolate! Ok… if I have to pick – mint chocolate, like Andes Candies! I could honestly eat those for breakfast, lunch, dinner… gotta stay minty fresh, right? J

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

“Come to terms with Him to be at peace; in this shall good come to you.” – Job 22:21

On feminism:

Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.

— G.D. Anderson

What services do you provide?

I write freelance posts and speak (in person or podcast) – usually on feminism, catholic women’s issues, marriage, pro-life feminism and being a working mom. Rates are dependent on your specific needs.

Contact info

Femcatholic.com/contact-us or Facebook message me!

Chloe Langr

My name is Chloe Langr and I’m a Catholic stay-at-home wife and blogger. I love all things old fashioned (except you won’t find me ordering an old fashioned at the bar, since bitters aren’t my thing.) Jane Austen, hand written letters, and museum visits make me think I was born in the wrong era. But my pixie cut, frequent Dunkin’ Donut runs and addiction to social media give me an identity crisis. Maybe I’m more modern than I think!

I blog about modern and vintage topics over at my blog, Old Fashioned Girl. There you’ll find that I’m a bibliophile who loves a good book review. I also recently started a podcast called ‘Letters to Women – Exploring the Feminine Genius,’ where I get a chance to have heart-to-heart discussions with women about how they passionately live out the feminine genius in their own lives. You can find my writing on Aleteia, Epic Pew, and Project Illuminate as well!

Where can you be found on social media?

You can find me on my blog at oldfashionedgirlblog.com!

 Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/OldFashionedGirlBlog/

Instagram: chloe.langr

What type of wine is your favorite?

I’m new to wine drinking (usually I’m more of a stout beer drinker). But if I had to choose, I’d go with a pink moscato. You’ll also find me sipping’ on a ridiculous amount of vanilla lattes and cold brew coffees.

What is your favorite chocolate?

I’m a huge coffee addict so my favorite kind of chocolate is chocolate-covered espresso beans – especially when they’re covered in milk chocolate!

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

My favorite quote is Saint John Paul II’s

‘Be Not Afraid’

I first fell in love with the quote during college and now those words are engraved on my husband and I’s wedding rings. It is such a powerful reminder that God calls us out of fear and into His plan for our lives.

What services do you provide?

You can contact me for sponsored book and merchandise reviews, conference talks and speaking engagements, and podcast interview requests!

Contact info

The easiest way to get ahold of me is via e-mail: chloe.langr@gmail.com

Catholic Social Media Influencers: Volume 1

Catholic Social Media Influencers: Volume 2

Catholic Social Media Influencers: Volume 3

From California to London: Catholic Social Media Influencers, Volume 4 

Inspiring Ministries for Everyday Catholics: Catholic Social Media Influencers, Volume 5

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1. Heaven is For Real for Kids

I loved the adult version of this book!  I look forward to sharing Colton’s story with my son!

2. Caleb’s Colt

My son picked this out of his school library.  I love the angle it takes to tell the story of Palm Sunday! He couldn’t sit through the whole book, but when he walked away I finished reading it myself!

3. Paddy and the Wolves: A Story about Saint Patrick

This is a new book about Saint Patrick!  It’s about a boy that can’t sit still during prayers!  I know one of those quite well!

4.  The Little Flower: A Parable of Saint Therese’

St. Therese’, as a young girl, wants to do things her big sisters and older people do in order to show how much they love God. Therese’ wants to do lots of things, but, unfortunately, she is just “not old enough”. Most children have had this desire and because of that they will immediately connect with the story. Read more about this book here: Beautiful Little Flowers: The Little Flower Book Review

5. Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World

So cute and a great reference book!

6. Why Am I Here?

This book was written by Matthew Kelly.  Since I can’t put down his book Resisting Happiness, and can’t help but recommend a child’s book by him as well!

7. A Child’s Book of the Mass

I have just recently been introduced to the Catechisis of the Good Shepherd and I am so interested in it! I am hoping to get my son enrolled in a class around our home next year.  One of the pioneers of the Catechisis of the Good Shepherd in the Philadelphia area wrote this book!  I bought it for our son and recommend it!

8. God’s Wisdom for Little Boys:Character Building Fun from the Proverbs

I love this new book – especially since it rhymes!  There is something about books that rhyme that catch my son’s attention more and have him wanting to hear it again and again!  There is also a volume for little girls: God’s Wisdom for Little Girls!

9. The Littlest Angel

Although this is a Christmas book, it is still a great story!

10. My First Taggies Book: Thank You Prayer

Babies.love.tags.

11.  Only God Can Make a Kitten

My friend and fellow blogger, Brittany (Everyday Thoughts) recommends this book.  She reviewed it and since then has given it as gift!

12. You Are Special

I have heard that everything by the author is great!

13.  God is Good All the Time

14. God Gave Us You

15.  The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith

A lovely fable recommended by a friend!

16.  How Big is God?

17.  The Clown of God

Another Christmas story, but highly recommended!

18. Pete Feet and Fish to Eat

This one was recommended by a friend and I am already loving it!

19. Hail Mary 

I love this board book!  Not only i it great for very young tots, but it is an awesome way to teach older children the Hail Mary!

20.  The Princess and the Kiss: A Story of God’s Gift of Purity

21. Saints on the Go

I keep meaning to order this for my son!

The post Prayer, Juice, and Skittles: Faith books for Littles appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

In the Part 1; 25 journal prompts were given to help you either jump start your prayer journaling or increase your time writing during the season of Lent.  I hope and pray you found the prompts inspiring and are excited to continue growing closer to Christ in this form of prayer!

This article contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support!

Here is a list of more journal prompts, as well as a printable for you to use throughout Lent!

1. 1.  Write a prayer in an acrostic style like this one: A Chocolate Prayer (Use any word you desire!  Need ideas?  Lent, Love, Fasting, Almsgiving, Faith . . .)
   2. Use Open Journey on Etsy to spark some creativity!

3. Cut out song lyrics that Praise the Lord.  Play the song using youtube while you glue the lyrics to a page.  Draw music notes around the page and write what you feel inspired to write around the lyrics or under them.  One of my favorite songs is by MercyMe . .                                                                4. Dedicate a page for holy cards by gluing an envelope (or two) to the page.  Glue the front of the envelope so that the side that faces you opens and you can keep holy cards in that envelope.  Katie at Look to Him be Radiant had this idea too.  Check out this page to see what it looks like and get a ton of more fun ideas!!! Look to Him and Be Radiant Smash Journal Ideas

5. Write out the Act of Contrition.  Really pray it with your whole heart.

6. Ask the Lord to fill you with the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  Color a Fruits of the Spirit page and glue it under your prayer.  You can find the one below on my Pinterest board: Prayer Journal Ideas Pinterest Board                        

7. Write a quote attributed to a Saint that really inspires you.  Decorate the page.

8. Dollar Store page!  Go to the dollar store and find some inspiration – a religious greeting card, stickers, a faith book . . . find something that you feel attracted to and decorate the page around that piece!

9.  Dedicate a page for the Serenity Prayer.

10. Write a prayer to Our Eternal Father asking Him to bless, heal and help people in your life who are struggling or who you feel are in great need of prayers.

11. Choose a Fatima Prayer.  Copy the prayer and find an Fatima image to color or holy image to paste on the page (or a picture of a Rosary).

12.  Cut out a prayer from a faith devotional or magazine.  Copy the prayer and decorate the page.                 

13.  Take a picture of your church, a statue, stained glass window, or religious art hung up in your parish.  Print out the picture and write what made you choose that image.  What about that image moves your heart towards God?

14.  Praise the Lord for all He has created and all that He has done out of love for you.  Do this in a letter, a poem with pictures or any way you feel compelled to acknowledge His Glory and Love for you and all of humanity.

15. Write out the Prayer of Saint Francis (aka the Universal Prayer for Peace). Pray for peace in our world, nation as well as your family, home and community.

Would you like a free printable?

Click here: Prayer Wine Chocolate Lenten Journal Prompts

Wondering when to journal?  Check out: When DO Real Women Find Time To Journal?

Need more inspiration?  Check out this find! Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter

I hope to give you encouragement throughout Lent!  Check out my Facebook page: Prayer Wine Chocolate and my Youtube channel Amy Brooks on Youtube for upcoming videos!!

Share some pictures of your journal entries on social media with the hashtag #prayerwinechocolate #PrayerJournal

May the Lord bless you this Lent and always!

Love, 

Amy

Want more?  Here is an eBook of 40 MORE JOURNAL PROMPTS!

The post 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent (part 2) {Includes a Free Printable} appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Lent can be the perfect season to increase prayer time in our lives.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church,

Lent is the primary penitential season in the Church’s liturgical year, reflecting the forty days Jesus spent in the desert in fasting and prayer

If you have been thinking about starting a prayer journal, Lent is a great time to do so.
Through journaling, we can increase our prayer time and abstain from screen time.

*** Have a daughter, niece or young woman in your life that you love?  Gift her the Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls 

Not sure where to start or what to write?

Here are some ideas that can help you!

(click here for free printable of all of these and part 2: Lent Prayer Journal Prompts)

1.  Paste a picture of Jesus on the first page of your journal.  I love the image of Christ with the words, “Jesus I trust in You” underneath it.  It sets the tone for the whole book.  You can order this on Amazon here: Jesus, I trust in You holy card
2. Draw or color a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and write the prayer “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You” under the picture.  One website I love for pictures to color, cut and paste into my journal is: Look to Him and Be Radiant
3. Copy the Morning Offering onto a page.  Decorate around it.  Read it slowly and pray it
4. Write, “Dear Lord, Thank you for …” and list five blessings in you life.
5. Choose a holy quote that you love and write it on it’s own page.  Use your handwriting or even stencils.  Yellow Pelican has an entire post titled 30 Quotes to Help You Journey Through Lent!  I’m sure you’ll find one there you like! Another collection of quotes can be found here: Bible Verses for Every Woman
6. Copy this Prayer to the Holy Spirit:                                                                                       Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
   Saint Augustine
7. Write a letter to Jesus. Pour your heart out.  Try not to worry to much that “someone else may read this one day”.  It’s okay . . . give Jesus all of your worries and hopes. https://mailchi.mp/5a27d3a57afc/updated-signup-page
8. Copy this prayer I found at Give Him 5’s Facebook page: “My Dearest Jesus,
   Today, I want to be a light for you. Shine your love into my heart so that I may reflect that love to every person that I encounter. Amen.” Then draw a big picture of the sun and sky!
9. Write down words to a song or hymn that really moves your heart.
10. Find a holy card to a saint and copy the prayer that is on the back into your journal. Once you are done copying the prayer or novena, glue the picture of the saint on that page or the page adjacent to it.  Ask that saint to pray for a special intention in your heart.
11. Write a letter to a Saint asking for prayers!
12. Pray for all Holy Souls. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family.
    Amen.
    Learn more about this prayer here: Pray More Novenas
13. You can now get 40 MORE PRAYER JOURNAL PROMPTS!    
14. 
15. Check out this awesome coloring page: What Lent Looks Like.  Take time to enjoy coloring it.  Paste it in your journal as a whole, or cut out each image seperately.  Perhaps glue one to the top of a page and write a personal reflection about that specific aspect of Lent.  For example: the sacrifice image – write a list of things you could sacrifice on that day.
16. Color or paste a picture of the Crucifix on a page and then write the Prayer Before a Crucifix underneath.  If you subscribe to Look to Him and Be Radiant, Katie sends you a free ebook with many prayer cards you can color yourself.  One of those is the Prayer Before a Crucifix.
17. Print out a picture of your family.  Glue it to a page and write a personal prayer for your family under it
18. Spiritually Adopt a baby  Have fun naming him or her and come back often to this page to pray for this little one! See prayer and printable here: God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle {Free Printable}
19. Saint Patrick’s Day!  Cut out or copy the Prayer of Saint Patrick and color or decorate the page with shamrocks!  (See my Lent Pinterest board for ideas!)
20. Write out the Our Father, then pray it slowly.
21. Try a Lectio Divina exercise.  Here’s a great website that will guide you and give you personal reflection questions: Lectio Divina: Order of Carmelites
22. Ask the Lord what He is calling you to do today.  Listen for 2 minutes . . . then write what comes to mind.
23. Write another letter to Jesus.
24. Dedicate a page to Our Blessed Mother. If there is a specific Title of Mary that resonates with you, choose that image.  Write a specific prayer dedicated to that title or write the Memorare.
25. List five ways you would like to serve God this year.
26. Choose one Station of the Cross to write about and reflect upon.
27. The feast of Saint Joseph is March 19th, but honestly, I pray to him often!  I really like this prayer to him :

Oh St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.
Amen.

Originally, I intended to give all 40 Prayer Journal Prompts in one post.  However, I don’t want to overwhelm you!  This is enough to get started, right?  Please come back (or subscribe) to get more journal prompts soon!

If you are ready for part 2 and the FREE PRINTABLE WITH ALL 40 PROMPTS, CLICK HERE: 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent (part 2) {Includes a Free Printable}

If you are on social media, and would like to share a journal page of yours, that would be awesome!  Please hashtag: #prayerjournal #prayerwinechocolate

I’d love to see what you share! Looking for the free printable? It’s here in part 2 – https://www.prayerwinechocolate.com/40-prayer-journal-prompts-for-lent-part-2-includes-a-free-printable/

The post 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent (Part 1) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Later, I found that book and read it. Memories that had long faded away were brought to the surface because I had written them down.  It was interesting to see what I had worried about, what I thought was most important, and what brought me happiness when I was 11 years old and writing in a puffy covered Cabbage Patch kid diary.

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As a twenty-something year old, I started a prayer journal.  One of my inspirations to do so was my boyfriend at the time.  He had suffered with depression in his past, and a suggestion his counselor/therapist gave him was to keep a journal. When he was telling me about his journaling, I couldn’t help but think, “I should do that”.

According to Psychology Today, the benefits of journaling:

First, you’ve just taken some time to look at yourself, which continues the flow of therapy and makes you more aware. Second, you’ve begun to organize what can seem like a bunch of disjointed material. Writing forces you to funnel disparate thoughts into one linear stream. Finally, you’re keeping a record of your progress. People who journal for a few months are amazed when they look back to see where they were. Sometimes they’re amazed at how far they’ve come. Other times they’re surprised to find they’re barking up the same tree.”

Ryan Howes PhD, ABPP

I was also inspired by my students and the journaling I had incorporated into my lesson plan.  At the time, I was a Catholic School teacher – and one of the subjects I taught was 7th and 8th grade Theology.  But we didn’t call it theology.  As a true product of Philadelphia’s parochial school system, I simply called it, “religion class”.

I wanted my writing to be a part of my prayer life.  On the first page of my notebook that I started to use as a journal, I pasted a picture of Jesus:

On the next page, I wrote a letter to Jesus.  I told Him that this journal was being started with the hope that I would grow closer Him, that I hoped it would help me not only know myself better, but also know more clearly God’s will for my life.  I then thanked Our Lord for the people He had put in my life . . .

The reasons why I keep a prayer journal now, are the same as why I began – but more reasons have kept me going with it and keep my desire to continue this practice in the future.

Why I Prayer Journal:

I feel like writing my prayers down allow me to make a form of physical contact with God. Not long ago, I used to write letters to my friend who decided to move to Turkey to teach.  A little while before then, I was a college student who wrote letters to my boyfriend who lived “far away”.  And a few years before that, I kept in touch with a pen pal that lived in North Carolina.  Getting a letter in the mail was so fun!  I knew that the friends I wrote to also looked forward to getting letters in the mail.  It was a way to “stay in touch” before cell phones and social media.  I feel as though when I write a letter to the Lord, He enjoys hearing from me, reads every word, and responds in His own way.  Writing to Jesus allows me to feel “connected” to heaven.

It helps me pay attention.  I tend to daydream. I am very easily distracted.  Writing my thoughts and feelings keeps me focused.

It allows me to really get all my thoughts and feelings out. I am amazed of how much I “let out” when I write.

It provides a way for me to express creativity.

I love to color.  I love to glue prayer cards inside and simply copy a prayer.  I love a reason to use stickers.  I never really got into scrapbooking – I was intimidated by how incredible others’ work looked.  This allows me to do my best at what would be a not so great scrapbook.  Read more about how I prayer journal at: 8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal

I find that it relieves stress and anxiety.

It reminds me that suffering is temporary. It’s amazing to go back and read what I wrote when I was suffering with crosses of loneliness, confusion and so.much.anxiety.  Seeing those entries and thinking about my present life allow me to see that difficult times do pass.

Prayer journaling gives me another opportunity to thank God for His many blessings. When I write in my journal, I find myself being aware of my blessings and thanking God directly for my family, my home and all the blessings in my life when I write in my journal.  I truly believe that gratitude is so important and should be included in prayer.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer journaling helps me share with the Lord

all that I worry about;

what I think is most important;

and what truly brings me happiness.

Wondering WHEN you could find time to prayer journal?  Read: When DO Real Women Find Time To Journal?

Start Prayer Journaling today with this awesome kit from DaySpring: Illustrated Faith Set

The post Why Prayer Journal? appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

The coverage had me thinking of many different topics.  It also had me thinking about how blessed I have been in my life with a family so full of wonderful women. My mother, grandmothers, and aunts have been incredible role models and have truly loved me for who I am.  One of the aspects I have long noticed about the women in my family is that they never seem to gossip, always enjoy a good laugh and really, truly listen to one another.  Although we may not always agree, I love them dearly and see them as a gift from God.

I also started thinking about the women I have read about that have inspired me to be a better Christian, a harder working woman, and simply, a better person.

Here are some inspiring resources I recommend about some truly heroic women:

Our Blessed Mother

Although there are an unmeasurable amount of resources about Our Lady, there are two I’d like to rccommend . . . The first is 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley. 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration is an easy read and not only serves as a personal retreat, but is also incredibly informative about Our Blessed Mother’s role in our faith.

The second resource about Our Lady is the fascinating Our Lady of Guadalupe. I heard someone give a talk about Our Lady of Guadalupe and she referred to this book Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love.  So much she said fascinated and intrigued both my husband and I.  It’s not only on my “to read” list – it’s on his as well!

Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Katharine Drexel

Sitting in Eucharistic Adoration once, I came across the book titled, 15 Days of Prayer wit Saint Catherine of Siena.  One of my favorite quotes is attributed to her:

Be who God wants you to be and you will set the world on fire!

I LOVE that quote.  I often pray – Dear God, help me to be who you want me to be – and set the world ablaze!  However, there is much I do not know about this saint.  Reading this book in the chapel was quite interesting to me and gave me more knowledge about the truly heroic woman.  Not to long after, I was in the Eucharistic Adoration chapel again.  I came across a similar book, but this time the saint was Katharine Drexel. As I read 15 Days of Prayer with Saint Katharine Drexel, I truly felt as though I was receiving advice from heaven.

Saint Gianna

We live in quite an amazing time.  Saint Gianna Beretta Molla- wife, mother and physician has been canonized and three of her children are still living!   Gianna Emanuela, the daughter of the great modern saint, stated to me in an email  that this is her favorite book about her “Saint Momma”: The Journey of Our Love: The Letters of Saint Gianna Beretta and Pietro Molla. As someone who not only feels Saint Gianna has interceded for my own personal prayers, but also a person who loves history and reading historical documents – this type of book is a gold mine!  How cool is it to be able to read the letters a saint wrote to her husband – and that he wrote to her!  The art of letter writing has become almost an ancient ritual in modern times, but also quite a nostalgic memory for many of us.  I wish I could read the letters my grandparents wrote to one another during WWII.  People wrote with such elegance and detail.  Having this book as a way to model marital love is quite a blessing and treasure.

Saint Zelie Martin

Speaking of love letters . . . and motherhood . . .and marriage . . . I have a fairly new addition to my “favorite saint list”.  For years I have been quite fond and devoted to Saint Therese’ of Liseux.  Not so long ago, both her mother and father were canonized.  One time I was reading a letter Saint Zelie wrote to her brother, and I was so struck by the love she had for her husband.  In this particular letter, dated January 1, 1863, Zelie writes:

I’m always so happy with him, he makes my life very pleasant.  What a holy man my husband is.  I wish the same for all women; that’s my wish for them for the New Year.” 

It is my belief that if asked, she intercedes for husbands and wives.  This book, Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus (1864-1885) is an incredible way to see how two very faithful people dealt with daily struggles and real challenges.

Immaculee Ilibagiza

Immaculee lives in New York and survived the Rawandan Genocide.  Her experience and the way prayer and faith helped her through unimaginable horror and enabled her to truly understand forgiveness is more than inspiring.  Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust  and  Led by Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide (Left to Tell) are both incredible accounts of a woman who is most certainly a hero of faith.

If you are looking to be inspired by women of faith . . . I strongly recommend these women!  Who inspires your faith?

Who is a hero to you?

The post Heroic Women; Inspiring Resources appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

We live in a culture that is so abundant in material possessions  that it’s not unusual to hear a radio advertisement asking the listener, “what do you get for the person who has everything?”. This is a phrase that convinces a customer to buy and helps a business survive – and possibly thrive.

But the reality is, many of us are using credit to do our shopping and our bills do not leave us with much for savings.

Personally, I LOVE Christmas shopping.  I love buying people Christmas gifts.  Somehow, even as a poor college student, I always managed to buy presents for family and close friends.  It is something that has brought me joy as long as I can remember.

This year, the budget is super tight.  This week in particular reminded me of that.  My husband’s car was inspected and needed almost $1,000 of work (and that was just to pass inspection); our oven broke and our heat up stairs stopped working.  What a week – for any time of year.  But it’s Christmas time, so it’s an extra reminder to me that our finances are limited.

However, that doesn’t change how much I really like to Christmas shop.  One thing I look forward to each year is purchasing a gift for our parish giving tree so that a needy child will have one more thing to open Christmas morning.  I reached out to the woman who runs the toy drive and asked “what age group needs gifts?”

I knew the answer before she responded.  Those tween years are tough.  Sure enough, I was informed – both boys and girls ages 10-13.

I have a special place in my heart for the average 13 year old girl.  I remember vividly how challenging that time was – and I often choose that age when I shop for a gift to donate.

But . . . how can I justify buying another thing?

Then a phrase that has been a voice inside my mind once before returned:

God will provide.

And He did.  I found coupon for Staples (an office supply/stationary store) for $10.00 off a purchase of $10.00 or more.  So basically . . . $10.00 appeared.

$10.00 is not going to get the most amazing gift . .. but it enabled me to get some colored pens and two adorable notebooks.  Hopefully that humble gift will bring a young girl a smile and some joy.

Although ten dollars is a small gift from above, I have seen God provide in much bigger ways.

The fact that I went to college, lived there and graduated in four years is a huge testament to the value financial aid, hard work at humbling part-time jobs and divine intervention.

But that phrase:
“God will provide” was particularly loud and persistent about four years ago . . . when, after years of praying, my husband and I finally became parents.

As a teacher in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Secondary Schools, I knew that once we became parents, I would stay home for a year.  That was a benefit I saw many other teachers I worked with enjoy, I had planned to do the same.

That year went by so quickly . . . and my husband really felt that I needed to go back to work so that we could stay afloat financially.

But, all I kept hearing inside my own head was . . . “God will provide”.

Our son was born with some health challenges, and my life as a teacher had me working on lesson plans and grading almost every waking hour that I wasn’t instructing students in the classroom.  I had tried to change that “system” many times; but then I would be teaching content I wasn’t familiar with or something else would be thrown in the mix.

I couldn’t be both a good mom and a good teacher.  I knew this in my heart.

I assured my husband, “God will provide”.

And He did.  From secondary insurance, to part-time work as an SAT reader, to more babysitting jobs I had in high school, God provided.  And He didn’t stop there.  My husband has earned two promotions since we have become parents.

We certainly do not live extravagantly, and there is a list of things that need attention, but we are okay.  Our heat is on, and we are not hungry.

God provides us with what we need.  He loves us.  Sometimes I need the reminder that what those who I love most don’t need an extra gift, but extra love, extra listening, extra attention, extra prayers and extra forgiveness.

If you are worried about balancing your checkbook, remember, God will provide.

Sometimes, He just wants to remind us to close our checkbooks and open our hearts.

May the Lord give you a very, very, Merry Christmas!

The post How God Provides appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.  The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.  The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2: 8-14

Confession: This Advent; I have said the names “Santa” and “Saint Nicholas” more than I have said the name “Jesus”.  I know, not a good thing.  However, I know my weaknesses and since I am determined to teach my child how much Jesus loves him, I reached out to DaySpring and asked if I could review The Shepherd on the Search Advent Activity Set.  Thankfully, DaySpring agreed to send me the kit and allow me to host a giveaway!  I can honestly say, I am so glad we are actively participating in this activity in our home!  After reading our son the book and completing some of the fun games and crafts that accompany it with our son, I can share why I LOVE this gift set and would recommend it to everyone who celebrates Christmas!

Five Reasons Why I LOVE DaySpring’s The Shepherd on the Search

1. The Shepherd can be used with or without the Elf!

If you already use the famous Elf on the Shelf; you can easily add the Shepherd to the mix.  In fact, you could probably have a ton of fun teaming them up to do some entertaining things and allow your children to find them both together some mornings.  However, if you are not an elf fan – you can use The Shepherd instead!  We don’t have an Elf.  Our view is – Santa sees you no matter what – all the time.  I will say, sometimes I wished we had one.  The Shepherd was exactly what I was looking for . .. we can still have fun with looking for the little guy in the morning – but we are always reminded of who we should always search for . . .

2. Your child or children can touch The Shepherd and it’s all good!

I’ve heard that for those who do participate in “The Elf on the Shelf” that no one is allowed to touch the Elf.  I’ve also heard, that when children inevitably touch him, that creates more work for the parents.  The Shepherd can be touched and in fact, DaySpring offers online activities that go along with The Shepherd’s search – and our son’s FAVORITE involves hiding and seeking the Shepherd. That leads me to my next reason . .

3. The Daily ADVENTures found on DaySpring’s Website

DaySpring offers lots of ideas to use The Shepherd as a teaching tool and gives me ways to simply spend quality time with my son.  Our son, Xavier, is 4 years old.  He loves to cut and use scotch tape!  So, I was thrilled when I saw the first suggested activity was to create a paper chain countdown!  We made that chain together and it was a great activity for us.  We don’t get to do each ADVENTure – but again, that’s okay! One of the suggested activities is “Find the Shepherd”.  My son is so into hide and seek right now, so I thought, “he’ll like this game”.  Well – he LOVES it and wants to play EVERY DAY! I’m sure there is an ADVENTure your child will love as well!

4. Your child gets to name the Shepherd and he gets to look for him in the morning

You can hide him – or you could lose him for three days and say he must have found a really good hiding spot (cough, cough – that might have happened here).  Sometimes he’s in a funny spot.  No matter where he is, when Xavier finds him he smiles and is so happy!  I get a kick out of where my husband puts him sometimes.  Other times, I like to be creative and silly.  It’s fun – for all of us!

5. And Finally, The Shepherd is based on Scripture and the true meaning of Christmas

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”  So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.  All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.  And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

Luke 2:15-20

The Shepherd on the Search book uses this Bible verse as a starting point.  The Shepherd, who comes with the book and your child names, is a child that helps the adult shepherds.  The men tell the child to stay back – but he is to excited and follows behind – but not to close, because he doesn’t want to get seen (since he was told not to come along)!

It’s a great book to add to the nightly bedtime routine.  The illustrations are fantastic.  The story is fun and clear.

Want one?  DaySpring and Prayer Wine Chocolate have teamed up to give one Set away!! Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post The Shepherd on the Search {Review & Giveaway!} appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

I can remember being young and sometimes wondering, in certain situations, what is the RIGHT thing to do?

As I reflect on the past – whether it was in grade school or this year – sometimes the RIGHT choice – is not always obvious or crystal clear.

Most of us want to do the right thing.  In my mind and heart – the right thing is synonymous with God’s will.

Thankfully, as I have aged, most situations in my life do not bring confusion.  God wants me to be kind and patient – with everyone.  Now, sometimes that is quite challenging, but I still know that is what is right.

But, there are times where we wonder – what is God’s will?

I look back at my 20’s.  I had a boyfriend.  Did God want me to do whatever I could to make sure that relationship stay in tact?  Or did he want me to move on?  At what point do we stop holding ourselves accountable and just let go and let God?

Being far removed from that situation now, I realize I needed to “let go and let God” a lot sooner than I did.

Maybe that lesson needs to practiced in my life a lot more.

I feel like a lot of us like to have control – or at least feel like we are in control.  But really, are we?

As I thought about the day ahead of me this morning, I looked up yesterday’s Gospel reading.  Then I looked up today’s readings.

What a feeling of relief came over me when I saw the passage from Galatians!

What is God’s will?  God wants us to be:

loving

joyful

peaceful

kind

generous

faithful to Him

gentle

God wants us to display self-control

I am so grateful that I can not only see God’s will in Scripture, but also in the words of holy men and women who have modeled a deep love for Our Lord.

Perhaps I need to keep it simple and remember the words of Saint (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta:

“Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.”

What I am starting to realize is, when I struggle with the question, “what is God’s will”, I am putting to much emphasis on me.

I need to let God do His job and trust Him.

God’s will is not complicated.  Love Him first, and our neighbors as ourselves.

Live in the present.  Trust God with the future.

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