“Get ice cream from the ice cream truck, buy ice cream cones and pray your rosaries.”

This was my son’s advice to me when I asked him what I should ask Saint Gianna’s daughter if I got the chance to talk with her.

If you are unfamiliar with Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, she was a wife, mother and physician.  She often treated her patients that could not pay her.  She was a devout Catholic, devoted spouse and loving mother. When diagnosed with a benign tumor, a fibroma, in her uterus during her last pregnancy. The doctors gave her options about treatment and Gianna chose what was safest for her unborn child. One week after the birth of her daughter, Gianna Emanuela, Saint Gianna passed away.

Her youngest daughter, who was one week old when her mother died, is Dr. Gianna Emaneula.  Dr. Gianna Emanuela is in the United States this week promoting a project that will preserve the home and two other buildings in her mother’s honor.  I had the incredible privilege to hear her speak and meet her personally this weekend.  I was pretty excited about it . . . hence me asking many people, including my 4-year-old son, “what should I ask Saint Gianna’s daughter if and when I meet her?!!”

Like most of life, I had no idea what to expect.  And like most experiences, it taught me some things . . .

1. Humility

I have to start by talking about the elephant in the room.  You may not see that elephant, but I do.  You see, I thought I was going to be able to interview Gianna Emanuela on a Facebook Live video.  I was elated when the shrine director offered to ask her if she would be interested, and even more excited when I met Dr. Gianna Emanuela and she agreed to do it – but after her speech that had been planned for the next day.  Gianna Emanuela is so incredibly kind and sweet.  I waited until she greeted everyone before I approached her for the quick interview.  She was understandably exhausted.  She spoke with me for a little about the first question I had on a piece of paper.  Seeing how reluctant she was, I asked her if instead of an interview, would she just say “hi” to the viewers and say a prayer with me.  Honestly, I think she didn’t want to, but she did it.  Then, when I watched the video after, I saw that only about 30 seconds of the video was clear.  The rest was completely fuzzy.  The “interview” I had talked up and been so excited about . . . didn’t happen and the little that I was able to film was almost all “unviewable”.  Here is a classic case of God not giving me what I wanted, but giving me what I needed.  I wanted an interview, I needed a dose of humility.

2. Gratitude

After sulking about my video for a short amount of time, I picked my head up.

I thought, “Am I crazy?  How can I feel sorry about anything!?  I met Saint Gianna’s daughter!  I held her hand and spoke with her.  My family got our picture with her and got to tell her how we believe her mother interceded for our little boy – who she met and said hello to.  We hugged.  We prayed together.  We talked about little things like we were old friends, and we talked about big things like how one stays joyful when life is hard.”

Although I didn’t get to video all of it, I listened to Gianna speak.  The admiration and love she spoke of when referring to her father was more than endearing.  She told the crowd listening how her “Papa” endured so much heartache.  He lost his spouse only 6 years after they were married.  Two years later, his daughter – at the age of 6 years old – passed away.  Gianna told us how her father reassured her that he could “never be thankful enough’ for all the blessings God had given him.

When I spoke to Gianna after her talk, I asked her, “How do you stay joyful when life is hard?”  She said, “I thank God for every breath I take.”  And, as I sat there, I thought: “She means that.  She means that with all her heart.”  What a lesson.  What a thought . . . to simply thank God for every breath . . .

3.  Keep Praying to Our Blessed Mother

When I asked Gianna what her favorite prayer was, she responded, “The Ave Maria.”  I noticed during her talk, that she not only referred to her saint mother, Gianna, but also her heavenly Mother, Our Blessed Mother. Something I am noticing lately is how devoted Saints who clearly loved Christ, truly loved His Mother.  And like my son said, “pray your rosaries.”  Sometimes I think he says things that his guardian angel has whispered in his ear.

4.  Work for a purpose that is far greater than myself

I am convinced that Gianna Emanuela would be a great Christian whether she chose to return to her work as a geriatric physician or if she continues to take on the mission of sharing with the world her mother’s incredible life witness.

Gianna exudes a love for Our Lord.  It is clear to me that not only is her mother a saint, but her father as well.  When she speaks of her father, I am in such awe of how he taught her to love God and love “the way of the Cross”.  She speaks of him with such tenderness, and he taught her that the way to true joy is through Jesus.  No matter what she chooses to do for her work in this life, it is clear that she loves the Lord with all her heart.

Gianna chose to help the world receive her mother’s message.  Gianna said that before her father passed away he told his children that the world needs Saint Gianna’s message.  He said that at least one of his children should make sure that their mother’s “wonderful message” of a simple love and joy be heard by as many people as possible. When Gianna speaks of her mother’s Christian witness, she stresses

her sacred respect for life;

her courage,

her unlimited trust in Divine Providence,

and her amazing sacrifice and donation of her own life.

She also spoke of how her mother is a saint of every day life.  Unlike many other saints who seem to be removed from our daily concerns, Saint Gianna Berreta Molla is accessible to the modern person.  Saint Gianna had many of the same stresses and worries as we have today.  She was a wife, a mother, and a physician. She prayed she would find a wonderful husband, she experienced the grief of two miscarriages, she went to work and truly tried to love everyone she knew.  Gianna Emanuela, like her father, see Saint Gianna’s message as a message of hope.  Gianna Emanuela is working to spread that hope and keep it alive.

Looking for a gift inspired by Saint Gianna?  Check out this post: Gifts inspired by Saint Gianna

5. Believe in Miracles 

So many people came to introduce Gianna Emanuela to their Giannas.  I wonder if someone counted how many Giannas met with her this past weekend!  So many women and couples ask Saint Gianna’s intercession when trying to get pregnant or when they are worried about the health of the baby and their health throughout pregnancy.  So many are grateful for Gianna’s intercession.

Although I believe Saint Gianna interceded for my son’s health as he laid in the NICU, my miracle this weekend was different.

In early June, I spoke with the director of the Shrine of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, Angela Shammo, located in Warminster, PA.  I asked Angela if I could come and do a short video one day while she was there.  She said that would be fine, and gave me the dates she was scheduled to work at the shrine.  We decided on July 16th.  A short time later the director notified me that she wasn’t sure what would be going on that day . . . because she got word that Gianna’s daughter would be visiting that weekend!

The one day this summer I had planned to show the world Saint Gianna’s shrine, Saint Gianna’s daughter traveled half-way across the world to be there as well.

To me . . . that’s a miracle.

Want to know more about Saint Gianna?  This book was written by her husband.  (These are affiliate links):

Gianna Emanuela told me this is her FAVORITE BOOK!

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

Saint Gianna Molla: Wife, Mother, Doctor

More gifts inspired by Saint Gianna in this blog post: Gifts Inspired by Saint Gianna

The post 5 Lessons I Learned from The Daughter of a Saint appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

How do you relieve stress, pray, and allow yourself time to be creative?  For me, I can do all of those things through writing in a journal. Recently, I went on a search for journals I would use and recommend.  After looking at MANY, I found some gems!  Here are the journals I think you would enjoy using and allow you to grow closer to the Lord, achieve goals you have only dreamed of and see the beauty that is already in your life!

Need a journal for a young woman?  Check out Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls

1. Gratitude: A Daily Journal

This journal is published by Jack Canfield, the creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and D.D. Watkins.  I ordered this journal in January of 2015 and used it almost daily.  I love how it gives every date of the year and a just few lines to write.  I loved using it so much that I bought it again this year.  It really helps place my head and heart in a state of gratitude and thanks at the end of each and every day; and it only takes me five minutes to complete.

2. Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration

On my quest to find the best journals for busy women, I headed to Barnes and Nobles’ bookstore.  I did not go to the “journal” section at first.  I went to the “self-improvement” section.  It was here that I found START WHERE YOU ARE.  I love this journal.  It has all different fun prompts that are not to deep, but really fun.  It has inspirational quotes in fun works of art.  When I came home and looked it up, I found out it is an Amazon Best Seller.  Author Meera Lee Patel is a self-taught artist that uses bright, happy colors while encouraging the person who is using the journal to bring out their inner creator.

3. The 52 Lists Project: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE writing lists.  I feel like it helps me have a plan and feel productive. This journal bases every entry on writing a list.  From listing your goals and dream to listing your favorite sweets and treats, this journal will have you looking at life  from all different perspectives.

4. Quieting Your Heart: 6-Month Prayer Journal

I love how simple and fun this journal is set up.  One space for a personal prayer, one space for prayer requests, a prompt that says, “Lord, teach me to . . .” and an inspirational quote.  These sections are asking me to get my colored pencils out and decorate the page and color the cute picture.  I love it.

5.  Hail Mary Catholic Journal

I was going to include a plain notebook in this list, and that same day I saw this show up on my Facebook newsfeed.  I love a blank canvas that allows me to paste inspiration from a devotional or even song lyrics.  I like the idea that I can use this space to write a letter to Jesus or the words of a novena prayer.  Having a journal with this stunning image on the cover gives it an added sense of prayer. I also recommend having a ton of fun making the inside of your blank journal pop with your creativity.  I found these cute writing prompts and thought they would be fun to paste in a journal entry.  Check them out here: 31 die cut faith prompts. Also, you can get really creative with this kit from Dayspring: Illustrated Faith Art Kit

6.  Travel Journal

I use this Ellie Claire travel journal for all my blog/writing ideas.  Life is a journey – so even though I haven’t been on a plane in ten years, this journal suits me.  I love the cover style.  It looks classic on the book shelf.  I love how the inside pages have an “old map” color and inspirational quotes (from Scripture and historical figures). Another bonus to this journal is the folder pocket in the back – which is barely noticeable, but a great place to put holy cards and other inspirational papers.

7. A Guided Devotional Journal

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World is such an awesome guided journal.  Can’t we all relate to Mary and Martha!?? Everyday as a mother I struggle to decide if I am spending enough time just enjoying my son and am I spending enough time on my responsiblity as a homemaker? Like Mary, I long to sit at the Lord’s feet…but the daily demands of a busy world have me relating to.I found this journal on Amazon for $21.55 but Dayspring has it on sale for $17.99.  Here is my affiliate link for the better price! Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Journal

8. Walk with the Saints Journal –

This journal has lined pages, saint quotes and illustrations. Most pages are blank, but I like that it also offers “how to” pages. How to pages include: St. Francis de Sales guide to Morning and Evening prayer; List of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; and an Examination of Conscience.

9. A Coloring Book Journal 

I absolutely love this journal!  It not only includes coloring pages with inspirational quotes, but also bookmarks, greeting cards and gift tags! This journal is great alone and as a companion to a writing journal – I could see cutting out some of the bookmarks, etc and pasting them alongside my written prayers and reflections! There are other coloring book journals to peruse before you decide!  Here are some other lovely choices: Inspiring Words Coloring Book Journal and Whatever is Lovely

10. DaySpring Bible Journal

No matter how busy we are, we really should take time to pray and read the Bible.  Some people love Bible journaling – I have never done it, but I definitely think I would love to give it a try!  I chose this particular Bible journal because I love the cover and the extra-wide margins and there’s plenty of space for art journaling biblical truths! Also, for a limited time, DaySpring is offering $25 off any $75 purchase. Use code 25SAVE at checkout.

I had a blast writing this journal for young girls – if you are looking for a journal for a beautiful young lady, check out

Be Yourself can be purchased here: Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls and on Amazon!

The post 10 Best Journals for Busy Women appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Your Kindness should be known to all.  The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

A few years ago I heard my brother-in-law talking about “The Secret”.  He spoke with such elation and excitement.  As I heard him describe it, I recalled a book I had read years before titled, “Manifest Your Destiny” by Wayne Dyer.  My brother-in-law and Wayne Dyer were both speaking about the Law of Attraction.  I was intrigued and very interested.  I bought a copy of The Secret DVD and watched it.

As I sat there with a pen and notebook, I recalled that I have heard almost all of this advice before – in Scripture.

Ask. Believe. Receive.

 Be Grateful. Be Joyful. Visualize.

Seek abundance.

All of these messages are from Our Lord. They’re really no secret.

As a Catholic, we sometimes forget that our faith not only values suffering.  Sometimes God wants what we want.

 I love the fact that the only miracle story in all four Gospels is the story of the loaves and fishes.  Jesus brings abundance, even when we don’t see how it could be possible.

Now, I am no theologian. I am just a simple Christian who loves her faith and often finds comfort in it.  As I watched and listened to “The Secret”, I heard three main themes. Each theme reminded me of a bible passage (or passages).  I would love to share how these themes reminded me of God’s word!

1. Ask. Believe. Receive.  More than once, Jesus directs us to ask our heavenly Father for our heart’s desires. In Matthew, 7:7, Jesus literally says “Ask and it will be given to you . . .”. And again in Luke 11:9, “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; . . .”

In each of these passages, Jesus reminds those who are listening of parental love.  Our parish had a priest for years that would end almost every homily by telling us how much his parents loved him, then he would add, “BUT THAT LOVE DOESN’T COME CLOSE TO THE LOVE OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN HAS FOR US!”  I loved when he reminded us of that! He would often quote the hymn, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what God has ready for those who love Him.”  That song makes me feel so excited about God’s love!

Jesus not only stressed that we should ask, but that we should also believe! I just re-read Matthew 17:14-21 and I found some relief as a former teacher. As a teacher who often found myself so frustrated with my students, it’s a relief to see that Jesus got frustrated with His students too!

A man asked Jesus’ disciples to heal his son, but they could not.  The  man then went to Jesus who then healed his son.  The disciples later ask Jesus in private why couldn’t they heal the boy.  I picture Jesus wanting to -and forgive this urban dictionary phrase but, slap them upside the head. Jesus starts his answer to them by saying,

“Because of your little faith…”.

I see Jesus saying it while He was throwing His arms in the air and shaking His head.  I feel like he was wondering why don’t they listen?!  I remember how I felt when I would collect homework from my high school students and how some would not have their names on their work!  I would be beside myself wondering how a 10th grader still didn’t think to put his or her name on his homework or her test!  This must have been how Jesus felt when he said to them,

” …I say to you,if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. . . .”.

 Jesus was saying, “Believe”!!!!  I think He was also saying, I’ve told you this a million times!!!

2. Be Grateful. Be Joyful. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals ten lepers but only one returned to Him to say thank you.  Every time I hear this reading I think, “I would have thanked Him!”  Somehow I think we all believe we would thank Jesus if he healed us from leprosy.  As I reflect on that, I think Jesus was letting us know that we could all be a little more thankful.  That leper that returned to Jesus to say thank you, didn’t just say thank you.  He “…returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him . . .”(Luke 17:15)  That’s not just saying thank you, that is feeling thankful so much you feel like celebrating!  That is a happy gratitude!  We could all be and feel more grateful!  Last year I bought a gratitude journal and I am so glad I did it.  Almost every night I wrote down what I was grateful for and I want to order another one for this year. There are other places in scripture that talk about gratitude.  Here is an article I found if you are interested in reading where the Bible mentions being thankful.

3. Visualize. Seek Abundance.  Let’s go to the Wedding at Cana (this is prayerWINEchocolate, isn’t it.  How could I not bring up the Wedding at Cana!?)

Most of us have heard the old expression, “God gives us what we need, not what we want”.  And this is often true.  God is our Father, and like any parent, we don’t give our children things just because they want them. However, sometimes we do!!  I’m going to go out on a limb here and say no one at that wedding NEEDED wine to help sustain their lives.  They already had wine.  Jesus made MORE wine! And not only did Jesus make more wine, he made GOOD wine! So good the headwaiter commented on it. And by the way – six jars that could hold anywhere from twenty to thirty gallons – that’s an abundance of wine! That’s a celebration!

Before Jesus suffered and died, he performed so many miracles.  The one miracle story recorded in all four Gospels, the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, is a miracle that demonstrates abundance!  I once read a reflection on this passage written by Elizabeth-Anne Stewart.  Stewart stated that, “The multiplication of the loaves and fishes demonstrates that grace is not bound by either logic or arithmetic.” She later states, “In [Jesus’] presence, scarcity becomes abundance . . .”!

I believe Jesus desires us to dream, imagine, set goals and ask Him for help in attaining them! Think about what you want, ask the Lord for it and believe that He will bring it about!  While you wait, give thanks for all that is good!  I know there are times when it’s difficult to be thankful.  But there is always something to be thankful for!  The last thing we ate, the bed we slept in, a friend, a family member . . .

From this day forward, let’s not be afraid to ask the Lord for abundant blessings!

What abundant blessings have you already received?  Please share in the comments!

The following are affiliate links.  Thank you for helping me continue to write!

The book “The Secret” and /or the DVD can be purchased on Amazon.

To purchase the Gratitude Journal I used last year, click here:  Gratitude Journal That journals also comes in this kit.   Dream big and enjoy the abundance the Lord has planned for you!

The book Manifest Your Destiny is also a great resource.

I first heard of Wayne Dyer when I read his book “There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem“.

In this book Dyer writes a chapter on each phrase in The Prayer of Saint Francis.  It helped me through a tough time, so I figured I would share :).

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