• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Prayer Wine Chocolate

a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

  • Home
  • Wine and Chocolate
  • Faith
  • CSMI
  • Adoption
  • Life
  • Prayer Journaling
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Donate a Be Yourself Journal
  • Catholic Coloring Pages
  • Shop

Oct 26, 2016
Catholic Influencers&middot Faith&middot Life

Writers I Have Come To Know, Admire and Respect: Blog Spotlight Series; Part 1

About a year and a half ago I really knew nothing about blogging.  A friend of mine suggested I look into it . . . and I shrugged it off.

Then a few months later I bought an e-book and started talking to other bloggers.  My interest was sparked, and it has opened up a whole knew world for me!

I truly believe in the saying (attributed to Saint Catherine of Siena):

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world ablaze!”

Waterman Perspective Fountain Pen in Black

Here are some bloggers I believe are setting the world on fire by being just who they are meant to be! Check out their blogs if you have not already!

Annie Deddens (Catholic Wife, Catholic Life)

Facebook page: Catholic Wife, Catholic Life

“What’s your blog about?”

The name basically says it all: It’s about being a Catholic wife and living an authentic Catholic life 🙂 So I write a lot about marriage, about love & service — about how to live & love authentically in the world we’re living in. I also write about prayer and how to get through hard things. Because there are so many hard things we’re all dealing with. I sort of hope that my blog reminds people that they’re not alone in their suffering — that someone else is walking this path with them, and that there are good things, too — beautiful things, even, in the midst of our pain and suffering.

anniededdens.jpg

“What do you like most about writing?”

My favorite thing about writing is when someone reads what I’ve written and says, “Me too. That happens to me too. That’s my experience too.” That’s when I’m reminded more than ever that we belong to each other and that we’re not all that different. I love that reminder and that connection.

“What type of wine is your favorite?”

I’ll go back and forth between a glass of pinot grigio and a glass of merlot. Mmmm!

“What is your favorite chocolate?”

I’m not a huge chocolate lover, but if I had to pick one, it’d be dark chocolate. Especially if it’s covering cashews 😉

“What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?”

I absolutely love the Memorare — my husband & I pray it together all the time. And my favorite quote is this one by Bl. Chiara Luce Badano: “I have nothing left, but I still have my heart, and with that I can always love.”

Douglas Johnson (Doug on Tap)

Facebook page: Doug on Tap

What is your blog about?

My wife is a well known pro-life speaker and advocate. Most of my blog posts are pro-life related and include stories about our journey into the pro-life movement. That, and I love giving commentary regarding current pro-life related issues.

Also, my blog is about my adventures as a stay at home dad. We have 5 children, and as of right now, my wife is pregnant with twins. Our oldest is our nine year old daughter then we have four boys ages 4,3,2,&1. No matter what I am writing, I like to be as honest and unfiltered as possible. I try to use as much humor as possible in my writing. When it comes to parenting, a good sense of humor is your best friend. That, and feeling like your not the only one going through the same type of craziness with your family.

DougJohnson1.jpg

What do you like most about writing? 

I really enjoy writing as a creative outlet. Even if it’s just writing a movie review that only ten people are going to read, it is fun having the opportunity to express myself. The part I enjoy most, though is being a story teller. I believe my wife and I have a good story to tell when it comes to our journey from a pro-choice life to a pro-life conversion and everything in between.
The best thing about writing is when people tell you that you have inspired them or they like knowing there is someone out there they can relate to. Comments and interaction are the ultimate complement. It’s very fun and somewhat humbling to have an audience.

 What type of wine (or beverage) is your favorite?  

I am primarily a beer drinker. Stouts are my primary go to beverage, but I do love wine.My favorite wine right now is an Australian Shiraz called The Stump Jump. When I have had a rough day, I tend to skip the beer and go straight for a big glass of wine and a bowl of  queen olives.

What is your favorite chocolate (or dessert)?  

I love inexpensive dark chocolates. Dove and Ghirardelli are my faves. But, If you ask me what is the best desert, I have say nothing beats a perfect brownie. Hot gooey dark chocolate brownies with chocolate chunks inside. I could eat an entire pan and not feel in the slightest bit guilty.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

This prayer pretty much sums up my primary job as a parent. Be balanced and loving. I am honored to be a parent and I do not take this vocation lightly.

O God the Father of mankind, who hast given unto me these my children, and committed them to my charge to bring them up for Thee, and to prepare them for eternal life: help me with Thy heavenly grace, that I may be able to fulfill this most sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give and what to withhold; when to reprove and when to forbear; make me to be gentle, yet firm; considerate and watchful; and deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence, and the excess of severity; and grant that, both by word and example, I may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety, so that at last I may, with them, be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true home in heaven, in the company of the blessed Angels and Saints.

Leana Bowler (Rosaries and Rainbows)

Facebook Page: Rosaries and Rainbows

What is your blog about?

rosariesandrainbows.jpg

As a joyful mother of four precious blessings and one little saint in heaven, I blog about our Catholic faith, motherhood, marriage, and everyday life with a lot of humor and a lot of heart.

What do you like most about writing?

I love writing because I get to share what God puts on my heart and prayerfully be an encouragement.

What type of wine (or beverage) is your favorite?  

My favorite beverage is coffee, coffee, coffee. I call it my mommy fuel.

What is your favorite chocolate (or dessert)?

My favorite chocolate is dark chocolate.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

My favorite quote are the words of Our Lady, “do whatever he tells you.” Words to live by!

Do you have a blog you love to read, or a writer that you love?  Tell us about him or her!

Share
Tweet
Pin8
Share
8 Shares
Previous Post: « #StormtheHeavens Praying for Phil’s Healing and Allowing the Lord to Heal All of Us
Next Post: Seek and You Shall Find: What I Found On The Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Retreat »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christina says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:31 am

    What a great list! So many great bloggers out there, I love following new people!

    • Amy says

      October 26, 2016 at 9:59 am

      Thanks Christina! I really need to take time each day to read more!

  2. Candy Hartmann says

    October 26, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    Thanks Amy. I look forward to Part II.

  3. Kirby says

    November 5, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    So fun! I also love to hear about why people gave their blog the name they did. I think I’ll have to send my husband Doug on Tap’s link. 🙂

  4. Jessica Kong says

    December 30, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Love this list! I love finding new blogs to read through 🙂

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

Free Resources for Lent

Free Resources for Lent

Free resources

Free resources

Shop Prayer Wine Chocolate Gifts

Shop Prayer Wine Chocolate Gifts

GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

I’m Amy Brooks, I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals 🙂

Will you stop and pray with me? Any special inten Will you stop and pray with me?

Any special intentions?
Cheers to Friday! 🍷 I was SO EXCITED when a while Cheers to Friday! 🍷
I was SO EXCITED when a while back THE @stephanieweinert Stephanie Weinert tagged me in her #7quicktakes #sevenquicktakes #fridayintroductions post.

I’m jumping in today! 

1. I recently took my own “headshots”. The first photo is one of MANY photos I took. It was super windy that day. If you need professional photos… give it a try - you can save a ton of $ this way! I used a tripod and my phone!

2. I see a lot of people posting photos of 2016. In 2016 I heard Gianna Emanuela (daughter of Saint Gianna) give a talk. I remember thinking, “her Dad sounds like a saint too!” I got to meet her. My husband and oldest son met her and asked her to pray that we could adopt again. 40 weeks later our twins were born!

3. Gianna Emmanuela is doing all she can to help the world see how holy her Father was. She has made prayer cards with Ecclesiastic approval. I’m asking Pietro Molla to intercede for a special intention. I will post more about this soon! He is such an inspiring man!

4. I have two guilty pleasures. I love getting my hair done and every once in a while I get a box from Stitch Fix. My coat was in one of those boxes.

5. I can’t remember all the pictures I chose for this post. I’m super forgetful. It’s not my age, I’ve always been this way. Saint Anthony is busy with just me most of the time.

6. We are taking our Christmas tree down this weekend. I loved our tree so much this year. My husband, all 3 children and me picked it out. We all agreed upon it and it really is so perfect.

7. I’m not so great at tech. I don’t know how to go back and see which pictures I posted without deleting this whole post. I promised after this post I would play a @saints.alive.pod episode for my daughter. I’m off to listen to another episode for at least the 3rd time. Hoping a new one comes out soon 😉 

Thank you for reading all that! I’m so grateful you’re here! Tell me something about you!!!

Thank you Stephanie for tagging me months ago? ago… This is how behind I am on everything!
Who wants friends that pray behind your back!? Who Who wants friends that pray behind your back!?
Who wants friends that will pray with you and for you?
Let’s bless one another and pray as much as possible!!!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

#Catholicfriends #praymoreworryless
Small prayer groups can be so powerful! I had so Small prayer groups can be so powerful!

I had so much fun attending this Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish gathering!

Even though it was dark before it began…
Even though it cold and raining…
Even though life is so incredibly busy…
These ladies left their homes to pray together and share some time to just be themselves!

Jessica Benfield leads this Prayer Wine Chocolate group in Pennsylvania.

Do you want to lead a parish Prayer Wine Chocolate group?
If yes, comment below!

I can help you make it happen!!

Come Holy Spirit!

#prayerwinechocolate #Catholicfriends #missionarydisciples #newevangelization #PraytheRosary
1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption 1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption Prayer…this prayer saves lives!
2. Get more young people copies of Be Yourself Journals! Wondering about identity is normal and common… these books has guidance, answers and it’s fun to use!
3. Establish more Prayer Wine Chocolate parish groups. Women desire friends they can pray AND laugh with!

Which number- or numbers- do you think I should focus on most?!!???

Please comment! I need your help!

Seriously, I have ADHD.

#Catholic #prolife #Catholicfriends #Catholicfellowship #Catholicmom
Would you love a girls’ night out with women who s Would you love a girls’ night out with women who share your faith, but you aren’t quite sure how to make that happen?

If you’re seeking Catholic friendships without losing fun, a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is exactly what you (and other women in your parish!) didn’t know you needed.

And now, starting this kind of group at your own parish is easy, with the Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit! You don’t need to be an event planner, have a background in theology, or know a whole bunch of people in your parish to get started — you just have to be willing to say “yes” to the Lord’s invitation to get the ball rolling, and we’ll walk you through the rest!

We created a digital kit which you can get BUT grab the FREE resource first (huge thank you to Jessica from @sallykpub who designed it, to @vacationlearning_blog who inspired the movement and @dellamadonnarosaries who sponsored it)

COMMENT FRIENDS if you want to learn more!!

This isn’t a formal Bible study that’s intimidating or involves lots of homework you don’t have time for. It’s simply a low-prep, easy to run, and inviting format to gather Catholic women together in fun, conversation, and prayer. Your future faith friends are waiting to meet you — the Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit will help you make that happen!

#Catholic #GNO #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #catholicmom
I LOVE this shop!!! @novenaroseco Whether you’re I LOVE this shop!!!
@novenaroseco 
Whether you’re looking for a personalized gifts, practical gifts with just the right dose of holy humor or a group of gifts for your Board of Directors you will be pleased with the work and options made available by Jennifer and John!

Give @novenaroseco a follow and remember them when you’re shopping 🛍️!

#Catholicpriest #Catholic #Catholicgifts #catholicbusiness #personalizedgifts
Jesus, Mary and Joseph I love you very much . . . Jesus, Mary and Joseph
I love you very much . . .
 
#HolyFamily #JesusMaryandJoseph #Catholicprayer #itsawonderfullife
I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christ I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christmas Eve then any other day of the year.
Jesus wants us all to be with Him… and He’s fun. He loves a birthday party… and a wedding 😉 
💧 —> 🍷 
Should I write more details?

#SaintNick #istillbelieve #christmasisaseason #catholicsofinstagram
Catholic kids Stocking Stuffers! @hewo_store @ep Catholic kids Stocking Stuffers!
 @hewo_store 
@epiphanycatholicco 
@shininglightdolls 
@sallykpub 
@12thandblossom 

Follow
@catholicsonline for more ideas and inspiration!

#stockingstuffers #holygifts #Catholic #Catholickids
A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift! Ide A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift!
Ideas of what to include:
1. A copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls 
2. A zipper pouch
3. Two or more stickers 
4. A fun pen
5. A holy card 
6. Washi tape
7. Set of fine tip markers, gel pens and/or colored pencils.

Would you add anything!?
I would have LOVED this as a kid…you?

#journalkit #tweenjournal #devotional
Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls! I’m sti Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls!
I’m still so excited and grateful I was given the opportunity to write this book!!!
#catholicmom #catholicsonline #catholicchristian #catholic 
Thank you @whispersofloveandfaith Tammi for your recent review!!

“ I bought one of Amy’s journals for my daughter when she was 12. Each page encourages them to be the best version of themselves. I love how this journal appeals to both the introvert/extrovert and the artistic/non-artistic. There’s so much for everyone in this journal.”
This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼 Thanks to my daughter This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼
Thanks to my daughter for helping me make this reel!

#Catholicsonline #momlife #tweenbooks #author
Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and gr Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and grateful for the moments that slip in between.
Happy Sunday!
Merry Advent!
God bless you!

#Catholicblog #Catholic #catholicsofinstagram #catholiccontent
Getting to know God better and learning who you ar Getting to know God better and learning who you are in His eyes can be fun and exciting!

The Be Yourself Journals offer a guide that help 9 to 13 year olds learn introspection and personal prayer.

Order from me this week and get a free surprise gift!
Also available on Amazon and other online bookstores!

Up level this gift by adding gel pens, washi tape and other fun stationary for girls… for boys, include a fidget pen!

Let me know if you need the link or if you have questions!

If you bought one before, share your thoughts in the comments so others can read them!

Thank you for your support!

#Catholicgift #Catholicgifts
Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!??? When I was Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!???
When I was a “tween” I longed to fit in with the other girls that shared my interests… but, I was not welcomed.

It hurt. It hurt a lot.

I wondered why… why did they not want to be my friend?
Why wasn’t I considered “cool”?

I asked my mom… and her advice to me was, “Just Be Yourself “.

I know she wanted to help me… but I wish she not only said that, but handed me this book too.

That is why I wrote it.

God DOES have plans and talents unique to every person… but when we are young we are still discovering His call for us.

My Catholic faith saved me.

The wisdom of Our Lord and the Saints that surrendered their lives to Him are so helpful.

And the best part… learning this can be enjoyable!!!
If you know a young girl around the ages of 10 to 13 who is struggling… give them this book!

Buy it from me this week and I’ll mail it with a sticker and a holy card!

I highly recommend you add fun pens, markers, washi tape and other things found in a journal kit!
She’ll love it… and you will too!

Move over mean girls… our God is bigger than that drama!

#meangirls #67 #middleschool #tweengirls #faithandfriendship #Catholicmom #Christianmom #dramadramadrama
A Christian gift that will be LOVED!!! Enter @12th A Christian gift that will be LOVED!!! Enter @12thandblossom !

So much fun! So inspiring! So much JOY!

#Christiangift #Catholicgift #keepchristinchristmas
One person will WIN all of these and more! Enter t One person will WIN all of these and more! Enter to win NOW! Contest ends Dec.1

Comment ME if you want the link!!!

#Stockingstuffers #Catholic #Catholicmom
When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a sil When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a silver and blue medal fastened to my school uniform with a pin. My mom put that medal on my uniform. I don’t remember asking any questions, but I still think that blue was so pretty.
Fast forward about 9 years, and another memory surfaces… my Dad took our family to a church in a neighborhood we had to drive to. I remember parking across the street and entering the front doors of the @miraculousmedal Shrine. I recall the pads of paper placed on the marble in front of the different statues. These little memo 📝 pads were notes to God, asking Our Lady to intercede for us. I loved that I could write an intention but that one of the suggestions was “for a Catholic boyfriend” I was 15, I checked that box.
But honestly, I wasn’t a “Mary” person when it came to prayer.
Any personal prayer addressed Jesus or God.
10 years later my friend’s Mom gave me a Miraculous Medal keychain. I put it on my keys and life went on…

And over a decade later… it was that shrine I went to with this big idea about a Catholic gift guide and a giveaway.

But confession, many times in between those years each and every time I was going through something hard,I visited that place.
I poured my hearts desires on those little memo papers.
I asked Our Blessed Mother to pray for me.
I begged God to answer my prayers.

And He did.

Without me knowing the details of the Miraculous Medal.
But that time I went in there with the gift guide and giveaway idea… I was asked if I was only going to write one blog post.

That question inspired a second.
I researched the Miraculous Medal and read that Our Lady promised graces, especially to those who wore it around their neck.

More graces? Yes please 

I wrote a post…” 5 Reasons Why I wear a Miraculous Medal and maybe You Should Too”.
Church Pop @churchpop asked if they could publish it.
It went viral… at least viral for me.

And a few weeks ago, I brought about 30 women there for a retreat.

I didn’t pursue Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal… I pursued her Son.
My pursuit was sloppy.
Like any mother, she couldn’t resist helping me a little.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you
No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generos No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generosity and power.

#Hope #yearofhope #empireofhope #Godismerciful
Follow on Instagram

Footer

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2026 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316