Sex and the Catholic Feminist (a Book Review)

Sex, Catholicism, and feminism.
Do I have your attention?
These words are spoken about more frequently these days, both online and in Catholic culture.
You might not think that those three words go together at all. In many ways, these words do go together. The intersection of these words have powerful implications for the Catholic Church and for women.
Defining the Terms and Exploring History
A few years ago while browsing the FemCatholic group recommended books to read, my eye was caught by Sue Ellen Browder's book Subverted: How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Women's Movement. As a woman who values certain but not all ideals held by feminism, I was very interested to read this book from the perspective of a woman who used to identify as a secular feminist. 

One of the main things I learned? Abortion and contraception were never originally a part of the 1960's women's movement. I was shocked. The book went more deeply into the background and history of how those changes came to be.
Fast-forward to the present day.


Sex and the Catholic Feminist Book Review
In January of 2020, Sue Ellen Browder released her newest book, Sex and the Catholic Feminist: New Choices for a New Generation.
The premise of the book delves more deeply into tracing back the roots and history of feminism in the United States while taking up a battle cry for the ardent need for Catholic women to take back the word (and ideals) of feminism.
Secular feminism has reduced a woman's dignity and personhood merely to her sex organs and desirability. At the same time, it denies motherhood, marriage, and exults abortion and contraception.


How Did We Get Where We are Today?
The author does an incredible job of laying the historical foundation of feminism in this country )also covered in her previous book). In this book, she also introduces readers to several women from the women's movement in the 1960's and how their individual influence has brought our culture to where it is today.

I want to highlight two of them so you can get a fuller picture of how we ended up here.

Have you ever heard of Betty Friedan and Helen Gurley Brown?


Read more on the Blessed is She blog . . . 

The 10 Best Books I Read in 2016

So far this year I have read 81 books. Last year the final number was somewhere in the mid-sixties. 
For the last two years I have started writing down the titles of books I finish-partial reads don't make the cut.
While I still have a few weeks left to 2016, I don't think I will make my goal of reading 100 books. 
Of the books I have read, I've chosen my top 10 favorites that have been most challenging, eye-opening, and powerful books over the last year.
So here the books with a short explanation of why I loved the book!

First Women by Kate Anderson Brower Why I loved it: I love history and especially the stories behind very public people. This is a compilation on all the different women who have been the First Lady. What makes them tick, how to raise a family in the public eye, and learning about their own personal struggles was fascinating. It is full of lots of behind-the-scenes stories and insights into their lives, marriages, and their husbands.  




Overrated by Eugene Cho Why I loved it: This was a recent read, and one that really surprised me. The premise is too easily we talk about justice but saying that are we even living justly? What does that look like for us Americans today? A local Seattle pastor and founder of One Day's Wage, Cho wrestles with honest, difficult questions every Christian should seriously pray with and reflect on.
He explains the biblical understanding of justice and the struggles we Americans can face in trying to live a just way when so many people have so little.




The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp Why I loved it: The entire message can be summed up in this: God loves to take our brokenness and turn into abundance for His Kingdom.
Read it. Give it away to others. And if you don't follow Ann's writing do that like yesterday.


Thomas Merton: Essential Writings by Thomas Merton
Why I loved it: If you have never read anything by Merton, this is a great place to start!  Merton (I would say) is on the most prolific writers on spirituality, peace and justice, silence and contemplation, and ecumenical dialogue of our modern times. 
This gives small pieces of some his most well-known spiritual writings. Lots of depth and many things to ponder.


The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne 
Why I loved it: A young man who starts to ask deep questions of what does it really mean to live as a Christian. For Shane, a true disciple is committed to works of peace, justice, and action. Being a disciple means "incarnational living." 
Shane is an amazing story-teller and faces head-on the hard stuff too. His journey takes him to work with a leper colony in India with the Missionaries of Charity all the way to Iraq in peaceful protest of the Iraqi war.

Rooted: The Hidden Places Where God Develops You by Banning Liebscher 
Why I loved it: This came book came very highly recommended from a friend right around the New Year when I filed for divorce.
God wants to develop us, to strengthen our roots before we are sent out. Expanding our root systems in the hidden places of our hearts is what makes us stronger. This resonated with me on so many levels, and was exactly what I needed to be reading at this time in my life.

Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community by Andrew Marin
Why I loved it: Because it is an eye-opening, pastoral read into a conversation (very often) Christians do not have well or just ignore. Wherever your stance is to gay marriage, I'd highly recommend this book.
You agree with it and you may not. But I firmly believe there is such value in reading and talking with people whom you may not always agree with.
Marin openly discusses and looks at what does it mean for Christians to have healthy conversations on spirituality and sexuality, and also what does it look like to really build bridges with the LGBT community. Very insightful.

168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam
Why I loved it: Well first of all because I LOVE a good book on time management.
But this was different than any other one I have read. The author shows real-life data and study how time-tracking actually shows you exactly where all your time goes. 
I have used her research in re-making my morning routine and it has taught me a lot!

Unashamed: Drop the Baggage, Pick Up Your Freedom, Fulfill Your Destiny by Christine Caine
Why I loved it: Her message in this book has become my battle cry. Shame is perhaps the most negatively, destructive force in knowing our identity as beloved in the eyes of God.
Caine faces head on the roots and reasons for shame, as well as drawing upon Scripture to bring her message to life. I found myself writing and dog-earing pages of my library copy.
I think her message is especially relevant for women today, because I think this one of the greatest lies women specifically face in the modern world. But the good news is the shame stories we tell ourselves don't have to stay on repeat.
It spoke a lot of truth and personal healing into my own life. Read it. You won't be sorry.



Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful, Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber
Why I loved it: This is the raw, honest story of a sinner and saint. Heavily tattooed and at times foul mouthed this Lutheran pastor has fascinating experiences and thoughts on culture, life, church, and spirituality. 
I got to hear her speak in the fall at a local Episcopalian church and her speaking is as profound as her words.
Insightful and very thought-provoking read!


So those are my favorites! What would be your 10 best books of 2016?!
As you make your own lists of books to read in 2017, here are my favorite books from 2015 too.

3 Life Lessons from Anne Shirley for Women Today

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved books. If there was a sixth love language, mine would be books. From Nancy Drew, Jo March, and Laura Ingalls Wilder, every book I devoured was like a dear old friend. Even now as an adult, I look on favorite childhood characters with fondness and sweet memories.
After listening to a recent podcast episode of a friend of mine, I realized how much I was missing out by not having acquainted myself with Anne Shirley and her adventures at Green Gables. I was very late to the Anne party.
So I began making my way through the book series. In between I watched the made for television mini-series. As I dove into the story of this red-haired, freckle faced orphan girl I was amazed how much I found myself relating to the main character on many different levels. 
I could see pieces of Anne's zestful spirit in me. That is the beauty of a well-written story, when we find our own story written into the pages we read.
As I finished the series, I started reflecting on how different lessons and experiences from Anne Shirley's life have a lot of meaning for modern women today.

Making time for creative pursuits.
Anne Shirley never gives up on her dreams on becoming a writer. Her love of words, books, and writing gives her the energy to never let go of her creative dreams. Anne stuck with writing, she never gave it up. She made time for developing her writing skills as a young child when she formed a story writing club with her best friend Diana Barry.
The world is so fast moving, and often women sometimes feel like they have to sacrifice parts of themselves to get it all done or feel like they have to have it all together. As wives, mothers, friends, or professionals sometimes we are so busy doing that we forget to make time for practices that re-charge our spirit.
It is not selfish to make time for your own creative dreams and pursuits. Anne Shirley reminded me that taking time for creativity actually makes me a healthier, more loving woman in my relationships. Making time for my creative dreams makes me a better person.

Surround yourself with lasting friendships.
When Anne first moves to Green Gables, she talks Marilla Cuthbert's ear off on hoping she will soon be able to find a "true, bosom friend" in her new home; a kindred spirit like herself. Anne quickly finds such a friendship in Diana Barry, a young girl her own age from town.
Throughout the years these two have some wild, crazy adventures like Anne accidentally getting Diana drunk on currant wine or Anne dying her hair green. Over the years, they share in each other's hopes, dreams, joys, and sorrows. They share in each other's lives in lasting, rich ways. Diana even names her first-born daughter Anne, in honor of her bosom friend.
We are created as relational beings. Surrounding yourself with true, life-giving friendships is one of the best gifts to receive in life. Allow your friends to challenge you when you need it and love you when you are hurting or going through a difficult time. Intentionally make time for each other, even if its a handwritten note in the mail or a face-time date if you live far apart.
Sure friendship can be messy and awkward at times. But the most beautiful relationships are the ones where we enter into each other's lives. When we share in the beautiful mess of our lives, we see we are never really alone.

Be willing to admit when you're wrong and open to learn from it.
At the beginning of the story, readers see Anne as quite the spit-fire whose equal amount of stubbornness lands her in trouble from time to time. A prominent part of the story is the friendship to blossoming love of Anne and her schoolmate Gilbert Blythe.
Gilbert has loved Anne since their early elementary days, while showing it in funny ways like calling her "carrots" or being competitive in school. He admires her from afar and wants to be her friend. Anne easily brushes him off. As time passes and Anne matures, the two become very good friends. All the while Gilbert is falling deeper in love with Anne. Gilbert is all things the perfect gentleman: selfless, caring, very handsome, and always looking for ways to serve Anne. But Anne doesn't see Gilbert that way and continues to brush off his feelings.
After rejecting a proposal from Gilbert, both Anne and Gilbert takes different paths in life in search of their dreams. Upon retuning home from her first teaching job, Anne learns Gilbert is very sick, near death. Devastated at the news, she reflects and soon realizes she was wrong; that she is in love with Gilbert, that he could only be the one for her. When Anne sees the desire of her heart, she admits her faulty thinking and tells Gilbert. The two become engaged, marry, and live a long, rich life together.
The greatest life lessons are the ones where we can admit our wrong choices and are open to learning from the experience. It took Anne a long time to admit how wrong she was about Gilbert. When her eyes finally opened, she was able to honestly admit her fault and it became an opportunity for her to grow.
Admitting when you are wrong can be hard sometimes. That type of self-awareness takes humility and maturity. Live your life in such a way that you will never be to stubborn to apologize and own up to your mistakes.


Do you have any favorite literary characters from books?  What lessons do they hold for women today living in 2016?

My 10 Favorite Books of 2015

It's the time for end of the year lists. I love good books and majority of my reads come from the recommendations other people. This was the first year I have ever kept a count of how many and what exactly I read, so I thought it might be fun to do a re-cap of the good reads of the last year.
So far, I have read 58 books this year. So as to not just list 58 book titles, here are my top 10 favorite reads from the year.
Let me know what you read and loved this year, too... 

The Way of Serenity: This book I actually read 3 times this year, and has stretched me like a rubber band. Don't make the mistake I did going through life thinking I could change other people. Serenity has taught me the only I can change is me. Fr. Jonathan Morris uses really practical life examples, but is deep without too much book knowledge. Easily one of the most life-giving books of this past year.
Devil at My Heels: A Heroic Olympian's Astonishing Story of Survival as a Japanese POW in WW II: When I first saw the trailer for the movie "Unbroken," I knew right away I wanted to see it. I read the book based off the movie, but much more enjoyed this book which was written by Mr. Louis Zamperini himself. This book recounts the painful reality war leaves on souls, the incredible strength of the human spirit, and the power of faith and forgiveness.
Daring Greatly: Books by Dr. Brene Brown are getting talked about a lot on the inter webs. What I love about her writing is she is bold enough to talk about things that so many of us avoid or ignore. Things like shame, guilt, fear, and vulnerability are actually the things that can hold us back most from living truly free and courageous lives. When we can dare to be vulnerable in life and our relationships it breaks us free from our prisons of loneliness and isolation. Insightful on many levels, no matter your stage in life...read it!
Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church: I started following Rachel Held Evans several years ago on Twitter, and over the last two years started reading her work. In the millennial boat like me, Rachel wrestles with tough issues and questions related to faith, the church, and social issues. Growing up in an evangelical church, she began wrestling with her faith as her questions were not satisfied. There are things we would differ on a variety of issues, but I love how her work challenges me to think outside of the book and consider life from different perspectives.
This book is written from a sacramental perspective in relating to the issues people in the church find themselves facing, wrestling, and working through. Insightful and a heart-felt read from a woman just seeking after God like me.
Thirsting for Prayer: I was given this book on a retreat last winter. Fr. Jacques Philippe is a simple, deeply profound author and speaker. His insights and teaching on prayer really challenged me to let go of long held preconceived notions on what prayer is and is not. This book really grew my own prayer life through the ways of simplicity and silence. REALLY good read!!! 
The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide: While I couldn't get into the KonMari idea of wishing farewell to each discarded item from my closet, this book for me was a lot more practical and helpful. A user-friendly guide on how to simplify your home and it taught me how to really be a good gate keeper to my stuff. Learning to become more detached from our possessions is a good lesson for every Westerner living in a materialistic society.
Making Sense out of Suffering: This.book. I think easily could be the top #1 book of 2015. Addressing the age old question on why suffering exists, Peter Kreeft thoroughly looks for answers to the question of "Why God?" from art, philosophers, prophets, and Scripture. He also speaks quite well as to why the modern world cannot understand or make sense of suffering. This book has brought a lot of peace and insight for my own life and I have found to be a helpful resource in youth ministry.
The Hardest Peace: This book reminded me of the above book, only a much more personal story of understanding and accepting suffering, while still expecting and finding God's grace amidst it all. Kara Tippetts was a mom to 4 tinies, wife of a church planter, and facing a terminal breast cancer diagnosis.  Perhaps you remember her plea to Brittany Maynard to not end her life in suicide? Such a beautiful post. 
Kara's call to still find joy and seek God's grace in the middle of life's hard is a book for all. Whether a seeker or believer, her words are comfort for all tired souls.
Mindless Eating: I like food. Sometimes I like food a little too much, hence my relationship with Weight Watchers. This book really jolted me and taught me so much on the science as to why folks overeat to what are the food messages and scripts I learned as a child and carried with me into adulthood. Crazy insightful for all of us who need to re-evaluate our relationship with food.
God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships: This book was a really unique, interesting read for me. While much I didn't agree with some it, it was helpful for me to understand the mindset and perspective of Christians who are affirming of same-sex relationships. I don't want to be a person who only reads books supporting my own belief system. I want to engage in healthy, life-giving discussions on the tough stuff. I appreciated Matthew Vine's deep study of Scripture and passion for his beliefs as a gay Christan man. And I think there is value even for those who are non-affirming of same-sex relationships to give it a read.
Other honorable mentions of my 2015 reads here below: Unbroken Make It Happen 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess Notes from a Blue Bike He Leadeth Me Grace for the Good Girl Forgive for Good The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything The Purpose Driven Life

So what books would be on your favorite reads for 2015? Do you keep count of books you have read?

Color Me Beautiful: How the Right Colors Change Your Style

Have you ever been shopping and tried something on that totally washes you out? Or maybe it just brings out the pasty whiteness of your skin (okay I'm talking to myself here) in an obnoxious way? Yeah those types of situations are the most frustrating for me when it comes to shopping.

I have been hearing a lot from different blogger on the books, Color Me Beautiful. The book helps you learn what colors look best for your skin tone to bring out your natural beauty by learning if you're warm or cool tone. Then you look to color palette based on the four seasons to determine and learn about what specific shades work best for you. If you're even remotely into things like makeup and fashion, I HIGHLY recommend you check out this book!! I was amazed how much I learned for myself as I am trying out a capsule wardrobe for the first time.
First, you need to figure out if you are a warm or cool tone. Understanding this concept is the whole key to this book's perspective. I learned I have a warm tone. Remember you're looking at your hair, eyes, and skin to help learn your tone. How did I arrive at that monumental conclusion? Hair color is one of the best ways to determine. I have natural golden highlights in my hair, which is an indication of warm. My eyes while blue lean toward green and also have gold flecks towards the most inner part of my eye.
You've identified yourself as warm or cool. Warm people are then broken down further either Springs or Autumns, and cool people are Summers or Winters. The further distinctions are to see if you're "light" or "deep." If your hair is blonde, light brown, or light red, you are "light." If your hair is brunette, dark red, or black, you are "deep." It's so easy from here:

• If you are cool and deep then you are a Winter.
• If you are cool and light then you are a Summer.
• If you are warm and deep then you are an Autumn.
• If you are warm and light then you are a Spring.

For me, I am warm and deep which makes me an Autumn. Brunette women with a golden or metallic red cast to their hair have Autumn coloring. Really the hardest part is discovering if you're warm or cool, and then its just nailing down the shade.

The most fun part is seeing the color analysis which tells you what particular shades work best for your skin tone. Here's what works best for me:

And that's it! Fun right? There are also section in the book on how the right colors can play into your skincare and makeup routines. 
Be sure to check out the book from your local library! It's a fun, easy read and really helpful!
Do you use any certain tricks to help you find the right colors for your style or makeup? What certain colors do you think work best for your hair/skin color? 

Be a Hepburn. Not a Hilton.

I have never been a big fan of modern day actors or actresses.  Oh sure, there a few I enjoy, but for the most part not really.  Ever since I was little I have always been drawn to movies and actors from the golden era of the 1950's...where a gentlemen knew how to dance well, not every movie was based on some racy sex scene/s, and women were just more glamorous and alluring without letting it all hang out.

I recently started reading "How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World" which basically translates to: how-to-be-a-classy-confidant-capable-woman without being trashy.

Its an easy read that looks at everything from speech, fashion, manners, friends, make-up, and work ethic.  The titles are definitely catchy; like keep your chin up and your skirt down.  And the author's examples and antics always give me a good giggle or two.or three.


Self-respect, the author writes, is one of the greatest assets a girl can possess, and yet it's one of the biggest things we're lacking these days (pg. 17).  No I'm not going to get all preachy-mcpreahyson on you, but that sentence sets a good tone for the book.  Whether its how you talk, do/don't use manners, to things like Britney Spears fashion no-no lack of undies as she was getting out of limo; it all comes down to self-respect.

Sure we're all at varying stages on the classy-o-meter, but no matter where we fall; all can make simple changes. 

The whole book isn't about how to sit like a lady or cross your legs like so, but also goes over important things like: the power of words we say to ourselves and others, always keep learning, read good books, how to chose your friends wisely, dressing to impress-not scandalize, and make-up rules 101. 
Its a funny, delightful read that helped remind me of a few things I want to work on and improve with myself too.

So yes ladies. 
Please wear your slips, don't dress as to let it all hang out, use kind words, and know that less really is more when it comes to makeup....but most importantly remember

Happy Hepburn-ing!

Worthy: See Yourself as God Does

One of the best things about the long weekend for Thanksgiving (along with a full tummy and family time) was the chance to get in some hard core reading time.  I.love.books.and.to read. a lot.  There are few things in that get me as excited as walking into Barnes and Noble with a gift card, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

One such book I finished (that was long over-due) over the holiday weekend was this treasure.  The lovely authoress (new word!) Amanda writes over at her blog, Worthy of Agape and she wrote a post recently for my series "Catholic and loving it".


I have been hearing a lot of good things about this book from other bloggers I follow so it definitely has been on "must read list" for awhile.  The basic premise of the book is helping to awaken the hearts of women today, to call out the lies that we have blindly believed for too long from Satan, but also speak the unchanging truths to our hearts that we are worthy.we are beautiful. we do have dignity. and we are called to be fierce (think Joan of Arc, the young woman solider).  I have to be honest, I have read of TON of books for women dealing with some of topics and other related ones like body image/self-esteem, but this one by far has been the best in comparison.  Honest and heart-felt it spoke truth to areas of my heart that have been bogged down for too long believing some of those lies.  This book will not help solve your emotional issues with body image, self hate, self-esteem, etc. over night, but for me personally it definitely help me grow more aware and understand myself better.

The book starts out in the beginning, with the story of the fall of Adam and Eve and how that set up humanity for a struggle in life to battle against the lies of Satan.  Amanda writes, "The Father of Lies has to start somewhere.  Satan's biggest defense, one of his greatest weapons against us, is doubt.  If he can get you to start doubting that God loves you then he begins to work his way into your heart and soul....we can start to recognize this by starting with the first lies Satan tells us as women" (pg. 20).  And what are some of those lies?  Ones many, many are too familiar with through the journey of their own life (including me): that you are not good enough, unworthy, unlovable, not pretty or thin enough,you need more make-up, and it just goes on and on.

Section two of the book focuses on the real triumph of God's love in our lives, which is really the only force that helps us love and see ourselves as He does.  In the last section of the book, this is where Amanda really offers a full punch and speaks truth to your heart on all the above issues and more.  One thing she spoke of that I never really considered before was that it takes humility on our part for love to happen and flourish.  We spend much of life at times building up walls around our hearts so we will never be hurt, but in that process we prevent joy, peace, and love from entering the deepest parts of our heart that need those things most.  Pope Benedict XVI once said, "God loves us; we need only summon up the humility to allow ourselves to be loved."  Amanda talks about what it really means to be a woman of strength and dignity; and to live it with a certain 'fierceness'.

One of the most powerful things for me in the book was when Amanda talked about the lies we have come to believe and make our own; that if we are told something enough times, we really believe it to be true.  She wrote of this analogy that just registered so deeply in my heart: "The lies are beat into our heads and hearts and they make their home within our souls.  In many ways these lies are similar to trenches often used in warfare.  Troops dig their way into the ground and hide out in the trenches.  In order to keep troops safe from incoming bullets and incoming fire, the trenches must be dug very deep into the ground.  The deeper the trenches, the safer the troops were from enemy fire.  If the trench was shallow troops risked poking their heads or limbs up and being shot.  Troops dug trenches so deep that they could stand up in them comfortably.  Satan's lies work in the same way.  The deeper he buries his lies in our hearts, the safer the lies are and safer he is.  If he only buried his lies knee-deep in our hearts he would risk attack from his enemy (God) and his defense would be blown.  So he tells us more lies, locks us in more coffins and entrenches his lies on our hearts.  These lies are entrenched so deeply that if we aren't careful, we too join in the battle, and defend Satan.  When we begin to defend Satan, we give him room to dig his trenches even deeper in our hearts, often to disastrous ends" (pg. 64)

Reading this book has been such a blessing for me in my own journey as I continue to work to on loving myself as God does, and undoing some of the lies I have believed for too long in my life.  No matter how deep our darkness is, God is still deeper.  There is never no pit of lies so twisted, no trench so deep that God cannot reach into it and totally transform our hearts.
I pray that you may blessed as I have in reading this book...

7 Quick Takes Friday {vol. 5}

Linking up with Jen again this week...check out all the other wonderful peeps linking up with her!

{1}

Monday we had an extra special, yet fun and simple date night.  On Easter, Jim's aunt gave us a little basket with some peeps, jelly beans, and candy.  I saw the peeps and remembered an idea I saw on Pinterest last Easter of making holiday s'mores with peeps.

Jim had class late in the evening.  I left him a sticky note on the door if he was looking for a quiet, romantic night to enter at his own risk.  I led him into our bedroom where he was greeted with this on our bed...and another love note explaining it all.

Then we put on our comfy, fuzzy robes and began roasting peeps over our stop top.

Clearly my husband likes to play with fire.

THIS is how to properly roast a peep.  He didn't believe me.

And this was our end result...not too bad! Some Diet Canada Dry in fancy wine goblets and a few peeps for decoration to keep the Easter celebration going (cause Easter is a season, not just 1 day:)

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Recently, I did a very thorough clean out of my closet and re-organized everything.  When I was perusing around on Fine Purple Linen last week I noticed they had a need for a guest post on closet organization.  Be sure to check them out for my guest post!  It should be up today...take a look and enjoy:)  Let me know what you think and if you have any great organizing ideas to add!

--- 3 ---

I've got a few ideas brewing for some upcoming posts: Why we are going organic in the bedroom (NFP stuff ;-), why Pope Francis makes me uncomfortable (in a good way though!), and how sometimes I hate being wrong.  One in particular is on how much I strongly dislike when my husband calls me out on stuff.  Let's just say there were 2 evenings this week where I was a. hot. mess. And in a totally loving, but firm way, he called me out on all of it.  Okay, I know VERY childish.  I'm kind of a stubborn personality who combined with being at times judgmental and not always taking criticism very well, can = drama.  Of course I'm glad he called me out on some attitudes/behavior that was not very kind/loving but it just doesn't feel good in the present moment.  But thankfully when you're married to someone who is not just concerned about telling you what you want to hear, but rather helping become a saint and get my sorry butt into Heaven someday, in the end that's why I know I married him.  More thoughts on this at a later time...

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In the 'About' section of my blog, I state I'm a lover of books!  For real.  When I get some money or a stipend from giving a talk.  I happily spend it at the local Catholic bookstore or Barnes and Noble.  Recently, I have been making way through this little gem.

 Do you ever read a book that just totally excites and revives you??  That is this for me.  It is all about the digital revolution and the new media technology, and how/why it is so critical for the Church to take advantage of these new methods to continue reach out, teach, and change the world all in the name of Jesus.  I'm feverishly taking notes and dog-earring the page.  It's got me thinking of new ideas to start in youth ministry in our parish next year too like creating a blog for youth ministry written by our youth leaders, myself, and full of relevant articles/media for parents and teens alike...not to mention to do some major over haul on our youth section on the parish web site.  And a few other things too...
It's also giving me ideas of how to use this platform (my blog) as an avenue for sharing my faith, like creating a guest post series (Why I'm Catholic? or something similar).

This book is written by all sorts of people with all sorts of stories, experiences, and ideas of how this 'new media' needs to be a focus for how we as Catholics continue to share the joy and truth of the Gospel message.  A good read for folks in ministry and all of us trying to lead souls to Christ.

--- 5 ---

Watch. this. video. http://vimeo.com/62832170# (silly blogger wouldn't let me upload the video, oh well:)  Joe Castillo is a sand artist who was at the National Catholic Youth Conference in 2011.  The teens I took loved his work...SUCH amazing talent, and what a neat way to help foster prayerful reflection! 

--- 6 ---
This picture is quite true for me. 

I'm a very temperamental sleeper; the kind that sleeps in ear plugs and complains if the room is not total darkness.  One of the hardest things getting used to is that I'm married to a bear.  Not only does he snore, ladies and gents, he snores LOUD.  I'm ashamed to say I have had to resort to kicking Jim under the covies letting him know he woke me up yet again.  Or sometimes poke him and let him know his noise pollution has woken me up again.  Maybe putting up with this will be my get-out-of-Purgatory free card?? One can hope! ;-)

{7}

Our Easter picture...down by the river.  Actually it was a very fancy river front restaurant, but still nonetheless, down by the river:)

Be sure to keep celebrating the joy of the Easter season!
And don't forget this Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday...Jesus, I trust in you...or at least I'm trying to get better at it :)

Friday Quick Takes {vol. 4}

Another Friday link up with Jen...be sure to check out her website for other fellow quick taker's...

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Best thing of the week for me????? This guy.  Pope Francis.
I wrote another post here about my thoughts about all this awesomeness for the Catholic Church this week. 

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You may want to skip this one.  Okay really Piers Morgan???  If you are going to have people who identify themselves as 'Catholics' on your show, at least get people who semi know/understand what's going on.  I mean many of us already saw how Penn Jillette was better able to articulate Church teaching than you were (sorry but its true).  I'm not naive, sure many people who self-identify as Catholics have varying views on faith and morals in the Church, I get it.  But, on national TV if you are going to represent the entire Catholic community, PLEASE get people who know what they are talking about.  Piers Morgan (CNN) had Martin Sheen (a self-described committed Catholic) and Mia Farrow (who openly said she left "Rome") on his show last night talking about the election of the Pope Francis and the future of the Catholic Church. #Really? #IsThatTheBestYouCanDoPiers? Arrrggghhh...something that kinda drives me bonkers at times.

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Today through tomorrow afternoon I'm going on a retreat with other Youth Minister's from our Archdiocese.  I've been looking forward to it for awhile.  It's always a great time gathering with other church workers for some fun and relaxation, and most importantly be reminded of the awesome task we are doing by helping build up the Kingdom of God.  Prayers please for all going :)

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My social media fast of no use past 7pm has been really hard to stay on track this week with Pope mania everywhere.  I keep picking myself up and starting fresh, but gosh its hard some days.  It makes me realize how much we are connected to all our media stuff, for better and for worse.  It's great absolutely, but sometimes its important to also pull yourself away from it too.

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Jim has been on spring break this week.  And while I'm on retreat today into tomorrow afternoon he will also be attending with my folks a charism school for lay people at a church near us this weekend with Damian Stayne.  He is a lay leader and a Catholic Charismatic evangelist from England who has traveled all over the world teaching people how to understand charisms and be able to give a personal witness.  I'm joining Jim and my parents tomorrow evening after my retreat ends, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he learns from the weekend.  Prayers for all attending that too please.

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This book. By Colleen Carroll Campbell.

My Mom got it for me for Christmas and I'm just finishing it, but mostly because I read several different books at a time.  SUCH a good read.  It is her life story of re-discovering her Catholic faith and how several different women saints have helped her grow, understand, and work through life; very touching, personal, and a good gem for women everywhere!

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And lastly, this dear one makes me smile...I've already printed it out for a poster in our Youth Room...

Have a great weekend everybody!

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