Focus on Family

I grew up in a huge extended family. This was a bit overwhelming due to the fact that I am an only child. Over the years, I have come full circle with the meaning of family. Family is a precious, God-given gift to each and every one of us.
My husband and our dog mean everything to me. Some days I am just too amazed for words at how much family means.

During this time of year, I am reminded what a void lack of family can leave in a person’s life. This saddens me to know that there are people who, for whatever reason, do not feel the acceptance that family can bring.

In a family, it does not matter that you are imperfect. It does not matter that you have strong opinions. It does not matter.

What does matter is that you are accepted and loved for being yourself, warts-imperfections-and all. Thank you, my family, for being there.

Quote from Emily Bronte

“If I could I would always work in silence and obscurity, and let my efforts be known by their results.”

Emily Bronte

This quote is so deep and explains me well. If I had a mantra, this is it. I prefer to work in silence and behind the scenes. I also would rather my efforts be known by their results.

It frustrates me when I am required to do something to make someone else look good on paper or for the appearance. This is very shallow. I believe in setting the standards high and striving to reach them for the improvement of the situation or the people involved.

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Happy

I believe that the twinkle in his eyes say eveything.

Weekly Photo Challenge

Imagine this:
The sun is just coming up; the coffee is fresh from the French Press; the dog is resting in his chosen bed near your comfiest chair.
You are siting in this chair with your journal, your fountain pen, and a steaming mug of coffee ready to write…

 

This is totally my time after my husband has gone to work and while I prepare for the adventures of the day ahead.

Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck by Kevin Lowry

Have you ever wondered why you have a sense of peace after Mass on Sunday only to have it tested when you get to work on Monday? Kevin Lowry addresses this scenario in his book called Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck.

Faith at Work is a practical, yet challenging, guide to keeping God as our top priority in all aspects of our lives. It is divided into thirteen chapters. Within each chapter, Mr. Lowry provides thought-provoking sections that highlight the main point. At the end, he provides action steps and questions for reflection. The action steps can be used immediately while the reflection questions are to be contemplated like you would with Scripture using Lectio Divina.

I have been using Faith at Work for several months, not necessarily in the order of the chapters. It has been a great source for reflection and learning, both of which i have been keeping in a journal that chronicles my progress in keeping God at the forefront at work.

I have learned so much from Mr. Lowry who writes as though he is having a conversation with the reader. It is refreshing to learn that everyone struggles with their faith at work. Because of this guide, I have been able to see my job, as well as coworkers, in a different light.

I recommend Faith at Work for anyone, especially introverts, who struggle with keeping God as the focus of life and balancing home life with work.

“This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck. This is also a great online Catholic store for all your religious shopping needs, such as gifts for Confirmation and gifts for a baby baptism.”

Weaving Faith and Experience: A Woman’s Perspective – Patricia Cooney Hathaway

When I began reading Weaving Faith and Experience, I thought that I would finish reading it in a few days. Little did I know that I was about to go on a brief journey that would redefine how I view the stage of life that I am experiencing at this moment.
Ms. Hathaway begins Weaving Faith and Experience by discussing the defining stages of life, specifically the adult years. She uses the seasons as Daniel J. Levinson defines them in his work, Season’s of a Woman’s Life. I believe that Ms. Hathaway does a great job taking the ideas one step further and puts the woman’s perspective into defining the adult years.
The main themes that I found were the unconditional grace of God, God’s presence in our lives, and how our love for God manifests itself in our love for others.
Truly a great resource for adult women who are looking to go a bit further in their faith journey and in their closeness to God.

 

Consoling the Heart of Jesus – Michael Gaitley

If you are looking for a retreat from daily life for a bit, Consoling the Heart of Jesus may be your answer. Mr. Gaitley has created a guide that will work with anyone’s schedule.
Consoling the Heart of Jesus begins with four types of retreats, moves to setting the groundwork, then, addresses possible hinderences. The two appendices are “Rules for the Discernment of Spirits” and selections from the “The Diary of Faustina.”
I like the way that Mr. Gaitley divided this guide into two parts and included the appendices. Consoling the Heart of Jesus is great for individuals, as well as groups.
I recommend this resource to anyone who wants to take a moment or two away from everyday life and enjoy time in the Spirit.

The Catholic Company

Other Reviews for Consoling the Heart of Jesus

House Rules – Jodi Picoult

What a whirlwind story about a young man who has Aspberger’s Syndrome! This work has everything that a reader could want…from suspense to daily living to relationships to the law.

I recommend Jodi Picoult’s House Rules to everyone who is craving a great story that will make you laugh one minute, cry another, and sigh the next.

Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Susan Tassone

During the past several weeks, I have been using Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by Susan Tassone as I deepen my prayer life. What an amazing book indeed!

Ms. Tassone writes in a clear, concise manner that expresses her expertise in the area of souls in purgatory, as well as praying for them. Because I did not know much about purgatory, I have benefited from her vast knowledge. In addition to Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, I have explored her site which is another wonderful resource for anyone interested in learning about purgatory and a richer prayer life.

I like the way that Ms. Tassone has laid out the book in three parts. She not only explains purgatory and the process that souls go through during their time there, but also provides devotions throughout the year and a bibliography for further reading.

Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory is a book that I highly recommend. It is a blessing for both the reader and the souls that are soon to be released from purgatory into the greater glory of God.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Writing and Publishing: The Librarian’s Handbook – Edited by Carol Smallwood

When I first read the description of Writing and Publishing: The Librarian’s Handbook, I was exploring my options as a professional librarian and potential writer. This book has proven to be very instrumental in helping me become more focused on writing about my niche of librarianship. I like the way that the editor, Carol Smallwood has divided Writing and Publishing into five distinct sections (Why Write?, Education of a Writer, Finding Your Niche in Print, Finding Your Niche Online, and Maximizing Opportunities).

Writing and Publishing is a compilation of a wealth of wisdom and first-hand experiences from experts in the field. It is an invaluable resource for librarians who are interested in writing and becoming published. Ms. Smallwood did an outstanding job editing this much-needed work for professional librarians. I consider this work to be a mentor in print. It is, in my opinion, best read in small portions, reflected upon, and incorporated.

I recommend Writing and Publishing to any professional who is interested in writing and publishing.