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Being Joyful on Purpose (Despite Neighbors and Old Cars)!

14 Jun
grand am

First day of my senior year of high school with my new car! My bro was a lucky freshman who got to ride with me instead of on the bus!

Some days I want to move. I want to live in a neighborhood where people don’t park their cars in the front yard. I’m sick of fixing one thing after another on this house. I’m tired of vacuuming every day because my pomeranian’s hair is all over the place.

I can’t wait to buy a new (to me) car. One where the dashboard isn’t curling up from years of being parked out under the sun, the side door doesn’t have a dent from accidentally scraping against a fire hydrant, and the front passenger window isn’t taped up to prevent it from sliding down due to some weird electrical issue that’s been fixed twice already.

I wish I had more money. Not an obnoxious amount – just enough to feel like an unexpected crisis is going to put us back to square one of rebuilding our emergency savings. And enough to buy a decent used mini-van or SUV when my 13-year-old Grand Am decides it’s been driven too many miles.

I’m sure I could go on about all of the things that are lacking in my life and complain about from time to time, but I’m going to choose not to because I prefer (most days) to focus on the many blessings I have in my life – the special relationships, priceless moments, and undeserved gifts.

Just last evening alone, I experienced so many blessings. After work, I went to my parents’ house to pick up my daughters from an afternoon swimming lesson at their pool. My parents had just made dinner, which was perfect because I was hungrier than usual and was afraid that if I didn’t eat soon my patience would wear thin with the girls. When I sat down to join everybody else who was almost done eating, my two-year-old reminded me to pray! So cute, as she’s just learning to make the sign-of-the-cross and say grace before meals right now!

On the way home, my husband called to FaceTime with my four-year-old. Every night that my husband works, they always communicate via FaceTime before she goes to bed! And each night, including last night, “C” won’t let him off the phone until they both kiss their screens at the same time and hug their phones. Can you say A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E?!

And if that wasn’t adorable enough, when I walked into “C’s” room to get her ready for bed I found her standing at her dresser with her hands folded looking at a framed photo of her Daddy holding her when she was a baby. I asked her what she was doing and “C” said, “I’m praying for Daddy.” I asked her what she was praying for and she said, “I’m praying that he comes back to me and I want him to know that I’ll always love him.” MELT MY HEART! It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen in my life!

After precious cuddle time and big kisses and hugs, “C” and I even peeked out the window to watch the fireflies before she fell asleep. Then, later in the evening, I received this text from my husband- “Thanks for loving me :)”. These moments refresh me and make the vocation of marriage and raising a family so joy-filled. It may seem like just an average night, but how sad it would be if I were to dismiss and overlook all of these blessings!

Maybe I paid extra attention to these moments last night, because on Wednesday afternoon a beloved longtime co-worker lost her husband to a massive heart attack. It’s times like these when our priorities are really put into perspective and we cling a little tighter to what who matters. I want to be able to look back some each day and feel grateful that I soaked up precious time with those I love and didn’t hold anything back. I want to know that I sacrificed, gave too many hugs to count, said “I love you” a million times, and brought joy to others because I lived my own life joyfully, on purpose.

I love my house. I love that we live in a nice town so close to the lake, several parks, and my parents’. I love that my girls have nice rooms and warm beds to sleep in. I love that we have a finished basement with plenty of room for them to play and my husband has his own studio. I love that we only have one full bath – one less shower to clean! I love that we have a fenced-in backyard for Princess.

I’m grateful that my car has lasted this long. It was paid for by my parents and despite several cosmetic weaknesses, it has ran great which is what counts the most!

I’m thankful that God has provided what we have needed. It seems like anytime we get a bonus or some extra money, it goes straight to pay for a repair or a medical bill, but I know that is just what we needed at the right time! I’m thankful for our jobs. My husband and I are able to spend as much time with our young girls as possible and still provide for our family’s needs. We’ll never be able to get this time back with them and we know how much every moment counts.

A thankful heart is the key to joy. And this joy is all because of Him!

Have a great weekend, and live life intentionally TODAY!

*This post is part of the Catholic Blogger’s Network June 2013 Link-Up Blitz.

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Real Connections = Real Change

7 Jun

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Often times, I think we, as Christians, feel like we aren’t doing enough to reach others or we get caught up in how many people we can influence. Of course, with the emphasis on the New Evangelization and this being The Year of Faith, many of us are focused on how we can better spread the truth of Jesus and the faith. This is something to which we are all called for sure and needs to be done.

Sometimes, though, I think we are distracted by the “big picture”. The truth is, as the quotes on this page point out, that showing love to our spouse, children, and neighbors is the most powerful and meaningful way that we can bring about change in our culture.

I think many of us who are busy working and raising young children, especially, may feel like we aren’t contributing as much as we’d like in our parishes and communities. (For me, personally, this is why I love to blog. I am able to work a full-time job, take care of the family that God has blessed me with, and still feel like I’m offering something outside my own little world.) We need to remember, though, that building strong, loving families is the foundation of our society and is worthy of most of our time and attention. Being able to sacrfice for our children in this way, enables us to grow in selflessness and be more open to whatever God is calling us to do now and in the future.

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When we do find ourselves in situations where we can reach out to others beyond our family, we are still called to focus on each individual person. As last month’s featured Dreamer Ryan Eggenberger encouraged, “Everybody – every single persion – is worth it to God. That means everybody – every single  person- is worth it to you and to me.” When we, through our actions, express to someone else that they, alone, matter to us and to God that is when real connections and relationships bloom. This is when we are most like Jesus.

It is, of course, easier said than done at times to take ourselves away from our work, thoughts, and to-do lists to really be present to others. Going outside of our comfort zones to really make a connection with someone can make us vulnerable to being rejected, but without taking risks and listening to promptings from the Holy Spirit, life would be pretty lonely.

I think a great example of someone who is living out this idea of influencing others by making deep connections is Contemporary Christian Music artist Matthew West. Matthew’s two most recent albums consist of songs that were inspired by stories of  specific individuals. He read thousands of letters sent to him and then crafted some of these into hopeful and healing songs. On Matthew West’s website he shares the real-life stories behind each song. The cool thing is that several people are relating to these songs, even though each one was written for a particular person!

If you have not listened to Matthew’s latest Into the Light CD yet, I highly recommend it! My girls love dancing and singing the words, too!

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We all have a role to play to bring others closer to Jesus. It can be as simple as making eye contact and giving a smile to a stranger – or your child. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Has It Really Been Two Years?!

17 May

hands

Today marks two years since I wrote my first post for A Dreamer’s Wife! Woohoo! 

What a journey so far! Adam and I have both grown so much in our faith and trust in God! Those who have been following along since the beginning have witnessed how our dreams regarding Adam’s music career have been shaped and molded into aligning with what God wants. It’s been a fun ride so far and I believe it’s just going to keep getting more exciting! Adam will likely start to come out of hiding in the coming months! He’s been consumed (happily) with being a daddy and working, but he is starting to feel that the time is getting close to put an album together and get the official website up-and-running. I cannot wait to share his latest songs! I CANNOT WAIT! 🙂 I know that I am biased because he is my husband, but seriously, y’all! He’s so freakin’ amazing!

I’m also excited about all of the Dreamers’ stories that I’ve been able to share, and will continue to share each month! I’m so passionate about seeing others use their talents to make a difference in the world. I look forward to getting to know more dreamers and bloggers! There is definitely not a shortage!! 

Speaking of dreamers, be sure to check out this month’s Dreamer in the Spotlight in two weeks! This entrepreneur will be sharing some great tips regarding the New Evangelization! Don’t miss it!

Something special about this week marking the anniversary of my blog, is that I was given a few awards all within the past few days by fellow bloggers! One of those is the Very Inspiring Blogger Award given to me by Cindy at The Veil of Chastity! If I could, I’d nominate her, as well, but I basically already did a few months ago!

Very Inspiring Blog Award

The rules of the blog award include:

1. Link back to the blogger who nominated you. (Done!)
2. Post the award image to your page. (Done!)
3. Share 7 facts about yourself – fun things, favorite things, humorous things, or things that inspire you.
4. Nominate up to 15 other blogs and invite them to participate. (This is the fun part for me!  And some of these are repeats of blogs that I have highlighted before! Like Cindy, I’m going to nominate 7!)

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I like to eat chocolate chip pancakes in stacks of three!
2. I love to read life-changing books!
3. My confirmation name is Bernadette.
4. In less than three months time, at the age of 21, I graduated college, got married, moved to another state, and found a job! 
5. Even though I’ve lived in Tennessee for nearly 8 years, I’ll always feel like Indiana is home. GO IRISH!
6. I put on a comfy pair of flannel pajama pants as soon as I get home from work every evening!
7. I carry around a little notebook in my purse to scribble down ideas, quotes, etc. (Sometimes typing on an iPhone doesn’t cut it!)

BLOGGERS WHO INSPIRE ME!

1. Erin at Humble Handmaid – One of the first blogs I started following! She keeps it real and writes great reflections!

2. Leanne at Life Happens When – She’s inspired me with her journey of healthy eating and avoiding processed foods! 

3. Stephanie at Captive the Heart – Cindy nominated her as well, but I have to give her a shout-out, too, because her blog is LOVELY!

4. Melissa at For Better or Worse – I recently came across Melissa’s blog via Catholic Bloggers Network. Her family is an absolutely AMAZING example of completely trusting God’s will IN ACTION!

5. Cecilia at Dance Immaculata – I featured Cecilia as one of my Dreamers last fall! Read this post to find out more about her!

6. Patty at Tales of Me and the Husband – Patty is a youth minister and a newlywed. I love her honest posts!

7. Stephanie at I Found Him Whom My Soul Loves – First of all, we have a lot in common, and second of all, her posts are beautiful and heart-felt!

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Thanks to all who have followed my blog or have checked in with me now and then! I appreciate your support and encouragement! I love how we all inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves! Have a great weekend, y’all!

P.S. I may take a tiny break next week from blogging, but I’ll be right back the following week for sure!

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10 More Inspirational Quotes about Following God’s Will!

10 May

As I mentioned in my original 10 Inspirational Quotes about Following God’s Will post, I love collecting words of wisdom! I’m back again with some more to share! Please feel free to add your own favorites in the Comments section! I’d love to read them!

10 Inspirational Quotes about Following God's will

1. Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will. -Eric Metaxas

2. Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly. -St. Francis de Sales

3. For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self. -Thomas Merton

4. There are no ‘ifs’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety – let us pray that we may always know it! -Corrie Ten Boom

5. For each of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God’s will, to be what God wants us to be. -Thomas Merton

6. Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do–then do it with all your strength. -George Washington

7. We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can – namely, surrender our will and fulfill God’s will in us. -St. Teresa of Avila

8. Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire. -St. Catherine of Siena

9. God doesn’t require that you succeed, he only requires that you try. -Mother Teresa

10. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

**UPDATE: This post originally assigned the first quote to Dietrich Bonhoeffer in error.  It is now corrected to reflect the actual author, Eric Metaxas.

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How Well Do You Know Your Guardian Angel?

3 May

angel

My fascination with angels began at age 11 when I had a brief supernatural experience at a cousin’s house. I woke up one morning to see two silent, somewhat-transparent figures standing with their backs toward me. One had short brown hair and the other had long blond hair, and they appeared to be wearing white robes. I remember feeling afraid that they would turn around and I just kept chanting, “Please help me God, please help me God.”  My cousin, who also saw the figures, darted back under the covers while I remained frozen and stared at them.  It wasn’t until I turned on the bedside lamp that they disappeared. I’m not sure if they were ghosts or angels, but I like to think that they were angels! 

Since then, I’ve always loved to read any story or watch any show that is about personal encounters with angels!  I had a well-worn Guideposts for Kids magazine that was all about angels from cover to cover. My conscious awareness of my guardian angel has come and gone over the years, though,  but my passion for angels was recently reignited again!  Just as I talked about the importance of the Holy Spirit a few weeks ago, our guardian angels can be powerful aides in helping us do God’s will.

Last week, I listened to a CD titled Angels Explained: What You Should Know About the Nine Choirs by Dr. Mark Miravalle courtesy of Lighthouse Catholic Media.  He offered a lot of great information regarding what the Catholic church teaches and what theologians have come to agree upon in regards to angels.  There were a few points by Miravalle that really stood out to me.  One of which is the following two-minute transcript specifically about guardian angels:

Now, I want you to imagine a civilization of people that are superior in most every way; more intelligent, more strength of will. A higher form of creative excellence in the whole hierarchy of being.  And, that God reveals to another group, another civilization of people, i.e. humans, that this higher superior group are given, in large part, to help us, to protect us, to guide us. 

Now think of this unfortunate fact.  That the lower group, the human group, chooses not to pay any attention to the higher group.  That the lower group, for whatever reason, whether it be will or distraction, fundamentally day-by-day, ignores the higher group.  How can this be pleasing to God? 

Now as we’ll discuss, the lower, in fact the lowest, level of the angels, the ninth choir, from which the vast majority of guardian angels are taken, would have, fundamentally, one angel for every human being that’s ever lived, because angels don’t recycle. So just the lowest choir would have at least equal quantity of all humans from all times.  This creature, your guardian angel, who was created at the beginning of time, has waited until this time for you.  To guide you, to protect you, to love you, and to begin a relationship, which God-willing, will become a never-ending relationship for the rest of eternity… 

We have to tap this God-given gift of spiritual persons.  And, I believe in our present age, where there is a raging spiritual battle taking place, that A., God has given special graces to the angels for our times and B., We can only engage those special graces, we can only reap the power of these angels, by our human consent.  We have to will it.  We have to consent to it.

It’s amazing to really comtemplate that we each have our own protector to guide us along in life, so that we may grow closer to God!  And just as with receiving gifts from the Holy Spirit, we have to ask and seek our angel’s help in order to obtain their special graces.

On the Angels Explained CD, Miravalle also shared a beautiful prayer of Consecration from the Opus Sanctorum Angelorum. There is a great line towards the end of The Consecration to the Holy Angels prayer that pleads, “enlighten my mind and my heart so that I may always know and accomplish the will of God.” 

So as we pray and strive to use our talents and do God’s will, let’s not forget about our guardian angels who can help us along our journey. All we have to do is ask!

For more information about what the Catholic church teaches about angels, visit Catholic Online or Catholic Answers.

Do you have a special angel story to share? I’d love to hear it!

Update: I’m linking this post up with the Catholic Bloggers Link-up Blitz for May! Be sure to check the other posts out, too!

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Finding Hope Amidst Tragedy {7 Quick Takes (#10)}

19 Apr

7 quick takes sm1 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 213)

My prayers are with Jennifer and her family as they welcome home their baby boy, finally! Thanks for hosting this week, Grace!

This week’s 7QT’s post is probably the most depressing one that I have done!  There is so much evil and sadness going on in the world, but we must remember that God reigns and love conquers all!

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Did you participate or notice the two #Gosnell Tweetfests that took place in the past week?  It was definitely a great way to spread truth and get the mainstream media’s attention.  Too bad this trial and the ‘house of horrors’ is still not getting as much attention it deserves.  Yes, Kermit Gosnell is a very sick man, but the reality is:

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This leads me to a related topic of the racist roots of Planned Parenthood.  According to BlackGenocide.org, “78% of their clinics are in minority communities.” 

A few months ago, my husband and I watched a 2009 pro-life documentary on this issue, Maafa 21.  It’s sad that so many people are ignorant about all of this or don’t care, especially the Black community.

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Speaking of documentaries, there is another one that is definitely worth watching that talks about a massive problem in our society right now.

  Absent, by Justin Hunt, discusses the impact that uninvolved fathers have on their children. It features John Eldredge, Father Richard Rohr, Metallica frontman James Hetfield, and others. This movie has definitely added to Adam’s passion for promoting the importance of fathers.  I believe that it is available on Netflix.

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 Of course, I can’t neglect the tragedies that have occured in Boston, MA and West, TX this week.  Things like this can be difficult to understand.  I’m reminded of a short book that I heard about last year on EWTN’s Women of Grace, titled Why Me? When Bad Things Happen, by Mike Aquilina. 

I haven’t read it yet, but saw an interview with the author discussing the book.  It may be helpful for some people.

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Alright, 1-4 were pretty intense, so here’s a bible verse about hope:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

-John 14:16-18

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And here’s another one…

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

-James 1:2-4

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 Changing gears a little bit… I am excited to feature a talented singer/songwriter next week, who is bringing hope to others with her music!  She is getting lots of airplay in London right now and you may have heard one of her songs played on Fox News a few times. Be sure to read April’s Dreamer in the Spotlight post next Friday to learn more about this artist and her music! 

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Have a blessed weekend!  Be sure to check out the other 7 Quick Takes posts, as well!

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Words of Wisdom From a Dad to His Future Son-in-Law

12 Apr

When Adam asked my father for his blessing to propose marriage to me, my dad had a little talk with him. From what I’ve been told, that talk included a discussion about what motivates people. My dad told my future husband that people are driven by one of the following:

1. Money
2. Power
3. Sex
4. Faith
5. Fame

My dad told Adam that he believed that my husband-to-be was motivated by faith and gave Adam his permission to marry me. (Thanks, Dad! Good decision!)

Engagement Collage

Adam and I have come back to this conversation several times when talking about right motivation and the way things are in the world right now. It’s so easy to see that when faith is not someone’s primary motivation, their priorities are out-of-whack, relationships are damaged, and they are ultimately unhappy. I think it can be a very helpful tool to use when making decisions to help us stay on track.

This is also useful when evaluating our goals and dreams.  Often, our dreams evolve into something else and take a turn down a different path. We grow and gain new perspectives. We get married… have kids… embrace our vocations, hopefully… Priorities shift and relationships need to be fostered. If faith is our number one motivator, then what matters to God will matter to us!

For Adam and me, the past couple years have consisted of slowly letting go of our old ideals and hopes, and learning to mold them into what God wants for us. It has been such a blessing to be able to see how our desires have aligned with God’s will for us and our family! Nothing that we can come up with on our own could ever be better than what God has in store for us! I can tell you that Adam and I are truly happier than we have ever been, even though our initial plans never materialized, because we are so grateful for each other, our children, and our faith! God is good!

I wish you true joy and peace, as well! I pray that you are open to wherever God is leading you! Have a great weekend!

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Got Holy Spirit?

5 Apr

Stained Glass Holy Spirit

Like millions of other viewers, I watched the finale of The Bible series on the History Channel last Sunday night. While it was very difficult to watch the re-enactment of the Crucifixion of Jesus, I came away from the series re-energized about the reminder that we all have, or can have, the same Holy Spirit that the apostles were filled with when spreading the truth about Jesus! 

This same Holy Spirit that gave the early Christians wisdom and the courage to risk their lives, is with us now in this day and time! In America, we may not have to risk death to practice our faith, but our beliefs and religious freedom are certainly being threatened in many ways. In other parts of the world, Christians are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is very much-needed and very much alive!

It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, that I really began to appreciate and seek the Holy Spirit more. In my experience growing up Catholic, the Holy Spirit wasn’t discussed much outside of Pentecost Sunday or the Sacrament of Confirmation. Although I was very familiar with the Holy Spirit, I really didn’t understand the vital role of this third person of the Trinity in my everyday life and the need to continuously ask for His gifts and guidance. 

And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.d 10For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? 12Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 13If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit* to those who ask him.

-Luke 13: 9-13

 If we do not ask, we will not receive the specific blessings that we need from the Holy Spirit for certain situations and circumstances. This is why it is so important to embrace and believe in the promise of the Holy Spirit. For it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to overcome temptation, selflessly love others, and ultimately change the world!

Something else that struck me, when watching the final scenes of The Bible, was that the early Christians didn’t have many attachments. They seemed ready to go anywhere at a moment’s notice and were always prepared to see Jesus in Heaven. The more we seek the  Holy Spirit, the less we desire what this world offers. My husband and I have been talking lately about living a more simple life. I think the Holy Spirit must be working in us!

There are so many wonderful graces to gain from the Holy Spirit! The nine fruits of the Spirit include “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The seven gifts are understanding, counsel, wisdom, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.  Truly, everything good comes from God!

After I finish typing this post, I will begin writing a letter to the beautiful eighth-grade girl that I am sponsoring for her Confirmation in May. She is going on a retreat next weekend and the Sister that teaches her class has asked all sponsors to write surpise “support letters”. I hope to be able to convey what an important and powerful gift the Holy Spirit is to each one of us (and to her, personally)! The Holy Spirit enables us to be able to grow closer to Jesus and follow God’s will for our lives.

Have a blessed weekend!  And, remember, all you have to do is ask!

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What a Week! {7 Quick Takes (#9)}

15 Mar

7 quick takes sm1 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 210)

Another 7 Quick Takes with Jennifer at Conversion Diary this Friday!  Be sure to check out everyone else’s, too!!

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Of course, #1 has to be about how awesome it was on Wednesday afternoon to be united with all the Catholics around the world as we celebrated newly chosen Pope Francis! Twitter was so full of #HabemusPapam tweets and excitement! What a fun day for Catholics on social media!

pope francis

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Another exciting thing that happened this week, was  I discovered that the little Reece’s Rainbow angel that I have been praying for, Sunny, was adopted a few months ago! I really felt an attachment to her because she had a hemangioma on her nose, just like my oldest daughter had when she was a baby. I’m so happy that she has found a forever home!

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Today is the last day to enter to win my GIVEAWAY of Eric Metaxas’ new book, 7 MEN: And the Secret of their Greatness! And last Saturday I was delighted when I found out that the author himself shared this on Twitter:

 

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Earlier this week, I was a little bummed to find out that Dignitas Magazine will be on hold for now due to various circumstances. I featured the founders as one of my Dreamers in the Spotlight back in August. I know that there are good things ahead for them, though! I can’t wait to hear more in the future!

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Speaking of my Dreamer in the Spotlight series, be sure to check back next Friday to see who this month’s featured dreamer is! And you’ll get to find out what “fwisty” means!  Here’s a teaser:

fwisty clutches

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And speaking of series, I will be starting a new one next week called Keep Your Change! It will be full of money saving tips covering all sorts of areas. I can’t wait, because saving money is good and more people saving money is even better! 🙂

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I’m loving how the segues have been working out, but I don’t really have one for this! Here’s the pic of the Toy Story cupcakes I want to make for my 2-year-old’s birthday in a couple weeks! I think I’ll be able to pull them off – maybe?!?!

toy story cupcakes

Have a great weekend, everyone! Don’t forget that the book giveaway ends tonight at 8 PM EST!!

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Eric Metaxas Stops in Nashville on Bonhoeffer Tour

8 Mar

In January, I posted about five life-changing books I read in 2012. One of those, was Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas. If you have not read it yet, I highly recommend it! It is a vital read for this day and time! I am a HUGE Dietrich Bonhoeffer fan now and a few of his published books are on my ever-growing to-read list!

I’m also an Eric Metaxas fan, as well! I recently read his short book, No Pressure, Mr. President! The Power of Belief in a Time of Crisis, about his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast last year and I just downloaded the Kindle edition of another book he wrote, Amazing Grace, which is only $2.99 on Amazon for the month of March!

Courtesy of ericmetaxas.com

Eric Metaxas / Courtesy of ericmetaxas.com

This past Tuesday, I was fortunate to be able to attend the Bonhoeffer Tour: An Evening with Eric Metaxas New York Times #1 Best Selling Author sold-out engagement in Nashville!  I loved how Doug Hudson, who introduced Metaxas, set the tone for the event in his brief speech.  Hudson commented that the night was not to celebrate Bonhoeffer or Metaxas, but “to celebrate Jesus Christ who is the root of our courage.” Can I get an “Amen”?!  It was such a blessing to be able to attend a talk that focused on two men striving to do God’s will so that others may know the love and grace of Jesus!

Having read two of Metaxas’ books already, I had a lot of background information prior to this event.  The Q & A session at the end was a great opportunity to hear Metaxas expand on certain issues and concerns.  One of the biggest, is the fact that there are so many parallels between the state of America today and that of early Nazi Germany.

Metaxas discussed that Hitler and the Nazis started out by “resricting religious liberty,” which was enabled because the church didn’t “seem to be willing to fight.” Metaxas went on to acknowledge later, “Religious liberty is genuinely being threatened right now.”  Of course, this is clear based on the pending  implementation of the HHS mandate and attacks on the vocation of marriage.  Metaxas also made this point:

If you don’t stand up early, it’s a lot harder to speak up later on.

Due to being in the blogging world, I have had the opportunity to read so many great posts by other Catholics.  I am very encouraged that there are so many Christians in this country who are standing up and writing about truth and striving to do God’s will!  If you are one of these amazing evangelists, please continue your good work!  Let us imitate Bonhoeffer’s saintly example by praying and acting!  Metaxas stated that Bonhoeffer believed that “prayer must lead to action.”  He truly lived his life based on this truth.  Metaxas also commented, “God calls us to live fully in this world” and “God blesses us to be a blessing.”  Amazing words!  Thank you for your work and example, Mr. Metaxas!  To learn more about Eric Metaxas, check out his conversion story!

May we have the courage to stand up for the right to live our faith, so that we may encourage others to do the same!

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