Twenty-three years ago today, we put our marriage right with God. My husband and I didn't understand all the teachings of the Catholic Church years ago. I had fertility issues and was in a rush to try to conceive a baby in the small window of time that my doctors had given me. I was a daily Mass attendant, but did not truly trust God's timing. My husband and I were married by a Christian minister, outside the Catholic Church, without the benefit of an annulment. However, we grew in faith and understanding, pursued our annulments and had our marriage blessed and convalidated on St. Patrick's day 23 years ago. It wasn't until I was fully living inside God's plan for marriage that I truly recognized God's mercy! Today is my mercy day! If you are in this position, I urge you to seek God's plan in your life. Read more about this in my new book, The Three Things Divorced Catholics Need to Know. God bless.

A Prayer Book for Divorced Catholics that Meets Them Exactly Where They Are

When I went through my divorce I also experienced many emotions. At times they were conflicting and other times compounding my grief. The Catholic Prayer Book for the Separated and Divorced, by Woodene Koenig-Bricker and David Dziena meets the reader where they are with sensitivity, clarity, compassion and Catholic teaching. The unique beauty of this book is that the prayers are categorized by subject. The reader can easily search for an appropriate prayer based on their current need. A combination of inspirational quotes, scripture passages, formal Catholic prayers and conversational prayers are used to guide the reader through ups, downs and help them avoid the possible pitfalls that separation and divorce can lead us to. I would recommend this book to any Catholic struggling with separation or divorce.

Review: Daily Devotions for Lent 2017, Tom Fox

We are only a few weeks into Lent, why not increase your prayer life TODAY! Deacon Tom Fox provides the perfect tool to grow closer to Christ this Lenten Season. Best yet, you can download it today and have it by your prayer time tonight. With daily readings, meditations and practical advice, Deacon Tom gives you all you need to go deeper into relationship with Christ this year.

Daily Devotions for Lent 2017 (The Living Gospel) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NADT682/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_X1dYyb5C0W18Y

"When you are in a time of great challenge, it may seem trite to argue whether the Lord causes suffering or allows it. We just want the pain to end!... We have a choice to make; to stay stuck in our own sadness or try to rejoice..."

The Joy-Filled Broken Heart

Order the Joy-Filled Broken Heart on Amazon. Thanks for your support!

The Joy-Filled Broken Heart https://www.amazon.com/dp/1530820154/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_iIwexbB578B42

http://dynamicwomenfaith.com/daily-take/dwf-conference-spiritual-nourishment-moms/

My last gratitude post before Thanksgiving and I am most thankful for my wonderful kids and husband! What a blessing they are in my life. They give me purpose, love, support and humility. They let me know God is real, because each one is a true blessing to me.

So Happy Thanksgiving all and may God bless you abundantly!

Reconciliation! That's what I am grateful for today. Not just in the Sacrament of Confession, but reconciliation between friends and family members who have been hurt and separated from each other by that hurt.

Holding a grudge has been likened to drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. Forgiveness and reconciliation can heal broken hearts in a broken world.

Traditions, especially holiday traditions are very important to me. Today, I was blessed to have one return...Eggnog Milkshakes! I just love 'em. Last year, for whatever reason, McDonalds in our area decided to forgo the yummy, cold, holiday treat.

Today, they were back. In all their delicious, rich frostiness. It made me grateful for something that felt so sweet and familiar. Thanks, Mickey Ds!

It is the Feast of Christ the King. I am thankful that no matter who holds political office, Jesus is my King and He rules all!