Advent Challenge, Day 1 Be Grateful for Someone who has Caused you Great Pain! It sounds crazy, I know. To be thankful for someone who has hurt you, but pain defines each of us in a way. It helps us to choose how we will deal with that injury. We can choose to forgive and offer up the pain, or we can choose to hang on, ruminate, plot and hold anger in our hearts. Pain can be a lesson in giving everything to God. A tool to understand that God sees who you really are, and to choose to ignore how people see you (especially those who don't see the truth about you). When you choose, not just forgiveness, but thankfulness it becomes a gift to yourself this Advent Season. God bless!
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I have had the blessing of reviewing two great books recently. From Fear to Faith, by Gary Zimak and The Grace of Yes, by Lisa Hendey. (The fish on the cover has been named 'Fiat') I would highly recommend both of these books, especially for Christmas gifts this year! Book Review: From Fear to Faith a Worrier's Guide to Discovering Peace, by Gary Zimak People close to me suffer from anxiety issues, so I actually purchased Gary Zimak's books as gifts. When they came in, however, I picked up a copy and couldn't put it down. Gary approaches the subject of fear and anxiety in a self-disclosing, sensitive, and practical way. His writing style is very easy to read and moves quickly. It feels as if you are sitting down with this author and he is sharing his insights with you. The book is not a how-to, as much as, it is a journey. Each section concludes with a "Remember, Reflect, and Respond" guide, which makes From Fear to Faith a practical workbook for anyone struggling with anxiety. I truly enjoy Gary's easy style and reminders as you embark upon this journey. For example, his advice, "Don't be surprised if Satan himself tempts you with the idea that lasting peace is not possible," is followed by his solution to combat this pitfall by keeping your eyes on Jesus. Mr. Zimak reveals a 'secret weapon' in the fight against worry and anxiety and a pledge to help the reader move past the place that they are stuck (when worry controls your life or prevents you from being truly happy.) You do not need to struggle with a severe anxiety issue or worry problem to find this book helpful, but if you do, you will find it an invaluable tool in that fight! Book Review: The Grace of Yes, by Lisa Hendey Reading Lisa's book felt like having a cup of coffee with my best friend while we shared the details of our lives, faith journeys, and while she counseled me gently on how to give my best 'Yes' to God! Although she is telling her story, I felt as if we were interacting. I even found myself speaking out loud as I flipped through the pages. Lisa focuses on eight beautiful virtues, such as generosity and integrity. She weaves a tale of her own life, things she has been taught and insights she has gained along the journey. Each chapter ends with a 'ponder and pray' section, which helps the reader apply the lessons to their lives. I believe that this book would be a welcome addition to anyone woman's spiritual collection and look forward to rereading the chapters as I constantly need reminders on the 'Grace of Yes.' *Both these reviews are also available on Amazon. A great way to decrease gift-giving/shopping stress is to buy early and in bulk! My book, Managing Stress with the Help of your Catholic Faith is on sale for one dollar a book! (Yes, shameless plug!) Check it out! https://www.osv.com/Shop/Product?ProductCode=T279 If you are a Catholic who has been divorced, I would appreciate any input you would like to share for a new book I'm writing. No names will be used in the book. Feel free to post the comments in response to the blog page, or just go to my contact page and send me an email. Questions: (Please answer any or all) How long were you married? Were you married in the Catholic Church? Did you get your marriage annulled? Are you remarried? In the CC? How did your faith community support you through the process? What was the most helpful aspect about your faith during the divorce? What was the hardest thing about being Catholic during this time? How did you feel about the Sacraments? Did you consider (or did you) leave the Catholic Church? Why? I have noticed some new people visiting the site, so I just wanted to say, "HI!" I hope you are enjoying the ideas to strengthen your families. If you would like to ask me for advice or tips on a specific area of family life, please, drop me a message here, at my email address, on my FaceBook page or Twitter! Thanks and God bless you all! Every time I hear the commercial stating to check with your doctor to make sure your , "Heart is healthy enough for sex," I can't help but wonder if mine is? Before I spend time in the marital embrace with my spouse have I prepared for a healthy heart? Have I shown my spouse love in other ways? Do I need to apologize for anything I have done to hurt him? Have I been to the sacraments recently so I am filled with grace? Have I prayed for him? Am I remembering that with our physical union I am renewing my wedding vows with my body? Am I living a freely given, fruitful, faithful and forever (permanent) love? If I have done these things, then yes, my heart is probably healthy enough for sex. Is yours? Here are all the rest of the Egg-Blogs to date:
http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/21/christmas-egg-blog-his-ways-are-not-our-ways/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/19/christmas-egg-blog-god-speaks/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/19/christmas-egg-blog-gift-of-prayer/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/17/christmas-egg-blog-go-tell-it-on-the-mountain/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/16/christmas-egg-blog-the-grinch-who-couldnt-steal-christmas/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/15/christmas-egg-blog-suffering/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/14/christmas-egg-blog-pray-with-cookies/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/14/confess-to-one-another-whatever-you-loose-on-earth-is-loosed-in-heaven/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/12/christmas-egg-blog-smile-when-your-heart-is-breaking/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/11/christmas-egg-blog-give-it-away/ More tasks on the Christmas Egg-blog for you to deepen your relationship with Christ while you prepare for Christmas.
http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/05/christmas-egg-blog-give-like-santa/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/06/for-give/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/07/christmas-egg-blog-when-joy-is-hard-to-find/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/08/mary-our-mother/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/10/christmas-egg-blog-prepare-by-going-into-the-desert/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/10/christmas-egg-blog-believe-in-miracles/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/04/gift-giving/
http://rosien.blog.com/2012/11/21/prepare-the-way-of-the-lord/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/02/love-thy-neighbor/ http://rosien.blog.com/2012/12/03/11/ Join us everyday this Advent with the Christmas Egg-Blog. It is a new challenge to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord! |