tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37992387184603286812024-03-05T10:33:35.220-07:00Faithful Dove Light of TruthSuzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-84601328304316654862017-12-08T00:38:00.000-07:002017-12-08T17:03:35.257-07:00BOOK REVIEW - Forgiving Mother: A Marian Novena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTs_pIdf4ecIM2lkUzSM6k7hIxZmhOHy2NXTyTKDBsUd0gR2lUk8hOwPyUvBpX1FE7ft5Y-rCDiGVBJrH0wjpkFbPRMSRZ2mmlQ_SB6VMl3jz5rOWs59FgWxYoCJazAPJQtHT3CIUmORj/s1600/ForgivingMotherBR.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTs_pIdf4ecIM2lkUzSM6k7hIxZmhOHy2NXTyTKDBsUd0gR2lUk8hOwPyUvBpX1FE7ft5Y-rCDiGVBJrH0wjpkFbPRMSRZ2mmlQ_SB6VMl3jz5rOWs59FgWxYoCJazAPJQtHT3CIUmORj/s400/ForgivingMotherBR.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It constantly amazes me at how God calls us into deeper relationship in the timeliest ways. I took this book with me on a weekend retreat and while there one of the guided meditations was on Bartimaeus, which led directly into the theme of this book: "Do you want to be healed?" This prompted me to pray and ask, "Do I need to be healed?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As I started reading this book, it became apparent that the focus was on the "mother wound," as in "How have I been affected by my mother's mistreatment," and "What has kept me from seeking healing until now."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My mother and I had a great relationship especially in her later years as she struggled gracefully with her diabetes and all its complications. But as I read this book, I discovered a few distant memories still in need of healing. One of the issues is something that lives on in my daily habits, or should I say lack thereof. I think one of the most powerful statements in this book is: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Before you can become who you are meant to be, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">you need to look back at who you were." (p.113)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It reminded me that forgiveness is a lifelong process with layers like an onion that we have to come back to now and then as we grow in faith and love. "St. John cautioned that the devil can use memories to gain influence over our souls." (p.23) The author, Marge Steinhage Fenelon provides practical methods and wisdom to assist in the journey towards healing memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This book also prompted me to address how I feel about Mary and how my relationship is with her. The author encourages the reader to evaluate what obstacles might exist and to assess what might be needed to remove them in order to deepen one's relationship with Mary. Growing closer to Mary is at the forefront of my spiritual goals for the coming year so this book was providential to me. As I journaled through the questions with each novena I realized that the only obstacle I face in my relationship with Mary is my lack of planning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Forgiving Mother is a gift in your hands that may surprise you, especially if you are not aware of a need for healing, and will certainly challenge you to muster the courage to face any "mother wounds" you may have. Just it is more difficult to grow closer to our Father in heaven if we have unhealed "father wounds," it is also necessary to face our "mother wounds" if we are to have an authentic relationship with Mary, our mother in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I absolutely love the way this book is structured with nine chapters where the author witnesses to her relationship with her mother and shares about the process of moving from fear to forgiveness. Meanwhile, the second part of the book presents nine days of meditations, reflections, reader questions, and prayers in a novena format. I moderate a group where we practice "Nine Day Working Novenas" and this would be a perfect format for such self-evaluation and spiritual growth. Because of the Marian novena, I am confident that this is a book that will be used over and over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you, <a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/forgiving-mother-a-marian-novena-of-healing-and-peace?variant=5867566465063" target="_blank">Franciscan Media</a> & Marge Steinhage Fenelon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">for this priceless gift of healing and peace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">which will be treasured forever by many hearts and souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. </span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></i></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-25282106322081301312017-11-15T14:20:00.004-07:002017-11-15T20:37:21.590-07:00Franciscan Crown and the Three Hail Mary's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOGf1J1kPfc191iy_TIEE4KY9F5G-t3mJaHBb8OImr3g1FuPFywqVChcI1gs1lQ5poux3oLoCj_M8Twup5DNSA3P34fqqvjHyeTp7blBD2T_mN0oZWitNVXHk0DOwaphNtgR3x4i-Q66O/s1600/Franciscan+Crown.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOGf1J1kPfc191iy_TIEE4KY9F5G-t3mJaHBb8OImr3g1FuPFywqVChcI1gs1lQ5poux3oLoCj_M8Twup5DNSA3P34fqqvjHyeTp7blBD2T_mN0oZWitNVXHk0DOwaphNtgR3x4i-Q66O/s400/Franciscan+Crown.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Do you know how many <a href="http://www.aquinasandmore.com/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-rosaries/" target="_blank">types of rosaries</a> there are? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We all know the five-decade rosaries... but do you know about chaplets, <a href="https://www.kofc.org/un/en/resources/service/church/5th-sunday-prayer-card10242.pdf" target="_blank">finger rosaries</a>, auto rosaries, wedding rosaries, bracelet rosaries, one-decade rosaries and seven-decade rosaries, fifteen-decade and twenty-decade rosaries...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was intrigued especially by the Franciscan rosaries: the Franciscan Crown and the Three Hail Mary's chaplet. The seven-decade rosary is used by the Franciscan order, and there is a much larger fifteen-decade and twenty-decade rosary known as The Dominican rosary.</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/484854747/franciscan-crown-rosary-seven-decades-7?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=franciscan%20crown%20seven%20decade%20rosary&ref=sr_gallery_12" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="570" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0x5JHNO23xJGIQQhtTYCvRobvw6aWcFTnulure8YgccCfzbth_fuIjZBgQ3kmNwJitz4t0___u0RqfBXlidyWUW5FVC6T8mtRifblGlxtHyE1Mb12ilLKw5RdM6N3Y_KGkClI_1FgQjV/s400/Franciscan+Crown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/484854747/franciscan-crown-rosary-seven-decades-7?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=franciscan%20crown%20seven%20decade%20rosary&ref=sr_gallery_12" target="_blank">by Tiggawild at Etsy</a></span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 107%; text-align: left;">The
Franciscan Crown, aka Seraphic Rosary, is a seven-decade rosary with
meditations on the seven joys of Mary: Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity,
Epiphany, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Resurrection of Jesus, and the
Assumption & Coronation of Mary. There are an </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.franciscanfocus.com/2006/06/franciscan-crown-make-it-pray-it.htm" target="_blank">additional two HailMary's</a> on this rosary in honor of the tradition
of Mary's living 72 years. The Franciscan Crown Rosary dates to the 1400's and
was promoted by a <a href="http://www.lpca.us/Microsoft-Word-How-to-say-the-Crown-Rosary.pdf" target="_blank">young novice friar</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/566717559/20-decade-brown-wood-beads-rosary-on?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=20%20decade%20rosary&ref=sc_gallery_1&plkey=301c682f256fed644dc16b4c6b86ff6270e3567c:566717559" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsHPD1CjYqc6BjZqly6lnJP6ov-EYUYD9jLKfKyFTUvQwJJlMj92sIhNWEQ-a2fpJSeQlkNQfwE5qbIprDbXaV9OpnM6s4EUJ6YfT8STmBAuP4rbj1ygMCxRItWP5k7LyXcWx4FS_OjUV/s320/20DecadeRosary.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/566717559/20-decade-brown-wood-beads-rosary-on?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=20%20decade%20rosary&ref=sc_gallery_1&plkey=301c682f256fed644dc16b4c6b86ff6270e3567c:566717559" target="_blank">by Medjugorjesuvenir at Etsy</a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The fifteen-decade rosary is a complete rosary of three sets of mysteries all on one loop (Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious) as is typically worn by Dominicans as a habit rosary - aka Dominican Rosary. In 2002 St. Pope John Paul II added the Luminous mysteries, thereby some religious orders now wear 20-decade rosaries. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tradition says that Mary gave the rosary to St. Dominic in 1221 as the poor man's psalter to accomodate those who were illiterate and could not read the 150 psalms in prayer. It was encouraged by the clergy because it contained the central mysteries of the Faith.</span> </blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/216527663/tau-cross-wood-rosary-boys-rosary-st?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=tau%20cross%20rosary&ref=sr_gallery_15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="570" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRzQ03RG8EX013FFegxT29Szs6-N_56MUGiqpL6rfy2sRiI7NyO9AG8R61IAazCOtxpnipjGxIW_KUJSH-4c4qjeEiMNa6xUSCr6okzpGOHsmSPME1LivBSz1rOMrjtW-6K1HD86E46ZH/s320/TauRosary.jpg" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_1209809485"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1209809486"></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/216527663/tau-cross-wood-rosary-boys-rosary-st?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=tau%20cross%20rosary&ref=sr_gallery_15" target="_blank">by HoliesByMarilyn at Etsy</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Another rosary recognized as Franciscan is the standard five-decade rosary with a <a href="http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/the-franciscan-tau-cross/article/154" target="_blank">Tau cross</a> in place of a crucifix as the one shown above.</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/565382091/st-francis-of-assisi-three-hail-mary?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=three%20hail%20marys&ref=sr_gallery_7" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbugbSvf1U0Ut5bOv3cMny4WEPBezvA2imCdNPQrGqlT28JamAMpBuXMeSKkmiuD12V3G_oIxb2zzWWtq_hK9Fw9_vi2rAOX05IzhJULY2f6aD3L1Ey-sYpw_zrLzUTyI5jXZ4_CfF59j2/s320/ThreeHailMarys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/565382091/st-francis-of-assisi-three-hail-mary?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=three%20hail%20marys&ref=sr_gallery_7" target="_blank">GraniDiSenapeByErikaat Etsy</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">The </span><a href="http://www.fatima.org/essentials/requests/3hailmaryleaf.asp" target="_blank">Three Hail Mary's</a><span style="color: black;"> devotion began with two Franciscan saints, Anthony of Padua and Leonard of Port-Maruice and was adopted by St. Alphonsus Liguori and I also learned that there is an </span><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04223a.htm" target="_blank">Archconfraternity</a><span style="color: black;"> of the </span><a href="https://forums.catholic.com/t/three-hail-marys-devotion-daily/403300" target="_blank">Three Hail Mary's</a><span style="color: black;"> as well. Here is a version of the prayer for the <a href="http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/little-chaplet.htm" target="_blank">Little Chaplet of the Three Hail Mary's.</a></span></span></blockquote>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-24647319189167665302017-11-15T10:16:00.000-07:002017-11-15T11:20:47.193-07:00BOOK REVIEW - The Peace of Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WtfS1-pQhgw1al28ku6iBp_xSw2atgAqTOKyAUluy_zVuCN4TUay3L6UZUWFrP-hXr3eInjSXG-5aOdspDZCmHbQgtUXqmGA9AohqaiJrGeW7U_KAxNtC2GWbgWZxIB9Z5RDWIotZ2xD/s1600/Peace+of+Christmas2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WtfS1-pQhgw1al28ku6iBp_xSw2atgAqTOKyAUluy_zVuCN4TUay3L6UZUWFrP-hXr3eInjSXG-5aOdspDZCmHbQgtUXqmGA9AohqaiJrGeW7U_KAxNtC2GWbgWZxIB9Z5RDWIotZ2xD/s400/Peace+of+Christmas2.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The author introduces this book of Christmas reflections with a discussion on the Christmas season. There are commercial, secular, family and religious versions of what days comprise this time of Christmas. Diane M. Houder approaches this devotional in her family tradition of a gradual movement toward Christmas in the month of December, plus a few days more. There are enough daily devotions for reflecting for about 40 days during Advent and the Christmas season. The last few meditations extend into the time after Christmas Day including reflections on the Feast of the Holy Family, the Solemnity of Mary, and the journey of the Magi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The season of Advent before Christmas is a time of spiritual preparation and is meant to be a penitential time for self-reflection, change, and forgiveness; for making amends and making a difference. There are many ways to <a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/how-to-celebrate-advent-like-a-catholic/" target="_blank">Celebrate Advent like a Catholic</a> and devotional reading is a great way to prepare one's heart for the coming of our Savior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/the-peace-of-christmas-quiet-reflections-with-pope-francis?variant=38254229185" target="_blank">The Peace of Christmas</a></i> features quiet daily reflections from Pope Francis' homilies, addresses, and greetings. The voice of Pope Francis is warm and inviting, as he is after all the vicar of Christ in our world. The author adds after each reflection, her personal sentiments and memories in "A Christmas Reality" and then gifts each of us with a call to action for the day. The gifts for the day are as small and simple as adding a new Christmas ornament to your tree, attending a performance of Handel's Messiah or recalling your favorite Christmas memories, and there are also daily actions proposed that will stretch you gently to contemplate ways to create change in yourself or to promote a difference in your community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I love the size of the book so that it can be easily carried in a purse. The meditations are not numbered or dated so it gives one the freedom to begin at any time during the Christmas season and leaves one with no guilt if a particular day is missed. It is perfect for individual reflection but also serves as a valuable guide for family devotion. Our parish hands out free books at the Christmas Masses to all parishioners, perhaps this book might be gifted to parishioners as Advent begins?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you to Diane M. Houdek and <a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/" target="_blank">Franciscan Media</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">for providing us with a fine meditative Christmas devotional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">God always surprises us...but he asks us to let ourselves be surprised by his love, to accept his surprises. God surprises us. It is precisely in poverty, in weakness, and in humility that he reveals himself and grants us his love, which saves us, heals us, and gives us strength. He asks us only to obey his word and to trust in him. (p.4) ~ </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pope Francis</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</i></span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-720499200474111562017-11-13T01:02:00.003-07:002017-11-13T21:02:12.369-07:00Catholic Vocations Awareness Week<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5dzMIulbQdrdVrtZHE9dodG1mjiFikxZy2i_u4VlnRNyBW7skBJFOhGnmQIuJJo01mfCJHhWP6ix_bKduzr9yR2Am0m5lTvLR-RvPFXI9HJ1q3UbQj-c0lvS52b48sJpGprsmQvyi7K4/s1600/When+your+daughter+becomes+your+SISTER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" class="" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5dzMIulbQdrdVrtZHE9dodG1mjiFikxZy2i_u4VlnRNyBW7skBJFOhGnmQIuJJo01mfCJHhWP6ix_bKduzr9yR2Am0m5lTvLR-RvPFXI9HJ1q3UbQj-c0lvS52b48sJpGprsmQvyi7K4/s400/When+your+daughter+becomes+your+SISTER.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Catholic mother can only pray, with sincere hope and trust, that each child will follow God's calling for their lives. I have raised eight children and three of them have seriously considered religious life as their vocation. How does that happen?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I am sincerely convinced that homeschooling my children has allowed my children the foundation and the freedom to explore what God wants them to do with their life, rather than embracing society's expectation of deciding what "they" want to be when they grow up - or in other words considering their future in discernment of vocation, rather than in terms of simply choosing a career.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The word vocation comes from the Latin vocare - "to call." One's vocation is a prayerful response to discerning what it is that God is calling you to do. The Catholic Church recognizes vocations in the states of single, married or religious life. The book <a href="https://vocationnetwork.org/en/articles/show/564-hundredfold-a-guide-to-parish-vocation-ministry" target="_blank">Hundredfold</a> is an excellent resource to help parishes encourage vocations as a ministry in the Church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My children grew up with Catholic prayer at home and regular attendance to weekly Mass. However, their greatest and most meaningful experiences for their discernment were at our Diocesan summer vocations camps called <a href="http://gods-call.com/totustuus/" target="_blank">Totus Tuus</a>, and by way of seminary and convent visits. It was there that they got to know sisters and priests as real-live, fascinating, devoted, and fun people!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The first to be called, and my second son, decided to enter the seminary for his first year of college, after a "Come and See" weekend visit to the seminary when he was in high school. Several in our parish had asked him if he had considered becoming a priest, and I had encouraged him to visit the seminary. As he left our home to depart on that trip he was firmly insisting that he would never, not ever, enter the seminary and he came home convicted that he was indeed called to enter the seminary. He stayed for seven months before he discerned out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">What many do not realize about religious life is that there is a period of several years during which the young man in the seminary, or the young woman in the convent, is in a period of continued discernment as to whether or not this is to be their lifelong calling. Sometimes, for whatever reason, individuals are called to live in the environment of religious life as a means of formation for their future, even if their permanent calling is not living their life as consecrated or religious. Final vows are most often 5-6 years after entering an order of religious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My oldest daughter and third child, named Rachel at birth, and now known as Sister Regina Familiae (Queen of the Family), had an inclination to religious devotion and wisdom from a very young age. When she was only three years old, while her father and I were fighting, she picked up a rosary from which a crucifix had broken off and she spoke firmly and directly to both of us saying: "When you forget about Jesus, you forget about relationship." She participated in the Totus Tuus summer camps for ten years, as participant, leader, and as an adult volunteer. She went on "Nun Runs," organized by our diocesan Vocations Office, visiting several different religious orders - but she was always drawn back to the <a href="http://ssvmusa.org/" target="_blank">Servidoras</a> (Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara) which led her to make several visits to the formation house in Washington D.C. She entered the convent on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">When my daughter entered, everyone was assuming and asking if I missed her, and I honestly had to say no. Yes, she had been my right-hand woman and she had helped me remodel our house, painting and installing flooring, and she had used her natural gifts of precision and expertise to help with landscaping many outdoor projects, and she loved helping with the babies in my 24/7 daycare. But when she announced that she had finally decided to enter the convent at age 23, I knew that she had spent at least six hours a week in Adoration and went to daily Mass for many, many months - all in discernment and prayer as to what God was calling her to do. So I knew she was right where God wanted her to be, so how could I miss her? Now her religious sisters and the Catholic families they serve, are enjoying the skills she learned at home - the sisters call her the baby whisperer (she holds babies and calms them at every chance she gets), and she continues to love gardening and painting the convent, along with her many other apostolates which have included teaching youth religious formation, visiting the elderly at nursing homes, and missionary work in the US and <a href="http://ssvmusa.org/index.php/support/our-mission-in-guyana-south-america/" target="_blank">Guyana</a>. Her religious family of sisters are the most joyful group of women I have ever known!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The youngest of my eight children participated in Totus Tuus a few months ago and he felt a strong calling to the priesthood while he was in prayer at Adoration during the summer camp. He is at this moment (as I write this post) on the "Come and See" seminary weekend visit. Funny thing is that when we visited the seminary, sixteen years ago when his older brother was there, the rector was already trying to recruit this one, my youngest boy, who was only a couple months old and yet a baby in my arms...Time will tell if I will one day be writing a post to say, "When your son becomes your FATHER..."</span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-8702319122688219722017-11-01T21:31:00.001-06:002017-11-14T20:42:03.968-07:00BOOK REVIEW - Franciscan Saints<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
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<a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/the-franciscan-saints?variant=38436747457" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dh5lcYxjvmlInZy64fW-8L53SpcblRlmk7CApPQ_5f1LgkLZNjgSrTT-Cb-Lc4v-19rBsR9xp8TQ1KJV6uVkBrxhu2o1JPqoMFmxLHwYQollj0lM3rLD3SuIDBQc1mJ-b7xckEaU9iKY/s400/Book+Review+Franciscan+Saints.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This book was a delightful read and it was quite providential that I finished reading it on All Saints Day. The fact that there are just over 100 Franciscan Saints who are mentioned in this book set me to thinking about the significance of one hundred.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The hundred-day benchmark is something that is said to have started with Napoleon Bonaparte. He returned from exile, reinstated himself as ruler of France, and declared war against the English and Prussian armies - all in 100 days. A century later our American Presidents, beginning with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, were being assessed by what they accomplished in their first 100 days in office.</span></div>
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Every year now in January or February our elementary school students are celebrating their 100th day of school because it is said to be a classic teachable moment. So what if we perhaps embrace the teachable moments of studying 100 saints in 100 days?</div>
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I love that this book is laid out simply and can be used either as a resource tool, or as a daily source of study and thought-provoking saintly quotes for meditation. If you start reading this book today, November 1st, and read about one saint per day it will get you very close to the beginning of Lent. Or if you read one saint per day - only on school days - it will get you very close to Holy Week.</div>
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This book, <span id="goog_1314778878"></span><a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/the-franciscan-saints?variant=38436747457" target="_blank">Franciscan Saints</a>, by Robert Ellsberg<span id="goog_1314778879"></span>, is the perfect way to begin a new and wonderful Catholic tradition. The publication has 107 entries of Franciscan saints, famous and obscure, beginning with St. Francis and St. Clare, and ending with Fr. Mychal Judge and Sr. Dorothy Hennessey. There are founders, missionaries, and martyrs; doctors of the Church, poets, prophets, mystics, and theologians; third orders and Poor Clares; princesses, queens, and abbesses; chaplains, friars, bishops, and even a Pope.</div>
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In the spirit of St. Francis, since we now have a Pope named Francis, I think this book is the perfect beginning to what I can see as a whole series of books: another book with 100 Vincentian saints, and another with 100 Dominican saints, and another with 100 Carmelite saints... and perhaps all-encompassing book that embraces all the orders and explains more about their core values and charisms.</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Another excellent read by Robert Ellsberg and Franciscan Media.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In this book, I have received another good gift of Faith, by the grace of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">~ St. Anthony of Padua ~</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-63063617995045842282017-10-25T02:44:00.004-06:002017-11-01T23:24:37.671-06:00BOOK REVIEW - Our Lady of Fatima<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/our-lady-of-fatima-100-years-of-stories-prayers-and-devotions?variant=37861949249" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE6X8kB_ivDebo16XqQS93I3DzfVIZ821xDkmjhortQe31qfpvSTvadlGCumsX10GswFqluiDl9nd_g3XOLiF0Bn_TC_dYbZQW6bAPWrexYGienTNL-Cj2pY28ckNcOisZONBiU_2Z7Um/s400/Book+of+the+Year+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I may be getting ahead of myself, but I am awarding this book 2017 Book of the Year! <span id="goog_1277704421"></span>Our Lady of Fatima: 100 years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions<span id="goog_1277704422"></span> is my favorite Catholic read this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From the first pages, I felt as if I was sitting in an overstuffed chair in front of the fireplace listening to Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle tell the story of an incredible Lady and three shepherd children who have captured our hearts in a very special way over the past 100 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">October 2017 marks the 100th year since the last apparition of Mary in Fatima, Portugal to the three children, Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. I was overwhelmed with awe and humility by the depth of faith expressed by these children, the oldest of whom was only 10 years old... "these children chose to remain faithful. They did not turn their backs or run away," (p.96) and "They grew in unfathomable, bold holiness as they prayed and sacrificed for heaven's sake." (p.81)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This book is not simply a reporting of the history of the story and message of Fatima, but it is presented as a mini-retreat in that each chapter ends with a "Time to Reflect," how to apply the message "In My Own Life," and a "Prayer."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I found myself challenged on many levels to increase my own faithfulness to daily prayer, Morning Offering, sacrifices to save souls, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the First Saturdays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If only we could all fulfill Jacinta's dying words: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"I wish I could put into everybody the fire that I have here in my heart which makes me love the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary so much." (p.93) </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thank you to Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and Franciscan Media for a great Catholic book!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</i></span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-38273936803472513402017-03-24T02:36:00.000-06:002017-11-14T21:28:46.563-07:00BOOK REVIEW - Catholic Planner<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I am happy to review the 2017 <a href="http://amzn.to/2mXtQVw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catholic Planner</a> {affiliate} by Jennifer Rainey. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a full-sized 8-1/2 x 11 planner book - and it was perfect-bound, not spiral! The open page design with space for weekly planning - which is on the left side of the open page spread - would be a perfect place for bullet journaling or homeschool record keeping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">On the right side is a place to journal weekly spiritual goals, prayers, and thanksgiving. With its open weekly design, this would be a perfect planner to use with simplified <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042491345814305/" target="_blank">Catholic Bullet Journaling</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I am pretty new to the idea of bullet journaling so the pages below are still blank in my planner, but I have been collecting ideas on my Pinterest board for <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/livablelearning/organizing-the-routine/" target="_blank">Organizing the Routine</a>. The book study discussion group on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/286172178111173/" target="_blank">A Mother's Rule of Life</a> is also helpful for establishing routines and spiritual goals.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8omx7DrRzCRZ0ienz7gLI14jmalo46urBlGigeeh1SYyJutKmPReiZM2zCscifTsnaLKEneFI9H_P9PWulDNzkooP2hdF0VrxV_KJaGYgDKMIp55tG-g9p2zlshiMI_I9U4EexKz5SZw/s1600/CatholicPlanner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8omx7DrRzCRZ0ienz7gLI14jmalo46urBlGigeeh1SYyJutKmPReiZM2zCscifTsnaLKEneFI9H_P9PWulDNzkooP2hdF0VrxV_KJaGYgDKMIp55tG-g9p2zlshiMI_I9U4EexKz5SZw/s400/CatholicPlanner2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Jennifer Rainey's 2017 Catholic Planner includes pages for 52 weeks of planning, monthly planning, Holy Days of Obligation and selected feast days, Catholic devotions, prayers and quotes from Scripture and the Saints. My only suggestion for improvement would be to make the numerals smaller on the monthly calendar pages, and I was slightly bothered by the skew of the cover photo causing the image to be out of proportion. but I still gave the book an overall Amazon 5-star rating. I love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The author Jennifer Rainey is a Catholic homeschooling mother of four, and she has published several planners and Kindle books. She is a freelance writer and a mom entrepreneur. Jennifer has written catalogs and television shows, designed websites, hosted an online writing class and she handcrafts rosaries.</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;">I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Faithful Dove Light of Truth blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon and its affiliated sites.</span></span></i> <i><br /></i>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-85417234011737504922016-03-14T01:17:00.001-06:002017-11-14T21:28:01.963-07:00Turn Around<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">This post that came through on Facebook tonight, <a href="http://eisenbath.com/do-not-sin-anymore/">Do Not Sin Any More</a>, and it reminded me of an experience I had many years ago. Back in 1994, over Memorial Day weekend, we were out of town visiting with family. I was feeling totally depressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed - physically, emotionally and spiritually. It was a very difficult time in my life, and it happened to be a few months before my husband walked out on me for the first time. That day, in that moment in time, I had finally had enough, so I left my mother-law's house in Gettysburg, SD and did not tell anyone where I was going. This was my thought process:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> 1). I was going to visit a friend (who lived in the same town); or</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> 3). I was going to find a bridge on the Missouri River and drive off of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Well, as a Catholic I knew I could not drive off the bridge, and my friend was not home, so I drove to the Church. Thankfully, the doors of the Church were open, so I entered and spent a great deal of time praying in the silence. It was the first time I had ever been alone in a Church. That time, spent alone in the True Presence of Christ, gave me what I thought was the peace I need to make it through the rest of my day. So I finished my time of prayer and started walking out towards the door and then I heard this voice in my head saying: "Turn around." I ignored it and kept walking toward the door and heard the voice again: "Turn around." I continued to ignore the voice, thinking: "Why should I turn around?" Once again the voice came as I reached to back doors of the Church: "Turn around."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">So I gave in and stopped at the doors and I begrudgingly turned around. My eyes focused on the huge crucifix at the front of the Church behind the altar and God spoke to my heart again, "No matter how many times you walk away from me, I will always be here with open arms to welcome you back."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">There was yet another message for me... God went on to tell me that I had to do the same with my husband. "No matter how many times he walks away, you have to be willing to welcome him back with open arms." This was one of the Great Promises in my life...And that is a story for another post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Now, back to why this story was brought back to my memory. I thought about that particular "Turn Around" experience on many levels for the next several months. I thought often about the suffering that we must put Christ through when we walk away from His grace. What sadness our Father in heaven must feel when we turn our backs on Him. But as a Child of God, we are always welcome back into His open arms - when we choose to answer His Call to Holiness, and turn around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Talk about unconditional love...</span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-20582848208579293182014-12-03T03:51:00.002-07:002017-11-14T22:44:09.583-07:00My Favorite Homeschooling Facebook Groups<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://teachingfromatacklebox.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hope4ME - Guided Montessori Materials Making</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Admin: Suzanne Wilhelmi - blogger at <a href="http://teachingfromatacklebox.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teaching from a Tackle Box</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to help you prepare your home environment for Montessori education.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolffs/" target="_blank">Homeschool Curriculum Free for Shipping</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Admin: Deana Hipwell, blogger at <a href="http://www.thefrugalhomeschoolingmom.com/" target="_blank">The Frugal Homeschooling Mom</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Used homeschool books, materials, supplies and other resources for families in need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Members receive no profits and recipients pay only shipping costs of the items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">What an excellent way to pay it forward!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Admin: Trish Corlew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/CathSwap/" target="_blank">Catholic Homeschool Curriculum Swap</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Head Admin: Alessandra Salazar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">This is a Catholic list, all items must be Catholic-only or at least from companies that are not anti-Catholic.... This is a Swap and Chat list.... Homeschooling materials that are acceptable for sale or exchange are defined as textbooks, workbooks, source books, literature, math manipulatives, paper and supplies, computer software only, and tapes/ CDs that are specifically educational or religious in nature."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MontessoriHomeschooling/" target="_blank">Montessori Homeschooling</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Admin: Bess Weurtz and Christine Cramer Howieson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Open to anyone with an interest in using the Montessori Method for home education and encompasses individuals who are working with children in all age ranges.</span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-41227430619354198682012-10-10T00:50:00.000-06:002017-11-14T22:52:18.375-07:00Respect Life Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The first Sunday of October each year marks a tradition that is over 40 years old: </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I had to chuckle when the sermon began - here is was, Respect for Life Sunday, and... </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I had taken THIRTEEN kids to church with me </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">-- </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">and we were all sitting in same pew </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">-- for Sunday Mass! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Funny thing is -- only SIX of those kids were mine!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I run a 24/7 daycare and SEVEN of the kids were with us for the evening because their parents were working. So picture this: my daycare kids were 6 months, 1yo, 2yo, 3yo, 6yo, 8yo, 10yo and my own kids who were with me are 11yo, 12yo, 14yo, 15yo, 18yo and 20yo. Gotta love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Best of all was that all the kids were all very well behaved, keeping in mind that most of my daycare kids have families who do not attend church services.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Respect for Life? Me? You betcha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Aquinas & More has a great article on Respect for Life <a href="http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/respect-life-sunday/article/146" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It is an article well worth your time. Make sure to click through to all their links. I love what they said:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">"As the sun sets on the first Sunday of October, do not let Respect Life
Sunday end as merely a slogan. As ever, we Catholics must not simply
listen to the gospel and homily then head home and forget the message.
We must carry the message out into our entire lives, including the
public square, living the gospel message every day."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has an entire page of Respect Life resources <a href="http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/index.cfm" target="_blank">New Evangelization</a> calls each of us to deepen our Faith. At the opening ceremonies of the <a href="http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html" target="_blank">2012 Year of Faith</a> Pope Benedict XVI provided us with a fundamental truth to reflect on:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">"Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty."</span></span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-91633588304328009692012-09-21T23:00:00.000-06:002017-11-14T23:56:44.549-07:00In Memory - Peg and her Pearls of Wisdom<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Today was a
very special day. I went to the funeral for a woman who made a significant
impact on my life as a Catholic wife and mother. Today I was flooded with
memories of where and how my faith journey has grown since that first day when
I joined a Mother's Bible Study with Peg in 1989. All I could think today - was
that her legacy lives on through all the people's lives she touched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I think it is entirely appropriate and fitting that this blog, devoted to
sharing my personal faith journey, family life, and homeschooling wisdom is
being initiated with a post in memory of the person who helped me, more than
anyone else in my life, to build a firm foundation in my Catholic faith. So in
honor of you Peg, this blog is dedicated to you. I am who I am, as a faithful
Catholic, because God gifted me with you, your commitment, your love, your
faith, your hope, your insight, and your wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I am a <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Cradle_Catholic" target="_blank">cradle Catholic</a>. When I started going
to the Mother's Bible Study led by Peg, I was at a point in my life where I had
always acknowledged there was a God, and that there was an "ultimate
Good," but I had never seriously considered what happens in the unseen
spiritual realm, nor had I truly recognized the "ultimate Bad" until
I read the books by Frank Peretti: <i>This Present Darkness</i> and <i>Piercing
the Darkness</i>. Thanks to Peg's words of wisdom, I was able to protect myself
while reading these books by blessing myself with the <a href="http://www.baltimore-catechism.com/lesson27.htm" target="_blank">sacramental</a> use of the <a href="https://www.ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/ZSIGNCRO.HTM" target="_blank">sign of the cross</a> whenever I felt
uncomfortable or fearful with what I was reading. As noted at <a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-09-14" target="_blank">Catholic Culture</a>, "during trials
and temptations our strength and protection is the Sign of the Cross."
These books came at a life-turning point in my spirituality, when I was
beginning to acknowledge the whole truth of what happens, both visible and
invisible, in the our world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I was also beginning, through the grace of the reflections on the Sunday
readings and weekly discussions in Bible Study, to own for myself, the <a href="http://www.jmjpublishing.com/jmjcatholiced.html" target="_blank">Fullness of the Truth,</a> which only
the Catholic faith has to offer. Shortly before I began attending the Mother's
Bible Study I was at the home of a Mormon, giving a home party with House
of Lloyd: Christmas Around the World. As often happened, I was visiting with
the hostess after the party, and we wandered into a three-hour discussion about
religious beliefs. I left that home praying with</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.peterkreeft.com/topics/discernment.htm" target="_blank">discernment</a> a</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd asking God
whether I should read the Book of Mormon as the woman had suggested. God's
voice spoke to my heart and confirmed that I should not read the Book of
Mormon, but confirmed that I did need to learn more about my own Catholic
faith. I will be sharing many more stories and experiences from my Bible Study
days in posts to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Thank you God, for giving us Peg.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Point of Interest: Peg's funeral was on the
Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span>Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799238718460328681.post-42238244468393694852012-09-17T09:38:00.001-06:002017-11-14T21:58:08.589-07:00Welcome to my Blog!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">As I have posted in my Profile: "I have been blessed with a large family, artistic and writing talents,
and a solid foundation in my faith. I just go where the Spirit leads me
and I'm getting used to the surprises along the way." I have felt called to start a Catholic blog for some time now, and on several occasions God told me to wait. LOL... Story of my life: "Wait upon the Lord." But you know, I have learned that God's timing is perfect and for whatever reason the timing is finally right - now - to start this blog. I do find it interesting that my very first post happens to fall on the <a href="http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.asp#17" target="_blank">Feast of the Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi</a>.</span></div>
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Faithful Dove:</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is great significance in the blog's header photo and name of my blog, "Faithful Dove, Light of Truth." The dove in this blog's header photo is the very same dove that often sits on the light pole in front of our home. There are so many stories to tell about that dove and eventually I will get to them, but for now just know that I am looking forward to sharing my faith journey with you.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I find it awesome and utterly amazing when the Holy Spirit makes connections for us! When this happens there is no doubt that God is trying to teach us something, or to stress something that we need to know at that particular point in our lives. Several times this week the words of G.K. Chesterton have surfaced. My 20yo daughter had received an audio CD from the Newman Center entitled: "Relativism: Do you Know How it is Affecting You?" She played the CD while we were sitting in the car at a soccer game. The CD quoted Chesterton who said:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>"The point of having an open mind, like having an open mouth, is to close it on something solid."</b></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/6409" target="_blank">Chris Stefanick</a> continues by saying ...<b> </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">"...we are told that we have to always remain open-minded about everything, but it is good to close your minds on certain things. When you discover the truth, your mind is supposed to close on it."</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My daughter had seen the same Chesterton quote on Facebook a few days earlier, while the very <b>next </b>day we read the exact same quote in our homeschooling. I was reading aloud to my kids from <i>Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons</i>, where Matthew Pinto says:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">When we don't know the truth but seek it, we're free to be open minded. But once we've come to a firm conviction of the truth of something, to remain "open-minded" about it is foolishness...When it comes to religious issues the Catholic Church has "made up its mind." There are good reasons for what the Catholic Church teaches, so it isn't a matter of "close-mindedness" in the wrong sense...Neither the pope and the other bishops, nor the priests and the deacons, nor the laity are free to change Catholicism to appear "open-minded." Their job is simply to tell people the truth in a loving manner. They don't make up or determine the truth for themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Thank you God, for giving us the Catholic Faith.</span></div>
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Suzanne Schaub Wilhelmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17320828914171355591noreply@blogger.com1