I’m linking this post up with Housewifespice’s What We’re Reading Wednesday. π
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How are you at morning devotions and prayer time? Frankly, it is an area where I’ve always struggled. Brian has a contemplative nature. He loves moments of quiet when he can spend time alone with God. I am the opposite. I love noise. I cannot be in a quiet room. (Maybe it’s because I grew up with 10 other people in our home.) I usually always have the stereo playing or the TV on… although I could do with less of the rambunctious boys’ LOUDNESS. π Needless to say, quiet time in prayer is not something that comes easily to me and probably many people. We have to work at it.
Lately, however, all this working on being more disciplined has meshed into my spiritual life as well. I finally tweaked my schedule so I have a 15 minute block of quiet time for prayer in the morning. That time is pretty constant, so it’s rare that I have to miss it. I begin with a short prayer, read out of my devotional book and then talk to God and journal my thoughts. (Writing things out always help me think things through.)
There are many lovely devotional books out there, but I need something very simple…short and sweet. I don’t like flowery words and deep theological discussions go over my head. I need something that speak to me right where I am…in the middle of dishes, diapers and dirty laundry. That’s why I love reading these two books.
Small Steps for Catholic Moms: Your Daily Call to Think, Pray, and Act is a daily devotional. Each month is dedicated to a specific virtue. (For example, this month is Diligence.) Each day has three elements – A quote or Scripture, a brief prayer and and Act you can do to put your faith into practice. It is perfect for moms who are short on time but it is “meaty” enough that you can also spend more time meditating on the quote. The prayer in the book can be used as an opening line to God and you continue to converse with God for as long as you’d like. For moms who are well developed in their prayer life and want something a little longer, I’d recommend pairing it with a spiritual book that deals with that month’s virtue.
I have a copy of the original Small Steps and friends have wanted to buy a copy but it was out of print for awhile. Thankfully it back in print with a new cover and available for purchase.
My other favorite book is the newer book from Lisa Hendey (of CatholicMom.com.)
A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: 52 Companions for Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul is also a daily devotional. It is divided up into 52 weeks. Each week focuses on one saint. There is a brief biography, lessons we can learn from the saint, traditions of their patronage, two saint-inspired activities (one for mom and one for your children), a weekly prayer to say as a family and one or two questions to ponder. There is also a scripture verse for each day of the week to mediate on. This book rocks. It is rich with information and the prayers are beautiful.
When I first started reading it, I was torn about trading in one book for the other but I have found that both work well for me. I use the Saint Book at the beginning of the week. On Mon, Tues, Wed I read through the chapter and meditate on the lessons etc. By Thursday I only have the daily scripture/prayer left, which is short, so from Thurs to Sun I pair that with the daily devotion of the Small Steps book. I also ask the ‘saint of the week” to pray for me. Working with both books has worked fine for me.
A last note, although these are geared towards moms, a single person (or even a dad) could read them just as well, particularly the saint book. On days when you are given a task that has to do with your spouse or children you could apply it to a co-worker, a friend or family member instead.
Finally, because I love these books so much, I am giving a copy away on the blog! To enter just leave a comment and tell me which book you’d rather win – Small Steps for Catholic Moms or a Book of Saints for Catholic Moms. Want an extra entries? – Like RoL on Facebook. (Just leave a comment letting me know you did or have already) and/or tweet about this give-away.Β π I’ll pick a winner in two weeks on October 8th. Good luck!
(For next week’s post, I’ll let you know which Catholic books for women my Mom’s Group will be reading for our book studies.)
Have a great day.
PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram. π
The books look great – thanks for sharing!
I already have Small Steps and so would love to add the Saints book to my library, thanks!!
Liked on FB
I would love the Small Steps book – I have the saints book already and could definitely use some more spiritual reading π
The Small Steps book is great! Would love the Saints book, it’s on my wishlist (that my husband never seems to bother to look at before gift-giving celebrations LOL).
And Liked on Facebook! Very cute blog. π
Book of Saints please! Thanks
Those books sound wonderful! I would choose the Saints book. π
I like you on Facebook, too. π (saint book)
I like the book of saints for moms! I especially like the idea of an activity for mom and one for kids! I would be grateful to win a copy! Blessings!
Do you have to be a Mama to be able to enter? π
I’d love to have the Saint book.
I understand if I don’t qualify. Wish I could join the “Catholic Mama Club” – I really do.
I am thinking of turning my blog into a pro-life blog AND writing a pro-life novel.
What do you think of that? π
You and your family are always in my prayers!
Love ya!
Maria
Hi Maria, You certainly can join the contest! It is for anyone β moms, married women, single, etc. Besides, you may not be a physical mother but you are certainly a spiritual mother, particularly as a teacher. All those precious souls are in your care and you are helping them to become the people they are meant to be. You also have a loving motherβs heart and God will continue to send people into your life that need your motherly love. Lastly, every time you ache with the want of a child, offer that ache to Our Lady. She will send those prayers to a soul in desperate need of Godβs grace. One day in heaven you will see the countless souls you βmotheredβ back to God. You will be richly blessed.
And Iβm all for writing a book! We can use some more great catholic fiction. π Love and prayers to you. π
I think the small steps book sounds great for me!
Did I make the deadline?? I am so behind in blog post. I would like the Small Steps one.
I would like the saints book!
And I liked you on FB
I am SO happy I came across this post (and blog)! I’m a new mom and my baby has definitely changed my daily schedule. I had my first Lent as a mom and it was a bit of a disaster. I bought both books and have been able to use them every day, during my baby’s nap time.