Blogging for Books Review: Five Years in Heaven

Oh you haven't heard about Blogging for Books yet? Well you are hearing about it now.  If you have a blog you can read and review books you actually want to read for free!  Sign me up and that I did.

The first book I have reviewed is Five Years in Heaven by John Schlimn.  I was intrigued with its quick tag line "What is heaven on earth? The answer lies in this true story of one young man's journey to find hope and purpose with the help of an unlikely teacher--a compassionate and wise old nun, whom the world had long-forgotten."  Spiritual memoirs you get me every time.   There is just something great about a story that reads like fiction but has faith weaved through it.

The stories of John visiting the pottery shop, chatting with Sister Augustine about life and faith, promoting her work and admiring her pottery kept me reading the book.  Was it the best book I have ever read, no. Is it worth a read, yes. Although sometimes the writing can get long and drawn out it doesn't take away from the story but fluffs it up.  And I have to say, I want a Gussie's Special for myself.  With these summer days long and hot this book is a great book to enjoy while relaxing the days away.

*I received this book for free from blogging for books in order to review.  

NAS: Spiritual Writings

What are some of your favorite or go-to books, devotionals or even blogs that help encourage you in your spiritual life?

Once again linking up with the lovely ladies of the Not Alone Series with Jen and Morgan.

So this week we are talking about spiritual writing that inspires, enriches and encourages us.  So now that college is far enough behind me that required reading assignments don't make me sigh so audibly I am trying to find my stride when it comes to spiritual reading.  I actually had a friend recently remind me how important spiritual reading is as Catholics and it isn't an optional devotion.  That hit me and really inspired me to step up my game when it comes to spiritual reading.  

Over the years I have read a variety of spiritual readings, along with fiction.  You can find my book lists here, here, and here from 2013, 2014, and the running list for 2015 respectively.

However, if I had to pick from all these books the book that has most enriched and changed my spiritual life it would have to be Consoling the Heart of Jesus.  In this book Fr. Gaitley posed how thirsty Christ crucified is for us and by how praying, sacrificing, the sacraments, loving, serving, trusting and being His we are able to care for his wounds.  In particular, he emphasizes how much lack of trusting pains the Lord and how trusting in Him and His will can console His aching heart.  Something that has always in particular stood out from his book was his discussion of sacrifice.  Too often we only sacrifice big things forgetting about the small daily consequences not recognizing their worth.  However, compared to the sacrifice of the cross all of our sacrifices are small and insignificant so how much more important the small sacrifices.  Please, read my original review and more importantly pick this book up.  In particular this Lent, and this soon to come Holy Week read this book and comfort His heart. 

Consoling the Heart of Jesus is a great book but it isn't one I read everyday.  For my daily reading I first and foremost read the bible and a Mary devotional each morning.  I hope to read whatever spiritual reading I am reading at the moment, currently a Mother Theresa book and rereading Rediscovering Catholicism for a book club of sorts.  However, what is most often the most manageable is YOUR blogs and the articles YOU recommend.  All you ladies are so inspiration and steer me towards other writers who write real, honest, raw, and passionate words that make me want to be better.  Please don't doubt that what you write isn't read and isn't taken to heart.

I look forward to getting some recommendations from all of your posts and don't forget to check out the book lists to get other spiritual reading recommendations.  

reads 2015: Ordinary Lives Extraordinary Mission

Some books just inspire you so much that they are worth a detailed blog post.  This is one of those books.  I got it from Dynamic Catholic as one of those books that you only pay shipping.  If you aren't familiar with Matthew Kelly or Dynamic Catholic you should be so I highly suggest reading his book, checking out his website, going to his talk.  You will be inspired.

So Ordinary Lives Extraordinary Mission could be summed up as "just become a saint."  John Wood outlines his book reminding readers that we must know there is a war, know our enemy, free ourselves and have a shield and sword.  He says,

"As a nation and as a Church, we've forgotten our story and forgotten our mission.  Central to knowing that you are in a war is knowing what you are fighting for and what you are defending."

In his book, he inspires you to fight and imprints on your just how important it is to fight however reminding that it isn't force, but love that wins the war.

"The battle can't be won by force.  We can't win by changing people's minds; we can only win by changing hearts.  We must begin to live our beliefs.  We must offer an example of truth if we expect others to find it."

I could go on and on adding quote after quote.  Get this book.  Be re-inspired for the mission and fight the good fight of faith passionately.  

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This book along with others has been added to my 2015 reads lists.  Be sure to check it out!

 

Reads of 2015

Another year, more books.

I know there are sights like goodreads that you can keep track of the books that you read but I am sticking with the good old blog.  Check back to see as my completed books grows. As always many of the links are affiliate links and any support would be greatly appreciated.

Reading lists from 2013 and 2014.

This years reading list:

1. Joy to the World by Scott Hahn---I think Jen reviews this book better than I ever could.  I copletely agree that this book paints a more in depth picture of the characters of the nativity store.  It is a quick, easy read and will probably be reread each year as part of my advent.  Read it and be in awe of the incarnation all over again.

2. The Red Tent  by Anita Diamant---This book is....interesting.  I decided to read it because it was about some of the untold stories of the female characters of the bible and their role as midwives.  Great combo.  I almost gave the book up about 25% of the way through but decided to keep trucking on.  I don't regret it but while the book is good it is by no means great in my opinion.  In addition, it has periods of being rather mature.   Has anyone else read this?  What were your thoughts?
3. Ordinary Lives, Extrodinary Mission by John R. Woof---Read the review here.
4.We are Liars by E. Lockhart--- A quick easy read that keeps you entertained.  However I was not prepared for the twist at the end.
5.  Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler---  I read this book less than a year but enjoyed it so much that I have already reread it.  I enjoyed it just as much if not more the second time through.  It is so beautiful to read Truth and the light of Christ shining.  Read my review from the first read through here.
6.  The Giver by Lois Lowry----Somehow I had missed out on reading this book in high school which is rather unfortunate.  I was so fascinated by the predictive qualities of this book. The suppressing pills, the lack of memories, the control-all so fascinating.  The whole time I was reading it I wanted to have a high school discussion about it.
7.  The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion---I liked this easy reading fiction so much that I am reading the second book in the series now.  Not only did I enjoy it but it also inspired me to learn how to make cocktails.
8.  Come Be My Light by Mother Theresa--You know those books that sit and sit and sit on your nightstand and you only pick up here and there but when you do you wonder why you don't read it more.  Here is that book.  Which why wouldn't I want to read the personal writings of a woman on the path to sainthood?!  This book is full of line after line with Mother Theresa's desire to do the Lord's will despite personal struggles. 

Reads: A Look Back and A Look Forward

Another year is done including another year of books read.  This past year I began and completed 12 books.  I am not complaining.  Mind you there is a whole stack of books I have begun and have yet to finish-next year. 

I enjoy keeping track of books I have read on this blog for my own sake- to remember what I have read in the past.  However I know I enjoy seeing what other people read so I hope you enjoy my book suggestions too.  I plan on continuing to keep track of what I read on this hear bloggity and welcome any book suggestions and comments on reviews if you have read the book also.

Who knows how many books I will read this year, only time will tell.

A Whole Stack of Reads

I had to give you guys a break after that onslaught of posts but here I am back today.

Random picture from my NYC trip that I never blogged about. 

I am going to catch up my blog on what I have been reading lately.  I do this as much so that I have a record of what I have read in the past as you guys might be interested in the reviews.  I will be doing a seperate post on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover* because that book is a bit of a life changer and deserves its own post. 

Let's begin back in July with Someday, Someday, Maybe* by Lauren Graham.  To anyone out there who doesn't love Gilmore Girls like I do I will let you know that Lauren Graham plays Loreli in Gilmore Girls.  That pretty much made this book a must read for me.  I finished this book right before my trip to New York City and it got me super excited for my trip because the story is about a young actress in NYC trying to get a big break.  This book is a fantastic light beach read.  I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a book to enjoy while the days are still warm and long.  

Moving on to Something Other Than God*.  Wow.  This was the book we read for the NAS Bookclub and what a great book it was.  Jennifer was so authentic in her writing.  As the book begins Jennifer is an atheist.  And she didn't just fall into atheism she thought herself into atheism.  Slowly she begins to notice God in her life (I say notice because He was there all along I am sure).  Spoiler alert.  When she first starts to think that the Catholic Chuch might have the fullness of the Truth I am on the edge of my seat.  Read this book and walk with Jen as she marries, welcomes life, struggles through faith and God and faces illness.  I really cannot emphasize enough how much I like this book.  Go read this book now, do not pass go.  

Next up was a reread.  I read Redeeming Love* many years ago and I was ready to dive back into the story and experience it all over again.  Francine Rivers takes the book of Hosea as inspiration and weaves a story of despair, unconditional love, faithfulness, God and miracles.  It makes me want a man like Michael as my own beloved.  I don't regret reading this book again and am planning on reading other titles by this author soon.

Last but not least I recently finished Growing Up Duggar*.  I have talked about the Duggars before here and seeing how much I enjoyed their previous two books I was of course going to read this
one too.  Once I began reading this book I realized it wasn't really geared towards my age group or where I was in my faith walk.  The four eldest Duggar girls seem to be writing towards an audience of younger girls and/or ladies who haven't yet accepted things like modesty and purity.  But reading this book was not in vain.  There were so many spiritual truths that really hit where they were needed in my life in addition I already tucked away so many ideas for how I want my children to grow up.  I love the Duggars despite the "youngness" of this book would still recommend it.

Well that's all folks....for now.  I am nearing the end of some other books so more book reviews will be coming your way before long.

**Affiliate links.  I would be giddy if you used my affiliate links when shopping on Amazon.

2014 Reads: Monique and the Mango Rains and The Fault in our Stars

Double wammy book review. Summer, unemployment and any excuse to push off studying for the NCLEX means lots and lots of time reading.

I read Monique and the Mango Rains* during high school when the author had come to our school.  I honestly didn't remember most of it and wanted to give it anther read.  The author writes about her days as a peace core worker working in Mali with a midwife and general health care provider.  Having mission work and midwifery on my radar, this book fit me exactly.  The stories are rich, the descriptions of the African landscape are enchanting, and Monique's heart is warm and strong.  Despite the book causally approving of artificial contraception, the book makes you want more.  More stories, more dirt on your Chacos and more sweat dripping on your neck.




If you aren't familiar with the title The Fault in our Stars* you probably don't watch any television seeing as it recently came out as a movie.
Before you go accusing me of being a trend follower I will tell you that I have been waiting to check it out from my library app, Overdrive, but there has been a long hold list.  Ok so maybe I am not original enough to not have to be on a hold list but I was interested before I knew it was becoming a movie. And, the book really is worth the hype.  It is short but the story has an incredible depth fit into the short length which I think is quiet an accomplishment.  The story is raw and authentic.  It flows to include real life and real death. You can't help but smile at Hazel and her boy Augustus.  After reading it, actually as I read it, I understood why it had become so popular.

If you want more of review than "it was good" that is common to this hear bloggity I suggest you go check out Proveribial Girlfriend's review of The Fault in our Stars.  It says everything I wish I could say and even includes a discussion on Catholic's reading literature that is in this world and not of this world.  I end with her bottom line--

"Forgive this book’s teen sex and prepare for age appropriate discussions on the complexities of contemplating the meaning of life and afterlife, and you’ve got a read that will make your heart soar, then sore, then filled."

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Some of us NAS girls are planning on starting a book club in the next couple of weeks.  Currently on the NAS FB there is voting going on for which book we should read first.  If you are a NAS FB follower who would like to be a part of it, please go to the FB page and vote.  If you are not a NAS FB follower, not part of the NAS, or not on FB but would still like to participate please comment below and I will make sure you can participate with us.  Currently, Jennifer Fulwiler's, who blogs over at Conversion Diary, book Something Other Than God* has the most votes. 

*affiliate links, please click!

7QT (Vol. 24)

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So all the time I jot down 7 quick take takes in a post and then every few weeks actually post a seven quick takes post.  Not sure where I was going with this but this is what I stuck in.  "You know you go to a Catholic school when your punishment for being too loud during quiet hours is doing a holy hour for the girls of the dorm. Boy do I love my school!"  I think this was a status of a friend.  And it is true, I have heard about this happening all the time.  

--- 2 ---

Here is another one.  What Catholic Girls are Like in the Chapel.  Bahaha, so much is true.

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I am also dusting off posts that have been sitting in my drafts.  Like this one about being lovely for your husband. Also a book review on Hiking the Camino.

--- 4 ---

I am about to jump into reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover  (affiliate link).  As I mentioned in my 2014 Goals (Goals update coming soon) I want to start out right when it comes to money.  I have heard so many good things about his program and I want to give it a shot.  Have any of you used his ideas.  How did it go?

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I know everyone is singing the same tune but I am finally now getting to that point where I am so over this cold winter thing.  Yesterday I stopped wearing my to the knees warm winter coat.  Partially because it is dirty, thinned out, and has a hole in the pocket but also because I am just so over it.  It shall be my North Face for at least a few days despite the fact that the North Face isn't as warm .

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Laura @ My Drop in the Ocean  asked me to guest post about pretty much any topic.  About a little discussion back and forth I ended up writing advice to ladies at a passionately Catholic College.  Go check the post out.

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Veiling for Mass.  Sometime I have to do a whole post about how much I go back and forth with wearing a Chapel veil.  I currently don't veil but I defiantly have and continue to think about doing it.  Especially with graduating and starting fresh somewhere would be a perfect time to begin.  Jessica @ Shower of Roses wrote a post about how veiling as a Lenten Sacrifice turned into beloved devotion.  It has gotten me thinking all over again.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

2014 Reads

In 2013 I really enjoyed having a running list of books that I read during the year.  Although I don't have a specific goal in mind this year I still want to keep that list.

If you want to check out the books I read in 2013.

2014 reads:

Follow the links for a review and affiliate links.  Any support via affiliate links would make me giddy.

1.  Hiking the Camino
2. Monique and the Mango Rains
3.  The Fault in Our Stars
4.  Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
5. Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
6. Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler
7.  Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
8.  Growing Up Duggar
9. Where We Belong by Emily Griffin
10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
11. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
12. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
*Number 9-12 are all great fiction books that I would recommend if you are looking for a light read

Reads 2014: Hiking the Camino

I wrote this back in the very beginning of the year and I am now finally hitting publish.  Pardon me for my tardiness.  

Another year means another book list.  I hope anyone who stumbles upon this blog or reads it regularly (bless your little hearts) isn't completely bored by my reviews.  I do it more for myself to keep a list of books I have read but I only write reviews of books I actually enjoyed and encourage others to read, otherwise I just list them in my list.  Enough of the chit chat.

 If you couldn't pick up from the title Hiking the Camino is Fr. Dave Pivonka's story of hiking 500 miles of the Camino de Santigo, also known as the Way of St. James,  a pilgrimage in Spain to the Church where St. Jame's the apostle is buried. The book makes you feel like you are having a conversation with Fr. Dave about his joys, struggles, and spiritual insights while hiking.  I am not going to even pretend to tell you how good this book is but let some of the quotes speak for itself. 

"I have heard it said that purgatory is full of people who did more than God asked of them."

boom.

"I realized that I had been going after what God wanted rather than going after God.  Christ was inviting me to surrender what I wanted to know and simply seek him, seek his face, listen to his voice.  Jesus was inviting me to a deeper union with him.  And it was there, nearer to his heart, that I would discover his will for me."

boom.

"The goal of every Christian ought to be to love more perfectly-and ultimately to get to heaven.  I want to be clear:  We are  not going to just fall into heaven.  It is literally harder than hell to get to heaven.  It cost Jesus his life to open the gates and it will cost us the same."

boom.

" 'Normal' Christian living just isn't going to cut it; it never has, and it never will.  Lukewarm Christianity nauseates God (see Revelation 3:15-16)!  Our response to Christ's call-and we each have a call-must be total, and it must be radical.  WE have to be willing to offer everything we are to God."

boom.

I actually got this book for my dad for Chirstmas and I am so glad that I did.  Read it.

Books of 2013 and a Look to 2014.

So I made my goal and read 13 books in 2013.  It probably wouldn't have happened if this summer I didn't nanny for a nap alot infant.  Honestly I don't know how some of you busy moms are able to be such vivacious readers. Well I do know how, you make it a priority, but I digress. Anyway I just wanted to get excited one more time for my 13 books in 2013 and look to the future.

I don't really have a set goal for 2014 except a lame goal of 14 books.  However I do really like keeping track of books on this here bloggity both to review great things I read but also to keep track of titles I have read for my own sake.  So once again I will be making a 2014 book list. Besides I have no idea what reading will look like in a real 40 hour a week nursing job starting this year.

Happy Reading in 2014.

Reads: My Life with the Saints

I finished this book forever ago but I am just now getting around to reviewing it.  I of course blame this thing called school.  And guess what this is my 13th book in my "13 Books in 13" Challenge.  The confetti is falling and the balloons are being released as we speak.

Well now that that is done on with My Life with the Saints.  (affiliate link if any of you would like to be so kind and buy it.) Most of this book was read while I was still nannying-oh that seems like a different life hanging out with my little 4 month old.  I choose this book because my mom already owned it and I thought if I liked My Sisters the Saints so much I would enjoy this book too.  I was right.

I love with both of these books I can learn so much about saints in a story format.  This book comes from a priest's perspective versus My Sisters the Saints which is written from a young woman's perspective.

Just like My Sisters the Saints, I would recommend this book to anyone especially if you want to grow closer to the saints.

Have you read either of these books?

Let the Fire Fall

Another book done.  I just love not having to be constantly with my nose in a text book or two so that I can actually enjoy reading during these summer months.  This book is one that my mom bought a few years ago, loved, and I am just now getting around to it.  Let the Fire Fall is a book by and about Fr. Mike Scanlan the Franciscan friar who made Franciscan University of Steubenville what it is today. 

If you don't know- they very very basic story of Franciscan is that it was a huge party school on the cusp of closing its doors forever.  Because Fr. Mike listened to God's call and first became a friar and then years later said yes to becoming the president of Franciscan University the school has undergone radical changes.  Fr. Mike decided to make the Catholic faith the backbone and priority in every aspect of  Franciscan University and as they say the rest is history.  Franciscan University is now known around the world, and even by the Pope (just ask the Bishop of Steubenville who upon introducing himself to the Pope, Pope Benedict said "Oh the one with the school") as being passionately Catholic. 

This book however doesn't just talk about changing Franciscan into the school it is today.  It also inspires you to live you faith purposefully.  To live radically for Christ.  To put Him at the center of your life and nothing else interfere with that.

So you still need to be convinced to read this book.   Let me just leave you with a handful of quotes.

"I write with a sense of urgency.  There's a war going on, people are dying, and many of us are asleep."

Boom. 

"If the Lord does not shape our way of thinking, the world will"

Boom x2

"Our task is to renew the Church and equip it to do His work"

"Build an environment of faith.  Take care of your primary constituency.  Get good people to join you.  Expect opposition.  Seek the Lord.  When you hear Him, do whatever is necessary to obey Him."

"I have fallen in love with the Church"

Boom.  Boom. Boom.

Labor of Love

Wait have I mentioned lately that it is summer and I nanny a infant who sleeps half the day so I have lots of time to sink deep into books?  Yeah sorry you might have heard that before.

Anyway, periodically I search my county's library for books related to midwifery, I have loved a few memoir's written by midwife's telling their stories of catching babies and guiding woman through a very special time in their life.  During one of these searches I stumbled upon Labor of Love by Cara Muhlhahn.

For any of you who has seen the documentary The Business of Being Born you will quickly learn that Cara is the New York City midwife that is featured in the movie.  After reading the book I want to watch the movie again.

So my thoughts on the book, mixed.  My major red flags that put a sour taste in my mouth is that she considered getting an abortion and she promotes the use of contraceptives.  I am in no way making this book the end all but it kind-of deterred me from becoming a midwife.  I am realizing that I don't think I can be the midwife I would want to be and have the family life that is even more important to me.  I am currently leaning more towards crieghton practicionar/doula/lactation consultant route but time will tell.

Besides that, the book was enjoyable.  She talks about how her mindset has changed over the years, the time she spent pushing against protocol, and tells tales of pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum.

The Language of Flowers

I actually finished this book a week or two ago but I have been reading so much that I can't keep up with the reviews.  I first saw this book on this beautiful woman's blog (who is currently growing TWO babies).  The title didn't catch me but once I read about 50 pages I couldn't stop.

Quick synopsis---The story is about a girl, Victoria, who grew up in the foster care system and has a love for flowers and the things they say- love, patience, devotion.  As the story flows it switches back and forth between her adult life and her life as child in the system.   This being unwanted as a child, of course overflows into her self-worth, or lack there of, in her life as a young woman.  The tale includes twists of love, friendship and even motherhood.

One of the things that most amazed me about this book, besides the ability for the author to seamlessly flow the story from an adult to a child, I still am not sure the time that this story is set in. The book neither talks about modern technology nor about old time things. Instead it was a timeless story that kept me captivated.

Out of all the books I have reviewed here on the bloggity, this is probably the one that I would most recommend to any of my readerrs who care.  I can see why it is a New York Time's best seller.

As always I would love to hear if you have read this book and what you think about it.  And come back there will be more book reviews soon.

"The Perfect Marriage"--Book Review NOT Editorial

I am just flying through books now that summer break is in full force and I couldn't be happier.  I am really adding titles to my 13 books in '13 list.  And I know, 13 books in year for alot of people isn't a big deal but for me it is a little bit of a stretch.

I don't normally just pick books off  the shelf at the library or bookstore but rely on recommendations. (So if you review books on your blog I would love to know.) However I was at the library and browsed a little picking up many titles and reading the backs.  When I picked up this book the summery intrigued me. 

The Perfect Marriage by Kimberla Lawson Roby is about a middle class professional couple who gets stuck in a life of addiction.  Having just finished my psych semester, addiction catches my eye.  The book did not disappoint.  I would not recommend it to teens or kids but as someone who has to know the reality of addiction the story filled my mind as the family struggled with the grips of cocaine and pain killer addition.   The book is a shorter one and I was impressed how the author was able to provide a story with such depth in so few pages.   As every other book I have reviewed on here I would recommend this book.

Sisterhood Everlasting

So if you haven't been keeping count, because lets be honest who would be, this is my 6th book finished for the year.  Woohooo!!  Ok maybe it really isn't that excited but I know I have been really enjoying this past week spending oddles of time with my nose in a book.

This book, Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares,  is another book in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.  I read the first four books when I was in high school.  I have also watched the movie but because I watch so much Gilmore Girls, when I watch other movies with Alexis Bledel I have a hard time separating that role from her Rory role in the TV series.  I was really excited when I learned that Ann Brashares had released another book in the series and hoped on to my wonderful Overdrive app and borrowed the book from the library and downloaded it onto my phone.  (If you are a smart phone user and don't know about this app yet you are really missing out.)  I quickly reentered the world of Lena, Carmen, Tibby, and Bridget and enjoyed every minute of it.  The excitement I had for another book in the series did not disappoint.  Now I won't really go into much more detail because the book has a big twist that I don't want to ruin for you but I do want to give a little shout out to the pro-life message in the book.  Now if you really don't want any giving away stop reading right now because this does give away a little something but I really want to highlight the pro-life message.

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Well now that those folks are gone I can say that in the book one of the girls finds out she is pregnant, she immediately assumes she will abort the baby.  She isn't allowed/doesn't do it right away and just sits with the pregnancy for awhile.  As other parts of the story unfold she realizes the LIFE that is inside her uterus and that their is no way she could get rid of it.  Now this thought isn't greatly stressed but any pro-life message is so important and needed in our culture to counteract the anti-life message rampant in our world today.

I recommend this book to other adult readers, especially if you have read the other books in the series.  Could you read this book without reading the first four?  I guess but you wouldn't get the full richness of the characters so why would you want to do that.

As always, please link up any reviews you have done on this title or let me know how you liked it.

The core of the Gospel of life.

Christopher West came and spoke at Franciscan last spring including promoting his new(ish) book "At the Heart of the Gospel".  I began reading it at the time but put it down for so long that as I pick it back up I decided to just start it over again.  As I dive back in to it I had to pass on this gem from one of the first pages.

"We need to bring the Gospel of life to the heart of every man and woman and to make it penetrate every part of society.  This involves above all proclaiming the core of this Gospel.  It is the proclamation of a living God who is close to us, who calls us to profound communion with himself and awakens in us the certain hope of eternal life.  It is the affirmation of the inseparable connections between the person, his life, and his boldiliness" --Blessed Pope John Paul II (EV 80-81)

When we fret and worry....

From the book Where There is Love, There is God, a compilation of Mother Theresa's words.

"If we think, Sisters, imagine God being so busy with you, so occupied with each one that He gave us a personal call.  He did not send anyone to call me but He called me personally.  He said, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love.' To think that He had me in His mind before eternity   Thousands of people are in the world, but He called me personally-I, from this country or town or village"

Jesus of Nazereth

I think it is about time I finished this book.  I have talked about it too many times to even link up to them.

This book was incredible.  I am confident that I will continually be referring back to enlightenment found in this book.  My favorite chapter was actually chapter one about the Baptism of Jesus however I started reading this book on the overdrive app on my phone before I realized I needed to add this book to my bookshelves.  So I don't have any quotes from that but I give you some of my favorite gems from the rest of the book...

"He must recapitulate the whole of history from its beginning from Adam on; he must go through, suffer through, the whole of it, in order to transform it" (26) 

"We who are privileged enough to receive the Eucharist as our bread must nevertheless always pray that none of us be permanently cut off and served from the body of Christ" (157 )  

Reminds me that it is a privilege not a right to receive the bread of life and it is a gift we should receive as often as possible.

The next two are perfect reminders as this season of Lent winds down.....

"Christians need the Lord to teach every generation anew that his way is not the way of earthly power and glory but the way of the Cross" (299)

"Jesus' divinity belongs with the Cross-only when we put the two together do we recognize Jesus correctly" (305) 

So there you have it.  I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking deeper insight into Christ.  As an added gem this books also opens your mind and heart to the spirituality of the now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Please I would love to hear comments from others who have read this book.