Mercy’s Power by Maria Gallagher

June 16, 2023 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

A New Book

As always, learning about a new book is a joy and even more so when the author is a friend! Maria Gallagher has written another book, Mercy’s Power, published by Marian Press. It is a guidebook of how to bring the corporal works of mercy into your life to help us recreate the culture of life that is so needed in our world.

Bringing Mercy

What is mercy? In our conversation, Maria said, “mercy is love in action.” Does that not seem like a big enough theological statement for something so important ion our spiritual life? Truthfully, God’s mercy is not complicated. It is about taking what we have been given and giving it to others as God gives it to us. Without judgment, counting the cost, or expecting a return.

Purpose of Mercy’s Power

To give people tried and true ways of accompanying others with mercy during times of trouble. Whether it be a woman thinking abortion is the answer or someone sick deciding assisted suicide is the way, how can we be present and show our care and do something to help now?

Maria says, “This is the book I wish I had when I was starting out.”

Links

Sisters of Life

Purchase Maria’s Book 

Follow Maria on Instagram

This week, consider doing a corporal work of mercy for someone in need. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, bury the dead, visit the sick, shelter the homeless, or visit the imprisoned,

 

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America’s Mary: The Story of Our Lady of Good Help

October 28, 2022 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

New Book about Our Blessed Mother

I have always known we have a generous and loving Mother in Heaven. But Mary also comes to people here on earth to guide and give a message of hope or words of exhortation when needed. In 1859, this is what happened in Door County, Wisconsin to a girl named Adele Brise.

Marge Steinhage Fenelon has written America’s Mary: The Story of Our Lady of Good Help to tell the story of this apparition of Mary to Adele and calls it America’s best-kept secret. Why? Because this is the only recognized and approved apparition to take place in America.

How does the message help us today?

Mary told Adele to gather and teach the children in this wild country. She was referring to the land as being wild, but today, we live in a society and culture that is wild. This is a reminder to us that we need to evangelize and catechize. This story tells us that we have work to do and with Mary’s help, it can be accomplished!

When did interest in this apparition begin in our times?

In 2010, Bishop David L. Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, approved this apparition on December 8. There is a copy of this in the book. He also wrote the prayer below.

O Dear Lady of Good Help, you revealed yourself as the Queen of Heaven to your servant Adele. You gave her a mission to pray for the conversion of sinners, to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others, and to prepare the children for the reception of the sacraments. I trust that as you called Adele to holiness, you are calling me, in my station in life, to live a holy life, devoted to Jesus Christ with the help of your maternal love. I bring before you now my worries and anxieties. I abandon my attachments to them and place them at your feet. I ask you to hear the deepest longings of my heart as I pray most earnestly for (your intention). Dear Lady, you told Adele and you say to all of us, “Do not be afraid; I will help you.” Help me now as I place this intention with complete confidence and trust. Amen.Our Father…, Hail Mary…, Glory Be… Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us.

For the next 9 days, use the prayer above along with the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be as a novena for your most difficult intentions. I know I will be praying it!

The book is available from Our Sunday Visitor and on Amazon. (If you purchase on Amazon, I receive a small tip.) You can follow Marge on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to check out her website!

 

 

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Meet Rachel Balducci, Author of No Such Thing As Ordinary

July 8, 2022 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

A New Book

It’s always a treat to interview authors whose books I’ve read. Rachel Balducci is a speaker, writer and co-host of The Gist on Catholic TV. She teaches journalism at Augusta University and is married to Paul. They have five sons and one daughter. Her latest book, No Such Thing as Ordinary: Unlocking Your Extraordinary Life Through Everyday Encounters With Jesus, is published by Ave Maria Press.

Rachel chooses the story of the Woman at the Well from the Gospel of John, chapter 4 as the guiding scripture to discuss what means to have an extraordinary life through your encounters with Jesus.

Rachel reminds us that we don’t need to wait to do the great, important life-changing work for God. Simple living each day with the knowledge that we are doing what God asks of us at this moment is a response to Jesus’ invitation and is extraordinary.

Some Important Mentions

Rachel talks about Catherine Doherty and the Duty of the Moment.

The Cloud of Unknowing is the book Rachel read that helped her learn about contemplative prayer. That link takes you to a site where you can download a free copy. Please keep in mind that I cannot vouch for the translation.

Notes from the Conversation

We all want a deep union with God and a longing to do something great for HIm. We cannot wait for the opportunity to do the one, big thing, but do what is in front of you. That’s what God asks of us.

“Holiness is the best gift you can give your family,” a priest told Rachel this many years ago, and it took her some time, but she fully believes this to be true.

Outside the will of God, you will never be happy.

Your identity comes from God.

Spend 10 minutes a day in quiet with God. Simply open your soul to hear what He has for you.

Here is her website and be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram, @rachelbalducci 

 

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Imagine You Walked with Jesus, A Guide to Ignatian Contemplative Prayer.

March 4, 2022 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Teaching Prayer

Teaching a person to pray using Ignatian Contemplative Prayer is not an easy task. It takes time and repetition to learn. The other point to consider when teaching someone is that you want the person to enter into the prayer based on their needs, not the person teaching. In his new book, Imagine you Walked with Jesus: A Guide to Ignatian Contemplative Prayer Jerry Windley-Daoust does an amazing job of guiding you to a deep experience of prayer.

In this episode, Jerry and I talk about what makes his book unique, how it leads you through Jesus’ life with 40 different scripture passages and gives you a format you can use with prompts and suggestions to enter into prayer.

Don’t skip

Jerry starts the book off with 2 important chapters, the first an introduction to imaginative prayer and a brief tour of first-century Palestine. Both will be of help to you as you begin.

I also suggest moving through the scripture passages as Jerry has organized them. That way, you will see Jesus’ life and ministry unfold as you pray with the scripture.

Learn more

Find out more about the book, find journaling resources, more scripture suggestions and other help in getting started on the Guide to Imaginative Prayer website.

Our challenge this week comes from Jerry: “Go walk with Jesus in imaginative prayer! Choose a Scripture passage that reflects your situation, and go meet Jesus there, and see what happens.”

Stay up to date on all that Deanna has going on by subscribing to the Live Not Lukewarm newsletter. 

 

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365 Dates to Renew your Christian Marriage

January 25, 2022 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Let’s talk

That phrase could be the answer to “how to strike fear in the heart of my husband?” But it isn’t. Honest. Dating your spouse and keeping your marriage at the forefront of your life can be difficult. What you might need is to take a look at this book from Dana Nygaard for 365 sets of questions to ask on a date.

Why this book?

At times, it is hard to think of what to talk about besides the necessary or tedious or mundane. Dana had put together questions that vary from fun to serious to silly that you can ask each other on your date. And “date” is loosely defined here. It can be a walk, a drive, dinner, or quiet time at home when the rest of the house is sleeping.

Each date has 3 questions: Ready, a warm-up; Set – while you are on your date, deep but can still be talked about in public and then Go – this is the time for privacy as you go into the topic more deeply. Prayer is also included, to be used individually and together.

Who is this for?

Any couple who wants to know and learn more about each other.  You can purchase the book on Dana’s website, follow her on Facebook and Instagram too!

Dana has a great challenge for us this week. She says, “protect your marriage by intentionally pursuing your spouse on date nights.”

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The Best Episodes of 2021

December 31, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Quite a year

Our year began with an episode that encouraged us to begin a spiritual makeover by “Changing our Hearts.” 

Later in the year, I talked about Rhythm, Routines and Habits, a good one to listen to as you begin planning for a new year, be it in your personal or professional life.

I hope that as we talked about prayer, scripture and books that all of our hearts and souls turned toward God and are now more closer to him and Jesus.

 

Prayer Episodes

The topic of prayer resonates with you.  Prayers of Gratitude and Surrender was a conversation with my friend Erin McCole Cupp. We talked about how the practice of focusing on gratitude helps us as we deal with problems in life.  You also like to pray with your spouse, something that is always helpful in my own marriage.

And the books!

Author interviews are a great way to meet new people and figure out what to read next. Barbara Lee, author of Answering God’s Call, a Scripture Based Journey for Older Adults; Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday by Danielle Bean and then first-time author Christy Wilkens book, Awakening at Lourdes were all favorites.

Don’t forget

I’ll be back in 2022 with more episodes on not lukewarm living. If you have any topics, questions or comments,  please leave a comment here.

Listen to one of the podcasts mentioned above, leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, or sign up for the Live Not Lukewarm newsletter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New Book – Saintly Moms, 25 Stories of Holiness

October 8, 2021 by 1 Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

New Book

My best life includes a steady supply of books and time to read them. How about you? This week I spoke with Kelly Ann Guest, the author of Saintly Moms, 25 Stories of Holiness published by Our Sunday Visitor.

 

Who are these Saintly Moms?

25 women, from the Blessed Mother to Saint Gianna Molla, women who embody real-life challenges with love and joy, becoming the holy women we are all called to become.

Kelly chose 25 saints, including a few on the road to sainthood, and tells us their story in a few short pages. each saint is meant to inspire us in the way they moved beyond the trials of their life to be holy. Kelly writes in a style that both teaches and inspires, reminding us that we too can be holy.

Each chapter opens with facts about the saint and closes with a prayer. Moms at all stages of motherhood will enjoy this book. I loved learning about new saints.

Prayer is the commonality in all these women saints, so take time each day to pray. Start with 5 minutes and go from there. If you already have a prayer practice, add to it. You won’t regret prayer!

Where else can you find Kelly Guest?

Her website: Nun2Nine.com

 

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Meet Melanie Rigney, Author

July 30, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Meet Melanie Rigney

Melanie is an author of three great books, Sisterhood of Saints; Radical Saints and Menopause Moments. Our interview focused mainly on Menopause Moments, published by Twenty-Third Publications.  She also writes for Living Faith, Catholic Update and Viva Mercy.

Why this journal?

Aging and change are a part of life. Menopause is inevitable and yet often ignored. Instead of fighting it, look at it as a time of spiritual growth as we do other life challenges.

The journal is a tool to look at the changes in our bodies and offer them up in prayer and reflection. As I said in the episode, I laughed many times while reading the reflection Melanie wrote.

What’s inside the book?

39 reflections, scripture verses, and prayer prompts with room to write a few lines of your own. There is also a suggested action to take for the topic covered. All of this is on 2 facing pages!

Find out more about all of Melanie’s work on her website, Rejoice! Be Glad!

Follow her on Instagram 

When you are struggling, remember that God is with you, as it says in Exodus 3:12, “I will be with you.”

 

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A New Women’s Devotional, Called by Name

July 16, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

What’s different?

Let’s be honest, there are so many devotionals that it can be hard to choose.

 

What makes this new devotional, Called by Name from Women in the New Evangelization edited by Kelly M. Wahlquist, Allison Gingras and Alyssa Bormes different? First, there are new voices; second, the daily devotions are brief yet powerful; third, it suggests do-able ways to take what you have reflected on and bring it to the world.

Each Day

Each daily page, yes, one page for each day, includes a scripture verse or two, a 300-word reflection, a prayer and a response. You are invited to journal on your scripture with the companion journal which guides you through Lectio Divina, a timeless way to engage with scripture. The journal is not dated, so if you miss a day or two months, it’s okay, you won’t have empty pages staring at you between the times you journal.

What is in the bundle and where can I get it?

The Called by Name bundle includes the book of 366 daily devotionals, a journal, journal stickers, prayer bookmark, and a Called by Name sticker at Women in the New Evangelization.

Allison has a great love of scripture, journaling and books! You can follow her on her website,  Reconciled to You, where you’ll find out all about the wonderful work she is doing.

Her challenge is this, spend 5 minutes a day journaling after reading scripture. You may find it a big help in your spiritual life.

 

 

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Finding Sanctuary, How the Wild Work of Peace Restored the Heart of a Sandy Hook Mother

June 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Restoration and Healing

People often wonder, when terrible things happen, how those involved recover. How do they find their way back to wholeness? This book, Finding Sanctuary, How the Wild Work of Peace Restored the Heart of a Sandy Hook Mother by Jennifer Hubbard, published by Ave Maria Press, is the story of just that, wholeness after a tragedy.

Amazing Conversation

I cannot synthesize my conversation with Jenny into a few points. I can tell you that speaking with her reinforced what I took away from in reading her book. She is quick to point out that her tragedies and trials are not greater than anyone else’s.

Grief

There is no one way to grieve. Trust in God, he knows what we need in the process of grieving and will provide. Jenny reminds us that there is beauty and growth in our trials and to be true and real with God. Don’t hide from him.

We didn’t have a challenge specifically, but Jenny talked about praying for eyes to see and ears to hear. I think that is good prayer for this week!

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Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday

April 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Meet Danielle

Danielle Bean is brand manager at CatholicMom.com, an apostolate of Holy Cross Family Ministries. She is creator and host of the Girlfriends podcast and co-host of The Gist on CatholicTV. Danielle is also author of several books including Momnipotent, You Are Enough, and Giving Thanks and Letting Go. She is a retreat leader and a popular speaker on a variety of subjects related to Catholic family life, education, marriage, and motherhood. Danielle has been married to her husband Dan for 26 years and together they have 8 children.

A New Book

Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday by Danielle Bean is from Ascension Press. This book reminds us that God is with us in all that we do each day. This book is not for women only, it speaks to all of those who are on a journey of faith.

Two favorite parts of the book are the scripture verses for each chapter that you can pray with and ponder. There are also prayers included from the rich treasures of our faith, prayers from saints such as Ignatius and Augustine as well as current prayers, such as the Litany of Trust from the Sisiters of Life.

Where you can find Whisper and Danielle

Pre-order Whisper and get the Companion Journal!

DanielleBean.com

Catholicmom.com

Twitter: @DanielleBean

Instagram: @daniellebean

Spend time this week recalling when you have seen God in your life. Write down those times and when we feel alone, go back and be reminded that God is always with you!

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A Journal created for boys!

August 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Amy Brooks, a former middle and high school teacher, has written a journal for boys! She is a mom of 3, 1 son and a set of twins – a son and a daughter. Besides taking care of her family, she is behind quite a few websites (the list is below) and now the author of 2 journals from Our Sunday Visitor, Be Yourself, A Journal for Catholic Boys (new) and Be Yourself, A Journal for Catholic Girls.

What’s the journal like?

Amy describes it as teen magazine meets religion textbook! There are writing prompts, activities, pages to color, saints to learn about and more. The journal is for tweens and young teen to use on their own or in a class as independent work. She says,  “The purpose of both journals is to encourage young people to identify as a son or daughter of God and to truly enjoy the journey of getting to know God and getting to know the mission or missions God has planned for each individual. ”

The book would make a great gift for a tween starting middle school, for a feast day or Confirmation. It is something I would have liked to have when my children were that age.

NotLukewarm Challenge

Amy had a great idea for this week’s challenge. Every morning, before you even get out of bed, pick one person to pray for that day and start off by thanking God for that person right away. It’s one small yet powerful way to pray for someone.

Where to find Amy

Prayer, Wine,  Chocolate – her website.

Catholics Online Facebook Page

Catholic Talk and Inspiration Facebook Page

 

 

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Make Every Day Blessed – A new Stay Connected Journal

August 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

I recently spoke with Jen Frost, a sewist and fabric designer who wrote a book on living out the liturgical year. I didn’t mention it to Jen, but this is one of my favorite topics! How we can incorporate the Church seasons into our daily life is something I think is so important. It truly helps us to live out our faith every day. I also loved the way Jen said it, it helps her make “my faith my own.” If you want more specific information on the Church seasons, I have an episode for you.

A little about Jen

Creating has always been a part of her life; she learned to hand sew at a very young age, and remembers her mom sewing Halloween each year. Jen’s mother-in-law quilts. She introduced Jen to it and she fell in love with it – and that Christmas, after not being able to find an Advent quilt pattern available on the market, Jen taught herself how to write quilt patterns and published her first pattern: Advent Wreaths.

For Jen, creating Christian patterns is a beautiful way to share faith through gorgeous quilts and fabrics! She fills a niche in the quilt pattern market that wasn’t being filled before. Jen appreciates the inclusion that offering faith-filled patterns brings and being able to connect with so many different denominations.

From sewing to writing

Back in 2015, Jen met Allison Gingras on a podcast interview for Catholic Creatives. The pair stayed in touch and when Allison put together a group of women to write the Stay Connected Journals she asked Jen to write the one on liturgical living.

What’s in the book?

The book, published by Our Sunday Visitor,  has 7 chapters, each focusing on a different Chruch season. Advent, Lent, Easter, Christmas and Ordinary Time are discussed. There are scripture references and questions to ponder to help make a connection between the word and everyday life. And while it can read cover to cover, Jen suggests reading it just before the next season, so you’re not reading about Christmas in July! In fact, she has a book club set up on her website that does just that. Take a look at it and consider joining in!

Not Lukewarm Challenge

This week, Jen invites you to consider your family and faith traditions and find out a little more about it. Where does it come from? Why do you do it?  So maybe you’ll ask a family member or maybe it requires a bit of internet research, but either way, find out a bit more!

Jen’s website, Faith and Fabric. 

Buy her new book!

 

 

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An Interview & Book Notes with Christina Semmens

July 24, 2020 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Welcome to Christina Semmens, author, speaker and spiritual mentor from Say Yes to Holiness. Christina’s book, Say Yes, Discovering Purpose, Peace and Abundance in your Daily Life was written in response to her own personal experiences and others who are seeking to become saints. A convert to Catholicism, Christina’s life change when a friend invited her to a Good Friday service in a Catholic church. She has a personal encounter with Christ and eventually joined the Catholic Church in 1989. Since then, she has been on a journey to wholeness, growing in virtue each day, living out her faith.

Her book is bilingual, English and Spanish, and focusing on 3 themes: Discovering Deep Purpose, Encountering Authentic Peace, and Embracing Abiding Abundance. Each theme is fully developed, leading you deeper and deeper into your own personal path to holiness.

She talks about being intentional, being aware and the need for a response. How are we living out our faith every day? Christina talks about 4 steps: prayer/meditation, the sacraments, growing daily in virtue and abandoning yourself to God’s will. While she has examples of different ways to engage in these, there is no one size fits all. It is a process, not a program.

I have read parts of her book and cannot wait to get a hard copy of it. I know I’ll want to underline and make notes in it!

To learn more about Christina Semmens go to her website or Facebook page. To receive book notes and news beginning on July 31, text 66866 with say yes to holiness and you’ll be able to stay up to date on what’s new!

The Cappadocian Fathers

the not lukewarm challenge

 

For the Not Lukewarm challenge, Christine suggests a daily examen and gave a brief outline: 1 What are you grateful for from your day? What could you have done better? Ask forgiveness for your failings. And ask for a good night’s rest and to do better tomorrow.

 

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