The Secret to Happiness

August 25, 2023 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Banter

Need a bit of a laugh? Listen to my pretend banter about my haircut and eyebrows!

Saintly Wisdom on Happiness

“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that he, in his goodness, sends to us day after day.”                                                                                                                                          St. Gianna Beretta Molla

We all want to be happy, but we often think it will happen later or when our life is perfect. Not so. It happens when we realize that God gives us all and will help us with all. Turn to him, thank him for the good and the not so good. He will help if we ask.

Learn more about St. Gianna’s life here. 

These are super short show notes today as I have to go do some hard things. (wink, wink)

This week, when you are faced with something wonderful or difficult, stop, turn to God, thank him, and then ask how you are to handle the situation in a way that gives him glory.

 

Stay in touch by signing up for my newsletter. You’ll receive a video series of 4 Ways to Pray with Scripture when you do. And I promise I don’t clutter up your inbox with lots of emails.

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Stop Worrying; Focus on Now

September 23, 2022 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

We all do it

Or at least it seems so to me. Worry that is, looking forward or back, wondering what we could have or should have or ought to do better or differently. The preoccupation with the possibilities instead of what is does not help us.

Scripture

“I am the God of your faither, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” Exodus 3:6

“God replied, “I am who am.”” Exodus 3:14

Padre Pio Quotes

Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.

Do not worry over things that generate preoccupation, derangement and anxiety. One thing only is necessary: to lift up your spirit and love God.

What can we do?

Remember that God is the God of the present moment. Yes, we must act prudently and plan and prepare, but once that is done, we must focus on what is in front of us. Constant worry is not helpful.  As Padre Pio says, worry is useless. During those times of worry, turn to God and say, “I love you.” He will respond and be right there with you in whatever you are facing.

This week, when you feel overcome with worry, pause and say, I love you, God.

Need a speaker for Advent or other events? Let’s discuss. 

 

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The Four Women Church Doctors

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

Who are they?

Saints Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, and Therese of Lisieux are the four women Doctors of the Church!

Why are they called Doctors?

In honoring these women with this title, the Chuch is recognizing that the work and contributions each of these saints made has withstood the test of time. It is just as valuable to us today as it was to those who spoke, wrote, and mentored when the women first put forth their efforts.

To learn more…

Click on the name of each saint to learn more about them.

And your challenge this week is to learn more about one of these great women saints!

Don’t forget, if you’d like to study the Book of Revelation, we begin on April 20. Also, join the newsletter to find out when we being the Set the World on Fire retreat.

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Joy in Difficult Times

October 23, 2020 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

A Prayer

O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy,
you who trusted scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand and that we need not have anxiety about anything,
in your compassion heal our worries and sorrows
and lift the burdens from our hearts.
We come to you as one whose heart swells
with abundant love for God and all creation.
Hear us, we pray, especially in this need (make your request here).

Keep us safe through your loving intercession and may the joy of the Holy Spirit which filled your heart, St. Philip, transform our lives and bring us peace. Amen

Joy is not happiness

Joy is something deeper and more lasting. Even when an activity is over when you feel contentment or consolation, that is joy, as St. Ignatius points out.  Focusing on the long term goal of heaven and not on the little things that annoy us can help us have joy. Yes, there are difficulties in life, but if we allow ourselves to focus only on those, we will sink into the muck of our emotions.

Where to look

Look to the cross. It is an example of focusing on the joy that is to come. But remember because of Christ’s death and resurrection we can have that joy now, in this life. I’m certain our joy in heaven will be far greater than any we experience here on earth, but we can still have joy. That is the gift we have from God.

When you are feeling less than full of joy, pray the prayer of St. Philip Neri and ask him to intercede for you.

 

 

Don’t forget to register for the Catholic Moms Summit Nov 13, 14, 15. All Access Pass

or Free registration.

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What is a Doctor of the Church

September 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Have you ever wondered, what is a Doctor of the Church? Well, wonder no more. I’ll explain, in broad strokes what that means.

How does one become a Doctor of the Church?

First, you must be a saint. A saint is someone who has great holiness. A Doctor of the Church has holiness that is outstanding. During their lifetimes, they truly exemplified what it means to follow Christ. They also left behind a body of work for us today. Writing, letters, books, sermons, which had great depth on a particular doctrine or teaching of the Chruch. This helps us, even today, grow in our own understanding. Their work has withstood the test of time.

How many Doctors are there?

 

36; 32 men and 4 women. The Church has been selecting DOctors from saints since 1298. The latest, St. Gregory of Narek, was made a Doctor in 2015 by Pope Francis.

The four women Doctors are Catherine of Siena, Theresa of Avila, Terese of Lisieux, and Hildgard of Bingen.

While all the saints are notable, a few are more well known than others: St. Anthony of Padua, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Thomas Aquinas.

For a complete list, look here.

 

I mentioned in my podcast that I am starting a study group on St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. I’d love to see you there and signing up is as easy as entering an email. 

Our NotLukewarm Challenge this week is to write in honor of all the great writing left to us from the Doctors. Read a bit of scripture or just sit and pray by writing your prayers. Take 5 or 10 minutes. That’s all!

 

 

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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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A Few Good Books

December 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

book loveBooks are the best! I rarely regret buying the book or reading the book. I do regret have given away books, especially those I can’t replace. I’m sharing a few of my past favorites today, books I pick up again just to read what I underlined or the notes I jotted down. It’s like seeing your old friends.

In no particular order, let me introduce you to my friends!

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, a satire in a series of letters from Screwtape to Wormwood. Wormwood is a demon in training; learning the ropes from senior demon Screwtape on how to get people on his side rather than God’s side. Originally published in 1942, the ways in which we succumb to evil is quite similar now.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl tells the author’s story of imprisonment in Auschwitz and other concentration camps. He talks about how even in the midst of the harshest crimes against humanity and horrible suffering, people were able to find meaning in the suffering and choose their reaction. It is an amazing book that teaches us that we can rise above our experiences and expected responses.

The Holy Longing and Sacred Fire are both by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser. The third book in the series is Wrestling with God which I have not yet read. These two volumes talk about how we express our spirituality and answer the call of Jesus on our lives. If you are searching for a deeper relationship with God and wondering where he is leading you, pick up these books. You will not be disappointed.

Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael Gaitley is a do it yourself weekend retreat that you can take as long as you want to do! Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Fr. Gaitley leads you through the exercises in a weekend, instead of a month in solitude. He gives practical tips on how to manage your time and energy and asks the questions that get to the heart of the topic presented. Even if you do go through the book in one weekend, you will find yourself going back it to again and again. Truly life-changing for me!

Hairspray, Holy Water and the Healing Hand of God by Debbie Eckert is one woman’s story of her lifelong conversion to a deeper and closer walk with the Lord. Debbie writes in a down to earth style; it’s like having a cup of coffee and chatting. If you ever wonder if God is working in your own life, reading this book will help you see an example and is sure to help you see him in your own life.

If you are looking for a great book for moms who don’t have lots of time to sit and read a devotional every day, look no more. try the Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion from Ave Maria Press, written by over 50 authors. Each day includes a quote, reflection, prayer and question to ponder. Short, sweet and to the point. And, if you leave a comment in the comment box, you will be entered to win a copy! So leave a comment by Dec. 15, I’ll pick a winner on Dec 16 and get in touch with you then. So be sure to leave a comment (and your email), which no one will see but me, promise.

the not lukewarm challenge

 

This week, why not read a book? Leave a comment and you can win the Prayer Companion!

 

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Praying to the One who loves us

November 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

St. Therese on prayerPrayer helps us stay grounded, reminding us that we need God and that he is there, waiting to listen.

A few quotes on prayer

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Phil 4:6

For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus. St. Therese of Lisieux

What a gift prayer is! It is the real treasure of our soul, our being able to give to God the worship of perfect adoration. St. Frances Cabrini

My secret is simple–I pray. St. Teresa of Calcutta

Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.  Padre Pio

How to Pray

There are many ways to different ways to pray and each has a benefit. Common ways include praying rote prayers; praying with your faith community at Mass or a service; using scripture or music; praying in silence. Often we pray because we are restless or have a problem that needs solving. Many times, when you have many burdens, the best prayer is sitting in silence. God knows our needs before we say them. He does not want us to live in worry, confusion or discouragement. When you are overwhelmed and on input and noise overload, find a quiet spot, ask God to enter into it and sit, hands open, doing nothing. I say, “Come, Holy Spirit” and let all my thoughts go up to him. Even 5 minutes will give you peace and rest.

Pause during the day as well, whenever a decision needs to be made, and ask God what’s next. The more we approach God, the more peace we will have. As  Soren Kierkegaard said, “prayer does  not change God,  but changes him who prays.”  And what else can the point of prayer be, but to change and become more like the person God created us to be, living a life of abundance and sharing it with others.

the not lukewarm challengeOur challenge this week is to learn a new prayer. Or at least choose a new one to use regularly. I have a few links to prayer sites as well as a “Prayer” playlist on Spotify for you. I’d love to hear what new prayer you’ve used this week so leave a comment!

Prayer Sites

23 Powerful Prayers 
Catholic Prayers

 

 

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An Interview with Bonnie L. Engstrom, author of 61 Minutes to a Miracle

November 8, 2019 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Do you believe in miracles?

If you have read the Bible, Old Testament or New, you see miracles everywhere. God comes to his people in a burning bush, an ark, water, mud, fire, wind, rain and quiet. Jesus feeds five thousand people; heals the blind, the lame, those processed by demons and raises the dead. His apostles do the same. And here we sit, some two thousand years later and wonder, why not us? Why are there no miracles today? Do we lack faith? Are our needs to small? Has God stopped noticing us? NO!

There are miracles around us all the time, small, quiet ones and big, dramatic ones. There are miracles that change the course of people’s lives.

I was privileged to speak with Bonnie Engstrom, author of 61 Minutes to a Miracle: Fulton Sheen and a True Story of the Impossible, about the miracle that occurred in her life. In 2010 her son, James Fulton, was born stillborn. For 61 minutes, the family prayed while medical personnel worked on James. They asked for the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen and God granted them the miracle of life fully restored to James.

The book is a testimony to faith and to God who loves us more than we can believe or imagine. In talking to Bonnie, she said a few things that really struck me about what she learned through this miracle.

  1. She was reminded that miracles of biblical proportions still take place today.
  2. That the Body of Christ is amazing. So many people came forward to pray and help in so many ways after James’ birth.
  3. That as James hit milestone after milestone at the appropriate age, she realized that not only was James brought back to life, but he was restored in the fullest way, so that his body could heal and become how it was meant to be.
  4. Miracles approved by the Vatican go through very rigorous testing and validation.

The book not only tells the story of James but also explains, in context, the details of how a person becomes a canonized saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Bonnie explains the process in a way that can be understood even if you are not familiar with saints or the Catholic Church.

I hope you enjoy our interview and know you will appreciate the book. It is a brilliant story of hope and restoration.

Prayer to Obtain a Favor through the Intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Eternal Father, You alone grant us every blessing in heaven and on earth, through the redemptive mission of your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and by the working of the Holy Spirit. If it be according to your will, glorify your servant, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, by granting the favor I now request through his prayerful intercession, (state your intention). I make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.  (from 61 Minutes to a Miracle)

You can follow Bonnie on her blog or on Instagram. 

The book, 61 Minutes to a Miracle: Fulton Sheen and True Story of the Impossible, is available from Our Sunday Visitor.

the not lukewarm challengeThis week look for the miracles. Search out the good news of healing, restoration, kindness and caring. Post those in the comment section and share them on social media.

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The Communion of Saints

November 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” Hebrews 12:1

What is the communion of saints?

It is made up of all the people who are part of the Church, whether in heaven, waiting to enter heaven or on earth. It is a communion of people, meant to remind us that:

-God wants us to share in his divine life,

-we are called to pursue a common goal, holiness,

-mutual love is the bond; we are made one through the gift of Jesus’ life,

-our unity gives us strength, helps us grow in our faith, hope and love,

-we cannot obtain heaven isolated from each other,

-if one suffers, we all suffer; if one gains, we all benefit,

-The Holy Spirit leads us to share spiritual goods and material goods to a sacrificial degree.

The communion of saints is God’s holy human family. Death does not break this bond of love and sharing. The communion of saints connects us all as one body. The Church of this world is joined to the Church of the next in one Body of Christ.  We are never alone; we are united with each other in the mystical body of Christ. One way to act on that unity is to pray for we, the living, to pray for the dead, especially those who are in purgatory. We can also ask for prayer from those in heaven. This includes not only named or canonized saints, but our family and friends who are no longer with us. These souls are much closer to God, they are with him in heaven. Ask for them to intercede for you.

It is no different than asking a friend to pray for you.

Who are Saints?

In the broadest way, a saint is someone who is in a state of grace and united to God. There are also those who have led lives of exemplary example who have been declared saints by the Church. Those are canonized saints. These men and women show us that God can use each of us to point to His glory.

All have us have the potential to one day be saints. That is the goal of the Christian life, to be in heaven with God, at the eternal banquet, united with all those who love him.

the not lukewarm challenge

 

Find a saint to intercede for you. It can be someone you know and love who has died or a canonized saint. Look for a saint you can relate to You can use this site to find a saint based your name, a special date, a special interest or need, even your profession! Leave a comment and tell us who you found.

 

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