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Under the “too cool not to share” heading: Ellen Gable is giving away Kindle copies of Emily’s Hope from today through Sunday, February 12. If you’re looking for a good novel, give it a try. You can read it virtually anywhere–there are Kindle apps for every device and even a way to read using the Amazon Cloud Reader.

A bit about it:

Emily’s Hope is the fictionalized, parallel true stories of Ellen and her great-grandmother. Damon Owens said: “Compelling…a real page turner.” Lisa Hendey said: “…great storytelling that teaches some important messages, but they are wrapped in a plot that will pull you in and leave you wanting more.”

So what are you waiting for? Free books = good February.

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Speaking of free books…have you entered my contest yet?

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My audio reflections on Mary this week:

• Our Lady of Lourdes and the lessons she teaches me in the Mary Moment segment on iPadre
• The reminder Mary gives me that my kitchen is the heart of my home, especially during the hunker-down days of winter in the Mary in the Kitchen segment on Catholic Foodie (text version here)

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Over at CatholicMom.com this week, I’m considering how I can better understand art using a great app and I also share about some Lenten devotionals that have crossed my desk in the last few weeks.

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I first discovered the Catholic Writers Guild during their first online conference a few years ago. (You should sign up to participate!)

I participated in that conference on a whim and because of the price (free). It was mostly a lark, but I have to look back with some amusement. I ended up helping with some behind-the-scenes things and then joining the Guild. I learned a lot about writing and, even better, made some connections with real people.

I didn’t even consider myself a writer then, though I had been blogging for a while (and blogging is writing) and I was dabbling in a few other writerly things.

That conference shifted my perspective of myself and, between their other conferences I’ve attended over the years and my involvement with the Guild, I’ve found a great network of resources and people who share my faith and my craft.

Beyond all that, it’s fun. It’s a change of pace. It’s educational.

And you can’t argue with the price: it’s FREE!

This year, it’s two weeks, March 17-31, with one week dedicated to forums and one week dedicated to chats. I’m going to be helping out again as a presenter and probably as a chat moderator, and I’d love to see you there!

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If you’re interested in being in other places, the Catholic Writers Guild blog is looking for either regular or one-time guest posts from members. (You do have to be a member of the CWG to write for the blog.) If you’re interested, check out the blog guidelines and get involved!

I was over at the CWG blog this week with a post talking about being a Small Fry Blogger.

I was in a couple of other places too.

Ginny Moyer, the hostess over at Random Acts of Momness, invited me to share the greatest gift my mother gave me, and the Patheos Book Club ran my review of Christopher West’s new book.

And then, over at Amazing Catechists, I share my experience with the seven deadly sins and a room full of fifth graders.

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You know what I’m looking forward to this Lent? Hearing the special Among Women podcast that Pat Gohn is putting together.

Could you spare a few minutes to share your favorite and most meaningful Lenten practices? Pat’s collecting them at amongwomenpodcast@me.com or 206-203-2024 until February 20.

I’ve done my part…now, you do yours and we’ll have a wonderful little Lenten gift.

Visit our lovely guest hostess Betty Beguiles for more Quick Takes!

Maybe Evert stole my heart when he mentioned that his wife would be there, except that she had just given birth to their first child.

More likely, though, it was Evert’s reference to John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and his enthusiastic endorsement of Christopher West. I followed his advice and purchased a CD downstairs.

Father Pat would tell you he hasn’t heard the end of it since then. My husband would tell you it’s a bit of an obsession of mine.

I would tell you that these three men–Jason Evert, Christopher West, and John Paul II–changed my life by changing my heart. They showed me the beauty of God’s design for our bodies and they made me dig into my Bible, Church teaching, and the world around me with a new appreciation.

Before I knew it, I was leading a book study on Good News About Sex and Marriage and listening to Naked without Shame. It wasn’t long before my Adoration time had me immersed in the text of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and cross-referencing it with Christopher West’s companion, Theology of the Body Explained. I read the text a second time and then there was an updated version of TOB (which I have not, sadly, yet read).

All of that brings me to the latest book by Christopher West, At the Heart of the Gospel: Reclaiming the Body for the New Evangelization, which I read as part of the Patheos Book Club.

–>Read the rest of my review and comments over at the Patheos Book Club blog.

Want to win a copy? It’s part of my big February book giveaway, so be sure to enter!

A Mary Moment Monday post

I’ve struggled this winter. I’ve tried to stay quiet about it, because it’s intensely personal and maybe a percentage of it is my imagination (or so I’d like to think).

I originally blamed it on Christmas, but it didn’t really stop when Christmas was over.

Then my husband said something so gently and yet so firmly, and I was unable to ignore it any longer.

There are plenty of Low Self-Esteem Days in my life. I’m not the only one who has them, because I stole this phrase from a colleague of mine many years ago.

What’s been going on lately is beyond low self-esteem. It’s the D-word rearing its ugly head. The battle is not so easily over.

It is, yet again, a reminder of how much, how often, how deeply I need to turn to Mary. There is a danger in isolation, and I find, when I’m slipping down the slope past low self-esteem into something darker, that I start to detach myself (and not in any kind of good way). I put distance between myself and everything I can.

Yet as I feel the gap between me and others grows, I feel the contradictory longing for an embrace. Even as I shrug others off and curl up against them, I want them to know, to be with me, to support me.

That’s where Mary comes in. She doesn’t push herself on me and she always seems to know what to say. Somehow, she is just there, without words, without judging, without weight.

And in her presence, I always find myself leaning toward her Son, reaching for the Light and knowing that the cross I bear (however unwillingly) is not borne alone.

*

Over at Suscipio, a post from my early archives is reprinted with my enthusiastic support. Go on over and read about Low Self-Esteem Days, and then poke around at the other good stuff that’s there. Jenny’s doing a great job building a site that’s meant to support and encourage Catholic women.

image credit: Jenny at Suscipio

Nothing has pushed me to the edge like motherhood. I’m glad I was ignorant of the amount of work and stress involved in this adventure, or I might have declined my handsome prince’s offer of marriage and run straight to the convent. (Though, that said, I’m pretty sure it’s not easier there. In fact, it’s probably harder in a much different way.)

But here I am, married with three kids, completely to the shock of that small part of me who remains a rebellious teenager. I had embraced, rather completely, the notion that a liberated woman didn’t need to concern herself with things like dishes and laundry and cooking, but that was before the squalor beneath my feet and the grumbling of my stomach forced me to rethink my priorities.

I didn’t become different overnight. It might not have really happened until Kid Number Two made her appearance and shook  my tenuous grip on reality more than my balancing act would allow. Or maybe it was the brush with mortality that came from losing a few close family members and some health scares thrown in on top.

Whatever it was, I began to become better at embracing—however imperfectly—my role as “home maker.” And in doing that, I began to see that there was one thing I could not do without: prayer.

If I believe the things my spiritual director and confessor tells me, then God loves me. In fact, he has only good in mind for me. If I believe the reality before my eyes, then the floor needs scrubbed, the toilet is a mess, and there is anything but order in my domestic castle.

These two things seem unrelated, but it seemed to me, in my brush with feeling theological lately, that they could not be. They HAD to be related somehow.

What does God have to do with my poor housekeeping?

Well, not much, if I don’t invite him in. It’s hard to have a conversation with a friend who’s never available, isn’t it?

In some seasons of my life, getting up early and beginning my day with intense prayer is possible and fruitful. It prepares me for the battle—even if all I’m fighting are little people’s backsides and my own chafing pride.

In this season I’m in now, though, I find that I need to pray all the time. I’ve tried to make a habit of saying a Hail Mary when I’m washing my hands or going up and down the stairs. If I’m in the car without any conversation, I try to whisper a Hail Mary or even an Our Father. While the computer boots up or the information downloads, I might pray a Hail Mary.

And there’s the secret: it’s not when I pray, it’s that I do pray. Prayer has to be a habit, something I turn to without even thinking. Just as I dry my hands when I’m done or take my car keys inside with me, I need to pray as a habit, all the time.

Praying without ceasing seemed impossible when I first heard about it. That was before I found myself stranded between a baby and a deadline, cornered by a family obligation and a sick kid, humbled by the generosity of others and my own limitations.

Prayer can be as much a habit as anything else, and once God is in the small moments of my day, I find it’s not so mundane. There’s grace flowing all around me, but when I’m so focused on myself, I don’t even notice it.

The other day, I was running up my mother-in-law’s basement stairs on an errand of some sort, and I caught myself praying a Hail Mary. And I’m pretty sure that God was glad to be along with me as I did my work, whatever it was at the moment.

This “Finding Faith in Everyday Life” column originally appeared in The Catholic Times. 

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This week, I have stepped beyond. I have walked in dangerous areas. I have said yes and opened myself up to a whole new world of opportunity.

I am “babysitting” CatholicMom.com while Lisa Hendey traverses the Holy Lands with her perky, happy, lovely self.

Folks, I’m having so much fun! Who knew?

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Are you a writer? Interested in writing? Looking for a way to spend two weeks in March?

DO NOT MISS THIS!

The Catholic Writers Conference Online is March 17-31. We’ve extended the dates thanks to feedback from attendees who say there’s too much to balance in one week.

From March 17-24, the forums will be open so that you can read, do assignments and get feedback from our fantastic presenters at your own leisure. (Forums are open 24 hours a day, and presenters will be visiting them frequently.) The forums will remain up, but presenters do not need to reply to posts after March 24.

From March 24-31, we will have only chats. These are scheduled one-hour moderated chats on a variety of topics. We will also be holding pitch sessions and prayer time this week.

We’re signing up presenters as we speak. If you are a presenter and would like to participate, please register athttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SXJVLJW.

If you have already attended an online conference, then you are registered–you just need to use last year’s username and password. If not, you can register now where it says REGISTER on this site.

DO NOT MISS THIS! (Did I say that already? Do you believe me yet?)

Yours truly is presenting on blogging again (unless they tell me I’m not), and I’d love to “see” you there.

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Now, a word or two about Facebook and Twitter and how they’re useful for promoting your blog. What do you think?

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And how about an app that will let you access all sorts of great Catholic programming without cable? Yes, you read that right. Isn’t it cool?!?

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Last week, I shared my favorite fiction from 2011. This week, I’m sharing my favorite nonfiction from 2011. Be sure to stop over and share YOUR favorites!

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This week, I’ve been embroiled with editing my pregnancy book.

Let me sum up the week: I’m glad it’s done.

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And with that, I’m outta takes. Just. Plain. Out.

Hope you have yourself a great Friday.

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

• At CatholicMom.com, I’m loving my Kindle and sharing my favorite 2011 fiction reads.
• At the Catholic Writers Guild blog, I wrote a post about stats as part of the Blogging for Beginners series I do periodically.

And because I can’t resist, here are a few things I loved reading this week:

• Date Night Challenge – Our parish is actually going to do one of these. I need to get a babysitter lined up–what a great idea!
• Moms of Young Children, The Time to Thrive is Now! – Jen Fulwiler with a timely reminder that we don’t have to be in hunker-down mode all the time when we have young children. Do read!
• Catholic Blog Day – The first Catholic Blog Day is going to be on Ash Wednesday, February 22. Catholic bloggers are invited to write on a common theme for the day. Click through to read about the theme and the details. I’m excited!

Have a great weekend!

This week, I used an object lesson to introduce my fifth-grade class to the sacraments during our parish’s evening religious education classes. I wrote about it over at Amazing Catechists, and there are already some great ideas in the comments. Hope you find it useful, and please do share your ideas or suggestions if you have them!

image credit

Over at Catholicmom.com, I wrote a review of a book that I dub a must-read for all Catholics, Women, Sex, and the Church: A Case for Catholic Teaching, edited by Erika Bachiochi.

Take a moment and check out that new photo at the top of my blog (copied below so that those of you in feed readers and on email can just stay comfortably there).

It comes courtesy of my four-year-old, who loves lining up her horses. And her brother’s cars. And her sister’s markers. It may be my favorite blog-topper EVER.

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In my inbox this week:

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That, my friends, is the long-awaited, much-anticipated cover art for my upcoming book, Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless.

It is the first book I ever wrote (not counting the book on taking care of your Cabbage Patch Kid from about second grade).

It has not been the first book to be published. But it remains my first book, at least in my mind.

Thanks to Jim Hunt, who not only captured exactly how I feel about this book. That cover prepares you, I think, for what’s inside. (The title does, too, really.)

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I am surprised at just how emotional I felt when I look at this cover.

The book…it’s a reality.

It’s really happening.

People are really going to buy it and read it.

Wow.

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The official “street date” isn’t until April 1, no foolin. (Couldn’t resist, sorry.)

I’ll admit, it was a project that had me laughing. I still laugh about this book.

Me? Write a book like this?

Not only does God have a sense of humor, so do those Pauline sisters.

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I’ve seen some of the endorsements and let me pause right here.

Folks, I am humbled. Period.

Downright humbled.

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It seems appropriate that this work I do, which puts me out in front of everyone, reminds me, again and again, of how I am not doing any of it alone.

I have, first and foremost, God to thank. And, in close second, my husband, who has never doubted or hesitated to support me and encourage me and make me laugh.

Any of y’all who are my “fan”? Thank you.

For those of you who have graciously endured my ranting and railing, thank you.

And, last but NOT least, those of you who keep me supplied in things chocolate, coffee, and humor, DON’T STOP.

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You okay with seeing it one more time?

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

If you want to hear me…

- Catholic Foodie 128 has oysters on the menu and my Mary in the Kitchen segment is about resolutions and failure and…Mary.

- Uncommon Sense 55 talks all about Chestertonian resolutions and my Mary Minute with Chesterton reflects on Mary becoming more beautiful over time. (I also called in and shared about my own Chestertonian resolution.)

If you want to read me…

- I’m on the fence about resolutions in my column at CatholicMom.com from Friday.

- I go to space with the Cat in the Hat for Tech Talk Tuesday at CatholicMom.com.

- I’m reflecting on the intersection of my online and offline life over at the Catholic Writers Guild blog.

And now I’m off to hide and eat some more of the excellent chocolate a friend dropped off yesterday. (When the baby/toddler/mancub sees me eating it, he demands I share.)

I usually am, and I’m talking resolutions in my latest column at CatholicMom.com: To Resolve or Not to Resolve.

Intercessory Prayer: A Must-Read

What Would You Like Me to Pray For? Pat Gohn inspires and challenges me yet again. Here’s an excerpt:

The interior logic of intercession leads to love. For some people, that might be an unintended consequence, but the law of love is always within the will of God.

So, this is only advice I can give: When you choose to actively pray for someone, prepare yourself to love him or her. If you already love someone, prepare to love them even more. And if you pray for someone that you do not love or like—be it a difficult boss, an annoying relative, or someone who has trespassed against you—prepare to see signs of love or peace breaking through, even when you’d rather resist. You might not see changes in that person or their circumstances, but you will soon find that you cannot pray for someone in a detached way. It will move your heart in ways that might be surprising and sympathetic, especially if it leads to forgiveness, or freedom, or healing.

Don’t miss the whole thing. I found myself touched and moved to tears. I’m also looking at my own pull (dare I call it a “call”?) to intercessory prayer in a new light.

A Take on Priests: Highly Enjoyable

I’ve worked with a priest for eight years now, and I have a dedicated soft spot for priests in general. Simcha Fisher’s piece this week, Here Comes Fr. Everyone, caught my eye and moved me. She nails it. They’re men. That’s what’s to love (and what’s to grit your teeth about, sometimes, too).

Made Me Think: A Different Way to Look at Weight Challenges

I came across a link to Tara Parker-Pope’s article, The Fat Trap, in the December 28 New York Times thanks to Bearing. I read it, over the course of an afternoon and evening, in snippets. Unfortunately for me, it was late when I really got my mind sunk into it, and my husband was unable to discuss it and my friends were all asleep or offline and it was just me and my brain.

I think I’ll be considering this for, oh, the rest of my life. Weight issues surround me in many ways, and I feel so unequipped to face them. This article really made me consider the challenges of weight loss in a new way, especially with the biological findings and other factors that are discussed. It’s a long piece, but well worth reading, especially if you have any interest in the topic.

I agree with Bearing that it seems a bit depressing and frightening–the conclusion is that you’re stuck, in some ways, if you ever lose your will to keep working on it. On the other hand, that could be a big motivator (if you knew you could fight off some deadly disease, would you keep fighting? or give up?).