1.

I just finished reading Signs of Life by Scott Hahn. In the book, he discusses 40 Catholic traditions and customs and the biblical meanings behind them. If you are not familiar with Hahn, he was a Presbyterian minister, raised and taught in the Calvinist tradition, who converted to Catholicism in the 1980s. His book, Rome Sweet Home is the story of his and his wife’s conversion story and is an amazing read as well.

2.

One of the inspirations from the book that I have started to incorporate into my life is the Morning Offering. When I wake up, I say a little prayer. The wording changes day-to-day, but in essence I offer all of my works, words, deeds, thoughts, prayers, and sufferings to Jesus. I find by doing this, my day goes a bit more smoothly, most likely because of all of the Graces that flow from living your daily life as a constant prayer.

3.

The next book on my nightstand is Parenting with Grace: The Catholic Parents’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Kids. I’m excited about this one, because it seems to apply Gentle Parenting philosophies to the Blessed Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. The forward is written by Dr. Bill and Martha Sears.

4.

I just have to laugh about this one: I have been talking about, and complaining about, and bargaining for a new mattress for at least two years. DH always kind of brushed it off, saying, it’s not that bad. Well… now that he is sleeping well, thanks to his new CPAP, he is researching new mattresses. Better late than never, I guess.

5.

The August issue of Good Housekeeping has a great article that all parents/ caregivers of young kids should read. It’s about the popularization of child glitz pageants and the sexualization of our kids, especially our daughters. I can’t help but feel for one child, six year old, Eden Wood, who with her parents’ permission, has her own agent, look-a-like dolls, a biography, has recorded her first single and

T-shirts that feature a photo of Eden in a showgirl-style pink costume and matching headdress along with a slogan that reads “I’m Tanned and ready for the Stage!

All of her “merchandise” can be purchased on-line on her website. Sigh.

6.

This month JonBenet Ramesy, arguably the most famous child beauty pageant participant, would have turned 21 had she not been murdered in 1996.

7.

I’d like to ask for some prayers for some friends of mine. Without revealing specifics, please pray for: spontaneous labor to bring Baby D into the world, safe travels for my friend’s husband as he travels from the Far East, prayers for comfort and healing for a family who lost a little one before they were born, and for pleasant weather this weekend. If you have any prayer intentions or requests, add them in the comments below!

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Pax Christi!