Are you prepared?? Lent 2022

Lent is fast approaching!  Are you prepared?

Yesterday I started a novena, read a quote, heard a homily, and made the outline of my plan for Lent 2022.

First I read an inspiring quote in the book, "These Women Walked With God" by Fr. Mary Raymond Flanagan, O.C.S.O.  The quote itself is actually from Fr. Fredrick William Faber.  He said that... 

One motto lived is enough to make a saint.

 Y'all, I need a motto.  But not just any motto.  I want it to encapsulate all of my devotions and my highest goals.  I want it to inspire me day in and day out and lift me up even when I seem on the brink of the depths of despair.  My motto must propel me ever higher on the path to Heaven.  So I'll have to contemplate this one for a bit.  

Secondly, there was a "one-liner" in the homily yesterday that really stood out to me.  The Epistle was from 2 Corinthians where St. Paul explained his credentials for being a worthy apostle.  Father explained that the Corinthians wanted him to be like a popular TikTok influencer who was strong and attracted people easily.   But St. Paul was not this.   Yet he had endured so much for the faith including being beaten and left for dead.  But this isn't the one-liner.  Father went on saying the reason St. Paul was able to endure all of these things and the reason he was a worthy apostle of the Faith is that he was emptied entirely of himself.  He was an empty vessel that could be filled with God in order to do the work of God.  

This is what I want to do this Lent.  I want to be so emptied of myself that I can more clearly discern God's most holy will for my life and do His work wholeheartedly.  This Lent will be a time to forget myself and grow closer to Christ on the road to Calvary.

This brings us to my Lenten game plan.  Every successful businessman, athlete, or craftsman has a plan that they think about and work with to achieve their goals.  Maybe they only make this plan in their head or only follow it generally (as is the case with many artistic people) but at least they have an idea and an end goal in mind for their project.  If we set out for a destination without a map then we may very likely get lost and give up on our venture.  But if we have a map for our journey and a game plan for our end goal, we can be more sure of success!  The same is true for our Lenten journey of prayer, penance, and almsgiving.

For the last 3 years, I've used this easy and handy outline to make myself a Lenten game plan!  I don't know exactly where it came from but it's fantastic!  I highly recommend you print out a copy, make a cup of your favorite warm beverage, (I had a big mug of Earl Grey tea), and prayerfully fill it out before Ash Wednesday arrives.  It incorporates all three aspects of Lent encouraging you to banish bad habits, form new good ones, and take on special penances which you can replace with Easter rejoicing afterward.

Now, I'd like to share my Lenten goals with you not only to inspire you but to keep me accountable.  You don't have to share your Lenten goals here (you're more than welcome to if you'd like in the comments below,) but I highly encourage you to share them with someone be it a parent, a best friend, your significant other, or some other trusted person.  I believe accountability is key in Lent because it's such a long season and we're trying to work on vices we struggle with.  Once you fill out this game-plan, hang it somewhere you'll see it every day.  This will help to keep you accountable as well!

Now, for my goals.

Voluntary Amendment of Life:

In this category, I am going to...

•  give up listening to base/secular music.  (This includes broadway, country, and even instrumental covers of secular songs.  Instead, I'll listen to Gregorian chant, hymns, or keep silence.)
• give up overeating.  (This may look like denying myself an extra second helping, sacrificing some favorite part of the meal, and avoiding indulging in foods such as carbs and starches.)
• give up not getting up on time.  (Avoid that snooze button!)

Acts of Penance:

In this category, I am going to...

• offer up not eating sweets.  (I know this is a very common penance and may seem trivial but I'm a sucker for dark chocolate and saying no in this little thing many times throughout the day should help to strengthen my will.)
• offer up not reading secular books/novels.  (Yes, even Catholic-themed novels.  Instead, I'm aiming to read great spiritual works that will help me grow closer to God and discover His will.)

Works of Charity:

In this category, I am going to...

• increase spiritual reading. [Book(s) TBD but it's really good to pick them out ahead of time!]
• Aim to go to Eucharistic Adoration once a week.  (I like to hang out with my friends in person at least once a week.  Why can't I do the same for Our Lord?)

I plan on making a good confession by April 3rd.

This will give me time to at least go to Confession on First Friday yet makes sure I go in advance of Passion Week before Holy Week.

However much we suffer for the love of Jesus Crucified, it is but little.

~St Benedict Joseph Labré

So this is the outline of my Lenten plan.  Please pray that I may stay faithful to it if it be God's will, and more importantly that I grow in virtue and self-discipline.  

I'd love to hear your Lenten practices, stories, and graces in the comments below!  What are you looking forward to this Lent?

God bless you and keep you!

PS.  What are we thinking of this new design??  I'd love to hear your comments/suggestions below!

New St. Therese Phone Wallpapers!

 Praised be Jesus Christ!

In working out the new design for this blog, I've been experimenting with Canva, a social media content design app.  I discovered that I could make countless Catholic quotes into simple, beautiful, and inspiring phone wallpapers!  Here are a few that I made with quotes from my very dear patron Saint, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.  Please feel free to share and enjoy!

God love you!

Femininity & Modesty: Why They go Hand in Hand

Oh, look!  This is a draft post I had forgotten about entirely!  I wrote it for Maidens for Mary which has sadly become dormant.  But why shouldn't I publish it here?

 Femininity and modesty are two terms often used together.  They evoke some of the same images in our minds.  When I think of femininity, I picture dainty hands, laces, frilly clothes, and light hues.  These things may come to mind when you think of modesty too.  These thoughts are not necessarily universal though.   Maybe when you think femininity, you think soft, fragile, or weak but that is not what femininity is.  Modesty does not have to be all pink and frilly either!  So let's talk about what femininity and modesty truly are and how they go hand in hand.

Femininity is having the qualities of a woman or lady.  In order to understand what those qualities are, we have to look at the original design of women.  In the beginning, we know God created both man and woman in His image; they were different from each other and unique, yet complimentary.  Woman was created out of the rib of man; the closest to his heart and under his arm for protection.  The woman, by her man's side, supports him and uplifts him.

  Woman was designed to be a companion for man.  God said it Himself, "It is not good for man to be alone: let us make him a help like unto himself." (Gen. 2:18)  "And Adam called the name of his wife Eve: because she was the mother of all the living." (Gen. 3:20)  As women, we are gifted with the special privilege of being mothers, nurturers, and healers.  This is the first quality of femininity.  As nurturers, women possess a gentility and special touch that elevates man and his works.  The man and woman work together to make a house a home and to fill life with love.

But what if you're not married?  What if you're called to consecrate yourself to God alone in the religious life?  What if you're just a girl in school single as a pringle?  How can you use your femininity?  There are many ways really.  We are, in fact, called to be feminine before we are called to be wives.  Every woman and girl can make her dwelling a happy place and can nurture those around her.  Maybe you like to prepare food and special dishes for your family.  Or you could bring a feminine touch to your residence by arranging it and keeping it clean.  Your work doesn't have to be fancy or frivolous.  I don't think I could ever be a professional space designer.  I don't have that artistic tendency, but I can still exercise my feminine touch by keeping things neat and tidy.  

Maybe you're not a mother, but you can still nurture those around you with care, compassion, and encouragement.  If you have younger siblings, a little patience can go a long way.  Support a friend through a rough time.  Help your parents and be understanding with them.  I know it can be hard.  Not only is it necessary, but it is a good help in practicing these virtues which you will need in the future, no matter where life takes you.

Now, remember I said that the privilege of nurturing and motherhood is the first quality of femininity?  Because of this, our bodies are sacred temples, not only of the Holy Spirit but of creation too.  We are instruments of God's creation.  He creates new human souls in us.  So we must protect, honor, and respect our bodies with modesty.  The dictionary defines modesty as "regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc."  We should act in a way that respects our bodies and does not make them an image of neglect or objectivity.  We do this in our actions, words, and dress.

So modesty does not necessarily mean fancy and frilly but it means that we act and dress in a way that acknowledges and protects our feminine qualities.  Some people think modesty is only about clothes and act in an immodest way while others think that as long as they act modestly and have the right intentions, it doesn't matter how they dress.  We are both physical and spiritual beings though, so we must practice modesty inside and out.  The modesty of our dress should complement the modesty of our actions and vice-versa.

We veil the sacred.  From the tabernacle at Mass to the bride at her wedding, the Church has long taught us to veil what we hold sacred out of reverence and as an outward sign of inward realities.  a woman's body too, as a sacred temple for the creation of human life, is veiled in modest attire.  I'm sure I don't need to go over every detail of modesty with you as it is a very charged topic but remember a veil is something that covers, separates, screens, or conceals, it does not cling to the object it veils.  Remember that you are a sacred temple created for taking part in God's act of creation and veil your body in a way that compliments that.

So let us cultivate our feminity by supporting and uplifting our men, by nurturing and caring for the souls of all those who come under our domains, and by respecting the temples of our bodies in modesty of dress and action.  Let us be proud to be women who are endowed by God with these wonderful gifts!

What of these feminine qualities would you like me to dive deeper into in a future post?  Please do tell in the comments below!  God bless you!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

My Simple Daybook vol. I

Hello dears!  I have decided to try and keep a daybook on here, even if only once in a while.  Sometimes I think of little things throughout my day that I would like to share with y'all here but they're usually small and random.  A daybook seemed like a very good option to catalog these happenings and inspirations.  I found this outline on a very sweet-looking blog, the simple woman.  I think this is going to be delightful!  

For Today  2.9.22

Looking out my window...

The sun is shining, a bird is chirping in the big old pine tree out front, and it feels a bit like spring.  Of course, this is just a warm desert winter day.

I am thinking...

...Of my friends in Texas.  My sister just bought herself some cowgirl boots which made me think of my borrowed boots in Texas.  One of my little friends there also messaged me today which was a sweet surprise!  Now I'm looking for a nice pair of used boots for myself online! 😄

I am thankful...

... For peace of soul and sunshine in spirit.  When you have had a dreary winter of the heart, you forget how wonderful it is to be contented and joyful in your day-to-day life.  I am most thankful for God's grace and healing that has brought some simple peace into my spirit.

One of my favorite things...

KNITTING!!!

I am creating...

...A birthday gift for my best friend.  I'll share more about that later...

I am wearing...

...My new favorite sweater from Ross that is blush with the cutest little bobbles and puffed sleeves, a black and white striped top from DownEast, a thrifted jean skirt, and the comfiest leggings I've EVER had.😍  Thank you for those, Granny!  Oh!  Don't forget my combat boots which my dad found for me at Ross!  He has such great taste!

I am reading...

..."These Women Walked With God" by Rev. M Raymond, O.C.S.O. which I borrowed from our parish lending library.  I just started it but the forward was already so inspiring and I am hooked!

 I am watching...

...All Creatures Great and Small Season 2!  My whole family loves this show.  We haven't been able to watch many shows as they premiere in real-time so this is a wonderful treat to sit down and watch a brand new episode each week.  This show is just so wholesome and beautiful and we can't get enough of it!!

 I am listening to...

...Classical music on YouTube.  Our family likes to put videos like this on when we're cooking or doing the dishes.

I am hoping...

...To find a job.  I almost had an interview, but I decided that job wouldn't be the right fit for me.  I'll keep looking!

I am learning...

...To knit.  I've got the basics down but knitting is always a learning journey.  I don't know exactly what I'll be learning next but I'm so excited for the possibilities! 

In my kitchen...

I made banana bread!!  It is the yummiest recepie! (Find the recipe here!)

Board room...

Isn't this painting just lovely?!

View my new Catholic Pinterest board, here!


Post Script...

This is the section in which you can pass along a favorite link!  Today I'd like to share with you my sister's brand new Etsy shop, Le Papillon Art Studio!  Please visit her storefront and peruse her beautiful artwork for yourself!  She paints these by hand and is so talented.

Shared Quote...

"Celebrate the feast of Christmas every day, even every moment in the interior temple of your spirit, remaining like a baby in the bosom of the heavenly Father, where you will be reborn each moment in the Divine Word, Jesus Christ."

-St. Paul of the Cross

A moment from my day...

Well, this is technically a moment from my sister's day but it was my dinner too. 😄  She made a yummy creamy chicken pasta dish from an Instagram reel video.

Closing Notes

Thank you so much for following along with my day!  😁  This was fun post to do although I don't know how one is supposed to write and share this kind of post all in the same day.  Did you like this daybook format?  If so, please let me know in a comment below!  I definitely want to hear what kind of posts you would like to see here!  I pray you have a wonderful day, friend!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

Commit to Christ This Year

Happy New Year, friends!!  I am so excited to be back and focusing more on this little blog here.  I meant to finish this post in January, but alas it is February and no longer the Christmas season *le sigh*  First, let's just do a little rambly catchup!

My apologies for not replying to your comments in a timely fashion!  You may have noticed I caught up recently.  That's because Google likes to pick a "favorite" account that is dominant on each computer.  My dad's account is the favorite on the home computer and my sister's is the favorite on our shared laptop.  I finally logged in on a different browser, though, so I can reply to your comments again.  Yay!!

I've also decided to remove Instagram and Facebook from my smartphone at least for now because it is a time sucker.  And as much as I hate to say it, I find myself starting to fall into the common pits of comparison and covetousness.  So far, I have not felt the loss of those social medias and I'm actually very happy without them.  If you've been thinking about making the jump, I highly recommend it!  Even if you don't delete your accounts but just keep them off of your phone, it makes a huge difference.  Instead, I've found lots of time for knitting, reading, hanging out with friends, cooking, and enjoying the beautiful world around me!

Now to the purpose of this post.  I had the idea for it originally during Mass, but I forget exactly what I was going to write about.  Nevertheless, these thoughts and ideas have been floating around my mind for the last few weeks and I'd like to share my musings with you.  

I have been invigorated in my faith this Christmas season since it connects me with my roots and my absolute favorite devotion, to the child Jesus!  Whenever I feel angry, moody, or hurt, I try to picture the baby Jesus.  My God was just a tiny little helpless baby!  How could I offer an angry or hurtful word in His presence?  Of course, I still do fall into this sin often but by the grace of God, I can try to remember the Infant Jesus and do my best!

And even though someday I want to approach the crib of Bethlehem with my very own little family, if it be God's will, I must still approach it now, as my helpless little self.  So I've taken to picturing myself as a little wobbly lamb because as a lamb I can approach the manger all by myself and have no need to look over my shoulder.  I meekly come up to the edge of the wooden trough where His tiny little hand hangs over the edge.  I nudge my head under those little fingers, and he grasps the curly little mop of fluff on my head.  

(Whoa, I just found this image and it fits so perfectly!!)

I have not forgotten about the rest of Christ's amazing life though.  On the contrary, I have actually thought even more about His Passion and death during this Christmas season.  To contemplate the fact that this little precious baby would one day be mocked, ridiculed, tortured in the extreme, and put to death on a cross is quite a striking image.  Before Christmas during Advent, I tried to offer those I loved to the Christ Child in the manger.  But now, I find more consolation in offering them to Our Lord hung upon the cross.  His blood pours down upon their souls, His eyes embrace them, His suffering redeems them.  Whether I am missing someone or extremely angry at someone, I now try to place them at the feet of Our Lord on the cross and leave them there.  He can heal and fix their hearts, and mine, far better than I ever could.

We need to commit to Christ this year.  Father preached on the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord and the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus that Our Lord wasted no time at all once He had been named Jesus, which means God saves, in pouring out His precious blood for us.  He did not have to be circumcised.  He was God.  But in order to show His infinite love for us, He humbled Himself in our humanity by shedding His blood even in His infancy, at just 8 days old.  He committed to being your savior by being named Jesus and taking on your humanity so He could be the perfect victim.  Why don't we commit our lives to Him?  Sure, we are baptized, designate Sundays as the day to go to church, and try to say our prayers but this isn't committing our entire lives to Him.  If we think about all of the things we do and say on a daily basis that do not bring honor and glory to God or that even outright offend Him, we can see all the room we have for growing closer to God in this life.  

The season of Lent is fast approaching and I'm already finding myself contemplating how I can grow closer to Jesus this season and how I can truly model my life after His will.  Maybe this will look like removing songs from my music playlists that take His holy Name in vain or denying myself little pleasures to make others around me happy.  Time is fleeting and we do not have very much of it on this earth.  If we wish to make it to Heaven, we need to start preparing now.  Why waste another minute on a silly grudge or fanciful indulgence?  If Christ called you to Himself right now, would you be happy and satisfied with how you've committed to Christ?  Let's not live the Christian life by parts or halves but let us order every single word and action of ours to bring us closer to God!  I want to commit to Christ this year just like He committed His whole life to me at the moment of His circumcision.

Thanks so much for reading my rambly little post!  How will you strive to commit your whole life to Christ this year?  I'd love to chat with you in the comments below!

God love you!