"Mother Teresa and Me" on the Among Women Podcast

If you'd care to listen to the "Among Women" podcast by the very talented and gracious, Pat Gohn, please click here. Pat recently interviewed me about my friendship with Blessed Mother Teresa and about my new book about to be released: Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship. You'll also hear Mother Teresa's beutiful inspiring voice!

Visit Pat at her blog here.

Happy feast day!

Go on over to my Saints' blog to read about St. Padre Pio whose feast day is today by clicking here.

Among Women...coming up soon!

Stay tuned...

God bless,

Donna-Marie

Tune in this morning to "Mom's Corner"!

I hope you can tune in to my chat with Teresa Tomeo this morning on Ave Maria Radio on "Catholic Connection." Just tune in at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time by clicking here at avemariaradio.net and then click "listen live."

It's the first day of Autumn! I'll be back later to post a link a little later on in case you can't tune in.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Tomorrow's "Mom's Corner"! Join us!

I hope you can tune in to my chat with Teresa Tomeo this tomorrow on Ave Maria Radio on "Catholic Connection." Just tune in tomorrow, Tuesday at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time by clicking here at avemariaradio.net and then click "listen live."

I'll be back some time after the show to post a link in case you can't tune in.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

My review of The Lost and Family Family

Here's my review of The Lost and Found Family at Catholic Exchange...

"The Lost and Found Family (rated PG) is a heart-tugging and inspirational family drama starring: Lucas Till (Hannah Montana: The Movie and Walk the Line), Ellen Bry (TV’s St. Elsewhere) and Jessica Luza (Downpour) which will debut on DVD on September 15, 2009.

The story opens and we are introduced to Esther Hobbes (Ellen Bry) who lives a high society life until the sudden death of her husband. Esther loses her grip on her comfortable lifestyle when it’s suddenly stolen away with her husband. She is flabbergasted to discover that she had been living a façade all along. Due to her husband’s bad investments her only inheritance is a rural Georgia house which had seen better days. Esther realizes that her only option for survival is to evict the tenants, sell the house and secure a suitable place to live.

As the story unfolds Esther makes her way down to the southern town clad in her big city clothes and flashy jewelry to take necessary measures to get on with her life. She meets the family consisting of foster parents, rebellious teenagers, played by Lucas Till and Jessica Luza, and three younger children with their own set of issues. Once a seemingly composed and adept woman, Esther wrestles with conflicting perspectives and feels as an orphan herself. Tension swells between the characters facing the fact that the unwanted stranger suddenly showing up may take their home and the only semblance of family stability they’ve struggled to establish.

As Esther is thrust into a dingy room with not much more than a twin bed and a dresser, she starts to shed some of her jewelry, begin to soften up and go through a metamorphism of sorts. She lightens her need for material possessions, the Armani power suit is ditched and she begins to slowly embrace a faith she had previously avoided and gradually gives away the little she has left.

I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Ellen Bry from her California home and got the scoop about her personal experiences in filming and working with the cast and crew. During our interview, Bry joyfully expressed, “I feel like this movie fell from Heaven! On some level I feel I was destined to play the role.”

Bry wasn’t seeking this film but it found her. She was scouted out among several dozens of actresses for the part of Esther. Bry says she is not exactly like her character Esther but that she is similar in some respects. She said Esther is “sweet but no push over, nobody’s fool.”

Bry found the Jackson, Georgia set “an amazing place to film this movie,” Bry surmised that “Esther was a fish out of water and so was Ellen.” It was an actual culture shock for urban Bry. But the townspeople embraced the cast and crew with excitement in ways Bry said “that you just don’t get in the urban, sophisticated and jaded communities that I typically film. They showered us with love – they rolled out the welcome mats. It was so uplifting.”

The townspeople invited the cast and crew to their restaurants and shops. “It was kind of magical,” Bry said. She explained that the producer didn’t need permits for filming since the town was so willing to help, volunteering their stores; honored to have their restaurants and homes in the movie. The Lost and Found Family helped to create civic pride because it was “one of the biggest things that happened to Jackson, Georgia in a long time,” Bry explained

Most of the story took place in “a real house one step away from being condemned, so it was perfect for the film” Bry explained. “It smelled a little funky and you didn’t want to walk around in your bare feet,” she added. The house was scheduled for demolition after the completion of filming. Another possibility was to remodel it and turn it into a restaurant called, “Mrs. Hobbe’s House” if it wasn’t demolished.

Bry enjoyed working with a cast and crew. She liked the fact that “there were no divas, struggles, or people pulling rank. Everyone was happy to show up and work.” She said the children were “all quite different and just wonderful.” She said the positive attitudes of all brought “good energy to the set.”

Bry sees this film as inspirational on many levels but claims it’s “not preachy and will appeal to a general audience.” She hopes that the movie will “raise awareness to the special plight of foster kids.”

The movie is entertaining and engaging both for the spiritually oriented and those merely seeking a wholesome and enjoyable family movie experience. Faith-based nuances are woven throughout which will undoubtedly be recognized by Christian audiences. I hope this film won’t be pigeon-holed as strictly Christian since the messages supporting family values, as well as the virtues of faith, hope and love so desperately needed in our world today emerge vividly and can appropriately reach a broader audience. The Lost and Found Family also exemplifies the need for foster care and enlightens us to the depth of compassion and selflessness identified by foster parents giving their lives and homes, welcoming strangers into their families.

Visit the Lost and Found Family website to see a movie trailer and to learn more: http://www.lostandfoundfamilymovie.com/ "

***

While I didn't state this in my review, I would like to mention that I was once a foster mother. I became a certified foster mother just so that I could take in a 16 year old mother and her baby. I was told that no other foster family in our state wanted to take them in or was not able to do so. Because of this, God blessed us with additional family members for a time. I discovered a short time later that this young mother was also pregnant with another child. The mother and baby lived with my family for about six months or so, learning mothering skills until such time when she was emancipated and was given an apartment by the state.

You may see the review here at Catholic Exchange.

Your prayers are appreciated

Hello Everyone,

I pray you all have a blessed day! Please say a prayer for me as I travel today to head down to give a retreat to a wonderful group of faithful Catholic women in PA.

Thank you in advance!

God bless and hugs!

Donna-Marie

"The Lost and Found Family" DVD Debuts today!

My review should be out very soon and I'll post it here. Go get your DVD which debuts September 15th. I had a lovely interview with Ellen Bry the lead actress (which you'll read about in my review very soon). The movie is wholesome. inspiring and heart-tugging! Get it for your family!

The Holy Name of Mary!

Today is the feast of the Holy Name of Mary

"This feast is a counterpart to the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (January 3); both have the possibility of uniting people easily divided on other matters.The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, king of Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople. After Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims. Pope Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church."

(From Saint a day)

Speaking at the Abbey

If you click here you'll see a lovely brochure of where I'll be speaking in October. It's at a beautiful abbey!

My talks are: 1) "If only I could Touch His cloak" and
2) "Guiding Others to Christ's Cloak."

Go on over to View From the Domestic Church to see another brochure about an upcoming retreat day I will be giving next week end in PA.

God bless your Saturday!

hugs,

Donna-Marie

Joy

Happy Birthday, Mary!

Oh happy day!

Happy Feast of Blessed Mother Teresa

“By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus. ”Small of stature, rocklike in faith, Mother Teresa of Calcutta was entrusted with the mission of proclaiming God’s thirsting love for humanity, especially for the poorest of the poor. “God still loves the world and He sends you and me to be His love and His compassion to the poor.” She was a soul filled with the light of Christ, on fire with love for Him and burning with one desire: “to quench His thirst for love and for souls.”

This luminous messenger of God’s love was born on 26 August 1910 in Skopje, a city situated at the crossroads of Balkan history. The youngest of the children born to Nikola and Drane Bojaxhiu, she was baptised Gonxha Agnes, received her First Communion at the age of five and a half and was confirmed in November 1916. From the day of her First Holy Communion, a love for souls was within her. Her father’s sudden death when Gonxha was about eight years old left in the family in financial straits. Drane raised her children firmly and lovingly, greatly influencing her daughter’s character and vocation. Gonxha’s religious formation was further assisted by the vibrant Jesuit parish of the Sacred Heart in which she was much involved.

At the age of eighteen, moved by a desire to become a missionary, Gonxha left her home in September 1928 to join the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Sisters of Loreto, in Ireland. There she received the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In December, she departed for India, arriving in Calcutta on 6 January 1929. After making her First Profession of Vows in May 1931, Sister Teresa was assigned to the Loreto Entally community in Calcutta and taught at St. Mary’s School for girls. On 24 May 1937, Sister Teresa made her Final Profession of Vows, becoming, as she said, the “spouse of Jesus” for “all eternity.” From that time on she was called Mother Teresa. She continued teaching at St. Mary’s and in 1944 became the school’s principal. A person of profound prayer and deep love for her religious sisters and her students, Mother Teresa’s twenty years in Loreto were filled with profound happiness. Noted for her charity, unselfishness and courage, her capacity for hard work and a natural talent for organization, she lived out her consecration to Jesus, in the midst of her companions, with fidelity and joy.

On 10 September 1946 during the train ride from Calcutta to Darjeeling for her annual retreat, Mother Teresa received her “inspiration,” her “call within a call.” On that day, in a way she... (Continued here)

I'm embracing my motherhood with all of my might.

I've been embracing my motherhood for over 32 years! That's hard for me to believe! Aren't I still 32 years old? :) But, I have been quiet on the blogging front with the exception of getting the Mother Teresa novena out there for everyone and the Obama stuff going on as well as a little of this and that.

I did run a week of back to school stuff recently over at my blog, View From the Domestic Church and I need to announce the winner of a beautiful Rosary soon. The winner can use it to pray many Rosaries for the college-bound or school-bound children or the children that they home-school. Or give it as a gift to their college-bound "child."

I have a lot coming up too that I'll tell you about soon. I'm preparing for a big retreat day in PA. I'll be flying down to EWTN to do do some taping of something really special coming up that I'll also be telling you about soon.

I've also been busy getting some articles completed, finishing touches on a book due out very soon and working hard on another one due out next year. I can't wait for you all to see my new book about Mother Teresa, "Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship." It should be out later this month.

In addition to the above, I have been tremendously busy of late with getting two of my "kids" ready and off to college. One has left :( and one will leave very soon. :( When I asked my daughter, Mary-Catherine what will I do without her, she responded, "I don't know...write a lot of books."

So, I'm sharing a snippet of how my life is lately. Bittersweet times (I talk about this in my book Grace Cafe) lately for me. Sending my "children" forth to spread their wings - so proud of them, and feeling a bit sad for me. :( But, truly, I know that it is a special part of their lives and I am living in this precious moment and embracing it with all of my might.

Update on Obama's video

UPDATED:

"President Obama's plan to inspire the nation's schoolchildren with a video address next week erupted into controversy Wednesday, forcing the White House to pull out its eraser and rewrite a government recommendation that teachers nationwide assign students a paper on how to "help the president."

Presidential aides acknowledged the White House helped the U.S. Education Department craft the proposal, which immediately was met by fierce criticism from Republicans and conservative organizations who accused Mr. Obama of trying to politicize the education system.

White House aides said the language was an honest misunderstanding in what was supposed to be a inspirational, pro-education message to America's youths.

Among the activities the government initially suggested for prekindergarten to sixth-grade students: that they "write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president." Another task recommended for students immediately after listening to the speech: to engage in a discussion about what "the president wants us to do."

The novel curriculum plan brought sharp criticism from conservatives, including some who complained that classrooms were being used to spread political propaganda. In response, the White House last night confirmed they were revising the lesson plan that was distributed last week by the U.S. Department of Education.

"We're clarifying that language," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

By Wednesday evening, the sentence asking children to think about how they can "help the president" had been replaced. The rewritten line said students should "write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short-term and long-term education goals. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals."

Mr. Vietor said the reaction to the lesson plan may not have been so strong had the curriculum been circulated after people heard the speech, which he said does not mention any political issues and does not stray from a clear message encouraging children to excel and stay in school.

The speech is "about the value of education and the importance of staying in school as part of his effort to dramatically cut the dropout rate. It's not a policy speech," Mr. Vietor said."
(From the Washington Times)

Obama's video to be shown to school kids

I just received an email from an alarmed friend who said,

"Someone I don't even know forwarded this to me. I don't usually read the comments underneath the videos, but I did this time. Boy, there is a lot of outrage. The schools are going to show this to children across the country on Tues. Imagine if George Bush or ANY president attempted to do something like this.

The president is supposed to serve the people but Obama wants everyone to make a pledge to serve him.

It doesn't start off so bad, but get to the last minute. You will understand why I'm alarmed. Read some of the comments."


So, see for yourself... Click here to view the video that will be shown in our schools.


I know parents who are opting to have their kids sit this one out. Please watch and pass this on.

Feast of St. Monica

Many times Catholic or Christian mothers may feel like St. Monica because they pray so much for their wayward children. Yet, I think every Mom should pray like St. Monica, and not only in dire circumstances - but always. Mother's prayers are powerful and can help our children dramatically. Let's never stop praying for them.

Here are some words about dear St. Monica to start your day:

"The circumstances of St. Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. Although she was a Christian, her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan, Patricius, who lived in her hometown of Tagaste in North Africa. Patricius had some redeeming features, but he had a violent temper and was licentious. Monica also had to bear with a cantankerous mother-in-law who lived in her home. Patricius criticized his wife because of her charity and piety, but always respected her. Monica’s prayers and example finally won her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity. Her husband died in 371, one year after his Baptism.
Monica had at least three children who survived infancy. The oldest, Augustine, is the most famous. At the time of his father’s death, Augustine was 17 and a rhetoric student in Carthage. Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted the Manichean heresy and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. From that time on she stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him. In fact, she often stayed much closer than Augustine wanted.

When he was 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monica was determined to go along. One night he told his mother that he was going to the dock to say goodbye to a friend. Instead, he set sail for Rome. Monica was heartbroken when she learned of Augustine’s trick, but she still followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan. Although travel was difficult, Monica pursued him to Milan.

In Milan Augustine came under the influence of the bishop, St. Ambrose, who also became Monica’s spiritual director. She accepted his advice in everything and had the humility to give up some practices that had become second nature to her (see Quote, below). Monica became a leader of the devout women in Milan as she had been in Tagaste.

She continued her prayers for Augustine during his years of instruction. At Easter, 387, St. Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends. Soon after, his party left for Africa. Although no one else was aware of it, Monica knew her life was near the end. She told Augustine, “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” She became ill shortly after and suffered severely for nine days before her death.

Almost all we know about St. Monica is in the writings of St. Augustine, especially his Confessions." (From Saints.org)

Happy Queenship of Mary!

Can't resist!

I can't resist sharing some very cute photos!

Foods that may have medicinal properties...

I came across this and thought I'd share it. This isn't a joke like one of the nutritional posts I did in the past. This one is for real! I eat healthy and have raised my family to the best of my ability with good health and nutrition. So I offer you this...

"News flash! Mom was right! Some foods really can cure what ails ya.
Sneezing? Sniffling? Head for your refrigerator instead of your medicine
cabinet.

The best way to prevent a cold is to wash your hands regularly and
thoroughly, but beyond that there are numerous scientific studies that
show certain foods really can help fight the severity and duration of a
cold. Special recognition and thanks to the Orange County Register, WebMD,
HealthScoutNews, and Reuters Health for the following food tips:

Chicken Soup: At the first sign of a scratchy throat or the sniffles, make
a pot of chicken soup. "It works every time," Jyl Steinback, author of
"Superfoods: Cook Your Way to Health," told the Orange County Register.
But you have to eat it on the first day of the cold--just as you start to
feel sick. Chicken soup has been used for more than 2,000 years as a
medicine for respiratory disorders, including colds, flu, and asthma.

According to Dr. Irwin Ziment, a pulmonary specialist at the University of
California, Los Angeles, the magic ingredient is most likely cysteine, an
amino acid that is abundant in chicken soup. It works much like the
chemical acetylcysteine that is used in medicines prescribed to combat
congestion. The Orange County Register also notes that chicken soup may be
a mild antibiotic that could help the body fight infection.

Broccoli, Carrots, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Tangerines, and Avocados:
These very colorful foods have one thing in common: They are packed with
vitamins A, C, and E which give these foods a supercharged boost to help
fight the severity and duration of colds. They are also rich in antioxidants, which may slow down cold and flu viruses.

Wine: One to seven glasses of wine a week--and red wine is best--could
prevent you from coming down with a cold, reports HealthScoutNews of a
research study from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The protective effects are even stronger with eight to 14 glasses a week. But it has to be wine; beer and spirits don't have the same protective effect.

Garlic: Garlic not only boosts the immune system, but also contains a
substance that kills the rhinovirus that causes colds and flu. It has
anti-inflammatory powers as well.

Onions: They're rich in sulfur compounds, which have antiviral properties.
Citrus Fruits: They're packed with vitamin C, which can help fight the
cold infection.

Yogurt: Eat just 6 ounces of yogurt a day to help reduce your
susceptibility to colds by 25 percent, reports WebMD of several scientific
studies. Why? The bacteria in yogurt might stimulate production of immune
system substances that fight disease. Yogurt can also minimize the
symptoms of hay fever.

Jalapenos: Some like it hot enough to make their eyes water! And when
they're that hot, jalapenos and other peppers can help break up
congestion, as well as boost the immune system.

Almonds, Pistachios, and Cashews: These nuts are good sources of protein
and omega-3 oils, which will boost your immune system.

Ginger: This spice is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can also soothe
nausea and vomiting.

Apples: Yeah, an apple a day really can keep the doctor away.

Apples--including the peel--have a protective effect on the lungs. They're
rich in antioxidants and vitamin C."

Back-to-School week and radio segment

Here's the link for you for my "Mom's Corner" with Teresa Tomeo in case you missed it. Just click here to listen.

Stop back later at View From the Domestic Church and catch up on what I've been doing there all this week and for more of our "Back-to-School week including more about our contests. I've been very busy over there so please pardon me for lack of posts here at "Embracing Motherhood." Feel free to leave comments over at our "Back-to-School" week which will also be entered into the drawings for the contests this week which are for a beautiful Rosary and for a copy of my new book.


God bless your day!

Donna-Marie

Assumption of Mary

Visit View from the Domestic Church for a couple of prayers on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Go on over and visit Catholic Fire too!

God bless your day!

Donna-Marie

Modern and Modest Girls Rock!

Modern and Modest Girls Rock!

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Guess who just studied my Domestic Church book?

Guess who just studied my book, The Domestic Church: Room by Room? One of the women in this study group recently told me:

"We had our last summer book study gathering last week. We discussed the final chapter of your book while munching on appetizers. Several of the ladies were missing. We're an Atlanta, GA group. We really enjoyed your book and the discussions that ensued. Thanks for encouraging Catholic wives and moms everywhere. I'll be on the lookout for your new book in September. Congrats! God bless!"

In addition to featuring this lovely group here at "Embracing Motherhood" and very soon on my website, I decided to run a contest. The first person who identifies (no one in the photo is allowed to participate - sorry - or tell anyone else, please) one of the women here in this group will win an autographed copy of my new book Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship! It is scheduled to be released in September. I just thought I'd have a little fun with this group to liven things up a bit. :) Just leave a comment here at this post and the first correct answer will win my new book!

Thank you, ladies for taking part in this study. I pray that it has inspired your souls and that you will carry the torch to other mothers and women who may be struggling or just in need of a little light and nourishment.

God bless you all!

hugs,

Donna-Marie

My Mass Kit: A Toy Review

My Mass Kit: A Toy Review

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The Lost and Found Family coming up!

I am having a lovely conversation with the lead actress, Ellen Bry in the new movie "The Lost and Found Family" scheduled to debut on September 15th on DVD. I have previewed the movie and will have a lot to tell you very soon. I'll be chatting again with Ellen today to complete our interview. Stay tuned for reviews...

Take a look at the movie trailer here:


You're going to love this movie!

Young girl inspires many to come back...

"Seattle, Wash., Jul 31, 2009 / 05:23 am (CNA).- The short life of a devout, Catholic, young girl from Seattle has brought many Catholics across the United States back to the Church. Her holy and loving example, as well as her battle with cancer, has drawn others to convert to Catholicism and has inspired the creation of an organization to reach out to families with a loved one facing a chronic illness.

Gloria was born in 1996 to Doug and Kristen Strauss and was like any other seven-year old. She enjoyed playing with her six siblings and friends, dressing up, playing board games, picking flowers and watching the Fox television show, “American Idol.” The young girl also had a special place in her heart for the Rosary and for making people feel good about themselves. However, no one could have predicted the amount of people her brief time on earth would touch.

Cancer diagnosis

CNA spoke with her father, Doug, who explained that one day in 2003 when Gloria was seven years-old, she was hit in the face with a ball resulting in a black eye. When the color returned to normal after the seemingly minor injury, a suspicious bump remained. After two trips to the doctor, she was referred to a specialist who instantly had a hunch it was cancer..." (Continued here)

Hairbows for Life!

This is from Hairbows for Life, a Mom who makes beautiful hairbows and donates a portion of the proceeds to pro-life...

"Get your Back to School Bows!!

Summer will end in a month! (So sad!) We are already getting books and things for the new school year! Don't forget cute and great bows for the school year or birthday parties or special saint's day!




We are having our Huge Back to School SALE...
40% off all bows , even customized bows!

So don't delay! Get your order in now!

Click the Link Below
Hairbows

Thank you and God bless!"

Book contest!

I'm having a book contest. Check it out here.

Feel like making something yummy?

Alice at "A Number of Things" posted her wonderful lemon pound cake recipe here. Go take a look and be inspired!

"Mom's Corner" with Teresa Tomeo about my Mother Teresa book

In case you didn't get a chance to tune in to my recent segment with my dear friend, Teresa Tomeo on our "Mom's Corner" segment, you can listen right now. Just grab a drink, pull up a chair and click here! Teresa and I chat about my friendship with Blessed Mother Teresa and my new book about her.

Enjoy!

Donna-Marie

"Morning Air" and my Mother Teresa book!

Here's a beter way to listen to my recent "Morning Air" segment in which I spoke all about my new Mother Teresa book coming out very soon! Just click here to listen!

God bless you!

Donna-Marie

In case you missed it...my recent chat on Relevant Radio

If you missed my recent chat on "Morning Air" you may click here to listen from the archives. Then, click on "Hour Two" in the archives. I hope you enjoy it. In this segment I spoke about my new book coming out, "Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship" as well as some parts about our friendship.

"Mom's Corner" tomorrow morning!

We're back! And we're waiting to share with you tomorrow morning!

Tune in to "Mom's Corner" on Catholic Connection at Ave Maria Radio on Monday, July 20th at 9:15 to 9:30 AM Eastern Standard Time. Teresa Tomeo and I will be chatting about some summery and motherly things. I hope that you can join us. Feel free to call in with a question or comment.

Tune in at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time by clicking here at avemariaradio.net and then click "listen live."

Talk to you then!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Unveiling my new book cover!

Here's a draft of my new book cover. The cover will be fine-tuned and ready for print shortly, but I wanted to give you a visual since I'll be speaking about this book tomorrow morning on "Morning Air" on Relevant Radio (details for tuning in are here). My book will be released in September in time for the month of Mother Teresa's feast and twelfth anniversary of her death. I'll be taking pre-orders for autographed copies at my website: Donna Cooper O'Boyle.Com

A Dose of "Cousin Time!"

Recently, on my "View from the Domestic Church" blog, I spoke about getting together with some of my cousins at a surprise 50th birthday party for one of them. I'll share a coupe of photos here. The first is of three of us. The birthday girl was busy socializing at the time of this first photo. I guess you could say that the three of us sitting here look pretty presentable - civilized even.

But only moments later...what's going on here? The birthday girl joined us on the left and who knows what we were getting so crazy about? I think it was something she said - she's crazy, you know. I think this photo is hilarious! I guess that's what happens when you put cousins together who haven't all been together in the same place in about thirty years. :)

Chatting on Relevant Radio Friday

I'll be on Relevant Radio LIVE on Friday morning, 8:30 Eastern time. You can listen by simply clicking here and at the top of the screen, you should click on the "listen live" or "on the air" button. I'll be on the "Morning Air" show. It should be fun and hopefully informative. I'll be letting you all in on my new book which is very near and dear to my heart! I hope you can join us.

God bless and hugs,
Donna-Marie

Happy feast of Blessed Kateri

Go on over to my Moments of Inspiration with Your Favorite Saints blog to learn a bit about Blessed Kateri Tekawitha.

Quick note...

The test results came back and the bat is not rabid. Thank God!

Catching up, or trying to anyway...

I'm trying to catch up with a variety of things. The good news is that I finished a manuscript the other day and turned it in to the publisher. Woo hoo! I'll be telling you about that book very soon. It's very exciting!

Never a dull moment around here! I found a dead bloody bat on my kitchen floor yesterday! What a freaky sight! The whole day then entailed numerous phone calls to health departments, veterinarian's offices and more. An officer had to come out and get the bat and transport it to be tested for rabies. Apparently they test the bat's brain. We may find out this afternoon if it's rabid and then we'll know if our animals and if we are in any danger. Let's hope not!

FYI: I'll be on my Mom's Corner segment with Teresa Tomeo on Ave Maria Radio, Monday, July 20th at 9:15 AM Eastern time. I'll post more details soon.

I plan to share some photos soon about an outing to NYC after I had completed my manuscript. Stay tuned!

May God bless your day!

hugs,

Donna-Marie

Happy Fourth of July!

For the Christian people of America conversion to
the Gospel means to revise “all the different areas
and aspects of life, especially those related to the
social order and the pursuit of the common good.”
It will be especially necessary “to nurture the growing
awareness in society of the dignity of every person
and, therefore, to promote in the community a
sense of the duty to participate in political life in
harmony with the Gospel.”


—Pope John Paul II, The Church in
America (Ecclesia in America), no. 27

A few thoughts to ponder on St. Thomas's feast day

Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe" (John 20:27).

It's tough to walk in faith sometimes, perhaps even most times amid the everyday challenges that beset us in a world that mocks our faith to begin with. Yet, Our Lord is calling us to a deeper faith and trust in Him with our lives. When we pray our Rosaries, the first 3 Hail Mary's we pray are for an increase in faith, hope, and love. We need to believe that Our Lord does indeed grant us these gifts.

This Psalm from today's readings invites us to entrust ourselves to our Lord in faith:

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.
Let me never be put to shame.
In your justice, set me free,
hear me and speedily rescue me.

Be a rock of refuge for me,
a mighty stronghold to save me,
for you are my rock, my stronghold.
For your name's sake, lead me and guide me.

Release me from the snares they have hidden
for you are my refuge, Lord.
Into your hands I commend my spirit.
It is you who will redeem me. Lord.

O God of truth, you detest
those who worship false and empty gods.
As for me, I trust in the Lord:
let me be glad and rejoice in your love.

It's okay to experience doubts at times, but take those doubts to the Lord and ask Him for an increase in faith. Ask Him for guidance and clarity of mind. He'll give those gifts to you.

I pray that you will have a beautiful, grace-filled day!

God bless and hugs,

Donna-Marie

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

"Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Throughout the Universal Church, we are constantly reminded of the heroic attributes each man dedicated towards spreading the Gospel to the entire world.

Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles and the Christ-bestowed head of the Church gives us a great example of human weaknesses transformed into the great accomplishments of his successful preaching and ministry, initially to the Judaic followers of Jesus and finally to the entire Roman Empire. His martyrdom at Rome illustrates the unwavering faith Peter maintained in the mystery of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery and inspired Gospel message.

Saint Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles presents an equally “larger than life” image of a man that experienced the power of the Gospel’s conversion through his own transformation from a persecutor of the Christian faith to one of the greatest influences on the entire course of Catholicism and its spread throughout the world.

In modern times, when we easily transport messages and information throughout the world in literally seconds, reflect on the enormity of the massive evangelical successes of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Unsurpassed in their travels, teachings and ministry to both the heirs to the covenant of Abraham and the covenant of Jesus on the cross, they literally brought the Gospel to the entire known world of their day..." (Continued at Catholic Exchange)

Keeping Catholic Education pure...

I know a Catholic mother who has been in correspondence with me for some time now who is very concerned about what's going on in the Catholic classroom. She's been telling me about the curriculum and her deep concerns about this stuff being taught in a Catholic setting. I'm sure that there are many of you parents out there in the same situation. But, maybe you're not sure what to do or if you can do something at all. I had been hoping and praying that this woman, Josie could find some like-minded parents so that she could present her concerns to the school with the back up of other parents. I hoped she could form a committee or organization. Well, she came up with a brilliant idea! She started a blog the other day! It will be a hub for parents to gather to encourage one another and to come up with concrete solutions. I hope you'll take a look at her blog and please chime in (by way of a comment) to the conversation. Do you have any ideas? What have you done? What can you all do together?

In one of her posts, Josie writes:

"It was motherly instinct, I think, that first alerted me that something was wrong. It was a normal day in the school carline, waiting with my boys until their older sister came outside to meet us after a day in the first grade at the local parish school. She plopped into her seat ready to be buckled. "Mommy?", she said to me, "There's something very important for you in my folder." We had a few minutes until all the children loaded up and the engines started running, so I unzipped her bag to take a look. Something exciting, I hoped, as carlines can get pretty boring. I opened the little envelope intended only for mom and dad's hands. At first glance, I was puzzled. My eyes darted around the pages of the document enclosed. Several things jumped out at me:

"We believe that parents/guardians are and should be the primary educators of their children; nevertheless (my emphasis) the parish and school community must play a secondary but essential role in educating children for healthy relationships...
"Please sign and return the attached permission slip...as we strive to keep our children safe and healthy."

Take a look here at Upholding Purity in the Catholic Classroom. Josie tells me that she has plans to work on the appearance of the blog in the upcoming days but really wanted to get something going right away. It really seems to me to be a Divine inspiration that she has answered the call for. I know that a lot of prayer went behind her decision to create this gathering place for parents. Please support this brave mother. We are all on this journey in life together, right? We can help one another for sure.

Feel free to chime in here too with your concerns, advice, and suggestions.

Praying for many blessings for you on this summer day!

hugs,

Donna-Marie

Summer and Prayer

I posted a summertime prayer strategy article over at View from the Domestic Church today. Go take a look!

A Precious baby and a mother's decision.

Read Mary De Turris Poust's post at the OSV blog about a woman's decision and a baby's life...

When a baby is too 'precious' to live

"When I read this story on The New York Times blog "Motherlode" today, I found myself wilting inside. It is the story of an abortion, or a decision to choose abortion, and it unfolds right before your eyes in black and white. It made me so sad for the unborn baby and for the woman, Emmie, who ultimately concludes that abortion is the only way to keep her life on track.

I kept trying to wrap my mind around Emmie's belief that her "little zygote," as she calls her baby, is too precious to hand over to another couple through adoption and so the better choice is abortion, that any baby is too precious not to plan for and so would be better off aborted than arrive in a world that is not ready..." (Continued here.)

Happy Father's Day!

Happy and blessed day to all of the fathers out there and all who are in a father role. Let's not forget about our priests!

Dear St. Joseph, please look down upon fathers and priests everywhere today and always! Amen.

God bless your day! May it be filled with family fun and togetherness. :)

God bless and hugs,

Donna-Marie

Happy feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!

Go on over to View from the Domestic Church for and article at Catholic Exchange today on the Sacred Heart and enthronement by Patti Armstrong

The Year of the Priest

Go on over to View from the Domestic Church to read about the Year of the Priest.

Saving money on groceries...

Many of us these days are thinking of ways to conserve and cut down on some of our expenses due to economic challenges.

I just came across this smart and organized woman! Take a look to see how she is saving money.

What are your ideas? Are you making your own laundry detergent, soaps, clothes? If so, would you like to share what you are doing? I have a few posts over at my new blog: View From the Domestic Church about laundry and soap.

Hope for a gentle summer...

Elizabeth Foss writes a beautiful spiritual summer reflection of hope...

Hope for a gentle summer
Elizabeth Foss
6/16/09

"It was one of those infamous rabbit trails that can bear great fruit in prayer. Pope Benedict has declared the Year for Priests to begin June 19. Additionally, he has said that St. Jean Vianney is to be patron of the world’s priests. So, I began to dig up St. Jean Vianney quotes to toss out to my children over the next year.

Often, when I look for ways to inspire virtue in my children, I find instead that virtue is inspired in me first. This one hit me between the eyes. St. Jean Vianney piqued my interest immediately by pointing to the example of a favorite saint. He wrote, “St. Francis de Sales, that great saint, would leave off writing with the letter of a word half-formed in order to reply to an interruption.” Hey, Elizabeth, saints don’t say “just a minute” and then finish writing the sentence or the paragraph or the entire post or project while toddlers melt down and little boys wrestle. They leave the letters half-formed..." (continued here)

A Casual Encounter with Grace

My book, Grace Cafe: Serving up Recipes for Faithful Mothering was chosen as the "Book Pick" by the National Catholic Register this week...

A Casual Encounter With Grace

BY Father Walter Schu, LC

June 14-20, 2009 Issue | Posted 6/5/09 at 10:05 AM

"Grace Café is an aptly titled book. How does one discover grace — that sublime reality so distant from most people’s vocabulary today and, sadly, so often absent from their lives?

Within these pages, seasoned author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle makes that elusive encounter with grace seem as casual and natural as a mid-morning rendezvous with an old friend at the local café.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky once said, “Beauty will save the world.” If that is true, then Grace Café — addressed specifically to mothers — could bring many mothers one step closer to salvation.

Even, and especially, in the midst of the daily trials of raising a family, such as being confronted with a steadily growing mountain of unfolded clothes, the beauty of motherhood alights from the page to capture hearts.

In response to the culture’s exalting of careerism for women, O’Boyle ponders the value of being a mother, the transcendent mission it entails. She says:

“Women have been put through the mill, so to speak. However, as Christian mothers, we can consider the fact that nothing can be more meaningful than to be part of the creation of a human being, to be able to nurture it within our bodies, and then raise our child within a loving home — preparing him or her for eternal life. In my opinion, nothing compares — nothing!”

The simple prose reveals a mother’s warm heart, as O’Boyle offers hints on how to carve out time for prayer and savor the grace of the present moment in a family where the young ones always seem to grow up just a bit too quickly.

Interspersed with personal anecdotes are succinct quotes from the wisdom of holy men and women — especially Pope John Paul II and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, whom the author was friends with.

All mothers know that their vocation entails its share of difficult moments, and O’Boyle tackles this aspect of motherhood head-on in the chapter “Discovering Grace Within Suffering.”

She reflects, “This whole concept of giving and hurting may seem absurd, especially in today’s culture. Why should we feel uncomfortable — God forbid — or selfless, when we can avoid it? It’s because the love in our motherly heart calls us to it; it beckons us to give of ourselves unreservedly. Real love demands blood, sweat and tears.”

She sums things up with these encouraging words from St. Ignatius of Loyola: “If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that he has great designs for you, and that he certainly intends to make you a saint.”

One slight disappointment may be the final chapter on evangelizing the household and the world. It contains several long Gospel passages, which perhaps could have been reduced to allow a more in-depth look at how the family stands at the very center of the New Evangelization.

All mothers who seek to glimpse with renewed spiritual vision the priceless value of their calling, all those who long to encounter grace amid the joys and trials, the dirty dishes and daily crises of family life will discover in O’Boyle’s book a grace-filled companion along the path to becoming a saint."

(Legionary Father Walter Schu is the author of The Splendor of Love)

(National Catholic Register)

Beautiful Saint Anne!

My friend, Anne in Australia gives us some lovely thoughts and prayers to ponder today. She said:

"Molly over at Heaven not Harvard has shared her own devotion to St Anne as well as her beautiful statues and images of her! (I love them Molly!)

It is always such a beautiful thing to see another mother develop a new or deeper devotion to the mother of Our Lady ~ St Anne, who is our most merciful grandmother. That they too, come to discover her mercy, her powerful and loving intercession.

I love to keep focusing on the attribute of mercy. On this earth she dwelt in the house of mercy this has to be significant in the way that Our Lord, the Bread of Life was born in Bethlehem, meaning 'House of Bread.' That connection I believe, is our pointer, our guide to the heart of Good St Anne. The Church is full of examples throughout the ages ~ that heaven drops it's clues to those who are open to see. Of course, good and loving nana's, grandmothers, grandma's throughout the world, knowingly or unknowingly, follow her example, for they are always merciful, in a special way..." (Continued at her beautiful blog)

Prom pics, coming up...

I'll post a few prom pictures from my daughter's senior prom which was last night. It's been a very busy day and getting late now, so until tomorrow...

Sweet dreams!

Donna-Marie

PS Don't forget to check out my new blog: View from the Domestic Church

Where have I been?

I have been so busy, but then again - what's new? I wanted to at least check in with you to let you know that we are in the midst of the end of the school year activities here. Lots of ceremonies and meetings to attend. My high school senior daughter, Mary-Catherine was awarded two scholarships! Woo hoo! Tons of college paper work to be finished up - it's never-ending. Just when you think you're finished, you are asked to fill out a few more. :) There's a senior prom to get ready for too.

I started a new blog: View From the Domestic Church (as if I have nothing else to do!). I felt very inspired to offer more inspiration for our domestic churches. I am heartened about the conversations going on over there already. Feel free to join in the fun. There are also contests going on there, so check it out and pass the word please.

I am also putting finishing touches on two new books, so stay tuned. It's very exciting! I'm also preparing for a retreat day that I will be giving in Corpus Christi, Texas next week end.

I hope you have a grace-filled Friday!

God bless and hugs,


Donna-Marie

Will you vote?

Take a look and go vote for your favorites for the Catholic Media Awards! You'll have to register which is really quick and painless.

A baby's conversation with God...

"A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

(Author unknown)

A brand new month...

A brand new day of a brand new month! How will we use this time? What does Our Lord have in store for us? Are we open to His will in our lives?

St. Justin, on your feast day, please intercede before the Blessed Trinity for us and ask for the graces that we most need. Amen.

Our Blessed Mother's clothing...

Go on over to Elena-Maria's new blog "Fountain of Elias" to read some interesting points about the clothing of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Happy Pentecost Sunday!

A Morning prayer for Pentecost Sunday:


Psalm 62 (63)
Thirsting for God
How good and kind is your Spirit within us, O Lord! Alleluia.
O God, you are my God, I watch for you from the dawn.
My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you.
I came to your sanctuary,
as one in a parched and waterless land,
so that I could see your might and your glory.
My lips will praise you, for your mercy is better than life itself.
Thus I will bless you throughout my life,
and raise my hands in prayer to your name;
my soul will be filled as if by rich food,
and my mouth will sing your praises and rejoice.
I will remember you as I lie in bed,
I will think of you in the morning,
for you have been my helper,
and I will take joy in the protection of your wings.
My soul clings to you; your right hand raises me up.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
How good and kind is your Spirit within us, O Lord! Alleluia.


Have a very BLESSED day!

My new blog: View From the Domestic Church

Check out the new blog I started and pass the word! It's View From the Domestic Church

God bless your week end!

Donna-Marie

Women dying giving birth in the Congo.

Did you know that more than 30,000 women die in childbirth every year in the Congo? I just learned about it from this post at ORTV/Crossroads Magazine.

There is a short video clip about a Waterbury priest who will be sending a donated van to the Congo to be used as an ambulance for the mothers ready to give birth. He needs funds to ship the van and would also like to fill it up with medical supplies. Currently they have to walk miles to the medical facility when they are in labor and many of them don't make it to that destination. They end of giving birth along the way and most of them sadly die in the process.

Please think about helping even in a small way. Every bit will help. Think about the vast difference in our birth experiences and these women in the Congo. As Father says in the video, we are all one Body of Christ, when one member suffers, we all suffer.

Our Lord wants us to care for one another and to help alleviate suffering. What can we do to help?

"Angels of God"

I am loving Mike Aquilina's new book: Angels of God: The Bible, the Church and the Heavenly Hosts. It's very fascinating. I have a particular love for the Angels and am intrigued by Mike's book. I especially love this author's style of writing. He brings us so much enlightenment on his subjects in a wonderful conversational way. Mike helps us to discover the reality and the power of our Angel friends, escorting them seemingly ever closer to us. I really feel like I'm sitting down with Mike and chatting about the Angels over a cup of coffee every time I pick up this book to read more. I know you'll love this book and learn much too, which is why I am highly recommending it. I'll be posting a review of it soon. Stay tuned!