Revolution of Love.com Blog

Wow, Brian has been really good about posting every day about his Lenten journey over at his blog Beggar for Heaven. I should take a lesson!

Courtesy of The Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY...March 17, 2010

Outside my window... the weather is gorgeous!

I am thinking... it's been a really long time since I've posted anything on the blog!

I am thankful ... that God is working miracles in X's life.

I am wearing... tan shorts, black top and socks.

I am remembering... that I should have worn something green for St. Patrick's day.

I am going... to stay home and clean! (After I get off the computer...)

I am reading... furniture details from an Ikea catalog.

I am hoping... to find a Laura Ingalls costume for Bella's school project.

I am hearing... lots of hammering and sawing as the construction guys are busy with the add-on.

On my mind... there don't seem to be enough hours in the day.

From the kitchen... chicken tacos and fresh guacamole. Yum!

Around the house... bags of stuff for charity.

One of my favorite things... a perfectly timed hug from my favorite guy.

Pondering these words... Bella's joke to me the other day: What do you call cheese that doesn't belong to you? "Nacho cheese." LOL! I thought that was hilarious.

From my picture journal... The three amigos.

Here is a great article for Lent from Catholic Exchange. (Note: It does not have any "Biggest Loser" tips!)

A Lenten "Weight" Loss Program

CatholicMom.com has posted its next online book entitled Through the Open Window by Anne Faye. Here is the intro and beginning paragraph.

About the Book: Lucy Lyons is a woman trying to escape her past. Content to work as a librarian and live alone with her dog, all she wants is a simple life with no complications. When she decides to take the plunge and begins to write a novel during National Novel Writing Month, she gets much more than she bargained for. Her writing will not only force her to face her own secrets, but will also put her in the path of a handsome artist who shares her love of the written word. "Through the Open Window" is an engaging novel about second chances and the secrets we all keep.

About Anne Faye: Anne Faye is a homeschooling Catholic mom who writes from her home in Western Massachusetts. In her free time, she loves painting, quilting, and going for long walks with her dog. This is her first novel. Visit her blog at http://annefaye.blogspot.com

Chapter 1

I sat in the back of the room surveying my surroundings, clutching my notebook, desperately trying to fade into the woodwork. These people were writers! Conversations about plot concepts and writing techniques were going on all around me. What was I doing here? My boss Rachel had convinced me to come after I had casually mentioned seeing the flyer. I was in way over my head. I stood up to attempt a quick escape, but then the meeting leader came in and closed the door behind him. I was trapped. I slunk back into my seat and hoped no one noticed.

Continue Reading...

Brian has revived his Beggar for Heaven blog with a 40 Day Lenten Reflection. Go check it out!

I'm an auntie again! Yay! Congrats to my sis, EL who gave birth to a healthy baby boy yesterday. Baby Frank has the distinction of being my first nephew. :-) God's blessings on you both!

Here's a great story to read in between watching the Olympic games.

Here's a timely story for this Olympic weekend: An Olympic speed-skater, from a family of Olympians, is now a Sister of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal and working among the poor in England...

It seems that I hardly ever post anymore. Family life consumes all my time, which is good I guess. I just don't know how those super Catholic moms do it all - raise 10 kids, homeschool, write books, run the household...I get stressed just thinking about it! LOL! Right now if I can get through the day and care for the kids and get dinner on the table and maybe even get some laundry done and still keep a relative smile on my face, then I call that a heck of a day!

My sister EL (who sometimes contributes to RoL) is expecting Baby #2. She's in VA and we were worried that the baby would arrive during the blizzard but it's past her due date and still no bambino. Say a prayer that all goes well!

Tonight Bella and I will attend her Little Flowers Catholic Girls' club. We haven't been in a couple months because there was so much going at home with the new baby and the holidays etc. Things are still busy but JP is much easier to care for and Bella misses her friends. I have to admit I am just as excited to go because I miss talking with the other Catholic moms. It's easy for a busy mom to fall into a duties-only rut and forget the importance of some female companionship!

And for the LF Valentine's party we needed to make a home-made item to share. I saw these Double Chocolate Cookies on Barefoot Contessa this week so Bella and I tried out the recipe. They are sooo yum! Make a quick batch before lent starts!

Okay, what other random thing can I talk about? Oh wait. Big news. We're adding on! No not to the family (give the body some time to heal!) but to the house. We're going to convert the garage into another bedroom. (Right now we only have two.) It took months to get through all the red tape and now we were given the go sign. The contractor told me that as soon as we clear out all the STUFF from our garage and the storage cabinets, they can start building. So guess what I'll be doing this weekend?? I think I better sign up for Danielle's 40 bags in 40 days for Lent!!

Lastly, here's a recent pic of John-Paul, now 5 ½ months.

Did you catch the Dominican Sisters of Mary on Oprah? I was hesitant to watch it since I wasn't sure what kind of spin it would have. However, I am happy to say that it was a great piece. The Sisters answered their questions and explained their way of life with such joy and honesty that you could not help being impressed with them, whatever your religious background. I hope this opens up the doors for many women questioning the meaning and purpose of their life.

And here is a video with general information about the Sisters.

I don't watch Oprah but I may tune in to see the Sisters. Thanks to CatholicVoteAction.org for the heads up.

The Dominican Sisters Appearing on Oprah Tomorrow (2/9/10)

Lately, it seems like everyone has been complaining to me about the Duggar family - from my hairdresser to my mother in law. This article from Lifenews.com came just in time.

Hey People: Is the Duggar Family Too Big or Are Our Hearts Too Small?

I had a few minutes of computer time this morning so I went over to The Domestic Church Blog to catch up. I enjoyed her post Queenship of the Home Part 1 about getting one's house in order. She also pointed me to this post from Evlogia Blog. It is just what I needed to hear so I am requoting the full piece.

The Treasure Hunt

As a mother of many children, attending the divine services is a matter of constant movement. My arms are rarely empty and, as far as I can recollect, I have never ended a service standing in the same spot in which I began. Long ago I let go of the naive notion that the distraction of caring for young children amounted to missing the spiritual benefit of attending the services. Quite the contrary. The situation of having my will repeatedly cut off has proven far more profitable than the peace and quiet that I desire.

Women shall be saved in childbearing (1 Timothy 2:15).

Yes, she will be given the opportunity to learn to live for another person besides herself.

My spiritual father often reminds me that mothers must learn to be creative in prayer. It's a matter of taking utter chaos and, by God's grace, using it to affect the ordering one's heart. This is the creativity of motherhood. Nursing a sick child in the middle of the night becomes an opportunity to keep vigil. The repeated interruption of a meal in order to serve a hungry child becomes an opportunity to fast. An overflowing basket of laundry becomes a reminder to pray for each member of the family as each piece of clothing is folded and put away. Little ways to capture grace in the smallest of moments.

I spent the first decade of motherhood waiting for a moment of quiet. As soon as the children are older, I can pray. As soon as the house is clean and organized, I can be at peace. As soon as we get through this trying time, then I can be the kind of wife and mother that I truly want to be.

Always missing the opportunity to engage the present moment and instead, living for an imaginary one.

The older I get, the more the present moment becomes a treasure hunt. Where is it? Where is the grace of this moment? God is here. Where is He in this moment? While I used to hunt for quiet, I now spend my time as a mother learning to listen amid the noise and have made it a practice to creatively search for any opportunity to catch a brief spiritual word of encouragement.

It's amazing how much better you can hear the quiet of God's voice when the noise of one's complaining ceases.

For instance, if I had to guess, I would say that on average I typically hear about five minutes of a 20 minute homily on any given Sunday. Yet God is infinitely creative and somehow that brief word proves to be the one that I most needed.

My five minutes today were probably more like two. Nevertheless, having no idea of the context in which they were posed, I found something to ponder in these questions:

When my children are disobedient do I first stop and pray for them? Does my pain of heart lie in that they are doing something that might cause them to loose the grace of God? Or does my irritation rest in that they have not done my will?

I wonder how a family would be blessed if a mother were to keep a watch over her heart, constantly asking these three questions of herself.

I think I'll test it and see. With God as my helper.

And the treasure hunt continues.

Thanks, Evlogia!

The winners of the CatholicMom.com's Fairy Tale Novel Giveaway were announced. If you haven't heard of Sarah Reinhard's novels check out this post for a rundown. I finished reading The Shadow of the Bear and I am now on Black as Night. Check it out!

In response to NOW's attack against the pro-life ad to be aired during the Super Bowl, the SBA List has set up a site for people to show support to Tebow and his mom. Show you support too.

Also be sure to sign the petition to support CBS and its decision to air the Tim Tebow ad. Learn more about it at Life Site News.com.

Courtesy of The Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY...January 27, 2010

Outside my window... the sun is finally shining! Yay!

I am thinking... it's been a really long time since I've posted anything on the blog!

I am thankful ... that Brian is feeling a lot better and is able to return to work.

I am wearing... my cozies.

I am remembering... that I need to call my mom before she flies out to VA to help out my about-to-give-birth sis.

I am going... to burn my mouth on this soup if I don't let it cool down more.

I am reading...Black as Night: A Fairy Tale Retold by Regina Doman and Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge.

I am hoping... to get some serious spring cleaning done.

I am hearing... John-Paul's breathing coming from the baby monitor.

On my mind... the upcoming construction to convert the garage into another bedroom.

Noticing that... I forgot to recharge my iphone.

From the kitchen... I see a big bag of tomatoes that doesn't know if it wants to be a batch of marinara sauce or salsa.

Around the house... are Thomas the Train engines.

One of my favorite things... an email from an old friend that you were just thinking about.

Pondering these words... A tweet I read this morning: "You can't EXPECT to get a woman like Mary if you're not willing to step up and be a man like Joseph."

From my picture journal... John-Paul turned 5 months old this week. Here he is having his first baby cereal.

Our continued prayers go out to the people of Haiti, especially members of our Catholic family.

There are a number of charitable organizations accepting donations for the people of Haiti. It seems the most common and easiest way to donate is to text "Haiti" to 90999 which will send $10 to the Red Cross. 100% of your donation passes through to the Red Cross for Haiti relief. Your cell carrier keeps nothing.

There are also a number of Catholic organizations giving aid. You can find a list of them here - CNS: Catholic Aid Agencies Accept Donations for Haitian Quake Relief.

We pray that you all have a happy and holy Christmas! Thanks for being a part of the RoL family! :-)

Here is a Christmas reflection from Brian's blog.

A Christmas Reflection

Eternal Word of the Father
Heavenly Light dispelling all darkness and gloom
Come, Come and enter our hearts

Holy baby of Bethlehem
God with us!
Pure and undefiled
Love Incarnate

We worship You!
We praise You!
We adore You!

Little One, lying in a manger
Poor and humble
Have mercy on us!

Baby Jesus, Son of Mary
Conquer our richness with Your Holy Poverty
Conquer our pride with Your Holy Humility

Light of the world
On Christmas Day
clothe us with peace, joy and hope!

Amen.

Hey guys, I received this info from Carmen, an RoL reader. Sounds like a great opportunity! I am especially excited that it is being put together by Ave Maria Singles. That's were Brian and I met! (Here's our story.) May you be just as deeply blessed! Check it out.

Hi Bobbi,

Any way to get this information out there? This singles group is recommended by Fr. Benedict Groeschel. People are signed on from Australia, Germany, Ireland, and the USA. Half the group registered are men so far!!!

Feel free to call me for more info! God bless! Thank you and best wishes for Blessed Christmas!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Catholic Singles' Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes March 10-20, 2010

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Join Anthony Buono, Fr. Peter Stravinskas & Ave Maria Singles, March 10-20, 2010, on an 11-day Marian pilgrimage to the shrines of Fatima & Lourdes. Pray at the Grotto of Lourdes and bath in the healing waters; celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions in Fatima; visit the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola; walk in the footsteps of pilgrims to the Cathedral of St James de Compostela; visit the stunning cathedrals of Leon, Burgos, Fatima, Lourdes, and Santiago de Compostela. Sample the extraordinary cuisine of France, Spain and Portugal!

Don't miss this fabulous opportunity to meet other Catholic Singles and to experience the spiritual wonders and graces of Fatima & Lourdes! Only $1,999 per person (air not included)! Call Corporate Travel, (800) 727-1999, extension 121, for more information.

Here it is, Carmen! I'll also post it on Twitter!

One of our fave Catholic speakers Fr. Corapi has many of this talks on DVD for sale. Only $10 each. Buy a couple for yourself or as gifts for friends! Check it out here.

Congrats to my sis-in-law Maria Rangel for the beautiful Madonna and Child she finished painting! This painting is now available as a high quality printed card. They make great Christmas cards and since they are blank inside they can be used year round. They also make a great gift. Wrap a bundle of cards in a pretty ribbon and add a nice pen to the bow and you have a great unique gift for a hostess, teacher, or Catholic friend.

The "Madonna and Child" cards are blank on the inside and approx 5"x7" folded with envelopes. The cost is $2.50 each or bulk rate of $1.50 each for 10 or more. Shipping is $3 for orders below 10 cards and $5 for orders of 10 cards or more. Make checks payable to Maria Rangel. Orders can be mailed to 310 S. Jefferson St. #49A, Placentia, CA 92870.

I just placed my Christmas order for Mystic Monk coffee. It's a perfect gift! (Make sure to try their Christmas specialties: Christmas Blend and Jingle Bell Java!)

Mystic Monk Coffee

Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks' great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

The new line up for Masterpiece Classic 2010 is now online. There are some great shows coming up. I think I am most looking forward to Emma and The 39 Steps. Can't wait!

Courtesy of The Simple Womans Daybook.

FOR TODAY...December 2

Outside my window... cold and gray - finally. It's hard to get in the Christmas spirit when it is hot outside.

I am thinking... is it REALLY December already?

I am thankful for... our fun time at Disneyland and for the great Thanksgiving with my family.

I am wearing... the usual cozies - black knit pants, white tank, gray sweatshirt jacket.

I am remembering... that I need to update my costco shopping list.

I am going... to take Andrew to the speech therapist this morning.

I am (still) reading...The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold by Regina Doman ( I haven't had much reading time lately.)

I am hoping... to finally get all the suitcases unpacked.

I am hearing... John-Paul drink his milk on my lap.

On my mind... why am I on the computer when I have so much to do?

Noticing that... my hair looks so much better after getting it professionally cut. (It's only been five years!)

From the kitchen... breakfast is calling.

Around the house... it's a mess.

One of my favorite things... when Brian watches the kids and I am able to get the house in order and my chores caught up without interruption.

Pondering these words... "Get off your butt and get to work." (Ok. I'm going.)

From my picture journal... You get two pics - my little ones and me & JP.