Bishop Robert Barron on a Sunday Afternoon

A biography is not generally the first book I'll pick up to read. But one of my moms groups is doing a Bishop Robert Barron Bible study and I've really enjoyed the videos that accompany it. Bishop Barron is both eloquent yet relatable, extremely intelligent yet casual, and friendly yet completely passionate and on fire for the Catholic faith. I would love to be like him when it comes to sharing the faith with others, so when I saw this book not only about his life but also about his thoughts on effectively sharing the Gospel in our current culture, I was intrigued. 

The book did not disappoint! It was so interesting to read about Bishop Barron's childhood, priesthood vocation, faith background and journey as well as the beginnings of his now worldwide ministry Word on Fire and where he'd love to see it go in the future. While not written by him, there were many interviews and quotes of his. I loved hearing his thoughts on different issues the Church and the world face today. He has a deep well of knowledge when it comes to the faith and is completely faithful to the teachings of the Church (including the hard ones!) but he's so passionate about reaching those who have left the faith or those with no faith at all and helping them understand the 'whys' behind the teachings and how they bring us to true freedom and joy-- and God's love. 

One of the things that has stuck with me most was his thoughts on liberalism. He prefers to avoid the labels of 'conservative' and 'liberal' because of how divisive they can be. While he obviously is conservative in a lot of his views and approaches, I thought it was really neat how he said the liberal movement of the Church brought some good with it and we don't need to denounce that. What we need to do instead is move beyond it. It's good to care for the poor, be passionate about social justice, and work hard to speak and act for change in these areas. But he calls stopping there a "reduction" of the Catholic faith. We can't reduce the faith to simply outward actions of caring for those in need, we must also have a relationship with God, cultivate prayer, and learn God's word through Scripture and Church teaching and history. It's a "both/and" kind of deal. Too often I think we like to label ourselves and hang out with like-minded people, but Bishop Barron is bold and passionate about moving beyond these labels to the heart of the New Evangelization.

There were a couple times near the end of the book when I found myself wanting to skim or getting slightly bored, but overall I thought this was a fascinating read that made me want to dig deeper into the wealth of Church history and writings as well as evangelize in the modern world as winsomely and persuasively as he does!

[Thank you to Blogging for Books for my complimentary review copy. This review contains my honest and original thoughts.]

Little Randoms (and Some Photo Dumping)

1. I'm in need of some new books to read. Hit me with your recommendations. I usually like to have a fiction, a nonfiction (usually related to marriage/parenting/homemaking), and a spiritual book going. I have a spiritual one but that's it...and shallow as it is to say, I have to admit I'm really missing my fiction! I recently finished this book and it was fascinating, particularly because it came from a secular, nonreligious viewpoint but stressed the importance of the mother's presence in the first three years of her children's lives for healthy brain development and attachment/relationships. Obviously, God's grace helps fill in the gaps of our parenting mistakes (thank goodness!!) but I'm still amazed at learning the way the human brain develops and how crucial it is for safety, security, and affection in those early years. This book was so countercultural to the way we view children and motherhood and parenting here in America, yet the author's tone was very open and encouraging and helpful. Loved it.

2. I'm cleaning out evvvvverything these days and it feels so good. I had intended to use January to start organizing baby stuff, making freezer meals, and all that...but once I took down the Christmas stuff and started to clean out a few areas, I realized a much bigger project was in store. I told you before about this fabulous book that you need to read, and it is completely revolutionizing my January. I'm realizing that in the childbearing years (and maybe beyond??), I just don't need or want a lot of stuff. I don't have a lot of time to decorate, scrapbook, etc, and too much stuff just stresses me out. I want a simplified life so I can focus on my family and our day to day needs and goals. I'm not saying I'm 'throwing away' the other parts of me...just that they don't feel as desirable in this season. I don't need ten thousand hobbies; I'm content to have my crocheting and a few cardmaking supplies (or even just reading books with a cup of tea refreshes me!). And I don't need tons of decor; the toddler will just spread it all around the room. I'm finding minimalism and simplicity is extremely freeing mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So I keep opening cupboards and drawers and filling boxes to go out! Do I sound off the deep end yet? ;)

My sister and mom have been my partners-in-crime for a lot of cleaning out and it's been fun to have our G and my niece get to spend more time together.

3. My mother-in-law came to stay with us for several days after my hospitalization last weekend. It was so great to have her, she's always a joy to have around and a huge help with G and housework. My dear friend from Kentucky also came to visit while her husband was on a work trip. I hadn't seen her since her wedding last summer, we stayed up until 1am talking the first night (this from the tired mama who didn't even stay up for NYE)! She is preggo with her first and we are due TWO DAYS APART! Exciting. My husband actually had both of us on his radio show while she was here to talk about spirituality and pregnancy. It was a lot of fun. Maybe I'll be brave enough to share the podcast with you once it comes out. :)

On the air in 3, 2, 1...

Twin baby bumps!

4. We've had tons of snow this year and it's been very pretty. Sadly the temps have been sooo low that we've only been out once to play in it. But today it's "warming up" to the 20's, so that's a positive thing, ha! 

Our backyard view

5. This little chica is growing up so fast and turning into such a little lady. It's just awesome to see how her personality and intelligence are developing more each day. She understands so much and is a fun little playmate. My favorite thing she does is "pour tea" with a plastic teapot and cups and share it with us. She even makes the sound effects. Is it too soon to introduce her to Anne of Green Gables or Little Women? ;)

She finally started walking full-time this month and it's crazy to see her walk into a room.

Can't forget the handsome hubs!

6. Because of my little hospital stint, we got to have another ultrasound and see this little one. I LOVE 4D ultrasounds...the baby literally SMILED as she was taking the picture. It was awesome. 

It's beautiful how the heart expands to love each child as much as only one.

7. Well, look at that. This could be a quick takes post, after all. Maybe I'll link to Kelly this Friday. ;) Have a great week, friends!

When a Grocery Trip Changes Your Day

There's something about the grocery store that provides so many ways to grow in holiness.

We all go there. It's pretty mundane. Yet the way we interact with people can change the course of our day-- and theirs. There's a lot of opportunity in that. 

Last week I was in the checkout line, unloading my cart. The line behind me was getting long and the person in front of me was slowly finishing his transaction. As it became my turn, I realized why things were going slower than usual. 

A middle-aged man with a fresh, innocent face was the bagger. It was clear that he had a developmental disability and it was clear this was a new job for him as the cashier directed him to 'pack the fruits together' or 'put the bread on top.' The cashier seemed a little frazzled and apologetic to the customers and I could hear the edge in her voice as she hurried him along...not in a mean way, but moreso in a way that showed she was nervous that we were all annoyed and upset with the sweet man taking his sweet time. 

Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones. Or maybe it's just the human connection. But I watched the scene with a flood of compassion unleashing inside. And I knew I wanted to say something to let her know it was okay.

I smiled at the bagger and said, "you're learning from the best. I love the way you guys bag groceries here." It was kind of silly but it was all that came to mind as I smiled at the cashier, trying to reassure her that I didn't mind the delay.

Her whole expression changed from stress to appreciation. She smiled at me and said "You have a really good day, ma'am." Neither one of us said what we were really thinking. But there was a knowing between us, a silent communication between us. 

I continued to chat with the bagger as I helped him load my cart. His innocence and friendliness cut my heart as I thought about how often I myself am in such a rush...and how hard it must be for him and others like him to go slow in a world that won't slow down and make room. 

The grocery bagger gave me a gift that day along with my purchases...a reminder to slow down and see people. Every moment of life holds beauty...why am I so quick to miss it and rush to the next moment? Many people may have thought him simple and slow, but by God's grace that day I saw that he was the one living with true wisdom and grace -- focusing on the moment, carefully performing his tasks with intentionality,  and seeing and engaging the people right in front of him. 

I drove home with tears in my eyes, my trunk full of well-packed groceries, and a heart full of gratitude for an unexpected lesson in love.

My Word for 2018

It's still the month of resolutions, although I think statistically we're almost to the point where people give them up again? ha!

I'm normally ALL about goals and resolutions this time of year. So it was really odd for me to not have any idea of what I wanted to do for the year. I would think about it and pray a little, but nada!

Trust me, it's not because I don't need to improve. There are pleeenty of areas for that.

But nothing really stuck out. And in some ways, I'm already working on a lot of areas from the past few months-- decreasing/eliminating social media, cleaning out and organizing my home in preparation for the new baby, and striving to use naptime more for prayer and creativity.

But the list-making, label-loving part of me still really wanted a resolution or goal. So I prayed again for a word.

And it came.

Not what I thought it would be. But it's perfect.

Cherish. 

In the midst of all my 'doings' and 'improvings' and strivings, THIS is what I need to remember: I am blessed with my husband, my children, my family and friends and community. With little moments and daily rhythms and ordinary beauty. And instead of forgetting all of that in the midst of my improving, I want to cherish them all.

To pause more, love deeper, play sillier, hug tighter, and relish these precious people and fleeting moments. 

We are a people of looking ahead. And when we look ahead, we fail to cherish in the present. 

With God's grace, not this year.

Do you have a focus or desire or hope or goal for this year? I'd love to hear it!

Well THAT Was a Whirlwind!

I haven't felt great for the past several days. Some indigestion, some pains, and just all around not feeling well. Maybe a little bug, I thought?

But a couple nights ago, I had a nagging feeling that maybe some of the pain I was feeling were actually contractions.

I don't have any of the risk factors. I'm on progesterone to prevent preterm labor. I'm only 25 weeks along. It was easy to deny it.

Until it wasn't easy anymore!

I woke up, hosted my monthly book club, and continued to feel the rhythmic pains despite enjoying a two hour distraction of good food and conversation with my girlfriends.

So I went to the hospital.

They hooked me up and found out I was having contractions every 4-6 minutes!!! It was crazy! Or rather, I realized I wasn't crazy because they really were contractions!

I ended up staying for seven hours while they monitored me and ran all sorts of tests. I was given a bunch of fluid through an IV to help, but the contractions kept marching on through. So finally they gave me a medication to try to stop them and slowly but surely, things calmed down. My cervix stayed closed the whole time, which is just such an incredible blessing. Everything hinges on that for whether or not it becomes preterm labor. Because mine was closed, they felt comfortable to send me home.

I still don't feel completely back to normal but I feel a ton better than yesterday, and it's reassuring to have received such great care and evaluation. I'll see my regular OB doctor tomorrow and we will go from there, but the prognosis is looking pretty good so far. Please say a prayer for me and baby, that baby will stay in there until my due month!

I'm so grateful for the little ways God showed up the past few days with His guidance and care. There were so many glimpses of Him, from feeling peace and calm instead of worry and fear, and even down to having a Christian nurse and finding out our husbands knew each other.

No matter what the outcome would have been (or is), I know I have to remember that God is good and cares for me and my child. Yet I have to admit it's such a relief to not be having the contractions anymore and that this little one is kicking as we wait to figure out the plan from here. Life with a husband and children can feel so uncertain sometimes or bring on so many worries because you just want all of them to be safe and healthy...yet it's a reminder that we are made for Heaven and this life is only a journey there...learning to trust God (not ourselves or an outcome) along the way.