When family prayer time time gets tough, we switch it up.
The other day, we took the kids outside for the Rosary. We grabbed our chalk, plopped down on the sidewalk, and illustrated the Glorious mysteries together while we prayed.
The whole family enjoyed it. The kids learned a lot, and we all felt it was over too soon.
Rather than struggling and fighting and shushing, we smiled and felt a real loving connection.
And that's important. Because prayer is about our relationship with God. Prayer is growing in love for Him.
And that starts right here, in our family. With daily family prayer time that helps the kids feel loved. Feel connected.
It's not always easy. It's not always fun. It takes hard work and creativity. It takes perseverance.
But it's always important. And it's always worth it.
That'll do the trick lol.
Seriously, though, when there are snacks in the house, I struggle with temperance. I just wsnt to eat it up: problem solved. 😂 It's hard to practice moderation when all the good (junk) food is in my face.
Pro tip: avoid near *occasions of sin.* Don't buy the snacks.
Or at least, practice mindfulness and moderation WHEN you buy the snacks, to make it easier to resist temptation later.
These M&Ms are for the ice cream party on Sunday. This bag of chips is for the beach. We don't need cookies this week, because we have no occasion to eat them.
When I don't stock up on junk food, I find that there are less instances of intemperance on my part. The virtue of moderation becomes easier. I eat healthier. I take better care of my body.
What are your *pro tips* for temperance when it comes to food?
If you want to join a community of people striving for virtue together, join the #VirtueChallengeTeam (link in my profile).
#MyMassTakeaway - Shake it off.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us haters gonna hate.
And if their hearts are closed, there's no need to stick around. Get outta town and shake the dust off your feet.
Sometimes it's better to walk away from the argument.
Don't let yourself get dragged down. Don't get so emotionally embroiled that you can't think straight. Don't get tunnel vision.
Instead, look for opportunities to spread the Gospel to those who are open to hearing it.
Evangelize in a way that lifts you up and gives you energy. Makes you come alive in grace.
It's not your job to change hearts. It's Jesus' job. Our part in evangelization is to announce His coming. Prepare the way.
Sometimes, evangelization includes rejection. Even Jesus went through it.
But rejection isn't failure. Not on our part. In fact it can be a sign that we're doing the right thing. It's a hard message we send - repentance and turning from our sins.
So, in the face of rejection, shake it off.
Move forward to the next opportunity God places in your path.
#catholicsonline #Catholicinspiration #newevangelization #mycatholiclife
A great night for Smores in the backyard!
We listened to the thunder rolling in the distancr and eatched the squirrels playing in the trees. We felt the breeze roll in as the heat of the day melted away.
Have you ever stopped to look at nature as if seeing it for the first time? Next time you go for a walk, or step out into your backyard, or drive down a country road, take a moment to notice where civilization meets wilderness.
Look at raw nature. Imagine what it was like before humans carved a path through it. Before we filled in holes and leveled the way for roads and blasted the rock and cut down trees.
It was wild. Raw. Organic. Beautiful. Look at the way the plants grow around each other. Some giving way and others taking over. Notice the undergrowth in a sunny area, and the bare floor of the dense woods.
Isn't it amazing, God's crration in its original glory?
Now, look at a garden. An orchard. A freshly mowed lawn. A manicured rose bush. A tree won't grow good fruit unless it's pruned. A bush will lose its shape of not tended. Vines will overrun a healthy plant unless cut back.
God gave us the earth. To tame and cultivate. To care for. To help it reach its full potential in a way it may not on its own.
Isn't it glorious, God's plan?
Isn't it amazing how God's creation is beautiful in its natural state, and beautiful when cultivated. The wild and free growth of nature. And its subdued and cultivated counterpart.
Thank You, God, for creation. In all its flavors.
#catholicsonline #Catholicinspiration #mycatholiclife #omnipresent
