7QT: Summer Activities




1.  First of all, I would like to thank Matthew Coffin at  Big C Catholics for the wonderful review of my book, Seven Saints for Seven Virtues. This is the best and most comprehensive review I have had so far. I would also like to thank Chris Stewart of Casting Nets Ministry and Maria Stewart for their fine reviews on Amazon, as well. 

2.  What are we doing for fun this summer? Here's what I have in mind: Attending the Midwest Catholic Family Conference from August 7-9 in Wichita, KS. Then, traveling to Aspen, Colorado for another wonderful conference on The Future of Christianity? from August 14-16. I am looking forward to both of these conferences.

 3. Here are some photo from my flower gardens this July:

Sunflowers

Daylilies, Firecrackers, and Rose of Sharon bush


4. Movies (DVDs) I have really enjoyed watching this summer include: Mc Farland USA,  Planes, Selma, Paddington, Big Hero 6, and Dolphin Tale. All are rated PG with the exception of Selma, which is rated PG-13.  I would avoid taking the children to see Minions, as it is not a family-friendly movie.  

5. My favorite book of the summer has been Finding True Happiness: Satisfying Our Restless Hearts by Robert Spritzer, S.J., Ph.D. This is an excellent study of happiness and a guide to what makes us happy from historical, philosopical, psychological and theological systems. I would recommend it for those who enjoy delving deeply into the reasons why we are happy and are already somewhat knowledgeable in these areas. I enjoyed it because psychology and theology are two of my areas of interest and expertise.

6. On Catholic Fire, I posted a novena to St. Anne, which starts today. This is one of my favorite novenas, which I prayed at our local church with my mom for many years.

7. Just for fun -- a picture outside my window:


The bird on the right sat through the 30-minute storm last week on this branch, getting soaked, but not moving. When the storm ended the bird, on the left flew over to greet him with some little ones.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long while I went shopping with the kids. They had a back to school sale."

Have a great weekend!
Jean


-

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated and are published at the blogger's discretion.

Blog Archive

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

Image
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the
Read more

Saint Michael de Sanctis: Patron of Cancer Patients

Image
Today is the feast of Saint Michael de Sanctis, also known as St. Michael of the Saints, a Spanish Discalced Trinitarian priest, the patron of cancer patients. Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael’s parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert’s monastery in Saragosa four years later.  Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the hou
Read more

St. Raymond Nonnatus, Patron of Expectant Mothers, Midwives, and Newborn Babies

Image
The saint of the day for August 31 is St. Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron of expectant mothers, midwives, obstetricians, infertile couples, and newborn babies. Raymond was born at Portella, Catalonia, Spain in 1204, the son of wealthy parents. He was delivered by cesarean section when his mother died in childbirth. Hence his name non natus (not born). In his childhood, he seemed to find pleasure only in his devotions and serious duties. His father, sensing that Raymond was drawn to religious life, ordered him to manage one of the family farms. Raymond readily obeyed but spent his time with the shepherds and workers, studying and praying until his father abandoned the idea of making his son a worldly success. Raymond later joined the the Order of Our Lady of Mercy or the Mercederians, which was founded by St. Peter Nolasco, who devoted to ransoming Christians captured by the Moors. He succeeded Peter as chief ransomer and went to Algeria to ransom slaves. He remained as hosta
Read more