Catholic Fire

1. Christmas is coming soon. Are you ready? It seems like Advent has flown by. I was on a really good schedule of going to Mass daily, praying my Rosary, and going to Confession weekly. I was caught up with my writing, my housework, and working out daily at the gym when all of a sudden I had an accident. I carelessly tripped over the cord to my laptop and landed on my knees on the floor. My system was jolted -- I threw my back out, ended up with bruised knees, neck pain, headaches, and more. It's not something you want to experience at any time, but especially not right before Christmas. I have been in a lot of pain, but have been offering it up. Of course I went to the chiropractor and have been icing myself down, but I believe that God can use my pain to bring souls to Him during this Christmas season. This pain can be used for good purposes. Perhaps he also wants me to slow down, to do less, and pray more. Drawing nearer to him and preparing our hearts for his coming is what...

Here are five great gifts for Christmas: 1. The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross b y Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle In this candid, astonishing autobiographical account, this soft-spoken, delicate, and devout Catholic media celebrity reveals the shocking struggles she has tackled in life. She became engaged to a drug addict who held her against her will, threatening harm to her family. She faced miscarriages, abuse, serious illness, divorce, financial difficulties, custody battles, and single motherhood – all with great inner strength and tremendous courage. Through God’s providence, she met Mother Teresa, the spiritual guide who shepherded her through some of these trials and helped her heal. 2 . True Radiance  Finding Grace in the Second Half of Life  by Lisa Mladinich True Radiance is a beautiful book written for women  in the second half of their lives, which is intended to: guide them to grat...

1. Sound -- Beautiful Christmas music from the Dominican Sisters in Nashville  (FREE) 2. Sight - -  Gorgeous Christmas Nativity Paintings  (FREE), 10 Videos to Warm Your Heart This Christmas 3. Taste --  Chocolate Gingerbread Truffles  (gluten-free, dairy-free), Chocolate Pepperment Cookies , Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake for Christmas  , and More  (INEXPENSIVE) 4. Touch -- Christmas Crafts , Festive Candle Holder  (INEXPENSIVE) 5. Smell --   Frankincense Oil   and More   (MODERATELY PRICED)

1. Mary of Nazareth: The Life of Our Lady in Pictures by Fr. Donald Calloway -- Ignatius Press, 2014 I have this book and love it! It is one of the most inspirational books I have read! Beautiful photos, uplifting quotes from the saints about Mary, all make this an ideal Christmas gift. 2.  Joy to the World: How Christ's Coming Changed Everything (and Still Does) by Scott Hahn -- Image, 2014 3. Practical Theology: 350+ Ways Your Mind Can Help you Become a Saint by Peter Kreeft -- Ignatius 2014  4. St. John Paul the Great: His Five Loves by Jason Everett -- Totus Tuus Press and Lighthouse Media, 2014 5. Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families   by Donna-Marie Cooper-O'Boyle -- Ave Maria Press, 2014 This is the perfect book for family communication and reflection! It is power-packed with great stories on Pope St. John Paul II that you will love reading! ...