Catholic Fire

With Lent only two weeks away, it's time to start looking at some inspiring reading material to help us grow in holiness. Of the books I have read, the following are my favorites for Lent: 1.   Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Familie s by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle 2. Bringing Lent Home with St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families   by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle 3 . Seven Saints for Seven Virtues by Jean M. Heimann (helpful in learning to replace sin with specific virtues) 4. Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from Saint Thomas Aquinas   by Peter Kreeft 5. The Grace of Yes: Eight Virtues for Generous Living by Lisa Hendey 6. Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross by Edward Sri 7. Magnifcat Lenten Companion All of these books are very readable and relevant. 

I just finished reading Lisa M. Hendey’s book, The Grace of Yes: Eight Virtues for Generous Living. This book is truly amazing. I have to admit that I have not read Lisa’s previous books, but do read her posts on Patheos and New Evangelizers, which I consistently find very appealing. Hendey is a wonderful writer. She writes clearly, articulately, honestly, with much encouragement and optimism. I met Lisa at a conference and was impressed by how friendly, natural, and open she was, unconcerned about making an impression, but very confident in her own skin. After reading this book, I understand why – she is a woman of faith and humility. In The Grace of Yes , Lisa discusses eight virtues each one of us needs to acquire in order to say "Yes!" to God and His will in our life. I am not exactly sure of the origin of each of these virtues, as some appear to be more psychological than theological. The virtues consist of: belief (faith), generativity, creativity, integrity, ...

This week, Catholic Mom is giving away five copies of The Grace of Yes : Eight Virtues for Generous Living   by Lisa Hendey along with a signed copy for one lucky winner. Go HERE to enter!