7 Quick Takes (vol. 19)

Another week come and gone, and Lent is here to stay for a while. Here's some randomness from my week.

~~ 1 ~~

So I started Reading this book

 image from here

And it's great. Even though I'm not married yet it's has some great exercises to do with your significant other and I love that it's based on years and years and years of research. It's fascinating!

~~ 2 ~~

Did anyone else read hardcore depressing books in middle school and Jr. High? I was all about Lurlene McDaniel. This article is spot on and cracked me up.

~~ 3 ~~

Super exciting news! So Venerable Fulton Sheen is one step closer to becoming a Blessed and then a Saint (God willing)! 

James' alleged "miracle" is one step closer to being recognized as a miracle by the church!

Head over to Bonnie's Blog for the full story and press release from the Archbishop Sheen Foundation.

~~ 4 ~~

So it feels like Spring! I don't want to jinx it but I am all for it and can't wait for this again

fresh flowers sound amazing!

~~ 5 ~~

Speaking of spring...I love the idea of growing a garden with a them. For example: a pizza garden or salsa garden. I'm great with herbs so maybe I should add tomatoes this year. The promise of Spring is exciting :)

~~ 6 ~~

One of the things I'm doing for Lent this year is being more present in my prayers. I found myself "multitasking" while saying some of my prayers throughout the day, so this Lent I'm sitting still, often closing my eyes and actually focusing on the words I'm saying. I should probably apply this to other aspects of my life as well. Being present is important and whomever I am talking to, whether it's God, a friend or my fiance, they deserve my attention. They are worth it.

~~ 7 ~~

My brother is throwing a Mad Hatter party tonight. So I'm off to that.

hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

For more Quick Takes, head on over to Conversion Diary.

Love as they loved

I found this picture a while ago and have no idea where it came from but I absolutely love it. It's a beutiful portrayal of the Holy Family with a bit of a more modern twist. I love the look between Mary and Joseph. I love the placement of her hand on his arm. You can just feel the love, the uncertinty of things to come, the trust, the strength, the encouragement. There is just so much emotion, it's beautiful, and if I ever find it's origin again I would love to order a print and share the mast behind the work with all of you.

During this Lenten season I think it's good to reflect on Jesus' entry into this world. On the family that brought Him up. On our own families and relationships. We need to remember what a gift life is. What a gift each day is and remember to love as Mary and Joseph loved, as Jesus loved us.