Verily Magazine

Posted by deniseym on May 6, 2013 in News & Events, The Catchall Category, Writing Thoughts | 0 comments

Have you heard of Verily Magazine? Verily promises to be a ”magazine less about who you should be, and more of who you are.” Wow, that is refreshing in a world obsessed with Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Self, and O!

Whether or not most women are aware of it or not, there is a desperation in our current society for this type of publication, one built upon true femininity…just glancing at their website you can appreciate the artful presentation that actually has substance behind the beauty. And, thank God, no one is half-naked and strewn about, there are no vows of “Sweet and Sexy Moves” (Cosmo-ism) or “Easy Steps to a Lean Sexy Belly” (from the “medical team” at Health mag, yikes!)…you’ve seen all the bold print at your children’s eye level in the check out lines at Target.

Verily’s first full print issue will be out for June / July 2013 and will only be available in print and on the iPad (subscribe here). Until then, the new magazine has provided a sneak peek of the upcoming issue. Hooray, I’m really looking forward to a classy mag for women!

Does anyone else see the connection?

Posted by deniseym on May 2, 2013 in Church Militant Moments, Marriage & Family, News & Events | 1 comment

“We are deeply disappointed that just days after President Obama proclaimed his commitment to women’s reproductive rights, his administration has decided once again to deprive women  their right to obtain emergency contraception without unjustified and burdensome restrictions,” said Nancy Northup, the President of the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Let’s just get something straight before we move on: these are not “women” we are discussing, these are girls!

Now, why do you think Mr. Obama who is pro-abortion, anti-marriage (anti-woman, anti-family…) is against the over-the-counter sale of Plan B One-Step to girls under the age of fifteen?

No, he doesn’t have a budding pro-life conscience, no he isn’t going back on his pro-abortion promises…although that would be an answer to many prayers.

I strongly believe Obama opposes getting this pill into the hands of younger and younger girls because this move will cut into Planned Parenthood’s market share…and we are all keenly aware of his love affair with our nation’s number one abortion provider.

(and by the way, Chris Hayes, you were wrong when you preached, “Plan B is not unsafe, let me repeat, Plan B is not unsafe”… Plan B can act as both a contraceptive and an abortifacient pill, not a medicinal drug! Medicine is the science of preserving or restoring health and treating DISEASE with drugs or curative substances. Fertility and pregnancy are not diseases!)

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Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for us.

This prayer was found in the fiftienth year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, not shall posion take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; or shall be burned in any fire, or shall be overpowered in battle.

…for me it’s the kitchen table

Posted by deniseym on May 1, 2013 in Marriage & Family, The Catchall Category | 2 comments

Do you have a place that is a tiny window into your soul? I don’t mean a designated space such as a journal or a memoir in the works. I’m thinking something more obvious, more everyday and conspicuous. It may be your computer desktop or your iPhone screen. Or maybe it’s your dresser top or even a junk drawer. I’ve seen many a front passenger seat overflowing with stuff (and confirmed by correlating bumper stickers and duct-taped windows) that reveals one’s character and life. Well, for me it’s the kitchen table in the middle of the day on any given week day.

Today, this all-too-often-taken-for-granted tableau coaxed a smile (and many tears) out of me. As I looked at the ever-cycling-through treasures of the day, and I felt pure joy:

• freshly completed handwriting worksheet written in crayon       
• white eraser adorned with pencil-hole-artwork
• Patriot Voices mug filled with organic green tea
• Hello Kitty clad iPhone loaded with pictures of my babies, Scrabble, FoxNews, Lego games, every free Catholic app I can find, and Pinterest, of course
• First Aid kit
• bowl of bubble blowers and wands and a butterfly net
• bag of Pilgrims of the Holy Family badges
• CCL’s latest Family Foundations still damp from the mailbox (with the cover article “Real Men Use NFP”) next to one of my husband’s Rosaries
• red baseball cap
• Algebra and Catechism books
• oral surgeon bill
• Bible and this week’s National Catholic Register
• a box of Kleenex tissues
• and more! (…yes, it’s a really big table!)

This is not only a litany of the stuff of my day, but, more specifically and importantly, this is also a list of blessings.

God is good. On that table, I see His goodness in the gifts He has given me.

So, where is your window and what does it reveal?

The Christian Alphabet Book : Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible by Tracy Sands (Book Review)

Posted by deniseym on Mar 26, 2013 in Book Reviews | 0 comments

“Cherish Your Name. Celebrate Your Faith.”

I was surprised…The Christian Alphabet Book : Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible by Tracy Sands is a meaningful reading and reference book for young children, adolescents, and adults alike! Beyond the unique and beautiful visual content (including original illustrations and a subtle, yet beautiful use of color), the spirtual and educational content is inspiring and informative. After travelling through the artistic illustrations of the Christian alphabet, you’ll discover a bonus which describes the Christian symbology used. This book will be well-loved in no time in my home!

When you visit the author’s website, you’ll find serval other Christian alphabet products, including personalized gifts such as: bookmarks, coffee mugs, music (sample songs here), and special occasion gifts.

…and, no, I don’t receive a commission, I just think the products are that good!

Sweet Spring is Made of These…Who am I to Disagree?

Posted by deniseym on Mar 18, 2013 in News & Events, The Catchall Category, Writing Thoughts | 1 comment

Spring is merely days away which is always sweetness, but this year is even better:

Dido releases a new album Girl Who Got Away in March….

Kristin Hannah’s new book Fly Away is on sale April 23rd…

and Carla Stewart’s novel Sweet Dreams hits the bookshelves in May…

it’s going to be a great Spring!

Rock on and Read on!