According to my life, though, summer is HERE. The kids are home from school, the pool is open for business, the hay is being cut all around!
In my thoughts
I’ve been reading Life of Christ as part of the SpiritualDirection.com Book Club, and it has me thinking about Jesus. And about his life. And about his humanity. And his god-ness.
I’d like to say that it’s impacting me in a deep and powerful way, because I think it is. What’s more accurate, though, is that it’s seeping into my thinking, cooking into my thoughts, percolating in my subconscious.
What I’m reading
Heads Bowed: Prayers for Catholic School Days, the upcoming new release by Lisa Mladinich: it’s all the things you’d expect from Mladinich, with a side of delightful and useful. I guess I didn’t need to read the whole thing, but I have sure enjoyed it (and I’m glad I have). This is a prayer book for more than just Catholic school teachers!
My pick of the week
Look! Look!
Let me introduce you to The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion: A Book of Daily Reflections.
Yes, that’s right.
MY NAME IS ON THE COVER OF A BOOK WITH LISA HENDEY’S.
You can get a sneak peek of what it’s all about over at CatholicMom.com, and you can preorder it through all the usual places.
Here’s a bit about it:
Are you a Catholic mom who prays for the wisdom and patience to get through each day? Do you pray for your children, husband, family and friends, and sometimes even yourself? “The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion” offers a new, daily resource to make the most of those few, precious minutes you have to pause and reflect.
For more than fifteen years, the award-winning “CatholicMom.com” website has been a trusted source for sound, practical, and spiritual guidance. In their new book, authors Lisa M. Hendey and Sarah A. Reinhard bring together more than eighty moms, dads, and trusted spiritual companions to provide fresh, uplifting meditations for every day of the year. You’ll find encouragement when you’re struggling, reassurance when you feel alone, and comfort when you’re distracted by worry.
Created by moms for moms, these hope-filled meditations touch on the issues and concerns you face as you try to get through the day with a sense of God’s presence in your life. Whether you are a new or seasoned mom working in or outside of your home, this inspiring collection of reflections for every day of the year will help you
• stay in touch with the seasons of the Church year:
• remember Mary’s loving presence on her feast days:
• keep company with both new and familiar saints:
• see the spiritual meaning of secular holidays: and
• make you smile with occasions such as Houseplant Appreciation Day and National Popcorn Day.Each day begins with a brief quotation from scripture, saints, recent popes, or important spiritual writers. A personal reflection—written by contributors including Danielle Bean, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Lisa Mladinich, Elizabeth Scalia, Carolyn Woo, Mark Hart, and Jeff Young—focuses on some dimension of your spiritual, emotional, intellectual, or physical life.
Each day also includes a brief prayer and a question or thought to ponder throughout the day.
In just a few minutes of quiet you’ll find the boost you need from a friendly voice. Each month also has a special theme such as love, family fun, and slowing down. Start these reflections any time throughout the year and feel your days become more grace-filled and inspired.
I’m all kinds of biased: I’ve worked with all of the entries, all of the 80+ contributors, and read it at least twice.
Even so, I’ll hold to saying this is a prayer book that’s invaluable. It’s unlike anything else out there, in part because of the people who contributed to it, and in part because of the content within it.
You don’t just need a copy. Your mom, your sister, and your best friend need copies too. 
A recent read worth highlighting
Are you looking for summer reading? Or great anytime reading? Oh, my friends, I couldn’t put this book down!
Barely a Crime, by Robert Ovies sucks you in with characters you start to love, right before you realize that OH MY WORD NO YOU DIDN’T. (In all caps. Because it’s that kind of book.)
I spent half my reading trying to figure things out, feeling like there was no chance I would, and the other half shaking my head.
Who THINKS of these things?
I interviewed Ovies after the release of his last novel, The Rising (which I loved and recommended two summers ago), and he told me that he started with a question.
As I was reading Barely a Crime, I found myself trying to figure out what question he was exploring.
And I think I figured it out: what if … Oh wait, I don’t want to spoil it. Because…well. The question he tries to answer and explore is one that you wouldn’t believe if I told you.
You can read the first chapter here, and if you’re curious, there’s a great interview with Ovies here.
What I’ve been writing
Not. Much. In fact…does this blog post count?
A glimpse of life
He’s mobile. In a biiiiig way.
Something to think about
If you know how to be silent
and how to put up with your troubles patiently,
without a doubt, the Lord will help you.
~ ‘The Imitation of Christ’; Thomas a Kempis
(via Word of God Everyday a week or so ago)
YOUR TURN: How are you kicking off summer?
Kelly’s our hostess not at the lyceum, so be sure to stop over and say hi!
This post Dusting Myself Off and Welcoming Summer #SQT appeared first on Snoring Scholar.