Bible Adventures & Activities Review

     The Catholic Company had sent me a bible activity book called Bible Adventures & Activities to review.  This faith based book is written by Sally Ann Wright and Moira Maclean for children to learn the main bible stories from both the Old Testament and New Testament.  I had read that the age for this book is between 7-11 years of age and I would disagree. I think it's meant for younger kids and I would rate it for 4-9 year olds.  The illustrations and activities are very cute and geared for little children.  The pictures definitely bring the story to life yet, I could see a child older than 10 thinking it looked "too babyish."
     With that being said, I loved this book as a perfect tool for teaching children who are unfamiliar with the bible.  It starts with Creation and ends with The Lakeside Breakfast. Within each story, the children have opportunities to play games like guessing the animals on Noah's Ark, to a maze the wise men take to find baby Jesus to a Jesus died to save us word search. Some of the activities are more challenging that require basic spelling skills but the majority ask the child to use their visual and imaginative skills.  Each story is one page with a beautiful age appropriate illustration.  On the next page is an activity to help the child learn and memorize the bible story.

This book could be used in a number of ways.  There are 34 bible stories and a parent or teacher could work on one story per week as a bible study for younger children. The activities are not necessarily reproducible but it can be used as enrichment by a teacher.  Perhaps as a quick review to test comprehension.  Each session could be done in 20-30 minutes depending upon the child's attention span.  Or it could be used as enrichment to build on previous knowledge of these stories. Just by looking at the pictures, one could ask the child what they thought was happening.  Or you could even role play the story with the child to increase story comprehension.

If your child is a strong reader, then this book is not for you even if they have little to no knowledge of the bible.  This is an ideal book for a younger child who is learning about God and benefits from the visual cues provided in the illustrations.  It's also better than a children's bible because the added activities help the child process what the lesson is in each bible story.  I think it will hold their attention more than just reading them a story.  Children's bibles are wonderful but I would use them in conjunction with this book.

My review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit the Catholic Company for additional information on Bible Adventures & Activities.  The Catholic Company is a great resource for tools to help you participate in the Year of Faith, including Year of Faith bible studies and exclusive Year of Faith personalized gifts.  The Catholic Company also has all your Advent needs in stock such as Advent wreaths and Advent calendars.  No monetary compensation was given for my honest review.

Blessings,
Noreen

Minister of Care

This has been the second week that I've visited a home bound elderly couple to bring them the Holy Eucharist and I realize how much I take for granted that I can go to Mass as much as I'd like and receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  They were so eager for our companionship but more so for Jesus.  I was truly humbled and brought to tears.  What an important ministry for those who cannot make it to Mass due to illness or age.  I also read the day's gospel reading and they were equally eager to listen.

I'm also a Eucharistic Minister for Mass and have to say that I often do not see the same eagerness and reverence to those I'm handing it to.  Maybe it's like the adage "You don't realize what you have until you've lost it" or in this case "until it's difficult to get."

Blessings,

Noreen

2012 Public Square Rosary Rally

On Saturday, October 13th, I co-coordinated a Public Square Rosary Rally 

in my town to pray for our nation.  

This date is significant.  

It was the 95th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, Portugal

 where thousands of people converted.

Our Lady's message was simple.

Prayer.

Reparation.

Repentance.

Sacrifice.

Abandonment of Sin.

Back to the this year's rally:

The weather was terrible.  

It rained and rained.  

It was cold and windy.

About 40 men and women braved the inclement weather and joined us to pray the rosary for the conversion of hearts and reparation of the sins of our nation.  

We were part of a nationwide rosary rally that day at noon.

And I mean nationwide.

There were over 9,000 rallies with prayer warriors out in a public setting.

It was amazing.

Here are a few pictures I managed to take:

About half the people left right after we sang O Sanctissima so this picture only shows about half of the people.  I was incredibly moved how many people showed up 

considering the steady rainfall and wind.

These men and women are committed to honoring Our Lady of Fatima's wishes 

to honor God and her son, and pray for our nation! 

Blessings,

Noreen

Song of the Brokenhearted Book Review

The most recent book I've read to review from Booksneeze is called Song of the Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen Coloma.  It is a fictional Christian novel about a a woman named Ava who seems to have the perfect life.  A successful and loving husband, a daughter who is about to be married, a happy high school football player for a son, and a ministry that reaches out to families in need.   On the surface, she is living the life she's always envisioned but when trials and tribulations occur, her life seems to be falling apart.  Everything she thought she new of her family was turned upside down and she's now forced to deal with her painful memories of her childhood.  This is Ava's journey to rediscover what God has planned for her.

This story illustrates the idiom, "don't judge a book by its cover."  In life, we try and create our own version of what life should be about.  We protect ourselves by surrounding ourselves with comfortable situations and we avoid what makes us uncomfortable.  In essence, we are trying to steer our own ship instead of letting God lead us where he wants us to go.  How do we grow spiritually if we do not step out in faith?  How do we walk closer with Jesus, if life goes smoothly?  Before Ava realized that something was not quite right with her husband, her daughter or her son, her life was right on track.  Then it slowly started falling apart.  This book shows us that God often has his own plans for us and he sometimes takes us where we don't want to go.  It's a test of faith really, when we encounter stress in our families, work, community, or church.  How do we respond?  Do we try and avoid it?  Ignore it?  Steamroll over it? Or do we face it knowing that we need him to get through it?  Do we trust God to lead us?  Ava wrestled with all of these questions as she struggled to maintain course but ultimately, she had to let go of the wheel and let God take over.  Her life became vastly different after letting go of the wheel and she and her family, were happier then ever. This is a work of fiction that speaks to our hearts.  I would definitely recommend this book to all moms since they will find a character trait of Ava's they can relate to as wife and mother.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Blessings,
Noreen

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song CD Review

Sometimes on the weekends, I catch The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song on EWTN and I absolutely LOVE it!  So, when I was asked to review the CD from The Catholic Company, I jumped at the chance.  Now I can listen, sing and pray with it any time I want.  Pure joy!

Here's a bit of my own personal history with this trio of singers. The three lead vocals, Ms. Trish Short, Mr. Michael Bethea and Ms. Crystal Yates sing like angels in my opinion.  The first time I heard them sing was on EWTN and it was truly by divine intervention, I am sure of it.  I had walked into the room with the tv blaring and it had some garbage reality programming on and it felt like horrible noise.  I was disgusted by it and turned the channel and ended up on EWTN.  These three talented singers were in the midst of singing this prayer and I froze in awe.  It felt like the ugliness in the room vanished and light shined in.  It brought real tears of joy and amazement to my eyes.  I was hooked.  I was familiar with the Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer and even heard it sung by a family on EWTN.  I really liked it yet it didn't tug at me like this trio of singers.

If you're not familiar with The Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer, it's a Catholic devotion inspired by the visions of Jesus to St. Faustina of Poland back in the early 1900's.  As the title of the prayer states, you're praying "for mercy on us and on the whole world."  The chaplet can be prayed silently or in a group, or sung with this CD.  A rosary is typically used to keep track of the prayers when you pray to God "for atonement for our  sins and those of the whole world" on each large bead.  The second part is to pray "for mercy on us and on the whole world" you would use the smaller beads.  If you do not have a rosary, you can always use your fingers to keep you focused.

Included in this CD, is a short synopsis of  the three singers.  I was unexpecdtly surprised and pleased to learn that not all of them are Catholic yet they share a common pro-life view.  Ms. Trish Short is Roman Catholic who is a producer/director, singer/songwriter to this Chaplet of Divine Mercy CD. Not only is she known for her musical talents but she travels and speaks openly about her two abortions and her change of heart.  Mr. Michael Bethea is an African Methodist-Episcopalian who partnered with Ms. Short to make this CD.  He's also a Contemporary Christian Artist who sang the opening song from his album titled Real.  Ms. Crystal Yates hails from an Assembly of God denomination as a praise and worship singer.  All three of them  collaborated on this project and it's result is a beautifully moving prayer in song that seeks mercy and atonement on all of our sins, of every person of faith and even those who do not believe.

This review was written as part of the catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company.  No monetary compensation was given for my review.  Check out the The Catholic Company for more information on The Chaplet of Divine Mercy In Song CD.  You can also find many great ideas for baptism and christening gifts for your family and friends.  If you're in need of a bible or bible study resources you can visit their online store here.

Blessings,
Noreen

Catholicism Book Review

If you're Catholic and haven't heard of Father Robert Barron, then you must get his book and check out his Word on Fire website soon.  He is a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago and a faculty member of the Mundelin Seminary.  I was given the opportunity by Tiber River Reviewer Program to read and review Fr. Barron's very popular book called Catholicism.  This book was written as part of his 10 part DVD series on the history of Catholicism and all it's major elements.  His style of writing is easy to understand and has the ability to draw the reader in as you get an in-depth look at the sacraments, worship, prayer, Mary, the apostles and saints, grace, salvation, heaven, hell and purgatory from the Catholic perspective.  It's chock full of information yet doesn't feel like you're reading a text book.  In fact, it's almost like he is speaking right to you.  I certainly felt that way while reading this book as I envisioned him discussing it in his DVD series.  Fr. Barron doesn't try to paint a pretty picture as if the church is made up of saints.  He acknowledges some of the blights against it's history at it's own doing or from times of persecution.

Last year, I was fortunate to watch his DVD series at my church's bible study.  It was filmed with gorgeous scenery, cathedrals, paintings, stained glass and statues from around the world.  I was so utterly amazed at the beauty of what I was watching, that at times, I missed what Fr. Barron was saying.  His book helped me fill in the gaps from my previous viewing experience and learn something new.  Many of the cathedrals and art he highlighted are actually from ancient times that are still beautiful and found around the globe today.  It's incredible!  In his book, he does include several photos but to truly appreciate it's beauty, you should watch the DVD series too.

If you want to understand why Catholics believe what they do, this book is a great place to start.  Or if you'd like to learn more about your own faith, this is the book for you.  He explores the church's history from the time of Jesus up until present.  I also think it's not a book that you read once.  It's more useful than that.  I plan to refer back to it as a reference guide as needed.  I would strongly recommend Catholicism written by Fr. Robert Barron.  You can purchase your own copy at Aquinas and More Catholic Goods.  No monetary compensation was given for my honest review.

Blessings,
Noreen

History of Artificial Contraception

I haven't done the research myself, I read it on Vic's blog, Thinking Catholic Strategic Center this morning and wanted to share it here.  It brought to light some questions I had about other Christian denominations and artificial contraception.  The Catholic Church has always opposed artificial contraception and in fact, The Catechism states:

"every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, 

or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, 

to render procreation impossible' is intrinsically evil: [HV 14.]"

I had often wondered if the early Protestant church leaders felt the same way or were supporters of methods used to prevent life. And when did the masses change their moral views?  Margaret Sanger was one woman, and couldn't have opened the first birth control clinic and established Planned Parenthood unless society was on board.  Here's a brief look at history thanks to Vic, who has done the work and found the following quotes:

Martin Luther on contraception (1483 to 1546):"Onan must have been a malicious and incorrigible scoundrel. This is a most disgraceful sin. It is far more atrocious than incest or adultery. We call it unchastity, yes, a Sodomitic sin. For Onan goes into her; that is, he lies with her and copulates, and when it comes to the point of insemination, spills the semen, lest the woman conceive. Surely at such a time the order of nature established by God in procreation should be followed."

John Calvin (Protestant Church Reformer/Calvinism) on contraception (1509 to 1564):
"Deliberately avoiding the intercourse, so that the seed drops on the ground, is double horrible. For this means that one quenches the hope of his family, and kills the son, which could be expected, before he is born. This wickedness is now as severely as is possible condemned by the Spirit, through Moses, that Onan, as it were, through a violent and untimely birth, tore away the seed of his brother out the womb, and as cruel as shamefully has thrown on the earth. Moreover he thus has, as much as was in his power, tried to destroy a part of the human race."

John Wesley (co-founder of the Methodist Church) on contraception (1703 to 1791):"Onan, though he consented to marry the widow, yet to the great abuse of his own body, of the wife he had married and the memory of his brother that was gone, refused to raise up seed unto the brother. Those sins that dishonour the body are very displeasing to God, and the evidence of vile affections. Observe, the thing which he did displeased the Lord - And it is to be feared, thousands, especially single persons, by this very thing, still displease the Lord, and destroy their own souls."

The Jewish Faith states:

"The Encyclopedia Judaica (Vol.4,p.1054, article "Birth Control") states: "Jewish tradition ascribed the practice of birth control to the depraved humanity before Noah."

President Theodore Roosevelt on contraception:"Birth control is the one sin for which the penalty is national death, race death; a sin for which there is no atonement."

Sigmund Freud on contraception:“. . . it is a characteristic common to all the perversions that in them reproduction as an aim is put aside. This is actually the criterion by which we judge whether a sexual activity is perverse - if it departs from reproduction in its aims and pursues the attainment of gratification independently . . . Everything that . . . serves the pursuit of gratification alone is called by the unhonored title of ‘perversion’ and as such is despised.” (Sigmund Freud, A General Introduction to Psycho-Analysis, translation By Joan Riviere (New York, NY: Liverwright, 1935), p. 277.)

Mahatma Gandhi on contraception:"Despite having been vigorously lobbied and pressed by Margaret Sanger to support contraception, Gandhi outlined the deleterious consequences of artificial contraception thus:
“Artificial methods [of contraception] are like putting a premium on vice. They make men and women reckless . . . Nature is relentless and will have full revenge for any such violation of her laws. Moral results can only be produced by moral restraints. All other restraints defeat the very purpose for which they are intended. If artificial methods become the order of the day, nothing but moral degradation can be the result. A society that has already become enervated through a variety of causes will still become further enervated by the adoption of artificial [birth control] methods . . . As it is, man has sufficiently degraded women for his lust, and artificial methods, no matter how well-meaning the advocates may be, will still further degrade her.”

Therefore, before the 1900's it would seem that many religions and prominent secular figures were against artificial contraception or any means that would inhibit procreation.  

So what happened?  

At the Anglican Conference in 1908, the Bishops of the Anglican Communion declared "The Conference records with alarm the growing practice of the artificial restriction of the family and earnestly calls upon all Christian people to discountenance the use of all artificial means of restriction as demoralising to character and hostile to national welfare."

1930 is when it all changed.  The Anglican Church held the Lambeth Conference and took a vote on artificial contraception and produced a new resolution, "Where there is a clearly felt moral obligation to limit or avoid parenthood, complete abstinence is the primary and obvious method" but if there was morally sound reasoning for avoiding abstinence, "the Conference agrees that other methods may be used, provided that this is done in the light of Christian principles."

From there it was a slippery slope and within 30 years, all Protestant churches changed their views on artificial contraception.  And now it is common practice among women and teenagers; and seemed "as irresponsible conduct" if a woman or teenager are not on birth control.

My next thought was "Who besides the Catholic Church is still opposed to artificial contraception?  Or are we alone in this view?"  

According to Vic's research, "only Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism in the West, and 

Orthodox Churches in the East, maintain the ancient doctrines against contraception.  

Western Culture is now just as severely split on the doctrine of artificial contraception as it is 

on the teaching authority of the Pope."

I've only touched on Vic's article, so for a more in depth look at his article go Here.  

May God bless those who listen and obey His Word.

Blessings,

Noreen