#because that nourishment goes both ways. like how we don't just eat we also often cook what we eat

[wickershells]

To be honest I don't have that much of an issue with the phrase "consum(e/ing) media" on its own because yeah sure. Eating art; eating as something that nourishes the body/soul; that one textpost I think about all the time about going too long without reading a poem and becoming "soul-anaemic bone-tired and all that". But the connotations of eating + specifically consumption still have notions of mindlessness and lack of self-discipline and therefore self-respect and they get carried over to turn it all pejorative. As if there's something inherently, objectively degrading about watching a lot of movies, or reading a lot of books, as if they aren't an enthusiastic and loving participation in one of our most unique traits as human beings

[devajguptaa2402]

How to eat healthy on a budget

Welcome to our blog, where we believe that eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank! It's a common misconception that maintaining a nutritious diet means sacrificing your hard-earned dollars. But fear not, because we're here to show you how to eat healthy on a budget without compromising on taste or quality. From planning ahead and checking for sales to buying in bulk and making your own meals, we've got all the tips and tricks you need for a wallet-friendly journey towards better health. So grab a pen and paper (or bookmark this page) as we dive into the world of affordable nourishment!

Planning ahead

Planning ahead is key when it comes to eating healthy on a budget. By taking the time to plan your meals and snacks in advance, you can avoid impulse purchases and make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Start by creating a weekly meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you're getting a variety of nutritious foods. Once your meal plan is set, make a detailed shopping list based on the recipes you'll be making. Check your pantry first to see what items you already have on hand so that you don't end up buying duplicates. Stick to your list while grocery shopping and resist the temptation to add unnecessary items to your cart. Another helpful tip for planning ahead is batch cooking. Prepare larger quantities of meals and freeze individual portions for later use. This not only saves time but also helps prevent food waste. Additionally, consider incorporating leftovers into your meal plans as well. For example, if you cook roasted chicken one night, repurpose any leftover meat into a delicious salad or wrap for lunch the next day. By planning ahead and being mindful of what goes into your shopping cart, you can eat healthy without straining your budget

Checking for sales and coupons

Checking for sales and coupons is a great way to eat healthy on a budget. By taking the time to search for deals and discounts, you can save money on your grocery bill while still making nutritious choices. One of the easiest ways to find sales is by checking out weekly flyers from your local grocery stores. These flyers often highlight items that are on sale, allowing you to plan your meals around these discounted ingredients. You might discover that certain fruits or vegetables are being offered at a lower price, giving you the opportunity to incorporate them into your diet without breaking the bank. Another strategy is to sign up for newsletters or loyalty programs offered by supermarkets. This can give you access to exclusive savings and coupons tailored specifically to your shopping habits. Before heading out on your grocery run, take a quick look at any digital coupons available through these programs and add them directly onto your store card for automatic savings at checkout. In addition to traditional paper coupons, many stores now offer digital coupon apps that allow you to easily browse and clip virtual coupons right from your phone. These apps often have features like personalized recommendations or special promotions based on past purchases. Remember, it's important not just rely solely on sales and coupons when shopping for groceries – make sure you're also comparing prices between different brands and considering factors like quality and nutritional value as well.

Buying in bulk

Buying in bulk is a smart and cost-effective strategy when it comes to eating healthy on a budget. By purchasing items in larger quantities, you can often save money per unit compared to buying individual items. Plus, it reduces the number of trips you need to make to the grocery store, saving both time and transportation costs. When buying in bulk, focus on non-perishable items that have long shelf lives. This includes pantry staples like rice, pasta, beans, oats, and canned goods such as tomatoes or beans. These ingredients serve as versatile building blocks for many nutritious meals. In addition to dry goods and canned foods, consider purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables in bulk. They retain their nutritional value well and can be easily incorporated into smoothies or cooked dishes. Before making your purchase, take some time to compare prices at different stores or online retailers. Look for sales or special promotions that offer even better deals on bulk purchases. To ensure freshness and avoid food waste, plan your meals ahead of time so you can use what you buy efficiently. Consider portioning out large packages into smaller containers before storing them if necessary. Remember that buying in bulk doesn't mean sacrificing quality or variety – it simply means being strategic with your purchases while maximizing savings. With a little planning and smart shopping techniques, eating healthy on a budget is definitely within reach!

Making your own meals

Making your own meals is not only a great way to save money, but it also allows you to have full control over the ingredients and portion sizes. Plus, cooking at home can be a fun and creative experience! Here are some tips for making healthy meals on a budget. Plan your meals in advance so that you know exactly what ingredients you need to buy. This will help prevent impulse purchases and reduce food waste. Look for simple recipes that use affordable ingredients like beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. Next, consider buying in bulk when possible. Purchasing staples like rice, pasta, and spices in larger quantities can be more cost-effective in the long run. You can also freeze any leftovers or batch cook certain dishes to have ready-made meals for busy days. Don't be afraid to get creative with your meal ideas! Experiment with different flavor combinations and try out new recipes from online resources or cookbooks. Making your own sauces and dressings is another way to add variety without breaking the bank. Remember that eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing taste. With homemade meals, you have complete control over the amount of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats that go into your dishes. Opt for cooking methods like baking or grilling instead of frying to keep things nutritious. Don't forget about snacks! Instead of relying on expensive store-bought snacks packed with preservatives and additives, make your own healthier options at home. Trail mix with nuts and dried fruits or homemade granola bars are easy-to-make alternatives that won't break the bank.

Choosing healthy snacks

Choosing healthy snacks is an important part of maintaining a balanced diet, even when on a budget. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that can satisfy your cravings while still providing necessary nutrients. One great option for healthy snacking is fresh fruits and vegetables. These items are often inexpensive, especially if you buy them in season or at local farmers markets. Apples, carrots, and celery sticks make excellent choices that are both nutritious and cost-effective. Another budget-friendly snack idea is nuts and seeds. Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They also provide a good source of protein to keep you feeling full between meals. Greek yogurt is another affordable snack option that offers many health benefits. It's high in protein and calcium and can be paired with fruit or granola for added flavor. If you're craving something crunchy, opt for air-popped popcorn instead of chips or pretzels. Popcorn is low in calories but still provides fiber to help keep you satisfied. Homemade snacks like energy balls made from oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup can be a nutritious yet economical choice. They're easy to make in bulk and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. With these budget-friendly snack ideas in mind, it's easier than ever to choose healthier options without breaking the bank!

Conclusion

Eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank. With a little planning and creativity, you can nourish your body without emptying your wallet. By following these tips for eating healthy on a budget, you'll be well on your way to achieving both financial and nutritional goals. Remember to plan ahead by making a grocery list and sticking to it. This will help prevent impulse buys and ensure that you're purchasing only what you need. Take advantage of sales and coupons to save money on fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains. Buying in bulk is another great strategy for stretching your food dollars. Look for bulk bins at the grocery store or consider joining a wholesale club where you can purchase larger quantities of staple items at discounted prices. Making your own meals not only allows you to control the ingredients but also saves money compared to dining out or buying pre-packaged convenience foods. Get creative with recipes using affordable ingredients such as beans, lentils, frozen vegetables, and inexpensive cuts of meat. Snacking can quickly add up in terms of cost and calories if we're not careful. Opt for homemade snacks like air-popped popcorn, sliced fruits or veggies with dip made from Greek yogurt, or DIY trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whole grain cereal. By adopting these strategies into your lifestyle - planning ahead; checking for sales and coupons; buying in bulk; making your own meals; choosing healthy snacks - you'll be able to prioritize both healthfulness and affordability when it comes to feeding yourself or your family. So go ahead - take charge of your health while being mindful of your finances! Eating healthy on a budget is not only possible but also satisfyingly delicious!

[shtern-and-art]

Back again with more questions about the au!! XD

And don't worry, we all love your long responses!! The more you say about the au the more interesting it becomes :D

Do Skeppy and Bad need to eat? If so, do they have favourite foods and can they cook?

Does Skeppy have pets of any sort? Does he like animals or have any that he particularly fears? I find the idea of Bad comforting him after a not so nice encounter super cute!

It's pretty obvious they hate the littering teens but what about little kids. Does Bad often lure then deep into the forest to see all the prettiest flowers and cute animals? Has he ever tried to adopt one before realising that wouldn't be a very good idea.

Does Skeppy get defensive about the forrst when he's in the town, like cutting off people who try to say it's a horrible place, or is he good at controlling his emotions?

Do either of them actually need sleep or is it just for fun (or in Bad's case a way to pass time). Does Skeppy ever sneak into the forest depths to nap alongside Bad? Is Skeppy considered short by humans? I assume Bad teases him for being tiny since he's pretty damn tall/large (defending on form) himself.

Also do you have a favourite animal? N who's your favourite to draw in this au?!

Once again, so many questions '>_<. I always look forward to updates for in the dark, all the extra bits are so cool to learn about! I'll probs have even more after a while too haha. Hope you have a great day!! <3

Oh, that's a relief! Gonna ramble freely now :D

And, yes, hello, the questions! (with doodles now!)

1) Food.

Bad doesn't really need rest or nourishment (his health is connected to the forest), but he indulges in both. Sleep, yes, he uses to pass the time (or have dreams, for the heck of it). And the desire to get food or hunt is part of the instincts leftover from all the times he connected to the forest animals for a long time. Desire to eat food though is purely his own, as a person and not a spn creature :D

Back when he was a human, he could cook pretty good, and I bet his favorites were pastries and steak. Nowadays, in the forest, he can eat meat pretty much any day, raw or otherwise. So, after being awake and coherent for long enough time, and reconnecting with himself a bit, Bad will miss eating baked stuff way more than any other food.

And, yes, getting fresh muffins is one of the reasons/leverages Skeppy might try to lure Bad to hang out in the town.

Rat eats and sleeps too, but Bad isn't sure if she does it out of necessity or habit.

Skeppy, oh, he is one of those people who can burn water. In part, the blame goes to his nature - or his lack of control over it - chaos inducing tendencies do not go well with following recipes.

Which is unfortunate, seeing how he does need to eat, and sleep, and so on. Sure, he can last way longer without any of those things than a human would, but he still needs them to survive.

So, his favorite food is pizza, and all home-cooked meals stayed in the past, when Skeppy still lived with his family.

2) Sleep.

So, yes, Skeppy needs to sleep! But I'd say he will not go out to the forest at night for it. Not at first, at least.

First time, he just stayed out for a long time, very far back from the forest's edge. And the forest is so dark, it’s hard to judge the time in it at evening hours… By the time Skeppy noticed that it got very late, the whole journey back would’ve taken him too long to get a good rest at home. But, really, he didn’t have to make it. Nothing in these woods would hurt him, as long as Bad is around, and he’s… here, Bad’s around. And he knows the best moss-covered nooks between the roots, and is very, very warm all the time, and is kinda worrying anyway… Bad knows his woods are safe for Skeppy, but he doesn’t want him going around town at night when Skeppy is distracted and tired.

And this is how the first sleepover happens: with Skeppy declaring he’s stealing Bad’s cape to burrito himself in for the night, and (after the pretend-fight about it), doing so while Bad is still wearing it. It turns out for the better though, because the cape is not that warm, even if cozy, but Bad very much is. Enough to sleep nicely through the night, and dream of the vastness of the forest, the quiet peace of earth underneath, and of the tree branches reaching for the sky, to pass on the wishes tied to them further.

Bad doesn’t sleep that night, just watches over the snoring cape-caterpillar snuggled to his side (in a very not-creepy way, oh no). He puts some old dry leaves in Skeppy’s hair to make fun of him in the morning, and totally doesn’t scare him, when Skeppy half-wakes up early in the morning to a glowing milky white eyes of not really human looking Bad staring right at him.

Next time Skeppy stayed out in the forest for too long, and had to spend the night, he maybe did it almost kinda half consciously on purpose. Because he wasn’t sleeping well, and the loneliness and the stress of life were getting to him a bit, and. He is very much touch starved. And the dreams he had in the forest last time were pretty nice too. Like resting so close to Bad let Skeppy feel what he feels, perhaps? Anyway. It was nice. But he couldn’t just ask for stuff like that right upfront then, so the shame and creativeness lead his way.

At some point he will ask to sleep near Bad upfront, though (:

3) Kids.

Oh, little kids Bad doesn't mind. Also he remembers too much about being human to lure kids away, or think having one at the forest will be a good idea :D I'd say, if some little kid gets away from their parents or a common walking path, Bad could lead them back instead. Send them to chase after a bunny or a pretty butterfly, leading the child back to safety.

Bad never shows himself to the kids, and there is a bit of self-deprecation in this. Just like there is a bit of kindness in the way he treats people, despite always showing how angry and done he is with them.

That is a weird, interesting contradiction Skeppy is very fascinated with.

4) Height.

Skeppy is short by human standards :D And his less human form is even shorter, so Bad absolutely makes fun of him for that. Oh, I'm sorry "lightly teases him, with no mean intent to it at all" (c) Bad, smiling with all his long, sharp teeth

5) Skeppy and the townsfolk.

After knowing Bad for a while, knowing how Bad sees the forest, and how, despite his anger, Bad still can't help but watch out for some people of the town too... Yes, with all that, Skeppy will find himself getting angry at times over people bad-mouthing the forest.

But he can't really talk back here. After all, it was him, and his mischief that reawakened old rumors, old fears, made people more paranoid about the forest than they were before.

Skeppy's little pranks took hold, and him being in town and going around the forest doesn't let people forget how scary and dangerous this place can be.

So yeah, before he lets himself properly call out someone about being mean to the forest, Skeppy gotta face all that. Fun times :D

6) Favorite animal and fav. character to draw.

I think I like to draw Bad more, because he can shapeshift, and the horns/branches are fun to twist around :D But I liked doing Skeppy's reality breaking effects too!

And idk if I can pick one favorite animal :D I just really like snakes, cats, orcas, and all corvids.

Thank you, this ask really made my day! Even if it took me a bit to answer it XD

---

In The Dark - masterpost

[chukwudobelum]

5TH INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE

THEME: THE POSITIVITY I TRAINED

For me, the definition of positivity is hardwork into action to defeat laziness, For laziness takes the place of negativity. Your success is in your hands, achieving success is your capability to do more work. Remember the theme our 3rd Inspirational article"My Dream My Aim". It is your aim to make plans for success, the positivity to train can be reading habits, the positivity to train can be waking up early in the morning, the positivity to train can be your good manners etc.

I can remember a comrade of mine telling me that ' hey! Mike the gym is good to you ', for me that sounds nice, it pleased me hearing that from someone who I thought would have given me a bad comment on the new development of my body. Relating this to the positivity I trained, you will see that it took me my time, effort, days, months, to get a good look of my body shape. It is good when people see the positivity you trained as success in your life, career, and in academic life. Success doesn't come from above, a price was paid to see it manifesting in your life, do not be discouraged when, friends, family, neighbors look at you doing something difficult that will give you joy, and fame you tomorrow and tell you it will be very bad after doing this things, and later on your story becomes something else bad. Always guide your thoughts with this ' it must end in praise '. The people we see in our individual viewpoints today as successful figures trained their good names either in hardwork or in hardwork, that is just the common truth.

Train something positive, and be happy, I will say in my quote " kill the laziness in your young age, and be happy in your old age ", working hard when you are fit, healthy for the work, also my spiritual father will say " whatever you eat in your young age will determine how healthy you will be in your old age ". In training something positive there are so many ups and downs one must surely face, or pass through to get to the success top, or height of the positivity.

When you train, and get good positivity, negativity becomes an alternative in your life, career, and even in achieving your good dream, for positivity with take the place of negativity, and all other enemy that would have taken you down the drain.

Training something good is never easy, be it habit, good manners, moral, or even good timing.

Yes the year (2019) is gradually coming to an end, there will also be so many departments on success, and failure.

- Department of those who will thank God (The creator) for the gift of life.

- Department of those who will thank God for success in career.

- Department of those who will be grateful to God for success in business.

- Department of those who will be grateful to God for fame, and not shame they achieved.

- Department of those who will be grateful to God for success in academics.

- Departments of those who will be grateful to God for married life.

- Department of those who will be grateful to God for they never go bankrupt.

- Department of those who will be grateful to God for promotions, and awards of merit they received.

- Department of those who will be in deep regret for not achieving a dime.

- Department of those who will curse their fate.

- Department of those who will blame other people for not helping them to achieve success.

- Department of those who will be ashamed of themselves for being lazy.

- Department of those who will be in regret of following the wrong way to achieve success.

- Department of those who will blame themselves for training negativity, using it as a corner Stone instead of positivity. And many more.

Ask yourself this question ' if appeared in this Inspirational article several departments of both success, and failure where did I fall in? '. Had it been you trained something positive, you should have been smiling for you have fought a wonderful fight, and you give it a win jollification, for success is happiness.

It is never too late until you give up, the year is coming to and end, but never the end, another year (2020) is also close to start, or begin it's semester, it depends on how you prepare yourself now, your business, career, academic life etc, that will grantee you the level of success you want or need. Say No to laziness ( negativity ), and say yes to hardwork ( positivity ) for hardwork is success.

A common question people ask often is how those who make it to the top attain their success, remember in achieving anything good, or bad a price must be paid, one of the many answers to the this question could be hidden in what they adopt as their daily rituals.

WHAT ARE RITUALS?

Any practice or pattern of behaviour regularly performed in a set of manner.

Rituals help to develop healthy habits as well as the discipline you need to succeed (positivity).

Introducing new rituals into your daily life can seem intimidating at first, but it is something that you can achieve. It starts with deciding what daily ritual or rituals you want to adopt, committing to them to at least thirty days (30 days), and then tweaking them if necessary. The process won't, and can never always be an easy or consistent one, but with the potential benefits that come with it are innumerable, I ( Chukwudobelum), I'm a witness.

SOME RITUALS ONE CAN TRAIN TO BE SUCCESSFUL

WAKE UP EARLY

Waking up early can be challenging especially if you don't see yourself as a morning person. However, waking up early before the sunrises could give you a great head start, and get your day on the right track. When you are early to rise, you are more likely to racing against the clock because you Sept in until noon. Learn to wake up early for the nature also will bless, and make your day good.

MEDITATE EVERY MORNING

You have likely heard so much buzz about meditation that if you didn't care about it before, you are curious to see if what all the hype is about now. It is a practice where you use techniques to train your attention and awareness. The ultimate goal of meditation should be to make yourself mentally calm, and emotionally stable. For those that are new to meditation, you can start by getting comfortable, and preparing to sit still for a few minutes, you then focus your attention on your inhale, and exhale, and follow your breath for at least two minutes.

PLAN YOUR DAY ALWAYS

Planning your day early should help you better manage your time as you will know exactly what your objectively for the day are, and you won't get lost in all the fluffiness surrounding you (like watching TV). Always have a note book, write down the things you want to accomplish, while also using that time to brainstorm your tasks. Have you thought about a ceremony that has no planning committee, you should be the chairman planning committee of your dream, for your success is in your hands.

MAKE TIME FOR THINGS YOU VALUE

Getting so caught up in your desire to succeed can keep you from living a balanced life. To stay grounded, don't forget to connect with the people, and things that you love. A failure to do so could result in you neglecting your support system or the things that make you who you are.

EXERCISE

There are endless benefits of exercise, and this may be why so many successful people have it on their list of daily rituals, which I (Chukwudobelum) have adopted that to be the third on my list of daily rituals, you also can have it on your list, for it will make you fit to achieve success. Barack Obama, former president of the United States, said he would start his day early so that he could prioritize exercise. Exercise could be a key to success, because it is said to improve your cognitive functioning. Exercise can help build your mental strength, which is something you will need to overcome the obstacles you may face. This goes to say that although has many benefits for your body, it does a great deal for your mind, too. Exercise acts as a confidence booster while, at the same time, nourishing the body with endorphins, and everything else that comes with increasing ones heart rate. Make it a habit, and you live to see many more years.

READING OFTEN

Adult life can be so hectic that you seldom find time to read books, I can remember one famous person who I once read his history, who takes reading seriously - WARREN BUFFET, he dedicates 80% of each day to reading, in his philosophy,he says that " when you read, your knowledge builds up like compound interest ", this is a true one, as well an inspiring one, reading takes you to places you never has been before, it opens your eye to know what you could have lost. Reading will tell you of the history, it will place you in a dilemma of not going back to failure if you make it a habit. Reading helps you to know the ' true ', and ' false '. With this in your mind, be selective about the books you read, as highly successful individuals tend to choose education over entertainment, though indulging in fantasy, fiction, and all other kinds of genres probably won't really hurt you either.

CARRY A NOTEBOOK

You never can tell when inspiration will strike, I can remember vividly a day I was on a bus travelling, in my bag I had no notebook, and my phone was battery low, an inspirational was flowing from a fellow passenger, to me it was sounding so banal for I had nothing to jot down Good things he (the passenger) was saying, though I can still remember the theme of his sermon that very morning (the theme was a true disciple), that taught me a big lesson of my life. So always carry a notebook around with you, this gives you a chance to jot down notes, and ideas that you would otherwise forget. You can have a number of notebooks, and place them in your daily bag, office, and anywhere else you are regularly. When everything is written down, you know that your best ideas are kept in a safe place. Some people may choose to keep this idea notebook separate from daily journal, and others might be happier combining all of their experiences, and ideas into one singular place, so find what works best for you.

With consistency, you should begin to see yourself blossoming into the successful person you have always envisioned yourself to be. Training something positive have been said in so many paragraphs in this article is not, and can never be easy, try alot of different things, and be honest with yourself about what works, and what doesn't work. In no time, you will have your own positive habits that help push you into being what you consider a successful person, even if that is not the same as what it is for everyone else. Just don't give up, remember it takes real grit to stand up to failure.

In training something positive can also be greatly driven by other people. By having good friends, show me your friend and I will tell you who you are like they say, sometimes the type of friend we keep determines the type of success we have, when you surround yourself with good people, staying phlegm with them you will come to realize that bad friends doesn't help. When you surround yourself with good friends, keeping bad friends becomes the least things you will never do.

- Surrounding yourself with the right type of people can help success come more naturally to you than being around those who might hold you back, or even take you down the drain.

- Keeping close to people with big Dream and plans for themselves, because seeing other people's drive will keep you hungry to reach your goals.

- Negative attitudes you know can drag you down work ethic, and don't offer any Inspiration, but people with positive attitudes can help keep motivation, and morale help.

- People who ask lots of questions may provide a different angle on an issue or an idea, which could ultimately lead to an important breakthrough for you or your business.

The people we choose to surround ourselves with impacts the way we think, act, and feel on a day-to-day basis. A young football player is going to succeed if he surrounds himself with people who push him to become better, not people who distract him from his potential.

To conclude, you are the sum of who you spend your time with, I will say in my quote that " anyone who calls you good names, but doesn't want to show you how to be good is never a friend ". Make sure that you are directly involved with people who lift you, Inspire you, and motivate you to do, and be more. As you grow and your business grows, this might mean changing friends, and colleagues, and that is part of life. Just trust that hardwork, positivity, and keeping your sights high are things you cannot risk deviating from if you want the life of your dreams. To add up I will say " many wants to jump on the bandwagon of my Media , not because I'm too good, but because there's something to gain ". Remain positive to success!, and fill your days with good people and be good.

BY: CHUKWUDOBELUM

[apostleshop]

Don't Forget to Say Thank You Book Club: Chapters 1 - 5

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Don't Forget to Say Thank You Book Club: Chapters 1 - 5

Welcome to the CatholicMom.com Book Club! We’re reading Don’t Forget to Say Thank You by Lindsay Schlegel.

The subtitle of this book drew me in right away: “And Other Parenting Lessons that Brought Me Closer to God.” I am a parent, and it is a humbling, humbling experience, let me tell you. Well, you may know that already based on your own journey! We’re all in this together, yes?

Even if you are not a parent, you are likely reading this book because you would like to draw closer to God. We’re all in that together, too. And Lindsay Schlegal does a beautiful job of sharing wisdom with us both on growing in our faith and on growing as a parent. For each chapter, she provides us with a lesson she has learned from her own parenting experiences, her personal thoughts and anecdotes, reflection questions, a prayer, and a friend in the communion of saints that we can call on for this particular lesson.

We begin with a lesson on paying attention, which in parenting-speak goes something like: “How Many Times Have I Told You This?” I relate to this particular parenting frustration quite a bit, as it seems to me that, especially with my twelve-year-old, I can repeat something multiple times and yet he will still claim to have no earthly idea what I asked of him, yet he will somehow manage to overhear a whispered conversation between my husband and I while we are driving on the highway with the radio playing loudly. Selective hearing is a powerful thing, it seems.

Lindsay relates this lesson on paying attention to allowing our minds to wander at Mass. Uh oh, did you get a pit in your stomach when you read that part the way that I did? Apparently, it is no different for adults than it is for children!

“I hear that I should not worry about what I will eat or wear — simply look at how the birds or the lilies are cared for — but I make a mental grocery list anyway … I hear that I just love my enemies and forgive more times than I can count, but instead I rehash that conversation that upset me and imagine what I should have said.” (pp. 2-3)

Remember what I said about humility at the start of this post? Check! I become frustrated with my son for not listening, yet I do the exact same thing to my Father. Lindsay also points out that even if we manage to put our mental grocery list aside for the duration of the homily, we need to do more than simply *hear* the message at Mass. We need to *listen*, and listening is an active exercise that requires a response. To manage this successfully, our hearts need to be ready to embrace the message.

If we attend Mass with a decided lack of enthusiasm, and sit distractedly during the liturgy, making no effort to steal meaningful moments of focus between minding our children, it is no wonder that we leave Mass just as emotionally drained as when we went in.

“If this is all I’m putting into Mass, it shouldn’t be too surprising that I’m not getting much out of it.” (p. 4).

Our Father wants and deserves our attention, so that He can guide and correct us. St. Joseph, pray for us in this endeavor!

In chapter 2, we move on to a lesson in obedience, and our parental shout-out is: “Stop Whining.” Oh boy. This is going to be another humble moment, isn’t it?

Indeed it is, my friends! Lindsay relates a story about her sons in which they committed to karate classes, but then lost the motivation to continue attending partway through the year. She encouraged them to persevere, because it is important to finish out our commitments, but also because the classes and discipline enforced therein were beneficial for their physical health and moral character. They may not realize this as they sit sulkily in the car on the way to class, but it is the case nonetheless.

“Just like my children, I fail to see the bigger picture. I’d rather stew in my frustrations than extend forgiveness when I’m hurt … the little things in my life can seem as if they don’t have a place in the larger story of salvation. I imagine that to me they are infuriating, but that Jesus doesn’t care about them. He’s got bigger fish to fry, and my details are insignificant, unimportant. The Cross is one thing; my life is another.” (p. 13)

Lindsay makes the excellent point that God uses *everything* for good, even the minor challenges and annoyances in our lives! We too do not need to sulk about our frustration with the fact that certain things in our lives are not turning out the way that we planned.

“When through his grace I choose to be obedient to his call, the discipline I undertake prepares me for further challenges.” (p. 13)

I absolutely love this conclusion! When things outside of our control swoop in to dash our plans to smithereens, we can either wallow in our own bad temper, or we can choose to trust in God’s plan for our lives, and discipline ourselves to take the correct and logical course of action, as directed by the moral compass of our faith. We need to do this on a daily basis, but on a larger scale, Lindsay points out that Advent and Lent are excellent opportunities to grow in discipline and obedience. Our Blessed Mother can be our guide during these times as we try to grow in character and holiness!

In chapters 3 and 4, containing lessons on “On Accepting Our Crosses” and “On the Power of Prayer,” Lindsay shares her own personal and painful experience with pregnancy loss. She and her husband lost their unborn child to miscarriage, and the emotional toll on both of them was understandably significant. As our parenting cue for chapter 3 instructs, “No One Said it Would be Fair.” Indeed, life is not always fair, and at times, it can be difficult to bear. When something tragic happens to ourselves or someone we love, it is easy to let hurt and anger reign in our hearts.

“Holiness is determined not by which cards you’re dealt, but by how you choose to play your hand.” (p. 26)

Instead of dwelling in our own devastation, we can choose to move forward in love. This is never going to be easy, nor is it something we’re likely to succeed at with 100% accuracy, but it is what will ultimately bring us peace and healing.

“… fairness isn’t what we need. Love is what we need. Often that means taking action, making things happen, and serving others.” (p. 28)

Prayer should be our constant companion during times of great turmoil, and Lindsay recommends St. Anthony as our intercessor in the communion of saints when we find this task difficult. As the patron of lost things, he can help us to find again our hope and faith in the Lord. This is brilliant; I love St. Anthony in this variation on his role!

Finally, Lindsay leads us through a lesson on caring for our bodies. It is important to “Eat Your Dinner”! As parents, we tend to neglect our own needs when we are caring for others. We should not lose sight, however, of the fact that caring for our own nourishment and physical wellness is not mere vanity. It is a way to strengthen ourselves and allow our bodies to do what they were meant to do.

“When I changed what I was putting in, I changed what I was giving out. I was more patient with the kids and happier in my own skin.” (p. 42)

Serving others is another way of drawing closer to God. In order to serve most effectively, we need to take care of ourselves. St. John Paul II can be our guide in this, as he wrote extensively on the Theology of the Body. He is the perfect intercessor for our own need for physical wellness!

Instead of dwelling in our own devastation, we can choose to move forward in love. -@TifWalsh Click To Tweet

To Ponder, Reflect, and Discuss:

What are some ways that we can be proactive in preventing our own mental distractions at Mass, and thus more clearly listen for God’s voice?

Have you had an instance of redemptive suffering in your life in which you grew spiritually following a tragedy? How does this instance compare with a situation in which you were unable to accept a cross in your life?

In what ways can physical nourishment be an active prayer of thanksgiving for our physical form?

Next week, we’ll cover Chapters 6 through 10. For the complete reading schedule and information about our Book Club, visit the Book Club page.

Copyright 2018 Tiffany Walsh

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