Heat, Head Noise, and the Immaculate Heart

Hotter Than July? Impossible!

Here in the DC area, we had just three July days when the thermometer didn't hit at least 90 degrees. My sister and I have the electricity bill to prove it! And of course, there were the accompanying storms and internet and power outages. And yet, there were moments of grace. We took a day trip to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and had great drive-through service at our favorite burger joint. We stopped at a new-to-us local winery. We did some grilling now that that's allowed at our building again, and tried some new slow cooker recipes. We watched some TV series (my two-second reviews: Lucy Worsley's Royal Myths and Secrets and Elizabeth R with Glenda Jackson, absolutely; The Tudors and World on Fire, not so much). Mainly, I think we learned that living through a pandemic heat wave isn't a whole lot different than living through any other heat wave; as the Brits say, Keep calm and carry on!

Friends in Faith: Kristin Taddey Bryant

What kind of person starts a new business during a pandemic? The kind who's prayerfully discerned that that's what God wants her to do. Kristin Taddey Bryant launched Novena Cards in response to a tugging at her soul. She's always loved the saints and praying for people. Kristin also has an eye for beauty; she's been creating cards and other products at her Hello Blessings Etsy store for some time. But Novena Cards takes her ministry a step further.

It's a gift to know someone's praying for you. It's almost sacramental to get that message on one of Kristin's beautiful cards.

Kristin shows me there's beauty in saying yes fearlessly to God.

Please note: August is the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Kristin is giving away a free Immaculate Heart prayer card with every Novena Cards four-pack purchase.

Whose faith is inspiring you?

On the Nightstand: Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral

of Toxic Thoughts

Maybe it happens to you too, those times when you beat yourself up over something no one else noticed. Or maybe it's anxiety about things over which you have little or no control over, like whether someone is practicing social distancing or who's going to win an election. Oh, you trust that all shall be well because God is in charge, but that voice inside you just wonders if God needs some help from you! I had become better about gently turning those thoughts aside before the pandemic but have found myself anxious at 3 a.m. in the past four months more often than I'd like. That's why I'm looking forward to reading this book by IF: Gathering founder Jennie Allen. It takes a faith-based approach to quieting those thoughts--and trusting.

What's on your nightstand?

The Beat Goes On

Thanks to everyone who came to the virtual Radical Saints event last month, courtesy of One More Page Books and More. Special thanks to MEG Gilroy, world traveler and a chocolate and wine connoisseur. If you weren't able to join us, there's a link to the recording. You'll also find the presentation and MEG's saints/chocolate/wine pairing available for download there.

This week, I'm busily reviewing galleys (publisher proofs, basically) for Brotherhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration , which will be available in October and can be preordered now. I'm also working on my next book and some reflections for Lent 2021, but more on those things later!

Stay cool... and confident that God's got you covered. --In Christ, Melanie

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