Lenten No-Buy!

This year for Lent, I've decided to attempt a no-buy! For someone who is surrounded by material goodies at work and play, this is rather challenging. But alas, rules were made to be broken so I have allowed a bit of a pre-designated cushion (a few things I've wanted that haven't been released yet, exchanges, if I run out of something, etc.). I won't get too much into the details but from February 18th (Ash Wednesday) through Easter Sunday (April 5th), I am not going to buy any clothes, shoes, purses, accessories, makeup, skincare, etc. I am even going to try and cut back on drinks, food and other worldly things. I love to shop so this little endeavor will be interesting. May the force be with me!






Now Playing: "Mourning Doves" by Mikky Ekko

Quoteworthy: Pope Francis

"We are all protectors of creation, of the plan of God written in nature; protectors of one another, of the environment. Let us not allow that signs of destruction and death accompany our journey of this world. But protection also means that we must take care of ourselves. Let us recall that hate, envy, pride dirty the life. To protect means to be attentive to our own feelings, our sentiments, our heart. Because precisely from our heart is where good intentions and bad intentions come out; those that build up and those that tear down. We must not be afraid of goodness, neither of tenderness."
-Pope Francis Inaugural Homily, March 19, 2013

All Souls' Day

I didn't intend to get all biblical on my blog but I came across this quote on Pinterest. Whether you're a believer or not, I think its message is really powerful. I was raised Roman Catholic (schooling and all). I appreciate the traditions of the church (especially the beauty of the mass and the Saints) but I consider myself far more spiritual than religious. I certainly don't agree with many of the church's beliefs and practices. I'd also be lying if I said I attended mass regularly (or much at all any more). But on All Souls' Day, I like to reflect on the people in my life who are no longer here in the physical world and imagine what the next level of dimension has in store...

For further information on some of the interesting folklore and celebrations surrounding All Souls' Day, read here.

Now Playing: "Sway" by The Kooks

*As I do on many, many occasions but it seems more apropos on All Souls' Day.

Quoteworthy

"A faith is a necessity to a man. Woe to him who believes in nothing."

-Victor Hugo




Ben Breedlove 1993-2011

This story touched my heart significantly because I've always believed that when we die, our souls pass on in the form of light and energy. One of my favorite books is entitled Hello From Heaven. It goes into great detail about after death communication. I feel that Ben's message came at a very powerful time of the year and will give hope to many who are searching.











Now Playing: "Bedshaped" by Keane

Traffic Signals

I'm one of those people who reads deeply into things. If I'm in traffic, I always read vanity plates or notice what college decal is displayed on the back of someone's car. Tonight, I noticed this Biblical passage on a tractor trailer. It jumped out at me because it was from Romans:

After contemplating its meaning, I glanced to my right and noticed the license plate on the car next to the semi. The plate had St. John written on it. I'm Catholic but admittedly haven't been to church in a long time. I don't agree with a lot of what the church promotes but at the end of the day, it is my religion. I consider myself to be spiritual. I went to Catholic school from K-12, so Catholicism is a part of who I am. When I got home, I looked up what St. John is the patron of...

It turns out, St. John is the patron saint of writers and authors. As someone who has a lot of ambition but seems to be stagnant at the ripe old age of 25, I couldn't help but to take some inspiration from seeing these "traffic signals". I often pray to St. Anthony of Padua and St. Therese of Lisieux. Over the years, I have been no less than amazed at the power their prayers have given me. St. Anthony has found EVERYTHING I have ever prayed to him to help me find... usually in a matter of minutes or even seconds. St. Therese has given me a lot of strength and will power. I will be sure to say some devotions to St. John for motivation and encouragement to help me succeed in my professional goals as a writer.

Saint John the Apostle

Now Playing: "Remember Our Heart" by Alexander