Catholic Moments #70 - Barbara Bartocci

This week, I'm thrilled to share my interview with inspirational Catholic author and speaker Barbara Bartocci, author of Grace on the Go: Quick Prayers for Determined Dieters, and Grace on the Go: Quick Prayers for New Moms. Deacon Tom Fox reminds us of the tremendous impact just a little bit of gossip can have on lives. Be sure to enter for your chance to win the Faith Database - send your email to lisa@catholicmom.com by September 30, 2008 with the subject line "Faith Database Giveaway" and your complete mailing address in the body of the email. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for This Episode:
Barbara Bartocci
Barbara's Books : Grace on the Go: Quick Prayers for Determined Dieters and Grace on the Go: Quick Prayers for New Moms.
Faith Database
Faith and Family Live
Fireproof the Movie
The Catholic Company
Lisa's Facebook Profile, Plurk, Twitter
Catholic Mom Logo Store

Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #70

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Memorial of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Joachim and St. Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

My own wonderful mother’s name is Anne, so I remember her in a special way on this feast day of the Patroness of Mothers. I was recently sharing with a friend who is expecting her first child that she can expect her relationship with her own mother to grow and blossom when she welcomes her child into this world. While I have always loved and respected my mother, I never truly cherished her the way I have since my own boys came along and taught me just how difficult it can be to serve in the vocation of motherhood. Thank you, Mom, for setting such a wonderful example of how to be a loving, giving and serving mother. I am blessed to have you in my life!

As we pray through the intercession of these formative saints, let us remember in a special way the grandparents of our own children.

Lord, God of our fathers, through Saint Joachim and Saint Anne You gave us the Mother of Your Incarnate Son. May their prayers help us to attain the salvation You promised to Your people. Amen.

Catholic Moments #60 - Kelly Lynch

Lisa interviews Kelly Lynch, author of He Said Yes, the Catholic Press Association's first place winner in the 2008 Children's book category. Deacon Tom Fox shares a reflection entitled "WWJD and Would Be Followers". Enter for your chance to win our latest contest, three great books from Life Teen by emailing Lisa@catholicmom.com by July 31 - be sure to include your full mailing address and to write "Life Teen Books Giveaway" in the subject line. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this episode:
He Said Yes: The Story of Father Mychal Judge by Kelly Lynch
Mychal's Message
Parish Media Liaison Kerry Madden's Pick - Health and Fitness with Christ
Home Biz MomCast - Uniting Families through Home Based Businesses
Music "How Can I Keep from Singing" by Lorraine Doan
The Catholic Company
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Catholic Mom Logo Store

Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #60

Edwina Froehlich's Passing

With her usual eloquence, Danielle Bean shares a fitting tribute to Edwina Froehlich at her blog today. This co-founder of La Leche League touched countless lives.

Please visit Danielle's site and join me in praying for the repose of Edwina's soul.

Danielle Bean » Champion for Mothers and Babies

Smart Martha

Thanks to Deacon Tom Fox for bringing to my attention the work of Tami Kiser and her Smart Martha Seminars. I'm hoping to have Tami as a guest on the Catholic Moments podcast, but I wanted to point you to her web site in advance of this and direct you to the great work she's doing. Tami encourages us to embrace both the Martha and Mary aspects of our motherly vocations. She talks about "sanctifying everyday activities" - what a blessing!

Check out SmartMartha.com

Special Kids, Special Needs, Special Families

Thank you to Tom Fox and his friend Joe for directing my attention to a thought provoking article and video at Newsweek on the topic of Bipolar disorder in children. This article and others I have read are a constant reminder to me that so many families need our help, support and prayers. It's very easy to be judgmental of families with children whose behavior doesn't fall into the norm. "Why can't they get it together?" we may think, without truly knowing their circumstances. Please take a few moments to watch Max's video and then contemplate whether or not you may know of a family who needs extra support and encouragement from you. One helpful aspect of the Newsweek piece are these resources for Parents of Bipolar Children.

Growing Up Bipolar: Max’s World | Newsweek Health | Newsweek.com

Find a Playgroup in Your Area

One of the most frequent requests I receive is from moms looking for playgroups in their areas. Thanks to Moms Group Manual, I can now point them to iPlaygroups.com with confidence. If you belong to a church or community playgroup, it would be great if you could list your group online so that others can search for you and connect. As always, with these types of internet tools, please be extremely cautious and exercise discretion when meeting or exchanging information over the internet.

Moms Group Manual: Find or Start a Moms Group at iPlaygroups.com

Living As A Confident Daughter Of God

Living As A Confident Daughter Of God

I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this wonderful book by Patricia Mitchell and the Word among Us Press - it is a wonderful book for women's groups or anyone looking to grow in "God-confidence".  Check it out here.