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A few months after our first was born, something happened that no one warned me about. Hair loss. One morning in the shower, as I was wringing out my hair after rinsing, I pulled a handful of loose hair away from my head. I was shocked. What the heck? I had always had thick and healthy hair and it was even more amazing while pregnant. Thank you prenatal vitamins! But what was going on? I called my mom, who happens to be a nurse. "Oh, that's very common after having babies." What?! Over the next few weeks, I started noticing a thinning spot on the top of my head that was becoming very obvious. Thankfully, around that time, my hair stopped falling out and I was hoping I would get some regrowth soon. I did start growing some back before getting pregnant a second time, but my hair never really recovered. I had been using a good quality shampoo that didn't have any toxic chemicals in it, my hair felt really soft and healthy, but felt pretty flat and lifeless.

Recently, I have been hearing about a company called "Monat" that specializes in hair regrowth, while browsing different mom groups on social media. As I looked deeper into Monat as a company, I was pleased to see they strive to provide a safer alternative to other hair regrowth options out there. I was definitely intrigued and was very excited when Emily Mogren, a Managing Market Partner with Monat, reached out to me and asked if I would review her products on my blog. 

Emily Mogren, Managing Market Partner, Monat

I love supporting fellow Catholic mompreneurs, especially when I can use my platform to share about a product that will enrich your life and/or faith in some way! Readers, meet Emily and Monat!

Emily is a Catholic wife, stay-at-home mom, and former pediatric occupational therapist turned small business owner. As life always enters different seasons, Emily has successfully embraced creating an at-home business with Monat. "I tried Monat, my hair got super healthy, and I started growing baby hairs where I was thinning. I was impressed, looked at the business, and saw it as a vehicle to create something more for my family. I was still driven by the desire to help others; it just took on a different look."

Through Monat, Emily has been able to mentor others in creating successful home businesses; to transition their homes into a toxin-free haven with clean, safe, botanical, and non-toxic hair products; and help people who are suffering from hair loss of all types. This journey has give her the confidence to launch an accessory line for women coming in Spring 2017. "For me, faith comes first and everything-from my family, to business, to home life, to my personal passions-stems from the motto that "all things, big or small, can be done with great love". I encourage everyone to be the 'bright, beautiful, you' you were created to be."

Monat (pronounced Mo-nayte), is a company that prides itself on being an anti-aging hair care company that offers naturally-based products and limitless opportunity. Its name is derived from a combination of the words "Modern" and "Nature". Like many stay-at-home businesses with missions to provide safer and non-toxic alternatives, this is a company that relies heavily on empowering its customers through education and teaching them why choosing products with less chemicals is better for the health of our families. Word-of-mouth marketing just makes sense when education is used to empower customers!

Here are some of the chemicals that Monat does NOT use in their products:

When Emily reached out, I told her that, while I was happy with the shampoo and conditioner I was using, I really needed something with more of a kick. While my hair and scalp were healthy, it needed something for volume. I also knew and mentioned to her that I would possibly be facing more hair loss soon after the birth of our second. 

Emily recommended I try the Renew Shampoo and the Smoothing Deep Conditioner. The Renew Shampoo is meant to deeply nourish and bring back strength to dry, damaged hair. The Smoothing Deep Conditioner helps fight frizz, deeply conditions and enhances shine. I warned her I have super sensitive skin as well as strict safety standards when it comes to personal care products, and would need to screen all ingredients before trying anything. She was so gracious and patient to listen to my concerns and sent me the entire ingredients lists to review.

Everything looked good, except I get nervous whenever "Fragrance" is listed within the ingredients of any product, since it can be a blanket term to cover up harmful chemicals for companies who don't want to disclose proprietary information. Fragrances that use toxic chemicals also cause reactions with my eczema. Since all the other ingredients checked out and I saw that they pledged not to use harmful fragrances or parabens in their products, I decided to go ahead and give it a try. It is always a HUGE red flag for me if I am looking into a product and the list of ingredients isn't available to customers. Thankfully, this isn't the case with Monat. If you are ever wondering about the health impact of what you're using on your body, I highly recommend looking up the product or questionable ingredient(s) at: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. This is such an empowering tool and helps us be more mindful consumers!

Emily was so generous to send me full-sized bottles so I could try them for a full month or more before reviewing them! Good thing she reached out when she did. I began losing my hair right around the time the products arrived!

The Renew Shampoo 

The Smoothing Deep Conditioner

My initial thoughts when I opened my Monat package were how chic and quality the packaging was. As an avid lap swimmer, I knew I would need bottles that could taking a beating in my pool bag. They haven't leaked or busted, even though they've been dropped in the shower and gotten bashed around with my swim gear.

During my first use, I instantly noticed the fragrance since I'm not used to scented products. Again, knowing Monat doesn't use Parabens or harmful fragrances in their products is very reassuring. The best way I can describe the fragrance of the shampoo is a cool, refreshing, and clean smell. It's not offensive at all and my skin and scalp did not have any reaction. The conditioner has a similar scent but it's much more subtle. The texture of the shampoo was great and lathered easily. Since I have thick and long hair, I have to double wash, but I only needed about a dime to nickel-sized portion of conditioner as it is very nourishing and efficient. 

After washing, my scalp felt very clean. Within a handful of washes, I could definitely tell I had an increase in volume! I especially notice it when I blow-dry my hair. Before, my hair would just dry and brush out into a lifeless mass of hair. Now, the texture is much more soft and voluminous, and can hold shape much better. I've also noticed how much the shampoo gets rid of the chlorine smell and harsh texture after a long lap swim session! And get this-as I'm heading into the same postpartum period when I LOST hair with my first, I'm seeing new hair growth in my hair part and along my hairline! I'll have to do a follow-up post in another month or two so you can see even more of a difference!

Here is a photo of my hair after blow drying, before I started using Monat. As you can see, it's healthy and shiny, but a bit dry, limp, and lifeless.

Here you can see how my part is starting to thin out; not just from postpartum hair loss, but also from my swim cap rubbing in this spot:-(

Here is my part from the top. It is really starting to thin out because of postpartum hair loss. And I'm only 2 months postpartum when this was taken!

Here is a photo of my hair after blow drying, after just over a month of using Monat 3-4 times a week (so really, less than 20 washes!). It is much more bouncy and wavy now. I really have to blow dry it and use a flattening iron if I want it to be flat. Its natural wave is back and I love it! (Also, I clearly need a trim, haha.)

See the baby hairs coming it?! YES!!

Are you intrigued and are wondering if this product or company can help you? You can research and browse Monat's entire collection at: emilyk.mymonat.com. If you have specific questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Emily at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have you tried Monat and loved it? Leave a comment or review below!

*If your hair loss increases and/or continues for a long period of time, please consult your physician as this can be a symptom of a deeper health issue.*

Judgement. We are all so quick to do it but man, does it stink to be on the receiving end.

Nothing prepared me for the judgement I would receive as a mother; especially by some in my "tribe". (Insert pathetic and self-pitying whine here).

Ever since our first was born, I have absolutely fallen head-over-heels with motherhood. Yes, motherhood comes with its trials (and errors), but for the most part, I have loved a majority of all that's involved. I've also fallen so in love with our children! They bring us so much joy and are experts at wringing every last ounce of selfishness from my self-absorbed body. (God knew what He was doing, didn't he?!)

I'm a naturally inquisitive and curious person, so as soon as that plus sign appeared, I began researching and reading everything I could get my hands on about childbirth and rearing. There was SO. MUCH. Oh my gosh. But on the upside, thank goodness we live in 2017, when there is so much great information (and lots of fearmongering information, too) and thoughtful/super helpful baby gear at our fingertips! Motherhood will never be the same. When we know better, we can do better, amiright?

I grew up in a family of five children and my parents, although very strict by today's standards, did a great job. They weren't too different from other parents back then and were so lucky to be parents in an age without Google. Okay, joking:-) They weren't perfect by any means, but the most important thing was we had a wonderful childhood full of love and sound moral guidance, and they created a home with a very good balance between being protective parents and letting us figure things out on our own. I hope to instill this same balance in our home as we raise our children. Again, there is so much more information that makes it obvious we know much better than when my parents did over 30 years ago. We know more about carseat and sleep safety, product recalls, vaccines, nutrition, toxic chemicals in personal care products, screentime, internet security/safety, abuse, trafficking, and all the other not-so-fun things to worry about as a parent. But again, thank goodness we know this information now!

That being said, with so much information out there in this age, how can anyone expect mothers to mother the same now compared to 5 years ago? 20 years? 50? You probably see where I'm going with this.....

I was warned about "mommy wars" between current moms, but nothing prepared me to be outspokenly critiqued and judged by older generations of mothers. I did expect them to offer their wisdom and advice, but never harsh criticisms and judgement. It's both perplexing and frustrating. And since our hearts really desire to be the best mom our children can have no matter what generation we mother in, golly does it hurt. Especially when it comes from a loved one we respect and admire.

Does this sound like something you are going through? Let me offer some encouragement.

First, GOOD JOB! You're doing a great job! How long has it been since someone has told you that? Feels amazing, doesn't it? I'm very rarely told that by other adults. Not that I'm constantly seeking affirmation and approval, but it feels good when it happens! And if it rarely happens to you, let me tell you this: in your domestic Cathedral, you are enough and God sees it all. He sees you wipe up the poop smudged all over your little one's crib first thing in the morning, for the 3rd time this week. He sees you brush away the tears when your little one is throwing an epic tantrum because they can't find their favorite t-shirt they JUST HAVE TO WEAR today! He sees you slump on the couch in defeat when you've received word that a family member, who you often try too hard to please and impress, continues to criticize you behind your back for how you're raising your kids. You're never good enough for them. It hurts. A lot. The point is, He knows your heart. You aren't working for them and there is nothing you need to prove to them. You aren't doing mother work. You're doing His work. And His opinion of you is all that matters.

Second, empathy. As Christians, we are called to be merciful like the Father. We're called to be charitable and forgiving. Just like we feel very misjudged in these situations because they don't know the whole story and may not know you very well as a person and mother, do we really know them that well? In times like this, I have to wonder: Where is this coming from? What was their childhood like? Do they feel guilty for how they raised their children? Did they have a poor or non-existent relationship with their mother/parents? Were they constantly judged and criticized for their mothering skills by someone close to them? The quote, "Hurt people hurt people" rings true in this case. Sin and brokenness are cyclical. So let the cycle end with you. Let peace begin where you are standing.

And as hard as it is to do, forgive them. They may continue harping on you, lecturing you, talking poorly about you behind your back, or saying cruel things about you to "poison the well" so others develop a poor opinion of you before they really get to know you. Forgive them again. It hurts and it's terrible. But again, it's not about you. It speaks volumes about what is in their heart and reveals possible hurts they've experienced.

In motherhood or any area of your life really, when things like this happen, I love praying the Litany of Humility. It packs a punch and is very hard to pray sometimes (okay, it's really a spiritual kick in the a#$). It really helps change the trajectory of our reaction to these experiences.

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

I also highly recommend the St. Francis Prayer. The passages, "Where there is hatred, let me sow love" and "not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand" are especially meaningful.

When these instances first began to happen, I was just angry at this person and kept trying to think about ways I could speak up for/defend myself. I began judging them through my reactions and assuming the worst in them, too! Needless to say, I was not in a good place, spiritually. Over time, the more sorry I've felt for the perpetrator. I can tell Christ has been hard at work in my heart.  Through prayer for this person, Christ has helped me see them as He does, and the humility that prayer brings has helped me see the pain behind their actions and the words they are saying. I may not know the source of their pain, but it doesn't matter. What matters is they are a beloved daughter or son of God who's just as broken and flawed as I am; just in other ways.

A couple of months ago, I began reading Story of a Soul by St. Terese of Lisieux. You really need to read this book! There are a couple of passages where she remembers being accused of something or someone spoke ill of her, and even though these things weren't true, she was so humble and knew they didn't matter. She knew that God saw everything and knew what was in her heart, so she kept silent and offered these transgressions up to God. Wow. I was blown away by her humility!

In any conflict; especially when someone sins against us, we have to remember that how we  react and respond reveals what is in our hearts, as well. I want others to see Christ and His mercy in my heart when I react/respond. It will take some hard work, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I hope you are, too. And when we're the "older and wiser", I hope we're all more supportive to the moms who we see ourselves in when our kids are having children of their own. The next generation of moms will know more than our generation did. But we'll ALL know three solid truths:

Momming isn't easy for anyone.

We're in this together.

And it is all SO worth it.

What lessons have you learned from motherhood that you never expected to learn? I'd love to hear yours!

In 2014, my husband and I participated in a 67-day Sugar-free eating challenge. We continued this way of eating for 7 months and each lost 30 pounds. We were shocked at how easily it fell off! The crazy part was there were no expensive shakes to buy, supplements or pills to take, or exercise videos to watch. And we weren't starving ourselves! It was all through education and learning about what we were eating, how it affects our bodies, and learning how sugar is disguised under various names in our food.

The biggest tool we learned was how to incorporate this empowering knowledge into our everyday lives and to create alternative sugar-free recipes for those we had been using for years. If we got a sweet tooth, instead of just throwing in artificial sweeteners, we learned how to sweeten foods by using naturally sweet foods such as dates and various fruits. One of the best recipes I created for myself was a smoothie that tastes like a chocolate milkshake, but it's actually energizing and nutritious! It has been such a helpful recipe for me when I get a craving for icecream but am trying to watch my wasteline. Not to mention, when you're a mom chasing after little ones, you need to take care of your health so you have the energy to get through the day!

Here is the recipe!

Healthy Chocolate Shake (sugar-free, dairy free)

• 1/2 c instant oatmeal
• 1 1/2 c unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1 tbs peanut butter
• 1 banana
• 1/2 c frozen cubed mango
• 1/2 c frozen strawberries
• 1 c fresh spinach
• 1 scoop Garden of Life protein powder
• 1-2 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder

Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend until liquified. Add more almond milk to thin texture if needed. If you need more, simply double the amounts. If you're breastfeeding and need a boost in your supply, throw in a scoop of Brewer's Yeast. If you have little ones, throw this mixture into popsicle molds for a tasty and nutritious treat!

*I do not receive compensation for recommending this protein supplement. I simply love it and wanted to share!

You sign onto facebook. A new message?! How exciting! You see the name of someone you haven't seen in a long time. They've just requested to friend you. How great is this? Suddenly, your heart sinks when you begin reading these wopartnerrds....."Hey! So good to hear from you! I was wondering if you've ever heard of "Such and such a company" before? Well, I'd love for you to try xyz or join my team as I feel you'd be such a great fit promoting xyz".... "Ugh. Stupid MLMs", you think, as you roll your eyes. "WHY do they always find me on here and why are people always bothering me to buy their stuff with these scam companies!"

Happy Solemnity of the Feast of the Assumption!

A big thing I LOVE about being Catholic as how pro-woman The Church is. We LOVE our Holy Mother Mary for her incredible example of holy femininity and motherhood, and how she leads us closer to her son, Jesus! And how cool is it that God made her Queen of Heaven?! The Catholic church exalts the feminine body and works very hard to protect it from being desecrated and objectified. This is a huge reason why we don't believe in using hormonal contraception, which not only comes with its numerous health risks, but also the damage it can inflict on our fertility. I could write about this for several posts, but I'll just recommend you listen to Janet Smith's Contraception, Why Not?  or Jason Evert's Green Sex presentations on CD:-)

Ever since taking NFP classes during our pre-cana (marital prep), I've continued to learn as much as I can about my body and how my lifestyle choices affect my fertility. So many women out there just accept that hormonal birth control is the best and only option for them, and live their lives hardly learning anything about how amazing and incredible our bodies are; especially when it comes to our fertility. 

When I began this blog over 2 years ago, I began with my reconversion story. I wrote it in three installments, but after looking back over it, I realized I didn't really finish it! So today, I'm going to finish it and may come back and add to it over the years......

I find it funny that I'm finishing up this story in the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola. Iggy has played an interesting role in my faith journey. Back in 2008, I began an internship with an organization that was housed in an old building that had at one time been a Jesuit seminary called St. Loyola Academy. Right next door was St. Ignatius church. I began this internship right around the same time my brother joined the Society of Jesus/The Jesuits, an order that was started by St. Ignatius. It was around that time I had started coming back to the faith after several instances where God made it absolutely obvious He was pursuing me. So, now that you know that interesting little side story, I'll continue with part 4 of my reconversion story!

Happy Feast of the Most Holy Trinity!

It's June 11th, which means we are getting SUPER close to meeting our little one!

While I've been busy nesting, I've been re-thinking what I'm packing in our diaper bag for a newborn this time around.

Here's a list I've narrowed down to from my first round as an over-prepared new mom. I hope it helps lighten your diaper bag load!

What's in my diaper bag

Diaper-changing clutch-I prefer this awesome gadget to just a changing pad and wipes from a diaper bag, because it's wrapped up with diapers and wipes so you can grab it separate from the bag and take it on walks, into a cramped bathroom, etc. You can also attach a little bottle of sanitizer to the wrist band in case there's no place to wash your hands after changing. Make sure it's stocked with 4-5 diapers and a packet of wipes. I love using this re-stockable wipe container and will re-stock it with a cleaner alternative of wipes once the first batch runs out.

Extra pacifier and paci-clip (if baby uses one)

Arm and Hammer Paci Wipes-these are great for wiping down dropped teethers, pacifiers, or bottle tips if you're nowhere near a sink.

Change of clothes (including socks)-because messes happen!

If you're breastfeeding, I love this non-toxic nipple cream by Mother Love. It comes in a super-small jar to save space in your diaper bag!

Wet-dry bag or gallon zip lock bag-to contain a fresh set of clothes and store the messy or damp clothes

The Microcube- This brilliant little invention is super compact and allows you to collect that first 2-3 oz of breastmilk during your letdown on the opposite breast from the one baby is feeding on. Instead of letting it get soaked up by a breastpad, this collects the milk for you. Quick tip-once the Microcube has collected the initial letdown, set it into a mug or into something to prevent it from getting tipped over so you don't cry over spilt milk;-) Pour the milk into a bottle for the end of the feeding to give baby those extra ounces, or store in the fridge for later!

Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream-Beautycounter for the win, again! Their non-nano zinc-oxide, fragrance, soy, and nut free formula is super nourishing and doesn't leave a super greasy-residue; making it safe for cloth diapers! Their products bring such peace of mind knowing there aren't any toxic chemicals or skin irritants. If you or your littles struggle with eczema or other skin issues, I highly recommend the entire Beautycounter baby line! Tip: Use this for underbra-itch caused by excess moisture from breastfeeding!

Snacks/food pouches for little ones eating solids

Bottle of hand sanitizer-I really like the Babyganics foaming sanitizers, which last a very long time!

Bottle or sippy cup-choose ones that don't have a million pieces to clean! Here are two options I LOVE and make life so much simpler!

Five Phases Bottles  

Nalgene Grip-n-Gulp Water Bottle 

Both options are BPA free and are SUPER durable if they get dropped or stepped on!

Powdered formula and bottled water-if not breastfeeding

Muslin or flannel swaddle-depending on season. These can add extra warmth in the carseat or stroller, provide extra shade, be placed on the ground for play, act as a burp rag or towel in a pinch. The Aden + Anais muslin swaddles are high quality and will last for multiple babies! If you need a lower price-point, Aden + Anais has a line of products called "Ideal Baby" that uses a lower thread-count-but you can hardly tell the difference in quality!

If it's summer, pack sunscreen and a hat! I LOVE Beautycounter's sunscreen stick. It's non-toxic and safe if accidentally ingested, and it goes on like a deoderant stick. You can hold your busy toddler still with one hand and there's no greasy mess! Plus, I love how small and compact it is.

Small nail clippers and file-I swear their sharp little nails grow overnight!

A few small books or toys

Phone charger

Teether- while you won't need this until baby starts teething, the chewable Rosaries from Chews Life are adorable and would also make a great Baptism gift! They are durable so you can also use it for your own prayer in your busy day-to-day without worrying about your little one breaking it.

Photo courtesy of chewslife.com

Happy Easter!

With baby number two coming very soon, I definitely find myself in the "nesting" phase. Washing onesies and blankies, sorting clothing by size, creating a registry (mostly for my own organizational reasons and to make sure we're budgeting for things we need!), and making sure everything is ready for when our little one makes their appearance!

This time around, since I have a little more experience navigating the world of baby gear, I've compiled a list of my favorite things from my first baby and with this one! I hope you find these suggestions helpful and if you don't see something on this list that you think should be, please leave your suggestion in the comments! If it makes a momma's life easier or more fun, I want it on this list! Also, I've thrown in some items that are conventional, and others that help us keep the most important thing; our Catholic faith, in our day-to-day as moms!

1. Rilos and Mimi Bibs

Image courtesy of www.rilosandmimi.com

Not only do they come in ADORABLE patterns, but they are made from non-toxic materials, are constructed super well, and have a washcloth material on the back. This allows you to double the bib as a wash cloth for post-meal messes. This will be fantastic to pack in the diaper bag without having to pack both a bib and wash clothes for clean ups! The price is also just right- $14 for a high quality bib. You can get yours HERE! They have other patterns and colors available, as well as other beautifully made baby goods!

2. Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor

Photo courtesy of Amazon

This was a favorite with our first one, but I cannot recommend this product enough! The Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor brought me such peace of mind when we brought our first home. As a first-time mom, I had trouble sleeping because I was worrying if baby was okay! This was especially true when baby had a cold or had trouble breathing, or any other health concerns. This would also make a generous gift for parents who are bringing home baby after a NICU stay, and would like extra peace of mind that their baby's safety is being monitored while they can get some sleep. This monitor has a motion-censing pad that goes underneath their mattress, and will sound an alarm after 20 seconds if it doesn't detect movement-including baby's breathing. Just a warning-it may need some fiddling to figure out what setting is best for your baby's mattress, so a few false alarms may happen. However, I found this item was TOTALLY worth the investment! You can find yours for a great price on Amazon HERE!

3. BOB 2016 Revolution FLEX Duallie Stroller

Photo courtesy of Amazon

While this is a hefty investment, we already know it will be worth every dollar after putting it together and playing around with it. Jogging strollers, even if you aren't a jogger, are much easier to push and navigate all over the place-whether it's on the sidewalk, over a curb or uneven sidewalk, in the grass, or on the trail. Definitely shop around for the best deal before ordering. We found that these strollers and other baby gear usually have great discounts in January pre-baby shower season! Just two months after we got ours on sale, it went up nearly $200 in price! Also, for the past few years, all models of BOB's double strollers have been super high quality, so if you don't mind buying one used or getting an older model, definitely do it to save money! I've also had good luck finding additional accessories for the stroller used at consignment sales/stores. Oftentimes, simply ordering a color other than black will save you money, too!

When purchasing this stroller, don't forget to factor in a protection plan and the approximate $50-70 you'll need for the adaptor bar necessary for attaching a carrier carseat. BOB makes various models to fit various carseats. Before purchasing your stroller, make sure it makes an adaptor for the carseat you have. If you're an Amazon shopper like me, you can find a BOB 2016 model HERE.

4. Beautycounter Baby Calm Diaper Rash Cream

Photo courtesy of Beautycounter

Mommas, I cannot recommend the baby line from Beautycounter enough! I may be a bit biased since I'm a consultant, but I fell in love with these products before I began referring people to their high-performing, EWG-verified products. I have annoying eczema, so I can use their baby line on myself and our little ones without any worry about toxic chemicals or nasty reactions on my (or their) skin.

Their recently launched Diaper Rash Cream is soy, nut, and fragrance free. It's safe for cloth diapering, and its active ingredient of non-nano zinc helps reduce and prevent redness. A little goes along way! This product is also fantastic if you have issues with itchiness due to additional moisture and leaks from breastfeeding. If you'd like to check out this and other fantastic baby products, go HERE!

5. Green Toys Tea Set

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Someone made a great suggestion to me that to ease the transition into a family of four, it's a neat and helpful idea to have the new baby "gift" something to the older child so they know they are very much loved and appreciated, despite how much attention the new baby is getting. For Easter this year, we got our little one this tea set and it has been a HUGE hit! Such a hit, in fact, that our little one was so obsessed she would NOT go to bed unless she could take a cup and saucer with her! Green Toys are made from recycled plastic, are food and dishwasher safe, and are free from BPA, PVC, and pthalates. They have several other high-quality and innovative toys, too! Like many of my favorite things,  you can find this on Amazon HERE.

6. Chews Life Rosaries

How adorable are these?! I so wish these were around when our first was born. Not only is it a great way to distract a teething baby, but it's also a great way to introduce little ones to the "Key to Heaven"! They also have decade bracelets and other adorable chewable items.

These Rosaries are made from soft, chewable, food-grade silicone, and beads are strung on organic cotton chord. All their chewable baby products are super durable, but accidents do happen, so please only use beaded baby products with adult supervision. They also offer FREE shipping on orders over $60! You can browse and shop HERE. This is an excellent idea for infant baptisms!

7. Catholic Baby's First Handle Bible and Baby's First Prayers

Photos courtesy of The Catholic Company

We were gifted these books with our first. We take them with us EVERYWHERE! The handle on the book makes it super easy for your little one to hold onto and take with them. They are also very sturdy and are easy to wipe off if your little one's have sticky hands. Our little one loves all the colors, layers, and textures! You can find your copies HERE. This is another excellent gift for infant baptisms!

8. Beautycounter Body Butter

Photo courtesy of Beautycounter

If you're wanting something to pamper yourself while combating stretch marks, I LOVE this product from Beautycounter. Not only does it smell wonderful, it also adds wonderful nourishment and moisture to your skin. Pair this with Beautycounter's Baby Oil for extra oompf. All Beautycounter products are completely non-toxic and are scented using only essential oils. If you need someone to help you shop, message me!

9. The Catholic Feminist Podcast

Photo courtesy thecatholicfeministpodcast.com

I've really started enjoying Catholic-inspired podcasts that I can turn on and listen to while playing with our little one or getting house work done during naptime. It has really helped me grow in my faith amidst my busy life as a SAHM. This one started a couple months ago, and has been very thought-provoking and enriching! You can tune in HERE.

10. Bundle Organics Pregnancy Wellness Tea

Photo courtesy of Amazon

This is a super flavorful tea that contains organic ingredients of Rooibos, orange peel, Cardamom, mango, blueberry, and coconut. The formula is USDA-certified organic, naturally caffeine-free, and OBGYN-approved for mom's wellness throughout pregnancy. It tastes great either hot or iced! You can find it for the best price HERE.

What favorites would you add to this list? Comment below!

Today's blog will be featuring a mother and daughter duo. Andrea and her daughter Grace are participating in Pure Fashion, 2017, in Ames, Iowa!

For those of you who've never heard of Pure Fashion, they are "an international faith based program designed for girls 14-18 to help young women re-discover their innate value and authentic femininity. They are a character formation program that enhances not only a young woman's external appearance, but more importantly, her interior beauty and balanced self confidence."

Their goal is to emphasize a young woman's inherent dignity and therefore create in her a desire to dress and act in accordance with that dignity. They understand that many women today are losing their sense of innocence at a very young age, and Pure Fashion aims to reverse this trend by offering a fun, exciting and effective virtue formation program that can impress the hearts and minds of young girls at a very critical stage in their lives. To find out more, visit: www.purefashion.com

Andrea enjoys carefree timelessness with her family, running/exercising, gardening, and watching her children in all the activities they participate in.  Homeschooling her children has been an enlightening experience, both educationally and spiritually. It has allowed her to dive into learning with her children, and has opened her eyes and heart to a whole new appreciation and approach to education. It has also deepened and strengthened her knowledge of the Catholic faith, and allowed her to share that love and wisdom with her children in endless hours of reading, listening, and discussion. The path that God has led her and her husband on is one they never would have imagined 19 years ago, but because of the church and all it professes, here they are six kids later, doing the best they can to follow where God is leading them!  A verse Andrea takes inspiration from is Proverbs 31: 'Though I have far to go to even compare to the woman described in this verse, it encourages and reminds me of the kind of godly woman I can strive to be for my husband and children.'

Grace is a junior in high school and enjoys drawing, painting, piano, and playing soccer in her free time. She loves art and design, and is planning on majoring in something in that area when she goes to college. She is very passionate about soccer and it has been a huge part of her high school experience. She is also very involved with the youth groupat her church. Some of the most impactful moments in her life have been through the retreats and trips she's taken with this youth group.

Andrea, how did you hear about Pure Fashion and what inspired you to get involved?

Andrea: I first heard about Pure Fashion through our Pure Fashion group leader Kim's Mother-in-Law, at a bible study I was in. I was really impressed with the results I heard about with those participating and thought it would be such a great opportunity for my daughter Grace, but at the time she was only in 8th grade. The seeds were planted and I kept thinking about it until she was a teen.

Grace, your mom heard first about Pure Fashion, but what ultimately inspired you to get involved?

Grace: At the time, I was homeschooled and felt very strongly about the same values that Pure Fashion promoted, so I liked the idea of being a part of a support system and group of like-minded girls. At my age, these values aren't often practiced or encouraged, and are often looked down upon, so having that support network was really important to me. The events also sounded super interesting and fun!

Grace, how does the mission of Pure Fashion help you navigate your life as a teen?

Grace: The ideals of modesty and purity help shape my decisions and actions, and help me stay true to myself. They help me understand why remaining pure and acting with modesty is the best choice and I don't feel as much of a need to dress or act in order to impress others. It's very freeing.

Andrea, how does the mission of Pure Fashion help you navigate your life as a mother?

Andrea: The things were are learning with Pure Fashion help reinforce and support the foundation and character we're trying to instill in our children-both our boys and girls. It really helps us when our kids are surrounded by those who don't just say to do these things, but also to live by them.

Andrea, what does purity mean to you?

Andrea: To me, purity means we're temples of the Holy Spirit and striving to keep our bodies sacred, beautiful, and respected, at every age. When we do this for Christ, we are also showing respect for ourselves, and.........

Grace: When we do this and portray ourselves in this way on the outside, it is a way to draw people in and get to know Christ through us.

Andrea: Good answer, Grace! Yes, you don't want to take away self-expression through fashion, but make sure your dress is also showing that you respect yourself and your fashion choices don't distract others from getting to know who you are.

Grace, do you have any other thoughts on what purity means?

Grace: Yes, being pure-intentioned and keeping our actions and purpose driven and focused by Christ.

Andrea: I love watching speaker Jackie Francois Angel because she exemplifies living in purity and being so joyful! I also think chastity is a huge part of purity-both as a single person and in marriage.

Grace, what do you find, as a teen, makes it the most difficult to dress with modesty and act with purity?

Grace: Being around friends at school. Most of them dress to impress others in order to model famous people and with an impure purpose; trying to attract boys. It makes me sad that the fashion and entertainment world tells us that as women, the only way to be powerful is to dress a certain way so that you have power over men. I really believe that these women would be more happy if they dressed for themselves and dressed to celebrate who they are as themselves, rather than defining their fashion choices to please others.

Andrea, what made it hard for you as a teen to live a life of purity and chastity?

I didn't have the voice that showed me this path or any Christ-life mentoring in my life. My husband and I were high school sweethearts and both look back and wish we'd known these things.

We took a "growing kids" class and learned how growing kids' lives are like a funnel and we have to be a guiding influence on our children. 

Andrea, what advice would you give yourself back then that you can now tell your daughter?

Andrea: Treat your body as a temple. Respect yourself-it's hard now, but in the end, you'll be so grateful you did and you'll see the fruit of it and it really is the best thing for you! I love my parents, but we had no guidance on purity back then. I wish after taking a course on Theology of the Body, that I could share its messages with everyone!

Doing things like Pure Fashion with your children, keeps the dialogue and conversation going. It can be hard to approach the subject of sex and chastity sometimes, so when we go to these events, it gives us common ground to work from and keeps us parents engaged.

We are so grateful to have Andrea and Grace at The Purifed Palate! Please keep them, all Pure Fashion participants, and young people in your prayers!

P.S. If you're in the Ames, Iowa, area on Sunday, April 2nd, be sure to show them your support by attending their fashion show at The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center. Doors open at 3pm and the show begins at 4. Artists Luke Spehar and EllieMae Millenkamp will be performing and there will be several Catholic vendors for you to browse! Here are the details:

 We hope to see you there!

I see so many moms-to-be on social media asking our tribe what they should pack in their hospital bag when they're going to deliver their baby.

I often found myself re-posting my must-haves, so I figured I'd just post it all here in one place so I can easily share it whenever the opportunity comes up! I recommend having your bag packed around the 8 month mark, just to be prepared.

For Momma

Flip flops

Warm robe to wrap around you quickly for taking strolls around the hospital while in early labor or post labor

Eye covers and ear plugs-because it's super hard to get any sleep with all the random lights and noises of a hospital!

Do not disturb door knob sign- Sometimes, your Labor and Delivery floor will require periodic checking of yours or baby's vitals, but if you ask, sometimes they will respect that you really just need a few straight hours of uninterrupted sleep! Putting this on the door will remind them or any unexpected visitors that you, your partner, and your new little one really need to rest.

Lip gloss or chapstick-hospitals can be super dry. I especially love the Lip Balms from Beautycounter, as all their products are completely non-toxic and safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can find them HERE. The Rejuvenating Eye Cream is especially a treat because it soothes and reduces dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness if you're sleep deprived. This is a huge treat for a new momma! (Hint-place the cream in the fridge for a cooling effect!)

Essential oils-if you're into these, finding one you really like can be super nice for calming and relaxing you, or for drowning out the weird smells of a hospital. Otherwise, an essential oil-based lotion works great, too! Make sure it does not contain peppermint, as this can affect your milk supply.

Warm socks

Water bottle with straw for easy sipping

Throat lozenges- for dry hospital air

Healthy snacks-for you and dad to munch on during downtime or when cafeteria is closed.

Spare change for vending machines

Hair brush

Hair ties

Contacts case, solution, eye glasses, extra contacts

Blow dryer-if you want to dry your hair, hospital hair dryers aren't usually that effective

Soft medium-sized towel/towels for your face. Hospital towels are full of bleach and can be hard and scratchy

Your own shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, deoderant, etc.

Non-toxic wet wipes to wipe down post labor if you aren't able to take a shower right away

Adult diapers-yes, this sounds gross, but the disposable underwear and pads provided by the hospital are really awkward and don't stay put very well! A friend shared this advice with me for my first, and she was totally right!

Camera

Phone charger

Baby book, pregnancy journal, or small notebook/pencil-to record any special moments or memories and baby's first hand and foot prints

Rosary or any other special devotional

Print and bring this beautiful religious piece: How to Have a Baby

My brother, who will be ordained this summer, found this and sent it to me years ago. It is a beautiful and brilliant piece on the sacredness of motherhood and how close childbirth and motherhood bring us to Christ. It is a wonderful way to prepare your heart and mind for bringing baby into the world and it gave me so much courage and comfort during a time filled with so many emotions ranging from joy, excitement, fear, etc. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Nursing bras-I recommend buying them in cotton, to absorb any additional moisture from sweat or breastmilk. Also, I highly recommend investing in a good quality bra, so they give good support but also last through other children! I use Bravado bras and have been very happy with them. You can find them on their website or through Amazon.

Breastfeeding pads

Clothing for you to go home in. Make sure the waste band is relaxed and stretchy in case you end up having a c-section. If it's summer time, a maxi dress is perfect!

For Baby

Outfit for going home

Stocking cap

Warm socks or booties

Baby mittens/hand covers-their new little hands sometimes come out with super sharp fingernails! Keep baby's hands covered to prevent them from accidentally scratching their face.

Warmer clothes if it's winter and a blanket to cover them while in the carrier to the car.

Light muslin swaddle blanket for added warmth from the A/C in the car if it's summer time.

Carseat for taking baby home

At around the 8 month mark, make sure to have a professional make sure you've installed your car seat correctly and that straps are in correct place for baby. You can often find someone to help at a local police or fire department. Not sure how to correctly strap in your baby? Read HERE. Also, if it's winter, be sure not to strap infants in a car seat with bulky winter gear. This can be a safety issue.

Carseat mirror

This is so helpful so you can watch baby from the front seat while they're in a rear-facing car seat!

*hospitals usually provide all diapers, clothing, swaddling blankets, breast feeding supplies/pump, etc, for when baby is in the hospital, and usually send you home with some additional supplies. I recommend calling ahead and asking them, as each hospital may be different.

We received this awesome recommendation from our reader, Theresa:

"Even though I had all of my kids in the Catholic hospital here in town, there was not a Crucifix in the labor rooms. There was a Cross but not a Crucifix. When my youngest was born I finally had the forethought to bring a Crucifix and, let me tell you, that made all the difference in the world to me during labor. I doubt that is what shortened the labor... she was born after only 20 minutes of real labor, but that Crucifix made everything more meaningful after she was born."

Is there anything you would add to this list? Feel free to comment and share!

Many of you have recently joined the world of MLMs (Multi-level Marketing companies). Some of you promote essential oils, exercise programs, cosmetics, clothing, jewelry, handbags, etc. Or, you sell beautiful homemade crafts and masterpieces online or at local trade shows. Or maybe you’re a blogger! (raises hand) As this new year gears up, perhaps some of you are considering the leap into a side hustle for its flexibility, the potential for bringing in extra income for your family, or because you're yearning for something to put your creative energy and talents toward.

Last June, I jumped into the world of network marketing and I'm so glad I did! But, with any new adventure comes valuable lessons learned. In today's post, I'll be sharing the top 10 things you should consider before taking the leap.

Spend some time thinking about what you’re passionate about and then find an MLM company that aligns with your passion AND values.

I can’t stress this enough. Be sure to research the company and make sure they don’t promote or donate to missions or organizations that you don’t morally align with. The last thing you want is to become deeply invested in a company, only to find out down the road that they support something that will make you lose sleep at night and have daily fights with your conscience. That brings me to my next point……

Make sure the company practices with sound morals and good ethics.

This should be obvious, but too many people assume that if a company and its products are popular, that the company must be a good and ethical company to work for. I believe a good company is transparent with their consultants and clients, is willing to fall on their own sword when they've made a mistake, have a high-quality product(s) with a realistic price point, aren't always about making a quick buck, and are passionate about fulfilling a real need; not just indulging in a fleeting trend or fad. Some trend products are fun to sell, but if you’re going to build a small business and want it to last for more than a few years, invest in a company that’s fulfilling a need that people will want for a while and is not a demand that will fizzle out after a few years.

Think about who your audience would be if you began promoting this company and its products.

Family and friends? Only those who you know through social media? Will you have to go out and seek new clients? Will you need to hold vendor booths at various events and conferences? How will these things fit with your personality? How will any associated expenses fit with your lifestyle? Your budget? Your schedule? Are you comfortable working with social media and public speaking? Are you willing to invest in the time it will take to learn about the products and mission that you’ll be promoting?

Look up reviews and talk to someone who is currently employed with the company or has worked with the company you’re interested in.

Make sure the company treats their employees, consultants, and customers with the upmost respect and gives quality customer service to everyone who reaches out to them. Again, this includes BOTH consultants (you) and clients.

Learn the difference between a Multi-level Marketing company (an MLM) and a Pyramid Scheme.

They are NOT the same, but sadly, due to the terrible stereotypes created by notorious pyramid schemes in the 90s, we’ve got our work cut out for us in undoing this damage. The good news? Hardly any real pyramid schemes still exist. However, you'll often find the need to explain the difference to people you're introducing your products and company to:-/

When I first heard about MLMs and saw various posts from friends promoting them on social media, I have to admit....I rolled my eyes a few times. But once I joined myself, I realized that so many of us moms were striving for many of the same goals. This is a good article from HuffPo that articulates many of my feelings about moms who work with MLMs.

So what are the key differences? First, an MLM is designed very similarly to any other company, but the majority of their employees do not have office space in one building. This saves big time on overhead costs for them, while giving employees like you and me greater independence to work from home and with our own hours. Here’s a helpful tutorial on the main differences between the two.

Do you believe in the company and its products?

Before joining, try to sample as many of the products as possible. Then, decide if you'll actually use the products and if you're truly passionate about promoting the products, the company, and its overall mission. People can sniff out a fake and can tell whether you’re being genuine with them. Plus, in the day-to-day of your hustle, the last thing you'll want is to feel like you're faking your way into a sale and/or recruiting others to join your team. Not only is this unethical, but your conscience will make you miserable (and rightfully so!).

One big reason I knew my side hustle was a great fit was because I was (and still am) excited to share about our company’s mission and its products to EVERYONE-not just my friends and family. It all aligns with what I’m passionate about and it allows my work to effortlessly show up in conversations with others; whether it’s updating them on what I’ve been up to, sharing about what I do for a living with a new acquaintance, making small talk at the hair salon or in the checkout line, etc. For example, before starting this side hustle, I was passionate about preventing cancer and illness by being more aware of what I'm putting in and on my body, and any products I'm using in our home. I was already sharing with others about this, so bringing up my side hustle in conversation came naturally. If the company and its products don’t fit in with your lifestyle or you have difficulty envisioning how it can be relevant to anyone else's life, it will be very hard to market the company and its products to a sizeable audience.

Make sure the start-up costs fit within your budget.

The excitement that comes with starting your own business can make you get carried away. When it comes to your initial investment, be frugal and take it one step at a time until you start bringing in revenue. Until you start seeing a return on your investment, you want to be careful not to get in over your head right away. This can make you feel overhelmed and discouraged, and leads many to throw in the towel before they've really even begun!

I recommend finding a company that only charges you up front for sign up fees, basic supplies (like a consultant website or backend portal for keeping you organized, order forms, etc.), and training tools to get started. Companies that require you to pay for your own merchandise to sell can create a hefty amd burdensome investment and can start you off on a bad foot financially. Find a hustle that allows you to purchase products or build inventory at your own pace, and perhaps create your own samples from products you'll be using yourself (within sanitary reason!) so there’s little financial and product waste. Also, find a company who understands it takes time to build your business and customer relationships, and doesn't financially penalize you for this. I'm so thankful to work with an MLM who allows plenty of time to reach realistic sales goals (because life happens!) and puts a huge emphasis on building customer relationships.

If you’re strongly thinking about joining, seek out and work with a mentor/upline that you trust.

Ask them TONS of questions! I grilled my mentor for a very long time before I jumped on board. She was very patient and understanding with me! If they aren’t being honest, patient with your concerns, or aren’t being totally transparent; RUN AWAY! In many MLMs, your relationship with your mentor is ongoing as you build your business and seek their mentorship. If they don't respect you, don't take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns, treat you like your questions are stupid or you're an inconvenience, it can make or break your experience with the MLM you choose.

Don’t join a company that requires YOU to purchase a minimum order or commit to an auto-shipment every month.

This is a big fat red flag. Purchasing products when you don’t need them is a waste of your money and resources. It’s also a big sign that the company is out to make quick money off their consultants and is not focused on selling their product to a wider audience. This will also drain you of business-building finances quickly; especially if you’re on a tight budget when getting started.

Be realistic.

Don’t be fooled by an MLM promising you’ll be making six figures within a year. A small percentage of those in an MLM actually accomplish this. Building a side business (or any business for that matter) takes time and intention. I have fellow SAHMs in my business who’ve achieved six figure incomes in a year, but realistically, most people don't. Yet, plenty of women on my team have done very well and have been bringing in enough to cover their mortgage, utilities, their grocery bill each month, and/or a luxury vacation for their family each year!

As a stay-at-home mom with various life demands and schedules, how we contribute to our side hustles won’t look the same for everyone. Yet, so many of us have found our work very fulfilling, inspiring, and most important: FUN! Whatever path you take, make sure your hustle doesn’t add too much undue stress to your life and is a blessing to you intellectually and financially. If it’s one that requires many little steps spread out over time, you’re consistently moving in the right direction, and aren’t back-peddling, then it may be a good fit for you! One particular reason I love the company and products I promote are the perks I gain as a consultant and the fact that our family would already be using these products anyways; so we’re not double-purchasing things we’re already using! In other words, be savvy and try finding ways to make the hustle work for you, too!

And one more thing...... aside from spending time to pray and discern, spend a lot of time discussing the details with your spouse.

Ask them to be honest with you when it comes to the product(s) and whether they can envision you working with this company. After all, they know you better than anyone! For example, have them give you their honest opinion first as your spouse and taking your family's lifestyle into consideration, and then from the viewpoint of a potential customer. Talk about what the demands of growing this particular type of side business would look like in your daily lives and what kind of time you would be able to commit to your hustle. Some business opportunities can become successful with a small startup fee, several weeks to train and build up a client portfolio, and committing to as little as an hour a day (ask me how I know this)! Some need much more time each week, a larger investment upfront, and additional resources to develop. It all depends on what will work for you and what goals you have in mind.

Do any of you SAHMs out there have a side hustle? Do you have more questions? Comment with any questions or tips you have for any other moms considering the leap! Please, NO soliciting. Thank you!

Happy New Year! Yes, this is the first post of 2017 on my blog. I am SO behind!

I have to admit.....I've been a terrible blogger recently! Sorry! Many of you out there are probably wondering what life-altering experience I must be going through to basically drop off the face of the earth! Well, some of you may have guessed it's because I'm pregnant. You would be correct! God is so good!

The last several months have been interesting while I've navigated life with a toddler, running a business at home, and dealing with lots of fatigue and nausea this round. Thankfully, baby and I are super healthy, so we really can't complain! Pregnancy is a truly miraculous event and I don't take it for granted. Also, MAJOR props to my super hero husband who has been a huge Godsend! (I married UP!)

It's been quite a whirlwind with all that has been going on; not only within our domestic church, but in the world all around us. Some of us may be coming into 2017 with anger, caution, fear, and dread. Many of us are ecstatic and hopeful. Many of us are still licking wounds or are working through regret over things said during a brutal election season. Whichever emotion best describes you and regardless of who you voted for, I would say that most of us have some level of fear and dread in our hearts with all the unknowns and negative events that are happening in the world these days.

As I begin 2017 here at The Purified Palate, I want this first post to be simple. To everyone reading this is: Be still and know that He is God. He reigns and no government, politician, world leader, or global crisis can ever take His place or change this. *sigh of relief*. Thank God. But easier said than done, amiright? Are we truly living with this knowledge? Are we embracing it? Or are our words and actions toward our neighbor and our circumstances showing otherwise? I'm totally guilty of commiserating in this fear and dread. Anyone else? Misery really does love company. You know who else loves misery and gets way too much of it these days? I'll let you take a wild guess. 

This past year especially, I've really struggled with learning not to focus on what other people think. At the root of all our hearts, I think we desperately want to be known and loved for who we are. In today's world, it's heartbreaking to see such conditional love and how people are so selective and controlling over their relationships; simply based on whether they're in agreement with that person's views and values. I've actually heard people say, "Nah. I'd rather not hang out with that person. I'm sure they'll start talking about the election and such-and-such candidate." 

Growing up, my parents encouraged openness toward others and, even if we disagreed, to always listen and be respectful. I treasure the vulnerability and diversity that comes with open dialogue with people across all idealogies. I have always felt it was a huge compliment when people feel they can open up and share such an intimate piece of themselves; even if we are polar opposites in beliefs.  It is so rare to be a part of open and respectful dialogue, and to experience such unconditional love by our peers these days. Nothing hurts me more than when a loved one or acquaintance assumes terrible things of me or is mis-interpreting my intentions, yet they've made no effort to seek understanding or to actually get to know who I am; and this includes what I'm passionate about, my religion, my politics, etc. This doesn't include the current weather conditions or how my day was. I'm not perfect at this, but knowing how much it hurts to be "loved" in such a superficial and conditional way, I'm going to double my efforts to seek understanding of others before jumping to conclusions or assuming the worst. I'm going to sacrifice my own comfort in order to be more vulnerable and let the other person feel more intimately loved for who they are and what drives them and gives them meaning in this life we share. Surrendering my life and my relationships to Christ means I won't always be comfortable in conversation, but I know that this discomfort is sanctifying me, and this discomfort is giving the other person a glimpse at Christ. I've also grown closer to accepting that at the end of the day, I can't control other's opinions of me and this is something I also need to surrender to Christ. 

My very wise brother, who's going to be ordained this summer as a Jesuit priest, reminded me once that living with such fear and anxiety is very contradictory to who we are as Christians. How will our faith and joy in Christ ever look attractive to others and how will we ever exude warmth and openness to our brothers and sisters, if we live in fear and dread, close ourselves off to the world out of this fear, and make decisions that are controlling and rooted in fear and dread; rather than out of love and joy in knowing He is King; over our world, our lives, and our salvation?

With these things in mind, I decided that when I made out my list of New Year's resolutions, I would also be choosing a theme to focus on: Joyful Abandonment in Christ. I can make as many resolutions and to-do lists as I want, but if I don't have joy rooted in Him and if I don't surrender it all to Him, then nothing else matters. No matter where I live in the world, if I don't surrender my life to Him, I will never feel true freedom. I forget this way too often. I desperately want to be filled with this fruit-of-the-holy-spirit-type joy, and nothing robs me of it more than trying to control my own life out of fear and dread, and getting in my own way of surrendering it all to Him. I also want to be less fearful when it comes to vulnerability and getting uncomfortable in my relationships with others. Fear robs us of the richness and fruit of relationships, and if I surrender them to Christ as well, I pray it makes me a more Christ-like and loving presence in their lives. I pray this vulnerability brings me closer to Christ, too. This reminds me of a great quote by one of my favorite authors and philosophers:

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Love

What is your "theme" for the year? What did you learn from 2016? Please share in the comments or on our facebook page!

I wish you and all your loved ones a beautiful, bright, and blessed new year full of joyful abandonment in Christ!