She is a wife and mother of six, is a speaker and writer who lives outside Austin, TX. She blogs at FaithfulNotSuccessful.com about disability, faith, doubt, suffering, community, and good reads. Her first book, Awakening at Lourdes: How an Unanswered Prayer Healed Our Family and Restored Our Faith, a memoir about a pilgrimage with her husband and son, was just published by Ave Maria Press. She’s a Dame of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta and just started pursuing a second career in nursing.

Christy spent hours in prayer, trying to “wrestle a healing from God” for her son Oscar. What mother wouldn’t do the same when medical doctors have no answers to help your son. Going to the baths at Lourdes was a gift and place of healing not only for Oscar but for Christy and Todd and the whole family. It was in the surrender that, that listening to God’s whispers, that she was able to see the small yet powerful changes in Oscar. And, then, she was able to “trade control for vulnerability” (pg 174) and receive what God was offering.

6 children, a husband and going to nursing school full time is more than a full life. However, those facts don’t capture all of life; the death of parents, illness, school and the usual happenings that go on with children, special needs or not. It is a full life, and one that Christy lives each day and when the days or moments are difficult and answers not forthcoming, she prays these words, “Whatever you want, Jesus, ” similar to Blessed Chiara Badano. 

As I see Christy on social media, she inspires me. She is quick to point out, that it is God who works through her. It is all for his glory.

Christy is on Instagram, 

Here’s her website!

This week, when life seems overly full, pray this prayer: “Whatever you want, Jesus.”

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However, in our world they are inevitable. I do believe they can help us tough, in becoming the person God created. If we learn from our struggles, we have confidence that God will be there with us the next time.

We are being built into a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. God will dwell in us, through the power of his Spirit with his Son. We are held together by his Son. Isn’t that the truth?  When we look back at our struggles we see how God was present. It may have been through the Word, others, prayers, the sacraments – he was there.  And then, what did we learn by going through the struggle?

That is our challenge for this week. Look back, on yesterday, last week, month, year – to a struggle that you survived and hopefully learned from. Where was God? What did you learn about him and yourself? Write it out. Remember it for the next time.

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There are many voices in the world who clamor for our attention and think they can guide us on the best path. Ultimately, though, only God wants what is best for us and will be with us always. In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls Simon (Peter) to follow him. But first, Jesus asks him to throw his net over and catch fish. Peter is tired and thinks it is pointless, but obeys Jesus nonetheless.

And what happens next shows us that when we think we are lacking, obedience will bring divine fulfillment. And not a little bit, but an abundance. Now, this may not happen immediately as it does here in this story, but eventually, it will happen.

The other places we see this in Luke are in Luke chapter 1, specifically verses 1:34-37. We are told that “nothing is impossible for God.”

Whenever God calls us, we may doubt or think he has the wrong person. Let’s try not to doubt God’s plan, remembering that whatever he calls you to he will stay with you, as you persevere, to the end.

Get into your bible this week and read Luke chapter 1, a little each day or Luke 5:1-10. How do these scriptures remind you that God will lead you and stay with you always? Is he calling you to something new? How will you respond?

Want to learn more about the Gospel of Luke? Go to LiveNotluewarm and check out our study.

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Do we have courage or are we more like the Cowardly Lion? I’d say there are many times when I am like him and other times not. Life can be difficult and courage helps us stand up for what we believe, and overcome mental, emotional, and physical pain.

Of course, I’d rather God inform my idea of courage rather than the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. And as always, God has something to say!

In this world, you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world. John 16:33

The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still. Exodus 14:14

When you think about those verses, which one helps you to have more courage and more fortitude? It’s good to remember that we can ask God for what we need when we feel a lack of something. God will provide grace, the virtue when we ask and give us what we need for the task in front of us

Choose one of those verses, write it on a post-it note or print out the image and whenever you find yourself lacking courage, pray it.

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My best life includes a steady supply of books and time to read them. How about you? This week I spoke with Kelly Ann Guest, the author of Saintly Moms, 25 Stories of Holiness published by Our Sunday Visitor.

25 women, from the Blessed Mother to Saint Gianna Molla, women who embody real-life challenges with love and joy, becoming the holy women we are all called to become.

Kelly chose 25 saints, including a few on the road to sainthood, and tells us their story in a few short pages. each saint is meant to inspire us in the way they moved beyond the trials of their life to be holy. Kelly writes in a style that both teaches and inspires, reminding us that we too can be holy.

Each chapter opens with facts about the saint and closes with a prayer. Moms at all stages of motherhood will enjoy this book. I loved learning about new saints.

Prayer is the commonality in all these women saints, so take time each day to pray. Start with 5 minutes and go from there. If you already have a prayer practice, add to it. You won’t regret prayer!

Her website: Nun2Nine.com

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The world can always use another person to spread kindness. Why shouldn’t it be you? I know it’s not always easy, let’s face it – you’ve got just as much going on as the next person. How can you be kind when it’s not easy or you’d rather treat the person the way they are treating others?

This may be a bit (ahem, okay, very) obvious, but be kind to others this week, especially to those who are unkind to you or others.

From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.

Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

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What does it mean to pray? And is there a right or wrong way to pray? Simply put, prayer is talking to God. It is sitting with the One who made you and listening to what he has to say as well as telling him your thoughts. Often though, we forget to say thanks or think there is one ‘right way to pray.

When we focus on what we have been given, it helps us realize the gifts in our lives.

Let God be God. Allow him to be in charge.

Erin came up with this prayer at Mass one weekend. A group of us come together Thursday mornings at 8am (EST) on Clubhouse to pray. It is a wonderful way to pray with others and offer our thanks to God. Follow Erin and me on Clubhouse.

Erin on Instagram

Her website, where you can learn about her book!

My previous podcast with Erin McCole Cupp on her book, All Things New: Breaking the Cycyle & Raising a Joyful Family

From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.

Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

The post Prayers of Gratitude & Surrender appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Rhythm, routines and habits sound a bit boring, isn’t the fun in life unplanned and spontaneous. Yes and no.  I like having a rhythm and routine in my life and habits make life easier, so you make fewer decisions all day long.

I find when I plan my day I get more done, have more energy, feel more creative and have more time for fun. But lately, I’ve not been doing it and life has been a jumble, not flowing very smoothly at all.

I like James Clear, author of Atomic Habits; Gretchen Rubin, an NYT best-selling author and podcaster; Gary Keller and Jay Patapan, authors of The One Thing.

Create some routines for your day that will help you live a notlukewarm life more easily. It can be to start a new habit, plan your day to include some fun or add prayer time. Do something that will be of benefit to your life as it is right now!

Join me on September 20-23 for 4 ways to pray with scripture! You can sign up here.

The Kendrick Brothers, creators of WAR ROOM and FIREPROOF, have some exciting news to share: they have TWO films coming to theaters this fall—SHOW ME THE FATHER on September 10 and COURAGEOUS Legacy on September 24.

Featuring a variety of amazing, true stories, the Kendrick Brothers’ new feature film SHOW ME THE FATHER takes audiences on an inspiring and emotional cinematic journey. Their first documentary film has something for everyone and invites you to think differently about how you view your earthly father story and also how you personally relate to God.

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Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20, “Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Praying with your spouse leads to greater unity, that is communion, which is what Jesus calls us to, with each and him.

This week I encourage you to pray with your spouse or a close friend in one of the ways suggested!

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Talking with Barbara Lee reminded me why Ignatian Spirituality is so important. It is relatable, easy to approach and helpful as you go through life, no matter what age or stage you are in.

Answering God’s Call: A Scripture Based Journey for Older Adults by Barbara Lee, published by Loyola PRess is for all of us who want to pray with scripture and have had life experiences that have pushed us out in=to the deep. Maybe we’ve wondered where God is in the difficulties, trials and changes of life? Wonder no more, pick up this book that contains the scripture passages to read and ponder, prayer starters and a reflection. It is truly an all-in-one book in that whatever you’ll need for your prayer time is right there.

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