Candlelight Vigil and What I've been reading

This past Monday night, we walked over the Planned Parenthood at 9:30 PM for a holy hour of prayer by candlelight. There was around 200 people in attendance. We prayed the rosary and sang the chaplet of Divine Mercy together. It was so peacefully beautiful. John, Austin, Dominic, Lillie, Rose, Zellie, Vianney, and I were amongst the crowd. I always find these evenings so beautiful and hopeful. All those in attendance were there for a common cause hoping for the restoration to the sanctity of all human life from conception until natural death.

My book recommendations don't relate directly to the above post.  It is just so important to fill our souls with goodness and hope.  I love reading.  I read all the dingle-dong day long here and there.  I have books all over our home.  I love picking up a book just to read a chapter here and there.  I love the excitement of getting a new book and settling in for the evening to crack its stiff pages open only to become engrossed in the story of someone I once knew nothing about.  My literary tastes seem to sway toward biographies as my temperament is easily motivated by heroes and enlightening thoughts.

I went back to our room to get the books I am currently reading and noticed how ridiculous my nightstand is getting.

I then turn to see another book open on the bed that I had read during nap time and found another in the bathroom which I was reading while getting ready this morning.

My bible study is reading this book now which we have all found to be very intriguing.  Colleen Carroll Campbell writes personally about her conversion story and how certain saints led her to know Christ more.  

My deliciously favorite book.  I will read this book over and over as the deep seated meanings behind the brilliance of Tolkien and Lewis and the virtues we are to learn from these literary giants leave me hungry for more.  I love finding the parallels between the movies and our own personal lives.  I love knowing that what the past has known is what we are experiencing today.  I love finding out how the past was dealt with and how good eventually wins everytime.
If you've not read nor seen any of the "The Lord of the Rings" or "The Hobbit" or read any of CS Lewis than these books won't probably make as much sense because the author explains the meanings behind all the movies or books.

I think I highlighted this entire book.  Outstanding and beyond intriguing.  This book contains the ability to open the eyes of so many into many aspects of the marital life.  Up until the Second Vatican Council, we were called to "Generous Parenthood.  Since, the term has been changed to "Responsible Parenthood."  The author lays out perfectly why the wording was changed and what the true purpose of the marital act is.

This is just a small book, but leaves me enlightened each time about who I am and why God made me.  We are made for heaven.  I was created to KNOW, to LOVE, and to SERVE HIM in this world so I can be with HIM forever in the next.  As much as I enjoy reading other blogs and certain aspects of the internet, if I could only BEG you to spend most of your  time doused in good literature that lifts your mind to God.  I truly cannot pull myself away from great books. 

I just got this book today, but have known of Fr. Kapaun for a couple years now.  I, like all, love heroes.  I love those willing to lay down their lives for others without EVER counting the costs.  John's mom read this book and was almost teary-eyed telling me how much she loved his story.  He is on the fast track right now for sainthood and I know that your time invested in getting to know this man will not be without great benefit to your soul and mission.

I picked this up last week as I am nearing the end of this pregnancy and as I always do, begin to mentally map out how I plan to get back into shape.  I have used various methods after each baby like Weight Watchers, Couch to 5K, and Farrell's Kickboxing.  This time though, I feel as though I need to dig this issue up by its roots instead of just pulling the weeds.  I blew through half this book in about two days and it has opened my eyes to various issues regarding food.  

I just started this book, but have found it beyond excellent and it seems each day I have found it popping up on other blogs recommending its goodness.

Like we wish for our children, wonderful literature can open your mind and soul to so much insight and purpose.  You will begin to see your life and people differently.  You will find more meaning in your work.