7 quick takes {v. 11} - it is well

-1

What a wonderful couple of weeks it's been! I finished helping out at my church's summer CCD and it's been a really wonderful, surprisingly humbling experience. These kids were so open to the Gospel and had such great questions. For example: "Why can't God just snap His fingers and make all the bad things stop?" And that's from a 10 year old, ladies and gentlemen.

-2

Blessed are the men whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the roads to Zion. - Psalm 84:5

 I'm coming out of a somewhat difficult season in my life and have become very contented with the various quiet, daily routines that we take for granted. Maybe it sounds silly but looking out the window and seeing green all around me, pine trees, even the mailman, have been balms for my soul. I guess you never know how much you love home until you leave for a time.

-3
On a lighter note, Austenland is coming to theaters soon. I love all things Austen and am excited to see what this movie is all about. Seems like a cute summer rom-com. Also, where exactly does one find a life-size cutout of Colin Firth/Darcy?



-4
The new Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist CD came out this week, too. It's a beautiful order of sisters and the CD is amazing. It's so relaxing to just turn on the hymns and let them wash over you. It's even been a big help for me to get into the right stillness before prayer.

-5
Another neat ministry I read about this week was the relatively new brewery of the Benedictine Monks at St. Benedict's Monastery of Norcia, Italy. Not only is their beer (Belgian style) supposed to be amazing, but they've found it's been a great way to "preach the Gospel without preaching the Gospel".  Interesting, right?

-6
There's been so much evil in the news this week that it's hard to take in. Some of these articles I couldn't even get through because of the depth of evil. I'll never understand how a human heart can become so dark. The only thing I can think to do now is pray. Let's keep these intentions in our prayers this week.

-7
I'm starting the 33 Days to Morning Glory consecration program at my church this week and, really, I don't think it could've come at a better time. Have you any of you done this? I've heard so many good things. Pray for me, if you can, and share any intentions you want me to pray for too!