How can I release regrets in my life? Try this spiritual exercise.

NOTE: I have a bunch of these spiritual exercises in River of Grace called Flow Lessons and I thought I would share them with you. Give it a try and see what happens!

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Materials needed: pen or pencil and paper; a large sink or bathtub; a small, empty Tupperware; various small objects that will not be harmed should they get wet


Note: If you belong to a faith tradition that practices the sacraments (such as the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal or Orthodox faiths), making use of the Sacrament of  Reconciliation/Confession/Absolution is the best place to start when dealing with regrets. The kind counsel of the priest coupled with the reception of sanctifying grace provides true spiritual healing. The value of this exercise is for any leftover regrets you were unable to release after reception of the sacrament.

Be still

This may be a difficult exercise so you will want to take some extra time to be in the presence of God. Use previous practices such as slow breathing, birds flying away from a tree or placing objects in a bag to clear your mind of cares and anxieties. Continue reading “How can I release regrets in my life? Try this spiritual exercise.”

Got cold feet? I have a cheap, easy and quick solution for you!

I did say I would write about anything on this blog. 🙂

When I figure out a solution to a problem, I love to tell people about it. And this solution worked so well and is so easy to execute that I just had to share. And it regards–feet! Continue reading “Got cold feet? I have a cheap, easy and quick solution for you!”

River of Grace Soundtrack Album and Audio Book now available for only $15 from Bandcamp

Audio books make great traveling companions as does music.  I am pleased to announce that River of Grace is now available as an audio book with the music included, all on a USB Flash drive with smart phone-ready files ready for you to load up.

Take this story of grace with you on your next long trip or listen to it during your morning commute. Continue reading “River of Grace Soundtrack Album and Audio Book now available for only $15 from Bandcamp”

New book to announce! The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion: A Book of Daily Reflections

I have an exciting announcement!

Last year I was asked by Ave Maria Press (the publisher of River of Grace) to be a contributor to a wonderful devotional project that will be part of the Catholicmom.com book series. I am privileged to be one of eighty distinguished writers for this work known as The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion: A Book of Daily Reflections. Continue reading “New book to announce! The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion: A Book of Daily Reflections”

Can’t see the forest for the trees–literally! What have we been missing?

I have a favorite saying:

“I’m slow but I get it eventually.”

But twelve years? Seriously? 🙂

That’s how long it took me to discover this little paradise just across the street and down the hill from my house (which is both on a busy street and near railroad tracks): Continue reading “Can’t see the forest for the trees–literally! What have we been missing?”

Come Holy Spirit! In anticipation of Pentecost

This is my column for this month’s Catholic Free Press. May the Holy Spirit give you strength and consolation as he fills you with God’s love and leads you to new life.

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Towards sanctity: the Spirit’s call from fear to love

Sometimes I think I should have been born a house cat. Indoor cats crave comfort and security above all else and this is my priority too.  Have you ever noticed the lengths cats will go to find that perfect spot to sleep? It’s always on the softest pillow, the coziest quilt, the laundry basket full of clothes just drawn from a hot dryer.

jenny and rameses

That pursuit of comfort drives my actions. I will choose to look frumpy rather than wear clothes that bind me in any way. I opted out of going to a favorite spot to watch the spring bird migration because it was cold and rainy. Making comfort my top priority has turned me into a notorious homebody. I’ve become complacent and rigid.

This makes it all the more difficult for the Holy Spirit to affect change in me. How can I grow in sanctity if I am unwilling to give up comfort and security in favor of challenge and growth? Continue reading “Come Holy Spirit! In anticipation of Pentecost”

Sharing our colored pictures from the Harmony Coloring Book

Have you gotten your free copy of the Harmony Coloring book yet?

It’s easy to get one. Simply sign up for my email list and I’ll send you the link to download your free copy. There are other surprises too! You can sign up here. I send out only one email per week to let you know about new posts and other news.

Here are some sample pages.

I created the drawings from my photographs:

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I invite you to share your colored-in pages.

My friend Val send me these. She wrote to me, “I love the pages! Thank you again for offering this to us.”

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I colored in the cover:

front page

Do you have pictures to share?

Take a photo with your phone and send it to me. I’d love to share.

Do you have friends that like to color? Share this post with them:

Click to Tweet & Share: Love nature and animals? Love to color? Come get your free copy of the Harmony Coloring Book! http://tinyurl.com/jnb3d9l

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Many people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

 

 

 

Can marketing have a spiritual component? Tips I gathered by learning to give.

Can marketing have a spiritual component?

If God is everywhere, why not?

Part of my work life consists in writing and marketing books and music. I do it here on my website and sometimes in person. As a typical creative, I far prefer the creation process over the selling of what I create. Writing nourishes my spirit while marketing drains it. It can feel forced and even a bit sleazy.

Those of you who are entrepreneurs, creating books, music, business products, services or crafts, know the difficulties of connecting with customers. How do you keep the conversations real? What if you get tongue-tied? How do you avoid coming off like a used car salesman? Continue reading “Can marketing have a spiritual component? Tips I gathered by learning to give.”

The rewards of silence–Sneaking up on turtles

My first kayak trip of the spring and my camera surprises me!

I realized the stillness I want to practice works out perfectly in a kayak when it comes to sneaking up on unsuspecting wildlife.

It paid off big time with a close-up view of a beaver (my first one – wish I’d gotten a picture of him) and these three painted turtles: Continue reading “The rewards of silence–Sneaking up on turtles”

“Is My Day Your Day?” Let’s talk about our spiritual lives.

MAY 1, 2016

Sometimes we need a place to jot down our thoughts and feelings.

  • We learn something new.
  • We screw up. Big time.
  • We receive a surprise blessing.

I wanted to establish this quiet space to share things as they happen to me with the hope that you will see yourself here too. Free free to comment and I will answer. Let’s talk and share.

I invite you to visit my spiritual journal called “Is My Day Your Day?”

In this journal I will be sharing insights I learn from scripture, experiences of prayer, encounters with people and with the world … whatever I run into that leads me to God.

I am hoping that in my sharing you will find something that resonates with your spiritual life.

We are never alone. God is with us and not just in church. He in our hearts and souls. He is in each one of us. And he is in the world around us.

Mark Ittleman Together, Flickr Creative Commons
Mark Ittleman Together, Flickr Creative Commons

I look forward to walking together with you and our Lord.

Click to Tweet & Share: Is My Day Your Day? Let’s talk about our spiritual lives. http://wp.me/p6vomf-1HF

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Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog andreceive your free coloring book (and more).

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

Email List link: http://eepurl.com/U-4YT

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