needle & thREAD

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Sorry this is so late! We had an unexpectedly long morning at the orthodontist and now i'm dashing out the door (also unexpecedly) to gather Mike up from the airport (hooray!).

So, yesterday was a whole lot of this:

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And some of this (Easter dresses, at last):

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I've been listening to Daring Greatly. I can't say enough good things about this book and since I have to leave now, I can't really say any things. So, that review will have to wait until next week.

Leave me a note and let me know what you're stitching and reading!

 

How Compassionate Are You with Yourself?

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It was something I’d done with ease just the previous week. This week, on the same mat, in the same space, I struggled. A trainer spotted me, steadied me and then whispered, “Compassion. Give yourself some.” That’s all she said. I admit leaving the gym berating myself, doubting my body’s ability to ever get the hang of it, and wondering if it was even worth it to return again the next day. I’d been working hard at this, every day for a month, and I felt like a total failure because of the last hour spent struggling. Please read the rest here.

Fast. Pray. Give.

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Fast

Don't forget that the only pedestal you need ever stand on is the one your husband and children build for you.

Pray

Persevere. "He who does not give up prayer cannot possibly continue to offend God habitually. Either he will give up  prayer, or he will give up sinning" (St. Alphonsus LIguori).

Give

Focus on your home today. The world can find another volunteer, but your husband and children have only one you.

Fast. Pray. Give.

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Fast

Stop looking for encouragement and approval. Genuinely encourage and affirm someone else instead.

Pray

Take this quote to prayer today and listen to God's answer: "Real love is demanding. I would fail in my mission if I did not tell you so. Love demands a personal commitment to the will of God." (Pope John Paul II)

Give

Let your child choose a huge stack of picture books (use that word "huge" when you ask her to gather them). Read them all to her today.

{note: If you're following along in your own copy of the Small Steps Companion Journal, you'll note that I've mixed things up here and there. Sometimes, a certain prompt won't work in my house on a certain day. So, I jump ahead or go back and pick one up. I'm endeavoring to do these with you!}