Faith Archives - The Rooted Mom

October 25, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

One Year Later: My Journey as a Catholic Blogger

Today is a special day for me. It happens to be the week I celebrate my one-year blogiversary! That is a term, right? Today, the first reading for the Masses said throughout the world was from the book of Ephesians and is one that I hold near and dear to my heart. I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you all why I came up with the name Rooted Mom and what sparked my desire for this blog, as well as some nuggets I have gathered in the last year.

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A couple of years ago, I felt God calling me to start a blog soon. I did not know exactly how or when, but I knew He desired to begin preparations. So, I did. I came up with the coolest name and I was stoked. But, a domain shark owned the name I wanted and all of its variations and they wanted to charge thousands to obtain it. Nope. Not happening. I took it as a sign that I was not intended for that. So, I prayed. I asked God to reveal, clearly, what I should select as the name for this blog He was calling me to. I knew I should not let the lack of a name push me off the path He was calling me to, but I could not shake the feeling that He had something chosen already. I just had to wait until it was clear.

The Clear Call

One afternoon, I was reading the Letter from Saint Paul to the Ephesians (this is my favorite Bible!) and God hit me between the eyes with this whopper:

“Prayer for the Readers. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:14-19

Whoa, Nelly. Whoever Nelly is, I stood in amazement with her. First of all, it was titled “Prayer for the Readers.” Stop it. Then, it goes on to essentially provide me with my life’s mission statement! Now, there are a lot of things that could have stood out from this verse and I can come up with 10 blog names based on these few lines (just shoot me a message if you need ideas! *wink*). But, immediately, the part in the middle stood out: “…rooted and grounded in love…” JESUS, YOU ARE SO GOOD AND FAITHFUL. He definitely made it clear. It was laid out in vivid detail in my mind and I was thrilled. I just knew the domain, Instagram, Pinterest, all that jazz would be available. He was saving it for me. And you know what?! He was, every single one was available!! I was so grateful for His provision.

Fast forward a year later and God has certainly moved! He has continued to foster a desire to grow and challenge myself. He has plans and I am doing my best to fulfill them, one day at a time. I have even just launched my new business, Rooted Designs! My first two designs are live on pre-sale and will be shipped out soon, which is just crazy. I cannot believe how He has moved within my heart and life. The generosity of this opportunity does not escape me.

I have had to work hard, learn things I never thought I would, display parts of my heart on computer screens that I thought were reserved for my nearest and dearest…yet, He calls my heart to open. The magnitude of vulnerability required to embark on an authentic blogging journey about faith and family has truly astounded me. To be honest, it is not something I expected to this degree! And I am just getting started, in the big picture.

Learning the ins and outs of social media, coding, and promotion have been a bit of a steep curve. I just kept hearing the sweet encouragement that it did not have to be perfect right away. God never, ever calls us to perfection! Unless giving your whole heart is how you define perfection. That is what He asks: for our whole heart, priorities, and talents to be handed right back to Him. He will not take them, like all things, Christ leaves it in our hands to choose. And just because it is a clear calling does not mean it will be easy. We must work hard, learn, trust, grow, be adaptive to necessary change, and PRAY. So. Much. Prayer. His provision never ceases to absolutely astound me!

In honor of the one-year mark, I wanted to share my favorite three blog posts with you all!

1. Dear Sister

This was one of my first ever posts and I still adore it! God had me write this one. I hope it serves your heart as a reminder of your true and lasting beauty! It reads like a poem and I mean every word.

2 How God Changed My Heart Through Temporary Infertility

This is definitely one of the ones that caused me to stretch my comfort level with vulnerability. I do not mind talking in person with friends about this time, but this article stretched my soul a little. It represents a time in my life and marriage of great struggle, as well as monumental growth.

3 Top 10 Date Nights for Catholic Married Couples

I love this one because it is full of unique, inexpensive, and fun activities. Plus, I just feel like dating your spouse should be near the top of your priority list, yet it is often severely neglected. I do not think my hubby and I are the only ones that push each other to the back burner when family, home, and work life pile up. But, every single time we reset those priorities and foster our relationship at a deeper level, we are happy for it! And God desires our happiness, friends.

The Moral Is…

Lastly, I wanted to say thank you from the very bottom of my heart to each soul that has joined me on this journey. Whether you read every blog post, are on our email list, or follow along on Instagram, facebook, or pinterest, or a few of them, YOU DA BOMB. I am so glad to have you here in this little rooted community. I will be praying in a really special way for you today. If you have any specific requests, comment below or message me on Instagram or Facebook and I will lift up your intentions. I take the call to pray for the readers very seriously!

Peace be with you all!

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July 27, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

Top 5 Christian Songs When You Are Cleaning Your House

I do not know about you, but music makes me work faster. I have recently started employing chore times for everyone in our house after starting to read A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul by Holly Pierlot and I think using songs to track my time is way better than the timer on the microwave. So, I bust out my Beats Pill Speaker (one of my favorite things ever), turn on my AmazonMusic “Jams” Playlist (click here to download the app for free, if you are a prime member), and I get to work! 5 songs later, it is time to move on to my next task! I do this a couple of times each day so I do not have tasks build up too much. I thought I would share my favorite songs right now, in case you would like to start an music driven chore time, too.

1. Lights Shine Bright [feat. Hollyn] by TobyMac

This is my daughters favorite song! It is so cute to watch her dance around. It will make you want to dance while you work, too…who needs to whistle, anyway?

2. Steady Me [feat. Aaron Cole] by Hollyn

This song just speaks to me. And who does not need a reminder to allow God to steady your heart?

3. I’ll Be Alright by Beckah Shae

If you have not caught on yet, I love rap, r&b, and anything soulful and Beckah Shae delivers on all of these (plus techno, sometimes). I love her style, it is so unique. I have many of her songs on my regular rotation, but this one is great for my cleaning spree each day!

4. Winning Feeling [feat. Christon Gray] by B. Reith

B. Reith’s music is the perfect mix of pop, rap, and soul for me. I love his awesome cultural references scattered throughout the lyrics. Some make me think and others make me laugh, I am calling it a win!

5. Alone [feat. Tru] by Hollyn

I know, I know…so much Hollyn! For good reason. They have songs that perk me up, make me think, and also provide a good back beat for my wicked sweet dance moves. Okay…that last part may be an exaggeration. I dance more like Napoleon Dynamite. Whatevs. This song is still worth a listen (or 50).

That’s a Rap!

See what I did there? A rap…okay, my sense of humor may be about as good as my dance moves, but my taste in music is not. Give these songs a listen and let me know what you think! What is your favorite Christian artist? Let me know in the comments!

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July 26, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

Book of Judith: Part I

The Book of Judith is not a section of the Bible I have heard about often. I decided I wanted to read it to discover some of the spiritual nuggets it has scattered throughout.

Judith is a woman that is spoken of as the Instrument of the Lord in the description of the Book. It is broken into five parts; I just started studying this book and I am excited to share some thoughts with you about Part One, which includes Chapters 1-3 and outlines the Assyrian threat that Judith and her people were facing. This will be short and sweet, so let’s dive in!

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Judith is the first book I have explored since purchasing my Blessed Is She Catholic Journaling Bible: I love it so much. I gave a little better description of it in my recent post, 8 Best Bible Journaling Supplies. It is the only Catholic Journaling Bible on the market, to my knowledge!

Ancestors + Purpose

Sometimes, I struggle with chapters that are laden with geography and lineage. I think we all do? A good chunk of the first section of Judith is enveloped in this kind of background and historical data. Here is what I take away from it: Jesus had to come from the line of David. Someone needed to record lineage so that we would eventually be able to trace it from David to Jesus. So, if this information helps lead me to Jesus, I am game. I also take it as an opportunity for God to reinforce the need for me to know where I have come from: both the people that preceded me in my family and the places they resided. I do not think it is a mistake that this information is so prominent throughout the Bible.

Revenge + Schedule

In chapter two, I found it really interesting that the author discussed plans for revenge and then promptly made note of the “huge, irregular force” that made up the army of King Nebuchadnezzar (Judith 2:20). Reading this, my heart drew the conclusion that revenge is huge, overwhelming. It spreads discord and irregularity. That part was not a shock, but upon further consideration, schedule kept coming to mind. I have been focusing on creating a family schedule and routine lately, because I am reading A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul by Holly Pierlot. Maybe my intense focus on schedule made me pick up on the discord in this chapter. I think we can all agree revenge does not reap a bountiful harvest, though I had never considered the negative impact that revenge and hatred foster against productivity and positive routine and schedule.

Read through Judith 1-3 and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Follow my Instagram or Pinterest for more reflections and tools! And be sure to pin the image below to reflect back on as you work your way though the Book of Judith. I will update this post with the additional chapter reflections as I write them!

July 25, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

Best 8 Bible Journaling Supplies

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I am a huge art lover. I primarily make faith-based art projects and love Scripture and Devotional pieces. They are what inspire me most!

Although I jumped into the world of Bible Journaling a while ago, I did not commit myself entirely and seemed to opt for my art journal most of the time, instead. This one from Canson is my top pick. It is a great price point and works for watercolor, ink, pencil, whatever! However, I found out about a Catholic translation journaling Bible recently and was thrilled! This Bible, made by Blessed Is She and Our Sunday Visitor has been such a joy. It is the perfect size and is laden with room to journal, take notes, or draw. It also has the sweetest lettered pages scattered throughout of key verses that just make me swoon. Check it out here.

So, I have officially taken the Bible Journaling leap! You can follow my Pinterest Bible Journaling Tips + Inspiration Board here, if you are looking for extra tips, but I am excited to bring you my top 8 Bible Journaling Supplies. I would like to note that this list is pretty fluid for me. I go into spurts where I just love stamps or stickers or watercolor or decopage (hello, 1990). That being said, these are my favorites right now and I tried to make this list great for the beginner, so you will probably see stuff that you already have at home or in your kiddos backpack. I officially grant you permission to borrow them.

Without further ado, let’s jump in!

1. Tombow Dual Brush Pen

This was one of the first brush pens I ever purchased. It is still one of my go-to pens. It has a brush nib (the end of the pen) and a smaller nib for touching up or detail work. Grab a black one first and use some of the other options, listed below, to add color until you can build up a stockpile of these bad boys (like this blush colored one *swoon*).

2. Uloochi Real Brush Pens

These are so exciting to me! The nibs are real bristles and they are so versatile. Check out the pack here. They have dropped $10 since I bought them, score for you, friends! The set even comes with a refillable watercolor pen, double score! The colors are beautiful and there is a wide range. You can use the watercolor pen with plain water to blend colors, as well.

3. Micron 01 Pens

These pens are my favorite. They are incredible versatile! I do lettering, illustrations, and other effects with them. They come in different sizes. I like 01 and 05 best. This set is a great place to start and it is even available via subscribe and save, if that is your jam.

4. Micron Brush Pens

These babes are great starter brush pens. They are better for small letters! They are still the same high-quality, dependable ink that I have come to expect from this brand, but with a soft nib that allows for some fun lettering and calligraphy options. Check them out here. They are also available through subscribe and save.

5. Crayola Watercolors

No, this does not have to just be Crayola. It just happens to be what I had when I got started with watercolor and it worked out well! As you can see by the picture, my watercolors have been well loved. I have since graduated to a new set that offers a few more colors (this one), but I stand by the fact that these Crayola folks know what they are doing. Yes, you can absolutely get higher quality watercolors. If your goal is to express your heart to God in a creative way, like Bible Journaling, I do not think the quality of your materials matters a bit. Check this set out or just use whatever you have in your kiddos craft bin! A refillable watercolor pen is such a gem, too. I highly recommend a little starter set with a few sizes like this one. Or grab that Uloochi set (mentioned in #2) and it comes with one!

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6. Papermate Flair Pens

All my besties know that I have a real addiction to these pens! I just love the way I write with them. I feel like using a flair pen immediately improves my everyday handwriting quality by approximately 8,000%. These are great for grocery lists, Bible Journaling, writing in your planner, and just plain doing life. My kids also think it is super special when I let them borrow my flair pens. This pack is on my Christmas list pretty much every year!

7. Crayola Crayons

Well, I feel like you might be catching on that I adore Crayola. Maybe I am overly picky. Whatevs. But, I just think they draw better? This pack of crayons is awesome or you could opt for the awesome twistable crayons! I have some and I love them. Bonus is that they are easier to store because you can twist away the exposed crayon.

8. Prismacolor Colored Pencils

Up until sometime last year, I used these twistable Crayola colored pencils (I think I should have reached out to Crayola to sponsor this post…I pinky promise have not, I just love their stuff and with three littles, I have no short supply of it. Do what you know!). When I decided to try out something new, I opted for these Prismacolor Colored Pencils. They are a great tool! Moral is: grab yourself some colored pencils. They are versatile and definitely worth keeping in your journaling arsenal.

There you have it! I am sure this is the first of many Bible Journaling posts at TRM, but I am glad for the chance to share some of my favorites with you! I would love to hear what your favorite supply is in the comments. And make sure to follow along on Instagram or Pinterest to see the more Bible Journaling fun! And here is a graphic to save to your own Bible Journaling Pinterest Board!

June 26, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

Packrat to Minimalist-ish

I had a candy bar wrapper collection that I used to store in a cigar box that I had painted when I was a kid. They were not my cigars, just the box, so stop your judgy-mcjudgester ways, my friend. I had receipts from a decade long gone, a swim cap from sixth grade, sealed together from the 15+ triple digit summers it had endured in my garage. My closet was full of clothes that I never wore. The walls were saturated with art that I did not like. We had 40 bath towels, well over half ready to become rags. Chipped mugs, plates, and broken sippy cups and bottles filled my overflowing kitchen. This packrat thing was my normal. I had always been this way. I still do not remember what prompted change. One day, I just started.

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There was a summer where we were frustrated because we wanted to have another baby (you can read more about that here) and I was determined to prepare our lives in a million ways for what we were praying so fervently for. All of the preparations and changes were good, regardless of the size of our family or how it would eventually grow. One of the changes was decluttering. I called it “Project Organization” because giving difficult things a name (and yes, a hashtag, sue me), made it easier for me to see it through. When I began, I had no idea how deep the problem ran. It was as if it was not a problem, in my mind, because I managed to shove everything into cabinets, drawers, under beds, and in closets. It was “organized” if it fit. My big “aha” moment came the eightyith time I was trying to organize the same thing and realized I needed less stuff. As it turns out, when there was less stuff, it stayed cleaner and more organized longer (yay! Because who on Earth wants to/is able to reorganize all the things once a week). Again, not sure which thing I was going through when I had my aha moment, but it was real. And changed my whole perspective.

Now, maybe you are an organizing boss. ***Insert high-five and a scheduled coffee date so I can pick your brain and learn your magical ways, you kind unicorn*** But, if like me, growing up in a Pinterest-organizing-hac free world has brought about a few too many items weighing you down, I want to invite you to grab a cuppa joe and chat with me. This is a judgement free zone. I am not on the other side of this yet, sister, just maybe a little farther along in the journey.

Packrat of the Past

Now, I would not necessarily call myself a minimalist. But, when I cleared my kitchen counters of everything but the coffee pot and fruit basket, I had a dear, life-long friend over, and she saw my kitchen and gasped, asking, “What’s all this?! Where is the stuff? Are you a minimalist now?” No. I did not think I was? I did not feel the need to label my quest for less, at least. But, it got me thinking about minimalism and here is what I liked:

There is a Spiritual Component

Having less means wasting less. Having less means caring for what you DO have well. Fixing instead of replacing.

Less to clean. Man, I am pretty sure that is a mic drop statement and I do not need to say any more on that front.

You can give your excess away or sell it to help reach financial goals. I sold a lot of stuff, really cheap. Two massive yard sales and Facebook marketplace groups helped, and some just went straight to thrift store donation lanes.

I kept thinking of Jesus sending out his disciples with nothing. Telling them not to bring an extra tunic or walking stick (Matthew 10:9-10). Geez. Well, if they can travel by foot for long distances and only have the clothes on their back, I think my family can survive with fewer towels and I can surely ditch the damned candy bar collection that my fourth grade, chocolate-obsessed mind thought was, “like, the best idea ever.”

The Mental Side

After dealing with depression and anxiety with my pregnancies (you can read a little more on that here), I found that physically removing things helped remove mental baggage, too.

Since it lightened my daily chore list, I was less overwhelmed. I quickly began to see that at the end of this journey, I would be able to manage daily tasks with greater ease. I mean…I still have a sink of dishes and laundry to do each day. But, it is easier to clean a space because everything has a home and purpose now.

The reality of my lightened load helps me to release anxiety, feel more in control (which is NOT bad thing in this context, y’all), and provide a clean and organized environment for my family.

The Kids Liked It, Too

Like I mentioned, we only had one kiddo when my declutter-fest began, but we have since added to our tribe. Organizing the kids room or toys in new ways makes them feel like they are all brand new toys. This is every time, you guys. They ALWAYS play more when their stuff is organized and there is not as much of it. Go figure. The proof is in the pudding, though.

Minimalist-ish Superheroes

So, decluttering is one of my mommy goldmines. It is one of my woman of God goldmines, too. And if you have more than a few areas that are full and chaotic, start with one. Just move through one drawer or shelf at a time. Eventually, you will realize you did a whole pantry, closet, or room. You will feel your perseverance-Queen Cape flying in the wind. We shall wear our capes together and it will be glorious. Superhero high-fives all around.

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June 14, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

St. Anthony of Padua & Motherhood

Today is the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua. He is one of my favorite all time Saints. I have asked for his intercession constantly for the last decade and a half. The most common time I have lifted my heart to him, is when I am in search of something….my phone, favorite pair of leggings that the laundry monster ate (PLEASE tell me I am not the only one that struggles with the laundry monster, he is a vicious booger), my patience, or my sanity…duh. I have made the prayer deeper when I ask that he help me find a solution to a problem or the courage to face a difficult task or conversation.

I have also invoked his prayer each time I stand before my community of brothers and sisters to teach or speak. Because it is really, really hard to do that! I feel like I relate with St. Anthony so much in the arena of speaking. First of all, the first time he was asked to speak he declined. He only went on to preach the given sermon because his superior ordered him to and he had taken a vow of obedience. Fumbling through the first few minutes, zeal consumed him quickly and he went on to become a Doctor of the Church! Even given his great fervor for instructing others in faith, he persistently focused on evangelization over education. PREACH, ST. ANTHONY, PREACH (consider this the moment that my hand pops up to wave in the air [like I just don’t care] and my head is bobbing around and this sentence is quickly followed by a “HALLELUJAH” and a Sister Act worthy rendition of a Gospel choir hymn). Seriously, let that sink in: evangelization over education. Heart knowledge over head knowledge. Good stuff.

I will likely never be a doctor of the Church. Like him, though, I did not always see publicly sharing the Gospel as my “path.” Over time, God has revealed that it is indeed a large put stop in my path. I spoke regularly as a youth minister to teens, parents, and peers and eventually began to cherish those experiences! I find that lately, I do not have a desire to speak like I used to. My ministry is not preaching the Gospel to a hall full of teens anymore, so much as to a toddler that is refusing to wear underwear. It is the glamorous life for me, let me tell ya. But, when I take that hysterical three year old and explain the purpose of underwear in a kind and loving way, without laughing hysterically or becoming frustrated, I certainly am sharing the Good News. I am literally clothing the naked. I feel like that is the good work. It is the work that will lead me to the Heavenly banquet.

I wanted to also share my favorite poem, which just so happens to be by St. Anthony. Although this poem is about Vocations, I feel that the concepts can also be applied to any season of anticipation or need for patience. I would love to hear how it impacts your heart in the comments!

Be Satisfied With Me

by St. Anthony of Padua

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soul relationship with another,
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But to a Christian, God says, “No, not until you are satisfied,
Fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone,
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me.
With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.

Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found,
Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,
That I have planned for you.
You will never be united to another
Until you are united with Me.
Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow Me to give you
The most thrilling plan existing . . . one you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you.

You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.
Just wait, that’s all. Don’t be anxious, don’t worry
Don’t look around at things others have gotten
Or that I have given them
Don’t look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away up to Me,
Or you’ll miss what I want to show you.
And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than you could dream of.

You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,
I am working even at this moment
To have both of you ready at the same time.
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me
And the life I prepared for you,
You won’t be able to experience the love that exemplified your relationship with Me.
And this is perfect love.

And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love,
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me.
And to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.
Know that I love you utterly. I AM God.
Believe it and be satisfied

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May 21, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

Consecration 101

I recently shared a little bit about my Consecration Journey and had a lot of follow-up questions about what Consecration looks like and means from a practical point of view. I decided to share the best resources and a 10,000 foot view of what this 33 day journey actually looks like. Okay, let us dive right on in!

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What is Consecration?

So, you have heard about “Consecration,” but what the heck does that mean, anyway? A consecrated individual has prayed for and prepared their way through a 33 day process to dedicate their heart to Jesus through the hands of His Mother, Mary. The main inspiration comes from Christ Himself. Before He began His Earthly ministry, he began as a little baby growing within Mary’s womb. As you enter Consecration, it is helpful to think of yourself being nourished by Mary in this special way: preparing your heart for the ministry and purpose God has laid out for you.

Why Consecration?

As I mentioned before, Jesus entrusted Himself to Mary, first. Since Jesus is, of course, our ultimate example, we look to follow Him. The reality is, He did not need to entrust Himself to Mary! He was God. He could have just appeared on Earth as a King or ruler or whatever He pleased. But, Jesus was fully human and fully God! He needed human necessities like food, sleep, and community. A critical part of every human existence is childhood, so it was only natural He should experience that, as well, since His goal was to take on humanity in its entirety. Similarly, although not necessary, God has entrusted Mary with the task of distributing Graces. We hand out hearts over to her that she may give us what we need to live our best Holy life for her Son, Jesus. The real reason many consider Consecration is because they want to grow their faith, and turning to the one closest to the Holy Spirit and Jesus is a wise decision and place to start!

What do you do to prepare for Consecration?

Plainly put, you pray and educate yourself for 33 days and then recite a special prayer devoting your heart to Jesus through Mary at the conclusion of your preparation period (usually during or after a Mass). You select a Feast Day to celebrate your Consecration on and start 33 days before that! Like many things, you will find, celebrating your Consecration on a Marian Feast Day is not required, simply encouraged. The books used to guide your preparation journey (detailed below) have charts that show when to begin and they talk a little about Consecration and guide you in varying prayers, depending on which resource you opt for. You are encouraged to pray the rosary and frequent the Sacraments throughout your preparation time, although no specific requirements are outlined. Personally, I also love praying the Angelus or praying the Memorare when I am renewing my Consecration in addition to my normal Rosary and Sacramental routines.

What are the best resources for Consecration preparation?

There are two main books individuals use to prepare themselves for the gift of Consecration. The first is a more established, traditional preparation book by St. Louis de Montfort called True Devotion to Mary: with Preparation for Total Consecration. This book includes longer prayers and is great if you are more traditional in your prayer life and prefer specific structure or routine. I chose to use a newer resource penned by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, titled, 33 Days to Morning Glory. I like this book because it is simple and encourages the primary form of prayer to follow Mary’s footsteps and “ponder.” I found this helpful because, with young children, especially, I find myself short in time to sit down and pray in ways that I might have prior to becoming a Mother. I still engage in a lot of these prayer styles, but in smaller quantities. I find a lot of my prayer these days takes place at the kitchen sink doing dishes or folding twenty pair of tiny underwear. I can ponder while I handle the chonies, you guys, so, it worked best for my life! I also encourage people to read the introduction of this book. Fr. Gaitley does an excellent job outlining the details and meaning of Consecration in the book’s introduction. Bonus! Click here and then click “look inside” on the main image and you can actually read the entire introduction for free on Amazon!! And then buy the book, your future self will thank you. My copy is coffee stained and happily worn and I would not trade that for anything.

To sum things up…

I am glad you are praying about beginning this life changing journey! Many of the greatest Saints paved the way and tried to convey the importance of Consecration. You will read about four of them if you read 33 Days to Morning Glory, individuals Fr. Michael Gaitley refers to as the “Marian Giants.”

I decided to create a facebook community to help provide support for anyone that is going through or looking to renew their Consecration, click here to join. Feel free to comment or message me if you have further questions or feel I need to expand or update this post!

I am praying for you!

TOTUS TUUS,

Emily

May 16, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

My Consecration Journey

I grew up with a rosary in my hands. I did not always know what to do with it, but I was always drawn to the pretty “necklace” and understood that there was a deeper meaning surrounding it. I remember the first time I tried to pray a rosary. After a very heated family argument, I was fed up and ran to my room in our little thousand-something-square-foot home. I grabbed my rosary and frantically started repeating Hail Mary’s on each bead. I had zero clue how to formally pray a rosary or that there were mysteries, Scripture, and fruits associated with each piece of the Good News I was supposed to be meditating on, but I think Jesus asked His Momma to give them to me anyway. I did not know it then, but this was the first true moment that God began planting seeds for my deep, abiding love for Him and for His Mother, for my Mother (see John 19: 26-27). This was the first moment my heart began to prepare for Consecration to Jesus through Mary.

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Later in my life, I was in a unique spot. I had served as a youth minister for five years. I had been married for almost four of those years and had our first baby that was almost three. We were dealing with a particularly tumultuous, albeit fruitful, season in life while we faced a time of infertility (click here to read more on that). My heart was joyful, but it was also weary. My priorities were good in the eyes of the world, but my life spent running around with a full to-do list was beginning to take a heavy toll on not only my mental and spiritual well-being, but also my body. I was exhausted, plain and simple. God had seen me, his little bit of clay, He had heard me ask for help and guidance, and I believe, in retrospect, that He had begun to break me down, make my heart more pliable, because He had work for me to do.

Even though I was open to Mary as a part of my faith, I did not view loving her as critical. I never completely understood that aspect of my Catholic faith. I prayed rosaries and could see that it was good, but that was where the buck stopped. It was not until after I went to visit a little group of cloistered nuns that live in the mountains near my home town did I start to question my mindset (check out their website here). These nuns had taken a vow of silence, but I went up with a group of youth ministers to visit and the Mother Superior gave two of the nuns permission to speak to our group and give us a tour of their grounds. These sweet women walked us through each space, showing us the grotto, gardens, and the guest house. We were about done and everyone was leaving to go to the gift shop and load up to go home. We were standing in the tiny entry way and I have no idea how the conversation started, but we turned to Consecration. This nun lit up and started pouring out enthusiasm and great love and I simply could not resist: I had to learn more. I mean, this little lady might only say these sweet words to me and none others this month. What?! Seriously. I cannot even imagine going an hour without speaking, let alone a week, month, or the rest of my life to be dedicated to almost complete silence. Double what, you guys. The gravity of this conversation did not set in at the time. But, it changed me. Every inch of me has been transformed and I turn to it as one of the single most pivotal moments of my entire life. I snatched up the book Sister recommended, 33 Days to Morning Glory, and my Consecration journey began.

Well, like I said, it started much earlier in my life, and since it had taken so long, what was a a few more months? Which is how long the book collected dust and all my good intentions to “start soon.” Eventually, I began. I read the introduction. Oh man. Had I just read that sooner, I would have started on the drive home from that mountain oasis. In his book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, writes, “…it’s Mary’s great God-given task, in union with and by the power of the Holy Spirit, to form every human being into ‘another Christ,” that is, to unite everyone to the Body of Christ….every human being is invited to rest in the womb of Mary and be transformed there, by the power of the Holy Spirit, more perfectly into Christ’s own image” (Page 26). WHOA. As a woman struggling at this time with infertility, this hit me in the gut like you could not believe. My womb had already made a life. I had some grasp of that deep connection that the conception and pregnancy created. Jesus wants me to experience the same thing as Him? DOUBLE WHOA.

I was able to come back to this sweet little farm, Church, and home for all the beautiful Nuns to say my Prayer of Consecration. Again, even after spending 33 days preparing, reading, and praying, I still had close to zero clue about how these words would continue to change and morph my heart for years to come (see a trend forming?). Five years later, all I know is that my heart is not done. I will look back in another five years, and if I am faithful in my prayers and my heart continues to ponder Jesus’ love and mercy like His Mother did so well, I know with every fiber of my being, that I will be able to see more times when my world was changed. Times when my heart was moved or transformed to be more like Christ. The gift of Consecration is just beginning, five years later. I cannot wait to see how God will continue to use this gift to shape me into “another Christ” (Gaitley, page 26).

May 11, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

How God Changed My Heart Through Temporary Infertility

Four years ago at this time, I was preparing for my family of three to go to Haiti on a mission trip. I was rallying the fundraising efforts and preparing to lead our missions team. God was moving in my heart. He was breaking down walls and rebuilding others that had been destroyed or damaged.
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God was doing big things, I knew that. I trusted in Him. I had decided to put my notice in at work. I was ready to be a stay-at-home momma. I loved youth ministry, but it was incredibly clear to me that God was calling my heart to a different path.
You see, my sweet little two (and a half!) year old was the bomb. He was such a little slice of heaven and I felt deep within my soul that I was meant to be a Mom.

Before we were married, I remember having conversations with people about Natural Family Planning, especially when my husband and I would teach Theology of the Body to the teens I worked with. Most of the time, a joke would come up about how we would have ten children and be driving a bus before too long. Well, we were married, and sure enough, four months later that little stick had two pink lines, y’all. But, what I was not prepared for, what was not discussed in my little Catholic circle, was the reality of infertility. I had not truly opened my heart to the scriptures that showed how God would open and close wombs. I had not considered He would ever close mine. Until now.

I began reading my Bible with new experiences shaping my view and, as it often does, the Living Word provoked new inspiration, encouragement, and comfort in my weary heart. Maybe we were supposed to be a missionary family. Maybe we were supposed to foster or adopt. Maybe we were meant to bloom right where we were planted. I was not sure, so I asked God to make His will clear to us during this mission trip to Haiti. I hoped that God would reveal if this is where He wanted our little family to serve, or somewhere similar. Even if He chose not to reveal a single thing, I was determined to find joy and purpose in my daily life.
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And you know what? I did. I was completely at peace with having one child, instead of the bus full I had thought of for so long. I was glad to have peace with my husband and joy injected in our little home. I was far from perfect, but looking back, I did experience true joy in this little desert God had led me to. I clinged to Him in my moments of doubt and my faith grew so much. My whole perspective as a woman, sister, friend, daughter, and human changed.
I remember the first time I admitted to anyone besides my husband that we wanted more children, but were having trouble conceiving. I was at a parish event and I tripped. A friend came over and helped me up and made a comment about how he was happy I was not pregnant because I would need a trip to the hospital after that fall. I lost it. He was just being goofy and there was not anything wrong with what he said, but I was bottling up so much and the flood gates gave way.

This time in my life taught me about being tender to others. It taught me that you never know what the struggles a person in facing in the silence of their homes or hearts. It taught me to release judgement. It taught me to love in new ways. It taught me to embrace silence and to trust, unceasingly.
I now have my sweet baby girl that abruptly put and end to our mission trip plans. Which actually made room for my little brother on the trip, who took my spot…God is so good. And our family has gone on to welcome not only a second, but also a third child into our home. I know how incredibly fortunate we are to have even one child, let alone three. But, the year I spent with a closed womb, begging God to fill it, has forever changed me. Tears come to my eyes as I write this, because I am so incredibly grateful for this season of my life and look back to it often. My heart was stretched in ways I did not think possible and I am reminded of the steadfast love of my Jesus. Even if we would have never had another child, I am reminded that I was truly at peace with a new plan: reminding my heart, the heart that dislikes change, that it is okay. Change is possible and necessary, even when you are about as stubborn as they come *raises hand.*

For today, I will trust. And when I cannot seem to find the courage to lay whatever struggle I am facing at the foot of the Cross, I will look back on this time and remember how God changed my heart and plans for the better. I will use this time and the fruits of it to remind myself that releasing is good: letting God run the show is the only right plan! He made all my creativity, so of course, I should trust He has a more creative and perfect answer to whatever I am dealing with.
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Understand Your Health Through Your Cycle

April 13, 2018 by: Emily Ripperger

Nurturing True Friendship: Encouragement to be Vulnerable in Friendship

Nurturing True Friendship: 3 Tips to Foster Friendship Today

Friendship can be hard, y’all. I have struggled with it for years. I fall all over the radar. Constantly battling with feelings of inadequacy and being “too much,” by some hot mess that happens simultaneously, somehow. Being the one that falls off the face of the earth and does not invest enough. The one that over invests in relationships, more than just a season of giving more, but a permanent state.

A few years ago, I decided that it was enough for me. I decided I am enough for me. I made a brave statement to myself and accepted this truth: I want to be loved. I want to love.

I want women in my life that will love on my kids like I do and not be intimidated or threatened when I love their children that way. Because let’s get real: our children need all the awesome momsauce they can get and I cannot be good at all the things. I want people in my life that will help me fold the load of clean laundry that seems to have taken permanent claim on my couch. I want a friend that I can lean on and that is okay feeling vulnerable enough to lean on me, too. In fact, I want a few friends like that.

I feel like I used to be afraid to admit that. That need I have, to be cherished by other feminine hearts. It was like my mind was still stuck in junior high or high school…I wanted to make sure I did not appear too eager. Too ready or open for new friendship, fun, and all the ugly cries to come. A funny thing happened when I finally allowed myself to admit my need, though: it was met. I did not need to be ashamed. I realized practically every woman I spoke to probably felt this way, too, even if they did not want to admit it.

Vulnerability is rough, I know. In my weakness, in my need, I found strength. I started to live from a place of abundance, not lack. Because, there is always enough. Always. Jesus’ love tank never runs dry. He always has more love to pour into my heart. He always had more love to give me to share with these amazing souls I got to do life with. How wonderful.

So, today, I want to invite you into vulnerability with me. Jump into the deep end, sister. It is scary sometimes, but even more so, it is freeing. You might scare some people off. It is okay. They are not ready for the big Jesus love yet. You will be there when they are and they will remember you were that crazy chick they were both drawn to and horrified by and maybe life just got sticky enough for them to realize that they were just scared, not that you were scary.

I say this because I have now lived it. I have experienced women coming back in search of friendship with me that I once walked away from fighting feelings of shame after being open and vulnerable. I have had to lay my trampled heart on Jesus’ lap for healing because they hurt me. Some in little comments, some in big, hurtful actions. But, the love always stayed. It never left. The scars have healed. Jesus fixed it. He always does, if we let Him. Not all those people are an active part of my life anymore, but I feel like I have lived enough life to know that the book never really ends, just a chapter.

Three Tips for Nurturing Friendship TODAY

1. Pray for Your Current and Future Friends

I literally made a list, y’all. Women I was insecure around or unsure where I stood with them. My current besties. And other sisters that I wanted to draw into deeper friendship. I took a piece of paper and a pen and made a circle and just started writing names and praying for them. For their intentions, for God’s will in the growth of our friendship or to allow my heart to let it go (for a season or permanently)…I just prayed. A lot. Daily. And it was so good. Ask God to reveal where and who you should invest your time, energy, and love into more and where you need to love from afar.

2. Check-In

Don’t you love it when out of the blue, somebody checks-in on you? They remember a detail, story, or event in your life and follow up well after the conversation. I feel so special and I think most people do. Make it a priority to check-in with a few people a week. This will nourish your sister’s soul and spirit and help clarify your priorities. This helped me more than anything in deciding what friendships to invest in and what I needed to allow to fall to the wayside.

3. Give Grace…then give more Grace

Try to remember that everyone is hurting. We, as women, are walking around scarred and bruised and you never know what someone is battling. Give grace wherever you can. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew says to forgive 77 times (click here to see the full passage) and in Hebrew, 7 is a number that represents eternity…so pretty much, God is saying this whole forgiveness game is never over. We are also charged with caring for our own mental, physical and spiritual health, which Jesus also showed us in the Gospels by retreating for prayer and quiet often. It is such a difficult balance. Pray about where to step back, but my rule of thumb is to give grace in the moments when my prayer has not brought the clarity I had hoped for.

After doing this for some time, God has made it clear that this is exactly what He needed from me all along. More than once, I have found out about a silent struggle later on and had a huge moment of thanksgiving for the understanding and grace I had previously given. And it has also worked the other way around. Those lessons stick. It stinks when you hurt someone or feel like you abandoned them in a time of need. BUT, I am called to obedience, not perfection. And, I need to give myself the exact same grace I give those around me.