Light In The Darkness - Patrick Lencioni

Light In The Darkness
Patrick Lencioni
Lighthouse Catholic Media

Last year at work I did an in house leadership development program called LEAP Leadership Essentials Advance Program. A number of books on the recommended reading list were by Patrick Lencioni and I really found them useful and life impacting. Then last week when at church I was looking over the rack of resources from Lighthouse Catholic Media and I saw this audio resource. Now to be honest I hardly every buy media, books, cd's, tapes … because I usually buy digital content. But this intrigued me so much I picked it up right away, went home and listened to it. I have now listened to it every morning for a week.

This talk was amazing to listen to. Some of the quotes that hit me most are:
"It is not happiness we are looking for … it is peace!" and "If we are not living for God you will not find peace!" From there Patrick goes on to encourage us to "Ask God to take away your pride!" and also to "Pray asking for the peace of God!" Patrick also encourages us to learn to be vulnerable, to trust and be a team player. We need this as a central life skill.

This talk will have a huge impact on your life if you open to the Holy Spirit speaking to you. And it was so good that I have since picked up a few others. And look forward to exploring the hundreds of other titles available from Lighthouse.

Books by Patrick Lencioni:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Death by Meeting:
The Advantage
The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive
The Three Signs of a Miserable Job
The Five Temptations of a CEO
Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars
Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team:
Getting Naked
The 3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family
The Three Signs of a Miserable Job
The Ideal Team Player

Audio Resources by Patrick Lencioni:
Light in the Darkness

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Beautiful Mercy - Pope Francis et al. Experiencing God's Unconditional Love So We Can Share It With Others

Beautiful Mercy:
Experiencing God's Unconditional Love
So We Can Share It With Others
Pope Francis et al.
Wellspring Publishing
formerly
Beacon Publishing for
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781942611554
eISBN 9781942611554
ASIN B019NH7206

This was an amazing read. If you are unfamiliar with the works or mercy or cannot recall them off the top of your head Matthew Kelly reminds us that: "The works of mercy are broken up into two categories: the corporal works of mercy and the spiritual works of mercy. The corporal works of mercy are concerned with

The corporal works of mercy are concerned with meeting the physical needs of others. They are:

• feed the hungry
• give drink to the thirsty
• clothe the naked
• shelter the homeless
• visit the sick
• visit the imprisoned
• bury the dead

The spiritual works of mercy, on the other hand, are designed to meet the spiritual needs of others. They are:

• instruct the ignorant
• counsel the doubtful
• correct sinners
• bear wrongs patiently
• forgive offenses willingly
• comfort the afflicted
• pray for the living and the dead

After Matthew reminds us of what the works of Mercy are he states: "For this book, we've enlisted the help of some incredible authors in the Church. These authors have taken the fourteen works of spiritual and corporal mercy and provided simple, practical ways for you to understand them better and to incorporate them into your everyday life. I hope you pray through this book and invite the mercy of God to transform your life, because in the end it's all about God's mercy." It truly is an incredible collection. A few of the authors I had encountered prior to reading this volume, a few I had never heard of. I have already picked up books by three of the contributors to add to my 'to be read pile'.

The contributors in order of appearance are:
Matthew Kelly
Pope Francis
Cardinal Donald Wuerl
Fr. Larry Richards
Fr. Michael Gaitley, Mic
Christopher West
Lisa M. Hendey
Dr. Allen R. Hunt
Fr. Donald Calloway, Mic
Kerry Weber
Mother Olga Yaqob
Sr. Marie Veritas, Sv
Dr. Carloyn Woo
Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Curtis Martin
Sarah Swafford
Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, Op, Std
Jackie Francois-Angel
Sr. Helena Burns, Fsp
Jennifer Fulwiler
Daniel Burke
Matt Fradd
Fr. James Mallon
Fr. Mike Schmitz
John Michael Talbot
Msgr. Charles Pope
Dr. Scott Hahn

The introduction by Pope Francis says: "Jesus introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples. Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. And let us not forget the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead." Pope Francis goes on to outline line that we will be known and judged by our actions And living the works of mercy is needed in our world and in our lives.

Father Larry Richards declares: "We must feed the hungry or be damned! Did I get your attention? I hope so!" what a way to grab our attention at the beginning of his piece on Feeding the Hungry. And later Christopher West writing about giving drink to the thirsty quoting Pope Francis: "I see clearly," said Pope Francis, "that the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds." And this means that "ministers of the Church must be ministers of mercy above all."  Ministers of mercy are those willing to enter into the pain and misery of people's lives, touch their wounds, and surprise them with tender, healing love." What would our families, our communities look like if we strived to live this better each day? Also writing about giving drink to the thirsty Lisa M. Hendley says: "Sometimes the "drink" we carry to those who thirst will be literal. Often, it will be figurative. Regardless, let us pray daily for gratitude for those who have quenched our thirst and for the grace to carry the drink of living water to those most in need." How often do we acknowledge those who have filled our cup? Do we as generously then fill others?

Later Dr. Allen R. Hunt writing on clothe the naked reminds us that: "In the corporal works of mercy, Jesus calls us to do something-not simply to talk about it, not to study it, not to establish a committee to develop a plan for it, but to do it. To really and truly clothe the naked." There was a time many years ago when I was out of work and in a new town, I noticed the worship leader wore a different winter coat every week and I was without one. I asked him if I could borrow one until I could get one. The next week he showed up with a hockey duffle bag full of clothes for me all from his closet. This man literally clothed me and I never forgot it.

Curtis Martin writing about comforting the afflicted says: "For nonbelievers, there is enough evidence to conclude that the world is an essentially brutal place, where the innocent and weak not only suffer, but suffer at the hands of the strong. They believe that Darwin was right and only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Jesus came to reveal a radically different perspective, a deeper truth, a more powerful truth: that suffering, while real, is not the final word." And we as the body of Christ as that witness in the world. Can our neighbours and friends tell a difference between us and how we live and the non-believers they know.

For many years now one of my often spoken prayers is that 'my actions would live up to my theology' that sentiment is echoed in the quote at the beginning of the section on Instruct the Ignorant: "For nonbelievers, there is enough evidence to conclude that the world is an essentially brutal place, where the innocent and weak not only suffer, but suffer at the hands of the strong. They believe that Darwin was right and only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Jesus came to reveal a radically different perspective, a deeper truth, a more powerful truth: that suffering, while real, is not the final word." This reminded me to ask what is my life witnessing to.

The greatest strength is this book is the stories, from the introduction by Matthew Kelly with the stories of Adam, David, Mary Anne to the stories in each separate piece either the authors own witness or the stories they have observed. I really do not believe you could read this book and not be moved and challenged in your own life. For me it was strange but as I was reading the section that hit me most was Bury the Dead, my oldest is in training to become an alter server, in communicating with the lady who coordinates it for our parish I mentioned that I had server from a child well into university. She asked if I would be willing and able to alter server at the occasional funeral mass when they need assistance. I said yes, how could I not. It is a small sacrifice on my part to help live this out.

Please give this book a read, it will dramatically impact your life, and through your life those who know you and the ripples will keep spreading out. This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it.

The chapters in the book are:

Prelude: We All Need A Little Mercy By Matthew Kelly
Introduction: An Invitation To Mercy By Pope Francis
Part One: The Corporal Works Of Mercy
 1. Harbor The Homeless
Welcoming Mercy Cardinal Donald Wuerl
 2. Feed The Hungry
Generous Mercy Fr. Larry Richards
Active Mercy Fr. Michael Gaitley, Mic
 3. Give Drink To The Thirsty
Surprising Mercy Christopher West
Refreshing Mercy Lisa M. Hendey
 4. Clothe The Naked
Giving Mercy Dr. Allen R. Hunt
 5. Visit The Sick
Divine Mercy Fr. Donald Calloway, Mic
 6. Ransom The Captive
Freeing Mercy Kerry Weber
 7. Bury The Dead
Hopeful Mercy Mother Olga Yaqob
Personal Mercy Sr. Marie Veritas, Sv
Affirming Mercy Dr. Carloyn Woo
Part Two: The Spiritual Works Of Mercy
 8. Comfort The Afflicted
Comforting Mercy Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Triumphant Mercy Curtis Martin
 9. Instruct The Ignorant
Sharing Mercy Sarah Swafford
Enduring Mercy Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, Op, Std
10. Counsel The Doubtful
Empowering Mercy Jackie Francois-Angel
Being Mercy Sr. Helena Burns, Fsp
11. Admonish The Sinner
Humble Mercy Jennifer Fulwiler
Faithful Mercy Daniel Burke
12. Bear Wrongs Patiently
Prevailing Mercy Matt Fradd
13. Forgive Offenses Willingly
Scandalous Mercy Fr. James Mallon
Tireless Mercy Fr. Mike Schmitz
14. Pray For The Living And The Dead
Empathetic Mercy John Michael Talbot
Infinite Mercy Msgr. Charles Pope
Conclusion: Beyond Grumbling By Dr. Scott Hahn
Notes

Books by Matthew Kelly:
I Know Jesus
The Long View
Decision Point: The Workbook
Decision Point: The Leader Guide
The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic
The One Thing
Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction
Why Am I Here?
Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness
Perfectly Yourself Discovering God's Dream For You
Building Better Families: A Practical Guide to Raising Amazing Children
The Dream Manager
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
Building Better Families - 5 Practical Ways to Build Family Spirituality
The Book of Courage
The Shepherd: A Modern Parable about Our Search for Happiness
Mustard Is Persecution, Matthew Kelly Foundation
A Call to Joy - Living in the Presence of God
The Rhythm of Life: An Antidote For Our Busy Age
Words from God
Resisting Happiness
The Narrow Path
Our Father
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
Why I Love Being Catholic
Good Night, Jesus
In a world where you can be anything ...

Coach: 365 Days of Inspiration for Coaches and Players 

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's 

Life is Messy

Difficult Teachings

The Rocking Chair Prophet

...

Beautiful ... Series:

Beautiful Hope
Beautiful Mercy

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Rediscover Books by Matthew Kelly:
Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose
Rediscover Advent
Rediscover Lent
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation
Rediscover the Rosary: The Modern Power of an Ancient Prayer
Rediscover the Saints

Audio by Matthew Kelly from Lighthouse Media:
Becoming The Best Version Of Yourself
The Best Way To Live
Don't Just Try, Train
Faith At Work & The Holy Moment
The Four Signs Of A Dynamic Catholic - Excerpt
The Jesus Question
My Spiritual Journey
Our Lives Change When Our Habits Change
Raising Amazing Children
The Seven Levels Of Intimacy
The Seven Pillars Of Catholic Spirituality

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Linux Server Skills for Windows Administrators - David Clinton from Pluralsight

Linux Server Skills for Windows Administrators
David Clinton
Pluralsight

I will be honest and say that I have started studying Linux a number of times over the last 10+ years. I have managed a few systems running Linux but for the most part have been a Windows or ESXI administrator for most of my corporate career. I have intended to go deeper with Linux often but it always falls to the back burner and the next thing I know a lot of time has passed. I do not see that happening now, for a number of reasons. First in my new role on a DevOps team it is time to buckle down and really get more proficient with Linux. Second David's teaching is so engaging that I am really excited to work through his material; this course was awesome, his new course LPI: Linux Essentials and his book Teach Yourself Linux Administration and Prepare for the LPIC-1 Certification Exams: Complete. Quick. And other stuff he has under development.

This course comes in at 70 minutes. It was so engaging I worked through it twice in a very short time. I made a few notes in my training notebook in Evernote and started a new notebook quick reference Linux commands with brief notes. It must be Davis's years in the front of the class but his course is one of the best I have ever done, that includes 20 years in University, 3 year college program, and numerous courses either live, live virtual classroom or self-paced like those offered through Pluralsight. I can say that for the first time I am excited about learning Linux and believe that I will be able to do it.

This brief course is more than worth the time, it worked as a quick refresher, and I learned a few new tricks. And I highly recommend it!

Books by David Clinton:
Teach Yourself Linux Administration and Prepare for the LPIC-1 Certification Exams: Complete. Quick.
Learn Amazon Web Services in a Month of Lunches
Practical LPIC-1 Linux Certification Study Guide 1st ed. Edition

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide: Clf-C01 Exam

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide: Associate Saa-C01 Exam

Ubuntu Linux Bible

Linux Security Fundamentals

Solving for Technology: How To Quickly Learn Valuable New Skills In A Madly Changing Technology World

Manage AWS Resources Using Ansible

Keeping Up: Backgrounders to All the Big Technology Trends You Can't Afford to Ignore

...

Pluralsight Courses by David Clinton:
Linux Server Skills for Windows Administrators
LPI: Linux Essentials (010-150)
Linux Encryption Security (LPIC-3 303)
Linux Network Security (LPIC-3 303)
Linux Server Virtualization (LPIC-3 304 Part 1/2)
Linux High Availability Cluster Management (LPIC-3 304 Part 2/2)
Network Vulnerability Scanning with OpenVAS
Using Docker on AWS
Protocol Deep Dive: SSH and Telnet

...

Related Articles:
Review of Pluralsight Service

Understanding the Mass: 100 Questions, 100 Answers - Mike Aquilina

Understanding the Mass:
100 Questions, 100 Answers
Mike Aquilina
Servant Books 
St. Anthony Messenger Press
Franciscan Media
ISBN 9780867169492
eISBN 9781616361884
ASIN B005DN17MY

I have read a few books by Mike Aquilina and have a few in my two be read pile. This one got bumped to the top of the list when my oldest decided that she wanted to become an alter server. I wanted a quick refresher in case she has questions as she did her three weeks of alter serving training and started to help serve at mass. To be honest I was unaware of this book by Mike Aquilina, until an email from The Dynamic Catholic Institute promoted it. It was perfect timing.

The book is exactly what you would expect from the title. It is 100 questions with 100 answers and a lot of references back and forth between different questions. The sections in the book are:

Introduction 
The First Mass
Basics of the Mass
1. Why do we call our worship "the Mass"?
2. What other names does the Mass go by?
3. What happens at a Catholic Mass?
4. Why do we need this ritual? Can't I worship God just as well using my own words?
5. Why does the Mass refer to Jesus as a "victim" and a "lamb"?
6. Why is the Mass a sacrifice?
7. Why is the Mass the same sacrifice that Christ made on the cross?
8. Is every Catholic worship service a Mass? 
The Eucharist: The Real Presence of Christ
9. What is the Eucharist?
10. What is the real presence?
11. If God is everywhere, what's special about the real presence in the Eucharist?
12. Why do Catholics believe in the real presence, instead of just saying that the bread and wine are symbols?
13. What is transubstantiation?
14. When does transubstantiation happen?
15. Why does the priest mix water with the wine?
16. If the Body of Christ is in every Catholic church, does that mean Jesus has lots of bodies all over the world?
17. How can we teach children about the real presence?
Scriptural and Historic Roots
18. Where does the Mass appear in the Bible?
19. How can the Mass appear in the Old Testament if Jesus instituted it in the New?
20. What are the Jewish roots of the Christian ritual?
21. Where does the Mass appear in the New Testament?
22. How did Jesus prepare his followers for the institution of the Mass?
23. Why do the accounts of the first Mass differ from book to book?
24. How do we know that Jesus intended the Church to continue offering the Mass?
25. Did the early Church-the persecuted, "underground" Church-celebrate the Mass? If so, how?
The Celebrant
26. Who may offer the Mass?
27. How did Jesus give our priests the power to change bread and wine into his body and blood?
28. What is a pontifical Mass?
29. Is Mass with the pope or bishop "worth more" than Mass in my parish?
30. Does there have to be a congregation for there to be a Mass?
31. What are the vestments the priest wears?
32. Why does the priest wear vestments?
33. What do the colors of the vestments mean? 
Obligation and Opportunity
34. How often must I go to Mass?
35. Why does the Church require us to go to Mass on Sunday?
36. Can I satisfy the Sunday obligation by going to Vespers instead of Mass?
37. What does it mean to offer the Mass for a particular "intention"?
38. Why do Catholics offer Masses for the dead?
39. How does the Mass relate to the other sacraments?
40. What is the relationship between the Mass and social 
 justice?
41. How is the Mass like heaven? 
Rites
42. Why do some Catholic churches celebrate the Eucharist in ways that are far different from the way I know?
43. What is the Latin Mass?
44. What is the Tridentine Mass or Extraordinary Form?
45. Why do some Catholics like the Latin Mass so much?
46. Why is Latin still the official language of the Mass in the Catholic Church?
47. Do non-Catholic churches also celebrate the Mass?
Properly Equipped
48. Why does the Church use unleavened bread?
49. May the priest use other types of bread?
50. May a priest use gluten-free wheat bread for the sake of people who have celiac disease?
51. What if my body can't take any wheat at all?
52. What are the vessels used in the Mass?
53. What's special about altar candles?
54. What are rubrics?
55. What's hidden in the compartment in or under many altars?
56. Why does the Church honor the relics of the saints?
Receiving Communion
57. Who may receive Holy Communion?
58. How should I prepare to go to Mass and receive Communion?
59. What is the Communion fast?
60. What if I forget and break the Communion fast?
61. What happens if I receive Communion in a state of mortal sin?
62. How should I receive Communion?
63. Why do some people receive Communion on the hand and others on the tongue?
64. Is it better to receive Communion under both species? Do I receive "more" if I do?
65. What is viaticum?
66. Can the Church deny Communion to particular individuals? If so, when and how?
67. Why are certain politicians allowed to take Communion even when they vote against Church teachings?
68. What is excommunication?
69. How often may I go to Communion?
70. How often must I go to Communion?
71. What should I do after taking Communion?
72. What should I do if I attend Mass but cannot go, or choose not to go, to Communion?
73. Are Catholics allowed to take Communion in a non-Catholic church?
74. Are non-Catholics allowed to take Communion in a Catholic church? 
The Parts of the Mass
75. How is the Mass divided?
76. Why does the Mass begin with the Sign of the Cross?
77. What is the Penitential Rite?
78. Why do we pray to Mary and the saints?
79. What is the Gloria?
80. How does the Church pick the Bible readings for each Mass?
81. What is the Alleluia?
82. What is the gesture people make before the reading of the Gospel?
83. What is a sermon supposed to be?
84. What is the Creed?
85. What is the Universal Prayer?
86. Why does the Church collect money at Mass?
87. What is the Offertory?
88. What is the Eucharistic Prayer?
89. What is the Canon of the Mass?
90. What is the Preface?
91. What is the "Holy, Holy, Holy"?
92. What is the institution narrative?
93. Why does the Church call upon the Holy Spirit at this point in the Mass?
94. What is the "mystery of faith"?
95. What is the Communion Rite?
96. Why do we pray the Lord's Prayer at this part of the Mass?
97. What is the "Lord, I am not worthy" prayer?
98. What is Holy Communion?
99. Why does the Mass end so abruptly after Communion?
100. What should I do after Mass? 
Notes

To be honest this is not a hard read, but it is a very informative read. Even as someone who has attended mass most of my life, and having a religious studies degree with a focus on the Raman Catholic Faith I still got a lot out of this book. It was hard to put down once I got going. Mike writes in an easy engaging style. Some authors especially theologians are a struggle to read, but Mike's writing especially in this book is not that way at all. I read this book in three short sittings, and found it very useful. 

I can highly recommend it even for seasoned Catholics. There is a lot of benefit to be had from reading this little volume.

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Books by Mike Aquilina:
A Year with the Angels: Daily Meditations with the Messengers of God
A Year With The Church Fathers: Patristic Wisdom for Daily Living
Angels of God: The Bible, the Church and the Heavenly Hosts
Companion Guide to Pope Benedict's 'The Fathers' 
Faith of Our Fathers: Why the Early Christians Still Matter and Always Will
Fire of God's Love: 120 Reflections on the Eucharist
Good Pope, Bad Pope: Their Lives, Our Lessons 
Love in the Little Things: Tales of Family Life
Ministers & Martyrs: The Ultimate Catholic Guide to the Apostolic Age
Praying in the Presence of Our Lord: With St. Thomas Aquinas
Roots of the Faith: From the Church Fathers to You
Sharing Christ's Priesthood: A Bible Study for Catholics
Signs and Mysteries: Revealing Ancient Christian Symbols
Sweet Gridlock: Selected Love Poems 
Terms and Conditions: Assorted Poems
The Apostles and Their Times
The Church and the Roman Empire
The Fathers of the Church Bible
The Fathers of the Church: An Introduction to the First Christian Teachers
The Mass of the Early Christians
The Resilient Church: The Glory, the Shame, & the Hope for Tomorrow
The Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church
The Way of the Fathers: Praying With the Early Christians
The Witness of Early Christian Women: Mothers of the Church
Understanding the Mass: 100 Questions, 100 Answers
Why Me? When Bad Things Happen
Yours Is the Church: How Catholicism Shapes Our World

The Holy Mass

Work Play Love

St. Joseph and His World

How the Fathers Read the Bible

St. Patrick and His World

...

Books co-written by Mike Aquilina:
A Pocket Catechism for Kids - Fr. Kris Stubna
Dion: The Wanderer Talks Truth - Dion DiMucci
Keeping Mary Close: Devotion to Our Lady through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Gruber
Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians - Scott Hahn
Praying the Psalms the Early Christians - Christopher Bailey
Saint Monica and the Power of Persistent Prayer - Mark W. Sullivan
Seven Revolutions: How Christianity Changed the World and Can Change It Again - James Papandrea
Something More Pastoral: The Mission of Bishop, Archbishop, and Cardinal Donald Wuerl - Ann Rodgers
Take Five: Meditations John Henry Newman - Fr. Juan Velez
Take Five: Meditations Pope Benedict XVI - Fr. Kris Stubna
Take Five: On the Job Meditations With St. Ignatius - Fr. Kris Stubna
Talking to Youth About Sexuality: A Parents' Guide - Fr. Kris Stubna
The Ancient Path: Old Lessons from the Church Fathers for a New Life Today - John Michael Talbot
The Church: Unlocking the Secrets to the Places Catholics Call Home - Cardinal Donald Wuerl
The Doubter's Novena: Nine Steps to Trust the Apostle Thomas - Christopher Bailey
The Feasts: How the Church Year Forms Us as Catholics - Cardinal Donald Wuerl
The Grail Code: Quest for the Real Presence - Christopher Bailey
The Great Life: Essays on Doctrine and Holiness in Honor of Father Ronald Lawler, O.F.M. Cap. - Kenneth Ogorek
The Holy Land: A Guide for Pilgrims - Fr. Dave Halaiko
The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions - Regis J. Flaherty
The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition - Cardinal Donald Wuerl
The World's First Christmas: Jubilee 2000 - Regis J. Flaherty
Weapons of the Spirit: Selected Writings of Father John Hugo - David Scott
What Catholics Believe: A Pocket Catechism - Fr. Kris Stubna

Lenten Meditation with Fulton J. Sheen

Lenten Meditation with Fulton J. Sheen
Fulton J. Sheen
Liguori Publications
ISBN 9780764863912

When I first bought this book to read it during Lent I was a little disappointed. Flipping through it all the selections were short. I was looking for something deeper or longer. But the book was a great surprise. It is intended to be read over lent, but I found I could not stop, so I have read it through twice now reading 2 devotions each day morning an evening. The book is a collection of  40 short meditation's each following the same format; a quote from Fulton J. Sheen, and a bible passage that speaks to the same theme. An example and one of the one's that really hit me is:

Day 32

Sanctify the Moment

Those who sanctify the moment and offer it up in union with God's will never become frustrated- never grumble or complain. They overcome all obstacles by making them occasions of prayer and channels of merit. What were constrictions are thus made opportunities for growth.

LIFT UP YOUR HEART

When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly.
1 Corinthians 4: 12- 13

Though compiled to be used over Lent this devotional could be used for anyone wanting a 40 day retreat lead by Fulton J. Sheen. The brevity of the meditations means that they can be reread a few times throughout the day. I read them at morning and evening. But you could do that or even add a third reading. This was a great collection and jumping off point if you have not read Sheen before and if you have as a reminder. I look forward to reading this again and also the companion volume Advent Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen. It is a wonderful little book!

Books by Fulton J. Sheen:

God and Intelligence in Modern Philosophy

The Seven Last Words

Philosophy of Science

The Eternal Galilean

Calvary and the Mass

The Cross and the Beatitudes

Seven Words of Jesus and Mary
Seven Words of Jesus and Mary: Lessons on Cana and Calvary

Communism and the Conscience of the West

Peace of Soul

Three to Get Married

Life Is Worth Living Series 1-5

Way to Happiness

Way to Inner Peace 

Life of Christ

Missions and the World Crisis

The Power of Love

Footprints in a Darkened Forest

Lenten and Easter Inspirations

You
Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen

Finding True Happiness

Fulton Sheen's Wartime Prayer Book

Advent Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen

Lenten Meditations with Fulton J. Sheen

God's World and Our Place In It

The World's First Love

The Cries of Jesus from the Cross

Your Life Is Worth Living

The Way of the Cross for our Enemies – 1938

The Way of the Cross – 1932

The Way of the Cross – 1933

…

Contributed to:

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Books About Fulton J. Sheen:

The Archbishop and I

Fulton Sheen - Louise Merrie - CTS Biographies
...

...

A Prayer of the Day Prayer Fulton Sheen Canonization Prayer

...

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Updated 2016-04-13

This post has been redacted because of personal conviction. I would appreciate if you say a prayer for me. 

Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

The Machine - Oafish Droll - Potential Portal Book 1

The Machine
Potential Portal Book 1
Oafish Droll
ISBN 9781517251185
AISN B01A4Z3CZU

For a fist published story this is a great read, that the author is 13 at the time of publication makes it an amazing read. I had to put the book down twice and both times kept thinking about the story. It is a fantastic premise, well written and with very interesting characters. There is only two real draw backs the first is the brevity of the story, the second is the cliff hanger ending.

The story takes place in Hillsboro Wisconsin, a town founded by Mr. Ryan Gobbels, a retired actor and member of the house of representatives. Not to be confused with the other Hillsboro's founder by Mr. Gobbels in Nevada and Oklahoma and a third in a state yet unnamed. Our main cast of characters in this part of the story is a group of school mates. The main two are Andrew and his close mate Darien, but because of the luck of the draw on a school project the group is rounded out by Benton, Lilith and Rachel.

Days after a freak power outage at the school caused supposedly by a localized EMP, the children are back in school. The five find themselves in a room with a weird arc, a computer that is still functioning even though everything else was destroyed and the appearance of strange man with a gold lined cape and a strange sceptre. Ducking through the arc of light the children not only find themselves transported through space but also through time.

This story is intended to set the groundwork for a much longer piece. It does a great job of grabbing the reader and keeping them hooked, and with the cliff hanger desperate for the next instalment. It is a great short story or novella and I look forward to reading more by the author. All we know about the author is he enjoys reading, ice cream, interstellar travel and as mentioned previously he is 13. Well done young man well done. So far this year I have read 30 book and this short volume is one of the best!

Note: a novel version of this short story is now available as The Arc of Light by Mithrandir.

Books as Mithrandir:
The Arc of Light

Books as Oafish Droll:
The Machine -Potential Portal Book 1