Katie Reads {Books on Grief and Suffering}

Books have always been hallmarks of events from my life. If my eyes scan across my shelves, certain titles remind me not only of characters and stories, but the events that were going on in my life as I read the pages. Books have power to teach, to comfort, to distract, and to guide. After the unexpected death of my mom last spring, I reached for books to help me make sense of the new life we had to carry on with and to help me understand what my faith had to say about suffering and hope.

Of all the Katie Reads posted here on the blog, I pray that this one reaches the people that need to see it. I'd like to share some of the books I've read over the past months in the hope that they will help someone else enduring loss, suffering, death- or honestly anyone who needs a refresher on keeping our eyes fixed on heaven. These books have really walked with me through my grief, and many of them have passages well underlined and reread, referred to repeatedly already. I will say that I'm overall not a big fan of self-help style books and couldn't stomach platitudes and "advice" during this painful time. Not all of the books I'm recommending here are even about death. Instead, these titles speak of timeless truth about the meaning of suffering and the hope of heaven.

I also asked some friends who have their own stories of grief as well as my community on Instagram to share titles that have mattered to them. While I haven't read all of them, those titles are included at the end of the post.

Whether you are in need of a book on grief, you are looking for the right book to gift to someone going through a struggle, or you want to read more about suffering to better be a companion to a friend or family member in pain, I think that the books I share here might be helpful.

Of course, Scripture has been the greatest and more important comfort. I'd highly recommend a slow read through the Psalms, the Book of Job, and the Gospels. Feel free to respond in the comments or send me an email if you have your own book recommendations. I'd appreciate hearing from you and will happily update this list!

***And I have a giveaway for three of these books going on over on Instagram until Sunday night if you want to go enter!***

(This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. That means that if you click through and purchase something, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.)

In Heaven We'll Meet Again by Fr. Francois Rene Blot
A collection of seven letters from a priest to a grieving woman, this little book is a treasure trove.  Full of wisdom from Scripture and many Saints, Fr. Blot's letters link together quote after powerful quote about suffering, redemption, heaven, and hope. The beautiful cover featuring scores of Saints and choirs of angels is an accurate image to portray the beauty and hope of the content within. The letter pose so many of the questions running through the mind of someone staring death in the face, and I so appreciated that the author used the wisdom of the Church, not just his own words, to comfort and teach about such an important topic.

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
Out of everything I've read, this book most accurately described what so much of grief feels like. C.S. Lewis has become a close companion for me as I've read and reread many of his books through the lens of suffering. He originally wrote this as a set of journals after the tragic death of his wife, never really intending them to be published- but I'm so glad they were. Each section depicts his honest thoughts and understanding as he moves through grief, showing the pain and questions leading more to conviction and peace. It felt so good to read this and think, "Yes! Exactly! That is what this feels like." It's as if Lewis had the ability to read some of my thoughts, validating so many of my emotions and struggles. I also would highly recommend this book for someone who is walking alongside an individual who is grieving, as the unique perspective I think can help friends and family know how to support a loved on in the throes of grief even if they don't have firsthand experience.

Our Grounds for Hope by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

I've read several of Fulton Sheen's books this year, but this was a perfect book to pick up here and there for encouragement. A collection of his quotes on the Cross, suffering, and hope, it is a little book that could be read a little at a time and in any order, so it's perfect for someone who doesn't have the energy or mental space to dive into a complex text. Any of Sheen's many books on the Cross (like The Cries of Jesus from the Cross, which I reviewed in this post) would make for great reflection as to the purpose of pain and the redemption we have in Christ.

What is Heaven by Mother Angelica

With Mother Angelica's characteristic matter-of-fact style coupled with her warmth and wisdom, this little book is a great place to dive into the Catholic teaching on Heaven. With chapters containing info on the soul, the resurrection of the body, the Biblical description of Heaven, and more, it was a very approachable read on the Last Things.

That Nothing May Be Lost by Fr. Paul Scalia

This book technically has nothing to do with grief, but it has had a huge impact on my grieving process. I can count on one hand the number of books that have impacted my faith from cover to cover, pushing me to prayer, or tears, or frantic note taking alternately, and this book from Fr. Scalia is one of them. Titled "That Nothing May Be Lost" from the end of the story of the feeding of the 5000 when Jesus asks the Apostles to gather up the fragments at the end of the meal, the author explains that the writings in the book are just that- fragments left over- articles, bulletin commentary, and blog posts.  But organized together into themes, the book shares about 80 such essays that pack in truth in a profound way.  His style of writing, rooted in Scripture and full of allegory, reminds me of how Fulton Sheen often wrote.  Each essay made me think but also gave me attainable takeaways.  The book is organized into nine sections and contains introductions that are essays themselves from other Catholics such as Scott Hahn, Lizz Lovett, Raymond Arroyo, and Archbishop Charles Chaput. Many of the entries made for poignant reflections on suffering, loss, and the hope of Heaven. 

Remember Your Death Memento Mori Journal by Sr. Therese Aletheia Noble
I recommended this book last year along with my Lent book reviews, and really enjoyed the beginning but didn't get to finish it after my mom was admitted to the hospital. Regardless, I read enough to know it was powerful, and plan to finish it this Lent, albeit with a different perspective on pondering death. A couple of years ago, Sr. Theresa conducted an interesting experiment were she kept a ceramic skull on her desk and used social media to talk about Memento Mori- the concept that Christians must "remember their death" each day.  Have you ever seen art of a Saint depicted with a skull?  The pondering of death is not morbid, but a manner that constantly turns our gaze to Heaven.  In this Lenten devotional, Sr. Theresa is bringing back the ancient practice through her written reflections and a guided Memento Mori examen for each day. While some who are grieving might not be ready to use a journal with this theme, the content, quotes, Saints, and reflections are all meant to reorient our understanding of death as the beginning of eternal life. It is designed as a Lent journal, but regardless I think it could be picked up anytime the reader wants to spend more time contemplating death and eternity.

The Virtue of Hope by Fr. Philip Bochanski

Hope became an important focus for my family and I during my mom's illness and as part of our grieving process.  I knew when I saw this title it would be a good read for me, hopefully a piece that would help me grow in my understanding of heaven in the midst of our grief. The author first shares an analysis of the Theological Virtue of hope, and then writes about hope within the themes of change, service, struggling, suffering, and prayer with several Saints or people of faith highlighting each topic. Never reading like a string of biographies, Father Bochanski uses the experiences of actively living the virtue of hope as an example for the reader, weaving in commentary and quotes from other writers and church documents, as well as the Saints themselves. I think that this book would be a good read for any Christian, but certainly would recommend it to those going through struggles, grief, or big changes in life.

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis

In this book, Lewis confronts the theological question that everyone who suffers must ask- If there is a God, and He is good, why does He allow us to endure pain? Showcasing his intelligence and ability to share complex complex concepts in an understandable but thought provoking manner, there is much to ponder in this book. I particularly liked the chapters on Omnipotence, Hell, and Heaven. Definitely a must read for someone considering the big questions about pain during hard times.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

I know this book isn't quite like the others, but this is one of the primary reasons I feel that C.S. Lewis has walked alongside me this year. Despite being a voracious reader, I never read the Chronicles of Narnia as a kid. I've picked them up here and there as an adult, rereading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe several times, but I had never finished the series. After my mom died, going to bed at night was an occasion when it was too easy to get sucked into memories and sadness, so I made myself read something light at the end of the day. Narnia fit the need perfectly, and this spring and summer I read the whole series. I knew about the allegory and symbolism hidden in Lewis' famous stories, but to read them again through eyes clouded with pain, I certainly saw the stories a little differently. They were what helped me drift off to sleep with hope in my heart.
“And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

Those were the books that have meant the most to me so far, but here are a few lists of other books you might be interested in.

Books for Kids on Heaven, Loss, and Grief:
I've had many people ask what I recommend for kids experiencing loss. My niece and nephews are all a bit young still to have need of these yet, but I took some time to look through and read some of the kids' books in the grief section at my local Catholic Book store, and I really thought these had some good things to offer. No book on grief is perfect, and especially with kids, I would read everything first to make sure it is a good fit for the child and the situation. All of these would be great resources to springboard conversations for kids who are hurting.

Heaven is a Wonderful Place
This new book has lovely illustrations and is one of best I've seen at describing Heaven for a child. Focusing on Biblical descriptions of Heaven, the story is told by a grandmother to her grandchildren as they process the death of their grandfather. It would a perfect read for early elementary kids who have experienced a loss, or those that are asking big questions about death and eternity. I think this could work well for 5-8 year olds.

I Will Remember You: My Catholic Guide Through Grief
Unfortunately, it looks like this one isn't available online, which is a bummer. It is an extensive guided journal and book meant for older kids during the whole first year after a loss. I was impressed by the depth of content covered. Combining solid teaching and explanation of topics relating to death (including what to expect at a funeral, how to celebrate special days without the loved one, praying for the dead, and tons more) and gives space for the child to write, draw, and add in details regarding their own loss, creating a keepsake in the process. It would be worth tracking down a copy, especially for a 8-13 year old dealing with a difficult death.

After the Funeral
While a little dated in looks, this one would be great resource to help kids name and work through all of the strong emotions that come alongside grief. Through short vignettes of children grieving lots of types of loss, it first show the child struggling in someway, and then offering a supportive solution. It would be a gentle way to start conversations or help a child know that their emotions are real, important, and are understood. Would work well for 5-8 year olds.

Sometimes Life is Just Not Fair: Hope for Kids Through Grief and Loss
This book is by Fr. Joe Kempf, a priest who founded a ministry using puppets to help young children understand the connection of faith and real life. (He stars in my favorite set of videos for 2nd grade Sacrament prep too.) This book gently gives the reader reflections and appropriate explanations about pain, suffering, and death. There are also additional resources for parents and teachers to support the child. This one is probably best for 5-8 year olds.

When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child's Guide to Good Grief
You may have seen some of the other "Elf Help" series of books that deal with tough topics for kids. Told from the young child's perspective, it is a resource for all of the painful experiences surrounding the death of a grandparent, and would be a good fit for a 5-8 year old.

Today Someone I Loved Passed Away
This large keepsake book also walks through many of the experiences of a child after the death of a loved one. Told through a story about a boy losing his grandfather, it also has resources about Catholic specific customs like Anointing of the Sick, the funeral rite, Purgatory, and praying for the dead, as well as an extra page with funeral customs for other religions.  I think that could be especially helpful in forming the understanding of the Catholic child while acknowledging that the one who dies might be of another faith. I'd probably recommend this one for ages 7-10.

Also, here are some books I've read this year that shared personal stories of loss/grief/suffering:
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

Be Brave in the Scared by Mary Lenaburg

61 Minutes to a Miracle by Bonnie Engstrom
Love Your Cross: How Suffering Becomes Sacrifice by Therese Williams
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom


Next on my list to read include:
JP2's Apostolic Letter on the Christian Meaning of Grief and Suffering
Midwife for Souls by Kathy Kalina
Roses Among Thorns by St. Frances de Sales
The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross


Other recommendations from readers and friends
(feel free to add your own in the comments):
Arise from Darkness: What to do When Life Doesn't Make Sense by Fr. Benedict Groeschel
The Tears of God: Going On in the Face of Great Sorrow or Catastrophe by Fr. Benedict Groeschel
Grief One Day at a Time by Dr. Alan Wolfelt
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Franckl
Winter of the Heart by Paula D'Arcy
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
There is No Good Card for This by Dr. Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowell
Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman
Motherless Mothers by Hope Edelman
Suffer Strong by Katherine and Jay Wolf
My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Uniformity with God's Will by St. Alphonsus Ligouri
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Chiara Corbella Petrillo, A Witness to Joy by Simone Troisi
The Extraordinary Parents of St. Therese of Lisieux by Helene Mongin
Plan B: What to do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would by Pete Wilson
It's OK to Laugh (Crying is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort

Where I've Been

After a two month absence from the blog, I thought I'd share a little about where I've been, why I haven't posted any new content, and the reason I've been terrible about answering your emails and inquiries.

In early March, my 57-year-old otherwise healthy mother developed a bad cough. After spiking a fever, she was diagnosed with bacteria pneumonia and sent home with antibiotics. Less than 48 hours later she was rushed to the ER and admitted to the ICU in full ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) due to H1N1 Influenza.

She fought hard for 24 days, and I and my family were with her every day. She celebrated her 58th birthday on March 29th, and welcomed her fourth grandchild on April 2nd. And the morning of April 6th, she peacefully passed away.

My family and I are coping, but are wrecked and still in shock from such a terrible loss. I've shared a little on Instagram if you follow me there, and was going to stay quiet here on the blog, but changed my mind. This blog isn't about me, it's about Religious Education for homes and classrooms, but along the way so many of you have become friends. I've met you in person, you've send the kindest emails, and we are united in this kinship of evangelization and catechesis.  I'd like to ask for your prayers for the repose of my mom's soul as well as your prayers for my family during this difficult time.  You can visit her Caring Bridge site here if you'd like to read more about our journey.

Thank you for your support.  I hope that you've been able to find activities for Easter and Divine Mercy in the archives, and I'll be back in May with some new ideas and reviews.  My Etsy Shop did reopen yesterday with some new products as well as some sales.  As always, I'm grateful for the community of believers united here.

~ ~ ~

Mom's Obituary:

Rebecca Sue Bogner, 58, of Sparland passed into eternal life on April 6, 2019 unexpectedly from a respiratory virus. Cherished wife, beloved mother, and adored Gigi to four grandchildren, she has left an indelible mark on the world that words would never do justice to.

Becky was blessed enough to always call the countryside her home. She was raised in Wyoming, IL, born to Harold and Betty Wilkinson on March 29, 1961, and was a 1979 graduate of Wyoming High. She attended Illinois Central College. She and her loving husband, Steve, were married in 1983 and resided on their family farm in Sparland for more than 35 wonderful years of marriage. Their love for each other and for their family is undoubtedly Becky’s most impactful legacy.

Becky devoted herself to raising her three daughters, instilling in them through her actions a love for radical hospitality, gracious generosity, and service to others above self.

As they grew, Becky was employed with the Midland School District as an administrative assistant. She worked for the district for 22 years, and greeted everyone with her kind smile and willingness to help without hesitation. She loved her daily interactions with her coworkers and the students. She was an involved parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she and Steve attended their entire marriage and made many lifelong friends.

Becky was known to her friends, family, and community through countless ways. She was part of the Sparland Mothers Club when her girls were young, a 4-H leader and volunteer for many years, and a proud supporter of the Midland FFA. She baked cakes for every special occasion, from birthdays to weddings. She renovated and decorated their 140 year-old farm house, making it both beautiful and a place to call home for her girls and their friends. She was always elbow deep in craft projects and ankle deep in her garden. Her generosity could not be exceeded through her cooking and baking - there was always enough food for one (or five) more at her table. She would cook a several-course meal and still ask for requests for your favorite pie to whip up at the end of it.

She leaves behind the love of her life, husband Steve, her three daughters, Katie Bogner of Chillicothe, IL, Stephanie Zimmerman of Colchester, IL, and Emily Werner of Fort Riley, KS, beloved sons-in-law Steven Zimmerman and Luke Werner, and the little lights of her life - four grandchildren, Violet, Oliver, Evan, and Theodore. Out of the countless hats she wore throughout her life, Gigi was the one that brought her the most joy.

Services for Becky will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lacon. The visitation will be held Thursday, April 11th from 5-7PM. The funeral Mass will be Friday, April 12th at 10:30AM with luncheon to follow. Memorials can be made to the Midland FFA or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

The joy and memories she leaves behind for those who loved her and were loved by her far surpass the great sorrow we feel. We rest in the hope that she is in Heaven in the presence of our Lord, and that she already knows what kind of pie to make for Him.

Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

~ ~ ~

And this is the letter we shared at the funeral:

Dear Family and Friends,

“...We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance; endurance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit...”~Romans5:2-5

Hope- the word that has forged our path and guided our steps on this journey.

For much of these past weeks, the word hope has rung in our ears and pressed into our hearts. We rested in hope on the better days and clung to it on the hard ones. We lived in hope that mom would heal, be made well, and return home to us.

Instead, we walk this path, the one we would have never chosen but ultimately was God’s will. In such a time as this, it would be easy to question - what was the purpose of all that hope? What is the purpose of this suffering? And we have received this answer in Truth - our hope is not of this world, not of our own plans or desires, no matter how good. Our hope is in the Lord, ever gracious, ever merciful, ever loving. Our hope is in Heaven.

Our mom emulated this same hope and love in the way she lived each day of her life. She gave her time, her gifts, her kindness, and her smile to everyone she met and poured herself out in service to others. She loved as Christ loves us still - completely, selflessly, and unwavering.

Over the last few days, we have often spoken how people are grieving for us - losing a beloved wife, a cherished mom, and an adored Gigi too suddenly and much too soon has been the greatest tragedy we have ever faced. But also, there are so many who are grieving with us. Many of you feel your own loss of Becky so acutely. When you live the way she did, overflowing with love for others, it’s hard to not be touched by that love. We are all marked in some way by Becky’s life. We honor her by honoring you, her family and friends - thank you for sharing your stories, your memories, the places in your heart where she will live on forever.

In gratitude, we offer you the same thing that has been offered to us - hope through Christ. We do not despair. We rejoice in hope and persevere toward our ultimate goal - a life in Heaven with our Lord. We hope for happier days on earth, that the stories and memories we share will come with both laughter and tears, knowing they are made sweeter from the suffering. We hope for all of you who are hurting today to be comforted and for peace to wash over all of us, leaving only an ache for our true home, where there will be no more pain or sadness - only joy.

In mom’s kitchen, there is a sign that hangs on the wall stating, “Home is where your Mom is.” These words have never been truer. Our home is where our mom is. Our home is in Heaven. May we all one day be Home, together again once more.

With hope -
Steve, Katie, Steph, Steven, Violet, Oliver, Evan, Emily, Luke, & Teddy

Cultivating Beauty in Home and Heart {Guest Post}

In a world that craves the true, the good, and the beautiful, is a joy to host the third Why Make Beatiful Things series here at Look to Him and Be Radiant. You can read the original post with my thoughts on beauty here and read all the guest posts in the previous series here. Today I have the honor of sharing the wise words of Rosie Hill from A Blog for My Mom on cultivating beauty in her home. We'll be featuring guest posts all week, and a huge giveaway of beautiful things on Friday, so make sure you check back!



"Mom," my 7-year-old started, "Mom, I just think food tastes better when it looks really pretty. Like, if you had cupcakes and they didn't have any sprinkles or icing, they really wouldn't look like they would taste very good!"

She carefully arranged slices of mozzarella, laying pieces of fresh basil on each slice as she delicately layered them over one another. The masterpiece complete, she begged me NOT to serve until everyone in the family had gotten a chance to admire her handiwork.



My children, from the toddler to the (self-proclaimed) tween (he's only almost-9), bring me scraggly bouquets of wildflowers, collected from our land. They run outside before my husband starts mowing the lawn, gathering whatever wild clover and ox-eye daisies they can find before the mower reduces them to nothing. Every surface in our house boasts a bouquet, sometimes just long grasses that somebody thought were beautiful.



And I've become blind to this everyday beauty without them to open my eyes.

I'd like to say that we've raised our children to appreciate beauty, but I don't think we've had anything to do with it. I think that any child seeing a flower, an interesting bug, a majestic tree, is so enchanted by these new experiences that he or she can't contain the joy that such beauty evokes. It bubbles over and must be shared. The parents are only the most obvious recipients.



So while I don't think I caused this intense interest in natural beauty, I do what I can to cultivate it. At our house, that means letting each child have his or her own little garden plot. My 3-year-old very carefully pulled up dandelions and "planted" them in his garden, along with feathers he gathered from the chickens. When he realized those weren't growing, he asked for a tomato seedling and a marigold seedling. Not a day (or hour, or sometimes minute) goes by that he doesn't ask me to check on his "darden" with him, proclaiming that it's looking "dood." I may sneak in there to weed and thin the zinnias he planted too close together, but it's his special place!



Sometimes the cultivation of beauty means that we end up with a lot of beautiful trash in our house. A ragged blue jay feather, once brilliant, finds its way to the bottom of a drawer along with broken seashells, "pressed" flowers that never got fully pressed, sticks that could someday be used for an important, now forgotten purpose... So we weed through the sentimental treasures and try to let each child have a box or a bag indoors where they can keep all those special ribbons, fancy orphaned buttons, sequins they picked up at the playground, interesting rocks, acorn caps, etc. They bring out their "treasures" when friends visit, oohing and aahing and gifting their very favorite pieces of trash for their friends to take home and add to their treasures!



Does this mean that our house isn't immaculate? Sure does. And our yard wouldn't win any landscaping awards, half-weeded beds and all. But I find myself planting far more flowers than I used to, acknowledging to my utilitarian self that even though these flowers don't feed our bodies, they feed that part of our soul that craves the beauty our Creator allows us to take a little part in. And I let dinner wait a few minutes so that the kids can arrange a pretty vegetable platter, fanned out and arranged by color. Because beauty matters.



Rosie Hill lives in a 19th century farmhouse in Virginia with her husband and six children. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, or on her blog. She homeschools, homesteads, and sends her kids outside every day during nap time so she can eat chocolate undisturbed. Sometimes it even works!

Little Saint Adventures!

You guys, I'm just so excited to share this news with you! Over the past year or so, I've had a small part in helping with a brand new Catholic kids' app called Little Saint Adventures.  It launched last week, and I am so pleased to finally get to tell you all about it!

Little Saint Adventures is an app that takes kids on an adventure through themed landmarks where they listen to interactive storybooks, play games, solve puzzles, and more all while being taught some of the most important truths of our faith.  Scripture, Tradition, the life of Christ, and stories of Saints are woven seamlessly together in the midst of fun activities kids can play again and again.

How awesome is it that the creators are using the best of available technology to make the faith real and relevant and fun for kids?  What's even better is that they aren't just providing great games, they also want to help support parents as the primary educators of their children.  A companion app called the Parent Portal connects to the kids app and provides info on each child's progress, details on the games, and tons of questions, projects, and resources that can take the learning out of the app and into your living room.

Just take a look at this curriculum overview.  The first five landmarks are complete, including more than 35 kids activities and 75 family activities.  The next landmarks are coming later this year and will at least double the content available.  Click here to read more about the landmarks & curriculum.

Each landmark uses activities like storytelling, games, matching activities, problem solving, etc. to connect fundamental teachings of the Catholic faith.  Interwoven throughout the landmarks are stories from the Old and New Testaments, the lives of the Saints, the teachings of Christ, the Sacraments, Prayer, Church teaching, and more.  Shared in an engaging and interesting way, kids can work their way through the app and repeat activities again and again, learning new things each time.

The warm and appealing graphics and characters are childlike but also detailed and expressive.  Every time I look around the landmarks, I find more well thought symbolism and meaning hidden in the pictures.  The voices, music, and sound effects add to experience (but aren't too annoying for the adults around to listen to ;) ).

The Parent Portal is such a unique feature to this app.  Once downloaded, it can be connected with the children's app.  You can see what activities have been completed and when by each child.  Clicking on an activity provides you with an activity summary and description (so you don't have to play it first yourself!), a list of conversation starters that you can ask your child about the game over the dinner table or in the car, ideas for family activities of all kinds that extend the lessons found in the app, and links to connecting resources if you are looking for even more.

Now that the app has launched, we are all so excited to think about the families that are ready to start playing and learning together using this tool.  I asked Melea, Curriculum Director for Little Saint Adventures, a little more about her thoughts on the app:

Q: What features of Little Saint Adventures make it such a great tool for Catholic kids? 

Melea: I think what makes LSA such a great tool is how FUN it is for the kids, with different activities such as storybooks, shooting games (similar to angry birds) and quizzes. It's reinforcing things they are learning in their homes, Catholic Schools and Religious Ed and giving it a new fun twist! 

Q: Why is the Parent Portal an integral piece of Little Saint Adventures? 

Melea: Our goal with the Parent Portal is to give Parents the tools and resources to feel capable and confident in catechizing their own children! To bring the app out of the technological sphere and into their daily lives. Yes, the app is fun but we want it to be a springboard for conversations and fun interactions for families using it! 

Q: What is your family's favorite landmark (or activity)? 

Melea: My daughter's favorite activities are the shooting ones. She's 6 and will play them over and over and over. She also loves the matching games.

I've already mentioned that the app will continue to grow, but the team has also created some tech-free supporting activities.  The corresponding activity book with coloring pages and games uses the same characters and concepts as the app and you can find it here as well as on Amazon (affiliate link).  LSA graciously sent a sample page for me to share with you to use at home or in your classroom.  I just love the Nazareth Village landmark, and this coloring page features a sweet family scene with young Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Joachim, and Anne gathered around the dinner table.  Click on the image to download your coloring page!

Check out all the details for Little Saint Adventures here, including links to the App Store and Google Play.  I think that it is an awesome resource to supplement the great learning going on in homes, schools, and parishes.  I hope you give it a try and recommend it to a family that you think would love it too!

Our 100 Year Old Family Baptismal Gown

Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs,

which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power.

In baptism we use your gift of water,

which you have made a rich symbol of the grace

you give us in this sacrament.

At the very dawn of creation 

your Spirit breathed on the waters,

making them the wellspring of all holiness.

The waters of the great flood

you made a sign of the waters of baptism,

that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness.

Through the waters of the Red Sea

you led Israel out of slavery,

to be an image of God’s holy people,

set free from sin by baptism.

In the waters of the Jordan

your Son was baptized by John

and anointed with the Spirit.

Your Son willed that water and blood

should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross.

After his resurrection he told his disciples:

“Go out and teach all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Father,

look now with love upon your Church,

and unseal for her the fountain of baptism.

By the power of the Spirit

give to the water of this font the grace of your Son

so that in the sacrament of baptism 

all those whom you have created in your likeness

may be cleansed from sin

and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit.

(Blessing of water from the Baptismal Rite)

Thirty-two years ago on August 11th, my parents and godparents brought  me to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church to the waters of Baptism.  So many things were special about that day when I was welcomed into the Church and washed clean of Original Sin, but probably the most memorable was the Baptismal Gown that I wore.

It is a family heirloom that now is at least 100 years old.  This Baptismal Gown has been passed down through the generations, but there isn't a good "record" or set of pictures to preserve exactly who has worn it.  We know it was worn by my grandfather in 1917, my dad and his siblings in 1946-1953, and my sisters and I in 1985-1990.

Last summer, it was worn by my adorable nephew, making him the fourth generation to wear the same baptismal garment.

As we prepared for his Baptism, there was a lot of talk among the family about who had actually worn the gown.  My grandparents have passed away, but one of my aunts thought that the gown might actually be older and worn by more people.  I scoured family photographs, but with no one left to ask, we can only be assured of the people we already knew.   

My sister came up with a brilliant idea to change that for the future.  She asked if we could embroider the names of those baptized in the gown in white along the bottom of the garment.  We checked with other family members and everyone loved the idea, so I sat down and in tiny white cursive, added stitching with each name and year that we know the gown was worn.  

The gown already had rows of embroidery along the bottom, so I just followed the rows and added in each generation starting with my grandfather and ending with my nephew.  Up close, you can read the information, but from a distance or in actual pictures when a baby is wearing the gown, it just blends in with the other rows of embroidery.

As a history lover, a genealogy nerd, and daughter of the Church, I love that we not only have this heirloom but have also preserved the story of what it means to my family.  There is plenty of room for more names, so I look forward to adding many more babies as our family grows.

Does your family have a special Baptismal Gown?  Or a tradition about each Baptismal garment?  I have heard of gowns being made from wedding dresses, using a new garment for each child so they can keep it in their family when they are grown, or gowns like ours being passed down through generations.  What is your Baptismal Gown story?  I'd love to hear more about how other families mark the reception of this first Sacrament.

Making Old Things New: Finding Beauty in Restoring Antique Linens {Guest Post}

Betsy, a dear friend, joins us today with her love of family heirlooms and restoring beauty to items that might often be overlooked.  Clearly, Betsy and I have bonded over this love of making old things new (just check out these posts about wearing my Granny's dresses and jewelry) but we also have common ground from our adventures with [un]common Workbasket and our Jane Austen Book Club days.  Even if you don't plan on finding/cleaning/using antique linens, I hope that you read and are struck by the truth that Betsy shares about how the beauty found in simple things points us to the glory of heaven.

Making Old Things New: Finding Beauty in Restoring Antique Linens

I have always loved history.  From reading historical fiction, to dressing up as a pioneer girl when I was little, to relishing in the vivid imagery and descriptions of the beauty of turn-of-the-century Prince Edward Island as related by L.M. Montgomery in the Anne of Green Gables books, the past has always called to me. Like Anne Shirley, my imagination has always been pretty active.  I love imagining what life was like for my ancestors, and I’ve often wished I could travel back in time to experience pioneer life or the early 1920s when my grandparents were young children. Through the process of sorting through my late grandparents’ household belongings in recent years, I have acquired an appreciation for some specific parts of my family’s history. 

 I’m not sure when I first discovered that I have a thing for linens.  I can’t really explain what it is that draws me to pretty old tablecloths, handkerchiefs, and doilies, but draw me, they do.  My grandma Charlotte, who died in 2014, also had an affinity for linens (and lots of other nice things for that matter).  Her collection of table linens, quilts, bedspreads, sheets, and aprons filled three rooms of her house when we spread them all out to look at them last year.   As a saver of all things, Grandma kept (but never used!) all of the white linen tablecloths and napkins that her ancestors meticulously hemmed by hand so long ago.  Do you know what happens to linens when they are kept in storage for years and years?  They no longer remain white.  I am not sure on the scientific reasons, but most linens yellow with age, particularly if they are not stored properly.  From my grandma’s collection, I was able to keep several nice tablecloths and sets of napkins, even though we at first believed that some of them might be ruined due to severe staining that had occurred over time.  Typically the exposed edges of the tablecloths would be badly yellowed or browned if the cloths had been folded and stacked in piles where they were stored. 

Antique clothing soaking in OxiClean and hot water; 

the water can become very brown, depending on how stained the fabric is.

In order to honor my grandma, and also because I like to tackle something that needs a good cleaning, I began my search for how to clean antique linens.  I read a variety of tips, but what I found to work best at removing the yellowing (or dark browning) was OxiClean.  Enter my new best friend.  Oh, OxiClean and I had some grand adventures last summer!  How exciting it was to fill my dishpan (or sometimes even my whole bathtub!) with hot water, stir in that white powder, and then drop in some horribly stained item, knowing that soon it would be gleaming white!  Of course, I didn’t know that it would work the first time I tried it, but once I had successfully seen those awful brown stains disappear, I was hooked.  I went through two tubs of OxiClean last summer!  Isn’t it strange when such simple things can bring such delight?  

Chenille bedspread from my grandma, lace pillow covers from a thrift shop, 

and a throw pillow with vintage fabric from an antique store

There was something so satisfying about restoring those antique linens to their original states that just thrilled me!  It became a challenge to see what I could transform next.  Over the course of the summer, I OxiCleaned lace and linen tablecloths, chenille bedspreads, pillowcases, doilies, dresser scarves, handkerchiefs, and even some antique clothing.  Of course, now that I have all of those linens in my closets, what do I do with them?  Well, I try to use them.  I have a chenille bedspread on my bed.  Dresser scarves lay prettily on some of my bedroom furniture, and my great grandmother’s crocheted doilies have had a turn on my coffee table.  Someday I hope to live in a home with a big enough dining room table to be able to use some of those tablecloths!

Beauty is present in so many facets of our lives.  Even though we know we cannot “lay up for [ourselves] treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy…” (Matthew 6:19), we can still appreciate the beauty in making old things new.  Revelation 21:5 says, “Behold, I am making all things new…”  Someday, as Christians, we will experience a newness in Christ that is unfathomable in comparison to the “newness” that my OxiClean brought to my grandma’s old tablecloths.  Just imagine what that will be like!

In late summer, a bee enjoys the nectar on an Ironweed plant in my prairie patch.

I have read the aforementioned “Anne” books so many times that certain portions of the books often come to my mind.  One passage from the fifth book in the series refers to a “queer ache” that one feels when encountering something beautiful:

“It's so beautiful that it hurts me,' said Anne softly. “Perfect things like that always did hurt me — I remember I called it ‘the queer ache’ when I was a child. What is the reason that pain like this seems inseparable from perfection? Is it the pain of finality — when we realise that there can be nothing beyond but retrogression?” –Anne’s House of Dreams, L.M. Montgomery

I am not suggesting that OxiClean gives me that “queer ache.”  But, I have experienced something similar when walking through a garden on a late summer evening, or when discovering my grandma’s name stitched into a beautiful quilt that I inherited.  Beauty stirs something deep inside of us and makes us long for something greater than ourselves.  C. S. Lewis wrote about that longing in Mere Christianity:

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world…Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.”   

    

The beauty that I see in antique linens or in a garden merely suggests the real things, which are found only in Heaven. Appreciating beauty in created things can and should point us to our Creator.  We must remember the One who made all things.

It was a sweet discovery to hang this quilt on my clothesline 

and find my grandma's name embroidered on it.

I believe in the value of honoring our pasts and preserving our ancestors’ labors.  Each handmade item that was part of my grandma’s collection represents hours and hours of handiwork.  I wonder at the women who made those pretty things.  Those ancestors, who I never knew, meticulously stitched every one of those linens with the intention that they would bring joy and beauty to someone’s home.  Decades, and even a century later, I am thankful to have those pieces of my family’s history, and I am joyfully choosing to use some of them in my home.  I know it would please my grandma Charlotte to know that a tablecloth hemmed by her sister Esther, who died of rheumatic fever at age 21, is clean, ironed, and hanging in my closet, ready to cover a fancy table when it is needed.  Let’s look for beauty where it can be found, and take joy in preserving something beautiful from the past.

Hanging fresh linens on a clothesline is good for your soul, 

and it’s good for the linens too!

Some practical tips for restoring antique linens:

1. Determine the type of fabric.  Cotton and linen fabrics can be cleaned with hot water and OxiClean.  Test for color-fastness before submerging entire pieces.  I have only used OxiClean on white linens, so I can’t advise you on what to do with colorful fabrics.
2. Be patient.  Sometimes stains are so severe that the linens must be allowed to soak for several hours (overnight or longer).  Changing out the water and OxiClean, or increasing the temperature of the water as well as the concentration of the cleaner, is also helpful.
3. Rinse, rinse, rinse.  It is important to thoroughly rinse your clean linens.  I also generally used a mild laundry detergent after the OxiClean. 
4. Squeeze, but don’t twist, rinsed antique linens to remove water.  Remember that they may be fragile.  You can roll smaller items inside bath towels to gently squeeze and remove water.  If you are very brave, you can use the gentle cycle on your washing machine to do a wash cycle or even just a rinse after you have soaked the item and removed the stains.  Lingerie bags work great for machine washing small items like handkerchiefs.
5. Hang or lay flat to dry.  Avoid putting antique linens in the dryer.  If you have a clothes line, use it!  There is nothing better than the smell of freshly laundered linens that have dried in the summer sunshine.  If you don’t have a clothesline, or you have a heavy item like a quilt, you can lay it flat to dry in your yard.  Lay old sheets on the ground first, and then spread your quilt or bedspread on top to dry. 
6. Ironing brings out more beauty! Your linens will be terribly wrinkled after washing.  If you want to further experience their full beauty, carefully iron them.  It will be easier to iron them if you don’t let them completely dry.  You can go ahead and iron them when damp. They will be so pretty (and more ready to use) after ironing.  I like to use spray starch too, but I read somewhere that it attracts moths to linens that are in storage, so avoid starching things that you are not planning to use any time soon. 
7. Store cleaned linens properly.  Plastic and wood are not friendly to antique linens.  It is helpful to slip linens inside old pillowcases before storing inside plastic tubs or on wooden shelves. 
8. Invest in some rubber gloves.  You’ll need them for handling the hot water and for protecting your hands from the OxiClean. 
9. The off-brands work great.  OxiClean is the brand name, but generic versions of the product are available in many different stores, and they work just as well. 
10. Carefully consider the benefits and risks. You may fear ruining antique linens, especially if they are fragile.  Decide what value there is in keeping something if it cannot be cleaned.  If you are determined to clean an item, you have to be willing to risk it being ruined.  However, if the only way for it to be preserved and enjoyed is by cleaning it, then it’s probably worth the risk.  Otherwise you would be throwing it out anyway.  Why keep something that is dirty and unusable?  I guess the answer would be if you think it will be worth millions on Antiques Roadshow, you probably shouldn’t launder it.  I haven’t had to worry about that so far, though!

Some websites I found to be helpful when I was first learning how to clean antique linens:

Antique Linens: Laundry Tips

Alley Rose Linens: Care of Linens

The Crafty Sisters

You can follow along with Betsy on:

Instagram  here and here

Twitter

Facebook

Betsy's sweet guest post is part of this year's Why Make Beautiful Things series.  

Yesterday, Shirley shared about being a hostess & hospitality here: Open Heart, Open Home

If you are curious, you can go back and read the posts from last year here.  And make sure you come back for two more unique posts this week and beautiful things giveaway on Friday!

Granny's Closet- The Jewelry {& an announcement!}

My Granny rocked the accessories.  All my memories of her include a unique and varied set of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and broaches.  After giving her hair a final shot of hair spray, she always made sure she had on her lovely matching jewelry before leaving the house.  While she did have several nice pieces, many that dated back to her parents and had great sentimental value, she also collected quite a wide variety of costume jewelry over the years.  As we have been cleaning out her home and sorting her belongings after she passed away last year, we have found box after box of jewelry.  

You've probably picked up on the fact that I love all things vintage.  Blame the nerdy historian in me, the conservative feminine styles, or the overall sentimentality, but I love using, wearing, and knowing the stories of old things.  I'm the keeper of my family photos and genealogy. I like making new things from old ones.  Last summer when we started the cleaning process at my Granny's, we found some great clothes that she had made and worn in previous decades.  This post from last summer has lots of pics of the dresses I found, repaired, and have worn from her closet:

So a couple of weeks ago, my mom, sister, and I sat down to sort, clean, and prep some of the costume jewelry for an auction later this year.  The family heirlooms are set aside, the sentimental pieces are saved, and we have taken some lovely things to wear and keep.  As we were sorting, I couldn't help but take some photos of my favorites.

Check out these lovely oranges and reds:

And the blues and greens:

Golds and silvers:

The flowers (!):

Blacks and whites:

And the cameos:

I hope that these lovely pieces find their way into hands that love and appreciate them the same way that she did.

~~~~~

Last summer I used the post about my Granny's clothes to kick of the Why Make Beautiful Things Series, which featured some lovely guest posts and a giveaway with seven beautiful items.  I'm excited to let you know... that I'm continuing the series this summer!  Next week, check back Monday through Thursday for four new guests posts about women making the world a more beautiful place.  And next Friday, I'm hosting a giveaway you won't want to miss!

In the meantime, go back and check out these gem posts from last summer's series.  I've been rereading and enjoying them all over again, and I hope you do too!

Why Make Beautiful Things 2015 Series

Why Make Beautiful Things- My original post with seven reasons why making beautiful things matters
Granny's Closet- pictures of me wearing some of my Granny's vintage dresses
Love is the Beauty of the Soul- Guest post from Emily on hospitality, beauty, and home through the lens of being a military wife
Simple Beauty in a Picture- Guest post from Steph about the importance of printing and displaying family photos
God Cares About Skillful Design- Guest post from Kayla about the importance of good & thoughtful design in our work
The Beautiful Giveaway 2015