Wednesday, March 2, 2016

On a hunt for mercy this Lent...

Good morning all! I have a long day today (on evening reference duty), but I felt happy and soothed this morning rather than a sense of dread. I'm attributing it to the discovery of a new book that I started reading yesterday, and also your role in my life. *heart*

What the heck am I talking about?! Well, I often think about what I'll blog about on a given day while I get ready for work in the morning. I'm usually listening to podcasts for part of this time as well, and sometimes I get ideas from those. See, the podcasters are my friends too, just like you all are. We have these conversations and inspire ideas in each other. ;-) I just love our global community.

At any rate, I was thinking in the back of my mind this morning as I straightened my hair and listened to "Adventures in Imperfect Living" with Greg and Jennifer: "what should I write about today?" And then it struck me: 33 Days to Merciful Love.

I've been on a hunt to find this book for several weeks now. I first learned about it through our fellow blog friend Laura, and the title instantly resonated with me. I bookmarked it in my little brain, but then didn't think about it again right away. Then I came across another mention of it in something that I was reading online, and the lightbulb in my head went off. Lightbulb, I know that so often I let you down and don't recognize your signals, but every once in a while I get it right.

I did an Amazon search, and found the book available for pre-order. I tweeted about it, and Laura and dear friend Samantha and I chatted back and forth about its' availability. The listed publication date had come and gone, yet Amazon still did not have it in stock. After reading the description on the back cover, I was more intrigued than ever:
33 Days to Merciful Love: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy

Live the Jubilee Year of Mercy to the full! Get your copy of 33 Days to Merciful Love, the stirring sequel to the international sensation, 33 Days to Morning Glory. Using the same 33-day preparation format, 33 Days to Merciful Love journeys with one of the most beloved saints of modern times, St. Therese of Lisieux, and concludes with a consecration to Divine Mercy. So whether you want to deepen your love of Divine Mercy or have a devotion to St. Therese, 33 Days to Merciful Love is the book for you.
 St. Therese? I'm there!! The three of us kept tabs on it via Amazon, but quickly Amazon changed the availability to "unavailable - out of print." There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Over the weekend, I ordered it via the Marian Helpers Catalog, and my copy is on it's way to me now. *beams* Samantha and I have been having lovely daily chats about the book now that the 33 day window to consecrate on the feast of Divine Mercy is underway. Obviously, you can read the book and do the at-home retreat whenever you'd like, but the Divine Mercy feast day tie-in is lovely, no? And even though our books aren't in our hot little hands just yet, the Marians of the Immaculate Conception website is making the first week of readings available for those of us in just such a situation. Day 1 was yesterday, but you can easily catch up by reading a few days together. Want to join us?! Ohhh, I see that it is also available as an ebook for instant gratification purposes! FYI, it is in epub form, so not compatible with Kindle. (UPDATE: Amazon now is offering a Kindle copy here!)

I'm very excited about this, and hope to have the book by the end of the week. If you're going to join in, leave a comment to let us know! Which brings me full circle from the beginning of this post: all of you. Over the past year or so, this community here at Life of a Catholic Librarian has grown a little bit. Not a lot, granted, we're still a small family here, ;-) but I get regular comments and messages now from readers that I absolutely treasure. And I feel like I've really gotten to know some of you! I've mentioned Laura and Samantha in this post, and I chat with them regularly on social media. There are a number of others of you out there that I've chatted with in the comments or over email, and I appreciate each and every one of you. You are all an inspiration to me, and I cherish your friendship. Thank you for bringing extra joy and meaning into my life.

*hug*

2 comments:

  1. Tiffany, I really wanted to comment after reading this. Again to remind you as I don't write often, that I am the lady who does not write often, but I sooooo look forward to reading your blog.
    I too am a Librarian and a Catholic and I too am on the desk tonight till close at 8.30pm.
    You have influenced me in so many ways, I bought a kindle because you spoke so highly of yours, think I am naming mine Colette after a group of Sisters that I often write to.
    I have read some books you have recommended, but I am a slow reader, due to have been working 2 jobs ( though my other job as a clerk has now ended so have more time in my life now, hence I am writing to you today :)
    I am older than you though, but I think young at heart, my eldest daughter is your age and one of her daughters Theresa, named after The Little Flower has many similar characteristics of your daughter, especially the awaking before the 7 on the clock and then the great debate on what to wear. So then I show her your writing.
    You are such an inspiration, I want you to know that, and what I love is your beautiful mix of Catholic Faith, your love of dance and craft work.
    I have often wondered though, if you have a 28 hour day that we don't know of as you do get such a lot done ?
    My dear Aunt Imelda who I adored was very similar and she was a great inspiration in my life to me, danced till she was in her 80's and would get very excited about what she would make to wear to dances and celebrations and prayed a lot of Novenas too, as she was thankful for her life. She was excellent at sewing & needlework.

    All for now, people swarming around the desk with questions.
    Take care, and know how much your blog is appreciated.

    Clare Ann

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  2. CLARE ANN! You're going to make me cry. :0 This is SUCH a sweet missive, thank you so much for taking the time to write it! I'm so glad that you enjoy the eclectic mix of subjects that I write about. ;-) To some, it may seem an odd pairing, but my inspiration has always been for this to be a "life blog" and these happen to be my interests in life!

    As for the 28 hour day, well...I just put on a good facade. In fact, I'm just really, really Type A. ;-)

    Aunt Imelda? We ALL need to look up to her! Indeed, I hope to still be dancing in my 80's! It keeps us young, I really think so. There is a local swing dancing group here that I've seen at various events, and their best dancer is a man who is likely in his 60's. It is abundantly clear that he has many, MANY excellent dancing years ahead!

    Thank you again, Clare Ann. I treasure your lovely comments!

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