quick takes: link-up is coming Edition.

{One}
Why is it that I always come up with the best things for Quick Takes after I’ve posted for the week? Then, when it comes time to write next week’s quick takes, of course, I’ve promptly forgotten all of my brilliant ideas for next week’s quick takes. Such is the life of a blogger, I suppose. Does that ever happen to you?

{Two}

Can you believe that the Conversion Story Link-Up I’m hosting is less than a week away?! When I first posted about it I thought to myself, “Of course, that is plenty of time to write out my conversion story. August 15th is forever away!” What a foolish blogger I can be! In any event, the link-up goes live on Thursday, which should also remind you to go to Mass for the Holy Day of Opportunity! Hooray for the Assumption of Mary! Just in case you missed them last week, here are the optional images you can use – just be sure your post links back here when you post it! Feel free to help me spread the word however you see fit!

I honestly can’t decide which one I love more!

{Three}

Can I take a moment to say how totally awesome my new job is? I’ll be honest, it was not an easy decision to ‘leave’ youth ministry and start fresh as a director of faith formation. In fact, leaving my last job was not easy at all. But, our God is a God of goodness, a fact I’m grateful for each day. I’ve been at my new job for not quite two weeks, but I’m really enjoying it. I’m really excited to kick-off the fall and work with some amazing catechists, and some amazing (and really cute) kids! It is such a joy to be working at my home parish, it feels like coming home in more ways than I can even put into words!

{Four}

It is funny to look back on life sometimes, isn’t it? Sunday I wrote about the last year of my life and how praying the rosary every day has changed my heart. I think back on where I was when I prayed that first of many rosaries and I look at where I am today, the struggles and joys that God has brought me to and brought me through and I can’t help but see His loving hand in all of it. Sometimes, when I give Him the chance to show me, I can’t help but sit in wonder at His infinite love, His mercy, and His goodness. I’m speechless. He’s a good God. Go love on Him.

{Five}

Fun fact about the book…the front cover picture was actually taken in my parents driveway by yours truly, of roses bought at the grocery store just up the street. Who needs some fancy designer or graphic artist? Give me God’s created world, a little bit of photo editing to make the colors pop, and you’ve got yourself a sweet book cover.

I’m still (always) taking orders for the book and I’ll be happy to sign them, or you can get it on Amazon (and leave a review!)!

{Six}

Song of the week this week is brought to you by…Matt White. I totally admit that I googled and bought this song the second that the cheesy montage at the end of The Bachelorette was over. It really is a great song, enjoy! {The acoustic version is also pretty fantastic. I may have purchased both versions.}
…then I found out you can download it for free here. You can thank me later!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ2IqJSZS50]

{Seven}

Year of Faith blurb of the week…actually isn’t coming from the Catechism or Scripture. This week it comes from one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve been reading lately: The Imitation of Mary

“Many souls who are advancing fervently along the path of perfection are tested by dryness in prayer and even when they approach the Eucharistic table…The state of dryness can be a great help to holiness if you profit by it to adapt yourself to the divine plan. What God intends to accomplish through your persevering in such a state is to teach you not to seek yourself but to find your happiness and merit in pleasing Him.”

Until next time 😉