Author Archives: jptomey

My Reading Challenge Pick for… “a book by a current Catholic bishop”

We are wrapping up the year for the 2018 Catholic Reading Challenge. I’m down to my second-to-last category…

Category: “a book by a current Catholic bishop”

My Pick: Heaven in Stone and Glass by Bishop Robert Barron

You know when you serendipitously pick up just the right book at the right time? It’s wonderful; isn’t it? This book was like that for me. It was on our bookshelf, and you can never go wrong with Barron. This was one of the easiest, most delight-filled spiritual reads for me. You could totally read it in a day. It’s all about the spiritual significance of the architecture of the great cathedrals. 

I’ve been aching recently to travel to Europe and see these beautiful churches built hundreds of years ago in such glory. One day. Hopefully it will not be too long before we can take our family on an adventure like that. But for now, I’m thankful that I can read about these places. Barron took me where I couldn’t visit myself, and reading about his hours of meditation in France’s great cathedrals fed my soul. 

Of course, I knew generally about some of the spiritual meaning behind the stained glass designs and carved stone figures. But Barron gives insights on the architecture that help shake us out of our modern sensibilities and see the beauty of these cathedrals with medieval eyes. His explanations of patterns and themes will drawn your heart heavenward.  My heart was filled with awe and gratitude that these buildings are part of our spiritual heritage. Now I have even more to look for and appreciate when I do take that pilgrimage to Europe one day. 

What did you read for “a book by a current Catholic bishop”?

Copyright 2018 Jessica Ptomey

Wonder & Whimsy: what’s worth your reading and how much you’re loved

A weekly curation of quotations I come across in my reading life (or on random condiment jars) — from the inspirational to the miscellaneous. Perhaps one inspires you or catches your fancy too…

C. S. Lewis…

“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally — and often far more — worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.”

Sarah Clarkson…

“Heroism isn’t about taking your own life in your hands; it’s about being taken hold of by something much bigger and more beautiful than yourself, by a story that draws you into its larger drama and empowers you to act in hope.” (Book Girl)

The Autobiography of St. Margaret Mary…

“What dost thou fear? Can a child loved as much as I love thee perish in the arms of the Father who is Omnipotent?” (Jesus’ words to her)

Advent Playlists!

Last year I created an Advent playlist that was a mix of genres/styles…but it grew to over 50 titles. It wasn’t working for me this year, and I had found even more fantastic songs to add. So I have cut some tracks that weren’t my favorites and added some beautiful ones that I can’t believe I didn’t have on there already. Most importantly, I split it into two playlists — traditional and contemporary. (Psstt…the contemporary list features some new Advent music from Matt Maher. So good!)

I’m happy to share these with you. I hope you enjoy them for the next couple of weeks of Advent!

**If you aren’t already on my mailing list, sign-up so that you can be notified immediately when I post resources like this. I will probably be revising my Christmas playlist(s) soon and creating lists for Lent and Easter this year too.**