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The Woman At the Well

By Tanja Cilia Leave a Comment

as retold by Tanja Cilia

The woman was looking around her furtively.  She was feeling uncomfortable, knowing that she did not “belong” where she was. This woman was from Samaria, and Samaritans were the mixed race of the Assyrians and the Jews of the former northern kingdom.  So they were neither one, nor the other.

She was a woman at a time when women were treated as second-class citizens.  She was a foreigner, living in a strange country.  She was not married, but she lived with a man, and this meant that the other women looked down upon her.

This is why we find her at the well in the oppressive noon heat, “the sixth hour”.  This well was dug on the plot of ground that Jacob gave His son Joseph.  The other women used to fetch the water in the early morning, or in the evening, when it was cool.  So in order not to meet them, she used to go when the sun beat down mercilessly upon her; but at least she did not have to avoid the eyes of the others, knowing that their malicious whispers were gossip about her.

This story happened when Jesus was traveling to Samaria. Now we must realize that the Jews avoided all contact with the Samaritans, and even with their country, if at all possible.  For a Jew to call another Jew “A Samaritan” was a grave insult – in fact, in the Gospel of John [8:42] we find how during a quarrel, some of His fellow countrymen told Jesus “You are a  Samaritan, and you are possessed by a demon.”

Jesus could have taken another road, skirting past Samaria, but He did not.  He wanted this event to happen. He and the disciples came to a town called Sychar.

So, imagine her surprise when a man comes to the well, and talks to her.  From His clothes, she realized that He was a Jew – and at that time, men just didn’t walk up to women and engage them in conversation – not even if the women were related them and especially so if the women were foreigners.

So it is to be expected, somehow, that the conversation which follows is not one that would have occurred between a Jewish man and a Jewish woman. For instance, there was the quasi-theological discussion about where God prefers to be worshipped – in Jerusalem, or on Mount Gerizim.

Jesus tells her “Believe me; the hour is coming when we will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. Indeed, the hour is already here when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”

Jesus, of course, knew all the answers.  But He had a lesson to teach her – and us. That is why when the disciples had gone into the town to buy food, Jesus stayed behind.

He asked the woman to slake His thirst – and she was taken aback.   This would entail her lending Him a cup – and that was unthinkable. “What? You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan!”

The Gospel explains that ‘Jews will not use the same cups or dishes that Samaritans use’, because Jews considered themselves as pure, whereas to them Samaritans were racially impure. Then He told her that He, too, had water, but His water was special because it gave eternal life.

She could not comprehend the deep meaning to His words.  She stated the obvious – that He could not bring up water from the well, because He did not have a bucket.  Perhaps with a bit of sarcasm in her voice, she asked whether He was greater than the forefather Jacob; who, it was said, had constructed the ancestral well, used by generations of people, each father and mother taking the children to it as a necessary part of tradition.

Then, she though better of it.  How much better it would be to have the water that this person would give her, and never thirst again. Oh, this would mean she could steer clear of the well, and she would never, ever, have to see those women again.

Then, something inside her moved, and she realized that Jesus was special.  She told Him, not asked Him, whether He was a prophet. She stated adamantly that she knew the Messiah was coming, and that when He came, He would make known all the things that until then would have been hidden. It is pertinent to note that the conversation between Jesus and the woman takes up nearly 40 verses in the Bible.

At this point, Jesus said the beautiful words that she treasured forever after: “I am He, the One who is speaking to you.”

Can you blame the woman for being so excited?  She dropped everything – and this is an important thing – and ran into the village, telling everyone what had happened.  She begged them to go to the well and meet Jesus. “He told me everything I have ever done!”

Later, when the disciples returned with food for Jesus, He told them He had food they didn’t know about. They assumed the woman had shared her lunch with Him.

Exactly because she was a Samaritan, people from her nation went to look for Jesus, something they might not have done if the Good News had been told by a Jew.

We do not know the name of this woman – but the Eastern Orthodox Church gives her the name Saint Photina (from the word for “light”), and celebrate her feast on February 28. The well is re-named as The Well of Jacob and Jesus.

The woman, like Saint Paul, is honored as an Apostle and as an Evangelist who spread The Good News, and there are apocryphal stories about her that say she went to Carthage and Smyrna in Asia Minor.

This is the hymn sung in her honor:

 

By the well of Jacob, O holy one, thou didst find

The water of eternal and blessed life.

And having partaken thereof,

O wise Photina,

thou went forth proclaiming

Christ, the Anointed One and the light of the world.

Great Photina, equal-to-the-Apostles,

Pray to Christ for the salvation of our souls.

Read all posts by Tanja Cilia Filed Under: Bible Stories, Featured Tagged With: The Samaritan WomanLeave a Comment

Teen Book Review – Summer at West Castle

By Leslea Wahl Leave a Comment

Summer at West Castle by Theresa Linden

 

Review:

Ever since I first read Theresa Linden’s book Anyone But Him, I’ve been a little obsessed with Caitlyn and Jarret. In fact, I’ve read that book numerous times, something I rarely do. There is just something special about this unlikely fictional couple that holds me captive. Summer at West Castle is a bit of a prequel to that novel—a story of how opposites attract. For those who love the West Brothers series, and especially this couple, you will devour this book. It is full of all those magical moments that cause you to say aww…, make you all gooey-eyed, and keep you turning the pages. Thanks, Theresa Linden, for giving us another amazing installment in this fantastic series.

Caitlyn is looking forward to her summer at the West castle. She’s been hired to fill in for the West family’s housekeeper and cook, who is recovering from a recent surgery. None of the West boys will be home, which means she will have plenty of time to herself. While she loves her large, noisy family, this quiet retreat is just what she needs as she contemplates her vocation.

Jarret is set to embark on an archeology trip of a lifetime but suddenly can’t go through with it. Maybe a restful summer at home will give him the perspective he needs to figure out his life.

The last thing either of these at-odds college students expected was having to spend the summer together. They’ve never gotten along, and baggage from the past, which is impossible to forget, makes it hard even to be cordial. When the uncomfortable situation takes an unexpected turn, will they be able to embrace and accept God’s plan—no matter how unlikely it seems?

Don’t miss this captivating tale by master story-teller Theresa Linden. I’m so thankful that the West Brothers series continues with this magical new addition.

 

Summary:

College student Caitlyn Summer arrives at the Wests’ castle-like house to fill in for their live-in maid. After a recent decision blows her vision of the future, this ideal job and the peaceful surroundings are just what she needs to seek God’s will for her life. That is, until Jarret West, not wanting a repeat of past mistakes, backs out of a summer-long field study overseas and returns home. The two have never gotten along, and unforgettable baggage from the past makes it hard even to be cordial. While Jarret’s faults convince Caitlyn he hasn’t changed, she forces herself to offer kindness. Her act of mercy puts them on an unexpected path where Caitlyn is challenged to look beneath the surface and Jarret struggles to trust that God wills good for him.

 

Note: should be read after Anyone but Him to avoid spoilers.

 

Read all posts by Leslea Wahl Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, High School Tagged With: book review, Leslea Wahl, Theresa LindenLeave a Comment

Examination of Conscience for Kids

By Lisa Mladinich

freekidLike us adults, in order for children to experience the freedom only found in Jesus Christ, they need the sacrament of Reconciliation. But they need our help to prepare for this precious, soul-cleansing meeting with their loving Lord.

I received this superb Examination of Conscience for kids from a colleague–educator and popular speaker Barbara Falk.

There are many excellent children’s resources available online, but I thought this one was particularly good for use with young children. Barbara holds the copyright–so please do not sell it–but she gave me permission to share it widely for everyone’s use.

Here it is!

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE FOR CHILDREN

1.    I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD. YOU SHALL NOT HAVE OTHER GODS BESIDE ME.
–    Do I speak ( PRAY ) to God every day? :  when I wake up, before meals, before going to sleep.
–    As  soon as I wake up, do I give ( OFFER  ) Him my school work and all my day?
–    Do I remember to THANK God for the good things I have done or received?
–    Do I put my trust in good luck charms, palm reading and superstitions, rather than God alone?

2.    YOU SHALL NOT USE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN.
–    Have I used the words “God” or “Jesus” in anger or with lack of respect?
–    Have I used ugly words or language?
–    Have I wished evil on another?

3.    REMEMBER TO KEEP GOD’S DAY HOLY.
–    Do I go to Mass on Sunday unless I had a good reason ?  (lack of transportation, sickness)
–    Do I do all I can to make Sunday a day of rest and joy for my family?
–    Do I pay attention to Mass, or do I tease or distract others by talking or playing?
–    Do I arrive late at Mass or leave early?

4.    HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.
–    Do I respect and obey my parents?
–    Have I treated them badly by word or deed?
–    Am I willing to help round the house or must I be nagged a hundred times?
–    Do I try to get along with my brothers and sisters? Am I a tattletale or bully?
–    Do I try to give good example, especially to younger siblings?
–    Do I respect others in authority: baby-sitters, old people, teachers, priests, nuns?

5.    YOU SHALL NOT KILL.
–    Do I beat up others or hurt their bodies?
–    Do I say mean things, or make fun of others to hurt their feelings?
–    Am I willing to play with everyone? Have I stopped speaking to anyone?
–    Do I encourage others to do bad things?
–    Do I take care of my health such as eating the right food and taking care of the body God has given me?
–    Are there kids I will not play with or be mean to because they look different?

6.    YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.
–    Do I treat my body and other people’s bodies with respect and purity?
–    Do I look at television shows, movies, or pictures that are bad and hurt my soul and mind?
–    Am I modest in the clothes I wear and in my speech, remembering that I truly am a daughter/son of God?

7.    YOU SHALL NOT STEAL.
–    Have I taken things that were not mine from a store or another person?
–    Have I broken or misused another person’s property on purpose?
–    Do I return things that I borrow? In good condition?

8.    YOU SHALL NOT LIE (YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR).
–    Do I tell the truth? Do I say things about other people that are not true?
–    Did I cheat in class or in a game?
–    Do I tell lies to make myself look good?
–    Do I tell lies to protect myself from being punished?
–    Do I tell lies to make another person look bad or get them in trouble?
–    Am I a tattletale?

9.    YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE.
–    Do I get mad when I have to share my friends?
–    Am I jealous of my siblings and do I want my parent’s attention for myself constantly?
–    Am I willing to share my things and my time with others?

10.    YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S GOODS.
–    Am I thankful to God and my parents for what they have given me?
–    Do I share the things I have with my family, friends and poor people?
–    Am I jealous or envious of the things others have?
–    Am I jealous or envious of the abilities others have?

THE ACT OF CONTRITION
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you.  I detest all my sins
because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God,
who are all good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve with the help of your grace,
to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.  Amen.

Read all posts by Lisa Mladinich Filed Under: Elementary School, Middle School, Prayer, Resources, Sacraments Tagged With: Barbara Falk, Catholic, examination of conscience for kids, free resources, preparing for Reconciliation, sacraments, Ten Commandments

Lenten Ideas

By William O'Leary

Lent1

 

 

Lent is the perfect catechetical season.  A catechist, as well as a parent, can find a plethora of ideas about how to practice and live out Lent.  I would like to share ideas in 3 categories (be aware that some ideas will overlap): Family Ideas, Classroom Ideas, and Personal Ideas.  I hope the following links will help assist you as a parent or a catechist in assisting your students to grow closer to Christ this Lent.

Family Ideas:

Prayer

~ Pray the Rosary and/or Divine Mercy Chaplet regularly as a family – on the way to/from school, or right after dinner.
~ Read the Bible/pray with your kids before bedtime during Lent.
~ Pray the Station of the Cross at 7pm each Friday at Ascension or at home: https://catholicicing.com/2011/03/printable-stations-of-cross-for/

Fasting

~ Have a day where the TV Stays off (Maybe Fridays during Lent)
~ Fast from Cell phone use, internet, video games from after dinner until bedtime.
~ Fast from going out to eat. Give the extra money to the poor.
~ Fast from gossip or negative thoughts.
~ Fast from eating between meals.
~ Fast from dessert a few times a week.
~ Fast from being lazy (that attitude that says: someone else will do it.
~Listen to Christian Music 97.3 FM or Catholic Radio 1090AM in your car during all of Lent.

Almsgiving

~Sign up for Holy Hero’s daily Lenten email: https://www.holyheroes.com/Holy-Heroes-Lenten-Adventure-s/37.htm 
~ Lenten Calendar: https://catholicicing.com/2011/02/printable-lenten-calendar-for-kids/
~ Give money as a family to the poor: Operation Rice Bowl.
~ Spend more time with family.
~ Be positive (maybe charge .25 cents for every negative comment at home and then give the money to a charity).
~ Family Chart:  https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1018 

 

Classroom Ideas

~ Lent Lapbooks: https://catholicblogger1.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-lapbooks.html
~ Printable Lenten Calendar: https://catholicicing.com/2011/02/printable-lenten-calendar-for-kids/
~ NOW Cross: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1019

Personal Ideas:

~ Take time to pray at lunchtime instead of going out with friends or surfing the internet.
~ Read a Psalm each day during Lent.
~ At 3:00 pm each day, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet or take a moment to pause in prayer to remember the hour that Christ died.
~ Pray the Seven Penitential Psalms – maybe one each day of the week throughout Lent (Psalm 6, 31, 50, 101, 129, and 142).
~ Go out of your way to do one kind deed each day.
~ Do things for people each week without them knowing.
~ Be positive and reflect joy during Lent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read all posts by William O'Leary Filed Under: Featured, Liturgical, Prayer, Resources Tagged With: alms, fast, Lent, Lenten Ideas, pray

Teen Book Review for Lent

By Leslea Wahl

Ashes: Visible & Invisible by CatholicTeenBooks

A boy in ancient Israel, a girl in modern-day America, a young man in the far future, a dozen teenagers in different settings. What do they all have in common? Each of these otherwise unrelated young people is presented with a choice, the same choice that every teen must make at some point in their lives: God or self. Sacrifice or selfishness.

CatholicTeenBooks.com is excited to announce its newest anthology: Ashes: Visible and Invisible. This short story collection will both entertain young readers and invite them into a deeper understanding of Lent and their faith.

Some characters in this anthology risk being eaten by dinosaurs, others must simply rise to a new level of maturity in their everyday life, while some must choose a higher level of generosity. The stakes may vary, but each character learns a valuable lesson about sacrifice as they grow in their faith.

Lent is a beautiful liturgical season that is, sadly, often misunderstood. Too often, young people feel it’s just “the time when you must give something up,” but it can be so much more. Lent should be a liturgically rich season of walking with Christ, even as he approaches Calvary. The authors at CatholicTeenBooks wanted to explore some of the variety this season offers and make it more attractive and understandable to teens.

 

Ashes: Visible & Invisible by Leslea Wahl, Cynthia T. Toney, Marie Keiser, Carolyn Astfalk, Amanda Lauer, Ellen Gable, Corinna Turner, Antony B. Kolenc, T. M. Gaouette, Theresa Linden

  • When Liz’s faith journey hits a roadblock, will an unexpected detour and chance encounter set her back on track?
  • A teen’s future was all set—before his tragic loss. But his friend’s secret past just might save it.
  • Justin’s religion is outlawed. When an unbeliever asks him about the meaning of life, what can he say?
  • Could God be asking Paul to sacrifice a piece of himself for Lent—literally?
  • A modern American teen discovers what faith, life and love are like in seventeenth-century Scotland.
  • Asher’s desire to prepare for the Messiah intensifies after he’s robbed by bandits but would fighting alongside the Zealots be the best way?
  • When a risky Ash Wednesday mission to sterilize T. rex eggs goes wrong, fasting is the least of Joshua, Darryl, and Harry’s worries.
  • A medieval girl stranded on a forsaken path confronts threats from without and turmoil from within.
  • Struggling with loss, hunger, and temptation, Ethan finds himself walking in the steps of Jesus.

From the early days of the Church, objects touched to holy men and women have been linked to the miraculous, such as described in Acts: “when face cloths or aprons that touched his skin were applied to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.” Acts 19:12

Amazon Link

Book Trailer

Tour-wide Giveaway (US Winners Only)

Read all posts by Leslea Wahl Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, High School, Middle School Tagged With: book review, CatholicTeenBooks, Lent

Teen Book Review – The Well

By Leslea Wahl

The Well by Stephanie Landsem

Review:

What an excellent story. I’ve heard wonderful things about this author but had never read one of her novels before. The Well was a true page-turner that I couldn’t put down. I just had to know what would happen next on this completely unexpected journey. The historical details of Jesus’ ministry were captivating and truly thought-provoking.

Although, as much as I enjoyed the book, I must admit there were times I wanted to change the course of the story because it wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted. But thank goodness the author didn’t seek my advice because her vision created an incredibly powerful book.

The basic premise is a tale we all know—Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. This book gives a whole new twist to that story as it is told from two unique perspectives, the woman’s teenage daughter and a young man new to town.

This fictional account makes you ponder the additional lives that Jesus would have touched and changed through that meeting—something I’d never thought of before. I really loved the message that our plans are not always what God wants for us. But He, of course, has the perfect plan. Amazing things can happen if we have the courage to give Him control and follow where He leads.

This was an outstanding book for older teens and adults.

 

Summary:

Could he be the One we’ve been waiting for?

For the women of the Samaritan village of Sychar, the well is a place of blessing—the place where they gather to draw their water and share their lives—but not for Mara. Shunned for the many sins of her mother, Nava, Mara struggles against the constant threats of starvation or exile.

Mara and Nava’s lives are forever changed with the arrival of two men: Shem, a mysterious young man from Caesarea, and Jesus, a Jewish teacher. Nava is transformed by Jesus, but his teachings come too late and she is stoned by the unforgiving villagers. Desperate to save her dying mother, Mara and Shem embark on a journey to seek Jesus’ help—a journey that brings unexpected love and unimaginable heartbreak.

 

Amazon Link

Read all posts by Leslea Wahl Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, General, High School Tagged With: book review, Leslea Wahl, Stephanie Landsem, The Well

Teen Book Review – From Afar

By Leslea Wahl

From Afar by Roger Thomas

 

Summary:

The Magi, or Three Kings, of the Nativity story are among the best loved yet most mysterious figures in all history. The fleeting and sparse account in St. Matthew’s Gospel raises as many questions as it answers. It has been so embroidered over the centuries that the original historical context has been almost completely buried. Yet the world of the early first century was as dynamic and intriguing as any legend – and much more perilous.

In his compelling novelization of the journey of the Magi, Roger Thomas draws on Scripture, history, and modern research. This swift-moving tale brings these shadowed figures to vivid life. You meet them as men of their time and culture: learned and noble, yet experienced with a brutal world and even violent when necessary. Come with them as they search for a King they do not understand, and seek for answers to questions lying in the deepest parts of their souls – providing they survive the dangers of the journey.

Review:

I loved this fascinating fictional look into the Three Wise Men. While we all know of these three mysterious men, there is little that is actually known about them. The author takes us on a fictional journey into how these men knew about the birth of a King and why they were interested in a Jewish king. I was expecting an interesting story, but was blown away by this exciting, adventurous tale that I couldn’t put down.

Historic fiction is always so interesting. Getting a glimpse into another time period is a wonderful learning tool. From Afar really brought to light the environment into which Jesus was born. The evil corruption of Herod and the communities that worshiped pagan gods. Even though this is a work of fiction, it offers possible explanations to questions in the story that I didn’t even know I had.

These three brilliant men and colleagues have each been searching for something. One has spent his career in the military looking for pure strength and harmony. One has been studying all the different religions of the world, searching for the light of the divine in man. And one has been studying ancient scriptures and writings, searching for Truth and constancy. These unsettled quests and their study of the constellations leads them on an epic journey.

The characters were fantastic. The three wise men were all so unique. Melchior, the elder, gentle teacher. The brilliant Balthazar. And my favorite – the brave and youthful Gaspar. There were two fantastic supporting characters, a soldier and a young boy, that really helped keep the story moving. And, even though they only show up at the end of the story, I absolutely loved how Mary and Joseph were portrayed.

I will never think of the three wise men in the same way ever again. Fantastic book.

 

Read all posts by Leslea Wahl Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, High School Tagged With: book review, Christmas, Leslea Wahl

Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series – Courage

By Leslea Wahl

CatholicTeenBooks.com was founded upon the desire to provide entertaining Catholic fiction that can build your faith. And with this goal in mind, authors T.M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl have taken it a step further by creating the Faith Through Fiction video blogs. With these vlogs we will dive into issues that teens face and present fiction that addresses relevant themes.

In today’s Faith Through Fiction vlog T. M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl are joined by fellow Catholic Teen Books author Katy Huth Jones to discuss courage. Katy will be sharing about her teen novel, Treachery and Truth, the true tale of Good King Wenceslas, and the amazing courage of this faithful servant when he faced betrayal and persecution. While we may not face the same challenges, as Catholics, we must do the right thing even if it means facing something or someone we’re afraid of, and oftentimes it means defending our faith in an unholy world.

 

Featured author: Katy Huth Jones

 

Featured books:

Treachery and Truth by Katy Huth Jones

Saving Mount Rushmore by Andrea Jo Rodgers

Battle for His Soul by Theresa Linden

The Perfect Blindside by Leslea Wahl

Secrets: Visible & Invisible by 7 Catholic Teen Book authors

I Am Margaret by Corinna Turner

The Siege of Reginald Hill by Corinna Turner

Faith and Kung Fu series by T.M. Gaouette

 

Courage (catholicteenbooks.com)

Read all posts by Leslea Wahl Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, High School, Video Tagged With: book review, CatholicTeenBooks, courage

Teen Book Review – Into the Spotlight

By Leslea Wahl

Into the Spotlight by Leslea Wahl

 

Summary:

The devastation of a ruined summer.

The gift of a second chance.

Can Josie learn the lessons she needs to discover her true self?

After a humiliating event and overwhelming peer pressure, 16-year-old Josie flees her home to spend the summer with her aunt on a South Carolina Island. Her fresh start turns into the summer of her dreams as friendships grow, romance blossoms, and a series of thefts surround her with excitement.

However, when tragedy strikes someone close to her, Josie realizes there are more important things than her reputation. As she sets out to solve the mystery she has become entangled in, she not only realizes the importance of relying on her faith but along the way also discovers who God wants her to be.

 

From the author:

Each month I have the opportunity to recommend faith-filled teen novels here on Amazing Catechists. This month, however, I’m going to share about one of my own books. Into the Spotlight is my newest adventurous teen mystery—well, sort of. This book is actually the re-release of my second novel, An Unexpected Role. While it may have a new publisher, title, and cover, overall, it is the same special story.

I’m often asked which of my books is my favorite. It’s hard to answer that question as all my novels are special to me in some way. However, I must admit there is something about this particular story that has always touched my heart.

Could it be because the main character’s mother is also an author of teen fiction? Or maybe because this main character, Josie, is just so enjoyable to write about?  After all, Josie’s dramatic yet clumsy nature really makes for some entertaining scenes. While those are both fun aspects of the story, I believe my connection to this novel rests in the underlying theme—finding who God wants you to be.

Josie, like many high school students, is caught up in her small world. She has worked hard to fit in and avoid being the target of bullies at her cliquey high school. But when things come crashing down around her, she realizes she only succeeded in losing herself.

Truly being ourselves and discovering God’s plan for our lives is something we probably all struggle with at some point. We know God has made each of us with unique interests and characteristics. But do we actually embrace our individual differences, or do we try to suppress them, attempting to be like everyone else?

Sadly, the joy and innocence we have as children can disappear as we grow older. Societal expectations can influence our lives. Just like Josie, we can be left wondering who we are and what happened to the person we used to be. Luckily for Josie, through the interactions with some unique characters, she learns a few lessons about embracing who God has created her to be, something that is important for each of us to remember.

Read all posts by Leslea Wahl Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, High School Tagged With: Catholic Teen Books, Leslea Wahl, teen novel

Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series – Putting God First

By Leslea Wahl

CatholicTeenBooks.com was founded upon the desire to provide entertaining Catholic fiction that can build your faith. With this goal in mind, authors T.M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl have taken it a step further by creating the Faith Through Fiction video blogs. With these vlogs, we will dive into issues that teens face and present fiction that addresses relevant themes.

In this Faith Through Fiction vlog, T. M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl are joined by fellow Catholic Teen Books author Carolyn Astfalk to discuss putting God first. As Christians, everything we do should be for the glory of God, and that includes the books that we read. We should constantly be bettering ourselves and finding ways to live a life that pleases the Lord. But in a world that focuses on our own happiness and successes, that’s often easier said than done.

Featured author: Carolyn Astfalk

Featured books:

Secrets: Visible & Invisible by CTB authors

Crusader King by Susan Peek

3 Things to Forget by Cynthia T. Toney

I am Margaret series by Corinna Turner

Treachery & Truth by Katy Huth-Jones

Life-Changing Love by Theresa Linden

Faith & Kung Fu series by T. M. Gaouette

Putting God First (catholicteenbooks.com)

Read all posts by Leslea Wahl Filed Under: Book Reviews, Featured, High School, Middle School, Values, Video, Youth Ministry Tagged With: book reviews, Catholic Teen Books

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