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Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality
New York Times Bestseller--Everyday spirituality from the beloved nun who passed away on Easter, 2016.
"Everything starts with one person . . . I don't care if you're 5 or 105, God from all eternity chose you to be where you are, at this time in history, to change the world."
"If you are following God, He never shows you the end. It's always a walk of faith."
"Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach."
--Mother Angelica
Are you unsure of your purpose in life? Stuck in the past and worried about the future? Hamstrung by fear, failure, or trials? Mother is here to help.
For more than twenty-five years, Mother Angelica has dispensed spiritual wisdom and practical advice to millions around the globe through her lively broadcasts on EWTN. Now she shares with you her personal life lessons and hilarious counsel as never before. Raymond Arroyo, author of the bestselling biography of Mother Angelica, has assembled an inspiring collection of her powerful insights, comic musings, and no-nonsense guidance for everyday living. Culled from never-before-seen interviews, private conversations, and recorded lessons not heard in over thirty years, to which Arroyo had exclusive access, these selections capture Mother Angelica's spunky spirit and profound wisdom at their zenith.
In Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality, the beloved nun is your personal mentor. Together you'll discover:
How to find God's Will in your life
How to pursue inspirations fearlessly
How to make sense of pain and suffering
How to spiritually overcome personal faults and trials
Created in cooperation with Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, this devotional treasury is accompanied by original prayers from Mother Angelica's private collection. Within are the meditations, personal beliefs, and pithy life lessons that transformed a disabled child of divorce into Mother Angelica, founder and CEO of the world's largest religious media empire. Packed with real-world hope, this little book is sure to transform your life in a big way.
A portion of the proceeds of this book goes to support the work of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery
"Everything starts with one person . . . I don't care if you're 5 or 105, God from all eternity chose you to be where you are, at this time in history, to change the world."
"If you are following God, He never shows you the end. It's always a walk of faith."
"Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach."
--Mother Angelica
Are you unsure of your purpose in life? Stuck in the past and worried about the future? Hamstrung by fear, failure, or trials? Mother is here to help.
For more than twenty-five years, Mother Angelica has dispensed spiritual wisdom and practical advice to millions around the globe through her lively broadcasts on EWTN. Now she shares with you her personal life lessons and hilarious counsel as never before. Raymond Arroyo, author of the bestselling biography of Mother Angelica, has assembled an inspiring collection of her powerful insights, comic musings, and no-nonsense guidance for everyday living. Culled from never-before-seen interviews, private conversations, and recorded lessons not heard in over thirty years, to which Arroyo had exclusive access, these selections capture Mother Angelica's spunky spirit and profound wisdom at their zenith.
In Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality, the beloved nun is your personal mentor. Together you'll discover:
How to find God's Will in your life
How to pursue inspirations fearlessly
How to make sense of pain and suffering
How to spiritually overcome personal faults and trials
Created in cooperation with Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, this devotional treasury is accompanied by original prayers from Mother Angelica's private collection. Within are the meditations, personal beliefs, and pithy life lessons that transformed a disabled child of divorce into Mother Angelica, founder and CEO of the world's largest religious media empire. Packed with real-world hope, this little book is sure to transform your life in a big way.
A portion of the proceeds of this book goes to support the work of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery
221 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
84 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Mother Angelica
32 books60 followersMother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA (born Rita Antoinette Rizzo; April 20, 1923 – March 27, 2016), usually known as Mother Angelica, was an American Franciscan nun best known as a television personality and the founder of both the internationally-broadcast cable television network Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and the radio network WEWN.
In 1981, Mother Angelica started broadcasting religious programs from a converted garage in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the next twenty years, she developed a media network that included radio, TV, and internet channels as well as printed media.
Mother Angelica hosted shows on EWTN until she had a stroke in 2001. She continued to live in the cloistered monastery in Hanceville until her death at age 92 on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday.
In 2009, Mother Angelica was a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award granted by Pope Benedict XVI for services to the Catholic Church.
In 1981, Mother Angelica started broadcasting religious programs from a converted garage in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the next twenty years, she developed a media network that included radio, TV, and internet channels as well as printed media.
Mother Angelica hosted shows on EWTN until she had a stroke in 2001. She continued to live in the cloistered monastery in Hanceville until her death at age 92 on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday.
In 2009, Mother Angelica was a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award granted by Pope Benedict XVI for services to the Catholic Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 8, 2014
What a hilarious and to the point woman Mother Angelica is! This book was exactly what I needed to read and I would recommend it to any Christian, Catholic or not, as quality spiritual reading. The great thing about it, is that this book is divided into smaller excerpts and sometimes just one line quotes. You can read one a day or did like I did and consume the entire book all at once! She is just so direct and blunt and sometimes that is just what we need. Some of these excerpts can provide great inspiration for prayer and meditation. Great read.
April 25, 2016
Today, I am wrapping up my month of Mother Angelica book reviews with her book Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality. Like the bulk of her books, this one was edited by Raymond Arroyo and published by Image Books. The book is approximately 220 pages long as divided into fourteen broad themes, including Everyday Holiness; God's Will and Providence; Sin and Temptation; and Saints and Angels. Within these broad themes are subsections. For example, in the first chapter "Eternal Perspectives," we see topics like God Loves You, God Chose You, and The Way to Heaven. These subtopics are what I would describe as sound bytes. Each one is no more than a paragraph in length with some merely just a sentence.
In addition to her spiritual wisdom, her wit and humor is on full display. One particularly insightful and funny passage is entitled God's Choice. In this lesson, she says, "God is not hindered if He wants to use you, whether you are holy, perfect, imperfect, good or bad. He can speak through an ass if He wants to. And He did. Remember, that's how He spoke to Balaam the prophet (Num. 22:28-30). So there is hope for all of us."
The book is a very quick read if you want to read it all at once. However, I recommend taking your time and reading through it slowly, and especially gravitating toward sections appropriate to your current situation in life. Mother Angelica was many things to many people, but I will always remember her for being a brilliant teacher. As with all of Raymond Arroyo's books about her, I highly recommend this one as well. Be on the lookout for what looks to be his last book on Mother Angelica entitled Mother Angelica Her Grand Silence and continue to support EWTN.
In addition to her spiritual wisdom, her wit and humor is on full display. One particularly insightful and funny passage is entitled God's Choice. In this lesson, she says, "God is not hindered if He wants to use you, whether you are holy, perfect, imperfect, good or bad. He can speak through an ass if He wants to. And He did. Remember, that's how He spoke to Balaam the prophet (Num. 22:28-30). So there is hope for all of us."
The book is a very quick read if you want to read it all at once. However, I recommend taking your time and reading through it slowly, and especially gravitating toward sections appropriate to your current situation in life. Mother Angelica was many things to many people, but I will always remember her for being a brilliant teacher. As with all of Raymond Arroyo's books about her, I highly recommend this one as well. Be on the lookout for what looks to be his last book on Mother Angelica entitled Mother Angelica Her Grand Silence and continue to support EWTN.
June 15, 2010
I will be reading this over and over for the rest of my life.
This plain speaking Southern woman endured pain most of her life and pushed on in spite of it.
Her comments will pull you out of any kind of mental funk or any lie you might be telling yourself about why you aren't the right person for the job God is nagging at you to do!
This plain speaking Southern woman endured pain most of her life and pushed on in spite of it.
Her comments will pull you out of any kind of mental funk or any lie you might be telling yourself about why you aren't the right person for the job God is nagging at you to do!
June 18, 2013
Great little book. My family and I watched Mother Angelica faithfully every Tuesday and Wednesday night. It's so nice to have much of her wisdom put together in this little book. God bless her in these golden years of hers. She is a true saint in my book.
July 5, 2011
Fantastic book! Works great as a daily meditation book!
December 30, 2013
I read this pithy little book after becoming familiar with Mother Angelica through reruns of her show on ETWN - the Catholic cable network. She has an interesting way of putting things and some good positive insight on God and life in general. Not being Catholic, I probably did not totally understand or relate to everything she wrote which is why I only gave the book three stars. The book was worth reading however. I marked up many of her quotes and will probably refer back to the book from time to time.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"We have to make an effort to love. You shouldn't let another person decide whether you are happy or grouchy, and when you concentrate on the actions of others, how they act and how they don't act, you're lost. They're the same people all the time; the problem is your reaction to them. Love is what the Lord asks of us. If we must love even our enemies, imagine how we are expected to love our family members."
Right on, Mother Angelica, right on.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"We have to make an effort to love. You shouldn't let another person decide whether you are happy or grouchy, and when you concentrate on the actions of others, how they act and how they don't act, you're lost. They're the same people all the time; the problem is your reaction to them. Love is what the Lord asks of us. If we must love even our enemies, imagine how we are expected to love our family members."
Right on, Mother Angelica, right on.
August 7, 2013
Her words had me thinking and laughing at the same time, and wondering, "what makes such a holy woman so funny?"
The more I thought about it, I decided that when people grow in holiness, they learn to let go of their attachments - to themselves, to others, to things. They can look at themselves then and see the humor because they have gained humility. They also are more free to see what is true because of this detachment. They are able to tell the truth as it is, because it is clear, and we laugh and find it funny because we all know this truth but few have enough courage to see it.
“Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach.”
"If you aren't a thorn in somebody's side, you aren't doing Christianity right."
The more I thought about it, I decided that when people grow in holiness, they learn to let go of their attachments - to themselves, to others, to things. They can look at themselves then and see the humor because they have gained humility. They also are more free to see what is true because of this detachment. They are able to tell the truth as it is, because it is clear, and we laugh and find it funny because we all know this truth but few have enough courage to see it.
“Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach.”
"If you aren't a thorn in somebody's side, you aren't doing Christianity right."
April 1, 2016
This is a fantastic compilation of different quotes and saying from Mother Angelica. There is an overall theme of her life, and that is to unite all aspects of our lives with Jesus. The good and bad; pain and healing; blessings and sufferings. In the end, each brings us closer to Him and allow us to be more holy and sanctified.
I am also glad Arroyo brought up what she's said about the struggles of the saints and how holiness is for sinners!
I am also glad Arroyo brought up what she's said about the struggles of the saints and how holiness is for sinners!
April 26, 2013
Amazing! I will be returning to this little book again and again. Done in segments, it is designed so that it can be taken in in small, thoughtful bits. I love Mother Angelica so much, I read it in one go. I'll certainly be rereading, many times.
May 9, 2016
I loved this book and was blessed by it - I could almost hear her voice saying the statements, and things throughout the book. I miss her dearly & thank God for the time He allowed us to get to know her, and her life through her ministry, cds, dvds, books, etc.
September 1, 2016
I fell in love with Mother Angelica a few months before her passing. I only wish I could have learned about her more through-out my own life. She is so inspiring still today for me. She has a very dry but witty sense of humor. I love all of her books.
October 18, 2021
Just finished it again exactly two years after I read it the first time. Still as priceless as before.
First review:
This book will forever reside on my nightstand in case of emergency. EVERYONE should have this book. Mother Angelica is the saint for our times. Ora pro nobis, Mother♥️
First review:
This book will forever reside on my nightstand in case of emergency. EVERYONE should have this book. Mother Angelica is the saint for our times. Ora pro nobis, Mother♥️
November 12, 2007
I love Mother Angelica. Enough to name my daughter after her.......
September 2, 2011
Packed with valuable life lessons in an east-to-digest format. <3
June 12, 2017
Insightful and often hilarious.
October 21, 2008
Thought provoking, educational, and funny.
July 6, 2021
I intended to use this as a "daily reader," but ended up reading whole chunks of it at once. It's a compilation of quotes, so you can read one quote or one chapter at a time. Ideal for someone (like me) who hasn't been able to focus on anything lately.
Mother Angelica is a spitfire. She's quick-tempered and complains about her declining health, but she's faithful and loyal to God. I would say "she's one of us," but she probably had more ambition than all of us combined—which, of course, she attributes to God, because we can do no great deed on our own.
Amid the (often humorous) wisdom are simple truths: Trust God. Pray often. It's a book to revisit again, one you can flip through for inspiration or sit down and read all over again (as a daily reader, or all at once, whatever you're in the mood for).
Mother Angelica is a spitfire. She's quick-tempered and complains about her declining health, but she's faithful and loyal to God. I would say "she's one of us," but she probably had more ambition than all of us combined—which, of course, she attributes to God, because we can do no great deed on our own.
When I was a young novice I used to pray in the early morning, "Dear Lord, today I am going to be patient come hell or high water." And by nine o'clock came hell and high water! I blew it!
Amid the (often humorous) wisdom are simple truths: Trust God. Pray often. It's a book to revisit again, one you can flip through for inspiration or sit down and read all over again (as a daily reader, or all at once, whatever you're in the mood for).
December 31, 2020
I truly loved this book from start to finish. I wish that I would have been more aware of Mother Angelica in the 80’s. I’ve always known of her, but I am so very happy that I am now getting to know her. I love her truth, sincerity, and her way of telling us like it is with God. In reading this book, it has helped me to have a better understanding of what God wants for me, us. If we trust in God, and ask for his assistance, he is always there for us. We just need to invite him. Become friends with him. Stop, listen to him talking to us. Get to know our guardian angel, and name them. Thank you, Mother Angelica for you honesty and your frankness to us in helping us become closer to God, and become the best versions of ourselves!
November 2, 2020
I admire Mother Angelica so much, and I grew up as a young child seeing her on TV. These little life lessons are practical, harsh, and humorous. It is encouraging to read about a woman who never gave up hope, who suffered from weaknesses and turned to face them instead of running away. She gave so much to living the life God asked of her and it was through immense hardships. She is an inspiration to me, witty, funny, and abrasive, but also honest and kind. I really enjoyed this collection of her words.
February 2, 2022
Mother Angelica is a straight hoot. I laughed basically the whole time. I love reading books about saints with no-shit attitudes and the ability to not take themselves seriously. The book was compromised of short sayings, and excerpts from her talks over the years. Read over a couple days in prayer, and definitely one of those books I'll be going back time and time again.
My favorite part was when she said God uses dodos to do His work. Classic.
My favorite part was when she said God uses dodos to do His work. Classic.
September 27, 2020
This is an interesting read and a great starting point for theological discussion. Mother Angelica's views I consider to be somewhat conservative and I cannot agree with everything she says. Still, there is a lot of material here to think about, there are some small inspirations and a lot to constructively argue about.
April 13, 2023
Best spiritual book I've read in a long time! Mother Angelica is a classic powerhouse full of wit and wisdom. I would have liked to have met her. She is direct and specific on how we should live in order to glorify God. I think any Christian would appreciate her approach because it's 90% generic spiritual guidance and 10% Catholic beliefs. I intend to review this book again to be rejuvenated.
November 14, 2023
Mother Angelica was a treasure and I feel truly blessed she wrote such a lovely book. Her advice is effortlessly comforting, relatable and compassionate. Most importantly her whit is just unmatched. I have so many fond memories as a kid watching her live show.
September 2, 2017
Words of wisdom
I felt at peace reading this book. She "spoke" to me personally in this book. Thank you for writing it.
I felt at peace reading this book. She "spoke" to me personally in this book. Thank you for writing it.
December 22, 2017
Quick snipets of her wisdom and insight. Made me laugh and made me think. More importantly, it strengthened my faith.
January 4, 2019
This is a wonderful book for Christians toi read! It explains how to implement aspects of Christianity, such as prayer, self-sacrifice, and trust in God.
October 25, 2021
Really good. She dispenses advice, spiritual insights, and comic musings to help you understand the purpose of your life.
November 25, 2021
Everyone should have & read this book.
February 17, 2023
Wonderful tidbits of wisdom.
May 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much that I sent a copy of it to my parents. Life lessons, and a trip through the Bible, all in one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews