Small Steps for Catholic Moms: Think. Pray. Act. Every Day.

by Danielle Bean, Elizabeth Foss

If anyone knows the challenges of being a Catholic mom today, it's Faith and Family editor Danielle Bean and her coauthor Elizabeth Foss. Now they've put their combined experience into a 365 devotional designed to encourage busy women to take small steps every day to grow their faith and put it into practice. A thought-provoking quote from a saint, a prayer to focus the day, and a simple action you can take... day-by-day, step-by-step.

Genres: Parenting, Catholic, Christian, Religion, Inspirational

394 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2010

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the idea of this book - each day a very brief saint quote, a short prayer, and an action. A lot of the actions are really impractical, though, which is frustrating given that it was written BY mothers and FOR mothers. Examples include: plant roses, sign up for a class to learn a new skill, go to Adoration. None of these are things I can do without planning ahead, and if I have to plan ahead then it really seems to defeat the purpose of the book.

I'd like to see a new edition of the book with more manageable actions.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect way to start off your day. Each day there is either a Bible verse or a quote from a saint, a prayer and a call to action. Many nuggets of wisdom and encouragement. Loved it so much, I may reread in the new year.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Steps isn’t a tome about how you can be more of a super-mom. This isn’t a book that will unlock the secrets of momhood and give you the elixir of needing less sleep.

What you’ll find, which is better, is a daily dose of inspiration, wisdom, and encouragement from women who know how lonely and hopeless it can be in the trenches of motherhood. This isn’t preaching, this is touching and giving in the most beautiful of Catholic traditions. This is a cup of tea with friends, a hug from a fellow trooper, an embrace from God Himself.

In Small Steps, you get just what it says: a quote from a saint, a short prayer, and a to-do item. Every month is centered around a virtue, even as each day of that month takes you on a small step toward that virtue.

Small Steps is a lesson for all of us: we don’t reach sainthood in giant leaps, unless we look back over our entire lives. Instead, the road to heaven is a series of moments, of small steps we take, holding on tight to the hands of those who have gone before us and who are carrying us when we fall.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daily readings for busy moms. That is what the title could have been. I'm not Catholic, but I did enjoy this book. Each day, you read a short Bible verse or quote from a Saint. There is a short prayer to read and then a small task to do that day to fix your mind on the reading and prayer. Each month is a particular theme, so you aren't jumping from one thing to the next each day. For a month, you cultivate and practice the same thing. It isn't enough to really be considered a devotional, but it is a great way for a busy mom to start the day in the right frame of mind.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice quick read to start the day out right.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough GREAT things about this devotional. I absolutely love the "think, pray, act" layout. As a mom of four, it's HARD to find time/energy/motivation to take on any extra things, however prayer is so important and often gets pushed to the back of daily "tasks". When I pick this up in the morning (my goal is to read my page when having my coffee [instead of scrolling facebook] and I usually remember!) I can get in a prayer, a goal for the day and a reminder that even small things can make a big difference! I will use this every year.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite of mine every year! I'm not even sure I've read every day's words. These short single page thoughts are perfect for my busy life. Each day has an inspirational word from saints or the Bible, a short prayer to concentrate on, and an action idea. I have multiple bookmarks to refer back to days that struck personally this year to remind me of what I need to work on. I highly recommend this for any woman needing a quick and easy go to for prayer aid.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the best centering/prayerful books I have ever read. It makes trying to be better, doable. I STILL read it, day by day. Whether you are Catholic or not, this book (especially it's Lenten edition I'm always posting online during Lent) has something to offer you in your Christian walk in your vocations. PLEASE do yourself a favor ladies - READ this every day!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional for so many reasons!!! It is geared more for moms with younger children, although the messages work for all moms. I plan to pass this along to another mom so she can enjoy it as much as I did.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great prayer book. I used it with a few other books( like the Bible), and I liked the aspect of trying to put into action the virtues.

[Star ☔️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice daily devotional for busy Catholic moms. I especially enjoyed the Act sections.

[Welcome to Our Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

great daily devotional love the journal too! :)