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Envoy Magazine

Book cover: 'Envoy Magazine'
Author(s): 
Patrick Madrid (ed.)

A beautiful full-color glossy magazine on Catholic apologetics. The magazine is trendy in format (meant to appeal to teens and "Generation Xers") but orthodox in content. Although we don't subscribe to this magazine, I've seen a few issues and have been very impressed. Some articles I read included sample scenarios of how to explain Catholic teachings in particular situations. I thought this was a very helpful way of preparing people for apologetics. This magazine also includes Scott Hahn's newsletter Scripture Matters.

OptimalWork

OptimalWork.com website home page
Author(s): 
Kevin Majeres, MD

OptimalWork, developed by Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Kevin Majeres, is a method of working that is based on the latest neuroscience. The purpose of this method is to enable us to flourish by connecting our highest ideals with our work. To flourish amidst challenges, we need to train ourselves to control our attitude, attention, and actions. The strategy of OptimalWork is to use our work as a training ground for self-mastery and flourishing.

The Adventures of Tintin

DVD cover: 'The Adventures of Tintin'

We took over 90% of the movie theater, our family plus twelve other families from the homeschool group, and were all delighted by a wonderful show! We discussed the movie over breakfast this morning, and our combined overall review—and being Tintin comic book lovers we are very picky reviewers—was very, very favorable:

God's Not Dead

DVD cover: "God's not Dead"

“If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly."

Chesterton is quite famous for having said that. Some may misinterpret this phrase as an excuse for lack of effort, but it is not what it says. I too took a while to understand it as well. And yet ever since I did, I have admired the wisdom of these words over and over.

Take the film I took my three teens to last night. A no-Oscar-pretentious Hollywood production, not by a stretch. Some of the acting wasn't even very good. Low budget. 

The Way

DVD cover: 'The Way'

A personal review

You should read this only if you have seen the film already. It came out recently on DVD.

The film has been praised by many and it undoubtedly has some great points, and perhaps they make the film worth watching just for themselves:

Saint Philip Neri

DVD cover: Saint Philip Neri

We received it for Christmas and have watched it in installments. Tears streamed from my eyes last night as the beautiful final scene filled the screen. We were all watching it, from my husband and 18 year old senior to the youngest, and we were all delighted in it.

I don't think I knew much about Saint Philip Neri beforehand although his name is so very familiar. He is not a great saint of great accomplishments or great written treaties. He did not travel and his intellect did not shine above others.

Stations of the Cross Grotto Kit

Completed 13th station

This well-thought-out kit is easy to use and makes a beautiful set of Stations of the Cross "grottos" when complete. The kit contains full-color art prints of each station, pre-cut wooden sticks for the frames, and gemstones to glue on for decoration. When complete, each station measures approximately 7" tall by 5" wide.

Jerome Lejeune: Saintly Geneticist

Book cover: Jerome Lejeune, Saintly Geneticist
Author(s): 
Ana Braga-Henebry
Illustrator(s): 
Anita Barghigiani

A wonderful book that integrates faith and science!

Ana Braga-Henebry and Anita Barghigiani have created an engaging book about Venerable Dr. Jerome Lejeune, the father of modern genetics. This lovely book is instructive for all ages! The book includes a timeline of important events in the life of Dr. Lejeune with dates and photographs from pivotal moments in his life. The author shares the story of Dr. Lejeune's childhood, his marriage, and his work as a pediatrician.