10 Tips and Shortcuts I've Learned Throughout the Years

Before I attempt to say anything wise or spiritual, I must say this first: I'm a list-maker. I'm truly a left-brained thinker, much to my dear mothers annoyance. But hey, that's just the way the Good Lord programmed my brain. Now then, because I thrive in list-making, it only makes sense to begin my very first post with... you guessed it, a list. So, without further ado, here are 10 things that I have learned in my experience as a Catholic adolescent. These points may be preaching to the choir, but bear with me. 

1) Pray the Rosary often

The rosary is a powerhouse of graces. St. Josemaria Escriva sums it up perfectly when he said, "The Holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you'll be amazed at the results."

Call Mother Mary often, you've got nothing to lose by it, and much to gain. 

2) Make Momma Mary your best friend

This can be done through praying the holy rosary. With her by your side, holding your hand, your journey through this life will be much sweeter. Don't be afraid to embrace her, she's already waiting for you.

3) The sooner you accept Divine Providence, the better

But what is Divine Providence? I will delve much deeper into this on another day, but in a nutshell, it is God's complete plan for your life. Every joy, sorrow, triumph and hardship you endure, is all from Him, and yes, it all serves a greater purpose. The sooner you accept it, the more you work with Divine Providence. It's basically abandoning your will to His, which is one of the best things you can do for yourself because it allows Him to work with you. Pretty cool, if I do say so myself.

4) Stay away from discerners

This goes for both guys and girls alike. If someone says, "I'm discerning.", then that's a sign to run the other way. Fast. Especially if it's the religious life. Or to not be as extreme, keep them at an arm's length. Better yet, two arms length. Discerning is a time to focus on trying to figure out where God is willing you to be, and it's not a time to become distracted... especially not romantically. To avoid potential heartache and sticky situations, keep a healthy distance (emotionally and physically) from the Discerner and pray for them. That's it. No more, no less. Then go on your happy way and focus on Jesu Rex Admirabilis. Because really, there's no better companion than Him. :)

5) Guard the senses

I'll be quick and honest about this one. Turn off the smutty shows and impure music. Avoid raunchy movies and dirty "literature". Did a tv series or artist you like come to mind? Good. If it's picking at your conscience, then it's most likely not benefiting your soul in a positive way. 

6) Surround yourself with good, Catholic friends
It's much easier to live out your faith when your friends on your side. I have been very blessed to be part of an awesome, Catholic community where we're all on the same page. Think of it this way, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Prov. 27:17
If you're not being sharpened... are you being dulled instead?

7) Read about the saints daily
When I was a mere tweenager, barely discovering the beauty of Catholicism, I had the habit of reading about different saints, every single day. This worked out wonderfully because every day is the feast of at least one or several great saints. I highly recommend doing this, because not only will it increase your knowledge of holy men and women, but there's an abundance to learn from each and every one of them.

8) Make good use of the sacraments
Go to confession, go to mass, baptize your adorable babies! The sacraments are beautiful because they only take the bad away, and leave you with the good, to assist you in reaching Heaven.

9) Develop a strong prayer life
I will leave this to a quote from St. Padre Pio, "Prayer is the oxygen to the soul." (I really like saint quotes, if you haven't noticed.)

10) Go to adoration
I mean, it's adoration! It's spending time with the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, our glorious Savior, Jesus Christ Himself. He waits for you, yes you. Go to Him, love Him, talk to Him, lay your troubles at the foot of His throne, let yourself be enveloped in His great, unfathomable and ever-burning love. 

That's a wrap for this post, but I hope you enjoyed it and I will be back soon with more ramblings and things of that sort. 

Mater Dolorosa, ora pro nobis.
-Yvonne Gemma