03 – Spouse

As I’ve spent more time in the trenches of motherhood and at home, I’ve learned that getting encouragement is vital to both surviving the tough times of having little ones at home and in growing as a wife and mother.  Over the years, I’ve searched out many sources of encouragement and they all have their positive and negatives.

I’ve loved being part of the Gabby Mom’s review program because I’ve been able to look at things that might not hit the top of my budget/priority list otherwise.    This month, I got to preview a print issue of Eternal Encouragement’s magazine.    Smaller than I anticipated, it seems to be the “new” magazine format — Catholic Digest has moved to that size as well.

The Eternal Encouragement Magazine is a lot like talking to your girlfriend.   Most of the time you love spending time with her.   And once in a great while, she says something that annoys you.   But because she’s a good person and is otherwise pretty well on the mark, you ignore it.   I had one of those moments in the very first article – Thoughts from the Doodle Bug.   As a Catholic, thoughts that you should try to interpret scripture on your own when people WAY smarter and holier than I have already done it, well, let’s just say I disagree and leave it at that.   I confess, I did have to set it down and walk away for a few days.

Later, I picked up the magazine again, skipped that article , and enjoyed the rest of the magazine.  I was treated to some thought-provoking articles about attitude, housekeeping, hospitality, child-rearing and marriage.   I found things that I did pretty well, but still got a new tip or two.   More importantly, I found encouragement in those areas that need work.

The nice part is that it’s all from a godly point of view.   I do have to say though, like any materials that do not have a Nihil Obstat and/or Imprimatur, you need to be continuously growing in your faith to be able to spot things that might be contrary.   And when in doubt, ask your priest.  He will be able to guide you .

If you aren’t a super-orthodox Catholic (or maybe just super opinionated ;D), you will probably really like this magazine and not find a single thing “wrong” ever.   It’s really that good.   Subscriptions are available printed and digital and any subscription receives the NEW EE Etc. Web Magazine that is published 8 times a year.  EE Etc. has full magazine articles that are only available to Eternal Encouragement Subscribers via a new online magazine portal.

What are your favorite sources for encouragement?

Disclaimer:   I received a print copy of the Spring 2012 issue in exchange for an honest review as part of the Gabby Mom’s program.    As always, all opinions are my own.

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