In the Quiet

Call someone who is lonely. This could be a grandparent or someone who lives alone who doesn't get much social contact. It could be a sick friend or a single co-worker. Reach out to someone who is suffering alone. You'll be glad you did. Saint of the Day Thursday, February 28, 2013 Blessed Daniel Brottier (1876-1936) Daniel spent most of his life in the trenches—one way or another. Born in France in 1876, Daniel was ordained in 1899 and began a teaching career. That didn’t satisfy him long. He wanted to use his zeal for the gospel far beyond the classroom. He joined the missionary Congregation of the Holy Spirit, which sent him to Senegal, West Africa. After eight years there, his health was suffering. He was forced to return to France, where he helped raise funds for the construction of a new cathedral in Senegal. At the outbreak of World War I Daniel became a volunteer chaplain and spent four years at the front. He did not shrink from his duties.

Jane Austen quite had the right idea when she wrote Emma . There are many valuable lessons contained within its pages. Don't try to set someone up with your friend. He may fall in love with you instead.  Never interfere with the marriage proposals of your friend. She may secretly love him while you think she ought to refuse  .  Don't encourage your friend to fall in love with people she never thought of. She may indeed choose the one you are meant to be with. 

Try not to waste anything for one whole day. This includes time, food, and resources like water for your shower. Don't waste the hot water it takes to luxuriously relax and indulge. Just get the job done and move on. Work efficiently on your tasks. When you eat a meal, only prepare what you need. Saint of the Day Wednesday, February 27, 2013 St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862 ) Born in Italy into a large family and baptized Francis, he lost his mother when he was only four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and, having been cured twice of serious illnesses, came to believe that God was calling him to the religious life. Young Francis wished to join the Jesuits but was turned down, probably because of his age, not yet 17. Following the death of a sister to cholera, his resolve to enter religious life became even stronger and he was accepted by the Passionists. Upon entering the novitiate he was given the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.Ever popular

Cement a friendship. I must say that I have a great need of this activity. I am so distanced from most of my friends. Get together with your friend and have a cup of coffee together or go shopping, or both. You'll both be glad you took the time to care. Saint of the Day Sunday, February 24, 2013 Blessed Luke Belludi (1200-c. 1285) In 1220, St. Anthony was preaching conversion to the inhabitants of Padua when a young nobleman, Luke Belludi, came up to him and humbly asked to receive the habit of the followers of St. Francis. Anthony liked the talented, well-educated Luke and personally recommended him to St. Francis, who then received him into the Franciscan Order. Luke, then only 20, was to be Anthony's companion in his travels and in his preaching, tending to him in his last days and taking Anthony's place upon his death. He was appointed guardian of the Friars Minor in the city of Padua. In 1239 the city fell into the hands of its enemies. Nobl

Help someone realize his or her self-worth. Some people are so insecure, for one reason or another. We've all had our moments, but try to recognize someone's accomplishments and personal qualities that make him or her unique and prized, worth something in the world. Praise them, and then continue to encourage them. Wouldn't you like someone to do the same for you? Saint of the Day Saturday, February 23, 2013 St. Polycarp (d. 156) Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey), disciple of St. John the Apostle and friend of St. Ignatius of Antioch was a revered Christian leader during the first half of the second century. St. Ignatius, on his way to Rome to be martyred, visited Polycarp at Smyrna, and later at Troas wrote him a personal letter. The Asia Minor Churches recognized Polycarp’s leadership by choosing him as a representative to discuss with Pope Anicetus the date of the Easter celebration in Rome—a major controversy in the early Churc

Ask God to do what is best for the public person you dislike most. Without mentioning any names, we can probably all think of at least one person that we very much dislike, protest against, and disagree with. Though this person may be immoral and doing the worst for the people, we must pray for that individual. God does not discriminate. See that you don't wish evil on this public person. Saint of the Day Friday, February 22, 2013 Chair of St. Peter This feast commemorates Christ’s choosing Peter to sit in his place as the servant-authority of the whole Church (see June 29). After the “lost weekend” of pain, doubt and self-torment, Peter hears the Good News. Angels at the tomb say to Magdalene, “The Lord has risen! Go, tell his disciples and Peter.” John relates that when he and Peter ran to the tomb, the younger outraced the older, then waited for him. Peter entered, saw the wrappings on the ground, the headpiece rolled up in a place by its

Send a crocus to someone from whom you are estranged. This simple gesture will both brighten their day and mend broken hearts. It doesn't matter whose fault it was; send the flower and see how paths will mend. This time of year, crocuses are in season, I believe. Show someone that you care about the relationship. Saint of the Day Thursday, February 21, 2013 St. Peter Damian (1007-1072) Maybe because he was orphaned and had been treated shabbily by one of his brothers, Peter Damian was very good to the poor. It was the ordinary thing for him to have a poor person or two with him at table and he liked to minister personally to their needs. Peter escaped poverty and the neglect of his own brother when his other brother, who was archpriest of Ravenna, took him under his wing. His brother sent him to good schools and Peter became a professor. Already in those days Peter was very strict with himself. He wore a hair shirt under his clothes, fasted rigorously a

Respond the first time someone calls you. Do not wait until they grow impatient. Whether it be by telephone or voice, answer right away. They deserve that courtesy. You will both profit by this exercise. Saint of the Day Wednesday, February 20, 2013 Blesseds Jacinta and Francisco Marto (1910-1920; 1908-1919) Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three children, Portuguese shepherds from Aljustrel, received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon. At that time, Europe was involved in an extremely bloody war. Portugal itself was in political turmoil, having overthrown its monarchy in 1910; the government disbanded religious organizations soon after. At the first appearance, Mary asked the children to return to that spot on the thirteenth of each month for the next six months. She also asked them to learn to read and write and to pray the rosary “to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.” They were to p

Clean up an eyesore in your neighborhood. In so doing, you can decrease crime rates and promote good people living is areas. God's creations deserve to be treated respectfully. Make sure that your own property is ship-shape and attractive before you tackle other places. Be a good steward of God's wonders. Saint of the Day Tuesday, February 19, 2013 St. Conrad of Piacenza (1290-1350) Born of a noble family in northern Italy, Conrad as a young man married Euphrosyne, daughter of a nobleman. One day while hunting he ordered attendants to set fire to some brush in order to flush out the game. The fire spread to nearby fields and to a large forest. Conrad fled. An innocent peasant was imprisoned, tortured to confess and condemned to death. Conrad confessed his guilt, saved the man’s life and paid for the damaged property. Soon after this event, Conrad and his wife agreed to separate: she to a Poor Clare monastery and he to a group of hermits following the Th

Act like Jesus. What would Jesus do? Think of what His behavior would be in every possible situation and emulate it. Pray to Him that He may show you what to do. Help others and be charitable. Saint of the Day Sunday, February 17, 2013 Seven Founders of the Servite Order (13th century) Can you imagine seven prominent men of Boston or Denver banding together, leaving their homes and professions, and going into solitude for a life directly given to God? That is what happened in the cultured and prosperous city of Florence in the middle of the 13th century. The city was torn with political strife as well as the heresy of the Cathari, who believed that physical reality was inherently evil. Morals were low and religion seemed meaningless. In 1240 seven noblemen of Florence mutually decided to withdraw from the city to a solitary place for prayer and direct service of God. Their initial difficulty was providing for their dependents, since two were still married

Say, "I'm sorry" Mean it. If you hurt someone, even if it's inadvertently, you must apologize. It's a hard thing to admit that you were in the wrong. It hurts your pride, yes, but it does help you to develop the virtue of humility! Let the person know that you care about your mistake. Saint of the Day Saturday, February 16, 2013 St. Gilbert of Sempringham (c. 1083-1189) Gilbert was born in Sempringham, England, into a wealthy family, but he followed a path quite different from that expected of him as the son of a Norman knight. Sent to France for his higher education, he decided to pursue seminary studies. He returned to England not yet ordained a priest, and inherited several estates from his father. But Gilbert avoided the easy life he could have led under the circumstances. Instead he lived a simple life at a parish, sharing as much as possible with the poor. Following his ordination to the

Praise someone honestly. When was the last time that you truly complimented someone? And not just on their looks, either. Focus on one of their God-given accomplishments, personality traits, or gifts. Can they sing really well? Dance like no one's business? Do they rock at public speaking? Tell them, and be genuine and true. Saint of the Day Friday, February 15, 2013 St. Claude la Colombière (1641-1682) This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim today’s saint as one of their own. It’s also a special day for people who have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion Claude la Colombière promoted, along with his friend and spiritual companion, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. The emphasis on God’s love for all was an antidote to the rigorous moralism of the Jansenists, who were popular at the time. Claude showed remarkable preaching skills long before his ordination in 1675. Two months later he was made superior of a small Jesuit residence

Make someone laugh. Laughter is such good medicine; it is in fact the best! Bringing laughter to someone is such a loving act of kindness. If they are having a bad day, you can brighten it in this easy way. Keep those jokes clean. Saint of the Day Thursday, February 14, 2013 Sts. Cyril and Methodius (d. 869; d. 884) Because their father was an officer in a part of Greece inhabited by many Slavs, these two Greek brothers ultimately became missionaries, teachers and patrons of the Slavic peoples. After a brilliant course of studies, Cyril (called Constantine until he became a monk shortly before his death) refused the governorship of a district such as his brother had accepted among the Slavic-speaking population. Cyril withdrew to a monastery where his brother Methodius had become a monk after some years in a governmental post. A decisive change in their lives occurred when the Duke of Moravia (present-day Czech Republic) asked the Eastern Emperor Michael fo

Try to understand another's point of view. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in ourselves that we do not even regard the other person's opinions. Effective practice of this technique is called dual perspective (thank you, Interpersonal Communication class!) This means that you fully respect both yours and the other individual's unique viewpoint. In doing so, you can both practice humility and develop your listening skills simultaneously! Saint of the Day Wednesday, February 13, 2013 St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph (1729-1812) In the same year that a power-hungry Napoleon Bonaparte led his army into Russia, Giles Mary of St. Joseph ended a life of humble service to his Franciscan community and to the citizens of Naples. Francesco was born in Taranto to very poor parents. His father’s death left the 18-year-old Francesco to care for the family. Having secured their future, he entered the Friars Minor at Galaton

For Lent this year, I'm going to give up Facebook. It's going to be hard, but I really like Facebook, so it'll be a good sacrifice. For some people, having the thing that you gave up on Sundays makes the rest of the time harder; however, I'll be just giving it up for the whole forty days. I won't be getting on again until Easter. For my profile picture, I'm doing that pro-life one going around the night before Ash Wednesday. For my extra thing, I'm going to be reading the New Testament in the Bible. I don't know if I'll get all the way through it reading a chapter a day, but I should. Try to listen to at least an hour of Christian/Catholic artists a day in place of secular tunes. Some good artists include The Thirsting, Donna Cori Gibson, Eric Genuis, Christian radio stations like K-LOVE, and Ike Ndolo. Try to get to confession at least once this Lenten season. Your soul and Jesus will thank you for it. Remember that Easter will come quickly

Colorful Chapstick The smooth formula (with SPF 20!) makes lips feel incredibly soft. (Maybelline Baby Lips, $4 each, ulta.com ) Body Butter The Body Shop's majorly hydrating version has always been our favorite, since they're incredibly affordable, last forever, and come in loads of yummy scents. (The Body Shop Body Butter, $3-$10, thebodyshop-usa.com ) Sparkly Nail Polish When it comes to winter manis, the more glitter, the better! Even once New Year's Eve has passed, we like to get down with a little glitz on our fingertips. How amazing is "Frenzy," the bright blue and purple confetti? (SinfulColors Nail Polish, $2 each, Target and Walgreens stores) Skin Primer Harsh winter winds and cold, dry air will suck the glow out of your skin faster than you can say "snowball fight!" This face primer will add back a natural-looking brightness, plus help your makeup last all day long. (jane. Skin Primer, $10, janecosmetic

Lavender Just about every polish company has a lavender version for spring, but we're especially loving China Glaze's creamy formula. China Glaze "Tart-y For The Party," $9, available March 2013 at salons nationwide Slate Sparkle This dark gray sparkle goes on super-opaque, and has a slightly holographic effect that makes a great accent nail color. Impala "Na Mira 3D," $6, muldialimpala.com Pearl Nude Pale nails were huge on the runways last NYFW , but we need a polish with a little more pizazz for our manis! This light nude adds a lovely wash of sheer shimmer to our tips. Khroma Beauty "Buff," $8, available March 2013 at Sears stores nationwide Lime Green We usually save the boldest brights for summertime, but this lime green is too good to hold off using! Pair it with this season's pale mint green for a cool,  colorblocked manicure . L'Oreal Paris "New Money," $6, lorealparisusa.com

Bright Pastel Eyes~keep it light on the eyelids, and prepare to shine! Bold Lips~try a deep raspberry, which is so pretty! I usually save this look for nighttime. Undone Hairstyles~just try not to be too messy. We want to look polished, yet not like we're trying too hard. Neon Liner~do this on the bottom, but don't look like a clown. Keep it simple. Deep Side Part~make one of these, then twist, pull back, and pin. Try Goody Colour Collection Metallic Bobby Pins ($5, soap.com ) which come in tons of colors that will blend in with your hair! Striped Nails~try Color Club Nail Art Duo Pens ($4 each, shopcolorclub.com ) to get perfect lines and add even more detail. Liner at the Waterline~try a liner made with non-irritating ingredients, like Physicians Formula Mineral Eyeliner Pencil ($7, drugstore.com ), since the makeup will literally be touching your eyes! Highlight on Inner Eye Corners~try  KHROMA Intimate Spotlight, $10, ULTA stores. Matte Lips

Bright Dresses ~pull out those vintage styles and embrace the cheerful prints! Graphic Leggings ~have some fun with the different patterns, but please, they're not pants! Straw Fedoras ~I'm not a hat girl, but if you are, have a blast with the straw fedoras! Flouncy Skirt ~oh yeah, perfect for swing dances to twirl around! Bright Jackets ~sport those bold colors. Try blazers or jackets. How fun! Layered Statement Necklaces ~two is okay, but I wouldn't go over that. Modesty in jewelry is important too! Be careful you aren't drawing attention to the wrong areas. Crossbody Bags ~bright and functional is key. So cute, and super trendy! Fun Flats ~yes, please! I'm tall, so I don't go for the heels so much. Graphic Tees ~don't wear them for dressy occasions, but everything else should be okay. Source: Seventeen Magazine website

The green and blue bracelet (Aquamarine) is $10 plus shipping. The blue and champagne bracelet (Summer's Evening) is $10 plus shipping.