The Rosary: Keeping Company with Jesus and Mary

Say hi to my Dad (and my messy kitchen!).  He's flipping through Karen's new book.  I keep trying to write a review that's something more than, "Wow, y'all, this book is fantastic!" but I can't seem to write about the rosary without it getting uncomfortably personal.  It is a great book, a perfect read for cradle Catholics like me.  I pray the rosary frequently - I developed the habit of saying it while running and now as soon as I lace up my running shoes, I'm in prayer mode - my standing appointment with God.  However, I never really bothered to investigate the history or meaning behind it.  It just was.  It existed as a part of our faith from a very early age.  After reading Karen's book, I have a better understanding of the rosary and that knowledge has provided the framework for a deeper spiritual life.  It's also a great book for new Catholics who want a practical and spiritual introduction to something that might seem odd and/or forced.  Or even non-Catholics who want a solid answer to that over-asked question concerning vain repetition.

Well, that review hardly seems adequate, but no one wants me weeping publicly about how much the rosary means to me and how I'm so very happy that Karen (of all people!) worked so hard to produce this beautiful book.

This is my favorite rosary, the one my dad made for my little girl for her First Communion last December.  Isn't he talented?  

Comments

[sarah]

What a beautiful review, and a stunningly beautiful rosary! Your Dad is so talented. And I love his face, his smile. It's no wonder you're a nice person if you were looked upon with such a face all your life.

Reciting the rosary while jogging is a great idea. I need to find more quiet time to say it myself, but the only opportunity I really has is in the shower, and I have to keep growling at myself, NO praying in the toilet or the shower! Lol.

[Crisanne]

What a great picture of your dad! I can still hear him saying "Hello, there, Young Lady" to me everytime I came over.

Also, I'm so glad to see your son is feeling better (I forgot to comment last week). Something about boys makes them so easy to spoil.

[Karen Edmisten]

Oh, Jenn, I am tearing up here for about 17 different reasons, chief among them your dear friendship, your sweet dad, and that gorgeous rosary that he made.

Thank you. :)

Love,
Karen

[Margaret in Minnesota]

I'm going to go out on a spiritual limb here and suggest that perhaps--just perhaps--you're meant to get a bit uncomfortable and talk about the rosary.

In any case, it's a better martyrdom than, say, getting burned at the stake or beheaded. ;)

This "little" book of Karen's is destined for greatness, isn't it? And how could it not be.

Love to some of my favorite Texans, today & always! (By the way, your Da's included in that category. What an awesome, kind face.)

[KC]

That IS a great picture of your dad. That rosary he made is gorgeous. Also, he's quite modern judging by the bluetooth in his ear. ;)

[Jennifer]

Margaret, is that a challenge?

[Kristen]

Wow, what a gorgeous rosary your dad made. I love that he crafts beauty with his own hands. One day I hope my hands look like his. So inspiring.

[cici]

That's a beautiful rosary - how lucky your daughter is. No, its not luck. But its a beautiful rosary and her grandfather made it for her - so so special.

I think I'll have to get this book. I always envy you cradle catholics for all that seems to come so natural to you. I need to work this prayer into my life. Your way seems to be a perfect fit. Hmnn...

[Margaret in Minnesota]

Of course it's a challenge, and if I didn't love reading what you had to say--because I *do*--I wouldn't have issued it.

In other words, I respect your opinion too much to remain ambivalent.

[Barbara]

You have a very lovely daddy.

[Francis Shivone]

Great picture . . . great post.