How to Stay Hopeful in Difficult Times
The past several years, and especially the last few months, have been some of the most heartbreaking and difficult times of many of our lives. The upheaval and chaos of COVID-19, our extremely heated political climate, and most recently the terrible violence and unrest in the Middle East have brought on a sense of apprehension to many. In response, we do not want to turn inward, isolating ourselves from one another, allowing hopelessness to overshadow our lives.
A sure antidote for this hopelessness is gratitude. Even in our hardest moments, we must remember that God has given us our very life, our will, our family and friends. He is with us in our trials and our joys, and He is the source of any peace we can hope to achieve here on Earth. St. Josemaria writes in The Way,“Make it a habit to raise your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because He gives you this and that… Because someone has despised you… Because you don’t have what you need, or because you do have it. And because He made His Mother, who is also your Mother, so beautiful. Because He created the sun and the moon and this animal or that plant. Because He made that man eloquent and you He left slow of speech… Thank Him for everything, because everything is good.”
We want to share some very practical ways to stay hopeful and grateful during times like these. Here are 6 tips for keeping peace and hope in modern times:
Make a daily thanksgiving to God when you wake up in the morning and when you go to bed at night.
Journal for 5 minutes every day on one thing you are thankful for.
When you’re struggling with a personal relationship, do not say that “that person bothers me,” say, “that person sanctifies me.”
Do not watch videos or look at images that you know will disturb your peace. While it is important to stay abreast of major world events, we cannot let these things consume our family lives. Having bright, cheerful, happy homes brings hope to our troubled world.
Share at least one meal a day together as a family. As small as this may seem, coming together even for 15 minutes every day can really change the way you look at your family and yourself.
Be a light for others. With so many isolating factors at play in our world, the simple act of asking someone how they are doing and really listening is an easy way to bring hope and compassion into your relationships.
"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
-St. Therese of Lisieux
Easy & Delicious Focaccia Bread
It is officially soup season, and what pairs better with a hot bowl of your favorite soup than homemade bread? This focaccia bread has only five ingredients and is one of the simplest, yummiest bread recipes out there. An instant crowd pleaser and sure to impress, this is a must have recipe for anyone who cooks for their family or likes to entertain!
Serves: 10-12
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
Ingredients
Dough:
4 cups water
2 Tablespoons active dry yeast
4 teaspoons salt
8 cups flour
Topping:
Olive oil
Sea salt
Instructions
1. Add 4 cups of warm water to a bowl. Add yeast to the water, let sit for a minute and then mix until the water is cloudy.
2. Add 4 cups of flour and mix. Add salt and remaining 4 cups of flour and mix. The dough should be sticky.
3. Cover the bowl with a plastic grocery bag or wet towel and let it rise in a warm place (on top of the dryer is a great spot!) for about 40 mins to an hour.
4. Grease a large cookie sheet. Use olive oil on your fingers to spread the dough evenly on the pan. Add oil to the top and spread to the corners of the pan. Sprinkle with salt- sea salt or flake salt are best, but any salt will do! For added flavor, add your favorite herbs.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 mins or until golden. Enjoy!
Home for the Holidays Seminar in Center Moriches, New York
We’re heading to Home Unlimited Board Member Glee Hoonhout’s house on November 18th for a special holiday seminar that will bring peace and calm to your home this Christmas season!
At this event you will receive a Preparation and Holiday Planning Guide that includes
A calendar countdown/dates to remember
Gift lists and budgets
Catalog order checklist
Receipts envelope
Decorating plan & schedule
Christmas card list
Family Traditions
List of supplies for wrapping/decorating
Menu plan/baking schedule
In addition, each participant will craft their very own Advent wreath to take home to their families! Materials including holly, pine cones, cedar, and ribbon will be included. The Advent wreath is a great reminder of the special weeks leading up to Christmas and the importance of family prayer and preparation during this beautiful season.
This event will be held on November 18th from 9:45 am to 12 pm. Sign up on our website here or contact Glee at (631)902-8730 with any questions!
Click to learn more about Art of Living Programming and Events!
