Your Monday Hug for September 1, 2025: Pause, Pray, and Let Creativity Flow
Happy Monday, my Friend!
It’s been hard to see so much pain in Minnesota and across the country lately. While I don’t have words to fully comfort those who are grieving, I came across this from Pope Leo XIV, and it brought me a bit of peace - even knowing how difficult it can be to hold onto hope in such painful situations.
I wanted to share it with you because hope it brings you comfort as well and helps you lean into the Lord when you’re hurting: “hope is knowing that God is near, and love will win.”
And as we pause to reflect on hope today, it also happens to be Labor Day here in the U.S. - a perfect reminder to slow down a bit and find God in simple, meaningful moments.
Speaking of slowing down and reflecting, I’ve been thinking about a little project I started over the weekend.
Another stack of old Magnificat issues has piled up on the cabinet, and in the past, I’ve donated them to a fellow artist. But this time, I wanted to explore another way to use them - maybe for some new art in the Knots of Grace shop or just for fun.
That’s when I came across a clever blog post from Noble Peasant called “Brain Storming: Ten Things You Can Do with Your Old Magnificats.”
One idea in particular caught my eye: crafting bows out of the pages. Leaning into my love of paper-crafting - from child- and young adulthood, I thought this would be a fun way to honor God through our handiwork while also giving new life to something that’s been sitting idle - especially something with so much life inside it!
As you can see, mine are still a work in progress, but maybe I’ll make more for Christmas presents this year!
While I play with these little projects, I also want to share ways to pause and reflect spiritually this week. As you scroll, you’ll find inspiration for quiet prayer, plus a look at the saints we celebrate - especially two soon-to-be canonized saints on September 7th: Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Here’s another little outcome from my Magnificat project - I made some bookmarks!
One features the artwork from the pages, and another comes from a simpler, text-focused page. Both are fun ways to give new life to these devotional magazines.
Want a little more inspiration? Check out the full blog from Noble Peasant here!
Untying the Knots Within – One Step at a Time
This Labor Day, let’s pause and remember that our worth isn’t measured by how much we accomplish. Even amid the pain and suffering we see in the world, we can still choose hope—holding onto Pope Leo XIV’s words that God is near, and love will win.
One beautiful way to live this truth is to slow down, be present, and offer our hands and hearts to God in simple, intentional ways. That might mean crafting something from old Magnificats, tending your garden, preparing a nourishing meal, or simply resting in His presence. Each small act, done with love and attention, becomes a prayer - a way to honor God in the rhythm of everyday life.
Here are some gentle ways to pause and center your heart this week:
- Mini Prayer: “Lord, thank You for the work of my hands. Help me to balance labor with rest, and let all I create or offer today be for Your glory. Amen.”
- Quiet Practice: Pick one small act of handiwork today - whether it’s crafting, cooking, gardening, or praying with your rosary - and consciously offer it to God as a simple prayer.
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Saint Companions:
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St. Gregory the Great (Sept 3): Reminds us that humility and patience guide the work of our hands.
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St. Teresa of Calcutta (Sept 5): Shows us that even the smallest acts, when done with love, can change the world.
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Blessed Carlo Acutis (to-be-canonized Sept 7): A modern witness who used technology to glorify God and inspire faith.
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Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (to-be-canonized Sept 7): A reminder to live joyfully and generously, even in ordinary work.
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- Rosary Moment: Pray a decade today, offering it in thanksgiving for the gift of rest, creativity, and God’s nearness in your daily work.
- Product Tip: Attach a Traveler’s Rosary on the bag you use most. Each time you see or touch it, pause for a quick prayer - letting a moment of grace flow into even the busiest parts of your day.
Rosaries to Inspire this Week:
As you pause, pray, and offer your hands and heart to God this week, these rosaries can serve as gentle companions - reminders of His presence and inspiration from the saints in your daily life.
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Classic Olive Wood Knotted Rosary – A natural reminder of humility and steady devotion, inspired by St. Gregory the Great (Sept 3).
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Serenity Prayer Pocket Rosary – Encourages quiet acts of reflection and love, honoring St. Teresa of Calcutta (Sept 5).
- Blessed Carlo Acutis Traveler’s Pocket Rosary - A beautiful way to remember Blessed Carlo Acutis (Sept 7), whose life shined brightly through simple, faithful devotion.
- Simply Effortless Pocket Rosary - A reminder of endurance and joy in ordinary life, reflecting Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (Sept 7).
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Sacred Shield St. Benedict Door Rosary - A blessing and safeguard for your home, reminding us to turn to God’s strength in times of uncertainty.
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All Things Are Possible Comforting Door Rosary - A gentle encouragement when life feels heavy, helping you place your trust in God’s care.
- Any of our Handcrafted knotted Rosaries – Simple, meaningful tools to pause, pray, and honor God through the work of your hands and the stillness of your heart.
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Before you go, let's pray ...
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of work and the blessing of rest.
In a world filled with suffering, pain, and uncertainty, help us hold onto hope - knowing You are near and that love always wins.
Teach us to honor You not just through big tasks, but in the quiet, everyday things we do - whether crafting, cooking, gardening, praying, or simply resting in Your presence.
Through the example of St. Gregory the Great, St. Teresa of Calcutta, Blessed Carlo Acutis, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, may we learn humility, joy in the little things, love in small acts, and faith that shines bright.
Bless the work of our hands, Lord, and help it always draw us closer to You.
Amen.
Thank you, Loraine! I’m so glad you enjoyed this today. Have a beautiful week!
Beautiful words of inspiration today! Great ideas and I love your bows! 🤗
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