---
title: "Small Steps: My New Favorite Devotional"
description: Jenna Hines loves daily devotionals, and Small Steps for Catholic Moms is the quick, easy and action based.
---

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# Small Steps: My New Favorite Devotional

Sep 15, 2013 6:00:30 AM  |  by [Guest](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/guest)

*Editor’s note: Today, we continue our weeklong celebration of the publication of [Small Steps for Catholic Moms: Your Daily Call to Think, Pray and Act](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594714266/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1594714266&linkCode=as2&tag=catholicmomcom), the newest installment in the CatholicMom.com Books partnership with Ave Maria Press. Today, Barb Szyszkiewicz shares with us that it doesn’t take a lot of time to make a true difference in your prayer life. LMH*

I've had my eye on [*Small Steps for Catholic Moms*](http://www.amazon.com/Small-Steps-Catholic-Moms-Catholicmom-com/dp/1594714266/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377617417&sr=8-1&keywords=small+steps+for+catholic+moms) by Danielle Bean and Elizabeth Foss for quite some time now. I was really looking forward to adding it to my collection. You see, I've mentioned before how much [I love daily devotional books](http://catholicmom.com/2013/08/13/daily-prayer-books-my-favorites/). So, you might call me biased on this one, but hear me out.

Since receiving my copy of this book, it has quickly become my favorite devotional. I carry it in my purse so I can read and reread each day's reflection. It's that kind of good. But, why do I love it so much?

![afterlight](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/afterlight-1024x1024.jpeg?width=348&height=348&name=afterlight-1024x1024.jpeg)

## Quick

These devotions take me no more than five minutes to read. I pair them with a good old fashioned Hail Mary, and I have a spiritually healthy start to my day. If you add the action item (see below) to the routine, it will take you a bit longer, but there are 24 hours in the day; save it for later if you need to.

## Easy

When I can barely get myself out of bed before the kids wake up, I need a devotional that isn't going to require deep scholarly study. I need something that reaches moms where they're at: in the trenches amongst the noise and dirt. And, don't get me wrong: just because it is an easy read does not mean that it lacks substance. Quite the opposite. I find this book helps me ask questions of myself that I wouldn't normally think of. The other day I found myself wondering, "What is my greatest fault? What graces should I ask for to overcome this?"

## Action Based

Find a constructive activity to replace a time waster. Write a letter to your priest thanking him for his service. Listen to your child today; be patient with her stories.

Simple right? Can you imagine doing something intentional like that each day? How wonderful would you feel?

![photo (6)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/photo-6-1024x1024.jpg?width=348&height=348&name=photo-6-1024x1024.jpg)

And, good news for you e-readers:

![Screen Shot 2013-09-03 at 6.29.47 PM](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Screen-Shot-2013-09-03-at-6_29_47-PM.jpg?width=401&height=372&name=Screen-Shot-2013-09-03-at-6_29_47-PM.jpg)

*I was given a copy of this book for review, but opinions are all my own.*

***[Order Small Steps for Catholic Moms and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594714266/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1594714266&linkCode=as2&tag=catholicmomcom)***

***Copyright 2013 Jenna Hines***

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