Is there an uneasiness that tugs at you from your interior? What is the meaning and purpose of life? Do you want to live in the world without being of the world? How can one achieve true happiness and fulfillment? These are questions addressed in BETTER BY THE DOZEN, PLUS TWO, subtitled Anecdotes and a Philosophy of Life from a Family of Sixteen, written by James and Kathleen Littleton, parents in the process of raising fourteen living children.
This unique and inspiring book unmasks many of the fundamental errors of our time, with the authors offering a concrete hierarchy of values or priorities to live by in the midst of what they describe as a seriously disordered modern dominant culture. It is designed to be an appealing and interesting read for anyone and everyone intended to move the reader to serious reflection on the state of his or her life, and to hopefully come away with some helpful resolutions of a spiritual and/or practical nature.
The Littletons offer experience and insights into subjects including faith, family, living by a hierarchy of values, marriage, motherhood, openness to life, miscarriage, formation of children, service, dealing with difficulties of life, and the importance of having a sense of humor
***Links to Publication: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/littleton or
http://www.amazon.com/BETTER-THE-DOZEN-PLUS-TWO/dp/tags-on-product/1430323981
About the Authors:
James Littleton, Catholic revert, speaker, spiritual guide, radio guest, contributor toCatholic.net and Catholiclane.com; co-author, with his wife Kathleen, of Better by the Dozen, subtitled Anecdotes and a Philosophy of Life from a Family of Sixteen andauthor of soon to be published Healed through Cancer and Other Adversities. Jim and his wife, Kathleen are parents of nineteen children, fourteen living on earth, ages twenty-six to six, and five living in heaven. He is available as a speaker or retreat or workshop presenter on a wide range of Healing, Faith and Family topics. His guest appearances on television and radio programs include: EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch Pacwa, November 11, 2009; EWTN’s Bookmark with Doug Keck, May 9, 2010; Light of the East, host Fr Thomas Loya; The Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio; Kresta in the Afternoon on Ave Maria Radio; The Doctor Is In with Coleen Mast on Ave Maria Radio; and Speak Now with Susan Konig on Sirius Satellite Radio the Catholic Channel; Radio Maria, Lost and Found, with Traci Matheu. He has been featured in numerous articles including Zenit, Lifesite News, Immaculate Heart Messenger Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, and many more.
James can be reached with questions, comments, interview or speaking engagement requests at jamesmlittleton@gmail.com.
BOOK CONTENTS
1. How We Came to Be a Family
2. How We Came to Live our Faith
3. Hierarchy of Values
4. Marriage
5. Motherhood
6. Openness to Life
7. Miscarriage
8. Formation of Children
9. Called to Service
10. On the Cross
11. Importance of Having a Sense of Humor
Praise for Better by the Dozen, Plus Two:
“Here’s a family you won’t forget. And reading about them will brighten your day and deepen your faith. I was blessed in meeting them because their three oldest girls attended or attend Ave Maria University —and we’re hoping the 11 younger siblings will follow in their footsteps! You’ll find 16 reasons for being joyfully counter-cultural.”
Fr. Joseph D. Fessio, S.J.
Editor, Ignatius Press and Theologian in Residence, Ave Maria University
“In Better by the Dozen, Plus Two James and Kathleen Littleton have written a truly profound book that may change your family forever. Through Scripture, Catechism, family anecdotes, and simple “how to” practical advice, this work will challenge and inspire all families both large and small. Throughout the book one thing is clear; the Littleton family perseveres and thrives because of God’s Sacramental Grace. Read this book and be encouraged. Read this book and be awed. Read this book and learn how you, too, can raise a family firmly rooted in Faith and Love for Christ and His Church.”
Mark and Elizabeth Matthews
Authors of Precious Treasure, the Story of Patrick and A Place for Me
“For those looking to invite God not just to their wedding, but also into their marriage, this is a must read. The Littleton ‘s personal journey in striving to be open to God’s will, and then to live his will, offers the inspiration and tools to accomplish this in our own lives.”
Kris Cortes
Co-founder, Virtue in Action and Our Faith in Action
Praise Posted on Amazon.com:
Superb! Superb! Superb! March 28, 2011I read this book at least once a year. I am now in my fourth reading since purchasing it. You will fall in love with this large, Irish Catholic family, as I have. Jim and Kathleen Littleton are devout Catholics who have not been afraid to make radical choices when it comes to living a Christ-centered life or raising a family in such a way that goes completely against the grain of the dominant culture. They have been such an inspiration to me. In fact, after my husband read this book, he decided to become a Catholic! The Littletons have 14 living children. In this book, they will share with you what they are convinced are God’s Hierarchy of Values, namely, God, Spouse, Children, Work, and then Service Work/Apostolate. They also discuss Marriage, Motherhood, Openness to Life, Formation of Children, Service, Cross-Carrying, and the necessity of possessing a sense of humor. Whenever I become discouraged as a parent, I know that it’s time to take this book off of the shelf and read it again. It is the only Catholic book on parenting and devotion that I continue to read over and over again. I eagerly await their next book, and hope that one day, there will be one. 5.0 out of 5 stars Superb! Superb! Superb! March 28, 2011 By Tara ( Alamogordo, NM)
Jim and Kathleen are a beautiful example of understanding, living, and teaching the Catholic faith. I felt like I wanted to be adopted by them! 5.0 out of 5 stars Motivating, October 12, 2007 By Suzanne Earl St. Joseph, pray for us! ( Illinois )
This book is proof that current cultural wisdom is wrong and that the Catholic teaching on openness to life is right. Who knows better, you or God? The Littletons are an excellent example of the generosity God is asking for. One important lesson pointed out by James and Kathleen Littleton is that the world looks at children as a burden which actually belittles the contribution that children bring. They are not just empty stomachs and brains demanding to be fed and sent to college. They are persons who contribute to the family from the day they are brought into it–and more and more as they mature. This book was like a pleasant stroll through a different world in which values were properly prioritized. I only wish there were more anecdotes about the children’s interaction with each other and the hostile world. I loved the one about two older kids saving 10 seats in a theater during the previews while the younger ones waited in the lobby so they didn’t have to look at all the junk in the previews. A good gift for your teenaged sons and daughters. A mandatory gift for Pre-Cana classes. Good idea for Engaged- and Marriage Encounter Weekend attendees. Five Stars Countercultural May 21, 2012 By Jeffery R. King.
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