Mailboxes and a prayer

In tribute to my hubby, 

The Lineman

This isn't our mailbox though, this one belongs to The Lineman's friend...

He kindly shared it with me for this post.  I thought it was a pretty unique way of showing the lineman pride.  Nothing I would really want in my front yard, but hey I get why the guys from the department like it.

Tomorrow, my hubby is going under the knife; surgery on his right shoulder for a rotator cuff tear.  He's nervous, I'm nervous

we are ALL nervous around here.

Any prayers out his way would be greatly appreciated.

Eternal rest...

My father-in-law, surrounded by those that loved-adored him, was called home yesterday afternoon.  He was a grand man; peacefully he left us after a long battle.  As my husband said, even until his death he taught us so much.  Yes, earth may have lost this precious soul but, we have gained a true warrior in the eternal life of the Church Triumphant!

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

A Virtual Baby Shower

For Sarah!

Mary, from Better Than Eden blog, 

is hosting a virtual baby shower for Sarah

 of Amongst Lovely Things.

Sarah, is perhaps one of the cutest non-preggie women I've seen.  Now that she's pregnant with twins (twin boys even), she has increased her 'cuteness' times 100.

Having twins, among being a mommy to 4 other children, is an awesome blessing.  But, it's also a new future that can be a bit bumpy. My own SIL had TRIPLETS with 3 young ones running around.  The expense can be overwhelming, as well as the emotions.

This unique gift of multiple babies at once means that both Sarah and Andy will need some extra prayers.

Mary's virtual shower for Sarah offers the opportunity for us

 to pray for all the family!

It also allows Sarah's readers to pitch in for some diapers.

Very cool indeed.

Go check it out

HERE

and join in.

Humble Mary of Nazareth, you were chosen my God to bear within you our world’s greatest gift, the Savior of all humanity. I come to you now on behalf of Sarah who prays for the health and safety of the children that God has graced her to conceive.

Guard these lives that God has created, and protect the mother God has chosen for this child. Let your gently hands, like that of a skilled physician, assist in her delivery so that these babies will know good health and lasting happiness.

May her children be favored with the grace of Holy Baptism, and grow to love our Lord Jesus Christ above all else in this world. Amen.

Charting a new course

I'm walking into Lent with a heavy heart.  Nothing is wrong.  My life is blessed, super blessed.    I have a healthy and wonderful husband.  I have healthy and great kids.  I have a lovely new home.  I have  normal life!

So what the heck is wrong with me?

I feel anxious.
I feel pulled by different and wonderful possibilities.
I feel restless.
I feel sad

The worst part is that I know that I'm totally doing this to myself; which is the most irritating thing about this.  Literally, I want to kick myself for being such a goof.  (sigh)

Big (sigh) now because the root of all these 'emotions' came down on me like a house yesterday.  The resignation of our Papa, Pope Benedict crushed me.  "Please, don't leave us; not now!"  I must have said this several times.  But, isn't that what the apostles must have said to Jesus when he left? 

Why am I so fearful?  Why, is it that I lack in so much trust when I need it the most.  Isn't this the one and only Catholic Church?  The body of Christ, his bride?  Christ, Our Lord, hasn't left us!

Folks, we are still the faithful church militant.  Are we not?

Let us pray for the wonderful Vicar of Christ, that is Pope Benedict XVI.  Let us pray for his successor.  The worries are there, for sure.  I thing this post by, Fr. Allan J. McDonald said it the best. (Click here to read it)

We all were in shock yesterday; that will pass.  But, the root to what is was my glum moods... the attacks of the demon that seeks our souls; plain and simple, he never sleeps!

We must fight this nagging demon.
Prayers, fasting, giving, sacrificing, and staying close to our sacraments.  That's the key.  And isn't this just like the season Lent?  

In, this little pocket that is my family; we are venturing into a new course.  As a part of God's family, the one Holy  and Apostolistic Catholic Church, we shall take up the course with grace and prayer... plus keep our rosaries and veils in hand.  One never knows when they will be called for.

So, take heed everyone.  Remain vigilant and stay close to the sacraments.
God bless you folks!

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 7

(The end of our novena)



St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 7

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Seventh Sorrow, the Burial of thy Jesus, and thine, O St. Joseph, the three days' Loss of the Child Jesus, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore

Taking the little steps towards bringing home M.E.C can be tring, and frustrating; please provide patience for the family today.  We ask for M.E.C's healing to continue.  For the medical team, and their hands, to be blessed as they care for her and other children like her.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

Novena Source

(click here)

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 6

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 6

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Sixth Sorrow, thy Jesus is laid in thy Arms, and thine, O St. Joseph, the fear that the Tyrant still reigned in Judea,  intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore

Continued healing and health for M.E.C.  In these times Lord we overlook the siblings and the effects an ill sister can have on them.  Take care of their innocent hearts and comfort their fears, Lord.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

Novena Source

(click here)

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 5

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 5

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Fifth Sorrow, standing beneath thy dying Son on Mt. Calvary, and thine, O St. Joseph, the Flight into Egypt, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore:

Provide comfort and healing for M.E.C.  May she not experience the discomfort that follows this form of surgery.  Please help both parents, and siblings, feel at peace in these days.  May it be Thy will to have M.E.C home, with her family quickly.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

Novena Source
(click here)

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 4

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will.  This favor, we
beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

We first thank you dearest Jesus for the birth of this beautiful child you have blessed the world with.
Please continue to protect and heal M.E.C as she waits for her surgery.  We pray that it would be your will that she would be miraculously healed without the need of surgery.  We also ask for quick the healing of her momma, Valerie!

Hear us, oh Lord!

Day 4

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Fourth Sorrow, meeting thy Jesus on His Way to Calvary, and thine, O St. Joseph, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven.

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen. 

Novena source:
(click here)

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 3

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 3

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Third Sorrow, the Loss of the Child Jesus, and thine, O St. Joseph,  intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore

Bring comfort under your loving embrace, that the Contreras family feel
supported under their heavy load. 
Health and well being, dear Jesus!  Bring health, if this is your will, to this sweet baby!

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them
Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 2

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 2

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Second Sorrow, the Flight into Egypt, and thine, O St. Joseph, the poverty of the Child Jesus at His Birth, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore

Today provide the strength to both parents as they begin their new journey.  Dearest Jesus, guide the hands of the medical team as they care baby M.E.C.  Comfort the brothers and sisters as they wait to meet their new sister!

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!
Amen.

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥

Tonight I start a special novena for two very dear friends from our parish.

This sweet, and faithful, couple will be induced in the delivery of their baby girl tomorrow. 

Baby M.E.C has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

 and is facing a serious surgery soon after her delivery.
The first of at least 3...

If you able to, would you please pray with us?

DAY 1

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family.  We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will.  This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Novena to Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Joseph

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, and thine, O St. Joseph, the doubts that harassed thy mind regarding thy chaste Spouse, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore

For a safe delivery of your precious gift, M.E.C. 

As only you, dear Mother, know so well the grief a mother feels for their child; please comfort both parents and intercede for them in their prayers over their child, to Our Lord Jesus.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

Only God Knows...

In the times of great saddness for many families.  This song hit home for me.  Only God knows the whys in our lives.  In the lowest points of my own life, He provides what is needed.  In trusting Him, I can find comfort. 

My heart grieves for these families.

My prayers are with them and for them.

Lord Jesus, lover of our souls, you gave us your life so that everyone might be saved and have eternal life. Hear our prayers, look with favor and love on your people who grieve and others who pray for their passed family members. Only You are holy, just, mighty and perfect in all your ways; yet you look on us with compassion and mercy. By sacrificing yourself for us, you have given us access to You. Please give all those sould your light, joy and peace in heaven where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen

St. Andrew's Christmas Novena

Elizabeth Foss first introduced me to this beautiful novena.  It's longer than the 9-day novenas but, worth every extra day.  I usually print out a copy of the prayer and tack it to my refrigerator.  I figure I'd be for sure see it 15 times a day there.

But, Lena @ Joyfilled Family has made lovely Holy Cards.  She is offering a free download and has asked all to share.  So please...

Go, click, and print....

Then PRAY!!

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe,
O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

† Guardians of the Altar †

On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lucy, her cousins, and several young boys and girls

completed their 33 days of preparation;

and on the 34th day, were consecrated to Our Lady.

"Consecration means to set aside for a sacred purpose. Mary’s life was set aside for the sole purpose of serving our Lord. By following her example, we, too, can completely give ourselves to Christ in a fundamental way that consecrates us to Him. We give our lives to Him in service and love."

On this day also, 6 young teen boys were promoted to "Master Guardians" and 8 more were promoted to "Guardians". 

Society of Guardians of the Altar is a group formed under the direction of our wonderful pastor Fr. S and their director Mr. M. Felix.  It is a society of young boys, called to serve Our Lord.  

"Guardians, in the service of Holy Mother Church, calls forth such ideals as honor, loyalty, justice, chivalry, and respect for all. In the use of the term guardian, the Altar Server is reminded of his duty to serve the Lord of lords with fidelity and honor, to treat others with respect and justice, and to live an upright personal life, defending always the rights of God and His Holy Church."

~ Society of Guardians of the Altar manual

The boys are divided into four groups: apprentice, guardian in training, guardian, and finally reaching the level of master guardian.  In striving to reach the final level of the master guardian; the boys must show and learn perseverance.  It isn't a quick ranking group.  There are duties to perform in serving the Mass, a code of conduct to have both in church and outside, and a preparation of devotions; like the final devotion of the total consecration to Mary.  The boys that reach this stage grow in maturity and reverence!

Can I tell you how in AWE I am of these boys.  Under the 3 years that our parish has had the Guardians of the Altar, we've had several boys discerning the priesthood.  Many give the credit to this society and give thanks to God for it.  Max is an apprentice, he has a long ways before he can take his place along with the master guardians.  But I tell you, I am grateful he has these boys as mentors!

As the promoted guardians and master guardians (my nephew was one of these boys) took their place around the sanctuary; they made their Guardian's Pledge.  Under the crucifix, in the presence of Christ, saying; "We ... pledge allegiance to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, to His representatives here on earth, and to Mary, our Queen Immaculate...."

WOW! 

All I kept saying ,and I'm sure I wasn't the only one, 

"For your glory, Lord! For your glory, Lord! For your glory, Lord!"

(All photo credit given to my friend Kim B, used with her permission)

Dear St. John, you died at a very young age, but in that short time you learned to live an exemplary life as a member of the Society of Jesus.

Directed by your Guardian Angel, whom you confidently invoked, you learned to be a most humble server at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Help altar boys imitate you in their service at Eucharistic celebrations as well as in their conduct with others. Amen

~ St. John Berchmans, Patron of Altar Boys

Trust! Faith! Hope!

There are moments that take me back, in awe of God's love, his wisdom, his mercy.  We find that our trust has to be complete and without limitations.  But that's harder to do, sometimes to say.  Can I say that I totally TRUST.? That I and my family say;

"I give ALL this to you, my God.  Take it/this from me.  I am on my knees with my arms stretched out in total submission to you."

I can say this, yet there are so many moments that I don't.  That I fall back to old habits. 

Why am I rambling on?

Because our family, people we love/adore, are in place of crisis.  Crisis?

Well from the outside looking in, all this, this 'stuff', what's happending.  It is considered a crisis, suffering.  And yes, there is suffering. 

I've been reflecting on what my spiritual director just recently asked me.

"How do you handle the trials of life differently than others?" 

I place my trust and lay my hopes in Jesus.

The words just spurted out. In midst of troubles (I write the word loosely), there is the complete acknowledgement that there is GREATER suffering going on, much greater then ours.  We are fall into seasons of trials.  How then do we get by?

Okay, where am I going with this?

It involves a fire:

This past Tuesday, my SIL and her family lost their home, all their belongings, most if not all of their pictures, and precious memories; in a fire. 

In a matter of minutes the fire, smoke, and water took EVERYTHING.  Their eldest daughter, our goddaughter, is an accomplished artist and writer; her notebooks, her manuscripts.  Things she's been pouring her soul into...gone.

One of the younger kids began to to give her mom sweet little pieces of needle point.  Little scraps of cloth that she would take and sew a lovely note or a tiny picture...gone.

Another daughter, a savvy sewer, her creations.  Most of these items are probably gone. 

Gone are are ALL of their school curriculum and school work.  Think of how long it takes to find the books that work?  Years of collecting sentimental books.  Many Catholic ones. Yes, they are a homeschooling family.  Gone.

My SIL says, "But hey stuff, it's just that.... stuff." 

Still, the place they find themselves in is not easy; it's frustrating and they have a challenge ahead of them to regain 'normal'.  It'll be 4-6 months before they can return 'home'.  As a family with 7 children, the concept of 'home' has changed.  Even the baby feels it.

And yet still.

Buy the grace of God, no was injured!  Buy the grace of God, they will get through this.  We rejoice in this!

In an email update she just wrote:

"We have love, faith, and hope in God that nothing can take that joy from us. He has blessed us so far and above what we could ever ask, and we trust his hands will guide us through all this and we will be stronger by it."

Trust! Love! Faith! Hope!

 

It's what guides and comforts. 

 
In what's happening to them.  In still praying for my FIL, in his fight against cancer.  This week seemed especially difficult for him.  Praying for a brother of mine, oh the suffering he endures to escape his situation. 
 
All this, and more, looks like a crisis. 
And it is... to some extent.
 
But like my SIL stated, "We have love, faith, and hope in God."  And with this, there is lots of JOY! 
 
We have an abundancy of joy!
 
Rose will be making her First Holy Communion on Sunday! 
And she'll be turning 8!
Two sweet new babies will be baptized into the Church this weekend.
Family and friends are serving and giving of themselves in droves!
My little brood are healthy and sweet and still so innocent!
Their is love in my home!
 
Yep, God is SO good!!!!
 
So so good.
 

Would you please offer your prayers for my SIL and her family? 

For all the other families they are meeting in similar situations? 

Please continue to pray for my FIL

&

my brother.

 

~ Thank you ~

 

♥

May God reward you

♥

First Holy Communion :: Day Three

It's quickly approaching.  The very day Rose will recievie Jesus in Holy Communion.  She's beginning to get nervous.  Though there isn't anything to be nervous about.  Each time she see's Fr. Steve she tells him, "See you on Sunday".  At first he was confused about what she was refering too.  Now he chuckles and says he wouldn't miss it.  Very cute.

We continue with our novena.
Opening Prayer::

Very soon I will receive Jesus
for the first time in Holy Communion!

I can hardly wait!
I must get myself ready.
I must make my heart ready for Jesus
to come to me in this special way.
I will make my heart a beautiful garden.
I will fill it with flowers to please Him.
When He comes into my heart He will be very happy.
He will see how much I love Him!
I will work very hard to make many flowers for Jesus.

Dear Mother Mary and good Saint Joseph,
please help me get ready to receive
Jesus in Holy Communion!

Day Three::

The flowers I will make in my heart today for the garden of my heart are forget-me-nots.
I will make them by visiting Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

When You were a child like me,
You loved to visit the Temple and pray to God, our good Father.
I want to make visits with You because I love You so much!
Today I will try to visit You, in my heart at least,
if I cannot visit You in Church or in the Adoration Chapel.
I will try to be just like You, Jesus.
When I visit You, it will be a very special forget-me-not
for the garden of my heart.
I hope you will like my forget-me-nots, Jesus.
Sometimes they are very hard to make.

Dear Mother Mary and Saint Joseph,

please help me to be able to visit Jesus today.

Draw a picture of yourself making forget-me-nots in your heart for Jesus:

(Margaret has shared this novena here for all.. Thank you Margaret!)

First Holy Communion Novena :: Day Two

Yesterday was our day 2 for the novena Rose is praying.  In addition to praying the novena, Rose is trying to make this into a spiritual bouquet...one that she hopes to present to Jesus on Sunday.  The day of her First Holy Communion and 8th birthday.  It'll be a big day for her.  And a busy day for me. 

The flowers I will make in my heart today for the garden of my heart are lilacs.

I will make them by not getting angry.

Dear Jesus,

When You were a child like me,

You were always very gentle and did not get angry.

I want to be gentle and patient just like You were.

Today I will try very hard to not get angry at

home, at school and at play.

I will try to be just like You, Jesus.

Each time I keep from getting angry and raising my voice,

it will be a beautiful lilac for the garden of my heart.

I hope You will like my lilacs, Jesus.

Sometimes they are very hard to make.

Dear Mother Mary and Saint Joseph,

please help me not get angry today.

Draw a picture of yourself making lilacs in your heart for Jesus.

(The novena was shared by Margaret and you can find it here)

First Holy Communion Novena:: Day One

Rose and I started this nine-day novena that Margaret first shared 4 years ago!  We are praying as a family; making a promise to help her along her nine days. 

Opening Prayer Before Each Day:

Very soon I will receive Jesus

for the first time in Holy Communion!

I can hardly wait!

I must get myself ready.

I must make my heart ready for Jesus

to come to me in this special way.

I will make my heart a beautiful garden.

I will fill it with flowers to please Him.

When He comes into my heart He will be very happy.

He will see how much I love Him!

I will work very hard to make many flowers for Jesus.

Dear Mother Mary and good Saint Joseph,

please help me get ready to receive

Jesus in Holy Communion!

Holy Guardian Angel, help me to do my best each day!

Day 1 Prayer:

The flowers I will make today for the garden of my heart are roses.

I will make them by being kind to others.

Dear Jesus,

When You were a child like me,

You were always kind to everyone.

I want to be kind to others just like You.

Today I will try very hard to be kind to everyone,

at home, at school, and at play.

I will try to be just like You, Jesus.

Each time I do something kind for someone,

it will be a beautiful rose for the garden of my heart.

I hope you will like my roses Jesus.

Sometimes they are very hard to make.

Dear Mother Mary and Saint Joseph,

please help me to be kind to others today.

Draw a picture of yourself making roses in your heart for Jesus.

Entering into battle :: prayers requested

My FIL had his appointment with his oncologist today.  The news wasn't great.  He's pain has been increasing for weeks now.  Pain that has been unbearable, but somehow he bears it.  There have been telling signs leading to today's news.  And now we know.

The battle against the cancer is renewed.  He'll restart treatment this month.  It'll be aggressive and more than likely weaken him.

Would you please pray!

Prayers for healing...

Prayers for strength...

Prayers for peace...

Prayers for acceptance....

For your faithful servant:

Precious Lord Jesus, I thank you for your enduring love. You came into the world to set me free from the power of darkness. You embraced a violent death on the cross to pay the penalty on my behalf. You suffered the scourging at the pillar, taking the sickness of humanity upon your own flesh, so that I could be healed
~ Isaiah 53

Bring this healing upon your servant and bring his family the same peace that rest in trusting You and You alone.  Amen

Las Posadas begin today

Will you be joining one?