Quotes

"Brother Lawrence wasn't surprised by the amount of sin and unhappiness in the world. Rather, he wondered why there wasn't more, considering the extremes to which the enemy was capable of going. He said he prayed about it, but because he knew God could rectify the situation in a moment if He willed it, he didn't allow himself to become greatly concerned." -Excerpt from "The Practice of the Presence of God"

...."That's because Mary is indispensable to the plan of salvation that God implemented on earth; she is the Mother of Jesus of Nazareth, so, without her, there would be no Jesus of Nazareth. Repudiating Mary is repudiating Jesus, and with him the whole plan of salvation-which is why the heresies that repudiate Mary always substitute some fundamentally rearranged scheme of how people attain salvation. They have to. Without Mary, Christ's coming, teaching, suffering, and rising just couldn't have happened as they did. " -Excerpt from "Rosary-Mysteries, Meditations, and the Telling of the Beads," by Kevin Orlin Johnson, Ph.D. (This books is AMAZING! It says it's about the Rosary, but it is so much more than that. Every Christian should read this book!!)

Just wanted to say....

Thank you to everyone for there concerns and prayers over my recent miscarriage, it means so much! I'm feeling well,hopeful, spirits are high, and it's been nice to just get back on my feet and take the little one for a walk. Through the suffering God is Good isn't he? Suffering really does pull you in to Christ. I don't understand it, and it's scary at times, but I know he will never leave me!




Prayer to St. Elizabeth Seton For Constancy And Comfort

Your life was full of immense suffering, yet you maintained your faith. Even during your deepest sorrows, you served others. You said, "Tribulation is my element," and saw beyond your suffering and into others. I would ask you, Mother Seton, to stand with me when I hurt the most. Help me develop compassion - compassion for my suffering and through it, compassion for the wounds and sorrows that all other people hold. Show me the path through my sufferings that will lead me to know more love, and through that love know more about God. Amen.

7 Weeks of Meatless Fridays!

Darcy over at Life with my 3 Boybarians is hosting a new meme called 7 weeks of Meatless Fridays in honor of the upcoming Lenten Season. (by the way if you haven't been to her blog you should go for a visit, the pictures of her little boys are awesome! I wish I could take pictures like that. I will just blame it on my camera:):) The idea is to post your recipe early in the week (on Monday if possible, and with some pictures too!) to share with others so if they like your recipe they will have time to prepare to make it themselves for their own family. My family has been observing no meat Fridays outside of the Lenten season for quite awhile now for our regular (non-Lenten) Friday obligation, so I am looking forward to learning about some new recipes and trying them out too!

The recipe that I wanted to share for this week is really nothing spectacular. What it is, is really just a basic, easy and tasty way to prepare salmon (or any fish for that matter), where the main ingredient is just a simple and inexpensive seasoning made for.... beef! (But really, it tastes great on fish!)

This recipe would work with any fish that is not too delicate, but I mostly use it when preparing salmon.



Mrs. L's Stove top Salmon and Green Beans

Ingredients:

1 pound salmon (can be fresh or the frozen variety; you can also substitute another fish if you have that on hand instead)
Approx.4 tablespoons butter
Approx. 1/2 cup olive oil (or what ever amount it takes to completely coat the bottom of your saute pan)
Durkee Grill Creations-Beef Seasoning
Green Beans (use how much your family eats; I use frozen string beans, but canned, fresh, or any type would work just as well)


Preparation:

1.) Pour olive oil in saucepan and also add butter. Heat on medium-high heat.

2.) While that is heating, season salmon generously on both sides with Durkee seasoning.

3.) Place salmon in pan and cook on each side for about 8-10 minutes with pan covered.

4.) Uncover pan and turn heat up to high. Allow fish to cook about another 3-5 minutes on each side to get a nice browned skin.

5.) Throw green beans in with fish and heat through.

That's it! Really easy and always turns out well!

If you want to join in on the meatless recipe fun or just want some recipe ideas head on over and visit Darcy.

Family Study-Fatima

When this new year began, my husband and I decided that we really wanted to devote time to learning more about our rich Catholic faith together as a family. I decided to break the studies into month long units and assigned one aspect of our Faith that the family could learn about, study and be interested in together.

We started this month in February with the topic of study being Fatima. Here is the plan I developed, the resources I used, and what we have (or will) study. (I also just wanted to note that all of the reading and discussing for this family study was done in the evenings after school time, usually for just about 20 minutes or so after dinner.)

*Watch the video, "The Day the Sun Danced."

*Read "The Story of Fatima for Children."

*Participated in First Friday and First Saturday Devotions.

*Children read specifically about Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia. We also learned that Blessed Jacinta and Blessed Francisco feast day is on February 20th.




*Adults read, "The Last Secret of Fatima," and discussed. (Ok, I read this and then gave my husband the "highlights":)

*My husband studied this little booklet, "St. Joesph, Fatima and Fatherhood."

*We discussed what it means that Fatima was, a private revelation approved by the Church.

*Lastly, we are learning about the World Apostolate of Fatima, and discerning whether membership will be taken as a family.

This little study has been a blessing for our family, and especially my nine year old! I knew that what he was learning was really sinking in when he got up one morning and told me that he made some particular sacrifices because "he wants to be like the children at Fatima." (of course I was quite proud when my son told me this!:):)



(Miracle of the Sun, actual photograph, October 13th, 1917)


"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."

Catching up...Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

Today is the last day of the novena! Here are the remaining prayers as well as the final Act of Consecration. This Novena has brought many blessings for me. It's been uplifting, especially during this time, to be able to look at Jesus' face and meditate on his most perfect human side. To remember that he suffered and felt things just like me...amazing! I would love to hear if anyone else particpated in this novena and what their thoughts are on it!


Sixth Day

Psalm 51, 12-13.
A pure heart create for us O God, put a steadfast spirit within us. Do not cast us away from your presence nor deprive us of your Holy Spirit.

May our hearts be cleansed, O Lord, by the inpouring of the Holy Spirit, and may He render them fruitful by watering them with His heavenly dew, Mary, the most chaste spouse of the Holy Spirit, intercede for us, Saint Joseph pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

O Victorious Prince, most humble guardian of the Church of God and of faithful souls, who with such charity and zeal took part in so many conflicts and gained such great victories over the enemy, for the conservation and protection of the honor and glory we all owe to God, as well as for the promotion of our salvation, come, we pray Thee, to our assistance, for we are continually besieged with such great perils by our enemies, the flesh, the world and the devil; and as Thou wast a leader for the peopleofGod through the desert, so also be our faithful leader, and companion through the desert of this world, until Thou conduct us safely into the happy land of the living, in that blessed fatherland from which we are all exiles. Amen. (St. Aloysius)

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)



Seventh Day

Psalm 51, 14-15.
Give me again the joy of your help, with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you.

Lord Jesus! After contemplating Thy features, disfigured by grief, after meditating upon Thy passion with compunction and love, how can our hearts fail to be inflamed with a holy hatred of sin, which even now outrages Thy Adorable Face! Lord, suffer us not to be content with mere compassion, but give us grace so closely to follow Thee in this Calvary, so that the approbrium destined for Thee may fall on us, O Jesus, that thus we may have a share, small though it may be, in expiation of sin. Amen. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer in Honor of Mary

Hail Mary, Daughter of God the Father! Hail Mary, Mother of God the Son! Hail Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit! Hail Mary, Temple of the Most Holy Trinity! Hail Mary, our mistress, our wealth, our mystic rose, Queen of our hearts, our Mother, our life, our sweetness and our dearest hope! We are all Thine, and all we have is Thine. O Virgin blessed above all things, may Thy soul be in us to magnify the Lord; may Thy spirit be in us to rejoice in God. Place Thyself, O faithful Virgin, as a seal upon our hearts, that in Thee and through Thee we may be found faithful to God. Grant, most gracious Virgin, that we may be numbered among those whom Thou art pleased to love, to teach and to guide, to favor and to protect as Thy children. Grant that with the help of Thy love, we may despise all earthly consolation and cling to heavenly things, until through the Holy Spirit, Thy faithful spouse, and through Thee, His faithful spouse, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us for the glory of the Father. Amen. (St. Grignon de Montfort)

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)



Eighth Day

Psalm 51, 16-17.
O rescue me, God my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Most merciful Face of Jesus, who in this vale of tears was so moved by our misfortunes to call yourself the healer of the sick, and the good Shepherd of the souls gone astray, allow not Satan to draw us away from you, but keep us always under your loving protection, together with all souls who endeavor to console you. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer to Saint Peter

O glorious Saint Peter, who in return for thy lively and generous faith, thy profound and sincere humility and thy burning love, was honored by Jesus Christ with singular privileges, and in particular, with the leadership of the other apostles and the primacy of the whole church, of which thou was made the foundation stone, do thou obtain for us the grace of a lively faith, that shall not fear to profess itself openly in its entirety and in all of its manifestations, even to the shedding of blood, if occasion should demand it, and to the sacrifice of life itself in preference to surrender. Obtain for us likewise a sincere loyalty to our Holy Mother the Church. Grant that we may ever remain most closely and sincerely united to the Holy Father, who is the heir of thy faith and of thy authority, the one true visible head of the Catholic Church. Grant, moreover, that we may follow, in all humility and meekness, the Church’s teaching and counsels and may be obedient to all her precepts, in order to be able here on earth to enjoy a peace that is sure and undisturbed, and to attain one day in heaven to everlasting happiness. Amen.

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)



Ninth Day

Psalm 51, 18-21.
For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. In your goodness, show favor to Zion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, holocausts offered on your altar,

Sacred Face of our Lord and our God, what words can we do to express our gratitude? How can we speak of our joy? That you have deigned to hear us, that you have chosen to answer us in our hour of need. We say this because we know that our prayers will be granted. We know that you, in your loving kindness, listened to our pleading hearts, and will give, out of your fullness, the answer to our problems. Mary, our Mother, thank you for your intercession on our behalf. Saint Joseph, thank you for your prayers.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer to the Holy Trinity

Most Holy Trinity, Godhead indivisible, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our first beginning and our last end. Since you have made us after your own image and likeness, grant that all the thoughts of our minds, all the words of our tongues, all the affections of our hearts and all our actions may be always conformed to your most Holy Will, so that after having seen you here on earth in appearances and in a dark manner by the means of faith, we may come at last to contemplate you face to face, in the perfect possession of you forever in paradise. Amen.

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)



Act of Consecration

O Lord Jesus, we believe most firmly in You, we love You. You are the Eternal Son of God and the Son Incarnate of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You are the Lord and Absolute Ruler of all creation. We acknowledge You, therefore, as the Universal Sovereign of all creatures. You are the Lord and Supreme Ruler of all mankind, and we, in acknowledging this Your dominion, consecrate ourselves to You now and forever. Loving Jesus, we place our family under the protection of Your Holy Face, and of Your Virgin Mother, Mary most sorrowful. We promise to be faithful to You for the rest of our lives and to observe with fidelity Your Holy Commandments, We will never deny before men, You and Your Divine rights over us and all mankind. Grant us the grace to never sin again; nevertheless, should we fail, O Divine Savior, have mercy on us and restore us to Your grace. Radiate Your Divine Countenance upon us and bless us now and forever. Embrace us at the hour of death in Your Kingdom for all eternity, through the intercession of Your Blessed Mother, of all Your Saints who behold You in Heaven, and the just who glorify You on earth, O Jesus, be mindful of us forever and never forsake us; protect our family. O Mother of Sorrows, by the eternal glory which you enjoy in Heaven, through the merits of your bitter anguish in the Sacred Passion of your Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, obtain for us the grace that the Precious Blood shed by Jesus for the redemption of our souls, be not shed for us in vain. We love you, O Mary. Embrace us and bless us, O Mother. Protect us in life and in death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

News about the Little One....

God took my fourth child back to him early this week. I am happy that it ended naturally and not with surgery. (which because I was getting close to entering the second trimester, my doctor was suspicious that surgery might be necessary.) Now life goes on, but I know not a day will pass when I don't remember my two little ones. But, how happy they must be in Heaven now!! Happier then I could ever make them even with all the love I could give!

God is perfect and his ways are perfect, and now I must strive to understand and accept his perfect will for me.


Lord, Please help me to love you more and more through the grief I now bear from losing these two children. When I suffer, help me to think only of your suffering, and the poor souls sufferings and not of myself. You have blessed me immensely, more than one could ever deserve. Thank you Lord!

Day 5-Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

O LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Hide not your face from me in the day of my distress. -Psalm 102:2,3


DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER


O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.

We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Start novena)


Fifth Day


Psalm 5 1, 10-11.
Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may revive. From my sins turn away your Face, and blot out all my guilt.

Holy Face of Jesus, Sacred Countenance of’ God, how great is your patience with humankind, how infinite your forgiveness. We are sinners, yet you love us. This gives us courage. For the glory of your Holy Face and of the Blessed Trinity, hear and answer us. Mary our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer to Saint Joseph

Dear Saint Joseph! Adopt us as thy children, take charge of our salvation; watch over us day and night; preserve us from occasions of sin; obtain for us purity of body and soul, and the spirit of prayer, through thy intercession with Jesus, grant us a spirit of sacrifice, of humility and self-denial; obtain for us a burning love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a sweet, tender love for Mary, our Mother.

Saint Joseph, be with us in life, be with us in death and obtain for us a favorable judgment from Jesus, our merciful Savior. Amen.

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Day 4-Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

"Jesus, Who in Thy bitter Passion didst become 'the reproach of men and the Man of Sorrows, I venerate Thy Holy Face on which shone the beauty and gentleness of Divinity. In those disfigured features I recognize Thine Infinite Love,
and I long to love Thee and to make Thee loved....." -Prayer of St. Therese of Lisieux

May I behold Thy Glorious Face in Heaven!
(St. Therese's name in Religion was 'Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face)



DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER


O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.

We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Start novena)



Fourth Day


Psalm 51, 8-9.
Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me Wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

O Lord Jesus, who has said, learn of me for I am meek and gentle of heart, and who did manifest upon Thy Holy Face the sentiments of Thy divine heart, grant that we may love to come frequently and meditate upon Thy divine features. We may read there Thy gentleness and Thy humility, and learn how to form our hearts in the practice of these two virtues which Thou desires to see shine in Thy servants. Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph help us.

Through the merits of Thy precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer in Honor of the Dolors of the Blessed Virgin

O Most Holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs! Who stood beneath the cross, witnessing the agony of your dying Son, look down with a mother’s tenderness and pity on us as we kneel before you to venerate your Dolors, and place our requests, with filial confidence, in the sanctuary of your wounded heart. Present them on our behalf to Jesus, through the merits of His most sacred Passion and Death, together with your sufferings at the foot of the cross, and through the united efficacy of both, obtain the favor which we humbly ask. To whom shall we go in our wants and miseries if not to you. O Mother of Mercy, who having so deeply drunk of the chalice of your Son, graciously alleviate the sufferings of those who still sigh in this land of exile. Amen.

Prayer to the Souls in Purgatory

My Jesus, by the sorrows you suffered in your agony in the garden, in your scourging and crowning with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in your crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in Purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken. Deliver them from the dire torments they endure. Call them and admit them to your most sweet embrace in Paradise. Amen.

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Day 3- Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

O how great is the multitude of thy sweetness, O Lord, which thou hast hidden for them that fear thee! Which thou hast wrought for them that hope in thee, in the sight of the sons of men. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy face, from the disturbance of men. Thou shalt protect them in thy tabernacle from the contradiction of tongues. - Psalm 30:20,21


DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER


O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.

We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Start novena)


Third Day


Psalm 51, 6b-7.
You are just when you pass sentence on me, blameless when you give judgment. You know I was born guilty, a sinner from the moment of conception.

Prayer of Pope Pius IX

O Jesus! Cast upon us a look of mercy; turn your Face towards each of us as you did to Veronica; not that we may see it with our bodily eyes, for this we do not deserve, but turn it towards our hearts, so that, remembering you, we may ever draw from this fountain of strength the vigor necessary to sustain the combats of life. Amen. Mary, Our Mother, and Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer of Saint Francis

All highest, glorious God, cast your light into the darkness of our hearts, give us true faith, firm hope, perfect charity and profound humility, so that with wisdom, courage and perception, O Lord, we may do what is truly your holy will. Amen.

To the Angels and Saints

We salute you, through the Holy Face and Sacred Heart of Jesus, O all you Holy Angels and Saints of God. We rejoice in your glory, and we give thanks to our Lord for all the benefits which He has showered upon you; we praise Him and glorify Him, and offer you for an increase of your joy and honor, the most Holy Face and gentle Heart of Jesus. Pray that we may become formed according to the heart of God. Amen.

Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Mary’s, one (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Day 2-Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

Go HERE for a list of links for this devotion.

"All those who, attracted by my love, and venerating my countenance, shall receive, by virtue of my humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of my divinity. This splendor shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features with my divine countenance." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to St. Gertrude)


DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.

We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Start novena)


DAY TWO

Psalm 51, 5-6a.
My offenses truly I know them; My sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
What is evil in your sight I have done.

Most Holy Face of Jesus, we are truly sorry that we have hurt you so much by constantly doing what is wrong; and for all the good works we have failed to do. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Joseph, intercede for us, help us to console the Most Holy Face of Jesus. Pray that we may share in the tremendous love Thou hast for one another, and for the most Holy and Blessed Trinity. Amen.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, Sanctifier, all powerful God of love, Thou who didst fill the Virgin Mary with grace, Thou who didst wonderfully transform the hearts of the apostles, Thou who didst endow all Thy martyrs with a miraculous heroism, come and sanctify us, illumine our minds, strengthen our wills, purify our consciences, rectify our judgments, set our hearts on fire and preserve us from the misfortune of resisting Thine inspirations. We consecrate to Thee our understanding, our heart and our will, our whole being for time and for eternity. May our understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations and to the teachings of Thy Holy Catholic Church, of which Thou art the infallible guide; may our heart be ever inflamed with love of God and neighbor; may our will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may our whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtues of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

A Great Post!

Kimberly over at Catholic Family Vignettes wrote a wonderful post on an interesting Pro-Life issue that many Mothers (me being one of them:) deal with very often.....

"Pro-life.

For most Catholics, it is the mantra that permeates most of what we do and defines who we are. We love life, we refuse to do business with those who do not, we do everything in our power to elect politicians who will support the preservation of life from conception to natural death. Without life, we cannot know, love and serve God in this life, so that we can be happy with Him in the next.

I’ve come to realize that “sanctity of life” applies to me, too. I am obligated to preserve my life and to do all of those things (within my means) that will ensure a healthy and long life, according to God’s plans for me. Often, I’ve neglected my own health, frequently taking the martyr’s stance, trying to convince myself that neglecting my own needs is necessary in order to serve…and yet this is not exactly the “dying to self” that will ultimately save my soul......"Go HERE to read the rest of her post!

Day 1-Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

"I firmly wish that my face reflecting the intimate pains of my soul, the suffering and love of my heart, be more honored! Whoever gazes upon me already consoles me." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Pierina)

The Novena to the Holy Face begins today! This will be my first time completing this novena so I'm excited to start.

Here are a few links regarding this devotion:

Holy Face Association

Devotion to the Holy Face

Get a Free Holy Face Medal by going HERE.

"Now consider! Because of the Incarnation, there is God with a human Face! The Divine Being with human eyes -- eyes into which human beings could gaze, eyes that beheld things as beautiful as His mother, and as ugly as soldiers' spittle. God with eyes that cried (John 11:35). Meditating on the Holy Face is not simply to recall the visage of some spiritual teacher who lived on earth 2,000 years ago; it is to realize something so movingly true about the One Who created the very Sun and Moon and stars: that He is a deeply personal Being, so personal that He took on our nature and walked among us, looking at us through human eyes, and letting Himself be seen." Go HERE to read the rest of the writings from Fisheaters.




DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.

We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Start novena)



DAY ONE

(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)

Psalm 51, 3-4.
Have mercy on me, O God in your goodness, in your great tenderness wipe away my faults;
wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.

O most Holy Face of Jesus, look with tenderness on us who are sinners. You are a merciful God, full of love and compassion. Keep us pure of heart, so that we may see Thee always. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us; Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.

Prayer to Our Almighty Father

Almighty Father, come into our hearts, and so fill us with your love that forsaking all evil desires, we may embrace you, our only good. Show us, O Lord our God, what you are to us. Say to our souls, I am your salvation, speak so that we may hear. Our hearts are before you; open our ears; let us hasten after your voice. Hide not your Face from us, we beseech you, O Lord. Open our hearts so that you may enter in. Repair the ruined mansions, that you may dwell therein. Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for the sake of your only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever Amen.(St. Augustine)

Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be,
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Akita Prayer

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Thy Heart, being sacrificed at every instant on all the altars of the world and giving praise to the Father pleading for the coming of his Kingdom. Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as Thou wilt for the glory of the Glory of the Father and salvation of souls. Most Holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from Thine Divine Son. Please defend and protect me as Thy special child. Amen

Recipe of the Week-Buttermilk Waffles!

I wanted to get back on track with trying one new recipe a week. Especially with other things that are going on, for me, I have found that keeping busy and focusing on my family, children, and God given vocation, helps to ease the pain and see only the blessings and not so much all the suffering.:)

This weeks' recipe comes from the cook book, "American Classics." This cookbook contains just what one would think to find in an "American Cookbook." The simple standbys...Pies, cakes, fried chicken, roast and potatoes etc. However, it does not contain a wide variety of recipes. Rather, the cooks behind this book took the time to literally test hundreds of variations of recipes for each single item, and then only published the recipe that was the absolute best. Also, with each recipe comes a lengthy history and explanation of techniques needed to make it.

The recipe for this week is for Waffles. Now, this recipe is a bit particular and more detailed than most would be used to . (Including me:) However, I have to say that after making it exactly how it called for, it was worth it! These were the best waffles I have ever had...better even than a restaurant! They take a bit longer to make, but it is well worth it maybe on a Saturday or Sunday when you have the extra time.


BUTTERMILK WAFFLES

"The secret to great waffles is a thick batter, so don't expect a pourable batter. The optional dash of cornmeal adds a pleasant crunch to the finished waffle. This recipe can be doubled or tripled."

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup unbleached flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg separated
7/8 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled


PREPARATION:

1.) Heat a waffle iron. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Whisk the egg yolk with the buttermilk and butter.

2.) Beat the egg white until it just holds a 2 inch peak.

3.) Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients in a thin, steady stream while mixing gently with a rubber spatula. Toward the end of mixing, use a folding motion to incorporate the ingredients. Gently fold the egg white into the batter.

4.) Spread an appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron. Following the manufactures instructions, cook the waffle until golden brown, 2 to 5 minutes.

Quotes

"As soon as we abandon a secularistic interpretation of the Bible, we can perceive that, from a supernatural points of view, women are actually granted a privileged position in the economy of redemption. Those who persist in wearing secularistic lenses have eyes and do not see, have ears and do not hear. The bible cannot be understood except in an attitude of humble receptivity, that is "one one's knees." -excerpt from "The Privilege of Being a Women," by Alice von Hildebrand....Wonderful book!


"Prayer, Penance and courageous sacrifices can appease the anger of the Father..." -Our Lady of Akita to Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagaw

Creating a Memorial for a Baby

While listening to Catholic Radio recently I heard about this relatively new Shrine of the Holy Innocents, which is located next to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Massachusetts. This shrine has been created for the purpose of having a place to remember children lost through abortion, miscarriage and stillbirth. You can create a unique memorial for a lost child by going here and choosing an option that would fit your family.

There are also many spiritual benefits to creating a memorial for your lost baby as well:

Spiritual Benefits: All children memorialized at the shrine and their families will be remembered daily in the Rosary for Life, in the Holy Mass, and during the Hour of Great Mercy at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy and in special Masses on December 12 (the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe), December 28 (the Feast of the Holy Innocents), and on the third Saturday in July.

What a wonderful idea, and one that I think brings a certain sense of closer to it all.

God's Plans....

Well, they were not my own. Yesterday, the doctor confirmed that the little one I'm carrying stopped growing. Now, I will wait for "nature to takes it's course" and for the miscarriage to come.


I found it quite sympathetic, that I happened to get this news on the Traditional Feast of Mary's Purification. A Day when we celebrate first, Christ our Light (Candlemas) and second we remember Simeon's prophecy to the Blessed Mother:



And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed." -Luke 2:34-35


It seems it was a day of joy, and anticipation for her, but also a time of concern and sadness of what was to come. It is quite interesting to me because this feast seems to parallel perfectly some of the feelings mothers (I being one of them) feel when losing a child through miscarriage.

I now thank the Lord for His wise ways, ways that I will never understand, but can thankfully accept only through the grace of Faith that he has given me. His crosses are sent to those he loves, I can vouch for this personally. God Is Good and I really believe (even more so now) that all through our lives...all the day to day occurrences and all the big loses and big gains too....are all given to us to make us holy and to pave the path to Sainthood a little bit smoother for us all.

Now, I look at my children and family and I hold them a bit tighter, and it seems for the moment I am appreciating what I have much more than prior to this second miscarriage. I'm sure that this is only the first blessing that will come from this experience.

I think I have said this before, but I do truly believe that a miscarriage (especially now during the times we live in) is a unique cross from our Father. A cross, that if embraced can perform amazing miracles within our souls.


Prayer to Do God's Will

God, our Father, help us not to lose sight of heavenly realities while we apply ourselves diligently to the circumestances of our earthly lives. Enable us to hear Your voice, follow Your will, pursue Your purpose, and accept Your judgments. Help us to act to please You rather than ourselves or others. And after our earthly lives are over, let us be united with Your Son in the unity that You share with Him and the Holy Spirit. Amen