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striving to radiate Him always

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{pretty, happy, funny, real} Fall Edition

October 25, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: {phfr}, Fall, Papi, RMGS, RMGS 2012-13

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

mumkin JOY

Mumkins!  We made three of these beauts for the RMGS bake sale.  I saw the idea on BHG and Pinterest, of course.  Here’s the best inspiration/tutorial that I found.

{happy}

pumpkin cleaning JOY

Dad and the littles helped prep the pumpkins for the mumkins. 

Dragonfly was less thrilled about actually putting his hand in the goo but would take an occasional stab at it, only getting one seed out at a time.

RMGS Bake Sale JOY

The RMGS Bake Sale was a success!

{funny}

Papi at the bake sale JOY

This is Papi at the bake sale.  He prefers nature’s candy.  I found these pics on my camera when I went to upload.  Turns out the girls from the bake sale tied him up in the kitchen.  I’m not sure how long it lasted but he didn’t seem to mind.  NO MORE FRUIT CUPS!!!

{real}

Installation of Fr. McNeely as Pastor JOY

It’s official, our parish now has a Pastor.  Deo Gratias!!

~~~

{PRETTY, HAPPY, FUNNY, AND REAL}

Anything for a Friend

October 17, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Uncategorized

Melody has generously given me a blog award.  I must say, I share her sentiment…

I must confess that I am a terribly ungracious blog award-receiver in general. They often come with requirements and I usually procrastinate and then don’t end up acknowledging the kindness.

I’ve failed to follow the guidelines for blog awards for far too long.  I apologize to all those who have graciously acknowledged my blog with an award in the past – trust that your intentions were added to my prayers.

~~~

This one is for you Melody!  The good Lord has blessed me through your blog and even more so through your friendship.  I will forever hold a place in my heart for you and your dear family.  You have and continue to play an important role in my journey.  You amaze me with your talents especially your way with words.  You put a voice to my heart’s promptings and provide me solace, knowing that I am not alone.  More impressive than your talents are your desire and willingness to lay everything aside for Him. 

I will continue to hold you near in prayer.  May the Good Lord give you the grace to live the radical life, inspire and lead many souls home.

I too, pray that we meet one day if it be His holy will.  Until then, you know my number.  Smile

7 Things about Myself

  1. I’m not a procrastinator, I just work best under pressure. Which is what I’m doing now.  I should be working on final details for a bake sale that is scheduled for this Sunday but instead I’m here, blogging away.
  2. I’m currently fighting the temptation to become overwhelmed with having another boy on the way.  The moments when I witness one little man jumping off the table with scissors in hand towards another little man do not help the temptation.
  3. I can easily see myself living as a hermit or perhaps in the cloistered life especially when I’m post rage from the example given in #2.
  4. My heart was melted several weeks ago.  Dad went to help his mom clean out  her attic.  He came home with a few boxes full of treasures.  One of which contained a large ziploc bag full of letters.  Turns out that Dad saved every letter I ever wrote him while in high school. Sweetness!  I’ve shared more sweetness about my beloved here.
  5. I’m a wannabe crunchy, homestead loving, minimalist….. You saw the “wannabe,” right?  I desire to go al’ natural in almost all areas of my life but fear that my laziness lack of know how will lead me to failure.  I even dream about living off the grid.  Dad humors supports me for the time being.  We pray to joyfully go where the good Lord leads us!
  6. I’m not very good at majority of things but I’m often told how gifted, confident, blessed with time, talented…I am.  The truth is, His grace allows me to fake it until I make it.  Showing up is the real challenge.  I’ve learned if I just show up He can do the work.  He is my everything!!!
  7. On a more serious note, I have a cross, a secret of sorts.  I have sought direction and received absolution.  I have peace but consequences remain.  Dad and I have committed to carry this cross on our own and not burden others with it at this time in our lives.  I share this for three reasons.  One, too often we look at our neighbor and think that they have it all together and they don’t struggle like we do.  The reality is, as children of God, we all have a cross to bear.  Let’s keep our eyes on Him!!  The second reason I share this news is because I sense that many believe there is time to ask for forgiveness. To those that fall into this category, I urge you, DO NOT BE PERSUMPTIOUS for you know neither the day or the hour – seek forgiveness today!  Lastly, your sins of today will forever leave a mark on you while on earth – consequences.  Yes, the Good Lord forgives all that come before Him with true repentance but we are human and live in an imperfect world.  Do not tread the waters lightly.  Avoid unnecessary occasions of sin, pray for spiritual protection always, and visit the sacraments often.  Make frequent acts of reparation! 

7 Other Bloggers

This is a tough one for me since I have many blogs that I follow and Melody and Tiffany have already been included with this award. I hope to be back soon with my 7 nominations.

~~~

The rules:

  • Recipients need to thank the giver Include the logo of the award in a post or on your blog (yup.)
  • Post 7 things about yourself
  • Pass the award onto 7 other bloggers of your choice and let them know they’ve been nominated 
  • Day 9: Pregnancy Loss ~ 31Days of reflections from a pregnant mama

    October 15, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: 31 Days, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, pro, Pro-Life Leave a Comment

    Wave of Light

    There is plenty that I could write on this topic but nothing more powerful than the healing received through prayer. 

    My soul is deprived of peace,
    I have forgotten what happiness is;
    I tell myself my future is lost,
    all that I hoped for from the Lord.

    But I will call this to mind,
    as my reason to have hope:
    The favors of the Lord are not exhausted,
    his mercies are not spent;
    They are renewed each morning,
    so great is his faithfulness.
    My portion is the Lord, says my soul;
    therefore I will hope in him. 
    ~ Lamentations 3:17-18, 21-24

    I’m passing along a tradition that I just became aware of, Wave of Light: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. 

    A tradition on this day is that at 7:00 pm in each time  zone a Wave of Light will move across the country, and the world. All families who have lost a baby either by pregnancy or infant death should light a candle and leave it burning for at least one hour. The wave of light will serve as a reminder that there are those of us who still remember – and those who have not suffered a loss pause to surround us in love.

    My family will be lighting five candles this evening in honor of our blessings in heaven. 

    May my beloved children and saints; Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Teresa Agnes, and Maria Luisa ~ pray for us!

    I was directed to this tradition via FB friends and Catholic Sistas.

    ~~~

    This is day 9 of my pregnancy reflections. I realize that I am a few days behind.  I’m trying to own it and fight the urge to account my absence to placenta brain our sleep deprivation. 

    You can find the other posts of my 31 Days here.

    Simple Costumes

    October 15, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: All Saints Day, Costumes 3 Comments

    tunic cut

    Sparkles and Sweetie finished up the base of their costumes two weeks ago.  Sparkles couldn’t wait to sew something after her first sewing project.  Sweetie jumped on board.

    I followed a simple tutorial for a tunic (Bible time costume) that I found on YouTube.  My fabric is sheets from the thrift store. 

    The girls sewed their tunics and are gathering accessories.  We hope to have every thing completed by the end of this week.

    We opted to purchase the boy’s costumes this year.  Originally, Papi wanted to be St. George and make Dragonfly the dragon.  I almost went for it since Nana bought Dragonfly a darling dragon sweat suit like costume.  Needless to say, I backed out of that idea – it just didn’t feel right having my lil’ guy representing the Devil.  Good call, I know.  Smile

    Dad spotted the perfect costumes at Costco.  We couldn’t pass them up at $24 a piece!  It’s all about simplicity in our house these days!

    warriors for Christ

    The boys have been wearing their costumes daily since September. 

    Day 8: Date Night ~ 31 Days of reflections from a pregnant mama

    October 13, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: 31 Days, Marriage, Pregnancy 2 Comments

    Store up your love bank – take as many date nights as possible while you’re waiting for your new bundle of joy.  Date nights will be few and far between for the first few months once the baby arrives.

    ~~~

    I needed this reminder today.  Dad came home and sDate Night 10.12.12aid, “Let’s go out tonight.”  I was still in my workout clothes from my 6am walk.  My eyes were bloodshot and I politely declined his invitation so I could plop myself in bed.  It took all about ten minutes for me to realize what I had just done – dissed my husband for no good reason.  I give thanks for His grace to help me see things clearly – I have a husband who wants to be with me!

    Deo gratias!!!

    We had a short and sweet date night to the movies.  We had plenty of conversation.  Nonetheless, we’ll be certain to take our Date Night Questions the next time we go out.

    Gift cards are one of the best gifts to give a couple with a handful of children.  They make date nights an easy option without the guilt of spending money.  Dad and I love gift cards!!!

    ~~~

    This is day 8 of my pregnancy reflections. I realize that I am a few days behind, four days to be exact.  I’m trying to own it and fight the urge to account my absence to placenta brain our sleep deprivation. 

    You can find the other posts of my 31 Days here.

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    Hi! I'm Lena, mama of JOYfilledfamily.
    We are a traditional Catholic family striving to live for Jesus Christ in everything we do. We pray to completely surrender our will to His and to become His servants. Our mission of this blog is to share our JOY.

    This blog serves as a journal of us making good memories, living the liturgical year, and our spiritual journey.

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