Lena {JOYfilledfamily}

16 Weeks

September 6, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Baby, Pregnancy

This sono pic was a consolation for a brief cross that led me to the arms of my Blessed Mother, where I so desire to stay but often times slip away.

All is well – DEO GRATIAS!

May His will be done!

~~~

Our Lady, Help of Mothers

During Pregnancy

Dearest Mary, I look to you now for the help of your maternal love. You understand my trials as an expectant mother. You bore Jesus in your womb. You know the doubts and anxieties that beset me; you know the bodily suffering I endure. Like you, may I turn all these sorrows into joy. You overcame anxiety by a loving trust in God; you overcame doubt by gentle resignation to His will.
Your motherhood lifted your mind above earth and kept it close to God.
So speak to Jesus now with me, beloved Mother, as I seek prayerfully to learn to bear the trials of motherhood with joy.
Mother of Perpetual Help, Pray for me!

Called to Serve

September 2, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Girls, Little Flowers, RMGS

It wasn’t an easy decision to make but it was covered in prayer and brought to direction, I have moved on from leading Little Flowers. I spent a total of six years leading a Little Flowers group for my daughters and community. Ultimately, that’s why I do it, to fulfill my vocation as a mother to my girls to serve my community – ALL FOR! It has been challenging at times due to my many limitations but Dad and the kids support me in all ways possible. A break from all leadership roles has sounded ideal to me on more than one occasion. Yet, the good Lord, often times through my husband, encourages me on – to grow, to serve, and to love!

I was led this year to step down from one role to fill another. I will now lead Rosa Mystica Girls’ Society (RMGS), a group of girls from ages 9-13, forty-one girls to be exact. A dedicated and talented mother within my parish community created RMGS. She successfully led the girls in domestic skills, devotion to Our Lady, and a baby blanket ministry for the local pregnancy resource home for several years. She had to move on from leadership this year due to a new season in her life. Her shoes could not be filled without His grace, the grace that prompted me to rally a partner and serve once again.

It also helped to have early discussions with Margaret and Jessica. It’s my hope to share (on my blog) some of what my partner and I will be offering the girls in RMGS.

Sparkles is a member of RMGS, Sweetie will spend another year in Little Flowers, and Rose continues to be actively enrolled in Sodality. I’m praying for the grace and energy to persevere in this task that I have been called to.

Our Lady of the Mystical Rose, pray for us!

Blessed Mother Teresa Novena

August 29, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Blessed Mother Teresa, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Novena, Pro-Life

“In the silence of our hearts, God speaks of His love; with our silence, we allow Jesus to love us.” ~Mother Teresa

August 28-September 5

Blessed Mother Teresa Novena

Mother Teresa was called from this world on September 5, 1997.

Father of Life,
You always defend the poor and oppressed.
In Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, You raised up
a voice for the voiceless
And a friend to the poorest of the poor, the unborn child.
She brought women away from the
despair of abortion clinics
To the hope of a loving community
That cared for her and her child.
She spoke the truth to men and women of power,
Asking them how we could tell people
not to kill one another
While allowing a mother to kill her own child.
Father, as we honor this humble and faithful woman,
We ask you to give us the grace To follow her example.
May we be bold in word and generous in action
To love and serve the unborn
And to awaken our world to know, as Mother Teresa said,
That the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.
Fill us with love, bring us peace, and let
us share your life forever.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

~~~

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Novena to Blessed Teresa with daily quotes/meditations from Mother Teresa

(Prayed each day of the Novena)

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary,

Cause of Our Joy, pray for me.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me.

Poo-Free

August 24, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Hair, Natural Beauty

I finally did it! I went shampoo free a little over a month ago. I went pretty basic to start with, baking soda and water. I’ve been surprised with the results, good surprised. Yet, I’m still trying to find the right combo for my thick hair. It probably doesn’t help that I started during my pregnancy when my hormones are constantly changing.

Rose seems to have it figured out. The littles don’t seem to mind either way but they do miss the foaming suds.

I’ve been playing around a bit with castile soap in our hair solution mix. If anything, it’s been great for our skin.

I hope to try a new hair solution this month. Feel free to chime in with your advice for long super thick hair.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

August 23, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: {phfr}

{pretty}

sisters dancing together at the Parish Pig Roast

{happy}

i’m back to blogging. it helped that I upgraded my picasa storage. blogger was blocking me from posting pics since I exceeded my storage capacity. the other part to the story is really bittersweet since it means that I have been experiencing some down time. I realize that down time isn’t a bad thing it’s only when it comes from not being able to function outside of my bed. offering it up!

~~~

indoor camp out with cousins

{funny}

the boys working hard during clean-up time.

the kids take a swim break at noon everyday. I don’t know what’s funnier, dragonfly with his snorkel goggles or the fact that they’re dads and he wears them on a regular basis.

{real}

I crawled out of bed last night to join the family for rosary time. this is where I found everyone. dad coordinated an outdoor rosary on the trampoline. ALL FOR!

~~~

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

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