Lena {JOYfilledfamily}

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!

True to the RedWHITEBLUE

August 23, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: July 4th

I’m just getting around to posting my Fourth of July pics.

can you believe that we couldn’t find the girls flag-handprint t-shirts? turns out that we left them at church.

I think this is dragonfly’s favorite celebration of the year

the day was enjoyed by the little kids and big kids – glow in the dark silly string

the cups turned hand protectors were one of the best creations that I’ve made from pinterest

all the kids enjoyed simple activities

uma was happy to be with the family but didn’t care for the fireworks. sparkles and sweetie dressed her up for the celebrations.

sparkles couldn’t resist the sweet treats

my crafty aunt joined us with hands filled with her crafty creations

the pics above were taken by my talented sis. shared with permission, I think.

my sis and I tried to keep the menu clean – gluten-free, processed food free, and plenty of yummy meat. ignore the candy.

the sparklers weren’t what they used to be. the kids couldn’t even spell their names in the air. good thing they didn’t seem to mind.

more simple fun

dad taking the ~~kids~~ dog for a walk

creating patriotic sidewalk art has become sparkles’ 4th of July tradition

~~~

May God Bless the RED*WHITE*BLUE!

Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Ora pro nobis

poster made by sparkles for her RMGS retreat

Snack, Meals, and Treats

August 23, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Dessert, Dinner, Lunch, Recipes

simple homemade chicken soup – my staple meal these days

gluten free blueberry muffins – in celebration of the Assumption of BVM

gifted homemade bread made from unadulterated wheat & homemade jam– this bread was delish and enjoyed by all in a small quantity. interestingly enough, it did not have any adverse effects on us.

egg salad avocado boats

my late night craving and dragonfly’s breakfast

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

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