Lena {JOYfilledfamily}

Faith Cupcake

September 13, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Little Flowers, Recipe, St. Catherine of Siena

I decided to make this cupcake for Little Flowers Wreath I ~ St. Catherine of Siena and the virtue of faith. I found the idea at Skip To My Lou.

SUPPLIES:

yellow cake mix
buttercream frosting
chocolate frosting
chocolate puff cereal
cupcake liners
Golden Yellow gel icing color
star tip for icing

DIRECTIONS:

Bake cupcakes as desired. I used a box mix of yellow cake.

Frost the middle of the cake with chocolate frosting.

Dip the frosted cupcake into chocolate puff cereal. Save this step for later if you plan to refrigerate the cupcake. If not, the cereal will loose it’s crunch and become stale.

Using a star tip, frost around the chocolate top of the cupcake with buttercream frosting that has been dyed yellow using Golden Yellow gel icing color.

Here is a great buttercream frosting recipe. 1 batch is enough for approximately 36 cupcakes.

Family Retreat

September 9, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Labor Day, Vacation

We spent our Labor Day weekend at Lake Tahoe with Godparents and Godchildren.

ice cold water * 30 ft jumps * row boat * sand castles * bubbles in the wind * hikes * paddle boarding * river rocks * family * relaxation * late bedtimes * picnics * fishing * canoe rides * birthday * sand * dinner co-op * Mother Teresa’s feast day * 18 children * 6 adults * family prayer nights * morning offerings * blessings

Make A Wish!

August 31, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Birthday, GFG, Papi

Sweetie turned 5 the day after Papi turned 3. They both opted out of our birthday tradition, to have a date with mom and dad. They wanted to continue their yearly pool party. We have scaled back tremendously over the years – trying to simplify.

Papi and Sweetie hardly got out of the water. Although, Papi is the only toddler I saw get out to use the restroom. I lost count after the 4th visit to the bathroom. I couldn’t believe it, this from a boy who makes his mark on the carpet in our home.

Sweetie swam till her eyes were burning. She didn’t even care to open her presents (at the pool).

They both opened their presents at home. They were delighted with their new treasures. Sweetie received a lovely costume jewelry necklace that she was so pleased with. However, she did not know where she was going to “put it.” Sparkles immediately offered, “you can put in my jewelry box. You can have it. It’s your present.” My heart leaped. Sparkles ability to be detached and give at anytime always proves to be a great witness to us all.

I give thanks for our children (GFG) and each day You grant us. I pray that all of our GFG walk in Your light and be filled with Your JOY.

100th In Review

August 31, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Blessed Mother Teresa, Crafts, Mother Teresa of Calcutta

We celebrated Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday with great JOY & simplicity.

Indian Fried Bread – Catholic Cuisine

Mother Teresa Embroidery Pattern – Waltzing Matilda

Mother Teresa Novena

3rd Day

“I Thirst”

“Follow His footsteps in search of souls. Carry Him and His light into the homes of the poor, especially to the souls most in need. Spread the charity of His Heart wherever you go and so satiate His thirst for souls.”

~ Mother Teresa

4th day

Our Lady Will Help You

“If we stand with Our Lady, she will give us her spirit of loving trust, total surrender and cheerfulness.”

~ Mother Teresa

God Speaks In Silence

August 27, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Blessed Mother Teresa, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Novena

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

We are starting a novena to Bl. Teresa of Calcutta today, Aug. 27. It will end on September 5, her feast day.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta
(August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997)

Beatification – October 19, 2003
Optional Memorial
September 5th

NOVENA TO BLESSED TERESA OF CALCUTTA

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

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.

“Jesus is my All in All”

~~~

Complete meditations for this novena can be found here.

The bolded quotes are Mother Teresa’s words.

~~~

First Day – Know the Living Jesus

Thought for the day:

“Don’t search for Jesus in far lands; He is not there. He is close to you; He is in you.”

Ask for the grace of an intimate knowledge of Jesus.