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my daybook

by Filed Under: Daybook

FOR TODAY monday, august 31
this is my first daybook. i just received a picture from an old soccer teammate. the picture was taken when i as 17. we traveled to washington d.c. and virgina for a soccer tournament. it was my last tourney before college. the picture made me smile and reminisce on my simple times as a youth. i’ve been mediating on this thought since, “simple times.” i believe we can embrace all things to glorify God and we must create simple times. this is my first effort for the week. pax – lena

Outside my window…the sun is shining and the heat is on high.
I am thinking…of all the things i need to get done before the official start of our school year…all those whom have requested my prayers.
I am thankful for…the air. Our Lord’s gentle prompting this morning. the safety of my family (my DH and kids had a tire blow-out on the freeway this morning while on their way to the first day of Latin class).
From the learning rooms…they are completely bare!!!…they’re in need of some redecorating…i think the new look always helps me more than them. i don’t plan on bringing much back in. we are trying to simplify in all areas. i only pray that my cold doesn’t take me off schedule.
From the kitchen…there is a mess everywhere you turn but i’m giving thanks for it and not going to let it frustrate me. you can definitely tell that little people live here.
I am wearing…black skirt and black (comfy shirt). i’m hoping i’ll be able to get a nap in soon to let my cold medicine kick in.
I am creating…little flowers lesson plans, binders, crafts, hair bows…..i recently (1 week ago) took the little flowers over when their long time leader stepped down. i’m also getting ready to take all the furniture outside to paint. hopefully my love will be back soon from sparkles’ dentist appt. although, he is sick too.
I am going…to stay home the remainder of the day to tackle 5 tasks on my to do list.
I am reading…The Education of Catholic Girls by Janet Erskine Stuart.
I am hoping…that my saline treatments will rid me of this cold soon so i can keep on task.
I am hearing…papi singing while he plays. he is talking more and has such a sweet disposition, when he’s not banging on things.
Around the house…the kids are turning each room into the forts. we are all prepping for the start of school and my last ditch effort for spring/summer cleaning.
One of my favorite things…adoration!!!
A few plans for the rest of the week:paint furniture, organize school books, purge, finalize plans for little flowers (our first meeting is on sat.), sit with my DH to work out our family schedule. first friday mass and benediction followed by our priest’s talk for kids.
Here is a picture…

inspired by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Novena to Blessed Teresa – Day 2

by Filed Under: Blessed Mother Teresa, Novena

~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Oh Lord Jesus, let me know…

by Filed Under: Spiritual Reflections

Petitions of St. Augustine
Oh Lord Jesus, let me know…
Oh Lord Jesus, let me know myself, let me know Thee,
And desire nothing else but Thee.
Let me hate myself and love Thee,
And do all things for the sake of Thee.
Let me humble myself, and exalt Thee,
And think of nothing else but Thee.
Let me die to myself, and live in Thee,
And except whatever happens has coming from Thee.
Let me forsake myself and walk after Thee,
And ever desire to follow Thee.
Let me flee from myself, and turn to Thee,
That so I may deserve to be defended by Thee.
Let me fear from myself, let me fear Thee,
And be amongst those who are chosen by Thee.
Let me distrust myself, and trust in Thee,
And will to obey for the love of Thee.
Let me cleave to nothing but only to Thee,
And be poor for the sake of Thee.
Look upon me, that I may love Thee.
Call me, that I may see Thee
And for ever posses Thee.
Amen.

Novena to Blessed Teresa

by Filed Under: Blessed Mother Teresa, Novena

On Friday, August 28 we will start a Novena and meditations to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, found here. Priests for Life is also starting a special novena to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. The novena will end on September 5, the anniversary of her death, in 1997.


“Keep the JOY of loving God in your heart and share this JOY with all you meet especially your family. Be holy – let us pray.” ~ Mother Teresa


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.

Mother Teresa Novena
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.

Two Birthdays and an Anniversary

by Filed Under: Anniversary, Happy Birthday

Papi turned 2 and Sweetie turned 4. My DH and I celebrated our anniversary. It has been a busy week thus far.


There was no need for our birthday tradition, date night with mom and dad. The little ones didn’t want to go it alone. They (we) choose their own simple celebration. We chose to have Papi’s celebration at the pool (where his party was last year). They have kiddie water slides and a wadding pool which he loves. Sweetie had her heart set on the Zoo. I love that they are so simple and take JOY in the smallest things.



My DH and I managed to get an evening away for our anniversary dinner. Thanks to Papa and Nana.

Heavenly Father, We praise You for all Your gifts to us.
In a special way, We thank You for Papi & Sweetie.
Bless them always in Your love.
Bless us too, Holy Father.
Help us all to praise You and give You glory Through
Our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Amen

Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

by Filed Under: Baptism, Marian, Sacraments, Year for Priests

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Old Calendar: Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today was extra special. Not only was it the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, it was my nephew’s baptism. My DH was the Godfather, Nino. Father D baptised Baby M, consecrated him to Our Lady and also gave him a special blessing in honor of the Year for Priests. Praise be to God for our Faithful Priests.

~ Encyclical AD CAELI REGINAM, Pope Pius XII

Ring the Alarm!!

by Filed Under: Boys, Happy Birthday, Papi

Papi loves it. He hasn’t slept in it yet, I’m not ready.

When we picked it up from our friend’s house he was home sleeping. My DH couldn’t wait for him to see the surprise. Papi took a double look as he walked down the stairs. He smiled from ear to ear when he realized it was his.

I guess we could have saved it until his birthday (next Mon). Oh well, Happy (early) Birthday!

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

by Filed Under: Assumption, Family Night, Marian

All-powerful and ever-living God, you raised the sinless Virgin Mary, mother of your Son, body and soul to the glory of heaven. May we see heaven as our final goal and come to share her glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.






We celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with family and friends. We first attended Mass together, where the elder girls (5) sung in the High Mass. Then we retreated home to but the little ones (6) to rest. All (17 between 2 families) arrived refreshed for a JOYous time. Here was the rainbow cake that Sweetie chose, in honor of Mary. She was able to choose since her feast day is in August.

Your Assumption was for you not only the crowning of a holy life, but also a cause of joy and triumph for the human race. Just as the patriarchs in Limbo had beheld your birth as the breaking of that dawn which announced to them their near deliverance, so, too, your Assumption, together with the Ascension of Jesus, became for mortal man a sure pledge of resurrection and immortality.

Mary, My Mother, I wish to recall this triumph and to share in your greatness and glory. – Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.

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