share our JOY

JOY{filled}family

striving to radiate Him always

It’s a…

by Filed Under: Baby, Our Lady of La Leche, Prayer, Pregnancy, Uncategorized 3 Comments

OurLadyofLaLecheBaby G4 is set to arrive in Jan 2015.  We opted for a 20 (23.3) week ultrasound (9.30.14) given the past reports.  The results were bitter sweet.  The baby is doing fine but there was bad news regarding my anatomy.  We will know more at 28 weeks (10.31.14).  We continue to pray for healing, protection. and peace as we wait for better confirmation.

Prayer to Our Lady of La Leche during Pregnancy

O Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Your tender Mother, Our Lady of La Leche, who bore You close to her heart during those long months before Your birth, I place my baby and myself entirely in Your Hands. Free me, I beseech You, from useless and consuming worry. Accept the sacrifice of my aches and pains, which I unite to Your sufferings on the Cross. Above all, most merciful and loving Jesus, protect this child You have given to me from all harm, bestowing the health and vigor every baby needs. Implant in my heart and on my lips the words and prayers of Your Mother and mine, our Lovely Lady of La Leche. All this I ask that my child and I may live to praise forever Your Holy Name. Amen.

 

The good news, we were able to find out the baby’s gender.

The Predictions

 

The Reveal

St. Luke, Evangelist

by Filed Under: 10 October, 10 October Saints, St. Luke Leave a Comment

May Luke, Thy holy Evangelist, O Lord, we beseech Thee, intercede in our behalf, who for the honour of Thy name bore continually in his body the mortification of the cross. Through our Lord

St_Luke

SAINT LUKE
Evangelist

October 18 – DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED

St. Luke, the inspired author of the third Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles, was a native of Antioch in Syria and a physician, and one of the early converts from paganism. He accompanied St. Paul on a considerable part of his missionary journeying, even companioning him in prison at Rome on two different occasions. His account of these events, contained in the Acts, is firsthand history.
Luke’s Gospel is, above all, the Gospel of the Merciful Heart of Jesus. It emphasizes the fact that Christ is the salvation of all men, especially of the repentant sinner and of the lowly. Legend says that Luke painted the Blessed Virgin’s portrait. It is certainly true that he painted the most beautiful word-picture of Mary ever written.

Patron: Artists; bachelors; bookbinders; brewers; butchers; glassworkers; goldsmiths; lacemakers; notaries; painters; physicians; sculptors; stained glass workers; surgeons.

Symbols: Winged ox; winged calf; ox; picture of the Virgin; palette and brushes; phials of medicine; physician’s robes; easel; book and pen; hatchet; wooden horse; books of his Gospel and of the Acts; bishop; painting an icon of our Lady.

 

Resources:saint-luke

Crafts & Activities

Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

by Filed Under: 10 October, 10 October Saints, Christ the King, Novena 1 Comment

christthekingTraditional – Last Sunday in October

Novena to Christ the King

Pray once a day for 9 days, especially beginning 10 days before the Feast of Christ the King (the last Sunday in October).

Saturday October 18 – Sunday, Oct. 26, the traditional Feast of Christ the King in 2014

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be before praying the following prayer:
O Lord our God, Thou alone art the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations.
We pray to Thee, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from Thee, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things. Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth.
Guard us we pray, Most Faithful One. Protect us from our enemies and from Thy just judgment. Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against Thee.
Jesus, Thou art a King of Mercy. We have deserved Thy just judgment. Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us. We trust in Thy Great Mercy.
O most awe-inspiring King, We bow before Thee and pray: may Thy reign, Thy Kingdom, be recognized on earth. Amen.

Novena to Christ the King

JESUS, Thou didst declare that Thy Kingdom is upon the earth, but not of the earth; it is a spiritual, supernatural Kingdom, the Kingdom of truth. It fights with the power of conviction, and conquers by this means the hearts that by right belong to it. Thou Thyself art witness to this truth, and Thou Thyself art the Truth.

Jesus, I believe that Thou art truly a King because Thou hast come into the world to institute among people the rule of God; every person who is of the truth, who believes in God and recognizes His authority in human affairs, owes Thee a loyal and undivided allegiance and “hears Thy voice.”

As a Catholic I am a member of Thy Kingdom, and Thou art my King. To Thee I owe loyalty, obedience, and love. Help me to carry out these most sacred duties toward Thee. I wish to be “of the truth ” that is “a child of God” and gladly to hear Thy voice and follow Thee in all things. I accept Thee as my King and submit to Thy authority.

Reign supremely in my heart and in my life. Thy reign is heavenly peace; Thy law is love. Help me to pray and work that Thy Kingdom may come into every soul, every family, every nation.

Jesus, since I honor Thee as my King, I come to Thee with great confidence, asking Thee to grant this special favor, if it be Thy holy Will:

(Mention your request).

Lord Jesus Christ, my King, I adore Thee as the Son of God, and through the prayers of Thy most loving Mother I beg of Thee, send me from out of the abundance of Thy loving Heart the grace of the Holy Spirit in order that He may enlighten my ignorance, purify and sanctify my sinful heart, and confirm me in Thy holy love. This I request through the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit, through Thine infinite mercy, and through the merits of all Thy Saints. Amen.

Consecration

CHRIST, Jesus, I acknowledge Thee as King of the universe. All that has been made has been created for Thee. Make full use of Thy rights over me.

I renew the promises I made in Baptism when I renounced Satan and all his pomps and works. I promise to live a good Christian life. Especially, I undertake to help, to the extent of my means, to secure the triumph of the rights of God and of Thy Church. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer Thee my poor efforts so that all hearts may acknowledge Thy sacred Royalty and the Kingdom of Thy peace may be established throughout the entire universe. Amen.

jesus christmasGraphicsFairy

Iesu dulcissime, Redemptor

Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Feast of Christ the King

On the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated on the last Sunday of October (the Sunday before the Feast of All Saints) and initiated in 1925 by Pius XI in his Encyclical Quas Primas, there follows after the Mass a Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We kneel before the Sacrament and recite the following consecration. Afterwards, there is a Litany and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In praying the Consecration, going to Confession, and receiving the Eucharist on this day (when devoutly done), the faithful receive a plenary indulgence.

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but, to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart.

Many indeed have never known Thee; many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to Thy Father’s house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.

Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy towards the children of the race, once Thy chosen people: of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: “Praise be to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever.” Amen.

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who piously recite the Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King.  A plenary indulgence is granted, if it is recited publicly on the feast of our Lord Jesus Christ King.

Resources:

Prayers

Crafts

Activities:

Prayers for Employment

by Filed Under: 2014 Journey, Dad, Prayers, St. Joseph 2 Comments

st-joseph-the-worker-may-1

Please offer a prayer for my dear husband.  He has been without a job since May 2014.  You can read more about our journey here.   

He has an interview today (10.10.14) at 11AM PST for a job that would provide for our needs and keep him accessible to us.  We pray that he gets this position and can start this month if it be His holy will for us.

 

Prayer to St. Joseph for Employment

Dear Saint Joseph, you were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with fatherly compassion upon me in my anxiety over my present inability to support my family. Please help me to find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern will be lifted from my heart and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help us to guard against bitterness and discouragement, so that we may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings from God.  Amen.

 

 

Nine is Divine

by Filed Under: Birthday, GFG, Sweetie Leave a Comment

Sweetie turned nine this summer.  We opted for a simple celebration in keeping with tradition.

Here is a photo montage of our precious Sweetie over the last nine years.

Elexa's Baptism

Baptism – Days Old

Elexa 8.25.05

Weeks Old

Lexi

Months Old

Elexa's 1st bday

1 Year Old

10.27.2007 Lexi MBA

Toddler Years

Elexa at Little Flowers Ice Cream Social 5.2.07[4]

Early Little Flower Years

Elexa 2yr sept 2007 home from the hospital

Welcoming Baby Brother – 2 Years Old

Prolife baby

Standing for LIFE – 3 Years Old

Elexa 3yo 2008

Birthday Treasures – 4 Years Old

Elexa 5yrs

Birthday Buddies Celebration – 5 Years Old

sparkles-collage5

Ready for School – 6 Years Old

8.25.12-sweetie-and-her-cake_thumb6

Enjoying the Sweetness – 7 Years Old

Elexa 2012 7

7 Years Old

P8041241[18]

8 Years Old

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPraise God for Sweetie!

Flos Carmeli

by Filed Under: 07 July Saints, Marian, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 1 Comment

Flower of Carmel

Flos Carmeli was used by the Carmelites as the sequence for the Feast of St. Simon Stock, and, since 1663, for the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. It also appears in an ancient metrical office of Carmel as an antiphon and responsory. Its composition is ascribed to St. Simon Stock himself (ca 1165 – 1265).

FLOWER of Carmel,

Tall vine blossom laden;
Splendor of heaven,
Childbearing yet maiden.
None equals thee.

Mother so tender,
Who no man didst know,
On Carmel’s children
Thy favors bestow.
Star of the Sea.

Strong stem of Jesse,
Who bore one bright flower,
Be ever near us
And guard us each hour,
who serve thee here.

Purest of lilies,
That flowers among thorns,
Bring help to the true heart
That in weakness turns
and trusts in thee.

Strongest of armor,
We trust in thy might:
Under thy mantle,
Hard press’d in the fight,
we call to thee.

Our way uncertain,
Surrounded by foes,
Unfailing counsel
You give to those
who turn to thee.

O gentle Mother
Who in Carmel reigns,
Share with your servants
That gladness you gained
and now enjoy.

Hail, Gate of Heaven,
With glory now crowned,
Bring us to safety
Where thy Son is found,
true joy to see.

Amen.

Flos Carmeli perfromed by Rosa Mystica Girls’ Society, for Discalced Carmelite Nuns, after a traditional Latin Mass, at the Monastery.  Circa 2008

In His JOY,

We Continue to Strive to be TRUE Friends of the Cross ~ Thanksgiving & An Update

by Filed Under: 2014 Journey, Friends of the Cross 2014, Miscarriage, Prayers, Pregnancy, St. Louis De Monfort, Thanksgiving 8 Comments

My dear brothers and sisters, have faith in the word of God, for the Holy Spirit tells us that when we suffer cheerfully for God, the cross is the source of every kind of joy for all kinds of people. The joy that comes from the cross is greater than that of a poor man who suddenly comes into a fortune, or of a peasant who is raised to the throne; greater than the joy of a trader who becomes a millionaire; than of a military leader over the victories he has won; than of prisoners released from their chains. In short, imagine the greatest joy that can be experienced on earth, and then realise that the happiness of the one who bears his sufferings in the right way contains, and even surpasses, all of them.

  ~ St. Louis Marie de Montfort, Letter to the Friends of the Cross

~~~

My family has been showered with countless blessings during our recent trials.  The greatest blessing has been the life that continues to grow within – I am still pregnant. Deo gratias! I continue to rely on His grace.

JOYfilledbaby7weeks5daysduejan2015I have not miscarried as indicated with my earlier diagnosis. We were able to see our little blessing along with a heart beat at 7 weeks 5 days.

I’ve attempted, on several occasions, to give an update and share my family’s sincerest thanks for all the charity.  Here is my heart that I shared with my dear friend seeking to console me several weeks ago.

I have been so taken by everyone’s generosity.  I feel completely unworthy and not entirely in need.   I realize that my family’s needs are real but they seem so insignificant when I look around.  I’m left speechless but filled with emotions.  It is humility like I’ve never known.  I’m praying hard to remain joyful in the present moment, fighting seeds of resentment (scattered by the Evil One) for the wrongs done to us, and running from glimpses of despair as I begin to manifest what may lie ahead.   I’m left praying with every step and breath I take.  His love sustains me and his grace keeps me from becoming paralyzed.  I see clearly just how small I am.  Truly, I don’t want to leave this place.   There is peace that transcends all worldly understanding.

There has been much change in my spiritual progress but not much by way of the physical.  My attempts to extend a full update and offer words of thanksgiving continue to seem so inadequate.  So little in comparison to the generosity that has been extended to us – words are not enough at this time.  The only real thanks I can offer is to continue to pray for all our spiritual and physical benefactors.

My family will continue to pray for you in our daily rosary and family devotions. We will also be offering Masses for you.

MAY THE PERFECT LOVE OF GOD REIGN IN OUR HEARTS!

Storming Heaven

by Filed Under: 2014 Journey, Miscarriage, Prayers, Pregnancy 10 Comments


Thank you all for the continued prayers and generous offerings. Thank you to my dear friend, Melody, for sharing my story when I could not.  She respectfully left out a special detail…I am pregnant.  Gary and I found out this blessed news on Monday morning, the same day that my family was hit with the devastating blow.  My husband and I immediately said a prayer of thanksgiving and consecrated our precious new life to Jesus, through Mary.  

 

I was told yesterday that I have/will be miscarrying.  Please, if you could, spare another prayer for our precious gift and us.  My family is praying for a miracle and hoping that the diagnosis was wrong, only time will tell.  

 

Trust that you remain in our prayers. We will continue to unite our sufferings to His Most Holy Cross for your intentions.  

 

AD JESUM PER MARIAM

In His JOY,

Prayer Requests

by Filed Under: Prayers 26 Comments

I am humbly asking for prayers for my family.  We have suddenly experienced a stripping of basic material needs.  We trust that the Good Lord is leading us to complete abandonment.  May we cooperate with His grace and joyfully resign ourselves to His will.  May His peace fill us and may we give glory to Him, in all things, at all times.

I also ask for prayers for a special family.  May the Good Lord grant them healing and soften their hearts so that they can become untied — ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

My family will unite this trial to His Most Holy Cross for your intentions and the intentions of Our Blessed Mother.

AD JESUM PER MARIAM

In His JOY,

Subscribe to our Newsletter