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Living on Grace

by Filed Under: 7 Day Challenge, My Journey 2 Comments

Day 2:  7 Day Challenge

My day started great.  Dad served me my usual breakfast in bed.  I said my prayers and got ready for the day.  I was a bit nervous to be left without my support team, Dad and Rose.  I sent them off by 9am.  Rose had a Career Shadow at the local university and Dad went to study.  I tried to remain on my feet for as long as I could since I often can’t pry myself off the couch once I sit.  Things were looking promising and my energy was stable.  I served up the kids and got them working on school.  Again, I wanted to avoid sitting.

I decided to take advantage of the glimmer of energy so I started a batch of homemade mayo.  This is my umpteenth attempt.  I was inspired to give it another shot by Michele.  I followed the recipe from The Clothes Make The Girl.  I was confident that I would have success with the mayo since I have had great results with other recipes found at that site. 

homemade mayo2012-03-21

I spent longer than desired at what many have coined, a simple task.  The outcome was an unfinished product.  Not only do I lack energy but I also lack patience.  I stopped the mixing and refrigerated the liquid mayo for a later time.

It’s a sad reality when standing in a kitchen for 20 minutes with an emulsion blender can completely zap one’s energy – it’s my reality.  I was sidelined for most of the day, praying for enough strength and grace to care for the littles.

“Jesus, may I be ‘impelled by that energy of’ Yours ‘which is so powerful a force within me’ (Col 1:29).

—
Food:
I keep a food log for my health management.  I’m trying to dial in my aliments.  I must be certain that I don’t stress my body unnecessarily.  Wellness Mama introduced me to FITDAY.  Fitday has some great tools.  I’m finding the nutritional breakdown to most helpful.  It serves as a wonderful visual for me.   Before Fitday, I used LiveStrong’s My Plate.  Please note that I do NOT recommend measuring food for everyone.

Breakfast:  IMG_1408

  • 2 – organic, free range eggs
  • 3 – bacon

Snack:

  • 2 – bacon
  • 3 – grape tomatoes

Lunch:

  • 4 – B.A.T.  Bacon, Avocado, Tomato
  • 1 – TBLS salvaged homemade mayo

Snack:

  • 3 – fresh strawberries

Dinner:

  • 1.5 cups – Spinach Salad
  • 1 – TBLS Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing using the homade mayo
  • 1 cup – Tri-tip

Drink:

Exercise:
My focus has been completely transformed from what it was six months ago.  Ideally, I would be working on increasing my strength and avoiding any exercise that makes me huff and puff.  Currently, I can only focus on not stressing my body.  I have not been able to take the advice of my trainer–to work on getting strong.  It’s s fine line for me to listen to my body and work through aliments to a healthier state.

If you think you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue, workouts that cause you to huff and puff might be making things worse (more cortisol = more stess and cravings). I’m going to suggest a change of plans for you (I’m talking to Lena here!). I’ve seen your squats and they are fantastic. I think it might be a good idea for you to take a break with module 3 and move into the heavy lift rotation and walking, no huffing and puffing. Let’s focus on getting you strong and lean by not creating any more stress and not worrying about your stamina for the moment. Send me a video of your deadlift and back squat when you can. Are you in?   ~ Jason S., EPLifeFit

    I was able to get in a 30 min walk around the block with my entire family.  Praise God!

    Sleep:
    This is a major component of my life that I have neglected for far too long.  It’s been a vicious cycle of sorts.  My aliments have caused me much difficulty with sleep and my poor sleep has caused me great difficulties with my aliments.  I have experienced some improvements in my sleep since going “paleo” in Sept. 2011.  I must continue to work on making sleep a priority.

    I went to bed at 9:30pm.  The dishes weren’t done, the house was a mess, lesson plans were incomplete, and dad was left to prep food for the following day.  It’s one of those things that I’m learning to offer up. I pray for His grace! 

    We all are inadequate to live the heroism of life in Christ, but God’s grace is sufficient to make His power perfect in us in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9).


    Kombucha Tea

    by Filed Under: 7 Day Challenge, Clean Eating, Drink, Lent, Probiotic Leave a Comment

    I’m grateful for a little blog encouragement.  Michele introduced me to the 7 Day Challenge.  I needed another re-start and have gladly accepted the chall7-day challengeenge.  I’ve applied to the challenge to my physical Lenten program.

    Today was Day 1 for me since Monday was the feast of St. Joseph, also known as dad’s day in my home.  I was called to a day of prayer and fasting for healing and reparation.  I share that with others only to give glory to God.  It is through fasting and prayer that I am brought closer to Him.  His grace is poured over me at my times in the desert.

    I have said it many times before, this journey that I have been brought to is much more than physical.  I desire a complete healing if it is His will for me.  Most of of all, I desire to completely and joyfully surrender to Him.  I must keep my eyes on Him, for I can do nothing without His grace.

    —home brewed kombucha

    Up until now I have eliminated many items from my diet and that of my family’s.  I have been gearing up to add nutrient dense items back into our diets.  I’m fighting my nature and trying to take it slow.  I don’t want to become overwhelmed or zap what little energy I currently have.  Instead, I want to enjoy the process of restoring my health and patiently follow His lead.  I do it all in prayer.

    My most recent addition to my diet has been kombucha tea.

    Kombucha is a living health drink made by fermenting tea and sugar with the kombucha culture. The result can taste like something between sparkling apple cider and champagne, depending on what kind of tea you use. It’s not what you’d imagine fermented tea to taste like.

    Many of the benefits reported include improvements in energy levels, metabolic disorders, allergies, cancer, digestive problems, candidiasis, hypertension, HIV, chronic fatigue and arthritis. It ‘s also used externally for skin problems and as a hair wash among other things. ~ Seeds of Health

    SCOBY

    I started brewing kombucha at the start of Lent.  I had planned for my kombucha to brew for 20-25 days but decided to cut it short in efforts to kick-start my Lenten program renewal – 7 day Challenge.  My kombucha brewed for 15 days.

    I started my kombucha with a scoby that was gifted to me by a friend from church.  It’s been fun to have another family at my parish who gets what I am trying to do for myself and family.  But I digress, I followed the recipe found at Cultures for Health and my team (Dad, Rose and I) watched their video – How to Make Kombucha Tea.

     

    kombucha supplies

    Little is needed to brew kombucha.  IMG_1135

    The process was much easier than I had anticipated.

    kombucha day 15IMG_1334

     

    kombucha home brew

    I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of kombucha tea.  It was not as vinegar-like as I had anticipated it to be.  I will definitely be having a glass or more a day.  As for my kids, the reviews are mixed.

    Recently Updated74

    Can you guess who likes it and who doesn’t?

    Like:  Sweetie – 6 and Dragonfly – 20 months

    Dislike: Sparkles – 8

    Tolerate: Rose – 16

    Absentee:  Papi – 4

    (He is still dramatized by his bout with organic apple cider.  I have the children drink small amounts of ACV on a regular and as-needed basis.  Papi must have experienced temporary amnesia because he demanded that he be served more.  Dad honored his request.  Papi was thrilled that he was being allowed to have juice.  He downed the ACV without a breath in his flurry of excitement.  I’m not sure how long it will take for him to recover from that episode.)

     

    I plan to add the kombucha tea to smoothies, dressings, and anything else that I can think of.  I also, have plans to flavor my kombucha tea.  My second batch is brewing as I type.

    Thy Will Be Done

    by Filed Under: GFG, Miscarriage

    Holy Slavery
    It is with a sad but joyful heart (only His grace could make that possible) that I announce the following news.  My beloved unborn baby, Maria Luisa has returned home.

    I give thanks and praise to the good Lord for blessing my family with another saint in heaven.  I pray that we will all be reunited with the five blessings that have gone before us.   I have not shared this reality with the littles, yet I pray that they will find peace and joy knowing that their family is not bound to this earth.
    I will continue to seek Holy Slavery and to joyfully conform to His holy will this Lenten season. 

    My beloved children and saints; Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Teresa Agnes, and Maria Luisa ~ orate pro nobis
    ~~~

    St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus

    O most loving Jesus, deign to let me pour forth my gratitude before Thee, for the grace Thou hast bestowed upon me in giving me to Thy holy Mother through the devotion of Holy Bondage, that she may be my advocate in the presence of Thy majesty and my support in my extreme misery. Alas, O Lord! I am so wretched that without this dear Mother I should be certainly lost. Yes, Mary is necessary for me at Thy side and everywhere: that she may appease Thy just wrath, because I have so often offended Thee; that she may save me from the eternal punishment of Thy justice, which I deserve; that she may contemplate Thee, speak to Thee, pray to Thee, approach Thee and please Thee; that she may help me to save my soul and the souls of others; in short, Mary is necessary for me that I may always do Thy holy will and seek Thy greater glory in all things. Ah, would that I could proclaim throughout the whole world the mercy that Thou hast shown to me! Would that everyone might know I should be already damned, were it not for Mary! Would that I might offer worthy thanksgiving for so great a blessing! Mary is in me. Oh, what a treasure! Oh, what a consolation! And shall I not be entirely hers’? Oh, what ingratitude! My dear Saviour, send me death rather than such a calamity, for I would rather die than live without belonging entirely to Mary. With St. John the Evangelist at the foot of the Cross, I have taken her a thousand times for my own and as many times have given myself to her; but if I have not yet done it as Thou, dear Jesus, dost wish, I now renew this offering as Thou dost desire me to renew it. And if Thou seest in my soul or my body anything that does not belong to this august princess, I pray Thee to take it and cast it far from me, for whatever in me does not belong to Mary is unworthy of Thee. O Holy Spirit, grant me all these graces. Plant in my soul the Tree of true Life, which is Mary; cultivate it and tend it so that it may grow and blossom and bring forth the fruit of life in abundance. O Holy Spirit, give me great devotion to Mary, Thy faithful spouse; give me great confidence in her maternal heart and an abiding refuge in her mercy, so that by her Thou mayest truly form in me Jesus Christ, great and mighty, unto the fullness of His perfect age. Amen.
    ~
    Moments of Grace – Suscipio

    Prayer & Fasting

    by Filed Under: Journal Entry, Lent, Miscarriage 2 Comments

    I continue to fall and He lifts me up.  I trust it is His will for me.  It requires me to keep my eyes on Him.  I can do nothing without His grace.Holy Slavery

    I have recently experienced another miscarriage.  This is my second miscarriage in six months, fourth in two years.   I continue to grieve and pray for a complete healing, Thy will be done.  I will continue to journey down this path that He has led me, a healthier lifestyle that will help me to better live out my vocation.

    I took some time “off.”  I didn’t binge or completely deviate from eating healthy.  Instead, I accepted what was before me and prayed that it would nourish me in the way that He desired.

    I find myself right where I started, physically and spiritually. I am vulnerable and in great need of His grace.

    Sept. 2011 – My flesh was weak and the trails continued. I was not able to make the necessary radical changes in my lifestyle. My sad normalcy continued. Eventually, my prayers were answered in the most undesirable way—I miscarried for the third time. My heart was broken and my womb ached. Still, I trusted that the Good Lord was leading me to something more. I prayed to surrender completely. I could not go on alone.

    “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong. ~2Corinthians 12:9-10

    I needed to be in full union with Our Lord. He called me to fully unite myself to Him. I sought direction and rallied my prayer warriors. I went forth to the desert to hear Him speak to me.

    I will return to the desert, where He calls me and where I am able to hear Him most clearly. My flesh is weak and my stay will solely depend on His grace.

    Please keep me in your prayers.

    Ad Jesum per Mariam,

    Lena

    {pretty, happy, funny, real} Lenten Edition

    by Filed Under: {phfr}, Lent 5 Comments

    {pretty}

    IMG_1302

    My littles have become an assembly line for Empty Tomb Gardens every since they I introduced the craft for a Little Flowers meeting.  They’ve been creating gardens as gifts for family and neighbors.

    I managed to veer them away from wheat grass long enough to help me with a different type of Easter Garden.  This garden was inspired by Ann @ A Holy Experience.

    I love to turn off all the lights and let the candle light of this garden illuminate my living room.

    It’s a beautiful reminder that through the suffering and crosses comes beauty – beauty that only He can provide.

    {happy}

    photo-2

    Dragonfly initiated his move from closet crib to big boy bed in brother’s room.  He couldn’t be happier. 

    He has slept for the past 13 days in his big boy without a fuss – dad and I couldn’t be happier.

    {funny}

    3.12 papi praying at the clinic

    I could classify this picture under all the categories but it gives me a chuckle every time I see it. 

    We’ve been praying a hour at the local clinic every Monday for 40 Days for Life.  Papi hold’s a sign when he want’s to and prays from his stroller prime spot when he’s not walking the sidewalk in prayer. 

    He used to hold a sign that read “I vote PROLIFE first.”  Papi refused to show the reverse of the sign that read, “I am the PROLIFE generation.” 

    Here’s from a prolife voter who is only 4 years old, your baby loves you!

    {real}

    There is no picture to reflect the reality of my soul.  There is an emptiness that only His grace can fill.

    I entered into Lent meditating on the following words of St. Chrysostom, "What folly to leave our goods where we cannot stay, instead of sending them before us where we are going — to heaven!”  This meditation has taken on a whole new meaning for me this Lent as I face the possibility that I have one more treasure going to heaving.  I pray that I accept His grace and truly surrender.  I desire to see Him and all my treasures.

    I pray…

    Hail Mary…

    As for my part here below, I wish for no other than that which was thine, to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures, to suffer joyfully without human consolation, to die continually to myself without respite, and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death, as the humblest of thy servants.

    The only grace I beg thee, for me, is that every moment of the day, and every moment of my life, I may say “Amen, so be it, to all that thou art doing in heaven. Amen, so be it, to all thou did do while on earth. Amen, so be it, to all thou art doing in my soul,” so that thou alone may fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity. Amen.

    ~ Excerpt from St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Mary

    ~~~

    {pretty, happy, funny, real}

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

    Empty Tomb ~ Easter Garden

    by Filed Under: Crafts, Easter, Lent 11 Comments

    Almighty and ever living God, whose Son Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene in a garden and called her to be the first witness of his Resurrection:  we beseech thee to bless this humble garden wherein we have a remembrance of the mighty acts by which we have been saved; grant that all those who see it may ponder and adore the glory of the Cross and the mystery of his Resurrection and may sing with joy the victory hymn; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen ~Station at an Easter Garden

    ~~~

    IMG_1189

    This a wonderful Lenten/Easter project for the entire family.  All ages will enjoy it.  I recently used this as a craft for my Little Flowers’ study on the virtue of fortitude.

    The Empty Tomb Garden provides a visual reminder of what we are preparing for during Lent, Christ’s Resurrection.

    An Easter garden has three essential features:  a mound with at least one cross to represent Calvary; a stone or stone structure to suggest the empty tomb; and lots of live greenery/flowers.

    The children will have an opportunity to tend and nurture their gardens during Lent and beyond.  They can meditate on Christ’s passion and offer an ejaculation while tending to their garden.

    We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
    Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

    The grass will grow within days.  It is wheat grass and can be eaten.  It symbolizes new life.

    The children will remove the stone on Easter morning and rejoice.

    ~~~

    I found my inspiration throughout the internet and Pinterest.  House of Joyful Noise provided a great tutorial.

    ~~~

    IMG_1214

    Supplies:

    Garden

    • Seed Starting Jiffy Mix ($3.80/bag – 1 bag made 14 mini gardeIMG_1052ns)
    • Decorative rocks ($5.59/large bag of Mountain Granite from HomeDepot – 80+mini gardens.  $1/small bag of decorative rocks from the Dollar Store – 2-3 mini gardens)
    • Gravel (this is used as a bottom layer, not much is needed.  I took my rock from my home gardenIMG_1048)
    • Wheat Berry ($.77/lb – 2lbs – 40 mini gardens.  I found my wheat berries at Winco in the bulk bin foods.)
    • Dessert Plastic Plates or shallow pots ($9.89/100 plates.  I used plastic plates because they were the most economical choice for a large group.  I found my plates at Smart-n-Final)
    • Mini Terracotta Pots ($.24/ea at WalMart)

    Crosses

    • Popsicle sticks ($1/150 sticks at the Dollar Store)
    • Brown Paint
    • Hot Glue Gun

    Misc.

    • Water
    • Bucket
    • Spray Bottle
    • Hand Shovel

    IMG_1107

    Directions:

    Garden

    mix the seed starter with water

    IMG_1217

    position tomb/terracotta pot in desired location on plate/pot

    lay down the gravel on the plate, securing the pot into place.slightly build up the gravel for your hill.

    IMG_1220

    top the gravel with soil

    IMG_1221

    cover the entire soil with the wheat berries.  press the wheat berries into the soil.

    IMG_1225

    add a layer of soil on top of the wheat berries.  press down firmly.  (this step is optional.  it will slow the growth of the wheat grass.)

    clean the plate.  remove the wheat berries from areas that you do not want grass to grow.

    IMG_1227

    create a path from the tomb with decorative rocks.  this represents how the disciples ran to the tomb on Easter morning.

    add decorative rocks as desired

    IMG_1230

    insert the crosses

    papi

    IMG_11601 week

    The grass grows faster with less top soil.  The garden in the left of both pictures had a thick top soil packed tightly over the wheat berries.

    Crosses

    Paint the popsicle sticks your desired shade of brown or create crosses from sticks and twine.

    I chose popsicle sticks since I had to make over 100 crosses. I did not hand paint each stick.  Instead, I created a paint wash.  IMG_1041

    add water to brown paint in a plastic pin.

    run popsicle sticks through the paint wash.

    IMG_1044bake at 350 for 5-8 min for a quick set of paint

    IMG_1046

    break off the tips of the popsicle sticks for the small cross section.  break the stick in thirds.

    break off the tip of the popsicle stick for the vertical piece.  the round part will go into the soil

    IMG_1047

    hot glue the cross together

    ~~~

    We made larger Easter Gardens for the home.

    IMG_1301

    inspired by Ann @ A Holy Experience

    IMG_1275

    This garden sits on our front porch.  It will serve as a reminder to all who enter that we are preparing for Christ’s resurrection.

    ~~~

    Empty Tomb/Easter Gardens:

    Lenten Link Up ~ Catholic Icing

    An Invitation to Love

    by Filed Under: Uncategorized

    “As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…’Repent and believe’ Jesus tells us. What are we to repent?  Our indifference, our hardness of heart.  What are we to believe?  Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor — He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.”  ~Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
    ~~~
    i thirst
    Click on the picture to view the I Thirst For You Prayer

    Prayers have been answered and I have been brought closer to You.  You have done so in the most direct way, a complete stripping of physical and spiritual joys.  I ache from the pain that fills my entire being.  I desire only to satiate Your thirst.  I pray that my love is enough.  I have nothing else to give.  I beg You for Your grace and love as I try so desperately to remain steadfast at the foot of Your cross.

    May the Blessed Mother dispose of me and this offering, all for Your glory.

    ~~~

    Jesus, love me.
    love me in my brokenness
    love me in my disappointment
    love me in my sorrow
    love me in my weakness
    love me in my pain
    love me in my nothingness
    love me in my misery

    St. Thomas Aquinas

    by Filed Under: 01 January Saints, 03 March Saints, Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas

    "Regard yourself as more vile and miserable in the sight of God because of your faults than any sinner whatsoever, no matter what his sins." ~ St. Thomas Aquinas

    ~~~

    stthomas

    SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
    Confessor and Doctor of the Church

    WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT ~ Feria in Lent

    Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite ~ March 7

    Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite ~ January 28

    Commemoration of SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
    Thomas Aquinas (1226-74), a child of noble lineage, was educated at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and as a youth entered the new Dominican Order at the University of Naples, to become one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of all times, and in his day one of Europe’s most popular preachers and teachers. To extraordinary gifts of mind he added a prodigious capacity for work, complete singleness of purpose, and a profoundly mystical holiness of life. His Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles constitute the most reasonable and comprehensive defense of Christian doctrine ever produced, and his Eucharistic prayers and poetry are enshrined in the Church’s liturgy. He is the patron of Catholic education.

    ~~~

    "Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you." ~St. Thomas Aquinas

    ELT2007120601403336125881_28_aquinasSt_Thomas_Aquinas

    ~~~

    Resources:aquinas1

    ~~~

    St. Thomas Aquinas ~ ora pro nobis

     

    St. Julie Billiart ~ Fortitude ~ Hyacinth

    by Filed Under: 04 April Saints, Little Flowers, St. Julie Billiart, Wreath III

    “Oh, how good God is!” ~St. Julie Billiart
    Ah, qu’il est bon, le bon Dieu
    IMG_1059
    Saturday was the seventh Little Flowers meeting for 2011-2012.  There are only two more meetings to go for Wreath III, not including our participation in the Marian Procession.
    ~~~
    “By union with God we shall gain hearts…. Without this union we will but make a little noise.” ~ Saint Julie Billiart

    4_8_julie

    SAINT JULIE BILLIART
    Religious
    Old ~ Feast Day – April 8
    Sixth of seven children of peasant farmers Jean-François Billiart and Marie-Louise-Antoinette Debraine. She was poorly educated, but knew her catechism by heart at age 7, and used to explain it to other children. At age 14 she took a private vow of chastity, and gave her life to serving and teaching the poor. At age 22, she was sitting next to her father when some one shot at him; the shock left her partially crippled for 22 years. During the French Revolution, a group of her friends helped organize the work she’d started. Julia was miraculously healed of her paralysis on 1 June 1804, and resumed her work. Her organization became the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame (Institute of Notre Dame; Sisters of Notre Dame), dedicated to the Christian education of girls, formerly established in Amiens in, the first vows being made by Saint Julia and two others on 15 October 1804. The Congregation By the time of her death the Institute had 15 convents. ~SQPN
    ~~~

    I discussed the life of St. Julie Billiart with the girls.  They were immediately drawn into her pious life as a young girl.  The girls also were excited to hear that she was part of a large family with seven children.  Many of the girls come from such a family.  C’s family has 12 children with one in heaven.

    The girls could not believe that during St. Julie’s life one could not receive First Holy Communion until the early teen years.

    We discussed the specific times in St. Julies life when her fortitude was most noticeable.  Then the girls thought of ways to work on fortitude in their home.  Mrs. D offered an example for the girls to work on fortitude.

    “Doing school work to it’s completion, in a timely manner, with a cheerful smile, and to mom’s satisfaction.”
    “Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. “The Lord is my strength and my song. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” -CCC: 1808

    Our discussion on fortitude led us to the craft of the month – Mini Empty Tomb Garden.  I thought this was a perfect craft for the Lenten Season and the virtue of fortitude. (I hope to create and link to a tutorial within the week.)

    Jesus’ fortitude that culminated in His death and resurrection.IMG_1107
    The girls were instructed to say an ejaculation to the Good Lord every time they water/care for their garden.
    We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
    Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.
    “How good is the good God.” ~St. Julie Billiart
    IMG_1065-1
    IMG_1081
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    The girls created beautiful Mini Empty Tomb Gardens with the help of several moms.  A special thanks goes out to all the moms and siblings who offer a hand at the meetings and to those who work behind the scenes.  This is truly a group ministry.  Praise God!
    IMG_1100
    We returned to the room for our closing.  Father L gave us a visit.  He spoke about the Lenten Season and took time for questions.  The girls received their blessing and gave Father a farewell.  The older girls of the group presented Father with His own Mini Empty Tomb Garden.
    S and her mom passed out the second snack, cupcakes in honor of S’s birthday on Monday.  There are three other LF who will be celebrating their birthday in March, including myself.  Birthday Blessings to all the March birthdays.
    St. Julie Billiart ~ ora pro nobis
    ~~~
    Handouts:

    Resources:

    ~~~
    “I ought to die of shame to think I have not already died of gratitude to my good God.” ~St. Julie Billiart
    “Let us pray more and more that the Kingdom of God may spread everywhere in the hearts of all. The harvest is great but there are no labourers. Let us work at becoming good labourers!” ~St. Julie Billiart
    “The good God will give you grace and light to know what is right at the time.” ~St. Julie Billiart
    “Days of darkness are perhaps our best and happiest days for glorifying the good of God.” ~Julie Billiart

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