striving to radiate Him always
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. ~ Therese of Lisieux
feast day in the Traditional Roman Rite Calendar
October 1 is her feast day in the New Calendar
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
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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.
I 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!
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.
In His JOY, 
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,
We have prayed to simplify all areas of our lives. The Good Lord has answered our prayers in ways that we did NOT desire. Yet, we remained steadfast in His providence and He has showered His mercy on us.
We have been brought, once again, to a place of physical and spiritual detachment. It has been met with an outpouring of charity from family, friends, and strangers.
Through it all we have been reminded that this is not our home.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever. ~ 1 John 2:15-17
Please keep my parents and the S & P families in your prayers. Their charity towards us was a sweet consolation that has brought us to our knees in thanksgiving. Our God is a faithful God, He will never abandoned us. Trust always in Him and be open to the gifts that He places right before you. They are often in disguise and found in the most unexpected places.
Sancta Familia ~ Ora pro nobis
Hi! I'm Lena, mama of JOYfilledfamily.
We are a traditional Catholic family striving to live for Jesus Christ in everything we do. We pray to completely surrender our will to His and to become His servants. Our mission of this blog is to share our JOY.
This blog serves as a journal of us making good memories, living the liturgical year, and our spiritual journey.