THE ENCOURAGEMENT KEEPS COMING-

Sam-

I frequently wake up at night praying for people or situations.  I was praying for you and woke up with this scripture on my mind and thought I would share:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight

Proverbs 3:5-6

lyrics:

Trust in the Lord
With all your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
In all of your ways acknowledge Him
And He will make your path straight
Don't worry about tomorrow
He's got it under control
Just trust in the Lord
With all your heart
And he will carry you through

Lord, sometimes it gets so tough
To keep my eyes on you when things are going rough
But then I turn my eyes up to the sky
and I hear your voice
It says to me:

Trust in the Lord
With all your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
In all of your ways acknowledge Him
And He will make your path straight
Don't worry about tomorrow
He's got it under control
Just trust in the Lord
With all your heart
And he will carry you through

And He will carry you through !

THANKS KATIE!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

In sickness and in health...

Rob and I renewing our vows on our 20th anniversary in 2009...yes, I was 6 months pregnant...

 For 23 years I have accepted as a privilege to get up early in the morning with my babies and little ones. I know it sounds crazy but I am a morning person. I have pretty much gotten up every day from 4:30 AM to 7 AM to get the kids situated; all except Mother's Day and maybe my birthday. So, you can imagine the poor shock to my hubby at having to get up, feed and change our 6-month-old foster baby, and the two & four-year-old! I can sometimes hear him thinking...What exactly did I say on our wedding day?

 Well, it went like this:

"Rob and Sam, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"

"Will you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"

"Will you accept children lovingly from God, (large amount of laughter from congregation) and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?"

Priest: Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church.

Groom: I,"Sam-um Rob" (more laughter), take you, Sam, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Bride: I, Sam, take you, Rob, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Then the priest said, "See you in nine months for the baptism!" How did my pastor know I would get pregnant on my honeymoon?

Well, I am sure he figured on the SICKNESS AND HEALTH thing happening later in life and not when we still had eleven kids still at home. At least my older two come back to help him out during the week and GOD BLESS my other kids 10 to 19 who have been driving, feeding, changing, and entertaining the five little ones! My family and friends have been unbelievable during this trial too.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PRAYERS AND SACRIFICES 

THAT ARE GETTING ME THROUGH THIS!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

More encouragement:

Please bear with me as I share some of the many encouraging messages...since this blog was actually started as a scrap book for my family I decided to post them here to reflect back on.

Just got this-

As I knelt  in Mass offering my communion for you.  I heard a woman's voice gently say:   

 "As she holds her son close to her heart; I hold my Son close to hers. Be not afraid." 

It overwhelmed me.  It was as clear as if the woman next to me whispered it in my ear.  I even looked if she did; but only my girls were next to me.

  

I continue to pray for you, baby and family.   

Warmly, Jennifer

     

Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.   

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Phillippians 4:4-8

 

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Christy Nockels - Waiting Here For You (Lyrics)

St. Gianna Molla:

In October 2010 I had the opportunity to go on a women's retreat at Malvern Retreat House
with an amazing group of women. The retreat master Fr Dan Leary had someone from the society of Saint Gianna come and bring some relics and give a presentation. It was such a blessing to get to touch her glove and scarf as well as see the vestment that was made with pieces of her wedding dress!

At that time I ask God to continue to bless my fertility and help me to accept His will in my life!

Who knew I would need those graces so much right now!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

BED REST day 12

I have had a really tough 24 hours. Besides getting restless I started getting discouraged. I keep trying to find the best position for the least fluid loss. Most often I have been on my left side. Yesterday it didn't matter how I positioned myself I kept spotting and losing amniotic fluid. In the evening the spotting was getting worse and I thought the end was near. I tossed and turned all night holding on to my baby begging God for a MIRACLE.

This morning was even worse, no matter what I did I couldn't feel Steven move. I tried to stay distracted, I had some visitors and our deacon brought me communion. I had texted my midwife and she came over as soon as she could. I was so nervous...but she immediately heard a strong heartbeat! She can't figure out how this little guy is surviving. We appreciate each minute with our little guy and pray that no matter what His will is...that we will be strong and accept it!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Miracle Joey: The boy who refused to die | LifeSiteNews.com

Miracle Joey: The boy who refused to die | LifeSiteNews.com
Thanks to Mikki for sending this uplifting story!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

ST STEPHEN OF HUNGRY

ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY –
PRAYER MEDITATION ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY +1038

 “Be of one mind, sympathetic, filled with love for one another, and humble.” (1 Pet 3:8) 

REFLECTION: Be patient with everyone, not only with the powerful, but also with the weak. Be humble in this life that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate, and do not punish anyone inordinately. - St Stephen

PRAYER: Glorious St Stephen, king and saint, help me use what power I have to advance the will of God. Amen.

ST STEPHEN PRAY FOR MY BABY AND ALL MY CHILDREN NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF DEATH!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

CONSECRATION OF THE UNBORN

FOUND FROM HERE O Blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, we consecrate to you today this child STEVEN in the womb of your handmaid SAM. Through your maternal intercession, preserve this child from every harm, from every hostile rage, and from evil spirits by day and by night. Obtain for this child bright shining angels to enfold and cherish it, guarding it from every assault of the evil demons and from all sickness and infirmity of body and soul. Holy Mother, who are entrusted by God with the care of His little ones, this child now belongs to you. Therefore we pray that you lift up this child into the light of His countenance, that the child may always be signed with the Cross of your Son, in its heart and understanding; that the child may flee the vanity of this world and every evil device of the enemy, and follow God’s commandments, living the Truth in Love. We beseech you to intercede that the name of the Lord Jesus may always remain unrenounced upon this little one. At a fitting time may this child be joined to the Holy Catholic Church and be perfected through the awesome Mysteries of Christ, and attain unto the blessedness of the elect in the Kingdom of Heaven. Keep this child ever close to your Immaculate Heart, surrounded and nourished by your motherly love. Take this little one as your own special charge; teach the child all the ways of righteousness, that it prefer nothing to God’s will, giving thanks to Him always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let your designs for this child be known at the proper time, and arrange everything for the glory of God, so that one day this child, and all of us your faithful children, will join you in the joy of Heaven. And may the blessing of the Lord + be henceforth and forevermore upon this child, through the grace, mercy, and loving-kindness of His only-begotten Son, with whom He is blessed together with His all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen! FOR MY BABY STEVEN AND ALL UNBORN! THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

CONSECRATING A CHILD

CONSECRATION OF ONE’S CHILDREN TO JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
(Adapted from a prayer by St John Eudes and other sources.)

O Jesus, only Son of God, only Son of Mary, I come to Thee as an unworthy parent, and I humbly consecrate to thy Most Sacred Heart, now and for eternity, the soul of my child STEVEN. I surrender him to Thy sweet yoke and place him at the foot of Thy Cross. I offer Thee for him the most loving Heart of Thy Most Holy Mother Mary, which is more precious and pleasing to Thee than all hearts, and I beg Thee by her merits to show Thyself to him a Savior.

O Mary, Mother of Jesus, I come to Thee as an unworthy parent, and I humbly consecrate to thy Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, now and for eternity, the soul of my child STEVEN. I offer Thee for him the most adorable Heart of Thy Son Jesus, who is the life, love and joy of Thy own Heart, and I beg Thee by the infinite merits of the Divine Son, Thou who art our Mother in the order of grace, to obtain the grace of salvation for my child.

O glorious St. Joseph, I come to thee and ask thee to take under thy special protection my child STEVEN. I consecrate him to thee today, that through this consecration he may become your foster child. Guard him, guide his steps in life, and form his heart after the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. O glorious St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation and worry of a parent when the child Jesus was lost, protect him for time and eternity. May you be his father and counselor. Preserve him from the corruption of this world, and obtain for us the grace to be united in heaven forever. Amen.

FOR ALL MY CHILDREN I PRAY!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

CONSECRATION PRAYER FOR A BABY

PRAYER TO CONSECRATE A BABY TO OUR LADY

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, I entrust STEVEN THOMAS to your maternal solicitude and consecrate him entirely from his most tender infancy.
May your powerful protection accompany him everywhere.
Look over him.
Keep his soul innocent and his body healthy.
Obtain for him from the Divine Goodness light for his inexperience, strength for his weaknesses and control of his passions so that he always walks the path of truth and virtue.
Imbue his soul with salutary fear of God, the beginning of all wisdom, and may he fight energetically against human respect, sinister company and dangerous occasions of sin.
And, after having constantly served You, the Lord on earth, may he receive in heaven the eternal reward of a holy and edifying life. Amen.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

BEDREST DAY 10

First the good news...Steven is alive with a strong heartbeat!

I just came back from the doctors and the other news isn't too great.
My water is not replenishing and the little guy has no fluid...today's MIRACLE is for me to reseal!
My dates have been questionable from the start and he said it looks like I am 18weeks 2 days. The baby is growing fine and looks perfect. I had a really tough day yesterday...trying to find a position that I wasn't leaking fluid. The best seems to be on my left side which after awhile gets uncomfortable.

Bear with me while I complain a bit...I am totally a hyper person (Good thing they didn't know about ADHD when I was a kid!) so I am pretty much crawling out of my skin. My neck hurts so I can't really read much...my back hurts so I keep trying to readjust myself and not lose fluid. I drink water constantly...but that means I have to go to the bathroom about every 30 min and getting up doesn't help my fluid.

I am not a super neat person and my kids are great about doing their daily jobs...but today was the first time in ten days that I left my bed to walk to the car for my Dr appointment...the house wasn't too bad; but it was much more disorganized than usual. So, I am trying not to nag everyone. I usually use the summers to regroup and get organized for our school year...but I can't move around enough to even look through their books and that is driving me crazy.

OK...done with the complaining...my husband is SUPERMAN working from home, keeping everything intact, holding and loving our 6 month old foster baby, making sure the kids are clean and fed, and that I'm comfortable. My friends and community are amazing...the masses, rosaries, sacrifices, prayers, help, visits, gifts, laundry, meals, and support are so great!

So, I will continue to fight for Steven's life and take up my small suffering for so many intentions and all of you who are supporting me!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Listen up!

Hey to all you teenagers...especially mine...guard your precious purity with all your strength, heart, and mind!

If you think you "love" someone and want to give them your virginity than wait till the wedding vows have been spoken! There is no greater gift on your wedding night than giving your spouse this precious gift on the consummation of the covenant of your wedding.

If you can't sacrifice and hold off now, while your dating...what kind of sacrifices and commitment will you be able to make in the midst of growing together with all the stress marriage can bring? Marriage is a wonderful sacrament full of wonder and excitement...but believe me...in the midst of the diapers, dishes, bills, and broken down cars...it is tough.

Dating is boot camp for the most important job in life. If marriage is the vocation that you choose...practice virtue while your dating! Purity, self control, patience, wisdom, learning to listen, self sacrifice, suffering, giving, openness to life, immobility,  and hundreds of others! These are just ones I needed to work on this morning!

Trust me, I have never met a person on this wonderful earth who has regretted being a virgin on their wedding day! If it is too late, I believe God gives us a new beginning through confession. Secondary virginity is a very powerful tool also. God is a miracle worker and can pour graces down on anyone who is willing +

 2012 HOMESCHOOL PROM

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wordless Wednesday

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

SAINT ANN DAY 9

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me and my baby until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me and my baby Steven Thomas now and at the hour of our death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for us.

 NINTH DAY

Good St. Ann, I have reached the end of this novena in your honor. I have asked and ask again. Good mother, let not your kind ear grow weary of my prayers, though I repeat them so often.

Bounteous Lady, implore for me from divine Providence all the help I need through life. May your generous hand bestow on me the material means to satisfy my own needs and to alleviate the plight of the poor.

Good St. Ann, fortify me by the sacraments of the Church at the hour of my death. Admit me into the company of the blessed in the kingdom of heaven, where I may praise and thank the adorable Trinity, your grandson Christ Jesus, your glorious daughter Mary, and yourself, dear St. Ann, through endless ages.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL-DAY 9

Ninth Day
O Most Holy Mother of Mount Carmel, when asked by a saint to grant privileges to the family of Carmel, you gave assurance of your Motherly love and help to those faithful to you and to your Son. Behold us, your children. We glory in wearing your holy habit, which makes us members of your family of Carmel, through which we shall have your powerful protection in life, at death and even after death. Look down with love, O Gate of Heaven, on all those now in their last agony! Look down graciously, O Virgin, Flower of Carmel, on all those in need of help! Look down mercifully, O Mother of our Savior, on all those who do not know that they are numbered among your children. Look down tenderly, O Queen of All Saints, on the poor souls!
(pause and mention petitions)

 Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be
 Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for MY BABY STEVEN THOMAS.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL-day 8

Eighth Day

You give us hope, O Mother of Mercy, that through your Scapular promise we might quickly pass through the fires of purgatory to the Kingdom of your Son. Be our comfort and our hope.
Grant that our hope may not be in vain but that, ever faithful to your Son and to you, we may speedily enjoy after death the blessed company of Jesus and the saints.
(pause and mention petitions)

Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for my baby Steven Thomas.

ST ANN NOVENA day eight

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me and my baby until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me and my baby Steven Thomas now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for us.

EIGHTH DAY

Hail, St. Ann! I rejoice at your exalted glory. You gave birth to Mary, whose divine Son brought salvation to our lost world by conquering death and restoring life and hope to sinners. Pray to Him who, for love of us, clothed Himself with human flesh in the chaste womb of your daughter.

Glorious St. Ann, with your blessed daughter, deliver me from everything that is displeasing in the sight of God. Pray to your gentle and powerful Grandson that He may cleanse my soul in His precious blood, that He may send His Holy Spirit to enlighten and direct me in all that I do, always obedient to His holy inspirations.

Good mother, keep a watchful eye on me and my family. Help me bear all my crosses. Give me the fullness of your bounty and sustain me with courage especially at this time.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

ST. GERARD

FROM A FRIEND-

St. Gerard 's National Shrine will send you a third class relic for you and the baby. It is a St. Gerard handkerchief touched to his relic. The story long ago was of a mother who was having trouble with her pregnancy and St. Gerard  gave her his handkerchief saying it would help her. She and her baby did beautifully. And then more miracles occurred with the saints intercession to God. Eventually, the handkerchief was cut up to pass to other mothers. Today, the shrine will send any mother the third class relic, a handkerchief, just for the asking. Miracles continue to happen with the handkerchiefs!

If you would like one the shrine is located at: St Lucy's Church National Shrine of St. Gerard 

118  Seventh Ave. Newark, New Jersey 07104  Phone is: 1 973-482-6663.

They will include a metal of St Gerard, booklet and letter of info. about St. Gerard.

 

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

BLESSING OF CANDLES IN HONOR OF ST. RAYMOND NONNATUS

From Volume II of the Roman Ritual:

48. BLESSING OF CANDLES IN HONOR OF ST. RAYMOND NONNATUS (meant especially to be lit for a safe delivery)

Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, light of everlasting life, who have given us candles to dispel the darkness; we humbly beg you to bless + these candles by the merits of Blessed Raymond, your confessor. By the power of the holy cross bestow a heavenly + blessing on them. Let them be so empowered by the sign of the holy + cross, that the spirits of darkness will flee in fear and trembling from all places where their light shines, and nevermore disturb or molest those who serve you, the almighty God, who live and reign forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Then saying again "Let us Pray" the priest adds the three orations given on pp. 732-33; after which he continues:

 May the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you forever.

All: Amen.

He sprinkles them with holy water.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

A BLESSING FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS:

 BLESSING OF AN EXPECTANT MOTHER

at the approach of confinement


{In the Middle Ages it was customary for a pastor to announce 
from the pulpit on Sundays the names of women whose time of 
childbirth was close at hand, and to ask the people's prayers for 
them. But his solicitude did not stop there. He also visited the 
homes of such women, first said prayers outside the home, and 
then entered and administered the sacraments and the sacramentals 
of the Church. Without going quite to these lengths today, an 
occasional word of instruction about this very fine blessing 
would encourage some women to present themselves for it.}


P: Our help is in the name of the Lord. 

All: Who made heaven and earth.

P: Save your servant.

All: Who trusts in you, my God.

P: Let her find in you, Lord, a tower of strength. 

All: In the face of the enemy.

P: Let the enemy have no power over her.

All: And the son of iniquity be powerless to harm her. 

P: Lord, send her aid from your holy place.

All: And watch over her from Sion.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.

All: And let my cry be heard by you. 

P: The Lord be with you.

All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.
Almighty everlasting God, who enable us, your servants, in our 
profession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the 
three Persons in the eternal Godhead, and to adore their oneness 
of nature, their co-equal majesty; grant, we pray, that by 
steadfastness in that faith this servant of yours, N., may ever 
be guarded against all adversity; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

Let us pray.
Lord God, Creator of all things, mighty and awesome, just and 
forgiving, you alone are good and kind. You saved Israel from all 
manner of plagues, making our forefathers your chosen people, and 
hallowing them by the touch of your Spirit. You, by the co-
operation of the Holy Spirit, prepared the body and soul of the 
glorious Virgin Mary to be a worthy dwelling for your Son. You 
filled John the Baptist with the Holy Spirit, causing him to leap 
with joy in his mother's womb. Accept the offering of a humble 
spirit, and grant the heartfelt desire of your servant, N. who 
pleads for the safety of the child you allowed her to conceive. 
Guard the life that is yours; defend it from all the craft and 
spite of the pitiless foe. Let your gentle hand, like that of a 
skilled physician, aid her delivery, bringing her offspring safe 
and sound to the light of day. May her child live to be reborn in 
holy baptism, and continuing always in your service, be found 
worthy of attaining everlasting life; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

The priest sprinkles the woman with holy water and then adds the 
following:


Psalm 66

P: May God have pity on us and bless us; * may He let His face 
shine upon us.

All: So may His way be known upon earth; * among all nations, His 
salvation.

P: May the peoples praise you, O God; * may all the peoples 
praise you.

All: May all the nations be glad and exult because you rule the 
peoples in equity; * you guide the nations on earth.

P: May the peoples praise you, O God; * may all the peoples 
praise you.

All: The earth has yielded its fruits; * God, our God, has 
blessed us.

P: May God bless us, * and may all the ends of the earth fear 
him.

All: Glory be to the Father.

P: As it was in the beginning.

P: Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

All: Let us praise and glorify Him forever.

P: God has given His angels charge over you.

All: To guard you in all your paths.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.
Lord, we beg you to visit this dwelling, and to drive away from 
it and from this servant of yours, N, all the enemy's wiles. Let 
your holy angels be appointed here to keep her and her offspring 
in peace; and let your blessing + ever rest upon her. Save them, 
almighty God, and grant them your everlasting light; through 
Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

May the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, 
come on you and your child, and remain with you forever. 
All: Amen.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Today's blessing:

I just got off the phone with a very, very, holy priest, who has had a large healing ministry, to pray for me. He gave me an over the phone healing prayer that knocked my socks off...I thought I was gonna float off the bed!!!

Then he reminded me of this story from many years ago:

When I was around age 16 I attended daily mass at 6:30 am, one day I asked him to pray for me to find a holy husband who wanted lots of kids. He said he smiled when about 24 years later he opened his mail in New Hampshire and saw the Washington Catholic Standard. He said he made a mental note to tell the story to Bishop Holley in a couple of weeks when he visited for the priest conference. When he saw him he told him the story and Bishop Holley laughed and asked him to pray that well for him and his ministry!

Who doesn't believe in the power of prayer? Well, I do or I wouldn't be working so hard on asking everyone I know and then some to pray for a MIRACLE for my baby! What mom wouldn't go to the ends of the earth to save her baby's life?

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

NOTE TO MOMMIES OF LITTLE ONES:

DEAR MOMMIES,
I have dreamed for 22 years of a day just to lay in my bed to nap, read, and pray! Well, let me tell you something, after being on bed rest for seven days-it is not what you think it would be...

I try to nap-but I can't cuz i haven't done anything to make me tired!  I try to read while being flat on my back, and my neck starts hurting. I  try to pray and the words roll off my tongue into he hands of God but I miss the times I would make my work a prayer...like praying for my family while I fold their laundry. Or offering up the dirty daily tasks for those who don't have a home or kids. I especially miss holding and rocking my babies to bed at night, which was a task I always complained about cuz I was so tired myself!

I tell my kids, God has called us each to a special vocation,  it is our job to find out what is and EMBRACE it!

So, embrace your vocation and keep having those babies! (especially while your young!) I'm 44 and I miss the days when was 30 and had six kids under nine!

Kiss your babies and say a prayer for my baby Steven Thomas!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

ST ANN NOVENA-day 7

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me and my baby Steven now and at the hour of our death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for my pregnancy!

 SEVENTH DAY

Once again, Good St. Ann, I choose you for my advocate before the throne of God. By the power and grace that God has placed in you, extend to me your helping hand. Renew my mind and my heart.

Dear St. Ann, I have unbounded confidence in your prayers. To your blessed hands I entrust my soul, my body and all my hopes for this world and the next. Direct my actions according to your goodness and wisdom. I place myself under your motherly care.

Receive me, good mother. Cover me with the mantle of your love. Look kindly on me. By your powerful intercession, may I obtain from God grace and mercy. Obtain for me remission for sin and release from the punishment my offenses have deserved. Pray that I may receive grace to lead a devout life on earth and that I may obtain the everlasting reward of heaven.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Our Lady of Mt Carmel-day seven

Seventh Day

O Mary, Help of Christians, you assured us that wearing your Scapular worthily would keep us safe from harm. Protect us in both body and soul with your continual aid. may all that we do be pleasing to your Son and to you.
(pause and mention petitions)

Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us especially my baby Steven Thomas. 
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

DAY SIX OF BED REST:

Praying of course for a MIRACLE to make it full term with a healthy baby.

My intentions today:
1. amniotic fluid replenishes and my sac reseals
2. stop spotting
3. baby's lungs and arms have no damage
4. my husband and family will get through this
5. I will use this time of bed rest to grow closer to Christ and use every second to HIS glory!
6. that my amazing community will know how much we appreciate all their help
7. keep from getting an infection

THIS PICTURE FROM MY DAUGHTERS WEDDING LAST YEAR MAKES ME SMILE

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL

Sixth Day

With loving provident care, O Mother Most Amiable, you covered us with your Scapular as a shield of defense against the Evil One.
Through your assistance, may we bravely struggle against the powers of evil, always open to your Son Jesus Christ. (pause and mention petitions) 

PLEASE BLESS AND PROTECT MY BABY STEVEN THOMAS AND BRING HIM TO A HEALTHY FULL TERM

Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Novena to St Ann

Prayer to St Ann:

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me and my baby Steven Thomas.

Novena Day six

Good St. Ann, do not allow my soul, a masterpiece of God’s creative power, to be lost forever. Free my heart of pride, vanity, self-love. May I know myself as I really am and learn meekness and simplicity of heart.

God’s great love for me leaves me cold and unresponsive. I must reflect this love through works of mercy and charity toward my neighbor.

In your boundless charity, good St. Ann, help me to merit the glorious crown which is given to those who have fought the good fight against the world, the devil and the flesh. Assist me to preserve purity of heart and body. With Mary and her divine Son, protect me and my baby Steven Thomas always.

LITANY OF HUMILTY:

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

DON'T WORRY...BE HAPPY:

Padre Pio has counseled, "Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. Prayer is the best weapon we have, it is the key to God's heart." 

 “Do not worry or have anxious thoughts about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have it’s own worries and anxieties. Sufficient for each day is it’s own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)


THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

ST ANN NOVENA

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me and my baby Steven Thomas.

Novena: FIFTH DAY

Hail, all-powerful Lady. By God’s special favor, grant consolation to those who invoke you. Procure for them the eternal riches of heaven, and like a good mother, success in their temporal affairs as well.

Good St. Ann, obtain my deliverance from the punishment which my sins deserve. Obtain for me success in my temporal affairs; especially see to the salvation of my soul.

St. Ann, by your influence with Mary’s son Jesus, you have won the gift of conversion for many sinners. Will you then abandon me, who have chosen you as my mother? No, St. Ann. Your name alone, which signifies grace, assures me of the help of your prayers, and these prayers will surely procure pardon and mercy from Jesus. You will pray for me and my baby Steven Thomas now and at the hour of my death.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

St. Margaret of Antioch - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

St. Margaret of Antioch - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

She is the special patron of women who are pregnant and her feast day is today!

If my baby was a girl her name was gonna be Margaret Joan!

Thank you to the anonymous person who left me this link!

Thy Will Be Done!!! +JMJ+

Faith & Family Live! : Mom Needs A Miracle

Faith & Family Live! : Mom Needs A Miracle

GOD IS SO GOOD!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL NOVENA

Fourth Day

When you gave us, Gracious Lady, the Scapular as our Habit, you called us to be not only servants, but also your own children.
We ask you to gain for us from your Son the grace to live as you children in joy, peace and love. (pause and mention petitions)

Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for my baby Steven Thomas now and at the hour of death

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+ 

Mother's Prayer for a safe delivery

One of my prayer warriors sent this to me:

A Mother's Prayer for a safe delivery...
St. Elizabeth, through the great blessing which,
at the birth of thy son John, thou did receive from God,
I beseech thee to obtain for me the grace
that I may be preserved from all danger,
and happily bring our child into the world. Amen.
Venerable mother St. Anne, obtain for me,
through the ever-blessed child, the Blessed Virgin Mary,
that no accident may befall me,
but that my child may come safe and sound into the world. Amen.
O Mary, Mother of my Redeemer,
through thy high prerogative and thy divine Son,
I pray thee to obtain for me the help and blessing of God,
that I may happily survive the paint of delivery,
and that my child may receive the grace of holy Baptism. Amen.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL

Third Day

O Queen of Heaven, you gave us the Scapular as an outward sign by which we might be known as your faithful children. may we always wear it with honor by avoiding sin and imitating your virtues. Help us to be faithful to this desire of ours.
(pause and mention petitions) s)

Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for my baby Steven Thomas!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+ 

Prayers across the world:

It started off last night about 8 pm...my 8 year old wanted to know where all the people lived who were praying for us lived...so we made a map...posted it on Facebook and we were done at 4:50pm today!(less than 24 hours) Along the way we got all the continents except Antarctica!

It sure kept my mind off things, being in bed all day...kinda like license plate tag from bed! To see the outpouring of prayers and friends calling friends was amazing!

Thanks everyone for sharing in this pregnancy with us, and keep praying...I heard the heart beat today and am drinking water as much as possible.We are so blessed and are hoping for a MIRACLE!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

St. Raymond Nonnatus Society

St. Raymond Nonnatus Society
GREAT SITE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Day 3: St Ann Novena

THIRD DAY

Hail, good St. Ann, who first responded to the needs of Mary, Mother of our Savior and Queen of Angels. Hail to you and to your husband St. Joachim, who watched over her infancy, presented her to the Lord in the temple and, according to your promise, consecrated her to the service of God.

Hail St. Ann, good mother! I rejoice in the marvels you continually perform, because they encourage all to seek your intercession.

Good St. Ann, by the great power that God has given you, show yourself my mother, my consoler, my advocate. Reconcile me to the God I have so deeply offended. Console me in my trials; strengthen me in my struggles. Deliver me from danger in my time of need. Help me at the hour of death and open to me the gates of paradise.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me and my baby Steven Thomas!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Day 2: bed rest

DAY 2: COMPLETE BED REST...
Dr sent me home from hospital...said I would be better off at home...
slept great last night...woke up to my sweet 2 year old cuddling me and the sweet sounds of our 5 1/2 month old foster baby sleeping in his bed next to ours.
Then...I had a great breakfast made by my hubby and served by my kids...room filled with pictures of love notes from my babies...
turned on my computer to about 100 emails of prayers and support...plus miracle stories!
I spent the entire day surrounded by kids and friends crying, laughing, and hugging!!!
No matter what happens...I am feeling the miracle of love and support by all of you!
Love and thanks from me and Steven Thomas!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

St Ann Novena:
SECOND DAY

From the depths of my heart, good St. Ann, I offer you my homage this day and ask you to shelter me under the mantle of your motherly care. You know, good mother, how much I love you, how gladly I serve you, how happy I am to praise you, how eager I am to call on you in time of distress.

Good St. Ann, be pleased to extend your helping hand in all my wants. Listen to my prayers, for I place my trust in your gracious bounty. Make all my thoughts and desires worthy and righteous.

Jesus, I thank You for all the graces which in Your infinite goodness You have lavished upon St. Ann; for having chosen her, among all women, to be Your grandmother on earth and exalted her in heaven with such great and miraculous powers. In the name of her merits, I humbly recommend myself to Your infinite mercy.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me and my precious unborn baby Steven Thomas.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Pregnancy Update: waiting for a miracle or preparing to say goodbye to my baby...

Monday July 16^th Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel :

Some of the kids and I went to 8 am mass and I was feeling great being close to 18 weeks pregnant. I noticed a small amount of fluid draining from my body but just took a mental note and went on with the day. Later I had light pink spotting and around 3:30PM my water broke. The Dr said to rush to the hospital and get on bed rest. They checked the amniotic fluid and confirmed that my membranes had ruptured…I am on strict bed rest and am trying (unsuccessfully) using the bedpan and stay put with iv’s in my arm and things on my legs to circulate my veins.  

I tossed and turned all night and couldn’t sleep. Rob slept on the couch. Thoughts of losing my baby and being on bed rest for at least 5 more weeks made my head swim. All had been going so great and the specialist was so pleased with my progress!

Woke up Tues morning and Dr came in around 8. She tried to be realistic and told me that even if I made it to 23 weeks the baby’s lungs and arms wouldn’t have developed as they should and he wouldn’t survive long.

The specialist came in and confirmed what the other Dr said, but he did say that one client’s baby survived who was in the same boat as mine. Also, Dr Bruchalski’s office from Tepayac center confirmed the seriousness of my situation but said to hold on to hope and they would pray for me. I also read this wonderful story about a local woman named Angelica who survived the same situation.  

Her story is here:

http://bernardmiracles.blogspot.com/2012/02/in-2010-my-husband-and-i-came-face-to.html

The specialist also said if he was me…he would go home. That was new, cuz the other doctor said I would be in the hospital till I delivered. He said there was nothing they could do for me till 23 weeks and I would probably be safer from germs in my own germs!

So after having a really good cry…I just sat there wondering about all that had happened…then I had a visit from a friend and a priest from St Mary’s who was making the rounds at the hospital. I became at peace and distracted. My friend offered to take me home and I was discharged.

So, here I lay in bed surrounded by my wonderful husband and amazing kids, with friends bringing food and taking the little ones out of the house for some fun, not to mention my super sister who was doing the laundry and everything else!

 I am truly blessed and holding on to a miracle!  THY WILL BE DONE!!!

St. Raymond Nonnatus -MY NEW FOUND FRIEND!

St. Raymond Nonnatus - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AND THIS PREGNANCY!!!

Thy Will Be Done!!! +JMJ+

Did you hear the news?

OUR PRECIOUS BABY

For those who don't know...I am pregnant! Thanks to all of you who have been praying for me to get pregnant and during my miscarriage in November. God is good and after getting a foster baby in April who was 2 1/2 months old at the time...God was very generous and I found out weeks after his arrival, that I was 8 1/2 weeks pregnant!!!

So now after a very nervous first trimester I am happily 17 weeks pregnant. Due around Christmas!My hubby and I feel like newlyweds, pregnant with our first child! (Yes, I got pregnant on our honeymoon) When you realize this might be your last pregnancy...you appreciate every second! Being 44 is a lot different then when I had my first at 21. Oh, to be naive again with all the joy and excitement that comes with expecting a baby...now my months center around seeing a specialist and getting sono's and blood work! Thanks be to God that all is well and this baby...is healthy and strong!

While at the specialist...I was having a 12 week sono when they asked me if I wanted to know the sex of the baby...I replied that we have never found out the sex...then she said with excitement, "Well, I can tell ya!" I took that as the sex was obvious...which of course means...A BOY! So, since my hubby and I talked about the idea of finding out this time...I said sure...and yes, she said it is a BOY! So, I went home...we told the youngest seven we were having a boy. The boys all said, "YEAH, boys rule again!" The two little girls said, "But, what about the twin girls we were praying for?"

When we texted the the older five...they said, "What you found out?"- "Why did you find out"- "You never find out!" Funny getting a lecture from your kids!

So we pooled from our latest list of names for the boys...Thomas Steven or Steven Thomas (after two of my older brothers) and we chose Steven Thomas...which my oldest son quickly replied his initials would be ST., not even canonized and they are already calling him saint! My poor sister (Margaret Joan), who we have been trying to name a baby after for five years, will have to wait... or my lovely oldest daughter has volunteered to take on the tradition and when she gets pregnant. (She informed me that it will be when I have hit menopause...so I can't fulfill my dream of being pregnant at the same time as her! ;)

Keep up the prayers!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Chic Flia Day:

Chic Flia Day: 

If you don't know this about me...I have an amazing network of friends, family, church, and community. One of the fun things my pals and I do is go to Chic Flia each year on Cow Appreciation Day.  Check these out!

I should of taken a side shot!

Our homeschooled neighborhood!

Thy will be done!!! +JMJ+