Sweet Little One

With love for our third child, Michael Gerard.

Oh sweet little one, whom my arms long to hold

Heaven's gain is our loss.

Playing in It's fields, skipping along

with your sister hand in tow.

Just mine for a little while,

though I guess you never really were.

Made out of love with a beautiful soul

Never blemished by the world.

So perfect and innocent

So holy, our little Saint

Waiting for us to whisper your name

and pray.

Oh joy and sorrow of a precious short life

made in His image and born into light.

We call you by your name

our child we know you, though unseen.

I see your face when I close my eyes,

and hear your voice in my heart.

Together one day, we'll eternally be

and our family, finally complete.

So perfect and innocent

So holy, our little Saint

Waiting for us to whisper your name

and pray.

7 Quick Takes: Food and Fall

As always, check Jen out!
**1**
In Rockford, IL which is about 45 mins from my home, there is a horrific abortion mill. It isn't just a women's clinic or a place where babies are killed, it is truly a den of evil. For years now us pro-lifers in the area have been praying and fasting for it's closing. Priests in the area have also been saying prayers of exorcism over the place. The owner is a man filled with hate and anger for God and His people. My parish in Lent did a 40 Days for Life for the closing of this clinic and many wonderful people are always there praying. Well tonight, there is some great news. The state has shut down this clinic due to many health violations. Hopefully it is permanent, but only time will tell. I wanted to share this news with all of you because so often we don't see the fruits of our prayers. Praise God!

**2**
In lighter news, I finally used my bread machine for the first time! We got it as a wedding gift and I always wanted to use it, but I had to run it empty first and just never did that. Well my wonderful husband cleaned and ran it empty for me last week (while I napped with babykins!!) I just cut up our first loaf of whole wheat bread and it smelt and tasted AMAZING.

**3**
I'm never buying bread in the store again! It always bothers me when I look at the list of ingredients and it contains a bunch of stuff I've never heard of before. This way I know exactly what I am eating and giving to my husband and child. Plus I save money and it is much tastier! Bi-Winning.

**4**
I'm one step closer to never buying any foods in the store that I could easily make myself. I partly blame my farm upbringing and partly blame Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship. Love, Love, Love her site. If you haven't checked it out, do it! There is so much to read so you may want to pencil a few weeks in you calendar to absorb everything.

**5**
I also made cinnamon pumkin pancakes for dinner tonight. Yum Yum! I love this time of year. Though I have to say I am mourning the end of my garden. But I think I'm ready to embrace Fall.

**6**
Yesterday my family made homemade apple cider with homegrown apples and the ole cider press.

It is so tasty, and always brings back great childhood memories. Thanks to my grandpa and siblings for picking up all the apples!

**7**
As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I'm in the midst of some intense spiritual warfare. I'm doing my best to keep the evil one at bay and am clining tight to sweet Jesus.  I've been going to adoration at least once a week and even made it to daily Mass today, where Dominic did great! I didn't have to take him out once and it was awesome. The battle rages on and St Michael, and my guardian angel are staying close.

Have a great weekend!

My Battle Plan

Today was a good day. Since Sparky (the evil one) has been attacking, I knew it was time to start fighting back with avengance. I always pray the St. Michael prayer multiple times a day, call on my guardian angel's intersession, and pray daily rosary (all great weapons in spiritual warfare) but today I pulled out the big guns. My MIL watched Doc so I could go to confession and daily Mass. These two things I know need to be done with much more frequency. I mentioned in my last post that I have had quite some attacks in years past (stories for another time perhaps), but during my pregnancies and new mommyhood, God gave me a break while I adjusted. I'm so grateful for that!! Now I suppose I'm adjusted and I am seeing the attacks again. I just need to fight hard and do my part and give it back to Him anyway.

Before Dominic was born I went to at least monthly confession, sometimes weekly, and daily Mass. I think I received the Eucharist almost every single day Doc was in my womb. I do miss daily Mass a lot, and I think it is time to start going on the days Dominic and I are home. The local Newman Center has Mass at noon which is awesome for us late sleepers. It used to always be during Dominic's nap time, but now he only naps once around two pm so I should be able to swing it. The only semi problem is this college Church (which actually is also a Parish) is so child unfriendly. There is no crying room. There is a Narthax but there aren't speakers so I don't really feel like I am attending Mass. Like I said before Dominic is quite the talker (and the occassional screamer), and I don't want to ruin Mass for anyone else. I suppose I'll give it a try and maybe he will suprise me with his good behavior!

As far as confession goes, there is no excuse to not be going at least monthly right now; I owe it to my husband and son! Every two or three months just won't do. Fr. Gabrielle Armorth, the head Exorcist for the Vatican says that one confession is more powerful that a hundred exorcisms. WOW! What better defense in spiritual warfare?

Adoration is the other BIG thing I need to start going to with much more frequency. I love spending time with dear sweet Jesus, who sits and waits in the Little White Host for love of us. Again at least weekly and I think this too is possible. The best thing about this, is it is something we can do as a family. I will never forget a couple days before Dominic was born, Geoffrey and I went to adoration together and prayed hard for our little one and for a safe and healthy birth. What an answer to prayers we had! Then the week after we had him my wonderful husband went to adoration to say thank you for this incredible gift. Dominic was only a few weeks old when we went as a family, the three of us on earth. It was...overwhelming. I guess what I am trying to say is, I LOVE adoration and need to go more often.

There are many other things on my battle plan, like fasting (again something I don't do nearly as often as I should), acts of penance, daily examinations of conscience, and more spiritual reading.

I'm feeling refreshed today after Mass and confession, I just need to stick to the battle plan.

A Call to Arms

There is so much I want to blog about right now...

I have so many half written posts and half formed ideas,

but this week has left me exhausted.

I am so blessed and life is great

but the evil one is prowling.

I can hear his breath.

He is trying to break me.

I am so weak

and so I must cling tight

to the Eucharist in adoration,

to confession,

to my rosary,

to Mass,

to prayer.

Because dear sweet Jesus is strong,

my guardian angel is by my side,

St. Michael is waiting for the word to strike

and the devil doesn't stand a chance.

I am no novice to this battle,

I carry the scars of years.

It's been quiet for a few

and God has kept the evil one at bay

whist I adjusted to my new role as a mother.

But now, now the honeymoon has ended.

God is calling me to battle

I must grow in humility, obedience, and gentleness.

They are my shield.

I must return to fasting, penance, and mortification.

They are my sword.

St. Gemma, show me the way.

"Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints..." Ephesians 6



7 Quick Takes Friday: My Little Man Edition

**1**
I can't believe how quickly my sweet baby boy has grown! Lately a lot of people have been commenting about how big he is getting, saying that he is a little boy and no longer a baby. It's true.

A rare serious, still moment! Photo by Ashley Bell.

**2**
What a true joy he's been too! Aside from the screaming and occasional food throwing, everything thing he's been doing just delights me. I could just play with him and watch him explore all. day. long.

Playing daddy's Rockband drums.

**3**
Probably my favorite thing right now is his recent love for prayer. We've been doing bedtime prayers for a while now with him, but now he lives for it! I'll say "Dominic, time for bed and prayers." He will immediately fold his hands, run into the bedroom, and stand at the foot of the bed (where my husband and I kneel) and wait patiently, hands still folded. When we actually start our prayers, he will usually resume the position for a little while, and then decide that now is a great time to shower mommy and daddy with hugs and kisses. I guess we look extra lovable when we are praying. 

**4**
Yesterday Dominic and I spent most of the day at work/Church. Before we left I asked Doc if he wanted to "say hi to Jesus", who is waiting longingly in the prison of love aka tabernacle. "Yep" my little guy replied as he ran down the hall to the Sanctuary. Upon entry, He dipped his little hand in the holy water and began a "Sign of the Cross", which consisted of touching his forehead briefly. Then, following me, he knelt down and folded his hands while I genuflected. We processed to the kneelers on which he stood, hands folded, whist I prayed. When we were done I said "bye bye Jesus" and blew a kiss at the tabernacle, to which my great imitator did the same. OH HE JUST MELTS MY HEART!!

**5**
When I was praying, I asked dear sweet Jesus to give Dominic such a desire in his heart for Heaven. I pray that he longs for Jesus in the Eucharist with such fervor every day of his life.

**6**
Watching Dominic grow is such an incredible blessing. Truly, I thank God every day that he entrusted this precious soul to Geoffrey and I. I pray we can raise him to be the Saint that God is calling him to be. Heaven knows we need help.

**7**
St. Dominic Savio, pray for my little man!

Happy Friday all and thanks Jen for hosting!

An Act of Will

At Fatima, our Blessed Mother asked that we make reparations for sinners,
for our own sins,
and for those who do not believe, hope, adore, and love God-
especially in the most Blessed Sacrament of the altar.
She taught the children saying,
 "When you make some sacrifice, say 'O Jesus, it is for your love, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.'"

Fr. L. was recently speaking with our Jr. High kids and sighted this prayer.
He said that when you have to do a chore,
act of humility,
or just something your really do not want to do,
say this prayer.
"O Jesus it is for love of You and salvation of souls that I do this."
He said that just this simple little prayer
can be the grace a soul needs to get to Heaven.
It really struck me.
A soul might make it to Heaven because I did the dishes when I didn't want to.
Because I was awake with my son for the fourth time that night.
Because I cleaned my house today.
If I just offer up these everyday occurences to Heaven-
Oh what God can do with those offerings.

And a happy side effect, is it makes these chores not so bad.

So today, tomorrow, and the day after...
my dear Guardian Angel help me remember to pray
"O Jesus, it is for love of You, and salvation of souls that I do this."

A Pilgrimage

Tuesday I went on a pilgrimage with my Parish family

to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

No, not in Mexico.

Subtract the drug cartels and add a whole lot of cheese!

Just a few short years ago Archbishop Burke,
when he was in the Diocese of LaCrosse, WI
felt the calling to build a Marian Shrine in his Diocese.
Originally the Shrine was going to be to Our Lady of Fatima,
but years went by without any movement.
Then Archbishop Burke heard Blessed Pope John Paul II in Mexico
saying that Our Lady of Guadalupe was not just for that country,
but for all the Americas.
He then knew just what Shrine we needed here in North America.
All of a sudden, things began to happen.
Someone donated 93 acres in LaCrosse, WI to the Diocese,
unknowing about the Archbishop Burke's plans.
Over the next few years money came flooding in for the building of this Shrine,
given credence to the will of God,
and despite the opposition he was facing in his own Diocese
for the building of this beautiful sanctuary-
you know the classic money could have been given to the poor (see John 12).
In 2004 the construction began, and was completed in 2008.
It was simply Heavenly and stunning, hidden amidst the rolling hills.

Archbishop Burke

in front of the Church

At the base of the hill is the visitor center, gift shop, and restaurant.
The Church is about a 15 minute walk up hill.
It is a delightful walk, bringing to light that we were on a pilgrimage.
The path was paved and not too steep,
all the way surrounded by the breathtaking woods and hill.

On the journey up to the Church you come across a few statues.

Blessed Kateri

St. Joseph the Worker

Also on the journey up is a candle chapel,
where you can make a donation to have a candle lit,
and people pray for your intention.
Upon walking in, I was in awe.
The chapel glowed blue and was simply resplendent.
The glistening stained glass depicted the Blessed Mother at various apparitions.

My candle is to the right. :)



Our Lady of Fatima

It is hard to do it justice in pictures.

Finally, just when your calf muscles are really starting to hurt, (especially when you are pushing a stroller) there it is.

Nice on the outside, but even more amazing on the inside!

So traditional I love it!

The angels flanking the altar up top were awesome.

Right away I got to go to confession.

The confessional always has a priest in it while pilgrims are there.

And a good soul cleansing was just what I needed!

Mass followed, and it just happened to be the Feast of the Visitation.

Perfect!

Father L. gave a great homily, as always.

One thing that really stuck out about the Church, was the acoustics.

As a musician, oh man, I would give anything to be alone in that Church,

just my voice and guitar.  

When we sang, you could hear the angels singing along.

On either side of the Church were gorgeous paintings of various Saints,

along with a first class relic!

There was also a kneeler and candles for you to say a prayer and pay your respects.

The painting of Blessed Miguel Pro
"Viva Cristo Rey!"

My favorite was probably this painting of St. Maria Goretti. There were also paintings and relics of St. Faustina, St Gianna Mola, and St. Terese of Liseux, and St. Peregrine.

Dominic was so fascinated by the relics
and kept going over to look and them.
So was I.

We heard stories from our tour guide and a nun about the many miracles that have happened from people coming to the Shrine and asking for these Saints' intercession.

St. Gianna Mola especially (more to come on that).

After spending ample time in the Church,

we hiked outside to the Stations of the Cross and the Rosary.

There were 4 of these sculptures, one for each set of mysteries.

The Shrine to the unborn was also stunning.

Many people don't know that in the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe,

Mary is with-child.
We know this because of the sash she is wearing around her waist.
This is why Blessed John Paul II declared her to be
patroness of families and the unborn.
This is also why this shrine is so needed in our country today as families and the unborn are dying in droves, by the choices we make.

This pilgrimage was something I greatly needed
and was well worth the four hour bus ride; even with a very active 14 month old!
I received such graces and I know my family will be blessed because of it.
I am already looking forward to our pilgrimage this fall!
Where was your last pilgrimage?

Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Mystical Rose,
make intercession for the holy Church,
protect the Sovereign Pontiff,
help all those who invoke thee in their necessities,
and since thou art the ever Virgin Mary
and Mother of the true God,
obtain for us from thy most holy Son
the grace of keeping our faith,
sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life,
burning charity
and the precious gift of final perseverance.
Amen. (Pope Pius X)

Something About Latin

It was about a year ago when I attended my very first Extraordinary
form of the Mass, aka Latin Mass.

From that first time, I was hooked.

It has a beauty and reverence that the Novus Ordo (imho) lacks.

Don't get me wrong, the same Jesus is present at the Novus Ordo and that in it of itself is AMAZING, but there is just something, well, EXTRAORDINARY
about the Extraordinary Mass.

At that first Mass, I was reading along in the Latin to English booklet,

and was literally moved to tears by the words.
The vale between Heaven and Earth felt so thin.

The new translation of the Novus Ordo Mass is going into effect this November;
this will certainly repair much of the lackluster of the Novus Ordo
and correct the poor translation.

I can't wait!

But still, there is just something about Latin...

Lately I have been trying to take my love of Latin from the Mass and music,
to my regular everyday prayers.
Fr. Gabrielle Amorth, the Vatican's head exorcist,
has spoken on many occasions about the power of Latin
and the devil's hatred of it (An Exorcist Tells His Story).
SOLD!
Don't need to tell me twice.
I began with the Ave Mary (Hail Mary)
which was simple because I've been singing it for years.
I also have the Doxologia Minor (Glory Be) down
and am working on the Pater Noster (Our Father),
and the rest of the prayers of the Rosary.
Next on my list, the prayer to Sancte Michael Archangele.

I am already experiencing great fruits and graces from praying in Latin;
more than I could have ever imagined.
It is so much more than just a language.
It is the language of the Church,
of the Mass,
and of my soul.

AVE MARIA, gratia plena, Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.



On Account of the Rain

At work we've been praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 in front of the Tabernacle. While I'm not at work everyday, when I am I really enjoy doing this.

Today Dominic was sound asleep in my arms when the 3:00 hour chimed.

We went over to the Church and sang the Chaplet.

When the we finished everyone else went back over to the office

and I stayed to pray a while.

Then it started to pour.

A sound, I have to admit, I love.

Since it was raining I was "stuck" in the Church, praying,

and holding my sweet sleeping boy.

Not a bad way to spend my time.

And what a beautiful place to be "stuck".

A Better Me: Day 7!

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake;
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead,
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”

Matthew 28:1-10

Overjoyed, Yet Fearful

For day 7 I reflected on the Gospel for tonight's Easter Vigil Mass (above).

Oh how I love the Easter Vigil!

Fire. Darkness. Lights. Darkness.

Word. Prayer. Repeat.

GLORIA!!!

Everything about it is so Catholic and so Heaven.

Illness may have kept me home this time, but we will meet again Easter Vigil!

While reflecting on this Gospel, there was so much that awed me.

First to go on a little tangent before I get down to the meat and potatoes...

When I think of Angels, I think of fierce beings of light and sword.

They are so beautiful and powerful and if we saw one in all it's glory,

we would die right at that moment.

The description of the Angel in the Gospel, to me,

is better than any picture I've seen.

There was a great earthquake when the Angel descended. Awesome!

His appearance was "like lightning". Beautiful.

His clothes were "white as snow". Pure.

Okay, now looking inward...

When the Angel speaks, the first thing he says to the women,

"Do not be afraid."

What a great greeting.

So often I ignore, or try to hide from the promptings in my heart.

Simply because I am afraid.

Afraid of what is being asked of me.

The Angel tells them the good news, and knowing they will need proof,

invites them to go look for themselves. 

Again, something I would need.

Then he gives them the mission

and they go off "fearful, yet overjoyed."

The women had a joy in their heart at just the sound of Jesus' name,

at the very thought of seeing Him and embracing Him again

that any fear they felt was overcome by their joy.

When Heaven asks something of me,

I feel so humbled and blessed that I am even asked!

I worry though, that contrary to the "Marys", I am overjoyed, yet fearful.

When the women see Jesus they "embrace His feet" and "do Him homage."

This is such a beautiful picture.

I can just see them, prostrate on the dirt road before our Risen Lord

 who is glowing in snow white;

they, kissing His beautiful feet.

Adoration at it's finest.

And again He says "Do not be afraid."

So what is there to be afraid of?

Why do I feel overjoyed, yet fearful instead of the other way around?

I think, I fear that if I gave in, to all of Heaven's promptings,

to all of Jesus' wooing,

to all of His sweet Love,

that I would never come back.

The small tastes of His overwhelming Divine Love that I have felt...wow.

The times I have given into it, I wanted to stay forever.

Why should I fear that?

God will do with me what He wills and that is perfect.

No more can I let the fear win.

So today, and tomorrow,

as we celebrate the Resurrection of our beautiful and glorious Christ,

I am praying for the courage and desire

to let Heaven's joy overcome my fear.

On the other side, is something truly amazing.

A Better Me: Day 5

"How then do they deserve to enter into My glory who have little faith, vain hope, and no charity? If, indeed, they had the faith of eternal joy and horrible punishment, they would desire naught but Me. Did they believe that I know and see all things, and am powerful over all things, and seek judgement of all, the earth would grow vile to them, and they would be more afraid of sin before Me for fear of Me, than before men. Had they firm hope, then their whole mind and thought would be to Me. Had they divine charity, they would at least think in mind what I did for them, how great was My labor in preaching, My pain in My Passion, My charity in death, because I preferred death to abandoning them. But their faith is weak, tottering, as it were, to fall; because they believe, when the assult of temptation is absent-they distrust, when anything contrary comes upon them...Their love towards Me is all cold, because they are never inflamed to seek Me unless compelled by tribulation."
-Revelations of St. Bridget of Sweden

St. Bridget of Sweden was a visionary whom Jesus and Mary appeared to. She also was shown and details such events as the Nativity, and is most known for her "15 prayers" which meditate on the many wounds of Christ. The above passage is a quote from Jesus,when speaking of His Agony in the Garden.

Today, Holy Thursday, we celebrate the institution of the Priesthood, the Eucharist, and Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Meditating today on all those things, but mostly on His Agony, the above passage really struck me.

How often am I exactly the person Jesus describes?

How often does my heart desire everything but Jesus?

How often do I aim to please those in the world, over dear Jesus?

In your Agony my Saviour,

I could not stay awake with You.

I tried to wait just one hour,

but I could not stay awake with You.

Sweat of blood dripped from thy Sacred Head,

Sorrow peirced thy Heart.

Yet I into slumber crept.

In Your Agony my Savior,

I could not stay awake with You.

A Better Me: Day 4

Stabat Mater

At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to her son to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother, highly blest,
of the sole-begotten One.

Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother's pain untold?

For the sins of His own nation,
She saw Jesus wracked with torment,
All with scourges rent:

She beheld her tender Child,
Saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.

O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:

Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.

Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified:

Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all my sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live:

By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!,
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine;

Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.

Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away;

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory;

While my body here decays,
may my soul Thy goodness praise,
Safe in Paradise with Thee.

I am feeling very ill, so this one will be short.

And because I am feeling so bad, it is fitting that

my meditation for the day was this beautiful Catholic hymn Stabat Mater.

It is fitting because any suffering, no matter how bad,

 can't compare with that of the Mother of Jesus.

I can't imagine seeing my son in one ounce of pain.

In fact just the thought of something happening to him...

well I can hardly bare it.

Mother Mary, help me this Holy Week.

You are the key to the heart of your Son.

He loved you so much, why wouldn't you be a good enough Mother for me?

I ask you, please to draw me into your Immaculate Heart

and thus the most Sacred Heart of your Son. Amen.