Morning Glory

So, my last post about homeschooling challenges touched on just how difficult the day to day process has been in our family.  The choice to homeschool isn’t hard, but the day to day requires more than I ever thought possible.  It has been emotionally and physically exhausting. And, when you homeschool in an isolated area, it just compounds the problem.  For a while, I wasn’t doing/dealing well at all.  I knew it, but didn’t know how to help myself.  Somehow, the means to help myself (probably the result of many heartfelt prayers) offered itself. 

I was forced to make some major changes, especially this year.  I experimented a bit to see what would work for me before stumbling onto/into help.

First I tried staying up late to get some personal time for prayer, reading and just being alone.  If I can’t get time during the day, after everyone is asleep should work, right??  It doesn’t work for me.  I’m already tired.  The praying was dry and the only reading I can handle is fluff…just fluff.  I cannot concentrate or meditate on anything of substance in the evening or late evening hours.  The longer I tried to make this work, the worse my emotional well-being became and my frustration with everyone and everything around me grew.  I didn’t like myself very well and I’m pretty sure my family wanted to ship me off to Siberia.

Shortly before Lent, I knew I had to do ‘something’ else.  I needed to change my pattern; thankfully Lent creates the perfect atmosphere/attitude.  So, instead of giving up Chai or Dr. Pepper, I wanted to instead give up the poor emotional and physical health I’d been stuck in for a couple months.  But, how to do it?  These two books have been a huge source of help and inspiration:

and

Along with reading each of these every morning, I journal when necessary for accountability.  I like looking back to check on myself.  The most helpful advice thus far has been to determine the one thing, if changed tomorrow, that would help me the most.  Mine was rising by 6:15am.  At this season of my life, rising by 6:15am mostly works…if Dac stays asleep I get to read by myself in the pre-dawn light.  If he wakes, he nurses while I read.  My second ‘thing’ was going to bed by 10:30pm.  Necessarily, these two were done together. 

Rising earlier meant I had time to make myself a cup of Chai and read ‘33 Days to Morning Glory.’  It also created time to meditate on the words a little.  I’ve chosen to read ‘33 Days…’ first and then move to ‘Say Goodbye…’  Then, for fun, I play a game on my kindle (if you must know, it’s either Tetris…or ughhh! CandyCrush.  I succumbed and have not much else to say!).

Why has this made a difference?  Well, I believe it’s because oftentimes this is the only thing done during the day for me.  It grounds me.  It reminds me why I’m here.  Even if I end up yelling at the kids, the schoolwork isn’t done by the oldest (again), the 18mo didn’t sleep well last night, I didn’t get a shower (again), the walls are marked with permanent marker (and I just used up my ‘best’ organic cleaner; nothing else I have will take it off), and I generally feel as if I’m drowning in a sea of chores and to-do’s…I still FEEL like I’ve accomplished something I haven’t been able to do for quite some time…read a passage that is uplifting and brings me closer to Christ and His mother, Mary.

And, finally, there is a little bit of peace in my day.  I know I have a little sliver of peace to look forward to each and every day. 

 

peace and quiet

Peace and quiet are elusive.  In my mind the two are linked in a way that there cannot be peace without quiet and there cannot be quiet without peace.  If one is absent or only partially present, neither is fully realized. 

An acquaintance once mentioned she gets up at night to pray because it is quiet.  I’ve thought about that many times since because I think that may be the only time these two qualities are present in my life!  However, the thought of giving up any of the little sleep I manage to get would be a hard trade for me.  I suppose I should just try it. 

I tend to believe that less sleep will make the activity in my days even harder to manage with a cheerful spirit, but the days without much prayer (when one yearns for it) are equally hard. 

There’s a New Years resolution somewhere in all this rambling, I’m just not sure what it will be, yet.

Storms

This summer has brought it’s fair share of storms, some severe.  Rather than worry, I pray. 

While visiting with a couple moms at the close of vacation bible school this past July, one of them mentioned specific prayers to protect against storms.  I asked her to send them to me.  I’ve since passed them on to friends and family, as well.  I have another in my files that I’ll post, if I can find it!

Worry doesn’t help, prayer does.

 

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Prayer or Blessing Against Storms

At each cross within the text, make the sign of the cross.

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. † God became man, † and the Word was made flesh. † Christ was born of a Virgin. † Christ suffered. † Christ was crucified. † Christ died. † Christ rose from the dead. † Christ ascended into Heaven. † Christ conquers. † Christ reigns. † Christ orders. † May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning † Christ went through their midst in Peace, † and the word was made flesh. † Christ is with us with Mary. † Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Judah, the Root David, has won. † Holy God! † Holy Powerful God! † Holy Immortal God! † Have mercy on us. Amen!

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Another Prayer to Avert Storms and Hurricanes

Father, all the elements of nature obey your command. Calm the storms and hurricanes that threaten us and turn our fear of your power into praise of your goodness. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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Chaplet of Protection

(To be prayed on ordinary rosary beads)

Jesus attached specific promises of protection to this prayer. This prayer goes even FURTHER than storms, natural disasters, and military strife. It has a GREAT HEALING POWER attached to it, as well, in that it can mend broken marriages, and cure spiritual, physical and emotional troubles. It has "another dimension of protection, even greater than what we can understand at this time."

In the context of protection against storms, natural disasters, and increasing global military tension, Jesus has asked us to URGENTLY spread this special devotion. It is NOT intended to replace the everyday Rosary of our Blessed Mother.

The chaplet is said by starting with the Crucifix and reciting the Apostles' Creed, then the Our Father, followed by three Hail Mary's on the group of three beads nearest the Crucifix.

First Hail Mary in praise of God the Father; Second Hail Mary in petition or (request); Third Hail Mary in thanksgiving with confidence that your request will be granted.

Instead of the Glory be to the Father..., recite

"Holy God, Holy Omnipotent One, save us who dwell in this land."

On EACH decade, instead of the Hail Mary, recite

"Jesus Savior, merciful Savior, spare your people."

On completion of the fifth decade, recite "Son of God, Eternal Son, thank You for the things You have done." Say this a total of three (3) times to complete the Chaplet of Protection.

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If any of these prayers have a source, I do not know it.  If you recognize one, let me know and I’ll give proper credit.

O Antiphons

I found this resource for the O Antiphons and even printed it out in time and had them ready to go.  They are beautiful, but we haven’t used them.  This is not the year for us to ‘do’ the O Antiphons (as we have in the past), I guess. 

Let’s just say it’s been a challenge to remember our advent wreath and prayers.  It seems that Louis is always needing me at the time we start our nightly prayers.  Thank goodness my husband helps or it wouldn’t get done.  He has been reading the Destination Bethlehem book, and everyone is enjoying the story. 

In just the past few days, I’ve convinced my hubby to lead the advent prayers right before our evening meal and have the candles lit throughout.  The kids enjoy the candle light and it’s been less hectic (ie. more calm, quiet, and peaceful).

At least, the resource is ready to go for next year and I will put it in the ‘Advent/Early Christmas’ storage box for storage.

October - Month of the Most Holy Rosary

One of the goals for this school year was to add prayer and NOT let it slip away after just a few days.  Thus far, we've been successful!    I've changed our original plan of 2 decades in the morn, 1 decade after lunch/dinner, and 2 decades before bedtime ... to ... 2 decades in the morn and 3 decades before bedtime.  This seems to fit our family better.  Evening has always been a set prayer time, so the decades were easier to add into the schedule at that time.  The new morning prayer time is certainly a LOT easier than mid-day, at least for our family.  Just seems like mid-day is the most hectic time of day:  two finishing up school, dinner prep & clean-up, a few afternoon chores, another finishing up school after lunch, etc.  Besides, maybe it was a bit much to add two new prayer times and expect all of us to 'take to it'!  I'm just thankful we finally seem to have found something that works.

Rosary Book

For the larger Rosary Book, I purchased a post-bound 8.5"x10" scrapbook/photo album at Michael's.  The album does come with some top-load sheet protectors (I cannot remember how many), but I purchased extra to complete the project.  The weekly Michael's ad has great coupons ... I'm certain I used a 50% off one item coupon to purchase the album, and scrapbooking supplies are regularly on sale.

Sorry for the poor pictures.  Glossy sheet protectors don't make for great photos.

The title page - page 1.

The next two pages - pages 2 & 3 - are titled "Praying the Rosary" and "Schedule for Praying the Rosary". 

Pages 3 & 4 include a listing of the prayers need to pray the Rosary and page 4 is the title page for the Joyful Mysteries.  All of the mystery pages are similarly created and placed appropriately within the book.

Pages 6 & 7 are examples of what is contained in the remainder of the book.  The mystery and two different meditations are listed on the left and an 8x10 picture is shown on the right.  The first meditation is more teen/adult, while the second is written more for children.

The last page of the book show the prayer "Hail, Holy Queen."

I also plan to make a smaller Rosary Book - the blue album.  It's pages will hold a 4"x6" print/picture of each mystery.  It's nice to have two copies and the smaller book will be great for travel.

*If anyone is interested in making a Rosary Book, I'd be glad to email you the prayers & meditations.  It'll save you a bit of time!  You can always change the font or wording to suite your personal preference.

St. Blaise

Growing up, my family never missed getting the Blessing of St. Blaise. Although his feast day is February 3, we usually received the blessing on the Sunday following his feast. When we lived in town and could attend St. Mary's Cathedral, the blessing was given on the feast day and we made an effort to go to daily mass for this blessing. We'll miss the blessing on his feast day this year because the local priest is out of town and I'm not able to drive an hour to daily mass (or the 100 miles to St. Mary's). Maybe the visiting priest will give us the blessing this coming Sunday?? I know it's considered optional nowadays, but I feel like I'm missing something important anyway - I especially miss St. Mary's on days like this. So, in honor of St. Blaise, we'll forgo dessert today (and I'll forgo my Dr. Pepper).

For more information about Saint Blaise, check here or here.

The Blessing of St. Blaise (given by the priest)
“Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

St. Blaise Prayer

O glorious Saint Blaise, who by thy martyrdom has left to the Church a precious witness to the faith, obtain for us the grace to preserve within ourselves this divine gift, and to defend, without human respect, both by word and example, the truth of that same faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these our times. Thou who didst miraculously cure a little child when it was at the point of death by reason of an affliction of the throat, grant us thy powerful protection in like misfortunes; and, above all, obtain for us the grace of Christian mortification together with a faithful observance of the precepts of the Church, which may keep us from offending Almighty God. Amen.

*Until researching, I didn't realize there were different ways to spell his name: Blaise, Blase, Blasius. While most of the information is the same regardless of spelling, I used the spelling I remember from childhood!

Annual Patron Saint

Years ago, when we lived in Kearney, NE, I was introduced to the idea of annual patron saints. The idea is to randomly pick a saint from a pile or group; and in the coming year, you are to learn about that saint and ask them for intercession in your life. Some say that the saint chooses you.

Early in the new year (or maybe it was December), while shopping at a local Catholic bookstore, I picked out an annual patron saint at the checkout. What a wonderful project for a store to undertake...making sure their 'patron's' have a patron saint to help them through the year. The saint's name and a verse were written on a thin strip of paper. Mine was St. Helena and I'll admit that I don't know much about her, other than remembering she is credited with finding the true cross. If I could find the strip, I'd share the verse, but I can't find it. I distinctly remember Graham holding it and that I took it and put it somewhere safer. Ha!! Haven't we all done that! Anyway, I hope to share more as I learn more.

Shrine to Saint Helena at St. Peter's Basilica

Then, at our first Family Formation parent class in January, I was again given the opportunity to pick an annual patron saint from a face-down pile of cards. After asking if it was okay to have two patrons - as if I don't need more help! - I chose one for myself and my husband, who wasn't able to attend. My second patron for the year is the Infant Baby Jesus. The card showed this beautiful picture of Mary and Jesus with the following phrase and prayer:

Newborn Baby Jesus

"Today when Jesus is born and by His birth brings immeasurable joy, love and peace, I call you, in a special way to say your 'yes' to Jesus. Open your hearts so that Jesus enters into them, comes to dwell in them and starts to work through you. Only in this way will you be able to comprehend the true beauty of God's love, joy and peace." *

~Let the baby Jesus be your guide, pray that all mothers would choose life for their unborn child.

If you don't have an annual patron saint, but would like to participate, go grab a saint book. With your eyes closed, flip through the pages and just stop at some point. Consider this your 2009 annual patron saint. Live and learn with your saint over the coming year.

*From page 321 of 'The Visions of the Children: The Apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Medjugorje' By Janice T. Connell. Check here for more information on the book and author.

Intercession

A while ago, I was having an especially difficult time with one of my children - in every area of our relationship. On quite a few days, my mother listened patiently to my struggles and offered me encouragement and solace. After one particularly trying day, she sent me an email with a list of the following patron saints.

This is another of those lists that I paste in my dayplanner.

A few of my friends remember this time in my life and are now at a similar point with one or more of their own children. (This post is for you!) The intercession of these saints, the prayers of my mother, and a lot of forgiveness (70x7 rang in my ears often!) has finally started to heal the relationship between me and this child.

St. Thomas Aquinas – Academics
St. Ambrose – Learning
St. Nicholas of Myra – Children
St. Aloyisius Gonzaga – Youth
St. Jude – Desperate Situations
St. Gregory the Great – Teachers

How To Pray For Your Child

I cannot remember how this set of prayer instructions came into my hands, but I've kept it close. I've shared it with many friends, and I usually paste it in my day-planner (I need to do that, yet). I haven't always rememberd to say these prayers, but I should remember. Maybe the daily struggles wouldn't seem so overwelming!

My Little Flock on Christmas Day 2008

How to Pray For Your Child

1.Pray NOTHING hinders your child from accepting Christ as his personal Savior early in life. (Matthew 19:14)

2.Pray your child learns to know God and will have a deep desire to do God’s will for his life. (Psalms 119: 27,30,34,35)

3.Pray your child hears stories from the Bible that will be a basis for his decisions throughout life. (Ecclesiastes 12:q, Psalms 71:17)

4.Pray your child will develop a keen sense of right and wrong and that he will truly abhor evil and cling to that which is good. (Psalms 139: 23-4)

5.Pray your child will increase in wisdom (mentally) and in stature (physically) and in favor with God (spiritually) and man (socially). (Luke2:52). This prayer covers his total development to his full potential.

6.Pray that your child will develop a thankful heart and a positive mental attitude. (Psalm 126:2-3, Romans 8:31)

7.Pray that God protects your child from Satan and his wiles in every area of his life. (John 17:55, Psalm 121)

8.Pray that God would destroy the enemies in his life whether they be weaknesses, lying, selfishness etc. (Psalms 120: 2, 140)

9.Pray that God would make him successful in the work God has for him to do. (Psalm 118:25, 139:9-10)

10.Pray he will have a strong sense of belonging to a family that is loving and dwells together in unity (Psalms 133, Colossians 3:12-14).

11.Pray he will respect authority. (Romans 13:1, Ephesians 6:1-4)

12.Pray that his entire life will be a testimony of the greatness and love of Christ. (Philippians 2:15-16, Thess. 5:2-3)

If you pray one of these a month, you will have your child covered for a year!