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May 13 Feast of Our Lady of FatimaToday is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Mary appeared to 3 shepherd children on the 13th of each month from May thru October, 1917. She asked them to pray the Rosary to save poor sinners from going to hell. She predicted World War II. She showed them a vision of hell. In October, a miracle occured that was witnessed by thousands of people, the Miracle of the Sun. She wants us to pray the Rosary every day, wear the Scapular of Mt. Carmel, and make the 5 First Saturdays - our world is in need of much prayer and conversion...is she really asking us to do that much to help bring peace to the world???
To find out more, visit:
The World Apostolate of Fatima http://www.wafusa.org/
Fatima Family Apostolate http://www.fatimafamily.org/
May 05 FEAST OF PENTECOST RECIPESSunday is the feast of Pentecost, here are some recipes to set your celebration on fire
 . Anything red works great of course, so be creative! Recipes with 3 ingredients or 3 layers work well too, for the Trinity. Anything spicy or tangy will...light your fire!HAM
Place uncooked ham in roasting pan. Pack brown sugar and dry mustard on top and sprinkle some in bottom of pan. Add 1-2 inches of water to pan. Cover tightly. Bake at 350 for 2 hours (for a thawed 3# ham) or till meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. This is for a non-precooked ham, would probably work about the same for a pre-cooked ham, bake according to package directions.
HOLY SPIRIT SALAD
6 apples, peeled, cored, sliced thin
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup red hots candy
Heat water and sugar to boiling. Add red hots. Stir till melted. Add apples, cook till you like; if crisp, then just a few minutes; if mushy, then cook longer. Drain. Serve warm.
CLOVERLEAF ROLLS
Use frozen bread dough rolls. Thaw dough till soft but still cold, cut each dough ball in half. Place 3 halves in each muffin tin, cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise about 3 hours, till double in size. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
TRIPLE-LAYER LEMON PIE
2 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (4 serving size each) lemon flavor instant pudding & pie filling
1 graham cracker crust
1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip
Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or till well blended. Mixture will be thick. Spread 1 1/2 cups of pudding onto bottom of crust. Gently stir half of Cool Whip into remaining pudding, spread over pudding layer in crust. Top with remaining Cool Whip. Refrigerate 3 hours or will set. Garnish with lemon peel if desired. Store leftover pie in refrigerator.
April 30 May AltarMay is dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Do you have your May Altar planned??? It can be as simple as a statue of Mary and a vase of flowers or a candle or something more elaborate including all or any of the following...a table covered with a blue cloth, statue or picture of Mary, candles, flowers, family picture(s), Rosary, Bible, Catechism, Rosary meditation book, etc. Your children will probably have great ideas of how to make a beautiful altar for Mary!
We ask Mary's intercession during May in a special way...we do not pray "to" Mary, but ask her to pray for us. She is Jesus's Mother...who do children ask when they want something? Mom of course! So we are asking our Heavenly Mother, whom Jesus gave to us before He died on the Cross, to intercede for us...to pray for us. If you are sick or going to have surgery, or something like that, do you ask other people to pray for you? It is no different to ask someone on earth to pray for you than someone in Heaven, like Mary...except of course Mary is Jesus's Mother, therefore her prayers are even more powerful than ours! We STILL listen to our mothers...don't we??? So does Jesus
. Just like He did at the Wedding at Cana when Mary first interceded for someone...the bride & groom. We are not praying to the statue or picture either, we are using that image to remind us of Mary (or whoever the statue or picture is of). Do you have pictures of your children or grandchilden or parents or grandparents? Do you worship that image??? Of course not! But those pictures remind us of those we love! Do you sometimes even kiss that picture of your loved one? Do you 'love' the picture? No, but you love the person that the picture reminds you of! So we have statues and pictures to remind us of Jesus and Mary and our favorite saints...because we love them too!Happy May! Happy Spring! Happy Mother's Day! April 29 Tribute to Pope John Paul IIA Star rose in Poland,
Bright, beautiful and strong
Formed in a land of suffering,
Amidst much right and wrong.
A Scholar, Philosopher, Theologian, Poet
An Actor, Mystic, man heroic
Called to be a priest, bishop, then Pope
Bringing to a confused world much hope.
A man of suffering, love, strong faith
Inspiring youth to a life that is safe
Traveling the world, meeting the great and lowly
Bringing the Good News of Christ, so all be holy.
Vicar of Christ, Visible Head of the Church
Neglecting no one in his universal search
To bring the world to Christ and Mary His Mother
Pope John Paul the Great, man's favorite brother.
(by, Fr. Robert J. Fox - www.fatimafamily.org)
April 20 Freedom of Speech????We had a birthday party for my daughters with my husband's family today at a pizza place in a small college town. Pizza was delicious, we had a good time...despite the mix-up of not getting the party room as we had requested. After eating pizza, opening presents, singing "Happy Birthday" and having dessert, a bunch of us went to a local park so the kids could play for awhile. When we were leaving, we noticed little pieces of...something...on the ground by the car. We realized it was my pro-life magnetic bumper sticker that had been torn up into little pieces!!! Why is it that I don't get the right to have freedom of speech??? Of course, my oldest daughter immediately said, "I know what we should do for whoever did that...we should pray for them!" Out of the mouths of babes! April 12 Spring?Is spring EVER going to come to the Midwest??? I am SO ready...where is it??? The robins came back, so I figured, good we only should have 1 more snow - they alwayrs seem to get snowed on at least once...I think its been about 4 or 5 times. I tried taking down the snowflakes from the windows that the kids made...has snowed at least 3 times since then! I tried changing my blog to this lovely pink flower design...didn't work! I want...no, need...warmth & sunshine! I am praying for spring to come SOON! April 11 Vacation Bible SchoolI am working on plans for Vacation Bible School at our church for this summer. Our theme is "Under Construction with St. Joseph." If you have any ideas let me know! April 03 Happy Birthday!His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI will be celebrating his birthday on April 16. You can send him a card at:
His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI
00120 Via del Pelligrino
Citta del Vaticano
Europe March 24 Thank you Gov. Heineman!Gov. Heineman of Nebraska has declared March 30 thru April 5 as "Nebraska Home Education Week!" Thank you Gov. Heineman! Hopefully other governors and states will follow his example in supporting parents' rights to educate their children at home. Send Gov. Heineman a letter thanking him for his support of homeschooling:
Gov. Dave Heineman
PO Box 94848
Lincoln NE 68509-4877
To read his proclamation, go to: http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/ne/Neb_Proclaim_08.pdf March 20 The Joyful Mysteries of LifeI just finished the MOST wonderful book for helping parents to explain the 'facts of life' to their children! It is absolutely beautiful! There are chapters to read & discuss with your child, and discussion questions are even included. The book was written by Catholic parents for their own young family. In order to encourage attitudes of respect and reverence for the mysteries of procreation, the biological facts are presented in the context of a meditation on the joyful mysteries of the Rosary. Chastity, both inside and outside of marriage, is shown to be the Christian way of living out God's will in regard to the procreative aspect of our nature. In his forward, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo welcomes The Joyful Mysteries of Life as a response to the Church's call for good resources for education in sexuality: "With its predominatly spiritual and moral emphasis, in a positive, clear and delicate way, this book is designed to assist parents in their task of formation."
The Joyful Mysteries of Life
by, Catherine and Bernard Scherrer
Can be found at:
February 28 St. Patrick's Day recipesI am planning ahead! I like preparing special recipes for the Saints' Feast Days. One of my favorite resources for doing this is "Building the Family Cookbook" by Suzanne Fowler. The potato soup and soda bread recipes are from her cookbook. Here are some recipes you could use for St. Patrick's Day:
St. Patrick's Potato Soup:
32 oz. frozen hash browns (thawed or partially thawed)
4 Tbls butter
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
1 c onion, chopped
1 can ready to serve chicken broth
2 c water
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c milk
salt & pepper to taste
In a soup pot, saute celery, onions, salt and pepper in 4 Tbls of butter till tender crisp. Add potatoes, broth, and water to the celery mixture, stirring over high heat. When mixture comes to a boil, cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in soups, milk, salt and pepper and heat till hot, stirring occasionally. You may serve with cheddar cheese, bacon and parsley. You can double the chicken broth, water, soups and milk if you are serving a large crowd without adding more potatoes and still have a rich soup.
St. Patrick taught about the Trinity, make Trinity dinner rolls:
Using frozen bread dough rolls (or your own bread recipe should you be more talented than I am), divide each roll into 3 parts, rolling each part into a ball. Cover & let rise till double. Spray muffin cups. Roll each ball in flour & place 3 balls in each muffin cup. Squeeze melted butter between balls. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Irish Soda Bread
3 c flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cream of tarter
1/3 c butter
1 1/2 c buttermilk
1/2 box raisins (optional)
Mix dry ingredients; cut in butter. Add raisins, if desired, and buttermilk, stir till moist. The dough will be sticky. Flour your hands and shape dough into a ball. Knead for 15 seconds on a lightly floured board. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten to about 10 inches in diameter. Using a serrated knife, cut a deep cross in the top of the loaf as you say "God bless this family in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen." Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Glaze: Combine 1/4 c powdered sugar and 2-3 Tbls milk. Stir until thick syrupy. Brush on warm bread. This is wonderful!
Jello-O Parfait
1 small pkg lime Jello
1 c sour cream
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 tsp vanilla
1 can fruit cocktail or pineapple tidbits, drained well
Mix the Jello with the sour cream. Add vanilla and mix well. Fold in Cool Whip. Layer fruit and Jello mixture in parfait glasses. Chill. Serve cold.
St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes
1 3/4 c flour
small box instant pistachio pudding mix
3/4 c mini chocolate chips
2/3 c sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 beaten eggs
1 1/4 c milk
1/2 c oil
1 tsp vanilla or 1/4 tsp almond extract
1 cup cream cheese frosting (1/2 of can of frosting if you're lazy...I mean busy...like me) tinted green if desired
green colored sugar, other decorations as desired
Grease muffin cups. In large mixing bowl, stir together flour, pudding mix, chocolate chips, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add beaten eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, stirring just till combined. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes or till golden brown. Cool. Frost & decorate. Makes 24 cupcakes.
Be sure to have your children make shamrocks, paint rainbows, and talk about the Trinity!
February 19 Apostolate of Holy MotherhoodChrist Child speaking on February 23, 1987: "I wish you to be joyous even in your trials and tribulations. This may seem difficult to understand, but if you unite your suffering to Mine, I will turn it into joy...Christian suffering has meaning and is redemptive. In fact, it is necessary for your salvation, for he who would follow Me must take up his cross...Never seek what may not be God's will. Pray always that God's will be done and accomplished in you...I wish to establish in the world greater devotion to Me as the Christ Child. This will be helpful in combating the evils perpetrated against innocent children which are so sadly common now. The innocence of children must be guarded as a precious jewel...At the end of each Rosary say three Hail Marys for the mitigiation of the suffering of the innocent children in the world - so precious and dear are they to My Mother and I. Often throughout your daily duty, say, 'This is for the innocent children suffering in the world.'"
Blessed Mother speaking, later on February 23, 1987: "Continue to pray for all priests as they need your prayers right now. The Christ Child will be your guide in perfecting you in the way of motherhood, such a sublime vocation which has fallen into disregard among many...The children which God has given them must be first in their lives, even at times coming before their husbands, but, of course, neve before God Himself. The more that you love God, the more you will love your husband and children...I am sorrowful that so many mothers neglect their duty for other things. This is often unnecessary and solely for the purpose of accumulating more wealth, when their true wealth, their children, go unattended. I pity those poor mothers on their judgment day as they will have much to account for. February 17 Lenten Recipes - Tuna & Crab HotdishThis was my Grandma's recipe. When we visited Denver at Easter, we would always have this casserole on Good Friday. I often continue that tradition now. I love you & miss you Grandma!
(This recipe must be prepared the night before.)
8 slices bread, cubed
1 can crab meat, drained
1 cup celery, diced (optional)
1 green pepper, diced (optional)
4 eggs
3 cups milk
2 cans tuna, drained
1/2 cup mayo or Miracle Whip
1 onion, diced (optional)
spices of your choice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
grated cheddar cheese
Butter 9x13 pan, put 1/2 of bread on bottom. Saute onion, celery, and pepper in butter (casserole is definately better this way, but I often don't have those things on hand, so I just add other spices to the mayo and it still tastes yummy). Combine sauted items with mayo; add tuna and crab; spread over bread. Put rest of bread on top. Beat eggs and milk, pour on top. Cover and put in refrigerator overnight. Bake 15 minutes at 325. Combine 1 can cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup milk; pour on top of casserole. Top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake for 1 hour.
February 10 Lenten Recipe - Fish ParmesanThis recipe is from my good friend Michelle's mom. Very yummy...no sacrifice eating fish this way
3/4 cup dried breadcrumbs or crushed Croutons
3 Tbls parmesan cheese
2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp EACH pepper, oregano, basil
6 pollack fillets
1/2 cup melted butter
In shallow bowl, combine crumbs, cheese, parsley, and seasonings. Dip fish in butter, then in crumb mixture. Arrange in 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375 for 20-25 minutes. February 09 Lenten Recipes - Salmon PattiesStir together:
1 can salmon with juice
onion, as desired
2 eggs
Add 18 crushed saltine crackers. Fry in butter in frying pan set at 250 degrees. Flip patties over when lightly browned.l Add more butter for each batch. Makes 12 small patties. Make the patties smaller as will break apart if they are too big. February 07 Wisdom from Mother TeresaThe Word of God becomes flesh during the day, during meditation, during Holy Communion, during contemplation, during adoration, during silence. That Word in you, you give to others. It is necessary that the Word live in you, that you understand the Word, that you love the Word, that you live the Word. You will not be able to live that Word unless you give it to others.
Total surrender to God must come in small details as it comes in big details. It's nothing but that single word, "Yes, I accept whatever You give, and I give whatever You take." And this is just a simple way for us to be holy. We must not create difficulties in our own minds. To be holy doesn't mean to do extraordinary things, to understand big things, but it is a simple acceptance, beacuse I have given myself to God, because I belong to Him - my total surrender. He could put me here. He could put me there. He can use me. He cannot use me. It doesn't matter because I belong so totally to Him that He can do just what He wants to do with me.
Lent is a time when we relive the Passion of Christ. Let it not be just a time when our feelings are roused, but let it be a change that comes through cooperation with God's grace in real sacrifices of self. Sacrifice, to be real, must cost; it must hurt; it must empty us of self. Let us go through the Passion of Christ day by day.
February 03 What to give up...Lenten Reflection: What to Give Up...
Give up complaining...focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism...become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgements...think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry...trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement...be full of hope.
Give up bitterness...turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred...return good for evil.
Give up negativism...be positive.
Give up anger...be more patient.
Give up pettiness...become mature.
Give up gloom...enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy...pray for trust.
Give up gossiping...control your tongue.
Give up sin...turn to virtue.
Give up giving up...hang in there!
January 31 Joyful Mysteries with Padre PioMy daughter asked me to put these meditations on my blog. She has a little pamphlet with Rosary meditations from Padre Pio that she really likes and wanted to share them.
All of these quotes are from Padre Pio.The Annunciation
"Mary became the Mother of the Most High, willing to be His maidservant. Because of that 'yes' spoken by Mary Most Holy, the world obtained salvation and humanity was redeemed. Let us always do God's will and always say 'yes' to the Lord."
The Visitation
"May Mary guide you to Heaven, the secure port of eternal salvation. May she be your gentle model and inspiration in the virtue of humility."
The Nativity
"Mother Mary, lead me to the grotto of Bethlehem, so that I may contemplate the great and sublime event that took place in the silence of the most beautiful night the world has ever seen."
The Presentation
"Like Mary, do your best to conform always and in everything to the will of God in all eventualities, and do not fear. This is the sure path to Heaven."
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
"The Heart of our Divine Master is filled with sweetness, humility and charity. Often place your confidence in Divine Providence, and be assured that Heaven and earth shall pass away sooner than that the Lord would neglect to protect you."
January 30 The Fruitfulness of the Seed SownFirst, remember the principle of God's grace: God often withholds from us the grace to avoid a lesser sin because we are in danger of a greater sin. To avoid pride, He sometimes lets us fall into lust, since lust in usually obvious, undiguised, and temporary, while pride is not. So to conquer lust, we should focus less on lust and more on pride. Only when we are truly humble does God give us the grace to conquer lust. Second, remember St. Thomas' diagnosis of lust, which I think he must have learned from St. Augustine: "Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures." God is not a substitute for sex, as Freud thought; sex is often a substitute for God. The deepest passion of the soul is meant for God. When the true God comes, the false gods go. To conquer lust, forget about lust and love God. Third, we must lay the axe to the root by operating on our very thoughts, as St. Paul advises, "bringing every thought into captivity to Christ." We need a good brainwashing. Brainwashing is not propaganda; brain-dirtying is propaganda. Our thoughts are wild animals; only Christ can tame them. All we can do, all we need to do, is bring them to Him - immediately. Thought is the rudder of life. As the poet Samuel Smiles says:
Sow a thought, reap an act.
Sow an act, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
(Peter Kreeft) January 29 Our Lady Mystical RoseThe Feast of Our Lady Mystical Rose is January 30. When we started homeschooling, we named her the patroness of our homeschool. This is an ancient title of Mary that is not used much anymore, but is so beautiful! Here is a prayer we found that we have been saying as a Novena. You could use it starting tomorrow as a Novena for the 9 days after the feast as well.
O Mary, Mystical Rose, help us to love God with a love that is ready to sacrifice everything, even life, rather than offend Him and lose His grace. Help us to love chastity and to take heed lest we do or permit anything contrary to this holy virtue. Through prayer and frequent Holy Communion, aid us in preserving the virtue of purity until death. Grant us an increase in faith as well. Amen. |
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