Ladybug Lights: Blog

Independence Day

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:38:41 GMT

The 4th of July is Friday...the day we celebrate our freedom! Thank a veteran for fighting for our continued freedom! Pray for the conversion of our country back to the morals and values it was founded on...traditional family values; and pray for a Godly outcome to the elections in November.

This is the one holiday that I do something a little wild . I paint my toenails red/white/blue...yup that's about as wild as I get folks! My big toenail is painted blue & has a white star on it. The rest of my toes are painted red with a white stripe down the middle. Pretty flashy and cool, I must say! My daughters also have their toenails painted red/white/blue. They wanted their big toes blue and then 2 toenails are painted red and 2 are painted white, alternating of course!

Make some red/white/blue foods to celebrate! Having food to match our special occasions is always fun!

Make popsicles from vanilla yougert: color part of the yougert red, part of it blue, and leave part white. Make a cone out of waxed paper that fits in a cone-shaped ice cream cone. Put a little red yougert in, then a little white, then a little blue. Put a popsicle stick in it & cover with foil, poking the stick through (this will keep the stick straight as they freeze). Freeze till solid...yummy!

Make a poke cake with a white cake mix and both red & blue jello.

Serve strawberries & blueberries...or that all-time summer favorite - watermelon.

Have fun, be creative and enjoy the fireworks!

Marylike Standards for Modesty in Dress

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:06:45 GMT

1. Marylike is modest without compromise, "like Mary," Christ's mother.

2. Marylike dresses have sleeves extending at least to the elbows and skirts reachings below the knees. When a woman sits down her knees should still be well covered. (Because of impossible market conditions, short sleeves are temporatily tolerated with Ecclesiastical Approval, until Christian womanhood again turns to Mary as the model of modesty in dress).

3. Marylike dresses require full coverage for the bodice, chest, shoulders, and back; except for a cut-out about the neck not exceeding 2" below the neckline in front and in back, and a corresponsding 2" on the shoulders.

4. Marylike dresses do not admit as modest coverage transparent fabrics - laces, nets, organdy, nylons, etc. - unless sufficient backing is added. However, their moderate use as trimmings is acceptable.

5. Marylike dresses avoid the improper use of flesh-colored fabrics.

6. Marylike dresses conceal rather than reveal the figure of the wearer; they do not emphasize, unduly, parts of the body.

7. Marylike dresses provide full coverage even after jacket, cape, or stole are removed.

reusable shopping bags

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:13:13 GMT

I realize that it doesn't take much to amuse me, but these reusable shopping bags are SO handy! A friend was telling me about them, so I tried them today. Now you must understand that I only shop once a month, therefore I have about 25 or more plastic bags to unload by the time I'm done. They are falling all over the place, don't stack at all & tear easily. With the reusable bags, I have less than 1/2 the bags, they sit up in the trunk (and in the cart for re-packing after paying) and don't spill all over or tear. You can unload your groceries right from the bags into the pantry because you can see what is in the bag. Walmart has them for only $1 each! So you can't beat that! Then you can fold them all up & put them in one of the bags & throw them in your trunk...they take up no room at all & you have them with you every time you shop! Some stores even offer a small rebate if you use the re-usable bags each time. And you are saving the environment on top of all that convenience! You have to try them!

Chicago

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:39:46 GMT

We just returned from the Chicago area and had a wonderful time! We attended the Catholic Homeschool conference in Joliet, IL where I sold candleholders & Rosaries, as well as attending the conference. It was wonderful! Lots of great ideas that I hope to implement! Some friends of ours are in a graceful dancing troupe & performed at the conference. Did dances from around the world as well as a lovely portrayal of life in the womb - truly incredible!

We spent a couple of days with some friends (the ones in the dance troupe and their family) and enjoyed playing games, visiting, and praying together...oh, the kids had a great time swimming in the hotel pool together too, as well as getting their hair braided beautifully!

Then my husband's parents & 2 sisters joined us & we spent a couple days in Chicago together (& then made our way home with them) taking in the Museum of Science & Industry (highlights were: German submarine exhibit, glass blowing & stained glass exhibit...hmmm wonder why that was fun???, baby chick hatchery, went inside a real airplane), the Field Museum (highlights were: seeing many dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian exhibit, animals from around the world, Pawnee Earth Lodge), and the Navy Pier Stained Glass Museum (seeing a pattern here???) ...all very interesting and fun! The girls & I went to American Girl Place...while Virg drove around the block in downtown Chicago trying not to get a ticket...a fun place to visit...and shop of course! We all went to the Indiana Sand Dunes on Lake Michigan and found lots of neat rocks, climbed some dunes, and the girls got VERY wet in the lake, but had a great time! We also stopped in Dubuque, IA (rode the steepest & shortest tram up the side of a bluff, saw the lock system at work on the Mississippi River, and saw some beautiful architecture) where we could have spent several days! I had no idea Dubuque had so much to offer! We hope to go back sometime & spend several days there. We had a fun, safe trip & enjoyed our time away...its always nice to be home though. Our cat, Dreamer, missed us greatly & is waking us up every morning at 6am meowing LOUDLY! she continues to meow throughout the day & doesn't mind being smothered with attention!

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:33:08 GMT

Today 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/

FEAST OF PENTECOST RECIPES

Mon, 05 May 2008 14:44:38 GMT

Sunday 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.

May Altar

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:01:02 GMT

May 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!

Tribute to Pope John Paul II

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:23:15 GMT

A 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)

Freedom of Speech????

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:46:31 GMT

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!

Spring?

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:48:35 GMT

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!

Vacation Bible School

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:18:21 GMT

I 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!

Happy Birthday!

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:27:07 GMT

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

Thank you Gov. Heineman!

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:48:48 GMT

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

The Joyful Mysteries of Life

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:21:52 GMT

I 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:

http://www.ignatius.com/ViewProduct.aspx?SID=1&Product_ID=710&SKU=JML-P&Category_ID=101

http://www.amazon.com/Joyful-Mysteries-Life-Catherine-Scherrer/dp/0898706300

http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1004558/Joyful-Mysteries-Life/

St. Patrick's Day recipes

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:33:52 GMT

I 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!

Apostolate of Holy Motherhood

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:54:34 GMT

Christ 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.

Lenten Recipes - Tuna & Crab Hotdish

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:37:57 GMT

This 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.

Lenten Recipe - Fish Parmesan

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:23:02 GMT

This 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.

Lenten Recipes - Salmon Patties

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:58:23 GMT

Stir 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.

Wisdom from Mother Teresa

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:14:07 GMT

The 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.

What to give up...

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:44:32 GMT

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!

Joyful Mysteries with Padre Pio

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:13:42 GMT

My 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."

The Fruitfulness of the Seed Sown

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:43:01 GMT

First, 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)

Our Lady Mystical Rose

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:12 GMT

The 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.

Ribbon Salad

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:24:36 GMT

3 oz. box lime jello

1 small can crushed pineapple, with juice

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

3 oz. box lemon jello

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese

3/4 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip

3 oz. box raspberry jello

Disolve lime jello in 1 cup boiling water. Add crushed pineapple with juice and nuts if desired. Pour into 8x8 pan and chill till set. Dissolve lemon jello in 1 cup boiling water, then add 3/4 cup cold water. When mixture has cooled, add cream cheese (softened) and whipped cream. Combine. Pour this mixture on top of the lime layer. Return to frig and chill till set. Dissolve raspberry jello in 1 cup boiling water, then add 3/4 cup cold water. Pour over top of first 2 layers. Return to frig and chill till set. Very pretty for CHRISTmas or for when studying Mexico or celebrating feasts like Our Lady of Guadalupe (it is the colors of the Mexican flag). I haven't tried other combinations yet, but you could use whatever flavors of jello you wanted.

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:25:49 GMT

I was looking back at my recipe posts & noticed that I mostly have desserts posted...well we all know that's what I like to eat...and bake! But I thought maybe this delicious casserole from my friend Marnie would be welcome on a cold night!

4 chicken breasts, don't drain off water after cooking (I note this here because...well...I forget!!!)

12 oz. frozen egg noodles, cook in chicken water after chicken is cooked & removed

1 can cream of chicken soup

onion, chopped (optional)

2 cups Ritz crackers, crumbled (about 1 1/2 sleeves)

1 cup sour cream

1 can cream of mushroom soup

10 oz. bag of frozen veggies, we like peas

salt & pepper to taste

1/2 cup butter, softened

Boil chicken in large pot of water with whatever seasonings you prefer for about 20 minutes, till cooked. Remove chicken from water and add noodles to the boiling chicken stock, until done, about 25-30 minutes. Drain pasta. Heat oven to 400. Cut chicken into small pieces and mix with noodles. In separate bowl, mix together soups, sour cream, veggies, salt and pepper. Combine with chicken and noodles and place in a greased 9x13 pan. Mix crackers and butter and sprinkle on top of casserole. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, uncover and bake for 5 more minutes.

The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood - 2

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:45:17 GMT

(Christ Child speaking) I will bless the world again as I did at Fatima. Each will have a chance to repent. You are living in an era of extraordinary mercy. Make good use of it and repent.

(Blessed Mother speaking) Do not worry, my children who are living the proper life. You will be spared. The Scapular of Mt. Carmel is a sign of my protection. Wear it always. It will help you to do good because it is a sign of my love and will remind you of me often. This is the purpose of all sacramentals - to remind you of the person behind them and to help you to imitate their virtues. The Scapular and the Rosary are the greatest of these and will afford you the most protection. I want all my children to wear one. It will help them to love Jesus more.

(Blessed Mother speaking) Try to atone for some of the sin in the world always, but particularly on Fridays.

(Christ Child speaking) Devotion to Me as a Child is important for it manifests the tenderness of My love. Pray to Me as the Christ Child. This is most pleasing to Me. Cultivate this devotion.

(Blessed Mother speaking) O, how I wish that I could persuade all my priest sons to return to their Rosaries. But so many have become hardened in sin, it grieves me. They have forgotten how to pray....Purity and humility, obedience and poverty, prayer and penance - this will lead them back to my Son Who also loves them so. I exhort you all, all my faithful followers, pray for my priests that they all return to me, and I will lead them to Jesus....The Rosary is most powerful now. Use it as your weapon to combat all evil.

The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:36:36 GMT

I am reading a TERRIFIC book called "The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood." It is an absolute MUST read for all mothers...and for priests. The introduction is by Mark Miravalle, S.T.D. of the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The book consists of the approved revelations of Mary and the Child Jesus to "Mariamante" in 1987 and has both an Imprimatur and a Nihil Obstat. You can order the book from: The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood, PO Box 227, Geneva OH 44041

Some quotes from the book:

...all mothers, and particularly those called to this Apostolate, are meant to become living images of Our Blessed Mother through the power of the Holy Spirit and by the imitation of Our Blessed Mother's virtues

...you are being made pure by the graces in the confessional

Do not be afraid. Rest in my Immaculate Heart and I shall protect you...Be a model mother. It is important to be a good mother

Be attentive to your children. They are most important. They will live during the Reign of my Immaculate Heart. This is the prelude to the ushering in of the Reign of the Sacred Heart

The messge of Fatima is most important for this time. Humility is a wonderful virtue. Practice humility. Pray for the world. It is urgent now. The world is facing a grave cataclysm beyond known proportion due to the impiety and impurity...The message of Fatima contains all that is necessary for you to know in this time. The Eucharist must be adored. Adore the Eucharist. The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus is the greatest gift God has given men.

Mothers, teach your children to be kind to one another. The important lessons are learned at home. Do not expect others to teach your children. This is your responsibility and should be your joy...Discipline is necessary, but so is joy. Love your children...Love and cherish your children. They are gifts from God. Follow the example of the Holy Family who lived in humility and love, deferring to one another...Continue to pray for the world...It is everyone's responsibility to be holy.

Why God Allows Problems? (part 2)

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:20:31 GMT

Here are the final 3 reasons why God sometimes permits problems...

GOD USES PROBLEMS TO CORRECT YOU:

Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It is likely that, as a child, your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But, you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes, we only learn the value of something...a relationship, health, money...by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to God's Laws." (Psalms 119:71)

GOD PERMITS PROBLEMS TO PROTECT YOU:

A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year, a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem, but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. ""You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." (Genesis 50:20)

GOD PERMITS PROBLEMS TO PERFECT YOU:

Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. You relationship to God and your character are the only two things you are going to take with you into Eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems...they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." (Romans 5:3-4)

Why God Allows Problems 1

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:54:48 GMT

I belong to the Universal Living Rosary Association of St. Philomena in which you are assigned a decade of the Rosary to say each day for the intention of the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and in honor of St. Philomena & Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot. By joining, you receive not only the graces and merits of your decade, but share in the graces and merits of the other EIGHT million members worldwide as well! The Living Rosary Association was founded by Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot in 1826 and was approved by Pope Gregory XVI. Pauline was a close friend of St. John Vianney. For more information, visit their website www.philomena.org or call 281-309-9821 or write Universal Living Rosary Association, PO Box 1303, Dickinson, TX 77539.

In the Winter newsletter they had several great articles, as they always do. I would like to share with you the one entitled "Why God Allows Problems." I will probably share this article in 2 or 3 posts over the next week as time permits.

WHY GOD ALLOWS PROBLEMS, UNIVERSAL LIVING ROSARY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER, WINTER 2007

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you, depending on how YOU respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are FIVE reasons God may have permitted the problems you have experienced in your life:

GOD PERMITS PROBLEMS TO DIRECT YOU: Sometimes, God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God allowing this situation to get your attendtion? "Sometimes, it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." (Proverbs 20:30)

GOD PERMITS PROBLEMS TO INSPECT YOU: People are like tea bags...if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith by allowing a problem or two into your life? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, beacuse you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." (James 1:2-3)

National Treasure

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:34:30 GMT

My hubby & I went to see National Treasure over New Year's weekend. It was amazingly good! I am VERY picky about movies...check 3 different websites before I will go to a movie to make sure I won't be totally offended & VERY sorry I spent the money on a movie. But National Treasure was a good story, exciting but not too scary...LOL...and basically clean! And it had my dream car in it...can't beat that! Wow! Hollywood can still produce a decent movie if they want to bad enough!

If you are looking for movie review sites, here are the ones I use. And yes, I really do check all 3 each & every time before going to the theatre!!!

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

http://www.kids-in-mind.com/

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/

Ordinary Time

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:01:59 GMT

Ordinary Time can be just that...ordinary, and somewhat boring at times. Be sure to celebrate the feast days of the saints, especially those who are patrons of the members of your family; Baptism and other First Sacrament days; and special Feast Days. Plan a special meal & dessert, use china (what are you saving it for???), find an activity online or in a liturgical celebration book that relates to the feast to do as a family, play a game together, say a special prayer...the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!

You can extend the CHRISTmas season to the Baptism of Jesus (January 13) or even to the Feast of the Presentation (February 2). Some thoughts for things to do this week, from Holy Cross Family Ministries (you can sign up for daily prayer & weekly family activities by email at www.hcfm.org):

1. During this time after CHRISTmas we think of the Holy Innocents. Call to mind today in your prayers, children the world over who suffer and die through no fault of their own.

2. Pray the Rosary as a family offering it for peace in the world and an end to war and violence.

3. When we think of Epiphany, we think of stars, kings, and gifts. At the supper table, place the three kings and some stars on the table and pray for grace that God will enlighten this year.

4. These days of the New Year are days of reflection. Take time to ask, "What do we hope for this New Year?" Write down your hopes.

The Feast of the Epiphany

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:48:24 GMT

The Feast of the Epiphany is Sunday, January 6. In Greek, Epiphany means 'appearance' or 'manifestation.' This feast officially ends the CHRISTmas Season, though I usually wait till the Baptism of Jesus (the following Sunday) to take down my CHRISTmas decorations .

The Magi offered Baby Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gold honored His Kingly role. The frankincense was a testimony of His Godhead and acknowledged Christ's future priestly role. Frankincense was used in religious rituals in the Old Testament and it was placed by the bread of presence (LV 24:7). The myrrh acknowledged that Jesus had taken on human form, for the redemption of the world and also foretold His future suffering and death. Myrrh was normally used in preparing a body for burial. The gifts also represented the disposition of the three Wise Men's souls: the gold signified charity, the frankincense their devotion, and the myrrh the unreserved sacrifice of themselves. These gifts are represented by the colors yellow (gold), green (frankincense) and purple (myrrh - for penance and preparation).

There are several fun activities you could do with your family to celebrate Epiphany. Bake a cake and decorate it like a crown (use a Bundt pan to get the round shape). Use colored sugar to represent the gifts brought by the Kings, as mentioned above. Some people hide a bean, a coin, or a plastic figure of a baby in the cake (after baking, but before frosting & decorating, make a slit & hide the bean or baby) and whoever finds the symbol gets to be king or queen for the day. Be sure you have a crown for them to wear! You could also do an art project with glitter and make stars; make paper crowns with card stock, gold foil or doilies; use the colors mentioned above to draw or paint; or make beaded or colored macaroni necklaces or bracelets using the colors above.

Bless your house on this day! This is an ancient tradition in our Church. Write the following (change according to the year) on a piece of paper, one for each outside door in your home: 19+C+M+B+08. There are 2 meanings to these symbols, one is that the C, M, and B stand for the names of the Three Kings, and the other is that it stands for "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" which means "May Christ bless this house." Have Dad or one of the children sprinkle each door with Holy Water as you place the signs above the doors. Say one or both of the following prayers:

Oh Lord, grant that the names of Thy saints, Caspar, Melchoir, and Balthazar, may, through their merits and petitions, bless our home and bring physical health and spiritual protection for all who enter here. Amen.

Lord God of Heaven and Earth, who hast revealed Thine only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star: Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill them with the light of Christ, that their love for others may truly reflect Thy love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:51:41 GMT

Thoughts on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus from Magnificat Magazine:

The Lord Jesus promised, "Whatever you ask in My name, I will do" (John 14:13). For "the name 'Jesus' contains all...His name is the only one that contains the presence it signifies" (CCC2666). "You have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 6:11). For there is no "other name under Heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved" (Acts 4:12). This memorial provides us the chance to live with special attentiveness before the Holy Name.

"If you think the name of 'Jesus' continually, it purges your sin and kindles your heart; it clarifies your soul, it removes anger and does away with slowness. It wounds in love and fulfills charity. It chases the devil and puts out dread. It opens Heaven, and makes you a contemplative. It puts all vices and phantoms out from the lover." (Richard Rolle)

For more information about Magnificat check out www.magnificat.com or call 866-273-5215. Magnificat has the daily Mass readings; a shortened version of the Liturgy of the Hours for morning, evening and night prayer; saint information; and readings and reflections.

Spritiual Adoption Prayer

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 23:22:09 GMT

Since January is the month when we celebrate Respect Life Sunday and January 22, 2008 is the 35th Anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that made abortion legal, here is a prayer you can easily memorize and pray often. It was written by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love You very much. I beg You to spare the life of the unborn baby I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion.

Happy New Year!

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 01:46:34 GMT

May your 2008 be filled with abundant blessings, good health, safety & protection, and a closer relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother!

I am not very good at keeping New Year's resolutions...usually I don't even bother to make any...I wait till Lent & try to make some type of life-changing move then, though I will admit the last couple of Lents haven't felt very fulfilling. But this year, I am making a New Year's resolution, that is actually 2 resolutions. I actually have a whole list of things I would like to do better this year & maybe by making my list here I will do a better job...will you help me??? LOL I went jean shopping Monday & actually found a couple pairs that 'almost' fit. The larger size was too big & the next smallest size was just barely a bit tight...so I got the smaller size . I much prefer to wear skirts/dresses, and in the spring, summer, and fall, I wear them almost exclusively. Winter in Nebraska makes it difficult for me to continue all year though. I am always freezing! Anyway, since I bought the smaller jeans, I need to exercise & lose a little of the weight I have gained back over the last couple years since my surgery...wouldn't recommend that as a weight loss plan, but being in the hospital for a week & having to have your stomach pumped...well...it works! Another long story you don't want to read here I'm sure...though this is all becoming a long story!!!

Ladybug's New Year's Resolutions:

1. treadmill while saying the Rosary with videos 4 to 6 times/week

2. keep to a better schedule for homeschooling

3. get up earlier in the morning...in order to exercise & start school at a better time!

You know...as I started working on this list (that was longer & then I started hitting 'delete') I decided these are the most important things I should work on right now...because they will make the rest of my life go better! The exercise will help my endorphine level so I will feel better...the Rosary will give me more spiritual strength and keeping to a better schedule for homeschooling will make the rest of life run more smoothly & give me more time for other things...as well as hopefully enabling us to complete school in June so we can take a month or so off...to get bigger projects done around the house. So...I will concentrate on those! Say a prayer for me that I am able to keep these resolutions! Thanks