Sweetness in waiting.

(I found this un-posted post and so am adding it in 
along with a picture from my last (38.4) week of pregnancy.)
The growing excitement of friends, promises of prayers, baby gifts from kind souls, the purchasing of baby items, and especially the energetic stirrings within (even as I type, my right arm is bouncing off my tummy due to kicking), are causing a growing impatience for baby boy to be here yesterday. However, I am reminded of the beauty of waiting. What do we learn from waiting? We learn there is a time for everthing, according to a master plan, one which we did not design nor have control of. We learn to submit to His timing, His will, His perfect plan...through waiting He draws us to Himself, squirming, restless, until we fall (usually exhausted ;) into line within His hand. This process reminds me of Jeremiah 18:6; "...Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand..."  Just like clay cannot bounce off the potter's wheel as a fully functional item whenever it chooses (if it had rational thought, of course), neither can we decide for ourselves when we are ready and where we shall go, for only the Divine Potter knows the full potential of our make. It is only when we humbly and meekly allow Him to fashion and polish to the perfect finish our hearts and minds, that we are truly ready for the next step. I pray that this 9-month period of waiting has provided me with some understanding of patience and humility which I may utilize within motherhood, and an even deeper desire to submit myself fully to Him.

Prayer of an Expecting Mother

Lord Jesus, I lovingly pray for this sweet hope

that I keep within my womb. You have granted me the

immense gift of a tiny little life, living in my own life,

and I humbly thank you for choosing me as an

instrument of your love. In this sweet waiting, help me

to live in a constant attitude of self-surrender to your will.

Grant me a motherly heart that is pure, steadfast and generous.

I hand over to you my concerns; any anxious fears that may

come, my own wishes for the little person that I still have no

knowledge of. Grant that it may be born healthy in body;

keep far from it every peril to its soul.

Mary, you have known the ineffable joy of a holy motherhood;

give me a heart that can transmit an ardent, living faith.

Sanctify my waiting, bless this joyful hope that is in me,

grant that the fruit of my womb may open out in virtue and

in holiness through your working with that of your divine Son. Amen.



Angel of healing

On this feast day of three great archangels; Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, we ask for their protection, prayers, and inspiration, especially from St. Raphael, an angel whose name and significance is close to our hearts - he is one of our special patron saints. :)  Also a very appropriate intercessor for me especially during this time of healing.  

Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor {mention your petition} and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Saint Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease, and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways.

Annunciation Novena

Novena Dates: March 16-24
Feast Day: March 25

I greet you, Ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Throne of Grace, Miracle of Almighty Power! I greet you, Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity and Queen of the Universe, Mother of Mercy and Refuge of Sinners!

Most loving Mother, attracted by your beauty and sweetness, and by your tender compassion, I confidently turn to you, miserable as I am, and beg of you to obtain for me from your dear Son the favor I request in this novena (mention your request).

Obtain for me also, Queen of Heaven, the most lively contrition for my many sins and the grace to imitate closely those virtues which you practiced so faithfully, especially humility, purity and obedience. Above all, I beg you to be my Mother and Protectress, to receive me into the number of your devoted children, and to guide me from your high throne of glory.

Do not reject my petitions, Mother of Mercy! Have pity on me, and do not abandon me during life or at the moment of my death. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.