The second half of Lent has been going more smoothly for me than the first half, I must say. Then again, I'm looking at it from a human perspective so...who knows? Just don't ask me about the fasting, okay? (Blame it on chocolate! Does me in every time!)
In preparation for Holy Week a nearby church held a 40 Hours Devotion and also heard Confessions for 40 hours and I was able to go to Confession, Mass, and Adoration on Monday. This was a great blessing for me as I had been trying to get to Confession before Holy Week and I had missed out on Adoration during the first couple weeks of Lent.
I picked out a beautiful dress for my daughter's First Communion which will take place in a few weeks. Michaela is very excited and so am I! The only thing I still need to get is the veil. I found one but I have to return it because I want the headband style. The other types are too difficult to keep in place.
The weather here has been beautiful! It actually reached 80 degrees on Monday which is unheard of around here this early in April. The entire week has been gorgeous though it has cooled down a bit since Monday. Michaela and I were able to spend some time outdoors; we went to the park and also had a little picnic on a huge granite slab in the woods near our house. It's nice to be able to spend more time outside now that the weather has improved. Michaela doesn't like being "cooped up" in the house for long and, if I'm being honest, I was feeling a bit stir-crazy myself, so we were both glad to get out of the house.
I hope everyone has a blessed Holy Week!
Mary, isn't it fun getting ready for a first Holy Communion? I'm sure your daughter will look precious.
ReplyDeleteI've been planting and weeding this week until the temperature dropped and we got rain. It's too cold for the next couple of days to do anything outside, but soon I'll be able to finish the planting. Glad you had some lovely outside time with Michaela. You're giving her some great memories.
Barb,
ReplyDeleteIt is fun! We are having a party for her afterward so she's looking forward to that too!
I'm glad you've been able to work on your garden a bit, Barb. Peaceful, isn't it? It has gotten chillier here, also, so I'm glad Michaela and I got the chance to go outside when we did. Today is very windy!
Mary,
ReplyDeletePrayers and blessings as Michaela prepares for her First Communion. I know what you mean about the fasting- I will say no more :)
Have a blessed Holy Week!
Thanks Karin! Your prayers are appreciated!
ReplyDeleteFasting is tough - I'm all revved up to do it at the beginning of Lent but it wears off by last couple weeks, unfortunately. It's never been one of my strong points but I wish it was because prayer and fasting is very powerful.
I hope you have a great week too!
Praying for Michaela and all of you at this special time.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I've found that I am really good at fasting after I eat a big meal and am full ...
ReplyDeletePrayers are with you for Lent and for Michaela's First Communion!
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteMy baby girl is growing up :) Her first Confession has her a bit worried though - she's nervous!
Victor,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayers! It's a big day for her!
Michael,
ReplyDeleteFunny! Yes, I think that's when it's easiest for me too! Thanks for the prayers!
Awwww, first communion. What a blessing you have in her. Blessings to you my dear Mary.
ReplyDeleteHi JBR! Thanks for sending me your e-mail address. I didn't post it in the comments because I didn't want you to get tons of spam. I hope things aren't too hectic for you at work this week. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteTag you're it
ReplyDeletehttp://torontocatholicblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/ive-been-tagged.html
Oh my golly, what a beautiful gift your priests gave to hear Confessions for 40 hours!!!!! That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment on Colleen's blog about "Intergenerational Healing". I read this book when my friend's son was dying...she believed him to be victim's soul to heal the family blood line (hence, his cancer of the blood)...it is a powerful book indeed, and I look forward to your posts on it.
Have a blessed Triduum and thanks for sharing these beautiful Sabbath Moments. Oh! And GOD BLESS YOUR DAUGHTER ON HER FIRST HOLY COMMUNION!
Judy,
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michaela is excited! Yes, the 40 Hour Devotion was definitely a blessing!
As for the book, "Intergenerational Healing" I think both my mom and I were shocked at the response to our prayers. We meet to pray the Rosary and Mercy Chaplet and recently we started praying the prayers in Father DeGrandis' book afterwards. It wasn't until we prayed the prayer about breaking occult ties in the family bloodline that we were tossed to our knees. The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable.
That's very interesting about your friend and I have no doubt that there are victim souls here on earth. Probably many more than we even realize.
God bless you, Judy :)
Hi Mary, my 7 year old had her first Holy Communion at Christmas, on the Feast of the Epiphany. The beauty of the occasion is still so fresh in my mind. I wonder if you will cry like me as your daughter receives Our Lord for the first time!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog and stopping to say hello. I am pleased to find your blog too and I have been enjoying your posts. What a beautiful community of readers you have. I have been enjoying all their comments. It seems you are surrounded by many wonderful blogging friends. God bless!
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteI probably will cry! We've been telling her that this is the most important day of her life and she's excited but a bit nervous because she also has to make her first Confession next week.
I thought your blog was wonderful and I am glad I found it. The blogging community is great and I've met so many wonderful people! God bless you, too :)