Knit and Pray

Catholic woman talks about knitting, sewing, crocheting, cross-stitching, crafting and Catholic Faith and family.

Friday, July 29, 2005

GRATITUDE

It was a year ago on the 23rd of this month that I was in the hospital wondering how much longer I would be pregnant, if the baby would be all right and would get to recieve the sacrement of baptism. I took things one moment at a time and once again my dear hubby and I had to stretch our faith muscles and let God's will be done as He saw fit. There was plenty of praying going on to be sure! God mercifully allowed our third blessing to be our biggest at 3lbs 10 oz and only 5 weeks early. No oxygen necessary. Just feed and grow. The five weeks of bed rest were very hard on the family. Thank God for friends who could take care of my other boys. I'm so grateful for the blessings in my life.
Life is pretty short and none of us knows the hour or the day when we will be called home. Two musicians I knew perished in an apartment fire while I was in the hospital. It's a humbling thing to know that though we have choices in this life we ultimately are not in control. I hope all who read this will take the time now to say a prayer of thanksgiving for all the many blessings Our Father gives each day. Not as the world gives, but as a loving and merciful Dad.
I would also like to say a prayer of thanksgiving for all the people who care for the preemies of the world. The knitters, crocheters, sewers, and all persons who take time to volunteer in some way to the babies and their families. They often go unrecognized but their contribution really does touch the hearts of those of us who have to go through this trial of having premature births. One person I just read about is Jan who lovingly knits items for others. Not everyone apparently is grateful for her handiwork, but I sure am! Everyone who contributes to the welfare of those that are least will indeed get their just reward someday! So I fully intend as God allows to do my own contributions to The Preemie Project because I know how it feels to know someone took time to make cute little hats for my boys to wear. I KNOW love was put into every stitch. I really do appreciate all that those unknow people did who took their time and talents and put them to good use.
There are times that I have to turn the tv news off. It's too depressing to know there's not much I can do but pray and try to send out kindness where ever and when ever I can. I have to focus on the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. It is something that has got me through some pretty horriffic times in my life. Oh if you all only knew the terrible things that have happened to me and my family! It would only emphasize the great mercy and love that Our Father in heaven has for even the least in His kingdom! In case my boys ever read this I simply feel it's to their benefit not to know certain things and let's just leave it at that. I try not to dwell on the aweful past as I cannot alter events but focus on God's love and mercy DAILY. I don't want to focus on the ugly things people do for love of self or money. I will some day give an account on how I spent the time and talents given me. How sobering and what a challenge it is to find the many ways we can show love and kindness. What an exciting thought that a KIND word can mean so much to someone who least expects to hear one.
Well I just wanted to send out a great big HUG and a humble and heartfelt THANK YOU to those who care enough to do what you can to make this journey a little less abrasive!!!
God bless you all!!!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

MEMORARE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Remember O most loving Virgin Mary that it is unheard of that anyone who has ever had recourse to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left forsaken.
Inspired therefore by this confidence in your goodness, I fly unto you my Mother,
O Virgin of virgins.
To you do I come, before you I stand,
a sorrowful sinner. Despise not my poor words,
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
but graciously hear and grant my prayer.
Amen.

Monday, July 25, 2005

A PRAYER FROM ST. EPHRAEM OF EDESSA

O Virgin Immaculate, Mother of God and my Mother, from your sublime heights turn your eyes of pity upon me. Filled with confidence in your goodness and knowing full well your power, I beg you to extend to me your assistance in the journey of life, which is so full of dangers for my soul. In order that I may never be a slave of the devil through sin, but may ever live with my heart humble and pure, I entrust myself wholly to you. I consecrate my heart to you forever, my only desire being to love your divine Son, Jesus. Mary, none of your devout servants has ever perished; may I, too, be saved. Amen.
.
.
And so say we all AMEN!

Saturday, July 23, 2005

PRAYER IN STRESS AND SORROW

Kneeling at thy feet, O gracious Queen of Heaven, we offer thee our deepest reverence. Thou art the daughter of the Eternal Father, the mother of the Divine Word, and the spouse of the Holy Spirit. Full of grace, of virtue, and of heavenly gifts, thou art the chaste temple of God's mercies. Thy loving heart is filled with charity, sweetness and tender compassion for poor sinners, and we call thee Mother of Holy Pity. With the utmost trust I come to thee in my sorrow and distress. Give me confidence in thy love, and grant me what I ask--if it be God's will, and for the welfare of my soul. Cast thine eyes of pity upon me and upon all with whom I am in any way connected. Shield me from the attacks of the world, the flesh and the devil. Remember, O fondest of mothers, that I am thy child, purchased with the precious blood of thy Divine Son. Pray without ceasing that the adorable Trinity may give me the grace ever to triumph over the devil, the world, and my passions. I ask this, O most pure Virgin, through the infinite bounty of the Most High, through the merits of thy Divine Son, by the care with which thou didst nourish Him, by the devotion with which thou didst serve Him, by the love with which thou didst cherish Him, by thy tears and anguish in the days of thy pilgrimage. Obtain that the whole world may be made one people and one Church, which shall give thanks, praise and glory to the Most Holy Trinity, and to thee who art its mediator.
May the power of the Father, the wisdom of the Son and the virtue of the Holy Spirit grant us this blessing. Amen.
Pope Pius IX, March 26, 1860

Friday, July 22, 2005

DEER ME...

We were visited by two sweet little deer the other day. I was able to get a picture before they got scared away. They were munching along our neighbors' back yard. So cute!
Amy asked if I would take a picture wearing my apron. I obliged, though I do believe it would look darling on a thinner person, #2 son had fun wearing it like a sundress as it totally envelopes his tiny thin body. Since I don't have a little girl to model, he humors me, so far. Other two sons enjoy the show too.
Did everyone see this cute label and knitted blanket? Kay really has a great idea for labels. If you just want to gaze upon pure cute click right here and get an eye full of this cutie.
All for now folks, but stay tuned there's always something.....

Two little deer...awwww...

Me and my pretty pink apron.

Daniel models apron.

That Daniel is just funny.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

A LITANY.....

A Litany of Reparation To Our Lord In The Blessed Eucharist
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, offered for the salvation of sinners,
Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, annihilated on the altar for us and by us,
Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, despised by lukewarm Christians, etc.
Sacred Host, mark of contradiction,
Sacred Host, delivered over to Jews and heretics,
Sacred Host, insulted by blasphemers,
Sacred Host, Bread of angels, given to animals,
Sacred Host, flung into the mud and trampled underfoot,
Sacred Host, dishonored by unfaithful priests,
Sacred Host, forgotten and abandoned in Thy churches,
Be merciful unto us,
Pardon us, O Lord.
Be merciful unto us,
Hear us, O Lord.
For the outrageous contempt of this most wonderful Sacrament,
We offer Thee our reparation.
For Thine extreme humiliation in Thine admirable Sacrament,
We offer Thee our reparation.
For all unworthy Communions, etc.
For the irreverences of wicked Christians,
For the profanation of Thy sanctuaries,
For the holy ciboriums dishonored and carried away by force,
For the continual blasphemies of impious men,
For the obduracy and treachery of heretics,
For the unworthy conversations carried on in Thy holy temples,
For the profaners of Thy churches which they have desecrated by their sacrileges,
That it may please Thee to increase in all Christians the reverence due to this adorable
Mystery, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to manifest the Sacrament of Thy Love to heretics,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to grant us the grace to atone for their hatred by our burning
love for Thee, etc.
That it may please Thee that the insults of those who outrage Thee may rather be
directed against ourselves,
That it may please Thee graciously to receive this our humble reparation,
That it may please Thee to make our adoration acceptable to Thee,
Pure Host, hear our prayer.
Holy Host, hear our prayer.
Immaculate Host, hear our prayer.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
V. See, O Lord, our affliction,
R. And give glory to Thy Holy Name.
Let Us Pray
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who dost deign to remain with us in Thy wonderful Sacrament to the end of the world, in order to give to Thy Father, by the memory of Thy Passion, eternal glory, and to give to us the Bread of life everlasting: Grant us the grace to mourn, with a heart full of sorrow, over the injuries which Thou hast received in this adorable Mystery, and over the many sacrileges which are committed by the impious, by heretics and by bad Catholics.
Inflame us with an ardent zeal to repair all these insults to which, in Thine infinite mercy, Thou hast preferred to expose Thyself rather than deprive us of Thy Presence on our altars, Who with God the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest one God, world without end. R. Amen.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES AND ALL...

Yes folks those technical difficulties do bite! But, we're here now to tell you that Our Lady sent us a love note. Too bad we didn't have a camera handy! We have been making it a practice to pray the rosary every third Saturday of the month in front of the clinic where abortions are performed so that in Our Lady's own way that terrible sin would end. We group of faithful children were sent a "love note" when after praying my husband told us to look up and we all saw a white cross in the blue sky. I take it as a sign that we are on the right track and that we all must pick up our crosses daily as Christ said that we must. Don't loose heart for He has overcome the world! Haleluia!
In knitting news: I made up some sample sizes of button hole purses for our friend Carolyn. It was fun to see how they all turned out. Felting is fun! So now that I know what size to make and in what colors I'll be whipping those babies out for her soon! I've been using the Cascade 220 yarn and have been having a great time with it.
For the Tie One On apron I used Bernat's New Cottontots in Strawberry and Sunshine. It's 100% cotton. I like how it turned out except that the pocket is faux. The ruffles just dragged it down. I used two skeins of pink and one in the yellow. Just barely had enought yellow to finish. Overall I like it and am having fun with the themes. Everyone who has entered their aprons have done such a great job, so be sure to stop by and visit. You can click on Tie One On over to the right.
#1 son is officially 12! So hard to believe time moves so swiftly as we get older. #2 is excited about going to school this fall. #3 son is making sour faces. We were trying blueberry and apple but it was a bit too sour for his liking. Kids are fun!

And what size do you want that in?

Pink Lemonade Apron ready to serve!

Pretty -n- Pink Lemonade Puckered Pocket

Man is THIS stuff SOUR!

Sunday, July 10, 2005

LIFE GOES ON...

Keeping hands busy with heart to God. Living life in spite of those who would end or demean it. Praying for PEACE in this time of war. Praying for enemies who know NOT what they do. Hoping for an increase of FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY! Celebrating the birthday of a son born too soon, and yet, in a time and place where he could grow and thrive. Praying for an end to abortion and the culture of death.
Oh my Jesus! Save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven especially those in most need of thy mercy!
JESUS! MARY! I LOVE YOU! SAVE SOULS!

Happy birthday (a few days early) dear Eric!!

Eric and Michael have fun.

Where is everybody?...

I really love my pillow! Thanks Mom!

I really could use a nap!

Progress on Clapotis...slow but steady.

The simple shawl I knit on when waiting to pick up #1 son.

Hot? Have a little pink lemonade.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

A LITANY...

LITANY TO THE LAMB OF GOD IN TIME OF WAR
(For private use only.)

V. The Lord give you peace;
R. Peace and good will.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst say to Thy Apostles, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you," look not upon my sins, but upon the faith of Thy Church, and vouchsafe to her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will, Who livest and reignest, God forever and ever. R. Amen.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Jesus hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.

By the hymn of the angels at Thy birth,
Grant us peace.
By Thy salutation to the Apostles,
Grant us peace.
By Thy voice to the waves of Galilee, etc.
By Thy blessing to the sinner,
By Thy prayers for unity among Thy disciples,
By the love that was to mark Thy followers,
By the great peace offering of the Cross,
By Thy parting promise, "My peace I leave you,"

From the ambition of empire,
Deliver us, O Lord.
From the greed for territory,
Deliver us, O Lord.
From the blindness that is injustice, etc.
From the selfishness that is theft,
From the liberty which is license,
From the love of money which is idolatry,
From the hate that is murder,
From the hardness that will not pardon,
From the pride that will not ask pardon,

By the helpless cry of orphans,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
By the anguished tears of widows,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
By the groans of the dying, etc.
By the dead in unblessed graves,
That Thou wouldst make all nations to dwell as one,
That the hearts of rulers may be as wax in Thy hands,
That having learned in affliction, we may turn to Thee,
That wars may cease from the earth,
By Thy title, "Prince of Peace,"
Lord God of Armies,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Grant us peace.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Grant us peace.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Grant us peace.
V. I am the Salvation of the people, saith the Lord;
R. In whatever tribulation they shall cry to Me, I will hear them.
Let Us Pray
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, teach us, who have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, the saving grace of a true humility, that we and all the peoples of this world may acknowledge and bewail that spirit of materialism and self-seeking and lust for power and vengeance which has plunged the family of nations into war, until in Thy just wrath the world suffers that punishment which, by turning from Thee, it has brought upon itself. In humility and penance, may we lessen the guilt and hasten true peace, without victory, save the victory of union with Thee. R. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Have mercy on us.
Give peace, O Lord, in our days,
For there is none other that fighteth for us, but only Thou, Our God.
V. Let there be peace in Thy strength, O Lord,
R. And plenty in Thy strong places.
Let Us Pray
O God, from Whom proceed all holy desires, all right counsels and all just works, grant unto us Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be devoted to Thy service, and that being delivered from the fear of our enemies, we may pass our time in peace under Thy protection, through Christ Our Lord. R. Amen.
Immaculate Queen of Peace,
Pray for us.
(The body of this litany to the Lamb of God was written about 1915 by or under the auspices of Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922) during World War I.)