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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 11:27am | IP Logged
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Hi Everyone-
I'm doing this for the first time, and I'm very nervous and excited. I could really use some moral support, as I feel a little bit like I'm going to meet my mother for the first time. I need some sisters to hold my hand and walk with me...
I'm a cradle Catholic with a formation I'm just beginning to learn is VERY lacking. So a LOT of this is brand new to me. (Would you believe I had to Google "Assumption" to find out what it was so I could decide if that was a good day to do my consecration?) 
Okay, now that I've totally embarrassed myself- I'm off to do my reading...
Day 1 Reading/Prayers
33 Days to Morning Glory
Please stop by and share your reflections with me?
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-Jennifer
SAHM to a 3 yr old boy and a 1 yr old girl (hoping for more).
Looking for friends who live nearby!
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Helen
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 11:50am | IP Logged
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Thank you Jennifer!!!
Thank you for starting this thread. It will really help me to have the reminders and renew with you.
You might also like Mary Vitamin. You can find the link in my signature. If it is too much info right now, you could consider joining after your consecration.
I'm sure there are plenty of people with your same experience. I think most of us had to look up matters of the Faith on our own. I had a cousin who helped me when I was younger. She directed me to some good materials. The good side of learning while an adult is that you really own our Faith and don't take it for granted.
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Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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Helen
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 11:55am | IP Logged
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Helen wrote:
| The good side of learning while an adult is that you really own our Faith and don't take it for granted. |
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I should have previewed my post.  I'm on my phone waiting for my little girls to finish up with their ice cream social at dance class.
Anyway, i meant to say something like:
We can really own our Fairh and not take it for granted.
Am I making sense yet?
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Ave Maria!
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Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 2:29pm | IP Logged
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Helen- You are totally making sense. Don't fret! And I did join Mary Vitamin the other day. Thank you so much for making that available- it is wonderful! Even just the info in the welcome e-mails has taught me so much already!
Today's reading has me rethinking my silence when it comes to friends and family members who I know are on dangerous paths spiritually. I see it constantly on Facebook, etc. But I don't say anything. Part of me doesn't want to be that preachy, pedantic "friend". Part of me is worried they will turn against me. Part of me doesn't feel like I know enough to really be convincing if a discussion ensues. And part of me just doesn't have the time or energy.
And part of me feels like I am no friend at all, perhaps even an enemy, if I know the truth that could save them and I keep it to myself.
Is it enough to lead by example?
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-Jennifer
SAHM to a 3 yr old boy and a 1 yr old girl (hoping for more).
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 3:05pm | IP Logged
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Oh. My. Gosh.
I don't know who is following along in 33 Days to Morning Glory, but today's reading has me all pumped up! And it made me think of this part in True Devotion about Mary's part in the latter times, so I read that again, too.
I am, in general, a pretty mild-mannered person- but when provoked, I have a TERRIBLE temper. It's the one thing I pray about most often. Ironically, I also have a debilitating lack of confidence and fear of confrontation. So my rage almost always goes frustratingly unexpressed. I truly feel that "enmity, antipathy, and hatred" for the slaves of the Devil mentioned in True Devotion. I carry it around with me all the time. I HATE the idea that so many unsuspecting souls are tricked into spiritual ruin by the lies of Satan (and society)- even when they have good intentions. The idea that Mary will rouse me to fight the devil and will abundantly bestow God's graces on me in order to do that effectively is very exciting to me. It makes me want to go put on my blue war-paint! (Is it a coincidence that it's blue????)
You must all think I'm a crazy person by now. Oh, well. I'm making this retreat "with the intensity and zeal of a Celtic warrior"- just as instructed. 
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-Jennifer
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Helen
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 3:17pm | IP Logged
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WithAllMyHeart wrote:
Is it enough to lead by example?
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I think this is such a good question Jennifer. I think we have all struggled with this one. As we try to follow the Lord's path in this life, we will have to answer this question many times.
I clicked through to the reading. The very first sentence jumped out at me.
St. Matthew wrote:
| And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying... |
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When Jesus saw the crowd (like you see your friends on facebook) He went up to the mountain.
Going up the mountain means the Lord went to prayer. After prayer, the Lord came down and began teaching.
I think it is very important to bring all of your concerns to the Lord first. Imo, there is no need to rush into telling your friends. The Lord needs His time to prepare their hearts for His message. Their hearts might not be ready yet.
I think this question also dovetails right into Marian devotion. Turn over your concerns to the Blessed Mother. Let her do the hard work. Let her get started with your friends by using your devotion to her. She will work in your heart. She will take your prayers and sacrifices and purify them. She can present it all to the Lord at the best time and best way.
Jennifer, I believe you said you were new and interested in delving into Catholic things, I will mention one of the stories of St. Francis. Many people wanted to follow his example of love of the Lord through poverty and the Blessed Virgin. When he sent his followers out to evangelize he told them...
Only use words if absolutely necessary. 
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Ave Maria!
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Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 10:14pm | IP Logged
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Going up to the mountain = going to pray
Light bulb! Thank you.
Love that St. Francis story, too. I will definitely take that to heart. It fits my philosophy. 
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-Jennifer
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 13 2012 at 10:20pm | IP Logged
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Here's our assignment for day 2.
And a hug  , just because...
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-Jennifer
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Marcia
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| Posted: July 14 2012 at 10:58am | IP Logged
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I'm doing the 33 days this time too! Wow.
I did my first Monfort consecration in 1998. :) This should be a fun journey to join Kolbe, M. Teresa and JP2.
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Marcia
Mom to six and wife to one
Homeschooling 10th, 7th, 5th, 2nd, PreK and a toddler in tow.
I wonder why
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AmandaV
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| Posted: July 14 2012 at 4:00pm | IP Logged
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I'm joining you ladies, too! My first time, too. I'm using 33 days to Morning Glory and Total Consecration.
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Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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Helen
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| Posted: July 14 2012 at 7:37pm | IP Logged
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Thank you for the link this morning. It was very helpful!
Welcome Amanda and Marcia. We are going to have a lot of support this summer. Isn't it great?
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Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 16 2012 at 8:03am | IP Logged
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Sorry, ladies- I missed the cutoff Saturday night to post the link for Sunday's reading. 
Today is Day 4. Here's our reading for today.
I'm glad you're here, Amanda and Marcia!
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-Jennifer
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Helen
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| Posted: July 16 2012 at 7:09pm | IP Logged
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WithAllMyHeart wrote:
| I don't know who is following along in 33 Days to Morning Glory, but today's reading has me all pumped up! And it made me think of this part in True Devotion about Mary's part in the latter times, so I read that again, too. |
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Thanks for the reminder today Jennifer. I used your post which came to me by email to say my prayers.
How's the 33 Days to Morning Glory going?? I really liked your enthusiastic post up above. It does a lot for someone like me who has said the same prayers for many years. I am reading the week of St. Maximilian Kolbe and really appreciating the direct quotations from the Saint. I will wait (maybe patiently ) for everyone to get to those pages.
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Ave Maria!
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Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 16 2012 at 9:16pm | IP Logged
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Hi Ladies!
Here's the link for Day 5.
Helen- I'm having a hard time not reading ahead. But if I do, I won't focus on what I'm supposed to be focusing on. Don't tempt me!
Honestly, I know some of you are doing 33 Days and Montfort- are you having trouble focusing like I am? The readings are so disconnected from each other. My brain keeps trying to draw connections that I'm not sure are there...
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-Jennifer
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 17 2012 at 1:42pm | IP Logged
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Just wanted to share that I am so excited! I learned on Sunday that the monastery in our area is hosting a consecration on the Assumption. Confession, rosary, mass, and lunch. And my husband said he will take the day off work so I can go! 
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-Jennifer
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 17 2012 at 9:46pm | IP Logged
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Hi Ladies-
Here's the link for Day 6.
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-Jennifer
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Helen
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| Posted: July 17 2012 at 10:04pm | IP Logged
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WithAllMyHeart wrote:
| Just wanted to share that I am so excited! I learned on Sunday that the monastery in our area is hosting a consecration on the Assumption. Confession, rosary, mass, and lunch. And my husband said he will take the day off work so I can go! |
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I love this news Jennifer! Sounds like a Godincidence to me. I hope you have a wonderful day.
WithAllMyHeart wrote:
| Honestly, I know some of you are doing 33 Days and Montfort- are you having trouble focusing like I am? The readings are so disconnected from each other. My brain keeps trying to draw connections that I'm not sure are there... |
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Jennifer, I like reading the two books together. I'm not sure they are meant to be connected each day directly. Imo, the 33 Days emphasis is on Marian overview and teaching while the Montfort readings emphasize prayer.
I hope I am not unfair because both books do both things, teach and pray.
The 33 Days book helps us to know the *why* and the *importance* of the prayers we are saying.
The Montfort readings help us to pray in the ways of the Marian saint.
How does that sound?
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Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 18 2012 at 10:00pm | IP Logged
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Here's your Day 7!
I had an *I-don't-know-how-to-describe-it* experience today I want to share with you all. I'll be back tomorrow when I've had a little time to process what happened and I have more time to write...
How is everyone else doing?
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-Jennifer
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WithAllMyHeart
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| Posted: July 19 2012 at 4:00pm | IP Logged
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Well, I really hope that you all don't think I'm crazy, but I just have to share this with someone, because it has affected me deeply...
I was sitting on the couch yesterday doing a little reading while the children were napping. Specifically, this part in True Devotion:
"In these latter times Mary must shine forth more than ever in mercy, power and grace; in mercy, to bring back and welcome lovingly the poor sinners and wanderers who are to be converted and return to the Catholic Church; in power, to combat the enemies of God who will rise up menacingly to seduce and crush by promises and threats all those who oppose them..."
All of a sudden, I had a flashback to a vision I had at a retreat about two years ago. At the time, I was struggling with a crushing burden of guilt that I was not willing to let go of, in spite of knowing intellectually that I was forgiven through confession and true repentance. The vision involved me walking in the desert with Jesus- and stubbornly refusing to let Him help me carry my burden even though it was a great struggle for me to carry it alone. This went on for a while, and then Mary appeared (she was on my left and Jesus was on my right) and joined with her Son in entreating me to help Him carry my load. This was the moment I finally gave in and accepted His help.
Anyway, I was sucked into this flashback- and then it was as if someone had performed the Heimlich maneuver on me. I made this weird, burp-ish, gag-ish sound I can't duplicate now. Something left my body, through my mouth. I don't know much about Catholic dogma on this sort of thing, so I can't speculate with any authority on what it might have been. But my heart tells me that something bad was forced out. When it was over, I just started bawling and praying in thanksgiving.
I can't help envisioning (with some amusement) some wretched, dirty, little demon, kicked to the curb with all his baggage by a very matter-of-fact Mary with her sleeves rolled up- cleaning her new house from top-to-bottom the same way I would if I were moving into a new house.
And isn't that what this preparation has been all about so far- "emptying ourselves of the spirit of the world" so that we can then "fill ourselves with the spirit of Jesus Christ"?
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-Jennifer
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Helen
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| Posted: July 19 2012 at 4:07pm | IP Logged
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WithAllMyHeart wrote:
| I had an *I-don't-know-how-to-describe-it* experience today I want to share with you all. I'll be back tomorrow when I've had a little time to process what happened and I have more time to write... |
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I'm looking forward to hearing your story Jennifer
I read Day 7 in 33 Days to Morning Glory and really found the last paragraph from St Louis deMontfort very hope filled.
Summing up...Even though followers of Mary may have obstacles to overcome they will have the sweetness of Mary to make them bearable. In addition, no one entrusted to her "had to succumb to the malice, the number, and the vehemence of his enemies."
Terrific stuff!
WithAllMyHeart wrote:
| How is everyone else doing? |
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I missed yesterday eventhough i had the web page open all day. I was running around a lot. It happens. The important thing is to keep at it, try again, and renew your commitment to Mary.  I am renewing!
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Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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4Real Forums : Hidden Treasure
Topic: Walk With Me? Assumption Consecration
