Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. - 1 Cor 9:24-27

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas Novena

Happy Feast of St. Andrew


Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born
of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. 
In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, 
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

(It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day
from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)
Imprimatur
+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897
 
Today starts the Christmas Novena.  I recently learned of this novena so this afternoon I had some time to put together the chaplet.  Unfortunately, I didn't have a St. Andrew medal on hand, but I did have a Sacred Heart of Jesus that was inherited.  Not sure if Father will be blessing chaplets at Mass this evening, but I'll bring mine and pray the novena after Mass.

 
 
A beautiful printed novena card is available to download at JOYfilled Family.

Yarn Along


With each baby, I've crocheted a baptismal gown.  Since learning how to knit, I decided to go outside my comfort zone and knit a baptismal gown for our newest little one.  To me, each stitch is a little prayer for this little soul.  It comforts me in my anxiety during pregnancy.

This is the beginning of the gown starting from the waist going toward the feet.  The pattern is "Ribbons and Lace Christening Gown".  The author has been so helpful in answering my beginner questions.

Each Advent, I work through "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Padre Pio".  It gives me little things to think about each day.

A side note, the mug in the picture was inherited from my husband's grandmother.  Each visit at her home, I would drink coffee with her and I would use the same mug.  She made the strongest coffee ever.  I miss her dearly.

For more Yarn Along's, check out Ginny's Blog.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Another Blessing

A beautiful view of the newest blessing growing in my womb