Spiritual slump

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TwinMommy

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I am feeling like I am in spiritual slump or something like that. We moved this past Friday to my sister-in-laws. We will be here a month or two while we find a place. I don’t have anytime alone. My boys were in pre-school till we moved, so I had that time. My husband was working late, so I had time after the boys went to bed. From the time I get up till I go to bed there is always someone around be it my SIL, her husband or their kids. I get to say my morning prayers but that is about it. I haven’t been able to pray the Rosary and that is really bugging me. I don’t have time alone to say any prayers during the day. I had been able to attend Mass in the morning since it was after I dropped the boys off at school. I was going to go to Mass last night for the first time here and that didn’t work because my husband forgot and he had my car. He is going out of state on Saturday and is taking my car, so I can’t go Sunday. I can really feel the effect that is is having on me. I have to figure something out because I can’t be without prayer. This move is hard enough as it is. I am feeling pretty lonely as I don’t know anyone here but family. I can’t share the excitement of my journey to becoming part of the Catholic Church because honestly my husband doesn’t care. I found a parish that sounds like it would be a perfect fit as they have many things, including children’s Mass, that would be great for my boys. It is about 25 minutes away, but in Rhode Island terms that is really far, so my husband isn’t really supportive of us going there.

Does anyone have any advice of how to incorporate prayer when time alone is not happening? I am really nervous about taking the boys to Mass. I don’t know how to handle that worry. I can’t allow my mood to drop anymore. I have bipolar so I have to keep myself out of slump that can spiral downward.
 
Say the name of “Jesus”, whose very name is prayer. Accept each moment as the will of our heavenly Father. Prayer begins in heaven! I pray the Father that you will have some moments to give Him glory, through Christ Our Lord.

Amen

Peace
 
You sound so much like me!..ok, here’s what I do, and it takes practice, but it can work…certainly you have 2 minutes alone to use the bathroom? Oh, wait, you’re a mom, so that’s not likely! Lol! Anyway, while I escape to use the bathroom, I get a quick few prayers in. I also love to pray the rosary at night in bed. Do I fall asleep? Yes, of course, more often than not. But before I begin, I ask my guardian angel to finish it for me if I fall asleep. Do I feel guilty about falling asleep during prayers? I used to, but I don’t anymore. I heard a saint (St. Therese, I think, but I’m not positive) stated that she often fell asleep while praying and felt very guilty about it. But then, she pictured a parent holding their child while the child was dozing off, all the while fighting sleep and telling the parent how much they loved them. What parent wouldn’t melt at that sight? How precious and innocent! I feel like God sees us putting in the effort, but realizes we’re weary (both spiritually and physically) and sometimes we just can’t go on. I imagine Him saying “that’s ok, sweetheart. Go ahead and sleep. We can chat tomorrow. I love you so!”, like any loving parent would do!
As far as the difficulty missing Mass, I totally can relate! I have a husband who works nights and couldn’t care less about me missing Mass. Our kids (all boys, like you) haven’t had the exposure to Mass like I would like. And there is 2.5 years between the three of them, so the younger 2 are a handful, to say the least. How am I supposed to deal with the three of them all by myself?? NONE of my family are practicing Catholics, and they all say they’re willing to help me with the boys…that is, until I ask then suddenly no one can help anymore. And my husband, like I said, works nights and sleeps during the day, so he’s no help with the boys. It’s so frustrating, I know! I’ll pray very hard for your situation. We can’t allow roadblocks of life keep us from Jesus. We will figure out a way, in time. Not sure if I really gave any worthwhile advice, but just know that I know how you feel and you’re in my prayers!
 
What might want to try is get a decade rosary or a finger rosary. When I am in your situation, for example sometimes I have to go with my parents to the city or go sonewherr that cuts into my prayer time. I use the finger rosary and I just pray divine mercy or the rosary if I’m in the car or walking. You could be walking around the house doing chores and still pray. Have you tried an audio rosary? You could listen while dropping off your kids. Hope this helps!
 
hazcompat said:
Say the name of “Jesus”, whose very name is prayer. Accept each moment as the will of our heavenly Father. Prayer begins in heaven! I pray the Father that you will have some moments to give Him glory, through Christ Our Lord.

Amen

Peace
Click to expand...
I did not know His name is prayer.
 
Sorry to hear all this.

I have lived with family before. It can be an adjustment.

I got my prayer in morning and evening. I also got it in during the day, just a quick word here and there to ask God for help. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. It can be a conversation.

Now that I have a lively kitten, I find it hard to do morning prayer as he’s up and ready to go, so I get more formal prayer in during the evening before bed.

Hopefully you can find a place soon and things will settle down. I also hope you and your husband can work out the car situation. Praying for you.
 
105lynne said:
You sound so much like me!..ok, here’s what I do, and it takes practice, but it can work…certainly you have 2 minutes alone to use the bathroom? Oh, wait, you’re a mom, so that’s not likely! Lol! Anyway, while I escape to use the bathroom, I get a quick few prayers in. I also love to pray the rosary at night in bed. Do I fall asleep? Yes, of course, more often than not. But before I begin, I ask my guardian angel to finish it for me if I fall asleep. Do I feel guilty about falling asleep during prayers? I used to, but I don’t anymore. I heard a saint (St. Therese, I think, but I’m not positive) stated that she often fell asleep while praying and felt very guilty about it. But then, she pictured a parent holding their child while the child was dozing off, all the while fighting sleep and telling the parent how much they loved them. What parent wouldn’t melt at that sight? How precious and innocent! I feel like God sees us putting in the effort, but realizes we’re weary (both spiritually and physically) and sometimes we just can’t go on. I imagine Him saying “that’s ok, sweetheart. Go ahead and sleep. We can chat tomorrow. I love you so!”, like any loving parent would do!
As far as the difficulty missing Mass, I totally can relate! I have a husband who works nights and couldn’t care less about me missing Mass. Our kids (all boys, like you) haven’t had the exposure to Mass like I would like. And there is 2.5 years between the three of them, so the younger 2 are a handful, to say the least. How am I supposed to deal with the three of them all by myself?? NONE of my family are practicing Catholics, and they all say they’re willing to help me with the boys…that is, until I ask then suddenly no one can help anymore. And my husband, like I said, works nights and sleeps during the day, so he’s no help with the boys. It’s so frustrating, I know! I’ll pray very hard for your situation. We can’t allow roadblocks of life keep us from Jesus. We will figure out a way, in time. Not sure if I really gave any worthwhile advice, but just know that I know how you feel and you’re in my prayers!
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I was praying it every night in bed when my husband was working late. Now he is in bed next to me watching tv. His family is around the rest of the house when we are going to bed. I have been thinking a lot about this as I have gone about my morning. I think what I might ask him to do is get the boys settled in bed and I will go out on the porch and say the Rosary and some night time prayers.

I honestly have a very hard time with my boys out in public. I have no control over them, and I know that is my fault. I get overwhelmed and breakdown crying and have to leave.

I am trying to find a few things that they can take to Mass that will keep them busy without being disruptive. I read a few articles yesterday saying to sit up front with kids so they can see what is going on. Right now the back is good for me because I can follow what others are doing since I am learning.

I know how that can be with family. 😦
 
Sacredheart1208 said:
What might want to try is get a decade rosary or a finger rosary. When I am in your situation, for example sometimes I have to go with my parents to the city or go sonewherr that cuts into my prayer time. I use the finger rosary and I just pray divine mercy or the rosary if I’m in the car or walking. You could be walking around the house doing chores and still pray. Have you tried an audio rosary? You could listen while dropping off your kids. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
I have used audio Rosary on YouTube. I like doing that because the visuals really help me focus. That is a good idea about when getting stuff done, just worry I won’t be focus enough.
 
Lisa1967 said:
Sorry to hear all this.

I have lived with family before. It can be an adjustment.

I got my prayer in morning and evening. I also got it in during the day, just a quick word here and there to ask God for help. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. It can be a conversation.

Now that I have a lively kitten, I find it hard to do morning prayer as he’s up and ready to go, so I get more formal prayer in during the evening before bed.

Hopefully you can find a place soon and things will settle down. I also hope you and your husband can work out the car situation. Praying for you.
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It is a huge adjustment. Once I start getting use to it, we will be moving again.

My prayers use to not be formal at all. I have found that now I do more formal prayers that I feel so much closer to the Lord. I always felt before that I was just rambling.

Normally he doesn’t need my car. Yesterday he had to drive back to where we lived before and he is taking Saturday night to Boston because his truck is horrible on gas. Typically I would have my car.

Thank you for praying. Means a lot to me.
 
As St. Paul wrote in Philippians 2, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Very early on, Christians came to understand that the very name of Jesus had great power, and the recitation of His Name was itself a form of prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

The Jesus prayer has helped others. It has helped me. Maybe it could help you?

Peace
 
Get a picture of the Divine Mercy image, “Jesus, I trust in you.” It doesn’t have to be expensive. I have two, one is actually a card that I framed and it’s quite beautiful.

Keep your eyes on the picture, put it in a place you will see it often. Keep that thought in your mind, “Jesus, I trust in You.” I can’t tell you how powerful this is, it has kept me sane for the past two years. You are in a very stressful time. Even without the bipolar illness, such a move and such disruption is quite upsetting and causes anxiety. This, too, shall pass. The Lord will “find” the church for you (of course, this will involve you, it won’t just fall out of the sky lol). FEAR NOTHING. Remember, He will never leave you or forsake you.
 
hazcompat said:
As St. Paul wrote in Philippians 2, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Very early on, Christians came to understand that the very name of Jesus had great power, and the recitation of His Name was itself a form of prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

The Jesus prayer has helped others. It has helped me. Maybe it could help you?

Peace
Click to expand...
Yes I think it can help me. Thank you.
 
ellzeena said:
Get a picture of the Divine Mercy image, “Jesus, I trust in you.” It doesn’t have to be expensive. I have two, one is actually a card that I framed and it’s quite beautiful.

Keep your eyes on the picture, put it in a place you will see it often. Keep that thought in your mind, “Jesus, I trust in You.” I can’t tell you how powerful this is, it has kept me sane for the past two years. You are in a very stressful time. Even without the bipolar illness, such a move and such disruption is quite upsetting and causes anxiety. This, too, shall pass. The Lord will “find” the church for you (of course, this will involve you, it won’t just fall out of the sky lol). FEAR NOTHING. Remember, He will never leave you or forsake you.
Click to expand...
Very good idea about the imagine. Maybe I can find one to print. Wouldn’t be the best but then my husband wouldn’t gripe about money.

I do have faith that I will be lead to where I belong in one fashion or another. I just have to listen.
 
Would it be possible to borrow a car from your sil,or her husband,allowing you and your sons to attend Mass?
 
If you have access to the internet at some point during your day, you could go to these 2 links, add them to your favorites, so they are just a fingertip away:

universalis.com/mass.htm

livingspace.sacredspace.ie/

and you will get the Mass readings for the day and a short commentary, especially if you can’t make Mass.

God understands if you can’t make it to Mass on Sunday because of your situation, but perhaps, your family that you are living with could bring you?

We too lived with family when our children were small for a month…it was very trying. I’m not sure of the age of your kids, but if you have a stroller, you could walk them during their “nap” time while you talk to God and just contemplate in Him with the wonders of His creation all around you. I always loved this time and even when my kids got older, just being outdoors in His creation drew me closer to Him and I found that teaching my kids about who God is was easy by showing them the things that God created in nature - a constant reminder that He is with us and little reminders of His great love for us.

Someone gave you great advice just to say the name of Jesus. And yes, His name alone is prayer. When I’m in a trying moment, I’ll just say, “Jesus, I love you”. And it always makes me feel better.

Keep us posted how you make out and the things that helped.
 
ellzeena said:
Get a picture of the Divine Mercy image, “Jesus, I trust in you.” It doesn’t have to be expensive. I have two, one is actually a card that I framed and it’s quite beautiful.

Keep your eyes on the picture, put it in a place you will see it often. Keep that thought in your mind, “Jesus, I trust in You.” I can’t tell you how powerful this is, it has kept me sane for the past two years. You are in a very stressful time. Even without the bipolar illness, such a move and such disruption is quite upsetting and causes anxiety. This, too, shall pass. ** The Lord will “find” the church for you** (of course, this will involve you, it won’t just fall out of the sky lol). FEAR NOTHING. Remember, He will never leave you or forsake you.
Click to expand...
The Lord will “find” church for you - this is true

In the meantime find a Divine Mercy image like mentioned in above post

or try “Lectio Divina” I strongly recommend this maybe you could Google it to find an explanation+

Also if youve got a second just think to yourself “Lord make me more aware of your Loving Presence”

God Bless (and I’ll say a rosary for you+)
 
Jeanne_S said:
Would it be possible to borrow a car from your sil,or her husband,allowing you and your sons to attend Mass?
Click to expand...
No, because she has to get to work. My husband might not be going out of town now, so looks like I can go Sunday. I hope that doesn’t change.
 
peace2u2 said:
If you have access to the internet at some point during your day, you could go to these 2 links, add them to your favorites, so they are just a fingertip away:

universalis.com/mass.htm

livingspace.sacredspace.ie/

and you will get the Mass readings for the day and a short commentary, especially if you can’t make Mass.

God understands if you can’t make it to Mass on Sunday because of your situation, but perhaps, your family that you are living with could bring you?

We too lived with family when our children were small for a month…it was very trying. I’m not sure of the age of your kids, but if you have a stroller, you could walk them during their “nap” time while you talk to God and just contemplate in Him with the wonders of His creation all around you. I always loved this time and even when my kids got older, just being outdoors in His creation drew me closer to Him and I found that teaching my kids about who God is was easy by showing them the things that God created in nature - a constant reminder that He is with us and little reminders of His great love for us.

Someone gave you great advice just to say the name of Jesus. And yes, His name alone is prayer. When I’m in a trying moment, I’ll just say, “Jesus, I love you”. And it always makes me feel better.

Keep us posted how you make out and the things that helped.
Click to expand...
I have the Laudate app on my phone, so I do read the daily readings each day. I really am glad I can do that.

My boys are 5. They out grew naps a little over a month ago. Oh how I miss that time LOL

They do love hearing about God and what He created. In the car yesterday they were talking about how God made all their fingers LOL

I put a number of prayers on my phone yesterday and I think that will help.
 
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