St. Monica pray for us! Praying for our husbands....

[Lamb_Serenade]

Thank you everyone for your prayers! It means so much to know there are others who care and pray.

Diana, 1my fast is 1 or 2 slices of toast with a little butter for “breakfast and lunch”. For dinner a have a VERY small portion of what I fix for DH and DD. I also drink beverages throughout the day. (I’m a coffee & water drinker). Fasting gave so much more focus to my Lent this year. It surprising how little I feel the hunger. When I do, it really helps me to remember why I’m fasting, and it instantly brings God’s loving embrace around me. I decided to add Wednesdays for my husbands intentions and our marriage. My Friday fast has been for me, for peace and wisdom, which was my Lent intention.

Lana, dear sweet Lana, the picture is absolutely beautiful, and I knew the instant I saw it, it was meant for me. It spoke to me about Spring, for Spring always comes after a long, dark, cold winter.The irises in the picture are one of my absolute favorite flowers (2nd only to tulips). Your thoughts on the picture added to the beauty and the vision of hope and bravery, to step out of the shadows into the light.

Belle, I pray your days will brighten and things will begin to look shiny and new for you. Persevere my friend and give the sadness to our Lord. He is infinite in His Mercy and longs to give it to each of us if only we ask.

M4T, I find YOU to be inspirational for me! You are dealing with physical and health issues along with the issues your husband is forcing you to deal with. I pray especially for you, for your strength of body, mind and spirit. God must have a very special place for you, because those who suffer are held even closer in His embrace! Your ability to remain optimistic in spite of the difficulty gives me the courage to see the rainbow on the other side of the storm.

 

[Lamb_Serenade]

DAY TWO
PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

the wisdom, perseverance, and patience for me and the continued sobriety, compassion and wisdom for my DH, (the cop) Roy,

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

 

[eli1118]

Novena day 3- another gloomy day

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother,
Many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
You prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
Your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me dear St. Monica
That God may favourably hear my plea for

My husband becoming closer to God and his faith, for my son Agustin that he may be guided by God,the conversion of all sinners in my family and all the spouses being prayed for here by CAF members.

And grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen

Mother Mary pray for us
Mother Mary pray for us
Mother Mary pray for us

 

[JCLA]

Pretty good. My husband called me from the highway today…needed a ride, but insisted we go for lunch.

I wanted to see if his I. D. matched…lol

Last night when i went out, there was a melt down with the kids.
I fear he simply does not know what to do when they do not respond to a “do it now” situation. You see, they glazed over, and knew they had to shower, do teeth, hair, and fresh jammies with snack to follow, prayers and then be tucked in.

He does not see this, and simply allows them up till bed time, then says go to bed. Wee…Insert oldest’s little huff…well daddy, i’m dirty, and need to get ready for bed yet, why didn’t you tell me earlier?

It was met with a pause, and then he yelled, “i said go to bed.”

Amber, the oldest placed her hands on her hips, “well, i can see you don’t know how to be a mother very well, cause it is a mothers job to see that we have all this stuff done.”

Pause once a gain, “didn’t you hear me, i said go to bed”

Amber then again said, “hmmmm, mommy would not aprove!”

Rob then got his pillow, and went in the cold basement to escape them…he was so frustrated. But he does not see anything but that they are not listening. They gave good reason, and were trying to teach him…he’s gotta bit more to grow…ok, TONS.

Counting my blessings…he volunteered to come home so i could meet a CAF friend for a chat and dinner…to him that’s just god stuff i do.

Lana

I can not believe the acumulate pain in our lives we see here, and i do pray for the best God can place before us. If he can not change the situation, i beg, to allow the gift to ENDURE what is before us. Enduring it with faith is hard to do…extremely.

Lana again.

Lana,

It sounds like he is trying and just doesn’t know what to do. I pray that he continues to try and learns to be the husband and father you and your girls need.

Nikki

 

[Gloria_Lucy]

Dear Lone Catholic: I was so happy to see your thread. My husband and I married while we were both not practicing our respective faiths. I am a Catholic and he is Greek Orthodox. Having returned to the beauty of the Catholic Church several years ago, my constant prayer is that his heart and mind are opened to receiving the Gift of Faith. On occasion, he does attend Mass with me and does have a postive experience. Thank you for your prayer to St. Monica.

 

[JCLA]

I’m hesitant to make this post. Call it superstition, but there isn’t room for superstition when we are praying is there? I’m hesitant as well to call it answered prayers because it is still so young and could be a ruse or placating to please what he perceives as my needs and not what actually needs to be done.

The last three days have been, well, normal…

I have my husband who is acting like a husband. Kissing his wife. Grabbing his wife (in a good way). Telling his wife he loves her. Having conversations with his wife. Spending MORE time with his wife and DD. Planning??? vacation, weekends, camping for the summer. I keep pinching myself wondering if I’m hallucinating or if it’s real !

He even called home tonight (he’s out of town for work) to let me know he made it safely, had a good dinner and to tell me he loves me :blushing: and what time he’ll be home tomorrow. I feel positively giddy! Like a school girl!

It has been three months of sleeping in separate rooms. Three months of him drinking and “hiding” it in our bedroom (like I didn’t know…sheesh!). Three months of denial. Three months of ignoring and avoiding me.

The last three days have been sober days. One day at a time right? The last three days he has been exercising. The last three days he has been eating good, healthy food (except for the fried chicken I bought last night…oops!). He has spent three days of making the effort to win me back.

I am feeling a sense of relief, a stronger sense of hope, and along with that a sense of apprehension. After all, I let my guard down before and I ended up with three months of hell.

It just occurred to me this post is full of threes. I’m having a strong feeling of the Trinity involved in this, so I can see it is prayers answered. I need to offer thanksgiving and praise for this! However short or infrequent. Whether temporary or forever I am thankful for these past three days and continue to pray that three days turns into three more days, then three weeks then three months and so on.

DH is in the middle of some remodeling on our bedroom, and my hope/plan is this will be real and I can move back to our marriage bed when he is done with the remodeling. I’m not going to just blindly say “Oh he’s cured!” and move back straight away. He has some proving to do to convince me this is in fact real. God PLEASE let it be real! I need my husband back!

I am going to begin another Novena to St. Monica for continued progress, for wisdom, perseverance, patience for me and continued sobriety, compassion and wisdom for my DH, the cop, Roy. I will also continue my Lenten sacrifice of a strict fast on Fridays, and I’m going to add Wednesdays as well.

Debbie,

I’m so glad the last few days have seen some improvement for you! I pray that it continues. The fasting is a great idea, I think I might try it.

Keeping you in my prayers,
Nikki

 

[JCLA]

Prayers urgently needed for my niece and her one year old Evan. They just moved into a new apartment and Evan fell through the screen on their apartment window on the third floor and fractured his skull. The bleeding in the brain has stopped and they are not sure if he will need surgury or not. Pray for his recovery and for his mom who is racked with guilt.

mnmom,

How terrible! I will pray for Evan and his family.

Nikki

 

[Belle10]

Diana, 1my fast is 1 or 2 slices of toast with a little butter for “breakfast and lunch”. For dinner a have a VERY small portion of what I fix for DH and DD. I also drink beverages throughout the day. (I’m a coffee & water drinker). Fasting gave so much more focus to my Lent this year. It surprising how little I feel the hunger. When I do, it really helps me to remember why I’m fasting, and it instantly brings God’s loving embrace around me. I decided to add Wednesdays for my husbands intentions and our marriage. My Friday fast has been for me, for peace and wisdom, which was my Lent intention.

Belle, I pray your days will brighten and things will begin to look shiny and new for you. Persevere my friend and give the sadness to our Lord. He is infinite in His Mercy and longs to give it to each of us if only we ask.

I think I need to start fasting.
Thank you for your prayers. I’m trying to embrace my suffering but it sure is hard!

Novena day 3- another gloomy day

((((((((((((((eli)))))))))))))) :hug1: :hug1: :hug1:

Dear Lone Catholic: I was so happy to see your thread. My husband and I married while we were both not practicing our respective faiths. I am a Catholic and he is Greek Orthodox. Having returned to the beauty of the Catholic Church several years ago, my constant prayer is that his heart and mind are opened to receiving the Gift of Faith. On occasion, he does attend Mass with me and does have a postive experience. Thank you for your prayer to St. Monica.

Welcome Gloria Lucy! I’m sure you’ll find this thread (and CAF) to be a great place for fellowship, inspiration, and comfort. :grouphug:

 

[JCLA]

I’m pretty :crying: today, and lately. I know I have so many blessings and I should be happy – it seems it’s easier to focus on what’s wrong, you know?

Thank you so much for your prayers. :hug1: Congrats on your little one! How wonderful!! :extrahappy:

You’re right, it’s so much easier to focus on the problems. I do the same. Instead of being grateful that I am at home with mine, I am so often miserable that I have to watch other people’s children too, to make ends meet. My husband’s income is just not quite enough. I read in another of your posts that it isn’t possible for a family to survive on one income anymore and that is so true.

I will offer my dislike of my job for the intention that you can quit yours and stay home with your DD.

Nikki

 

[JCLA]

Friends,
I am a bit down today and don’t know why–thought I would share.
Also, May is a special month for Mother Mary–any suggestions on what I can do to honor her?

Have a great day.

---

Eli,

I’m sorry about your blue day and I hope you’re doing better today.:console:

It used to be a tradition that parishes would hold a May crowning for Mary. The statue of Mary would be moved to an accessible place, the little girls of the parish would bring her flowers and one little girl would place a crown of flowers on her head. Could you help organize something similar at your parish?

Nikki

 

[Belle10]

You’re right, it’s so much easier to focus on the problems. I do the same. Instead of being grateful that I am at home with mine, I am so often miserable that I have to watch other people’s children too, to make ends meet. My husband’s income is just not quite enough. I read in another of your posts that it isn’t possible for a family to survive on one income anymore and that is so true.

I will offer my dislike of my job for the intention that you can quit yours and stay home with your DD.

Nikki

Nikki, you made me :crying: but in a good way! Thank you for offering your suffering for me, that’s so kind and beyond words. :hug1:

Because of some tax refund money (which we’ll use to pay off our cars) then if DH can find a job to replace my income, I can stay home. I’ll probably end up caring for my two nieces (almost 5 year old and the newborn I mentioned!) to bring in some money (and it will help DH’s brother and his wife who need daycare!). I’m so hopeful it will work out, but I’ve NEVER wanted to run a daycare (not that this would really be a daycare, b/c it’s family and the 5 year old will be in school most of the day starting in September). Then I tell myself to stop being picky b/c it’ll enable me to be home with DD – my ultimate goal! Would I love to be home with just my DD and any other kids we may have someday – absolutely! But I know that even if it can’t just be us, at least it’ll be better than what I’m doing today! So, I totally understand what you’re saying, but you’re right, at least you’re home. Enjoy it, and thank you so much for thinking of me and for your prayers.

Thank you God for giving such loving, caring hearts to all the people in this thread. It’s a wonderful gift from you that we can uplift each other and pray for each other. Thank you Lord!

 

[JCLA]

Dear Lone Catholic: I was so happy to see your thread. My husband and I married while we were both not practicing our respective faiths. I am a Catholic and he is Greek Orthodox. Having returned to the beauty of the Catholic Church several years ago, my constant prayer is that his heart and mind are opened to receiving the Gift of Faith. On occasion, he does attend Mass with me and does have a postive experience. Thank you for your prayer to St. Monica.

Gloria Lucy,

I am new here myself. I haven’t actually “met” Lone Catholic who started this thread, but the ladies I have met have been very kind and welcoming.

Welcome to CAF and I will pray for you and your husband.

Nikki

 

[JCLA]

Hi Ladies,

Novena day 8 for me - if I’m not careful I might just finish a whole novena!!

mom4truth, you are still in my prayers. How are you doing?

Nikki

 

[JCLA]

Nikki, you made me :crying: but in a good way! Thank you for offering your suffering for me, that’s so kind and beyond words. :hug1:

Because of some tax refund money (which we’ll use to pay off our cars) then if DH can find a job to replace my income, I can stay home. I’ll probably end up caring for my two nieces (almost 5 year old and the newborn I mentioned!) to bring in some money (and it will help DH’s brother and his wife who need daycare!). I’m so hopeful it will work out, but I’ve NEVER wanted to run a daycare (not that this would really be a daycare, b/c it’s family and the 5 year old will be in school most of the day starting in September). Then I tell myself to stop being picky b/c it’ll enable me to be home with DD – my ultimate goal! Would I love to be home with just my DD and any other kids we may have someday – absolutely! But I know that even if it can’t just be us, at least it’ll be better than what I’m doing today! So, I totally understand what you’re saying, but you’re right, at least you’re home. Enjoy it, and thank you so much for thinking of me and for your prayers.

Thank you God for giving such loving, caring hearts to all the people in this thread. It’s a wonderful gift from you that we can uplift each other and pray for each other. Thank you Lord!

Hi Belle10,

I’m happy to help any way I can.

Have you tried a novena to St Cajetan, the patron saint of job seekers and the unemployed? You can find some info about him here:

saints.sqpn.com/saintc31.htm

and some prayers to him, including a novena, here:

malta-canada.com/san-gaetano/Prayers.htm

I hope this helps,
Nikki

 

[Gloria_Lucy]

Nikki: Thank you for keeping my husband and I in your prayers . . . I’m going to print out the Novena to St. Monica. Thanks again.

 

[mom4truth]

mnmom:

Praying for your intentions daily!

 

[Rammy]

Lana,

It sounds like he is trying and just doesn’t know what to do. I pray that he continues to try and learns to be the husband and father you and your girls need.

Nikki

This is so true…I just have to reach past the pride because as gently as i can show him the way, or teach him, he is imbarrassed thinking he is doing a womans job and is mortified. This fixation with this point clouds his ability to see the other trying to help him.

I pray too, that he does not give up.

Lana

 

[Diana_Lynn]

Prayers urgently needed for my niece and her one year old Evan. They just moved into a new apartment and Evan fell through the screen on their apartment window on the third floor and fractured his skull. The bleeding in the brain has stopped and they are not sure if he will need surgury or not. Pray for his recovery and for his mom who is racked with guilt.

Lord, hear our prayers for mnmom’s neice and her son Evan! Watch over your little one Lord, as we pray for his recovery. And come to his mother’s aid and comfort, in this difficult and painful time. May you touch Evan with your healing grace, and his mother with your merciful love, Lord. In your love, may she find peace, and may she look to you always in faithful prayer with love and devotion Lord, to grant her all that she needs to endure.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

 

[Diana_Lynn]

A fast can be anything you choose…The idea is to realize how easily things are there for us, and to use the displeasure or the lac of self controle to be a constant reminder of what God went through…It is a form of prayer, dedication and bringing your struggles as a heavenly thankful prayer bank placed at the foot of the cross…So, yes there is deep sacrificial fastings, but there are so many other ways for a busy mom to make her point of a loving sacrifice daily to her Lord.Like kissing his cheek daily.
Lana

Thank you Lana, for your (name removed by moderator)ut! I love that last line…

…Diana, 1my fast is 1 or 2 slices of toast with a little butter for “breakfast and lunch”. For dinner a have a VERY small portion of what I fix for DH and DD. I also drink beverages throughout the day. (I’m a coffee & water drinker). Fasting gave so much more focus to my Lent this year. It surprising how little I feel the hunger. When I do, it really helps me to remember why I’m fasting, and it instantly brings God’s loving embrace around me. I decided to add Wednesdays for my husbands intentions and our marriage. My Friday fast has been for me, for peace and wisdom, which was my Lent intention…

Thank you Debbie! You’ve got me to thinking I will include fasting in my spiritual life. For my dh and my family, and for myself. Thank you for this idea. I will continue to hold you close in prayer my friend, May God be with you in all that you do!

http://www.tractorland.co.uk/UserFiles/image/lamb.jpg

Lana, absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing it!

 

[Diana_Lynn]

Dear Lone Catholic: I was so happy to see your thread. My husband and I married while we were both not practicing our respective faiths. I am a Catholic and he is Greek Orthodox. Having returned to the beauty of the Catholic Church several years ago, my constant prayer is that his heart and mind are opened to receiving the Gift of Faith. On occasion, he does attend Mass with me and does have a postive experience. Thank you for your prayer to St. Monica.

Welcome Gloria Lucy! What a beautiful prayer for your husband. I will keep you both in prayer here each day, as we all do, praying for St. Monica to intercede for us. God Bless!