ST THERESE SIGNS? confused!

[YinYangMom]

however, i had asked her for a real rose to let me know that my prayer had been granted…

Is the promise of St. Therese and the flowers that your prayer will be granted or that your prayer will be heard?

If it’s that it be granted, does it say it will be granted just as you spelled it out?

I haven’t done a novena to her myself, yet, so I’m afraid I don’t know about the specifics of her promise.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Is the promise of St. Therese and the flowers that your prayer will be granted or that your prayer will be heard?

If it’s that it be granted, does it say it will be granted just as you spelled it out?

I haven’t done a novena to her myself, yet, so I’m afraid I don’t know about the specifics of her promise.

And even if the prayer is granted that does not mean that God will force someone to do something against their will.

 

[mariam1976]

It is the promise of St therese novena that when the flowers are granted, she has interceded with jesus for you and the prayer has been granted.
They say that you should be on the lookout for the sign of a rose to know that God has granted the prayer based on her intercession.
Since the package was given to me on the last day of the NOVENA for my birthday which was over a week ago… i feel it was something special but dont know how to take it as it was not a real rose… but that cant be any less significant…

this is the novena:

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love.

O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands . .

(Mention specific requests)

St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did in God’s great love for me, so that I might imitate your “Little Way” each day.

Amen.

 

[YinYangMom]

It is the promise of St therese novena that when the flowers are granted, she has interceded with jesus for you and the prayer has been granted.
They say that you should be on the lookout for the sign of a rose to know that God has granted the prayer based on her intercession.
Since the package was given to me on the last day of the NOVENA for my birthday which was over a week ago… i feel it was something special but dont know how to take it as it was not a real rose… but that cant be any less significant…

I could see how that could be confusing.

Perhaps this passage from The Society of the Little Flower can help (from their Frequently Asked Questions secton):

Many miracles and actions of St. Therese do not involve roses.

More often than not, marvelous things happen in people’s lives as they ask for her heavenly intercession.

The miracles, healings and inner peace come from the trust one places in God, not from any manifestation of roses.

St. Therese lived in the dark night of the senses and spirit, with little consolation.

Thus, the friends and followers of St. Therese expect no consolation of sighted roses that their prayers are being answered.

Her “little way” is about child-like trust and gentle love.

She is the great apostle of faith in God’s love, not simple reliance on physical signs.

Jesus warned us, and Therese experienced that the desire for signs is a sign of weak faith.

It is always important to remember that St. Therese did not experience extra-ordinary phenomena in her life.

Her faith was refined and strengthened by God.

Roses are Therese’s signature. It is her way of whispering to those who need a sign that she has heard, and God is responding.

There’s more, of course, but for now, perhaps this may help you make sense of your confusion. Please note it is not to confirm God is granting the petitioner’s specific prayer.

And, do keep in mind that God cannot force your husband to do anything against his will. Certainly he can help your husband see the error of his ways, but that does not mean your husband will willfully change after gaining such insight. He may be willing to live out the rest of his days knowing he made a mistake and hurt you. It is his choice.

 

[YinYangMom]

It is the promise of St therese novena that when the flowers are granted, she has interceded with jesus for you and the prayer has been granted.
They say that you should be on the lookout for the sign of a rose to know that God has granted the prayer based on her intercession.
Since the package was given to me on the last day of the NOVENA for my birthday which was over a week ago… i feel it was something special but dont know how to take it as it was not a real rose… but that cant be any less significant…

this is the novena:

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love.

O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands . .

(Mention specific requests)

St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did in God’s great love for me, so that I might imitate your “Little Way” each day.

Amen.

It seems the real key is that last part.
Believe that God loves you and will be with you no matter what lies ahead for you. You are not alone.

 

[havemercy]

I too feel that I have been touched by St. Therese, that I’ve been adopted as one of her spiritual children. After a friend prayed for her intercession for me I’ve constantly been running into images of that wonderful Rose of the Church. Our brothers and sisters in heaven are so active on earth!

I’ll keep you in my prayers. I’m sure Therese has you in hers as well.
lovetony

 

[mariam1976]

thank you tony…

God Bless you~

 

[ss828]

Hi Mariam 1976,

About 3 and a half months ago my boyfriend broke up with me. He made it clear it wasn’t because he didn’t love me- basically the break up was both our faults- we both let fears, selfishness, obligation and insecurities get the better of us. Anyway, we have remained in touch, as a matter of fact we get along well for 2 people who broke up after over 2 years together. He calls, sometimes I call, we even met twice after. There is still a lot of chemistry and care and concern there- so I know we still have a chance at a reconciliation, however, since he is the one who broke it off- I am leaving the ball in his court- we never actually talk about reconciliation- but we do express that we miss eachother etc. Anyway- where does St. Therese fit into my story. I was so SAD about the break up- I literally couldn’t function. I just started to pray- it was the only thing I thought I could do to help the situation, esepcailly since Ihe made it clear he still loved me, clearly he was confused , and I need to fix some things about myself.

About a month and a half after our break up- I was still in despair- I started searching for other prayers and novenas- and I came across St, Therese, I had never hear of her before. So from Sept 1st I started to ask for her intercession, I prayed the 5 day prayer every other week (taking a few days between each 5 day period), I saw roses on tv and on peopl’s rose bushes, but they were exactly ROSES for me. But every time I saw one - I thouht may be she really has heard me. I started to visit the little flower website fairly often and got so much consolation from the petitions and thanksgivings. I started to also do the 24 glory be prayer to her. I kept seeing roses but nothing sepcifically for me.

A few weeks ago, he stopped calling as often, he usually called me once every 2 weeks or so- and I hadn’t gotten a call from him in over 2 weeks. I asked St, Therese to open up communication agan- and a few days after he called me, and we met 2 days after that. I thought- Thank You St. Therese for hearing me- and may be that was my rose. I continued to pray.

On Monday of this week, I woke up and had a dream the night before of about a dizen yellow roses- and in the dream, I said “St. Therese has finally sent me roses”, may be it was in my subconcious, and that’s why I had the dream, may be it’s because I was thinking about her roses. Then that same day (as I said above 2 days after he called, we met) when I went to his house as I walked in the front door- there was rose on the window sill. I saw it, and took a double take- I was like “A rose, in the house of the person that I’ve been praying (asking St.Therese for intercession) to reconcile with”…that has to be more than a coincidence. But still as you can see I didn’t receive a rose of my own. I went home that evening- happy that I saw him, and happy that we spoke for a long time…I checked my email and in my email was an email from an old friend about St. Therese…and her Little Way. Well, I was floored, I stood looking at it- saying “Oh my God”, I couldn’t believe it- it was way too much of a coincidence…I saw 3 different tyoes of roses in 24hours…

The point of my long story- is that 2 months after I discovered St. Therese, I finally realised that I had her roses all along- just because I wasn’t getting any in the physical sense that it doesn’t mean she wasn’t listening. Even though I wasn’t seeing my own roses- I never stopped asking or believing that she would help me- I NEVER stopped, I continued to talk to her, to visit the site and ask her to intercede for me. And that’s my point- she’s helping you just by getting you to commune with the Lord, just by getting you to pray.

It’s almost 4 months after our break up- and I am still praying for a reconciliation- it’s not time to give up yet. And if you love someone sometims you just have to give them some space to figure things out- that why I didn’t call him for almost 2 months after the break up- he was the one calling me, and we chatted well (not often, but he called)- and that’s how I know there’s still a chance. I started calling him about a month and a half ago- cos I believe he needed that time to organise his thoughts.

Whatever happens I will accept- and the roses I saw just made me feel more content , relaxed and certain that my prayers were being heard- it’s those feeings that the roses are supposed to bring. I feel this way- and I haven’t even gotten a physical rose- Isn’t St. Therese grand!

Hope it all works out for you- and trust me I know the feelings of hope, despair and sadness are difficult. Even today I woke up feeling down and out- but I remember the roses form Monday- why should I feel that way when St. Therese is there for me. I think the best thing that came out of my situation is that when the going got tough for me I turned to prayer.

I’ll remember you in my prayers…

.

 

[wcknight]

ss828, it seems like you are always waiting for your friend to make the first move. It may be that by waiting you are sending him mixed signals. He needs to know that you are still interested in him as well. Plus you don’t mention what problems you had that made you break up. Are those problems ‘fixed’ now ?

You need to tell him your feelings as well. IF you want to get together again, I think he needs to know that. He may be waiting of you to show some sign that you still want to get together. Most folks are afraid of rejection, or messing things up by being too aggressive too soon. You both may be in that mode, and by waiting for other one to respond first you could be waiting forever.

Part of becoming a couple is communicating openly with each other. Don’t wait for the other to make the first move, if you both do that it may never happen.

 

[wcknight]

To the OP,

sometimes our prayers are answered, BUT not in the time frame that we wish or hope them to be. WHen my sister and brother in law separated. I prayed for their reconciliation. It was several years before they got back together. They both needed to grow up more before their relationship could work.

It was through much pain and suffering (my Brother in law even had a long affair with someone else in the interim) for both, but they did eventually reconcile and I think their marriage is stronger than ever.

Be patient, and maybe prepared that a reconcilation may be possible but it may also be down the road and not as immediate as we would like.

 

[ss828]

Hi,
Thank you for your concern. It’s very odd I was thinking that I should just tell him how I feel right away. However, let me plan a bit more. When we broke up- he kept saying he needed space, and that it wasn’t that he didn’t love me. By not calling- it was my way of giving him space- to sort himself out (however, he called say once a week). And that was an inidcation to me that he still cared and the “It wasn’t becos I don’t love you”, wasn’t just a line. We both needed that time to step back from teh relationship. I in that time saw clearly all the mistakes I made toward him- I realised that I was trying to force him to want what I wanted- whp wouldn’t want space from that? I was telling him that there were cerrain things about the relationship that weren’t making me happy- but I chose the totally wrong way to say it. He is very obligated to his family - and that the reason why he said we couldn’t move on the marriage just yet. I was so hurt by that- I asked him to compromise so he could help his family and we could move on with his life, without having to give up one or the other. But again I chose the wrong way to express it. He obviously contributed as well- he’s afraid of such a big committment, even though he’s 29, he’s still very much into having a good time with his friends etc etc As I said we both contributed.

I do send him signals about how I feel, but I’m right now just testing the water. And he sends signals too. But I don’t know if he’s joking or being serious. And I don’t want to read his signals incorrectly. Whe I ask hi if he misses me - he always says yes, but he has never shown any indication that he wants to get back into a relationship- so I’m giving him some time- seeing that he is the one who wanted out in teh first place- and it’s the pressure that I put on him about all our issues, that made him run in the first place. I just don’t want to do that again. Impatience has been my worst enemy- wanting everything to happen “now”, that’s what I’ve learnt over the past few months.

I knwo that I may be sending him mixed signals- but I mean he must know that I want to get back together- it’s so obvious…I know it may be obvious to me but not to him- you are so right.

I will tell him exactly how I feel very soon- after all 4 months is more than enough time to sort ourselves out. And he told me 2 weeks ago that he isn’t seeing anyone- so I have no choice but to believe that.

As for the problems in the relationship- I think I’ve worked on my issues- as in my appraoch to problems, my impatience. I don’t know if he’s seen the error of his ways…we don’t talk about it. I don’t want to get back together- I want a serious committment- he’s the love of my life- I want to marry him and have children, but if he doesn’t want tose things too- we will both be very unhappy people together. I want to reconcile- but I don’t want to wait 5 years before we can get married, because he has a financial obligation to his family, that he has chosen to take on himself, he can do both- he can help them (of course I wouldn’t want to be with someone that will forsake his family), but he chooses not to. I never told him not to help- I told him help, but don’t scarifice our happiness to do that. Until I know where he’s at in terns of his way of thinking- I’ll wait a bit. So on my end a lot of my issues are fixed- not sure about his.

But I will tell him how I feel very soon- regardless of whether or not he has changed his outlook- because I want him to know how I feel (at least).

Any thoughts?

 

[mariam1976]

yes… it would be a good idea to let him know how you are feeling but make sure that there is no pressure…
i hope you get back together.
you will be in my prayers

 

[ss828]

yes… it would be a good idea to let him know how you are feeling but make sure that there is no pressure…
i hope you get back together.
you will be in my prayers

Hi Mariam 1976,

Thanks for your words. It’s just that I’m very afraid to hear that he may not feel the same- I mean I know he cares and he said the break up wasn’t becos he didn’t love me, but I’m not sure he wants to get back into a serious relationship with me. But I will tell him soon how I feel- jus waiting for the right time…Whatever happens I know it’s will be the best thing for me. But I thnk the mere fact that it’s God’s will we still keep in touch- that muct mean there’s still a chance for a reconciliation.

Hope you continue to pray fr your situation as well…Ill say a prayer for you

 

[cheddarsox]

St Therese seems to be popping up all over the place these days.

I have received internet “chain prayers” reguarding her at work and home. Unfortunately, as these “chains” so often do, they tend toward magic and superstitious thinking. Pass this e-mail on to x number of people and by 11 AM tomorrow X thing will happen to you.

Usually I delete them, but I decided to “test” one…you guessed it, no answer. This in not a diss on Therese who I am sure never promised such convenience store service, and I guess would be appalled that people would use her example of a life devoted to Christian service to be reduced to such.

The example of the saints is that there is NO easy answer. We must pick up our cross, ourselves and walk each day. No prayer repeated 5 times or 9 days, or hiding a prayer card or other sacremental will magically accomplish what we hope to dream.

When we ask for intercession, what are we asking for? I doubt the intention of the saints is that we ask them to accomplish our work for us. They did not become saints because heaven interceded for them, but rather, because they interceded for heaven…by serving as God’s hands, hearts and servants here on earth.

When you seek intercession, remember who you are speaking to. Not a servant, or a sugar daddy, but one who has acheived the eternal goal through personal sacrifice, integrity and faith. Ask them not for the desires of your heart, but to help your heart hold the right desires.

And when you are tempted to forward those chain e-mails, think hard about the message you are really sending reguarding the saint, belief in intercession and your faith. Is that what you mean to be advertising. Any miracle is always only intended for the glory of God, not the comfort of self. Is what you are asking for something that will glorify God? Is that e-mail glorifying God, or encouraging cultish, immature and inappropriate reliance on one who’s only intent was to glorify God.

If you are truly devoted to a saint, you will not embarrass them by promoting them thus, or suggesting that they will perform small acts of magic in superstitious people’s lives.

I do not have a devotion to Therese so I have no comment or experience with the appearance of roses, real or virtual or their meaning. Roses are a very common thing in my culture. I am sure that I see real or virtual roses daily, but it is very likely that Therese may be calling your attention to them to help keep you focused on prayer and the many blessings in your life.

cheddar

 

[ss828]

Hi,

Well what I received in my email- wasn’t a chain letter- it was just a small prayer and some information on St. Therese’s life. And by no means is it expected that you treat Saints like a vending machine- or sugar daddy. I was inspired by St. Therese’s short life and her autobiography. I find great comfort in just cahtting to her, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t chat to the Lord too. And sometimes just teh comfort of being able to say what’s on my mind- and asking her to listen is a rose all itself. May be there’s someone you feel comfortable talking to- or asking for help- for me it’s a Saint you I admire. I feel- as a matter of ‘faith’ she hears my prayers. And you are right- the roses can just be a way for you to remind yoursefl, or a way for her to remind us to keep praying in faith…

 

[cheddarsox]

Hi,

Well what I received in my email- wasn’t a chain letter- it was just a small prayer and some information on St. Therese’s life. And by no means is it expected that you treat Saints like a vending machine- or sugar daddy. I was inspired by St. Therese’s short life and her autobiography. I find great comfort in just cahtting to her, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t chat to the Lord too. And sometimes just teh comfort of being able to say what’s on my mind- and asking her to listen is a rose all itself. May be there’s someone you feel comfortable talking to- or asking for help- for me it’s a Saint you I admire. I feel- as a matter of ‘faith’ she hears my prayers. And you are right- the roses can just be a way for you to remind yoursefl, or a way for her to remind us to keep praying in faith…

I’m so glad that you didn’t receive the “chain letter” type e-mail. I find them very disrespectful and offensive. The Saints have so much to offer, it is sad to see their lives reduced to that sort of nonsense.

cheddar

 

[LittleRose]

Not long before my husband and I met, he had been asking St. Therese (also my confirmation saint) to intercede for him with respect to his romantic life, and to send him a “little rose” to let him know she had heard his petition.

I have been using the same online name since I was in high school. Imagine his face when I gave him my e-mail address.

It sounds like St. Therese heard you, and is praying for you. Her intercessions are powerful, but God answers prayers in his own time and in his own way. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, sometimes “not yet”. Keep an open mind; He may surprise you.

 

[havemercy]

Not long before my husband and I met, he had been asking St. Therese (also my confirmation saint) to intercede for him with respect to his romantic life, and to send him a “little rose” to let him know she had heard his petition.

I have been using the same online name since I was in high school. Imagine his face when I gave him my e-mail address.

That’s incredible!

 

[mariam1976]

Not long before my husband and I met, he had been asking St. Therese (also my confirmation saint) to intercede for him with respect to his romantic life, and to send him a “little rose” to let him know she had heard his petition.

I have been using the same online name since I was in high school. Imagine his face when I gave him my e-mail address.

It sounds like St. Therese heard you, and is praying for you. Her intercessions are powerful, but God answers prayers in his own time and in his own way. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, sometimes “not yet”. Keep an open mind; He may surprise you.

hello little rose, are you talking about me or ss828 posts?

 

[ss828]

Not long before my husband and I met, he had been asking St. Therese (also my confirmation saint) to intercede for him with respect to his romantic life, and to send him a “little rose” to let him know she had heard his petition.

I have been using the same online name since I was in high school. Imagine his face when I gave him my e-mail address.

It sounds like St. Therese heard you, and is praying for you. Her intercessions are powerful, but God answers prayers in his own time and in his own way. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, sometimes “not yet”. Keep an open mind; He may surprise you.

Hi Little Rose,
Things have been improving steadily with my ex and I. We met a few times, but lately we talk a lot of the phone, but he’s so busy we haven’t been able to meet since Saturday. I am grateful for the more frequent contact though. I am a bit depressed right now, as I haven’t been able to see him- everytime we make plans something comes up! But I know without a doubt. St. Therese is with me- she’s with me when he and I talk, and she was with me when he and I met last week.

I realised that in the beginning I kept praying for a reconciliation; and it is only after a few months I realised that that wasn’t the only thing I should be asking for- I realised that I need to ask for the grace to accept God’s will…so if God surprises me, I’m sure he’d have also give me the grace to accept his surprise.

I can’t deny how much better the situation has gotten- it’s why I keep praying and why I never gave up- because if God didn’t want us together- things wouldn’t be progressing. But I’m human, and I get sad, and impatient…but I am so grateful to God for the improvements, and grateful to St. Therese, St. Claire, St. Jude, St. Expedite and St. Anthony for what’s been happening. I think they know with a clear mind and an open heart- and that’s why the situation is getting better…had things been different, I may have given up a long time ago- but my ex has remained in contact-almost every week- and lately we’ve spoken everyday for the past 4 days!

I enjoyed your story- it gives me hope- not just for my relationship with my ex- but for life- because you never know what God has planned for you!

Thank you for sharing!