Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 12

 
Mary Did You Know?
 
If this doesn't leave you in awe of The Blessed Virgin, I don't know what will. 
 
 
 
 



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Today ends the virtual pilgrimage of Mary, as set forth by Rebecca at Recuerda Mi Corazon

Please visit her blog to see the other beautiful offerings for Mary!


Mornings with Mary
 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 11

Santa Fe NM
 
 
This image seems so peaceful and serene to me. 
 
Our Lady,  fill me with peace today as I go about my way trying to accomplish the various things required of me.  Some days, like today, life seems so very hectic.  Wrap me in your mantle, place your hands upon mine, and whisper in my ear....
 
 
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This image is borrowed from Rebecca of recuerda mi corazon.
 
 
 
 


Monday, December 10, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 10



This image came from the internet.  It left me speechless. 




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Today continues the virtual pilgrimage of Mary, as set forth by Rebecca at Recuerda Mi Corazon

Please visit her blog to see the other beautiful offerings for Mary!

Mornings with Mary

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Jean Bellegambe
Saint Anne conceiving the Virgin Mary

Douai, Musée de la Chartreuse


The Immaculate Conception, The Virgin in the Womb

How must Mary have felt to be so special, from the moment of conception.  To be vouchsafed in purity and perfection in order to bear her Son, Our Lord and Savior? 

These mysteries are far more than I can comprehend.  Motherhood of mortals was enough for me. 


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Rebecca over at recuerda mi corazon has invited others to join in on her Virgin a Day, Mornings with Mary project, twelve days of sharing Virgin Mary images leading up to her feast day on December 12. 

Friday, December 7, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 7

 
 
 
Prayer to the Mother of Goodness, Love and Mercy

O Mother, of Goodness, Love and Mercy,
I immensely love you and offer myself to you.
Through your goodness, love and mercy save me.
I want to be yours.
I love you endlessly and want you to keep me.
From my heart I beseech you, Mother of Goodness.
Give me your goodness that I may deserve heaven by it.
I ask you for your immense love to give me the grace that I may love everybody as you loved Jesus Christ.
And I ask you for the Grace that I may be gracious to you
I offer myself completely to you and want you to be with me at every step.
For you are full of grace.
Let me never lose God's grace:
And if I should,
Help me.
Amen
 
 
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Rebecca's meme, A Virgin A Day ends on the 12th of December.
Follow the link below to see more of the lovely offerings from her "tribe".

"remember my heart"
 

Peace be with you,
Shannon
 
 
 


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 6

Ave Maria Grotto

 
One year my sons and I were on our way from Memphis Tennessee to Destin Florida and managed to somehow end up in Culman Alabama where the Ave Maria Grotto is. We often took long cross country drives and would stop by in interesting places along the way. We have come across many gems doing so.  This was no exception.   Brother Joseph Zoettl created this amazing site during his many years serving as a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey.
 
The above grotto is one of my favorites, because it does depcit the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.  There are so many other great creations you really should click the link above and visit their page, and see it in person if ever you are that way.  It's been six years since we were there, I would love to see it again someday. 
 
Today's post is linked up with recuerda mi corazon.  Please visit there also to see more images of the Blessed Virgin.  
 
 

 
 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 5


 
PRAYER TO MARY, QUEEN OF THE HOME
O Blessed Virgin Mary, you are the mother and queen of every Christian family.  When you conceived and gave birth to Jesus, human motherhood reached its greatest achievement.  From the time of the Annunciation you were the living chalice of the Son of God made man. You are the queen of the home.  As a woman of faith, you inspire all mothers to transmit faith to their children. Watch over our families.  Let children learn free and loving obedience inspired by your obedience to God. Let parents learn dedication and selflessness based on your unselfish attitude.  Let all families honor you and remain devoted to you so that they may be held together by your example and your intercession.
Amen.
 
Let us offer to Our Mother today:
The effort of doing our ordinary work well,
on time, with competence and finesse.
 
 
 
For more Virgin sightings, visit recuerda mi corazon
 
 
 
Peace be with you,
 
Shannon
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 4

Our Lady of Advent

Another image I have not seen before.  I searched  Our Lady of Advent because there was a lovely statue bearing the same name at the vendor fair I attended this weekend.  That image came up, but so did this one.  According to the website I borrowed it from, this statue comes from Ecuador. 
 
I absolutley love images of the Blessed Mother while she was pregnant.  One doesn't see many of them, but more and more lately they are coming to my attention.  Expecially at this time during Advent, as Mary waited in anticipation of the birth of the Christ child.  I cannot begin to imagine how she must have felt, times are so different now.  Just think about it for a bit.... words cannot express....

 
Join me again tomorrow for more Mornings with Mary - Virgin a Day hosted by Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon.  Although lately my posts shop up later in the evening....
 
Peace be with you,
Shannon

Monday, December 3, 2012

Virgin A Day -Day 3

Mary Undoer of Knots

 


“We trust you, Mother; You can help us. Undo, then, the knots of this life!”
 


 
 
For more Mornings with Mary, please visit recuerda mi corazon
 
Peace be with you,
 
Shannon
 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day 2 belated!



Today I had the opportunity to join a Vendor's Fair at St Thomas More Catholic Church.  They sell my rosaries in their gift shop.  It was a very busy and wonderful day, beginning for me before dawn and ending after noon. 
 
This is the first opportunity I have had to work on my Mornings with Mary - Virgin a Day post.  Although it is hardly morning, I wanted to share some of the various forms of Mary that I work with on a daily basis.  I hope they bring you as much happiness as they do me. 
 
Please visit recuerda mi corazon to see the other's offerings. 
 
Peace be with you! 
Shannon

First Sunday of Advent

Advent Rosary available at www.therosarylady.com
 
 
 
Advent is upon us.  It is the season of waiting for the birth of our Lord Jesus.  A time of repentance, a time of hope and a time of joy and celebration. 
 
Advent in my home has changed a lot since my children have grown older.  We no longer place as much importance on the Advent candles and wreath.  I find that very disappointing, and somewhat sorrowful. 
 
This year I assume I will pretty much keep Advent within my heart. 
 
Nevertheless, it can be a time of great joy for you and yours.  Hold fast to the teachings and traditions, and set them forth in your childrens' memories.  They can one day follow suit and share the wonders of the Season with their children too. 
 
Week One:  We wait in solemn anticipation, knowing our Lord is out there, somewhere.  Travelling upon a dusty rocky trail, safe within His Mother's Womb.  They must go and  be counted.  HE is all that counts in the end.  We must remember His journey. 
 
Our Blessed Mother must be tired and aching and wishing for an end to this trek.  Father Joseph must be feeling a certain heartache that he should have to put his beloved through such torment at this time of her pregancy.  But they are devout, they know what must be done.  And they do it without complaint, and without remorse. 
 
I wish I could do so also.
 
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you.  Save Souls. 
 
Save all the souls who are lost and abandoned and frightened during this time.  Help them to understand that you are there for them.  Show them the way... of waiting patiently... and watching... for that bright Star that will lead them to the Savior. 
 
Peace be with you!
 
~ Shannon ~
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Virgin A Day - Day One

Last year I had the priviledge of joining in with other bloggers - serious bloggers - unlike myself, in Virgin A Day meme with the lovely Rebecca over at recuerda mi corazon
 

I could hardly contain myself, when I realized that December first was almost upon us, and the beginning of another 12 days of "Mary".  I have a special relationship with The Blessed Virgin, she is ever with me, whether I am aware or not.  I just love catching those special glimpses of her....





This is a new image of her I've not seen before.  I found it searching the web, and I don't know the artist, but would like to find out who it is.  I find it interesting that each artist has his/her own idea of how Mary looked.  Although she was definitely not fair skinned such as this depiction, I'm sure Mother Mary appreciates the beauty of it.  I love the sweet smile, it makes me smile too. 

 
 
 
 
Be sure to have a peek at recuerda me corazon for the other offerings of Virgin A Day - Mornings With Mary.  I'm sure you will be pleased with what you find.  Join in if you are so inclined!
 
Thanks again Rebecca, I am pleased to be a part of your project! 
 
 
Peace be with you,
Shannon