...at least we're trying.
I must apologize for being such a Debbie downer yesterday. Although, if it helped you see that things aren't so isolated in your end of the world, then I am glad I could help. As I was filling out a questionnaire to take to counseling, I realized things are really not that bad in my end of the world either. At least, they could be a lot worse. I highly recommend using catholictherapists.com if you have a need. Incorporating talk about Confession, prayer to St. Michael, and ending with a prayer to the Trinity is definitely the way I would prefer a counseling session to go. We also learned a little technique to stop negative thoughts, take a deep breath, and count to ten (or say a Hail Mary), which involved a first step of just looking up. Eyes toward the heavens, if you want to look at it that way, or just a chin up. It works, much better than putting your head in your hands, that's for certain.
I took some pictures of a few of my favorite things today, and just some pretty things, just to help brighten the mood. A figurative sort of looking up.
Our Lady Unoder of Knots novena, written in my prayer journal. And one of my favorite rosaries. The Miraculous Medal attached at the center was touched to the chair Our Blessed Mother sat upon at that holy apparition.
An angel shelf in the living room, with a variety of angels, some from my grandma, gathered around my grandma's Last Rites box.
Our Mother Mary, a statue from a dear old friend, a memory from her own mother.
A coat of many colors vest -- I'm sewing 12 of these this week for the dance studio. Scrambling, I should say.
And another rosary for the shop. I love these Paters and St. Michael center.
"For me prayer is a surge of the heart,
it is a simple look towards Heaven,
it is a cry of recognition and of love,
embracing both trial and joy."
-St. Therese of Lisieux
(Blogger ate my comment, so here I go again :-)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you received some consolation today, Barbara! How wonderful to experience some peace and beauty around you, after such hard days and nights. Cling to this post (and to the Lord and His Blessed Mother, of course) when things start to feel bad again. Hopefully, remembering today (Look up!) will give you strength during the more desolate times. God bless and keep you in His loving arms!
I pray that these sessions bring peace to you and your family. I am glad the very first one has already provided a more positive outlook and hope.
ReplyDeleteI started to leave a comment here yesterday got it half written and got distracted (had to tend to someone needing something) and wasn't able to come back. Counseling will help, if not for anything but to give him that added attention without even realizing he needs that. At least that's what we found with our oldest daughter. it helped a ton, and not anything the counselor said but I really think that extra attention, of "I care so much for you, I'm taking you here to help you with your relationships with all of us" kind of thing.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your whole family and any struggles you may have.
Love the angel shelf
Love the rosary with St Michael, what a great reminder to pray the St Michael prayer...
Nothing like rediscovering there are people worse off than you to put things in perspective. ;-) I mean that in the best sort of way. I know when I've been at hardest points in my life, it has always been made better by helping someone else.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I like your updated look & header photo! Very pretty and feminine!
ReplyDelete"Look up . . ." - perfect, I love it. Now I just need to remember to do it! <3
ReplyDeleteI'm happy things are looking up! I'm also happy to read about catholictherapists.com as there are three not too far from us to choose from should we need. The rosaries are beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm happy things are looking up! I'm also happy to read about catholictherapists.com as there are three not too far from us to choose from should we need. The rosaries are beautiful! :)
ReplyDelete