tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39651881807170711802024-02-07T04:06:38.681-08:00Blood Covered PrincessBehold My King and Queenbloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-46890508967497594062014-07-18T03:23:00.000-07:002014-07-18T03:23:52.426-07:00Back On It.....So here is my plan....<br />
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First thing is to set some goals...<br />
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I weighed in yesterday at 175lbs that's just 3lbs over my lowest weight and 20lbs over what is classed as a "healthy" weight for my height...... that helped me to establish my long term goal..... I decided that I would like to loose 22lbs by the end of the year.... That not only puts me into the healthy weight category, but puts me at 10 stone 13 pounds and everyone who measures in stones knows how encouraging it is to get to a lower stone bracket.....</div>
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Loosing more weight is not the whole picture though... I also need to maintain the muscle I have.... at the moment I have a normal muscle percentage which means that I actually have quite a good amount of muscle for my height and if I loose more fat and keep the muscle I have I will be in the high muscle category and being strong and healthy is more important to me than being thin.....<br />
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Dieting over a long time isn't easy....and that is why it is good to have times of maintenance built in and to give margin to allow for times of celebration..... doing this will give much more chance of long term success....</div>
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It also helps to have short term goals to keep you going.... So my first goal is to loose 5lbs over the next five weeks.....<br />
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Then I am taking a week off.... Yes a whole week.... because I have a really big celebration..... I will have been with my husband for 20 years and that is certainly something worth celebrating! Hopefully I will not do too much damage and will certainly get some exercise during the week, but the important thing is I won't feel guilty about it because I am planning for it and it is the exception and not an everyday thing.... It's part of the bigger picture of leading a healthy and happy life.<br />
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bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-40660168459824103542014-07-11T02:28:00.002-07:002014-07-11T02:31:45.884-07:00Benefits of Fasting.<img height="514" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/p417x417/10340071_10154355893185608_1866198949851153340_n.jpg" width="417" /><br />
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Enjoyed my fast day yesterday.... honest.... let's hope I will get to enjoy the benefits to...bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-32494571892665803772014-07-10T07:44:00.000-07:002014-07-11T02:31:20.961-07:00Balance, Wholeness and Fasting....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Something I really didn't like about trying to loose weight is that I had to stop fasting.....<br />
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Now that must sound like a strange thing to say, but a few years into my Christian journey I took up fasting as a spiritual practice. <br />
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At times I would have a regular fasting routine in order to help my prayers for certain very difficult situations. At other times I would have a fast day to pray for an emergency which came up. Other times I didn't fast at all, but the option was always there.... <br />
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Until I got serious about loosing weight.... then suddenly it no longer seemed an option....<br />
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Because I saw fasting as a purely spiritual practice, it seemed wrong to carry on with it while trying to loose weight....<br />
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For years I have been seeking balance in my life as well as growth in holiness.. These are two things I have been praying about a lot recently and suddenly I think I get it.....<br />
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I think I lack balance because I don't see myself as a whole person, spirit, soul and body.... But my Father does... and He cares about all of me, not just my spiritual life...<br />
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So I am going back to having a regular fasting routine and refusing to feel guilty about any "non-spiritual" benefits...<br />
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My plan is to fast about one day a week, I say about because it wont be the same day every week....<br />
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I am starting today which is a Thursday, next week it will be Wednesday and the week after that Tuesday and so on. I wont be doing any fasting on Sundays as they are a celebration day...<br />
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I don't want to always do it on the same day because I pray for different things on different days of the week... Today I am praying for priests, those discerning the priesthood, including seminarians and vocations to the priesthood.....<br />
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I have had to think long and hard about writing about fasting because I don't want it to be a hey... look at me I'm fasting moment... but in the end I decided it was the right thing to do for a few reasons... <br />
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1 These days I am more likely to get a negative reaction to fasting for spiritual reasons...<br />
2 The blog world is kind of anonymous...<br />
3 I think more Christians would fast if they heard more about it...<br />
4 Lastly I don't see it as blowing my own trumpet because to be honest I just don't find it that hard<br />
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<br />bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-13246032684755385072014-07-08T09:52:00.000-07:002014-07-10T21:40:52.341-07:00Joy and Friendship on the Interwebs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The internet can be a wonderful place for getting support for so many things....</div>
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I have made so many wonderful friends who have taught me a lot...</div>
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I started out seeking information on homeschooling and to be honest I don't think I would have made it through without the information and support I got... I joined lots of Christian women's groups.... learned about the special needs of pugs.... delved into the Cathiolic Faith.... Got shed loads of help and support on dieting and getting healthier...</div>
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For just about every thing I needed to know in every given situation there has been a way the internet has helped me...</div>
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I have also been able to get in touch with so many old friends and even relative who I had lost touch with....</div>
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And so Interwebs...... I salute you ...</div>
bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-70134459378211337252014-07-08T09:39:00.000-07:002014-07-08T09:39:03.193-07:00Feel the Benefit....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just showing off some of the benefits of the weight I have lost ..... Yay!</div>
bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-53916176665999278852014-07-08T09:34:00.001-07:002014-07-08T09:34:58.011-07:00Before and After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These two pictures were taken two years apart, February 2013 and February 2014 ....... I am glad to say that the second one is the most recent....</div>
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I carried on my diet and exercise program but stopped weighing myself for lent.... then I realised that I was quite happy with how I was....</div>
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All together I lost 5 stone.... yes that's 70 great big pounds and also more than my height in inches....</div>
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That puts me at about a size 16 bottom and 14 top (UK sizes)</div>
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I am much healthier than I was and I am glad about that, but after a couple of months of maintaining round about the same weight I have decided that I am ready to start trying to loose a bit more...... </div>
bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-53203394227222020662014-07-08T08:33:00.000-07:002014-07-08T08:33:04.359-07:00If it aint broke..... Don't fix it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have used the same perfume for the last thirty-eight years, but recently I decided I wanted to try something new.....<br />
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I love frankincense and myrrh..... because they make me thing of giving to Jesus.... I also like patchouli as it reminds me of my rock chick days.... so when I found a perfume on the internet which contains all three I thought I was on to a winner.<br />
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So I found out where I could try it out and off I went with my daughter in tow....As children learn to recognise their mothers by smell before anything else I thought it only fair that her nose should have a say.<br />
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Well surprise, surprise.... the new scent was a real stinker.... it started off like a room spray and changed into more of a clinical aftershave....<br />
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Time for a detour to the nearest department store perfume department... via a pub lunch!<br />
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We spent three and a half hours of spraying and sniffing and laughing and spraying some more...<br />
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We did find some very nice smells and an awful lot of not so nice ones, but in the end there was only one conclusion..... none were as good as the one I have been wearing all these years....<br />
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Just goes to show ..... you don't always need a change .... sometimes you just need to realise that what you had was perfect for you all along..bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-38891675447276927842014-07-05T08:55:00.000-07:002014-07-06T09:16:47.463-07:00It's My Birthdays.....<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.sacramentals.org/Images/BDAY.jpg" height="432" width="332" /><br />
<br />
Yes it does say birthdays, plural...... I have just celebrated both of my birthdays, just two days apart ;)<br />
<br />
On Wednesday it was my Spiritual Birthday..... 14 years since I became a Christian and then on Friday it was my natural birthday.... I was 52.<br />
<br />
So I celebrated both on the day in between by going to Mass at the Cathedral which just happens to have a Catholic book and gift shop on site..... oh my goodness heaven on earth....<br />
<br />
I took my grandson and we started off by popping in to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.... then we went for out first look in the shop. <br />
<br />
It used to be in Manchester city centre, but relocated to Salford Cathedral just as I became a Catholic which made it difficult for me to get to so I haven't been since!<br />
<br />
Maybe it's a good thing that it is hard to reach.... or I'd be broke lol<br />
<br />
I ended up buying seven statues which I am delighted with :)<br />
<br />
St Peter and St Paul to go either side of my statue of Our Lady of Walsingham<br />
An Immaculate Heart of Mary to match my Sacred Heart statue<br />
Jesus knocking on the door to go with Our Lady of Grace<br />
Madonna of the Wayside who makes a lovely pair with my Joseph the Worker<br />
A larger Our Lady of the Rosary to keep an eye on us in the kitchen<br />
And St Therese of the Little Flower<br />
<br />
I also got a few little bits and pieces too..... such a delightful day...<br />
bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-85768269073469574082014-03-24T14:42:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:10:50.815-07:00Prayer for Priests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglo-IMq4ABJ918Skie3JdbSdo_mDfMBmFZOc-5ZcuIP7_sdhUh7IbLTXQaKXNKvjapGmyRHmLr64r6aUHycJEK15JKkbDmlRfIJbtDTRTKHJ9bOAjx_q9lMlfqMt9QHq3vVoziwYdHuYl-/s1600/a_daily_prayer_for_priests_02_business_card-p240357810759592798quk5_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglo-IMq4ABJ918Skie3JdbSdo_mDfMBmFZOc-5ZcuIP7_sdhUh7IbLTXQaKXNKvjapGmyRHmLr64r6aUHycJEK15JKkbDmlRfIJbtDTRTKHJ9bOAjx_q9lMlfqMt9QHq3vVoziwYdHuYl-/s400/a_daily_prayer_for_priests_02_business_card-p240357810759592798quk5_300.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">O Jesus, eternal Priest, </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">keep your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart, </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">where none may touch them. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Keep unstained their anointed hands, </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">which daily touch Your Sacred Body. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Keep unsullied their lips, </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">daily purpled with your Precious Blood. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Keep pure and unearthly their hearts, </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Let Your holy love surround them and </span></div>
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<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">shield them from the world's contagion. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Bless their labors with abundant fruit and </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here and in heaven their beautiful and </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">everlasting crown. Amen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">What a beautiful prayer by St Therese, please remember to pray for them...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="size12 TimesRoman12" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">No priest no eucharist! </span></div>
bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-61256061508010869252014-03-24T14:37:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:11:57.721-07:00Prayer of Consecration to the Divine Mercy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpvX0YTxDUSZAtqeBnzheA3Ghtzyg470tnoGAGxeLH_zDbawq7nAEkyHG_MhNmk2OaP5ox0VSWL9l3OUKVA19Ri3qS5w4HD5qhzkhAbm3_ugqdMq0envAAwEnJRq23JYx16GZ7Z8KV_Bq/s1600/divine+mercy+chain.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpvX0YTxDUSZAtqeBnzheA3Ghtzyg470tnoGAGxeLH_zDbawq7nAEkyHG_MhNmk2OaP5ox0VSWL9l3OUKVA19Ri3qS5w4HD5qhzkhAbm3_ugqdMq0envAAwEnJRq23JYx16GZ7Z8KV_Bq/s400/divine+mercy+chain.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687158357718448210" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 225px;" /></a>Jesus, the Divine Mercy, I consecrate my entire life, from this day on, to You without reserve. Into your hands I abandon my past, my present, and my future, from this day forward, make me a true follower of Your teaching, let Your Divine Mercy Image, protect my home and my family from all the powers of evil in this world today.<br />
<br />
May all who venerate it never perish, may it be their joy in life, their hope in death, and their glory in eternity. Amen.bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-78727518408232271302014-03-24T14:33:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:14:01.619-07:00You Have to Have a Plan to Have a Change of Plan! Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasdCJ_5Z6ZD_bpwoASnDn968CndCC4kweg7IjhesDeF-rDhdyVI7tYL5mpCfLdhBZNd_0ekWd4Vx4nhh4d0tD4q3NIsX61KwkmUKXQPtsqzRc9vgVuMv51g9Bb2kEB5RwXvdIODeP6psz/s1600/Rubens_Feast_of_Simon_the_Pharisee_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasdCJ_5Z6ZD_bpwoASnDn968CndCC4kweg7IjhesDeF-rDhdyVI7tYL5mpCfLdhBZNd_0ekWd4Vx4nhh4d0tD4q3NIsX61KwkmUKXQPtsqzRc9vgVuMv51g9Bb2kEB5RwXvdIODeP6psz/s1600/Rubens_Feast_of_Simon_the_Pharisee_s.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This has been a saying of mine for many years, but the real secret is having the grace to allow God to change our plans for His.<br />
<br />
After all He says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".<br />
<br />
The problem is that He does not always pass on this information to us!<br />
<br />
And I am sure he does expect us to make our own plans because in Luke 14 He says " <span class="woj">“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"</span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj">So He obviously wants us to be intentional about what we do and not just go with the flow.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj">So we go about our lives making our plans....</span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj">About 3 years ago I had some plans, good plans, well thought out plans, God honouring plans. So, you would think that Father God would look down on me and smile and bless my little plans, all so carefully worked out with Him in mind. You'd think.......</span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj">Good job I've read the whole book and know that it doesn't always work like that!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj">Isaiah 55:8-9 says </span> “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.<br />
<br />
Not that there was anything wrong with my thoughts, its simply that He is God and I am not!<br />
<br />
My plans were nice and comfy and made me feel good about how I was doing in the Christian life....<br />
<br />
For instance, I looked at how I had been reading the bible over the almost nine years I had been a Christian.<br />
<br />
Not too shabby I thought to myself, as well as reading here there and everywhere thoughout the bible I had read it through several times using different plans and methods.<br />
<br />
Ticking off a Printed Purple Plan (I love purple)<br />
Straight Through From Cover to Cover<br />
Following a Chronilogical Plan<br />
Using a Perpetual Plan<br />
Printing off a Mini Sized Plan<br />
Marking off in My Bible itself.<br />
<br />
I was quite pleased with myself....<br />
<br />
Do you see the problem?<br />
<br />
Did you catch a glimpse of the Pharisee raising its little head there?<br />
<br />
Sadly I didn't spot it.......<br />
<br />
And so I carried on with my plans.<br />
<br />
Over the coming 3 years I would follow the Victory Reading Plan (which not only covers the bible, but which goes over certain bits twice). It is a great plan and I would highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
It has three columns and I was going to use each column in a different way each year for three years.<br />
<br />
1 Read with my son<br />
2 Read and meditate on<br />
3 Read and study themes<br />
<br />
By the end of these three years I would be fifty and my son sixteen.<br />
<br />
I would have read through the whole bible with my son and we would have discussed it together.<br />
<br />
I would have completed what I refer to as my colouring in bible - the one I use for highlighting different themes.<br />
<br />
I would have completed what I call my mirror bible - the one I use to meditate on the word, underlining verses to use for prayer in tuquoise, instructions in purple, special women's verses in pink and adding a heart to special verses God has given to me.<br />
<br />
See I told you great plans, godly plans. God's plans??? Apparently not!<br />
<br />
You see my Father knows my heart and He knew that I did not want to be like one of the Phasisees around the table.<br />
<br />
If you want to know what he did about it read part two....bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-8930827089063056132014-03-24T14:24:00.001-07:002014-07-08T07:16:44.053-07:00Making a New Chaplet...<a href="http://www.rosaryandchaplets.com/chaplets/st_gemma_galgani.html"><img alt="Saint Gemma Galgani chaplet information" src="http://www.rosaryandchaplets.com/chaplets/st_gemma.jpeg" height="300" style="float: right; vertical-align: text-top;" width="144" /></a>Saint Gemma is my patron saint.....<br />
<i></i><br />
<i>The chaplet of Saint Gemma Galgani, has a medal of her likeness and is made up of 25 beads representing her life on earth. The 20 Crystal beads are for her Memorial day April 1, and 5 Aquamarine beads are for her Birthday March 12. The center roses are for your petition to her when praying the chaplet. </i> <br />
<b>How to Pray</b> <br />
<b> On the medal pray: </b><br />
The Most Glorious St Gemma Prayer: O Most Glorious St. Gemma, Mirror of innocence and penance, may we who humbly invoke thy Heavenly intercession obtain from thee the grace of purity in all our thoughts, words and actions. Amen <br />
<b> On the set of 2 beads pray: </b><br />
O my soul, bless Jesus. Never forget the many graces He has given thee. Love that God who so loves thee. Lift thyself up to Him, who has lowered Himself for thee; show thyself as He shows Himself with thee; be clean of heart, be pure. Love thy Jesus, who has lifted thee out of so much misery. Love thy God, bless thy Lord <br />
<i> Saint Gemma Galgani</i> <br />
<b> On the center: </b><br />
Pray the Saint Gemma Petition Prayer. <br />
"Dearest St. Gemma. Sister and friend in Christ; You know the value of suffering and the blessings of healing. Please pray that Our Lord will heal me/us and my/our family of my/our, physical, emotional and spiritual ailments, Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen" <br />
<b> On the first set of 5 pray:</b><br />
"Jesus, let me come to thee, I thirst for thy life giving blood." <br />
Followed by 5 Hail Mary's <br />
<b> On the next bead pray: </b><br />
If I saw the gates of Hell open and I stood on the brink of the abyss, I should not despair, I should not lose hope of mercy, because I should trust in You, my God. <br />
Followed by One Our Father <br />
Continue to the end of the chaplet in this pattern. <br />
At the end of the chaplet pray again The Most Glorious St. Gemma Prayer.bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-85315355260337612572013-08-31T05:44:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:18:09.834-07:00A Beautiful Gift...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B8NH4xT4FjI6anfQ28IIIUVj3LdwmACO0-V8e6mUprvCP6GgzvQCR-Q9uJRm0oNMvaviaqm-2dmwhBLMaTmeVUVi6X0O-fdbkXWj_uPZLMBgPFcEOtMhVBjWpcbIdvaBZzQBHUsIKJzr/s1600/Church+at+Ambleside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B8NH4xT4FjI6anfQ28IIIUVj3LdwmACO0-V8e6mUprvCP6GgzvQCR-Q9uJRm0oNMvaviaqm-2dmwhBLMaTmeVUVi6X0O-fdbkXWj_uPZLMBgPFcEOtMhVBjWpcbIdvaBZzQBHUsIKJzr/s400/Church+at+Ambleside.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
One
of the lovely things my husband does for me is that he takes me to
church! He does not attend church himself and so it is a very special
gift. <br />
<br />
When we are at home I usually go to the evening
service at my local church because it is the easiest way for me to be
consistent and to get my grandson to church too.<br />
<br />
My
husband works twelve hour shifts and doesn't finish till 6pm .... He
works three Sundays out of six and even after a long day at work he
comes home straight home to pick me up and take me to church which
starts at 6.30pm.<br />
<br />
When we get to church he waits
outside for the length of the service so he can take me home again and
doesn't get to have his evening meal until were are home again.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful for this loving gesture... this really is love in action.<br />
<br />
Even when we went away he took me to this lovely church in Ambleside, Mater Amibalis...<br />
<br />
I seems to fitting that my husband most amiable took me to the church of Mother Most Amiable.bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-12176957331630238792013-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:20:02.350-07:00Romance is not Dead.....<br />
<img alt="http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/494942bc0a76ac6a9d27d12097ae0ed4/http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o418/Nirvash7/Wolf_Love.jpg" class="decoded" src="http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/494942bc0a76ac6a9d27d12097ae0ed4/http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o418/Nirvash7/Wolf_Love.jpg" height="273" width="400" /><br />
I have just had a lovely romantic break with my husband to celebrate nineteen wonderful years together. We stayed for three nights in a wonderful historic farm bed and breakfast in the lake district. <br />
<br />
<img alt="Accommodation" border="0" src="http://www.crookhallfarm.co.uk/img/rooms.jpg" height="103" width="400" /><br />
It was so lovely and peaceful in the farm house where we enjoyed wonderful views and satisfying breakfasts. Although the farm was tucked away it was very handy for driving to Windermere, Bowness, and other towns and villages in the lakes.<br />
<br />
We relaxed and enjoyed each others company and had some lovely romantic meals out together.<br />
<br />
On our last day we bought a beautiful wolf's head statue to remind us of our trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlVODx6ywWSRtO78pMOHQDbXINa23SDpHHUGceFNl7lEtGUULqiB0W17B8fX3RF6oJyvR87sab_1zKBETe4jTi55YEaTsfjG1LNvMI6bky_PkK0kpzbQCSZOrRnwDT2hMCmjoM2h2V9HL/s1600/4a7cf782a3f1e6626954088a18ecaf5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlVODx6ywWSRtO78pMOHQDbXINa23SDpHHUGceFNl7lEtGUULqiB0W17B8fX3RF6oJyvR87sab_1zKBETe4jTi55YEaTsfjG1LNvMI6bky_PkK0kpzbQCSZOrRnwDT2hMCmjoM2h2V9HL/s1600/4a7cf782a3f1e6626954088a18ecaf5f.jpg" /></a></div>
bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-1370329031394932502013-08-30T06:56:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:21:38.952-07:00Relationship Building.... <img alt="http://mindsetdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Relationships.jpg" class="decoded" src="http://mindsetdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Relationships.jpg" height="378" width="400" /><br />
<br />
August and February are the months I review my relationship goals. I chose these months because that is when I celebrate the Anniversary of meeting my husband and our wedding Anniversary.<br />
<br />
If at all possible I my husband and I like to get away for a few days just to be together and during this time we talk over memories of our times together. These memories make a wonderful platform on which to build plans for the future.<br />
<br />
It is a great time for me to think about all the things my husband does for me and how we make each other better people and think of things (even little ones) which I can do to make him happier and more content.<br />
<br />
<img alt="http://www.stepbystep.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Things-to-Keep-Your-Relationship-Strong-400x265.jpg" class="decoded" src="http://www.stepbystep.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Things-to-Keep-Your-Relationship-Strong-400x265.jpg" /> <br />
<br />
As well as my relationship with my husband I also think about how I can build strong ties with other family members and old friends.<br />
<br />
It is so easy to let things slide when things are busy and relationships don't build themselves they take work.<br />
<br />
This is even more true with old friends who we mean to keep in touch with. So one of the things I did before going away was to arrange a day out with a good friend to look forward to in September.<br />
<br />
<img alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOogp_fRoVLMswk75uigVI-6v3yUat9vr39yRWozgc3mSauV8qbAy8bkUZ8pt-vPrHo8fe_1ZaLyBOMP7Gm95zLLEPiV2HlCUjQpeBs1K8OL2sN3lIjY4eMLAzdSSKEZrucy7b5rf95t5Y/s200/quotes-friends-silver-and-gold-1024x1024.jpg" class="decoded" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOogp_fRoVLMswk75uigVI-6v3yUat9vr39yRWozgc3mSauV8qbAy8bkUZ8pt-vPrHo8fe_1ZaLyBOMP7Gm95zLLEPiV2HlCUjQpeBs1K8OL2sN3lIjY4eMLAzdSSKEZrucy7b5rf95t5Y/s400/quotes-friends-silver-and-gold-1024x1024.jpg" height="400" width="400" /><br />
<br />
As well as building old relationships I feel it is time to make some new friends too as I love mixing with people, but these days I see very few as much of my time is spent at home looking after my son.<br />
<br />
So before going away I also made an appointment to see the practice nurse at my GP's. The doctor recently told me that there was a new scheme which would refer patients to a slimming club and if I went to see the nurse she could do that for me.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be a great idea as it would help me with my weight loss journey and also give me the opportunity to meet some new people. People with whom I already have a common interest.<br />
<br />
<img alt="MAKING NEW FRIENDS" class="event-item-lol-image" height="388" id="_r_a_4888846080" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/4888846080/h1E7D6204/" title="MAKING NEW FRIENDS" width="400" /><br />
<br />
I am very blessed .... I have a lot to look forward to. <br />
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<br />bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-88678679612771249822013-08-19T06:51:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:22:55.548-07:00Just to show I care.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAphzA_mTdvRYKSq3dSkNJs00iDhvLO07vd4pSa1uZXLEx26HXAA3tz3zF6xKXJnIxbNhBsgcwhNb7FdGd1NA3X77Q5Ki6X6WIcyZvINRy78tSAJCbS-d4cgKL6PM_ddtnuOzA1xDEFqP/s1600/sharing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAphzA_mTdvRYKSq3dSkNJs00iDhvLO07vd4pSa1uZXLEx26HXAA3tz3zF6xKXJnIxbNhBsgcwhNb7FdGd1NA3X77Q5Ki6X6WIcyZvINRy78tSAJCbS-d4cgKL6PM_ddtnuOzA1xDEFqP/s320/sharing.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
I thought I would share some of my most useful discoveries from my weight loss journey...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5pnjDalU37j9Gd-tBu1iVvkW4A6f3r-NeA-tnBdD0J__RiZ0fV0iLL_BOPu2DTqF__HRJsv30cMi6Th-QaYE8PNe9GMixkC3XyilCSLJvv6nYAZoG5halxH3SWJU53i0RCtF9e6n6Ko-/s1600/callanetics.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5pnjDalU37j9Gd-tBu1iVvkW4A6f3r-NeA-tnBdD0J__RiZ0fV0iLL_BOPu2DTqF__HRJsv30cMi6Th-QaYE8PNe9GMixkC3XyilCSLJvv6nYAZoG5halxH3SWJU53i0RCtF9e6n6Ko-/s320/callanetics.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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When deciding what kind of exercise to do I was strongly drawn back to Callanetics which I had done several times over the years.<br />
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It seemed ideally suited to my present lack of fitness, as it is very gently and builds flexibility as well as long lean muscles.<br />
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I had thrown away my old videos, not because they were no longer wanted, but because the video format was no longer useful.<br />
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So I set about looking for some Callanetics DVDs.<br />
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I wanted to get the Beginning Callanetics DVD as it shows the modified positions for different health problems and is a shorter work out - this was one of the videos I had previously used.<br />
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But I also wanted to get something new. In the end I opted to pair it with the am/pm dvd as that would give me something new while at the same time keep to shorter workouts.<br />
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After time I also added the Cardio Callanetics DVD and the Quick Callanetics which has 3 workouts to target different parts of the body.<br />
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Callanetics is very gentle but because it works very deeply on the muscles you have to be careful not to over do it at first.<br />
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While looking on You Tube for information on Callanetics I came across a lady who had been giving one of these Magic Measures (by Rosemary Conley) away and it seemed like a really great idea so I ordered one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-XtwPbc5XBfukZ3KNhD6aFQlmMgYVlEqNDz6M7i41GoJ-zemZutai9rK9FngC1Z-DfAjExoFdrYzhdINJEg3ePQQdiu8QhNSkYOzR-ZdmX3PayZRZPUt3gVW5DLDXKV1ZFHmWnoBRWw9/s1600/magic-measure+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-XtwPbc5XBfukZ3KNhD6aFQlmMgYVlEqNDz6M7i41GoJ-zemZutai9rK9FngC1Z-DfAjExoFdrYzhdINJEg3ePQQdiu8QhNSkYOzR-ZdmX3PayZRZPUt3gVW5DLDXKV1ZFHmWnoBRWw9/s1600/magic-measure+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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There are two sets of plastic tabs, you put the big on your first set of measurements, then after that you put the second smaller set on and these move about over time as your measurements change.</div>
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As time goes by it is really encouraging to see the gaps get bigger between the 2 sets of tabs.<br />
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Another top tip is to get a workout partner .......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAL1KAiUoV26mkUNto1lo35pgaJFis8RYlL4rYdNuY83gm68jtl_Bbjst0DspjXCj-GgCQ2jKmFZYlCUsDfm5EeY6lbS0RIObilqBYz6eZ4MVGvMeO6sQ5a9wLovBTSi5p7r5CnWt4MDUL/s1600/It+is+you+who+is+in+trouble+baby+puppy....JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAL1KAiUoV26mkUNto1lo35pgaJFis8RYlL4rYdNuY83gm68jtl_Bbjst0DspjXCj-GgCQ2jKmFZYlCUsDfm5EeY6lbS0RIObilqBYz6eZ4MVGvMeO6sQ5a9wLovBTSi5p7r5CnWt4MDUL/s320/It+is+you+who+is+in+trouble+baby+puppy....JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> </div>
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These are mine, not much good for the exercise DVDs or going to the gym, but great for a long walk!<br />
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To make keeping an eye on your food intake the diet plate could be helpful....<br />
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Keeps things simple, but make sure you get the right on, male or female!<br />
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I cut out the sugar in my tea and found that my coffee tasted too sweet so I managed to cut down the sugar in that too!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg-hvRlOygUieBkuFGGZvaNCtbl6-8uMcH1i3rwdNb6_1oOVq2ZjqHg7ANtCTidmALSjxwtvWhf0Jr1Xygx84GsZv2Uhk9F0GlTkKVvBwEyjQvvP0t1p3r5Z_DqYrrWsbbH1lqj_fWdo/s320/water-heart1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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I have never been fond of drinking water, but the more I drink it the more I am starting to appreciate it!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hHmXmTd82h5EdFOJEpjzPctQA_ojPGIiaA-DQbIagi4-8O_v_ofmdDs8BzVlf0HybwaAMRWpKBA-uSyqei19vnPP891ocJEZEBFE2RVKOKtiKzr380HyTyThAFemFnPE_FVm1h4u_h0/s320/footerIcons.gif" height="15" width="320" /></div>
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This site has loads of foodie information...<br />
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<a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/">http://nutritiondata.self.com/</a><br />
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And above all don't forget to set ......<br />
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And when you reach your goal, celebrate and set another one!bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-84291616153260885372013-08-19T06:47:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:23:59.222-07:00Less of Me....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had been keeping a private blog about my efforts to loose weight and get healthier, but I have decided to share bits here, because the results do make my life more joyful and just might be encouraging to others. <br />
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So far I have lost over 30lbs. I also had sleep apnea which went away very quickly and now I am much more comfortable. Also it is now much easier to get clothes I like.<br />
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It has taken me a long time to get to this point. Many factors have made it more difficult, such as my son's illness and there has been the odd step backwards I am pressing ahead. <br />
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I have learned to cherish each pound lost...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3KpGAdttPgrM3lrim5doq6eeiNfPvE_8Y_F6lfnNFPvBmwy7fvFiWDJeCRmUF1uxjPTtlQHlClAlbe7hC9H273nNQuj1wBaQP4-fbUck7Mu8xJU7pM3unQCEuc6O8hS-O0QLpNZk1YHC/s1600/only+one+pound.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3KpGAdttPgrM3lrim5doq6eeiNfPvE_8Y_F6lfnNFPvBmwy7fvFiWDJeCRmUF1uxjPTtlQHlClAlbe7hC9H273nNQuj1wBaQP4-fbUck7Mu8xJU7pM3unQCEuc6O8hS-O0QLpNZk1YHC/s1600/only+one+pound.jpg" /></a></div>
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On this journey it is very easy to forget that food is not the enemy......<br />
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Food is a wonderful delight created by our amazing Father who made us with taste buds so that we could appreciate his gift. Take time to choose food which will not only taste good but will do you good and don't forget to say Thank You for the gift.<br />
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Neither is your body your enemy....<br />
God made it... look after it!<br />
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The "experts" say that keeping a journal helps with weight loss and so I did. At first I kept it on a page on my private blog, but started a 181 Day Health Diary on 11th January which shouldhave run up till 11th July (my husbands birthday).</div>
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Unfortunately my plan got derailed in May (sigh) between back problems and other health issues, but I have started on my journey again.<br />
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Between Christmas and New Year I lost my 4th (out of 6) sibling and have already lost a nephew.<br />
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It's scary... The life expectancy in my family is very low - averaging out at just about the age I am. It's not that I am scared of being dead... I am confident of where I will end up by the Grace of God.<br />
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What scares me is having to face my God knowing that he had more for me to do but that my choices brought me home sooner than he intended <br />
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Also I want to be strong and healthy enough to do the job he put me here to do.<br />
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I can't do anything about any genetic factors (but God can handle them) but I have to take control or the choices I make. <br />
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I don't have a particularly unhealthy lifestyle.... I have never smoked, or done any drugs and I drink very little alcohol so the only factors I can improve on are diet and exercise.<br />
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So back to the Health Diary....</div>
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It's a hard back notebook with Russian dollies all over it (ideal shrinking lady symbol don't you think?)</div>
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I attached a matching two sided pencil case, to keep all the bits and pieces I need to fill it in. <br />
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Everyday I keep a note of what I eat and drink and any exercise I get. There is a space once a week to make notes and at the back I write hints and tips which are particularly helpful.</div>
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This is where the child in me comes in the thing is covered in stickers...<br />
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I have butterflies for when I have done a workout dvd, flowers for when I go for a walk...<br />
Now I have added stars for 5 minutes on the bike and circles for a glass of water...<br />
Not to forget my favourite... I have Russian dolls and symbols from their tummies... every weigh-in I get a symbol for a half stone and a doll for a full stone... so now I get 2 of each!<br />
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I am such a big kid .... but that is OK because.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsQrpLBMgdz2jLUs4rXT1fi6dwczzJ13E2xTX1FHuV_yAEEOZAj9CY7d8ow_gscQh5mqz5U1ImIArj7dLZhwBimE629gOFICVzJedk3nyCAd3qW-pADMvpuAqmO936jO9t-JZ1Q0sytb2/s1600/like+a+child.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsQrpLBMgdz2jLUs4rXT1fi6dwczzJ13E2xTX1FHuV_yAEEOZAj9CY7d8ow_gscQh5mqz5U1ImIArj7dLZhwBimE629gOFICVzJedk3nyCAd3qW-pADMvpuAqmO936jO9t-JZ1Q0sytb2/s1600/like+a+child.jpg" /></a></div>
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bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-5781990065490509752013-08-15T05:58:00.000-07:002014-07-08T07:46:28.690-07:00The Great Escape....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo6U3BDnxOVDvo6VYUUUpyLHsGC8zwiw6dDW5VnMjRnAbWZh9akTO4xBYnvLO9n6dBKBb7JV0ueQ4fAmYNTuZbbr5oj4tnfxA5413DYWCyWVpevxgTENePMvapJmvMQAzN3quSNJSUIn9/h120/Angela+%2526+sleeping+dogs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="Jl-O-x" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo6U3BDnxOVDvo6VYUUUpyLHsGC8zwiw6dDW5VnMjRnAbWZh9akTO4xBYnvLO9n6dBKBb7JV0ueQ4fAmYNTuZbbr5oj4tnfxA5413DYWCyWVpevxgTENePMvapJmvMQAzN3quSNJSUIn9/h120/Angela+%2526+sleeping+dogs+2.jpg" style="left: 0px; top: 0px; transform: rotate(0deg);" width="400" /></a><br />
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Today I am really grateful that I still have my two dogs <br />
<br />
Yesterday Pepper was being naughty and not coming in from the garden when called, <br />
but this morning I realised that her barking was not coming from in the garden at all.<br />
On further investigation we found 2 broken fence panels which we have replaced <br />
<br />
I am so relieved that neither doggy got away.....<br />
<br />
<br />bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-15592445648563397182012-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:002014-07-08T13:49:15.272-07:00The Spice of Life......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffqjqqgzkdg1rtj5-tVq_QDv5YQlqmYdfe2O8j5YW4CfjLvu-ojy3YIOw_fhg4ZD9JS6Jx_eZnmoPiT1M9iR4pYW8SBJAVr5jvydHEWlc-H9-42d4FrdWkwYB3flZ6r9Ycix2HavzotgU/s1600/Variety-is-the-Spice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffqjqqgzkdg1rtj5-tVq_QDv5YQlqmYdfe2O8j5YW4CfjLvu-ojy3YIOw_fhg4ZD9JS6Jx_eZnmoPiT1M9iR4pYW8SBJAVr5jvydHEWlc-H9-42d4FrdWkwYB3flZ6r9Ycix2HavzotgU/s320/Variety-is-the-Spice.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
In the midst of my decluttering and reorganising frenzy I decided that the way I had been storing my herbs and spices was not working for me.<br />
<br />
I had some in my tiny drawers in the top cupboards and the rest in a spinning carousel.<br />
<br />
I cleared out one of the drawers under my hob and inserted some plastic containers then put all the spices in there.<br />
<br />
It worked well except that I could no longer read the lables!<br />
<br />
I had recently bought three new jars from Tesco (on special offer) and notice that the had lables on the top too.<br />
<br />
Some of mine were a little past their best so today I bought 10 new jars at Tesco (all on offer at 50p each (cheaper that a refill).<br />
<br />
They were also doing an offer "spend £20 get £5 off £40 next week", so I split my shopping into 2 lots £20.25 and £20.55 (I also picked up 2 £1 off coupons in the leaflet on the way in and used them) so next week I can get 2 lots of £40 with £5 off each. <br />
<br />
<br />bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-55026909063449706692012-05-06T03:17:00.003-07:002014-07-08T13:50:49.120-07:00My Catholic Bible Reading Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJ5plH9-5AWh8yzCtKwOfhjU1xVxCz0BAhGpXWwFxwxtCF2ufe6ET7pzDXnztuZvam39QyGrLuQYHtiz4ALbo6wBe5FA5nSXr2Gc7I6JZgXFKWHUUX8H4EeXgOw9GSkE2_8NzRpkz4wlw/s1600/zipper_compact_bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJ5plH9-5AWh8yzCtKwOfhjU1xVxCz0BAhGpXWwFxwxtCF2ufe6ET7pzDXnztuZvam39QyGrLuQYHtiz4ALbo6wBe5FA5nSXr2Gc7I6JZgXFKWHUUX8H4EeXgOw9GSkE2_8NzRpkz4wlw/s320/zipper_compact_bible.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
Since becoming a Christian I have used lots of different "read the bible in a year" plans. There are lots out there and they are easy to track down.<br />
<br />
So, when I became a Catholic I looked for Catholic reading plans. What a shock it was to find that they are few and far between.<br />
<br />
None of the ones I did manage to find seemed to meet my needs, so I fell out of the habit of doing a read through once a year. Oh I carried on reading the bible, but not in the same consistant way.<br />
<br />
I realised that this is a discipline which is very profitable for me and wanted to return to it so I decided to make my own plan.<br />
<br />
First thought I thought that as I last read the "Catholic" bits I would spend the rest of 2012 reading the "All inclusive bits" which are also in the non-catholic bibles.<br />
<br />
I took the amount of chapters in the (non-catholic) bible 1189 (929 in the Old Testament and 260 in the New Testament as compared to 1334 in the Catholic bible) and divided it by the number of of days left in the year which was 255.<br />
<br />
So at the moment I am reading four chapters of the Old Testament together with one of the New Testament.<br />
<br />
Then in 2013 I will read through the Catholic Bible by following my own newly made up plan.<br />
<h4>
Monday to Saturday (that's 313 days in a year)</h4>
3 chapters of the Old Testament (not including the Psalms that is 924 chapters - 3 x 313 = 939)<br />
1 chapter of the New Testament or Psalms (giving 313 chapters)<br />
<h4>
Sunday (that's 52 days in a year)</h4>
2 chapters of the New Testament or Psalms (including the psalms that is 410 - 52 x 2 = 104 + 313 from above = 417)<br />
<br />
Based on these figures there is a margin built in to allow for illness or other unforseen factor of 22 chapters. <br />
<br />
Also because I only have 2 chapters to read on Sunday there is a chance to catch-up if necessary.<br />
<br />bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-31027563030636646922012-04-29T01:26:00.002-07:002012-04-29T01:31:09.639-07:00My 90 Day Journey - Day 1<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" style="color: black;">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Passage
to Read</span></span></h4>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">For
your Maker is your husband</span></span>—</div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">the
LORD Almighty is his name</span></span>—</div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;">the
Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;">he
is called the God of all the earth.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
LORD will call you back</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">as
if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit</span></span>—</div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;">a
wife who married young,</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;">only
to be rejected," says your God. Isaiah 54:5-6</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="color: black;">
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Prayer
from My Heart</span></span></h4>
</div>
<div class="western" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Heavenly
Father, </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"> You alone know me inside out</span>………<span lang="en-US">You
who made me and know all my needs and imperfections better than I
know myself but love me with a greater love than any man can
understand - I come before you in humility and with bended knee</span>……..
asking that you search my inner being the hidden woman of the heart
and see what needs to change in me and what needs to be developed.
Lord prune me so that I may bear sweet fruit for your honour and
glory…….. Amen</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-33341433831656218782012-03-31T09:35:00.001-07:002012-03-31T09:37:20.982-07:00Spiritual Communion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLd80I_MnovLYXvIAm01ce_s49S3cxHjVoOCLfiTtr-4uJDzrTh4Xn9WIhVFkAThz5qEC1OdW7fMBh55pGCdtqTLSch7u4NJ76a8doXFyrys3xTG8-z8JjblOlCMpZNfLAJuJbXeNxhyphenhyphend/s1600/untitled44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLd80I_MnovLYXvIAm01ce_s49S3cxHjVoOCLfiTtr-4uJDzrTh4Xn9WIhVFkAThz5qEC1OdW7fMBh55pGCdtqTLSch7u4NJ76a8doXFyrys3xTG8-z8JjblOlCMpZNfLAJuJbXeNxhyphenhyphend/s400/untitled44.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<pre>It was the Cure of Ars who said, "A spiritual communion acts on the soul as
blowing does on a cinder - covered fire which was about to go out. Whenever
you feel your love of God growing cold, quickly make a spiritual communion."</pre><pre> </pre><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><pre>By a rescript of November 24, 1922, the Sacred Congregation of indulgences
approved the following formula for a spiritual communion:
"O Jesus I turn toward the holy tabernacle
where You live hidden for love of me.
I love you, O my God.
I cannot receive you in Holy Communion.
Come nevertheless and visit me with Your grace.
Come spiritually into my heart.
Purify it. Sanctify it.
Render it like unto Your own. Amen."
Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
[An indulgence of 500 days, if thrice repeated. (129 The Raccolta 1944).]
</pre></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An Alternative </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Spiritual Communion Prayer </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.<br />
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.<br />
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,<br />
come at least spiritually into my heart.<br />
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.<br />
Never permit me to be separated from You.<br />
<br />
<h3>Praying the Chaplet of the Blessed Sacrament</h3><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYK0lYe4m5sPxsAzz4pUHxQhwToHp1uHX-eZtWdmWrxy_2hxPUgZiU4E6ORFBON2eXRZQupNMjJtTercX71ZNYfy2HsCzs9lQhI3PNUyynLuvVxjfmufPNWXOO5dqu3vp0aCl8cJGbpwH/s1600/anglican+rosary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYK0lYe4m5sPxsAzz4pUHxQhwToHp1uHX-eZtWdmWrxy_2hxPUgZiU4E6ORFBON2eXRZQupNMjJtTercX71ZNYfy2HsCzs9lQhI3PNUyynLuvVxjfmufPNWXOO5dqu3vp0aCl8cJGbpwH/s320/anglican+rosary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Blessed Sacrament Beads consist</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">of a medal of the Blessed Sacrament and 33 beads, recalling the 33</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">years of Christ's life on earth.</span></div><span style="color: black;">On the medal one makes a spiritual communion as follows:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><b>"As I</b></span> <b><span style="color: black;">cannot now receive Thee, my Jesus, in Holy Communion, come,</span></b> <br />
<b><span style="color: black;">spiritually into my heart, and make it Thine own forever."</span></b> <br />
<span style="color: black;">On each bead say:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><b>"Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on the altar</b></span> <b><span style="color: black;">have mercy on us!"</span></b> <br />
<span style="color: black;">Approved May 30, 1911 by Pope Pius X (The Holy Father has granted to</span> <br />
<span style="color: black;">the entire world 300 days indulgence each time the above prayer is recited.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I don't have a Blessed Sacrament Chaplet I am going to use the Anglican Rosary pictured above and when I have a chance to buy the correct medal I will swap it for the crucifix.</span> </span></div>bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-49585077636170505002012-03-08T07:06:00.000-08:002012-03-08T07:06:52.083-08:00My New Daily Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wO8K11eYlwNTRwzgcLCFxnBGgxzs_JAnaGV_vHa_Uclil-IVDoEdwsWXg5MNujpCCxv4vxV7xxibR2oJOXxdF15R0bqc6_nuVSlnlZ28pWTiaUSwaIAg3g8OpynOlQyezUxqBvZFqOLp/s1600/divine-mercy+-+sacred+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wO8K11eYlwNTRwzgcLCFxnBGgxzs_JAnaGV_vHa_Uclil-IVDoEdwsWXg5MNujpCCxv4vxV7xxibR2oJOXxdF15R0bqc6_nuVSlnlZ28pWTiaUSwaIAg3g8OpynOlQyezUxqBvZFqOLp/s320/divine-mercy+-+sacred+heart.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><span style="color: #00396d;"><a class="fw_link_website fw_link_newWindow" href="http://www.frrookeyicm.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="ms__id25" style="color: #000066;"></span></span></a></span><span style="color: #00396d;"> </span><br />
<center style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #00396d; font-size: x-small;">The Miracle Prayer </span></center><center style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #00396d; font-size: x-small;"> </span></center><center style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #00396d; font-size: x-small;">Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit. </span></center><center style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #00396d; font-size: x-small;"> </span></center><center style="color: #000066;"></center><center style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #00396d; font-size: x-small;">Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen. </span></center><center style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #00396d; font-size: x-small;"> </span></center><center style="color: #000066;"></center><center style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #00396d; font-size: x-small;">Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace and all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.</span></center>bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-32076583842745336482012-02-24T03:41:00.001-08:002012-02-25T01:47:51.119-08:00The Potpourri Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp6xiKJMRcIMB0MI9OKr7nAEPrWGBJECBmofMpQtoNeb1xNqzE6qPqK9b6UH68ZwIpwxvw5Fdh7zo8TP4IZYyUPCiaGPpO1kOLPe8qdDZXJbFaOsVbX0p0ljW12GFggXWi3f9_cUpcXQy/s1600/bible+rosary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp6xiKJMRcIMB0MI9OKr7nAEPrWGBJECBmofMpQtoNeb1xNqzE6qPqK9b6UH68ZwIpwxvw5Fdh7zo8TP4IZYyUPCiaGPpO1kOLPe8qdDZXJbFaOsVbX0p0ljW12GFggXWi3f9_cUpcXQy/s320/bible+rosary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have owned a copy of this book for at least 18 months possibly 2 years. It was one of those things I was going to get round to.<br />
<br />
Well a couple of weeks ago after my retreat I finally started to use it and I can't even begin to explain how wonderful I have found it.<br />
<br />
After a couple of days of using it I sent for two more copies, one for my son and one "just in case".<br />
<br />
That really says something because I don't usually buy multiple copies of books.<br />
<br />
It may not be a book which suits everyone, you need to be a little flexible as instead of the usual twenty (or fifteen for the really inflexible) mysteries there are thirty-five.<br />
<br />
That gives a different set for each day of the week, as well as that there are a choice of five different sets of bible verses.<br />
<br />
There are different ways of using the book all explained in the book itself, but the way I am using it I will only repeat the same verses once every five weeks and for myself this seems tailored to my needs.<br />
<br />
There are also opening and closing prayers and different prayers for each decade....<br />
<br />
First For Priests<br />
Second For the Souls in Purgatory<br />
Forth Prayers of Thanksgiving<br />
Fifth Prayers of Praise<br />
<br />
I intentionally left our the third decade because that is what they call the Potpourri Prayers and although it does give some suggestions (and starts of with the St Raphael Christian Community, the authors parish - which seems only fair and I am sure she prays for her readers) it is for our own personal intentions.<br />
<br />
So here is my own mix of Potpourri for this season of my life.....<br />
<br />
For health and stability in my own family, peace in their hearts and conversion in their souls and for those in our parish and the world.<br />
<br />
For my associates in the Rosary Confraternity, the Confraternity of the Passion International, the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy, the Confraternity of Consolers, the St Mary MacKillop Rosary Circle and all their intentions.<br />
<br />
For all religious Brothers and Sisters and in particular for the Sisters of the Cross and Passion and their Associates and for an increase in vocations.<br />
<br />
For the protection of the Unborn, an end to abortion and abundant mercy for those who are or have faced this difficult decision.<br />
<br />
For all children who's lives are effected by their parents negative choices, particularly L & L and C & G.<br />
<br />
Lent is such a good time to overhaul our intentions and maybe even our whole prayer life.bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965188180717071180.post-9700257714372979142012-02-23T14:50:00.001-08:002012-02-23T15:30:09.480-08:00Day Two of Lent...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_5ptzr89ITPdNPCuugzLUJNVarPhpCvyC-ckniG5pFz41u43AifWjmK_hfQC58nfQddDstL6ncvZEFU7TwQpqJwLeknslLT0XMBgG7Vh84RLbJ9BOPpugpxTLdb_zge_rv3lONTm5D9R/s1600/ol+mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_5ptzr89ITPdNPCuugzLUJNVarPhpCvyC-ckniG5pFz41u43AifWjmK_hfQC58nfQddDstL6ncvZEFU7TwQpqJwLeknslLT0XMBgG7Vh84RLbJ9BOPpugpxTLdb_zge_rv3lONTm5D9R/s400/ol+mercy.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br />
Yes I've been at it again....<br />
<br />
Today I joined the Confraternity of the Passion International.<br />
<br />
Don't worry I don't intend to join a new one every day over lent!<br />
<br />
Together with the Rosary Confraternity and Confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy that makes three or four if you count the Confraternity of Consolers (which is not as yet recognised by Mother Church) and I am a member of a Living Rosary Circle.<br />
<br />
I joined the Passion International because of my Passionist leanings, and Our Lady of Mercy because of my regrets over my abortion (I joined the Confraternity of Consolers in advent when I did the Consoling the Heart of Jesus do it yourself retreat) .<br />
<br />
Each confraternity has its own commitments, but many of these overlap, such as making a yearly retreat and a nightly examination of conscience and act of contrition.<br />
<br />
Many of the commitments are things that I already do regularly such as praying the rosary and for the souls in purgatory and for an end to abortion and making a yearly retreat, so I am not actually taking on heaps of new spiritual practises all at once.<br />
<br />
I will have to make some changes, but mostly it will be a case of looking at my routine and tweaking it in order to make sure that all the commitments are met and fitting things together in a more appropriate way.<br />
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For instance I have realised that instead of going to Bible Study on Monday Nights (where we study the readings for the following Sunday) I would do better to go to Mass on Tuesday Nights instead, which will meet one of my commitments, to go to one weekday Mass per week.<br />
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Also there are lots of alternative resources for studying the Mass readings, but there is no substitute for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.<br />
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What I am also doing is using my self knowledge, which tells me that I am more apt to be regularly devoted to the practises I have if I have the accountability of knowing that if I do not I will be letting others down as well as myself.<br />
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Well onwards and hopefully upwards into lent.....bloodcoveredprincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992184785121222513noreply@blogger.com0