ONE 'Blessed be God'

It is quoted by St. John of Avila in my favorite work of all time Uniformity With God's Will the following,

"One 'Blessed Be God' in times of adversity, is worth more than a thousand acts of gratitude in times of prosperity."

ONE...Worth More than A THOUSAND ACTS OF GRATITUDE IN TIMES OF PROSPERITY.

ONE...Worth More than A THOUSAND ACTS OF GRATITUDE IN TIMES OF PROSPERITY.

With that knowledge, we humbly say "Blessed Be God."

It was discovered four weeks ago that our unborn baby daughter has a serious birth defect called Omphalocele. I HATE saying defect, but have not come up with a more dignified word to use in conversation.  She is not defective only certain anatomical features did not form correctly.  Once she is born and stabilized, she will be taken immediately to Omaha, NE by a transport team to undergo surgery immediately.  I will be dismissed shortly after so John and I can travel to be with her.

I will write the whole story when I manage to muster up the desire and mental energy to pound it out on keyboard.  Right now, each day is met with these three words 'Blessed Be God.'  Around Easter this year, I discovered this quote from St. Francis de Sales that I knew at some point in my life would provide comfort and peace.

"The everlasting God has in His wisdom forseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart.  This cross that He now sends you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with His loving arms, and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you.  He has blessed it with His holy name, anointed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God." -St. Francis de Sales

Yes, we cried so hard our eyes were swollen and our hearts felt like the weight of Mt. Everest.  "Blessed Be God."

I have repeated the passage in Matthew 26:39:
 "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."

 We have a wonderful Pro-Life doctor whom I met with this past Tuesday.  After much conversing and sharing with him a study I had read about Omphalocele, I looked up at him with tears in my eyes and said, "I am so glad He gave her to us. I am so glad she is safe.  She is safe with us.  John and I love her and will take care of her."  As I looked into his tear filled eyes, he said "Yes Lindsay, babies diagnosed with this are aborted."  That just breaks my heart. 

We are surrounded by incredible family and friends who value each and every life.  We would be so humbled and honored if you would join us in praying to these two spiritual giants for a miracle for our little girl and first and foremost that God's will is done through us, we and others are led to Christ, and for an end to abortion.

We are praying to Matt Talbot and Fr. Emil Kapaun to intercede on her behalf to Our Lord.  If you are reading this and not of the Catholic faith, please understand that we do not worship or put these men above Our Lord.  We admire their lives and service to Our Lord.  Their lives were spent in adoring and worshipping HIM in a way we can only hope to imitate.  We believe them to be in heaven with Him so we humbly ask "their ear" to ask Him for a miracle. We cannot thank you enough for your prayers.  We give glory to God for this child who is safe in our hearts and arms, but if it is God's will a miracle may occur.  Matt Talbot is my confirmation name.  I really don't know why I chose him all the way back in high school and have often wondered what role he would play in my life.  Obviously, Matt Talbot chose me those 20 years ago.  I am not shy about my love and admiration for Father Emil Kapaun. His love of Christ and service to others brings me to tears at the mention of his name.  As time passes these next few months, I will write more on their individual stories. 

Official Prayer for the Canonization of Matt Talbot:

Lord, in your servant, Matt Talbot you have given us a wonderful example of triumph over addiction, of devotion to duty, and of lifelong reverence of the Holy Sacrament. May his life of prayer and penance give us courage to take up our crosses and follow in the footsteps of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Father, if it be your will that your beloved servant should be glorified by your Church, make known by your heavenly favours the power he enjoys in your sight. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Intercession of Father Emil Kapaun:

Father Emil Kapaun gave
glory to God by following
his call to the priesthood and
thus serving the people of Kansas
and those in the military.

Father Kapaun, I ask your
intercession not only for these needs
which I mention now. . .but that I
too may follow your example of
service to God and my neighbor.

For the gifts of courage in battle
and perseverance of faith,
we give you thanks O Lord.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary,
and one Glory Be.

THE DIVINE PRAISES 

Blessed be God.
 Blessed be His Holy Name.
 Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
 Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
 Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
 Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
 Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
 Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
 Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
 Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.