Thursday, October 16, 2014

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.

83 comments :

  1. Lindsay, please know that your beautiful baby, you, your husband, and your whole family will be remembered in my morning prayers. May God bless all of you and may Mary keep you all close to her Immaculate Heart! Blessed be God!

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  2. Lindsay, so many prayers. For what it's worth, I had a high school friend whose baby had this, and, after surgeries, grew and developed very typically. Your faith is, as always, an inspiration.

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  3. I will be praying for her! A family at our parish had a daughter born with this in February of this year. She was in the hospital for almost a month, but is doing wonderful now. Jesus, I trust in You!

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  4. Lindsay, I will pray and I will print out these prayers and add them to my book. I also know a family whose child had the same issue--and after multiple surgeries she is doing well!

    Tears came to my eyes when I read what you wrote. Yes, she is safe. What a moving observation. That is a brilliant testament to you and to John, and to God for giving her to YOU, her protectors. God is good. And I will pray!!!

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  5. Lindsay, "Blessed be God," indeed! I can only imagine that at times it's all you can do to get just that out, but thank you for sharing anyway. This takes me back to when we received our youngest child's diagnosis of myelomeningocele/spina bifida and how even through the tears, the only thing I could think to pray was, "Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever!" And the next day when the doctors told us she would have struggles and surgeries at first, but go on to live a great life in her chair, how we felt like we were on cloud nine. We were and are still excited to be on this journey. Praying for your sweet family and for strength and courage for the days ahead.

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  6. Praying for you and your sweet daughter.

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  7. We will continue to pray for you, Lindsay, and for your precious baby girl! You are such a saint, and I'm in awe of you and the way you live your faith!

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  8. I will continue to pray for you all...especially your little girl! She is beautiful!

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  9. It is so hard, hardest on mom and dad when a child suffers. Remember that you are the only one baby can depend on and help, so make sure to ask for lots of help if/when you need it. Grace (3yrs)was diagnosed with a serious heart defect when she was in utero and I was scared stiff and very ill. The only regret I have is that I didn't offer up my sufferings as willingly as I could have. The song I loved to sing in my heart was 'hold me Jesus' by Rich Mullins, it may help you too. We pray fervently for the intercession of Fr. Kapaun, so we will be sure to pray for your baby now, too. Blessed be God! Your little one will be such a gift to the world!

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  10. She is beautiful, and you are a beautiful witness to motherhood. We will be praying.

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  11. You have our prayers. Blessed Be God.

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  12. Prayers are with your family. I have a friend back in Virginia with an "O" baby. He is 500 days old and thriving doIng all the wonderful things a normal toddler would do. He does have to be monitored closely for minor colds and weight gain. But I he is a normal functioning child. I'm sure with all the love and support from your family she with be just fine!

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  13. Praying for your family and for Baby Girl. Your words here are an encouragement and inspiration, but I'm sure they're not written easily. May God bless you with abundant grace so that you can look back on this time and see His hand unmistakably strengthening and guiding you.

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  14. You have our prayers! It is an amazingly beautiful thing to see how much grace is poured upon parents of a sick child. Baby girl is so very blessed, as are you.

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  15. I am praying! Your baby girl is so sweet and is already treasured by this heart!! Your kids are going to love her!

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  16. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Last year I had a friend who discovered that her unborn daughter had a large amount of fluid in her abdomen and an infection that was stunting the brain development. This all happened when she was only 19 weeks along. Their first doctor said the baby would not make it full term. They immediately switched doctors and started making arrangements on what would happen after her birth. Well after much prayer from family and friends, baby Maggie entered the world a beautiful and 100% healthy. I prayer that God sees you through this and your baby girl makes a full recovery.

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  17. Your family, and especially your sweet girl, are in my prayers.

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  18. We will be praying for you and your family especially your baby girl.

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  19. She's going to be so loved! In fact, she already is. Praying for you and your entire family.

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  20. I will be praying for all of your intentions! Another girl, how exciting! You have such a beautiful family!

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  21. Prayers for a miracle, prayers for strength and consolation for your family. God bless you so much for your beautiful witness to love and life!

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  22. Praying for your baby girl, you, and John!

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  23. Prayers for you and your daughter. I found this story and and I hope it is helpful to you: http://www.benotafraid.net/Articles/Detail/tabid/2340/ArticleId/29/Love-Overcomes-All-Things.aspx

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  24. If it gives you any comfort, I know a little girl who had this. She had several surgeries during her first 6 months but is now a very happy and healthy 3 year old and you would never know anything today. She doesn't even have much of a scar. God Bless you and your family. Keeping you and your precious girl in my prayers.

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  25. What a special little girl! Praying for all of you!

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  26. God bless you and your beautiful baby. Your blog is always a source of joy and happiness and help to many people. And with this too. May "my child I love you" ring in every mother's ears. Especially the women facing scary diagnoses with their precious little ones.
    I will pray for you daily.

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  27. Prayers for your family and your precious baby girl. Your love for her is a wonderful testament.

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  28. I will be praying for you and your family. God certainly knew what he was doing when he gave this little one to you. She could not have been given a better family to be born into.

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  29. LIndsay, what a beautifully written acceptance of God's will for your family! Your sweet daughter is so loved and so safe with you! I cried as I read this because I know your Mama-heart is broken, but I also teared up knowing how blessed this little one is. No one will be more loved than she! What a gift she is to you and you to her! Blessed be God!

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  30. Lindsay, I am so glad God gave her to you as well. She is so blessed! Thank you for accepting God's will and know that I will pray for her and for your family that it might be His will for a miracle. I have followed your blog for a long while and admired how you mother your beautiful bunch. My husband and I are expecting our first child and when I found out you were pregnant as well I got so excited! That may seem strange as I don't know you but in following your family's story through the years I feel as if I do a bit! :) Now that I am on my motherhood journey this bit of news touches me in possibly a more poignant way than it would have before and I especially pray that God will continue to comfort you. I am so looking forward to watching your ninth little one grow up in your family as I am starting my own family. Thank you for being an inspiration as a woman and mother...you have certainly been an instrument in God's hands to help me on my journey of faith.

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  31. Prayers for you and your little one. She's so blessed to have you and John for her parents.

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  32. Oh Lindsay, my heart goes out to you. I will pray for you, your little one and your whole family. May God bless you with great courage! Just in case you haven't seen this similar Matt Talbot miracle here in Kansas, here's a link to the story... http://www.theleaven.com/v36/v36n7talbot.html It is amazing that "he chose you" 20 years ago. I am glad you are sharing your story on your blog... I know it must be difficult to make time to blog but your witness to hope is such a blessing in our sometimes dark world. Again, you are all in our prayers and in our hearts.

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  33. Lindsay, I will be praying for you and your beautiful daughter. I have been following your blog for a few years now and just love your outlook on life. I always leave your blog feeling refreshed and renewed. And once again, in a time which is causing you great sorrow, I am sure, you have amazed me with your faithfulness to God and His will. Blessed be God!

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  34. Oh Lindsey, I know you must be scared. This sweet little girl will only know love. I will be praying for you, John, the baby, and the rest of your family. Be not afraid! Much love!

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  35. Dear Lindsay, I follow your blog, and your amazing family. I am praying for the intercession of Fr Kapaun and all the angels and saints. Peace be with you and your family. ~Charity

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  36. Lindsey, prayers for you and your family. You and your baby are lucky to have each other.

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  37. I am praying for you, your daughter, and your family.

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  38. Praying for you and your family. Your sweet girl is blessed to have you and John as parents.

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  39. Prayers for your sweet beautiful baby girl and you and your family. This is a heartbreaking challenge - but with God's grace and the work of skilled surgeons she will be well. Hang in there

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  41. Prayers for you and your blessed baby girl. You and John and your littles are an amazing family of faith, hope, and love. Thank you for your beautiful and godly example in this world of tears. "I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well" (Psalm 139:14).

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  42. Praying for your daughter and your family. Thank you for your wonderful witness....your family is beautiful and you are such an inspiration!

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  43. I will offer my weekend Mass for you, your babe and entire family. May God bless you and provide you with peace, strength and courage. You are a shining star and an incredible example of what women should be.

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  44. We will be keeping you, your family, and particularly your littlest one in our prayers. I have been thinking on your words here since I read them this morning. This is the love and beauty that our dark world so desperately longs for. God bless you for your witness to His goodness at all times and in all things.

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  45. I've been following your blog for years, and you never fail to inspire in me the desire for holiness. I am praying hard for you and your sweet little girl!

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  46. Lindsay I'm sorry to hear this, I will be praying for you guys.

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  47. Jeremy and I have your dear baby girl in our prayers! You are an inspiration of faith and love.

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  48. Many, many prayers, John and Lindsay!

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  49. Your precious baby girl and your whole family are in my prayers. Blessed be God, for giving you this new life and for putting her in a family where she will be safe and loved, so very loved. She is blessed by being part of your wonderful family and I know she will bless you too.

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  50. Right you are. All my love and prayers!

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  51. Praying for your precious baby girl, for you and your entire family as you love her into life, and for all those who offer the care she needs. Praying through the powerful intercession of Matt Talbot, Emil Kapaun and all God's Holy Saints and Angels. Blessed be God, indeed!

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  52. Praying for you and your family. Ive been a reader of your blog for a long time now and am always so moved by your Christian example. I've told so many friends of mine you are such an example to me of holiness and of Christian motherhood. Praying for all of you!

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  53. Thank you for your enduring witness to life. Your family is in my prayers.

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  54. I am so, so sorry. One of my children was recently diagnosed with something life changing, and I know the heartbreak and yet striving for trust in our Father's most perfect will. God bless you and your family, especially this precious little girl. Jesus is walking with you!

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  55. You are such a witness. Thank you. This baby girl is so incredibly blessed to have you two as parents and I know that she will bless your lives so much as well. Prayers said, thank you for posting them.

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  56. Dear Lindsay,

    The Lord has encouraged me greatly through your writings. May He continue to bless you with all that you need through your pregnancy. Prayers for your precious little one and for you and John and the children. Your example is a wonderful testimony to many.
    God bless you always,
    Marianne

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  57. Lindsay, may God continue to bless you through this difficult time. Your love for your daughter is an inspiration, and you're right, she is safe and blessed to have you as a mother. I will keep you all in my prayers!

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  58. I found this when I was searching the condition: The Jefferson Car Seat for Omphalocele Patients
    http://www.eztether.com/images/product_info/Product_Information_for_The_Jefferson.pdf
    Best of luck to you and your beautiful family.

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  59. I stumbled upon the Catholic Mom blogs about a half a year ago. I read Design Mom, which brought me to Nell, and she brought me to you. I can't tell you how much you and your family have struck a chord with me. Please know that I will pray for you each day through Easter - and beyond if you like! You've increased my faith and I'm grateful. My very best to you.

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  60. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

    Psalm 138:8

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  61. Prayers for you and your sweet baby girl, Lindsay. What a blessing you are to one another.

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  62. Lindsay, my warmest congratulations on your new little bundle of love. I have been a blog-follower for a few years now, and am so grateful for your motherly love and inspiration. I want to be like you when I grow up! This diagnosis of your perfect baby must be a tremendous cross, but be assured of my prayers as you strive to please God in your love and care of His littlest angel. As a former NICU nurse (I get to be a SAHM now), I can promise that your sweet baby will receive the best care, love, and attention by her caregivers. You and she will be able to touch so many lives from her bedside. God bless you!

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  63. Praise God, she is safe, and loved and cherished, now...as she will be when she is here. She is in the best hands possible. We will pray...for her and all of you. GOd Bless you Lindsay and John!

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  64. Thank you for sharing this with us Lindsay. I will pray for your family.

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  65. I trust in your faithfulness. Grant my heart joy in your help, that I may sing of the Lord, "How good our God has been to me!"
    Psalm 13:6

    I leaned heavily on this verse when our 19 year old son was diagnosed with cancer, it brought me immense peace. Praying it will do the same for you. Blessed be God!

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  66. Lindsay - I will join you in prayer right away. For a safe delivery for your precious girl. For the healing hands of the surgeons as they repair the omphalocele. For total healing for her following the surgery, with no additional complications. And for grace and peace for you and your husband, and your whole family. God blessed this baby with your family for a reason, because he knew that you would love her unconditionally, no matter what.

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  67. Your motherhood and blog is a blessing to me. We lost a baby at 10 weeks and are now pregnant with our 7th and I'm just now getting to the point where I'm not afraid of losing this baby too. A scripture that has helped me is 1 Corinthians 3:7: So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. So thankful for his plan even in hard times. Know that I am praying and crying right along with you.

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  68. Your blog is such an uplifting and inspiring one- you parent in such a beautiful way that is truly a reflection of the relationship God desires to have with each of us. I agree with you that the word congenital "defect" is a terrible way to describe a child! Another word to use for congenital defect is congenital anomaly. It is more commonly used in the medical world than defect- simply stating that something is a deviation from the normal pattern of development. Your daughter is lucky to have such a wonderful family- may you feel bathed in God's grace and peace as the pregnancy continues!

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  69. You are amazing parents! Your beautiful daughter is held in God's arms and I'm praying for a complete healing for her. May God's presence fill you each day as your faith in His power increases. She will dance for Jesus!

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  70. John and Lindsay, we will be joining your family in prayers for your newest blessing-what a witness she is already! Blessed be God!

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  71. Lindsay - my the Angels and Saints intercede on behalf of your precious daughter and may many graces and blessings be showered down upon her and your whole family. Thank you for being an inspiration and for always giving your complete and total "fiat" to all that the Lord wills, even when it is hard. You are an inspiration to me and so many others.

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  72. Long time 56 year old blog reader mom here. I love your families' life of holiness. I will be praying for your family, and your new sweet darling girl, under the intercession of Matt Talbot and Fr. Kapaun. May the Holy Spirit send you many comforting graces during this waiting time. So thankful for you and John.

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  73. I hope that God will heal your baby. God bless your family.

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  74. Lindsay, we share the same journey! My eldest daughter now three was born with a giant omphalocele back in March of 2011 at Boston Childrens Hospital. Please contact me as my husband and I know the struggles and fears you and your family are enduring and we would love to be of support in any way we can. Gianna is a perfectly healthy little girl with no medical issues whatsoever. I also have met some other omphalocele moms who's children had the same outcomes as Gianna and it's so encouraging! I started a blog when I was expecting Gianna if you feel the need or desire to read it...I remember not wanting to read other people's stories or reach out for support in the very beginning after I found out as I didn't want to dwell on someone else's situation when I didn't know what to expect with my own. I do remember wanting and needing the support after Gianna was born so please just know we are here for you whenever and if you ever want it! St. Gianna healed our little girl and we will be praying to her to do the same for yours! Here is my blog and my email address...http://ourspecialgem.blogspot.com (Danman302@me.com)

    Stay strong and let the power of Gods grace fill you and deliver you through this journey!
    God Bless,
    Kaite and Dan

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  75. Oh my heart, you are all being wrapped up in our family prayers!

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  76. Bless you and your sweet girl! I hope that by reading this, another mother somewhere, will choose life for her child. Your little girl is so loved already!

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  77. Prayers for your baby and family, and also for your mom. May all of your suffering be mutually beneficial. God bless your beautiful family and your beautiful mother. Liz Feuerborn

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  78. Dear Lindsey,
    We will be praying for all of you. I love your Mother and I have been praying for your little baby since you told me you were pregnant last summer. May God Bless you with miracles physical and spiritual! Mary Kay

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