Sacred Heart of Jesus

June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a Catholic devotion practiced by many Catholics for many years.

Here is a brief explanation from the Catholic website EWTN:

Devotion to the Sacred Heart, as we know it, began about the year 1672. On repeated occasions, Jesus appeared to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun, in France, and during these apparitions He explained to her the devotion to His Sacred Heart as He wanted people to practice it. he asked to be honored in the symbol of His Heart of flesh; he asked for acts of reparation, for frequent Communion, Communion on the First Friday of the month, and the keeping of the Holy Hour.

When the Catholic Church approved the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she did not base her action only on the visions of Saint Margaret Mary. The Church approved the devotion on its own merits. There is only one Person in Jesus, and that Person was at the same time God and Man. His Heart, too, is Divine -- it is the Heart of God.

There are two things that must always be found together in the devotion to the Sacred Heart: Christ's Heart of flesh and Christ's love for us. True devotion to the Sacred Heart means devotion to the Divine Heart of Christ insofar as His Heart represents and recalls His love for us.

To read more go here.

I have always loved the icon of the Sacred Heart. It reminds me of God's love for us. God loves us so much that he sent his only son to died for us. Jesus Loves us so much he was willing to die for us on a cross. God is love and he wants us to love one another. His love is unlimited and unconditional.

Reading the lives of Catholic Saints is inspirational to me. Because of their passion for Christ and the way they showed love to others. Even when they were mistreated by others, they continue to do good things. Even through their own suffering illnesses, they never gave up. They continued serving the Lord Jesus on till their last breath.

This week I have been reading the Gospel of Mark. In Chapter 10 verse 43, Jesus tells his disciples, " whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Are we willing to humble ourselves and be treated as slaves, mistreated, and even give up our life for others. Not many of us are willing but Jesus was willing and he gave his life for us.

And that is my goal, not to be considered a Saint or be canonized, but to live a life in the service of God. Loving others, helping those in need. Using the talents God has given me for the good of others. Showing my children how to be servers. Having a charitable heart.

Holy Matrimony

There is a prayer on my bedroom wall. It is in Spanish. This prayer was given to my husband and me at a marriage encounter retreat we attended a few years ago.

Here is my translation:

Prayer for the Spouses

Our Lord Jesus, You have united us by the Sacrament of Matrimony.

We give you thanks for all the joys that are born of our reciprocal comunion,

thank you for our children and the peace in our home.

We ask you to keep alive every day our love,

do not permit it to be lost due to monotony

or to much activity in our life.

Do not permit lack of communication among us

or that we live together as strangers.

My husband and I, we have been married for now 13 years and counting. It is quite a long time, and we have had our ups and downs like a every married couple. What keeps us going ? God. He is the one that united our lifes into one. He is the one that strenghtens us in our weak moments. I can guaranteed you that if God was not the center of our family, we will not be a family.

My parents divorced when I was four years old. The cause of the broken marriage was my father's alcohol addiction, and lack of responsibility as a spouse. I know the pain of living my childhood fatherless. But I thank God that he blessed my mother with another spouse that was more than we could had wanted. God blesses broken roads. He mends our mistakes and brings blessings out our mistakes.

I could have decided not to ever marry because of what my mother experienced, but I decided to trust God. He will bring to my life the right person and he will help us to not make the same mistakes of our parents.

My husband' parents were a normal marriage. He is the youngest of nine children. His father immigrated to the United States every harvest season to provide for his family. My husband's mother will stay in Mexico taking care of her children. The older kids will help with the house chores and take care of the younger ones. As the years went by, the older ones got married and eventually began immigrating to the States too.

Husband does not talk much about his parents relationship. All I know is that their marriage lasted until death separated them. My mother-in-law died peacefully on her way to a doctor's appointment many years before I met my husband.

My husband was already here in the United States. All of his other sibblings were here too. The only one that was still with their parents was one sister already married. My husband took very hard the death of his mother.

I remember that when we were recently married he will look very sad on his mother's death anniversary. She died in the month of May.

I think it is very important to know your spouse well, and know his/her background. Sometimes it helps us to see why they are a certain way. My husband was amazed that my mother was able to be a provider for us and brought us up well, even without the help of a husband. Husband has recognized too, that my mother was blessed with a husband like my step-father.

I have noticed, that the fact my father-in-law was away for many months from his family, did not allowed him to be there for his children when they needed him. I see it in the way my husband treat our children. He wants to give them all he yearned for, in his growing up years.

I do this too. I want my children to always have their father in their life. That is why I make a strong effort to make this marriage last forever. Not just for my children, but for us too. "Love" is the most important ingredient in a family. Faith and Hope are too. God is love. And He should be the center of every family. Our first priority. Then comes our spouse, then our children, then everyone else.

I always remind my husband this, that without God in our life we will not be here, together. God had a reason in uniting our paths. We come from different pathways, but we are now walking together, on the one that God has blessed. "For God blessed the broken road, that led me straight to You." ( A verse from a song by Selah.)

Little Audrey's Story

I just saw on EWTN a program with Jonette Benkovic. She was interviewing on her show Aboundant Life, Linda Santo the mother of little Audrey Santo.

I was very much moved by her story that I invite you to learn more of her and the cause for little Audrey, her beautification and canonization.

visit: http://www.littleaudreysanto.org/ for more information

St.Rita and Pentecost Day

Yesterday, on St. Rita feast day, my sister gave me this image of St. Rita. I finished the novena to St. Rita on Friday. But I did not have an image of her, I only had a small prayer card of St. Rita. In this picture you are not able to see her face well, because of the flash light.

Also yesterday, I attended the wedding of a long time friend of my sister. My brother-in-law sang the responsorial psalm. The music was with a live Mariachi Band. I wish I could tell you more and show you more pictures, but I first need to ask permission from the couple to share their story with you.

I can tell you, that to me it was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever attended. My sister had another event the same day. She was the godmother for a girl that made her first communion. Since she could not attend the reception of the wedding, my mother and I went in her representation.

The hall was very elegantly decorated.

Here is a picture of the table arrangements. I wanted to take one home, to place next to the image of Our lady of Guadalupe. Unfortunately we were only able to take one, and my Mom took it home.

Mom and I had a very nice time together. We enjoyed the music at the reception, Mariachi Band, and what we call Banda, a group of musicians almost like a school band. It is the most popular music at Mexican-American parties. My kids were with my sister at the first communion party. Later we all got together and Mom went home with my other sister and my brother-in-law took my children and me back home.

Today is Pentecost day. The day that the Holy Spirit descended from heaven and fell upon the disciples of Christ. It is consider the birthday of the Catholic Church.

At our Parish there was much to celebrate today.

The church was decorated with red banners and the altar was cover with a red tablecloth. The pew had red ribbons at the side. Mostly every person was wearing the color red. The altar servers were wearing their white albs with red rosary around their neck.

My daughter was wearing a crocheted hair bandana in red. She looked beautiful. She is the youngest of the six altar servers.

Today was a very special day at our parish because we are saying farewell to our Religious Education director. Sr. Clare is leaving our Parish to go to Chicago to continue her masters degree. We are sad that she is leaving our Parish, but we are thankful of the great accomplishments she made for the parish. I got to know her for a short time, but I tell her that our friendship will continue. She is an amazing person. You see Jesus in her. She is a very wise person, and loves to help others.

Sister Clarita, we pray that God always protect you were ever you go and that he will bless the ministry you are going to accomplish. We do not say goodby because I am sure, we will continue to stay in touch via emails and if possible even visit you in Chicago. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for the great work you did for our parish. The love you showed all the children and their parents. God bless you in all you do. We pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

Never Give Up

I thank God for Christian radio stations. Every day, as I drive to different places, I hear most of my favorite songs on the radio. On those days when I feel sad , there is always a song that lifts me up and changes my day.


The week my daughter was at camp, I heard this song on the radio, The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets.

When I heard the words, "God has his hands on you", I felt I should stop worring and trust that God was protecting my daughter.

Everytime I hear the song over and over again, I get a different message from it. Today I hear "Never give up, hope", "Be strong in the Lord".

As you have read on my posts, I have a daughter who was diagnosed with scoliosis at a very young age. Her condition continues to get worse and she needs surgery to stop the curvature of her spine. The surgery is scheduled for September of this year. It is a very complicated surgery. At her age, there are many risks.


This is one of the reasons, I was hoping for a miracle. Two years ago, I received a word of knowledge from a former pastor. He said God told him, that my daughter will get healed. I rejoiced at hearing this message from God. The years have passed and yet there is no sign of healing. Sometimes, I wonder what went wrong? It is heartbreaking, to hear the doctors say, she is getting worse than before.


The miracle has not happened yet. Have I lost all hope? No, I have not! I do not know what God's plans are. But somehow, I keep waiting for that miracle. It will come in his timing.


God is able to do things we think are impossible. I see his power at work in the life of others. Children, whom doctors said will not make it past a few months of life, are now reaching their first year. It takes faith and determination to not give up.



My own brother is a miracle. What keeps him going? Faith, Family and Friends. He knows that in order to be well, he needs to be constant with his medicines and respiratory therapy. My brother has cystic fibrosis. A genetic disease that affects the lungs and the digestive system. A patient with CF, will not had made it past the elementary years about 20 years ago. But now, thanks to all the wonderful research done on CF, medicines and treatments. CF patients are able to make it past their thirties.

The doctor asked me, "What do you think has helped your brother stay healthy?" I responded, "his determination to stay healthy. No matter how much we ask him to do things, if he does not care for himself, it is useless what we do or say."

My brother's response, " I want to live, I want to go back to school, get a job helping others. That is what I want to do, that is my motivation." To hear my brother say that, is wonderful.

I am here for a purpose. God has brought me through certain trials, so that I can get my faith strenghten and use my testimony to help others. Help those who have lost all hope. Those who think it is impossible to try. God knows how much I can bear. He will not give more than what I can handle. What keeps me going? Faith, Family and Friends.

Never Give up, have faith, God has his hand on you.

Take some time to listen to the songs on my playlist.

My prayer journal

This is my 201 post on this blog. Amazing! In a way this is my online journal. I write posts about my daily encounters with God and my relationships. I write about my children and their struggles. I write about my own strugles. Keeping this house as clean and organized is a challenge. Computer time is good at times but sometimes it robes me of time that I could be spending on other activities.

Daily, usually after preparing my husband's lunch for work. I light up a candle, sit on a chair with my bible, journal, and monthly devotional. I also have my rosary close by on a table next to my chair. By now the light of day is coming in through the windows of my living room. The time usually 6:30 AM.

I write in my journal, the date and time. And I began reading the reading for the day. First reading, a Psalm, and a reading from one of the Gospels. The first reading this month is from the book of Acts. The gospel reading come from the gospel of John.

I read each passage, sometimes even twice. If a particular verse, speaks to me, I write it in my journal. After all the readings are read, I read the reflection in the monthly devotional pertaining to a particular reading for that day. I also have a daily missal from 2007 that has the same readings for this year. I also read the reflection in that book. And I meditate on the reflection. What is God saying to me? What does he want me to do? How should I apply this to my own life?

I have been keeping a journal for many years now. I keep all of my journals in a box up in the attic. Ocassionally, I take out one and read some of the pages. It helps me to see where I was then, and where I am now. I get reminded of the many blessings God has provided for me and my family.

My journal is not just for writing down my reflections on the readings. It serves also as my prayer journal. Any prayers that come to me or any prayer request are written in my journal. In a way they are my letters to God. And that is how some of the books in the bible came about. The writers kept journals or wrote letters to other followers of Christ to encourage them on their faith.

Perhaps one day, my journals will be helpful to someone else. Blogging has helped me keep another journal that I am able to share with others. Some of my posts on this blog are inspired by what I write in my prayer journal. Some are inspired by what I read in other blogs.

I pray that what you read on this blog will always be a blessing to you. I pray that my words encourage you and uplift you. I do have weak moments, times when I feel very low in energy and faith. Your blogs help me , I get strenghten by your stories of faith. Thank you for contantly following my posts and for your comments of encouragement.

Today's notes on my journal: "Take courage. " Acts 23:11, "For you will never abandon me (to the world) nor let your faithful servant see the pit. " Psalm 16:10

May the Lord bless you exceedingly, aboundantly, and overflowing.

Glimpses of His Power

Show forth, Oh God, your power, the power, oh God, with which you took our part.

Psalm 68:29

It is amazing to see the marvelous work of God in each one of us. How he shows us his power. How he shows us his love. I see it in the smiles of my children. I see it in the joy of a Mother, rejoicing for the marvelous recuperation of her daughter. I see his power, as I hear the news of a miracle, a child being the sole survivor of a plane crash.

God is always close to us. He hears our prayers. His Angels are kept alert 24/7.

He promised to be here for us in the good times and the bad times. He is our strenght in the weak moments. He is our counselor or comforter when we grieve for the loss of a loved one.

When Jesus ascended into the heavens, he promised to send us the Holy Spirit. I thank you Father, that you are always close to me, even in my moments of doubt and fears. Thank you that I am able to see your amazing power, working miracles in the life of a child like Emma. Thank you, for the hope you give me that my daughter will also receive healing.

Lord, let us not forget the moments when we have seen your power. In Jesus name, Amen.

St. Gemma Galgani

Yesterday, I came upon the life of St. Gemma Galgani. I had never heard about her. Until yesterday. Her angelic face gave me so much comfort. I read part of her biography and was amazed to know that she was cured of a spine illness. She wore a back brace made of metal and leather.

I came upon her story while google searching for patron saint for spine illness. In the past, I had done this and did not get the same result. It was very interesting to me that her feast day celebrated by the Passionists, is May 16. Yesterday's date.

Her actual feast day is April 11, but the Passionists celebrate it on May 16, because the other one usually falls on the feast day of another saint or around Easter celebrations.

I have been praying different novenas for my daughter's healing. I believe that whatever I ask in Jesus name I may obtain. The saints have interceded for many people in the past. I believe that God hears their intercessions.

At the moment I am praying the novena to St. Rita and the Holy Angels novena. I also say the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet daily.

I'm not only praying for my daughter. I also pray for many other children of friends that are suffering of cancer or other illnesses. I pray for my brother to be healed of cystic fibrosis. I pray for the conversion of family members. I continue to pray for an end to the violence in Mexico.

And daily I meditate in God's word for strenght during my trials in life. Thank you for praying for me and my daughter. She had a great time at camp this past week. She was so happy when she arrived at the school on Friday. All the children had a great time.

Saturday we participated in the Spanish first communion Mass. My daughter was an altar server and son was part of the choir.

Sunday, my daughter was an altar server again for the Spanish Mass. She looks so beautiful in her white alb. I once asked her if she wanted to be a nun, but she said no. She wants be a Mom too, after she becomes a famous fashion designer.

Son wants to be a police officer. I hope that he changes his mind, because police officers have risky jobs.

I pray daily for my children to always be close to God. I pray that God will bless them in what ever they decide to accomplish as they grow up. And I pray that I will always be a good guide for them and encourage them in each of their vocations.

Read This Post

This morning I read a post at one of my favorite blogs I follow; Getting Down with Jesus



I invite you to read Jennifer's post "What Really Can Fix Everything"

Cried at His feet

Last night, I had another sleepless night. Even if I go to sleep early, and with a peaceful heart, somehow I wake up a few hours later. It is become normal to me.

I went to the living room, grabbed the big huge folder of cds. Went to my kids room and sat on Daughter's bed. Put on the headphones, and started listening to a Hillsongs CD.

I sang along in my mind. I could not make noise for my son was sleeping in his bed. I thank God for my children, and asked him to bless each one. I prayed close to my son, asked God to always keep him in his paths. I pray they never drift away from his ways.

I asked God to help me be a good role model for my children. I turned to look at daughter's bed. An empty bed. Oh, how I miss her. I wish I could give her a hug.

"She will soon be back, do not worry. Let go of your fears." I heard silently in my heart. God was comforting me. I felt like, if I was at his feet, with my head on his lap, and I cried. I could not contain my tears and sobs any longer.

"Oh Lord, please let tomorrow come soon! I want to see my daughter again, and embrace her, and let her know how much I love her. Please Lord, let her know in a dream that you love her and that I love her. May she feel my hug." This was my prayer last night.

Today, I praise God. In a few hours, I will see my daughter again. I can't wait to hear, all the great things that happened at camp. I continue to pray for their safe trip back home.

Son just left to school. Husband left to work early as usual. My brother is in his room, sleeping. I am here in the office, typing this post.

Outside my window, the sky is cloudy. It is quiet around my home at the moment. I will be getting up soon, to go about my daily chores. I hear the puppies waking up and making noises.

The words of the song, I am listening to, as I type this post. "That I will bless the Lord forever, I'll bless Your holy Name."

Grope for Him and Find Him

In him we live and move and have our being...Acts 17:28

I want to thank God for giving me life. For daily abiding in me, and the blessings he has given me over the years. And though I have experienced some difficult storms, he is always with me, giving me strenght and hope to continue.

It has been hard at times, I have been close to desesperation, but he never allows us to bear more than what we can handle and he always provides a way out of our difficulties. What makes me stronger and sustains me is his word. Reading short passages daily and meditating on what I have read. What is God telling me here? What action he wants me to take?

Devotionals are very helpful. At the moment I have one called Living Faith. It takes a passage from that day's bible readings and gives you a testimony of someone regarding that particular passage.

Today's devotional is from the book of Acts 17:22-34. Paul is preaching to the people of Athens. He proclaimed to them, "..the God who made the world and all that is in it, the lord of heaven and earth,...." Acts 17:24

God does not need anything from us. "Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything." Acts 17:25

God created everything, he even fixed the order of the seasons and the boundaries of their region. "so that people might seek God, even perhaps grope for him and find him, though indeed he is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:27

Thanks be to God. I thank him for all that he has created. I thank God that he has promised to be close to us. I was not familiar with the word "grope", so I search its definition. It means, to feel about or search blindly.

We do not need to see God physically to know he is with us. He is always close to our children even when they are far from us. This week has been a challenging week for me.

My daughter is away for a week on a camping trip from school. She is very close a few hours away, but I feel anxiety and worry. It is the first time she is away from home for a long time and with people that are not from the family. I was not going to let her go. But my sister reminded me of the great time we had at camp away from our parents. We were protected by God. Your daughter will also be protected by God and his angels.

Last night, I could not sleep. The anxiety came over me again. I groped for my rosary and began praying. " God keep all the angels alert. Protect all the children at that camp site. Let this anxiety go away and may I sleep at peace." I finished the rosary and tried to go to sleep. A while later I was soundly asleep.

This morning, I heard on TV the news about a plane crash. 104 passengers, only one boy survived. The reported said it was a miracle. Indeed it is! I give God praise for saving that boy. If God was there for that boy, he is also there for my daughter where ever she is, at all times. He was also there for a family who survived a tornado in Oaklahoma. He is there for you and for me. Never forget it.

Now come over to Holy Experience and read other inspirational posts, and join us in Walking with Him. Everyday not just on Wednesdays.

Hit the button on the top of this post to link to Holy Experience.

st. Molakai and Mother's day

Today is Mothers Day all over Latin America. It has become our tradition to celebrate both days. Yesterday I went to Mass and it was the most beautiful mass because the church was filled with Moms and Grandmothers. The children sang the traditional "mañanitas" song to all the mothers. At the end all the Mothers received a flower from their child. And the blessing from the Father preciding the Mass.

After Mass, I went with my children and spouse to have breakfast. Later, my children and I left to go visit my Mother and sisters. When I arrived at Mom's house the table was filled with flowers. A vase for each of my sisters and I from my youngest sister who is single. And there where also flowers for Mom from Dad, my brother, my kids, and my sister.

Dad said, "Now you can open up a flower shop with all those flowers."

We had for dinner, Mole. It is chicken in a brown sauce that contains chile, peanut butter, chocolate, and other spices. Hmm, my favorite.

For the evening we watched a movie, and when the movie was over, I return home.

Today daughter left to her one week camping trip. She was so enthusiastic about her trip. All her friends where so happy. I will be praying all this week for a safe trip and their safe return home. I know that a few of the parents are also people of faith and will also be praying for all of them. Our children are safe under the protection of their guardian angels, Jesus and our Mother Mary.

Today is also the feast day for St. Damien of Molakai. I will be watching a movie of St. Damien with my son today. I think it is a good idea to bond with my son while daughter is away this week.

Mean Mommy!

How I hate that my children think I am mean mommy. But sometimes, I have to be strong, and set rules and if broken, commit to the consequences.

I have problems with my seven year old boy. He does not want to do his homework. Homework is boring. He gets a homework package every Friday. The entire package is due on Thursday of the following week. Some weeks we manage to do the homework in 2-3 days. But most of the time we are rushing to do it all in less than an hour before he leaves to school on Thursday morning.

I want to teach my kids good skills and procrastination is not a good thing! I know what it is to be rushing last minute trying to complete something that is due. I guess my problem is, that I am not a strong disciplinarian. I have not set rules and consequences properly. I have to also set limits. TV and computer time should be limited. And chores need to be asigned.

If they want things like toys, eating out at their favorite restaurant, going to special events like the Justin Bieber concert, they need to earn points to get their rewards.

I need to be consistent with the plan. And follow up with the consequences if they do not do what is expected of them. I am even thinking of bringing back the time out consequence.

If any of you have some ideas that have worked with your children, please let me know.

Month of May

May is the month dedicated to Mary. And to remember her here is our Mary altar. Simple