Grotto Mary

I just love this kooky Mary shadowbox found on etsy. I think I may have to try to recreate one. 

Finding Mary

So my honey just got back from his National Sales Meetings in Baltimore. And he was talking about my blogs to a buddy who happened to have this tattoo of Our Lady on his arm. Which, of course, I love that these guys were chatting about Mary at a sales meeting. She always finds her way into our hearts. I think it quite comical that I now have my husband looking for Mary. Thanks Stephen for sharing this photo!

Walking in prayer

The first time I walked a labyrinth was a few years ago at my friend Sue's church. During this time of lent, many churches may have a labyrinth set up for you to walk. I am planning on walking this tonight at my church, St. Joseph Catholic Church. Today, many people walk labyrinths to slow down, to grieve, to seek insight, to find stillness and compassion, as a form of prayer, and for calming and balancing health benefits. Since the labyrinth has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The path winds throughout and may be a mirror for where we are in our lives. This prayer experience may touch our sorrows and release our joys. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart, letting God in. 

Helping each other grow, a direction for our times

I am reading this book Direction for our Times, Volume One. And came across this beautiful part that I thought I would share. "Jesus asks us to focus on people's strengths and attributes, rather than their flaws. Shining a light on someone's good qualities is like sunshine on plants. It makes them grow. If we focus on their flaws, or negative qualities, it has the same effect in a negative way. We must practice being supportive and not critical, even in the face of the faults of others."  I had to highlight this in my book because it is a lesson I need to remember and focus on.

Little Dresses for Africa

Okay so this post isn't about Mary..but, it all about Mary's message of love and kindness. Which is exactly what these amazing group of women will be doing to help these orphans. My friend, Susie, read about an organization called Little Dresses for Africa. Where they make dresses for children in Africa out of pillowcases. So she has started, Little Dresses for Hope, where we will be making the same pillowcase dresses and then sending them to Little Dresses for Africa. Simple dresses that are distributed throughout the orphanages of Central Africa to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy. On Sunday, March 21st, a group of kindhearted women, will be getting together to sew, cut, embellish, iron and package pillowcase dresses. We are not just sending dresses we are sending hope. All are welcome to help out at our sewing party from 2-4 p.m. or if you cannot make it you can drop off of send supplies. Please click here to find out where you can send supplies or directions to St. Lawrence Church in Libertyville. We are collecting cotton pillowcases, double wide bias tape, pins, thread, 1" elastic. All loving hands are welcome! images from ashleyannphotography.

Pure and Holy

Loving this domino Mary necklace...on Etsy of course!

Madonna and Child

I found this simple print on etsy of Madonna and child. Thinking it would be beautiful in a bright frame.