A weary mama's morning offering

By Jaime Cheaney

Dear Jesus, I offer you my sufferings today.  The lack of sleep, messy house, never-ending laundry, marathon nursing sessions, and squabbling children.  I especially offer up the feeling that I am failing as a parent.  I entrust myself and my entire family to your care, knowing You are in control.

Please unite my sufferings with Yours on the cross, using them to bring others to know You.  Please comfort those who pray for a baby, those who mourn the loss of a child, and the neglected children unloved by anyone but You.

Jesus, I thank you for every late night teenage heart-to-heart, every sloppy kiss and snuggle, and even the constant busyness.  Every day with my family is a gift.  Please give me Your heart and Mother Mary’s simple yes to Your will.  Guide me as I teach this to my children.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

**The picture above is one of my favorites.  I took it standing at the foot of the crucifix statue at the Black Madonna Shrine in Eureka, Missouri.

Jaime blog at Fruitful Mama.

When Jesus held my baby

A guest post by Jaime Cheaney

Jesus and the Children by Ellenrieder
(Wikimedia Commons).

This year at Easter Sunday mass, I was flooded with memories of my first miscarriage.  My miscarriage began on Holy Saturday of 2011, and at Easter Sunday mass the next day, I couldn’t bear the sound of the joyful church bells ringing.  It was just too much—I quickly scooped up my toddler and ran out of church, acting like she was too loud to stay in mass.  I hid downstairs in the parish center and sobbed, unable to choke out a single “Alleluia” in celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

About a week after my miscarriage, I wrote the following healing words.  They still bring me comfort.  The Holy Spirit keeps nudging me to share these words with others.  I think it well help me find closure.  My baby will be remembered.

April 23, 2011

April 22nd was a wonderful day.  I nibbled on crackers, hoping to settle my stomach.  Morning sickness?  That made me laugh.  This pregnancy was no different from my other seven.  At five weeks pregnant, the all-day sickness was starting.

Evening though I dreaded the throwing up in my future, I welcomed it.  It seemed like a sign that my baby, as surprising as it was to have growing inside of me, was thriving.  My tiny little baby the size of a sesame seed!

Continue reading at Jaime's blog The Fruitful Mother.