Jesus said,
"Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven
belongs to such as these."
- Matthew 19:14
This little girl was born in France in 1873 as the youngest on nine children. She was very intelligent and sensitive on the positive side, but could also be very demanding and a bit of a "drama queen," to put it in today's terms!
At the age of 14 she felt a deep desire to give her life to God. Her intelligence and sensitivity helped her to have a rich prayer life. She became a Carmelite nun and lived each day finding ways to do little things for God. It is known as St.Therese's "Little Way."
Whether she was sweeping a floor, helping an elderly nun with her meals, training a new girl who was learing how to be a nun, or praying at Mass St.Therese focused on her love for God at all times and did her best even when her task was boring or bothersome. She considered every moment of her life to be her gift to God, and she wanted each gift to be special.
While still a young nun she was asked by someone in charge to write the story of her life in order that the other nuns might read it and learn from her. It was clear to those who read her story that when she had given her heart to God He filled it with His goodness and this story needed to be shared with the world. Her writings were put into a book, The Story of a Soul, and it is still read today by people all over the world who want practice her "Little Way."
St. Therese died in 1897 (she was only 24 years old!) from a disease called tuberculosis. Her life on earth was very short, but her love, her prayers, and her "Little Way" are still very much alive!
“Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.” - St. Therese the Little Flower
Talking to God is a lot like talking to our families. He likes to hear us say, "I love you," "Thank you," "I am sorry," and "Please help me." Don't we all like to hear those words sometimes? It would be so sad to live with a family who never said those things. Even though we can't see God, we know He's always with us and He doesn't want us to forget to talk to Him. He is always listening! Anytime! Anywhere!
Adults understand that our work can be a gift to God when we offer it to Him in love. Kids, you can do the same thing when you play!
Children's Offering Prayer to Jesus
For love of me you came to earth;
You gave your life for me.
So every day you give me now
I give back happily.
Take all my laughter, all my tears,
Each thought, each word, each deed,
And let them be my all-day prayer
To help all those in need.
http://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-kids.htm has fun stories, crafts and activities that will help you play and pray!
http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/kids/ has games, puzzles and coloring pages to help you learn more about God and our Church.
http://www.catholic.org/saints/fun_facts_arch.php has tons of saint stories to inspire your playtime!
http://www.catholicplayground.com/lego-fun/ Ever consider building a church or scene from a Bible story with Legos? This site is sure to inspire the lego-maniac in you!
http://www.sjtb.org/releducolor.html Do you like to color? This site has beautiful pictures. Your grandparents might need to get a bigger refrigerator!
Have fun and remember God loves you!
Do you enjoy giving flowers to your mother? Mary is our mother in Heaven and when we pray to her it is like we are giving her a flower we have picked just for her.
The Hail Mary is one of her favorite prayers!
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Click on this link to see a picture of Jesus blessing the children. You can add your own face and the faces of your friends and family!
Looking for a great read? Try one of these: Catholic Teen Books
Check out these great apps to help you have a more fulfilling and purposeful faith life!