Joshua, Jordan and Jiya

I cannot get over it but there are only eight days until Joshua’s communion. Next Saturday, Joshua will be receiving the Lord. I am not sure if I am going have dry eyes all day. But anyway, with all the wonderful things Joshua has been doing all year to prepare his heart to receive Jesus, it seems fitting that as he gets closer he makes an even concerted effort. He brought a novena from school yesterday; his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Wierzbicki had a sweet little note in it too. Here is the novena:

First Day – Red Roses:

Sweetest Jesus, you were always kind to others. You want me to be kind to other people too. Today, I will try very hard to be kind to other people. Today, I will try very hard to be kind at home, at school, and at play. Each time I do something kind for someone, I will be making a pretty rose for my heart garden.

Second Day- Violets:

Today I will say a secret prayer to Jesus. Violets are small flowers and you need a lot of them to make a bouquet. Today I will send a lot of little prayers to Jesus but secret hidden ones that only He will know about because they are just for Him. i will send him dozens of invitations to remind Him how welcome He is. i will tell Him I really want Him to come.

Third Day: Tiger Lilies

Dear Jesus, when you were a child like me, when your playmates wanted anything you had, You gave it to them gladly. You did not take the best of everything for yourself. You did not always want to be first. I will be like you. I will be unselfish too. I will do this because I love you very much.

Fourth Day: Daffodils

It is so wonderful to know that You, my God, are always in the Tabernacle. You are waiting for me. You want me to come to you. I will wish You today. i will not forget You. This little visit will be my daffodils and they will be in my heart when You come for my First Communion visit. Dear Jesus, I want You. Please come to me soon.

Fifth Day: Tiny little petals

i will do little favors for every one today. Dear Jesus, I hope you will like my flowers today – some of them are very hard to make but I want to make them beautiful just for you.

Sixth Day: Daisies

Dear Jesus, when you lived in Nazareth with Mary and Saint Joseph, You were obedient. You did what you were told right away, not “in just a minute”. When I feel that i do not want to obey, help me to remember that You always did – and You were God! Each time I obey cheerfully I will make a tall daisy that will stand like a soldier in my garden when You come.

Seventh Day: Tulips

Dear Jesus, it is not always easy to be cheerful. Sometimes i feel mean and grumpy. I know You want me to be happy and cheerful, too. Please help me to do just that even when things do not go the way I want to. I hope You will like my tulips, they are very hard to make. I love You.

Eight Day: White Orchids

In just a few days, You are coming to me! My heart must be very pure. It must be pure and white as these orchids. Help me to be sorry for all my sins. Help me not to want to sin any more. Today I will do something that I do not enjoy, like – eat something i don’t like, give away something I like, or do some kind of work I don’t enjoy.

Ninth Day: Carnations

In a few more hours my Jesus will come. I will try to think of Him all day. I will invite Him again and again. I will tell Him over and over how much I love Him. I will ask Mary to pray for me. Good St. Joseph, will you fix the flowers in my garden so Jesus will like them?