Little Flowers Girls’ Club ~ The Gift of Wisdom
Thankfully, this year, I had a chance to prepare over the summer. Since Wreath IV was created with older Little Flowers in mind, I had quite a bit of modifying that needed to be done for the younger girls in my group – mainly when it came to them being able to complete the monthly assignments to earn their patches. This resulted in the creation of a Wreath IV Lap Book – allowing them to simply (or with lots of detail, depending on their age and ability) fulfill some of the assignments from the Member’s Guides.
Like I have done in the past, our meetings this year will consist of Prayer, Coloring Pages, a Lesson on the virtue (or rather Gift of the Holy Spirit, since Wreath IV is all about the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit), Notebook Pages, the new addition of the Lap Book Mini Books, Snacks, and sometimes Games (when time allows). It is going to be another great year!
The meeting just flew by, with all the fun plans I had made that kept us pretty busy, that I kept forgetting to take pictures. Thankfully I did take a some before the meeting started, and a couple during, so I do have a few to share with you all today!
I had asked this wonderful priest to come and give a talk to the girls on Wisdom, but unfortunately he was transfered, after just two months of being in our area, before we were able to have our first meeting, so I had my girls watch this homily in preparation for the meeting. During our meeting,while going over the mini books, we talked about the gift of Wisdom and St. Teresa of Avila.
Wisdom is similar to knowledge and comprehension yet is it different. Wisdom offers us guidance and understanding of the really important things in life. Wisdom helps us to make good choices. It is like a compass within us. Conscience is a part of wisdom. We are born with wisdom but we learn how to listen and use it better as we grow and age. Sometimes we gain a deeper appreciation of wisdom and use it better as a result of making mistakes and learning from them.
Prior to the meeting I printed out all the supplies we would need for the whole year. I also thought that I would pre-make the actual Lap Book, but decided to have the girls do this during the meeting, so that they could see how it is done. I asked each of the girls to share something from the “My Catholic Faith” mini-books (which I had emailed to the moms for the girls to complete before the first meeting).
- Color the Cover and add to Lap Book
- Add Definition and Motto for the Gift of Wisdom
- Complete the Saint Profile
- Complete the Convert Profile
- Add the correct Jewel to the Treasure Box
- Choose and write down your favorite “Quote from the Book of Wisdom” to share at the next meeting
(a symbol of St. Teresa of Avila) and a white candy Dove
(for the St. Teresa of Avila quote below). “Then I saw over my head a dove, very different from those we usually see, for it had not the same plumage, but wings formed of small shells shining brightly. It was larger than an ordinary dove; I thought I heard the rustling of its wings. It hovered above me during the space of an Ave Maria. But such was the state of my soul, that in losing itself it lost also the sight of the dove. My spirit grew calm with such a guest; and yet, as I think, a grace so wonderful might have disturbed and frightened it; and as it began to rejoice in the vision, it was delivered from all fear, and with the joy came peace, my soul continuing entranced. The joy of this rapture was exceedingly great; and for the rest of that festal time I was so amazed and bewildered that I did not know what I was doing, nor how I could have received so great a grace. I neither heard nor saw anything, so to speak, because of my great inward joy. From that day forth I perceived in myself a very great progress in the highest love of God, together with a great increase in the strength of my virtues. May He be blessed and praised for ever! Amen.
On another occasion I saw that very dove above the head of one of the Dominican fathers; but it seemed to me that the rays and brightness of the wings were far greater. I understood by this that he was to draw souls unto God.” – The Life, Chapter XX.
pray for us!
Shower of Roses Little Flowers Girls Club Link-up :: Our September/1st Meeting for the Year
I know I have only just posted the plans for this year, but it is already time for the link-up for our September Little Flowers Girls’ Club! I will leave this link-up open for the next three weeks, allowing you all plenty of time to add your links. My girls and I are looking forward to seeing how you all started the year! I will be back soon with pictures from our first meeting, which took place yesterday afternoon.
You can read the details for the Shower of Roses Online Little Flowers Girls’ Club here, and you can also find the registration details here in case there is any one else that would like to join us!
Note: You can easily find all the link-up posts listed at the bottom of my Little Flowers Page, or under the label for Little Flowers Online Girls’ Club.
To Participate:
1. Create a post about your September Little Flowers Meeting (or 1st Meeting for those that will be having it in Oct) for this year and/or follow up assignments that are completed before the next meeting. (I am currently looking into the options for those that do not have blogs to add links… If anyone has a suggestion, please leave it in the comments below!)
2. Using the linky below, enter the exact link to your post.
3. Add a link your post, referring back to this post so that others can find the link-up as well! (Please feel free to include the Shower of Roses Little Flowers Girls’ Club Button if you’d like!)
4. Be sure to visit the links and see what everyone else in our group has to share!
5. This linky will remain open until October 21st.
Wreath IV Notebook Pages & Additional Resources
Coloring Page Options:
St. Teresa of Avila from Waltzing Matilda
St. Teresa of Avila from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
St. Teresa of Avila Coloring Book
Teresa of Avila: Joyful in the Lord
The Young People’s Book of Saints
A Holy Card Prayer Book -Volume I and II: A Compilation of Saints and Holy People
Movie Suggestion from Member’s Guide:
The Song of Bernadette
(Additional Movie Options for Younger Children would be: Bernadette: The Princess of Lourdes and My Catholic Family – St. Teresa of Avila)
St. Gertrude from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
Sister from St. Anne’s Helper
Most Holy Name of Jesus (IHS) from Waltzing Matilda
Counsel • St. Catherine of Siena • Aquamarine
St. Catherine of Siena from Waltzing Matilda
St. Catherine of Siena from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
A Man for All Seasons
(Additional Option for younger girls is My Catholic Family DVD: St. Catherine of Siena)
Fortitude • St. Joan of Arc • Opal
St. Joan of Arc from CHC
St. Joan of Arc 2 from CHC
St. Joan of Arc from St. John’s
St. Joan of Arc from St. Anne’s Helper
St. Joan of Arc from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
Joan of Arc Resource and Activity Book (pdf)
Glory Stories Volume 6: The Story of Saint Joan of Arc
The Scarlet and the Black
Piety • St. Therese of Lisieux • Amethyst
St. Therese of Lisiuex as a young girl and in habit from Waltzing Matilda
St. Theresa the Little Flower from St. John’s
St. Therese Paper Doll from Paper Dali
St. Therese from Fenestrae Fidei
St. Therese from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
St. Therese Lap Book
St. Therese and Her Family Paper Dolls
Glory Stories Vol. 2: The Story of St. Therese
Many Additional Ideas and Books listed Here
The Chosen
(Additional Options for younger girls: Miracle of St. Therese and My Catholic Family – St. Therese of Lisieux)
Fear of the Lord • St. Maria Goretti • Sapphire
St. Maria Goretti from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
St. Maria Goretti Coloring Book
Coloring Page linked in our Saintly Summer Fun :: St. Maria Goretti
Chariots of Fire
Novena to Saint Thérèse ~ Day Nine
O St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands. Make my troubles your own, speak a word for me to Our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were — to that Queen of Heaven “who smiled on you at the dawn of life” Beg her powerful intercession the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment…and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life, defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.
O God, who did inflame with the Spirit of Love, the soul of your servant Thérèse of the Child Jesus, grant that we also may love you and make you much loved. Amen.
DAY NINE
O St. Thérèse, seraphic virgin, beloved spouse of our Crucified Lord, you who on earth did burn with a love so intense toward your God and my God, and now glow with a bright and purer flame in paradise, obtain for me, I beseech you, a spark of that same holy fire which shall help me to put things of the world in their proper place and live my life always conscious of the presence of God. As I conclude my novena I also beg of you to secure for me the special favor I seek at this time…
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
My Daybook :: On Michaelmas Day
Outside my window… It is a gorgeous fall day! It has been rather chilly in the morning, but warming up nicely in the afternoon. It is my favorite time of year!
I am thinking… our school plans for this year, and how nicely everything seems to be falling into place. After 4 weeks of “school,” I still need to work on a better daily schedule for this year’s plans, but so far everyone has been very happy with their curriculum.
I am thankful… that my husband is home from training and for the wonderful early Anniversary gift of not only a new Smart Phone (my first ever!) but also a TICKET TO TEXAS to attend the baptism of a precious little “Cupcake” later this month. This will be the first time I have flown in over 11 years (and by myself no less), and I am a little nervous, to say the least. Yet completely excited at the same time!!!
From the kitchen… It’s Michaelmas Day, which, in our home, always means Blackberry Waffles for brunch, Apple Chicken, Angel Hair Pasta, Steamed Carrots, Sparkling Apple Cider or Blackberry Izze Drinks for dinner, and of course Devil’s Food Cupcakes complete with little swords for stabbing the cupcakes the devil!
Learning all the time… Our school year is off to a wonderful start. I did end up signing up for the local charter school which offers an allowance towards some of our school books and extra curricular activities (that our children wouldn’t have otherwise been able to participate in this year), and our ES (tutor) comes to our home 4 hours each week (on Wednesday mornings). She has been just wonderful with the kids, and a complete answer to prayer!
Living the Liturgical Year at Home… Isn’t it a great week for celebrating the liturgical year?! So many wonderful feasts, including Michaelmas Day, St. Therese and the Holy Guardian Angels. It is my favorite week of the year, which is why I choose this week to be married, all those years ago! 😉 I have all sorts of ideas for celebrating these feasts in the archives. Also, be sure to visit Elisa Loves for a St. Therese Link-up on October 1st, and Stories of an Unschooling Family for a chance to win one of three Ecopies of A Little Way of Homeschooling
I am creating… all sorts of Crafts, Lap Books, Notebook Pages, and Saintly Symbol Cupcakes for my Little Flowers Girls’ Club. In case you hadn’t noticed!
I am wearing… I have been having some awful challenges with my pregnancy the past couple weeks – nothing too serious, just extremely painful – and started wearing this Baby Belly Band yesterday. I am really hoping that it helps! In the meantime, I am trying my best to offer it up for a safe delivery and healthy baby.
I am reading… lots of pictures books to my little ones for their Little Saints Pre-School, P is for Peach: A Georgia Alphabet
Pondering these words… that I just read to my boys for them to add to their St. Michael Copywork Page (a great free printable from CHC) this year:
Noticing that… I really, really, really need to start adding a short walk to my daily routine. Why is that so hard to do?
Towards personal care… I’ve been drinking protein shakes every day, after my sister convinced me to try the latest product she’s selling. I’ve been having them for breakfast, or sometimes lunch, and have noticed an incredible difference in my energy and rapid weight gain (which has finally stopped, and actually went down a little!) this pregnancy. I have been mixing the Protien Powder (the “shake mix that tastes like a cake mix”) with either coconut, almond, or soy milk, and adding in various fruits. My favorites, of course, are the “Pina Coladas” and “Cafe Mochas” I’ve been making, which completely curb my ridiculous sweet tooth!
I am listening… to my printer going non-stop as it prints out all the Lap Book supplies for 8 girls! I’ve already re-filled the paper cartridge a few times. It’s a LOT of paper, but it will be so nice to have it all ready for the whole year.
Around the house… signs of fall! Our fall wreath is on the front door, their are baskets of books in the living and family room, cozy blankets on the couches, and the cushions from the furniture on the deck keep ending up inside the front door every time the forecast threatens to rain.
I am hoping… that I might be able to sleep tonight. I haven’t been sleeping much lately and I don’t even have a newborn yet!
I am praying… For the soul of my old, and very first, employer, you died this past week on September 21st, at the age of 94. I worked for him for many years, between the ages of 16 and 23, when I finally decided to start my own business. He taught me everything I needed to know to successfully start a local phone directory, which I later sold when I was expecting Twinkle Toes. Though hard to work for at times, I will be forever grateful to him. May he rest in peace!
One of my favorite things… celebrating name days. Happy Name Day to our little Snuggles!
A few plans for the rest of the week:
- Little Flowers Girls Club Meeting #1 for Wreath IV
- Celebrate Michaelmas
- Celebrate the Feasts of St. Therese
- Celebrate our 12th Wedding Anniversary
A Picture thought I am sharing:
Little Flowers Girls’ Club Wreath IV Lap Book
I am so excited to share the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Wreath IV Lap Book I’ve been working on this summer with you all! I had a pretty good idea when I got started of what I wanted it to turn out like, but transferring it from my mind to actual printable mini-books was much more time consuming than I originally thought it would be. So, even though it is rather simple, I am very proud of this “accomplishment!” 🙂
Wreath IV Lap Book Cover – Coloring Page Option
(Illustrated by my sister Julianna. Thank you Juli!! – of course each girl can decorate their cover however they would like!)
(To be completed before the first meeting. – The girls can complete this book however they would like, either by writing, illustrating, or even pasting in photographs!)
Here is an example of how simple this can be done:
Mini Books That Will Be Added Monthly
Definitions of all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Wreath IV Mottos
(paste or write in one Definition and one Motto at each meeting)
Saint Profiles and Convert Profiles
(Compete and add one of each, at each meeting. Have the girls write or narrate a little something they remember (or a lot!) about each person inside the profile books.)
(add one jewel to the Treasure Box at each meeting, pasting or writing the explanation on the back)
Additional Meeting Specific Mini Books
Meeting #1 – The Gift of Wisdom
Favorite Quote from the Book of Wisdom
Have each girl find and copy their favorite quote from the book of Wisdom
Meeting #2 – The Gift of Understanding
Quote from the Book of Proverbs on Understanding
Have each girl find a passage from the Book of Proverbs on Understanding to copy and memorize
Meeting #3 – The Gift of Knowledge
A Quote from Psalm 139 on Knowledge
Have each girl find and copy their favorite quote from Psalm 139 on Knowledge
Meeting #4 – The Gift of Counsel
Words of Counsel from a Doctor of the Church
Have each girl find and copy a favorite quote from a Doctor of the Church
Meeting #5 – The Gift of Fortitude
Church Struggles from History that required Fortitude
Meeting #6 – The Gift of Piety
My Favorite Passages of Inspiration
Copy some favorite quotes on Devotions at Mass, to remember at Mass
Meeting #7 – The Gift of Fear of the Lord
Catholic/Historic Pilgrimages Pull Out Booklet
(and black & white cover option)
Prayer Booklet and Cards
Novena to the Holy Spirit Layer Book
Prayers to the Holy Spirit Pocket with Prayer Cards
Additional Coloring Pages
(choose one of these beautiful coloring pages found online for the back cover)
Descent of the Holy Spirit Coloring Page
I Believe in the Holy Spirit Coloring Page
St. Therese as a Young Girl or in Habit Coloring Pages
St. Theresa the Little Flower Stained Glass Coloring Page
Assembly of Lap Book
This Lap Book was compiled with 2 light pink file folders with 2 hot pink sheets of cardstock added as flaps/pages for the Saints and Converts (attached with clear packing tape). There are also a couple more sheets of pink cardstock used as well – one for behind the coloring page on the front, and the other creating a pocket on the back to store a St. Therese Paper Doll or St. Therese and Her Family Paper Dolls. Here is a picture of my daughter holding my completed sample Lap Book:
The downloads for all of these Mini Books can all be found in this folder at Scribd.
I have also compiled a document listing which of the Member’s Guide Assignments the Mini-Books included in this Wreath IV Lap Book satisfy towards earning each of the jewels for the Wreath IV patch.
St. Therese, the Little Flower, Pray for us!
Craft Plans and Ideas for Little Flowers Wreath IV
*We will adapt this idea from over at Catholic Cuisine for our 4th meeting, for the gift of “Counsel” (following recipes!). I purchased a light blue cloud fabric for the jars, tying in the color/jewel of “aquamarine” and the symbol of “clouds.”
*These craft kits will be ordered from Illuminated Ink! Either one of these would work perfectly for St. Joan of Arc and the Gift of Fortitude.
*I love these little printable cards for Spiritual Bouquets and these Marian May Baskets! The girls will make the Spiritual Bouquets to give to their own Fathers and our local priests, as suggested in one of the Member’s Guide assignments for this last meeting.
St. Therésè Sacrifice Beads
“St. Therésè, the Little Flower, as a child, used a small string of beads in her pocket to help her count the gifts she did to offer to God. In this way she was able to advance in perfection daily. You too, can grow in holiness by following the example of the Little Flower.
Sacrifice Beads or Good Deed Beads are a string of ten beads, which can be pulled and remain in place. They are used to count the acts of love or sacrifices a person makes in a day for God. The string of beads helps a person to grow in virtue by challenging them to be faithful in making acts of love each day. Sacrifice Beads also have a fixed Our Father bead on the end of them and can double up as a rosary.”
IHS Candle Craft
Incorporating the IHS symbol, which is part of the symbol for St. Gertrude, we will be decorating candles for our 3rd Meeting for Wreath IV of our Little Flowers Girls’ Club. This meeting focuses on the Gift of Knowledge, St. Gertrude, the gemstone Topaz, as well as the symbol of “Fire” making this a perfect craft for this meeting!
Supplies:
White Pillar Candles
Gold Decorating Wax (I ordered this 12 pack
IHS Template
Xacto Knife
Pre-Meeting Prep:
Trace/Cut Letters from the Gold Decorating Wax using an X-acto Knife.
Directions:
Peel the Gold IHS from the Backing paper.
Apply the letters to the candle.
Press with hand against candle, and the warmth/heat from your hand will adhere the wax letters to the wax candle.
Note: Another option for this November/Fall meeting would be to have the kids roll candles using a Beeswax Candle Kit
Crafting a Holy Water Font
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