Simeon's Prophecy:
Our Lady came to the Temple to pray and to do her duty as to being "purified" as an act of humility on her part since she was "full of grace" (Gabriel Angel confirmed that she was always full of grace during the Annunciation). So, Mary did not need to be purified after the birth of her son. She performed all rituals of the Jewish rite as an act of humility! 
So, Mary goes to the Temple and Simeon asks to hold baby Jesus - it is like he recognizes the baby as God's son! Simeon's prophecy is this: "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted;" 
Mary now writes or tells us.. from Your Sorrow is my Sorrow book:
"For awhile Simeon's words just hung their in the temple. I was stunned not believing what I heard. Then the devastating news came home to me. My son was going to be harmed. "Oh no," I thought, "this cannot be." All joy drained out as fear and trepidition rose...What did this mean? 
Then Anna at the temple came by and she held Jesus in her arms. "As I began to ease, Anna also spoke highly of Jesus and how she would help others. She too, promised Jesus would make a great difference in people's lives." 
OK, back to me the editor writing...so Mary is also surprised about Jesus' possibly suffering in the future. Her first sorrow of her first sword in her heart starts. She will have six more throughout the life of Jesus and esp. at his death. 
We will be covering most of these sorrows this Lent. We hope you will walk with us! 
Another short story the book mentions (Your Sorrow is my sorrow) is the diagnosis of a baby being Down Syndrome. 
The parents were not expecting this - so it is like the surprise or sorrow of Mary - however, after the baby is born the parents realize how much a blessing of a Down syndrome child can give to them. That they are indeed blessed to share the love these children can only seem to give to the family. 
Book writing:  I am gathering stories of bereavement, surprise stories (like above) or anything like this such as miscarriage, stillbirth or even a loved one gone - to be shared in a bereavement book honoring Our Lady of Sorrows. If you have something you wish to share with us please email [email protected] and send us your story to share - this week we are looking for any stories that would go with the theme of Simeon's prophecy. 
Another type of prophecy would be a diagnosis that means the fetus/baby inside the mother would not survive. (Like a stillbirth or later miscarriage). 
We also have an optional Facebook group you may join if you need extra help in your journey this Lent at here: ​

I will try to post here for my first post - however, I want you to join our newsletter for mother's so I can share with you in your inbox. 
Before, I get into the retreat, what would you think if I sent you a text message once in awhile? I hear there is away to send SMS messages to a group for not much on my end - and would you opt-in for this idea? I want to reach people more - mothers, etc. The message would probably be short and prompt you to come to the blog or a page for the longer message - it could be to our blog or a sale - anyway, if you like this idea - let me know! I am just wanting to find out interest in this idea...

OK, so Lent is starting and I am terrible at planning for Lent-however, this year I want to walk it with Our Lady of Sorrows -so we will be going through her meditations and posting a passage about her Sorrows for each week - and if there's an extra week - we will wrap things up.

I also am trying to write a book about Bereavement and Our Lady of Sorrows. I wanted it to be kind of specific to miscarriages, etc. However, if you have a story to share under bereavement and it is not quite miscarriage category - I may still add in your story. So, send it to us via [email protected] and let us know to have permission to print it. We are not trying to make money off this book - but I may have to charge a small fee - I'll see about the publisher that I am working with right now. 

So, we have two options for our retreat - you can sign up for our mother's newsletter and get in on it there or you can go to Facebook group and join it there and I"ll post something once a week. 

I may also post here at the blog too. However, more info will be in the newsletter or group. 

I like the group idea because we can talk about what we struggle with if so desired during Lent. 

Go here to join the Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/MiniMomRetreat/
OK, well, I hope you join our mini-retreat - most posts will be on Wednesdays! 

 A virtual doula helps a mother long distance and serves her via email, chat, phone, Raidcalll, Skype or other forms of communication - whatever works best for client and doula  together.
A virtual doula will offer prenatal  sessions - sometimes this can be done by emailing information or other times it can be powerpoint slides of instructions that help the mom know what to expect for her baby's birth.
During labor, the mom will probably call first to let doula know she's in labor, and either continue calling on/off or texting or other forms of "phone communication" that work for mom and doula - if you are real fancy "Face Time" or other apps. The dad may also text doula some during labor as mom maybe too busy with the contractions and such. The doula is there as a 'virtual assistant' so to speak. Also, the doula makes sure dad gets attention - she may actually be communicating more with him during labor - so this is a great way to be part of both parents as a virtual doula! 
So, where do you find a virtual doula? 
Glad you asked!
I offer these services as a way to reach out to Catholic or Christian mothers.  These services maybe more affordable for mothers to try out instead of having a hands on doula - esp. if you are in an area where those doulas charge $1,000 or more a birth! Perhaps, you don't want that much hands on help - you have your spouse - so this is win-win . Your doula can listen to your fears, be your prayer partner, and help with seeking the best birth friend you have!
I offer various birth packages that include a special surprise  box after birth.
I also can offer postpartum support - I know this may sound strange, but many moms need someone to talk to after birth - well I offer  this kind of support as well. 
Anyway, if you would like to know more information: http://avemariadoula.weebly.com to  book me.
I offer free consult to see if virtual doula is the right way to go for your upcoming birth. 
I also only take 2 clients a month - so get your request in early! God Bless!
Julie Larsen