Yesterday was the Feast of the Assumption of Mary in the Catholic Church, or called the Dormition of the Theotokos in the Easten Rite. It’s traditional to bless herbs and dried fruit to be used for the rest of the year! Herbs can obviously be blessed any time of the year but I love that there is a day set aside in the church specifically for it. Whenever using herbs I always pray the Lord will use them for healing as he intends. I lugged a very large box of healing herbs to chuch with me and the prayer is so beautiful I thought I would share with you all!

Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 64 is said in full.

V. The Lord will give goodness.
R. And our earth shall yield her fruit. (Ps. 84)
V. Thou waterest the hills from Thy upper rooms.
R. The earth shall be filled with the fruit of Thy works.
V. Bringing forth grass for cattle.
R. And herbs for the service of men.
V. That Thou may bring bread out of the earth.
R. And that wine may cheer the heart of man.
V. That he may make the face cheerful with oil.
R. And that bread may strengthen man’s heart. (Ps. 103)
V. He sent his word, and healed them.
R. And delivered them from their destructions. (Ps. 106)

V. Lord, heed my prayer.
R. And let my cry be heard by you.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray. Almighty everlasting God, who by Thy word created from nothing the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things visible and invisible, and commanded the earth to bring forth plants and trees for the use of men and beasts, and each one to have fruit in itself according to its seed; and in Thy ineffable goodness granted not only that the plants might serve as the food of living creatures, but also that they might profit ailing bodies as medicine; with mind and word we humbly pray Thee that in Thy clemency Thou may bless + these herbs and fruits of various kinds, and pour upon them the grace of Thy renewed blessing, above the natural power which Thou gavest them; so that, when used by men and beasts in Thy name, they may become a defense against every disease and adversity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Quick update, and a question:

My body is finally feeling like itself again, praise the Lord, about 2 1/2 weeks post-miscarriage.

I wanted to ask, though... Is it possible to feel strong phantom kicks after a miscarriage? I was only about 5 1/2 weeks along. This morning I was standing in my kitchen and literally felt a roll in my belly area, just like it would feel like if a baby was kicking and moving around. It didn't hurt at all, just kind of freaked me out. I have also felt some cramping in my legs yesterday and today.

Anyone else experience this?