First Friday of Lent

Most of the family started out Lent marked with ashes, a reminder that our life here is temporary. While searching through my Lent resources, I reminded myself to do one thing and do it well. This year, I've chosen Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle's:

Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families

This was published a couple of years ago and Donna wrote a new booklet for the current year which is available as an e-book. It uses quotes from Teresa of Avila Thérèse of Lisieux, so should be just as good. :-)

As a family we discussed doing three things each day:

• Fast - give up something. This could be different each day, just some type of self-denial. 
• Almsgiving - do something for somebody else.
• Pray - add one extra prayer time to your day.

Last evening after our daily meditation from the book, my husband and I were surprised to hear the sounds of camaraderie coming from two of our children who have been especially at odds lately. Definitely music to a parent's ears ;-)

I'm also encouraging the kids to watch the CRS videos featured on the Rice Bowl app each week. All too often it's easy to forget how very blessed we are. 

May your Lenten season be fruitful!

Beate