Journey

"People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for." -Harper Lee

God of the Journey- I love that.  Lententide is a journey.  I always wish it was more sustainable but am also glad it is only 40 days.  This is my 4th year fully and intentionally observing Lent and I still love it.  I hope to continue this journey for the rest of my years on this earth.  How many "journeys" I get to take is up to the Creator.  I will also be grateful for every single one.  This has been a tiring week already so prayers to slow down and focus would be amazing.  

Taking this journey with my girls is wonderful as well even if they don't fully understand or are able to embrace the season.  Here are some of kids from SPARKS on a cardboard car "journey".

#FishFriday

"Charity begins at home, but it should not end there." -Thomas Fuller

I love fish.  I actually really do love eating fish.  I know so many people don't, but I like fish.  The fish sticks will be the most processed thing we will eat during Lent this year because my youngest two have still not learned to appreciate fish, but aren't we so blessed to have choices?  I love #FishFriday.  Think about all the symbols in the Bible and the verses about fish.  It would be a fun study.  It may not bring me closer to God but it certainly reminds me of His Son and His followers during the early days of the church and for that I will praise and take and eat.  Amen!

Cats like fishsticks too!

If you are curious about Catholic positions here are a couple of articles: Here and Here

*We aren't Catholic but we love the traditions....well at least I do.  

Ashes and Sacrifice

"Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. -Pope Francis

Ashes

Lent kinda snuck up on me this year- especially with Valentine's Day being the same day as Ash Wednesday.  I mentally knew it was coming but spiritual and organizationally I am still not ready.  I usually like to clear a small area for prayer- haven't done that yet.  I like to set up a prayer and givings box- haven't done that yet.  In the past I like the children to be some what involved and aware and I haven't really prepared them- this year has been especially hard because of the VaLENTine crossover.  I knew they would rather be in school then come with me to Ash Wednesday service.  But as prepared or NOT prepared as the case may be I love this time of year.  I love the intentional thoughts and practices.  I love the traditions and the words "Repent and believe in the Gospel".  These are the words of life for me as I am in the presence of the body and blood of Christ Jesus our Lord son of the blessed virgin Mary.

"Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine." -Kathleen Norris

My plans for Lent this year: pray, pray, pray- and of course fasting and giving but mostly prayer.  I spent a lot of time last year juggling many Lenten activities so I thought I should scale back a bit.  My prayer life has left me feeling very dry and hallow recently so I have been using the Magnificat to help me pray the morning and evening prayers.  I also use it to read for the Daily TV Mass because I can't usually attend daily mass near my home.  I am limiting my computer time to 2 one hour sessions- once in the morning and once in the afternoon/evening depending on which will work better for me on a particular day.

Sacrifice

For fasting, I decided to fast as best to my ability, time, and budget from convenience or processed food- I am predicting a lot of whining from certain little people in my house so pray for me.  I want to try to eat only bread I make and use whole wheat as often as possible.  I want to try to eat clean and as best I can a balanced pesco-vegetarian lifestyle.  I tried this once just for short time and ended up eating a LOT of bread I made but it was mostly white flour bread with a lot of butter.  I am going to try to keep a better balance of fruit and vegetables.


For giving, we will use the CRS Rice Bowl and not try to give a set amount (I usually give $40) but to give what a can and to read the stories and prompts to the girls on Wednesdays.  I will use their recipes on Fridays, but add fish sticks for the girls.

So that is what Lent will look like this year.  I have much to thank the LORD for and renewed every year through this tradition- big or small, prepared or not. 

Advent Day 17- Belonging and Peace

"One thing done in peace will most likely be better than 10 things done in panic...I am not a hero if I deny rest; I am only tired." -Susan McHenry, author

I am piggy backing off yesterday because I spent nearly all afternoon and evening at the laundry mat or shopping.  The quote is great for the laundry mat though because of the need for peace.  This picture if from Grandpa and Kori's Christmas party.  This is their 2 year old daughter Callie.  She barely keeps still and is so adorable.  I am reminded of family and where we belong in this world.  During the holidays I don't get to see my mom and dad since starting my own family.  I do think about them and pray for them.  I reminisce often during the holidays and I am sure if your memories are happy that you do as well.  We all want to belong especially to a family that loves us.  

Advent Day 16- Poinsettia and Playing

"I hate the radio this time of year because they play "All I Want for Christmas Is You" like every other song.  And that's just not enough." -Bridger Winegar, screenwriter

This is the first official day of winter break for the kids and Christmas party at Grandpa's house.  He has babies at his house so it is so adorable so now my husband has two little half sisters- Kali and Adore.  I didn't have time to get a poinsettia this year but there was one on the bag for the present we were bringing.  Also more rejoicing that I didn't have to cook- I am starting to think I am just not into cooking as much as I use to be...hmmm a new revelation or just burnt out?  Any way- it was a fun night and filled with cousins and little ones.  

 

Advent Day 15- Rejoice!

"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility."  -Mary Anne Radmacher, author

Rejoicing because I made it to church and because I didn't have to cook dinner!  AMEN!  That is all I have to say about that. 

Advent Day 14- Hustle and Bustle and My Birthday

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." -Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk

Eugene Holiday Market

For my 35th birthday and our 11th year anniversary we spent the day down at Eugene.  We saw the new Star Wars movie The Last Jedi and then went to one of my favorite Christmas places ever- the Eugene Holiday market.  My husband use to sell his dad's wooden mirrors and pill boxes and hair sticks etc. here while we were dating and for about a year or two after we were married so I have fond memories.  Our girls haven't been down there since they have been grown- they were a little groggy from the movie (it was way too long IMO) but I wanted to go and it was my birthday so they had to humor me.  I bought some super cute owl earrings and ended the night with taco salad and made my own cake.  Thank goodness I am flexible and love the holidays or I might have felt a little let down, but I got my very own Harry Potter coloring book and magnet book markers AND a little Christmas owl necklace.  Also very thankful for my husband who said we didn't have to do anniversary presents or make it a big deal this year- I wouldn't have felt very up for it any way since I was almost sure I was never going to be well again (that was an exaggeration).  I will still say there is always next year even if I say it A LOT.