Lent from Ashes to Praying with Jane to Recipes

What a beautiful time to be alive!  Maybe this is a strange thing to say while the Corona virus is nonstop news and Lent is often a time to reflect on our mortality- memento mori, anyone? But right now for me at this exact moment I am feeling beautiful, content, warm, and filled. 

The season of Lent is an extremely special time for me.  I try my very best to set aside distractions- limit mindless TV watching and Internet scrolling.  I make simple meals consisting mostly of rice and beans.  I participate in a photo challenge that connects me with my brothers and sisters around the world.  I keep my heart and mind focused on serving God.  Should I be living like this every day?  Maybe- but I know I will slip up.  Lent lets me start over in a way the New Year never can.  I find Jesus and his examples fresh and new.  Last year, Lent didn't really happen even when I needed it so desperately- sure, I went to Ash Wednesday service and took a picture or two but mostly I was depressed and navigating the world of Type 1 Diabetes with Lucy.  I gave myself grace and I am hoping that God did too. 

But this year is so completely different and my spirit feels refreshed.  I was especially inspired by two articles HERE and HERE.  In the past I have been a lot more cautious about sharing my Lenten experiences with my fellow Baptists.  Baptists are not known for being particularly kind or sensitive to anything Catholic.  I, myself, had some terrible misconceptions and judgements about Catholicism.  But this year, I feel like shouting it from the rooftops.  I don't know how you can appreciate Easter without Lent.  I think Henry Nouwen said it best, "How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent?"  It changes me.  It is like medicine for my weary soul.

And with that I would like to share some of that journey with you right now.

  
On the first day of Lent I prepared my heart and mind to receive the Ashes.  I fasted and read my Bible and prayed.  I have gone to Immaculate Conception some years, but the past two I have been going to Saint Boniface.  I take Lucy because it is our tradition.  The first time I went to receive the ashes with my then 3 year old I researched like crazy because I didn't know the responses and when to kneel and when to stand.  I didn't even know if non-Catholics were allowed to receive ashes.  I have learned SO much since that time.  It doesn't even feel awkward any more.

"Through fasting and praying, we allow him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we can experience in the depths of our being: The hunger and thirst for God."

-Pope Benedict XVI

This year I have chosen to give up sleeping in.  I will wake up at least an hour before the sunrise every day dressed and with my Bible in my lap to the best of my ability.  This will be tested especially on the weekend and when we go to Seaside next week.  But thanks to my alarm on my cellphone it should be attainable.  

On the second day of Lent I volunteered in my daughter's 5th grade classroom for most of the day, but I am looking forward to attending mass on Friday.  I have been attending mass on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays when my husband doesn't need the car.  

I am using Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System.  I don't always get all 10 chapters read but at least this time I have a check list so I know where I am.  This is my favorite system to read the Bible because you get all the different types of literature.  It has great variety and I enjoy the challenge.  

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

-Kathleen Norris, Author

I finding this quote to be particularly true as I have been learning to pray the Rosary which I have been praying on my own and after mass with a group of strangers with whom I am blessed to participate in these mysteries.  

On the the third day of Lent I am focused on getting my CRS Ricebowl for 2020.  I didn't get one last year and I love reading the stories and mini devotionals and cooking the meals that connect me to my global family.  Since it is Friday that means FISH!  

I usually make fish sticks every Friday along with a recipe from CRS.  CRS stands for Catholic Relief Services and it is a tool to help recognize the world and how we can help with donations.  It is just a little cardboard box and you put money it during Lent.  They also provide a little calendar with prompts and devotionals and recipes and the website also shows stories about people whose lives are being changed as they gain access to education, food, clean water, and sometimes training.  I love this tool.  It is so tangible.  My husband found a different version (I guess you could call it a Protestant version) similar to this called Eat Rice and Beans.  I might order the book and see if I should change things up.  But for now I will still with CRS Rice Bowl.  

"When you give, give generously and not with a stingy heart; for that, the Lord, you God will bless you in all your works and undertakings."

-Deuteronomy 15:10

I am planning on giving to our church, to CRS Rice Bowl, and to one other undecided charity as of yet.  I am leaning towards a charity that makes clean water more accessible. 

On the fourth day of Lent I am so worn out from waking up so early and volunteering 2 days a week at the elementary school that I praise God that I started taking a couple of my Lent pictures early this year.  It hailed like crazy and I spent most of the day prepping for my Sunday school class.

"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves...What is it that stands between us and God?  Between us and our brothers and sisters?  Between us and life, the life of the Spirit?"

-Catherine Doherty, Catholic Social Worker

I tried to get a family conversation going about supporting each other in our Lenten goals but honestly it didn't go much of any where, but I am okay with that.  

On the first Sunday of Lent, I am up and ready to teach.  I leave a gift for my Secret Sister and I took pictures of a few pictures of my Parish and a picture of part of the bulletin board I am working on.

"What is a friend? It is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."

-Aristotle

Unfortunately I did not get to pray with a friend.  I didn't even go to service because I was so focused on finishing our bulletin board which we didn't even get all done, but I am really proud of what we did get done.  

On the fifth day of Lent, I had not slept particularly well but still made it to mass and did some grocery shopping.  

"The bread which you hold back belongs to the hungry, the coat which you guard in your closet belongs to the naked."

-St. Basil the Great

I was so incredibly tired that I collapsed into bed before 10 and was very cranky.  I need to remember to donate some clothes to a donation center some time during Lent.

On the sixth day of Lent, I woke up very refreshed.  I volunteered in the 2nd grade class room.  I got home at noon to do my prayers and devotions.  Since this is the year of Jane Austen reading I was very excited to do this devotional during Lent.  

"Stay healthy, have fun with it, and embrace all the moments.  Because anything can happen."

-Simone Biles, Gymnast

The challenge today was to get in 10,000 steps.  I doubt I got very close, but did make many trips to the copy room- much more walking then I would do on any normal day!  

I have so much more of this Lenten journey to go.  I am more in love with my Jesus and my faith every single day!   "What a priveldge to carry everything to God in prayer."  Amen and may the peace of the Lord be with you. 

Advent Day 22 Hope

 "Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart." -Washington Irving

Hospitality is something I sorely need to work on and the holidays remind me of that failing, but I do love a challenge.  I think I will stick with inviting my kids' friends because I still have to work on making my own friends and being comfortable with what God has given me.  It is a constant battle.  Is the house clean? Do I have decent furniture? Am I saying stupid things?  Did I not offer something for them to drink? Am I boring you with my constant chattering?  Any way, I will accept the grace of God especially with how close we already are to Christmas!!! Squee!!!!

Today I taught Sunday school.  The emphasis was on Jesus Christ being eternal.  I kept the lesson short so the kids could have time to play and snack on Christmas treats from the snack table.  We had a beautiful church service and special music.  Since today's prompt was hope I already knew what I was going to take a picture of.  In fact I basically already took a picture of it.  But I took a better one.  Way back at the beginning of this Advent season our Sunday school class made ornaments that said "Jesus is our Hope"  I have loved looking at them every since and the reminder of it is absolutely 100 percent relevant- ALWAYS.  Our Hope is Jesus- not this world, not the government, not our family, not even our church.  JESUS- he is our love, our light, our reason.  Sometimes it just seems so simple, but I think it needs to be repeated.  

I spent almost all day working on the recap post of week 3 of Advent and making lunch and dinner and researching Hanukah.  As if I didn't have more to do!!!  It certainly isn't something I HAVE to do.  I enjoy different traditions and rituals so much that I can't seem to help myself!  Below is a longish video but I loved that it was a Christian perspective and every year I want to try to add a little bit more. 

First Night of Hanukah 

   

We did buy our first menorah.  We have actually had Hanukah candles waiting to be lit for I want to say about 3-4 years.  We were always just a little low on funds or time, but I planned much better this year.  So at least I get to light the candles and say the blessings even if no one else in my family will.  

At the very least I will try to read a Hanukah related book every night during the week- well I might have to double or triple up since the 8 crazy nights run into Christmas.  I would really like some dreidels, gelt, latkes, matzo ball soup, sufganiyot, challah etc.. but you can't have everything and I certainly have already exceeded my food budget.  

My girls and I did read some Little House in the Big Woods and lest you think our family is calm and we regularly get a long and this all runs smoothly....well, no, this time is not serine at all.  Someone is always getting angry, picking a fight, arguing over the cellphone, and general unrest no matter how much I try to keep their hands busy during read aloud.  In fact, one kid regularly just up and leaves much of the time.  I am determined to do it no matter what.  

Lastly, we watched Klaus on Netflix and it was super, amazing and adorable!!  I laughed so much and even cried some.  I highly recommend it.  We had hot chocolate and just a little more arguing but I even with all the squabbles I wouldn't trade my family for the world.  

I hope you are having a loving and maybe a less chaotic and a more harmonious Advent than I am having, but with much cuddling, hot chocolate, and plenty of lighted candles.  

 Love, 

Larissa Langsather

 

Advent Week 3

Dearest Reader,

Joy- this week's Advent theme and it also is usually my birthday, anniversary, and last week of school till winter break all rolled in there for good measure (also Jane Austen's birthday but that is just an aside that I love plugging in).  This week was unpredictable but good.

Day 15
Sunday, December 15, 2019 aka Guadete Sunday

"Cling to joy, audacious joy, that looks for light in everything, even your waiting." -Morgan Harper Nicholas, artist and singer

Today I teach my Sunday school class on the joy of Christmas with searching for candy canes and decorating our class tree and making more ornaments.  Unfortunately most of my class was absent or sick and it was just my kids in class.  Still, joy remains.  We prayed for those who were sick and I hope my girls learned that joy is not the same as happiness.  The photo prompt for the day was rejoice and we rejoiced in putting up the tree and decorating it.

   

This was a good day to relax and write while the Youth Group had a Christmas party.

Day 16
Monday, December 16, 2019- my 37th birthday and 13th wedding anniversary!

"There's room for everyone on the Nice List!" -Buddy the Elf

Not gonna lie- I didn't really get to do anything I wanted to do.  I didn't even really rest and it was my birthday!  But I have learned to be okay with that- finally.  Normally I would probably get a little more whiny about it.  I spent more time on the phone than I wanted to and I had to hang out at the pharmacy AND I had to grocery shop.  PLUS two of my kids said they were "sick".  I put sick in quotation marks because it was just mild sore throats, runny nose, and very mild coughs.  They were running around the house and fighting- they were not REALLY sick.  They might have been extra tired though and I was not in a mood to fight with them so I let them stay home.  Also I felt a little nervous that it COULD turn into something worse.  FYI- it didn't!  But I talked them into letting me watch Little House "A Christmas They Never Forgot" so that was nice.  I did get some sweet presents and bought myself doughnuts to share.  I got Harry Potter socks from a friend, a fluffy blanket from my husband and kids, a book (Northanger Abbey) from a friend, and bunch of leggings also from my husband.  I also got a pizza because after all this time pizza is still my favorite dinner.  My husband and I got to go out in late November so it is all good.  Tired, but good.

The picture prompt for the day was Advent art and Lucy painted this beautiful picture.

Day 17

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

"It is now, at Advent, that I am given the chance to suspend all expectation...and instead to reveal in the mystery." -Jerusalem Jackson Greer, author and blogger

I am pretty sure this was the day I took a very long nap after dropping the girls off at school.  I do remember watching all three movies from A Christmas Prince back to back!

It helped that the cousins came over to play.  I got a lot of dishes done!  We lit the 3rd candle which is pink in case you were wondering. 

The photo prompt for the day was angel.  I took a picture of some of our seasonal reads that have angels in them B is for Bethlehem, Country Angel Christmas, and December.  

Day 18

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

"Patience can't be acquired overnight.  It is just like building up a muscle.  Every day you need to work on it." -Eknath Easwaran, Spiritual teacher and author

I think I spent a lot of time reading and listening to the O Antiphons which I will just link my actual Catholic friend to explain it.  I actually grew up with her in real life in a homeschool group in Hawaii and she has taught me so much about the Catholic faith!  Her blog is called Barefoot Abbey and here she is explaining The Christmas Novena

I found some great Youtube video playlists as well.  

I would probably take the time to link them properly and in order but I just wanted to give you a taste and I want to remember them for next Advent.

Christmas cookies was the picture prompt of the day and while I thought about making some I wasn't in the mood to mess up and clean up the kitchen plus little did I know that Lucy was on a mission to find matching pajamas for everyone.  It was a little too late for that as most of the pajamas were sold out and if I knew this was such a big deal I would have done it much earlier.  Instead she decided to get some Christmas presents for her teachers.  We picked up some cookie kits for later next week too.

Day 19
Thursday, December 19, 2019- Opening of Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker

"Christmas is a baby shower that went overboard." -Andy Borowitz, TV Writer

Laundry was backed up so bad that I spent all day folding and rotating the clothes from the washer to the dryer. I know I should do a better job at this, but oh well.  It was nice to have a lot of extra leggings now, though.  We were going to the movies!

The picture of the day was warmth and I thought about trying to tie it in to Star Wars but I ultimately didn't.  I didn't want to be distracted trying to think about that while watching the movie.  I really enjoyed it!  There was only one really weird thing, but there were so many great things that I think it out weighs the one odd thing.  See? I am not spoiling it.  I ended up taking a picture of Hermione making a last minute present for some one at school.  It was one of those sweater cookies and she looked so warm in her sweats. 

Day 20
Friday, December 20, 2019

 "Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart." -The Polar Express

This is the day I took the mission to find matching pajamas seriously.  I went to both the Targets in my area (and might I add the traffic was crazy especially because the shopping area just opened an In-N-Out Burger place) and ended up pretty much achieving the goal.  But next time if this is a thing it definitely needs to be done first.  I wished I had had time to go to the Dollar Tree or grocery shopping because I still should round out the stockings but I am mostly done.  One of the big reasons I was wanting to complete this goal was the picture of the day was Christmas jammies and I knew exactly what I wanted the photo to look like.  Goal achieved!

I spent the evening with a friend so that one my daughters could have someone to play with.  We played Hallmark Bingo with Christmas At Grand Valley.  We never made a Bingo but I got VERY close.  It was a fun night!

Day 21- First Day of Winter
Saturday, December 21, 2019

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul--and sings the tunes without the words--and never stops at all." -Emily Dickinson

We usually spend the weekend cleaning up so this wasn't really an exception.  My husband's twin sister and her husband and my mother-in-law stopped by for a quick visit before our official Christmas get together.  I wasn't really sure what to do about the prompt community as I REALLY didn't want to go out and I was having trouble coming up with an idea.  The family watched Olaf's Frozen Adventure and Noelle on Disney+ last night. 

I still hadn't come up with an idea for the picture of the day until I remembered that I had been at our church's clothing closet to see if there were any Christmas sweaters.  I found a great one that seemed great for my middle child- Ariana.  She loved it!  I thought as long as I take a picture of her in the sweater and mark it as using a community service clothing closet that would be perfect! 

Ended the day prepping for my Sunday school lesson.  What a joyful week even without a cake!

Joy to you,

Larissa Langsather

PS I can't remember if I have talked about our Harry Potter Lego Advent!  We have been having fun as you can see!

Advent Week 2

Dearest Reader,

I only just finished the post Advent Week 1 and in only 2 DAYS week 2 will be over so I thought if it took me that long to write and post the last one I might as well get started now.  This one won't be officially posted till late Saturday night or Sunday morning.  But like I said with my slowness I am getting started now.

Advent Week 2

Day 8
Sunday, December 8, 2019

"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon Our Lady.  Just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.'  I must admit, this prayer has never failed me." -Saint Teresa of Calcutta

I have started many days this week with the Our Father followed by a Hail, Mary.  It focuses me.  It is truly a blessing to know we have both a Mother and Father with us always even when our earthly parents are far away.  

This day was a busy one!  I taught my Sunday school class about the peace and preparation of Christmas.  We made ornaments.  My class prepared to sing Christmas songs in church.  They did so well!

The Children's Nutcracker at the Elisnore Theater

The picture of the day was a giving tree.  I have never had the privilege to participate in my church's Angel Tree, mostly because all the families are picked before I even have a chance, but I love that someone takes the time to do this every year and that there are many generous people in our church.  

Our family just keeps the good times rolling.  We went to Pietro's to meet with Grandma Cheri for a mini birthday celebration for Lucy because she loves mini-golf.  Then we went to the Children's Nutcracker with a few cousins.  And the exciting life of a Type 1 Diabetic around the holidays took an especially annoying turn when during the performance Lucy said her blood sugar was low.  Of course this is the time I have nothing in my purse so I quickly buy her a Snicker's bar from the concession stand.   Crisis averted, but I scold myself- you should always have a snack in your purse.  

This is also one of those weeks where we can not forget that Lucy has T1D but more about that later in this post.  

The day ends with me taking a nap and Ariana opening the Harry Potter Lego Advent calendar.  We didn't even light the second candle.  Oh well!  Mother Mary, pray for us!

Day 9

Monday, December 9, 2019

"Advent is the time of promise; it is not yet the time of fulfillment.  We are still in the midst of everything...It is still far off still, and only just announced and foretold.  But it is happening, today." -Alfred Delp, Jesuit Priest

Today is Lucy's 3 month regular visit to her endocrinologist in Portland.  This is a mostly an all day type thing.  It takes about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, to drive there, but the appointment is usually short.  Lucy's meter has been needing a battery change and no matter how hard I tried I could not change it so thankful for the nurses there.  It is times like this when Advent feels like it is put on the back burner, but it is also times like this when we need to be reminded that this is all temporary and Jesus is coming one way or another.  

This night we were so blessed in a different and unique way.  The picture of the day was festive tunes which perfectly fits because we got to listen to the Uhuru Youth Choir.  They did not sing "Christmas songs" per se but any song that praises God is basically a Christmas song so that makes them festive tunes.  It was amazing to hear the songs and see the energy and be inspired by their stories of survival in refugee camps in Africa (mostly Tanzania, if I remember correctly).  I loved it, but we still never got to light the second candle!

Day 10

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone." -Audrey Hepburn

Today is the day, I think, we can slow down just enough to light the second candle.  But there are so many chores to do and grocery shopping takes forever.  It is also the weekly play date for Ariana and Ruby which is ultimately helpful because it gives me time to shop but I still take way too long and dinner is super late.

  

The picture of the day is My Spiritual Hero which is a bit of a struggle for me, but I land on the Catholic moms who blog about the liturgical year and make available the beautiful printables especially St. Andrew's Christmas Novena which I have been trying to pray as often as possible (traditionally it is prayed 15x a day from November 30th to December 24th).  A much longer day than I anticipated- still no second candle light.  

Day 11

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

"Food is our common ground--a universal experience." -James Beard

 A very true quote indeed.  I was determined to get things on track.  I cleaned up the kitchen and rewarded myself with peppermint scones and peppermint tea because the picture of the day was peppermint something.  But some joy was stolen when I had to call in a prescription for Lucy which would not be available till the next day after 2pm- yikes for a Type 1 Diabetic!  I had waited to call this one in because I didn't want to get chewed out again for calling in a prescription too early.  This whole balancing act is getting very stressful but I deal with it.  Make a few phone calls and find out a pharmacy does have her insulin and the doctor will approve it for this emergency situation.  So I think it will all work out when I pick it up after school.  Little do I know that it is going to take approximately 5 more phone calls and repeating her birthday for what feels like 20,000 times to get her medicine.  I didn't get home till 5pm and quickly gave up on dinner by picking up some fried chicken.  Again, the second candle does not get lit- keeping it real, folks!

Day 12

Thursday, December 12, 2019

I wait on the Lord, my soul does wait, and in his word I hope. -Psalm 130:5

Today is the day!  I will not have to go out in the evening!  We will light the second candle!  This time it does happen.  I am determined to be restful and contemplative.  I write out the Advent Week 1 post and listen to the song of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  I reconnect with my girls after school and we get a few chores done.  Praise God!  The verse of the day is perfect.  I waited with hope for this time and it has happened.  After dinner the older girls take their showers and Lucy and I cuddle up with a few picture books.  

After everyone is in bed I almost forget about the picture of the day- TBT (Throwback Thursday) Memorable Gift.  I take a picture of our washing machine because 2 years ago we were gifted it after ours started smelling like burning rubber.  Plus I had to add an extra picture to brag about my awesome gift from my friend from church.  It was a good, much less stressful, day! 

Day 13

Friday, December 13, 2019

"Remember, George.  No man is a failure who has friends." -Clarence, "It's a Wonderful Life"

I did spend most of all day writing, reflecting and occasionally cooking/eating.  I didn't even take the picture for the day even though I knew what I wanted to take a picture of.  The picture of the day was generosity and when I look at our nativity set I think of a couple who were extremely generous to us when we couldn't really afford anything for Christmas.  They gave us a cute little tree and a nativity set.  It really brightened up our life and I remember it every year.

Day 14
Saturday, December 14, 2019

"The worst gift is a fruitcake.  There is only one fruitcake in the entire world and people keep sending it to each other." -Johnny Carson

What a week!  Santa came in the fire truck handing out peanuts and oranges and chocolates.  We topped it off with our town's Christmas tree lighting and I even sang carols on stage with a few people from our church!  I loved the bon fire and the soup.  It was a very fun night but I think I am still recovering from it.  

Since the picture of the day is hustle and bustle I just have to choose one of the many pictures I took of us out and about! 

I didn't really intend for things to look and get so busy.  But I am thankful for God giving me the ability to be fully present while not having to think about the stress of buying presents because we got that done early.  I can enjoy the singing.  I can take a break if I need to because the nagging feelings of doing enough and being enough are gone- at least for this season!

I hope you are having a blessed Advent and take time to pray and sing and be!

Continue waiting in hope from,

Larissa Langsather