Lent this year

C has decided to give up computer games for Lent this year. N has decided that he cannot give up anything this year because it would just be too hard. Since he's 5, I'm not going to push him. He has a long life ahead of him to make sacrifices, and I am not going to bully him into it, because I don't think he would learn anything from that. I recently read a line about how a mom wanted to "inspire, not require" and that resonated with me.

I know it's becoming common to add something on during Lent these days, as well as giving something up. One thing that we're adding on as a family is praying for others. We always pray for others during evening prayer, but we're working on a project to help us pray for others more regularly throughout the day. (I'll post pictures as soon as we're done.)

We will also listen to the daily readings each day. We don't make it to daily mass, and the timing just won't work for our family right now to take that on. I thought, however, that listening to the daily readings each day would be a good addition to our days.

I am giving up clutter. There are a few projects that I have had on my list since early in my pregnancy with L and I want to get them knocked off that list! Clutter is holding me back and preventing me from moving forward in some areas. Every day I will get rid of some of the clutter in our home!

I plan to use this site (Praying Lent 2008) during personal prayer time during Lent. I have used their resources in years past and have found them useful and thought-provoking at times.

My desire is to grow closer to God this Lent, and hopefully help draw my boys closer as well.