A Lenten Litany ~

Let my fasting turn me to the needs of others,

and not my own hungers.

Have Mercy, O Lord.

Let my charity be a sign of your generosity,

not an occasion for sinful pride.

Have Mercy, O Lord.

Let my prayer make me a witness to your grace,

leading me to acts of justice.

Have Mercy, O Lord.

Let my sufferings make me one with Christ,

who suffered for our salvation.

Have Mercy, O Lord.

Let my good deeds not be merely for show,

but for helping your kingdom come.

Have Mercy, O Lord.

Let my broken relationships be healed in reconciliation,

leading me beyond my isolation.

Have Mercy, O Lord.

Let my very life be consecrated to your will,

as this Lent leads to Easter's new life.

Have Mercy, O Lord.

Have Mercy, O Lord!

Let my every thought, word, and deed

during these Lenten days

be a sign of my love for you,

and of your love for the world.

Amen.

What's Lent All About?

Something to ponder today ~

Lent is far less about giving some­thing up and far more about mak­ing ourselves more available to God. If all we do is avoid eating sweets or watching too much television — without taking the opportunity to seek out the Lord more deeply—we will have missed the primary pur­pose of this holy season.

So when you draw up your Lenten plan today, be sure to include increased time for prayer and Confession. Make it a point to fast not only from certain kinds of food but also from things like mood­iness, anger, and a sharp tongue. This can be a season of deep trans­formation for all of us if we make a plan to draw near to God. (taken from The Word Among Us Meditations)

Turning out the Lights during Lent ~

A good friend sent this article my way today and I am definitely inspired to give this a try.  I'm thinking Friday evening would be the perfect time!

We're getting ready for Lent over here.  How about you?

Ash Wednesday ~ 2011

We started off the day baking our

 Crown of Thorns

and pretzels.

Next we hung the backdrop for the Jesus Tree.

Honeybee got to add the first symbol that night during our family prayer time.

The kids started work on their special Lenten study materials which we keep in purple folders. On the cover of Buck and Honeybee's folders, they taped the sheet I enlarged from one of CHC's A Year With God activities. They get to put a sticker (a heart for Honeybee and a smiley face for Buck) on a thorn each night if they've done their best during the day to be obedient, kind, and helpful. By Easter they will have a beautiful wreath for Jesus. The folders also hold their calendars, stickers, and other papers.

~ Our Family Meal ~

(was based on serving the poor and also the temptations of Jesus while in the desert.)

Rice and Beans ~

 in the symbol of the cross of ashes. 

This reminded us to pray for the poor and those who go hungry

The first temptation ~

(to turn the stones to bread)

~ Chips and Salsa ~

Chips - representing the devils tempting Jesus to turn the stones to bread.

Salsa - reminding us of the blood that was shed for our salvation. 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread."He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4

The second temptation ~

  (to test God)

Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'"

The third temptation ~

(power)

~Spinach~

Representing power and strength. (like Popeye:)

Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

Once we were done the kids and I headed out to Mass to receive our ashes.

Mini King "Crown" Cakes

These little crown cakes were so cute and easy to make.

  I was so thankful for this simple recipe shared over at Catholic Cuisine. 

The kids dyed sugar to represent the "kingly" colors.

Then they took the cinnamon rolls and shaped them into these small crowns.

We baked them, drizzled with icing, and sprinkled with the colored sugar.

They made for a pretty table and a yummy dessert!

Happy Mardi Gras!

A Blessed Woman's Daybook

Outside my window ~ The weather is warm and beautiful.  Too bad the kids are stuck inside with bronchitis.  I noticed the wildflowers or maybe weeds are starting to bloom.  I picked a few for us to study.  God is so incredible!

I'm hoping ~  Everyone's well soon.  We are anxious to spend time with family!

Weight Watchers this week ~  Down 2 lbs this week!  Thats a total of 11.4!  Yay!  I feel soooo much better physically and spiritually.

Recipe of the week ~ Spinach Lasagna Rolls.  These were so good and easier to assemble than your standard lasagna, in my opinion.  I used more sauce than shown :)

I'm listening to ~ The House Cat's CD - Music Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia.  Lots of good inspirational music.

I'm enjoying ~ My guitar lessons.  The House Cat is a good teacher!  Right now I'm learning Beautiful and Let your light shine by Bethany Dillion.  It's interesting how we came to listen to her.... She sings the song Dreamer from that movie.  We really liked her voice so we checked into her music.  I was thrilled to find out that she's a Christian artist!  She's definitely one of our favs!

Lenten cleaning from week two ~ I know it's a little late but, I've been busy! :)  Weekly focus was bedrooms.  We spent a lot of time cleaning out closets, going through clothing and doing a little re-decorating.  We took down drapes, scrubbed baseboards and I tried to clean the edges of the carpet that the vacuum doesn't quite get.  Still not perfect but better than before :)

The girls room

Snuggle Bug and I found this precious little bird house lamp for $3 on Sat.  We had some mother-daughter time and enjoyed shopping at one of our favorite stores, Mission Possible Thrift Store.  Proceeds there benefit a local homeless shelter.

We also found this great book shelf for only 8 bucks!

The House Cat was happy with her new CD rack for $2!

And I just love this painting of The Holy Family, given to Honeybee by her Godparents, surrounded by SB and HCs First Holy Communion dishes and El Divino Nino.

My room...

Do you remember Jessica's what's on your nightstand post?  On mine now is a special little book stand made by Buck and his Dad.  There stand some of my favorite books, our wedding photo and my special Good Shepherd picture.

I finally framed a painting by The House Cat that had been leaning in between the wall and my nightstand.  I just love it!

Buck and Honeybee's room...

Toys were sorted and stored in plastic bins.

Shoes were sorted and hung.  If you look closely you will see a door hanger made by HC for prayer time.  She made one for each of us this Lent.

Lenten Cleaning week three ~ Lets see....  Sick kids...  spraying Lysol.  Had the air conditioning guy come and clean the air duct intake.  Smells soooo much better now!  I hope killing that mold and mildew will help with Snuggle Bug's allergies.

Still trying to convince the sugar ants to find a new home.... 

Keeping an eye out on craigslist etc. for an Entertainment armoire.  Our entertainment center has seen its better day.  I'd love to be able to close the doors and hide all of the stereo equiptment etc.  Also watching out for matching twin comforters for Buck and Honeybee's Bunk bed.

Plans for next week ~ Hope to start on the big kitchen project.  I'm sure it'll take at least two weeks.  It needs a head to toe cleaning!  We are looking into updating the cabinets a little with wainscoting and paint.  I also plan to take everything out of the cabinets and pantry, replace shelving paper, and pass along items that haven't been used in a year.  I've asked my honey for a 5 gallon bucket of white paint - semi -gloss at least!  Must be able to wipe down frequently! :)

40 bags ~ We've been filling up lots of bags.  I need to ask hubby what the count is.  It feels so good to go through things, make a home for what you use and give away the rest!

My picture thought ~

Honeybee's new apron... a special gift from her Godmother.

Visit Peggy for more daybook inspiration.

Lenten Cleaning Plan 2010 ~Week One

Cleaning out the Cobwebs from the home and the heart,

offering all work in reparation for my sins and the salvation of souls~

Week one ~

• 
  
  Upstairs bathroom and linen closet.  Bleach shower.  New shower liner,curtain, bath mats, towels. 
• 
  
  Remove everything from shelves.  Line with new shelving paper.  Only put back what we actually use.  Give away or throw away the rest. 
• 
  
  Wipe down doors, walls, and molding.  Take down and clean light fixture. 
• 
  
  New flower/vase for counter.
• 
  
  Have upstairs carpet cleaned.
• 
  
  Dad - pressure wash the front of house.

I'm pleased with the outcome.  Where to go next?

Printable Lenten Calendar

I love this great calendar Lacy over at Catholic Icing shared with us!

Thanks Lacy! 

Preparing for Lent 2010 ~ Daybook Entry

Outside my window ~ Snow this morning and again this evening.  Buck wonders if spring will ever come....

For Today ~ I pulled out the Lent - Easter bin.  Boy was this easy!  About a month ago, I made some "liturgical year" bins for things that are only used during certain times of the year.

So, it made getting everything together and ready for Lent wonderfully easy and enjoyable.

I put up the branches to our Jesus Tree,

dusted off the St. Joseph Altar,

and organized some St. Patrick's Day decorations I bought on clearance last year,

(another special day in our home :)

The mat awaits the Lenten centerpiece to be made.

The Passion Play waits to be reassembled on Good Friday.

And the Easter Story Eggs, The Garden of the Good Shepherd, a couple of movies, and our Pentecost decorations are ready to help us celebrate the Feast of All Feasts!

For tomorrow ~ Pancake Tuesday.  We'll try to make these point friendly pancakes.

Ash Wednesday ~ We'll make the crown of thorns and I'm planning on making this for our meal before we head out to Mass.  Honeybee was so sweet tonight when she realized this Wednesday was Ash Wednesday.  She said, "Oh yeah, I love that day!"  I wish I could say that I've always felt that way!  However, Father gave me a new way of looking at it at Mass this past weekend.  He said, "Lent is not our gift to God but, God's gift to us!"  How true that is.  He loves us so much and gives us this time to come back to Him with all our hearts.

Visit Peggy for more daybook inspirtaion

Palm Sunday 2009

Holy Week has begun. We had a wonderful Palm Sunday celebration at our parish. That evening we continued the celebration at home in our Domestic Church.

Dad prepared a wonderful supper for us. I just love the palms as the centerpiece.

After supper we continued with our Jesus Tree. Of course we read about Palm Sunday. It was Honeybee's turn to put the symbol (palm branch) on the tree.

Next, we sang All Glory, Laud, and Honor as we processed around the house while dad put the palm branches behind our crucifixes.

The lighting is not so great in this pic but, I had to include it. This is my favorite place in our home. It's so beautiful and peaceful!

Lent Day 27

Fast: Refrain from self promotion. “The only way to make rapid progress along the path of divine love is to remain very little and to put all our trust in Almighty God. That is what I have done.” — St. Therese

Pray: Is there someone who inspires feelings of inferiority in you? Offer a Memorare for her intentions.

Give: Page through your wedding album with your children today. Remember how loved you felt that day. Love your family well.

Elizabeth Foss In the Heart of My Home

Lent Day 26 Today's offerings

From Elizabeth Foss:

Lent Day 26

Fast: Let go of despair and know that God gives you sufficient grace.
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” — St. Francis of Assisi

Pray: Pray to know how God wants you to spend your time online.

Give: Make sure that every one in your family gets at least one of your hugs today.

I've been following these daily meditations and have been very blessed by them.

Remember Man You Are Dust....

and to dust you shall return. What a powerful statement! As we travel along our Lenten journey, we continue to be mindful of this and to ask God's mercy upon us.

Yesterday we received a WONDERFUL book in the mail. It was perfect timing, being that it arrived on Friday!

The Story of the Cross: The Stations of the Cross for Children is an awesome book for kids of all ages!

I also got in this book and am looking forward to starting it.

We were blessed to attend an awesome lenten retreat for our homeschool group today. We saw so many wonderful people and were blessed with new friends also. Thank you to all involved.
Praying for God to bless you and your family as we prepare to celebrate Easter.

Honeybee Noticed

This morning I gave Honeybee this picture to color. She said, "She's getting ashes like I did last night!" Then she told me she had seen people with green hair before? What impressed me about the coloring was she got the color of the priest's chasuble right. When the priest came out last night she looked at me and said, "He's wearing purple!" She and Buck have been studying the liturgical colors in atrium. It looks like she's been paying attention.

Our Crown of Thorns

We told Jesus we were sorry for all of the thorns as we stuck them into the crown (dough).
Buck and Honeybee have been anxious to be good about things constantly asking to pull out a thorn. I suspect The House Cat and Snuggle Bug have reached the age of making sure they are alone before they remove any. They are such good kids.

Pretzels and Pancakes

Happy Fat Tuesday everybody. I hope you are all as excited as we are about the change of the liturgical season. Tomorrow we will leave the "growing time" (Ordinary time) for a while and begin to prepare for the most important celebration of the year. We have all been talking of ways to draw ourselves closer to Jesus this Lent. We decided to have at least two things we give to God this lent. The first we will share with each other and try to help each other stay on track. The second will be a personal denial that is only shared with Jesus.

We made homemade pretzels today.

We will have these with a simple vegetable soup tomorrow for lunch.

Tonight we will have a BIG pancake supper. In some places Fat Tuesday is called Pancake Tuesday. Buck's excited about this. He LOVES pancakes :) Then tonight we will talk more about replacing worldly activities with Godly ones this Lent. Before bed we'll collect all of the DVDs and videos that have no spiritual meaning and put those away. We'll fill the basket with all of our good spiritual videos. Then I'll drape a purple cloth over the TV which will remind us of our Lord's retreat into the desert and the beginning of Lent. It will stay there all of Ash Wednesday.

On Wednesday we will make our crown of thorns and begin on our Jesus Tree.

We'll go to Mass with dad in the evening and receive the cross of ashes on our foreheads. This is done as a sign of repentance for our sins. The ashes are made from burning last years palm branches. The priest reminds us that we are dust and to dust we shall return. We must strive to perfect our souls to live forever in heaven with our Lord.