Leading Into Lent

Hearts and Valentine decorations will come down today in preparation for the season of Lent. Although I hate to see their bright colors disappear, it's just a reminder of the sacrifice that the next season brings. It's always with hope that I embark on the somber weeks of penance and await the Resurrection, because, optimistically I pray that the end of the Lenten season will bring about a better ME and the beautiful colorings of Spring.

In preparation for Lent, I've seen wonderful ideas on how to live out a more faithful, faith-filled season within your own family. Here are a couple that especially caught my eye this last week:

On Lent @ Martin Family Moments

Lent for Little Ones @ Momopoly


I am wrestling with ways to bring about more prayer and sacrifice in even the smallest ways in our home this year. I will again have reminders throughout our home of Jesus' cross and path to Calvary.

Drawing on Tracy's idea, I created something similar and this is on the doorway that leads to the basement and is in the kitchen and a high-traffic area of the main floor. Behind the tomb at the top is a picture of the Resurrected Jesus. Shh...don't tell my kids..

I didn't prepare early enough to order the beautiful Stations of the Cross pictures like Tracy has, instead I photocopied these in black and white from a children's book. These will be lined up the wall along the stairs. We will pass these numerous times daily and be reminded of Jesus' road to the cross and they will also serve as visual aids in our family Stations of the Cross throughout the coming weeks.

I would like to delve deeper into prayer, since my time with the Lord has been slipping in the morning. Daily, I offer a prayer for all those who read here, but if you have a specific intention that I can pray for you this Lent please leave a comment or email me (see sidebar).