Lent ~ March 10

Fast

Stop looking for encouragement and approval. Genuinely encourage and affirm someone else instead.

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Pray

What is God saying as you pray about this quote? Real love is demanding. I would fail in my mission if I did not tell you so. Love demands a personal commitment to the will of God." (Pope John Paul II).

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Give

Let your child choose a huge stack of picture books (use that word "huge" when you ask her to gather them). Read them all to her today.

Lent-March 9

Fast

Think of someone whose life you are tempted to envy and then choke out these words: "Thank you, God, for the blessings you have given to X. Help me to see my own."

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Pray

Talk a walk and pray, even if it's cold or raining.

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Give

Think about the kind of person your husband married. Be the best of that person for him today.

Lent~ March 8

Fast

Don't argue today. As much as possible give up, give in, give way.

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Pray

Ask God to show you how weak and small you are. Open our heart to see it.

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Give

When you are tempted to put on kid's TV or load a computer game today, pull out a stack of favorite picture books instead. Invite thekids to join you on the couch.

Much to be said for some time to ourselves

It’s one of those clichés that rings all to true: Most mothers have very little time alone. The joke is that she goes into the bathroom to be alone and often is joined by a child or two even there. Susanna Wesley, mother of 19 children, including John and Charles Wesley, threw her apron over her head in the midst of her crowd of offspring in order to “be alone” to pray. For many mothers, 40 days in the desert has a certain appeal. Read the rest here please. 

Lent~ March 7

Fast

Every time a child interrupts you today, stop what you are doing and look into his eyes as he talks.

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Pray

"My sheep listen to my voice I know them and they follow me." (John 10.27)

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 Give

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta)