Greetings! Happy Fat Tuesday! We are living that up in every sense of the phrase, it’s going to be a chocolate party today! Grant’s Birthday is Valentine’s Day, but since it falls during Lent this year, we are “feasting” today. We have an informal party planned with the Candy Shoppe theme, (mom was just as excited about this as son)! Ha. I will try to post some pics, it’s sure to be a sugary affair. I’ve also been busy planning for Lent, as best I can. There is never a dull moment around the house, especially with Karolina and Mr. Gus. Our big guy is into dress up. Shoes, gloves, scarves, and especially hats. Check out his getup:
And yesterday I was vacuuming and minding my own business, only to turn around and see this Gus-in-Disguise:
What a ham! Have I told you how much fun babies are? We are still knee-deep in diapers and have various challenges, but it’s a blessed adventure I would trade for anything. Okay, so, back to Lent. I have managed to get a few things ready, although not as much as I would like. We have our Lenten prayer corner up and decorated.
The rooster represents Peter’s denial “before the cock crows.”
The nest is a crown of thorns that will be transformed into a bird’s nest with eggs for Easter (representing new life)
The sticks represent the wood of the cross.
The rooster picture was less than $3 at The Flower Factory. I was so grateful (and so was Jim)! I got the idea from Pinterest where I have a “Lent” board. If you get a chance, I would love for you to check it out.
We’ve also been obsessively playing, and singing this song that was one of our faves from last year. I can’t help it..it’s just cool and catchy. I’ve also been basking in the blessing of one of my favorite modern day writers, Fr. Edward Hays’ new website and blog. He is one of my spiritual heroes and I was so overjoyed to see he launched an official website and blog! In fact, he even has “Lenten Conferences” you can listen to once a week. Click here for his website. He also has posted artwork and prayers posted, and lots of fantastic books. I will leave you with one of his thoughts:
The Lenten Desert
you will be united intimately
with a global multitude of Lenten Pilgrims.
As your Lenten prayers and works
will influence their Easter pilgrimage,
so, likewise, their prayers and deeds
will influence yours,
as together we are reformed and renewed
during these Desert Days of Lent.
A Blessed and Grace-filled Lenten Pilgrimage
and a Joyous Feast of Easter.
Hi Brooke,
I saw your note about your kids' people prayer chain- great idea. I started something somewhat similar many years ago when my kids were young. I save our old Christmas cards -we're blessed with so many beautiful ones- and I make paper links with them, write the names of those who gave us the cards on the link. Then, I save the chain until Lent, at which time every evening when we pray at dinner, we tear off a link and include that person/family in our meal prayers.
blessed Lent,
Jane