We Rise Again From Ashes

Today is the day I get to walk around waiting for people to tell me I have something on my head. That's right! It's Ash Wednesday!! Lent begins today and because of the weather the whole family was able to attend Mass together to start the day. The kids are out of school again and Ken doesn't have to be at work until noon, so the 7 am service fit perfectly into our schedule.

It also prompted a good discussion with the kids this morning about Lent and what their plans are. I'll be honest, I'm not sure yet what I'm giving up. I already don't drink caffeine or eat chocolate very often. I could say I'd give up Facebook, but I know that wouldn't really happen. Plus I use it for business and that would not be a good fiscal plan. I think I'm going to give up fiction. That's a good stretch for me and it also lends itself well to fulfilling my resolution to read more non-fiction this year (which I haven't technically started yet...)

I also asked Henry about Lent. Technically, he's young enough that he doesn't have to observe all the obligations of Lent, but since he's having his First Communion this year I told him he could practice. I think it's funny that every time I ask him to give up something he names the iPad. I'm not sure where that comes from. Does he regret all the time he spends on it? Does he think he can trick me by playing on the computer and watching TV instead? I'm never sure with him, but I'm proud of him for wanting to challenge himself.

A little later he was yelling at Benjamin about something inconsequential. They resolved it themselves just as I was walking by. I  looked at him and said, "Maybe you could give up fighting with your brother..." The look he gave me was full of wisdom and chagrin. Like he knew that would be a good idea, but also knew it not be something he could actually accomplish.

Let is a good time to really take a good, hard look at yourself and think about what needs to go. What can you change to make yourself a better person. As I just explained to someone who asked me about my ashes, it's a good time to think about your path and how you can re-align it with God's path. Are there things you frequently regret doing? Things you regret not doing? Are you on the path you want to be on? What can you do to get back on that path, if not?

If it's okay to say, I like Lent. I like the introspection of it. It's like another new chance to start over. An opportunity to shift the focus of my life back to where it should be.

How about you? Do you do Lent?


I'm linking up today with Lisa's One Word Challenge. The word choices were paradise, alone, and regret. This week I only got one!  Did you find it?

Lent: 40 bags in 40 days

If you are paying close attention, you may recognize this idea from last year. I wanted to join in on a movement for Lent to get rid of 40 bags of stuff in the 40 days of Lent. Well I got off track and I gave up. But I am realizing more and more lately that getting sidetracked does not mean the end of your goals. I am constantly recommitting myself to things I want to accomplish. And I really do want to make my house a better place by getting it cleaned up.

40 bags in 40 days Challenge

Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday.  I always feel like this is a great time to make resolutions and check in on old ones that I made back at the beginning of the year.  This year, in addition to giving something up, I would like to add on something to daily habits.  I can replace one with the other and really benefit myself and those around me.

I am giving up social media and screen time when others are around.  I don't see the point (for me) of giving it up when I'm alone.  I see nothing wrong with checking Facebook or watching Netflix after the kids have gone to bed before Ken gets home.  But I know that Ken hates it when I check my facebook while we're snuggled on the couch. And the kids shouldn't see me with my face stuck to a screen at all times.

Instead of all that screen time, I would like to do the "40 bags in 40 days" challenge.  During Lent I will be de-cluttering my house be getting rid of 40 bags of stuff.  Some of this stuff will be junk that needs to be gotten rid of, but some of it can be given away or sold.  Here's my list of places to check:

1. The steps going upstairs
2. Steps
3. Steps
4. The kids' closet
5. Bathroom cabinet
6. Shelves by the front door
7. Living room closet
8. Behind the chair in the living room
9. Toy storage in dining room
10. Corner cabinet in dining room
11. Sewing desk
12. Bookshelves in dining room
13. Buffet and hutch area
14. Kitchen table
15. Top of fridge
16. Under the kids' bed
17. Toy box in kids' room
18. Storage under my bed
19. My closet
20. Top of my dressers
21. Top of Ken's dresser
22. Basement shelves
23. Basement shelves
24. Basement shelves
25. Basement shelves
26. Garage
27. Garage
28. Garage
29. Upstairs guest room
30. Upstairs guest room
31. Upstairs guest room
32. Upstairs guest room
33. Upstairs guest room
34. Office
35. Office 
36. Office
37. Office 
38. Office
39. Upstairs closet
40. Front yard and garden area

I will move this whole list over to a tab on my blog and you can check my progress there.   If you don't see pictures, please feel free to call me out!  I need some helping staying on track here!!

Are you doing anything different for Lent?  I'm not sharing to brag; I'm sharing to keep myself accountable. If you want to share, I'd love to hear!