Finally Found the Quiet

There is that saying, "The calm before the storm"; there is also the reverse which is the quiet that follows a storm.  We are in a time of quiet.  The seas have settled and our last planned activity is behind us.  A blissful two weeks of non crazy filled days is hours away.  Oh thank you God.  Not just for pushing us into this cozy corner, but for providing the blessings that were shared in the weeks past.

(The rocks of offerings that may have been rough to do, will come full circle on Easter Sunday; replaced by sweet rewards for deeds done with grace and humility)

Most of our time has been spent with family and dear friends.  I've made very little time for blogging; I have run out of juice for this space right now.  It's mostly due to the heavier obligations, one that is new and one that is growing, among my little family. 

(And they mocked Him, dressing him in the colors of a King and a crown of thorns)

I've voiced out some concern over on FB about one area of change, homeschooling has taken a new and challenging leading role.  Max has some learning issues (has since the beginning) that now require a lot of my time teaching one on one.  With home educating more than one child, teaching confirmation to the youth of our parish, still keeping up with house cleaning and the needs of the other family members (plus my own); I've just about pulled my hair out more than once.

Somehow though, it's all falling into place.  There is no room for the sloth in me to show it's side.  It always lurks for a way out though.  Thus, my anxiety on whether I'm using my time wisely or not.

Another place of focus lies with my FIL.  He hasn't had the greatest news in his fight with cancer lately.  It is by the grace of God, truly a miracle and blessing from Him alone that he is still with us.  Two years ago he was given months... stage 4 they said.  Go home and prepare to die was their advice.  It has been a borrowed time with him that has provided the branches so many blossoms have grown from.  This past week perhaps the best of all. 

Since he (my FIL) is a very private man, I've not shared too much; here or anywhere else.  Those that already know and have offered so many prayers... THANK YOU!  He is going strong and with God all things are possible.

(The countdown to Lent takes on a little different look each year, this one was from Lacy @ Catholic Icing.  We placed an area for special prayers and added a pocket for prayer cards on the bulletin too)

Is it no wonder that the feeling of failing something or someone is a constant nagging on my conscience. As if I'm failing this season of Lent, to grow in those virtues of patience, prudence, piety...

Crazy, I know.  I found myself questioning such little things; why didn't I offer my cup of coffee for Lent?  Feeling terrible that we have yet to attend daily Mass.  Asking myself if our rosaries or divine mercy prayers are really enough?

(Each Lenten season we put our prayers in a jar (offering the names of family and friends).  Every Sunday of Lent one child draws a name and that person(s) are prayed for specifically each day of that week.  We are, of course, praying daily for our Pope Benedict XVI!  It's a special time in our Church for sure)

 

Lucy thought, or thinks, her Mama is nuts.  She just about said it too, though not in those exact words.  But, she noticed my anxiety over it.  In her simple and direct way, the willingness to serve is a sacrifice, Mom!  Why are you trippin'?  She really didn't ask why I was trippin'.  Her grammar and English is near perfect, funny girl.  You want to get a reality check, go ask your teenager.  They have all the answers (hahaha).

So, I'm calmer now.  Happy to have the opportunity to refocus my priorities again.  Glad to be in this moment.  Hey, sometimes one needs the pot of life to be stirred up a bit.  My pot was definitely stirred. 

(Rose working on a letter to her Godparents; her special intention this week)

With God's grace, I hope to come out of this season a bit wiser and more grateful than I was before.  That alone makes me smile. 

"How can we complain when He Himself was considered 'as one struck by God and afflicted'."

(Isa. 53:4)

~ St. Therese of Lisieux

(Lent faith folder from Linda's Lapbooks for Catholics. The kids are working on this during Lent.  Except Lucy, who did this years ago when I first purchased it.)

Around my home

Lent

is

everywhere

~

Compunction

1. 1.  A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that follows the doing of something bad: "spend the money without compunction"
2. A pricking of the conscience.

•  Synonyms: remorse - regret - repentance - penitence - contrition

During confirmation class last night Fr. S spoke about Compunction.  How this is exactly what Lent is suppose to create.  We are to puncture away at our sins.  Our conscience is supposed to be on high alert for the 'feeling' that comes from nearing one self to sin.  It is Ash Wednesday and already I'm on the edge;  Lent has just begun and already I feel challenged. 
 
Praying that these next 40 days I am in the state of compunction.  That it leads me to repentance and change; ending my path at the foot of the cross.  I hope to gaze up upon the crucified King and know that I have walked with Him and towards Him.

 Praying for us all

Shrove Tuesday!

Whether today is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday or even Pancake Day for you.  It is always the last day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  40 days of self sacrifice, of doing more, growing more, being more for Jesus.  It's a time of silence and keeping focus on our souls.  For many it'll be a time of deep reflection, while for others it may be a time of change.

Shrove Tuesday is the last day of what traditionally was called "Shrovetide," the week preceding the beginning of Lent. The word itself, Shrovetide, is the English equivalent for "Carnival," which is derived from the Latin words carnem levare, meaning "to take away the flesh." (Note that in Germany, this period is called "Fasching," and in parts of the United States, particularly Louisiana, "Mardi Gras.") While this was seen as the last chance for merriment, and, unfortunately in some places, has resulted in excessive pleasure, Shrovetide was the time to cast off things of the flesh and to prepare spiritually for Lent.  Actually, the English term provides the best meaning for this period. "To shrive" meant to hear confessions

~ Catholic Culture

This is my favorite season of the liturgical year.  We are going to have a mix bag of pancakes and a dish packed with meat for dinner.  Then I'm off to assist with the confirmation class and we are in for a super treat with Fr. S beginning our evening with a talk regarding Lent.  Since he just returned from a retreat with fellow priest, I'm sure he is on FIRE right now and ready to feed the flock.

For my kiddies though we've had a day of music, lessons and Mardi Gras fun...check it out:

I wanted the kids to know whey there are 3 specific colors used on Mardi Gras

So I used a simple chart I made for them to fill in the meaning as we spoke about each color

(it's an easy little download I made and you may use it if you like)

Purple is for Lent signifying Justice

Gold is for Easter signifying Power

Green is for Epiphany signifying Faith;  

it officially ends the season of Epiphany and is the vigil for the starting of Lent

We then moved on to make Mardi Gras masks.  We used a simple template from here first found by Charlotte.

We spent some time on these, talking about our human mask.  The easiness of hiding our sins behind such masks but how our real selves are always seen by God. 

Our real selves are always so much nicer and the masks are fun to use for play.  But I really wanted the kids to understand that the play of 'Mardi Gras' as seen on T.V and such isn't what we celebrate.  As Fr. S stated tonight (I had to finish this post after my class) we enter into Lent to shed ourselves of what keeps us fulling from God.  We don't party it out on 'Fat Tuesday'.  We use today to prepare our way as we enter this time of Lent.

Look at those smiles...

Now for the morning and the start of Lent!

God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent. By the good works You inspire, help me to discipline my body and to be renewed in spirit.

Without You I can do nothing. By Your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will. Teach me to find new life through penance. Keep me from sin, and help me live by Your commandment of love. God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works. May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness, open my heart to Your love, and prepare me for the coming feast of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, during this Lenten Season, nourish me with Your Word of life and make me one with You in love and prayer.

Fill my heart with Your love and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness. Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Mass.

Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand; let me walk more readily in Your ways. Guide me in Your gentle mercy, for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.

Father of love, source of all blessings, help me to pass from my old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.

Amen

Check out http://catholicicing.com/2012/02/lenten-link-up/
to Lent!

Lenten Readings

Lenten Reading List

Not in any particular order; we read these over the 40 days of Lent.