Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. A period of 40 days {not including Sundays} in which we prepare for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. A time for prayer, reflection, and sacrifice.
I had been searching on the internet for some resources to use with my kids during the lenten season. I wanted them to really start to grasp the meaning of this season. I wasn't really finding anything that I was excited to use with them.
The other day as I was reading Joy's blog, she mentioned this site. I immediately ordered my family activity packet {hoping it arrives in the next day or two}. I also downloaded the cross with a paper chain countdown. Each day on the countdown has a bible verse, a mystery message, and an activity. We are keeping a jar where we are collecting coins each day from our activities. For example today's activity was to count suitcases and put a dime in the jar for each suitcase in our house. The money collected in our jar will go to Lifewater International to fund clean water for a child. The kids are really excited.
I also found this site that had a fun idea about a prayer pot. I love the concept of the things they put into the pot each Sunday. We are just using an empty jar this year but we will definitely be creating jars next year.In the past, I have not intentionally given up anything. This year I felt like I needed to make some type of sacrifice to keep my focus on the meaning of the Lenten season. I have chosen to give up facebook/twitter, fountain soda, and sweets {mostly those stinkin' chocolate chip cookies i love}. I encouraged my kids to think of things they could go without for 40 days in order to be more aware of the sacrifice made for them. They both have chosen to give up the computer.
What are you doing to observe lent?
3 comments:
Hey Kristen! I am going to try not eating in between meals which I think will be really hard since I stay home and often don't make a point to sit down and eat lunch. Anna is giving up cookies and since she and her dad are often called the "cookie monsters" of the house it is going to be super hard for her too! Talk to ya later, take care - Stacey
P.S. The kids got your kids cute valentines; unfortunately the "goodies" inside were all crushed! Thanks for thinking of them!
Those are quite the things to give up - good luck! I'll be here for moral support of course!
You have such great ideas for how to make things meaningful for your kids. I'll have to check out that site.
BTW...what are you reading these days?
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