And so it begins...

Today is the first day of Lent in the Catholic church. Nicholas and I went to mass this morning and received ashes on our foreheads. I truly love this period of 40 days before Easter. It helps me to center myself on what is important and try to get rid of things that are selfish or wasteful. It also helps me to focus on the need to help others in my community and our world.

This year for Lent I have decided to log off Facebook. I love Facebook and all the people on there (maybe too much) and sometimes find myself wasting hours at a time when I could be spending more quality time with family and friends.

I have also decided to start a morning prayer routine. Those of you who know me well, know that I am not a morning person and I am hoping that during Lent I will be able to get up early in the morning (before Nicholas wakes up) and spend 10-15 minutes in quiet meditation or prayer. I am confident that after 40 days of morning prayer it will become routine for me, because it only takes 21 days to form a habit.

The last thing our family will be doing is donating all of our spare change to Operation Rice Bowl which offers food, clothing, and shelter to people in poverty stricken countries.

Knowing that I can do a few things to help myself, my family, and others this Lenten season makes me feel joyful and full of hope!