"Take up your cross" - Lenten plans 2014

Tomorrow night, we will be celebrating and feasting at our church's Mardi Gras party (Shrove Tuesday), in preparation for our 40 days to die with our Lord.  So many opportunities to grow closer to him and unite our pains and sufferings to His.  I get SO excited because of the spiritual growth, both personally and as a family.  Here are some links that we will be using this year and also some plans that we've done in the past and will continue this year.

**Crown of Thorns - one of our favorite Lenten activities!!
tutorial and pictures found here

**Lenten devotionals
A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Therese of Lisieux
(will be read at breakfast)
Welcome Risen Jesus:  Lent and Easter Reflections for Families
(will be read at lunch)
Amon's Adventure:  A Family Story for Easter
(will be read as a family read-a-loud at bedtime)

**Jesus Tree banner and daily scripture reading

**Stations of the Cross - we'll set our posters around the house to pray as a family (with flashlights in our hands and all the lights turned out - totally sets the mood and the kids LOVE it!) and we'll also go to our church's Stations of the Cross on Wednesday (or when we can make it).  In the above picture, Max is holding a set of Stations with props that I created last year.  I'll try to create a post to share more about that later.


**Thinking about taking part in the Skirting Up Lent Challenge - although I only have a few longer skirts and a couple short skirts. I could do laundry a lot and find some good tights to keep me warm since we are not even close to spring-like weather.  Again, I'm thinking about it - I may even try to wear skirts 3-4 days each week??  That may be more doable!!  ;)

**Lenten audio retreat
audio retreat for each week during Lent - can't wait to start this!!  Maybe with hubby after kids are in bed??

**Busted Halo videos (Lent, Holy Week, Stations of the Cross)

**Holy Heroes Lenten Adventure - daily emails with videos and activities for your children

**Holy Thursday liturgical tea

**Good Friday liturgical tea

**I'm sure the young'uns will build some Lenten Lego's again.

And, as always, these are our plans.  Will we get to everything and finish it off successfully?  That would be nice, but like last year, every day is in God's hands and when things don't go our way, then there is more to offer up and unite with Him.

Other links and ideas....

66 Ideas of what to Give Up or Take Up for Lent 
Give Up, Take Up, Lift Up - good article from USCCB
An Introduction to Lent


++I adore you, O Christ, and I bless You, because by Your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world!!  ++