This week we are about to begin the season of Lent. I look forward to this every year because it isn’t clouded with preparations, parties, decorations, shopping and all the hoopla that Advent is. Lent is simply about our relationship with Christ. It is about remembering ALL He gave for us and getting ourselves together and looking into the depths of our beings to see that person that God created us to be.
He has given us life, He gave his Son for us, but are we giving Him our very best, or simply the leftovers? I for one, choose to spend this coming season growing my relationship with God and helping others to do the same. My goal is to grow the Kingdom of God here on Earth so that as many of us as possible will live for eternity with God in Heaven.
Sometime back in 2013, I read a wonderful book by Jen Hatmaker titled, 7 an experimental mutiny against excess. As I read her words my mind was opened and I realized that there are so many things that come up in our daily lives that we just don’t stop to consider. W e simply go through the motions oblivious to the effect our actions and choices take on the world around us and on God’s Kingdom here on Earth.
Last year during Lent, my priest allowed me to lead two groups through the bible study that Jen created based on her book. Lent was such a perfect fit for this journey because it is all about choices, fasting, focussing on God and how the daily activities we partake in, effect our relationship with Him and His Kingdom. I am excited to have this same opportunity again this year!
I will be leading two groups through this study again beginning February 25th. This is open to anyone and everyone that is interested in growing their relationship with God this Lent. Men, women, young, old, Catholic, Protestant, couples, singles, moms and dads. I invite you to read this post from last year where I reflect on my journey through the 7 Project and consider joining us this year. Each session will last approximately one hour and we will have 9 sessions total. We will meet at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at noon on Tuesdays and 7pm on Wednesdays. (Our first Tuesday class is actually being held on Wednesday, February 25th due to a prior commitment at our parish.) If you would like to reserve materials and a spot for you and your spouse or friends, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] .
Whether you join a group to help you grow your faith this or you simply take extra time as a family to pray and fast, I ask that you consider making a commitment of some kind to give your time and energy to God this Lent.
Blessings!