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A Grateful Lent

Parishioner, Carole Aubin, has been speaking with me about the importance of celebrating the good things in life. She has been talking with a number of us trying to best celebrate "Gratitude for God in Our Lives." She has inspired me and a number of us to really look deeper at our lives and find God actively at work helping us all along the way.

An important part of Lent is journey of self-examination. Sometimes we need a structure that helps us through the questions to get to the gratitude. "Tired of all the anxiety and fear surrounding us?" Episcopal author, Diana Butler Bass says, "It seems whichever way we turn, whether toward church or toward our political life, there is conflict, anger, and division." She is correct. There is so much posting, tweeting, gossiping, media (some more than others with agendas) which helps birth anxiety. We sometimes forget we are surrounded by the Love of Christ that balances us and grounds us.

I invite you to explore how gratitude can heal hearts, mend divisions and find God actively at work in your life! Spend some time journaling for visions of grace and justice that can change the world through a spiritual discipline these 40 days of Lent.

Mom and blogger of "An Orthodox Mom" says, "It's like when the ink flows across a page my stress and worries flow out with it. Everything is put into perspective for me when it's on paper. Joys feel bigger and worries seem smaller which naturally bring an overwhelming feeling of contentment-one of my very favorite things to be."

Lent is the perfect time to do some soul searching while we're already preparing ourselves for Easter. During Holy Week, you are invited to offer up your learnings on paper either anonymously or with your name attached, as we celebrate our journeys. These offerings will be placed in a box and carried to Altar on Maundy Thursday.

1. Make a list of 5 things you're grateful for today.

2. Write your goals for this lent.

3. Prayers for your family.

4. Pray for peace in the world and for our government and political leaders.

5. Things you need to do more of in life.

6. Things you need less of.

7. Home goals.

8. A fear you need to face.

9. What makes you feel strong?

10. What makes you feel weak?

11. Something that makes you angry and why. Write about how to let it go.

12. 30 interesting facts about yourself.

13. Perform a random act of kindness and describe how it make you feel.

14. How can you serve God better?

15. Prayer for your priest.

16. A worry you need to give to God.

17. A biblical truth you're lacking.

18. Write your confession.

19. Something on your heart and mind today.

20. Prayer for a person that has hurt you.

21. Check your goals from Day 2. How are you doing? How can you do better?

22. An important decision you need to make.

23. A friend who needs prayer.

24. What things in my life cause anxiety or stress? Can I cut them out?

25. Something you feel guilty about. How can you fix that?

26. A habit you need to break.

27. Prayer for patience.

28. Write what you've learned about being your age.

29. Something you want God's blessing over.

30. Healing for...

31. What thoughts do you battle?

32. Prayer for your work.

33. How can I be a light? Pray for boldness and humility.

34. What am I dishonest with myself about. Why?

35. What does family mean to you? Describe your family - positive and negative.  Say a prayer

36. Life goals and plans.

37. Open your Bible and choose a verse that resonates with you. Write about why.

38. Something I'd like to learn how to do this year.

39. Write a letter to someone you love dearly.

40. Am I influenced by social media? Positively or Negatively?

41. Write a letter of thanksgiving to God.

BONUS PROMPTS

• Think of someone you admire, write the name at the top of your page and spend a few minutes brainstorming the qualities that make this person admirable to you. Circle the qualities you want to work on, star the qualities you already possess. If you wish, spend a few minutes describing how and why this person inspires you.

• Think of someone you admire, write the name at the top of your page and spend a few minutes brainstorming the qualities that make this person admirable to you. Circle the qualities you want to work on, star the qualities you already possess. If you wish, spend a few minutes describing how and why this person inspires you.

• How do other people's perceptions of you match who you actually are? Do you feel understood? Misunderstood? Is there anything you feel most people wouldn't guess about you?

• Think about your friendships. What does it mean to be a good friend? What makes some friendships better than others? Describe strengths of your closest friends and why you are drawn to them as people. Now describe the type of friend you are and how you can be even better.

• Defining our insecurities is one of the best ways to own them. List a few traits (physically, intellectually, emotionally, etc.) you are insecure about. Pick one or two traits to analyze. Why does this specific trait matter to you? Have you always been insecure about this trait? Has anyone else fed into these insecurities? Finally, write an affirmation helping you to own your insecurity and take control of it.

• Create a thought map with the word identity in the center. Branch out and add aspects of life, ideas, and experiences you believe are crucial to your identity. Is having a family attached to your identity? What about a career? Creative expression? Continue to expand your thought map until you believe it paints an accurate representation of your identity.

Any notebook will do, the important thing is to just get writing!

Source Material

· Adapted from Source material found at: Adventures of an Orthodox Mom

ALL ARE FULLY WELCOME!

 We are a joyful community celebrating Jesus Christ.

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

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Sunday Services

8:00 am Holy Eucharist

10:00 am Holy Eucharist

Christian Education for preschool and grade school, 

9:45 in the Parish House (building to the left of the church)

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Al Deston, Minister of Music

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