Lenten Ideas

Where does time go?  Christmas is over and Easter is on the way- which means that Lent is here now too. . . along with the seemingly endless ideas of what one can do for Lent.  In the past our family has given  up T.V. for Lent and tried to do more family oriented activities.  This has been harder on some more than others.  We also try to take something on, maybe as a family or as individuals.  Thinking on this reminded me of the time I've taken on with my kids to what we call "special time."  I know, not a grand and glorious name- but it is what it claims.
 
The reason I bring this up is that I've been asked before what books I use during the special time I spend with the kids and so I thought I'd pass along some titles and challenge others to pick up one or more and share it during this Lent. 

One of the book series I use around 11 to 13 years of age is The Secret Keeper Girls by Dannah Gresh:

    

These are fun books that reflect on how special the gift of modesty is for girls and how to treasure this gift.  They offer Mom/daughter "dates" to help bring the points home.  The second one also has Bible reflection/studies that are neat to share together. 

As my girls got older, we moved on to "heaver" topics duing our special time- for this I recommend anything by Joshua Harris and Jason Evert:

    

Theses are for more mature age- around 15/16 and up.  While Joshua Harris isn't Catholic and Jason Evert is, both have excellent information to share on the gift of sexuality.

My list of books could go on and on, and if you want a more complete list, let me know.  Most of them are for girls, but I do have books titles that are geared for boys also. 

I hope whatever you do for you Lent, you will grow closer to our Lord and maybe even to loved ones. 

Surviving myself while I look forward to Lent,
Mary