This is my first time to join a Blog Carnival. Iām participating in the Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013, hosted by Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, Truly Rich Mom and Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families. We’ll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds, and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of link-up entries.
Keep Love in Lent
Lenten season started with Ash Wednesday last February 13, 2013, a day before Valentine’s Day. Since, I had my 35th week ultrasound last February 15, 2013 and my last CBC and Urinalysis done, I haven’t had the time to reflect on Lent. I only got the chance to think about it this weekend. It was Baby Noah’s baptism (the second son of Ate Nina of ManilaMommy.com). Attending the baptism made me think of how wonderful God is by giving all of us the gift of life. I thought that this Lenten season is the best time to show Him that we truly appreciate our lives by ‘caring’ for it.
Sacrifices come in different forms. For this Lenten season, we came up with the theme of Little Acts of Love for our family. Although in general, little acts of love can be defined in so many ways, each of us in the family (EJ and I) wrote down a list of things that we will do this Lenten Season.
This is my list:
1. Every Saturday starting February 23, write a letter of thanks to people in your family.
We’re not really a ‘showy’ family, if you get what I mean. We are there for each other, but we really are not into sentimental exchanges of love letters or even hugs. This would be difficult for me, since I don’t know how the people I will give these letters to will react to it.
2. Take extra care during my last weeks of pregnancy. This little act of love is for my baby Zeeka. I know that a lot of people have reprimanded me for being too busy and for not taking it easy. This is actually hard for me. Taking it slow is soooo hard for me. So starting February 16 or Week 36 of my pregnancy, I will make it a point to lie down from 2:30 – 4:00 every afternoon and not sit in front of the computer the entire day.
3. Another thing related to taking care of Zeeka and myself is to take enough water daily. I will make it a point to drink 8 glasses of water a day and cut down on junk food. Since I cannot fast, this will be my sacrifice.
4. For my EJ, thank you for being a good provider. As an act of love for him, I will not spend on unnecessary things for this and next week. And yes, I will keep track of this! I promise!
5. For my friends online, I will visit at least 2 blogs daily, read the latest article and comment on it. This will be my way of showing support for the online community of mom bloggers out there.
6. Be patient and control emotions. I will be patient with everyone — our house helpers, family, friends, servers at restaurants, traffic, etc.
So these are the things that I plan to do this Lenten season to spread Lenten love. My husband has his own list of little acts of love. I’ll try to see if I could post them for you.
How about you? What are the little acts of love that you plan to do? How will you spread Lenten love?
Mommy Ginger
Check out the Lent reflections participating in the Keep LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013! We’ll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds, and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE.
Discover new Catholic Blogs to follow!
Equipping CatholicFamilies: Keep LOVE in LENT
Call Her Happy:40 Simple Lenten Activities for Kids
Lenten Love: Little Acts of Love
Building Rocks
Grow the Roses: Keep Love in Lent
Family At The Foot Of The Cross: Loving Service
Catholic Homeschooling Joy: A Lenten Activity
JOY:Keep the Love in Lent
Twenty Tuesday Afternoons: Tuesday # 11: Pancake Tuesday / Keeping Love in Lent
Campfires and Cleats: Why a Failing Lent Really Isn’t
Harrington Harmonies: Make a Lenten Holy Hour
A Mommy of Three:Good Deeds for Lent
Loving the Semi Country Life: Lent:special time to reflect and keep the love in lent
Written By the Finger of God: A 7 Step Lenten Plan
Mommy Bares All: Giving Up and Making Space for Love this Lent
The Irish Lassie Shop: Seek God Everywhere
Hand-Maid with Love: Living Lent, Loving Lent
Words On Heaven: IN THE DESERT FOR 40 DAYS
On The Way Home: Keeping LOVE in Lent
Homeschooling with Joy: Keep Love in Lent
Mountain Grace: Keep Love in Lent
Eyes On Heaven: I am Choosing to Live
Joy Alive in Our Hearts:”God’s Love at Work”
Life of Fortunate Chances: Love is Fun: Keeping Love in Lent
Fifth of Five: Keep the LOVE in Lent
I Blog Jesus: for Praying our Loud!
Overflow: Loving Lent with Little Ones
This Cross I Embrace: Keep LOVE In Lent
Sole Searching Mamma: 15 Ways to Experience a More Meaningful Lent
Catholic All Year: My Biggest Lent Fails and How I Learned Mortification…
Four Little Ones: Keeping Love in Lent
Gaels Crafty Treasures Keeping Love in Lent
Bear Wrongs Patiently: Lent for the Scrupulous
Rosary Mom: Keeping Love in Lent
LoveLetters 7.10: Teacups {Keeping the Love in Lent}
Little Saints in the Making: Keep Love in Lent
Blessed with Full Hands: Keeping love in Lent- Praise Him
Normal Chaos: Our Own Personalized Lenten Journey
These Little Blessings: Gifting Love this Lent
The Cajun Catholic: The our Father; a lenten reflection
Truly Rich Mom: Keeping Love in Lent… Even When It Is Difficult
GATHERING GRACES:Keeping LOVE in LENT
SaIsa Pang Sulyap – Fullness Of His Love
LiturgicalTime: Keeping Love in Lent – Finding Balance
Grace Loves Iggy: love in lent
Sacred Oysters: Empty (Keeping LOVE in LENT)
Tercets:Make Heart Rosary Decades to Pray for Others
The Diary of a Sower: Our Lenten Prayer Tree
A Living Garden — Giving for Others with Love: Keeping LOVE in LENT
Homegrown Catholics: Motivated by my childrens’ activities {Lent}
MyBroken Fiat: Keeping Love in Lent… Barely
Journey to Wisdom: Keeping Love in Lent: Bands of Love
Softening My Heart: An Anniversary Lesson during Lent
Getting my feet up every afternoon is a key part of my pregnancy survival strategy. It makes a big difference in my evening pleasantness. Good luck and God bless.
Author
Hi Kendra! Thanks for stopping by! š Hope you and your family have a blessed Lenten Season! Love lots, Ginger
Ginger,
I really like the idea of doing lots of small acts during this lent. It reminds me of middle school when we had random acts of kindness. Sometimes its the smallest things that make the biggest impacts. Congrats on your baby that will soon be here. My wife had our first baby in October and the last 4 months have flown by with her. Good luck the rest of the lent!
+Chad.
Author
Hi Chad!
I’m sure that you are enjoying your baby! š I can’t wait to spend time with mine, too! As early as now, I’m already planning her baptism. May you and your family have a blessed Lenten Season!
Love lots,
Ginger
Love your list of little acts of love, Ginger! š Thanks for reminding me, too, to take care and slow down! š And for joining the blog link-up/carnival! š God bless always!
Author
Hi Tina! š Thanks for co-sponsoring this blog carnival! š I am enjoying reading everyone’s entries! š Love lots, Ginger
Hi Ginger~I’m stopping over from the Keeping Love in Lent Link-up and nice to meet you. Love your list and I can sure use a little work on #6 myself! Great ideas. I’m also trying to do a little something extra for my husband this Lent, even if it’s a sweet text message or some little act of love. God bless you and that new baby arriving soon!
Author
Hi Tiffany! I am actually reading your Socks of Love Idea in your blog! š I love it. I’ll leave a comment there in a while! š Thank you for visiting my blog! Godbless!
Love lots,
Ginger
Hi, Ginger! We meet again and this time in the blog link up.:) I love your list of little acts of love. And I am one with you in saying that little acts can be defined in so many ways. Take care and God bless. š
Author
Thanks for dropping by, Ginnie! š I’ll drop by your entry, too! š
Ginger- I loved your #4! I never thought of it that way. It is an act of love when we act responsibly with the money provided us. -Just a nice thought, thanks. As for small acts of love, right now we are sick. So Yesterday I made my home made chicken soup for my son which he loved. For myself I’d just rather eat something easy but I know it meant so much to him and made him feel better. And that’s what loves all about:) Enjoyed your blog.
Author
Hi Stephanie! That’s so sweet! š I hope you feel better. My husband was also rushed to the hospital the other day since he had stomach aches and was vomiting. He’s better now. Praying for all those who are sick š Thanks for dropping by! ~ Ginger
I love your idea about writing thankful letters each week. These will be treasured by the people who get them!
Author
Aw, thanks Monica! š
Blessings to you in your final weeks!
The water thing is a great reminder. As a nursing mom, I never do that enough as I should.
#6 is something I need to concentrate on every day ;0)
Author
That is so true! Keeping your emotions under control is hard, but practice makes perfect! š
I think that it’s the little acts of love we do everyday that makes our lives and the lives of those around us beautiful. š God bless you in doing those on your list.
Author
Thanks, Teresa! š
I really enjoy your list! We all need to be reminded to slow down and cherish the small moments. We are working on #6 at our house too. Being patient and controlling our tempers can be difficult when little kids disagree.
Author
Thank you so much, Monique! š Good luck with practicing #6! š I’m sure you will be able to do it!
What an exciting time for you as you await the birth of your baby! Enjoy these last few weeks of anticipation, and especially, enjoy #6 on your list. I think your idea of a list of a few loving things to do for others (and yourself) is a perfect way of observing Lent.
Author
Thanks so much, Kari! š I am enjoying the ‘wait’. All I have been trying to do now is relax, sleep and eat well. š
I am with you on the first for sure. We are losing the art of writing hand letters. I start also instead of sending email birthday cards to mail them one. It’s just so nice to get on in the mail and that one took that extra time to send it. Many Blessings.
Author
Hurray for letter writing! š I’ll be writing my first note this Saturday! š I can’t wait! š
Getting enough water each day is ALWAYS a problem for me too! I love the idea of giving lent a theme for your family, we may have to try that one!
Author
haha! Thanks for dropping by, Tiffany! š 4 glasses today already! š 4 more to go! š
Oh #2! Yes, so important. We’re having our second in May, and I have been horribly neglectful in this area. It’s taking its toll. Be so kind to yourself. You are growing another being for God š
Author
Hi Jenna! Congratulations on having your second baby! š You take care, too! š
Hi Ginger! I’m visiting you from the KLIL carnival, and wanted to say congratulations on your pregnancy!! You have a great list of ideas – I especially appreciate your focus on little acts of love. This is a great concept to teach children. We don’t always feel loving or generous, but acting in love can be a great sacrifice for our Lord!
Author
Hi Susan! Thanks for the well wishes! š My husband and I are excited to see our little one! š Thank you for reading our list!
What a great list. Isn’t it funny how sitting down and relaxing can become such a tremendously difficult thing to do???
In our house I’m trying to stress how what you’re doing/not doing is bringing you closer to Christ. We’ve also been focusing on doing things with love. Quite the challenge.
Author
Hi Laura! True that! š It’s so difficult just to sit down and keep still and invite peace in our surroundings. It’s a challenge! I appreciate the stillness of the evening where I can talk to God and pray. š
Great ideas. I’m sure it won’t be easy, but you can do it! Also, I think I’m gonna borrow a few of your ideas. I like the letters of thanks every week. I think it will help us appreciate other people more that way. Thanks!
Author
Hi Janice! Thanks for dropping by! Do follow the letter writing activity! š I think people who will receive it will be very happy! š
We are not a “showy” family either. Sometimes I wish we could show how much we mean to each other more easily. Writing a little letter is such a good idea.
Author
Hi Darlene! Thank you so much! Do try it and let me know how it goes š I can’t wait to send my first letter this Saturday š
Loved your list. I am also trying to do #6 for Lent. I can relate to how difficult it is to slow down during the last weeks of pregnancy, when you feel there are so many things you want to do before the baby comes! I was the same with my three kids. So sweet to read about how you are already planning Zeeka’s baptism.. she is a lucky baby!
Author
Thanks so much! š Yes, there are so many things I want to do before she comes but I’m stopping myself first. I need to take it easy! Thanks for dropping by!
I believe that little acts of love are not little at all, for love always has a huge impact no matter the size of its acts. As long as the good intention is found in the acts, love will always be great.
What you’re doing out of love for your family shows what a great family you are.
Thanks for sharing.
God bless.
Author
You are right! š Love will always be great! š thank you so much for your kind words, Adib! š God Bless!
Little acts of love is perfect theme for mommies of any age. The love notes to family sounds like a fruitful task and I will try that!
Author
Thanks, Nancy! š
Hi Ginger,
You came up with a great list, even with a busy baptism and all! Writing a letter of thanks is very touching and I’m sure will be greatly appreciated…I would like to start this wonderful habit, too! Thank you for sharing your ideas and congratulations on your newest gift of life!!
Author
Thanks so much, Valerie! š
Hi Ginger! I love your list. I also am focusing on doing little acts of love this lent. And I think your approach is great and practicle. I like what you said about resting during the last months of pregnancy and watching what you spend for your husband. These are all small things that make a big difference in the end. May your Lent be filled with “love”. God Bless!
Mother Theresa said:
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROMOTE WORLD PEACE?
GO HOME AND LOVE YOUR FAMILY.
EVERY ACT OF KINDNESS IS LIKE A PEBBLE THROWN IN A POND, SENDING OUT RIPPLES, AFFECTING A HUGE AREA
I was searching the internet to see how the name of our program is found by different search engines when I came upon your blog. I know many of you are connected with churches and I would love to share the information of an opportunity for service with our program LITTLE ACTS of LOVE. We are offering a Summer Service Camp this year and would love to have the opportunity to help you put your love in action in a bigger way. We provide simple home repairs to the elderly and disabled free of charge through an army of volunteers. We are currently serving in Reading, PA which was sited as having the highest percentage of people living in poverty per the 2010 US Census. Since that time the city has moved to number six. There are so many in dire need of help to remain in their homes. Please share this information with your youth leaders. We do have a Facebook page and are in the process of updating our web site at littleactsoflove.net. I would be honored to share our service camp brochure with your youth leaders. God moves among us in so many ways. Today He showed me your website. Thank you for sharing.