Well, we are more than half-way through Lent; and I have to say that I think things are going remarkably well here.  I am so much more satisfied with this Lent than I have been with any other Lent or Advent I have ever celebrated. 

As I wrote several weeks ago, I'm using this "road map to Easter" with the kids, combined with this Bible reading schedule and the symbols that go with each reading.  The chart we have hanging in the kitchen is really helping the kids pay attention to the readings; and it allows for alot of review, since they are constantly asking me to go back over what the different symbols stand for.  So far we have begun special prayers of thanks for the things we are especially grateful for (note later that for a week or so, Gordon or Teeny always thanked God for the TV).  We also talked about forgiveness and the need to both ask for and give it.  Last week we focused on abstinence and went beyond our fast food fast to abstain from TV for a full five days!!!  This week we are working on extra acts of charity.

The week without TV was a wonderful experience for the whole family and has helped form some new, better habits around here.  For instance, the week sorta weaned my children off of the constant TV feed of cable stations like Nickalodian and Disney.  Now I have them watching EITHER Mr. Rogers and Reading Rainbow during lunch OR a DVD in the evening.  Jason and I are also restricting our cable viewing.  I have about three or four "must see" shows during the week, and Jason loves to rent DVDs from our local Redboxes; SO, we only watch those shows and a DVD or so a week.  This may still sound like a substantial amount of TV viewing, but it is a big step for us.  I used to have the TV on every time I nursed as well as for about an hour or two after my favorite shows AND just about anytime I was bored in the evening.  Jason, too, feels the cut-back every time he comes home and catches himself instinctively looking for the remote and the sofa.  But we both realize how nice it is to have our time back.  We read more, talk more, . . .

As far as my own personal Lenten journey, I have finished Sacred Marriage, have ordered Sacred Influence, and have recommended the former to everyone I can think of (it is the only marriage book I've ever finished -- this goes way beyond the stuff you've always heard).  Jason is now reading the book (and likes it alot -- has already shared much insight gained from his reading), as is a dear family member who is reconciling her marriage.  So exciting.  And, yes, the book has had several practical effects on my marriage. . . but some are rather personal, so I'll opt out of sharing the specifics.

Also, working toward simplicity this Lenten season, I have begun greatly limiting my internet use -- I literally have to TURN OFF THE COMPUTER sometimes, but it works -- and I get much more done and find that my kids are much better behaved.  I've also developed a greater appreciation for the library and have decided to begin passing on those books that I purchase that I just think are wonderful to friends and family (so, someone will be getting a copy of Sacred Marriage once Jason finishes it). 

I think the ideas of fasting and abstinence are sort of misunderstood in some Protestant circles.  My mom likes to say that she gave "everything" up when she became a Christian and therefore doesn't have anything to fast.  However, I've found that giving things up like, say, meat or sugar or television. . . gives me an opportunity to evaluate what sort of a hold these things have on my life and how I might need to simplify my life in areas like food consumption and media use.  Eating more simply (at least some of the time) saves money for more important things -- like giving to charitable causes.  And restricting TV and computer time allow for better use of my time -- like reading, praying, talking with Jason, and spending time with my kids.

. . .speaking of which, my oldest is beconning me to the living room.  So, until the next time I get a long chunk of time during which to indulge in blogging. . .