Warrior Prayers

Just a quick post tonight to share that I'm joining in the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons this month, so you may see some weekly posts related to prayer. I'm praying for Jonathan as well as my future son-in-law. ;-) 

The group I'm in is specific to moms of toddlers and preschoolers, go on over to Milk n' Honey Learn and Grow to learn more about the Moms of Toddlers group. (Pssst- the ebook Warrior Prayers is on sale for 1.99 through 9/6/11!)

Shrove (Fat) Tuesday

It's Shrove Tuesday, the day before the season of Lent. It almost sneaked past me! While our family is not Catholic, there are some Catholic traditions that I hope to incorporate in our family. In particular, I hope to emphasize many of the holidays of Christian liturgical year. 

Shrove Tuesday is meant to be a day of relaxation before Lent begins. Lent is meant to be a season of self reflection, self discipline, and, yes, self denial. Traditionally, pancakes are eaten on Shrove Tuesday. Historically, this is because indulgent foods like eggs, butter, and milk were not allowed during the season of Lent. Therefore, people made pancakes in order to use these ingredients up! 

We started this tradition last year. This year we made these fabulous pancakes. I think next year I may try doughnuts. I want to honor the original meaning of Fat Tuesday as well. I came across a book that's a wonderful resource- Celebrating the Christian Year by Martha Zimmerman. 

After enjoying a pancake supper, Zimmerman recommends "talk(ing) about the need for confession... Everything in our society and culture encourages self indulgence rather than self denial. Jesus taught that we should fast, pray and give." (pg 102)

Read 1 John 1:3 through 2:2. Focus especially on 1 John 1:7-10 and how many times the word sin is used:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Read Psalm 32:5

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Then Zimmerman recommends spending time in prayer and reflection as you begin Lent. 

This is obviously above Jonathan's head right now, but it's something I want to be focusing on in the years to come. It's at least provided me points of reflection today as we move into Lent...

Pancake Recipes:

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes @ Tasty Kitchen

History of Pancake Day (with recipes) @ Baking Bites

Shrove Tuesday/Lent Links:

Observing Lent @ Semicolon

10 Lenten Traditions to Enrich Your Family's Easter @ Crosswalk

Encouragement During the Diaper Days

With two little ones two and under, my days are full of diapers. I change diapers, wipe noses and wash hands so frequently my own hands are so cracked and dry this winter!

Yesterday, I came across this post from the Girltalk ladies and found it very refreshing and encouraging- it's definitely worth a read for any mom. Enjoy!

Changing Diapers in Christian Faith