I found a really nice online Lenten devotional (and other ramblings)

Ajani · 03-01-2006, 04:12 PM

I'm not Catholic, but lots of denominations outside of Catholicism observe Lent. Actually, I don't know that my denomination (Mennonite Brethren) officially observes it, but our Pastor encourages us to.

So today I found a very nice online Lenten devotional. Journey to the Cross. It's simple, not terribly involved and doesn't take a lot of time. That may not be everyone's criteria, but with a supersonic toddler running around, I need to make the most of his downtime. LOL I'm not giving up anything, per se. I'm just sitting down to a devotional first thing, rather than the online news or whatever.

2 years ago I started another one (can't recall if I finished it), called Contemplating the Cross, and prayed in the beginning that I would be a different person at the end than when I started. I sure was. I found out I was pregnant part way through! Not this time, though.

I just want to regain some closeness with God. It's sad to realize that the faith that I used to live out is foreign to me now. Not that I don't have faith. I haven't walked away or anything. But I can't remember the last time that I felt close to God. It's like I'm just going through the motions, but I'm not really there, kwim?

GabrielsMom · 03-01-2006, 04:55 PM

Cool! I am going to check it out! BTW, the link in your post doesn't work, it is:

http://www.journeytothecross.org/

You had an extra ' in there.

God bless!

GabrielsMom · 03-01-2006, 05:16 PM

I meant to also add that I am not Catholic either, but this is the first year that I am observing lent. You should have heard my mother's reaction

I grew up in an environment that was anti-Catholic, to say the least. But I believe that in our zealous protestantism, we have thrown away a lot of meaningful traditions such as observing lent, confession, liturgy, and learning about the lives of the saints. Yes, these can be empty ritual if the heart is not in them. But they can be rich experiences that draw us closer to Christ if our heart is in them. It's not so much for God's benefit to do things like this, but our own... to help us focus on following Christ. Sure, we can do without them, but to me, life is so much richer WITH them.

This is what has been rattling around in MY head this lenten season.

CathyBL1 · 03-01-2006, 08:12 PM

Thanks Ajani -- I will check out the link tonight at home!

I like to observe Lent every year in some fashion. Usually I read through a devotional book. This year my wonderful DH is writing a new Lenten devotion for me each day!!! He is such a sweetie, I love him so much.

I got my first installment via email this morning, LOL.

Does anyone else have anything special they are planning to do for Lent?

Cathy