A Bundle of Myrrh

March 1: I’m really late this year but it’s finally time to make my Lenten “Plans” for the family. Thankfully since I established the habit of observing the holy days and seasons in our home years ago this isn’t too hard. What is hard is sticking to the plans. But again because I’ve been doing this for years I know 1. We won’t always stick to the plans and 2. That’s ok. I’ve finally learned to set the bar low and be alright with that.

With more kids we have and having kids that are getting older our days are really starting to fill up, but I still make it a priority to mark this penitential season in some way. The first and most important way we keep this season is by attending our Divine Services on Sunday and Vespers each Wednesday for the next 6 weeks. Another way, which is pretty easy, is visually by displaying artwork and the color of Lent (purple) and with the books on our shelf which we’ll read together through the season. I have tons of Easter books but it’s very hard to find books for Lent. Some Easter books work better than others so I pull them aside. (Harold and the Purple Crayon….I know. But PURPLE right?)

And finally during our family devotions we keep the same formula we always have, but I just insert “Lenty” things

February 27: Today we observe the Transfiguration of Our Lord. A few years ago I came across a recipe for “White Mountain Cake.” You know I had to start using that for this day. Now we turn our hearts and minds to the season of Lent which begins Wednesday.

“Lord, transfigure our perception with the purest light that shines, And recast our life’s intentions to the shape of Your designs, till we seek no other glory than what lies past Calv’ry’s hill And our living and our dying and our rising by Your will.” LSB 416

February 10: Today we remember St. Silas. I was hoping someone would get around to coloring Paul and Silas in prison today but no one did. I attempted a couple loaves of challah. While they weren’t as pretty as I’d have liked they actually looked, felt and tasted like real BREAD not my usual bricks so that was a huge win!

February 2: “Today, the Church remembers and thanks God for the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord. They brought the offering of the poor. They could only afford the turtledoves. Yet, even as they purchased the offering and entered the temple precincts, they knew that the real offering was not the birds, but the babe. He would be the Offering to end all offerings. In Him, the Law would be fulfilled.” Will Weedon