Lent Week One ... Towards Week Two...

The beginning of Lent,

with the beautiful 

Canon of St. Andrew of Crete,

being done in 4 parts at church in the evening,

had me using the Light Rail to go to church

three out of the four nights.

Our schedules were thrown off a bit and 

by midweek I blogged about some real discouragement

that I was facing.

I could not even manage to light our lampadas

and had a single 4 day candle burning instead...

I was able to light candles which I did,

candle after candle for some dear friends facing

sickness or other trials. 

It was not till Friday that I got the lampadas lit again.

I can only thank God for His mercy and ask His blessing 

for a fruitful Lent;

we must struggle but He will provide the increase.

And in His mercy I pray that even the small things 

we seek to do will be blessed.

*

Even though this week began with difficulty,

I am a bit more alert to the fact that Lent is for

our healing and that it is God's love that is calling us

to this time...

*

I hope to be writing a bit on some books 

that I am reading or re-reading for Lent.

I will be hoping to share that with you

in our Lenten Journey!

Almost half way through week one of Great Lent

So my friends who are practicing Lent...

How goes it? 

I have been reminded again how hard it is; 

suddenly we are in the fast, 

perhaps trying to have a bit more spiritual discipline,

whether spiritual reading or prayer...

and this week there are lots of church services to go to...

*

Mr. Husband and I were at the third of 

the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and when I read towards the end these words,

I was greatly encouraged: 

Do not let despair make you worse than the Canaanite

woman, my soul, for you have heard of her faith through

which her daughter was healed by the Word of God. Call to

Christ like her from the depth of your heart, "Son of David,

save me." 

 ~ from here (thanks to Anna for the link!)

*

So this week we have been 

having lots of Ginger tea...

The kettle has been going various times...

We are eating small clementines... 

more almonds, peanut butter... 

I still have to do something with my butternut squash...

any suggestions?

I've been enjoying some toasted English Muffins...

*

I was feeling so DISCOURAGED this week

but I realized that it is Lent week 1 and 

the Devil hates Lent because he does not like our prayers 

for humility, the one thing he can never conquer....

*

It's really a battle.

Every night this week after church I feel a bit of breathing room,

like somehow I can do it,

one foot in front of the other and when I wake in the morning,

the battle is at hand, new and strong.

*

Humility will save us by Christ's mercy.

We must not despair but keep crying out for mercy...

*

So many of my beloved friends are struggling hard this week.

I pray that we can find encouragement in Christ

in the midst of our pain, our illness and distress... 

for God is with us...

Lent Day 4

Everyone I know is feeling
that it is lent
and things for some are very hard indeed.
One of my dear friends
continues to go through
very painful circumstances
and others are also in great stress
or sorrow.
I can tell I need to pray to
the Mother of God;
the Akathist to her Protection
gives me real consolation
and comfort.
May God shelter us
and the Most Holy Theotokos
Protect us.