Giving Up and Getting Up ~ Lenten Inspirations

Click here to read Message from His Holiness, Benedict XVI for Lent 2009
Lent is not only a time for giving up, but also a time to get up and do something about our faith. It can be going a few extra days to mass, committing to saying a daily rosary, or deciding to read the Bible.
So here are just a few things I intend to give up, and some things I intend to get up and do. Thinking about what I am going to do for Lent is not enough for me. I have to write it down, put it in black and white.....
I am going to give up coffee. I love having a cup of coffee. (Well, maybe a few cups!!) I love the way it sounds, the comfort it brings. I would like to replace that earthly desire with a heavenly desire...to drink up the Word of God, and to be comforted by the peacefulness that only He can bring by attending daily mass and saying a daily Rosary. My hope is that this will continue beyond Lent.
I would also like to become consecrated to Jesus through Mary. I have tried this before, and was unsuccessful in completing the 33 day process.
This past weekend, my daughter and I attended a mother-daughter retreat where we met many amazing, spiritual & fun-loving women and their children. One of the mom's said to me, "Ask the Lord before doing anything!!" (if only I had met her years ago!!) So, I am going to take her advice, and ask God for the grace to follow through with these desires in my heart, and to live out the challenge given to us at the imposition of ashes -- "Turn away from sin and be fiathful to the Gospel." May God Bless You abundantly this Lenten Season!
~Georgia