High and Low
Some families practice a tradition, perhaps at the dinner table, of asking each family member, “What was your high point of the day?” and “What was your low point of the day?” Some may term it a little differently- but it is similar to the Examen Prayers. There is a wonderful book that I recommend every family read- Sleeping With Bread by Dennis and Shelia Linn The title of the story came from the following story
During the bombing raids of World War II, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But, many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow."
This practice was a sign of hope and trust- a place where they were able to see God.
Encourage your children to find the ways and times that they experience God's presence in their day... good habits can be a firm foundation for years to come!
Where did you see God today? practice those things again tomorrow... and find the JOY!

We are coming upon the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 days (plus 6 Sundays) before Easter. We officially start the season with our Pancake Supper on Tuesday evening (sometimes called Fat Tuesday- from the words- Mardi Gras) followed by Ash Wednesday services both Wednesday morning and evening. Ash Wednesday, like Lent, is not mentioned in Scripture! We are free to observe the tradition if we so choose. It is an opportunity to make external (sign of the cross in ashes) and internal practices that enrich our journey of faith. The external alone will not do a thing to change what God will do with the internal. Ash Wednesday is a time to acknowledge that we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans). We come before God and repent, meaning we turn from our sins and change our behaviors. During the time of Lent, we can choose to add practices that will help us renew our faith and spiritual walks with God or choose to abstain from certain practices that might be distractions. Personally I like to refrain from something in order to partake of something else. When we say no to one thing we say yes to something else…. We need to be careful what we are saying no to and what we are saying yes to.
I will have lots of information out for families and children at the Pancake Supper and at both Ash Wednesday services. One of my favorites is an article about the book Sleeping With Bread….. that will be my next blog entry….