40 DAYS

    Now Lent begins. Do not let this Lent be like the others. All the people close to Jesus and some prophets too--were led to draw away and pray for 40 days. Some in the desert--but the Apostles and Mary just went into the upperoom and stayed and prayed for 40 days until the power of the Holy Spirit came down. 

  How can we go 40 days in the desert or upperoom? God does not expect us to go into a desert, this is not what He is asking us to do. But just what is definitely NOT found in a desert.

     The SCREEN! TV, computer, cell phone use and the IPad. Limit your time to only what is necessary with these screens. Do not let that cell phone be in your hand all day long!! (A1 technology, as many already know--is a tool of the beast who has given himself; a voice and a image.) Let us not choose to serve that 'god.'
It is crucial that you talk to your family about the use of screen or cell phone in their lives! Society has already realized how excessive screen use is harmful to children. Mental issues, depression and even sucicides, or even luring children into danger by fake posts/predators.
    What else would definitely be found in the Desert! Sweets of any kind. Sodas, candy, cakes, ice cream, and don't forget fried foods and chips too. Eat healthy foods only these 40 days of Lent. In the Bible--Daniel ate only fruits and vegtables and was still strong and healthy as other warriors.  Choose to eat healthier and make sure your children learn the importance why!  Talk with your family about the side effects of obesity and how quickly eating the wrong way leads to the pounds adding up! Food can be another idol too. Using food for comfort when seeking time with God would give you the peace of mind you long for. Obesity is a killer and idolization is a mortal sin too.
Start then with fasting between meals---one regular one and two lights meals is again crucial to our heath---spiritual and physical. 
     This Lent-- pray for all those suffering, in purgatory, dying, those who are lost and conversions in our family and loved ones. Essentially, pray for all, even those who have chosen other gods---mainly money and pride to be who they serve. Read Romans chapter 1, verse 19 on to Chapter 2 to see what people need your prayers. Reading that Chapter, I saw our world this day and how God is very upset with behaviors we should strive to not live.
     Read the Bible 3 times a day seeking God's Word to digest into your soul and being as you would a meal. Family time should always have praying and reading the Bible together. 
     When praying the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet try making it more than lip service, by adding a person's name or types of people at the end the the Hail Mary or "Have mercy on ______ and the whole world prayer.
Remember that very popular saying ---"The family that prays together stays together." Realized this too, praying together: Matthew 18:20, which states "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
God is calling us to draw away from the world to time with Him these 40 days of Lent. Will you come to seek Him and become one in His Way, His Truth and His Light?