Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday. Lent Eve.

Have you made your lenten resolution yet?  I'm seeing a lot of activity on Facebook of people listing their "final answer" of what they are giving up, or doing for Lent.  Some are even making lists on their refrigerator for all to see!  I love it!

If you are still deciding.....I've come across a few statements and resources that you might want to consult (no, Hershey's isn't one of them!).

Here's an interesting idea: 

Pick the one sin you keep commiting over and over, and resolve to conquer it this Lent. Make a plan, ask your priest for help if necessary, and put it into action. Then greet Easter as a new creation.

Love that one.  There's that one thing that always seems to be a "ditto" for me at reconciliation.  Maybe I can conquer it with some serious concentration.

Or maybe your promise is to work on your prayer life.  Perhaps you need some help in this area.....it can be very difficult, but becomes easier with practice. 

The key to effective prayer: bring to God a clean heart. Forgive anyone who has wronged you first, and then ask God for what you need. "When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance ..." (Mark 11:25)

If you're looking for some assistance with your prayer life, I love what this site has to say:  http://www.beginningcatholic.com/how-to-pray.html

Maybe you want to read more scripture.  But how?  Well, unless you are a speedreader, you aren't going to get through the entire bible during lent.  So, choose a smaller venture.  Maybe you want to choose one of the Gospel writers to read.  After all, we will be most familiar with their writing, so it may make sense a little easier.  Take little nibbles.  And don't promise yourself you will read so many pages each night.  Instead, read for content.  You may only get through a couple of paragraphs, but if you are absorbing what you are reading, who cares?  Don't forget to pray before you read scripture, so that the Lord will open your heart to read/hear the words He wants you to hear. 

There are lots of other options -- going to mass one day during the week in addition to Sundays, going to the Stations of the Cross, praying the rosary.  All are good.  And God will be happy with whatever you choose.  Just do something to improve your life, and I guarantee when Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday come around, it will be much more meaningful than what color Peeps are in your basket.

It might be fun -- if you want -- to post what you are doing for lent.  If you want to make it anonymous, great -- but it may make you a little more accountable if you put it in writing.  :)

Happy Lent!