search for religion, community need, finding peace

The Easter season is upon us. It is truly one of my favorite times of the year. The rising of Christ to the beginning signs of Spring; but first I’m going to confession and taking you in with me.

Over the past 10 years, I have been on somewhat of a religious mission. I have attended countless Catholic and Christian Churches, searched for answers, prayed for direction, a deeper understanding, and have been in search of truths. All the while I never lost hope that I would one day find what I was searching for. This journey has been hard, confusing, and a bit disheartening at times.

I was raised going to Catholic masses and attended church weekly. I served on countless committees, did mission trips, and have always been an active part in the church. How did I fall so far off the beaten path? How did leadership fail me and community disappoint? How is it I knew so little about my faith?

* Stay tune as I am busy working behind the scenes as I prepare to share this journey with all of you and how I have in fact found the missing “peace” I was in search of.

Do you attend church regularly? Have you changed religions since having a family of your own? Has community failed you and leadership fallen short of your expectations? Do you feel lost, confused, or unsettled?

You are not alone and if you know someone who is struggling with a similar situation please share this with them. Together we will begin to revive faith, build bridges, and find the freedom that can set you free.

During Lent I am often troubled with what to give up. Nothing ever quite seems “right” or significant enough. I personally do better with giving to others and doing more of something. It stretches my heart, increases my level of empathy, and gives me sincere gratitude for all the things I’ve been given: oppose to, an act of “giving up” say; chocolate, which does not in fact stretch me beyond these walls.

I encourage you to do whichever is going to help you grow spiritually. If fasting from a given item, thing, food, or habit does then by all means do that – but, if you are like myself and the fuel that feeds your soul is “doing” then get moving and act today; what are you waiting for? It’s not too late!

“40 Things to Give Up or Give Forward”

Give up sugar drinks (pop/soda, juice)

Eat no or minimally processed foods

Give up trying to be perfect; God doesn’t expect perfect. He wants you to take action, build strength, and learn from failure.

Give up eating out

Give up your fears; pray for strength, wisdom, and growth. May your fears be cast aside and the next 40 days prepare you to let your wings spread wide open.

Television

Make a point to eat together at every meal (Be sure to register for your FREE Table Talk Starters for some great family discussion)

Have a whining/complaining jar “do all things without complaining” if one fails they in turn pay a quarter. All monies shall be donated at the end of Lent.

Give up social media

Implement no electronics after a given time of day (this includes phone use)

Give up coffee, tea, or alcohol

Give up making excuses; take ownership for yourself and your wrong doings. What you have and have not done. #ownit #takeaction (Tweet This)

Ice cream, cakes, and cookies

Go vegetarian for 40 days or give up all red meat. Who knows you might just like it.

Give up cheese and other dairy products

Turn the radio off in the car during lent. Use the time to talk with your family, pray, and reflect.

Give up texting for #40daysoflent (Tweet This)

Give up snacking after dinner

Give up the need to impress others. Be you and do it well!

Give up gossip, drama, and making comparisons. We all have a purpose, a drive, a mission to be fulfilled. Encourage others and share your story.

Be the “GIFT” of Lent (Give it forward for 40)

Make care packages for homeless

Bake cookies for a the firehouse

Clean out closets and donate gently used items to those in need

Make blankets for a local women/children shelter

Purchase new books and stuffed animals for the pediatric cancer unit

Send flowers to an old friend

Take your kids to a nursing home to play games with the residents

Go on a nature hike in your neighborhood and pick up garbage along the way

Make a meal for a new mom

Donate canned food to a local pantry

Host a can drive and donate all money to the local humane society or animal rescue

Make cards and jam for an elderly neighbor

Invite someone over you would like to get to know better for tea/coffee and donuts. Friendships don’t just happen you must initiate them.

Babysit for a friend’s kid(s) free of charge

Give a just because gift to your mail carrier, the librarian, and doctors office to show your appreciation for them.

Volunteer at a local soup kitchen

Make encouraging book marks and leave them in library books for others to find.

Use your talents to teach others. Teach someone to sew, cook, or read.

Make a point to be generous to others through a cheerful smile, a simple act (hold the door), or letting someone cut in line. Wear your heart on your sleeve and put your pride in your pocket.

Faith

Reviving Faith When Religion Fails

40 Things to Give Up or Give Back During Lent

“40 Things to Give Up or Give Forward”

What is Success?