The first 10 days of Lent

It has only been ten days since Ash Wednesday (it's already Saturday Feb 19 here in Manila), yet so much has happened during these first ten days of Lent. I helped Tim make his offering box, as suggested by Lacy of Catholic Icing, and also had her Lenten Calendar printed out for us to use.

I had Tim scribble his name "T-I-M" on the front of the box and color the hearts.

Should have removed the flash so the letters "TIM" are more visible :-) LOL!

Holding his Lenten Calendar - Thank you Lacy, and thanks Lolo Mon and Lola Tita for printing it! :-)

Nic, our friend, co-missionary and the new Kids for Christ International Coordinator also gave us a copy of the Holy Childhood Association Calender, which you can download from the Pontifical Missionaries Societies website. It's really nice too; here's what it looks like:

Download it here.

We've been trying to teach Tim the concept of sacrifice, of not demanding to get what he wants instantly, to deny himself. It's been really challenging, and I have personally been struggling with some things he has said and done lately - most of which have made me feel that I have not been as good a mom/teacher/homeschooler as I hoped I was. (I don't feel ready to share about it here yet, but when I am, and if I feel I need to, I surely will!)  Haaay. I can only trust in God's grace right now. And have hope and find comfort in the words of fellow moms whom I have confided to (thanks Ate Rita, Marts and Blessie!).

Come to think of it, I guess Lent is the BEST time to really go back to the Lord's loving arms and be reminded of His grace, mercy and saving work. I need to be reminded that nothing I could ever do could guarantee that my kids go to heaven - it is only God's saving, unconditional, perfect, unwavering love and grace that can do that! In the meantime, as imperfect as I am, I need to do my part. I guess more than trying to teach Tim (and Rysse) about the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus even at their young age, I need to remind myself about it too. :-) Thank You Lord, and thank You Mama Mary! Here's to another 30 days of reflection and renewal... :-) Pray for us!

P.S. By the way, just in case you're looking for things that you could do this Lenten Season, I'd like to share my article about "Being A Better You" with you, which you can read here.

P.P.S. This homeschooling mama is proud to be a breastfeeding mama as well! :-) If you want to read about how breastfeeding has made me a better woman, feel free to do so here.

P.P.P.S. I am also so grateful to the Lord that, despite our weaknesses and sinfulness, He allowed us to serve Him in Baguio last weekend! Read about it here. Also, I got published in print for the second time around! This year, it's on Smart Parenting magazine's March issue! Check out the sneak peek here. I wrote the article on the 10 best family-friendly cities. Incidentally, the March issue also has a special section on homeschooling, so I really encourage all of you to get a copy now! (Thanks in advance for the support! hehe).