IDEAS FOR LENT
 

Lent is not simply a time to give up something for the sake of giving it up.  Sure, it may be a sacrifice to give up coffee or chocolate or ice cream, but what does giving those things up accomplish for us?  We become grumpy?  We strat eating some thing else just as bad?   Once we get to Easter we go back to the same old thing?   Lent is about doing those things that can help us achieve lasting and on-going change - even when Lent is over.  Try doing something that will develop a new positive and beneficial habit.  
Just some ideas:

FOR PRAYER:
- start a prayer journal
- read a verse of Scripture every day
- set aside 15 minutes each day for reflective prayer
- go to Mass on a weekday
- use the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- pray each night as a family
- pray before each meal of the day
- pray with your child each day
- write down the blessings you experienced that day
- pray for the person who annoyed you that day
- pray when you get into your car
- arrive at church a little earlier for Mass to spend the time in prayer
- ask a friend over to pray
- pray before school or work
- pray before sports practice, music practice or whatever exracurricular activity you participate in
- pray before you make any response when having a disagreement with someone

FOR FASTING:
- purge one item from your closet (or other storage area) every day during Lent
- give up 30 minutes of television to do something that improves you faith knowledge
- give up surfing the web
- give up checking your phone for 1 hour each day (waking hours)
- give up using bad language
- give up needless shopping
- give up video games one day out of the week
- give up speeding or aggressive driving
- give up making excuses
- give up half truths
- give up finding fault with others
- give up arguiung with your spouse
- give up thinking only about yourself

FOR GIVING:
- give 15 minutes of each day to talk with God
- give someone your help when you know it is needed
- give hope to someone who is down
- give away those clothes that have not been worn for a very long time
- give away the toys that have not been used for a long time
- give what you would have spent on a needless item to help those who are hungry
- give food to a food bank
- give your best effort when doing chores around the house
- give of your talent and time by volunteering with a group that helps others
- give God praise more often
- give someone a random act of kindness each day (a different person each day)

These are just some ideas.  What's right for you?  Pray about it.  What is missing in your reltionship with God?   What priotiy needs to be adjusted?  Where have you veered off the path that God desires you to follow?  Don't just do stuff for Lent!  Instead, do or give up that which is going to help you experience new life with God. 
Have a blessed Lenten experience!