Lent 2009

All of this is still awaiting the approval of my spiritual director.... My theme for this Lent is CONSISTENCY. (which is, unfortunately, spelled incorrectly on my desk/in the picture) My Spiritual Commitments: - Daily Meditation - Weekly Confession (this a suite-wide commitment) - Daily Litany of Humility (this is a roommate commitment) - Making daily mass more of a priority - A renewed focus on concretely living the virtue of the day Fasting Commitments: - Drinking only water and milk - No eating between meals - No chicken - No ranch dressing I'll let you know if anything changes.... Today's Virtue = HOPE! (isn't that WONDERFUL!)

This Week at a Glance

1.) Today's virtue is Prudence. It could be said that yesterday involved failing at living its virtue (temperance). Today will hopefully fair better. I have some homework to get finished, some thing to organize for the week, sound at mass tonight, and of COURSE some high quality resting time with my God. 2.) My observation schedule is almost normal again this week; it was thrown off last week by a Writers Workshop (which will happen again next week). I'm hoping to get some extra hours in Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. (Tuesday at least). Wednesday's time will be cut short because of Ash Wednesday mass. ... perhaps "almost normal" wasn't the most accurate description. 3.) Speaking of Ash Wednesday ... my Lenten plans need to be fully formulated. I'm hoping to do some hard core fasting, make consistency a great commitment in my prayer life, and (if they all agree) I would love to make some kind of suite commitment. Please pray for me as I continue to discern all of this. 4.) This week as a fair number of unusual events. I'm not yet used to the Leadership seminar being part of my week. Ash Wednesday mass requires my services in the sound arena. Wednesday night (after class) I have sound to set up in preparation for Thursday. Thursday is a praise and worship night. Friday night is X-Alt. All the more reason to work hard at today's virtue!

School Work

I frequently find myself complaining about school work. This is especially true for Elementary Education classes. In fact, I have (on more than one occasion) taken pride in my ability to describe in great detail just how much the education classes drive me nuts. In adoration a few days ago, I was meditating on work. Here is a quote from In Conversation with God (which may not make sense out of context): "A job done in this way dignifies the one who does it and gives glory to his creator." God is calling me to be a teacher. He has blessed and chosen this path for me. I deprive that calling of its dignity and deny God His glory when I approach my work in education with a mediocre attitude. He consecrated this work for me, and my attitude makes a mockery out of His Divine calling. I give Him glory and honor when I work hard and put all of myself into my work. This then becomes a true offering.

Quickly

1.) I'm working hard on actually focusing on the virtue of the day. What's the point of writing it on the marker every morning if it never actually makes its way into my day? It will now also appear on my screen saver. Today is justice - a phone call home, an extra prayer for my professors, and some form of additional tribute to God are in today's plan.

2.) I'm closely examining my relationships. (Perhaps the Love and Responsibility class the weekend will help). I've been taking the way I relate to people to prayer a lot lately, and I think it is time for some things to change.

3.) I have a test in New Testament today - not really prepared.

4.) I'm getting up early 5 days a week. I think it will be good for me. It should help with the development of a more disciplined lifestyle. I will probably more fond of it when my body adjusts and I'm able to fall asleep earlier.

5.) Writing has lost its place in my life again. Hopefully God will show me how to bring it back.