
Pursuing conversion of heart and life calls us to seek God and avoid sin every day. In order to do this we must focus on growing in virtue, performing our daily duties well, and treating those who cross our path with love, respect and dignity. We must also keep trying, despite our failings. When motivation is lacking and when we are feeling down about our progress, just taking one small virtuous step in the direction of God bears much fruit. A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions. The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God. ~CCC 1803 Choosing to do what is right and virtuous consistently gets easier and easier over time. However, it is important to realize that this interior conversion we are striving for is not based upon "succeeding" all the time. Our path to holiness consists of steps forward and backward. We will sin, but it is in the getting back up and continuing to move forward with a repentant heart that matters. God is so merciful and patient with us. Let us be the same with ourselves and others. I will say that this Lent has been hard. I know I'm not alone in this sentiment. The devil seems to be around every corner, tempting, teasing, tormenting. He does not want me sitting here typing this message...especially yesterday's message. He does not want you to be praying and making sacrifices either. Reject the lies that you cannot do Lent well. You can. You are. It is different for each and every one of us and baby steps in this pursuit of interior simplicity and conversion of our lives is pleasing to God. Keep moving forward. And when you stumble and fall, get up and keep going. If you give up or remain stagnant, nothing changes. There is less to experience, less to learn from. In order to find out what you are capable of, you have to attempt what you think you can't do. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~Philippians 4:8
spiritual The most powerful way to make strides in conversion of our lives is to frequent the sacrament of Reconciliation. While we are on our knees, confessing our sins, Jesus is right there pouring out His mercy and grace upon us to rescue us from ourselves and our weaknesses. Go to confession this weekend! Here are 2 examen's for you: 1) I am keeping this link from yesterday for St. Benedict's Examen for your reference. St. Benedict Examination of Conscience
2) Kylie Hein's Examen based on your temperament:
When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to my generosity. ~Jesus' words to St. Faustina

self The Church knows that if we don’t practice mortification, we will get spiritually out of shape pretty quickly. So, we have Lent to help us mortify ourselves to help us get in shape for the holiest days of the year – Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday. One of the ways we do this is through freely choosing hard things or denying ourselves certain pleasures that are not in and of themselves sinful. This self-governance helps creates interior order, simplicity and peace, so that we can better hear and respond to God’s action in our lives. The mortification is never an end in itself, but a means by which we become better followers of Christ. So, in the spirit of mortification here are some things to do this weekend to help you get in shape both spiritually and physically. As you do these things (any one or all of them), offer your discomfort, your effort, your thoughts about how you don't want to do this, for an intention you are praying for. 1-Do you have steps in your house? If so, every time you go down, turn right around and run back up and then back down and go about your day. 2-If you are out for a walk, double your speed every other block. 3-If you are lifting weights, just when you think you can't do another rep, do 3 more thinking of Jesus on the cross. 4-If you find yourself standing in the kitchen, waiting for something (in the oven, on the stovetop, in the microwave, etc), do slow squats while repeating a prayer - Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc - until the waiting is over. If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. ~Luke 9:23

service The SIMPLE40 challenge given at the beginning of Lent was to complete at least 40 acts of service. Take a look at these suggested ways to serve and see what you can do this weekend. (This picture shows only 50. Click the download below to see all 100.)
today's recipe
LODGE BREAD CHOP SALAD REMAKE We normally have some kind of homemade pizza on Saturdays, but today I am finally making this salad that my daughter just knows I will love. It is healthy, crunchy, and full of bright flavor.

Get the recipe here!


Thank you for following along. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed weekend! If you are enjoying SIMPLE40, please share with a friend. Click the link to sign up! SIMPLE40  
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