I’ve been kicking around a few ideas for what to do for Lent this year. Then, this morning, Margaret Rose Realy passed along this link to Elizabeth Scalia’s Lenten reading list.
Oh, to have the time to read that many books…but I digress. I recognized a few of the books pictured there, and (to my shame) realized that I’d purchased some–and never read them.
It didn’t take me long to gather up a pile of 9 spiritual books or devotionals that I haven’t read, and that’s not even including the ones on my Kindle–that’s my NEXT project. I took that pile of books and placed it on the table between my desk and the love seat. It’s a little table, just big enough for the phone, a candle, a box of tissues, my Bible and Liturgy of the Hours, a coaster for my coffee, and a pile of books.
Do you recognize any of the titles in this pile?
In no particular order, I’ve got:
Imitating Mary by Marge Fenelon
The Joy of Knowing Christ by Pope Benedict XVI
The Catholic Briefcase by Randy Hain
Wrapped Up by Teresa Tomeo and Cheryl Dickow
Essential Writings by Caryll Houselander
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
Happy Catholic by Julie Davis
One Size Fits All by Michele Howe
A Season of Mystery by Paula Huston
Plus, I recently ordered Kerry Weber’s new book, Mercy in the City, which should arrive Monday, so that rounds out my pile to an even 10 books.
When it comes to spiritual reading, I tend to be a grazer, so I’m happy to have an abundance of choices. I might not finish these, but I’m going to work on this stack of books for sure during this season.
But I want to do more than read this Lent. So I’m going to fit in an Hour of Power each day. It doesn’t have to be a whole hour all at once, but I have 4 things I want to make happen daily during Lent, for 15 minutes (at least) each:
- Spiritual reading
- Journaling
- Work on my book
- Declutter my home (Home Storage Solutions has a nifty 15-minute-per-day challenge)
What would you do for your daily Hour of Power?
OOoooo, I *love* the idea of an Hour of Power! I’m sort of floundering into Lent, and you’ve given me a real inspiration here…
As for the books in your pile…mmmm! You have some goooooood ones!
The Hour of Power sounds great; I can’t think of what I’d change, except that it’s not enough reading time to get through those 10 books. I’m going to check out the 15 minute challenges…
I don’t think I’ll finish ALL these books. But I want to make sure I dedicate at least 15 minutes a day to reading something worthwhile. I have the books all piled up in a convenient place.
Reading and writing….my favorite things to do and yet I somehow get to them the least. I like your plan.
Thank you for this lovely list of reading suggestions. Spiritual reading is my favorite pastime and having some new selections are a gift. Thanks Might I also suggest Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen? I just finished it and then ordered the Rembrandt print and just love it. Thanks to Keeping Love in Lent Blog as it has been wonderful finding YOU. Peggy http://creatingspaceinyourlife.com/