Lenten resources for family time

Since Lent is only 46 days long, it is a great time to introduce some new family habits, and/or incorporate unique resources into family times.  Here are a couple suggestions that could be good for the whole family:

1. A web site:

This year I came across "The Lent Project" created by Biola University's Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts.  Each day there is a devotional to focus on the teachings and works of Jesus, but there is also artwork and music that accompanies it.  In the "About" section, detail is given, so kids can benefit from art study as well as the worship aspects.  I like the multi-sensory approach!

2. An adventure book:

We are huge fans of the Arnold Ytreeide books at our house.  Each Advent we read one of his stories -- Jotham's Journey, Tabitha's Travels, and Bartholomew's Passage, and during Lent, we've read Amon's Adventures.

Our kids love the suspenseful stories, and Pete and I love the theological truths that follow each segment.  One bit of warning, though -- these stories can border on "too scary," as there are things like kidnapping and even killing.  Our boys think that just adds to the intrigue... but younger children may be frightened at points.  

 The author carefully breaks up the story into segments that are just the right length for reading before bedtime.  So in our house, this has become a rich tradition  -- having family reading time each night before bed during Advent and Lent.  Even though there is a 9+ year age span among our children, they all love this time!

3. A devotional:

There are many great options for family time devotions out there, but one that we like is Ann Voskamp's "Trail to the Tree."  Kids may like it because it becomes very hands-on as they cut out "ornaments" for a tree each day.  But if that is too overwhelming to implement (as it is for me at times!), then just getting in the practice of reading some verses together and discussing them as a family is valuable on its own.



Any new routines we can introduce during this special time have the effect of reminding us that we are in the time set apart for greater reflection.  And the more we look at Jesus, on our own, or with our family, the more we will be drawn into repentance and worship!