In this episode, Briana and Megan discuss the significance of Lent, sharing personal stories and reflections on their experiences with the season. They explore the origins of Lent, the three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and the importance of self-examination and spiritual growth during this time. The conversation emphasizes the need to draw closer to God and the transformative power of Lent in their lives and families.

takeaways

Lent is a time for self-examination and reflection.

The three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Personal experiences shape our understanding of Lent.

Lent is not just about giving up something, but about drawing closer to God.

Fasting should be about denying the flesh and feeding the spirit.

Lent can be a family activity that fosters spiritual growth.

Understanding the origins of Lent can enhance its significance.

It's important to approach Lent with intentionality and purpose.

Lent serves as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.

We can grow spiritually during Lent by focusing on our relationship with God.

keywords

Lent, Christian faith, fasting, prayer, almsgiving, personal growth, spiritual journey, Easter, traditions, family activities

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lent and Personal Messy Moments

07:29 Understanding Lent: Background and Personal Experiences

15:00 The Three Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting

24:16 The Significance of Lent: Trials and Symbolism

27:26 The Purpose of Lent: Intentionality and Reflection

29:55 Understanding the Weight of Sacrifice

36:10 Denying the Flesh: Strengthening the Spirit

39:02 Personal Practices for Lent: Humility and Growth

43:28 Reframing Lent: Moving Beyond Guilt

47:55 Visual Reminders: The Passion of the Christ

52:44 Family Engagement: Teaching Kids About Lent

Summary

In this conversation, Megan and Briana explore the challenges of parenting, particularly the need to adapt to changing plans and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. They discuss personal experiences with messy moments, the struggle to let go of control, and the significance of trusting in God's plan. The conversation emphasizes the value of gratitude, resilience, and aligning personal desires with God's purpose, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of hope and faith amidst life's uncertainties.

Takeaways:

It's easy to get blinded by the moment you're in.

Plans inevitably change, and that's a part of life.

Teaching kids to pivot helps them handle disappointment.

Trusting God's plan can alleviate anxiety and worry.

Gratitude for small blessings is essential.

Hope should not be confused with control.

Aligning our plans with God's purpose is crucial.

Letting go of control can lead to freedom.

Recognizing God's provision in our lives is important.

We often miss God's presence when we focus on our own plans.

Keywords:

parenting, plans changing, trust, hope, gratitude, God's plan, faith, resilience, letting go, control

In this episode, Briana and Megan explore the theme of answered prayers, discussing the importance of recognizing when God answers our prayers and how to navigate the expectations that come with it. They emphasize the significance of childlike faith, gratitude, and understanding God's will in prayer. The conversation also touches on the challenges of setting expectations and reframing disappointment into gratitude, ultimately highlighting the need for effective communication with God.

Takeaways:

We often focus on unanswered prayers, but God does answer them.

Navigating expectations with faith can be challenging.

Childlike faith is essential in our relationship with God.

We should not set worldly expectations on God.

Gratitude is crucial when prayers are answered.

Unanswered prayers can be a form of protection.

Setting clear expectations can lead to disappointment.

Reframing disappointment into gratitude is important.

Effective prayer involves two-way communication with God.

Trusting God's plan is vital for spiritual growth.

Keywords

answered prayers, faith, expectations, gratitude, childlike faith, God's will, prayer, spiritual growth, trust, protection