The first day of Lent: it's not about points

It's the first day of Lent, and as it's been a big fuss for our family and business this year - I want to take some time to blog though the heart-thoughts and prayers that have made us so passionate about this season. 

Today's the kickoff and wherever you go today, you're bound to hear someone talk about what they're giving up or what they're putting on. Maybe you're giving up chocolate or coffee or both. Maybe you're limiting your TV watching or social media consumption. These things are beautiful and good and I love that Lent is rooted in rhythms of self-denial so that we can become more like Jesus. 

But the most important thing I'm reminding myself today is that Lent is not about points, it's about walking. It's not about doing something better or executing the Christian life in a more tidy manner. The entire point of Easter (and thus Lent) is us celebrating that the work has already been done for us, on the cross. We have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus and no amount of tidying our lives will make us more holy in our Father's eyes. 

The work has been done. The sacrifices have been made. We are not earning points. We are just walking closer. And picking up rhythms that help us to get quiet, draw near, and talk with our Father in this special season. And I'm preaching to myself. 

If you haven't gotten one of our 40 days with Jesus reflective journals, you can still get them here. They're undated & don't say the word Lent so you can start tomorrow or a year from now and you'll be right on track. So excited to walk through this season with y'all. 

Two Important Announcements!

Today's a big day in the Naptime Diaries Shop for two reasons! 
1. It's the last day to order one of our 40 day undated reflected journal in time for pre-Lent delivery. You don't HAVE to do the journal only for Lent, but that's what we'll be using it for and we'd love to have you join us. At this point we have hundreds of friends who will be joining us, if you'd like to as well - make sure your order your Lent journal by 5pm EST

2. Our March printable is in the shop! This month's printable is still only $5 but it comes with a monthly calendar, weekly planner, two notecards, phone + laptop wallpapers, 4 scripture memory cards, two 8x10 prints, and a sheet for writing notes/to-do list. It's one of my most favorite so far! 

Hope you all are having an amazing Wednesday! 

One week till Lent! 

2014 Lent Journals - 40 Days with Jesus

Last year, we released our first ever Lent Calendar - what started as a joke because one of our customers didn't want to take down her advent calendar, turned into a beautiful product for people to celebrate the season leading up to Easter. But something tugged at our hearts and we wanted a product that was more reflective. A friend of ours suggested a Lent journal - and we were all over it. 

So, we're really excited to announce our 2014 Lent Journals. They are 5x7 bound journals with 40 days of scripture prompts and room for you to reflect on what you've read. They're undated, without commentary, so that they can be used for Lent - or any time of year. There are 4 sections made up of ten days - Hope, Follow, Live, Bless - and those are intentionally created to walk people through the redemptive story of Jesus whether they've never set foot in a church or if they've been a Christian for decades. 

We have put much prayer and consideration in these and we cannot wait to use them with you guys. Our hope is that you'd use them and be blessed by them and want to share them with others who'd be blessed by them as well! 

If you want your reflective journal in time for Lent, you need to order it by February 26th - but we'll keep selling them since they can be used any time of year. We hope you enjoy and we can't wait to start getting these in your hands ASAP. Get yours today!