Photo Courtesy of Creative Communications for the Parish
I’m thrilled to announce that my Lenten devotional, “With Our Savior,” is now for sale! Published by Creative Communications for the Parish, “With Our Savior” is a 48-page Lenten devotional for families. For each day of Lent there is a little, family-friendly story to help parents and kids connect to that day’s scripture passage. The story is followed by a short prayer, and then an activity to help prepare everyone for Easter.
Booklets begin at $1.99 each, but reduce in price the more you order. To order in bulk, visit Creative Communications for the Parish. For smaller orders, email withoursavior@gmail.com.
Enjoy this excerpt from the devotional!
FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
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Complete Generosity
Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had.
MARK 12:43-44
“Wow! I can’t believe you got me this!” the mom exclaimed to her two sons as she unwrapped the necklace she’d been eyeing for a while. Then, gently, she added, “You two didn’t have the money for this.”
“Dimitri and I pooled our money,” Dominik grinned. “Yeah,” Dimitri chimed in. “We smashed our piggy banks! There was just enough to buy the necklace for you.”
Tears sprang to the mom’s eyes as she hugged her boys in deep gratitude. Sure, she’d received more expensive gifts before. But she’d never received anything where the givers had given their all. Her heart was filled to overflowing.
That’s exactly how Jesus felt when he watched the widow put money into the treasury. Others had put in more, but because they had extra; it didn’t mean much to them. In comparison, the poor widow put in the only two coins she had. Her generosity of spirit was by far the bigger donation.
WITH OUR SAVIOR » Dear God, inspire me to give my all as often as I can.
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WITH YOUR FAMILY » In the midst of your busy day, is there just one more kind thing you can do for someone? It can be something small. Can you do it, even if you don’t really have the time?
*Excerpt used with permission from Creative Communications for the Parish.
Shifting My Perspective 
I am soooooo excited to get my book in the mail!!!! This excerpt was beautiful (what special kids) and I know the rest will be more of the same. I am excited to share this as a family this lent. Thank you Claire and congratulations!!
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Thank you SO much, Jess! And you ordering a big batch for our local friends is so very appreciated! 🙂
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Claire, your inspiring reflection on the widow’s mite, and the young boys’ simple but heartfelt gift of the necklace to their mom, their money garnered from a piggy bank, reminds me of all the children, including myself as a five year old, joyfully presenting my mother with a bouquet of dandelions, and the response of my mom, lovingly placing the dandelions in a glass of water on the window sill, much to my delight. Later as teenagers, with little or no money, my sister and I scraped up enough money to buy our mother 6 daffodils, her favorite flower for her birthday. So what I loved about your reflection is the reminder that, as you say, when we give to someone from our hearts, a little time, a little note, a little phone call, hopefully we can get Jesus’ attention as he extends to us the same admiration He had for the widow! Can’t wait to receive your devotional!
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I love your point that Jesus “extends us admiration” when we give from our hearts and our poverty. Such a beautiful turn of a phrase. I’ll keep that one in the forefront of my mind, for sure! Thank you for sharing it, Jackie!
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Congratulations Claire! I cannot wait to get my book(s)! Thanks for sharing one of the stories with us. This is such a good reminder that giving, even if just a little, can mean so much. It also makes me think about appreciating small things others have given/done for me. Just last week I was telling a friend my struggle with losing all blood flow in my fingers (Renaud’s syndrome). Two days later, that friend sent me a gift to help keep my inner core warm so I may not experience as many episodes as I have been lately. It was just a small, simple gift, but so hugely filled with thoughtfulness and caring.
I also have to agree with Jess, what special kids the boys in this story are! 🙂
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I thought you might feel a special connection to these boys, Pam! They remind me of two sweet, little boys I know who have one amazing mother! I’m sure giving you that gift warmed your friend’s heart as much as it warmed yours (pun intended!). 🙂
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Congratulations Claire! I look forward to a more intentional lent this year with the help of your booklet. You certainly have a gift. Thank you for using and sharing it! 👍🏻
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Aww… thank you SO much, Jean! I love the thought of you, Luke, Ali and Maura praying with the booklet. That makes all the time and effort of writing it worth it a thousand times over!
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