Today is Ash Wednesday. If you ask me what my favorite holiday is, this would be it folks. True, it isn't really a holiday. But what it is ... Well, it is truly wonderful. It is a time to gather yourself up in Christ, to pray that you be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to ask God to forgive you of all of your sins. A time to start fresh and new.

I don't claim to be the most holy, devout or "best" Catholic. But what I am is a girl grateful to be living on the path that was laid by the Son of God.

This Lenten season I have made several challenges for myself. Some are private, and some I will need help with, so those I will share. :) I will try to say the rosary everyday and I have downloaded some cool audio rosaries and an app, or two ;)

I will also be practicing some random acts of kindness, especially letter writing. I am a paper fan but I also love to get mail. It is so nice to get a sweet card or note from a friend, that I want to share that joy with others. A limitless gesture that means bunches. And it doesn't hurt that I have a line of stationery, either. MyPaperly.com/KarenSueSmith

I can only pray that during the next forty days of my faith walk that I will grow closer to my friends and family, learn a little about myself and my faith, and be a pleasing servant to the Lord. And hopefully, that I won't forget the fasting and abstinence from meat. :)