Plunge into the desert during Lent

                             Humans are doers.  When faced with a problem, we want to make a list, clean it up, or put on a fresh coat of paint.  But during Lent, it's not enough to give up a favorite food or drink and call it a season.  That's little more than a thin coat of paint.  Lent is when we can do battle with sin in our lives, eliminate it, and greet Easter as creatures born anew.
                            Do battle daily.
                            Determination to avoid sin and embrace virtue is a war that requires daily battle.  Start in Lent by committing to new prayer habits for morning, afternoon, and evening prayer.  Stay faithful and you will be rewarded by God's grace to begin to live differently.
                            Escape distractions.
                            God often sent his prophets into the desert to prepare for important tasks he chose for them.  Consider Lent your trip to the desert.  There are minimal distractions in the desert ------- no electronics, no fancy food, no daily concerns.  Just you and God.  Create a Lenten desert by removing as many distractions as are practical during the season.
                            Take the long view. 
                             Life can be difficult and painful but it won't last forever.  Life in Heaven will.  Eliminate whatever you may have chosen to make this life bearable if it distracts from your goal of Heaven.