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this idea of lent was new to me in college
as my college roommate gave up cheese and I thought she was crazy (love you, Martha)
But the more I've learned about Lent, the more I love it
Why wouldn't you want to be closer to God, closer to Jesus
Why wouldn't you want to prepare for Easter
I don't know that I have ever been prepared for Easter
It gets me every time
cold chills and tears
He gave his life for ME! for ME!
He took those beatings and hung on that cross for me....
I'm never ready for that
I have tried to give up Mountain Dew...like 5 years....and I failed over and over
But this year I have really thought about what to give up and what it means to give up something for more than just Fat Tuesday, for some months actually
and the idea that whatever I gave up needed to be about Him and not me
maybe I should give up Facebook (because I spend way too much time there)
maybe I should give up my Kindle (because I read way too many books)
maybe we should all give up tv.....(is this supposed to be a punishment)
maybe I should give up meat.....(????)
maybe I should give up coffee (that thought doesn't last long....no one would like me then)
what keeps me from God?
what stands in my way of worship?
what stands in my families way?
what if its not about giving up but just giving
giving Him glory
giving Him worship
giving Him conversation
giving Him time
giving others grace
giving others forgiveness
giving others Jesus
so for the next 40 days
i'm just giving.....stuff, love, time, forgiveness, whatever God ask of me
isn't that what He did
He didn't give up anything
He was just giving........
"When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”" Matthew 27:5
I love this twist on Lent. I think the Lent which really hurt me the most was when I was in second grade and I gave up Scooby Doo. For real. I remember that one. Can't wait to hear more about your adventures.
ReplyDeleteps Your deck looks like perfection.
I do think the focus of Lent can go awry quickly. I always seem one step behind, too. If it weren't for my husband and social media, I know I wouldn't have even remembered Ash Wednesday. How's that for an awful confession :(
ReplyDeleteYou are so on to something! Giving not giving up -- hey, that even sounds more like the Jesus I know. Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteKarrie, this is an awesome view on things. Lent is something that was new to me in college as well (once again thanks to Martha haha) and I have wondered how the things I give up during that time bring me closer to God. Thank you for writing this. It really made me think more on the subject and this was definitely something I needed. Love and miss you!
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