lent 2

[JoshuaC77]

If you observe lent, what if anything will you give up?

[Moodshadow]

Last year our pastor encouraged us to give up something that would make us squirm - a real, personal sacrifice. I decided to give up sweets. That may not sound like a big deal to some people, but for me it was very hard. For all seven weeks I ate not only zero desserts, but no Dr Pepper (which I adore) or other soft drinks, no between-meal snacks of any kind, no sugar in my coffee, not even birthday cake at family parties. When I started it I wasn't even sure I could do it, and I was tempted all the time. Every time I was seriously tempted, I'd say a prayer or call someone or otherwise try to distract myself. I actually succeeded, and I felt like I'd truly overcome myself, and it felt wonderful. And, as if that weren't rewarding enough, I lost eleven pounds!

This year I'll do that again - but I'm adding to it this time. I'm going to do random acts of service, never letting the recipient know who did it. Little notes of encouragement in the mail, sweeping the neighbor's sidewalk while they're at work, paying the next guy's toll at the tollbooth - that kind of thing. I'm looking forward to it!

[Celticflower]

I'm going to give up snacks and sweets--that may be tough in this house. There are always cookies and stuff for the kids and hubby's lunchboxes around.

There are a few things I would LOVE to give up, but I don't think my husband will let me out of all the stuff I do for his business (unpaid, mind you).

[Moodshadow]

You sound like me a few years ago. I was my husband's legal secretary/office manager - and oh-by-the-way mother of our seven children. I still don't know how I did that. I guess you just do what you gotta do. They're all grown now and my life is so much more peaceful.

[cristianna]

I commend all of you for such great sacrifices. I always feel down and guilty about my cheesy ones. To me, I know it should be a sacrifice, almost if not a grave sacrifice. But I just will not try for fear of failing.

I would love to try out giving up Diet Coke. I mean, if there is not one in my hands... then I am sleeping!

[JoshuaC77]

I can understand about the diet coke thing....I'm the same way with regular coke..it's very hard to not drink it. every time i think of something to give up, I come up with an excuse on why it wouldn't be a good idea. So i am thinking about giving up some of my time to help the less fortunate....maybe I'll spend way more time at the salvation army, or something like that...........

[Speculative]

Hmmmm. I hadn't really thought about it, but after reading this, I think I'll give up junk food. I'm a chipaholic-potato chips, doritos, etc. I eat that junk all the time, and need to cut back, anyway. So, maybe this year, Lent can be a stepping stone to a healthier diet.

[Joykins]

I give up desserts and meat on Fridays.

This year I want to add in some more devotional time as well.

[cristianna]

I give up desserts and meat on Fridays.

This year I want to add in some more devotional time as well.


This sounds like a fantastic New Year's resolution! :thumbsup:

[Jadis40]

Usually, I don't give up anything, as I've never really felt the call to do so.

The verse that comes to mind is:

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit..." (Romans 14:17)

[cristianna]

I finally talked with dh about what I'm giving up because it sort of effects the whole family in certain areas.

I'm giving up all luxuries. I know it sounds a little out of the norm (and easy), but I think it will be a fantastic eye opener to just how blessed we are. Especially the little things you just don't think about.

In lieu of the luxuries being for myself I will be anonymously purchasing gift cards for members of our community who understand just how much of a "luxury" it really is.

So no: hair appointment, carryout on Fridays and dinner at restaurants, flowers from the florist, weekend movie rentals, nice meats on sale at the grocery store, seeing something on sale at the store that I don't need but can't pass up, etc.

I'm sure the family and friends I choose to divulge this information to will inquire as to my mental status (because you know, some of them are on my list). ^_^ But like I said, I also believe this will open many eyes in our home as to just how blessed we are and will also bring great joy to those on the receiving end.

[ParaCristo]

I think I am giving up Sweets...
I gave up Soda last year.

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

2 yrs ago i gave up CF except for Wednesdays during lent..i didnt think i would be able to do it (since i am usually on CF daily) but i made it the whole 7 wks. I am thinking of doing something similiar this year, but not sure yet..ill get back to you on it..i know i only have 2 days to decide.

another thought i have is cutting tv time WAY down..but to how much is the question..i dont know..im gonna pray and think some more on this.

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

So no: hair appointment, carryout on Fridays and dinner at restaurants, flowers from the florist, weekend movie rentals, nice meats on sale at the grocery store, seeing something on sale at the store that I don't need but can't pass up, etc.


It's funny how everyone's luxuries aren't the same. i read your list and thought to myself:

i only get my hair cut every 6 mos anyway
we only order out dinner one time a month
we only go out to a restaurant on anniversary, valentines and birthday
flowers from the florist? i dont get them EVER not even on Valentines day..lol
i haven't rented a movie in 4 years

luxuries to me are my cable tv, cell phone and internet

[cristianna]

2 yrs ago i gave up CF except for Wednesdays during lent..i didnt think i would be able to do it (since i am usually on CF daily) but i made it the whole 7 wks. I am thinking of doing something similiar this year, but not sure yet..ill get back to you on it..i know i only have 2 days to decide.

another thought i have is cutting tv time WAY down..but to how much is the question..i dont know..im gonna pray and think some more on this.

CF huh? WOW! That's definitely something to consider! Very creative and an honest look at sacrificing.

[Redheadedstepchild]

I think I may give up refined sugar. It's not good for our bodies anyway. So, no white rice or pasta. Most deserts are out. No white bread. Etc.

I'll still eat whole grains though.