Today is Ash Wednesday and while my particular denomination does not emphasize Lent much, I have chosen to participate this year. Several years ago, I gave up cheese for Lent. I am a cheese addict and restaurants put cheese on everything. But, everytime I said no to cheese I remembered that Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert and then he was crucified. Gave me a little perspective and I really felt the significance of the Easter holiday.
This year I've decided to give up Facebook for Lent. Facebook is a source of a few arguments for my husband and I. He isn't into social networking sites. And admittedly, I do spend too much time on there. In addition to giving up Facebook, I have decided to take on the book The Love Dare. For the most part, I have an excellent marriage, but I want to learn to love my husband better and I want to make sure that I keep God at the center of our relationship. Since it is a 40 day challenge, I thought Lent would be the perfect time to do it.
Today's lesson was "Love is Patient". The lesson emphasized that anger often occurs when we don't get something we want. Rather than reacting in anger, the message was to react with patience. This keeps us from saying things we will regret and brings peace to a household. The dare is to say nothing negative to our spouse today.
Are you participating in Lent this year? What are you giving up and why?
Ooh, awesome idea! I sort of gave up FB in January and part of February, so I think I'm over my addiction, lol. My husband doesn't understand it either. I have done The Love Dare - awesome challenge! For Lent, I'm "giving up" time I would normally spend doing non-productive things and listening to the entire New Testament on MP3 in 40 days. Very exciting!
ReplyDeleteI should give up Facebook for Lent as well... for the same reason!
ReplyDeleteBut I chose to give up desserts. I spend too much time worrying about food, and dwelling on the fact I need something sweet.
Chris and I are also doing the Love Dare, not for Lent, just because. We started Feb 13th. Loving it so far!
Oh, I forgot to tell you, In addition to doing the dare, I'm secretly making a scrapbook/journal documenting each day of the dare to give Chris on our anniversary (since the first anniversary is paper hehe). It's turning out pretty cute. Just using a 4x6 photo album. Not sure I will want to give it away. HAHA.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have always found it easy to give up something like chocolate or pop. I am catholic and I remember a priest telling me one time then to do something else that is a challenge for me or that would change my life. So this year i have decided to give myself at least 15 minutes a day. I never do anything for myself and always put myself last. So I will spend this time praying, medatating, reading, working out, doing something I love......whatever! I figure by being good to myself amd taking care of myself I will be rejuvinated and in turn be a better mom and wife!
ReplyDeleteI always give up drinking on work nights. My daughter gives up watching TV before dinner. This year we giving those up again, but adding a few things. This lent I will give up re-runs. I LOVE TV. 40 days without ST-TNG, AFV, 90210 and Buffy. Can I do it? My daughter, along the same vein, is giving up books she's read before. Just how much Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary can you re-read?
ReplyDeleteI remind her that it isn't mandatory to give stuff up. We give stuff up as a small sacrifice that represents the large sacifice Jesus made for us.
Wish us luck.
Melissa - I am so jealous of your creativity and generosity. Chris is such a lucky guy. Also, I got your Valentine. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAllison - Every SAHM needs some "me" time to maintain her sanity. I find mine at the gym and volunteering at the church. Hope you find yours and are able to stick with it past Lent.
Andrea - It's great that you are showing your daughter by example what Lent is all about. Good luck to you both!
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