No AHA, but thoughts, at least!

Projects! There are some things I have had good intentions to do. No, they are not spiritual disciplines, but disciplines nonetheless. Like making a booklet of the missionaries we pray for and writing thank you notes, going for a walk and spending time on my sewing machine. Where's the sacrifice in that, you ask? Well, these are the kinds of things I talk myself out of in the evenings when, after work and after supper, I just want to be a bump-on-a-log, hang out on the couch or in my chair, watching a show or movie or reading. Not bad things, just time-consuming. And they take a little more effort and brain & body power. So, I am giving up a bit of comfort and a bit of time to spend in higher pursuits. That is my Lenten Commitment. What's yours?

Fat Tuesday - Fastnacht Day

Back east, we would have been eating special donuts, known as fastnachts. Out here, they know nothing about that, so I printed out an informative essay about Pennsylvania Dutch tradition and using up the lard - getting it out of the house - before Lent. I gave a page to each of "the guys." That is, the men I work with. Today it was only David (Sr. Pastor) Daniel (Worship Pastor) and Mike (Administrative Pastor and my boss, whose birthday it was.) He wanted fruit pie to celebrate so Gary picked up marionberry -- something they only have out west, so now, I guess we're even. I didn't taste it, but everyone who did said it was yummy. They are rather clueless about the liturgical calendar, so I've made it my job to keep them informed.
I have been trying to prepare myself and my heart for Lent. But in my constant question to the Lord about what He would have me sacrifice this season and what good thing should I replace it with, I have heard no reply. I am stumped. I have not wanted it to be food related, cuz I am already on a diet to shed a few pounds before the wedding in 4 months. I can't really get up any earlier. I am part of 2 groups now - TBL and water-walking. I am reading my spiritual formation books. I could probably make better use of my time in the evening. But I don't really know.
Perhaps I will awaken in the morning with an AHA! thought that will guide the remainder of my honoring of Lent. I am open to suggestions. Have you given up anything? Why is it a sacrifice for you?

Lenten Study

Lent begins in just one month. Ash Wednesday is February 17th. Some mistakenly believe that Lent is only for our Catholic friends. I didn't grow up with Lent, nor raise my kids with the observation of it, but the Lenten Season has become increasingly important to me over the years. I do love Easter, but arriving at it without spending some time in preparation and anticipation, focusing on the cross, having an awareness of Christ's sacrifice on my behalf and even making some small-scale sacrifices of my own helps me to arrive at the celebrations of Palm Sunday and through Holy Week on to Easter (Resurrection Sunday) with an increased capacity to honor Christ Jesus.

Max Lucado is, I think, one of the greatest writers of our time. He writes in a way that just about everybody can relate to. He brings biblical stories and truths to life! Gary and I frequently choose a Lucado book to read aloud together. This practice is really unifying and I highly recommend it! This book, Six Hours One Friday, holds, I'm certain, some treasures and revelations that will benefit us all, wherever we are (both in the world physically and on our journey spiritually). I hope you'll join me for this study and look deep within for the Spirit of God stirring within your spirit.