Friday, February 19 "Give Up?"
LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG Week 1 Friday 2/19
Deut. 26:1-11; Ps 91:1-16; Rom 10:8b-13 LUKE 4:1-13
The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.”’
One of the most popular notions of Lent is to “give up” something. Red meat, sweets, television, your Blackberry (Opps, not possible!). Have you given up things in the past? Or are you more inclined to take something upon yourself with intention and grace? What about taking on “intentionality” and “receptivity?” Certainly this 40 Days and 40 Nights covenant is intentional! So what are you giving up, taking on?
For 40 days & 40 nights, I have given up drinking coffee & coke, to me, both drinks are needed to get by my busy day & night, however having 1 kidney to filter all the bad stuff, I figured now would be the perfect time to start drinking water and attempt to live a healthier lifestyle.
My “giving up” is actually a a’taking on.” I am begiining meditating each morning for 15 minutes. I have been wanting to do this but the Lenten Season seems to be the motivation I need to get started.
I moved into Lent thinking I’d give up chocolate and cookies, *definitely* a joy and comfort AND excessive empty calories for me. Having spent the past few days thinking about “giving up” and “taking on,” I have re-framed this. I am giving up an unhealthy way of eating and living. I am taking on better physical health — by eating no sweets except one piece of dark chocolate each day — and also using this practice to turn inward and ask, “Why do I crave the transitory comfort that sweets provide?” And then I talk to God for a little while about where comfort comes from, and why I need it. Each time I want to reach for that cookie, or lemon bar, or candy at the restaurant check-in counter, or more pieces of chocolate, I start a little conversation with God instead. (Little = “help!”) It’s baby steps but it’s working…….
I have given up red meat. Last lent I also gave up red meat, but halfways through I caved and chaned to just burgers because I got to have my chili fries. This year I am keeping the entire red meat. I have also decided I am going to try to take on daily prayer. Today was also my best christian act so far. I bought my friend lunch and when he said he owes me lunch I told him no he doesn’t. Happy Lent everyone!
Being a Lilbra and trying to keep things in balance I Like Sandy and Nora I too am doing a little of both, giving up and taking on, mainly for health reasons. I am giving up the whites and fried foods in my diet and am focusing on those more healthy things like more fish (sardines are a must), chicken, and cooked fresh veggies, and more fruit. I am adding a daily motivator after my meditation and adjusting some business strategies. Feels great so far!