I’m curious to know what you’ve given up for Lent. I’m still praying to see if God is going to impress upon me what to give up for Lent. I’d love to hear what God has impressed on your heart, if you are going to be giving anything up during this Lenten season. If you haven’t given anything up, and you want to, here are some ideas.
The Blood Water Mission is asking people to drink only water for the next 40 days. Donate the money you save every day on coffees, sodas, teas–whatever your preference–so that the money can be used to provide others with clean drinking water. The details for this project are HERE.
My friend Margaret Feinberg is reading the entire Bible in the next 40 days. She has free downloads for reading guides or listening guides (a FREE audio download of the Bible as well!) on her website HERE.
::Learn about what Lent means HERE.
Some other ideas for what to give up for Lent:
- Sweets –There are a lot of benefits to giving up sweets!
- Facebook – I have a few friends who are giving up social media for Lent.
- Gossip – I’ve heard that’s a good thing to give up. (Get it? I’ve “heard”…)
I’m talking with a friend about reading through the New Testament together. This will take reading about 7 chapters a day, which is a lot. However, I think if we attempt this in a more readable version, like the New Living Translation or The Message Bible, it might make it a little easier.
What about you? I’d love to hear your stories on what you’re giving up and why, and how you have observed Lent in the past and how it’s affected you. Please share!
Kelly, honored that you would mention my 40 day Bible challenge! Can’t wait to hear what you decide to do!
I’m giving up reading fiction. I love it but it’s such a time-suck. And I find that I live in it, even if it’s good, clean stuff. So my reading list has changed to devotional reading. I plan to give up something else as well to donate the money to She Is Safe’s “Give Life for Lent” campaign. (SheIssafe.org) I don’t indulge in anything with enough regularity to say it’s just one thing, so maybe my occasional vices as they come along – downloadable books, a once-a-week latte, sewing patterns and fabric on sale….
Like you mentioned, rather than giving something up, you could take something up, like Jesus took up the cross for you.
Take up…
… drinking (only) water.
… reading the New Testament.
…praying daily for your pastor.
…saying something specifically positive to/about your spouse (children) daily.
…
I’m giving up drinking COFFEE! My husband is giving up PEANUTS, we like to do things as a couple with the strength that GOD will see us through this task while we lean on each other.