Re-LENT-less

The way our family celebrates the relentless love of Jesus and His sacrifice

Our family is big on creating traditions...in this season of the year, we really strive to create opportunities to think of Jesus and the sacrifice that He made for us...this works for us, and if it gives you an idea of what you might want to do with your family, that is excellent. We do it all here...Ash Wednesday, Lent, Passover, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter. I am putting this here, not because I think it is the end-all, but for my children if they choose to do it when they are grown...hope you enjoy it as well. Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Things to Give Up for Lent

This is not original, but I thought it was really good. I don't generally give things up for Lent. I may add some Bible readings, try to have a more concentrated prayer time or something like that, but I loved this list.

This comes from Pastor Phil of Church of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Guilt – I am loved by Jesus and he has forgiven my sins. Today is a new day and the past is behind.
Fear – God is on my side. In him I am more than a conqueror. (see Romans 8)
The need to please everyone – I can’t please everyone anyways. There is only one I need to strive to please.
Envy – I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Impatience – God’s timing is the perfect timing.
Sense of entitlement – The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace.
Bitterness and Resentment – The only person I am hurting by holding on to these is myself.
Blame – I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions.
Gossip and Negativity – I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic bringing other people down.
Comparison – I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one else like me.
Fear of failure – You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fail forward.
A spirit of poverty – Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack
Feelings of unworthiness – You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139)
Doubt – Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine. The future is brighter than you could ever realize.
Self-pity – God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Retirement – As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason. You have a purpose to influence others for Christ. That does not come to an end until the day we die.
Excuses – A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do.
Lack of counsel – Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
Pride – Blessed are the humble.
Worry – God is in control and worrying will not help.