For me, the Lenten Season has always been a little intimidating. It seemed as though I could not absorb the true poverty of spirit needed to open hearts (including my own) to the fullness of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. There were times when it felt like I was just “going through the motions”, giving up this, saying this prayer, going to Lenten Services. In other words, to be perfectly honest, many times I was trying to worship with my “head” instead of my heart and soul.
This year I feel the Lord physically drawing me toward Him. What ways can I deny myself in order to depend more fully on Jesus? How can I open my heart in faith and trust, to help those in need around me? In what ways can I throw myself at the feet of my Lord and worship Him more fully?
On Ash Wednesday, I came across this post on the St. Jude Facebook page. The words touched my heart and opened my eyes to some “freeing” ways of giving things up, so as to be filled with the love, peace and joy of Christ. I wanted to share with you…maybe there will be something you can “give up” that will bring you closer to Jesus.
Looking for something to give up for Lent?
Give up resentment and become more forgiving.
Give up hatred and return good for evil.
Give up complaining and be more grateful.
Give up pessimism and become more hopeful
Give up worry and become more trusting.
Give up anger and become more patient.
Give up pettiness and become more noble.
Give up gloom and become more joyful.
Give up doubt and turn to God.
Starting with this Lenten Season, allow yourself the freedom to let go of the things that are keeping you from the mercy and love of Jesus. He is right there…right with you…right now.
And he is waiting for you to invite him in, so he can fill you with Himself. How long will you make him wait?
somebodylovesmeblog 
March 14, 2017 at 11:33 am
What a great and thought provoking post. For me, I believe God doesn’t necessarily want me to sacrifice a “thing.” Rather He wants me to obey and get closer to Him by understanding and reading His Word. As Samuel told Saul, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
Therefore I don’t give up anything (like chocolate or pie, 🙂 ) but give more of myself to Him, including my time. I’m studying and delving into Scripture more often, speaking about God more frequently as I’m out and about, asking questions and discussing Biblical topics with my friends instead of caving into frivolous topics. What I offer humbly to God is myself – for that’s what Christ did for us. Love you friend!!! Blessings back,
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March 13, 2017 at 6:14 pm
I love this. So much better than giving up “things”. Besides, “things” don’t really help anyone, attitudes do. Good post.
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March 13, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Thank you for reading, and for sharing your thoughts!
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February 28, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Reblogged this on somebodylovesmeblog and commented:
Some thoughts about Lent…
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March 15, 2014 at 10:38 am
Beautiful ideas. I gave up one thing to add something to draw me closer to Him. Great post.
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March 15, 2014 at 11:25 am
Thank you, Julie!
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March 11, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Excellent!
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March 11, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Thanks for stopping by!
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March 11, 2014 at 12:17 pm
What a wonderful post! Yes, He is waiting for us ! Great post! May God pour out His blessings upon you!
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March 11, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Thank you so much! Love and blessings, Bernadette
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