“Lent offers us a time to die with Christ that we may rise with Christ”

Okay—either time is getting shorter or I am getting older and I am saddened to say it is a great deal of both. I can’t believe it is time for the season of lent. Lent is a time for me to simplify my life and focus on my relationship with God in Christ. It’s pretty easy for me to get caught up in the drama of work, relationships, and family. The distractions of daily living often veers me away from living a life with Christ. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I am reminded of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness praying and fasting and while being tempted by Satan to turn away from God, Jesus never veered away from God. For me, lent is that time for me to pray and fast so that I may not veer away from God. It is that intentional time I need to re-focus my life to be more in line with God. I came across this list of things that I can do during lent that help me to intentionally focus my life to be more in line with God. I pray that this list may be a blessing to you as well in this time of lent.

— Skip one meal a day and give the money to a local food bank.

— Read a chapter in the Bible a day. (Begin at Matthew)

—Start a prayer “rhythm.” ie: Say a prayer every time you take a drink, see a commercial, or check your e-mail.

— Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it (maybe even yourself).

—Give up beer or sodas. Give the money you save to UMCOR

—Spend thirty minutes a day in silence.

—Write someone a thank you letter.

—Say one nice thing to someone each day.

— Pray for others on your way to work or school.

—Volunteer one afternoon a week at a local shelter, tutoring program or Habitat for Humanity.

Be Blessed!

Loving God, heart, mind, soul, and strength,

Pastor LaTonya