And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (ESV)
Lent is my favorite season. Although I think often about Christ’s sacrifice, during Lent I really like to ponder on the Cross.
Giving something up during the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday is something I do each year. This year I had to really think about what to give up…So, starting today, I will not visit Facebook for the next 40 days. I hope that God will give me the discipline to hold up the 40 days. 40 days doesn’t seem long, but goodness – it is 6 weeks voluntarily staying away from my world-wide friends (and my sweet niece in Germany I just connected with).
One of my local friends said: “You shouldn’t – you try to build your photography business”…But you know what? To me that means that I have to daily combat this urge — laying down my life to honor Him and His sacrifice.
So, this week I am thankful for Lent; its meaning for my personal walk of faith. May God give me the discipline I need during the next 40 days. Lori had shared a ministry site with me last week (pst – if you like books you might want to subscribe to Lori’s review blog). Check out Sovereign Grace’s February sale. I picked up three books; Living the Cross Centered Life will be my read through Lent 🙂 .
I am also thankful that Alanna contacted me to share a very cool Lent project for kids. Check out her Lenten Grass Project which is based on an old Finish tradition.
What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving your link below. Hopefully we all can make a few visits to each other this week (okay – I hope I can – you all have been so good visiting each other)…
Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: We have an amazing God; He sent His son to rescue us from ourselves.
| 1. Lynn (Spiritually Unequal Marriage) 2. Debbie @The Way We Are 3. Pia 4. Rocks @ Made To Worship 5. bp 6. Heather @ A Day In My Life 7. Holly @brokenforgod 8. Joan @ Reflections 9. Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand 10. Pastor John 11. It Feels Like Chaos 12. K @ In The Lord’s Path 13. Sharon 14. Bogie 15. jo.attalife 16. Grace, Philippines 17. Amazing Grace |
18. Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads 19. Ramblings of Casey 20. Jocelyn 21. Melissa @ Frugal Creativity 22. Julie 23. Dana 24. Susan@Daily Coping Skills 25. Jen S. 26. SusanD 27. Erica 28. monkeymommy08 29. By Grace Alone 30. Wendy @ Faith’s Firm Foundation 31. Mary 32. Nic @ As My World Turns 33. Shelby 34. LeAnn @ See Great Things |
35. Gemini,Philippines 36. Laurie@Nana’s House 37. Yoli ! Apron Senorita 38. Kimberly 39. Nancy @ Homemade Blessings 40. Dawn’s Daily Life 41. julie @ mom by faith 42. Michele 43. MageeMommy 44. ann 45. alely lee 46. Marsha 47. Donetta at a Life Uncommon 48. Denise 49. Heart’s Delight |
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Hi Iris,
You know, I have been thinking about Lent as well. I’m thinking the Lord is calling me to spend more time with Him in prayer. I will have to ask Him about this.
And Girl… I will miss you on FB but good for you. Love you my friend. BIG hugs. Lynn
Bless you for always being obedient to the Lord, love you my friend.
This sounds like a wonderful (though no doubt difficult) plan. I pray the Lord blesses you and your efforts. Hugs, Debbie
Iris, That sounds wonderful, and I admire you for giving up FB. I pray God will bless your time over the next 40 days.
God bless your heart Iris, I’m sure God will honor your desire to honor HIM through that..Now that inspired me to think of what can I give up as sacrifice for 40 days. God bless you!!
it’s not my favorite time of the year but i do take this time to think about what Jesus’ had done on the cross. i reflect on that and give thanks.
God bless you!
Iris,
Living the Cross Centered Life is a must read… Very good word…..
Be blessed,
Holly
Wonderful post, Iris. This is my first year to give something up for lent and I’ve decided no desserts. I too pray that God gives me the strenght to endure.
Blessings,
Joan
Iris – God will reward you for your sacrifice. I gave up fb for awhile while I did the Love Dare book and the rewards were well worth it! Thank you for being our host and for seeking Him first! -blessings, Laurie
Love your last quote, “He sent His son to rescue us from ourselves.” So well said! And oh how grateful I am!
I pray that you will be succesful in your commitment!
It may not be an easy task, but I’m sure the Lord will bless you for honoring Him during Lent.
You are reading one of my FAVORITE books, I have read it twice.
Wie gehts, Iris?
Thank you for your post–you inspire me! Hmmm, I wonder what the Lord would have me do to focus more on Him? Thanks for all the great links–I will try to check them out! Thank you so much for hosting this month; I\’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. Auf Wiedersehn! (I\’m reaching back to my junior high German class for these:)
Wendy
Obedience is the key to peace and success in our lives. You are an inspiration to me Iris. Blessings on your day.
Thanks for this today, Iris. I haven’t done a Thankful Thursday in far too long.
This is the first year that I have ever observed Lent; already I’m being blessed.
This is my first time at Thankful Thursdays, and I am so encouraged by the posts I have read. Thank you for hosting us, for your post on Lent and for your obedience to Him. May you be blessed this day!
Laurie
Iris – you have such a dear heart. I know that as you do this the Father will bless you in ways that cannot be measured. We never lovingly give to Him that He does not give back in abundance.
Oh, I love this meme! I’m so THANKFUL I found it! I also really appreciate your reflections on Lent and the links. I have never heard of “Lenten Grass” – I think I will try that with my kids! (Good thing being late won’t count against me. 🙂 )
Hi! I’m glad I bumped into your blog! I read your about me and I am actually taking up photography myself. I’ve been having a great time and learning a lot. Looking forward to all the links you have shared.