LENT 2008

This year for Lent my family is trying something new. For the period of Lent, we've decided to put a moratorium on our spending. We'll pay bills and buy groceries, of course, but trips to Target, Wal-mart, the mall...all out. We're cutting all fast food, take-out, coffee trips, liquor store runs, the center of Sam's, etc. We spend a ton of money on sitters to attend meetings and social functions, so whatever can't be traded with family members or other families...out. Valentine's day will be homemade this year and all family outings will be walks and parks. We're consolidating driving trips and using the SUV only when necessary. We talked with Joe, who will soon be four, about turning off lights as we leave rooms, wearing our clothes until they are really dirty, keeping the thermostat down and wearing extra layers and reusing and recycling whatever we can...how being a good steward of the earth is an excellent way to honor God. Each sacrifice should remind us of His grace and mercy. The money we save will then go to Lift High the Cross. I'm nervous and excited about this Lenten challenge; I've always taken on a solo sacrifice: no caffeine, no fast food, no cursing, so involving the entire family will, with hope, prove fruitful!

Use this space to share other ideas about how your family is using Lent to grow closer to Christ. We all need more ideas!