Give Up!

Our Lenten journey continues this week.  How are you going with giving up something, or just giving…?

GIVE UP 10 to 15 minutes in bed! Instead, use that time in prayer, meditation and self care.

GIVE UP looking at other people's worst points. Instead concentrate on their best points. We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook theirs first.

GIVE UP speaking unkindly. Instead, let your speech be generous and understanding. It costs so little to say something kind and uplifting.

GIVE UP your hatred of anyone or anything! Instead, learn the discipline of love.

GIVE UP your worries and anxieties! Instead, trust God with them. Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about: like tomorrow! Live today and let God's grace be sufficient.

GIVE UP TV one evening a week! Instead, visit some lonely or sick person. There are those who are isolated by illness or age. Give someone a precious gift: your time!

GIVE UP buying anything but essentials for yourself! Instead, give the money to those most in need. The money you would spend on the luxuries could help someone meet basic needs.

GIVE UP judging by appearances and by the standard of the world! Instead, learn to give up yourself to God. (adapted from Craig Gates, Jackson, MS, "What to Give up for Lent") 

With God's blessings,