Lenten observatiosn

[denise]

We have calendars up at church about Lent and what you can do to make this a meaningful season. Ususally we think of Lent as Catholics giving something up and eating fish on Fridays. As we have observed the Catholics and their traditions we have seen a benefit in observing Lent. It is a time, 40 days, to focus on our relationship with God and in giving something up we are making a sacrifice and disciplining ourselves. As we think of thing we give up it makes us aware of why we gave it up and brings our focus to God. This year we have taken a different approach,
doing something for someone else as a sacrifice. "No greater love than this that you lay down your life for your friend." Jesus gave His life for me, can I not give a little of myself to make some else's life better? Do you have any experiences to share?

[denise]

I was at Lewis the other day to mail a package and there was a long line, two lines actually. One lady in the other line waited and waited while in my line several people were helped. As I stood there I observed how many people were buying lottery tickets and thought they should have a line just for that, it takes so long. When it came my turn I thought of the Lenten calendar, "give your place in line to someone" so I gave it to the lady who was waiting so long in the other line. What did she need to do? Buy a lottery ticket! It didn't take too long though and that gave me time to think about the Lenten season of sacrifice, time being the sacrifice today. It was just a small thing but I think she appreciated it, maybe, she didn't say anything. I'll keep looking for ways in which I can help others.

[Jenn]

Hello Denise,
I have not talked to you in so long. Thank you for the Lenten posts, Jesse told me about the calendar and I have not seen one. I missed them at church rushing around being of service. I would like to see one. I love the focus this year. Serving others is a true sacrifice to me, especially when you serve when you do not truely want to. You are a blessing in my life and someone I would like to get to know more. I will keep checing in and reading. I hear you have somegood myspace blogs as well but I haven't been able to find them. God Bless You

[Jenn]

I have some experience to share. I have a women in my life who has no car, not allowed to work and two children. I am blessed to be able to be there for her whether she needs to talk, go shopping, or just to cry and pray. Sometimes when I see her number on my phone, I whine. Then, He reminds me what this is really about. I was put on this planet to be of service to others with an open and glad heart. If He can die for me, the least I can do is answer my phone or call her back.

[kim]

Hi Jenn... I'm not sure who you are... sorry i haven't written on here... you go to Sonrise?

[Jenn]

Hi Kim, I have only been to Sonrise a couple of times. I am a regular at Ridgecrest. Last year I was blessed to be able to go to Women of Faith with all of the ladies. That is were I got to know Denise besides coming to Sonrise once in a while. Thanks for asking, I am really new to this blog stuff. Matter of fact responding to Denise was my first.

[denise]

Thanks for your response. I had opportunity to see the Amazing Grace on Monday night. It was so good. It reminded me of what a difference we can make in the world. Willberforce was raised in the church but it wasn't until he was in his 20's that he had an experience with God, "God found me" he said. He was torn, he wanted to be a minister but could not escape the horrible treatment of slaves he had heard about. Someone told him he could serve God by taking action against an injustice. He worked so hard but with help and encouragement from others he continued until finally slavery was abolishd in Great Britain. As we continue our Lenten journey I have become more aware of things, not as dramatic as slave trade but other injustices all around, people being treated as less than others. Isnt it up to us as Christians to stand up for those less fortunate. Not always easy, again a sacrifice of service.