It is possible that this particular instance could be accredited to my addiction to caffeine, but most likely it has more to do with my personality. I am not known for my patience or ability to deal with change. So with that in mind, a few years ago I decided for lent I was giving up lent. No more withholding things from myself, no more suffering because the liturgical calendar said I should, no more fixation on the one thing I couldn’t have. And you know what…I liked lent a lot better that way. I still complained about all the hymns being in a minor key at church, but I no longer dreaded lent.

Now, fast forward five years to today, and I am finally willing to give lent a try again. Only this time, I am not giving something up for 40 days. Instead Matt and I are going to challenge ourselves to do something different for 40 days. Calling it a challenge makes it more fun and insures that my competitive side will keep me committed. So for 40 days Matt and I will be purchasing our groceries from the Clear Creek Co-op or other local sources. No more grocery stores. No more quick runs to Meijer to pick up a few things for a special meal. We are going to eat what is available at the Co-op or from local farmers. To be honest, I should note that we did not rid our pantry or fridge of items that don’t come from the aforementioned sources, so at least in the beginning we will have a few items from Meijer still around. By the end of lent, however, it should be a whole new ball game. The other exception we are making is to purchase fresh produce from the grocery store until the Co-op gets their shipment. We are told this should be soon. But really, going 40 days without onions or potatoes or green peppers, I am sure that isn’t healthy!

It will be interesting to see if we have to change our eating habits much or how many of the meals we normally eat we won’t be able to make with food from the Co-op.  I am not 100% sure what sort of spiritual impact this practice will have, but I think it will help us to continue to be more intentional and mindful about what we are eating.  It will also give us a closer connection with the food we are eating.  My biggest hope is that in 40 days we will realize that we really don’t need to go to Meijer anymore.  Or at least not more than once a month.

Should be an interesting 40 days.  Are you doing anything for lent?

Related posts

• Technology Today — From Bits to Bites & Windshields to Worship (1)
• Pound Cake Perfection (1)
• My new adventure (4)
• Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies (3)
• Cooking Success (1)

My little sister who,  by virtue of me being her BIG sister, I feel the need to harass, help, direct, give unsolicited advice to, support, and protect. So two years ago when I found out she has Lupus it was quite upsetting.  Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body.  Basically it causes your immune system to attack various parts of your body.  In Megan’s case, it is currently manifesting itself in joint pain and extreme fatigue, but it can vary from person to person and even from year to year. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Lupus only treatments to keep the symptoms under control.

However, this May, Megan is participating in a walk to raise money for the Lupus Foundation of America.  The money she and other walkers raise will go to support research for a cure and help provide programs and treatments for people suffering from Lupus, along with supporting their friends and families. I would love to be able to join her team and walk with her in May; however, the walk is taking place in North Carolina, and I am in Indiana.  So in order to still participate and support my little sister, I am trying to help her raise as much money as possible.

Her team has set $1,000 as their goal, and they are on their way.  But, they could use your help getting to that goal.  You can donate online at Megan’s website or by giving me check or cash.  I will be sending her all the cash donations I round up before the walk.

I know everyone is probably already inundated with request to support various causes or groups, and I am sorry to pile on.  But this is something extra close to me and my family, and I want to do anything I can to support my little sister.

Thank you for your help!

Related posts

• March of Dimes’ March for Babies (0)
• Loops of Love 2011 (3)
• Loops of Love (2)
• Giving Lent Another Try (4)
• Beautiful PSA (1)

Related posts

• Text messaging while driving equals death… or worse (1)
• Take that! (0)
• You pucked with the wrong ice president! (1)
• Yet another iPad parody (1)
• Would you like to be my friend? Confirm or Deny? (0)