My last day to buy frivolous stuff until after Easter...

[Rabrrrrrr]

I have decided that for Lent, I shall take up the discipline of truly taking a Sabbath day - no Internet, no TV, no shopping at all. Just me, my books, the Bible, prayer, and relaxation (though I won't go as far as the Orthodox Jews - I'll still flip light switches, cook my own food, and etc.), from sundown one night to sunup two days later (actually making about a 36 hour Sabbath).

Due to my work schedule, the Sabbath day will bounce around from week to week, hence my lack of inclusion of specifically named days.

Also as part of my Lenten discipline, beginning on Ash Wednesday, I will buy nothing frivolous - the only things I am allowing myself to spend money on are the basic necessities: rent, food, heat, car, gas, etc. or any emergency expenses. But otherwise, no purchasing: no DVDs, no CDs, no books (egads!!), doodad or geegaws, no electronics, nothing from Levenger...

I look forward to this! I think it will be good. I've done a good job over the years of eliminating most wasteful spending (knick knacks, cheap shit that will break soon, action figures, lattes, etc.) - but I can still be a little too tempted to buy stuff that I don't necessarily need, but is still good.

Time to get serious about saying "No" to Pharaoh.

[RevCheesehead]

1. Does that include foregoing the Kincade art?

And action figures??? :cry:

*WWWS?


*What would Wilford say?

[Kat45]

2. That's a really good idea for Lent.

More meaningful than the uninspiring, traditional "give something up for Lent" that becomes more like a contest if it's taken the least bit seriously. (I grew up Catholic.)

[Kajsa]

3. That's a great idea, Rabrrrr. - Verses I'd like to share for Lent.

From our service last night,

Matthew 6:

http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew6.htm

this is my favorite part- the one I understand the best

Matthew
Chapter 6
1
1 "(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
2
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites 2 do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
4
so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
5
"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
6
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
7
3 4 In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
8
Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9
5 6 "This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10
your kingdom come, 7 your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
11
8 Give us today our daily bread;
12
and forgive us our debts, 9 as we forgive our debtors;
13
and do not subject us to the final test, 10 but deliver us from the evil one.
14
11 If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
15
But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.
16
"When you fast, 12 do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
17
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
18
so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.
19
13 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.
20
But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.
21
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
22

[theredpen]

5. I love Matthew 6

They read from that at our ash Wednesday service.

[skater314159]

4. Yep...

... it is that time of the year again.

I like your ideas... I've done similar things in the past, and it really makes for an awesome Lenten Discipline. (I got a real kick outta your 'no books (egads!!!)' as I am a bibliophile myself... my husband and I have decided to "take on" some things for Lent. He's going to the gym to work out more, we're both going to give up fast food and take up good food, and I'm going to take up completeing my Thesis and Defense.

Happy Lent-ing!

[Critters2]

6. How has this discipline been going, Rabrrrrr?

A few years ago, I started buying Christmas gifts from non-profit businesses only. I've been surprised at how many nice things are available this way. But I have at least one family member still pissed because she can't just put anything on her Amazon wish list and expect me to buy it.

These kinds of disciplines acan be really renewing and surprising. I hope you've found your Lent a good experience of time with God.