According to Wikipedia, Lent is defined as follows:

Lent (Latin: Quadragesima - English: Fortieth) is a solemn religious observance in the liturgical calendar of many Christian denominations that begins on Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before Easter Day. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial. This event, along with its pious customs are observed by Christians in the Anglican, Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic traditions.

Many of us observe Lent and, if you are like me, rack our brain with what to give up. A lot of times I want it to be something challenging (soft drinks/chocolate) but nothing that is going to be TOO difficult (all sugar/TV). I tend to lose focus on the meaning of the word sacrifice.

So this year, a friend of mine told me about something she had come across that intrigued me. It is called 40 Bags in 40 Days and revolves around decluttering our homes. The premise is that for the days of Lent - you will fill one bag a day of things to remove from your house. Whether it's donated, sold, thrown away - doesn't matter, the point is to declutter. The size of the bag is also up to you. Doesn't have to be a Hefty size bag everyday.....can be a plastic grocery bag. So as I thought about this more and more, I realized that many of us need to declutter but not only our homes but our minds, body and spirit.

We live in a very sensory world - we are bombarded at all times by images, sounds, smells, etc. and with the technology available at our fingertips - it is easy to become cluttered with things. We can allow our spiritual path to get cluttered with "things" without even realizing it. We have so much being thrown at us through TV, social media, emails, etc. that we can become bogged down before we even realize it.   Now is the perfect time for us to reflect on this and to declutter our paths. While giving up chocolate or fast food are GREAT things to give up for Lent, I challenge you to look at bit deeper. Declutter negativity from your life - whether with websites you visit or friends on Facebook that do nothing but "rain on your parade". I challenge you to shine your light everyday by telling those you come in contact with at stores, restaurants, doctor's offices, etc. to "Have a Blessed Day" regardless of how you are treated. Commit to do 1 random act of kindness a day - Wheel the cart back into the store as you are walking from the parking lot, hold the door open for someone behind you, buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at the 7-11. There are so many ways that we can declutter our spiritual life and, in doing so, shine grace on those we come in contact with.

I hope this season of Lent brings you much clarity as we take this journey towards Easter Sunday. May His grace shine bright in you and through you!

 

What an honor it is to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My Emmaus experience changed my life forever. I am so happy to be able to give back just a little by working Walks and serving on the Board. As the Treasurer of the Dallas Emmaus Board, I have been surprised at the number of people who need scholarship help. The economy is going fine if you are employed, but it can be brutal for those out of work, those with health problems, etc. The Emmaus community is blessed to have giving, caring people. Last month we received donations: one from a reunion group, and the other from an individual just to support us.    

 

These gifts will allow Pilgrims to go on their Walk even if they can't afford it or it keeps the cost down for everyone who is going on their Walk. The Board works very hard to keep the cost of a Walk as low as possible for everyone involved. When you think about the value that is packed into a 72 hour love fest with our Lord for between $190 and $230, how can you spend your money or time better? If you have been financially blessed and can give, please do so.  Please remember that Emmaus is not the first priority. Give to your church first, and only if you can give above and beyond, then give to Emmaus.

 

If you would like to set up a donation, you can use the Paypal button on our website. That will enable those who want to support our movement with financial donations.  You will be able to electronically donate money with your credit card or Paypal account. Of course, if you would like to donate to the Dallas Emmaus Community the old fashion way, either one time or ongoing, you can simply send a check to PO Box 2361, Rockwall, TX  75087. 

Kairos is a prison ministry whose success is dependent on the community of faith support in providing agape such as prayer chain signatures, cookies, and financial donations.  If you are interested in knowing more about how you can participate, or to find out how to attend a Kairos closing, email the editors for information.