Happy Valentines/Galentines/Palentines – essentially whatever you’re celebrating tomorrow – Day! I’m hosting my bible study tomorrow night, so us girls have decided to eat dark chocolate, learn about Daniel, and be each other’s Valentines! Totally works for me!
Tomorrow is also the 1st day of Lent. I didn’t grow up in the Catholic Church – actually probably the farthest thing from it – I grew up Southern Baptist. But, when I moved to Tampa in 1994, our Methodist church observed Holy Week. I loved every thing about it. Up to and including the practice of giving up something from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. I liked having something as a reminder of the sacred season we’re in. This year I’m giving up Starbucks (don’t judge!) & shutting down Facebook.
As I mentioned at Christmas, I’ve become a huge fan of She Reads Truth. I will say my only “feedback” to the wonderful women in charge is the TINY font. I’m hoping I can get in touch with a few of them at some point, and ask them about Large Print versions. Ha! But, I digress.
I ordered these Lenten studies to give away this year. I opened one up today and realized it actually started yesterday (February 12). Oooops!! This is totally in line with my personality though – a day late, dollar short! But, we can catch up!!
I have 5 studies to give away. I will pick 5 winners at noon on Wednesday, February 14th. To register, comment below! I’d love to hear if you’re giving up anything for Lent. Oh maybe, what your favorite Easter tradition is, or any other fun fact you’d like to share with me!
Thanks for visiting me here, in this space. I love you very much! You make my heart happy.
-carmen
127 comments
Nancy Jo
I would love to do this study – even if I have to play catch up!
Nancy Jo
Oh – and I believe I am going to attempt to give up “self”. To me this will look something like random acts of kindness.
Victoria Elliott
Sunsire service with my dad and I’m giving up sugary snacks.
Jennifer
I don’t have any particular easter tradition. I do think that what I can give up is chocolate and my time. I certainly need to make more time for Jesus so this lent I will spend time in His word!
Sue Neal
I would love to win this. I can’t budget things like thus in regularly.
Funny story for you, Carmen. I grew up Catholic. As you may know, Friday’s current lent were supposed to be meatless. I was babysitting my brother and sister and mom left us pizza money. Not thinking I ordered our usual with sausage. I then remembered, and when it arrived, picked the sausage off and threw it out.
Mom was NOT impressed and I got in trouble for wasting money and food. Ha!
Veronica Vaughan
When I started listening to the morning cruise my favorite part was hearing your laugh and snort. I needed some laughter in my life because I was not in a good place., when you laughed Carmen, I laughed. You make my heart sing. Thank you and God bless you.
Dawn Gutsche
Love listening to you each morning Carmen. One of the things I like to do for Lent is to do more of something than take away. The more I’m speaking of is reading the Bible more, and reading my devotional more (I can’t listen to Joy FM more because it’s all I ever listen to).
One of our traditions is that we watch the Passion movie on Good Friday, and we do solemnly observe Friday as a day of remembrance to our Savior.
Trina
Would absolutely love a new study’ in God’s word. Being raised a Baptist I have never practiced Lent. I was just telling my husband yesterday that although I have read the Bible all my life, I have started reading it with new eyes and desire to learn and hear God more. You are a blessing!
Georgia Whitlock
Hello Carmen! I’m your day late / dollar short sister, story of my life! I’d love to tell you that I’m giving up something profound, but alas it is only sugar! However, you’ve given me something else to also consider… FB! I aLways enjoy your enthusiasm for life! Thank you for being a bright light in the world!
Autumn Eidson
I’m giving up negativity for lent. I’m focusing on being a more optimistic human.
Alicia Celorio
Hi Carmen! This year I will not give up anything since I feel I’ve given up everything that has been hard for me throughout the years. Like chocolate, Facebook, horror movies, wearing jewelry or make up.. In conclusion I cannot think of anything to sacrifice BUT instead..I decided I will stop having all sorts of food items and just eat canned tuna everyday for lunch!!! That’s a major deal for me since I’m always eating everything in the kitchen at work. I decided I will be more mindful with my own self and eat better. Tuna is something simple that i can easily mix with veggies and I will avoid eating other stuff if I only concentrate in one food item. So that’s my lent offering; stop eating the whole kitchen and start with tuna n veggies everyday for lunch. X40 days. Thank you. ::sending you hugs n great vibes:::
Alicia
Mandi
I grew up practicing Lent as a Catholic. Now we go to a non-denomination church and don’t practice it. But Lent/Easter season has always been my favorite season. It’s such a journey of all things made new. At least for me. I always feel refreshed in this season.
Tessa
I was just seeing this on someone’s instagram and thought, wow! I wish I had one to do it! I’ve never had a Lenten practice myself, even though half my family is Catholic. I’d like to know more.
Misty Beagan
I am giving up sweets/sodas and taking up a new devotional series. I have celebrated Lent for as long as I can remember. Some years I give aomething up; some I take up something to help me grow closer to God; and sometimes I do both.
Marcena Burke
I was raised in a Catholic family and Lent was something that was always practiced. Funny that you mentioned that you were giving up FB. This year that is the same thing I am giving up for Lent. I need to get back to in touch with the basics. You and the guys get my days started.
Amy Leland
Just heard the She Reads Truth team talk about this study on the podcast That Sounds Fun with Annie F Downs and it sounds great!! Would love to win one!! Due to work, I won’t be able to listen at noon tomorrow so hoping if I win, you can contact me via email. Thanks!!
Angie
This Lent, I plan to spend more time reading scripture and just quiet my life a bit so I can hear God when he leads me to where I’m needed.
Erline Antoine
I am Catholic and I love Lent. Great time to really connect with God and understand what “sacrifice” mean. I am not really giving up something….For the past few years, I have been focusing more on doing something extra for God, something that requires a sacrifice from me. I would love to add “She reads truth” to my prayer time.
Karin Shippey
I prefer to try and do something special for lent like doing extra acts for others to let them know they are loved. Easter is my favorite holiday. It makes everything new, like a rebirth of spirit.
Elisa
I am Catholic, and I love the tradition of Lent. I have grown deeper in love with every part. I do still give something up, but it’s usually something that takes up time, so I can add something into my life that with the 40 Days, I build a new habit or strengthen one. – more time in prayer, with the Word, and in service to others. Its amazing to get to Holy Week and be closer to the Lord because of whatever it is I’ve chosen. Often the best Easter gift I receive is the fruit of whatever I increased related to my faith life. (And chocolate!!!!!!!!) I also give up meat on Fridays and other days as I am able, and fast from things that take away time from building my relationships… I’m always looking for more prayerful resources to guide my Lenten time, so I’d love to win She Reads Truth!
Thanks for highlighting the beauty of Lent for all! Prayers for a fruitful Lent that brings you closer to the Lord.
Lori Jenkins
I don’t know much about Lent so this sounds interesting. My favorite Easter tradition was getting a new dress but it wasn’t store bought. Every year my mom made my sister’s and I a new dress. We picked the colors and style.
Sam San
I am giving up alcohol! All of it! And I leave for vacation today.!! I love Holy Week.
Megan
Excited to deactivate Facebook and study God’s word instead.
Emily
My husband observes Lent each year through a Lent Bible series. This year we are actually giving something up. Typically we add a new practice into our life. We are giving up sugar.
Kristen Robb
I love Lent! I try to add a little more during this time of reflection. A little more prayer and a little more devotion time. I look forward to my annual preparation for the great celebration of Easter!
Maggie Langford
Love listening to you guys! Y’all crack me up and put a smile on my face everyday!! My favorite tradition of Easter is gathering with family and remembering the reason for that day! Listening to y’all ion the radio has inspired me to deepen my walk with Christ! Love love you guys!!
Stacey Roberson
I think I love the most about Easter is the fact that I can worship and praise him and give thanks to him for the ultimate sacrifice. This week I always put my life back into perspective.
Emily Dayton
I grew up in a Methodist Church and didn’t realize until last year that Ash Wednesday was predominantly a Catholic practice. This year in my journey to come closer to God and being aware of the spiritual warfare going on inside and around me, I am taking all extras off my cellphone. They are a HUGE distraction and take my attention away from God and away from my family. I will be working on intention this Lenten season.
Dorothy Heintz
I am going to try no dessert fir lent. I download a lent prayer to do every day.
Brandie Lane
Happy Valentines! I’m celebrating THE greatest love story today ❤️ I plan to give up negativity….I’m asking God to let me communicate HOPE instead.
Blessings!
Necol
I’ve heard only great things about these devotionals so I’d be super excited to join in on one! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Courtney
Hello! My name is Courtney. And I plan on doing something for lent rather than giving up something. I want to read my bible every day or do a devotional for the next 40 days. I get so busy and get caught up in life and don’t always do my devotionals. So that is what I’m doing 🙂
Morgan
Specifically participated in Lent but I have fasted and giving up things for fasting. While listening to The Joy FM, I’ve decided to give up coffee. I know God can help me through it and I know it’ll be so worth it. Pray for me on my first day of Lent! God bless
Kristin Davis
My favorite Easter tradition is having Sunday dinner with all of my family. Over the years, my mom or my mother-in-law has always cooked. But now that I have kids of my own I get to cook Easter dinner and is such a joy for me.
Cheryl John
I told our friends yesterday on Facebook that I was giving up alcohol for Lent and possibly a few extra months. Today, we put up our announcement that we are due in July with baby number two. 🙂 so caffeine and alcohol are my lent items? But I really don’t give up things for Lent. Instead we donate time, items, or money to charities in our community (Sebring). We have a few charities picked out for the next few weeks.
Autumn R
I usually don’t give up anything for Lent. However, my favorite Easter tradition is the service at church! It is always so special!
Amber Sides
I would LOVE 💗 this study. I am giving away social
Media and Diet Coke which is huge!!! Thank you for all you do!
Abbie
I love listening to the Morning Cruise. I turn it on every morning when I wake up and listen my whole way to work. Thanks for always being such an encouragement!
Sandi Henry
I am trying to strengthen my relationship with Christ. What better way than with your study book? My walk has taken many paths but I am now trying to hear and follow only His plan. I would love this encouragement for my journey.
Amada r
I am not giving anything up for lent but plan to start doing a few things. One being a better devotional time.
Seferina Santibanez
First I wanted to say I am a huge fan of the Joy FM. And love listening to you in the mornjngs. I didn’t know you had a blog until I heard you mentioned it this morning. Next, I was raised Catholic but was never serious with my faith because I spoke mostly English and my family made us attend a Spanish Mass. As an adult I have attended many different churches to find where I could understand the word of God. As for Lent, I actually started this on January 1st. I gave up Facebook and February I gave up Instagram. I have realized social media has consumed so much time from my family and my walk with God. So I have started reading the bible more and making Church and teaching my girls about God a priority. For Lent today I am going to have to give up unhealthy sweets. . Thank you Carmen and Joy FM for bringing Joy to me and my girls. And as my little one randomly said this morning; you build more muscles if you smile, so smile today.
Seferina
Bridget Lynch
I love the Thought of incorporating this into my study. Thank you for the giveaway!
Amanda H
I’m a southern Baptist and didn’t grow up celebrating lent, but we had versions of it like “the 40 day challenge”. I’m not giving anything up but more striving for this new year to focus and spend more time on and with God. I’ve been looking for good studies to dig into. My favorite Easter tradition is going to church as a family and then celebrating and eating all the food goodness after church with the whole family. As a kid we did Easter egg hunts and now that I’m older it’s been fun helping the Little’s on their hunt. 🙂
Tye Sastoque
Instead of giving something up for this lent I really want to seek more opportunities to be involved and help others and really press in and spend more time with the Lord !
Jenny Bridges
I am not giving up anything but really want to do more reading of scripture. I am also going to challenge myself to eat better and walk at least 10,000 steps a day.
dawn
Hi thete
Im giving up sugar…
so please pray for me….it in everything……..good !
Dawn
Kimberly Cribbs
I love you guys and everything you do for all of us! HE will be back for us and you guys are helping us get ready for that event by keeping our hearts full of love and encouragement.! I am giving up the phrase “You should ….” unless asked.
Elizabeth Meyer
Good morning! I grew up Catholic and even though I am no longer a Catholic, I still give something up for Lent. This time I’m giving up carbs other than what is in fruits and veggies. Thank you Jesus for loving us so much!
Molly Fuller
Growing up, I never completely understood what Lent was or it’s importance. Now that I’m an adult, I’m actually excited to take part of this important tradition! Love you Car Car! Listening to you on the Morning Cruise every day always starts my day off right!
Lois Fox
I grew up Methodist and I am now Baptist. I’ve heard about Lent because my husband grew up Episcapaleon and when we first started dating he wasn’t able to eat meat on Fridays during Lent. Basically told him that he was converting and he could now eat meat. So anyway, I’ve never observed Lent because I thought it was a Catholic tradition. I would love to learn more and possibly consider it. For Easter, my church is doing a huge Easter play and I am part of the cast for the first time this year. I’m really looking forward to getting involved with this new church that I joined last fall.
Lisa Swisher
I too was raised Southern Baptist and still am. However, as the years go by and I think of Lentand the Easter season I’m reminded more and more of the sacrifice made on the cross, and know that I too can sacrifice something in my life.