Sacrifice or Offering?

Today is Fat Tuesday, and for some, the last time to load up, on whatever they give up for Lent. From the time I can remember my brother has always given up chocolate. (Hey, males can do this. Any women out there that can? LOL) I think I can unequivocally state that he has never cheated on this. He being a bit A.R. on certain things, as anyone who knows him can attest. As for myself, I don't remember ever really doing it.
But then, does it just have to be giving up something? Why not offering something instead? Offer your time by helping out in a soup kitchen, an elderly neighbor with errands, reading to children....you get the idea. . . . and might I add one more thing?
From now until Easter save all your pennies and any other change you can spare. Then write out a check in the amount you saved to Episcopal Relief and Development. Write "Pennies from Heaven" in the memo. It can be a family project. Check it out on Geranium Farm homepage.
Go to the ERD's website and you can pick out "Gifts for Life":
http://erd.servicenetwork.com/Store/ProductList.asp?Category=Basics%20of%20Life

What could you give up from now until Easter and put that money aside for ERD?
a movie, Starbuck's coffee, manicure or pedicure, fast food, car wash, buying new clothes, eating out, dry cleaning......what else can you think of?

Copyright © 2007 Deborah Sharp Loeb