Lent is a season in the church calendar that motives us to both surrender and start something new. It begins on Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2023) and lasts for 40 days culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus on Easter weekend. It is meant to be a season of rest, reflection, repentance, reconciliation, and restoration. As you celebrate Lent this year, consider what you can surrender and what you can start afresh.

Lent is a time to surrender something to the Lord so you can focus more on Jesus and draw close to him. What can you give up for Lent this year? Here are a few ideas:

• one of your favourite foods, food groups, or drinks
• social media, TV, movies, video games, streaming platforms, or other types of technological consumption
• bad working or sleeping patterns
• other unproductive activities that are draining or time consuming
• shopping (other than daily food needs) or spending money on non-critical items

Lent is a time to start something new that you didn't do before and helps you to draw closer to Jesus and be more like him. What can you start for Lent this year? Here are a few ideas:

• start new spiritual discipline like silence and solitude, journaling, simplicity, fasting, etc.
• begin practicing a weekly sabbath
• set aside a specific time to pray each day
• focus on reading a certain portion of the Bible
• read a book that will help you in your spiritual journey
• memorize a chapter in the Bible
• listen to a new worship song each day that focuses your heart on Jesus
• declutter your house and donate things to charity
• connect with a new person, neighbour, long lost friend, or someone in your community each day
• send a email, text, or note of encouragement to someone every day
• start a new exercise routine
• pick a new area to serve and volunteer in

As you begin your Lenten journey, here are a few resources that you might find helpful:

• The Lectio 365 App helps to create a habit of daily prayer, reflection, and communion with Jesus
• The Canadian Bible Society has a series of devotionals throughout Lent that you can subscribe to called "The Resurrection of Jesus: Our Hope in Brokenness"
• We are currently reading the Gospels together through the YouVersion Bible App. You can join our ongoing plan or start another plan with a group of friends.
• Read the book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, to help you slow down, focus, and develop good physical and spiritual rhythms in your life
• Through the organization, Practicing the Way, you can learn how to Practice the Sabbath
• Use Right Now Media to dig deeper into God's Word through a video teaching series
• A Spotify Playlist of Worship Songs from our Prayer Challenge this year

Lent can and should be practiced together as a family. Here are a few resources for your children as you develop the rhythm of Lent in their young lives:

• Easter Resources for Families and Kids from Minno Life
• 40 Simple & Fun Lent Activities for Families from Little Shoots Deep Roots