What am I Giving Up for LentJessica from Ft. Lauderdale, FL US I gave up my relationship... Now let me emphazise I lifted my relationship to God (at first I didn't know if that would be a worthy sacrifice, so I also included attending church daily) Well, I think God heard me cause he accepted my offering, My beloved & I broke-up in the 1st few weeks of Lent. With my heart completely shattered & asking God why? & begging him please NO,.. don't close the door on this love etc... I realized in the midst of Lent that Love real Love is a sacrifice of self for the well being of the beloved (things weren't going so well, no matter what i tried & we kept staying together) SO, God made me see that I needed to grow more in my faith & sprituality before I'am able to give myself totally & freely to my beloved. In order for me to hold on I had to open my hands. That love is like a butterfly you can't keep it in a case, it must be set free in order to give it the chance to be all it can be if it comes back then it was always yours... Im learning to lay down my lustful desires to GOD & I realized my beloved was a great gift from God that I earnestly pray for it's restoration & return. I'm finally clearing my credit & all the dirt in my life. And now I wait... I wait for God's guidance & answer... I only hope with my entire heart that as i suffer through my loss of a great love that even greater the love between my beloved & I will reunite by GOD's divine faith. Lubica from Sunnyvale, CA US I gave up going shopping for clothes and shoes (except neccesities), did not eat any meet every Friday of the Lent (in any meal) and went to the mass at church every Friday (except once). I also finally went to confes my sins after 16 years (of not even praying)and did my penance also. All by the Easter Sunday, so that I could go to confirmation! Now I'm trying to get my husband to come to church with me on Sunday. With any luck we'll both go at least one Sunday a month. I Love you Jesus! Suze from Canberra, AU I gave up all my vices - coffee (to kick start my day), junk food (to get me through the day), and alcohol (to relax me at the end of the day). By the end of Lent I felt de-toxed and the clarity of spirit and mind I experienced is irreplacable. Lent is over but I will be cutting back my consumption of these by 85% in my every day life in order to maintain the equanimity and elevated health of my 'temple' that I so enjoyed during my abstinence. Praise God! lynn from San Diego, CA US I gave up eating junk food I also started to go to mass every Sunday I'm starting all over I wasn't going for 5yr and now its diff I will continue going after Easter :) THANK you God :) Lynne from Waipahu, HI US I gave up all candy and eat no meat on Fridays and fast on that day.......Also, just being more peaceful to others , look at all Jesus gave up for us and that is the least i can do....All Glory and Honor is Yours! Gina from Belmont, MA US As an 18 year old, I tried to give up something I really used a lot and was a treat for me... I gave up Facebook, AIM and all online messengers for Lent, no one thought I could do it, but I did. :) Peter from Orange County, CA US I fasted twice a week on bread and water following the messages from Our Lady of Medjugorje. I also gave up coffee. I have really lived this Lent from the heart and grew closer to Jesus through the Blessed Mother. I've come to realize just how serious Our Lady's messages are. I've also started praying three decades of the Rosary daily, meditating on the mysteries and reading a small part of the Bible every day. I hope to continue these practices when Lent is over. wilma gomez from quezon city, PH i'm a shopoholic who gave up buying myself anything for lent. all my friends couldn't believe that i can do it but i did with the Good Lord's grace. i normally go to the mall at least once a week (up to 3x)and always end up buying stuff for myself, like shoes, dresses, make up. abstaining from meat and fasting use to be my sacrifice for lent but a priest friend of mine told me that since i'm always on a "diet", it doesnt count as much coz it'll benefit me. i figured giving up shopping and donating money i saved to a charity would be a better sacrifice. Ursula from Hawthorne, CA US I gave up meat, hard liquor, anything I consider to be a treat (desert/candy) and television on every day but Thursday. What's funny... I didn't want to give up television on Thursdays so I could watch Grey's Anatomy. Grey's Anatomy started showing reruns. I saw that as the God's way of expressing his opinion. David from BARTLESVILLE, OK US I gave up watching television for the Lenten season including Sundays. It has been difficult, but I have grown closer to our Lord through more reading of the Holy Scriptures and Prayer. Luci from A town, IN US I gave up red meat...i know its pretty petty but i CANNOT WAIT TO get an ARBYS MELT!!!!!!!!! Heather from clarksville, TN US I gave up cake and ice cream which was a struggle with the temptations from birthday parties and baby showers but I have made it and cant wait till Easter when I make my famous cream cheese cake with coconut! Victoria from Augusta, GA US I'm giving up red meat throughout the Lenten season, including Sundays. This requires constant vigilance, since meatless meals are somewhat foreign for me. I've also committed to prayer several times a day. Andrei Garcia from Houston, TX US Beer and hard liquer Don & Darlene from Toronto, II CA One of us gave up coffee and one of us junk food. We are observing abstinence on Fridays during Lent but have decided that we will continue in the traditional practice to observe abstinence on Friday's throughout the year in rememberance of Christ's death on Holy Friday. Jesus remember us. Jimmy from Moroto, II UG My daily breakfast, lunch and meat related dishes on fridays. I will give the savings to Sisters of charity in Karamoja to help the poor children under their care. Sean from Los Angeles, CA US I'd already given up pizza and soda as my new year's resolution so, for lent I gave up alcohol and tobacco. James from Moscow, PA US steak Cecilia from Brownsville, TX US As a catechist it surprises me to read the responses to the question on what people will give up for Lent. Lent is suppose to be a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. We should use this time as a self-examination and reflection of our lives. As Christians we should focus on our relationship with God, perhaps volunteering or giving of ourselves for others. Sara from Lawrence, KS US I have given up chocolate and red meat this Lenten season, to support my husband in his efforts to do the same, but the day after Easter I will also cut off all my hair to donate to a charitable organization. Joanna from Singapore, SG I gave up buying books and magazines. I couldn't have stuck by this if not for God's graces. Praise and thank Him! cynthia from Port Harcourt, NG i have stop eating meat on fridays, i am fasting every day till 1:00pm,i also stoped taking achololic,Please pray for me that God might give me the strength to give up my wrong doings. JISHA from Trivandrum, IN i'm giving up the way i talk to others in a rude manner, i will also give up my anger, and bring more peace. i will also look at the positive things in life rather than the negative. LIJIN from Trivandrum, IN Chocolates, candy, cookies. Going to mass every Saturday and Sunday Anastacia from Truckee, CA US I gave up meat for lent and tried to look at the things in my life that seperate me from Jesus. James from McKinney, TX US All alcohol. When is Lent over? I heard different dates. 1. In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), with the beginning of the mass of the Lord's Supper. 2. 6:00pm Good Friday 3. 12:00pm Sat before Easter Steve from Turin, GA US I gave up all carbonated beverages and McDonalds sounds easy till the only breakfast place open on the way to work is McD's. Maria from Elk Grove, CA US cappuchinos from starbucks Joseph from Wichita, KS US Cigarettes Santiago from Al-Khobar, SA I give up sweet food and I fast 12 hrs start 6 am to 6 pm 12 day, Robert from Hartford, CT US Beginning Ash Wednesday, I begin a routine that I have kept for 4 years now. It comes from a contemplation of an image of Christ in the Desert. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kramskoi_Christ_dans_le_d%C3%A9sert.jpg This place is where I desire to be with Jesus all of Lent fast and pray with Him. The food I give up are the following: No sweets, no sugar in my coffee, only one small meal per day without any snacks, treats or desserts through all of Lent until Easter Sunday. I give up extra sleep: Arising an extra hour earlier, I spend each morning in prayer and every day before work at Adoration of the Blessed Sacramant, attend daily Mass when I can and add Novenas and other devotionals to my prayer regiment. The Bitterness of my coffee, reminds me that like the coffee, life is bitter without the sweetness of Christ. Jesus is the sugar in the coffee of my life. Janet from New Bern, NC US This Lent I am working hard on giving up wasting. Who may have lived on the water I wasted? Who might have gotten well on the medicine I've squandered? Who would have had a full belly on the food trimmings I threw away preparing supper? How could I have better spent my evening without TV? How happy would a loved one be if I took the time to call or send a card? Which would have been better for that $1 worth of quarters-Operation Rice Bowl or a newspaper? What more do I really need besides clothes on my back, food in my belly, and something over my head? The rest is blessing and I need to remember that. Erwin from Baltimore, MD US No alcohol Cara from Miami, US Only listening to sacred music for the 40 days. I drive a lot and wanted to turn down the world and open my heart up to God. Kim from Laval, II CA I gave up a leisure activity (a computer game). With this time that I wasted playing on the computer, I have realized that I was in fact wasting time that I could've spent with my children. Because of this I have been watching more catholic television programming as well as getting more involved in my children's catechism. I have since learnt a great deal about my faith and myself and feel as though I have put my children on the right path. During lent, I have taken the opportunity to go through my family's clothing and have donated all clothing that we no longer use to a charity so that someone else may benefit. Jessica from Baldwin , NY US We are fasting for the lenten season. We do not eat from 5am to 5pm. We understand the sacrifices Jesus made for us and we wanted to do the same for him this year. As always, almsgiving. The only thing I wish I could do more of is Pray. Instead of praying, I am finding myself want to read the bible more. Andy from Miami, FL US Cigarettes...They make me calm in times of distress. Instead I shall only trust in God's caressing hand to sooth my soul. roxanne from sudbury,ont,canada, US i have given up chocolate and selfishness.i will be more tolerant of others and their needs. Maria from sacramento, CA US I gave up cappuchinos from starbucks. Addison from Philadelphia, PA US Tobacco and all of its smokey goodness. I'm a little disappointed, to be honest, with how easy it was Leslie from Iowa City, IA US I am working on not saying the Lord's name in vain anymore. Ellen from Baltimore, MD US We turn off the TV. This gives us more time for spritual reading and allows us to sleep more peacefully. ann from ghpy, IN i give choclat Mary from tallahassee, FL US I'm trying with great struggle to be very attentive to a loved one that is disabled and my neighbors. I try to see them as Jesus and preform all duties for the love He shows me and pass this love onto others. It is not easy and I'm truely unsuccessful but I plan to continue past Lent and one day see a remarkable improvement with the grace of our Lord. God Bless you all. Jordan from Starkvegas, MS US I gave up hot baths... :S Karina from Peabody, MA US i decided to give up my hair straightener and blow dryer :D it's almost holy week and i havent yet used my favorite hair electronics! i listen to "sunday sunday sunday" podcasts for teens (cuz i'm almost 13 and i love god and kesus :D) taht i got on itunes and i was listening to one for the 5th sunday of lent and the guy that does the podcasts was talking about how his wife said that lent is a great time because god teaches us to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. and i thot it was greta and wanted to share :] god bless :]<3 khit from north caloocan, PH i'm giving up not to go to mall, avoid eating my favorite food . . . replying not important matters, watching tv Jerms Estrada from Daly City, CA US I gave up my favorite - chocalate candy bars by Hersheys which I would have four times a day Jeff from Sterling heights, MI US Well it took me a while to think about what to give up, my mom gave up buying pop and buying me junk food so that was off my list. And i started not eating meat last year so im still keeping that on. So i decided to give up a sin that was in my life, so i decide to give up masturbation, and now every week i keep getting tempted to do it but i can feel the power of the holy spirit helping me over come this. Stephanie from Yakima, US I gave up listening to the radio and surfing the internet. It's been really tough but it helps me to focus on God more I think. Angela from Durham, NC US I gave up smoking!!!!!!!:) Vera (Nigeria) from Lagos, MD other (1) I GIVE UP EATING MEAT EVEY FRIDAY (2) ALSO FAST TILL 12NOON EVERY FRIDAY Clemy from Kuwait, II other I haven't yet started but I want to give up quarelling with my husband and abusing. I also want to discontinue the enemity I have with one of my friend. Hope I'll be able to do it before Good Friday. Please pray for me that God might give me the strength to give up my wrong doings. Victor S from Bamgalore, IN This Lent I give up on Non-veg (Meat,Sea-food & Egg) Friday's I give up break-fast and Lunch as well. I already feel an inner-strength and a higher level of self-control through the above Fast & Prayers. It is a great opportunity to keep the body under control of the will. More than anything else I AM ENJOYING IT, IT'S AWESOME & POWERFUL. God-willing I will continue this Fast on all Fridays through the year.GBU all :-) Your sister from Santa Ynez, CA US Fasting from sweets, alcohol, acrylic nails, television, buying things that aren't important. Simplifying. Donating money saved from nails to St. Vincent dePaul Society; praying several times a day; focusing on spiritual direction with small faith community, and also with Capuchin friend. Carrying small strip of sandpaper in my pocket to remind me the desert can be rough. lucy from fort portal town, UG meat and novals Teresa from Home Hill, AU I am giving up taking on the negative feelings others project and dump on me, and not letting myself then dump them on someone else. Well, that is what I am trying to do. Means I have to be much more proactive about being calm, peaceful and cheerful, rather than reactive to every little annoyance. lazarus from kuala lumpur, II MY i used to fast for lent season and also during normal days but recently i have not much interest in fasting as nothing is changed within myself,so whats the point of fasting if you yourself are unable to be as what the Lord wants you to be? For me as Lent is a special seasons but aren't we'all have should look into ourselves inside 1st before we start fasting... Tristram from Washington, DC US Meat and all music. Am praying for the souls in Purgatory. Raven & Mimi from gary, IN US we're giving up 3 things. 1.) chicken 2.) alcohol 3.) cursing Sue from Canberra, AU After reading the Pope's Lenten Message (www.vatican.va) which refocuses Lent back towards the 3 principles of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, I have given up all junk food, alcohol and caffeine for the duration of Lent (even on Sundays when these things are permissable - to me it seems to defeat the purpose if you can indulge every 7 days - and Jesus was in the desert for forty days without food or water at all - I figure I can go 40 days without my vices - no cheating). And I was initially going to give the money that I otherwise would have spent on these things in a 40 period (roughly $150) to a charity for the poor but wanted to make a longer term commitment so I have decided to sponsor a disadvantaged child (through the Smith Family who uses the sponsorship money to fund the schooling provisions - books, uniforms, excursion money, etc - of underprivileged children or children living in poverty in Australia). It's something my 5 year old daughter and I decided on together because, as Jesus said, 'we must always remember the poor' and so that my daughter grows into an awareness that we, as God's people, when we have plenty, have a responsibility to give to those who don't. GINA from las pinas, PH AM GIVING UP DRINKING SOFT DRINKS WITH MY MEALS, INSTEAD DRINKING ONLY WATER. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT AT FIRST. L Ann from west tx, TX US I am not going to make negative comments to others or about others. This is actually harder than one may think. When I catch myself doing this or about to make a negative comment, I say the Hail Mary. I feel much better about myself and my actions. Sarah from Wichita, KS US Fast food and all fried foods. I am also trying to be more tolerant, although that one's not as easy. I will keep trying. God bless. medjine from Duluth, GA US i'm giving up the way i talk to others in a rude manner, i will also give up my anger, and bring more peace. i will also look at the positive things in life rather than the negative. Anita from Bangalore, IN I started by abstaining from meat but could not carry on with it. However I have decided to be more like Christ during this season. I have decided to stop pointing out others mistakes and to be more humble and be a good Christian. tyler from palmer, AK US ""i loved my beard so i shaved it off for Lent. Blessed be God forever."" norma ann from robstown, TX US meat... lynnea owings from pinckneyville, IL US I gave up candy for the holy season glory be to God.!!!!!!!! Marcia Hutton from Port-of-Spain, , TT I am deaf mother and have three daughters. I am giving up watching tv, greedy, selfish. I am the president of the Touch of Christ Deaf Community and I am Lay Minister for deaf people for Service. Emmeriancia from Douala, CM For this lenten season I am giving up eating much, i use to eat alot but now i wish to go to the stations of the cross, do much praying especially the Rosary. Eric from Saint Louis, MO US I've got to say this - most of these are laughable and really not serious at all. Giving up candy?! Does anyone understand the real meaning of what Lent represents? It's nice to see many are attempting to be more contemplative of the season. But the question should be "what are you DOING for Lent?" Are you spending more quality time praying and fostering a closer relationship with God? Are you help the poor and unfortunate by volunteering your time at a soup kitchen or organizing a clothing collection? These things should be done not only at Lent, but should be carried with you throughout the year. Think about it and get serious. sid from hemet, CA US Control Amelia from Hudson, OH US 1. Swearing. Each time I mess up, I mark it down. At the end of Lent, each mark will equal a certain amount of money (that will be randomly selected using a random number generator) and I'll donate what money results to Operation Smile. 2. Sweets/Soda. 3. Adding sugar to food/drinks. 4. Caffeine. 5. This isn't a "giving up" thing but I have to do at least one unsolicited act of kindness a day. If I fail to do this, I have to do something religious, such as reading the Bible, reading a religious essay, doing the Rosary, etc. Michael from winston salem, NC US beer and all other drinks but water. Ian from Goa, II IN 1) i've give up meat, fish, any beverage containing alcohol, and Chocolates. 2) Also, on friday, i observe the ramadan fast, i.e. nothing to be eaten from sunrise to sunset... 3) I also pray the Liturgy of the Hours on www.universalis.com Malinda from Lowden, IA US I always struggle with what to give up for Lent. I feel an emptiness during Lent. I want to seek and repair holes in relationships that keep us separated as a family. That is what is what I am doing this Lenten season-trying to repair those holes in relationships. stephanie Widyani from Jakarta, ID Anything that contains sugar, coffee, and getting angry VICTOR from CHENNAI, II IN I will not take Non-Vegetarian food during the lent days, on every Friday I will in fasting in the morning.The expenceses I spent for my break fast and for the Non-Veg will be offered to church, it sends the money to MERCY HOME. I will be offer dress to a poor family for Easter from the money spent for my travel. TERESA from SPRING VALLEY, NY US Like most people...sweets are the first thing to go! All meat except for chicken was out the door next. (I don't eat fish, so Friday is vegetarian) What I feel is more important is doing something other than giving up a food. (Which can be difficult-especially when it is rich, dark chocolate) I promised to read the Gospel of Mark. When that was finished, I had to find other religion based material to read. I am reading the NT section of the Catholic Childrens bible to my 6 and 7 year old. My son really enjoyed the story of the Maji. Stephannie from Big Bear, CA US I am giving up a lazy way of life. I am going to get more done. Not postpone things till the last minute and get rid of the clutter in my life. I will try to pray the rosary more often and encourage my children to do the same. Anastasia from Voronezh, RU I'm cutting down on the use of the Internet and the computer. I also try to say no to some extra tasty stuff, especially when i know i'm full. Joan from Shelton, CT US Every Lent my husband and I give up alcoholic beverages and desserts plus we go to Stations of the Cross to do something extra during the Lentan season. Elizabeth from Houston, TX US In an effort to better understand the struggle of the people in the third world who I often donate to I have taken on the average diet of one in the third world. Rice, lentils, salads(this is not avg. everywhere), beans and corn tortillas. In America it often proves difficult because of our eating culture to understand the struggles of the people we donate to but don't have to look in the eye. It is my hope that this will teach me how to be more understanding about what I am blessed with as well as how unnecessary it is to eat the way we often do. mary from Rayland, OH US beer and ice cream Edyth from Lagos, NG I am giving up anger. Juli from Scarborough, II CA im giving up facebook because I'm soo addicted to it Maddie from Sacremento, CA US I'm reading more books and spending less time on the computer! Rick from Eugene, OR US I am giving up smoking. With 3 young children, I want to be around for them. JEREMY from Caloocan, PH PAGIGING MAGASTOS... and softdrinks Tanya from Durban, ZA I have given up meat, chicken, fish and FB. I've also tried to become more patient, I'm failing at that one though. JEGA from SAFAT, KW FASTING EAT ONLY ONE TIME VEG.FOOD . HELP THE NEEDY, MORE INTO SPIRITUAL LIFE. THIS I AM DOING MANY YEARS. BUT THIS YEAR I AM GIVEING UP ENVY OTHER PEOPLE, AND POINTING OUT THE PEOPLES MISTAKE. TRY TO FOLLOW AS THE WAY OUR LOVING GOD ASKED US TO LIVE. JEGA Nimo from Nairobi, KE Am giving up toxic influences in my life; my thoughts, the behavior of impatience and particular people. Thomas from Indianapolis, IN US I am giving up my sinful ways and turning back home to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. I gave up smoking and the eating of red meat for lent. I have also prescribed reciting the rosary three times a day. Andrew from mcalester, OK US I gave up smoking for Lent. Thank God. Matt from O Fallon, MO US I am giving up all the things in my life that kept me away from God. Too many to list here but I have made major improvements! Blessed Be God. Blessed Be His Holy Name. Christine from White Bear Lake, MN US I am giving up my three main sweet tooth satisfiers: desserts, cookies, and candy. I allow myself to have hot cocoa though, I hope this isn't cheating!? By giving up my sweets this Lenten season, I am hoping to develop a stronger obdience of God's word and commands. I very much so want to grow in my obdience of Him, and I know that by fasting from those items, I will be strengthened by Him. I am also fasting a meal on Fridays and Sundays, and occasionally trying to fast through Fridays, if I am called to fast. I have to be careful, because I used to use fasting as a reason not to eat, or as a reason to over eat, so I have to prepare and ask God in advance if He is truly calling me. Barb from Eastpointe, MI US Craigslist. Lou from Imperial , CA US Buying and wearing the new and current custom jewelry (it has gotton out of control). Wearing only my wedding ring and wristwatch.I want to spend more time in His word and give Thanks and Praise for my family and all the blessings he has given me. Christine from Haverhill, MA US LENT 2009: I am working on the Virtues of humility against pride kindness against envy abstinence against gluttony chastity against lust patience against anger liberality against greed diligence against sloth Emmanuel from Bishop's sSortford, II GB eating in between my three main meals and watching soccer, especially my team: Chelsea F.C Rebecca from Brooklyn, NY US Alcoholic beverages...So far, so good. Olivia from boston, MA US I am giving up gum, soda and trying to do three good deeds a day. I am also trying to go to confession once a month JJ from Chicago, IL US My husband and I decided to give up sexual relations, as it is something that we enjoy more than anything else so it is a major test of will for us. I am also being more charitable by donating my time and items to those in various state of need. roudi from lebanon, WI US what i will give it will never be complite what jesus give a smyle that he givinet to me by the cross a heart never now haw to stop giving and will ever stop... lone from nnilai, II MY i want to give up my all that i liked to do best.though it will be hard but with Jesus grace i know i can get through and be a better person in life.God has marvellous plans for all of us but we people tend to choose the wrong way.let give up all that we like and put ourselves in Jesus painful road.God bless. kendra from ada, OH US I gave up watching tv and movies. I am trying to spend more of that time in prayer with God and spending quality time with my family and friends. Soon I hope to be praying at least one rosary everyday.....it is hard to give up worldly things for more prayer, but I know I will find the strength to do so! Gary from Brookings , SD US - Fast Food, except fish fillet at McDonald's on Fridays and in times of need. - Cappuccinos, as they are my most enjoyed treat. - Going out to eat, which I very much look forward to and enjoy. - Added more self reflection and more effort to seeing my errors vs. defending them or making excuses. toni from wellington, NZ checking my internet social network Vi from Barons, II other Casino and any form of gambling and negative thoughts and to pray more on a daily basis. My bad habit of gambling has earned me nothing but loss of respect for money. I also think negatively of others, I will be more aware of how I think from now on and hope things start looking up for me. sherry from tristate, NJ US Its been a week and im so proud to say i gave up smoking with the help of the patch it was over a 10 year habit but now i can show myself some love just as Jesus loves me!!! Mary from Lafayette, LA US Chocolate (it's HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) LILLY from cleveland, OH US I AM GIVING UP CAKES, COOKIES, CHOCOLATE CANDY AND I AM ALSO SAYING EXTRA PRAYERS, THROUGHOUT THE LENTEN SEASON, FOR MYSELF, FAMILY AND FRIENDS! I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS AND I HOPE TO DO EQUALLY AS WELL AS THE TIME BEFORE, A MUST AS I'M ALSO THANKING GOD FOR EVERYTHING HE HAS GIVEN TO MYSELF AND MY HUSBAND AND MOM, WHOM STILL LIVES WITH ME AT THE BLESSED AGE OF 95. GOD BLESS ALL! Igwe ogechi from Enugu, CA NG Eating Graciel from wichita, KS US alcohol Carole from Wilkesboro, NC US All alcoholic beverages! Doris from Sunnyside, NY US I gave up gluttonous eating. Dolce from Tucson, AZ US I gave up coffee, which I miss, and negative thoughts. I'm having more trouble with the second one. It's hard in my line of work in customer service. So, I should probably focus on patience. And positive results will come! Bill from Knoxville, TN US Soda. On top of that, I'm praying the Stations of the Cross as often as I can and going to confession once a week. lily from Littleton, CO US i am giving up anger... i'm always angry...so if i get angry this lenten season, for each anger that day i will do a good deed to make up for it. i told myself ten good deeds to prevent it. shakila from colombo, II LK I'M GOING TO GIVE UP SLEEPING TILL LATE. anna from Quezon City, PH Too much meat and sweets, eating out in fast foods. It's hard, but out of love for Jesus. I have to give them up. Instead, I will spend my time in prayer, visiting and adoring the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Rosary and confess my sins. I will also give up oversleeping... eek! Sandrine from Stratford, GB Gossip, I am trying not to argue, say sorry and make peace. I spend time in the morning reading and praying..I pray the Angelus and try to pray the divine Mercy daily. No meat on wednesday and Friday. I pray to eat only one meal... Tracy from Port Ludlow, WA US I am giving up all sweets and fasting on Wednesday's and Friday's. I am also going to really listen to what other people have to say. Keith from Bakersfield, CA US This year I gave up all sweets! eva from B, TX US This may be silly but one of the things I love to do is to get my nails done, everyone knows that is one thing I always do for myself so this lenten season I gave up my nails and shopping two very hard things to do but I replace them with a rosary during my lunch hour which I need to continue doing. ray from El Paso, TX US I gave up gossiping, I am also trying to fast every friday instead of giving up meat and only eating fish, I will just fast on that day. As well as attending church and becoming more faithful to the church and God. For lent is time to reflect and give up things that we do against each other and against God!!! Also to give more to your brothers and sisters, helping them out in their time of need. Reflect and rejoice. Madonna from Kuala Lumpur, MY This Lent, I decided to check what I say, think, do or don't do before I do it. May the Holy Spirit guide me. Also, keeping meals very simple drg Lent. Monica James from San Diego, CA US only having 1 meal a day elizabeth from San Diego, CA US EATING LESS natalie from Valletta, other I believe that Lent is the right time of the year to make resolutions. You see, when I decide to give up on something, this sacrifice, this withdrawal will help me to build myself, to form a strong self. And not, as many may think that making sacrifices is a loss! At the threshold of the new year we all tend to make a new start. A new beginning which is generally centered on sacrifices. So, what is worthy at the start of the new year is worthy at Lent.I believe that it is more worthed as it becomes merged with the only reason of the season. I am giving more time to reflection and meditation. Monica from Downey, CA US Sweets. Call people live alone. Give up reading fiction, instead read religious books. Gave $$ a donation. Talk (prayer) more to Jesus, invite Him to be part of my life. Sandy from Long Beach, CA US I'm giving up this year- spending any un-necessary money on frivolous things like candy, clothes I don't really need, food when not really hungry, etc! Becky from Helena, MT US I am trying one of those funky diets and boy is it a challenge! No wheat, no dairy, no soy, and no sugar to hopefully cure endometriosis. My God, I hope it works! Helen from Germiston, ZA All take-outs and eating out in restaurants. I pray daily for God to give us endurance during Lent to live by our sacrifice. Don't agree with the "teaching" that we can indulge in what we give up for Lent. I go by what our nuns taught us in school 45 years ago - all or nothing! God bless everying during this Holy Season. Sara from Montgomery, VT US I'm giving up reading the brain rot fiction books I LOVE, and in their place reading books that lead me to a deeper understanding of the faith. Susan from Johannesburg, ZA I gave up sugar which means all sweets, chocolate, coffee etc I also gave up red meat Shelly from Lima, OH US I'm giving up Ice Cream and taking up more reading of the bible and prayer time. Kellie from Salinas, CA US I gave up chocolate and anything made of wheat or flour (bread, pasta, gravy etc.) Helen from Milton Keynes, II GB I am trying to give up politics! I know that may sound strange but I find that whenever I read or hear of something to do with my country's so-called 'leaders' I find that I get very angry at their inability to understand the effects of their decisions on the people. Thinking in particular of those whose inability to respond early on to the behaviour of bankers, financiers and others in the finance sector which is now causing those who have the least to lose everything, their response is to increase the debt-burden on the people which will take at least 30 years (at conservative estimates) to redeem whilst they - the politicians and their appointed advisers and others, continue to enjoy a good life. They speak of getting money back and the greed of others without looking at their own behaviour. Dorothy from Lebanon, PA US I am going to try to give up sweets. B.T. from Auckland , NZ For about 67 years, since I was 7 years old I have mortified my sweet tooth i.e. no candy or pastries. But I am really working on trying to keep quiet in an argument. I get a lot of help by a short prayer in such a tough situation. Jean from Masai, MY First, i'll give up the feeling of anger, do all i can not to feel irritated by my boss, officemates, friends, neighbors, etc. I can be more understanding if I let the Holy Spirit work. Second, i'll give up an extra hour of sleep in the morning, especially if i'm already oversleeping. I can use this time for prayer and a better preparation of myself for the rest of the day. s from n, SC US alcohol Betsy from Fredericktown, MO US I'm giving up soda and overeating. Also I'm focusing on praying more and reading my bible more to strengthen my relationship with God! Bernice from woodinville, WA US Chocolates, candy, cookies. Going to mass every Sunday and trying to exercise more frequently. Alicia from Yakima, , WA US I was reading about fasting and its meaning. I always wanted to try it for the wrong reasons (loosing weight). I am praying that I can do it during lent and that I will focus on the right reason. I am starting on 3/1 - I read that some churches fast until 3:00pm and will have one simple meal at that time. Or some only eat bread and water. I won't survide on only bread and water. Maybe I can do that on Fridays. But the rest of the week, I am doing the one meal a day (no meat)fast. Monica from San Antonio, TX US I am giving up sodas and candy. Patricia from Ontario, CA US I gave up candy & all Starbucks beverages. Yikes..... Ben from Howell, MI US My spare time, by helping at the local Red Cross. Leah from Memphis, TN US I gave up all cussing. It just comes naturally to me, it's a habit I must break. What better time to break this ugly habit?? Kimberly from Panhandle, TX US My Dad always used to say he gave up the 3 W's; whiskey, watermelon and wild women. We all knew better but it always made us laugh. I laughingly would like to give up problems and lay then at the Lords feet, and in the same breath do this. I'm giving up a couple of personal things but I'm more into doing and giving more this year. From showing and teaching my youngest who is 7 what lent really means and by doing daily projects with her and prayers, fasting, learning and giving with her. She is so excited and I hope and pray I instill in her to help her throughtout her Catholic life. Damian from Chico, CA US I gave up reading two years ago until after 10:00 at night. Most people would think that a good promise would be to read more, but I was reading way too much, to the extent that I prefered a book or magazine to spending time with my kids. I try to give up something for lent that I want to make a lifelong habit. This was my best one. My relationship with my children has greatly improved. Layla Marie from Dubai, AE I gave up sodas and over-reacting. I need to work on thinking and praying before I speak and cause harm. debbie from stamford, CT US I gave up my favorite pizza for Lent...believe me; it really is a sacrifice for me! cheryl l hayes from south bend in., IN US I give up things every year for lent. this year instead of just giving up I want to add things like loving more giving more time to God and just trying to be a better person. Monica B. from New York, NY US All Starbucks beverages and All sweets. Rachel from Bakersfield, CA US I gave up Smoking. carolina from ingleside, TX US I GAVE UP THE CAFFEINE, WHICH AFFECTS MY WEIGHT AND I ALSO GAVE UP ALL SWEETS. EVERYDAY I WOULD DRINK TEA, IM A TEA DRINKER AND I KNOW THAT ITS A SACRAFICE IM GOING TO TAKE WORKING AT SCHOOL. ITS VERY STRESSFUL, BUT I ENJOY IT. BUT MOST OF ALL I HAVE TO GAIN A HIGHER SELF ESTEEM FOR MYSELF SO I WILL DO EVERYTHING I NEED PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. SO THAT MEANS SPIRITUALLY GOING TO CHURCH EVERY WEEK NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION IS IN MY LIFE. I FEEL THAT I HAVE FORGOTTEN MY FAITH. I BELIEVE IN GOD AND HIS SON AND I WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY LOVE FOR THEM. I HOPE WITH GOD'S HELP THAT I WILL ACCOMPLISH MY PROMISE TO ALL. Joan from Mora, NM US Casino Gina from Navarre, FL US negativity and taking up reading more scripture. Lauren from San Francisco, CA US Michelle from Singapore, II SG Chocolates of any sort and Fast Food. patrick from albuquerque, NM US I'm giving up tv. Joshua from Los Angeles, CA US Soda or any kind of coke type beverage. Harold Huggins from Buffalo, NY US I'm going to give up Ice Cream. What did you give up for Lent? |
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