Living a life that Matters

I’ve always liked this idea of lent and giving something up for 40 days. I find it freeing and I like the spiritual discipline. I have given up all beverages but water this week for Blood:Water mission. I am also giving a luxury each week during lent (this week was Facebook). For Ash Wednesday, I spent the day in repentance and praying for my shortcomings. I have also been praying for wisdom from God in the areas I need direction.

I am thanking God for the blessings in my life. I have a tendency to look at the difficult things that are going in my life and forget the many wonderful blessings I have. I have so much more than many other people in the world and I take that for granted. One of the things I am grateful for is an education. It’s one of the biggest things I see people wishing for when I travel overseas. I got my bachelor’s degree years ago and I continue to take classes because I like to learn new things. But there are so many that would be happy to finish an elementary education. I try to give back in this area by teaching 5th/6th graders at church. I love pouring into them and it is very fullfilling to me.

As I been journaling this week, I have been writing down areas that I feel God is challenging me and areas I want to be better at. I know that I’ve always had a heart for young adults and singles. I just think that this is such a great age to make a difference in the world. I lived from the passage in 1 Corinthians 7 about having the undistracted time you can devote to Christ as a single adult.  I want to be a better advocate for the poor. I want to be better at raising awareness of the needs of the world and what we can do here in America. Last, I want to be better in my prayer life and worship with God each day. I want my life to reflect Christ and how He wants to use me.

Despite some slight headaches, giving up coffee has been good for me. I want to be uncomfortable so I can rely on God more.  The first story in the World Vision ACT:S was a story of a widow and her kids from the Republic of Congo that spend their time digging through dirt to find good quality rocks to sell for money. It is her only source of income. It’s a dangerous place for kids to be at and they are at risk of mudslides. It doesn’t pay much and barely covers their home, food and school costs (about $30 US). What is the worth in this woman’s life? I’m sure she doesn’t see her life as a life of worth. Many of us here in America probably see this woman’s life as worthless. But Jesus sees our worth in Him. I want to be able to see worth in people the way Jesus does. I will admit I’m just as judgemental as the next guy when I see those that are struggling. I want to change that attitude of mine and be better. I want to love on people because I know Jesus can use anyone for His purposes.

I am praying for the people of Japan during this difficult time for them due to the devastating tsunami that hit there.

 The money I save from only drinking water during lent will go to help build clean water projects in different communities in Africa. Here is a video about what they are doing in these communities.

Here is something I learned from BWM during my fast..

From Blood:Water Mission Blog: 40 days without bottled water isn’t enough.

Yesterday was Bottled Water Free Day, and throughout the 40 Days of Water Campaignwe are encouraging you to cut out all beverages but tap water – this especially means bottled water. But why bottled water? Well, it’s not just about the cost of the individual bottle, even though if you do the math, the average retail bottle at $1.79 is over 2,000x the cost of tap water. There are also major environmental costs and health concerns all for something that is proven to be no safer or cleaner (in fact, often no different) than your public tap water.