Did you know that Lent began this past week on Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent directly following Shrove Tuesday or better know to some as Pancake Tuesday. So why pancakes?

Lent is a time of fasting, moderation, and giving things up traditionally observed by Catholics and some Protestant denominations. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to “indulge” and to use up the foods that aren't typically allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

Lent begins 46 days before Easter (40 days not counting Sundays).

During this season of Lent you may decide to fast, eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit. It’s not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear off watching television or Facebook or eating candy or telling lies. It’s six weeks of self-discipline.

How about this? Sure give up something but how about give out - give something in return?

Many of us at Amberlea in years passed have participated in 40 acts of generosity during Lent. You can go to the website 40Acts and sign up, it’s certainly not too late.

As we live life generously, I want to challenge you each day to remember God’s faithfulness to you. It is in the remembering that we find the encouragement to trust God today (regardless of what’s going on) and trust God with our tomorrows.