today is mardi gras.
tomorrow is ash wednesday, the beginning of lent.

today's the day that lots of people go out and live it up with one last crash-bang of debauchery before the beginning of the season of sacrifice.

i'm going to the g&r for lunch to have a fried bologna sandwich and fried clam strips.
then i'm cooking a thick steak on my grill tonight.
i don't care how cold it is outside.

tomorrow starts the season of sacrifice.
it's a season to commemorate the incredible amount that Jesus Christ sacrificed for you.
it's a season to declare that God is the only one who has a hold on your life.
it's not a weight-loss challenge.
it's not a contest to see who is the most spiritual.
it's a symbolic gesture to Jesus saying that we are willing to give up something for Him.
it's just six and a half weeks.
we're not saving the world.
we're just giving some things up.
what are you willing to let go of for a few weeks to remember what Christ gave up for you?

so...

what are you giving up?