Debra Dean Murphy invites us this Lent to "a sustained, honest reckoning of the bad habits, destructive impulses, and false desires that claim us." She says giving something up (like chocolate) might be a start, but that won't really focus where the action is. I'm giving up coffee for Lent. Given how much coffee I consume every day, I expect this to provide me plenty of opportunities to turn to God in prayer.

How are you engaging the invitation to Lenten deepening?

I'm abstaring from all non-essential Internet usage... which unfortunately includes this website! The Internet is just so addictive to me that some time away will help recenter my focus on Christ.

My wife and i have given up shopping. We're not buying anything new (save food), trying to recycle more, and support local farms. It's a modified version of The Compact, something i heard about on The Story with Dick Gordon. I've encouraged my congregation to join us, but i don't think any have responded.

I've tried to focus on preparation: what it means in various aspects of my life. I want to be more prepared, for Sunday school, for church, even for the meals of the day.

In addition, I'm taking a youth group to a camp to participate in 30 hour famine. I'm trying to be positive about the experience. Pray for me.