This week: Lent Edited by: Jeff  
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"Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief."
-- C.S. Lewis
About The Editor: Greetings! My name is Jeff and I'm one of your regular editors for the official Spiritual Newsletter! I've been a member of Writing.com since 2003, and have edited more than 350 newsletters across the site during that time. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via email or the handy feedback field at the bottom of this newsletter! 
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Lent
This newsletter will hit your inbox on, if not a few hours before Ash Wednesday, and begins the commemoration the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. For these 40 days, Christians around the world often sacrifice something in both solidarity with Jesus. Over the years, some common Lent sacrifices have included things like alcohol, coffee, chocolate, television, social media, and/or other modern-day comforts and conveniences. The idea is to give up something that is important to you, so that you'll notice its absence and, instead of indulging, will instead turn toward your dependence on God.
Last year was the first year that I took the practice of Lent seriously, during which I gave up social media. (Full disclosure, I technically allowed myself one day a week to check in and make sure I wasn't missing anything critical, but otherwise I stayed off everything... Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) It was a very, very challenging time, but I really did feel like I created more space for my faith in that time. More importantly, I actually broke myself of a really bad habit where I was almost compulsively checking social media and trying to make sure I didn't miss anything at all. Since Lent ended last year, even though I've resumed using social media, the amount of time I spent on the apps is way down, and I'm not really all that concerned about missing out on anything.
This year, I'm planning on giving up junk food and hoping for much of the same results, where maybe I can develop a habit of curbing my sweet tooth and decreasing the amount of bad stuff that I snack on. If I'm being honest with myself, I'm also kind of looking forward to the season of sacrifice again, where I can simplify my lifestyle and spend more time making room for my faith.
While Lent is a significant practice among many types of Christians, I think there's value in the practice for anyone of any religious affiliation. With all the noise and chaos of the modern world, it can be a remarkable opportunity to break bad habits, or build new ones. It's a chance to give yourself the space and quiet to lay down the things burdening you and see what else your faith is pointing you toward. Even if you're not a Christian, consider what you want to accomplish in the next 40 days and ask yourself if there's something unhealthy or unproductive you can give up in the name of gaining something better.
Until next time,
Jeff
If you're interested in checking out my work:
"New & Noteworthy Things" | "Blogocentric Formulations"
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This month's official Writing.com writing contest is:
I also encourage you to check out the following items:
EXCERPT: These are all ideas thoughts, inspired, parts of a big story I was meant to write. Given in just small pieces. I don't know if I have the time to write the stories for them. So these a clips of it. You may recognize pieces that were made. But they are more pure in content, and I what I used to write them. Sometimes many all rolled into one. I feel they should be written down somewhere. I am using this space for them, and will be adding to them as I go though my many, many notes. I am going to number them so if you read them you will know what the new ones added are.They are not in any order of importance, the last could be the first, etc.
EXCERPT: First thing, as I have mentioned many times in my memoirs, I am a mystic - among other abilities. If you are unsure of what that means - because no one knows everything - I can speak to spiritual energies and deities and those who have passed: or rather, they speak to me when necessary [like when I have solved another part of a riddle]. That being said, here is this story.
EXCERPT: I hadn't heard from Elena Kingston in a long while. Our brief relationship was intense and passionate. But like a Roman candle, it burnt out fast. So, it surprised me when I received a phone call from her.
EXCERPT: Many people will never know the joyous power that is within them. Many of us go day to day with the same routine, getting no where in life. It’s like being on a hamster wheel, peddling furiously and staying in the same place. Each day is a mundane routine. I know, because my life was like that for many years. It was what I called at the time, being in a rut. There really was no purpose in my life. I had no idea there was a fountain of wealth within me just waiting to be explored.
EXCERPT: It has been about two month since I hit the trial of the world famous PCT or Pacific Crest Trail. I started alone and have made progress daily; usually covering 10 to 12 miles per day. Of course when I began I took it slow. Now around two months in, and I'm becoming accustom to the long miles. I have been able to maintain a consistent pace usually stopping near sunset and setting up camp, having food, and getting a decent amount of sleep.
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Feedback from "Spiritual Newsletter (January 25, 2023)" about mission trips:
AmyJo-boppin w the punkin beat  writes:
Thank you for sharing your story about this mission trip. I had only thought of Mormons as proselytizers in mission work. I'm glad to see I was wrong. While a question some of the teachings, I feel like a lot of Christian organizations could take lessons on showing the love of Christ in the communities. After all, our example is Jesus, himself.
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Spiritual: February 22, 2023 Issue [#11828]
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