Getting ready...

Only a few days to go until we begin to Love 40 days, and so here are a few things to help you prepare...

All you will need to join in are forty slips of paper and a container.  You can use a jar, a box, a bowl or whatever you have.  You then need to write down your forty names on the slips of paper and put them in the container and that's it!  You are ready to go!  If you are coming along to the pancake launch on Shrove Tuesday, you will have the chance to decorate a special Love 40 days box and take time as a family to write your name slips.

Here are a few things it might be helpful to remember:

• You don't need to have a list of forty people to take part - but do challenge yourself to think of as many people as possible.  You might even surprise yourself with how many people you have in your world - or you can use this opportunity to widen your circle.
• You don't need to know the names of all forty people - it is good to include a mixture of relatives, neighbours, work colleagues, school friends, loved ones nearby or far away and even people who are in your world who you don't know personally - people that you might bump into during your daily routine or random strangers you might never meet.
• You can include people you might not always get along with!  We would even encourage you to do so...
• If you miss a day  or two, or three - please don't worry.  This isn't about who can achieve the most.  The idea is to allow God to love through you not to tick a list.  Just do what you can and don't let yourself feel condemned at any point.
• Remember that loving someone else is about thinking what would bless them, not what would make you feel good!  We would encourage you to ask God to guide you as you plan your activities and prayers.
• Ephesians 5:2 is a really important verse to keep in mind - "live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ" - if in doubt, remember that you are trying to follow the example of Jesus in everything you do.

If you need any suggestions for ways to love people during Love 40 days, then don't forget to visit the ideas tab at the top of the page.  If you would like a copy of the names slips to print out and fill in or would like to receive any of the information sheets, you can email love40days@gmail.com and we will send them to you in time for you to have your slips all ready to go on Wednesday.

Don't forget to come back here every day during Lent for your daily scripture, story, song or suggestion to encourage you in your Love 40 days journey (there won't be a new post on Sundays since these aren't included in Lent).  And please remember to post your comments, share your experiences and let us know any Bible verses that have helped you so that we can all encourage each other too.

See you on Wednesday!