{"product_id":"9780835898171","title":"A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent","description":"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo many, Lent is simply a time to \"give up\" something that they enjoy. They see it as a seemingly long purposeless time of self-denial. But \u003ci\u003eA Clearing Season\u003c\/i\u003e rebuffs that notion looking at Lent from a new perspective. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Cities across the world celebrate the day-before with colorful parades and over-the-top parties. Then Wednesday arrives … Sigh. Lent. has. begun.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou hear about devout friends giving up seemingly innocent things in life (like chocolate) or stressing out to live a more perfect life during six grueling weeks — for reasons you don't completely understand. Sermons about penitence are preached, and guilt soaks the congregation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSound like a good time?! It's time to rethink Lent. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOr at least see it for the positive opportunity it offers. It's spring-cleaning for the soul! Lent offers you time to pause, consider, and renew your relationship with God — an altogether hopeful (not dreary) experience. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"To arrive at newness of life, we first name parts of our lives that are shrouded in darkness,\" writes Parsons. \"To put it very dramatically,… your first order of business is to break your heart for God. We walk through some muck so that we can leave it behind and find Easter joy beyond…. With God's help we will clear the darkness away and begin to experience greater joy and newness of life.\" \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSure, there's work to be done during Lent, but it's the gentle, gradual work of opening one's heart and mind to grace. \u003ci\u003eA Clearing Space\u003c\/i\u003e will move you week by week from \"wilderness to holy ground,\" using a personal tone that will stir and challenge personal reflection. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParsons includes exercises for small groups, as well as questions at the end of each chapter for individual reflection. Also included is an appendix of spiritual practices for Lent you may not have considered before. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Upper Room Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47021834404080,"sku":"9780835898171","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780835898171_p0.jpg?v=1763753824","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780835898171","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}