From Ash Wednesday to Easter...

Some people have asked me why I'm observing Lent since I'm not Catholic... It is my way to prepare to celebrate Easter, and the resurrected life that I live and hope for, as a Christian... :)

What is it? For those of you that don't know:
Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection. Observance is from Ash Wednesday to Easter- 40 days (not counting Sundays).

Last year was the first year I did it. I gave up chocolate. It was kind of cliche, I know, but it was the only thing I could think of that would really be a "struggle" for me. I made it! And there were times where, while watching others eat chocolate around me, or having to push aside the craving, I had to remind myself WHY I was doing it, and it really did make me more disciplined in my prayer.

Most people "give up" something for Lent, as part of a fast. So in keeping with the verbage, I am giving up laziness and disrespect for my "temple."

1 Cor 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

My next 40 days will consist of working out (at least) 4 days a week, and just being more respectful to the temple that my God gave me. Every time my alarm goes off so early in the morning to get up to work out, and I go to hit snooze, I will remember my promise to God, and it will be the motivation I need to do it! As I'm working out, I will be praising God that I have the temple He gave me, and that I have the opportunity to glorify it for His name.

This is not something on my list, but fasting is... starting to feel a press on that. When I put it on my list, my intent was to fast with food in some way... Will need to figure out what it is that I am going to fast, and for how long, and do a lot of prayer about it. Especially with my new workout plan- I need to make sure I stay healthy. :) Please be in prayer for me through Lent, as well as that God would press on my heart what He wants me to fast, for how long, and when- because of course His time is when it will be most appropriate. :)

#24

#24- Have a snowball fight.

I FINALLY got to have my snowball fight!!

Ok, so it was with a 6-year-old. But who cares?? It was soooo fun. :)

I also made a snow angel, a mini-snowman, and played snowball catch with Zoey! :-D

I made a mini-snowman on the roof right outside of my window. :-P

#24 (plus some!)- completed!

#69

#69: Pay off one credit card

Well, I did it! I just made the payment that will pay off one of my credit cards, thanks to my tax return. It was not a huge balance, but it will make a difference. I'm trying to use the debt-snowball method to make a dent in my debt... this was my lowest amount account, so now I will apply the amount I was paying on this account to the next lowest account.

I am trying so hard to stay on a budget. Much easier said than done... but I'm doing much better now than I was last year at this time. I really need to start the envelope budget so I can get a better handle on my money, as well as pay more to my debt.

But, I've made one step in the right direction...! #69, completed!