Lent
I didn't really grow up observing lent. And to be honest, I'm still just starting to get the hang of what Lent is all about. In the past I always just used it as an excuse to give up sweets or whatever else I want to stop consuming. Not to say that giving up sweets or any other food is wrong, but that my reasons behind giving those things up weren't right. I just used the time of Lent to give up something and that was it, it ultimately didn't change my habits, I didn't spend any more time with God, or think about things any differently.
So this year, I was about to give up sweets {again} but after some reading and consideration I decided, instead of giving something up, to take something on. Specifically, making sure I spend time with God everyday. You see, I'm very bad at self-discipline...
I was home-schooled through 8th grade but decided to go to school for high school because I knew having a classroom and teachers (aside from my parents) would help me stay on track better than I could in my own.
Similarly, because spending personal time with God is dependent upon holding yourself accountable I've always struggled with being consistent in that. So, this year for Lent I'm "giving up" some of my time so that I can make sure I spend time reading the Bible, praying, and journaling. I'm hoping and praying that through this time I will be able to build good habits (though I hate calling something like this a habit) and learn to be intentional about continually reflecting and building my relationship with God.
The cool thing is, I'm only 10 days in and I'm already seeing a difference! I have more of an interest and longing for more time with God, I'm praying more, and being more intentional. 30 more days to go? Yes, please.
A dear friend gave me "Whispers of Hope" by Beth Moore for my birthday. I hadn't cracked it open until Lent and now I'm using it as my guide during these 40 days. If you're looking for a good devo + journaling book I highly recommend this one. Or if phone apps are more you're thing check out "She Reads Truth," "He Reads Truth," or "First 5" {by Proverbs 31 Ministries}.
So this year, I was about to give up sweets {again} but after some reading and consideration I decided, instead of giving something up, to take something on. Specifically, making sure I spend time with God everyday. You see, I'm very bad at self-discipline...
I was home-schooled through 8th grade but decided to go to school for high school because I knew having a classroom and teachers (aside from my parents) would help me stay on track better than I could in my own.
Similarly, because spending personal time with God is dependent upon holding yourself accountable I've always struggled with being consistent in that. So, this year for Lent I'm "giving up" some of my time so that I can make sure I spend time reading the Bible, praying, and journaling. I'm hoping and praying that through this time I will be able to build good habits (though I hate calling something like this a habit) and learn to be intentional about continually reflecting and building my relationship with God.
The cool thing is, I'm only 10 days in and I'm already seeing a difference! I have more of an interest and longing for more time with God, I'm praying more, and being more intentional. 30 more days to go? Yes, please.
A dear friend gave me "Whispers of Hope" by Beth Moore for my birthday. I hadn't cracked it open until Lent and now I'm using it as my guide during these 40 days. If you're looking for a good devo + journaling book I highly recommend this one. Or if phone apps are more you're thing check out "She Reads Truth," "He Reads Truth," or "First 5" {by Proverbs 31 Ministries}.
So, here is to the next 30 days, and many many more.
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