Today marks the first full week of Lent, and I've missed you guys. I've been focusing on getting my priorities in order once again, sometimes I need a little refreshing and there is no better time than Lent to begin new practices. This 40 days has me putting Christ back in the center of my life where he belongs, therefore, some things have fallen to the wayside, including getting here to blog. I'm slowly working all the extras back into my routine, but I really needed to get centered in my spirit first, before adding in some of my my worldly pleasures. Nothing makes me happier or feel better than being centered in Christ.
I'm not sure if it's really appropriate or not to share one's Lenten plan, or if anyone really cares, but I think it can be helpful, especially if you are still thinking on and trying to make adjustments to your own plans. I personally think it's inspiring and I like to hear what others are doing to strengthen their journey with Christ, I may find something I want to do on my next Lenten journey. I'm reading in my Lenten journal that this week is a time to reflect and re-evaluate our Lenten plans, to see how things are working out and make adjustments if needed. I personally like the idea of adding things rather than the fasting and taking away, even though I try to do both. There are so many things I don't have the strength to do on my own, and Lent is such a great time to let Christ build me up and strengthen me. I keep coming back to my word Embrace, as I embrace the practices that will strengthen me in my walk with Christ, and therefore in my life.
I have chosen to give up sweets, because I've never met a piece of cake I didn't like. It's very hard for me to pass up dessert...only through HIM can I ever find this kind of strength. I'm also making sure to spend my time with HIM in his WORD each and every day first thing, no excuses. Nothing else can get in the way of this time. This is my favorite thing, and sometimes the most challenging because I can be easily distracted with the business of life. I have often let these things get in the way of my walk instead of the other way around. My house can wait, my strength in the Lord & my salvation cannot. I've struggled with this in the past, I always want this to be the norm for me but in all honesty I've failed miserably over and over. So pray for me please. Another thing that I'm trying to do is work out on a more regular basis as I often lack in motivation. However, I'm finding it much more difficult to talk myself out of it when I know I'm doing it for Christ. I keep telling myself I'm building up my body to be a soldier for Christ, and then I put on my workout clothes and get to it. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me....and that's just the truth.
I hope this post finds you well.
If you have any Lenten practices that you would like to share I would love to hear about them.
I also want to sincerely thank each and every one of you who visits me here, I really do enjoy chatting with you via e-mails, and I always appreciate your kind comments and support.
{peace, love & hugs}
Carrie
It was refreshing to see a post about this lenten season...so thank you for sharing. I too am giving more hours (morning & evening) to spending with God in contemplation, prayer, and reading. I have been in a season of 'returning' for these past two years and am now entering deeper into a contemplative lifestyle because that is where I find my rest in Him. I am a Mary(sitting at his feet, listening). For lent I have also given up sweets. I have been in a consistant exercise routine since last summer but I like your thoughts on 'doing this too for Christ'. I know it will help me to think in that way. I often think I am exercising for me so you have renewed my mind! May your days be enveloped in His love.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I agree. Reading what others are doing inspires. I skipped over several new blog posts that normally cause me to rush right in, but when I spotted yours, I clicked. I too am working to become more Christ centered this Lenten season. My specific goal is to give up talking negatively about people, any and all people, any and all times. Yes, I definitely struggle, especially when that difficult person at Jazzercise tries to stir up controversy. But guess what? staying Christ-centered and reminding myself SHE is the one who is missing something in her life helps me keep it in perspective and if I have to respond I'm able to stick to the facts, without emotion. I really feel better and stronger than I've ever felt when being unjustifiably challenged by someone. (I later learned she treats everyone this way so I prayed for her too). Anyway, it feels good to avoid confrontation and the negative feelings that follow when I choose not to view the person negatively, just the situation. By avoiding gossip and negative commentary at work and with other adults where my children may overhear, I hope I'm setting a better example for them, especially my girls when they come home from school upset about what other girls may be doing or saying. Rather than indulge the negative, we look for the positive and how we can become better people from the experience. It's not easy. I do slip more than I'd like to admit, but it's better than it was before and thank goodness for the time of Lent for me to tackle this negative behavior. I too try to spend time early each morning in the word, even if it's only for a few minutes and take something away from it that I can use and model during the day. Lent is good this year. I feel more centered, less stressed, and less guilt. I'm not asking for forgiveness quite as often as I did when I allowed myself to get involved in conversations, no matter how right or justified we may feel, talking about other people. Thanks for your post. Many Lenten blessings to you. Keep exercising too!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on your journey! :)
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