Let me just put it out there that I am not Catholic, nor have I ever practiced Lent. But It is something that I have always been interesting in learning more about. I was paroosing the blogosphere and came across a post my friend Shelby did on lent. This peaked my interest and I got talking with my other friend Kate who does practice lent she gave me a great primer and I was on my way.
Here is a brief summary...
Lent is, on the technical level, the practice of giving up or taking on something for 40 days with the idea of commemorating and experiencing what Jesus did when he was in the desert for 40 days. The way my family (and my church) has always thought about Lent is either giving something up to honor everything Jesus did for us and how he suffered in the desert, or we take something on to help others and/or ourselves. The latter is of a traditional Lent practice but a lot of people and churches do this. A lot of times the idea is to give up a vice so you can better yourself and honor Jesus or to take on something that will help your own life, spiritually and otherwise.
I've decided to give up one thing and add one thing to my life for the next 40 days.
I was looking around and trying to think of what I could give up. Alcohol/Coffee isn't really a problem. Swearing not so much except the occasional one that will slip out...sorry Mom. Chocolate is my is the sweet nectar of life and something I refuse to live without. Internet is my lifeline..literally. So I tried to think of something that is unnecessary "clutter" in my life.
Anyone who knows me knows I love pop-culture. I usually know who's dating who, who is breaking-up/getting a divorce and can usually name any celebrity just by seeing a picture of them. It has become a running joke with my family and friends. My Dad back-in-the day even said that if he ever got on Who Wants to be a Millionaire I would be his "phone a friend".
I thought about something that would improve my life by taking away something that adds nothing to it and in fact sometimes brings me down. Celeb Gossip. Not a day goes by that my fingers don't hit the keys to eonline, People, EW...I love to be in the "know" but I've been thinking lately how does knowing who was at Nobu the night before really help me? Or if so and so are really "dating"..it doesn't It's meaningless and doesn't add any substance to my life and further does nothing to help me and my relationship with my Savior. So I am giving it up..it will be hard especially with Oscars and upcoming movies but it will be worth it this I know!
Here is a brief summary...
Lent is, on the technical level, the practice of giving up or taking on something for 40 days with the idea of commemorating and experiencing what Jesus did when he was in the desert for 40 days. The way my family (and my church) has always thought about Lent is either giving something up to honor everything Jesus did for us and how he suffered in the desert, or we take something on to help others and/or ourselves. The latter is of a traditional Lent practice but a lot of people and churches do this. A lot of times the idea is to give up a vice so you can better yourself and honor Jesus or to take on something that will help your own life, spiritually and otherwise.
I've decided to give up one thing and add one thing to my life for the next 40 days.
I was looking around and trying to think of what I could give up. Alcohol/Coffee isn't really a problem. Swearing not so much except the occasional one that will slip out...sorry Mom. Chocolate is my is the sweet nectar of life and something I refuse to live without. Internet is my lifeline..literally. So I tried to think of something that is unnecessary "clutter" in my life.
Anyone who knows me knows I love pop-culture. I usually know who's dating who, who is breaking-up/getting a divorce and can usually name any celebrity just by seeing a picture of them. It has become a running joke with my family and friends. My Dad back-in-the day even said that if he ever got on Who Wants to be a Millionaire I would be his "phone a friend".
I thought about something that would improve my life by taking away something that adds nothing to it and in fact sometimes brings me down. Celeb Gossip. Not a day goes by that my fingers don't hit the keys to eonline, People, EW...I love to be in the "know" but I've been thinking lately how does knowing who was at Nobu the night before really help me? Or if so and so are really "dating"..it doesn't It's meaningless and doesn't add any substance to my life and further does nothing to help me and my relationship with my Savior. So I am giving it up..it will be hard especially with Oscars and upcoming movies but it will be worth it this I know!
Thinking of something to add/gain was a bit easier. I think it must be that way for everyone. Everyone knows they can be a little better, try a little harder. I decided to put my focus on reading my scriptures and praying morning AND night. I usually do every night but mornings are always hard for me. Today I am making it a priority and hope at the end of 40 days I will have made it a habit.
I will be sure to keep you up to date on my progress...two days in and I am doing exceptionally well but my hands have slipped into old habits on the computer and typed in a few of the sites...luckily I caught myself before I looked.
If anyone else is participating in lent I would love to hear about it, let me know!
