Gaining a New Understanding of Lent

Growing up I had always heard of Lent but had never really grasped what it was or why no one I knew really participated. After reading a blog that was written by the wife of a former professor (http://www.welltrainedfamily.com/The_Well-Trained_Family/Blog/Entries/2012/2/21_Lent.html) and then reading another blog (http://myofferings.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/in-defense-of-lent-updated/) along with doing some research, I have been challenged to look at my own life and decide what I believe to be right and honoring to God.

            I have decided to participate in Lent this year, starting today-Ash Wednesday! So, how can I make the most of this experience?

1.      Spend time in prayer, and ask God to search my heart. I need Him to show me the things that I treasure over time with Him, to reveal my sins.

2.      Repent of these sins. Ask for God to pull me out of my sins and for power from the Holy Spirit to live a holy life.

3.      Fast, now this can look different for everyone. However, after some consideration and prayers I know that one of the things that I use to fill my time, when I could be worshiping and growing closer to my Lord, is facebook.  I will fast from facebook.  For those of you who do not know and did not go and read the other two blogs mentioned above-the fasting is where you give something up. You do this every day of the week except for Sunday. It is 6 days of fasting and 1 day of feasting. This is for the 40 days before Easter Sunday. So why do this?

4.      To look forward to the Resurrection, this is the time for me (and you) to mediate on Easter, when Christ defeated death and the power of sin. Look forward to the resurrection that freed us from sin and gave us life.

I am giving up facebook in hopes that the abundant amount of time I waste each day on there will go to finding new ways to grow in Christ. It will be time spent in prayer and in the living word. This is my time to understand the power of Christ and His sacrifice for my life.

If you want to keep up with me, since facebook is no longer an option check back occasionally into this blog where I will hopefully keep you updated on my journey and what I’m learning during this time of growth through meditation and God’s word. 

Until next time, 

Vikki kay 

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."          Psalm 51:10-12