Unprocessed

Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. All churches that have a continuous history extending before AD 1500 observe Lent. The ancient church that wrote, collected, canonized, and propagated the New Testament also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles. (See The Apostolic Constitutions, Book V, Section III.)

This information was compliments from: http://www.kencollins.com/holy-04.htm

I understand not every church, domination, or person participates in Lent. I grew up in the United Methodist Church, and this was common practice from the church I attended in Dallas. I want to make clear that I am not condemning you if you don't participate in Lent - that is your preference and well, so be it - luckily, that is between you and God.

For the past month or so, I have been really praying about what I am going to 'give up' for lent this year. The closer my relationship gets with Christ the more I desire to be healthy, live clean and seeks purity in my life.

The verse 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (NIV).

There is no secret that I have been really trying to get healthy and achieve several fitness goals. With this verse continually coming to mind - I figured God was trying to tell me something. I have gotten better about listening to Him and being aware of what He is trying to tell me. I am making progress people! :) Anyway, I started to do some searching. I knew I wasn't desiring some crazy new fad diet, but something that I can truly implement as a healthy and balanced lifestyle and habits for eating. David says that I have a little hippy/tree hugger living inside of me that is just screaming to come out! Some of these 'little hippy/tree hugger' moments include gawking over local farmers market, seeking out preventive care versus waiting until something is wrong to go to a doctor, wanting to use natural/homeopathic practices versus modern (western medicine), and the list goes on and on. With that said - I finally discovered what I am supposed to do will be a true life style adoption. I no longer want  to eat processed food or carbonated drinks and run every day. Living where we do (no Whole Foods or Central Market here) I know this is going to be a challenge within it's self. Well, have no fear, I am determined to in the next 40 days to grow closer to Christ and seek Him when I am tempted or struggling. This is no small feat, but I know if anyone can help me through this - Christ is the one! And that is just what I plan to do.

The next forty days will be ones of challenge and true intimacy with Christ. It is no secret that I am obsessed, maybe even addicted to bread and cheese, neither are desirable foods - both have there place, but not in the capacity that I consume them. I will continue to stand by my words of balance and moderation, but I do seek healthier living. This is one more small step to continue to move forward with progress. Every step I take to move forward, is made one at a time and done with support and love from so many; most importantly Christ,  my husband and friends/family.

May the next forty days find you well and anxiously anticipating the celebration of one of my most favorite Christian holidays ever: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ aka Easter! There is just something about the broken being restored and redeemed through Jesus, that is simply incredible!!!