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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ash wednesday



I've been deep in thought over the past week about Lent.

About what I want to give up.

What I want to gain.

I have identified an area that needs some reigning in, so this will be a season of practicing self-control.  I've also been prayerfully seeking things in my life that may need to be completely abandoned.  Areas of the heart that are hindering my relationship with God.  What I've come to discover about Lent (and as a protestant, Lent has been a wonderful discovery!) is that it is not about focusing on what I am doing wrong, rather, it is a time to focus on greater intimacy with the Lord.

And if that means giving some things up, I pray for the strength to do that.

If it means adding some things to my life, I pray for the courage to do that.

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For the next 40 days our family will be sharing in the same devotional we have done for the past few years.  We do ours right after dinner while we are all still seated around the table.  During my personal study time I am adding this again.

If you would like to read more about Lent, Christine Sine will be blogging daily through the journey.  Read what she shares today.  It is beautiful and moving.

2 comments:

The Farmers Nest said...

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I have let many idols creep into my life and I have been praying for the strength to "give them up" when really all I want is greater intimacy with the Lord. Thank you so much for sharing!

Rosie_Kate said...

Lovely. As a Lutheran, I've celebrated Lent all my life and was flabbergasted to learn that many Christians don't! We always have extra midweek church services in observance and I love hearing the whole "passion history" during those services.