In like a lamb

[feliciakw]

March 1, and it's an absolutely beautiful day (right now. Could change at any minute). We've got daffodils blooming, the crocus are coming up, the Lenten roses are up, the hellabores are going nuts . . .

I think I might have to clear off a couple of the flower beds this weekend (at least the Lenten roses so that they can bloom). Also, our Christmas cactus is blooming now that we finally moved it into the sun.

Have been kind of wishy-washy with my Lenten observance this year. I wasn't raised in a church that practiced the practice, but since becoming an adult, I see the value of making this a season of reflection and contemplation. (It seems that quite often, people from my particular fellowship, not raised with observing a Lenten sacrifice, nonetheless choose to make it a practice as adults, not as an obligation, but as a contemplation.) So, I didn't start on Ash Wednesday, but I'm doing my best not to eat after 9:00 (not as easy as it might sound. It makes you stop and think). I'm also on day 3 of using MyFitnessPal. I'm not perfect with it, but it gives me a general idea of how I'm doing.

I also continue to treadmill 2 miles a day most days. I'm currently watching S1 of CSI for my entertainment during that time frame (one ep is 2 miles). What an entertaining show and cast dynamic they had back then. Warrick! Nicky! Grissom used to smile! Ballistics Bobby! This was before Doc Robins and SuperDave joined the cast, though.

I'm directing the Good Friday drama again this year. Much more low-key than last year, it's called Good Friday Grace, and I'll be putting it together fairly quickly, as we've just got over a month until then. George and I are doing two of the roles (which is two less role I have to cast), and I'm hoping to get firm commitments for the rest of the roles by week's end.

That's about it for now.

Also, Happy Birthday to a guy named Jensen Ackles, who turns 34 today. Cheers, dude!

Comments

[gluisa88.livejournal.com]

Yeah, my church does that too- not as an obligation but like you said, a time of reflection.

I haven't participated but I like the idea so maybe I shall :)

(I just haven't found anything that I like well enough that it would be a sacrifice but not so well that I don't want to give it up :P)

[feliciakw.livejournal.com]

I find that the gesture of making the sacrifice and doing your very best to keep it, even if you're not perfect, makes you think and reflect. Because each time you think about . . . having that cookie or doing whatever it is you've given up (or not doing whatever it is you've decided not to do), it makes you think about why you're doing it, and that brings to mind the sacrifice Jesus made. It's not just the "what," it's the "why."

Someone at my church is getting up an our earlier than usual each day in order spend that time in additional prayer and Bible study. He's giving up an hour of sleep.

My brother used to give up soda pop (which was a really big deal for him).

It doesn't have to be anything huge and dramatic--not like a forty day fast or anything. (Not yet, anyway. ;-) ) Just something that inconveniences you enough to make you stop and think. In other words, like any other discipline, start small.

Would love to hear what you decide to do. :-)

[gluisa88.livejournal.com]

Your friend's goal to get up an hour earlier each day is such a neat idea- I'm getting up pretty early as it is, but because I carpool w/my dad I have to get to work two hours early.

I try to use that time for my writing, but maybe I'll start taking a half hour or so to study the Bible and pray. Thanks for the idea :)