40 Days of Seeking Him Kicks Off ~ Ash Wednesday

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As usual, time goes by quickly for someone my age.  It seems like only a few weeks ago our family was eagerly anticipating Christmas.  And, now we are beginning the season of Lent in anticipation of Easter.

When I lived outside of New Orleans, there was no doubt that Lent was around the corner.  All the parades and parties during the Mardi Gras season helped to etch the date of Ash Wednesday in everyone’s mind.

There are not the parades or parties up here in Alaska like I knew from my childhood.  And, my recent illness had me dropping the ball again at doing something with the boys and some friends to celebrate Mardi Gras.  Although, I was blessed to have a homemade jambalaya being served at the Boy Scout Court of Honor to help me celebrate in a small way.

Aside from not doing anything special to celebrate Mardi Gras, I have also put off the decision about what I will sacrifice this Lent.  Last year, I gave up coffee (with the exception of a cup each Sunday) and found it a more challenging sacrifice than I had imagined.   I am thinking this will be a part of my sacrifice each day as I do need a physical sacrifice in addition to something spiritual.

The other thing I am contemplating still as I write is how to set aside more time for prayer, Scripture reading and reflection.  Along with that goal, I want to make an active choice to spend more quality time with my husband.  I won’t be going on a complete fast from all things electronic like some friends I have.  But, I do think I’ll be setting timers and more closely monitoring my time spent with the computer.

What are your plans for this Lent?  Are you giving up something or adding in something that will help you grow closer in your relationship to Christ?

This year, I am joining Trish @ A House Upon the Rock in co-hosting the 40 Days of Seeking Him meme.  The linky will be up each week so you can add in posts daily, weekly, or whenever you are able.  The posts can be about anything related to Lent and preparing for Easter ~ crafts, food, devotions, music or reflections are all welcomed.

I hope you will join us on this journey as we prepare our hearts to receive the wonderful gift of salvation we’ve been given through Jesus’ death and resurrection.