Lent

The Lent season is upon us, and every year at this time I hear people around me start discussing what they are "giving up."  Being raised in the Nazarene church, Lent was not really a part of my upbringing, and I was not fully aware of it until I was probably in college.  The Nazarene denomination is beginning to observe this season more, and so, I've learned more about it.  The idea behind giving up something in my mind was always to put away one thing so that we may more fully focus on Christ and our relationship with Him.  However, I've also heard it explained that we give up something we enjoy as a form of penitence. 

I have never given anything up before for Lent.  I'm not sure why, I just never had the desire or feel that this was something I should be doing.  However, this year, I feel that I need to observe this season.  And I'm sort of doing it in my own way.  Rather than give up something, I want to add something that will help me to grow in my spiritual life.  I've decided to memorize scripture.  Its something I've always wanted to do, started to do, but have never been very successful at completing.  I have difficulty with follow through sometimes.  Okay, a lot.  But I want to do this.  And I'm going to encourage my girls in this also.  Actually, we may just make it a family affair.   I'm going to start with the schedule that my Hello Mornings group is on.  I'll tell you about that group another time, but we are individually together doing a Bible study, and there is a weekly memory verse to go with each week.  Since we are on week 6, and I have not memorized any of the verses yet, that should keep me busy for a bit.  We'll be starting with Psalm 1:1-2...

¹ Blessed is the one
   who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
   or sit in the company of mockers,
² but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and who meditates on his law day and night.

I am also going to be starting a more focused Bible study.  I'm thinking of studying David, and using Beth Moore's 90 day study.  I haven't purchased the book yet.  I'm trying to wait until I get another swag buck gift card.  (you should check it out.  So far, I've gotten $35 in gift cards to Amazon just for using the search engine!)  I just cashed in my points for one.  That way, I can get it for free!  

So what are you doing in your life to observe Lent?  How are you drawing nearer to your Lord?   Leave a comment with what you think about Lent, whether you observe it or not.