Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Lessons from Lent
We are a few weeks post Lent, and I have a few thoughts/observations/lessons learned after observing my first:
1) Truly pray about what you are to sacrifice. Any measure of self used in the decision will NOT bode well for you, and God will reveal your pride.
2) It's hard to keep your sacrifice under the radar when your entire church has been given the challenge. Since so many of us were doing this for the first time, conversation about it abounded.
3) I still battle legalism, and Lent brought what was dormant to the surface.
4) Removing meat from your diet when you eat few others things that provide protein can wreak great havoc on one's mental state. Protein plays a vital part in your mental stability.
5) Observing "Western" Lent (aka taking Sundays off) can make Mondays seem like you are starting all over again.
6) I became keenly aware of how often I turn somewhere other than God when I get stressed. For example, during the "witching hour" (aka somewhere between 3pm-7pm), I would just want a swig of coke to take the edge off. How sad.
7) I'm so thankful God created my taste buds so that there is no alcoholic drink I like. This is pure protection for me to avoid becoming a closet SAHM alcoholic. (See #6 for reference.)
8) I am NOT disciplined.
9) I am thankful our pastor challenged us to try this not-so-Baptist observance after taking time to explain it and its benefits.
10) Even though it was on such a minuscule scale, the weeks of minor sacrifice prior to celebrating Christ's death and resurrection opened my eyes fresh to what He did for me.
1) Truly pray about what you are to sacrifice. Any measure of self used in the decision will NOT bode well for you, and God will reveal your pride.
2) It's hard to keep your sacrifice under the radar when your entire church has been given the challenge. Since so many of us were doing this for the first time, conversation about it abounded.
3) I still battle legalism, and Lent brought what was dormant to the surface.
4) Removing meat from your diet when you eat few others things that provide protein can wreak great havoc on one's mental state. Protein plays a vital part in your mental stability.
5) Observing "Western" Lent (aka taking Sundays off) can make Mondays seem like you are starting all over again.
6) I became keenly aware of how often I turn somewhere other than God when I get stressed. For example, during the "witching hour" (aka somewhere between 3pm-7pm), I would just want a swig of coke to take the edge off. How sad.
7) I'm so thankful God created my taste buds so that there is no alcoholic drink I like. This is pure protection for me to avoid becoming a closet SAHM alcoholic. (See #6 for reference.)
8) I am NOT disciplined.
9) I am thankful our pastor challenged us to try this not-so-Baptist observance after taking time to explain it and its benefits.
10) Even though it was on such a minuscule scale, the weeks of minor sacrifice prior to celebrating Christ's death and resurrection opened my eyes fresh to what He did for me.
Just a regular weekend
This weekend contained awestruck moments in the midst of projects. You know the kind...when you realize you & the hubs have worked on a project for hours without frustration, cross words, or silent treatment...when you look out the back door to find your 3 not-so-little-anymore blessings playing happily together and remember the years staring out that door wondering if your backyard would ever even play host to one...when you realize you & the hubs have had more heart-sharing conversation than you have in a while...when you realize how God has graciously provided above and beyond what you deserve...when you realize how God has grown you through the faith family He brought you to...when you witness 6 fellow brothers & sisters publicly confess Christ is Lord of their life...when your heart is broken to tears for those who are hurting...when you watch a little girl race after the usher because she so wanted to give her offering...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
