Lent Findings Round 1

Don't be confused with lint findings - I haven't been digging out the dust bunnies from under the couch cushions! haha

Seriously though, found some interesting and encouraging things on Wikipedia regarding Lent. Check this out:

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Sounds right up my alley! I'm all about prayer, penitence (repenting of sin), almsgiving (what I took from the definition I read is giving to others from your material possessions), and self-denial ("take up your cross and follow me" Matthew 16:24). All in which to celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ!!!

Also, found this section interesting:

Converts to Christianity followed a strict catechumenate or period of instruction and discipline prior to baptism. In Jerusalem near the close of the fourth century, classes were held throughout Lent for three hours each day. With the legalization of Christianity (by the Edict of Milan) and its later imposition as the state religion of the Roman Empire, its character was endangered by the great influx of new members. In response, the Lenten fast and practices of self-renunciation were required annually of all Christians, both to show solidarity with the catechumens, and for their own spiritual benefit. The less zealous converts were thus brought more securely into the Christian fold.

Hard to think of terms of the "legalization" of Christianity isn't it? We're so used to our religious freedom. Our ability to choose, or reject, whatever beliefs and ideals we want.

I'm getting more excited about this journey!

Discipline: Spirituality

Once again... it's been awhile. I've been visiting my blog a lot lately thinking I really need to update this thing, but haven't taken the time to do it. Much of that coming from my lack of discipline, hence the title of this blog.

I think I should preface this blog with the terms in which I'm using the word discipline, because it has some different meanings, and in my head I do not consider myself a very disciplined person, but others may look at me, my life, the choices I make and agree or disagree depending on what they are judging it off of. I think this definition fits what I'm thinking the closest -

to bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control. (from my buddy dictionary.com) There are 2 ends of the spectrum, like most things in life, and I'm talking about discipline in the healthy sense of the word. Not a robotic regimen, but the freedom that comes from being obedient.

I've decided to break this blog up into multiple posts, because as I got going it was getting lengthy...

First topic of discussion - Spirituality. As a Christ-follower (Christian) I believe that I need to be in the Word, in prayer, and in community. Due to my lack of discipline, I currently am in the Word... when I feel like it. Pray... when I get around to it. In community... when it pursues me. All of that needs to change. Not out of legalism, but because I know what it's like to have those things working and functioning proper in my life, and I like it - I feel God's presence and work through these things. With lent approaching I have been thinking about these things, and I'm starting to pray about what God wants this thing to look like.

I've never "celebrated" Lent, and I can't really tell you a whole lot about why it's practiced or where it started. I know it has to do with prayer & fasting leading up to Easter, and I'm sure Google can help me find some answers, but I believe in prayer & fasting all throughout the year, and have not felt led in the past to do anything in particular during the season of Lent. Until this year... so here I am!

Spirituality has to be the first area I start because doing anything of my own will is for nothing. It all has to be for God and His glory!

So what are the other area's of my life I'm dissatisfied with, and have gotten thrown under the lack of discipline train? Exercise/Healthy Living & Money

Galations 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.