I think I write about Lent every year.  It is my favorite season.  It wraps the pain and discipline of the Lenten season in with the glory and redemption of Christ rising from the grave on Easter morning.  What could possibly be more awesome than that?  *As a sidenote I truly wish the Christmas season was more like Lent.  I would be in heaven if the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas morning was centered on sacrifice instead of indulgence…but there I go on my soapbox again.  This will become funny when you hear what I’m doing for Lent this year.*

Back to Lent…it starts tomorrow with Ash Wednesday.  Randy and I try to dicuss our plans in advance so we are on the same page and so we can keep each other accountable.  I am such a discipline freak that I don’t usually need accountability, but it is so nice to share the struggle and sacrifice with someone else.  This year we are doing several things to honor the Lenten season.

1. Randy and I are going to read the New Testament together.  We have studied the gospels and Acts several times so we are going to focus on the rest of the New Testament, starting with Romans.  By keeping the text short I’m hoping to really read the words and not just be focused on finishing.  Usually when I read the bible I am tired of reading by the time I get to Romans and beyond.  So this time we are starting there.  I can’t wait!

2. Randy is going to start an exercise regimen.  I don’t know what exactly he has planned, but it is something he has wanted to do for a while, and this season is a great motivator!

3. Here is the ironic part.  Remember my soapbox about the indulgence and excess of Christmas.  Well, many times the reason we are on a soapbox about something is because we are already struggling with that particular thing and it’s easy to blame society on our own shortcomings.  Hmmm.  For Lent I am giving up shopping.  Ouch.  Our budget has been taking a big hit lately because I have become impulsive.  I feel so ugly on the inside when I’m so frivilous.  It is time for me to get myself back under control and stop with the spending.  My plan is that we will buy the essentails; groceries, gas and diapers.  And nothing else.  I realize there will be a few necessary exceptions to this like Reed’s birthday is in a few weeks.  And we will need to buy Easter outfits for the kids.  I am so excited for this challenge for me.  I can’t believe how out of control I have become.  I’m ready to start this season of discipline and SO ready to get myself back under control.  I think the root of the problem is that I’m a little bored at work.  That does not do well for budgeting when Amazon and Old Navy etc are just a click away.  My only hope is that I won’t need any maternity clothes between now and Easter…wish me luck!!