Fact: Today is Fat Tuesday !!!

Every year for the past 6 or so years I have been participating in my own version of Lent. I was raised as a Lutheran. I was young when we stopped going so I dont much remember anyone participating if they did. but I genuinely LOVE the idea of giving up/taking on something to honor what I believe Jesus did for me.
DISCLAIMER: The reason I added the "I believe" should be self explanatory, but for some who like to argue that is not always the case.  Basically I belive the Christian principle of John 3:16, that God gave his only begotten Son for those who believe to live eternal life. I'd be happy to discuss it with anyone that asks and I fully respect those who think differently. I dont really care to argue with anyone about it though. My daughters Grandmother is Jehovahs Witness, she is always after me. I tell her we agree to disagree. I figure you do what you want, I do what I want, and we will see who is right in the end. MOVING ON.
In case you were wondering, click here for a definition of Lent.
Every year I have done this I have found that it is much easier than say a New Years Resolution. Maybe because I am praying about it and feel accountable? Again with the accountability, it really is key. This year I am going to try for the most ever and Im feeling pretty good about it.
Here is to a jumpstart in the name of Jesus!

Giving Up

Diet Soda  - My crutch. I hate, no, I LOATHE coffee. I love the cold crisp first drink of bubbly goodness. The way it dances on the tongue and the cools the esophagiul tube as it goes down, then hits the top of my stomach as if to say "Lets get this party started my acidic friends!" I will miss it so. I know it is for the best in the long run and I hope to not start again after my 40 days are up. Farewell DC my old friend !!

Candy Dish here at work  - This dish is the devil. I sit diagonally across from it. It is filled to the brim daily with delectable treats while it owner peruses weight watchers magazines and never touches it. It calls to me in a sugar whisper. It calls to everyone else in the department too. I think its her secret ploy to give us all heart disease so she can take over the company. My trips to and fro end NOW (well tomorrow officially , just one more tiny butterfinger today)

Half my Salt  -  Oh if ever there was a salt junky she is me. I can not get enough of the stuff. To me, nothing tastes good without it. I know it would be far to bold to try and give it up completely, therefor my plan is to give up half of what I would normally eat-which is a ton.Instead of 4 salt packets on my frozen meal, I will try to use only 1, 2 at the most but no more. Even the Bible talks of salt as precious commodity, Matthew 5:13!

Smoking  -  I've done it before, I can do it again!! I only smoke at night, most people have no idea. I sneak out after the kids are asleep. Sometimes I skip a night or two even. Its like my glass of wine, my tool for unwinding the days stress-some days its in demand more than others. It's a nasty habit, of this I am fully aware. I think it smells and I hate it but staying quit has been one of my lifes toughest challenges .


Taking On

Reading the New Testament in 40 days - Tried this before and usually quit during Romans for some reason. All have sinned and fall short of the glory... aaaand Im done. LOL. Determined this time to make it through!

Going to Church every Sunday maybe Wednesdays - Problem here is I dont have a church. Im not a huge fan of church to be honest but for this I am willing to give another go and see what will happen.

Walking every day - Here Jesus endured so much to save me and I cant even get my lazy butt up to walk for 30 minutes to help keep my body healthy? Unacceptable. To that I add the recommended 8 daily servings of water and pray for it to stick.

Traditional Fasting - Haven't tried this one before. Shrimp Taco Fridays here I come !!

So there you have it, my Lenten list ! Prayers accepted.