Sunday is not Lent?

So, I'm not exactly sure how this works.  Lent is the 40 days before Easter, not counting the Sundays.  Does that mean that if  you are fasting for Lent, you don't have to fast on Sundays?  I'm not at all clear on this.  But it's works for me since I am least likely to get caught up with my time wasters on Sunday.  With church and lunch out and family and friends (and the Sunday afternoon nap) I am less tempted by the time wasters.  So, this works out well.

I think I have found a good rhythm for my Lenten endeavor.

In the morning I read two chapters of the gospels, I read one section of The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung which is about the Heidelberg Catechism, and three or four pages out of Sin and Temptation by John Owen.  Then I look for a theme that may present itself in these 3 readings.  I also look at the VOM list of prayers for the persecuted church and pray about this topic thru the day.

In the evening I read Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross, edited by Nancy Guthrie and write in my Thankful Journal.

I also get some emails from Biblegateway with some readings with Easter/Lent themes.  These I read sporadically--especially if I find myself at the computer--wanting to check on facebook, etc.

So far my fast from time wasters has been very good.  I am much more aware of how I spend the day without the many interruptions or "breaks" that I would take.  I have taken a walk almost every day of Lent and started some deep cleaning that needed to be done.  This is very exciting to me!  It's been less than a week and I can already see change.  That is encouraging!

Also, my eyes have been opened to specific sin in my life.  If you are reading a book entitled Sin and Temptation that is bound to happen I suppose!  And I think it is the perfect read for Lent.  Afterall, Lent is a time to prepare us for Good Friday and Easter.  Why did Jesus come to earth?  Why did He die?  For my sin. For MY sin.  For MY SPECIFIC sin that is being brought to my attention right now.  And as excited as I am for the progress I see by getting rid of time wasters, I'm about that intimidated about seeing the sin in my life.  Like I said, it's been less than a week!  My eyes are being open, and when your eyes are open to sin, it's not a pretty sight.  I have a feeling my eyes will be opened even more.

Still, as intimidating as it is, I know it is good.  It is good to be humbled and see my sin and know that JESUS paid it all for that sin.  In seeing myself, the sinner that I am, I can more deeply appreciate Good Friday and Easter and the Truth that God so loved the world that HE gave His only begotten Son for me, a sinner.

If you are endeavoring to keep Lent, I hope its goes well.  I hope you don't give up if you slip or miss or forget.  More than once I have found myself falling asleep and remember that I didn't write in my Thankful Journal.  It's okay.  I do it in the morning.  I hope you can give yourself some grace too instead of giving up totally.

May your Endeavor to ponder the cross, the Savior, the sacrifice, the sin, the death, the resurrection, the Passover, the Last Supper, and all that is part of the Lenten season cause your heart to swell with joy and appreciation for all the love God has for you!