{Lent}

What is Lent?
Lent is the 40 day period of fasting before Easter. Sundays are skipped in the fasting-count because they are a mini-celebration of the resurrection of Christ, and thus you feast and not fast. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17th, and ends on Easter Sunday, April 4th.[Unless you are part of the Eastern Church, including Greek Orthodox, then you count Sundays, and thus you don't start until Feb 22, or Ash Monday.]

Why is Lent?
The purpose of Lent is to prepare yourself spiritually for the celebration of Easter. It is a season of reflection, soul searching, and repentance. Many choose to give up something to practice "fasting." Fasts can eliminate distractions, allow you more time to focus on Christ, help you to identify with the suffering of Christ, or simply be part of disciplining your body to get used to not always getting what it wants when it wants it.

Why is Lauren telling you this?
Well, I am giving up my blog and any other "unnecessary" Internet time. (AKA: only school-related Internet time is allowed.) So starting on February 17th, I will not post until April 4th. But I will still see you on Sundays! {Yes, I'll still post on Sundays!} My purpose is to discipline myself with time use and eliminate distractions. I should have opportunity for longer devotions by having more time...

Maybe you will be challenged to give something up for Lent?