Saturday, February 13, 2010

Here Comes Lent, Guys! or My 46-Day Challenge

Lent is one of those things that I've always really liked the idea of doing, but never have. I've known other people, usually not Catholics, who have decided to observe Lent in their own way to help them become closer to God and better people. I seriously love that idea. So this year, I'm finally doing it.

I've been mulling over what I want my Lent to be like for several weeks now. I knew immediately that I wanted to give up chocolate1 for Lent and set myself a reading goal from the scriptures. I was thinking maybe the four Gospels or half of the Book of Mormon or something like that, but a couple days ago it hit me -- I know what I need to read for Lent. I'm reading the Book of Mormon. Not half of it. All of it.

I'll bet I know what you're thinking, and unless it's positive, I don't think I want to hear it. I'm kinda freaked out at the idea myself right now, but I know it's what I need to do. I've been feeling like I need to get myself mentally back on track for awhile now, and this feels like the right thing to do to get me there. I'm planning to set aside pretty much all other reading and focus on this and this alone, plowing through it like I do with novels. If I do that I have no doubt that I can do this. It will require sacrifice and time and motivation -- but that's the point.

So here's the real question -- will anyone commit to do it with me? Will you start next Wednesday (the 17th) and end by Easter? I'll be posting about my progress and thoughts, so we could probably have some good discussion in the comments.

Oh, and you should know -- Sundays are feast days2, so no chocolate restriction for those. I'll keep reading on Sundays, though. That would be a bit backward if I didn't, I think.

1I've toyed with the idea of giving up all sweets, but I'm not sure I could handle that one. I'm still thiking about it, though.
2At least that's what it says on Wikipedia, that fountain of religious knowledge.

5 comments:

  1. Wow. I think that's wonderful what you're planning. And you can do it, too. It will be so good for you.
    I'm not going to commit to reading the whole Book of Mormon in that time, but I will promise to do better with my Book of Mormon reading. I know it's important. And I've felt lately that I've needed to improve. Baby steps for me.
    I'll be happy to keep up with your progress. And I will comment.
    Way to go, Mel. I'm excited to hear about your Easter when it comes, too.

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  2. It looks harder than it really is because the index adds a ton to the thickness. But honestly, every time I just plow through instead of skipping around, I'm surprised how fast I get to the end. I hit mormon or something, and I'm like wait a sec? How'd I get here already? So yeah. It's totally doable.

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  3. I'm probably going to kick myself for this, but I'll join you, chocolate and all. Just let me know what I should to do since this is all VERY new to me. :)

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  4. That's awesome, Mel! I know you can do it. I won't be joining you because I'm trying to keep a pretty intense study of Preach My Gospel. I love scripture reading challenges, though. Last year I read all the standard works and it was such an accomplishment. You will have a great experience with this. Good decision!

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  5. I'm in! Not on the chocolate thing, though. Not this time :)

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