40 Days of Preparation

I haven’t practiced Lent in… maybe ever. It’s just not something that the churches I’ve belonged to as an adult observed. I’m okay with that because it’s not actually biblical. I mean, there’s nothing in the bible that says, “You shall observe the forty days preceding Easter Sunday with fasting and contemplation”.

That said, I do believe it can be a very useful practice and it certainly doesn’t hurt anything. So this year I’m doing something a little bit different.

The United Methodist Church has a 2015 LENTEN PHOTO A DAY PROJECT that my friend, Julie, encouraged me to do. Each day of Lent is represented by a particular word. We are to photograph a representation of that word and share it on Facebook.

I am thoroughly enjoying this challenge. It makes me contemplative. AND it gives me something to blog about! So without further ado – here are the first few days of my photos:

Lent Day 1 – “Announce”

My family bible sits on the living room coffee table, announcing my faith in Jesus and belief in the promises written on the pages inside.

Lent Day 2 – “Look”

Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Isaiah 58:7

Lent Day 3 – “Alone”

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Lent Day 4 – “Joy”

Packed and ready to go see my youngest at college. Nothing brings me more joy than hanging out with my kiddos.