i am pretty excited about this post. i’ve never really been one to do lent before. but a few years ago, someone mentioned the idea of “starting” something instead of “giving up” something and that really intrigued me. i thought it would be cool to almost create a new habit over 40 days. so, when i  saw these amazing journals on naptime diaries’ blog, i knew i needed to get one (p.s. if you haven’t seen their stuff before, you definitely need to check it out – it’s AMAZING!).

ever since i wrote out my goals for 2014, i’ve been trying to be more intentional with my jesus time. however, i have not made the effort i want and know i should be making. i listen to praise and worship music all the time and i think about God a lot and talk about how good He is, but what am i really doing to grow closer to Him? i don’t reflect on His Word enough and i would really like to change it. not because i feel like i have to, but because i want to.

i want to wake up in the morning and fill my spirit with His Word, not compare my life to everyone else’s on social media (like i usually do first thing). i want to start my day off right by His truth. i want to be more intentional. i’m tired of not living up to the standards i’ve set for myself. i want to center my life around Him and make more time for Him. i’m tired of making excuses. i’m tired of being too “busy” to read His Word and meditate on it. i’m ready to step up and turn these 40 days into a new way of life. i.can’t.wait!

some ways i’m hoping to grow during this 40 days:

– start my day off with the bible and reflecting on God’s Word

– take a walk at least 4 days a week

– no fast food (bye chickfila – :(, but i’m still doing panera. i don’t count that as fast food;)

– do a halfway-check-in post with how this challenge is going (and to keep my accountable)

– and something a friend of mine has inspired me to do, is to try a weekend of no social media. yes, it will be hard for me (my phone is sadly always glued to my hand), but will be so good at the same time!

so that’s my challenge. for the next 40 days, i want to focus on what i’m taking in, not what i’m giving up. i’m so excited to start this challenge.

so here we go! i can’t wait to see where God takes me in this challenge. 🙂