Lent.

Growing up LDS, i don't recall ever practicing the Lenten tradition of giving something up or changing or fasting for 40 days before Easter. I just remember looking forward to spring and the secular traditions of Easter. It was just "church as normal" for me, where i would draw pictures or pass notes during church classes and hold my mom's hand during sacrament. I must say that sacrament meeting the way i remember it with my mom and dad is full of good memories. I loved sitting next to my parents as they were dressed in sunday best. My dad had a few suit coats that he always wore... his blue suede, and red suede being my very favorite. He was a tall guy with a ready smile, silver hair, and always ALWAYS looked good in a suit. My mother was beautiful. Red hair, lovely homemade dresses, and quick with a laugh and conversation. During sacrament, my mom and i would argue over who got to sit next to dad until finally, my dad would just sit in the middle. HAHA!
I remember my mother's scriptures. They were large print, and bound in a blue leather zipper case. I loved her scripture markers. Orange wax, i think... but i digress...

The point is- i don't recall celebrating (is it called celebrating? practicing?) Lent in my whole life. I think i had heard of it, and became most informed on Lent last year preceding my baptism in April. Much has changed from then until now. I went through a spell in my life where i didn't take my actions into consideration as to what God would have thought about it. Last year i went through an emotional upheaval realizing that my personal life was missing the frequent talks to God and a closeness to my saviour. I still am unsure if organized religion is for me... but i do enjoy attending church. Last year i gained a better understanding of myself through God. Sometimes i forget though, that it's important to be diligent in your walk in order to grow.

I still am uncertain of all the traditional practices of Lent. My husband was raised Roman Catholic, and when he explains some of the pieces of religion that he's accustomed to, it baffles me. Not in a bad way- I just grew up in a religious bubble. A person that i used to know was an avid runner. He ran no less than 10 miles a day, and would opt for more if time allowed. He went through running shoes quickly, ate right, was active with his family and friends... Where i, on the other hand, was not. I gained 30lbs after my first marriage (and have gained an additional 20+lbs on top of that). I ate what i could, when i could- and because i was lazy, opted for fast food more often than not. I didn't have a social life, and spent most of my time at home on the computer or watching the tv or playing on a gaming console. When the subject of health came up between us once, and i asked him how it's possible to enjoy fitness- he said that he didn't do it all for himself.
That confused me... I told him so, and he expounded. He stayed fit partially for himself- but it was more so he could take care of his temple.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

We wouldn't want to house the Holy Spirit in a dingy, dark, cold room if it came to visit (as a guest). Nor would we want to invite it into a bedroom that was too hot, too yellow, and filled with cottage cheese (ohh, the visual... hilarious!)... lol
So my Lenten practice this year is to do a few things (yes, i know it's a little late- better late than never)-

Pray every day.
exercise for at least 20 minutes every day.
i'm giving up meat. At the very least until Easter. Then i shall re-evaluate.
drink more water.

My body is a Temple. I feel like i've not been maintaining it very well. Time to change. Wish me luck!