Journaling

 I recently began writing in a 5-year journal.  There are just a few lines for each day and there are five lined sections with the same date across five years. I was drawn to journaling again because I don't have to write much and I liked the idea that I could look back and see what I was worrying about in previous years.  I have been consistent in writing each day which is unique for me. I hope its layout will help me build a sustainable daily journal practice. It takes 21 days to make something a habit, so hopefully I am creating habits that I will continue. Some days I write about good things that have happened, some days I write about what I am worrying about, some days I write about what I am grateful for. 

Today I wrote about holding a baby. What a gift.

Lent in 2026

I have never been good at giving things up for Lent.  I remember one year the Disciple Bible Study I was leading decided for Lent to fast and not eat Monday dinner which we would normally eat right before the Study.  I was always so hungry and I would come home and immediately eat food.  I don't remember thinking about Jesus when I was not eating dinner.  For the last few years when I was asked what I was going to give up for Lent I would say I was just trying to survive Lent.  This year I saw another pastor post on Instagram that they would see everyone in six weeks.  I had tried to give up social media before but I didn't really do anything to restrict my access. 

On Ash Wednesday this year I decided to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger from my phone.  Then, I went to my computer and blocked Facebook and Instagram. There were at least ten times the rest of Ash Wednesday that I typed Facebook into my internet browser on my computer and looked to my phone thinking I would scroll Instagram.  I feel like I'm going to definitely think more about Jesus this Lent!  

In the past I have blogged once a week during Lent to get back to writing.  I've decided to rebrand this blog and catalog my adventures that I previously might have recorded on Facebook or Instagram.