Early Morning Pancakes

This morning I was moving around a lot earlier than normal, 6am to be exact. Today is the wonderful day of free pancakes at IHOP!!! So at 6:35 am I walked outside in the fridged air with two dear friends. We went to eat our 3 pancakes (we were filmed eating them by 2 different news stations), listened to somewhat sappy music in the car, and laughed a lot. It was a wonderful morning, and all of this happened before 8am!!!

I ate my pancakes.... And I made a donation.....

I was sitting in my Jewish Thought and Culture class, as I was trying to stay awake, when I realized that I have done something terrible. Today I woke up and was thrilled to, because I was getting "free food" and spending time with some super sweet ladies that I love (which is the real reason for going). But I tell myself so often that "I want to get up early and spend some time with Jesus." But when morning comes with the sound of an alarm, I hit the snooze button. I am willing to go walk outside in nasty cold weather for some pancakes and friends, but I'm not willing to spare even a half hour of my sleep to spend time with Jesus!?! Craziness. My heart hurts at the thought of the pain that this is causing my Lord.

Which brings me to the next season, Lent. For the past 3 or 4 years I have practiced this season of Lent. This year I have decided that this year I want to make changes, big changes. I want you to PLEASE hold me accountable to these changes, ask me about them, or better yet... JOIN ME!!

I want to work out at least 3 times a week. I also want to spend time DAILY with Jesus, not only in studying the word, but in prayer as well. I have realized that I do not take care of myself in the ways that I feel would be honoring to God. I damage my body daily, physically, mentally, and emotionally. As I told a dear friend of mine recently, I wnat ot make sure to protect my heart, mind, and emotions, which I so often let just wander free through my life. I want to keep these parts of me in check in such a way that I am honoring God. My prayer is that somehow through my words and interactions with others, they will be able to tell that there is something that's different about me.

I also want to challenge you, in this season of Lent, take time to examine your own life. Look for ways to improve it, even if it's just buying a planner and getting organized!! But in whatever you do take this time to reflect on what this season means...it is the preparation for the season of Easter, so remember what Christ did for you and how that has changed your life. He is able still everyday to change us, and I am so thankful for that. I know that daily I struggle with letting Christ have control, but the days that I do, they are glorious and that glory goes straight to God!!

1 Peter 4:11

11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.